PM Modi's last Cabinet meeting: Key decisions taken ahead of polls

The Congress in general — and Rahul Gandhi in particular — is trying to keep the Rafale deal as a major poll plank in the absence of a topic that can create a narrative against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Congress has not been able to dig up any scam. No evidence of any kickbacks has been brought in the public domain by the Congress chief, though he persistently and quite unabashedly keeps abusing the PM. The CAG, the Supreme Court, and the French government have pronounced that there was no wrongdoing and that the deal is in India’s benefit.

The deal is worth only Rs 58,000 crore. But, Rahul keeps saying that due to the PM, Anil Ambani benefitted to the tune of Rs 30,000 crore, which is absurd on the face of it. The Congress has to answer why it delayed the deal for 10 years when the Air Force was in dire need of medium combat aircraft since 2004. Modi did a great service to the nation by reducing the number of aircraft from 126 to 36 as it would have become obsolete by the time the entire 126 would be delivered. By reducing the number to just two squadrons Modi saved a large amount of foreign exchange. If the idea was to make shady deals as Rahul Gandhi had alleged, then, the government would have gone ahead with a larger order package.

For about a year, Rahul was making unsubstantiated allegations. The Rafale deal is a project of the UPA. Between 2012 and 2014, there was a 100 per cent escalation in its price. Then, in the new deal, the government has asked for technology upgradation, additional features and transfer of technology. If the Modi government wanted, it could have scrapped the deal and gone for a new global tender. Rafale was selected in January 2012 when Dr Manmohan Singh was Prime Minister. Reliance came into the picture the same year, under UPA. In February 2012, Reliance Industries and France’s Dassault Aviation signed a pact for partnering in the defence and homeland security sector in India. The accord came less than two weeks after Dassault’s Rafale warplanes emerged as the preferred bidder in a $15 billion-contest to supply India with 126 fighter jets.

The partnership provided Dassault with a substantial opportunity to fulfil its offset obligations under the contract. Dassault wanted RIL to be the main partner. Under the offset clause, a foreign supplier must award contracts worth a chunk of the deal value to Indian companies in return.

The opposition’s furore over Rafale seems to be an attempt to starve the Indian Air Force of combat aircrafts of international standards. A demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee will put the entire procurement and ‘Make in India’ programme in cold storage for years. As for Reliance not having past experience, it was again the French company which found it useful.

If having Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries on board was okay in February 2012, then how does getting Anil Ambani’s Reliance Defence in the deal become cronyism and scam in 2016? Is it only because it happened under Modi? About the price, Rahul Gandhi is quoting the price of 2008 in 2018. Can he get even a razor for the same price today as it was in 2008? In a joint venture, the partner has to invest money and Rafale will only be transferring technology. How can Reliance make money here? Rather, they have to put in money. The French government has said that choosing the Indian partner was the job of Dassault Aviation. The French company has said they chose the Indian partner. How can Rahul blame Modi for this? He is either being vicious or ill-informed or has, as usual, got only half-baked information.

Each time Rahul was providing different figures as the Reliance’s gain and the prices at which the deal was signed by the UPA and the NDA. In the first place, the UPA never signed any deal with Dassault (Aviation). It was only negotiating, and different prices were quoted. The price finally agreed by the UPA was Rs 737 crore per aircraft, and with additional fittings and capabilities the price agreed was Rs 2,000 crore per piece. The deal was, however, never signed. The deal signed by the NDA is for Rs 670 crore per aircraft, and with additional capacity it comes to Rs 1,600 crore per aircraft. The NDA has ordered for 36 aircraft whereas UPA was planning to buy 126.

The Indian Air Force in 2001 projected a desperate need for 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) and the process of selecting the same concluded in 2007 under the UPA. The two aircraft shortlisted were Rafale and Eurofighter, which was number two. When the Modi government came to power, Eurofighter was hopeful of getting the deal as it felt the one selected by the UPA could be replaced. They lobbied hard with support from the British government.

The UPA had selected a middleman, who was to get a 10 per cent cut. The deal finally was not signed also perhaps because of this. Although the IAF was desperate, then Defence Minister AK Antony refused to sign any paper. Then, it was said that the UPA had no money; it was decided to postpone the purchase until the next government assumed power. The NDA has entered into a government-to-government deal, so there is neither any middleman nor commission agent.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-rafale-and-rahul-s-fiction-2722971">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

The Congress in general — and Rahul Gandhi in particular — is trying to keep the Rafale deal as a major poll plank in the absence of a topic that can create a narrative against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Congress in general — and Rahul Gandhi in particular — is trying to keep the Rafale deal as a major poll plank in the absence of a topic that can create a narrative against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Congress has not been able to dig up any scam. No evidence of any kickbacks has been brought in the public domain by the Congress chief, though he persistently and quite unabashedly keeps abusing the PM. The CAG, the Supreme Court, and the French government have pronounced that there was no wrongdoing and that the deal is in India’s benefit. The deal is worth only Rs 58,000 crore. But, Rahul keeps saying that due to the PM, Anil Ambani benefitted to the tune of Rs 30,000 crore, which is absurd on the face of it. The Congress has to answer why it delayed the deal for 10 years when the Air Force was in dire need of medium combat aircraft since 2004. Modi did a great service to the nation by reducing the number of aircraft from 126 to 36 as it would have become obsolete by the time the entire 126 would be delivered. By reducing the number to just two squadrons Modi saved a large amount of foreign exchange. If the idea was to make shady deals as Rahul Gandhi had alleged, then, the government would have gone ahead with a larger order package. For about a year, Rahul was making unsubstantiated allegations. The Rafale deal is a project of the UPA. Between 2012 and 2014, there was a 100 per cent escalation in its price. Then, in the new deal, the government has asked for technology upgradation, additional features and transfer of technology. If the Modi government wanted, it could have scrapped the deal and gone for a new global tender. Rafale was selected in January 2012 when Dr Manmohan Singh was Prime Minister. Reliance came into the picture the same year, under UPA. In February 2012, Reliance Industries and France’s Dassault Aviation signed a pact for partnering in the defence and homeland security sector in India. The accord came less than two weeks after Dassault’s Rafale warplanes emerged as the preferred bidder in a $15 billion-contest to supply India with 126 fighter jets. The partnership provided Dassault with a substantial opportunity to fulfil its offset obligations under the contract. Dassault wanted RIL to be the main partner. Under the offset clause, a foreign supplier must award contracts worth a chunk of the deal value to Indian companies in return. The opposition’s furore over Rafale seems to be an attempt to starve the Indian Air Force of combat aircrafts of international standards. A demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee will put the entire procurement and ‘Make in India’ programme in cold storage for years. As for Reliance not having past experience, it was again the French company which found it useful. If having Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries on board was okay in February 2012, then how does getting Anil Ambani’s Reliance Defence in the deal become cronyism and scam in 2016? Is it only because it happened under Modi? About the price, Rahul Gandhi is quoting the price of 2008 in 2018. Can he get even a razor for the same price today as it was in 2008? In a joint venture, the partner has to invest money and Rafale will only be transferring technology. How can Reliance make money here? Rather, they have to put in money. The French government has said that choosing the Indian partner was the job of Dassault Aviation. The French company has said they chose the Indian partner. How can Rahul blame Modi for this? He is either being vicious or ill-informed or has, as usual, got only half-baked information. Each time Rahul was providing different figures as the Reliance’s gain and the prices at which the deal was signed by the UPA and the NDA. In the first place, the UPA never signed any deal with Dassault (Aviation). It was only negotiating, and different prices were quoted. The price finally agreed by the UPA was Rs 737 crore per aircraft, and with additional fittings and capabilities the price agreed was Rs 2,000 crore per piece. The deal was, however, never signed. The deal signed by the NDA is for Rs 670 crore per aircraft, and with additional capacity it comes to Rs 1,600 crore per aircraft. The NDA has ordered for 36 aircraft whereas UPA was planning to buy 126. The Indian Air Force in 2001 projected a desperate need for 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) and the process of selecting the same concluded in 2007 under the UPA. The two aircraft shortlisted were Rafale and Eurofighter, which was number two. When the Modi government came to power, Eurofighter was hopeful of getting the deal as it felt the one selected by the UPA could be replaced. They lobbied hard with support from the British government. The UPA had selected a middleman, who was to get a 10 per cent cut. The deal finally was not signed also perhaps because of this. Although the IAF was desperate, then Defence Minister AK Antony refused to sign any paper. Then, it was said that the UPA had no money; it was decided to postpone the purchase until the next government assumed power. The NDA has entered into a government-to-government deal, so there is neither any middleman nor commission agent. (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.)

Rahul Gandhi’s fiction: Congress trying to keep Rafael a major poll plank

A crucial meeting of opposition parties on the Common Minimum Programme - a collective strategy to fight the BJP across the country in the upcoming 2019 polls - will be held on February 27 in New Delhi, sources said Friday.&nbsp;

The decision to formulate a common strategy was devised in a February 13 meeting of leaders of six major opposition parties, including the Congress, after which it was announced that there will be a pre-poll alliance and a Common Minimum Programme&nbsp;(CMP)&nbsp;for the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2019-bjp-to-contest-25-seats-shiv-sena-23-in-alliance-in-maharashtra-198153"> Lok Sabha polls.</a>

The meet was attended by Congress president Rahul Gandhi, TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Aam Aadmi Party Chief and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, NCP president Sharad Pawar, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah and others.

The Left parties, which have decided not to go in for any pre-poll alliances, are not likely to be part of the meeting, sources said. 
&nbsp;

A crucial meeting of opposition parties on the Common Minimum Programme - a collective strategy to fight the BJP across the country in the upcoming 2019 polls - will be held on February 27 in New Delhi, sources said Friday.

A crucial meeting of opposition parties on the Common Minimum Programme - a collective strategy to fight the BJP across the country in the upcoming 2019 polls - will be held on February 27 in New Delhi, sources said Friday. The decision to formulate a common strategy was devised in a February 13 meeting of leaders of six major opposition parties, including the Congress, after which it was announced that there will be a pre-poll alliance and a Common Minimum Programme (CMP) for the Lok Sabha polls. The meet was attended by Congress president Rahul Gandhi, TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Aam Aadmi Party Chief and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, NCP president Sharad Pawar, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah and others. The Left parties, which have decided not to go in for any pre-poll alliances, are not likely to be part of the meeting, sources said.

Crucial opposition meet on February 27 to decide strategy for Lok Sabha polls

Putting an end to speculations about his plans to contest in the upcoming <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajinikanth-meets-his-forum-members-136089">Lok Sabha polls</a>, superstar Rajinikanth has issued a statement saying that he would not be contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and that their target would be the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls.&nbsp;

The actor said that he has not offered his support to any of the parties and asked political parties to refrain from using his photo/party flag under the banner of Rajini Makkal Mandram or <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ready-to-face-polls-even-in-six-months-rajinikanth-29915?amp">Rajini Rasigar Mandram</a> (fans association) to campaign or promote any political party.&nbsp;

Water shortage is the main issue that Tamil Nadu faces, he said in the statement. ''Ahead of the upcoming polls I lovingly request you to analyse, think and vote for a decisive majority at the national level, which you think could solve the water woes of Tamil Nadu and introduce adequate schemes to bring a permanent solution,'' the statement added.

Rajinikanth had announced his decision to foray into politics in late 2017, amid much cheer and fanfare. While Rajinikanth unified his fan clubs under the banner "Rajini Makkal Mandram", he did not formally launch a political party or get it registered.&nbsp;

Actors started foraying into politics after they saw a vacuum in the Tamil Nadu political sphere after the demise of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in late 2016. During the same period, DMK supremo M Karunanidhi was also out of active politics due to age-related issues, until his demise in August 2018.&nbsp;

Rajinikanth is not the only actor to have announced his political foray.&nbsp; 
Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan too has his political party called &nbsp;"Makkal Needhi Maiam". But Kamal is a step ahead, as he has registered his party with the election commission of India and has also started campaigning in rural areas across Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

Kamal has also expressed interest to contest in the Lok Sabha polls but hasn't really given further details regarding his plans or electoral alliances.&nbsp;

All through 2018, Rajinikanth made political statements and also hinted that he had an ideological inclination towards the ruling BJP.

