Lashing out at opposition parties that claimed the EVMs were being manipulated, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said the ‘mahamilawatis’ have realized they stand no chance after three phases of elections and are looking for excuses to defend their poor show. Addressing a rally in Lohardaga, Modi said the opposition parties have no option left but to accept defeat. At a press meet Tuesday, leaders of several major opposition parties raised doubt over the credibility of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), renewing their demand for verification of the machines.

“Just like a child who makes excuses to justify his underperformance in exams, opposition parties have started directing their anger on the EVMs and the voting process for their shortfalls. “The response in first three phases of polls have left opposition with no option but to accept defeat,” he said. Hitting out at the Congress, the prime minister said the “party that ended up shedding tears when Pakistan threatened India is eyeing the seat in Delhi”.

In a scathing attack on Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy for his alleged remark on the armed forces, Modi said those who believe that the poor join the army to make ends meet should drown to death. “It takes a lot of courage to fight on the border. Those that say that only the poor join the army to make ends meet should drown to death,” he asserted. Insisting that Indians everywhere were the responsibility of the ‘chowkidaar’ (watchman), the PM said he never discriminated people on the lines of religion or caste.

“When 46 nurses were held captive in Iraq, we did our best to get our daughters back. When Kolkata’s Judith D’Souza was kidnapped in Afghanistan, we rescued her. This chowkidaar is always concerned about the safety of the country’s daughters,” he claimed. Expressing gratitude to the people of Jharkhand, who turned up in large numbers for Tuesday’s roadshow in the state capital, Modi said, “The response that I received in Ranchi was overwhelming. I was touched. It wasn’t a planned programme. The state unit of BJP requested me for the show only two days ago and I am glad that agreed to the proposal.”

Lashing out at opposition parties that claimed the EVMs were being manipulated, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said the ‘mahamilawatis’ have realized they stand no chance after three phases of elections and are looking for excuses to defend their poor show.

Lashing out at opposition parties that claimed the EVMs were being manipulated, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said the ‘mahamilawatis’ have realized they stand no chance after three phases of elections and are looking for excuses to defend their poor show. Addressing a rally in Lohardaga, Modi said the opposition parties have no option left but to accept defeat. At a press meet Tuesday, leaders of several major opposition parties raised doubt over the credibility of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), renewing their demand for verification of the machines. “Just like a child who makes excuses to justify his underperformance in exams, opposition parties have started directing their anger on the EVMs and the voting process for their shortfalls. “The response in first three phases of polls have left opposition with no option but to accept defeat,” he said. Hitting out at the Congress, the prime minister said the “party that ended up shedding tears when Pakistan threatened India is eyeing the seat in Delhi”. In a scathing attack on Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy for his alleged remark on the armed forces, Modi said those who believe that the poor join the army to make ends meet should drown to death. “It takes a lot of courage to fight on the border. Those that say that only the poor join the army to make ends meet should drown to death,” he asserted. Insisting that Indians everywhere were the responsibility of the ‘chowkidaar’ (watchman), the PM said he never discriminated people on the lines of religion or caste. “When 46 nurses were held captive in Iraq, we did our best to get our daughters back. When Kolkata’s Judith D’Souza was kidnapped in Afghanistan, we rescued her. This chowkidaar is always concerned about the safety of the country’s daughters,” he claimed. Expressing gratitude to the people of Jharkhand, who turned up in large numbers for Tuesday’s roadshow in the state capital, Modi said, “The response that I received in Ranchi was overwhelming. I was touched. It wasn’t a planned programme. The state unit of BJP requested me for the show only two days ago and I am glad that agreed to the proposal.”

Lok Sabha polls 2019: PM Modi lashes out at opposition; says they have no option but to accept defeat

Upset over the refusal of ticket for the Lok Sabha polls, BJP sitting MP from North West Delhi Udit Raj Tuesday said the party might have decided to drop him for protesting against the apex court's order that nullified the stringent provisions of the Dalit protection law.

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-gautam-gambhir-richest-among-lok-sabha-candidates-in-delhi-213169&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjAso6Jn-jhAhVLqI8KHblqDXQQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw32x_HeZbVEMD9LKhv7JBud">BJP</a> has replaced Raj from the North West Lok Sabha constituency with Punjabi Sufi singer Hans Raj Hans.

Raj, who had earlier said he would contest as an independent candidate if the party did not announce his candidature, said he will decide his future course of action after consulting his supporters.

"I will not contest as an independent candidate. They (BJP) are forcing me to leave the party but I have not taken a decision on quitting. I will consult my supporters from across the country," he said.

Talking about the possible reasons why he was denied a ticket, Raj said, "When there was bandh in 2018 on SC-ST amendment, I protested, that's why the party leadership seemed to be unhappy with me.

When there was no government recruitment happening, was I not supposed to raise the issue? I will continue to raise the issues of Dalits", he said.

In 2018, the Supreme Court had issued a slew of guidelines to protect public servants and private employees from arbitrary arrests under the Atrocities Act.

The court directed that public servants can only be arrested with the written permission of their appointing authority.

This was seen as a dilution of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which led to protests across the country.

The government later brought in an amendment to nullify the apex court's order.&nbsp;

Raj claimed that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, three to four months ago, had told him that he would not be given a ticket.

"I am the best performer in the BJP's internal survey. Nobody talked to me on denial of ticket", he said.

''If I have faith in Modi and Shah, they should have told me that I would not be given the ticket. I have not resigned yet. Showing faith in Modi, we had merged our party with the BJP. Why am I being punished?" he asked.

On the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, supporters of Raj and Hans had raised slogans at the Delhi BJP office on Pandit Pant Marg.

Raj, along with supporters, had reached the office after hearing about Hans being considered by the party for the North West Delhi seat.

The former Indian Revenue Service officer had merged his Indian Justice Party (IJP) with the BJP and contested the Lok Sabha election from North West Delhi in 2014.

Raj claimed Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari had assured him of a ticket from North West Delhi.

He said he is in contact with senior party leaders Nirmala Sitharaman and Arun Jaitley in this regard.

The BJP MP has often held views contrary to the party's stand, especially during the Sabarimala issue and 'Bharat Bandh' called by Dalit organisations last year.

Earlier this month, he was at the centre of controversy after being caught in a sting done on several MPs, including Raj, which purportedly showed lawmakers accepting the use of black money for contesting polls.

Upset over the refusal of ticket for the Lok Sabha polls, BJP sitting MP from North West Delhi Udit Raj Tuesday said the party might have decided to drop him for protesting against the apex court's order that nullified the stringent provisions of the Dalit protection law.

Upset over the refusal of ticket for the Lok Sabha polls, BJP sitting MP from North West Delhi Udit Raj Tuesday said the party might have decided to drop him for protesting against the apex court's order that nullified the stringent provisions of the Dalit protection law. The BJP has replaced Raj from the North West Lok Sabha constituency with Punjabi Sufi singer Hans Raj Hans. Raj, who had earlier said he would contest as an independent candidate if the party did not announce his candidature, said he will decide his future course of action after consulting his supporters. "I will not contest as an independent candidate. They (BJP) are forcing me to leave the party but I have not taken a decision on quitting. I will consult my supporters from across the country," he said. Talking about the possible reasons why he was denied a ticket, Raj said, "When there was bandh in 2018 on SC-ST amendment, I protested, that's why the party leadership seemed to be unhappy with me. When there was no government recruitment happening, was I not supposed to raise the issue? I will continue to raise the issues of Dalits", he said. In 2018, the Supreme Court had issued a slew of guidelines to protect public servants and private employees from arbitrary arrests under the Atrocities Act. The court directed that public servants can only be arrested with the written permission of their appointing authority. This was seen as a dilution of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which led to protests across the country. The government later brought in an amendment to nullify the apex court's order. Raj claimed that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, three to four months ago, had told him that he would not be given a ticket. "I am the best performer in the BJP's internal survey. Nobody talked to me on denial of ticket", he said. ''If I have faith in Modi and Shah, they should have told me that I would not be given the ticket. I have not resigned yet. Showing faith in Modi, we had merged our party with the BJP. Why am I being punished?" he asked. On the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, supporters of Raj and Hans had raised slogans at the Delhi BJP office on Pandit Pant Marg. Raj, along with supporters, had reached the office after hearing about Hans being considered by the party for the North West Delhi seat. The former Indian Revenue Service officer had merged his Indian Justice Party (IJP) with the BJP and contested the Lok Sabha election from North West Delhi in 2014. Raj claimed Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari had assured him of a ticket from North West Delhi. He said he is in contact with senior party leaders Nirmala Sitharaman and Arun Jaitley in this regard. The BJP MP has often held views contrary to the party's stand, especially during the Sabarimala issue and 'Bharat Bandh' called by Dalit organisations last year. Earlier this month, he was at the centre of controversy after being caught in a sting done on several MPs, including Raj, which purportedly showed lawmakers accepting the use of black money for contesting polls.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Might have been denied ticket as I protested against Supreme Court order on Dalit law says Udit Raj

Former Indian opener <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gautam-gambhir-the-new-bjp-lok-sabha-candidate-holds-roadshow-in-delhi-212847&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj1t-PhmejhAhWj6nMBHV3DC-YQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw06HklgbCthk5Ck8wFg01eC">Gautam Gambhir</a> is the richest among all the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-sheila-dikshit-gautam-gambhir-vijender-singh-file-nominations-212991&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj1t-PhmejhAhWj6nMBHV3DC-YQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1egO5VJX1iiXEuFRKapdiT">candidates in fray for the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi</a> with total assets worth Rs 147 crores.

The cricketer-turned-politician, who will be making his electoral debut from East Delhi, has shown an income of nearly Rs 12.40 crores in the income tax returns filed for 2017-18.

His wife Natasha Gambhir declared an income of Rs 6.15 lakhs&nbsp;in the IT returns filed during the same period.

Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari has a total of movable and immovable assets worth over Rs 24 crores, an increase of over Rs 4.33 crores from 2014, according to his poll affidavit.

He has shown an income of Rs 48.03 lakhs in the income tax return for 2017-18 while in the affidavit filed in 2014, he had declared an income of over Rs 85 lakhs.

BJP MP from South Delhi Ramesh Bidhuri has movable and immovable assets worth Rs 18 crore, an increase of close to Rs 3.5 crore in the last five years, according to his affidavit.

Bidhuri, his wife and dependent Himanshu have shown an income of over Rs 16.72 lakhs, Rs 3.09 lakhs and Rs 3.18 lakhs respectively in the IT returns filed in 2017-18.

The 57-year-old leader, who is pitted against debutants Vijender Singh from Congress and Aam Aadmi Party's Raghav Chadha for the South Delhi seat, declared movable assets worth over Rs 1.37 crores while his wife has cash and jewellery worth over Rs 13.21 lakhs.&nbsp;

He has declared immovable assets worth Rs 11.80 crores while his wife has properties worth 4.57 crores.

He has shown liabilities of over Rs 20.38 lakhs.

Bidhuri completed his graduation from the Delhi University's Shaheed Bhagat Singh College and LLB from Chaudhary Charan Singh University from Meerut.

Congress candidate for South Delhi Vijender Singh has declared movable and immovable assets worth Rs 3.57 crores and Rs 5.05 crores respectively.

The former chief minister and Congress candidate Sheila Dikshit, who filed her nomination from the North-East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency on Tuesday, declared personal assets worth over Rs 4.92 crores.

According to an affidavit filed by Dikshit, the 81-year-old Congress veteran has an apartment in Nizamuddin area which has a market value of around Rs 1.88 crore.

Former Indian opener Gambhir (37) has declared immovable and movable assets worth over Rs 147 crores.

He has a criminal case of cheating pending against him.

He declared movable assets estimated to be worth over Rs 116 crores and immovable assets worth Rs 28 crores and liabilities nearly Rs 34.20 crores in his poll affidavit.

He completed his schooling from Modern School, Barakhamba Road and did his graduation from Delhi University's Hindu College.

Punjabi singer Hans Raj Hans, who will be contesting from the North West Delhi, showed an income of nearly Rs 9.28 lakhs in the income tax returns filed in 2017-18.

In the 2013-14 financial year, he had declared an income of nearly Rs 22.64 lakhs.

He and his wife have declared movable assets worth Rs 1.44 crores and Rs 18.50 lakhs respectively. His immovable assets are worth Rs 11.48 crore.

He owns a Toyota Innova, Ford Endeavour and Maruti Gypsy. He has declared liabilities of over Rs 23.89 lakhs.

