In a surprise move,&nbsp;the Samajwadi Party on Monday changed its candidate in the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat and fielded ex-BSF trooper Tej Bahadur Yadav against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The SP, which is in an alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Rashtriya Lok Dal, had earlier declared Shalini Yadav as its candidate from Varanasi, while the Congress has renominated Ajai Rai.

"I was sacked for raising the issue of corruption. My sole objective will be to strengthen and eliminate corruption in the forces," Yadav told reporters when asked about the SP decision to field him.

Yadav will be challenging Modi in Varanasi constituency of Uttar Pradesh, an SP leader said.

The former Border Security Force (BSF) soldier had uploaded a video on social media in 2017, complaining that poor quality food was being served to the troops in the icy, mountainous region along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. He was later dismissed on the charge of indiscipline.

The SP is contesting the Lok Sabha polls in alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Rashtriya Lok Dal in Uttar Pradesh to defeat the BJP. As per the seat-sharing pact, the SP is contesting 37 Lok Sabha seats, while Mayawati-led BSP and Ajit Singh's RLD have been allocated 38 and three seats respectively.&nbsp;

The election in Varanasi is slated to take place in the last phase of seven-phased Lok Sabha elections on May 19. The counting of votes will begin on May 23.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a surprise move, the Samajwadi Party on Monday changed its candidate in the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat and fielded ex-BSF trooper Tej Bahadur Yadav against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In a surprise move, the Samajwadi Party on Monday changed its candidate in the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat and fielded ex-BSF trooper Tej Bahadur Yadav against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The SP, which is in an alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Rashtriya Lok Dal, had earlier declared Shalini Yadav as its candidate from Varanasi, while the Congress has renominated Ajai Rai. "I was sacked for raising the issue of corruption. My sole objective will be to strengthen and eliminate corruption in the forces," Yadav told reporters when asked about the SP decision to field him. Yadav will be challenging Modi in Varanasi constituency of Uttar Pradesh, an SP leader said. The former Border Security Force (BSF) soldier had uploaded a video on social media in 2017, complaining that poor quality food was being served to the troops in the icy, mountainous region along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. He was later dismissed on the charge of indiscipline. The SP is contesting the Lok Sabha polls in alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Rashtriya Lok Dal in Uttar Pradesh to defeat the BJP. As per the seat-sharing pact, the SP is contesting 37 Lok Sabha seats, while Mayawati-led BSP and Ajit Singh's RLD have been allocated 38 and three seats respectively. The election in Varanasi is slated to take place in the last phase of seven-phased Lok Sabha elections on May 19. The counting of votes will begin on May 23. (With inputs from agencies)

Samajwadi Party changes Varanasi candidate, fields ex-BSF constable Tej Bahadur Yadav against PM Modi

Former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar with his wife Anjali Tendulkar cast their votes at a booth in Mumbai. Their son Arjun Tendulkar, a budding left-arm pacer, and daughter Sara voted for the first time.

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar with wife Anjali cast their votes in Mumbai

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/even-today-40-of-your-mlas-are-in-contact-with-me-pm-modi-slams-mamata-banerjee-214438">Narendra Modi </a>on Monday claimed that 40 TMC MLAs are in touch with him, and ready to desert the party once the BJP wins the polls.

“Didi, on May 23 when the results will come, lotus will bloom everywhere and your MLAs will leave you. Even today, Didi, 40 of your MLAs are in contact with me,” the Prime Minister remarked.

Modi said that despite all the attacks and intimidation by the ruling Trinamool Congress, the people of Bengal had only one motto in this Lok Sabha election.

"They have only one motto... chup chap kamal chap, booth booth se TMC saaf (Silently vote for the lotus symbol, remove TMC from all booths)," Modi added.

He also accused TMC supremo, Mamata Banerjee of nepotism, insisting she wants to politically establish her nephew in West Bengal.

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PM Modi in Sreerampur: Didi said she wants to give me rasgulla made of soil &amp; pebbles.Soil of Bengal has essence of greats like Ramakrishna Paramhansa,Swami Vivekananda,JC Bose,Netaji,SP Mukherjee &amp; if Modi gets rasgulla made of this holy soil then it will be a 'prasad' for Modi <a href="https://t.co/QOLSc0tahP">pic.twitter.com/QOLSc0tahP</a>
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Modi also assailed her over her prime ministerial ambitions, saying "Didi, Dilli door hai (Delhi is far away for you).

Mocking Banerjee for often losing her cool as she was "sensing defeat", Modi said she cannot even dream of becoming the prime minister.

"With just a handful of seats, 'Didi' you can't reach Delhi. Delhi is far away. Going to Delhi is just an excuse. Her real intention is to politically establish her nephew," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday claimed that 40 TMC MLAs are in touch with him, and ready to desert the party once the BJP wins the polls. “Didi, on May 23 when the results will come, lotus will bloom everywhere and your MLAs will leave you.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday claimed that 40 TMC MLAs are in touch with him, and ready to desert the party once the BJP wins the polls. “Didi, on May 23 when the results will come, lotus will bloom everywhere and your MLAs will leave you. Even today, Didi, 40 of your MLAs are in contact with me,” the Prime Minister remarked. Modi said that despite all the attacks and intimidation by the ruling Trinamool Congress, the people of Bengal had only one motto in this Lok Sabha election. "They have only one motto... chup chap kamal chap, booth booth se TMC saaf (Silently vote for the lotus symbol, remove TMC from all booths)," Modi added. He also accused TMC supremo, Mamata Banerjee of nepotism, insisting she wants to politically establish her nephew in West Bengal. PM Modi in Sreerampur: Didi said she wants to give me rasgulla made of soil & pebbles.Soil of Bengal has essence of greats like Ramakrishna Paramhansa,Swami Vivekananda,JC Bose,Netaji,SP Mukherjee & if Modi gets rasgulla made of this holy soil then it will be a 'prasad' for Modi pic.twitter.com/QOLSc0tahP — ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019 × Modi also assailed her over her prime ministerial ambitions, saying "Didi, Dilli door hai (Delhi is far away for you). Mocking Banerjee for often losing her cool as she was "sensing defeat", Modi said she cannot even dream of becoming the prime minister. "With just a handful of seats, 'Didi' you can't reach Delhi. Delhi is far away. Going to Delhi is just an excuse. Her real intention is to politically establish her nephew," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: 40 Trinamool Congress MLAs ready to join once BJP wins polls, says PM Narendra Modi

The voting for 13 Lok Sabha seats in India's desert state of Rajasthan in the fourth phase of general elections is going peacefully on Monday.&nbsp;

Given the scorching sun, people preferred to cast their votes in the early hours and as such voting began on a brisk pace in most parts of the 13 constituencies.

Despite the scorching heat, over 50 per cent of 2.57 crore electorate cast their votes till 3.30 pm in 13 Lok Sabha seats of Rajasthan.

More than 55% voters of total 2.57 crore voters will decide the fate of 115 candidates — 108 men and seven women — in Rajasthan`s first phase of polling on Monday, according to an election official on Sunday.

Maximum voter percentage of 53.45 was registered in Barmer, followed by Jodhpur where 46.41 per cent voters exercised their franchise till 1 pm.

The voting began at 7 am in the 13 constituencies of Tonk-Sawaimadhopur, Ajmer, Pali, Jodhpur, Barmer, Jalore, Udaipur, Banswara, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Bhilwara, Kota and Jhalawar-Baran, according to the office of the chief electoral officer.

About 2.57 crore people are eligible to vote at 28,182 polling stations in the 13 constituencies where 115 candidates are in the fray.

Jodhpur is one of the most talked about seats where Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's son Vaibhav is pitted against Union minister of state and MP Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

The fate of former Union minister Jaswant Singh's son and former MLA Manvendra Singh, erstwhile Jaipur royal family member Diya Kumari, Union minister P P Chaudhary will also be decided in the polling Monday.

(With inputs from PTI)

The voting for 13 Lok Sabha seats in India's desert state of Rajasthan in the fourth phase of general elections is going peacefully on Monday. Given the scorching sun, people preferred to cast their votes in the early hours and as such voting began on a brisk pace in most parts of the 13 constituencies.

The voting for 13 Lok Sabha seats in India's desert state of Rajasthan in the fourth phase of general elections is going peacefully on Monday. Given the scorching sun, people preferred to cast their votes in the early hours and as such voting began on a brisk pace in most parts of the 13 constituencies. Despite the scorching heat, over 50 per cent of 2.57 crore electorate cast their votes till 3.30 pm in 13 Lok Sabha seats of Rajasthan. More than 55% voters of total 2.57 crore voters will decide the fate of 115 candidates — 108 men and seven women — in Rajasthan`s first phase of polling on Monday, according to an election official on Sunday. Maximum voter percentage of 53.45 was registered in Barmer, followed by Jodhpur where 46.41 per cent voters exercised their franchise till 1 pm. The voting began at 7 am in the 13 constituencies of Tonk-Sawaimadhopur, Ajmer, Pali, Jodhpur, Barmer, Jalore, Udaipur, Banswara, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Bhilwara, Kota and Jhalawar-Baran, according to the office of the chief electoral officer. About 2.57 crore people are eligible to vote at 28,182 polling stations in the 13 constituencies where 115 candidates are in the fray. Jodhpur is one of the most talked about seats where Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's son Vaibhav is pitted against Union minister of state and MP Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. The fate of former Union minister Jaswant Singh's son and former MLA Manvendra Singh, erstwhile Jaipur royal family member Diya Kumari, Union minister P P Chaudhary will also be decided in the polling Monday. (With inputs from PTI)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Rajasthan voters brave scorching heat to come, vote

Prominent stars of Bollywood, including Salman Khan, Kangana Ranaut and the Bachchans cast their votes in Mumbai on Monday.

Lok Sabha Polls 2019: Bachchan family, Salman Khan and Kangana Ranaut cast their vote

Over 12.79 crore voters will decide the fate of 945 candidates on 71 Lok Sabha seats spread across nine states during the fourth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls on Monday.

As per the election schedule, five seats in Bihar, one in Jammu and Kashmir, three in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/three-lok-sabha-seats-in-jharkhand-go-to-polls-on-april-29-214071">Jharkhand</a>, six in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha each, 17 in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-polling-in-17-seats-in-fourth-phase-on-monday-214115">Maharashtra</a>, 13 in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/13-of-25-seats-in-rajasthan-to-go-to-polls-on-monday-115-candidates-in-the-fray-214126">Rajasthan</a> and Uttar Pradesh each, and eight in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/eight-lok-sabha-seats-in-west-bengal-to-go-to-polls-in-fourth-phase-214055">West Bengal</a> will go to polls during the fourth phase of polling. &nbsp;

Apart from these, 42 Assembly constituencies in Odisha will also go to polls on Monday.

The voting will take place from 7 am to 6 pm for most of the constituencies.

In Bihar, five constituencies -- Darbhanga, Ujiarpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, and Munger will go to polls. A total of sixty-six candidates are in the fray for these five seats. Voting will be held at 8,834 polling stations where around 87,02,313 voters will cast their votes.

All eyes will be on Begusarai seat from where CPI’s Kanhaiya Kumar is up against Union Minister Giriraj Singh and RJD’s Tanveer Hassan. Several prominent Bollywood personalities including Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Swara Bhaskar, and Prakash Raj have campaigned for the former JNU Students Union president.