On a few occasions, he also made statements in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These statements fuelled speculations about Rajini being the BJP's probable trump card in Tamil Nadu where on-screen idols such as MGR and Jayalalithaa have been able to convert popularity into votes.

Even former five-time chief minister M Karunanidhi, who was a screenwriter had used films as a medium to express his political messaging.&nbsp;

Putting an end to speculations about his plans to contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, superstar Rajinikanth has issued a statement saying that he would not be contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and that their target would be the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls.

Putting an end to speculations about his plans to contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, superstar Rajinikanth has issued a statement saying that he would not be contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and that their target would be the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls. The actor said that he has not offered his support to any of the parties and asked political parties to refrain from using his photo/party flag under the banner of Rajini Makkal Mandram or Rajini Rasigar Mandram (fans association) to campaign or promote any political party. Water shortage is the main issue that Tamil Nadu faces, he said in the statement. ''Ahead of the upcoming polls I lovingly request you to analyse, think and vote for a decisive majority at the national level, which you think could solve the water woes of Tamil Nadu and introduce adequate schemes to bring a permanent solution,'' the statement added. Rajinikanth had announced his decision to foray into politics in late 2017, amid much cheer and fanfare. While Rajinikanth unified his fan clubs under the banner "Rajini Makkal Mandram", he did not formally launch a political party or get it registered. Actors started foraying into politics after they saw a vacuum in the Tamil Nadu political sphere after the demise of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in late 2016. During the same period, DMK supremo M Karunanidhi was also out of active politics due to age-related issues, until his demise in August 2018. Rajinikanth is not the only actor to have announced his political foray. Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan too has his political party called "Makkal Needhi Maiam". But Kamal is a step ahead, as he has registered his party with the election commission of India and has also started campaigning in rural areas across Tamil Nadu. Kamal has also expressed interest to contest in the Lok Sabha polls but hasn't really given further details regarding his plans or electoral alliances. All through 2018, Rajinikanth made political statements and also hinted that he had an ideological inclination towards the ruling BJP. On a few occasions, he also made statements in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These statements fuelled speculations about Rajini being the BJP's probable trump card in Tamil Nadu where on-screen idols such as MGR and Jayalalithaa have been able to convert popularity into votes. Even former five-time chief minister M Karunanidhi, who was a screenwriter had used films as a medium to express his political messaging.

Rajinikanth says he will not contest Lok Sabha polls, targets Assembly election

An NGO has sent a notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI) demanding it frame guidelines to regulate the functioning of online social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook, ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

The legal notice by the Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC) states that if the Election Commission fails to act the matter will be taken to court.

This development has come to light after CASC in its representation to the then Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat sought mandatory registration of WhatsApp groups formed by political parties or candidates with the Election Commission.

Election Commission had come up with its first instructions for social media on October 25 2013.

An NGO has sent a notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI) demanding it frame guidelines to regulate the functioning of online social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook, ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

An NGO has sent a notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI) demanding it frame guidelines to regulate the functioning of online social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook, ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The legal notice by the Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC) states that if the Election Commission fails to act the matter will be taken to court. This development has come to light after CASC in its representation to the then Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat sought mandatory registration of WhatsApp groups formed by political parties or candidates with the Election Commission. Election Commission had come up with its first instructions for social media on October 25 2013.

Notice sent to ECI to frame guidelines for social media sites

An alliance of regional parties in India is working on a combined economic plan, one of its leaders said, in the latest sign that Prime Minister Narendra Modi faces <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-far-will-the-united-opposition-go-without-prime-ministerial-face-194989">an increasingly united opposition</a> in the upcoming general election.

That plan is likely to include a landmark policy floated by India’s main opposition Congress party to provide the poor with a minimum income if it wins polls due by May, N Chandrababu Naidu, the politician who helped forge the common front, told Reuters in an interview.

The alliance – consisting of 23 parties that came together in a giant rally in Kolkata last month – would focus on poverty eradication, agriculture, employment and a “minimum income for every family”, he added.

&nbsp;"So many political parties are working (on a) consensus. The farmers' crisis is the biggest issue, unemployment is the biggest issue,” Naidu said. "The economy (is where) you have to concentrate”.

Polls have forecast Modi's ruling alliance will fall short of a majority in the election, which could potentially allow a coalition of regional parties to take a shot at coming to power.

However, there are questions over who could lead the opposition alliance, or whether regional parties would be open to supporting Congress chief Rahul Gandhi should his party emerge with a significant number of seats.

"A prime minister will be decided afterwards with consensus," Naidu said, ruling out selecting a figurehead before the polls. "First of all we have to win the elections."

As chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, Naidu has been credited with implementing business-friendly polices that attracted firms like Microsoft to the southern state.

His Telugu Desam Party, one of the largest regional parties in India's parliament, was part of a coalition led by Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) till last March, when he broke away after disagreements over funding for Andhra Pradesh.

Since then, he has emerged as one of the main architects of an informal alliance seeking to unseat the BJP.

An alliance of regional parties in India is working on a combined economic plan, one of its leaders said, in the latest sign that Prime Minister Narendra Modi faces an increasingly united opposition in the upcoming general election.

An alliance of regional parties in India is working on a combined economic plan, one of its leaders said, in the latest sign that Prime Minister Narendra Modi faces an increasingly united opposition in the upcoming general election. That plan is likely to include a landmark policy floated by India’s main opposition Congress party to provide the poor with a minimum income if it wins polls due by May, N Chandrababu Naidu, the politician who helped forge the common front, told Reuters in an interview. The alliance – consisting of 23 parties that came together in a giant rally in Kolkata last month – would focus on poverty eradication, agriculture, employment and a “minimum income for every family”, he added. "So many political parties are working (on a) consensus. The farmers' crisis is the biggest issue, unemployment is the biggest issue,” Naidu said. "The economy (is where) you have to concentrate”. Polls have forecast Modi's ruling alliance will fall short of a majority in the election, which could potentially allow a coalition of regional parties to take a shot at coming to power. However, there are questions over who could lead the opposition alliance, or whether regional parties would be open to supporting Congress chief Rahul Gandhi should his party emerge with a significant number of seats. "A prime minister will be decided afterwards with consensus," Naidu said, ruling out selecting a figurehead before the polls. "First of all we have to win the elections." As chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, Naidu has been credited with implementing business-friendly polices that attracted firms like Microsoft to the southern state. His Telugu Desam Party, one of the largest regional parties in India's parliament, was part of a coalition led by Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) till last March, when he broke away after disagreements over funding for Andhra Pradesh. Since then, he has emerged as one of the main architects of an informal alliance seeking to unseat the BJP.

Economy is where you have to concentrate: Chandrababu Naidu on Opposition’s plan for 2019 elections

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora on Friday sought an explanation from the Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar after he skipped the two-day Election Commission’s review meeting in the state.

“Kolkata Police commissioner was replaced by the special commissioner. We asked him where was he and said that he doesn’t know the whereabouts of the commissioner and added that he had been asked to attend the meet. We have sought an explanation from the controlling officer of the Police Commissioner. They will give us in writing why he skipped the meet,” said Arora, adding “Someone told me it was his birthday.”

&nbsp;According to sources, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) had asked the ADG Law and Order to convey to the Kolkata Police Commissioner that he must attend the meet on the second day, however, he stayed away today too. Reacting strongly to the move of the Kolkata Police Commissioner staying away from the meeting, the CEC sought an explanation from the home secretary – the controlling officer of the police commissioner.

On being quizzed whether the present prevailing conditions in the state are conducive to hold free and fair polls, the CEC said that there is room for improvement.

Sources reveal that commission was unhappy with the police in relation to the execution of non-bailable warrants. “The Commission has directed the District Magistrates and police officers to carefully look into law and order concerns. They have been asked to ensure speedy execution of non-bailable warrants (NBWs) and speedy disposal of pending cases of the electoral offences from last elections,” added Arora.

The full bench of Election Commission of India (ECI) was on a two-day visit to Kolkata to review poll preparedness in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections.

On the first day of the visit, the Election Commission officials held a meeting with all the political parties in the state. The second meeting was held with all the district Superintend of Police, District Magistrate and DEOs. The third meeting was held with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and nodal officers from the Bengal Police.

On the second day, the Election Commission held meetings with the Excise department, IT department, transport department. Later in the day, the commission held a meeting with the West Bengal Chief Secretary and Director General of West Bengal Police.

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora on Friday sought an explanation from the Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar after he skipped the two-day Election Commission’s review meeting in the state.

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora on Friday sought an explanation from the Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar after he skipped the two-day Election Commission’s review meeting in the state. “Kolkata Police commissioner was replaced by the special commissioner. We asked him where was he and said that he doesn’t know the whereabouts of the commissioner and added that he had been asked to attend the meet. We have sought an explanation from the controlling officer of the Police Commissioner. They will give us in writing why he skipped the meet,” said Arora, adding “Someone told me it was his birthday.” According to sources, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) had asked the ADG Law and Order to convey to the Kolkata Police Commissioner that he must attend the meet on the second day, however, he stayed away today too. Reacting strongly to the move of the Kolkata Police Commissioner staying away from the meeting, the CEC sought an explanation from the home secretary – the controlling officer of the police commissioner. On being quizzed whether the present prevailing conditions in the state are conducive to hold free and fair polls, the CEC said that there is room for improvement. Sources reveal that commission was unhappy with the police in relation to the execution of non-bailable warrants. “The Commission has directed the District Magistrates and police officers to carefully look into law and order concerns. They have been asked to ensure speedy execution of non-bailable warrants (NBWs) and speedy disposal of pending cases of the electoral offences from last elections,” added Arora. The full bench of Election Commission of India (ECI) was on a two-day visit to Kolkata to review poll preparedness in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. On the first day of the visit, the Election Commission officials held a meeting with all the political parties in the state. The second meeting was held with all the district Superintend of Police, District Magistrate and DEOs. The third meeting was held with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and nodal officers from the Bengal Police. On the second day, the Election Commission held meetings with the Excise department, IT department, transport department. Later in the day, the commission held a meeting with the West Bengal Chief Secretary and Director General of West Bengal Police.

CEC seeks explanation from Kolkata Police commissioner over his absence in poll review meet

Minimum income guaranteed for all, if voted to power: Rahul Gandhi

Gearing up for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trinamool-congress-to-fight-lok-sabha-polls-in-14-states-193214">Lok Sabha polls</a> due this summer, the Election Commission has directed all state governments to transfer officials posted in their home districts and those who have spent three years in a district in the last four years.

In a letter addressed to all state chief secretaries and chief electoral officers, the Commission pointed out that polls to Lok Sabha and assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim are due shortly.

It said while the term of the 16th Lok Sabha ends on June 3, the terms of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim assemblies expire on June 18, June 1, June 11 and May 27, respectively.

It is usual for the poll panel to issue such directions ahead of Lok Sabha or assembly polls to ensure that officials do not interfere in the election process in any way and the exercise remains free and fair.

The Commission made it clear that though large number of employees would be drafted for election duty, it does not want to carry out large-scale dislocation of the state machinery. It said the transfer directive is not applicable to those not directly connected with the elections.

The January 16 direction made it clear that officials against whom it had recommended disciplinary action in the past in any election should not be assigned poll-related duty.

Also, officers against whom criminal cases are pending in courts are barred from getting election work.

Gearing up for the Lok Sabha polls due this summer, the Election Commission has directed all state governments to transfer officials posted in their home districts and those who have spent three years in a district in the last four years.