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir is the richest among all the candidates in fray for the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi with total assets worth Rs 147 crores. The cricketer-turned-politician, who will be making his electoral debut from East Delhi, has shown an income of nearly Rs 12.

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir is the richest among all the candidates in fray for the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi with total assets worth Rs 147 crores. The cricketer-turned-politician, who will be making his electoral debut from East Delhi, has shown an income of nearly Rs 12.40 crores in the income tax returns filed for 2017-18. His wife Natasha Gambhir declared an income of Rs 6.15 lakhs in the IT returns filed during the same period. Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari has a total of movable and immovable assets worth over Rs 24 crores, an increase of over Rs 4.33 crores from 2014, according to his poll affidavit. He has shown an income of Rs 48.03 lakhs in the income tax return for 2017-18 while in the affidavit filed in 2014, he had declared an income of over Rs 85 lakhs. BJP MP from South Delhi Ramesh Bidhuri has movable and immovable assets worth Rs 18 crore, an increase of close to Rs 3.5 crore in the last five years, according to his affidavit. Bidhuri, his wife and dependent Himanshu have shown an income of over Rs 16.72 lakhs, Rs 3.09 lakhs and Rs 3.18 lakhs respectively in the IT returns filed in 2017-18. The 57-year-old leader, who is pitted against debutants Vijender Singh from Congress and Aam Aadmi Party's Raghav Chadha for the South Delhi seat, declared movable assets worth over Rs 1.37 crores while his wife has cash and jewellery worth over Rs 13.21 lakhs. He has declared immovable assets worth Rs 11.80 crores while his wife has properties worth 4.57 crores. He has shown liabilities of over Rs 20.38 lakhs. Bidhuri completed his graduation from the Delhi University's Shaheed Bhagat Singh College and LLB from Chaudhary Charan Singh University from Meerut. Congress candidate for South Delhi Vijender Singh has declared movable and immovable assets worth Rs 3.57 crores and Rs 5.05 crores respectively. The former chief minister and Congress candidate Sheila Dikshit, who filed her nomination from the North-East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency on Tuesday, declared personal assets worth over Rs 4.92 crores. According to an affidavit filed by Dikshit, the 81-year-old Congress veteran has an apartment in Nizamuddin area which has a market value of around Rs 1.88 crore. Former Indian opener Gambhir (37) has declared immovable and movable assets worth over Rs 147 crores. He has a criminal case of cheating pending against him. He declared movable assets estimated to be worth over Rs 116 crores and immovable assets worth Rs 28 crores and liabilities nearly Rs 34.20 crores in his poll affidavit. He completed his schooling from Modern School, Barakhamba Road and did his graduation from Delhi University's Hindu College. Punjabi singer Hans Raj Hans, who will be contesting from the North West Delhi, showed an income of nearly Rs 9.28 lakhs in the income tax returns filed in 2017-18. In the 2013-14 financial year, he had declared an income of nearly Rs 22.64 lakhs. He and his wife have declared movable assets worth Rs 1.44 crores and Rs 18.50 lakhs respectively. His immovable assets are worth Rs 11.48 crore. He owns a Toyota Innova, Ford Endeavour and Maruti Gypsy. He has declared liabilities of over Rs 23.89 lakhs.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Gautam Gambhir richest among Lok Sabha candidates in Delhi

The Shiromani Akali Dal has announced its decision to field party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal from the Ferozepur seat while his wife and Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal has been again nominated from the Bathinda seat.

The announcement was made by party patron and Akali stalwart Parkash Singh Badal today.

"It has been decided that SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal will contest from the Ferozepur seat and Harsimrat will contest from the Bathinda seat," Mr Badal said.

The SAD has announced its candidates from eight seats. As per an arrangement with its ally BJP, the Akali Dal contests on 10 seats while saffron party fields candidates from three out of 13 seats.

Sukhbir Badal, who is party chief, will be facing Akali rebel and Congress nominee Sher Singh Ghubaya from Ferozepur seat.

Sukhbir is currently a lawmaker from Jalalabad seat. He had last contested the Lok Sabha polls in 1999 from the Faridkot seat.

Harsimrat, who is a two-time MP, will be facing Congress nominee and lawmaker Amrinder Singh Raja Warring from the Bathinda seat.

Punjabi Ekta Party candidate and Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira is also contesting from the Bathinda seat.

The Shiromani Akali Dal has announced its decision to field party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal from the Ferozepur seat while his wife and Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal has been again nominated from the Bathinda seat.

The Shiromani Akali Dal has announced its decision to field party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal from the Ferozepur seat while his wife and Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal has been again nominated from the Bathinda seat. The announcement was made by party patron and Akali stalwart Parkash Singh Badal today. "It has been decided that SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal will contest from the Ferozepur seat and Harsimrat will contest from the Bathinda seat," Mr Badal said. The SAD has announced its candidates from eight seats. As per an arrangement with its ally BJP, the Akali Dal contests on 10 seats while saffron party fields candidates from three out of 13 seats. Sukhbir Badal, who is party chief, will be facing Akali rebel and Congress nominee Sher Singh Ghubaya from Ferozepur seat. Sukhbir is currently a lawmaker from Jalalabad seat. He had last contested the Lok Sabha polls in 1999 from the Faridkot seat. Harsimrat, who is a two-time MP, will be facing Congress nominee and lawmaker Amrinder Singh Raja Warring from the Bathinda seat. Punjabi Ekta Party candidate and Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira is also contesting from the Bathinda seat.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Sukhbir Singh Badal fielded from Ferozepur, Harsimrat Kaur from Bathinda

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its 26th list of candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Chandigarh and Punjab.&nbsp;

Bollywood actor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/will-sunny-deol-contest-election-from-gurdaspur-on-a-bjp-ticket-212822">Sunny Deol</a>, who officially joined the party earlier in the day, has been fielded from Gurdaspur. Actor-turned-politician Kirron Kher will be contesting from Chandigarh.&nbsp;

Som Prakash will be contesting from Hoshiarpur.&nbsp;

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BJP releases 26th list of candidates for 3 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> seats in Chandigarh &amp; Punjab. Sunny Deol to contest from Gurdaspur, Som Prakash from Hoshiarpur, and Kirron Kher from Chandigarh. <a href="https://t.co/ca0C239gwO">pic.twitter.com/ca0C239gwO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1120696235596439552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Friday, as Deol's photo with BJP chief Amit Shah started doing the rounds on social media, rumours were abuzz that the actor would be joining the party and contesting from one of the key constituencies of Punjab.&nbsp;

Deol was inducted into the party by Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday at an event.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its 26th list of candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Chandigarh and Punjab. Bollywood actor Sunny Deol, who officially joined the party earlier in the day, has been fielded from Gurdaspur.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its 26th list of candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Chandigarh and Punjab. Bollywood actor Sunny Deol, who officially joined the party earlier in the day, has been fielded from Gurdaspur. Actor-turned-politician Kirron Kher will be contesting from Chandigarh. Som Prakash will be contesting from Hoshiarpur. BJP releases 26th list of candidates for 3 #LokSabhaElections2019 seats in Chandigarh & Punjab. Sunny Deol to contest from Gurdaspur, Som Prakash from Hoshiarpur, and Kirron Kher from Chandigarh. pic.twitter.com/ca0C239gwO — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × On Friday, as Deol's photo with BJP chief Amit Shah started doing the rounds on social media, rumours were abuzz that the actor would be joining the party and contesting from one of the key constituencies of Punjab. Deol was inducted into the party by Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday at an event.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP fields Sunny Deol from Gurdaspur; Kirron Kher from Chandigarh

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-phase-3-voting-on-april-23-212719">Lok Sabha polls 2019 live: Voting underway for phase 3; Rahul Gandhi, Amit Shah in fray</a>

PM Modi cast his vote at a polling booth in Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ranip, Ahmedabad. Drawing an analogy between voting and Kumbh, Modi said him exercising his franchise is like taking a holy dip in Kumbh.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorists-power-is-ied-peoples-power-is-voter-id-says-pm-modi-after-casting-his-vote-212771">Weapon of terrorism is IED, strength of democracy is voter ID, says PM Modi after casting his vote</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday cast his vote in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections and appealed to first-time voters to cast their votes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his mother Heeraben in Ahmedabad before casting his vote. Modi sought his mother's blessings and then reached the polling booth in an open-top jeep.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-imposes-state-of-emergency-after-attacks-blamed-on-islamists-212724">Sri Lanka imposes state of emergency after attacks blamed on Islamists</a>

Sri Lanka on Tuesday imposed a state of emergency hours after the government blamed a local Islamist group for a series of suicide bomb blasts that killed at least 290 people, including dozens of foreigners.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amazon-to-close-online-store-in-china-by-july-18-212735">Amazon to shut its online store in China by July 18</a>

Amazon announced last Thursday that it will shut its China online store by July 18 and will no longer operate a marketplace, nor provide seller services on Amazon.cn.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tesla-says-robotaxis-with-no-human-drivers-coming-to-us-roads-next-year-212733">Tesla says robotaxis with no human drivers coming to US roads next year&nbsp;</a>

Chief Executive Elon Musk said Tesla Inc robotaxis with no human drivers would be available in some US markets next year, continuing a habit of bold pronouncements that have excited many investors while often missing deadlines.

Lok Sabha polls 2019 live: Voting underway for phase 3; Rahul Gandhi, Amit Shah in fray PM Modi cast his vote at a polling booth in Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ranip, Ahmedabad.

Lok Sabha polls 2019 live: Voting underway for phase 3; Rahul Gandhi, Amit Shah in fray PM Modi cast his vote at a polling booth in Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ranip, Ahmedabad. Drawing an analogy between voting and Kumbh, Modi said him exercising his franchise is like taking a holy dip in Kumbh. Weapon of terrorism is IED, strength of democracy is voter ID, says PM Modi after casting his vote Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday cast his vote in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections and appealed to first-time voters to cast their votes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his mother Heeraben in Ahmedabad before casting his vote. Modi sought his mother's blessings and then reached the polling booth in an open-top jeep. Sri Lanka imposes state of emergency after attacks blamed on Islamists Sri Lanka on Tuesday imposed a state of emergency hours after the government blamed a local Islamist group for a series of suicide bomb blasts that killed at least 290 people, including dozens of foreigners. Amazon to shut its online store in China by July 18 Amazon announced last Thursday that it will shut its China online store by July 18 and will no longer operate a marketplace, nor provide seller services on Amazon.cn. Tesla says robotaxis with no human drivers coming to US roads next year Chief Executive Elon Musk said Tesla Inc robotaxis with no human drivers would be available in some US markets next year, continuing a habit of bold pronouncements that have excited many investors while often missing deadlines.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday cast his vote in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections and appealed to first-time voters to cast their votes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his mother Heeraben in Ahmedabad before casting his vote. Modi sought his mother's blessings and then reached the polling booth in an open-top jeep.&nbsp; 
 
"For the first time, people born in the 21st century are voting. I congratulate them and invite them to vote. This is their century. They should vote to secure this century for their future. I hope they come in numbers to cast their votes," PM Modi said after casting his vote in Ranip in Ahmedabad, which comes under the ​Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency where BJP president Amit Shah is the BJP candidate.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> PM Narendra Modi after casting his vote in Ahmedabad says, " The weapon of terrorism is IED, the strength of democracy is voter ID." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/X0LBPI5qcu">pic.twitter.com/X0LBPI5qcu</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1120526870049644544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Saying that he is fortunate to be part of democracy's biggest festival, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the voters should cast their franchise and chose a strong government for the country.

"The weapon of terrorism is IED, the strength of democracy is voter ID. I can say with surety that the voter ID is much much more powerful than an IED, so we should understand the strength of our voter IDs," he said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday cast his vote in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections and appealed to first-time voters to cast their votes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his mother Heeraben in Ahmedabad before casting his vote.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday cast his vote in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections and appealed to first-time voters to cast their votes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his mother Heeraben in Ahmedabad before casting his vote. Modi sought his mother's blessings and then reached the polling booth in an open-top jeep. "For the first time, people born in the 21st century are voting. I congratulate them and invite them to vote. This is their century. They should vote to secure this century for their future. I hope they come in numbers to cast their votes," PM Modi said after casting his vote in Ranip in Ahmedabad, which comes under the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency where BJP president Amit Shah is the BJP candidate. #WATCH PM Narendra Modi after casting his vote in Ahmedabad says, " The weapon of terrorism is IED, the strength of democracy is voter ID." #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/X0LBPI5qcu — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × Saying that he is fortunate to be part of democracy's biggest festival, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the voters should cast their franchise and chose a strong government for the country. "The weapon of terrorism is IED, the strength of democracy is voter ID. I can say with surety that the voter ID is much much more powerful than an IED, so we should understand the strength of our voter IDs," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Weapon of terrorism is IED, strength of democracy is voter ID, says PM Modi after casting his vote

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cast his vote at a polling booth in Ranip, Ahmedabad on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;

Modi cast his vote at polling booth in Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ranip, Ahmedabad.

