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

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

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

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

Watch this segment to know latest updates of Lok Sabha elections 2019.

Lok Sabha elections 2019: Watch latest election news

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Congress North East Delhi candidate Sheila Dikshit holded a roadshow in Delhi on Wednesday. Watch this video to know more.

Priyanka Gandhi & PM Modi's war of words

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Wednesday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-will-be-wasting-her-time-campaigning-in-the-national-capital-kejriwal-216999">invoked her Delhi roots</a> during a roadshow here, and threw an open challenge at Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/india-will-stop-flow-of-our-share-of-water-to-pakistan-pm-modi-at-kurukshetra-poll-rally-217039">Narendra Modi</a> to fight the last two phases of the Lok Sabha election on the issue of the "false promises" he made to people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/ncpcr-notice-to-priyanka-gandhi-over-use-of-children-in-electioneering-215473">Priyanka Gandhi</a>, 47, said she was born in Delhi and knows the city like the back of her hand.

She held two roadshows in a span of four hours in favour of party candidates from the Northeast Delhi and the South Delhi constituencies -- Sheila Dikshit and Vijender Singh.&nbsp;

During her first roadshow in support of Dikshit, she said the people of the city were tired of Modi's "purposeless talk".

"Being a Delhi girl, I challenge you to fight the last two phases on the issues of demonetisation, GST, women security and the false promises you made to the people of the country," she said, as the crowd clapped, cheered and whistled.

Modi had challenged the Congress to fight the last two phases in the name of Rajiv Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi's father and former prime minister who he has described as "Bhrashtachari No 1" (corrupt no 1).

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Priyanka Gandhi said Modi has been shifting the blame on former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, like a school child trying to escape punishment from teachers.&nbsp;

She also accused Modi of "destroying" institutions and the BJP of "playing politics in the name of religion".

Perched atop a minibus, she said, "I cannot disrespect you (people of Delhi). We are not arrogant like BJP. We know you have made us what we are today."

"Modi ji has been in Delhi for five years. I was born in the city. I have seen every bylane, every nook and cranny of the city. I will tell you (Modi) what the people of Delhi think. They (people) are tired of your purposeless talk. You keep yourself confined to your Race Course Road residence," she said.

The prime minister's officials residence is 7, Race Course Road. The name of the road was changed to Lok Kalyan Marg in 2016.

Priyanka Gandhi accused Modi of indulging in negative politics and said he cannot give a direct answer to questions asked about the work he did in the past five years.

Raking up the issue of GST, she said the new indirect tax regime broke the back of businessmen.

The AICC general secretary also referred to the BJP's 2014 poll promises, including that of providing two&nbsp;crore jobs every year.

"You talk about nationalism. Is securing a better future for the youth of the country, not nationalism?" she asked.

She asked the crowd if they got the jobs to which the people responded in the negative.

"He (Modi) failed to protect soldiers, youths and women but who will hold him accountable and who will seek answers from him," she asked the gathering which replied, "We will."

"You have to vote and strengthen yourself. He (Modi) is destroying all institutions and they (BJP) are playing politics in the name of religion. Delhi is the heart of the nation. Raise your voice...We have had enough," she said.

The roadshow started in Seelampur, a minority-dominated area, and meandered with a sea of people towards the Yamuna Vihar depot, where it culminated.

The Congress leaders waved at the ebullient hordes of supporters who raised slogans "Desh me andhi, Priyanka Gandhi" Gandhi&nbsp;and "Priyanka nahi ye andhi hai dusri Indira Gandhi hai''.&nbsp;

As people jostled with each other to catch a glimpse of Priyanka Gandhi, women in the balconies of the houses lining the streets showered her with bucket loads of rose petals.

Her cavalcade curled through the lanes amid a cacophony of claps, hooting, sloganeering and drum beating.

"Sanitation is the main issue here. Manoj Tiwari (the BJP MP seeking reelection from the seat) was never seen here. (Chief Minister) Arvind Kejriwal cannot run the government," said Zubair Ahmed, a resident of Seelampur.

Priyanka Gandhi also held another roadshow in support of the party's candidate for the South Delhi seat, Vijender Singh.

The hour-long roadshow began from Virat Cinema and culminated at the Tigri traffic intersection, after winding its way through people-filled streets.

Slogans of "Boxer bhai zindabad, Priyanka Gandhi zindabad" rented the air, as the two leaders waved at the elated crowd that included people of all ages.