Gearing up for the Lok Sabha polls due this summer, the Election Commission has directed all state governments to transfer officials posted in their home districts and those who have spent three years in a district in the last four years. In a letter addressed to all state chief secretaries and chief electoral officers, the Commission pointed out that polls to Lok Sabha and assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim are due shortly. It said while the term of the 16th Lok Sabha ends on June 3, the terms of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim assemblies expire on June 18, June 1, June 11 and May 27, respectively. It is usual for the poll panel to issue such directions ahead of Lok Sabha or assembly polls to ensure that officials do not interfere in the election process in any way and the exercise remains free and fair. The Commission made it clear that though large number of employees would be drafted for election duty, it does not want to carry out large-scale dislocation of the state machinery. It said the transfer directive is not applicable to those not directly connected with the elections. The January 16 direction made it clear that officials against whom it had recommended disciplinary action in the past in any election should not be assigned poll-related duty. Also, officers against whom criminal cases are pending in courts are barred from getting election work.

Ahead of Lok Sabha polls, Election Commission orders transfer of officials posted in home districts

The All India Trinamool Congress on Sunday announced that the party will fight upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 14 States including Odisha.

Addressing media persons in Bhubaneswar, TMC leader Derek O'Brien said, "We are ready to fight elections. The TMC will fight coming Lok Sabha polls in 14 states including Odisha. January 19 was a historic day as all anti-BJP parties united on that day. In 2019, the BJP will be finished."

While talking about West Bengal, the TMC leader said, "In West Bengal, we will fight on 42 Lok Sabha seats."

In December last year, while addressing an event in Mumbai the BJP president Amit Shah had said that the party was aiming to win 23 seats out of the 42 in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had won only two seats--Asansol and Darjeeling--in the state.

The All India Trinamool Congress on Sunday announced that the party will fight upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 14 States including Odisha. Addressing media persons in Bhubaneswar, TMC leader Derek O'Brien said, "We are ready to fight elections.

The All India Trinamool Congress on Sunday announced that the party will fight upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 14 States including Odisha. Addressing media persons in Bhubaneswar, TMC leader Derek O'Brien said, "We are ready to fight elections. The TMC will fight coming Lok Sabha polls in 14 states including Odisha. January 19 was a historic day as all anti-BJP parties united on that day. In 2019, the BJP will be finished." While talking about West Bengal, the TMC leader said, "In West Bengal, we will fight on 42 Lok Sabha seats." In December last year, while addressing an event in Mumbai the BJP president Amit Shah had said that the party was aiming to win 23 seats out of the 42 in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had won only two seats--Asansol and Darjeeling--in the state.

Trinamool Congress to fight Lok Sabha polls in 14 states

The Congress is "best equipped" to lead the opposition's charge against the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said Sunday, asserting that the grand old party will have to handle its leadership role with "large-heartedness" and accommodate regional parties.

Yadav also hailed the Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance in Uttar Pradesh and emphasised that his "courtesy call" meetings with Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati post the tie-up should not be construed as a "pressure tactic" aimed at the Congress.

In an exclusive interview to PTI, the Rashtriya Janata Dal leader said since Congress is India's oldest and and currently the second-biggest political party having a pan-India presence, it is in a very strong position to win maximum number of seats among the opposition parties.

In 2014 Lok Sabha polls, among the prospective opposition grand alliance parties, the Congress had won 44 seats, the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress won 34, the Samajwadi Party won five, while the RJD had bagged four seats.

"I don't find anything wrong if Congress plays a pivotal role in forming the alliance or taking the leadership role of the alliance into the elections.&nbsp;

But having said that, they have to accept that each state has different ground realities," Yadav said when asked if for a strong opposition coalition, the Congress has to be the pivot of the alliance.

The Congress, being the party with national acceptance and maximum footprint in the opposition, is "undoubtedly best equipped" to lead the opposition's charge against the Bharatiya Janata Party or the National Democratic Alliance, the former Bihar deputy chief minister asserted.

"However, the Congress will have to handle their leadership role with large-heartedness and play a proactive role by accommodating regional parties with their agenda.

"In states where Congress don't have a robust base, it must allow regional outfits to occupy the frontal-attack position against the BJP," Yadav said, emphasising that regional parties have a greater ability to transfer votes.

The concentration is on winnability, hence the coalition must be decided state-wise and seat wise, said the 29-year-old son of former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad.

Every party will have to compromise or lend space to other parties depending on the situation in a particular state for forming a winning alliance, Yadav said while replying to a question on whether the Congress has to be more giving to regional parties to strengthen the opposition coalition.

Asked if leaving out the Congress from the SP-BSP tie-up will impact the opposition's national level coalition, he said the people of India feel they have been "duped badly" and have made up their mind to get rid of propagandists for their own well-being.

The people are wise enough to understand which fighting block can be their best bet to defeat the BJP, he said.

On whether the SP and BSP will be a part of the mahagathbandhan' in Bihar, the RJD leader said principally all opposition parties are together against the BJP-led alliance.

"You don't always need seats to contest to prove that you are part of an alliance. Sometimes lending unconditional support works wonders for sending the message across to the electorate.

"It is true that the SP and the BSP aren't main political parties of Bihar, but we have high regard for them and their politics. We have seen that SP-BSP alliance has decided not to field their candidates in Amethi and Raebareli," Yadav said.

Once arch-rivals, the SP and the BSP announced this month their tie-up in UP for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, sharing 38 seats each and keeping the Congress out of the alliance.

Tejashwi Yadav's remarks come amid hectic efforts by the opposition to forge a strong alliance to take on the BJP in the general election.

Leaders from several opposition parties, including Yadav, came together Saturday, vowing at a mega rally in Kolkata to put up a united fight in the coming polls and oust Prime Minister Narendra Modi from power.

Prime Minister Modi had earlier hit out at the Mahagatbandhan for the polls, saying it was an "unholy alliance" of various political parties for "personal survival". The BJP has also slammed the SP-BSP tie-up in UP.

Yadav also hit out at those dubbing his meeting with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and BSP supremo Mayawati in Lucknow as a pressure tactic aimed at the Congress, saying his family always had close ties with the two leaders and the meetings were courtesy calls.

Akhilesh ji is part of our extended family and 'behen' Mayawati ji always had cordial relations with us. When she resigned from Rajya Sabha, my father publicly said RJD would always be ready to send her to Rajya Sabha if she agrees, Tejashwi Yadav said.

Even last year during RS elections in Bihar, I called her to request her again to enter Rajya Sabha with RJD backing. So my courtesy calls to them shouldn't be construed as a pressure tactic, he said.

As far as Bihar is concerned, irrespective of the number of MLAs in the assembly or being part of the government or opposition, everyone knows RJD is the biggest party, he said. It is RJD's fear that has kept the BJP and Janata Dal (United) together, he claimed.

On BJP terming the SP-BSP tie-up an opportunistic alliance, Yadav hit out at the saffron party saying when it has tie-ups, it calls it "smart politicking", and asked what should its coalition of about 40 parties be called.

"Criticism by the BJP shows their uneasiness due to this alliance," he said.

The Congress is "best equipped" to lead the opposition's charge against the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said Sunday, asserting that the grand old party will have to handle its leadership role with "large-heartedness" and accommodate regional parties.

The Congress is "best equipped" to lead the opposition's charge against the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said Sunday, asserting that the grand old party will have to handle its leadership role with "large-heartedness" and accommodate regional parties. Yadav also hailed the Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance in Uttar Pradesh and emphasised that his "courtesy call" meetings with Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati post the tie-up should not be construed as a "pressure tactic" aimed at the Congress. In an exclusive interview to PTI, the Rashtriya Janata Dal leader said since Congress is India's oldest and and currently the second-biggest political party having a pan-India presence, it is in a very strong position to win maximum number of seats among the opposition parties. In 2014 Lok Sabha polls, among the prospective opposition grand alliance parties, the Congress had won 44 seats, the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress won 34, the Samajwadi Party won five, while the RJD had bagged four seats. "I don't find anything wrong if Congress plays a pivotal role in forming the alliance or taking the leadership role of the alliance into the elections. But having said that, they have to accept that each state has different ground realities," Yadav said when asked if for a strong opposition coalition, the Congress has to be the pivot of the alliance. The Congress, being the party with national acceptance and maximum footprint in the opposition, is "undoubtedly best equipped" to lead the opposition's charge against the Bharatiya Janata Party or the National Democratic Alliance, the former Bihar deputy chief minister asserted. "However, the Congress will have to handle their leadership role with large-heartedness and play a proactive role by accommodating regional parties with their agenda. "In states where Congress don't have a robust base, it must allow regional outfits to occupy the frontal-attack position against the BJP," Yadav said, emphasising that regional parties have a greater ability to transfer votes. The concentration is on winnability, hence the coalition must be decided state-wise and seat wise, said the 29-year-old son of former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad. Every party will have to compromise or lend space to other parties depending on the situation in a particular state for forming a winning alliance, Yadav said while replying to a question on whether the Congress has to be more giving to regional parties to strengthen the opposition coalition. Asked if leaving out the Congress from the SP-BSP tie-up will impact the opposition's national level coalition, he said the people of India feel they have been "duped badly" and have made up their mind to get rid of propagandists for their own well-being. The people are wise enough to understand which fighting block can be their best bet to defeat the BJP, he said. On whether the SP and BSP will be a part of the mahagathbandhan' in Bihar, the RJD leader said principally all opposition parties are together against the BJP-led alliance. "You don't always need seats to contest to prove that you are part of an alliance. Sometimes lending unconditional support works wonders for sending the message across to the electorate. "It is true that the SP and the BSP aren't main political parties of Bihar, but we have high regard for them and their politics. We have seen that SP-BSP alliance has decided not to field their candidates in Amethi and Raebareli," Yadav said. Once arch-rivals, the SP and the BSP announced this month their tie-up in UP for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, sharing 38 seats each and keeping the Congress out of the alliance. Tejashwi Yadav's remarks come amid hectic efforts by the opposition to forge a strong alliance to take on the BJP in the general election. Leaders from several opposition parties, including Yadav, came together Saturday, vowing at a mega rally in Kolkata to put up a united fight in the coming polls and oust Prime Minister Narendra Modi from power. Prime Minister Modi had earlier hit out at the Mahagatbandhan for the polls, saying it was an "unholy alliance" of various political parties for "personal survival". The BJP has also slammed the SP-BSP tie-up in UP. Yadav also hit out at those dubbing his meeting with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and BSP supremo Mayawati in Lucknow as a pressure tactic aimed at the Congress, saying his family always had close ties with the two leaders and the meetings were courtesy calls. Akhilesh ji is part of our extended family and 'behen' Mayawati ji always had cordial relations with us. When she resigned from Rajya Sabha, my father publicly said RJD would always be ready to send her to Rajya Sabha if she agrees, Tejashwi Yadav said. Even last year during RS elections in Bihar, I called her to request her again to enter Rajya Sabha with RJD backing. So my courtesy calls to them shouldn't be construed as a pressure tactic, he said. As far as Bihar is concerned, irrespective of the number of MLAs in the assembly or being part of the government or opposition, everyone knows RJD is the biggest party, he said. It is RJD's fear that has kept the BJP and Janata Dal (United) together, he claimed. On BJP terming the SP-BSP tie-up an opportunistic alliance, Yadav hit out at the saffron party saying when it has tie-ups, it calls it "smart politicking", and asked what should its coalition of about 40 parties be called. "Criticism by the BJP shows their uneasiness due to this alliance," he said.

Congress best equipped to lead alliance against BJP: Tejashwi Yadav

Over 1.36 crore voters are there in Delhi in the final electoral roll published Friday ahead of the 2019 general elections, an increase of nearly 8 per cent from the total number of electors in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kejriwal-to-not-contest-lok-sabha-polls-from-varanasi-party-to-field-another-candidate-190060">the last Lok Sabha polls</a>, officials said.