In Jammu and Kashmir, Anantnag Lok Sabha seat will go to polls on Monday. It is to be noted that the election for Anantnag constituency is scheduled to be held in three phases. Polling will be held at 433 polling booths where 3,44,224 people will cast their votes.

In Jharkhand, Rajmahal, Dumka, and Godda seats will go to polls. Here, 59 candidates are in the fray. Polling will be held at 3,013 polling stations where 45,26,693 will exercise their right to franchise.

In Madhya Pradesh, six seats -- Sidhi, Shahdol, Jabalpur, Mandla, Balaghat, and Chhindwara will go to polls where a total of 108 candidates are contesting. Polling will be held at 13,491 polling stations where 1,05,55,689 voters will use exercise their franchise.

Chhindwara will be keenly watched from where Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath’s son Nakul Nath is contesting on the Congress ticket. The election is being seen as a test to Chief Minister Kamal Nath’s popularity.

Kamal Nath has represented this seat for 40 years before he was appointed the state Chief Minister in December last year.

In Maharashtra, 17 seats will go to polls. These are Nandurbar, Dhule, Dindori, Nashik, Palghar, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Thane, Mumbai North, Mumbai North-West, Mumbai

North-East, Mumbai North-Central, Mumbai South–Central, Mumbai South, Maval, Shiru, and Shirdi.

Voting will be held at 33,314 polling station where 3,11,92,823 people will decide the fate of 323 candidates.

Mumbai Congress chief Milind Deora, Congress leader Milind Deora and Priya Dutt are some of the high-profile candidates whose fate will be sealed in the EVMs on Monday.

In Odisha, six seats -- Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, and Jagatsinghpur will go to polls. Here, 52 candidates are in the fray. Polling will take place at 10,792 booths and 95,14,883 voters will exercise their franchise.

Former BJD leader and presently BJP vice president Baijayanta Panda is contesting from Kendrapada.

A total of 336 candidates are also contesting from 42 Assembly constituencies.

“Special attention will be given on Kendrapara Lok Sabha constituency and additional police force has been deployed,” said Surendra Kumar, Chief Electoral Officer, Odisha.

In Rajasthan, 13 seats -- Tonk-Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Pali, Jodhpur, Barmer, Jalore, Udaipur, Banswara, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Bhilwara, Kota, and Jhalawar-Baran will go to polls.

Polling will be held at 28,182 polling stations. 115 candidates are in the fray from these 13 seats. A total of 2,57,76,993 voters are expected to cast their votes.

Polls for 13 seats of Uttar Pradesh will also be held on Monday. The seats are -- Shahjahanpur, Kheri, Hardoi, Misrikh, Unnao, Farrukhabad, Etawah, Kannauj, Kanpur, Akbarpur, Jalaun, Jhansi, and Hamirpur.

Here, the fate of 154 candidates will be decided by 2,38,88,367 voters. Voting will take place at 27,513 polling stations.

Samajwadi Party leader Dimple Yadav who is also the wife of party president Akhilesh Yadav is contesting from Kannauj.

BJP has retained Sakshi Maharaj from Unnao seat.

In West Bengal, eight seats -- Baharampur, Krishnanagar, Ranaghat, Bardhaman Purba, Bardhaman–Durgapur, Asansol, Bolpur, and Birbhum are going to polls.

Polling will be held at 15,277 stations. A total of 1,34,56,491 voters will exercise their franchise. The fate of 68 candidates will be sealed in EVMs.

Union Minister Babul Supriyo is contesting from Asansol seat against Trinamool Congress’ Moon Moon Sen.

The seven-phased Lok Sabha polls began on April 11. The first phase recorded 69.45 per cent voter turnout across the country. The second phase of polling took place on

April 18, which logged 69.43 per cent voting. The third phase of elections held on April 23 witnessed a turnout of 66 per cent.

The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Over 12.79 crore voters will decide the fate of 945 candidates on 71 Lok Sabha seats spread across nine states during the fourth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls on Monday.

Over 12.79 crore voters will decide the fate of 945 candidates on 71 Lok Sabha seats spread across nine states during the fourth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls on Monday. As per the election schedule, five seats in Bihar, one in Jammu and Kashmir, three in Jharkhand, six in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha each, 17 in Maharashtra, 13 in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh each, and eight in West Bengal will go to polls during the fourth phase of polling. Apart from these, 42 Assembly constituencies in Odisha will also go to polls on Monday. The voting will take place from 7 am to 6 pm for most of the constituencies. In Bihar, five constituencies -- Darbhanga, Ujiarpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, and Munger will go to polls. A total of sixty-six candidates are in the fray for these five seats. Voting will be held at 8,834 polling stations where around 87,02,313 voters will cast their votes. All eyes will be on Begusarai seat from where CPI’s Kanhaiya Kumar is up against Union Minister Giriraj Singh and RJD’s Tanveer Hassan. Several prominent Bollywood personalities including Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Swara Bhaskar, and Prakash Raj have campaigned for the former JNU Students Union president. In Jammu and Kashmir, Anantnag Lok Sabha seat will go to polls on Monday. It is to be noted that the election for Anantnag constituency is scheduled to be held in three phases. Polling will be held at 433 polling booths where 3,44,224 people will cast their votes. In Jharkhand, Rajmahal, Dumka, and Godda seats will go to polls. Here, 59 candidates are in the fray. Polling will be held at 3,013 polling stations where 45,26,693 will exercise their right to franchise. In Madhya Pradesh, six seats -- Sidhi, Shahdol, Jabalpur, Mandla, Balaghat, and Chhindwara will go to polls where a total of 108 candidates are contesting. Polling will be held at 13,491 polling stations where 1,05,55,689 voters will use exercise their franchise. Chhindwara will be keenly watched from where Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath’s son Nakul Nath is contesting on the Congress ticket. The election is being seen as a test to Chief Minister Kamal Nath’s popularity. Kamal Nath has represented this seat for 40 years before he was appointed the state Chief Minister in December last year. In Maharashtra, 17 seats will go to polls. These are Nandurbar, Dhule, Dindori, Nashik, Palghar, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Thane, Mumbai North, Mumbai North-West, Mumbai North-East, Mumbai North-Central, Mumbai South–Central, Mumbai South, Maval, Shiru, and Shirdi. Voting will be held at 33,314 polling station where 3,11,92,823 people will decide the fate of 323 candidates. Mumbai Congress chief Milind Deora, Congress leader Milind Deora and Priya Dutt are some of the high-profile candidates whose fate will be sealed in the EVMs on Monday. In Odisha, six seats -- Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, and Jagatsinghpur will go to polls. Here, 52 candidates are in the fray. Polling will take place at 10,792 booths and 95,14,883 voters will exercise their franchise. Former BJD leader and presently BJP vice president Baijayanta Panda is contesting from Kendrapada. A total of 336 candidates are also contesting from 42 Assembly constituencies. “Special attention will be given on Kendrapara Lok Sabha constituency and additional police force has been deployed,” said Surendra Kumar, Chief Electoral Officer, Odisha. In Rajasthan, 13 seats -- Tonk-Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Pali, Jodhpur, Barmer, Jalore, Udaipur, Banswara, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Bhilwara, Kota, and Jhalawar-Baran will go to polls. Polling will be held at 28,182 polling stations. 115 candidates are in the fray from these 13 seats. A total of 2,57,76,993 voters are expected to cast their votes. Polls for 13 seats of Uttar Pradesh will also be held on Monday. The seats are -- Shahjahanpur, Kheri, Hardoi, Misrikh, Unnao, Farrukhabad, Etawah, Kannauj, Kanpur, Akbarpur, Jalaun, Jhansi, and Hamirpur. Here, the fate of 154 candidates will be decided by 2,38,88,367 voters. Voting will take place at 27,513 polling stations. Samajwadi Party leader Dimple Yadav who is also the wife of party president Akhilesh Yadav is contesting from Kannauj. BJP has retained Sakshi Maharaj from Unnao seat. In West Bengal, eight seats -- Baharampur, Krishnanagar, Ranaghat, Bardhaman Purba, Bardhaman–Durgapur, Asansol, Bolpur, and Birbhum are going to polls. Polling will be held at 15,277 stations. A total of 1,34,56,491 voters will exercise their franchise. The fate of 68 candidates will be sealed in EVMs. Union Minister Babul Supriyo is contesting from Asansol seat against Trinamool Congress’ Moon Moon Sen. The seven-phased Lok Sabha polls began on April 11. The first phase recorded 69.45 per cent voter turnout across the country. The second phase of polling took place on April 18, which logged 69.43 per cent voting. The third phase of elections held on April 23 witnessed a turnout of 66 per cent. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Fourth phase Lok Sabha polling on Monday; over 12.7 crore electors to vote for 71 constituencies

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/curbing-insurgency-in-northeast-my-biggest-achievement-as-home-minister-rajnath-singh-213723">Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh</a> Saturday asserted that the BJP is in politics for building the nation.

"We do not indulge in politics for the pleasures of being in power, but to build the nation. After Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister in 2014, our country has surged ahead with a fast pace," he said.

"The International Monetary Fund has also accepted that if there is any country which is growing at a fast pace, then it is India," Singh said here, addressing a meeting.

The Union minister, who represents the state capital in Lok Sabha, said it is his dream to see Lucknow become the most beautiful city not only in India but also in the world.

"I do not claim that poverty has been eradicated from the country but we have shown in the past five years, what did not happen in 65 years," he said.

Singh also called upon Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav to inquire about his health, a statement issued by the BJP said.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Saturday asserted that the BJP is in politics for building the nation. "We do not indulge in politics for the pleasures of being in power, but to build the nation.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Saturday asserted that the BJP is in politics for building the nation. "We do not indulge in politics for the pleasures of being in power, but to build the nation. After Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister in 2014, our country has surged ahead with a fast pace," he said. "The International Monetary Fund has also accepted that if there is any country which is growing at a fast pace, then it is India," Singh said here, addressing a meeting. The Union minister, who represents the state capital in Lok Sabha, said it is his dream to see Lucknow become the most beautiful city not only in India but also in the world. "I do not claim that poverty has been eradicated from the country but we have shown in the past five years, what did not happen in 65 years," he said. Singh also called upon Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav to inquire about his health, a statement issued by the BJP said.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: BJP is in politics for building nation, says Rajnath Singh

Over 45.26 lakh voters will on Monday decide the fate of 59 candidates in the first phase of polls for three Lok Sabha constituencies in Jharkhand.

The three constituencies, all won by the BJP in 2014 elections, are Lohardaga (ST), Palamu (SC) and Chatra.

As there are some Naxal pockets in Palamu and Chatra, the borders with Bihar have been sealed and adequate security arrangements have been made for the polling, a government official said on Saturday.

"All necessary steps have been taken to ensure free and fair voting in the 139 booths," an election official said.

Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Sudarshan Bhagat is seeking re-election from the Lohardaga(ST) seat. He is pitted against Sukhdeo Bhagat, Congress MLA and Mahagathbandhan candidate.

In Palamu, it is a straight contest between the BJP and the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance). Former Jharkhand police chief and BJP candidate Vishnu Dayal Ram is facing challenge from RJDs Ghuram Ram, supported by the Mahagathbandhan, comprising Congress, JMM and Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik).