"When I see her, she reminds me of Indira Gandhi. And her entering politics has lent fresh energy to Congress. Our party will do well," Om Wati, 54, a former municipal councillor of Delhi, said.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Wednesday invoked her Delhi roots during a roadshow here, and threw an open challenge at Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fight the last two phases of the Lok Sabha election on the issue of the "false promises" he made to people.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Wednesday invoked her Delhi roots during a roadshow here, and threw an open challenge at Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fight the last two phases of the Lok Sabha election on the issue of the "false promises" he made to people. Priyanka Gandhi, 47, said she was born in Delhi and knows the city like the back of her hand. She held two roadshows in a span of four hours in favour of party candidates from the Northeast Delhi and the South Delhi constituencies -- Sheila Dikshit and Vijender Singh. During her first roadshow in support of Dikshit, she said the people of the city were tired of Modi's "purposeless talk". "Being a Delhi girl, I challenge you to fight the last two phases on the issues of demonetisation, GST, women security and the false promises you made to the people of the country," she said, as the crowd clapped, cheered and whistled. Modi had challenged the Congress to fight the last two phases in the name of Rajiv Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi's father and former prime minister who he has described as "Bhrashtachari No 1" (corrupt no 1). × Priyanka Gandhi said Modi has been shifting the blame on former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, like a school child trying to escape punishment from teachers. She also accused Modi of "destroying" institutions and the BJP of "playing politics in the name of religion". Perched atop a minibus, she said, "I cannot disrespect you (people of Delhi). We are not arrogant like BJP. We know you have made us what we are today." "Modi ji has been in Delhi for five years. I was born in the city. I have seen every bylane, every nook and cranny of the city. I will tell you (Modi) what the people of Delhi think. They (people) are tired of your purposeless talk. You keep yourself confined to your Race Course Road residence," she said. The prime minister's officials residence is 7, Race Course Road. The name of the road was changed to Lok Kalyan Marg in 2016. Priyanka Gandhi accused Modi of indulging in negative politics and said he cannot give a direct answer to questions asked about the work he did in the past five years. Raking up the issue of GST, she said the new indirect tax regime broke the back of businessmen. The AICC general secretary also referred to the BJP's 2014 poll promises, including that of providing two crore jobs every year. "You talk about nationalism. Is securing a better future for the youth of the country, not nationalism?" she asked. She asked the crowd if they got the jobs to which the people responded in the negative. "He (Modi) failed to protect soldiers, youths and women but who will hold him accountable and who will seek answers from him," she asked the gathering which replied, "We will." "You have to vote and strengthen yourself. He (Modi) is destroying all institutions and they (BJP) are playing politics in the name of religion. Delhi is the heart of the nation. Raise your voice...We have had enough," she said. The roadshow started in Seelampur, a minority-dominated area, and meandered with a sea of people towards the Yamuna Vihar depot, where it culminated. The Congress leaders waved at the ebullient hordes of supporters who raised slogans "Desh me andhi, Priyanka Gandhi" Gandhi and "Priyanka nahi ye andhi hai dusri Indira Gandhi hai''. As people jostled with each other to catch a glimpse of Priyanka Gandhi, women in the balconies of the houses lining the streets showered her with bucket loads of rose petals. Her cavalcade curled through the lanes amid a cacophony of claps, hooting, sloganeering and drum beating. "Sanitation is the main issue here. Manoj Tiwari (the BJP MP seeking reelection from the seat) was never seen here. (Chief Minister) Arvind Kejriwal cannot run the government," said Zubair Ahmed, a resident of Seelampur. Priyanka Gandhi also held another roadshow in support of the party's candidate for the South Delhi seat, Vijender Singh. The hour-long roadshow began from Virat Cinema and culminated at the Tigri traffic intersection, after winding its way through people-filled streets. Slogans of "Boxer bhai zindabad, Priyanka Gandhi zindabad" rented the air, as the two leaders waved at the elated crowd that included people of all ages. "When I see her, she reminds me of Indira Gandhi. And her entering politics has lent fresh energy to Congress. Our party will do well," Om Wati, 54, a former municipal councillor of Delhi, said.

Priyanka Gandhi invokes Delhi roots, challenges PM Modi to fight elections on false promises

Supreme Court of India dismisses second plea against Rahul Gandhi, Petition sought to debar Congress President from contesting elections. Watch this video to know more.

SC dismisses second plea against Rahul Gandhi

51 Constituencies, 7 States, Several Key Battles. What Makes Phase 5 Of Lok Sabha Polls Important.

Gravitas: Understanding The Significance Of Phase 5

Today is the Last Day of campaigning for Phase 5 of Lok Sabha Polls. Watch the full video to know more.

Last Day of campaigning for Phase 5 of Lok Sabha Polls today

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-64-turnout-recorded-in-fourth-phase-violence-in-west-bengal-214572">The fourth phase of Lok Sabha election</a> in West Bengal was marred by violence on Monday.&nbsp;As many as eight seats in West Bengal - Krishnanagar, Ranaghat, Berhampore, Bolpur, Birbhum, Asansol, Burdwan East and Burdwan Durgapur went to polls in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-fourth-phase-polling-underway-in-nine-states-214251">the fourth phase today</a>.&nbsp;

While several seats witnessed peaceful polls, constituencies like Bolpur, Birbhum and Asansol witnessed sporadic cases of violence.&nbsp;

The first incident came to light in the first hours of polling in Jemua in Asansol constituency. Voters threatened to boycott polls after getting to know that the state police, instead of the central paramilitary force, were deployed at the polling booths.&nbsp;

“We do not have confidence on state police. We will not cast our votes till the central force jawans are deployed. Not just us but villages after villages have agreed to boycott polls if the Election Commission does not deploy central forces. We were intimated during the panchayat polls, we cannot allow this to be repeated this time,” said a villager.&nbsp;

Immediately after, the locals started agitating, demanding deployment of central forces. The incident took a violent turn when Trinamool Congress and BJP supporters clashed with each other. The police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse agitating Trinamool Congress and BJP supporters. Several supporters on both sides were injured.&nbsp;

This apart, parts of Asansol witnessed sporadic instances of violence. Union minister and BJP candidate from Asansol Babul Supriyo reached a booth in Borabani after hearing reports of the BJP polling agent being thrown out of the polling booth. Supriyo got into a war of words with the TMC polling agent. Supriyo and media persons later came under attack, their vehicles were vandalised.&nbsp;

Later, the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal directed the police to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-election-commission-directs-to-register-fir-against-babul-supriyo-for-trespassing-into-booth-214482">register an FIR against Supriyo</a> for intimidating the TMC polling agent. “I haven’t done anything wrong by behaving in that manner with the TMC polling agent. If he abuses me, if the &nbsp;TMC party attacks women and journalists, am I to keep quiet? I shall not do so. Even if I’m shown in poor light, I’ll continue to do this,” Supriyo said.&nbsp;

He further expressed unhappiness over the role of central forces on the poll day. “We are not happy with the role of the central force, as earlier we were told that there would be 100 per cent coverage and then suddenly late last night they reduced it to 96-98 per cent. We will be demanding repolls in several polling stations. I have spoken to Mukul da, we are preparing a list of where all we want repolls,” he said.&nbsp;

On the other hand, another incident stirred a major controversy where a central force jawan fired a bullet inside the polling booth to disperse agitating TMC and BJP supporters. While none were hurt in the incident, the bullet hit the ceiling of the polling booth.&nbsp;

The fourth phase of Lok Sabha election in West Bengal was marred by violence on Monday. As many as eight seats in West Bengal - Krishnanagar, Ranaghat, Berhampore, Bolpur, Birbhum, Asansol, Burdwan East and Burdwan Durgapur went to polls in the fourth phase today.