However, the figure is 0.87 per cent less than <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ec-may-announce-lok-sabha-poll-schedule-in-march-first-week-sources-191262">the total number of electors</a> in the last electoral roll, 1,38,14,866, published on January 10, 2018, according to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) here.

"The total number electors (in Delhi) during last general elections in 2014 were 1,27,06,366, whereas the count of electors as per the final roll published January 18, stands at 1,36,95,291, an increase of 9,88,925 (or 7.78 per cent)," according to the CEO office.

The number of electors is likely to increase during continuous update process undertaken before the next elections due in 2019, it said.

Also, there was a decrease in the number of both male and female voters vis-a-vis the one published last year.

The number of male, female and third gender electors are 75,56,146, 61,38,335 and 810 respectively, according to the latest draft roll. The corresponding numbers for the final roll last year were 76,42,521, 61,71,469 and 876.

Names of 9,326 electors, who have died, have been deleted from the electoral roll since the last final publication of the roll, it said.

The gender ratio of electors registered in the final roll has increased to 812 as compared to 808 in the last one&nbsp;

"There has been a substantive increase in the gender ratio of voters of age-group 18-19, from 632 last year to 706 in the present year," it added.

The CEO office said a detailed exercise of rationalisation of polling stations was also carried out as a pre-revision activity to the Special Summary Revision 2019 in July-August, 2018 to decongest the existing polling stations.

"As a result of this exercise, the number of polling stations has increased from 13,418 to 13,816 and number of polling locations has increased from 2,670 to 2,696," a senior official said.

A house-to-house verification was carried out as part of the Special Summary Revision 2019 from June 1-30, 2018 wherein such visits were conducted by the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) for identification and removal of the dead/permanently shifted electors and inclusion of left out unenrolled/prospective electors in Delhi, he said.

Delhi's draft electoral roll published September 1 last year had shown a dip of over 1.4 lakh in the total number of electors in the city compared to the draft list the previous year, with authorities attributing "death and migration" of voters as the main reasons behind the fall in number.

The total number of electors in Delhi stood at 1,36,15,776 in the draft roll and there was a decrease in the number of both male and female voters vis-a-vis the corresponding one published on October 23, 2017.&nbsp;

The number of electors is likely to increase during continuous update process undertaken before the next elections due in 2019, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said.

Over 1.36 crore voters are there in Delhi in the final electoral roll published Friday ahead of the 2019 general elections, an increase of nearly 8 per cent from the total number of electors in the last Lok Sabha polls, officials said. However, the figure is 0.87 per cent less than the total number of electors in the last electoral roll, 1,38,14,866, published on January 10, 2018, according to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) here. "The total number electors (in Delhi) during last general elections in 2014 were 1,27,06,366, whereas the count of electors as per the final roll published January 18, stands at 1,36,95,291, an increase of 9,88,925 (or 7.78 per cent)," according to the CEO office. The number of electors is likely to increase during continuous update process undertaken before the next elections due in 2019, it said. Also, there was a decrease in the number of both male and female voters vis-a-vis the one published last year. The number of male, female and third gender electors are 75,56,146, 61,38,335 and 810 respectively, according to the latest draft roll. The corresponding numbers for the final roll last year were 76,42,521, 61,71,469 and 876. Names of 9,326 electors, who have died, have been deleted from the electoral roll since the last final publication of the roll, it said. The gender ratio of electors registered in the final roll has increased to 812 as compared to 808 in the last one "There has been a substantive increase in the gender ratio of voters of age-group 18-19, from 632 last year to 706 in the present year," it added. The CEO office said a detailed exercise of rationalisation of polling stations was also carried out as a pre-revision activity to the Special Summary Revision 2019 in July-August, 2018 to decongest the existing polling stations. "As a result of this exercise, the number of polling stations has increased from 13,418 to 13,816 and number of polling locations has increased from 2,670 to 2,696," a senior official said. A house-to-house verification was carried out as part of the Special Summary Revision 2019 from June 1-30, 2018 wherein such visits were conducted by the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) for identification and removal of the dead/permanently shifted electors and inclusion of left out unenrolled/prospective electors in Delhi, he said. Delhi's draft electoral roll published September 1 last year had shown a dip of over 1.4 lakh in the total number of electors in the city compared to the draft list the previous year, with authorities attributing "death and migration" of voters as the main reasons behind the fall in number. The total number of electors in Delhi stood at 1,36,15,776 in the draft roll and there was a decrease in the number of both male and female voters vis-a-vis the corresponding one published on October 23, 2017.

Lok Sabha polls: Over 1.36 crore voters from Delhi in final electoral roll

The dates for the Lok Sabha elections are likely to be announced in the first week of March, sources indicated on Friday.

The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3.

The Election Commission is in the process of deciding the number of phases and the months in which polling would be held, they said.

The charting of the phases would also depend on the availability of security forces and other requirements, the sources said, adding the announcement of the mega exercise is likely to be made in first week of March.

There is a possibility that the EC may go by the precedent and hold assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh along with the Lok Sabha polls.

Since the Jammu and Kashmir assembly has been dissolved, the EC is bound to hold fresh polls there within six months.

It was dissolved in November, 2018 and the upper limit ends in May. The poll panel may hold elections in Jammu and Kashmir along with the Lok Sabha polls as well. But it can be held before that also as much depends on the complex security situation there, they said.

In normal circumstances, the J&amp;K assembly's six-year term was to end on March 16, 2021. The other state assemblies and the Lok Sabha have a five-year term.

While the term of the Sikkim Assembly ends on May 27, 2019, the terms of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Arunachal Pradesh assemblies end on June 18, June 11 and June 1 respectively.

In 2004, the Election Commission had announced four-phase Lok Sabha polls on February 29. While the first date of poll was April 20, the last date was May 10.

In 2009, the EC had announced Lok Sabha poll scheduled on March 2. The five-phase polls began on April 16 and ended on May 13.

In 2014, the EC had announced the election schedule on March 5 and the nine-phase electoral exercise was spread across April and May. While the first phase polling was on April 7, the last phase was on May 12.&nbsp;

The dates for the Lok Sabha elections are likely to be announced in the first week of March, sources indicated on Friday. The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3.

The dates for the Lok Sabha elections are likely to be announced in the first week of March, sources indicated on Friday. The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3. The Election Commission is in the process of deciding the number of phases and the months in which polling would be held, they said. The charting of the phases would also depend on the availability of security forces and other requirements, the sources said, adding the announcement of the mega exercise is likely to be made in first week of March. There is a possibility that the EC may go by the precedent and hold assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh along with the Lok Sabha polls. Since the Jammu and Kashmir assembly has been dissolved, the EC is bound to hold fresh polls there within six months. It was dissolved in November, 2018 and the upper limit ends in May. The poll panel may hold elections in Jammu and Kashmir along with the Lok Sabha polls as well. But it can be held before that also as much depends on the complex security situation there, they said. In normal circumstances, the J&K assembly's six-year term was to end on March 16, 2021. The other state assemblies and the Lok Sabha have a five-year term. While the term of the Sikkim Assembly ends on May 27, 2019, the terms of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Arunachal Pradesh assemblies end on June 18, June 11 and June 1 respectively. In 2004, the Election Commission had announced four-phase Lok Sabha polls on February 29. While the first date of poll was April 20, the last date was May 10. In 2009, the EC had announced Lok Sabha poll scheduled on March 2. The five-phase polls began on April 16 and ended on May 13. In 2014, the EC had announced the election schedule on March 5 and the nine-phase electoral exercise was spread across April and May. While the first phase polling was on April 7, the last phase was on May 12.

Election Commission may announce Lok Sabha poll schedule in March first week: Sources

Unveiling the poll strategy for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra&nbsp;Modi on Saturday said that he was proud that his government has won the trust of the people and has a spotless image.

Addressing the Bhartiya Janata Party's National Convention meeting in Delhi, Modi said that&nbsp;his party's only mantra was 'sabka saath sabka vikas' and they have shown 'how it can take the nation to its peak'.

"It has happened for the first time in the history of the country that a government that came into power with an absolute majority has not been accused of corruption. We can take pride in the fact that there is no taint on us," Modi said.

He also hailed the government's decision of providing 10&nbsp;per cent quota for the poor.

"10&nbsp;per cent quota given to economically backward classes to meet expectations of youths who were not getting opportunities due to poverty, " Modi&nbsp;said.

He said his government was working for the welfare of the farmers and to double their income by 2022.

"Earlier governments saw annadata (farmers) as only matdata (voters), we are constantly trying to address challenges faced by them. We are working day and night to double farmers' income by 2022, ".

The prime minister also took aim at the opposition's effort to build&nbsp;a grand alliance against his party.

"These days, a campaign is going on to publicise a failed experiment in the history of Indian politics by the name of "mahagathbandhan". These people are trying to make a 'majboor sarkaar'. They don't want a 'majboot sarkar' to get formed &amp; their shop to get closed again," Modi said.

"Important initiatives have been taken up in last four years for women empowerment. People made fun of ' Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' for political opposition, but we have come a long way to free society of wrong beliefs that existed for decades," he said.

"Bank gave loans of Rs 18 lakh crore in 60 years and Rs 34 lakh crore in last six years of Congress governance. There were two means of taking loans in the country. One common process and the other Congress process. In the Congress process, banks were forced to give loans to fraudster friends," he added.

Targeting the UPA government, the prime minister said the previous government was tainted with corruption.

"The government before us pushed the country into darkness. It won't be wrong if I say that India lost ten important years (2004-2014) in scams and corruption, "he said.

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PM Narendra Modi at BJP National Convention in Delhi: The government before us pushed the country into darkness. It won't be wrong if I say that India lost 10 important years (2004-2014) in scams and corruption. <a href="https://t.co/5Or2XzTOrW">pic.twitter.com/5Or2XzTOrW</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1084005549161701377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Unveiling the poll strategy for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that he was proud that his government has won the trust of the people and has a spotless image.

Unveiling the poll strategy for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that he was proud that his government has won the trust of the people and has a spotless image. Addressing the Bhartiya Janata Party's National Convention meeting in Delhi, Modi said that his party's only mantra was 'sabka saath sabka vikas' and they have shown 'how it can take the nation to its peak'. "It has happened for the first time in the history of the country that a government that came into power with an absolute majority has not been accused of corruption. We can take pride in the fact that there is no taint on us," Modi said. He also hailed the government's decision of providing 10 per cent quota for the poor. "10 per cent quota given to economically backward classes to meet expectations of youths who were not getting opportunities due to poverty, " Modi said. He said his government was working for the welfare of the farmers and to double their income by 2022. "Earlier governments saw annadata (farmers) as only matdata (voters), we are constantly trying to address challenges faced by them. We are working day and night to double farmers' income by 2022, ". The prime minister also took aim at the opposition's effort to build a grand alliance against his party. "These days, a campaign is going on to publicise a failed experiment in the history of Indian politics by the name of "mahagathbandhan". These people are trying to make a 'majboor sarkaar'. They don't want a 'majboot sarkar' to get formed & their shop to get closed again," Modi said. "Important initiatives have been taken up in last four years for women empowerment. People made fun of ' Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' for political opposition, but we have come a long way to free society of wrong beliefs that existed for decades," he said. "Bank gave loans of Rs 18 lakh crore in 60 years and Rs 34 lakh crore in last six years of Congress governance. There were two means of taking loans in the country. One common process and the other Congress process. In the Congress process, banks were forced to give loans to fraudster friends," he added. Targeting the UPA government, the prime minister said the previous government was tainted with corruption. "The government before us pushed the country into darkness. It won't be wrong if I say that India lost ten important years (2004-2014) in scams and corruption, "he said. PM Narendra Modi at BJP National Convention in Delhi: The government before us pushed the country into darkness. It won't be wrong if I say that India lost 10 important years (2004-2014) in scams and corruption. pic.twitter.com/5Or2XzTOrW — ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2019 × (With inputs from agencies)

We can take pride in the fact that there is no taint on us: PM Modi

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Sunday warned people against voting for the Congress even as speculations are rife that AAP is in touch with the grand old party for a tie-up for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Addressing a function in Kakrola, he also asked people not to vote for the BJP, alleging that all the seven sitting MPs of the party did nothing for Delhi's development.