Drawing an analogy between voting and Kumbh, Modi said him exercising his franchise is like taking a holy dip in Kumbh.&nbsp;

''Today third phase of polling is underway, I am fortunate that I also got the opportunity to fulfil my duty in my home state of Gujarat. Like you feel pure after a holy dip in Kumbh, one feels pure after casting vote in this festival of democracy,'' Modi said after casting his vote.&nbsp;

PM was accompanied by party president Amit Shah.

Earlier, Modi met his mother Heeraben Modi at her residence in Gandhinagar and received her blessings.

Modi also met some people outside his mother's residence in Gandhinagar.&nbsp;

All 26 constituencies in Gujarat including Gandhinagar, where BJP president Amit Shah is contesting, go to polls in the third phase of polling today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cast his vote at a polling booth in Ranip, Ahmedabad on Tuesday morning. Modi cast his vote at polling booth in Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ranip, Ahmedabad.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cast his vote at a polling booth in Ranip, Ahmedabad on Tuesday morning. Modi cast his vote at polling booth in Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ranip, Ahmedabad. Drawing an analogy between voting and Kumbh, Modi said him exercising his franchise is like taking a holy dip in Kumbh. ''Today third phase of polling is underway, I am fortunate that I also got the opportunity to fulfil my duty in my home state of Gujarat. Like you feel pure after a holy dip in Kumbh, one feels pure after casting vote in this festival of democracy,'' Modi said after casting his vote. PM was accompanied by party president Amit Shah. Earlier, Modi met his mother Heeraben Modi at her residence in Gandhinagar and received her blessings. Modi also met some people outside his mother's residence in Gandhinagar. All 26 constituencies in Gujarat including Gandhinagar, where BJP president Amit Shah is contesting, go to polls in the third phase of polling today.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: PM Modi casts his vote in Ahmedabad

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday said naxals will be rooted out in the country by 2023.

Rebels and terrorists coming in the way of the country's security, which is an essential part of development, will be crushed, Singh told a poll rally here.

Naxals have been almost eliminated in Jharkhand and their remaining pockets in the state will end soon, he told a poll rally here.

Singh, who was campaigning in support of Palamau (SC) constituency sitting BJP MP V D Ram, said that Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Congress have joined hands in the state due to their lust for power but they will not be successful in achieving their aim.

There is no leader in the opposition to match the stature of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the other leaders are "dwarfs" compared to him.

Detailing developmental schemes like Ujjwala, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Jan Dhan Yojana, Singh said BJP is committed to ushering in the development of the country by 2022 and its manifesto reflected it.

Ridiculing opposition parties seeking proof of bodies in the aftermath of Balakot air strikes, Singh said the air force's job was to hit the terror camps and not count the bodies and the objective was completed.

After Pulwama attack, all the countries stood with India, whose "policy is not to fire the first bullet but respond strongly to any bullet fired at it".

Palamau goes to the polls along with Chatra and Lohardaga(ST) seats in the fourth phase of polling on April 29, which will be the first phase for Jharkhand.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday said naxals will be rooted out in the country by 2023. Rebels and terrorists coming in the way of the country's security, which is an essential part of development, will be crushed, Singh told a poll rally here.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday said naxals will be rooted out in the country by 2023. Rebels and terrorists coming in the way of the country's security, which is an essential part of development, will be crushed, Singh told a poll rally here. Naxals have been almost eliminated in Jharkhand and their remaining pockets in the state will end soon, he told a poll rally here. Singh, who was campaigning in support of Palamau (SC) constituency sitting BJP MP V D Ram, said that Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Congress have joined hands in the state due to their lust for power but they will not be successful in achieving their aim. There is no leader in the opposition to match the stature of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the other leaders are "dwarfs" compared to him. Detailing developmental schemes like Ujjwala, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Jan Dhan Yojana, Singh said BJP is committed to ushering in the development of the country by 2022 and its manifesto reflected it. Ridiculing opposition parties seeking proof of bodies in the aftermath of Balakot air strikes, Singh said the air force's job was to hit the terror camps and not count the bodies and the objective was completed. After Pulwama attack, all the countries stood with India, whose "policy is not to fire the first bullet but respond strongly to any bullet fired at it". Palamau goes to the polls along with Chatra and Lohardaga(ST) seats in the fourth phase of polling on April 29, which will be the first phase for Jharkhand.

Naxalites will be rooted out by 2023: Rajnath Singh

Prominent political leaders like former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday cast votes at their respective polling booths for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-phase-3-voting-on-april-23-212719">third phase of Lok Sabha elections</a>.

Manmohan Singh cast his vote at a polling booth in Assam's Dispur. Union Finance Minister and BJP leader Arun Jaitley cast his vote at Gujarat's Ahmedabad while Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan cast his vote in Odisha's Talcher.

The third phase of Lok Sabha elections is underway at 116 parliamentary constituencies across 13 states and two Union Territories.

The seven-phase Lok Sabha election started on April 11.

The first phase witnessed 69.45 voter turnout across the country while the election for the second phase was held on April 18 and witnessed 69.43 per cent voter turnout.

Counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Prominent political leaders like former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday cast votes at their respective polling booths for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections.

Prominent political leaders like former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday cast votes at their respective polling booths for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections. Manmohan Singh cast his vote at a polling booth in Assam's Dispur. Union Finance Minister and BJP leader Arun Jaitley cast his vote at Gujarat's Ahmedabad while Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan cast his vote in Odisha's Talcher. The third phase of Lok Sabha elections is underway at 116 parliamentary constituencies across 13 states and two Union Territories. The seven-phase Lok Sabha election started on April 11. The first phase witnessed 69.45 voter turnout across the country while the election for the second phase was held on April 18 and witnessed 69.43 per cent voter turnout. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: Manmohan Singh, Arun Jaitley, Dharmendra Pradhan cast votes

A man standing in a queue to cast his vote was killed in clashes that broke out between Congress and Trinamool Congress workers in West Bengal's Baligram in Murshidabad.&nbsp;

The state has had witnessed spurts of violence amid polling in the previous phases.

Isolated incidents of violence, road blockades, bombings and police firing marred the second phase of polling at a few places in the three Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal during the second phase polls last week.

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West Bengal: Man standing in a queue to vote killed in clashes between Congress and TMC workers in Baligram, Murshidabad. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/hkTc56cT7i">pic.twitter.com/hkTc56cT7i</a>
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Despite tensions, the state recorded one of the highest voter turnouts during the last phase.&nbsp;

Five Lok Sabha seats from the state are up for polls today in the third and the largest phase of Lok Sabha polls.

Balurghat, Jangipur, Maldaha Dakshin, Maldaha Uttar and Murshidabad have gone to polls today. Till 3pm, the state topped the voter turnout with 52 per cent polling.&nbsp;

A man standing in a queue to cast his vote was killed in clashes that broke out between Congress and Trinamool Congress workers in West Bengal's Baligram in Murshidabad.

A man standing in a queue to cast his vote was killed in clashes that broke out between Congress and Trinamool Congress workers in West Bengal's Baligram in Murshidabad. The state has had witnessed spurts of violence amid polling in the previous phases. Isolated incidents of violence, road blockades, bombings and police firing marred the second phase of polling at a few places in the three Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal during the second phase polls last week. West Bengal: Man standing in a queue to vote killed in clashes between Congress and TMC workers in Baligram, Murshidabad. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/hkTc56cT7i — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × Despite tensions, the state recorded one of the highest voter turnouts during the last phase. Five Lok Sabha seats from the state are up for polls today in the third and the largest phase of Lok Sabha polls. Balurghat, Jangipur, Maldaha Dakshin, Maldaha Uttar and Murshidabad have gone to polls today. Till 3pm, the state topped the voter turnout with 52 per cent polling.

Lok Sabha polls: Man gets killed in clashes between Congress, TMC workers in West Bengal's Murshidabad

Veteran BJP leader LK Advani cast his vote at a polling booth in Shahpur Hindi School here on Tuesday.

Advani, who is sitting MP from Gandhinagar, has been replaced by BJP president Amit Shah. The veteran BJP leader has won from the seat six times.

Advani and senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi are among those who have not been fielded by the party for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Advani on April 4 wrote a blog in which he said, "Right from its inception, the BJP has never regarded those who disagree with us politically as our 'enemies', but only as our adversaries. Similarly, in our conception of Indian nationalism, we have never regarded those who disagree with us politically as 'anti-national'."

"The party has been committed to freedom of choice of every citizen at personal as well as political level," the BJP stalwart had said in his recent blog titled 'Nation First, Party Next, Self Last'.

The statements were seen as a veiled dig at the current leadership of the BJP.

The third phase of Lok Sabha elections is underway at 116 parliamentary constituencies across 13 states and two Union Territories.

In Gujarat, 371 candidates are in the fray for 26 Lok Sabha seats, while 45 candidates are in the fray for by-poll in four Assembly seats.

The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Veteran BJP leader LK Advani cast his vote at a polling booth in Shahpur Hindi School here on Tuesday. Advani, who is sitting MP from Gandhinagar, has been replaced by BJP president Amit Shah.

Veteran BJP leader LK Advani cast his vote at a polling booth in Shahpur Hindi School here on Tuesday. Advani, who is sitting MP from Gandhinagar, has been replaced by BJP president Amit Shah. The veteran BJP leader has won from the seat six times. Advani and senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi are among those who have not been fielded by the party for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Advani on April 4 wrote a blog in which he said, "Right from its inception, the BJP has never regarded those who disagree with us politically as our 'enemies', but only as our adversaries. Similarly, in our conception of Indian nationalism, we have never regarded those who disagree with us politically as 'anti-national'." "The party has been committed to freedom of choice of every citizen at personal as well as political level," the BJP stalwart had said in his recent blog titled 'Nation First, Party Next, Self Last'. The statements were seen as a veiled dig at the current leadership of the BJP. The third phase of Lok Sabha elections is underway at 116 parliamentary constituencies across 13 states and two Union Territories. In Gujarat, 371 candidates are in the fray for 26 Lok Sabha seats, while 45 candidates are in the fray for by-poll in four Assembly seats. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: LK Advani casts vote in Ahmedabad

Days after his mother Maneka Gandhi was embroiled in a controversy for allegedly making communal remarks against a particular community, Varun Gandhi on Sunday said that it won't be a problem if Muslims will not vote for him.

"I want to say just one thing to my Muslim brothers. I will be very happy if you vote for me. But even if you don't, no problem at all. You can still come to me for your work (Aap fir bhi mujhse kam le lena)," he said while addressing an election rally here. "But if your sugar gets mixed with my tea, then my tea will become sweeter," he added.

His comments are in complete contrast to what her mother Maneka Gandhi had said. Union Minister Maneka Gandhi on April 12 had said in a public address in Sultanpur that her win from the Sultanpur Lok Sabha constituency was certain "with or without" the support of the Muslims and the community should realise it since they will need to get their work done once BJP is in power. "You have to recognise that this victory is sure without you and even with you, and you will have to spread the word," she said while addressing a rally in Sultanpur.

Emphasising that she had distributed Rs 1000 crore for Muslim institutions to flourish, she said: "You came to seek our help at the time of your need. But, if you say during election time that we will not vote for the BJP and instead vote for any other party which can defeat BJP, then it breaks our heart".

"I have already passed this election. But now if you have to lay the foundation for getting help then this is the right time to do so," Maneka Gandhi added while indirectly calling upon the Muslim community to vote for her. Varun Gandhi has been fielded by BJP from Pilibhit- a seat which he had won in 2009 and 2014.

Days after his mother Maneka Gandhi was embroiled in a controversy for allegedly making communal remarks against a particular community, Varun Gandhi on Sunday said that it won't be a problem if Muslims will not vote for him.