The fourth phase of Lok Sabha election in West Bengal was marred by violence on Monday. As many as eight seats in West Bengal - Krishnanagar, Ranaghat, Berhampore, Bolpur, Birbhum, Asansol, Burdwan East and Burdwan Durgapur went to polls in the fourth phase today. While several seats witnessed peaceful polls, constituencies like Bolpur, Birbhum and Asansol witnessed sporadic cases of violence. The first incident came to light in the first hours of polling in Jemua in Asansol constituency. Voters threatened to boycott polls after getting to know that the state police, instead of the central paramilitary force, were deployed at the polling booths. “We do not have confidence on state police. We will not cast our votes till the central force jawans are deployed. Not just us but villages after villages have agreed to boycott polls if the Election Commission does not deploy central forces. We were intimated during the panchayat polls, we cannot allow this to be repeated this time,” said a villager. Immediately after, the locals started agitating, demanding deployment of central forces. The incident took a violent turn when Trinamool Congress and BJP supporters clashed with each other. The police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse agitating Trinamool Congress and BJP supporters. Several supporters on both sides were injured. This apart, parts of Asansol witnessed sporadic instances of violence. Union minister and BJP candidate from Asansol Babul Supriyo reached a booth in Borabani after hearing reports of the BJP polling agent being thrown out of the polling booth. Supriyo got into a war of words with the TMC polling agent. Supriyo and media persons later came under attack, their vehicles were vandalised. Later, the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal directed the police to register an FIR against Supriyo for intimidating the TMC polling agent. “I haven’t done anything wrong by behaving in that manner with the TMC polling agent. If he abuses me, if the TMC party attacks women and journalists, am I to keep quiet? I shall not do so. Even if I’m shown in poor light, I’ll continue to do this,” Supriyo said. He further expressed unhappiness over the role of central forces on the poll day. “We are not happy with the role of the central force, as earlier we were told that there would be 100 per cent coverage and then suddenly late last night they reduced it to 96-98 per cent. We will be demanding repolls in several polling stations. I have spoken to Mukul da, we are preparing a list of where all we want repolls,” he said. On the other hand, another incident stirred a major controversy where a central force jawan fired a bullet inside the polling booth to disperse agitating TMC and BJP supporters. While none were hurt in the incident, the bullet hit the ceiling of the polling booth.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Violence marred fourth phase of general election in West Bengal

Incidents of violence in West Bengal and EVM glitches in some areas were reported as 64 per cent turnout was recorded on Monday in 72 constituencies across nine states in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-fourth-phase-polling-underway-in-nine-states-214251">fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections</a>.

In the heartland states, where the BJP had won 30 out of 32 seats in 2014, 62 per cent turnout was recorded in Rajasthan (13 seats), 53.12 per cent in Uttar Pradesh (13 seats) and 65.86 per cent Madhya Pradesh (6 seats).

West Bengal recorded a high turnout at 76.47 in the eight seats though <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-clashes-erupt-between-tmc-workers-security-forces-in-asansol-babul-supriyos-car-vandalised-214362">clashes broke out</a> between supporters of rival parties in Nanoor, Rampurhat, Nalhati and Suri areas of Birbhum seat, leaving several people injured.

In Barabani, BJP candidate from Asansol and Union minister Babul Supriyo's vehicle was vandalised allegedly by TMC workers outside a polling station while in Dubrajpur area central security forces personnel reportedly opened fire in the air to disperse irate people who attacked them when they were barred from entering the booths with mobile phones.&nbsp;

An FIR was registered against Supriyo for allegedly getting into an argument with polling officials, an election official said. The ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP accused each other of intimidating voters in the state, which has seen violence in all previous three phases despite stepped up central forces deployment.

The stakes are high for the BJP which had won 56 of the 72 constituencies in the 2014 polls. About 12.79 crore people were eligible for voting in the phase, which marked the start of polling in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh while elections came to an end in Maharashtra and Odisha.&nbsp;

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Madhya Pradesh V L Kantha Rao said that during a mock-poll, electronic voting machines (EVMs) were replaced at 207 polling booths as some glitches were found. EVMs were also replaced at 106 polling booths after the voting began.

Polling was peaceful in Rajasthan, with tribal dominated seat of Banswara recording the highest voting percentage at 72.34, followed by Barmer which recorded 72.21 per cent voting, according to state election officials.

Nearly 52 per cent voting was recorded in Maharashtra (17 seats), 64.05 per cent Odisha (6 seats), 53.67 per cent Bihar (five seats) and 63.42 per cent Jharkhand (3 seats), according to data provided by the Election Commission till 6 PM.

In Kulgam district of Anantnag constituency in Jammu and Kashmir, 10.3 per cent polling was recorded, amid isolated incidents of stone pelting. This was the second of the three-phased polling in the sensitive seat.

Billionaires and Bollywood star lined up outside polling stations along with the common folks in Mumbai, where polling was held in six constituencies.&nbsp;

Complaints of technical glitches in EVMs and VVPAT machines in some polling booths were addressed in Maharashtra, an election official said.

Bollywood celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, the Khan troika of Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir, and Deepika Padukone cast their votes in Mumbai. Priyanka Chopra, Rekha, Aamir and wife Kiran Rao were among the early voters.

In Uttar Pradesh, opposition Samajwadi Party's alleged that many EVMs malfunctioned and in Kannauj, from where SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife and sitting MP Dimple Yadav is contesting, several party workers were prevented from coming out of their homes to vote.

In Kanpur, BJP workers allegedly tried to barge into a polling booth and clashed with the police. A case has been registered against BJP leader Suresh Awasthi and six others in this connection, Kanpur District Magistrate Vijay Vishwas Pant said.

Shahjahanpur (SC), Kheri, Hardoi (SC), Misrikh (SC), Unnao, Farrukhabad, Etawah (SC), Kannauj, Kanpur, Akbarpur, Jalaun (SC), Jhansi and Hamirpur seats recorded 53.23 per cent polling till 5 pm, an electoral officer said.

Reports were received of EVMs developing snag in Bidhauna area under the Kannauj Lok Sabha seat following which polling remained suspended for over an hour.