"Don't vote for the Congress at all, if you vote for the Congress it will strengthen Narendra Modi. Let not your vote split and give all seven MPs to the AAP," the Aam Aadmi Party chief said.

His remarks assume significance as speculations are making rounds that a pre-poll alliance is possible in Delhi between the AAP and the Congress to stop the BJP in 2019 parliamentary elections.

Both the parties have so far avoided denying such speculations.

Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai said recently said that political affairs committee of the party will take a call on alliance considering views of leaders and workers from Delhi, Punjab and Haryana, after January 15.

Ajay Maken, who was critical of his party's alliance in Delhi with the AAP has resigned as the Delhi Congress president, while senior party leader and former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit maintained that national leadership will take decision about a tie up for 2019 and she will abide by it.

Taken on face value, Kejriwal's appeal to voters not to vote for the Congress means that the AAP is ultimately ready to take an independent plunge in the coming parliamentary polls.

The national executive of the AAP in its recent meeting decided to contest all the seats in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Goa and Chandigarh, totalling 33, in the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Sunday warned people against voting for the Congress even as speculations are rife that AAP is in touch with the grand old party for a tie-up for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Sunday warned people against voting for the Congress even as speculations are rife that AAP is in touch with the grand old party for a tie-up for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Addressing a function in Kakrola, he also asked people not to vote for the BJP, alleging that all the seven sitting MPs of the party did nothing for Delhi's development. "Don't vote for the Congress at all, if you vote for the Congress it will strengthen Narendra Modi. Let not your vote split and give all seven MPs to the AAP," the Aam Aadmi Party chief said. His remarks assume significance as speculations are making rounds that a pre-poll alliance is possible in Delhi between the AAP and the Congress to stop the BJP in 2019 parliamentary elections. Both the parties have so far avoided denying such speculations. Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai said recently said that political affairs committee of the party will take a call on alliance considering views of leaders and workers from Delhi, Punjab and Haryana, after January 15. Ajay Maken, who was critical of his party's alliance in Delhi with the AAP has resigned as the Delhi Congress president, while senior party leader and former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit maintained that national leadership will take decision about a tie up for 2019 and she will abide by it. Taken on face value, Kejriwal's appeal to voters not to vote for the Congress means that the AAP is ultimately ready to take an independent plunge in the coming parliamentary polls. The national executive of the AAP in its recent meeting decided to contest all the seats in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Goa and Chandigarh, totalling 33, in the Lok Sabha elections.

Kejriwal warns people against voting for Congress in Lok Sabha polls

Actor Prakash Raj has announced that he will be contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate.

The announcement was made by the actor on Tuesday night.

However, he is yet to decide on a constituency from where he would fight.

Prakash Raj is the third prominent actor after Rajinikanth and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rise-above-politics-kamal-hassan-to-kerala-cm-on-cyclone-gaja-aftermath-179723">Kamal Haasan</a> to enter politics in recent years.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE..a new beginning .. more responsibility.. with UR support I will be contesting in the coming parliament elections as an INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE. Details of the constituency soon. Ab ki baar Janatha ki SARKAR <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/citizensvoice?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#citizensvoice</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/justasking?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#justasking</a> in parliament too..
— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) <a href="https://twitter.com/prakashraaj/status/1079806981299261440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE..a new beginning .. more responsibility.. with UR support I will be contesting in the coming parliament elections as an INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE. Details of the constituency soon. Ab ki baar Janatha ki SARKAR #citizensvoice #justasking in parliament too..," Raj tweeted.

Raj is known for his anti-BJP stance.

He also has been vocal in seeking justice for his friend and journalist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot outside her residence.

He had earlier claimed that Bollywood stopped offering him roles as he has been critical of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre.

The 2019 general elections are due to be held in April or May to constitute the seventeenth Lok Sabha.

Actor Prakash Raj has announced that he will be contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate. The announcement was made by the actor on Tuesday night.

Actor Prakash Raj has announced that he will be contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate. The announcement was made by the actor on Tuesday night. However, he is yet to decide on a constituency from where he would fight. Prakash Raj is the third prominent actor after Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan to enter politics in recent years. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE..a new beginning .. more responsibility.. with UR support I will be contesting in the coming parliament elections as an INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE. Details of the constituency soon. Ab ki baar Janatha ki SARKAR #citizensvoice #justasking in parliament too.. — Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) December 31, 2018 × "HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE..a new beginning .. more responsibility.. with UR support I will be contesting in the coming parliament elections as an INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE. Details of the constituency soon. Ab ki baar Janatha ki SARKAR #citizensvoice #justasking in parliament too..," Raj tweeted. Raj is known for his anti-BJP stance. He also has been vocal in seeking justice for his friend and journalist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot outside her residence. He had earlier claimed that Bollywood stopped offering him roles as he has been critical of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre. The 2019 general elections are due to be held in April or May to constitute the seventeenth Lok Sabha.

Prakash Raj to contest 2019 Lok Sabha elections

Know how political parties are using Instagram to woo new voters

BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday made light of the opposition '<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-stumbling-mahagathbandhan-158102">mahagathbandhan</a>' (grand alliance), calling it an illusion and expressed confidence that the BJP will retain power after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Speaking at the Republic Summit here, Shah also said he was sure that the Shiv Sena will be with the BJP in the next Lok Sabha elections. Talks are on (with them), he added.

"The reality of the opposition 'mahagathbandhan' is different. It (the opposition alliance) doesn't exist and is a 'bhranti' (illusion)," Shah said. 
"The mahagathbandhan does not exist anywhere. We have fought against all of them in 2014 and defeated them to form the government. They are all regional leaders, they can't help each other," the BJP president said.

Shah said the BJP will gain in West Bengal, North-East and Odisha in 2019.

"The issues of elections are: in five years how have we ensured national security and defeated corruption. We have provided toilets in eight crore homes and electricity in 2.5 crore homes," Shah said.

"Not only for the BJP, but it is also necessary for the country that a strong govt comes to power," the BJP president said.

The election results in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh were definitely not favourable for BJP, but it is not right to link them with the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, he said.

State polls can't be linked to Lok Sabha poll results as both elections are fought on separate issues, Shah said.

"It is our duty to work for the people and convince them, but if the mandate is against us we accept that too," he said. "I am not against analysis, but the elections are fought on different issues. The issues on the ground are different," he added.

"In 2014, BJP had government in six states, now we have it in 16 states. So tell me who will win the 2019 elections," the BJP president said.

"We accept the people's mandate (in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh). We will introspect on the poll results," he said.

The BJP chief said it does not matter who is pitted against Narendra Modi in the 2019 polls (as prime ministerial aspirant). "We are going ahead on the basis of our strengh and not on the basis of someone's weakness," he added.

BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday made light of the opposition 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance), calling it an illusion and expressed confidence that the BJP will retain power after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday made light of the opposition 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance), calling it an illusion and expressed confidence that the BJP will retain power after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Speaking at the Republic Summit here, Shah also said he was sure that the Shiv Sena will be with the BJP in the next Lok Sabha elections. Talks are on (with them), he added. "The reality of the opposition 'mahagathbandhan' is different. It (the opposition alliance) doesn't exist and is a 'bhranti' (illusion)," Shah said. "The mahagathbandhan does not exist anywhere. We have fought against all of them in 2014 and defeated them to form the government. They are all regional leaders, they can't help each other," the BJP president said. Shah said the BJP will gain in West Bengal, North-East and Odisha in 2019. "The issues of elections are: in five years how have we ensured national security and defeated corruption. We have provided toilets in eight crore homes and electricity in 2.5 crore homes," Shah said. "Not only for the BJP, but it is also necessary for the country that a strong govt comes to power," the BJP president said. The election results in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh were definitely not favourable for BJP, but it is not right to link them with the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, he said. State polls can't be linked to Lok Sabha poll results as both elections are fought on separate issues, Shah said. "It is our duty to work for the people and convince them, but if the mandate is against us we accept that too," he said. "I am not against analysis, but the elections are fought on different issues. The issues on the ground are different," he added. "In 2014, BJP had government in six states, now we have it in 16 states. So tell me who will win the 2019 elections," the BJP president said. "We accept the people's mandate (in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh). We will introspect on the poll results," he said. The BJP chief said it does not matter who is pitted against Narendra Modi in the 2019 polls (as prime ministerial aspirant). "We are going ahead on the basis of our strengh and not on the basis of someone's weakness," he added.

Opposition 'mahagathbandhan' an illusion; BJP will win in 2019: Amit Shah

Newly-appointed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trs-heads-towards-decisive-victory-in-telangana-183095">TRS </a>Working President K T Rama Rao Saturday claimed that neither the Congress nor BJP would be able to get a majority after the general elections next year and said Telangana can get its interests safeguarded if his party wins 16 of the 17 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

BJP would not be able to get more than 150-160 seats and Congress, even if the 44 seats it won in last Lok Sabha polls doubles, would not secure more than 80-90 seats in 2019, he maintained.

Even their combined tally would not cross 270, he claimed adding in such a situation every MP seat becomes important in the election.

"If TRS wins 16 seats with people's blessings, it would be dictating to the government in Delhi (Centre) with those 16 seats," he said indicating a crucial role for the party.

Telangana was not able to realise the assurances given to it in the Andhra Pradesh Re-organisation Act like setting up a steel plant in the state with the NDA government at the Centre having a comfortable majority on its own, he said.

TRS would play a decisive role if a non-Congress, non-BJP government assumes office at the Centre, he said.

The total number of Lok Sabha seats in Telangana is 17. AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, an ally of TRS, traditionally wins from the Hyderabad parliamentary constituency.

Rama Rao said his appointment as working president should not lead to speculation that something more was in store for him.

On the party's stand that it would not hesitate to play a role in Andhra Pradesh politics, he said people of the neighbouring state would decide what was good for them.

Rama Rao was speaking at a 'Meet the Press' programme organised at the Press Club of Hyderabad.

He would formally take over as working president of TRS on Monday, party sources said.&nbsp;

Newly-appointed TRS Working President K T Rama Rao Saturday claimed that neither the Congress nor BJP would be able to get a majority after the general elections next year and said Telangana can get its interests safeguarded if his party wins 16 of the 17 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

Newly-appointed TRS Working President K T Rama Rao Saturday claimed that neither the Congress nor BJP would be able to get a majority after the general elections next year and said Telangana can get its interests safeguarded if his party wins 16 of the 17 Lok Sabha seats in the state. BJP would not be able to get more than 150-160 seats and Congress, even if the 44 seats it won in last Lok Sabha polls doubles, would not secure more than 80-90 seats in 2019, he maintained. Even their combined tally would not cross 270, he claimed adding in such a situation every MP seat becomes important in the election. "If TRS wins 16 seats with people's blessings, it would be dictating to the government in Delhi (Centre) with those 16 seats," he said indicating a crucial role for the party. Telangana was not able to realise the assurances given to it in the Andhra Pradesh Re-organisation Act like setting up a steel plant in the state with the NDA government at the Centre having a comfortable majority on its own, he said. TRS would play a decisive role if a non-Congress, non-BJP government assumes office at the Centre, he said. The total number of Lok Sabha seats in Telangana is 17. AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, an ally of TRS, traditionally wins from the Hyderabad parliamentary constituency. Rama Rao said his appointment as working president should not lead to speculation that something more was in store for him. On the party's stand that it would not hesitate to play a role in Andhra Pradesh politics, he said people of the neighbouring state would decide what was good for them. Rama Rao was speaking at a 'Meet the Press' programme organised at the Press Club of Hyderabad. He would formally take over as working president of TRS on Monday, party sources said.