The RJD has fielded Subhas Yadav in Chatra, resulting in a friendly fight with the Congress nominee, Manoj Yadav, there.

The BJP has re-nominated its sitting MP Sunil Kumar Singh from the seat. 
An electorate of 45,26,693, including 21,40,750 female voters, are eligible to exercise their franchise in the three seats between 7 AM and 4 PM.

Senior BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah had campaigned asking the people to re-elect the NDA to take forward the developmental works and protect the country's security.

No prominent national level leader of the opposition parties had campaigned in the three seats.

Lok Sabha elections in 14 parliamentary constituencies of Jharkhand will be held in four phases.

Over 45.26 lakh voters will on Monday decide the fate of 59 candidates in the first phase of polls for three Lok Sabha constituencies in Jharkhand. The three constituencies, all won by the BJP in 2014 elections, are Lohardaga (ST), Palamu (SC) and Chatra.

Over 45.26 lakh voters will on Monday decide the fate of 59 candidates in the first phase of polls for three Lok Sabha constituencies in Jharkhand. The three constituencies, all won by the BJP in 2014 elections, are Lohardaga (ST), Palamu (SC) and Chatra. As there are some Naxal pockets in Palamu and Chatra, the borders with Bihar have been sealed and adequate security arrangements have been made for the polling, a government official said on Saturday. "All necessary steps have been taken to ensure free and fair voting in the 139 booths," an election official said. Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Sudarshan Bhagat is seeking re-election from the Lohardaga(ST) seat. He is pitted against Sukhdeo Bhagat, Congress MLA and Mahagathbandhan candidate. In Palamu, it is a straight contest between the BJP and the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance). Former Jharkhand police chief and BJP candidate Vishnu Dayal Ram is facing challenge from RJDs Ghuram Ram, supported by the Mahagathbandhan, comprising Congress, JMM and Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik). The RJD has fielded Subhas Yadav in Chatra, resulting in a friendly fight with the Congress nominee, Manoj Yadav, there. The BJP has re-nominated its sitting MP Sunil Kumar Singh from the seat. An electorate of 45,26,693, including 21,40,750 female voters, are eligible to exercise their franchise in the three seats between 7 AM and 4 PM. Senior BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah had campaigned asking the people to re-elect the NDA to take forward the developmental works and protect the country's security. No prominent national level leader of the opposition parties had campaigned in the three seats. Lok Sabha elections in 14 parliamentary constituencies of Jharkhand will be held in four phases.

Three Lok Sabha seats in Jharkhand go to polls on April 29

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday ridiculed the opposition leaders for their ''dream'' to become prime minister of the country.

Slamming the BSP chief Mayawati for seeking the support of Samajwadi Party (SP) "just for sake of power", Modi addressing an election rally in Kannauj said "Mahamilavatis" can only think of the future of their own dynasty, they are not concerned with the future of the country.

'Behenji' (Mayawati) is happily asking for votes for the SP, just for power, just to defeat Modi, he&nbsp;said.

Terming the opposition alliance 'opportunist' and 'mahamilawati', Modi accused Mayawati of hugging the people who abuse Babasaheb.

Whatever efforts opposition makes, it will be Modi again, he said and launched a broadside on the opposition SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh for attacking 'chowkidar', Ram bhakts. These are ones who seek evidence of air strikes, shed tears for Batla House encounter, PM added.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday ridiculed the opposition leaders for their ''dream'' to become prime minister of the country. Slamming the BSP chief Mayawati for seeking the support of Samajwadi Party (SP) "just for sake of power", Modi addressing an election rally in Kannauj said "Mahamilavatis" can only think of the future of their own dynasty, they are not concerned with the future of the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday ridiculed the opposition leaders for their ''dream'' to become prime minister of the country. Slamming the BSP chief Mayawati for seeking the support of Samajwadi Party (SP) "just for sake of power", Modi addressing an election rally in Kannauj said "Mahamilavatis" can only think of the future of their own dynasty, they are not concerned with the future of the country. 'Behenji' (Mayawati) is happily asking for votes for the SP, just for power, just to defeat Modi, he said. Terming the opposition alliance 'opportunist' and 'mahamilawati', Modi accused Mayawati of hugging the people who abuse Babasaheb. Whatever efforts opposition makes, it will be Modi again, he said and launched a broadside on the opposition SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh for attacking 'chowkidar', Ram bhakts. These are ones who seek evidence of air strikes, shed tears for Batla House encounter, PM added.

Modi ridicules opposition leaders for their 'dream' to become prime minister

For the first time in the country pro-incumbency wave is being witnessed, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told party workers before filing his nomination papers from the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency.

Noting that the mood is festive from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Modi said party workers are the real candidates.

Asking the cadres to break all voting records, the prime minister said he has worked honestly for good governance.&nbsp;"During yesterday's roadshow here, I have sensed the hard work of party cadre," he said amid chants of "Modi Modi" from the gathering.&nbsp;

Party workers are real candidates, the mood is festive from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Modi said before filing his nomination papers.&nbsp;

People have made up their minds, they want Modi sarkar again, he said.

For the first time in the country pro-incumbency wave is being witnessed, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told party workers before filing his nomination papers from the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency.

For the first time in the country pro-incumbency wave is being witnessed, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told party workers before filing his nomination papers from the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency. Noting that the mood is festive from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Modi said party workers are the real candidates. Asking the cadres to break all voting records, the prime minister said he has worked honestly for good governance. "During yesterday's roadshow here, I have sensed the hard work of party cadre," he said amid chants of "Modi Modi" from the gathering. Party workers are real candidates, the mood is festive from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Modi said before filing his nomination papers. People have made up their minds, they want Modi sarkar again, he said.

Pro-incumbency wave for the first time in country: PM Modi 

With an objective to cover 100 per cent of election booths in West Bengal for the fourth phase of polling, there will be deployment of 580 companies of central forces, a senior official said on Thursday.

"We expect this will enable us to cover as many as 100 per cent of the polling stations by central forces," the Election Commission official told PTI.

The fourth phase on April 29 will see deployment of over 200 companies more as compared to the number in the third phase.

During the first phase, the EC had deputed central forces at 50 per cent of the booths, which was increased to 92 per cent in the third phase of polling held on April 23.

On Monday, eight Lok Sabha constituencies - Baharampur, Krishnanagar, Ranaghat, Bardhaman Purba, Bardhaman-Durgapur, Asansol, Bolpur and Birbhum will go to polls.

Special emphasis will be given to Asansol, which shares its border with Bihar, an EC source said.

Meanwhile, the commission served a showcause notice on Wednesday to Trinamool Congress MLA from Chakdah Ratna Ghosh Kar, for making derogatory remarks in reply to a report sought by the EC, he said.

The EC had asked for a report from the District Magistrate of Nadia on April 17, in connection with Ghosh Kar's alleged objectionable remarks about the central forces.

"Her replies to the commission were highly derogatory in nature, and now it (EC) has showcaused her," the source said.&nbsp;

With an objective to cover 100 per cent of election booths in West Bengal for the fourth phase of polling, there will be deployment of 580 companies of central forces, a senior official said on Thursday.

With an objective to cover 100 per cent of election booths in West Bengal for the fourth phase of polling, there will be deployment of 580 companies of central forces, a senior official said on Thursday. "We expect this will enable us to cover as many as 100 per cent of the polling stations by central forces," the Election Commission official told PTI. The fourth phase on April 29 will see deployment of over 200 companies more as compared to the number in the third phase. During the first phase, the EC had deputed central forces at 50 per cent of the booths, which was increased to 92 per cent in the third phase of polling held on April 23. On Monday, eight Lok Sabha constituencies - Baharampur, Krishnanagar, Ranaghat, Bardhaman Purba, Bardhaman-Durgapur, Asansol, Bolpur and Birbhum will go to polls. Special emphasis will be given to Asansol, which shares its border with Bihar, an EC source said. Meanwhile, the commission served a showcause notice on Wednesday to Trinamool Congress MLA from Chakdah Ratna Ghosh Kar, for making derogatory remarks in reply to a report sought by the EC, he said. The EC had asked for a report from the District Magistrate of Nadia on April 17, in connection with Ghosh Kar's alleged objectionable remarks about the central forces. "Her replies to the commission were highly derogatory in nature, and now it (EC) has showcaused her," the source said.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission to deploy 580 companies of central forces in West Bengal for fourth phase

Curbing insurgency in the Northeast has been his biggest achievement as home minister, according to Rajnath Singh who says Naxal violence in the country is also on the wane.

The Union home minister asserts that BJP will come back to power with a thumping majority as people want the good governance of the Narendra Modi dispensation to continue.

"The way Modiji has led the country at national and international levels in the last five years, there is not an iota of doubt about our win with a three-fourths majority in these polls," he claims.

Singh says as home minister, he worked, among other things, towards curbing insurgency in the Northeast and Naxalism in parts of the country.&nbsp;

"Insurgency in Northeast is almost finished," he told PTI in an interview.

On Naxalism, he says, "We are now in the most favourable position since 1971, when more security personnel used to get killed than Naxals. Now the trend has reversed... Our security forces have been giving a befitting reply and eliminating Naxals."

Earlier Naxals operated in 126 districts, but now their activities are limited to just six-seven districts, he says.&nbsp;

"We are quite sure that in coming days, we will root them out. The elimination of insurgency in the Northeast has been my biggest achievement as home minister...Even beyond my expectations," the former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh says.

He also says that as home minister, he made a maximum number of visits to Jammu and Kashmir and tried to find a long-term solution to the region's problems, though it could not yield the desired results.

"Now, the time has come to review articles 35A and 370 of the Constitution (providing special status and rights to the state and its citizens) and assess what Jammu and Kashmir got and what is lost due to these two provisions," he says.

"My ministry also revoked the registration of 20,000 organisations which used to get money from overseas, under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, and were involved in activities which were not in the interest of our country," he says.

Singh, who is contesting Lok Sabha polls from Lucknow, says he does not believe that Modi's persona is overshadowing the work of other lawmakers and ministers.&nbsp; 
"Whatever ministers or MPs do, they do it after getting the team leader's consent, it is but natural. All policy decisions are taken under the chairmanship of the prime minister. So, saying that the work of other ministers or MPs is overshadowed is not right," he says.

"People are smart enough and politically aware. They have their own parameters to gauge public representatives' records and performances," he adds.

To a query why the BJP's campaign has no mention of demonetisation and GST, Singh, who headed the party's manifesto committee, says they are no longer poll issues.

"Their (positive and expected) results have started surfacing. GST has been simplified several times and we have made it abundantly clear that whenever there is a need, we will come up with more simplifications so that the business class does not suffer," he says.

Asked why the BJP has 'imported' candidates from outside the party, like Bhojpuri film actors Nirahua and Ravi Kishan, Bollywood star Sunny Deol and Pragya Thakur, he says it shows the party's "inclusive and pluralistic" character.

"Let me clarify that the BJP's core cadre is quite strong and we have no dearth of candidates. But there are some people in every society who have a large fan following and have some intrinsic political acumen.&nbsp;

"When we get these people in our party, they become an integral part of the BJP family and by this way, our party becomes more inclusive and pluralistic," he reasons.