Complaints of EVM malfunctioning were also reported in Etawah under Auriaya district, with voters claiming they had to wait for hours at polling booths in Tilak Mahavidyalaya, Sahupur, Ajitmal and Dalelnagar to cast their votes.

According to a report from Hardoi, an elderly woman voter complained that the presiding officer at Jamkara booth under Sandila area forcibly pressed the EVM button. The sector magistrate has removed the officer and handed him over to the police who is investigating the matter.

Besides Dimple Yadav, prominent candidates whose electoral fate will be decided in this phase are Dimple Yadav, former Union ministers Salman Khurshid (Farrukhabd) and Sriprakash Jaiswal (Kanpur) of Congress, UP Cabinet minister Satyadev Pachauri (Kanpur) and Sakshi Maharaj of BJP (Unnao)

In Bihar, voting was delayed due to EVM malfunctioning at three polling stations in Munger, two polling stations in Darbhanga and three polling stations in Begusarai, from where CPI's Kanhaiya Kumar and Union Minister Giriraj Singh (BJP) are contesting, due to technical glitches, official sources said.

In Odisha, technical glitches in EVMs delayed polling in 60 booths, but it resumed after the snags were rectified, the official said.

Election to 542 Lok Sabha seats is being conducted in seven phases between April 11 and May 19.

Election in Vellore constituency in Tamil Nadu has been cancelled following excess use of money power. Results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

Incidents of violence in West Bengal and EVM glitches in some areas were reported as 64 per cent turnout was recorded on Monday in 72 constituencies across nine states in the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections.

Incidents of violence in West Bengal and EVM glitches in some areas were reported as 64 per cent turnout was recorded on Monday in 72 constituencies across nine states in the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections. In the heartland states, where the BJP had won 30 out of 32 seats in 2014, 62 per cent turnout was recorded in Rajasthan (13 seats), 53.12 per cent in Uttar Pradesh (13 seats) and 65.86 per cent Madhya Pradesh (6 seats). West Bengal recorded a high turnout at 76.47 in the eight seats though clashes broke out between supporters of rival parties in Nanoor, Rampurhat, Nalhati and Suri areas of Birbhum seat, leaving several people injured. In Barabani, BJP candidate from Asansol and Union minister Babul Supriyo's vehicle was vandalised allegedly by TMC workers outside a polling station while in Dubrajpur area central security forces personnel reportedly opened fire in the air to disperse irate people who attacked them when they were barred from entering the booths with mobile phones. An FIR was registered against Supriyo for allegedly getting into an argument with polling officials, an election official said. The ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP accused each other of intimidating voters in the state, which has seen violence in all previous three phases despite stepped up central forces deployment. The stakes are high for the BJP which had won 56 of the 72 constituencies in the 2014 polls. About 12.79 crore people were eligible for voting in the phase, which marked the start of polling in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh while elections came to an end in Maharashtra and Odisha. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Madhya Pradesh V L Kantha Rao said that during a mock-poll, electronic voting machines (EVMs) were replaced at 207 polling booths as some glitches were found. EVMs were also replaced at 106 polling booths after the voting began. Polling was peaceful in Rajasthan, with tribal dominated seat of Banswara recording the highest voting percentage at 72.34, followed by Barmer which recorded 72.21 per cent voting, according to state election officials. Nearly 52 per cent voting was recorded in Maharashtra (17 seats), 64.05 per cent Odisha (6 seats), 53.67 per cent Bihar (five seats) and 63.42 per cent Jharkhand (3 seats), according to data provided by the Election Commission till 6 PM. In Kulgam district of Anantnag constituency in Jammu and Kashmir, 10.3 per cent polling was recorded, amid isolated incidents of stone pelting. This was the second of the three-phased polling in the sensitive seat. Billionaires and Bollywood star lined up outside polling stations along with the common folks in Mumbai, where polling was held in six constituencies. Complaints of technical glitches in EVMs and VVPAT machines in some polling booths were addressed in Maharashtra, an election official said. Bollywood celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, the Khan troika of Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir, and Deepika Padukone cast their votes in Mumbai. Priyanka Chopra, Rekha, Aamir and wife Kiran Rao were among the early voters. In Uttar Pradesh, opposition Samajwadi Party's alleged that many EVMs malfunctioned and in Kannauj, from where SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife and sitting MP Dimple Yadav is contesting, several party workers were prevented from coming out of their homes to vote. In Kanpur, BJP workers allegedly tried to barge into a polling booth and clashed with the police. A case has been registered against BJP leader Suresh Awasthi and six others in this connection, Kanpur District Magistrate Vijay Vishwas Pant said. Shahjahanpur (SC), Kheri, Hardoi (SC), Misrikh (SC), Unnao, Farrukhabad, Etawah (SC), Kannauj, Kanpur, Akbarpur, Jalaun (SC), Jhansi and Hamirpur seats recorded 53.23 per cent polling till 5 pm, an electoral officer said. Reports were received of EVMs developing snag in Bidhauna area under the Kannauj Lok Sabha seat following which polling remained suspended for over an hour. Complaints of EVM malfunctioning were also reported in Etawah under Auriaya district, with voters claiming they had to wait for hours at polling booths in Tilak Mahavidyalaya, Sahupur, Ajitmal and Dalelnagar to cast their votes. According to a report from Hardoi, an elderly woman voter complained that the presiding officer at Jamkara booth under Sandila area forcibly pressed the EVM button. The sector magistrate has removed the officer and handed him over to the police who is investigating the matter. Besides Dimple Yadav, prominent candidates whose electoral fate will be decided in this phase are Dimple Yadav, former Union ministers Salman Khurshid (Farrukhabd) and Sriprakash Jaiswal (Kanpur) of Congress, UP Cabinet minister Satyadev Pachauri (Kanpur) and Sakshi Maharaj of BJP (Unnao) In Bihar, voting was delayed due to EVM malfunctioning at three polling stations in Munger, two polling stations in Darbhanga and three polling stations in Begusarai, from where CPI's Kanhaiya Kumar and Union Minister Giriraj Singh (BJP) are contesting, due to technical glitches, official sources said. In Odisha, technical glitches in EVMs delayed polling in 60 booths, but it resumed after the snags were rectified, the official said. Election to 542 Lok Sabha seats is being conducted in seven phases between April 11 and May 19. Election in Vellore constituency in Tamil Nadu has been cancelled following excess use of money power. Results will be declared on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: 64% turnout recorded in fourth phase, violence in West Bengal

When poll pundits call the ongoing general election presidential, they are missing the woods for the trees. It is one thing for shrill TV channels to split the screen and show PM Narendra Modi in one part and Rahul Gandhi in the other, it is quite another to start believing your own rhetoric and brand the poll presidential, as if two leading political behemoths are stalking the land.