Congress, BJP will not be able to get majority in Lok Sabha polls, claims TRS leader Rama Rao

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is considering fielding Bollywood actor Madhuri Dixit-Nene from the Pune Lok Sabha constituency in the 2019 general elections, party sources said.

In June this year, BJP chief Amit Shah had met the actor at her residence in Mumbai during his party's 'Sampark for Samarthan' (Contact for Support) programme and briefed her on the achievements of the Narendra Modi government.

A senior state BJP leader told PTI Thursday that her name has been shortlisted for the Pune Lok Sabha seat.

"The party is seriously considering giving candidature to Madhuri Dixit in the 2019 general elections. We think the Pune Lok Sabha constituency will be better for her," he said.

"The party is in the process of finalising the list of probables for several Lok Sabha seats and Dixit's name has been shortlisted for the Pune Lok Sabha constituency...She is being seriously considered for it," the leader said.

The 51-year-old actor has featured in many Bollywood films, including "Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!", "Dil To Pagal Hai", "Saajan" and "Devdas".

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had snatched the Pune Lok Sabha seat from the Congress, with Anil Shirole winning by a margin of over three lakh votes.

On the plans to field the actor, a senior BJP functionary said, "Such tactics were implemented by Narendra Modi in Gujarat when he became the chief minister for the first time. He changed all the candidates in local bodies election and the party reaped benefits of that decision."

"As fresh faces were introduced, there was nothing to criticise them with. It left the opposition shocked and the BJP won maximum seats and retained power," he said.

According to the leader, a similar experiment was also successfully carried out in Delhi local bodies polls in 2017, where all the sitting councillors were denied tickets. The BJP won the seats and retained the control, he said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is considering fielding Bollywood actor Madhuri Dixit-Nene from the Pune Lok Sabha constituency in the 2019 general elections, party sources said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is considering fielding Bollywood actor Madhuri Dixit-Nene from the Pune Lok Sabha constituency in the 2019 general elections, party sources said. In June this year, BJP chief Amit Shah had met the actor at her residence in Mumbai during his party's 'Sampark for Samarthan' (Contact for Support) programme and briefed her on the achievements of the Narendra Modi government. A senior state BJP leader told PTI Thursday that her name has been shortlisted for the Pune Lok Sabha seat. "The party is seriously considering giving candidature to Madhuri Dixit in the 2019 general elections. We think the Pune Lok Sabha constituency will be better for her," he said. "The party is in the process of finalising the list of probables for several Lok Sabha seats and Dixit's name has been shortlisted for the Pune Lok Sabha constituency...She is being seriously considered for it," the leader said. The 51-year-old actor has featured in many Bollywood films, including "Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!", "Dil To Pagal Hai", "Saajan" and "Devdas". In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had snatched the Pune Lok Sabha seat from the Congress, with Anil Shirole winning by a margin of over three lakh votes. On the plans to field the actor, a senior BJP functionary said, "Such tactics were implemented by Narendra Modi in Gujarat when he became the chief minister for the first time. He changed all the candidates in local bodies election and the party reaped benefits of that decision." "As fresh faces were introduced, there was nothing to criticise them with. It left the opposition shocked and the BJP won maximum seats and retained power," he said. According to the leader, a similar experiment was also successfully carried out in Delhi local bodies polls in 2017, where all the sitting councillors were denied tickets. The BJP won the seats and retained the control, he said.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP mulls fielding Madhuri Dixit from Pune seat

The CPI(M) Tuesday blamed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s “communally provocative speeches” for the Bulandshahr violence and said it was “planned” in view of 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

The CPI(M) Polit bureau in a statement condemned the brutal killing of police inspector Subodh Kumar Singh and a bystander, allegedly by a mob in Bulandshahr district on Monday.

“Such incidents are planned in view of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. The communally provocative speeches being made by Chief Minister Adityanath have also created an atmosphere for the mobs to act with impunity”, said the CPI(M) in the statement.

The party alleged that the sudden eruption of violent protests amid rumours of cow slaughter “fits the pattern of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and other Hindutva outfits instigating communal tensions.”

Demanding firm actions against those who have perpetrated the crime, the party stated that all steps should be taken to ensure no communal incidents in future.

Three persons were arrested for their alleged involvement in the mob violence, police said Tuesday.

Twenty-seven people have been named in the FIR, registered around 3 am following the violence Monday, while cases have been lodged against 50 to 60 unidentified people, police officials said.

Of the 27 named, at least four are workers and functionaries of right-wing organisations, including the Bajrang Dal, officials said.

The CPI(M) Tuesday blamed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s “communally provocative speeches” for the Bulandshahr violence and said it was “planned” in view of 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

The CPI(M) Tuesday blamed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s “communally provocative speeches” for the Bulandshahr violence and said it was “planned” in view of 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The CPI(M) Polit bureau in a statement condemned the brutal killing of police inspector Subodh Kumar Singh and a bystander, allegedly by a mob in Bulandshahr district on Monday. “Such incidents are planned in view of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. The communally provocative speeches being made by Chief Minister Adityanath have also created an atmosphere for the mobs to act with impunity”, said the CPI(M) in the statement. The party alleged that the sudden eruption of violent protests amid rumours of cow slaughter “fits the pattern of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and other Hindutva outfits instigating communal tensions.” Demanding firm actions against those who have perpetrated the crime, the party stated that all steps should be taken to ensure no communal incidents in future. Three persons were arrested for their alleged involvement in the mob violence, police said Tuesday. Twenty-seven people have been named in the FIR, registered around 3 am following the violence Monday, while cases have been lodged against 50 to 60 unidentified people, police officials said. Of the 27 named, at least four are workers and functionaries of right-wing organisations, including the Bajrang Dal, officials said.

Bulandshahr violence: Incident planned in view of 2019 Lok Sabha polls, says CPI(M)

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who launched the Hamro Sikkim Party in April, said Thursday his outfit will form a coalition with anyone wanting to work for the betterment of his state.

Bhutia said that the HSP is currently in touch with national as well as regional parties which want progress of Sikkim.

"We are talking to all the parties right now. Whichever parties -- national or regional -- are wanting to work for the betterment of Sikkim, we are ready to form a coalition...," Bhutia told PTI when asked about his party forming a coalition with the Bharatiya Janata Party or any other party in the Lok Sabha polls.

The general elections are scheduled to be held next year in the country. 
Bhaichung had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and the 2016 West Bengal Assembly elections as a Trinamool Congress candidate, but had lost the polls and quit Mamata Banerjee's party in February.

The former Indian football captain had then floated the HSP in April this year.

Meanwhile, the Hamro Sikkim Party Thursday filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking to change the "immigrant" tag of the Sikkimese Nepali community, he told reporters here.

Bhutia said the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has not done anything to change the word from the apex court verdict delivered around 40 years back even as it had promised in its manifesto.

The Sikkimese Nepali community had been tagged as "immigrant" in a Supreme Court judgement. Sikkim has three ethnic communities Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalis.

"We have filed a petition in the Supreme Court today urging it to look into it so that the word of immigrant is not used for the Sikkimese Nepali community..." he said.&nbsp;

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who launched the Hamro Sikkim Party in April, said Thursday his outfit will form a coalition with anyone wanting to work for the betterment of his state.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who launched the Hamro Sikkim Party in April, said Thursday his outfit will form a coalition with anyone wanting to work for the betterment of his state. Bhutia said that the HSP is currently in touch with national as well as regional parties which want progress of Sikkim. "We are talking to all the parties right now. Whichever parties -- national or regional -- are wanting to work for the betterment of Sikkim, we are ready to form a coalition...," Bhutia told PTI when asked about his party forming a coalition with the Bharatiya Janata Party or any other party in the Lok Sabha polls. The general elections are scheduled to be held next year in the country. Bhaichung had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and the 2016 West Bengal Assembly elections as a Trinamool Congress candidate, but had lost the polls and quit Mamata Banerjee's party in February. The former Indian football captain had then floated the HSP in April this year. Meanwhile, the Hamro Sikkim Party Thursday filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking to change the "immigrant" tag of the Sikkimese Nepali community, he told reporters here. Bhutia said the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has not done anything to change the word from the apex court verdict delivered around 40 years back even as it had promised in its manifesto. The Sikkimese Nepali community had been tagged as "immigrant" in a Supreme Court judgement. Sikkim has three ethnic communities Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalis. "We have filed a petition in the Supreme Court today urging it to look into it so that the word of immigrant is not used for the Sikkimese Nepali community..." he said.

Will form coalition with anyone wanting to work for betterment of Sikkim: Bhaichung Bhutia

Union minister Piyush Goyal claimed Saturday a survey, commissioned by him, of over 5.4 lakh respondents across the country revealed the BJP will win between 297-303 seats in the next year's Lok Sabha polls.

The minister said he had conducted out a similar survey in 2013 that had predicted an absolute majority for the BJP in 2014, and it was right.

For the 2019 elections, the survey was conducted out in August-September, he said.

"I'm happy to share that the BJP looks to be between 297-303 seats by itself in the 2019 elections," he said at the annual ET awards here.

He said the survey was not done by the BJP but by a private agency, generally used by media houses.

Goyal said in this year's survey, there were 5.4 lakh respondents, which was unheard of number in any such survey in the world.

Union minister Piyush Goyal claimed Saturday a survey, commissioned by him, of over 5.4 lakh respondents across the country revealed the BJP will win between 297-303 seats in the next year's Lok Sabha polls.

Union minister Piyush Goyal claimed Saturday a survey, commissioned by him, of over 5.4 lakh respondents across the country revealed the BJP will win between 297-303 seats in the next year's Lok Sabha polls. The minister said he had conducted out a similar survey in 2013 that had predicted an absolute majority for the BJP in 2014, and it was right. For the 2019 elections, the survey was conducted out in August-September, he said. "I'm happy to share that the BJP looks to be between 297-303 seats by itself in the 2019 elections," he said at the annual ET awards here. He said the survey was not done by the BJP but by a private agency, generally used by media houses. Goyal said in this year's survey, there were 5.4 lakh respondents, which was unheard of number in any such survey in the world.

Union minister Piyush goyal claims survey commissioned by him predicts about 300 Lok Sabha seats for BJP

The elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram to be held in November and December is all ready to set the stage for the political battle for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The polls in the states being held five months before the 2019 general elections hold strategic importance as it sends 83 members to the Lok Sabha. The elections will also act as a litmus test for the parties and their alliances.

The elections will commence from Chhattisgarh which has been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-one-ultra-killed-in-encounter-between-security-forces-and-maoists-176612">reeling from the conflict</a> between the Maoists and the state.

The 90 seat state will hold elections in two phases. While the South Chhattisgarh’s 18 seats will go to polls on November 12, the remaining 72 seats of the North Chhattisgarh will hold elections on November 20.

The BJP came to power in Chhattisgarh in 2003 and has since then been ruling over the state under the leadership of Raman Singh.

The party, which ruled over the state for 15 years, is facing serious anti-incumbency. In the last elections held in 2013, BJP had gained a marginal victory by winning over 49 seats while the Congress got hold over 39 seats. BJP had got 41.04 per cent votes while the Congress received 40.29 per cent.

The party may also have to face the consequence as it failed to fulfil the electoral promise of the last election where it had assured a Minimum Support Price of Rs 2100 for paddy cultivation.

Chief Minister of the state Raman Singh has been urging the voters to not to compare the status of the state with the developments that have taken place since 2013 but to compare it with the Congress regime in 2003.

BJP, however, has an edge over the major opponent Congress as the BSP refused to form an alliance with the latter.

The state which has majorly seen a political battle between two parties is set to witness the entry of a new party in the state.

Mayawati’s BSP has decided to fight the elections in the state along with Ajit Jogi’s Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (JCC) refusing to form an alliance with the Congress.