Asked about the BJP fielded only a few Muslim candidates, he says though he was not in a position to tell the exact number, the party has given tickets to members from the community.&nbsp;

"We are very careful about our core principal - 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas'. Unfortunately, the opposition parties are unsuccessfully trying to create a fear factor. But we have built a sense of confidence and I am quite sure that we will get their (Muslims) bigger support this time than what we got in the previous Lok Sabha election," he claims.

Singh says North Indians living in Maharashtra always supported the BJP ever since this party came to existence.

He also dubs the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance as an "unbreakable bond".

"The coming together of two parties with same nationalist ideology is very rare. But this is possible only here in Maharashtra. Though we had some differences, but they have been resolved. The BJP-Shiv Sena have an unbreakable bond and we have proved it," he adds.&nbsp;

Curbing insurgency in the Northeast has been his biggest achievement as home minister, according to Rajnath Singh who says Naxal violence in the country is also on the wane.

Curbing insurgency in the Northeast has been his biggest achievement as home minister, according to Rajnath Singh who says Naxal violence in the country is also on the wane. The Union home minister asserts that BJP will come back to power with a thumping majority as people want the good governance of the Narendra Modi dispensation to continue. "The way Modiji has led the country at national and international levels in the last five years, there is not an iota of doubt about our win with a three-fourths majority in these polls," he claims. Singh says as home minister, he worked, among other things, towards curbing insurgency in the Northeast and Naxalism in parts of the country. "Insurgency in Northeast is almost finished," he told PTI in an interview. On Naxalism, he says, "We are now in the most favourable position since 1971, when more security personnel used to get killed than Naxals. Now the trend has reversed... Our security forces have been giving a befitting reply and eliminating Naxals." Earlier Naxals operated in 126 districts, but now their activities are limited to just six-seven districts, he says. "We are quite sure that in coming days, we will root them out. The elimination of insurgency in the Northeast has been my biggest achievement as home minister...Even beyond my expectations," the former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh says. He also says that as home minister, he made a maximum number of visits to Jammu and Kashmir and tried to find a long-term solution to the region's problems, though it could not yield the desired results. "Now, the time has come to review articles 35A and 370 of the Constitution (providing special status and rights to the state and its citizens) and assess what Jammu and Kashmir got and what is lost due to these two provisions," he says. "My ministry also revoked the registration of 20,000 organisations which used to get money from overseas, under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, and were involved in activities which were not in the interest of our country," he says. Singh, who is contesting Lok Sabha polls from Lucknow, says he does not believe that Modi's persona is overshadowing the work of other lawmakers and ministers. "Whatever ministers or MPs do, they do it after getting the team leader's consent, it is but natural. All policy decisions are taken under the chairmanship of the prime minister. So, saying that the work of other ministers or MPs is overshadowed is not right," he says. "People are smart enough and politically aware. They have their own parameters to gauge public representatives' records and performances," he adds. To a query why the BJP's campaign has no mention of demonetisation and GST, Singh, who headed the party's manifesto committee, says they are no longer poll issues. "Their (positive and expected) results have started surfacing. GST has been simplified several times and we have made it abundantly clear that whenever there is a need, we will come up with more simplifications so that the business class does not suffer," he says. Asked why the BJP has 'imported' candidates from outside the party, like Bhojpuri film actors Nirahua and Ravi Kishan, Bollywood star Sunny Deol and Pragya Thakur, he says it shows the party's "inclusive and pluralistic" character. "Let me clarify that the BJP's core cadre is quite strong and we have no dearth of candidates. But there are some people in every society who have a large fan following and have some intrinsic political acumen. "When we get these people in our party, they become an integral part of the BJP family and by this way, our party becomes more inclusive and pluralistic," he reasons. Asked about the BJP fielded only a few Muslim candidates, he says though he was not in a position to tell the exact number, the party has given tickets to members from the community. "We are very careful about our core principal - 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas'. Unfortunately, the opposition parties are unsuccessfully trying to create a fear factor. But we have built a sense of confidence and I am quite sure that we will get their (Muslims) bigger support this time than what we got in the previous Lok Sabha election," he claims. Singh says North Indians living in Maharashtra always supported the BJP ever since this party came to existence. He also dubs the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance as an "unbreakable bond". "The coming together of two parties with same nationalist ideology is very rare. But this is possible only here in Maharashtra. Though we had some differences, but they have been resolved. The BJP-Shiv Sena have an unbreakable bond and we have proved it," he adds.

Curbing insurgency in Northeast my biggest achievement as home minister: Rajnath Singh

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pro-incumbency-wave-for-the-first-time-in-country-pm-modi-213600">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> has filed his nomination from Varanasi for Lok Sabha constituency on Friday.

Besides BJP chief Amit Shah, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, top NDA leaders such as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, SAD leader Prakash Singh Badal and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray were also present to mark the occasion.

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Before filing for his nomination, Modi addressed the party workers. He also&nbsp;visited the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

A day before filing his nomination, the&nbsp;Prime Minister held a grand roadshow in Varanasi along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister JP Nadda, UP and Delhi BJP chiefs, Mahendra Nath Pandey and Manoj Tiwari on Thursday.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lok-sabha-polls-2019-pm-modi-files-nomination-from-varanasi-213634/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Congress' Ajay Rai and SP leader Shalini Yadav are the other key candidates from Varanasi.&nbsp;

In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Modi won from Varanasi by a margin of 3.37 lakh votes.&nbsp;

Varanasi will go to polls on May 19 in the last phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

(With inputs from ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has filed his nomination from Varanasi for Lok Sabha constituency on Friday. Besides BJP chief Amit Shah, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, top NDA leaders such as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, SAD leader Prakash Singh Badal and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray were also present to mark the occasion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has filed his nomination from Varanasi for Lok Sabha constituency on Friday. Besides BJP chief Amit Shah, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, top NDA leaders such as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, SAD leader Prakash Singh Badal and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray were also present to mark the occasion. #LokSabhaElections2019 : PM Narendra Modi files nomination from Varanasi parliamentary constituency. pic.twitter.com/V0RX2otJUv — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 26, 2019 × Before filing for his nomination, Modi addressed the party workers. He also visited the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple. A day before filing his nomination, the Prime Minister held a grand roadshow in Varanasi along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister JP Nadda, UP and Delhi BJP chiefs, Mahendra Nath Pandey and Manoj Tiwari on Thursday. Congress' Ajay Rai and SP leader Shalini Yadav are the other key candidates from Varanasi. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Modi won from Varanasi by a margin of 3.37 lakh votes. Varanasi will go to polls on May 19 in the last phase of the Lok Sabha elections. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. (With inputs from ANI)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: PM Modi files nomination from Varanasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has filed his nomination from Varanasi for Lok Sabha constituency on Friday. All senior leaders of the BJP, NDA and North East Democratic Alliance were present to mark the occasion.

The Congress on Thursday fielded Ajay Rai to contest polls against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ending speculation on Priyanka Gandhi Vadra fighting polls from the UP town.

Speculation on Priyanka Gandhi making her political debut from Varanasi was fuelled after Congress president Rahul Gandhi, to a question on whether he planned to field his sister against PM Modi, said last week, "I will leave you in suspense. Suspense is not always a bad thing."

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi had won from Varanasi with 5,81,022 votes.

Aam Aadmi Party’s Arvind Kejriwal, Ajay Rai, BSP's Vijay Prakash Jaiswal and Samajwadi Party’s Kailash Chaurasia had polled 2,09,238, 75,614, 60,579 and 45,291 votes respectively.

The combined votes polled by these opposition candidates was 3,90,722, still 1,90,300 short of what Modi got.&nbsp;

The Congress also fielded Madhusudan Tiwari from Gorakhpur against BJP's actor-turned-politician Ravi Kishan.

(With inputs from PTI)

The Congress on Thursday fielded Ajay Rai to contest polls against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ending speculation on Priyanka Gandhi Vadra fighting polls from the UP town.

The Congress on Thursday fielded Ajay Rai to contest polls against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ending speculation on Priyanka Gandhi Vadra fighting polls from the UP town. Speculation on Priyanka Gandhi making her political debut from Varanasi was fuelled after Congress president Rahul Gandhi, to a question on whether he planned to field his sister against PM Modi, said last week, "I will leave you in suspense. Suspense is not always a bad thing." In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi had won from Varanasi with 5,81,022 votes. Aam Aadmi Party’s Arvind Kejriwal, Ajay Rai, BSP's Vijay Prakash Jaiswal and Samajwadi Party’s Kailash Chaurasia had polled 2,09,238, 75,614, 60,579 and 45,291 votes respectively. The combined votes polled by these opposition candidates was 3,90,722, still 1,90,300 short of what Modi got. The Congress also fielded Madhusudan Tiwari from Gorakhpur against BJP's actor-turned-politician Ravi Kishan. (With inputs from PTI)

Congress fields Ajay Rai, not Priyanka Gandhi from Varanasi against PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a swipe at opposition leaders saying people who are contesting only 40, 20 or even eight seats are standing in the queue waiting for their turn to become the prime minister.&nbsp;

Addressing a public rally at Darbhanga in Bihar, Modi asked the people to vote for him as he needs their vote to fight terror.

''Modi cannot fight terror on his own. The chowkidar needs your votes to win this fight,'' Modi said.&nbsp;

The opposition is jittery after three phases of General elections and hence they have given up demanding proof of air strikes and started finding faults with EVMs, Modi said taking a jibe at several party leaders including Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu who on Tuesday questioned the credibility of the EVMs and claimed that there are rumours that people from Russia are hacking EVMs for crores.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Modi also attacked the opposition for not giving national security its due importance.

''For the 'Mahamilavat' gang, national security may not be an issue. But this is new India. Those involved in or abetting terror would be chased to their homes and finished off, says PM Modi,'' he said.

Terrorism must be rooted out for the benefit of the poor so that the money now spent on security could be spent on their well-being, he said.

Some people have a problem with 'Bharat mata ki Jai' &amp; 'Vande mataram', should such people lose their deposits or not? Modi asked. These are same people who complain when I talk about Bharat, the PM said and added they also say 'why is Modi talking about terrorism, it is not an issue'

The prime minister also congratulated Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and BJP leader Sushil Modi for having brought the days of lantern to an end in Bihar and bringing electricity. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a swipe at opposition leaders saying people who are contesting only 40, 20 or even eight seats are standing in the queue waiting for their turn to become the prime minister.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a swipe at opposition leaders saying people who are contesting only 40, 20 or even eight seats are standing in the queue waiting for their turn to become the prime minister. Addressing a public rally at Darbhanga in Bihar, Modi asked the people to vote for him as he needs their vote to fight terror. ''Modi cannot fight terror on his own. The chowkidar needs your votes to win this fight,'' Modi said. The opposition is jittery after three phases of General elections and hence they have given up demanding proof of air strikes and started finding faults with EVMs, Modi said taking a jibe at several party leaders including Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu who on Tuesday questioned the credibility of the EVMs and claimed that there are rumours that people from Russia are hacking EVMs for crores. Modi also attacked the opposition for not giving national security its due importance. ''For the 'Mahamilavat' gang, national security may not be an issue. But this is new India. Those involved in or abetting terror would be chased to their homes and finished off, says PM Modi,'' he said. Terrorism must be rooted out for the benefit of the poor so that the money now spent on security could be spent on their well-being, he said. Some people have a problem with 'Bharat mata ki Jai' & 'Vande mataram', should such people lose their deposits or not? Modi asked. These are same people who complain when I talk about Bharat, the PM said and added they also say 'why is Modi talking about terrorism, it is not an issue' The prime minister also congratulated Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and BJP leader Sushil Modi for having brought the days of lantern to an end in Bihar and bringing electricity.