The reality is far from it. The Indian election system is not presidential, constitutionally speaking, and that is the way it stands. The real battle for the hearts and minds of the voters is not just being fought between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, but a clutch of regional parties, that do not necessarily have the same high profile as the two national parties, but whose representatives are scouring the electoral landscape with the same vehemence as anyone else contesting the elections.&nbsp;

In the big states, as is now apparent after three phases of elections, it is by no chance just BJP vs the Congress; remember India is a federal country and the elections, in a larger sense, represent a series of smaller polls - even downright local rivalries - that will determine the kind of government Indians can hope to see after May 23.

As a matter of fact, none of the big poll-bound states pit BJP vs the Congress. In Bengal, it is Trinamool and Mamata Banerjee vs the rest; in the biggest state of them all, Uttar Pradesh, it is mainly BJP vs two regional satraps, SP and the BSP. In Maharashtra, BJP-Sena are battling Congress and NCP while in Bihar, it is JD (U)-BJP against RJD and Congress from the outside. In Tamil Nadu, there is no BJP vs Congress fight, neither is there any Congress vs BJP standoff in Odisha, where again a regional outfit, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has been calling the shots for the last decade-and-a-half.&nbsp;

Neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are once again dominated by regional parties, the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) and the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) respectively.&nbsp;

If there is a real Congress vs BJP poll battle, it remains confined to MP, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Assam and Gujarat. It is simply too small a base to call an Indian election presidential, given the size of the country. So where pray, is this magnificent, all-consuming presidential elections taking place? Not in India, to be sure.

There is another side to this. The risk of pitting Rahul against Modi is to conjure, farcically, of course, a highly unequal contest. Taken to its logical conclusion, it is a signal to the electorate that if Rahul cannot beat Modi, no one else can, while the reality is that a carefully calibrated opposition plan could have made the BJP’s well oiled electoral machine a little slower in its response time. That it may not happen now, is part of this problem of projecting an excessively presidential style of polling, when none actually exists on the ground.

Even though it can be said that Prime Minister Modi’s campaign style is typically presidential, overflowing with speeches, perhaps more than his own party or even the opposition. In true presidential fashion, the focus remains on the principal contender, who is larger than life, not just for the public, but also for the media.

Modi’s campaign style is excessively personal. There are barely any references to the BJP - in fact the punch line for election 2019 is ‘Phir ek baar Modi sarkar’ (Modi government again); in 2014, it was ‘Abki baar Modi sarkar’ (Modi government this time). Campaign Modi is, therefore, the end product of a complex web of back end outreach initiatives, nearly totally technology driven. &nbsp;&nbsp;

With such an onerous comparison, Rahul Gandhi has had no option but to imitate a presidential style campaign and the jury is still out whether it suits him or not. &nbsp;

However, that is where the comparison ends, because the Constitution of the country dictates the style of government and not the style of the practitioners. Perhaps, more clarity on it would come, once the poll results are known.&nbsp;

Unlike a presidential campaign, there are powerful regional satraps, who dominate India’s political landscape in their own bailiwick, campaigning ceaselessly, against both Modi and occasionally, the Congress.

The BJP’s fight, as the final numbers will bear out, is going to be against the powerful regional satraps, and not the Congress, as is being incorrectly projected. &nbsp;

A presidential election would necessarily mean high-velocity televised debates while in India, such arguments are the prerogative of television studios, where a number of low ranking leaders looking to make a mark, flex their muscles at each other, the higher the decibel level the better the entertainment. Direct polemics between leading political lights is not just uncommon, it is not even heard of. Speeches delivered are extempore at different locations and there is no question of anyone raising any point of order. Everyone on stage is a fellow traveller, so any dissension, as a form of political expression, simply does not exist. &nbsp;

Politically speaking, when and if an alliance is cobbled, then the presidential aspect would not come into the picture. It would not be an alliance between two big parties, but two big political formations. Parties, with wide ideological divergences in the past, would suddenly deem it fit to form a government, once an alliance is put into place. &nbsp;By May 23, India would undoubtedly be as far away from a presidential system as it ever has been.&nbsp; 
 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the<a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-misnomer-of-presidential-polls-2744048"> original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

When poll pundits call the ongoing general election presidential, they are missing the woods for the trees. It is one thing for shrill TV channels to split the screen and show PM Narendra Modi in one part and Rahul Gandhi in the other, it is quite another to start believing your own rhetoric and brand the poll presidential, as if two leading political behemoths are stalking the land.