Days after his mother Maneka Gandhi was embroiled in a controversy for allegedly making communal remarks against a particular community, Varun Gandhi on Sunday said that it won't be a problem if Muslims will not vote for him. "I want to say just one thing to my Muslim brothers. I will be very happy if you vote for me. But even if you don't, no problem at all. You can still come to me for your work (Aap fir bhi mujhse kam le lena)," he said while addressing an election rally here. "But if your sugar gets mixed with my tea, then my tea will become sweeter," he added. His comments are in complete contrast to what her mother Maneka Gandhi had said. Union Minister Maneka Gandhi on April 12 had said in a public address in Sultanpur that her win from the Sultanpur Lok Sabha constituency was certain "with or without" the support of the Muslims and the community should realise it since they will need to get their work done once BJP is in power. "You have to recognise that this victory is sure without you and even with you, and you will have to spread the word," she said while addressing a rally in Sultanpur. Emphasising that she had distributed Rs 1000 crore for Muslim institutions to flourish, she said: "You came to seek our help at the time of your need. But, if you say during election time that we will not vote for the BJP and instead vote for any other party which can defeat BJP, then it breaks our heart". "I have already passed this election. But now if you have to lay the foundation for getting help then this is the right time to do so," Maneka Gandhi added while indirectly calling upon the Muslim community to vote for her. Varun Gandhi has been fielded by BJP from Pilibhit- a seat which he had won in 2009 and 2014.

No problem if you don't vote for me, can still come to me for your work: Varun Gandhi tells Muslims

The Congress on Monday declared candidates on six of the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital.&nbsp;

JP Agarwal to contest from Chandni Chowk, Sheila Dixit from North East Delhi, Arvinder Singh Lovely from East Delhi, Ajay Maken from New Delhi, Rajesh Lilothia from North West Delhi (SC) and Mahabal Mishra from West Delhi.

From North East Delhi seat where Sheila Dikshit will contest, AAP has fielded Dilip Pandey.

At present, this seat is represented by Manoj Tiwari, who is also the president of BJP’s Delhi unit. In the last Lok Sabha poll, Tiwari had defeated Professor Anand Kumar of AAP by 1,44,084 votes.

Delhi' s seven parliamentary constituencies, which go to the polls on May 12 in the sixth phase, voted for the BJP in 2014, leaving the AAP in the second spot. However, the vote share of AAP and Congress in that election, together, was more than that of the BJP in six of the seven seats -- despite the Modi wave.

On Sunday, BJP released a list of five candidates, renominating four of its sitting MPs, including Union minister Harsh Vardhan.

Names for the three remaining seats are expected to be announced today.

With little time left to woo voters, parties have increased their activities, with prominent leaders holding several rallies every day. From public rallies to workers' meetings, big leaders of the national, as well as state parties, are leaving no stone unturned to ensure victory in the polls.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Congress on Monday declared candidates on six of the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital. JP Agarwal to contest from Chandni Chowk, Sheila Dixit from North East Delhi, Arvinder Singh Lovely from East Delhi, Ajay Maken from New Delhi, Rajesh Lilothia from North West Delhi (SC) and Mahabal Mishra from West Delhi.

The Congress on Monday declared candidates on six of the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital. JP Agarwal to contest from Chandni Chowk, Sheila Dixit from North East Delhi, Arvinder Singh Lovely from East Delhi, Ajay Maken from New Delhi, Rajesh Lilothia from North West Delhi (SC) and Mahabal Mishra from West Delhi. From North East Delhi seat where Sheila Dikshit will contest, AAP has fielded Dilip Pandey. At present, this seat is represented by Manoj Tiwari, who is also the president of BJP’s Delhi unit. In the last Lok Sabha poll, Tiwari had defeated Professor Anand Kumar of AAP by 1,44,084 votes. Delhi' s seven parliamentary constituencies, which go to the polls on May 12 in the sixth phase, voted for the BJP in 2014, leaving the AAP in the second spot. However, the vote share of AAP and Congress in that election, together, was more than that of the BJP in six of the seven seats -- despite the Modi wave. On Sunday, BJP released a list of five candidates, renominating four of its sitting MPs, including Union minister Harsh Vardhan. Names for the three remaining seats are expected to be announced today. With little time left to woo voters, parties have increased their activities, with prominent leaders holding several rallies every day. From public rallies to workers' meetings, big leaders of the national, as well as state parties, are leaving no stone unturned to ensure victory in the polls. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress releases list of Delhi candidates, Sheila Dixit to contest from North East Delhi

The Congress party on Monday released a list of candidates for 3 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Yogesh Shukla has been fielded from Prayagraj, Chandresh Upadhyay will fight from Domariyaganj and Bhal Chand Yadav has replaced Parvez Khan from Sant Kabir Nagar.

This comes just hours after the party declared candidates on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-releases-list-of-delhi-candidates-sheila-dixit-to-contest-from-north-east-delhi-212497">six of the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital</a>.

JP Agarwal to contest from Chandni Chowk, Sheila Dixit from North East Delhi, Arvinder Singh Lovely from East Delhi, Ajay Maken from New Delhi, Rajesh Lilothia from North West Delhi (SC) and Mahabal Mishra from West Delhi.

From North East Delhi seat where Sheila Dikshit will contest, AAP has fielded Dilip Pandey.

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Congress releases list of candidates for 3 Parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Yogesh Shukla from Prayagraj, Chandresh Upadhyay from Domariyaganj &amp; Bhal Chand Yadav (in place of Parvez Khan) from Sant Kabir Nagar. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/b5VHACPlPr">pic.twitter.com/b5VHACPlPr</a>
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At present, this seat is represented by Manoj Tiwari, who is also the president of BJP’s Delhi unit. In the last Lok Sabha poll, Tiwari had defeated Professor Anand Kumar of AAP by 1,44,084 votes.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday released a list of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bharatiya-janata-party-releases-list-of-candidates-for-delhi-punjab-mp-212380">candidates for four out of seven parliamentary seats in Delhi</a> for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan will be contesting from Delhi's Chandni Chowk, singer and actor Manoj Tiwari from North East Delhi. Pravesh Verma will be contesting from West Delhi and Ramesh Bidhuri from South Delhi.

The Congress party on Monday released a list of candidates for 3 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Yogesh Shukla has been fielded from Prayagraj, Chandresh Upadhyay will fight from Domariyaganj and Bhal Chand Yadav has replaced Parvez Khan from Sant Kabir Nagar.

The Congress party on Monday released a list of candidates for 3 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Yogesh Shukla has been fielded from Prayagraj, Chandresh Upadhyay will fight from Domariyaganj and Bhal Chand Yadav has replaced Parvez Khan from Sant Kabir Nagar. This comes just hours after the party declared candidates on six of the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital. JP Agarwal to contest from Chandni Chowk, Sheila Dixit from North East Delhi, Arvinder Singh Lovely from East Delhi, Ajay Maken from New Delhi, Rajesh Lilothia from North West Delhi (SC) and Mahabal Mishra from West Delhi. From North East Delhi seat where Sheila Dikshit will contest, AAP has fielded Dilip Pandey. Congress releases list of candidates for 3 Parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Yogesh Shukla from Prayagraj, Chandresh Upadhyay from Domariyaganj & Bhal Chand Yadav (in place of Parvez Khan) from Sant Kabir Nagar. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/b5VHACPlPr — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 22, 2019 × At present, this seat is represented by Manoj Tiwari, who is also the president of BJP’s Delhi unit. In the last Lok Sabha poll, Tiwari had defeated Professor Anand Kumar of AAP by 1,44,084 votes. Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday released a list of candidates for four out of seven parliamentary seats in Delhi for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan will be contesting from Delhi's Chandni Chowk, singer and actor Manoj Tiwari from North East Delhi. Pravesh Verma will be contesting from West Delhi and Ramesh Bidhuri from South Delhi.

Congress releases list of candidates for Uttar Pradesh, fields Yogesh Shukla from Prayagraj

Though every party professes to inject young blood in organization dynasties prevail and flourish very well in the Indian political eco-system.

The best case in example is the state of Haryana where dynasties dominate parties cutting across the state.&nbsp;

It is safe to say that if one does not have a relative in politics, it is impossible to find feet in Haryana.

From Congress, father and son duo, Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Deepender Singh Hooda are contesting elections.&nbsp;

Bhupinder Singh Hooda, a former CM who served for 10 years is contesting from Sonipat and Deependar Hudda from Rohtak Lok Sabha constituency.&nbsp;

Bhupinder's father Ranbir Singh too was in politics and member of Lok Sabha.

Another Congress dynasty is also in the fray. Shruti Chaudhary, former MP, is again contesting from Bhiwani Mahendragarh seat. Her mother is the MLA from Tosham Vidhan Sabha constituency and leader of the Congress Legislative Party in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha.

Shruti is the granddaughter of former chief minister Bansi Lal. Her father late Chaudhary Surender Singh was a former member of Parliament and served as a minister in Haryana government.

Kumari Shailja, former Union Minister also represents political dynasty. Her father Dalbir Singh was a former Union Minister.

Another dynast in the fray is Bhavya Bishnoi. He is contesting from Haryana. His father is a sitting MLA in the state and he is the grandson of former Chief Minister Bhajan Lal. Bhavya is the Congress candidate from Hissar. Bhavya’s mother is MLA from Hansi and father Kuldeep Bishnoi&nbsp;is MLA from Adampur constituency.

Kuldeep Sharma, Congress candidate from Karnal is also the son of former Lok Sabha MP, CL Sharma.

&nbsp;Another Congress candidate Captain Ajay Yadav, who is contesting from Gurugram is the son of former MLA, Abhay Yadav. Ajay Yadav’s son is married to former CM of Bihar and Union Minister Lalu Prasad’s daughter.

The dynasties do not begin and end with Congress. Most of the regional parties are a family run empire. Dushyant Chautala, who recently floated JJP, is the son of Ajay Chautala, grandson of OP Chautala and great-grandson of Tau Devi Lal, India’s former deputy Prime Minister is contesting from Hissar.

His brother Digvijay is contesting from Sonipat against former CM Bhupinder Hudda. Karan Chautala who is the son of Abhay Singh Chautala and grandson of OP Chautala is INLD’s candidate from Kurukshetra.

Dynasties even thrive in BJP. Union Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh’s son Brijendra Singh is contesting from Hissar on BJP’s ticket. Chaudhary Birender Singh’s wife and Brijendra’s mother is also a sitting MLA from Uchhana assembly in the state. His grandfather Neki Ram was also a Cabinet minister in the Haryana government. Chaudhary Birender Singh himself is the grandson of Sir Chotu Ram who was knighted in 1937.

Similarly, Rao Inderjit Singh, Union Minister from Gurugram is the son of former CM of Haryana, Rao Birendra Singh.&nbsp;

Though every party professes to inject young blood in organization dynasties prevail and flourish very well in the Indian political eco-system. The best case in example is the state of Haryana where dynasties dominate parties cutting across the state.

Though every party professes to inject young blood in organization dynasties prevail and flourish very well in the Indian political eco-system. The best case in example is the state of Haryana where dynasties dominate parties cutting across the state. It is safe to say that if one does not have a relative in politics, it is impossible to find feet in Haryana. From Congress, father and son duo, Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Deepender Singh Hooda are contesting elections. Bhupinder Singh Hooda, a former CM who served for 10 years is contesting from Sonipat and Deependar Hudda from Rohtak Lok Sabha constituency. Bhupinder's father Ranbir Singh too was in politics and member of Lok Sabha. Another Congress dynasty is also in the fray. Shruti Chaudhary, former MP, is again contesting from Bhiwani Mahendragarh seat. Her mother is the MLA from Tosham Vidhan Sabha constituency and leader of the Congress Legislative Party in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha. Shruti is the granddaughter of former chief minister Bansi Lal. Her father late Chaudhary Surender Singh was a former member of Parliament and served as a minister in Haryana government. Kumari Shailja, former Union Minister also represents political dynasty. Her father Dalbir Singh was a former Union Minister. Another dynast in the fray is Bhavya Bishnoi. He is contesting from Haryana. His father is a sitting MLA in the state and he is the grandson of former Chief Minister Bhajan Lal. Bhavya is the Congress candidate from Hissar. Bhavya’s mother is MLA from Hansi and father Kuldeep Bishnoi is MLA from Adampur constituency. Kuldeep Sharma, Congress candidate from Karnal is also the son of former Lok Sabha MP, CL Sharma. Another Congress candidate Captain Ajay Yadav, who is contesting from Gurugram is the son of former MLA, Abhay Yadav. Ajay Yadav’s son is married to former CM of Bihar and Union Minister Lalu Prasad’s daughter. The dynasties do not begin and end with Congress. Most of the regional parties are a family run empire. Dushyant Chautala, who recently floated JJP, is the son of Ajay Chautala, grandson of OP Chautala and great-grandson of Tau Devi Lal, India’s former deputy Prime Minister is contesting from Hissar. His brother Digvijay is contesting from Sonipat against former CM Bhupinder Hudda. Karan Chautala who is the son of Abhay Singh Chautala and grandson of OP Chautala is INLD’s candidate from Kurukshetra. Dynasties even thrive in BJP. Union Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh’s son Brijendra Singh is contesting from Hissar on BJP’s ticket. Chaudhary Birender Singh’s wife and Brijendra’s mother is also a sitting MLA from Uchhana assembly in the state. His grandfather Neki Ram was also a Cabinet minister in the Haryana government. Chaudhary Birender Singh himself is the grandson of Sir Chotu Ram who was knighted in 1937. Similarly, Rao Inderjit Singh, Union Minister from Gurugram is the son of former CM of Haryana, Rao Birendra Singh.