People contesting in 40, 20 or even eight seats standing in queue to be PM: Modi  

Under attack within the Congress for describing BSP supremo Mayawati and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav "Prime Minister material", actor-turned-politician <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/its-my-duty-as-head-of-family-and-a-husband-shatrughan-sinha-on-campaigning-for-wife-poonam-sinha-in-lucknow-211614&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwii5_iE0OrhAhX073MBHZ_uB-4QFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1srWyAuvvj1MyOVG1LNvGc">Shatrughan Sinha</a> Wednesday said anyone having successfully ruled a state is competent for the top job in the country.

The Patna Sahib MP, who recently severed his ties with the BJP and joined the Congress which has fielded him from the same seat, also took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi dubbing his interview with actor Akshay Kumar as one conducted after "rehearsals" and with the help of "scriptwriters".

"I hold that a prime minister does not need to have exceptional qualities. It is basically a number game. If you and I have the support of the requisite number of MPs, we too can become the prime minister," he told a news channel in Patna.

"Moreover, I think that anybody who has had a successful tenure as a chief minister does have the necessary experience for the top job," Mr Sinha said.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar is also a prime minister material though the JD(U) president is now with the BJP, he said adding that Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav also ruled Uttar Pradesh and therefore they too fit the bill.

"After all, what are the credentials of Narendra Modi except that he had served as the chief minister of Gujarat. It was ordinary BJP workers like me who created the buzz around him which resulted in the Modi-Modi-Modi chant heard across the country. I have seen it all. I know the tricks of the game," he said.

Mr Sinha had ruffled many feathers within the Congress when he recently campaigned for his wife Poonam who is contesting from Lucknow on a Samajwadi Party ticket through the Congress has also fielded its candidate from there.

His praise for Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav has drawn censure from a section of Congress leaders who found it objectionable in the wake of the SP-BSP alliance giving a cold shoulder to the party in Uttar Pradesh.

About Modi's interview by Akshay Kumar telecast on Wednesday, Mr Sinha said, "As far as the prime minister is concerned, I have known him closely as a friend. He gives interviews after lots of rehearsals which are conducted with the help of scriptwriters. What to speak of it?"

He said he knows Akshay and his family well.

Of late he is supporting many a cause through his choice of movies though he has so far been apolitical, the former actor said.

To a query, Mr Sinha said, "I would love to interview Modi, which is not choreographed and rehearsed. But he would not agree to it."

He said PM Modi must be the only democratically elected prime minister in the world, who has not held a single press conference during the five years he has been in power.

About his wife contesting from Lucknow on SP ticket, Sinha claimed that Congress president Rahul Gandhi and general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have knowledge of it and supported her candidature.

"We may be contesting from different parties, but we are working towards the common goal of defeating the one-man army and two-man army," he said referring to PM Modi and BJP president Amit Shah.

Mr Sinha claimed that Akhilesh and Mayawati wanted him to contest from Lucknow.

"But I told them that I am committed to fighting from Patna Sahib. Then they said my wife who is a social activist and an active participant in my election campaigns could be a good choice," he said.

So, Mr Sinha said, "Lucknow is witnessing a fight between Home Minister Rajnath Singh and the home minister of Ramayana. We will have a thrilling contest between two home ministers".

Ramayana is the name Mr Sinha's Mumbai residence.

Under attack within the Congress for describing BSP supremo Mayawati and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav "Prime Minister material", actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha Wednesday said anyone having successfully ruled a state is competent for the top job in the country.

Under attack within the Congress for describing BSP supremo Mayawati and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav "Prime Minister material", actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha Wednesday said anyone having successfully ruled a state is competent for the top job in the country. The Patna Sahib MP, who recently severed his ties with the BJP and joined the Congress which has fielded him from the same seat, also took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi dubbing his interview with actor Akshay Kumar as one conducted after "rehearsals" and with the help of "scriptwriters". "I hold that a prime minister does not need to have exceptional qualities. It is basically a number game. If you and I have the support of the requisite number of MPs, we too can become the prime minister," he told a news channel in Patna. "Moreover, I think that anybody who has had a successful tenure as a chief minister does have the necessary experience for the top job," Mr Sinha said. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar is also a prime minister material though the JD(U) president is now with the BJP, he said adding that Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav also ruled Uttar Pradesh and therefore they too fit the bill. "After all, what are the credentials of Narendra Modi except that he had served as the chief minister of Gujarat. It was ordinary BJP workers like me who created the buzz around him which resulted in the Modi-Modi-Modi chant heard across the country. I have seen it all. I know the tricks of the game," he said. Mr Sinha had ruffled many feathers within the Congress when he recently campaigned for his wife Poonam who is contesting from Lucknow on a Samajwadi Party ticket through the Congress has also fielded its candidate from there. His praise for Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav has drawn censure from a section of Congress leaders who found it objectionable in the wake of the SP-BSP alliance giving a cold shoulder to the party in Uttar Pradesh. About Modi's interview by Akshay Kumar telecast on Wednesday, Mr Sinha said, "As far as the prime minister is concerned, I have known him closely as a friend. He gives interviews after lots of rehearsals which are conducted with the help of scriptwriters. What to speak of it?" He said he knows Akshay and his family well. Of late he is supporting many a cause through his choice of movies though he has so far been apolitical, the former actor said. To a query, Mr Sinha said, "I would love to interview Modi, which is not choreographed and rehearsed. But he would not agree to it." He said PM Modi must be the only democratically elected prime minister in the world, who has not held a single press conference during the five years he has been in power. About his wife contesting from Lucknow on SP ticket, Sinha claimed that Congress president Rahul Gandhi and general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have knowledge of it and supported her candidature. "We may be contesting from different parties, but we are working towards the common goal of defeating the one-man army and two-man army," he said referring to PM Modi and BJP president Amit Shah. Mr Sinha claimed that Akhilesh and Mayawati wanted him to contest from Lucknow. "But I told them that I am committed to fighting from Patna Sahib. Then they said my wife who is a social activist and an active participant in my election campaigns could be a good choice," he said. So, Mr Sinha said, "Lucknow is witnessing a fight between Home Minister Rajnath Singh and the home minister of Ramayana. We will have a thrilling contest between two home ministers". Ramayana is the name Mr Sinha's Mumbai residence.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati are 'PM material', says Shatrughan Sinha

The Delhi CEO Office has received 365 applications till date on pre-certification of political advertisements by various political parties with the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-file-nomination-on-april-26-security-beefed-up-in-wake-of-roadshow-today-213354&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjQm4LzzOrhAhUHMY8KHVN0B80QFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2sqTG-HQ6-0UIqHplmE_Kb">BJP</a> filing a maximum of 244 applications, according to data shared by the poll body here on Wednesday.

These advertisements to be played on TV or social media, among other platforms are to be pre-certified by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) of the Election Commission constituted at state and district levels.

According to the data shared by the Delhi CEO office, the BJP has sent 244 applications, Congress 98 and the AAP 20, till date for MCMC certifications.

As many as 330 certificates have been issued and 11 are pending till date, while 24 were rejected, it said.

The CEO office also said that as many as 179 FIRs and daily diary (DD) entries were filed against political parties and others here for a violation of the model code of conduct, till date.

The statistics surveillance team of Delhi's Chief Electoral Office constituted to keep an eye on the expenses of political parties, has seized Rs 2.88 crore in cash and 1378 kg of narcotics and drugs.

"A total of 179 FIRs or DD entries have been lodged till date in connection with the violation of the model code of conduct," the office of the Delhi Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said in a statement.

"Out of these, 21 are against the Aam Aadmi Party (13 FIRs and eight DD entries), 28 against the Bhartiya Janata Party (14 FIRs and 14 DD entries), nine against the Congress (three FIRs and six DD entries), one against the Bahujan Samaj Party (an FIR), Samajwadi Party (one DD entry), four against CPI (M) (two FIRs and two DD entries) and 115 (111 FIRs and four DD entries) are against others or non-political (entities)," it said.

The office of the Delhi CEO said over 3.25 lakh posters, banners and hoardings have been removed since March 10, when the poll code came into force.&nbsp;

The Delhi CEO Office has received 365 applications till date on pre-certification of political advertisements by various political parties with the BJP filing a maximum of 244 applications, according to data shared by the poll body here on Wednesday.

The Delhi CEO Office has received 365 applications till date on pre-certification of political advertisements by various political parties with the BJP filing a maximum of 244 applications, according to data shared by the poll body here on Wednesday. These advertisements to be played on TV or social media, among other platforms are to be pre-certified by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) of the Election Commission constituted at state and district levels. According to the data shared by the Delhi CEO office, the BJP has sent 244 applications, Congress 98 and the AAP 20, till date for MCMC certifications. As many as 330 certificates have been issued and 11 are pending till date, while 24 were rejected, it said. The CEO office also said that as many as 179 FIRs and daily diary (DD) entries were filed against political parties and others here for a violation of the model code of conduct, till date. The statistics surveillance team of Delhi's Chief Electoral Office constituted to keep an eye on the expenses of political parties, has seized Rs 2.88 crore in cash and 1378 kg of narcotics and drugs. "A total of 179 FIRs or DD entries have been lodged till date in connection with the violation of the model code of conduct," the office of the Delhi Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said in a statement. "Out of these, 21 are against the Aam Aadmi Party (13 FIRs and eight DD entries), 28 against the Bhartiya Janata Party (14 FIRs and 14 DD entries), nine against the Congress (three FIRs and six DD entries), one against the Bahujan Samaj Party (an FIR), Samajwadi Party (one DD entry), four against CPI (M) (two FIRs and two DD entries) and 115 (111 FIRs and four DD entries) are against others or non-political (entities)," it said. The office of the Delhi CEO said over 3.25 lakh posters, banners and hoardings have been removed since March 10, when the poll code came into force.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: BJP filed nearly 67% of total applications sent to MCMC

Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-by-2030-india-will-replace-one-of-the-top-3-superpowers-says-rajnath-singh-213156&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjw1sbAyerhAhWIro8KHX0jDV8QFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3bCmGfhf65yagMtWyAMViK">Rajnath Singh</a> Wednesday said the number of terrorists killed in the Balakot air strikes was "high", and accused the Congress of politicising the anti-terror operation by the IAF.

He hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for using "foul language" against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Claiming the BJP would get a clear mandate in the Lok Sabha elections, Singh said he has no doubt in his mind that NDA allies will retain power with a three-fourths majority.

He said the Congress is politicising the Balakot air strikes and dismissed its demand of proof of casualties in the operation as "uncalled for".

The IAF had struck a Jaish-e-Mohammad terror training camp in Pakistan on February 26 in response to the February 14 Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

"Should our forces have stopped there to count the dead bodies? Brave jawans do not count the dead bodies, they keep marching ahead... Eagles count bodies," he said.

"Had there been 1, 2, 3 or 4 casualties, then we could have given a figure, but how can we tell (the exact casualties) when this figure was so high. I head the intelligence agencies. I would like to say we carried out the air strikes on the basis of credible and actionable inputs, and without violating Pakistan's sovereignty," the home minister said.