Madhya Pradesh with 230 seats will go to polls on November 28. The state has been led by BJP for the past three terms. BJP ended the ten years of Congress rule in 2003 under the leadership of Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The party held a landslide victory in the state in 2013 by winning over 45 per cent of the votes which accounted for 165 seats. The Congress won 58 seats by gaining control over 36.38 per cent vote. The BJP has good control over the Hindu votes in the state and has assured to create a separate ministry for cow protection in its electoral promise.&nbsp;

The Congress is also adopting measures to picture itself as a party of Hindus. Besides Rahul Gandhi’s continuing temple visits, the Congress has also promised to develop the route taken by Lord Rama on his way to exile as Ram Van Gaman Path and build a gaushala on every panchayat.

Along with Madhya Pradesh, northeastern state Mizoram will also go to polls on November 28. Mizoram is one of the three states which is currently being ruled by Congress. In the last election, the Congress won 34 out of the 40 seats in the state, while the BJP, which has never been able to form a government in the state, could not win a single seat. The state is being ruled by Congress leader Lal Thanhawla since 2008. The major opposition party Mizo National Front (MNF) won five seats. MNF is hoping to win the elections due to the anti-incumbency factor present in the state.

The BJP is also working to change its anti-Christian image. They are planning to field a Mizo Christian candidate. The party has also said that it was ready to form an alliance with any regional party.

Rajasthan and Telangana will go to polls on December 7.

The 200 seats state Rajasthan will go to polls on December 20. Currently ruled by BJP leader Vasundhara Raje, BJP had won 163 seats out of the 200 in the last elections. The Congress, on the other hand, could manage only 21 seats. &nbsp;BJP's winning mandate in 2013 was the highest in Rajasthan’s election history. The incumbent government hopes to break the twenty-year-old tradition of the state, which has never allowed any existing government to repeat its victory in the consecutive election. The assembly elections in Rajasthan have always replaced the existing power. In the bypolls held in the state this year the BJP was defeated by Congress in three regions. Following this, the BJP launched damage control measures in the state. It changed its state unit president to MLA Kirodi Lal Meena who is known to have a popular hold over the large Scheduled Tribe community in east Rajasthan.

&nbsp;Telangana which was carved out of Andhra Pradesh in 2014 will go to polls as TRS chief and state chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao dissolved the assembly this year. &nbsp;In the first assembly of the state, KCR’s Rashtra Samiti had won 63 seats, Congress-21, BJP-5 while the Telugu Desam Party had won 15 seats. The Congress which is accusing the TRS of betraying the people has formed an alliance with TDP and CPI for the upcoming polls in the state. While according to some reports, there seems to exist a possible rift between Congress and TDP. 
&nbsp;

The elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram to be held in November and December is all ready to set the stage for the political battle for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

The elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram to be held in November and December is all ready to set the stage for the political battle for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The polls in the states being held five months before the 2019 general elections hold strategic importance as it sends 83 members to the Lok Sabha. The elections will also act as a litmus test for the parties and their alliances. The elections will commence from Chhattisgarh which has been reeling from the conflict between the Maoists and the state. The 90 seat state will hold elections in two phases. While the South Chhattisgarh’s 18 seats will go to polls on November 12, the remaining 72 seats of the North Chhattisgarh will hold elections on November 20. The BJP came to power in Chhattisgarh in 2003 and has since then been ruling over the state under the leadership of Raman Singh. The party, which ruled over the state for 15 years, is facing serious anti-incumbency. In the last elections held in 2013, BJP had gained a marginal victory by winning over 49 seats while the Congress got hold over 39 seats. BJP had got 41.04 per cent votes while the Congress received 40.29 per cent. The party may also have to face the consequence as it failed to fulfil the electoral promise of the last election where it had assured a Minimum Support Price of Rs 2100 for paddy cultivation. Chief Minister of the state Raman Singh has been urging the voters to not to compare the status of the state with the developments that have taken place since 2013 but to compare it with the Congress regime in 2003. BJP, however, has an edge over the major opponent Congress as the BSP refused to form an alliance with the latter. The state which has majorly seen a political battle between two parties is set to witness the entry of a new party in the state. Mayawati’s BSP has decided to fight the elections in the state along with Ajit Jogi’s Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (JCC) refusing to form an alliance with the Congress. Madhya Pradesh with 230 seats will go to polls on November 28. The state has been led by BJP for the past three terms. BJP ended the ten years of Congress rule in 2003 under the leadership of Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The party held a landslide victory in the state in 2013 by winning over 45 per cent of the votes which accounted for 165 seats. The Congress won 58 seats by gaining control over 36.38 per cent vote. The BJP has good control over the Hindu votes in the state and has assured to create a separate ministry for cow protection in its electoral promise. The Congress is also adopting measures to picture itself as a party of Hindus. Besides Rahul Gandhi’s continuing temple visits, the Congress has also promised to develop the route taken by Lord Rama on his way to exile as Ram Van Gaman Path and build a gaushala on every panchayat. Along with Madhya Pradesh, northeastern state Mizoram will also go to polls on November 28. Mizoram is one of the three states which is currently being ruled by Congress. In the last election, the Congress won 34 out of the 40 seats in the state, while the BJP, which has never been able to form a government in the state, could not win a single seat. The state is being ruled by Congress leader Lal Thanhawla since 2008. The major opposition party Mizo National Front (MNF) won five seats. MNF is hoping to win the elections due to the anti-incumbency factor present in the state. The BJP is also working to change its anti-Christian image. They are planning to field a Mizo Christian candidate. The party has also said that it was ready to form an alliance with any regional party. Rajasthan and Telangana will go to polls on December 7. The 200 seats state Rajasthan will go to polls on December 20. Currently ruled by BJP leader Vasundhara Raje, BJP had won 163 seats out of the 200 in the last elections. The Congress, on the other hand, could manage only 21 seats. BJP's winning mandate in 2013 was the highest in Rajasthan’s election history. The incumbent government hopes to break the twenty-year-old tradition of the state, which has never allowed any existing government to repeat its victory in the consecutive election. The assembly elections in Rajasthan have always replaced the existing power. In the bypolls held in the state this year the BJP was defeated by Congress in three regions. Following this, the BJP launched damage control measures in the state. It changed its state unit president to MLA Kirodi Lal Meena who is known to have a popular hold over the large Scheduled Tribe community in east Rajasthan. Telangana which was carved out of Andhra Pradesh in 2014 will go to polls as TRS chief and state chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao dissolved the assembly this year. In the first assembly of the state, KCR’s Rashtra Samiti had won 63 seats, Congress-21, BJP-5 while the Telugu Desam Party had won 15 seats. The Congress which is accusing the TRS of betraying the people has formed an alliance with TDP and CPI for the upcoming polls in the state. While according to some reports, there seems to exist a possible rift between Congress and TDP.

Assembly elections 2018: Litmus test for parties, alliances before 2019 elections

Former Finance Minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Thursday attacked PM Modi's government stating that the regime is trying "to 'capture' RBI ahead of Lok Sabha poll, this will be catastrophic."

He alleged that the government has packed the central bank's board with handpicked nominees, and was making every attempt to push through its proposals at the RBI board meeting on November 19.

"The government stares at a fiscal deficit crisis... The government wants to step up the expenditure in an election year. Finding all avenues closed, in desperation, the government has demanded Rs 1 lakh crore from the reserves of RBI," the former finance minister said at a press conference.

If RBI Governor Urjit Patel stands his ground, the Centre was planning to issue a direction under Section 7 of the RBI Act, 1934, directing the apex bank to transfer Rs 1 lakh crore to the government's account, he claimed.

"The day of reckoning is November 19 when the RBI board is scheduled to meet. The government has packed the RBI board with its handpicked nominees and is making every attempt to ram through its proposal at the meeting," Chidambaram said.

"If the RBI either defies the government or RBI governor resigns, in either event, the consequence will be catastrophic," he added.

Chidambaram also added that state-wise alliances are going to benefit the Congress, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"State-wise alliances will benefit Congress, it is the best way to defeat BJP," he told media.&nbsp;

Chidambaram's comments came shortly after Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley claimed that confiscating money was not the aim of launching demonetisation, adding that the move led to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/demonetisation-led-to-formalisation-of-economy-expanded-tax-base-arun-jaitley-176171">formalisation of the economy and expanded tax base</a>.&nbsp;

The reactions came on the second anniversary of the demonetisation move that the Modi government undertook in the year 2016.&nbsp;

The demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes in November 2016, Jaitley said, had resulted in more formalisation (of the economy), more revenue, more resources for the poor, better infrastructure, and a better quality of life for our citizens, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The government had on November 8, 2016, announced a ban on old 500 and 1000 rupee notes, to curb black money in the system.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Former Finance Minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Thursday attacked PM Modi's government stating that the regime is trying "to 'capture' RBI ahead of Lok Sabha poll, this will be catastrophic.

Former Finance Minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Thursday attacked PM Modi's government stating that the regime is trying "to 'capture' RBI ahead of Lok Sabha poll, this will be catastrophic." He alleged that the government has packed the central bank's board with handpicked nominees, and was making every attempt to push through its proposals at the RBI board meeting on November 19. "The government stares at a fiscal deficit crisis... The government wants to step up the expenditure in an election year. Finding all avenues closed, in desperation, the government has demanded Rs 1 lakh crore from the reserves of RBI," the former finance minister said at a press conference. If RBI Governor Urjit Patel stands his ground, the Centre was planning to issue a direction under Section 7 of the RBI Act, 1934, directing the apex bank to transfer Rs 1 lakh crore to the government's account, he claimed. "The day of reckoning is November 19 when the RBI board is scheduled to meet. The government has packed the RBI board with its handpicked nominees and is making every attempt to ram through its proposal at the meeting," Chidambaram said. "If the RBI either defies the government or RBI governor resigns, in either event, the consequence will be catastrophic," he added. Chidambaram also added that state-wise alliances are going to benefit the Congress, news agency ANI reported. "State-wise alliances will benefit Congress, it is the best way to defeat BJP," he told media. Chidambaram's comments came shortly after Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley claimed that confiscating money was not the aim of launching demonetisation, adding that the move led to the formalisation of the economy and expanded tax base. The reactions came on the second anniversary of the demonetisation move that the Modi government undertook in the year 2016. The demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes in November 2016, Jaitley said, had resulted in more formalisation (of the economy), more revenue, more resources for the poor, better infrastructure, and a better quality of life for our citizens, news agency PTI reported. The government had on November 8, 2016, announced a ban on old 500 and 1000 rupee notes, to curb black money in the system. (With inputs from agencies)

Government trying to capture RBI ahead of Lok Sabha polls: P Chidambaram

Buoyed by the victory in the bypolls, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Congress state president Dinesh Gundu Rao Tuesday asserted that they would contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-bypolls-congress-jds-combine-win-4-out-of-5-seats-175804">together against the BJP.</a>

The two leaders gave credit for the electoral success to the policies of the Congress-JD(S) coalition, which bagged two Lok Sabha seats and two assembly segments in the by-elections held on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters, Kumaraswamy hailed the people for their support to the coalition government of the Janata Dal (Secular) and the Congress and said the two parties would contest the 2019 polls together in all the 28 constituencies in the state.

"We will contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections together. As we did this time, we will sit together to chalk out strategies to fight the Lok Sabha election in a coordinated manner," Kumaraswamy said.

"We took many pro-people measures which are at the stage of implementation. The benefits have not reached them yet," the chief minister said.&nbsp;

However, people liked our policies, be it the crop loan waiver or financial aid to the street vendors, he said.

At a separate press conference, Rao said their sounding victory was an indication that the people of Karnataka had given their approval to the coalition government's policies.

"It has rejected the BJP, its divisive politics and dictatorial tendencies. We will contest the 2019 election together," he said.