Sons and daughters: Political dynasties galore in Haryana

Union Minister Piyush Goyal said that for next election Congress president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/not-here-to-make-false-promises-rahul-gandhi-in-kerala-211169">Rahul Gandhi </a>will have to find a seat in some neighbouring country because he is sure to face defeat in both the seats -<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-rahul-gandhis-temple-run-in-keralas-wayanad-211166"> Amethi and Wayanad </a>- he is contesting from in the ongoing polls."

In Amethi, Smriti Irani will defeat him (Rahul Gandhi) and he will also get defeated in Wayanad. He will have to find a seat in some neighbouring country for the next elections," said Goyal.

The BJP leader alleged that Rahul Gandhi doesn't have the courage to speak against the Left even though he is contesting against a CPI candidate in Wayanad.

"We have seen so many photos of Rahul Gandhi with Sitaram Yechury. He ran away to Wayanad when it appeared that he will get defeated by Smriti Irani in Amethi. In Wayanad, he is contesting against the Left but he says he will not criticise them. He is so afraid. In a democracy, if a leader does not have the courage to speak against his opponents, he will not be able to serve the country," said Goyal.

After filing his nomination from Wayanad earlier this month, Gandhi had said that he will not say a word against the CPM in his entire campaign. "I am here to send a message of unity," he had told reporters. The Left Democratic Front has fielded prominent CPI leader PP Suneer to contest against Gandhi.

Responding to senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan's remarks that the Prime Minister should not only apologise for nominating Pragya Thakur for the Bhopal seat but also withdraw her candidature, Goyal said, "I think Prithviraj Chavan should say sorry for Congress' shameful act of terming the Hindu community as 'terror' thereby defaming a whole community."Endorsing Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s recent remark that Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav`s "fake friendship" will end on May 23 when election results will be out, Goyal said that the SP-BSP leaders pretend unity on stage but things are different off stage.&nbsp;

"I can show you at least a hundred pictures of the last six months when sometimes they hug each other, sometimes they abuse each other.&nbsp; 
Sometimes they are seen on stage holding hands but they change their opinion when they step down," he said.&nbsp;

Rubbishing former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi's allegations that the government poses a danger to her jailed husband Lalu Prasad`s life, Goyal said: "No GST is imposed on allegations".

"Lalu Prasad is in jail because of the legal proceedings. He is accused of fodder scam and he must answer the people of the country. We have not kept him in jail," he added.&nbsp;

Expressing confidence in his party coming back to power with a huge margin, Goyal said, "In 2014, in order to make Gujarat Chief Minister a Prime Minister, we took him everywhere. Now the public wants him to be the Prime Minister again. The level of excitement in the public shows that we will win with a greater margin."&nbsp;

Union Minister Piyush Goyal said that for next election Congress president Rahul Gandhi will have to find a seat in some neighbouring country because he is sure to face defeat in both the seats - Amethi and Wayanad - he is contesting from in the ongoing polls.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal said that for next election Congress president Rahul Gandhi will have to find a seat in some neighbouring country because he is sure to face defeat in both the seats - Amethi and Wayanad - he is contesting from in the ongoing polls." In Amethi, Smriti Irani will defeat him (Rahul Gandhi) and he will also get defeated in Wayanad. He will have to find a seat in some neighbouring country for the next elections," said Goyal. The BJP leader alleged that Rahul Gandhi doesn't have the courage to speak against the Left even though he is contesting against a CPI candidate in Wayanad. "We have seen so many photos of Rahul Gandhi with Sitaram Yechury. He ran away to Wayanad when it appeared that he will get defeated by Smriti Irani in Amethi. In Wayanad, he is contesting against the Left but he says he will not criticise them. He is so afraid. In a democracy, if a leader does not have the courage to speak against his opponents, he will not be able to serve the country," said Goyal. After filing his nomination from Wayanad earlier this month, Gandhi had said that he will not say a word against the CPM in his entire campaign. "I am here to send a message of unity," he had told reporters. The Left Democratic Front has fielded prominent CPI leader PP Suneer to contest against Gandhi. Responding to senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan's remarks that the Prime Minister should not only apologise for nominating Pragya Thakur for the Bhopal seat but also withdraw her candidature, Goyal said, "I think Prithviraj Chavan should say sorry for Congress' shameful act of terming the Hindu community as 'terror' thereby defaming a whole community."Endorsing Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s recent remark that Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav`s "fake friendship" will end on May 23 when election results will be out, Goyal said that the SP-BSP leaders pretend unity on stage but things are different off stage. "I can show you at least a hundred pictures of the last six months when sometimes they hug each other, sometimes they abuse each other. Sometimes they are seen on stage holding hands but they change their opinion when they step down," he said. Rubbishing former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi's allegations that the government poses a danger to her jailed husband Lalu Prasad`s life, Goyal said: "No GST is imposed on allegations". "Lalu Prasad is in jail because of the legal proceedings. He is accused of fodder scam and he must answer the people of the country. We have not kept him in jail," he added. Expressing confidence in his party coming back to power with a huge margin, Goyal said, "In 2014, in order to make Gujarat Chief Minister a Prime Minister, we took him everywhere. Now the public wants him to be the Prime Minister again. The level of excitement in the public shows that we will win with a greater margin."

Rahul Gandhi will have to contest next election from a neighbouring country: Piyush Goyal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched an attack on the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh stating that it will collapse right after the Lok Sabha results are announced on May 23.

The Prime Minister alluded to the alliance between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party during the last Uttar Pradesh assembly elections and said that the alliance failed and now the two parties have turned to become foes again. &nbsp;

"A friendship was forged during Uttar Pradesh assembly polls last time, polls ended and so did the friendship which turned into animosity. Now, a friendship has been formed again, but I will tell you the date when this will come to an end too - May 23. This fake friendship will come to an end then," the Prime Minister said while addressing a rally in Etah, Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

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PM Modi in Etah: Ek dosti UP Vidhan Sabha ke chunaav ke samay bhi hui thi, chunav khatm hua, dosti bhi khatm hogai,dushmani mein badal gai. Ab ek dosti phir hui hai, lekin iske tootne ki tarikh bhi tay hai.Aapko tootne ki tarikh bataun? 23 May ko ye farzi dosti Phir se toot jaegi <a href="https://t.co/R0BjAcRfTD">pic.twitter.com/R0BjAcRfTD</a>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-placed-vote-bank-politics-above-national-interest-pm-modi-212009">Earlier in the day, PM Modi slammed the Congress party</a> for preaching vote bank politics over the national interest of the country.

Claiming that the UPA government was following the "vote bhakti" politics, PM Modi said, "The country has witnessed two types of politics of 'vote bhakti' and of "desh bhakti".

The former was on display after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, when the then government did not go after Pakistan for abetting terror".

Attacking further, he said that the then government chose to derail the investigations in many terror cases and came up with the theory of "Hindu terror".

PM Modi said his government responded to the Uri terror attack with surgical strikes and Pulwama by air strikes, demonstrating "desh bhakti" politics.

PM Modi who was addressing an election rally in Araria, Bihar, further said that the opposition party and its allies were rattled by the trends that have emerged from the first two phases of the Lok Sabha polls.

The Prime Minister also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-has-only-fooled-people-in-name-of-maa-mati-and-manush-pm-modi-in-west-bengal-211984">targetted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee</a> and said she has fooled people in the name of 'Maa, Mati and Manush'.

Modi, who was addressing a rally in Buniadpur, South Dinajpur district attacked the TMC leader over the campaigning of Bangladeshi film star Ferdous Ahmed.

"It is shameful that people from neighbouring country are campaigning for the TMC, which was done to appease the minority community," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched an attack on the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh stating that it will collapse right after the Lok Sabha results are announced on May 23.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched an attack on the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh stating that it will collapse right after the Lok Sabha results are announced on May 23. The Prime Minister alluded to the alliance between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party during the last Uttar Pradesh assembly elections and said that the alliance failed and now the two parties have turned to become foes again. "A friendship was forged during Uttar Pradesh assembly polls last time, polls ended and so did the friendship which turned into animosity. Now, a friendship has been formed again, but I will tell you the date when this will come to an end too - May 23. This fake friendship will come to an end then," the Prime Minister said while addressing a rally in Etah, Uttar Pradesh. PM Modi in Etah: Ek dosti UP Vidhan Sabha ke chunaav ke samay bhi hui thi, chunav khatm hua, dosti bhi khatm hogai,dushmani mein badal gai. Ab ek dosti phir hui hai, lekin iske tootne ki tarikh bhi tay hai.Aapko tootne ki tarikh bataun? 23 May ko ye farzi dosti Phir se toot jaegi pic.twitter.com/R0BjAcRfTD — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 20, 2019 × Earlier in the day, PM Modi slammed the Congress party for preaching vote bank politics over the national interest of the country. Claiming that the UPA government was following the "vote bhakti" politics, PM Modi said, "The country has witnessed two types of politics of 'vote bhakti' and of "desh bhakti". The former was on display after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, when the then government did not go after Pakistan for abetting terror". Attacking further, he said that the then government chose to derail the investigations in many terror cases and came up with the theory of "Hindu terror". PM Modi said his government responded to the Uri terror attack with surgical strikes and Pulwama by air strikes, demonstrating "desh bhakti" politics. PM Modi who was addressing an election rally in Araria, Bihar, further said that the opposition party and its allies were rattled by the trends that have emerged from the first two phases of the Lok Sabha polls. The Prime Minister also targetted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said she has fooled people in the name of 'Maa, Mati and Manush'. Modi, who was addressing a rally in Buniadpur, South Dinajpur district attacked the TMC leader over the campaigning of Bangladeshi film star Ferdous Ahmed. "It is shameful that people from neighbouring country are campaigning for the TMC, which was done to appease the minority community," he said.

May 23 is when this fake friendship will collapse: PM Modi on SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh 

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will land in Raichur today, to address a rally in support of B V Nayak. 300 workers, from Hindutva organisations will reach the venue and join the Congress.

LS Polls 2019: 300 Hindutva workers to join Congress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a convention organised by traders supporting the BJP at Talkatora stadium in New Delhi today.

PM Modi to address traders in Delhi's Talkatora stadium today

Congress leader Hardik Patel was slapped by a man Friday when he was addressing a poll rally in a village in Surendranagar district of Gujarat, said police.

An angry Patel blamed the BJP for the incident and said this was an attempt to kill him.

However, ruling party leaders said they have nothing to do with the incident, which they termed as a staged drama by the Congress to gain sympathy ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

The man, identified as Tarun Gajjar, a resident of Kadi town of Mehsana district, suffered injuries after he was thrashed by Congress workers, Patel supporters and others at the rally venue, around 130km from here.

He is currently undergoing treatment as he was badly thrashed by people at the rally, said police inspector of Wadhwan, H R Jethi.

Gajjar said he is not associated with any political party and slapped the Patidar quota leader due to personal reasons.

As soon as Hardik Patel started his speech at Baldana village under Wadhwan taluka, Gajjar suddenly came on the stage and slapped him.

The incident was captured in cameras of news channels covering the event in the district, around 130km from here.

Congress candidate for the Surendranagar Lok Sabha seat, Soma Patel, was present on the dais when Patel was slapped.

Gajjar appeared angry and was seen saying something to Patel after slapping him.

Gajjar was overpowered by Congress workers, Hardik Patel supporters and others present at the rally, who also beat him up.