When poll pundits call the ongoing general election presidential, they are missing the woods for the trees. It is one thing for shrill TV channels to split the screen and show PM Narendra Modi in one part and Rahul Gandhi in the other, it is quite another to start believing your own rhetoric and brand the poll presidential, as if two leading political behemoths are stalking the land. The reality is far from it. The Indian election system is not presidential, constitutionally speaking, and that is the way it stands. The real battle for the hearts and minds of the voters is not just being fought between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, but a clutch of regional parties, that do not necessarily have the same high profile as the two national parties, but whose representatives are scouring the electoral landscape with the same vehemence as anyone else contesting the elections. In the big states, as is now apparent after three phases of elections, it is by no chance just BJP vs the Congress; remember India is a federal country and the elections, in a larger sense, represent a series of smaller polls - even downright local rivalries - that will determine the kind of government Indians can hope to see after May 23. As a matter of fact, none of the big poll-bound states pit BJP vs the Congress. In Bengal, it is Trinamool and Mamata Banerjee vs the rest; in the biggest state of them all, Uttar Pradesh, it is mainly BJP vs two regional satraps, SP and the BSP. In Maharashtra, BJP-Sena are battling Congress and NCP while in Bihar, it is JD (U)-BJP against RJD and Congress from the outside. In Tamil Nadu, there is no BJP vs Congress fight, neither is there any Congress vs BJP standoff in Odisha, where again a regional outfit, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has been calling the shots for the last decade-and-a-half. Neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are once again dominated by regional parties, the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) and the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) respectively. If there is a real Congress vs BJP poll battle, it remains confined to MP, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Assam and Gujarat. It is simply too small a base to call an Indian election presidential, given the size of the country. So where pray, is this magnificent, all-consuming presidential elections taking place? Not in India, to be sure. There is another side to this. The risk of pitting Rahul against Modi is to conjure, farcically, of course, a highly unequal contest. Taken to its logical conclusion, it is a signal to the electorate that if Rahul cannot beat Modi, no one else can, while the reality is that a carefully calibrated opposition plan could have made the BJP’s well oiled electoral machine a little slower in its response time. That it may not happen now, is part of this problem of projecting an excessively presidential style of polling, when none actually exists on the ground. Even though it can be said that Prime Minister Modi’s campaign style is typically presidential, overflowing with speeches, perhaps more than his own party or even the opposition. In true presidential fashion, the focus remains on the principal contender, who is larger than life, not just for the public, but also for the media. Modi’s campaign style is excessively personal. There are barely any references to the BJP - in fact the punch line for election 2019 is ‘Phir ek baar Modi sarkar’ (Modi government again); in 2014, it was ‘Abki baar Modi sarkar’ (Modi government this time). Campaign Modi is, therefore, the end product of a complex web of back end outreach initiatives, nearly totally technology driven. With such an onerous comparison, Rahul Gandhi has had no option but to imitate a presidential style campaign and the jury is still out whether it suits him or not. However, that is where the comparison ends, because the Constitution of the country dictates the style of government and not the style of the practitioners. Perhaps, more clarity on it would come, once the poll results are known. Unlike a presidential campaign, there are powerful regional satraps, who dominate India’s political landscape in their own bailiwick, campaigning ceaselessly, against both Modi and occasionally, the Congress. The BJP’s fight, as the final numbers will bear out, is going to be against the powerful regional satraps, and not the Congress, as is being incorrectly projected. A presidential election would necessarily mean high-velocity televised debates while in India, such arguments are the prerogative of television studios, where a number of low ranking leaders looking to make a mark, flex their muscles at each other, the higher the decibel level the better the entertainment. Direct polemics between leading political lights is not just uncommon, it is not even heard of. Speeches delivered are extempore at different locations and there is no question of anyone raising any point of order. Everyone on stage is a fellow traveller, so any dissension, as a form of political expression, simply does not exist. Politically speaking, when and if an alliance is cobbled, then the presidential aspect would not come into the picture. It would not be an alliance between two big parties, but two big political formations. Parties, with wide ideological divergences in the past, would suddenly deem it fit to form a government, once an alliance is put into place. By May 23, India would undoubtedly be as far away from a presidential system as it ever has been. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

It's no way just BJP vs Congress as regional satraps dominate India’s political landscape

Former cricketer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=sachin+tendulkar">Sachin Tendulkar</a> with his wife Anjali Tendulkar cast their votes at a booth in Mumbai. Their son Arjun Tendulkar, a budding left-arm pacer, and daughter Sara voted for the first time.&nbsp;

Before leaving for the polling booth, Sachin took to Twitter to announce it. He wrote, "As planned, I'm on my way. Any guesses where?"

After casting his vote, he tweeted, "Voting this year has been so much more special with Sara and Arjun voting for the first time."

He also requested the citizens of India to use their right to vote, he said, "I urge you all to go out and VOTE too!"

The Tendulkar family shared their picture of their inked index fingers with big bright smiles on the faces.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-fourth-phase-polling-underway-in-nine-states-214251">Voting is underway in 71 constituencies</a> for the fourth phase of Lok Sabha polls across Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
As planned, I'm on my way. Any guesses where? 😉 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SecretMission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SecretMission</a> <a href="https://t.co/nJL6QlvIvL">pic.twitter.com/nJL6QlvIvL</a>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1122798040019034112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Voting this year has been so much more special with Sara and Arjun voting for the first time. 
I urge you all to go out and VOTE too!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GotInked?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GotInked</a><a href="https://twitter.com/ECISVEEP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ECISVEEP</a> <a href="https://t.co/stUpabsZsg">pic.twitter.com/stUpabsZsg</a>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1122798588357226496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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From Rekha to Priyanka Chopra, Bollywood stars also came out to caste their votes. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/lok-sabha-polls-2019-bollywood-stars-come-out-to-vote-214327">See Pictures</a>...

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

Former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar with his wife Anjali Tendulkar cast their votes at a booth in Mumbai. Their son Arjun Tendulkar, a budding left-arm pacer, and daughter Sara voted for the first time. Before leaving for the polling booth, Sachin took to Twitter to announce it. He wrote, "As planned, I'm on my way. Any guesses where?" After casting his vote, he tweeted, "Voting this year has been so much more special with Sara and Arjun voting for the first time." He also requested the citizens of India to use their right to vote, he said, "I urge you all to go out and VOTE too!" The Tendulkar family shared their picture of their inked index fingers with big bright smiles on the faces. Voting is underway in 71 constituencies for the fourth phase of Lok Sabha polls across Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir. As planned, I'm on my way. Any guesses where? 😉 #SecretMission pic.twitter.com/nJL6QlvIvL — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) April 29, 2019 × Voting this year has been so much more special with Sara and Arjun voting for the first time. I urge you all to go out and VOTE too!#LokSabhaElections#GotInked@ECISVEEP pic.twitter.com/stUpabsZsg — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) April 29, 2019 × From Rekha to Priyanka Chopra, Bollywood stars also came out to caste their votes. See Pictures...