Singh said if the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was hailed for splitting Pakistan in 1971, then why can't Modi be lauded for the Balakot air strikes.

He addressed two election rallies in neighbouring Palghar district in support of Shiv Sena candidates from Thane and Palghar Lok Sabha constituencies.

Lashing out at the opposition for pointing fingers at electronic voting machines, he said, "The (voting) trend in the first phase of elections suggested the NDA would get a two-thirds majority. Soon the opposition launched an attack on EMVs.''

"When these people (Congress) won (assembly polls) in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh last year, then EVMs were right, but when they saw we are inching towards victory, they again started crying foul on EVMs", he said.

Singh strongly defended the alliance between the BJP and the Shiv Sena, saying it is based on their shared ideology of nationalism.

''No one can break the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in the state'', Singh asserted.

He said NCP chief Sharad Pawar had sensed his defeat in the Lok Sabha elections and hence decided to stay away from the poll fray.

Singh, contesting from the Lucknow Lok Sabha seat, lauded the government of Prime Minister Modi and said under his watch India saw a quantum jump in its economic ranking.

"We were languishing at the 9th position among the top 10 countries (before 2014). But since the Modi-led government took charge, our country witnessed a quantum jump and we secured the 6th position among the top 10 countries," the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said.

"And I would like to say...In the coming years, we are going to attain the 5th position," Singh said.

The home minister said India is no more a country of the poor people and "we are now one of the fastest-growing economies in the world".

It is unfortunate that Congress president Rahul Gandhi is "using foul" language against the prime minister of the country, Singh said.

''To say `chowkidar chor hai' (Rahul's jibe at the PM over the Rafale deal) is stooping too low. I was shocked when I first heard such a language for our prime minister'', he said.

"The Congress government did not buy a single next-generation fighter plane in the last 30 years. Had we got Rafale jets, we could have destroyed Pakistan-based (terror) camps while sitting in India," Singh said.

Instead of attacking the PM, the Congress should introspect why it is losing base, he said.

The BJP veteran said the Congress governments under Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi made "failed" efforts to eliminate poverty and Rahul Gandhi is now going on the same path (with his Nyay scheme).

He said the Congress-led UPA government built 25 lakh housing units from 2008 to 2014, while the BJP-headed NDA government constructed 1.30 crore houses between 2014-2018.

Nowhere in the world you will see the "karishma" (miracle) of 34 crore bank accounts being opened in such a short time (under Jan Dhan Yojana), he said, adding this could happen only due to Modi's leadership.

Singh said only five crore people are left in the extremely poor category and added "we will abolish this poverty in the coming five to seven years".

Thane and Palghar are among the 17 Lok Sabha seats that will vote in the fourth and final phase in Maharashtra on April 29

Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh Wednesday said the number of terrorists killed in the Balakot air strikes was "high", and accused the Congress of politicising the anti-terror operation by the IAF.

Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh Wednesday said the number of terrorists killed in the Balakot air strikes was "high", and accused the Congress of politicising the anti-terror operation by the IAF. He hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for using "foul language" against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Claiming the BJP would get a clear mandate in the Lok Sabha elections, Singh said he has no doubt in his mind that NDA allies will retain power with a three-fourths majority. He said the Congress is politicising the Balakot air strikes and dismissed its demand of proof of casualties in the operation as "uncalled for". The IAF had struck a Jaish-e-Mohammad terror training camp in Pakistan on February 26 in response to the February 14 Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. "Should our forces have stopped there to count the dead bodies? Brave jawans do not count the dead bodies, they keep marching ahead... Eagles count bodies," he said. "Had there been 1, 2, 3 or 4 casualties, then we could have given a figure, but how can we tell (the exact casualties) when this figure was so high. I head the intelligence agencies. I would like to say we carried out the air strikes on the basis of credible and actionable inputs, and without violating Pakistan's sovereignty," the home minister said. Singh said if the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was hailed for splitting Pakistan in 1971, then why can't Modi be lauded for the Balakot air strikes. He addressed two election rallies in neighbouring Palghar district in support of Shiv Sena candidates from Thane and Palghar Lok Sabha constituencies. Lashing out at the opposition for pointing fingers at electronic voting machines, he said, "The (voting) trend in the first phase of elections suggested the NDA would get a two-thirds majority. Soon the opposition launched an attack on EMVs.'' "When these people (Congress) won (assembly polls) in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh last year, then EVMs were right, but when they saw we are inching towards victory, they again started crying foul on EVMs", he said. Singh strongly defended the alliance between the BJP and the Shiv Sena, saying it is based on their shared ideology of nationalism. ''No one can break the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in the state'', Singh asserted. He said NCP chief Sharad Pawar had sensed his defeat in the Lok Sabha elections and hence decided to stay away from the poll fray. Singh, contesting from the Lucknow Lok Sabha seat, lauded the government of Prime Minister Modi and said under his watch India saw a quantum jump in its economic ranking. "We were languishing at the 9th position among the top 10 countries (before 2014). But since the Modi-led government took charge, our country witnessed a quantum jump and we secured the 6th position among the top 10 countries," the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said. "And I would like to say...In the coming years, we are going to attain the 5th position," Singh said. The home minister said India is no more a country of the poor people and "we are now one of the fastest-growing economies in the world". It is unfortunate that Congress president Rahul Gandhi is "using foul" language against the prime minister of the country, Singh said. ''To say `chowkidar chor hai' (Rahul's jibe at the PM over the Rafale deal) is stooping too low. I was shocked when I first heard such a language for our prime minister'', he said. "The Congress government did not buy a single next-generation fighter plane in the last 30 years. Had we got Rafale jets, we could have destroyed Pakistan-based (terror) camps while sitting in India," Singh said. Instead of attacking the PM, the Congress should introspect why it is losing base, he said. The BJP veteran said the Congress governments under Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi made "failed" efforts to eliminate poverty and Rahul Gandhi is now going on the same path (with his Nyay scheme). He said the Congress-led UPA government built 25 lakh housing units from 2008 to 2014, while the BJP-headed NDA government constructed 1.30 crore houses between 2014-2018. Nowhere in the world you will see the "karishma" (miracle) of 34 crore bank accounts being opened in such a short time (under Jan Dhan Yojana), he said, adding this could happen only due to Modi's leadership. Singh said only five crore people are left in the extremely poor category and added "we will abolish this poverty in the coming five to seven years". Thane and Palghar are among the 17 Lok Sabha seats that will vote in the fourth and final phase in Maharashtra on April 29

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Rajnath Singh slams Congress over Balakot air strikes, 'chowkidar' jibe

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a major road show in his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi on Thursday before he sets out to file his nomination paper on Friday, April 26.

The PM's roadshow will pass through the main areas of the temple town before culminating at Dashashwamedh Ghat where he will participate in "Ganga Aarti", the BJP said.

Top BJP leaders including party president Amit Shah and other leaders of NDA including many Chief Ministers are expected to attend the roadshow going from Lanka near Banaras Hindu University to the Dashashwamedh Ghat via Godoliya.

PM Modi is expected to be accompanied by seniormost leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party including Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Sushma Swaraj, Piyush Goyal and others.

Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states are expected to be in Varanasi. NDA leaders including Shiromani Akali Dal chief Parkash Singh Badal, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Lok Jan Shakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan will also be present on this occasion, the party said.

The prime minister will land at Varanasi's Babatpur airport around 2 pm in the afternoon, before heading to the helipad at Banaras Hindu University and taking the car from there to Lanka, from where the roadshow will begin. PM Modi will first garland the statue of Madan Mohan Malviya at the location, before embarking on the roadshow, BJP said in a statement.

Before filing his nomination PM Modi will visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple to offer prayers.

"Now, the people of Varanasi do not spit 'paan' here and there after chewing it. I mean to say that the Varanasi has changed and has developed a lot but without compromising its values," said Kaushal Kishore Sharma, a professor at BHU.

"Earlier there were wires all over but now the lines have been made underground. Ganga is much cleaner now," he said.

Ashok Dwivedi, the chief trustee of Kashi Vishwanath Temple said that not only in Varanasi but people all over India want that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should avail a second term.

"I visited many states and cities like Cuttack, Bengaluru, Chennai, Haryana etc and believe me the public is seeing hope in PM Modi for they think that he will resolve their small regional issues and will revoke Article 35A and 370 related to Jammu and Kashmir. People are quite confident that he will lead India ahead under his strong leadership," said Ashok Dwivedi.

Seers are also rallying in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserting that he has done unprecedented developmental works and has clean the Ganga as never before.

"You can take Ganga water and drink it. You will not get ill. PM Modi has worked for cleaning Ganga. 80 per cent of saints are in favour of Narendra Modi," said seer Neelkanth.

Meanwhile, security is heightened in the city ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit with adequate troops and security personnel deployed strategically. Small drones have also been deployed to keep an eye on activities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a major road show in his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi on Thursday before he sets out to file his nomination paper on Friday, April 26.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a major road show in his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi on Thursday before he sets out to file his nomination paper on Friday, April 26. The PM's roadshow will pass through the main areas of the temple town before culminating at Dashashwamedh Ghat where he will participate in "Ganga Aarti", the BJP said. Top BJP leaders including party president Amit Shah and other leaders of NDA including many Chief Ministers are expected to attend the roadshow going from Lanka near Banaras Hindu University to the Dashashwamedh Ghat via Godoliya. PM Modi is expected to be accompanied by seniormost leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party including Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Sushma Swaraj, Piyush Goyal and others. Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states are expected to be in Varanasi. NDA leaders including Shiromani Akali Dal chief Parkash Singh Badal, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Lok Jan Shakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan will also be present on this occasion, the party said. The prime minister will land at Varanasi's Babatpur airport around 2 pm in the afternoon, before heading to the helipad at Banaras Hindu University and taking the car from there to Lanka, from where the roadshow will begin. PM Modi will first garland the statue of Madan Mohan Malviya at the location, before embarking on the roadshow, BJP said in a statement. Before filing his nomination PM Modi will visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple to offer prayers. "Now, the people of Varanasi do not spit 'paan' here and there after chewing it. I mean to say that the Varanasi has changed and has developed a lot but without compromising its values," said Kaushal Kishore Sharma, a professor at BHU. "Earlier there were wires all over but now the lines have been made underground. Ganga is much cleaner now," he said. Ashok Dwivedi, the chief trustee of Kashi Vishwanath Temple said that not only in Varanasi but people all over India want that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should avail a second term. "I visited many states and cities like Cuttack, Bengaluru, Chennai, Haryana etc and believe me the public is seeing hope in PM Modi for they think that he will resolve their small regional issues and will revoke Article 35A and 370 related to Jammu and Kashmir. People are quite confident that he will lead India ahead under his strong leadership," said Ashok Dwivedi. Seers are also rallying in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserting that he has done unprecedented developmental works and has clean the Ganga as never before. "You can take Ganga water and drink it. You will not get ill. PM Modi has worked for cleaning Ganga. 80 per cent of saints are in favour of Narendra Modi," said seer Neelkanth. Meanwhile, security is heightened in the city ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit with adequate troops and security personnel deployed strategically. Small drones have also been deployed to keep an eye on activities.