The police intervened and freed Gajjar and took him to a safer place in their vehicle, said Jethi.

In a video of the incident, Gajjar can be seen being mercilessly thrashed by both women and men, who also tore his clothes, before policemen intervened and took him away.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Following the incident, Patel lodged a complaint with the police.

"Since Gajjar was brutally thrashed by people, he was referred to a hospital in Limbdi town. It is still unclear why he slapped Hardik.

"The Congress leader claimed he does not know Gajjar. We have taken Hardik's written complaint and started our investigation, but not yet filed an FIR," said Jethi, adding the police were yet to question the attacker.

Talking to the media, Patel claimed the BJP had sent Gajjar to attack him.

"The BJP is trying to harm me. Many people were hired by the BJP to attack me. I do not know why that person did this.

"Even I requested the locals, who were beating him, to let him go and forgive him. I am sure that he was BJP's man. This was an attempt to kill me. I could have been killed if he was carrying a gun today," said Patel.

He said Congress president Rahul Gandhi had called him to inquire about his well-being.

BJP leader from the Saurashtra region, Raju Dhruv, refuted Patel's claim that Gajjar was sent by the ruling party to attack him.

"The BJP has nothing to do with this incident. We do not believe in such low-level politics. The truth is that people have now realised that Hardik had only used the Patidar community to satisfy his political ambitions.

"This is a staged drama by the Congress to gain sympathy," said Dhruv.

Talking to the media from his hospital bed, Gajjar said he has been planning to attack Patel since the last three-and-a-half years due to personal reasons.

"I am not associated with any political party. I am angry with Hardik since the last three-and-a-half years because my wife and my child had suffered because of him (during the quota agitation of August 2015).

"I was planning to attack him since then," said Gajjar, who is in his mid-30s.

Gajjar said he had tried to attack the 25-year-old politician, who joined the Congress last month, in the past too.

"I first planned to attack Hardik during his rally in Kalol on April 13, but he did not come there. Then, I had planned to attack him at a rally in Balisana on April 17.

"But, I failed at that time. Finally, I got a success today. I am not against the Patidar community. I am against Hardik," said Gajjar.

Congress leader Hardik Patel was slapped by a man Friday when he was addressing a poll rally in a village in Surendranagar district of Gujarat, said police. An angry Patel blamed the BJP for the incident and said this was an attempt to kill him.

Congress leader Hardik Patel was slapped by a man Friday when he was addressing a poll rally in a village in Surendranagar district of Gujarat, said police. An angry Patel blamed the BJP for the incident and said this was an attempt to kill him. However, ruling party leaders said they have nothing to do with the incident, which they termed as a staged drama by the Congress to gain sympathy ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The man, identified as Tarun Gajjar, a resident of Kadi town of Mehsana district, suffered injuries after he was thrashed by Congress workers, Patel supporters and others at the rally venue, around 130km from here. He is currently undergoing treatment as he was badly thrashed by people at the rally, said police inspector of Wadhwan, H R Jethi. Gajjar said he is not associated with any political party and slapped the Patidar quota leader due to personal reasons. As soon as Hardik Patel started his speech at Baldana village under Wadhwan taluka, Gajjar suddenly came on the stage and slapped him. The incident was captured in cameras of news channels covering the event in the district, around 130km from here. Congress candidate for the Surendranagar Lok Sabha seat, Soma Patel, was present on the dais when Patel was slapped. Gajjar appeared angry and was seen saying something to Patel after slapping him. Gajjar was overpowered by Congress workers, Hardik Patel supporters and others present at the rally, who also beat him up. The police intervened and freed Gajjar and took him to a safer place in their vehicle, said Jethi. In a video of the incident, Gajjar can be seen being mercilessly thrashed by both women and men, who also tore his clothes, before policemen intervened and took him away. Following the incident, Patel lodged a complaint with the police. "Since Gajjar was brutally thrashed by people, he was referred to a hospital in Limbdi town. It is still unclear why he slapped Hardik. "The Congress leader claimed he does not know Gajjar. We have taken Hardik's written complaint and started our investigation, but not yet filed an FIR," said Jethi, adding the police were yet to question the attacker. Talking to the media, Patel claimed the BJP had sent Gajjar to attack him. "The BJP is trying to harm me. Many people were hired by the BJP to attack me. I do not know why that person did this. "Even I requested the locals, who were beating him, to let him go and forgive him. I am sure that he was BJP's man. This was an attempt to kill me. I could have been killed if he was carrying a gun today," said Patel. He said Congress president Rahul Gandhi had called him to inquire about his well-being. BJP leader from the Saurashtra region, Raju Dhruv, refuted Patel's claim that Gajjar was sent by the ruling party to attack him. "The BJP has nothing to do with this incident. We do not believe in such low-level politics. The truth is that people have now realised that Hardik had only used the Patidar community to satisfy his political ambitions. "This is a staged drama by the Congress to gain sympathy," said Dhruv. Talking to the media from his hospital bed, Gajjar said he has been planning to attack Patel since the last three-and-a-half years due to personal reasons. "I am not associated with any political party. I am angry with Hardik since the last three-and-a-half years because my wife and my child had suffered because of him (during the quota agitation of August 2015). "I was planning to attack him since then," said Gajjar, who is in his mid-30s. Gajjar said he had tried to attack the 25-year-old politician, who joined the Congress last month, in the past too. "I first planned to attack Hardik during his rally in Kalol on April 13, but he did not come there. Then, I had planned to attack him at a rally in Balisana on April 17. "But, I failed at that time. Finally, I got a success today. I am not against the Patidar community. I am against Hardik," said Gajjar.

Hardik Patel slapped by man at poll rally in Gujarat

Congress leader Hardik Patel had to cancel his helicopter ride to Lunawada in Mahisagar district of Gujarat Thursday at the last moment after the farmer on whose field the chopper was to land did not give his nod for its use as a helipad, an official said.

Hardik Patel had to later travel by road to Lunawada, around 100km from Ahmedabad, to address an election rally.

The 25-year-old, who led the Patidar reservation stir in Gujarat since 2015 and joined the Congress last month, has emerged as a star campaigner for the opposition party, criss- crossing the state in a helicopter to address poll rallies.

His helicopter ride to Lunawada to address an election rally for Congress’s Panchmahal Lok Sabha candidate Vechatbhai Khant got into trouble after a farmer, Vinay Patel, went back on his permission to allow the chopper to land on his private field, the official said.

Vinay Patel sounded upset with Hardik Patel, saying he is “playing politics on the bodies of those who died” during the Patidar reservation agitation.

“Hardik was to attend an election rally at 5 pm Thursday at Lunawada and two days ago permission was granted for his helicopter to land at a private land.

“But the owner of the private land on which the temporary helipad was to be constructed for the chopper to land declined (permission) at the last moment,” said resident additional collector R R Thakkar.

Since the permission to land his helicopter was cancelled, Hardik Patel travelled to the town by road to address the rally, Thakkar said.

Vinay Patel claimed permission for the helicopter’s landing was sought from district authorities here by a local Congress leader without his knowledge.

“On April 16, local Congress leader Suresh Patel had sought permission (from authorities) for a helipad without my knowledge. When I learnt that he was given permission, I raised objection after which action was taken,” he said.

“I know Hardik, the Patidar leader from our community, and I know who he is. I object to him putting foot on my land because he is doing politics on the dead bodies of 14 Patidar youths (killed during the quota agitation),” he said.&nbsp;

Congress leader Hardik Patel had to cancel his helicopter ride to Lunawada in Mahisagar district of Gujarat Thursday at the last moment after the farmer on whose field the chopper was to land did not give his nod for its use as a helipad, an official said.

Congress leader Hardik Patel had to cancel his helicopter ride to Lunawada in Mahisagar district of Gujarat Thursday at the last moment after the farmer on whose field the chopper was to land did not give his nod for its use as a helipad, an official said. Hardik Patel had to later travel by road to Lunawada, around 100km from Ahmedabad, to address an election rally. The 25-year-old, who led the Patidar reservation stir in Gujarat since 2015 and joined the Congress last month, has emerged as a star campaigner for the opposition party, criss- crossing the state in a helicopter to address poll rallies. His helicopter ride to Lunawada to address an election rally for Congress’s Panchmahal Lok Sabha candidate Vechatbhai Khant got into trouble after a farmer, Vinay Patel, went back on his permission to allow the chopper to land on his private field, the official said. Vinay Patel sounded upset with Hardik Patel, saying he is “playing politics on the bodies of those who died” during the Patidar reservation agitation. “Hardik was to attend an election rally at 5 pm Thursday at Lunawada and two days ago permission was granted for his helicopter to land at a private land. “But the owner of the private land on which the temporary helipad was to be constructed for the chopper to land declined (permission) at the last moment,” said resident additional collector R R Thakkar. Since the permission to land his helicopter was cancelled, Hardik Patel travelled to the town by road to address the rally, Thakkar said. Vinay Patel claimed permission for the helicopter’s landing was sought from district authorities here by a local Congress leader without his knowledge. “On April 16, local Congress leader Suresh Patel had sought permission (from authorities) for a helipad without my knowledge. When I learnt that he was given permission, I raised objection after which action was taken,” he said. “I know Hardik, the Patidar leader from our community, and I know who he is. I object to him putting foot on my land because he is doing politics on the dead bodies of 14 Patidar youths (killed during the quota agitation),” he said.

‘Playing politics on bodies’: Farmer refuses to let Hardik Patel’s chopper land on his farm

A turnout of 68.44 per cent was recorded in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/general-elections-2019-voters-politicians-celebrities-queue-up-to-vote-in-second-phase-211518">95 Lok Sabha constituencies </a>across 11 states and a Union Territory on Thursday in the second phase of polling which was marred by stray incidents of violence in West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir and EVM glitches in seven states.

Barring sporadic incidents of violence, the polling went off peacefully, Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha said.

Barring sporadic incidents of violence, the polling went off peacefully, Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha said.

Polling was held for 95 Lok Sabha seats in 11 states, with Tamil Nadu voting in 38 of its 39 constituencies, and the union territory of Puducherry.

While elections were cancelled in Tamil Nadu's Vellore constituency over the fear of abuse of money power, the poll was postponed to April 23 in Tripura (East) seat as there were apprehensions that law and order could be disturbed by miscreants.

Overall voter turnout was recorded at 68.48%

Assam - 77.43% 
Bihar - 62.05% 
Jammu and Kashmir - 45.64% 
Karnataka - 68.52% 
Maharashtra - 62.27% 
Manipur - 81.09% 
Odisha - 65.75% 
Tamil Nadu - 71.87% 
Uttar Pradesh - 62.05% 
West Bengal - 77.28% 
Chhattisgarh - 73.57% 
Puducherry - 78.17%

Referring to the issue of 'glitches in EVMs, deputy election commissioner Sudip Jain said, a total of 1,000 ballot units, 769 control units 2,766 paper trail machines were replaced.

For 543 seats, Lok Sabha polls are being conducted in seven phases: April 11, April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19. Counting will take place on May 23.

(With inputs from agencies)

A turnout of 68.44 per cent was recorded in 95 Lok Sabha constituencies across 11 states and a Union Territory on Thursday in the second phase of polling which was marred by stray incidents of violence in West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir and EVM glitches in seven states.

A turnout of 68.44 per cent was recorded in 95 Lok Sabha constituencies across 11 states and a Union Territory on Thursday in the second phase of polling which was marred by stray incidents of violence in West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir and EVM glitches in seven states. Barring sporadic incidents of violence, the polling went off peacefully, Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha said. Barring sporadic incidents of violence, the polling went off peacefully, Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha said. Polling was held for 95 Lok Sabha seats in 11 states, with Tamil Nadu voting in 38 of its 39 constituencies, and the union territory of Puducherry. While elections were cancelled in Tamil Nadu's Vellore constituency over the fear of abuse of money power, the poll was postponed to April 23 in Tripura (East) seat as there were apprehensions that law and order could be disturbed by miscreants. Overall voter turnout was recorded at 68.48% Assam - 77.43% Bihar - 62.05% Jammu and Kashmir - 45.64% Karnataka - 68.52% Maharashtra - 62.27% Manipur - 81.09% Odisha - 65.75% Tamil Nadu - 71.87% Uttar Pradesh - 62.05% West Bengal - 77.28% Chhattisgarh - 73.57% Puducherry - 78.17% Referring to the issue of 'glitches in EVMs, deputy election commissioner Sudip Jain said, a total of 1,000 ballot units, 769 control units 2,766 paper trail machines were replaced. For 543 seats, Lok Sabha polls are being conducted in seven phases: April 11, April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19. Counting will take place on May 23. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Jammu and Kashmir sees lowest turnout with 46%, Manipur tops with 81.09% in phase 2

Congress president <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-nyay-to-undo-the-anyay-of-narendra-modi-govt-rahul-gandhi-209114&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiDiu20_9vhAhVMv48KHc-IDGcQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0OBhYm2S8hoQBMMlAFOdjc">Rahul Gandhi </a>Friday said his party's <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-will-do-nyay-to-governments-of-the-great-mgr-asks-pm-modi-in-tamil-nadu-210024&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiDiu20_9vhAhVMv48KHc-IDGcQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw35HDg1-OkF1few_h-N9NIO">'Nyay'</a> scheme will help in revival of the economy and create jobs in the country which has been badly affected by demonetisation and GST decisions of the Narendra Modi government.