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

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

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

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

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

Lok Sabha election 2019 reaches its half-way mark with voting in the fourth of seven phases taking place across 72 constituencies where 961 candidates are in the fray. Watch this video to know more.

Lok Sabha Polls: India votes in phase 4 of General Polls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold two rallies in Madhya Pradesh today ahead of the first phase of polling in the state on April 29. Watch full video to know more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold two rallies in Madhya Pradesh on Friday ahead of the first phase of polling in the state on April 29. M

Ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Congress President Rahul Gandhi will be addressing rallies in 3 states today. Watch full video to know more.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi holds rallies in 3 states ahead of the Lok Sabha poll

BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur has declared assets worth more than Rs 4.44 lakh that includes a 150-gram silver-coated brick which has Lord Rama inscribed on it, according to her affidavit.

Thakur, an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case currently on bail, has mentioned in her affidavit that she depends on alms and the society for her livelihood.

The total value of her possessions, including cash in hand, a silver 'kamandal'&nbsp;(water pot) weighing 2 kg, gold and silver jewellery and the silver-coated brick, stood at Rs 4,44,224, according to the affidavit submitted along with her nomination papers to election authorities here Tuesday.

The silver-coated brick, weighing 150 grams, is worth Rs 7,000 and has Lord Rama engraved on it, the document said.

The right-wing activist belongs to Lahar town in Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh and is a post-graduate from the Jiwaji University, Gwalior and also holds BP Ed (Bachelor of Physical Education) degree from the Barkatullah University, Bhopal, according to the affidavit.

The 49-year-old sadhvi has declared that a criminal case related to the 2008 blast case is registered against her at the Azad Nagar police station in Malegaon town of Nashik district in North Maharashtra.

The Bhopal police, on orders of the Election Commission (EC), has filed an FIR against Thakur for her remarks over the demolition of the Babri Masjid at Ayodhya in 1992. 
Thakur is contesting against Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh.

Voting in the Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency, which the BJP has been winning since 1989, will take place on May 12.&nbsp;

BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur has declared assets worth more than Rs 4.44 lakh that includes a 150-gram silver-coated brick which has Lord Rama inscribed on it, according to her affidavit.

BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur has declared assets worth more than Rs 4.44 lakh that includes a 150-gram silver-coated brick which has Lord Rama inscribed on it, according to her affidavit. Thakur, an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case currently on bail, has mentioned in her affidavit that she depends on alms and the society for her livelihood. The total value of her possessions, including cash in hand, a silver 'kamandal' (water pot) weighing 2 kg, gold and silver jewellery and the silver-coated brick, stood at Rs 4,44,224, according to the affidavit submitted along with her nomination papers to election authorities here Tuesday. The silver-coated brick, weighing 150 grams, is worth Rs 7,000 and has Lord Rama engraved on it, the document said. The right-wing activist belongs to Lahar town in Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh and is a post-graduate from the Jiwaji University, Gwalior and also holds BP Ed (Bachelor of Physical Education) degree from the Barkatullah University, Bhopal, according to the affidavit. The 49-year-old sadhvi has declared that a criminal case related to the 2008 blast case is registered against her at the Azad Nagar police station in Malegaon town of Nashik district in North Maharashtra. The Bhopal police, on orders of the Election Commission (EC), has filed an FIR against Thakur for her remarks over the demolition of the Babri Masjid at Ayodhya in 1992. Thakur is contesting against Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh. Voting in the Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency, which the BJP has been winning since 1989, will take place on May 12.

Silver-coated brick among Rs 4.44 lakh assets owned by Pragya Singh Thakur

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

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

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

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after casting his vote in Ahmedabad, presented voter IDs as a counter weapon to IEDs by terrorists and said the former’s strength is more powerful than an IED.

Voter ID is more powerful than IED: PM Modi presents counterattack to terrorism

Phase 3 is the biggest phase in Elections 2019. Know about its significance.

IEW: Significance of Phase 3 of Lok Sabha Polls

More than 50 percent of India has voted in this phase held in 117 seats across India .

IEW: Elections 2019: Phase Three of Polling

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/response-in-first-2-phases-giving-sleepless-nights-to-opposition-parties-pm-modi-212841">Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday</a> launched an attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating that her party's state is such that people are not turning up for the rallies. The Prime Minister was addressing a rally in Asansol.

"Today TMC's condition has become such that people are not turning up for their rallies, they are forced to call actors from abroad. I feel pity for you didi, look what the brave people of Bengal have done to you," the PM noted.

PM Modi went on to say that the TMC chief is dreaming of becoming&nbsp;the prime minister of the nation&nbsp;by fighting on just a handful of seats.

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PM Narendra Modi in Asansol, West Bengal: Before 2014, Congress govt had made a record of corruption. Today TMC government is giving tough competition to the Congress. Corruption &amp; crime are non-stop in TMC rule. And 'Speed-breaker Didi' is also there <a href="https://t.co/lowpJPd3kY">pic.twitter.com/lowpJPd3kY</a>
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"Didi, the seat of the prime minister is not available at any auction," he added.&nbsp;

He further said that the Congress government had made a record of corruption before 2014 and that the Trinamool Congress is giving a tough competition to the Congress.&nbsp;

"Corruption and crime are non-stop in TMC rule. And 'Speed-breaker Didi' is also there," the PM noted.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, PM Modi said that the response in the first two phases of polling is giving sleepless nights to opposition parties.&nbsp;

Addressing an election rally at Kendrapara in Odisha, Modi further said that 'Lahar' (wave) for BJP has become 'Lalkar' (challenge) for the Opposition after two phases of polls.&nbsp;