PM Modi to file nomination on April 26, security beefed up in wake of roadshow today

BJP's Om Birla and Congress' Ramnarayan Meena will be up in the key contest in Kota constituency. In the 4th phase, a total of 71 seats across 8 states will witness Lok Sabha election 2019.

WION Gravitas: Big ticket battles in phase 4

Kerala recorded the highest polling in the last 30 years with 77.68 per cent voter turnout on Tuesday.

While Kannur constituency recorded the highest percentage of 83.05, Thiruvananthapuram observed the lowest polling with 73 per cent of the electorate coming out to vote. All 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala went to polls in the third phase of the general elections on 23 April.

Elections in the country are scheduled to be held in seven phases starting from 11 April and ending on 19 May. Counting of votes will take place on 23 May.

Kerala recorded the highest polling in the last 30 years with 77.68 per cent voter turnout on Tuesday. While Kannur constituency recorded the highest percentage of 83.

Kerala recorded the highest polling in the last 30 years with 77.68 per cent voter turnout on Tuesday. While Kannur constituency recorded the highest percentage of 83.05, Thiruvananthapuram observed the lowest polling with 73 per cent of the electorate coming out to vote. All 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala went to polls in the third phase of the general elections on 23 April. Elections in the country are scheduled to be held in seven phases starting from 11 April and ending on 19 May. Counting of votes will take place on 23 May.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Kerala records highest voter turnout in 30 years with 77.68% polling

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding a grand roadshow in Varanasi, a day before he files the nomination papers from the Lok Sabha seat. Watch this video to know more.

WION Gravitas: PM Modi holds mega roadshow in Varanasi

Congress on Thursday ended all speculation around party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting Lok Sabha Election from Varanasi constituency. Watch this video to know more.

WION Gravitas: No Modi vs Priyanka in Varanasi as Congress names Ajay Rai as its candidate

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi, where thousands gathered welcomed him wholeheartedly. The Prime Minister first garlanded the statue of Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and has now begun his mega roadshow. Watch this video to know more.

Modi's Mega Roadshow: PM gets rousing welcome in Varanasi

India's most populated city and commercial capital of the country is all set to elect its parliamentarians.

All the six constituencies of the city are Mumbai South, Mumbai South Central, Mumbai North, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai North East and Mumbai North West.

In all the six Lok Sabha seats in Mumbai, the direct fight is between the candidates of BJP-Shiv Sena alliance and the Congress-NCP combine.

BJP and Shiv Sena are contesting three seats each—Mumbai North Central, North and North East for BJP, and Mumbai South, South Central and North West for the Shiv Sena.

The Congress is contesting five seats and the NCP has fielded its candidate in Mumbai North East.

NCP's Sanjay Dina Patil will face BJP's newcomer Manoj Kotak in Mumbai North East.

In South Mumbai, the principal contest will be between Arvind Sawant (Sena) and Milind Deora (Congress), though BJP's Poonam Mahajan is in an intense fight against Priya Dutt (Congress) in North Central Mumbai constituency. Gajanan Kirtikar (Shiv Sena) and Congress' Sanjay Nirupam are fighting it out in the North West Mumbai constituency, though the candidature of Urmila Matondkar from Congress has made it an intriguing fight with regards to North Mumbai constituency against BJP's Gopal Shetty.

Meanwhile, Raj Thackeray's MNS is not directly contesting the elections but he is indirectly helping the Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), candidates.

In fact, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief has emerged as the biggest star campaigner for Congress-NCP coalition.

Two strong women leaders are fighting it out in Mumbai North Central seat, the sitting Bharatiya Janata Party MP Poonam Mahajan is pitted against the Congress' two-time former member of Parliament Priya Dutt Roncon.

This is the only constituency in Mumbai where voters will choose between two main women contenders.

Poonam Mahajan and Priya Dutt both hail from influential political families.

Poonam is the daughter of the late Union minister Pramod Mahajan and niece of the late Union minister Gopinath Munde.

Priya is the daughter of the late Union minister Sunil Dutt and her mother, Nargis, was an actor and former Rajya Sabha member.

Mumbai rode the Modi wave in 2014 General Elections and went completely saffron. The city&nbsp;has a large concentration of film stars, personalities from the glamour world, celebrities and business tycoons.

However, Hindi film industry is playing a lead role in Modi’s campaign for a second term, endorsing him on-screen and off, in both subtle and obvious ways, in a marked shift from the more transactional relationship Indian film stars previously had with politicians.

The question ahead of April 29 is whether the city is ready to give PM Modi another shot or is it prepared for a change.

India's most populated city and commercial capital of the country is all set to elect its parliamentarians. All the six constituencies of the city are Mumbai South, Mumbai South Central, Mumbai North, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai North East and Mumbai North West.

India's most populated city and commercial capital of the country is all set to elect its parliamentarians. All the six constituencies of the city are Mumbai South, Mumbai South Central, Mumbai North, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai North East and Mumbai North West. In all the six Lok Sabha seats in Mumbai, the direct fight is between the candidates of BJP-Shiv Sena alliance and the Congress-NCP combine. BJP and Shiv Sena are contesting three seats each—Mumbai North Central, North and North East for BJP, and Mumbai South, South Central and North West for the Shiv Sena. The Congress is contesting five seats and the NCP has fielded its candidate in Mumbai North East. NCP's Sanjay Dina Patil will face BJP's newcomer Manoj Kotak in Mumbai North East. In South Mumbai, the principal contest will be between Arvind Sawant (Sena) and Milind Deora (Congress), though BJP's Poonam Mahajan is in an intense fight against Priya Dutt (Congress) in North Central Mumbai constituency. Gajanan Kirtikar (Shiv Sena) and Congress' Sanjay Nirupam are fighting it out in the North West Mumbai constituency, though the candidature of Urmila Matondkar from Congress has made it an intriguing fight with regards to North Mumbai constituency against BJP's Gopal Shetty. Meanwhile, Raj Thackeray's MNS is not directly contesting the elections but he is indirectly helping the Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), candidates. In fact, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief has emerged as the biggest star campaigner for Congress-NCP coalition. Two strong women leaders are fighting it out in Mumbai North Central seat, the sitting Bharatiya Janata Party MP Poonam Mahajan is pitted against the Congress' two-time former member of Parliament Priya Dutt Roncon. This is the only constituency in Mumbai where voters will choose between two main women contenders. Poonam Mahajan and Priya Dutt both hail from influential political families. Poonam is the daughter of the late Union minister Pramod Mahajan and niece of the late Union minister Gopinath Munde. Priya is the daughter of the late Union minister Sunil Dutt and her mother, Nargis, was an actor and former Rajya Sabha member. Mumbai rode the Modi wave in 2014 General Elections and went completely saffron. The city has a large concentration of film stars, personalities from the glamour world, celebrities and business tycoons. However, Hindi film industry is playing a lead role in Modi’s campaign for a second term, endorsing him on-screen and off, in both subtle and obvious ways, in a marked shift from the more transactional relationship Indian film stars previously had with politicians. The question ahead of April 29 is whether the city is ready to give PM Modi another shot or is it prepared for a change.

Mumbai: India's most populous city goes to vote on April 29

BJP chief<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-is-in-confusion-not-us-amit-shah-on-reports-of-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-contesting-from-varanasi-213070&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjk7tXBkujhAhXX63MBHdyGDPcQFggOMAM&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2XT3XNbghOU6QzFF3SDOBh"> Amit Shah</a> Tuesday said that after three phases of voting in the Lok Sabha polls he is confident that his party will win the elections with a huge margin and form a government with full majority.

Shah visited Varanasi, the parliamentary constituency represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and inaugurated a media centre of the party. He also opened the election office of PM Modi at Mehmoorganj.

&nbsp;"Looking at the voting in the first three phases, I believe that the BJP is going to form the next government with full majority," Shah told reporters at the launch of the media centre.

In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP and its ally will perform far better than the SP-BSP alliance and would win most of the seats of the state, he said.

He said the BJP's tally would be even better than the 2014 Lok Sabha election's.

On the question of the possibility of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-is-in-confusion-not-us-amit-shah-on-reports-of-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-contesting-from-varanasi-213070&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjk7tXBkujhAhXX63MBHdyGDPcQFggOMAM&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2XT3XNbghOU6QzFF3SDOBh">Congress Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</a> contesting the Lok Sabha elections against Modi from Varanasi, Shah said that in a democracy, anyone can contest polls from anywhere in the country.

"We have declared our candidate and PM Modi is contesting elections again from Varanasi," he said.

He said Modi will hold a grand roadshow in the city on April 25 and file his nomination papers the next day.

He said senior BJP leaders, parliamentary board members and NDA allies, including Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Shiromani Akali Dal leaders, LJP president Ram Vilas Paswan, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will be present, among others, during the filing of the nomination papers.

On the question of giving Lok Sabha ticket to 2008 Malegaon blast accused Pragya Thakur, Shah said she was jailed on "false" charges "fabricated" by the Congress party.

Shah said Congress president Rahul Gandhi should apologise for "Hindu terror" and "Bhagwa terror" phrases.

Shah said the Congress released LeT terrorists from jail for vote bank politics and alleged that it jailed innocent people on false terror cases. It accused the party of sidestepping national security for vote bank politics.

He also said those who carried out corruption to the tune of Rs "12 lakh crore", would not be spared and their place is in jail.

"When did you meet Rahul Gandhi, why are you speaking his language?" Shah said when he was asked about the PM's 'nuclear-button' statement, and also a question on alleged "harassment" of political opponents by the BJP.

"In 2014, PM Modi had said that those who carried out corruption and scams to the tune of Rs 12 lakh crore, they will not be spared and their place is in jails," Shah told the press conference.

"Will they be spared and not be sent in jail? It's the public money and the public wants to know about each penny", he said.

He said the BJP never indulged in "politically motivated" harassment of its political opponents.

BJP chief Amit Shah Tuesday said that after three phases of voting in the Lok Sabha polls he is confident that his party will win the elections with a huge margin and form a government with full majority.

BJP chief Amit Shah Tuesday said that after three phases of voting in the Lok Sabha polls he is confident that his party will win the elections with a huge margin and form a government with full majority. Shah visited Varanasi, the parliamentary constituency represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and inaugurated a media centre of the party. He also opened the election office of PM Modi at Mehmoorganj. "Looking at the voting in the first three phases, I believe that the BJP is going to form the next government with full majority," Shah told reporters at the launch of the media centre. In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP and its ally will perform far better than the SP-BSP alliance and would win most of the seats of the state, he said. He said the BJP's tally would be even better than the 2014 Lok Sabha election's. On the question of the possibility of Congress Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting the Lok Sabha elections against Modi from Varanasi, Shah said that in a democracy, anyone can contest polls from anywhere in the country. "We have declared our candidate and PM Modi is contesting elections again from Varanasi," he said. He said Modi will hold a grand roadshow in the city on April 25 and file his nomination papers the next day. He said senior BJP leaders, parliamentary board members and NDA allies, including Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Shiromani Akali Dal leaders, LJP president Ram Vilas Paswan, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will be present, among others, during the filing of the nomination papers. On the question of giving Lok Sabha ticket to 2008 Malegaon blast accused Pragya Thakur, Shah said she was jailed on "false" charges "fabricated" by the Congress party. Shah said Congress president Rahul Gandhi should apologise for "Hindu terror" and "Bhagwa terror" phrases. Shah said the Congress released LeT terrorists from jail for vote bank politics and alleged that it jailed innocent people on false terror cases. It accused the party of sidestepping national security for vote bank politics. He also said those who carried out corruption to the tune of Rs "12 lakh crore", would not be spared and their place is in jail. "When did you meet Rahul Gandhi, why are you speaking his language?" Shah said when he was asked about the PM's 'nuclear-button' statement, and also a question on alleged "harassment" of political opponents by the BJP. "In 2014, PM Modi had said that those who carried out corruption and scams to the tune of Rs 12 lakh crore, they will not be spared and their place is in jails," Shah told the press conference. "Will they be spared and not be sent in jail? It's the public money and the public wants to know about each penny", he said. He said the BJP never indulged in "politically motivated" harassment of its political opponents.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Looking at voting in first three phases, I'm confident BJP will win, says Amit Shah

Union Home Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-rajnath-singh-files-nomination-from-lucknow-210886&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiYyOLXjOjhAhVr6nMBHR_MCLEQFggOMAM&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1D8RizZQlIkCEDFGqb-e7C">Rajnath Singh</a> on Tuesday said that by the year 2030 India could replace any one of the three world superpowers (Russia, China and America).