Addressing a poll rally in Gujarat, Gandhi repeated his "chowkidar chor hai" (the watchman if thief) jibe to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi and alleged he has given Rs 30,000 crore to businessman Anil Ambani in the Rafale fighter jet deal.

"We have promised to give Rs 72,000 crore (a year) to poor people under the Nyay scheme which will change the economic condition of the poor in the country," he said.

Gandhi said the scheme, Nyuntam Aay Yojana (Nyay) - a key feature of the Congress manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls - was devised after consultations within the party.

"I had called all the economists of the Congress party and asked them what is the amount that we can give to the poor people of the country.

"They came up with the figure of Rs 72,000," he said, adding Modi had in 2014 made a false promise of giving Rs 15 lakh to people, but the Congress will definitely give Rs 3.60 lakh (estimated cost of `Nyay').

The Congress chief attacked the Modi government over its 2016 note-ban exercise.

"One fine day, Narendra Modi announced that notes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 have been scrapped as they do not help me create more black money. So I will introduce a new note of Rs 2,000 as through it we can make more black money," Gandhi said, mocking the demonetisation move.

"They&nbsp;introduced Gabbar Singh Tax. Both the steps were big blows to our economy," he said, criticising the BJP- led government over its implementation of the Good and Services Tax (GST).

"Common people had stopped purchasing goods after demonetisation due to cash crunch, so Indian companies producing goods were closed down. Hence, the unemployment rate is highest at 45 per cent in the country now," Gandhi said.

"However, our Nyay scheme will revive the economy and create more jobs. Money that will go to people under the Nyay scheme will help people purchase things, our companies will be revived and people will get a job," he said.

Gandhi said the Modi government is working for a few rich industrialists.

"This government works for rich industrialists only. Do common people require chowkidar? Chowkidar is not required in front of the house of farmers.&nbsp; 
This is Anil Ambani's chowkidar," Gandhi, said targeting Modi.

"The chowkidar gave Rs 30,000 crore to Ambani. Chowkidar chors hai," the Congress said, alleging corruption in the Rafale deal with France.

Anil Ambani has rejected Gandhi's allegations and emphasised that the government had no role in the Rafale- manufacturer French company Dassault picking up his company as a local partner.

"Under the new crop insurance scheme, the government has given districts and states to a few rich industrialists. Modi has given the entire Kashmir to Anil Ambani," he said.

Gandhi said if his party comes to power, it will bring a law to ensure farmers do not go to jail if they default on the payment of loans.

He said the Congress governments, after coming to power, waived loans of farmers in states like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

"Narendra Modi does not have money to waive farmer loans, but they have money to waive loans taken by big industrialists," Gandhi said.

He was addressing the poll rally at Bajipura in Bardoli district from where Congress candidate Tushar Chaudhary is fighting polls.

The Congress chief had addressed two rallies Thursday in Gujarat - one in Vanthli in Junagadh district and the other at Bhuj in Kutch district.

Speaking to reporters Thursday night, Gandhi had said an undercurrent in favour of the Congress was evident in the entire country and Modi is losing the 2019 elections.

All the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat will vote in a single phase on

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday said his party's 'Nyay' scheme will help in revival of the economy and create jobs in the country which has been badly affected by demonetisation and GST decisions of the Narendra Modi government.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday said his party's 'Nyay' scheme will help in revival of the economy and create jobs in the country which has been badly affected by demonetisation and GST decisions of the Narendra Modi government. Addressing a poll rally in Gujarat, Gandhi repeated his "chowkidar chor hai" (the watchman if thief) jibe to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi and alleged he has given Rs 30,000 crore to businessman Anil Ambani in the Rafale fighter jet deal. "We have promised to give Rs 72,000 crore (a year) to poor people under the Nyay scheme which will change the economic condition of the poor in the country," he said. Gandhi said the scheme, Nyuntam Aay Yojana (Nyay) - a key feature of the Congress manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls - was devised after consultations within the party. "I had called all the economists of the Congress party and asked them what is the amount that we can give to the poor people of the country. "They came up with the figure of Rs 72,000," he said, adding Modi had in 2014 made a false promise of giving Rs 15 lakh to people, but the Congress will definitely give Rs 3.60 lakh (estimated cost of `Nyay'). The Congress chief attacked the Modi government over its 2016 note-ban exercise. "One fine day, Narendra Modi announced that notes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 have been scrapped as they do not help me create more black money. So I will introduce a new note of Rs 2,000 as through it we can make more black money," Gandhi said, mocking the demonetisation move. "They introduced Gabbar Singh Tax. Both the steps were big blows to our economy," he said, criticising the BJP- led government over its implementation of the Good and Services Tax (GST). "Common people had stopped purchasing goods after demonetisation due to cash crunch, so Indian companies producing goods were closed down. Hence, the unemployment rate is highest at 45 per cent in the country now," Gandhi said. "However, our Nyay scheme will revive the economy and create more jobs. Money that will go to people under the Nyay scheme will help people purchase things, our companies will be revived and people will get a job," he said. Gandhi said the Modi government is working for a few rich industrialists. "This government works for rich industrialists only. Do common people require chowkidar? Chowkidar is not required in front of the house of farmers. This is Anil Ambani's chowkidar," Gandhi, said targeting Modi. "The chowkidar gave Rs 30,000 crore to Ambani. Chowkidar chors hai," the Congress said, alleging corruption in the Rafale deal with France. Anil Ambani has rejected Gandhi's allegations and emphasised that the government had no role in the Rafale- manufacturer French company Dassault picking up his company as a local partner. "Under the new crop insurance scheme, the government has given districts and states to a few rich industrialists. Modi has given the entire Kashmir to Anil Ambani," he said. Gandhi said if his party comes to power, it will bring a law to ensure farmers do not go to jail if they default on the payment of loans. He said the Congress governments, after coming to power, waived loans of farmers in states like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. "Narendra Modi does not have money to waive farmer loans, but they have money to waive loans taken by big industrialists," Gandhi said. He was addressing the poll rally at Bajipura in Bardoli district from where Congress candidate Tushar Chaudhary is fighting polls. The Congress chief had addressed two rallies Thursday in Gujarat - one in Vanthli in Junagadh district and the other at Bhuj in Kutch district. Speaking to reporters Thursday night, Gandhi had said an undercurrent in favour of the Congress was evident in the entire country and Modi is losing the 2019 elections. All the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat will vote in a single phase on

'Nyay' will revive economy, create jobs, says Rahul Gandhi in Gujarat rally

Former Congress spokesperson<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-chaturvedi-joins-shiv-sena-hours-after-quitting-congress-211766"> Priyanka Chaturvedi&nbsp;joined Shiv Sena</a> on Friday in presence of party&nbsp;president Uddhav Thackeray and other senior leaders on Friday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-chaturvedi-resigns-from-congress-after-lashing-out-at-party-over-goons-211701">Priyanka Chaturvedi</a> formerly joined Shiv Sena in a press conference held in Mumbai. During the conference, she expressed her slight disappointment for being overlooked for&nbsp;the Lok Sabha seat but insisted that it is not why she quit the party.

"Not true that I quit Congress after being denied Lok Sabha ticket," Priyanka Chaturvedi said.

She said that the primary reason behind her resignation is inaction against some party workers who misbehaved with her in the past.

Earlier, after quitting all posts in the party, Chaturvedi sent her resignation to Congress President Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders.

"In the last few weeks, certain things have convinced me that my services are not valued in the organisation and that I have reached the end of the road. At the same time I also feel that more time that I spend in the organisation will be at the cost of my own self-respect and dignity," Chaturvedi said in her resignation letter.

Uddhav Thackeray welcomed Chaturvedi in Shiv Sena saying that the party workers have got a "good sister" in her.

Chaturvedi had joined the Congress in 2010 and was made the party's spokesperson in 2013.

She quit the party's official WhatsApp media group on Friday morning. Sources said that she was upset for not being nominated from Mumbai for the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Chaturvedi had lashed out at Congress in public for reinstating party workers who were accused of misbehaving with her in September 2018.

In a tweet on Wednesday, she accused the Congress of giving preference to "lumpen goons" over those who had given their "sweat and blood" to the party.

Former Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi joined Shiv Sena on Friday in presence of party president Uddhav Thackeray and other senior leaders on Friday. Priyanka Chaturvedi formerly joined Shiv Sena in a press conference held in Mumbai.

Former Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi joined Shiv Sena on Friday in presence of party president Uddhav Thackeray and other senior leaders on Friday. Priyanka Chaturvedi formerly joined Shiv Sena in a press conference held in Mumbai. During the conference, she expressed her slight disappointment for being overlooked for the Lok Sabha seat but insisted that it is not why she quit the party. "Not true that I quit Congress after being denied Lok Sabha ticket," Priyanka Chaturvedi said. She said that the primary reason behind her resignation is inaction against some party workers who misbehaved with her in the past. Earlier, after quitting all posts in the party, Chaturvedi sent her resignation to Congress President Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders. "In the last few weeks, certain things have convinced me that my services are not valued in the organisation and that I have reached the end of the road. At the same time I also feel that more time that I spend in the organisation will be at the cost of my own self-respect and dignity," Chaturvedi said in her resignation letter. Uddhav Thackeray welcomed Chaturvedi in Shiv Sena saying that the party workers have got a "good sister" in her. Chaturvedi had joined the Congress in 2010 and was made the party's spokesperson in 2013. She quit the party's official WhatsApp media group on Friday morning. Sources said that she was upset for not being nominated from Mumbai for the Lok Sabha elections. Earlier this week, Chaturvedi had lashed out at Congress in public for reinstating party workers who were accused of misbehaving with her in September 2018. In a tweet on Wednesday, she accused the Congress of giving preference to "lumpen goons" over those who had given their "sweat and blood" to the party.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Not true that I quit Congress after being denied Lok Sabha ticket, says Priyanka Chaturvedi after joining Shiv Sena

At loggerheads for decades, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP chief Mayawati today shared the dais at a joint rally of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in the Samajwadi Party citadel of Mainpuri on Friday.

Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati have been bitter rivals since 1995 when SP cadres allegedly attacked the state guest house where the BSP chief had been camping with her supporters.

The SP patriarch, who is contesting the Lok Sabha elections from the party bastion of Mainpuri was conspicuous by his absence at the three joint rallies held earlier in Deoband, Badaun and Agra due to his antipathy to his party's alliance with the BSP.

Reports suggest that Mulayam Singh Yadav was not too keen on attending Friday's rally as well but was persuaded&nbsp;by his son and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav who has confirmed the SP founder's presence at the Mainpuri rally, the report added.

SP's Sadar MLA, Raj Kumar alias Raju Yadav, who is looking after the preparations, said Mulayam Singh Yadav will reach the venue by noon.

Mayawati has already asked workers of both the BSP and the SP to shun their differences and work for the victory of the alliance in the state.

(With inputs from agencies)

At loggerheads for decades, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP chief Mayawati today shared the dais at a joint rally of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in the Samajwadi Party citadel of Mainpuri on Friday.