Prime minister accused the Naveen Patnaik government of resorting to violence and added in Odisha, BJD will go and BJP will come to power after polls.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched an attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating that her party's state is such that people are not turning up for the rallies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched an attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating that her party's state is such that people are not turning up for the rallies. The Prime Minister was addressing a rally in Asansol. "Today TMC's condition has become such that people are not turning up for their rallies, they are forced to call actors from abroad. I feel pity for you didi, look what the brave people of Bengal have done to you," the PM noted. PM Modi went on to say that the TMC chief is dreaming of becoming the prime minister of the nation by fighting on just a handful of seats. PM Narendra Modi in Asansol, West Bengal: Before 2014, Congress govt had made a record of corruption. Today TMC government is giving tough competition to the Congress. Corruption & crime are non-stop in TMC rule. And 'Speed-breaker Didi' is also there pic.twitter.com/lowpJPd3kY — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × "Didi, the seat of the prime minister is not available at any auction," he added. He further said that the Congress government had made a record of corruption before 2014 and that the Trinamool Congress is giving a tough competition to the Congress. "Corruption and crime are non-stop in TMC rule. And 'Speed-breaker Didi' is also there," the PM noted. Earlier in the day, PM Modi said that the response in the first two phases of polling is giving sleepless nights to opposition parties. Addressing an election rally at Kendrapara in Odisha, Modi further said that 'Lahar' (wave) for BJP has become 'Lalkar' (challenge) for the Opposition after two phases of polls. Prime minister accused the Naveen Patnaik government of resorting to violence and added in Odisha, BJD will go and BJP will come to power after polls.

Corruption and crime are non-stop in Trinamool Congress' rule: PM Modi is Asansol

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

In this segment of India Election Watch, Know about the key battles of phase 3 of Lok Sabha Elections 2019

India Election Watch: Phase 3 of LS Polls: Key Battles

Congress releases the names of 6 candidates for Lok Sabha Polls. Know about the candidates.

India Election Watch: Congress releases the names of 6 candidates

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Congress party was giving water to Pakistan, which was meant for India, and he promised to set up a separate ministry to address water-related issues.

"What is the Congress party's attitude towards water? The Congress party took a vote from you, but they kept giving the water of your share to Pakistan. You were thirsty and the Congress kept worrying about quenching Pakistan`s thirst," the Prime Minister said while addressing an election rally here.

"If the Congress had stopped the water from our share according to the Indus Waters Treaty flowing into Pakistan, then Rajasthan would not have had the water shortage. Now after so many years, our government has started working on a dam project to check the water going to Pakistan. In the coming time, you will get water of your right, not Pakistan," he said.

The Prime Minister announced that a separate ministry will be created for water if the BJP is voted to power after the ongoing elections.

"In the coming five years, we want to work in the field of water as we have done in the field of electricity. For water, we will create 'Jal Shakti Mantralay.' We will work towards giving water to drought-affected areas through technology including making use of seawater," he said.

Highlighting the success of BJP-led government, Prime Minister Modi said that his government emphasised on the skill, scale and speed in implementing welfare schemes.

"Our government not only started the schemes but also implemented them as well. Otherwise, we have seen such governments which started schemes but failed to implement these. Many schemes were pending for decades. This is why we emphasised on skill, scale and speed in our working culture," he said.

"Everyday 70,000 people are getting a free gas connection. Under Saubhagya scheme, around 50,000 houses are being electrified. Under the PM Awas Yojana, more than 11,000 houses are being constructed. Around 10,000 people are receiving treatment benefit under the Ayushman scheme," he said.

Modi also attacked Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government in the state for not waiving farm debts as promised by them during the Assembly elections.

"Big people had been crying here saying the farmers` debts will be waived off within 10 days after coming to power. Have the debts been waived off here? But it is being said everywhere that the debt of farmers in Rajasthan was waived off," he said.

Speaking further about farmers, he said,&nbsp;"Farmers have lathicharged for urea. In the past five years, no problem of urea was there in any part of the country. But as soon as the Congress formed the government here, the batteries of middlemen were charged again.

"Rajasthan, where 25 Parliamentary seats are at stake, will go to polls in the fourth and fifth phase on April 29 and May 6 respectively. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Congress party was giving water to Pakistan, which was meant for India, and he promised to set up a separate ministry to address water-related issues.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Congress party was giving water to Pakistan, which was meant for India, and he promised to set up a separate ministry to address water-related issues. "What is the Congress party's attitude towards water? The Congress party took a vote from you, but they kept giving the water of your share to Pakistan. You were thirsty and the Congress kept worrying about quenching Pakistan`s thirst," the Prime Minister said while addressing an election rally here. "If the Congress had stopped the water from our share according to the Indus Waters Treaty flowing into Pakistan, then Rajasthan would not have had the water shortage. Now after so many years, our government has started working on a dam project to check the water going to Pakistan. In the coming time, you will get water of your right, not Pakistan," he said. The Prime Minister announced that a separate ministry will be created for water if the BJP is voted to power after the ongoing elections. "In the coming five years, we want to work in the field of water as we have done in the field of electricity. For water, we will create 'Jal Shakti Mantralay.' We will work towards giving water to drought-affected areas through technology including making use of seawater," he said. Highlighting the success of BJP-led government, Prime Minister Modi said that his government emphasised on the skill, scale and speed in implementing welfare schemes. "Our government not only started the schemes but also implemented them as well. Otherwise, we have seen such governments which started schemes but failed to implement these. Many schemes were pending for decades. This is why we emphasised on skill, scale and speed in our working culture," he said. "Everyday 70,000 people are getting a free gas connection. Under Saubhagya scheme, around 50,000 houses are being electrified. Under the PM Awas Yojana, more than 11,000 houses are being constructed. Around 10,000 people are receiving treatment benefit under the Ayushman scheme," he said. Modi also attacked Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government in the state for not waiving farm debts as promised by them during the Assembly elections. "Big people had been crying here saying the farmers` debts will be waived off within 10 days after coming to power. Have the debts been waived off here? But it is being said everywhere that the debt of farmers in Rajasthan was waived off," he said. Speaking further about farmers, he said, "Farmers have lathicharged for urea. In the past five years, no problem of urea was there in any part of the country. But as soon as the Congress formed the government here, the batteries of middlemen were charged again. "Rajasthan, where 25 Parliamentary seats are at stake, will go to polls in the fourth and fifth phase on April 29 and May 6 respectively. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Congress was quenching Pakistan's thirst, will create separate ministry for water: PM Modi

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 

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