"By 2030 or 2031 Bharat will replace any one of the three superpowers, either Russia, China or America from the list of top three countries of the world in terms of economy and strength," said Rajnath Singh while addressing an election rally at Chatra.

He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government has provided an immense boost to the economy of India.

"In 2014 we were at ninth place among the top 10 countries in terms of the size of the economy. After four years of governance led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in 2018 we jumped to the sixth position," he said.

"And I say it with confidence that not in few years but in few months we will be at the fifth place," said Rajnath.

The Home Minister also said that the Prime Minister had assured that every paise earmarked for the welfare of the people reaches the common man.

"Rajiv Gandhi helplessly said that out of 100 Paise given by him only 16 Paise manages to reach the people but Prime Minister Narendra Modi has overcome this and now when 100 paise is sent, 100 paise reaches your pocket," said Singh.

Rajnath Singh also gave an assurance of completely wiping out Naxalism.

"Naxalism which was spread across 126 districts of the country is now restricted to only seven to eight districts. I assure you it will be entirely uprooted from India in the next three to four years," he said.

Jharkhand has 14 Lok Sabha constituencies which will go for polls on 29 April, 6 May, 12 May and 19 May for its 3, 4, 4 and 3 seats respectively.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that by the year 2030 India could replace any one of the three world superpowers (Russia, China and America). "By 2030 or 2031 Bharat will replace any one of the three superpowers, either Russia, China or America from the list of top three countries of the world in terms of economy and strength," said Rajnath Singh while addressing an election rally at Chatra.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that by the year 2030 India could replace any one of the three world superpowers (Russia, China and America). "By 2030 or 2031 Bharat will replace any one of the three superpowers, either Russia, China or America from the list of top three countries of the world in terms of economy and strength," said Rajnath Singh while addressing an election rally at Chatra. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government has provided an immense boost to the economy of India. "In 2014 we were at ninth place among the top 10 countries in terms of the size of the economy. After four years of governance led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in 2018 we jumped to the sixth position," he said. "And I say it with confidence that not in few years but in few months we will be at the fifth place," said Rajnath. The Home Minister also said that the Prime Minister had assured that every paise earmarked for the welfare of the people reaches the common man. "Rajiv Gandhi helplessly said that out of 100 Paise given by him only 16 Paise manages to reach the people but Prime Minister Narendra Modi has overcome this and now when 100 paise is sent, 100 paise reaches your pocket," said Singh. Rajnath Singh also gave an assurance of completely wiping out Naxalism. "Naxalism which was spread across 126 districts of the country is now restricted to only seven to eight districts. I assure you it will be entirely uprooted from India in the next three to four years," he said. Jharkhand has 14 Lok Sabha constituencies which will go for polls on 29 April, 6 May, 12 May and 19 May for its 3, 4, 4 and 3 seats respectively.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: By 2030 India will replace one of the top 3 superpowers, says Rajnath Singh

Sitaram Yechury, the general secretary of Communist Party of India (Marxist) has said that it is regrettable that the left party has not found a place in the Bihar grand alliance of opposition parties.

"It is very regrettable that we have not found a place in ''<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/second-phase-polls-bjp-mahagathbandhan-set-to-lock-horns-in-uttar-pradeshs-amroha-210709">mahagathbandhan'</a>'. The left and the RJD have very old relationship, both have fought together for secularism," said Sitaram Yechury.

"At Begusarai we are contesting on our own while at rest of places we are supporting ''mahagathbandhan'' because we have to defeat the BJP," said Mr Yechury.

Mr Yechury is campaigning for former JNU Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar who is contesting on a CPI ticket from Begusarai where he is pitted against Union Minister Giriraj Singh of BJP and RJD's Tanveer Hassan.

He said that only issue in this election for the opposition is to defeat Narendra Modi government.

"In the last five years, a very grim situation has reached for everybody, the condition of life is pathetic. We have to defeat BJP," he said.

There are 40 Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar and polling for first, the second and third phase is already over. Voting for the remain in seats will be held on April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19; votes will be counted on May 23.

Sitaram Yechury, the general secretary of Communist Party of India (Marxist) has said that it is regrettable that the left party has not found a place in the Bihar grand alliance of opposition parties.

Sitaram Yechury, the general secretary of Communist Party of India (Marxist) has said that it is regrettable that the left party has not found a place in the Bihar grand alliance of opposition parties. "It is very regrettable that we have not found a place in ''mahagathbandhan''. The left and the RJD have very old relationship, both have fought together for secularism," said Sitaram Yechury. "At Begusarai we are contesting on our own while at rest of places we are supporting ''mahagathbandhan'' because we have to defeat the BJP," said Mr Yechury. Mr Yechury is campaigning for former JNU Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar who is contesting on a CPI ticket from Begusarai where he is pitted against Union Minister Giriraj Singh of BJP and RJD's Tanveer Hassan. He said that only issue in this election for the opposition is to defeat Narendra Modi government. "In the last five years, a very grim situation has reached for everybody, the condition of life is pathetic. We have to defeat BJP," he said. There are 40 Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar and polling for first, the second and third phase is already over. Voting for the remain in seats will be held on April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19; votes will be counted on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Regrettable that CPI (M) has not found a place in Bihar 'mahagathbandhan', says Sitaram Yechury

Returning Officer K. Mahesh on Wednesday accepted Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Gautam Gambhir's nomination from East Delhi parliamentary constituency after the party clarified that his affidavit was not antedated.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress had raised objections on the affidavit filed by the cricketer-turned-politician.

Speaking to reporters, Gambhir's lawyer Anil Soni clarified that all of it was a plan to create a ruckus by AAP and it was the opposition's fear of BJP winning the elections which forced them to object to his client's affidavit.

"Aam Aadmi Party using some miscreants had tried to create a ruckus by falsely stating that our affidavit was antedated. The rejected candidates too asked how the date of 19/04 was mentioned when the affidavit was filed on April 23. We clarified that we had filed two affidavits, one on April 18 and the other had the serial number 1904, it was not the date but the serial number, we also showed the notary registry and called up the notary too," said Anil.

Mahesh clarified that the objections to Gambhir's candidature had come from AAP and Congress which were resolved after an explanation came from BJP, following which his nomination was approved.

"We started the scrutiny on April 24 at 11 am, when BJP candidate Gautam Gambhir's paper came up the AAP candidate Atishi with her lawyer and Congress candidate Arvind Lovely and one more independent candidate raised objections. They said that the date mentioned on the nomination paper was not similar to the day when the affidavit was filed (April 23), we organised a proper hearing and called both parties at 3 pm, both the parties appeared before us, clarifications were given and the issue was resolved," said Mahesh.

Delhi, where seven Lok Sabha seats are at stake will go to poll on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

A total of 173 nominations have been filed till date, and the last date of withdrawal is April 26.&nbsp;

Returning Officer K. Mahesh on Wednesday accepted Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Gautam Gambhir's nomination from East Delhi parliamentary constituency after the party clarified that his affidavit was not antedated.

Returning Officer K. Mahesh on Wednesday accepted Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Gautam Gambhir's nomination from East Delhi parliamentary constituency after the party clarified that his affidavit was not antedated. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress had raised objections on the affidavit filed by the cricketer-turned-politician. Speaking to reporters, Gambhir's lawyer Anil Soni clarified that all of it was a plan to create a ruckus by AAP and it was the opposition's fear of BJP winning the elections which forced them to object to his client's affidavit. "Aam Aadmi Party using some miscreants had tried to create a ruckus by falsely stating that our affidavit was antedated. The rejected candidates too asked how the date of 19/04 was mentioned when the affidavit was filed on April 23. We clarified that we had filed two affidavits, one on April 18 and the other had the serial number 1904, it was not the date but the serial number, we also showed the notary registry and called up the notary too," said Anil. Mahesh clarified that the objections to Gambhir's candidature had come from AAP and Congress which were resolved after an explanation came from BJP, following which his nomination was approved. "We started the scrutiny on April 24 at 11 am, when BJP candidate Gautam Gambhir's paper came up the AAP candidate Atishi with her lawyer and Congress candidate Arvind Lovely and one more independent candidate raised objections. They said that the date mentioned on the nomination paper was not similar to the day when the affidavit was filed (April 23), we organised a proper hearing and called both parties at 3 pm, both the parties appeared before us, clarifications were given and the issue was resolved," said Mahesh. Delhi, where seven Lok Sabha seats are at stake will go to poll on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. A total of 173 nominations have been filed till date, and the last date of withdrawal is April 26.

Gautam Gambhir's nomination from East Delhi accepted by returning officer

The 66th National Film Awards will be announced after the 17th General Elections 2019 comes to an end, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry said on Wednesday. 
 
The National Film Awards winners are usually announced in the month of April every year. But due to Lok Sabha polls this year, it has been delayed. 
 
Established in 1954, the National Film Awards is the most prominent awards ceremony in India.&nbsp; 
 
The awards are administered along with the International Film Festival of India and Indian Panorama, by the Indian government`s Directorate of Film Festivals since 1972. 
 
For the national award, the winners are selected by an unbiased jury comprising of significant filmmakers and personalities. 
 
The official ceremony of the 65th National Awards took place on May 3, where President Ram Nath Kovind handed over the awards to the respective winners.&nbsp;

The 66th National Film Awards will be announced after the 17th General Elections 2019 comes to an end, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry said on Wednesday.

The 66th National Film Awards will be announced after the 17th General Elections 2019 comes to an end, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry said on Wednesday. The National Film Awards winners are usually announced in the month of April every year. But due to Lok Sabha polls this year, it has been delayed. Established in 1954, the National Film Awards is the most prominent awards ceremony in India. The awards are administered along with the International Film Festival of India and Indian Panorama, by the Indian government`s Directorate of Film Festivals since 1972. For the national award, the winners are selected by an unbiased jury comprising of significant filmmakers and personalities. The official ceremony of the 65th National Awards took place on May 3, where President Ram Nath Kovind handed over the awards to the respective winners.

National Film Awards winners to be declared after Lok Sabha polls

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