At loggerheads for decades, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP chief Mayawati today shared the dais at a joint rally of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in the Samajwadi Party citadel of Mainpuri on Friday. Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati have been bitter rivals since 1995 when SP cadres allegedly attacked the state guest house where the BSP chief had been camping with her supporters. The SP patriarch, who is contesting the Lok Sabha elections from the party bastion of Mainpuri was conspicuous by his absence at the three joint rallies held earlier in Deoband, Badaun and Agra due to his antipathy to his party's alliance with the BSP. Reports suggest that Mulayam Singh Yadav was not too keen on attending Friday's rally as well but was persuaded by his son and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav who has confirmed the SP founder's presence at the Mainpuri rally, the report added. SP's Sadar MLA, Raj Kumar alias Raju Yadav, who is looking after the preparations, said Mulayam Singh Yadav will reach the venue by noon. Mayawati has already asked workers of both the BSP and the SP to shun their differences and work for the victory of the alliance in the state. (With inputs from agencies)

After 25 years, Mayawati, Mulayam Singh Yadav share stage at Mainpuri rally

Hema Malini, the BJP candidate from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-phase-2-voting-on-april-18-211287">Mathura</a>, has expressed confidence that she will win the electoral battle against the SP-BSP alliance.

"Development in Mathura is all due to my efforts. SP-BSP are only engaged in fighting with each other. There is a huge Modi wave here," Hema Malini said after casting her vote in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-2-hours-of-polling-assam-leads-in-voter-turnout-211376">second phase of Lok Sabha elections</a> on Thursday.

Mathura is one of the significant Lok Sabha seats out of 80 constituencies from the Hindi heartland of India. A Bharatiya Janata Party candidate won from here four times between 1991 and 1999, but the charm was broken by Congress's Manvendra Singh who swept the seat in 2004.

In 2009, the Rashtriya Lok Dal's Jayant Chaudhary won the Lok Sabha elections from here. The party had fought the election here in an alliance with the BJP.

In 2014, the BJP fielded Hema Malini from the seat who registered a landslide win from the constituency, defeating Chaudhary by over three lakh votes. BSP's Yogesh Kumar Dwivedi trailed, finishing in the third spot.

This time around Malini, who is confident of seizing another term from the seat, is pitted against RLD's Kunwar Narendra Singh and Congress's Mahesh Pathak. And she depends on the Modi wave.

In the birthplace of Lord Krishna, one's 'karma' is what matters. And almost all voters agree that PM Modi did well to retaliate against Pulwama terror attack.

Mathura has a sizeable but influential Jat community. The farmers aren't too happy and the general impression is that Hema Malini has not done much for rural areas, where Jats (4.5 lakh) heavily outnumber others. The BJP is trying to project Hema Malini as a Jat owing to her marriage with Bollywoood icon Dharmendra, who has also campaigned for her, but locals here think all this has little meaning.

"The government increased the wheat procurement price. But the cost of fertilizer too went up. Everything else relating to farming is under the GST. Diesel cost too is raised. There are more issues, but no one is ready to hear us," says Jagpal Singh, a farmer from Phenchari village. The locals say that Hema Malini has support base only in the city, not in rural areas which she ignored in the last five years.

The Mathura Lok Sabha constituency is part of Mathura district in Uttar Pradesh and comprises five assembly segments - Chhata, Mant, Goverdhan, Mathura and Baldev. Muslims form the second most important vote bank here.

For Congress, it looks like Mathura has offered a tough field to plough. The party has not been able to win elections from here since Manvendra Singh's victory in 2004.

The RLD is fighting this year's polls in an alliance with Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party and Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party. It must be noted that both BSP and SP has had a poor report card in Mathura. The only time when an RLD candidate won from the seat was when the party was in an alliance with the BJP.

Hema Malini, the BJP candidate from Mathura, has expressed confidence that she will win the electoral battle against the SP-BSP alliance. "Development in Mathura is all due to my efforts.

Hema Malini, the BJP candidate from Mathura, has expressed confidence that she will win the electoral battle against the SP-BSP alliance. "Development in Mathura is all due to my efforts. SP-BSP are only engaged in fighting with each other. There is a huge Modi wave here," Hema Malini said after casting her vote in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections on Thursday. Mathura is one of the significant Lok Sabha seats out of 80 constituencies from the Hindi heartland of India. A Bharatiya Janata Party candidate won from here four times between 1991 and 1999, but the charm was broken by Congress's Manvendra Singh who swept the seat in 2004. In 2009, the Rashtriya Lok Dal's Jayant Chaudhary won the Lok Sabha elections from here. The party had fought the election here in an alliance with the BJP. In 2014, the BJP fielded Hema Malini from the seat who registered a landslide win from the constituency, defeating Chaudhary by over three lakh votes. BSP's Yogesh Kumar Dwivedi trailed, finishing in the third spot. This time around Malini, who is confident of seizing another term from the seat, is pitted against RLD's Kunwar Narendra Singh and Congress's Mahesh Pathak. And she depends on the Modi wave. In the birthplace of Lord Krishna, one's 'karma' is what matters. And almost all voters agree that PM Modi did well to retaliate against Pulwama terror attack. Mathura has a sizeable but influential Jat community. The farmers aren't too happy and the general impression is that Hema Malini has not done much for rural areas, where Jats (4.5 lakh) heavily outnumber others. The BJP is trying to project Hema Malini as a Jat owing to her marriage with Bollywoood icon Dharmendra, who has also campaigned for her, but locals here think all this has little meaning. "The government increased the wheat procurement price. But the cost of fertilizer too went up. Everything else relating to farming is under the GST. Diesel cost too is raised. There are more issues, but no one is ready to hear us," says Jagpal Singh, a farmer from Phenchari village. The locals say that Hema Malini has support base only in the city, not in rural areas which she ignored in the last five years. The Mathura Lok Sabha constituency is part of Mathura district in Uttar Pradesh and comprises five assembly segments - Chhata, Mant, Goverdhan, Mathura and Baldev. Muslims form the second most important vote bank here. For Congress, it looks like Mathura has offered a tough field to plough. The party has not been able to win elections from here since Manvendra Singh's victory in 2004. The RLD is fighting this year's polls in an alliance with Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party and Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party. It must be noted that both BSP and SP has had a poor report card in Mathura. The only time when an RLD candidate won from the seat was when the party was in an alliance with the BJP.

In Mathura, tough road ahead for Hema Malini in re-election bid

The father of one of the victims of the 2008 Malegaon blast moved the special NIA court here Thursday, urging it to bar prime accused Sadhvi <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/digvijaya-singh-needed-proper-challenger-bjps-ram-madhav-on-pragya-thakur-211565">Pragya Singh Thakur</a> from contesting the Lok Sabha election.

The application was filed by Nisar Sayeed, who lost his son in the blast, a day after the BJP fielded Thakur from the Bhopal Lok Sabha seat against Congress veteran Digvijay Singh.

Special National Investigation Agency cases judge V S Padalkar sought replies from both the NIA and Thakur and posted the matter for Monday.

The applicant sought that Thakur, who is out on bail, be asked to attend court proceedings in Mumbai and be barred from contesting the election as the trial is in progress.

It further mentioned that Thakur got bail on health grounds. If she was "healthy enough to fight elections in the crippling summers heat", then she has misled the court, the complainant alleged.&nbsp;

A petition seeking cancellation of her bail was pending before the Supreme Court, it said.

Six people were killed and over a hundred injured in a bomb blast at Malegaon, a communally-sensitive textile town in north Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008.

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested Thakur and others in the case, alleging that they were part of a Hindu extremist group which carried out the blast.

The NIA later gave Thakur a clean chit, but the court did not discharge Thakur.

It dropped charges against her under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, but she is still facing trial under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Indian Penal Code sections.

The father of one of the victims of the 2008 Malegaon blast moved the special NIA court here Thursday, urging it to bar prime accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur from contesting the Lok Sabha election.

The father of one of the victims of the 2008 Malegaon blast moved the special NIA court here Thursday, urging it to bar prime accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur from contesting the Lok Sabha election. The application was filed by Nisar Sayeed, who lost his son in the blast, a day after the BJP fielded Thakur from the Bhopal Lok Sabha seat against Congress veteran Digvijay Singh. Special National Investigation Agency cases judge V S Padalkar sought replies from both the NIA and Thakur and posted the matter for Monday. The applicant sought that Thakur, who is out on bail, be asked to attend court proceedings in Mumbai and be barred from contesting the election as the trial is in progress. It further mentioned that Thakur got bail on health grounds. If she was "healthy enough to fight elections in the crippling summers heat", then she has misled the court, the complainant alleged. A petition seeking cancellation of her bail was pending before the Supreme Court, it said. Six people were killed and over a hundred injured in a bomb blast at Malegaon, a communally-sensitive textile town in north Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008. The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested Thakur and others in the case, alleging that they were part of a Hindu extremist group which carried out the blast. The NIA later gave Thakur a clean chit, but the court did not discharge Thakur. It dropped charges against her under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, but she is still facing trial under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Indian Penal Code sections.

Malegaon victim's father asks court to ban Sadhvi from contesting polls

Three hours after the second phase of polling commenced on Thursday, West Bengal is leading in terms of voter turnout with 16.77&nbsp;per cent electorates having already exercised their franchise.&nbsp;

The turnout in Manipur is 16.60 per cent while&nbsp;Chhattisgarh&nbsp;has recorded at 13.09&nbsp;per cent at 10&nbsp;am, according to data provided by the Election Commission.&nbsp;

In Chhattisgarh, voters have braved the threats of Naxals and have come out in large numbers to cast votes in three constituencies which are voting.&nbsp;

In Bihar, voter turnout has touched 10.10&nbsp;per cent in the first three hours, while Uttar Pradesh, which has eight constituencies going to polls, has clocked 9.35&nbsp;per cent voting till 9 am.

Among other states going to polls, voter turnout in the first two hours in Odisha is 6.75 per cent, Karnataka 7.60&nbsp;per cent, Jammu and Kashmir 5.86&nbsp;per cent, Tamil Nadu 6.85&nbsp;per cent, Maharashtra 6.60&nbsp;per cent and Puducherry 7.48&nbsp;per cent.

The second the phase of polling is being held in Assam (five seats), Bihar (five seats), Chhattisgarh (three seats), Jammu and Kashmir (two seats), Karnataka (14 seats), Maharashtra (10 seats), Manipur (one seat), Odisha (five seats), Tamil Nadu (38 seats), Uttar Pradesh (eight seats), West Bengal (three seats), and Union Territory Puducherry (one seat).&nbsp;

Assam - 11.80% 
Bihar&nbsp;- 10.10% 
J&amp;K - 5.86% 
Karnataka - 7.60% 
Maharashtra - 6.60% 
Manipur - 16.60% 
Odisha - 6.75% 
Tamil Nadu - 6.85% 
Uttar Pradesh - 9.35% 
West Bengal - 16.77% 
Chhattisharh - 13.09% 
Puducherry - 7.48%

Three hours after the second phase of polling commenced on Thursday, West Bengal is leading in terms of voter turnout with 16.77 per cent electorates having already exercised their franchise.

Three hours after the second phase of polling commenced on Thursday, West Bengal is leading in terms of voter turnout with 16.77 per cent electorates having already exercised their franchise. The turnout in Manipur is 16.60 per cent while Chhattisgarh has recorded at 13.09 per cent at 10 am, according to data provided by the Election Commission. In Chhattisgarh, voters have braved the threats of Naxals and have come out in large numbers to cast votes in three constituencies which are voting. In Bihar, voter turnout has touched 10.10 per cent in the first three hours, while Uttar Pradesh, which has eight constituencies going to polls, has clocked 9.35 per cent voting till 9 am. Among other states going to polls, voter turnout in the first two hours in Odisha is 6.75 per cent, Karnataka 7.60 per cent, Jammu and Kashmir 5.86 per cent, Tamil Nadu 6.85 per cent, Maharashtra 6.60 per cent and Puducherry 7.48 per cent. The second the phase of polling is being held in Assam (five seats), Bihar (five seats), Chhattisgarh (three seats), Jammu and Kashmir (two seats), Karnataka (14 seats), Maharashtra (10 seats), Manipur (one seat), Odisha (five seats), Tamil Nadu (38 seats), Uttar Pradesh (eight seats), West Bengal (three seats), and Union Territory Puducherry (one seat). Assam - 11.80% Bihar - 10.10% J&K - 5.86% Karnataka - 7.60% Maharashtra - 6.60% Manipur - 16.60% Odisha - 6.75% Tamil Nadu - 6.85% Uttar Pradesh - 9.35% West Bengal - 16.77% Chhattisharh - 13.09% Puducherry - 7.48%

Lok Sabha polls 2019: West Bengal leads in voter turnout 3 hours after polling began

India underway for its 2nd phase of Lok Sabha election 2019. Here is a quick look at the voter's turn-out for the day. Watch video to know more.

Lok Sabha election 2019: Quick look at the voter's turn-out figures for 2nd phase

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