Rao charged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with forgetting its duty as a responsible opposition.

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The sweeping victory of the Congress - JD(S) alliance in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaBypolls?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaBypolls</a> is just a teaser for what is in store for the BJP next year. Congratulations to all the winners.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaRejectsBJP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaRejectsBJP</a>
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"The power-hungry BJP did not fulfil its responsibility of an opposition party. They set aside ethics and morality due to which they faced defeat at four places while its victory margin shrunk substantially in Shivamogga," Rao said.

Anitha Kumaraswamy, who won the election from the Ramanagara assembly constituency, gave credit for her victory to the tireless efforts of her chief minister husband Kumaraswamy, her father-in-law and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda and Congress leaders.

Former chief minister Siddaramaiah tweeted, "A meaningful celebration of Naraka Chaturdashi in Ballari. People's march from darkness to light. Wishing the people of Karnataka a happy Deepawali."

Tuesday happened to be Naraka Chaturdashi, a festival to mark the death of Narakasura, who was killed by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. 
Siddaramaiah tweeted further, "My thanks to the people of Ballari. People have cursed the inhuman behaviour of Janardhana Reddy."&nbsp;

In the run-up to the polls, Janardhana Reddy had kicked up a storm, saying that God cursed Siddarmaiah with the loss of his son for him (Reddy) languishing in jail for four years, though nothing incriminating was found from him.

Reddy was criticised not only by the Congress leaders but also by the BJP, with its state chief B S Yeddyurappa even asking Reddy to apologise for his remarks.

Buoyed by the victory in the bypolls, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Congress state president Dinesh Gundu Rao Tuesday asserted that they would contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections together against the BJP.

Buoyed by the victory in the bypolls, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Congress state president Dinesh Gundu Rao Tuesday asserted that they would contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections together against the BJP. The two leaders gave credit for the electoral success to the policies of the Congress-JD(S) coalition, which bagged two Lok Sabha seats and two assembly segments in the by-elections held on Saturday. Speaking to reporters, Kumaraswamy hailed the people for their support to the coalition government of the Janata Dal (Secular) and the Congress and said the two parties would contest the 2019 polls together in all the 28 constituencies in the state. "We will contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections together. As we did this time, we will sit together to chalk out strategies to fight the Lok Sabha election in a coordinated manner," Kumaraswamy said. "We took many pro-people measures which are at the stage of implementation. The benefits have not reached them yet," the chief minister said. However, people liked our policies, be it the crop loan waiver or financial aid to the street vendors, he said. At a separate press conference, Rao said their sounding victory was an indication that the people of Karnataka had given their approval to the coalition government's policies. "It has rejected the BJP, its divisive politics and dictatorial tendencies. We will contest the 2019 election together," he said. Rao charged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with forgetting its duty as a responsible opposition. The sweeping victory of the Congress - JD(S) alliance in the #KarnatakaBypolls is just a teaser for what is in store for the BJP next year. Congratulations to all the winners.#KarnatakaRejectsBJP — Congress (@INCIndia) November 6, 2018 × "The power-hungry BJP did not fulfil its responsibility of an opposition party. They set aside ethics and morality due to which they faced defeat at four places while its victory margin shrunk substantially in Shivamogga," Rao said. Anitha Kumaraswamy, who won the election from the Ramanagara assembly constituency, gave credit for her victory to the tireless efforts of her chief minister husband Kumaraswamy, her father-in-law and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda and Congress leaders. Former chief minister Siddaramaiah tweeted, "A meaningful celebration of Naraka Chaturdashi in Ballari. People's march from darkness to light. Wishing the people of Karnataka a happy Deepawali." Tuesday happened to be Naraka Chaturdashi, a festival to mark the death of Narakasura, who was killed by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. Siddaramaiah tweeted further, "My thanks to the people of Ballari. People have cursed the inhuman behaviour of Janardhana Reddy." In the run-up to the polls, Janardhana Reddy had kicked up a storm, saying that God cursed Siddarmaiah with the loss of his son for him (Reddy) languishing in jail for four years, though nothing incriminating was found from him. Reddy was criticised not only by the Congress leaders but also by the BJP, with its state chief B S Yeddyurappa even asking Reddy to apologise for his remarks.

Karnataka bypolls: Elated over results, Congress-JD(S) say they will contest 2019 Lok Sabha polls together

AICC Telangana Incharge R C Khuntia Sunday alleged that caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao would join hands with the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls next year and has entered into a tie-up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Addressing a Padyatra in Musheerabad Assembly segment here, Khuntia questioned KCR, as Rao is popularly known as, over the early dissolution of the Legislative Assembly in the state.

Assembly polls in Telangana were originally scheduled to be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections next year.

However, the assembly was dissolved earlier last month as per a recommendation of the state cabinet, which necessitated elections ahead of the schedule.

He further hit out at Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief for "not fulfilling" his promise of providing 12 per cent reservation in jobs and education to Muslims and enhancement of quota for Scheduled Tribes.

The AICC general secretary in charge of Telangana affairs, Khuntiaalsoclaimed that the graph of Modi&nbsp;and NDA government was going down while that of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi was on the rise.

A separate Telangana State was created due to the efforts of the UPA government and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Khuntia added.

The Election Commission Saturday announced the dates for the Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram Assembly polls.

Polling in Rajasthan and Telangana will be held on December 7.

AICC Telangana Incharge R C Khuntia Sunday alleged that caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao would join hands with the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls next year and has entered into a tie-up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

AICC Telangana Incharge R C Khuntia Sunday alleged that caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao would join hands with the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls next year and has entered into a tie-up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing a Padyatra in Musheerabad Assembly segment here, Khuntia questioned KCR, as Rao is popularly known as, over the early dissolution of the Legislative Assembly in the state. Assembly polls in Telangana were originally scheduled to be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections next year. However, the assembly was dissolved earlier last month as per a recommendation of the state cabinet, which necessitated elections ahead of the schedule. He further hit out at Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief for "not fulfilling" his promise of providing 12 per cent reservation in jobs and education to Muslims and enhancement of quota for Scheduled Tribes. The AICC general secretary in charge of Telangana affairs, Khuntiaalsoclaimed that the graph of Modi and NDA government was going down while that of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi was on the rise. A separate Telangana State was created due to the efforts of the UPA government and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Khuntia added. The Election Commission Saturday announced the dates for the Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram Assembly polls. Polling in Rajasthan and Telangana will be held on December 7.

KCR would join hands with BJP in coming LS polls: RC Khuntia

The BJP on Thursday said it does not see any grand alliance taking shape against it as there are many "gaps and contradictions" among opposition parties, even as it exuded confidence of increasing its tally in Uttar Pradesh in the next Lok Sabha polls.

"The BJP's performance will be better in 2019 compared to 2014, when the party and its allies bagged a lion's share of 73 seats (of total 80 seats)," state BJP President Mahendra Nath Pandey told PTI in an interview here.

Asked about the opposition parties' attempt to form a grand alliance to take on the BJP, he said, "I don't see it taking place. There are many gaps and contradictions among them. Even if it (alliance) is formed, it will not last."

Undeterred by the BSP and the SP eyeing the Dalit and OBC votes, besides the Muslim electorates, Pandey said his party was doing its own ground work.

"We are taking along the castes which they (SP, BSP) bank upon. We have recently held successful OBC conferences (between Sept 4-24) in which backward caste representatives from all over the state actively participated," he said.

The conference saw overwhelming response from the backward classes as they see Prime Minister Narendra Modi as their leader, the UP BJP chief said.

"Besides, we are soon going to organise Dalit&nbsp;sammelan&nbsp;(conference) and 'prabuddh'(intellectuals') meet. These sections have only been cheated by previous SP and BSP regimes in the state. Only the BJP is the party which is really working with&nbsp;'sabka saath sabka vikas'&nbsp;motive. This is the reason for our success," he said.

He said that his party was working at several levels to increase its victory margin.

"We are highlighting our work at the centre and state and above all Modiji's personality, which will be presented before the people."

"At the organisation level, we are emphasising on ensuring our presence from booth to division to assembly and Lok Sabha segments. We are doing a micro-planning for that," he said.

Noting that the party has a lot to tell the people about the good work and projects its governments at the centre and state have initiated, Mr Pandey said, "We will reach out to people and inform them about these works and are confident of getting their positive response in terms of votes. No government has done such a good work till now."

"The party will bank on the "towering personality" of Modi ji, who is loved by all sections of the society due to this 'working style and aura'. Our leader is accepted by all. No other leader can stand in front of him. Opposition has not one (leader), who can challenge him," he asserted.

The BJP state president said he was "sure" his party will form the government at the centre again and UP's contribution will be remarkable.

Pandey's remarks assume significance amid reports of the SP and the BSP toying the idea of cobbling an alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, barely few months away, as they had done in bye-elections to Gorakhpur, Phulpur and Kairana constituencies of the Lower House, in which ruling BJP candidates were defeated.

Buoyed by this success, reports of bonhomie between SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and his BSP counterpart Mayawati started doing the rounds in political circles.

There were talks that the Congress too might be roped in in the proposed alliance. But in what is seen as a snub to the grand old party, Mayawati dumped it and tied up with the party of rebel Congress leader Ajit Jogi for the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections and projected him as the chief ministerial candidate.

Also, the SP too suffered a setback when its stalwart Shivpal Yadav floated a new front as he felt he was being sidelined in the parent party.

"These gaps and contradictions will make our task further easy," said the state BJP president, who is a Lok Sabha member from Chandauli.

The BJP on Thursday said it does not see any grand alliance taking shape against it as there are many "gaps and contradictions" among opposition parties, even as it exuded confidence of increasing its tally in Uttar Pradesh in the next Lok Sabha polls.

The BJP on Thursday said it does not see any grand alliance taking shape against it as there are many "gaps and contradictions" among opposition parties, even as it exuded confidence of increasing its tally in Uttar Pradesh in the next Lok Sabha polls. "The BJP's performance will be better in 2019 compared to 2014, when the party and its allies bagged a lion's share of 73 seats (of total 80 seats)," state BJP President Mahendra Nath Pandey told PTI in an interview here. Asked about the opposition parties' attempt to form a grand alliance to take on the BJP, he said, "I don't see it taking place. There are many gaps and contradictions among them. Even if it (alliance) is formed, it will not last." Undeterred by the BSP and the SP eyeing the Dalit and OBC votes, besides the Muslim electorates, Pandey said his party was doing its own ground work. "We are taking along the castes which they (SP, BSP) bank upon. We have recently held successful OBC conferences (between Sept 4-24) in which backward caste representatives from all over the state actively participated," he said. The conference saw overwhelming response from the backward classes as they see Prime Minister Narendra Modi as their leader, the UP BJP chief said. "Besides, we are soon going to organise Dalit sammelan (conference) and 'prabuddh'(intellectuals') meet. These sections have only been cheated by previous SP and BSP regimes in the state. Only the BJP is the party which is really working with 'sabka saath sabka vikas' motive. This is the reason for our success," he said. He said that his party was working at several levels to increase its victory margin. "We are highlighting our work at the centre and state and above all Modiji's personality, which will be presented before the people." "At the organisation level, we are emphasising on ensuring our presence from booth to division to assembly and Lok Sabha segments. We are doing a micro-planning for that," he said. Noting that the party has a lot to tell the people about the good work and projects its governments at the centre and state have initiated, Mr Pandey said, "We will reach out to people and inform them about these works and are confident of getting their positive response in terms of votes. No government has done such a good work till now." "The party will bank on the "towering personality" of Modi ji, who is loved by all sections of the society due to this 'working style and aura'. Our leader is accepted by all. No other leader can stand in front of him. Opposition has not one (leader), who can challenge him," he asserted. The BJP state president said he was "sure" his party will form the government at the centre again and UP's contribution will be remarkable. Pandey's remarks assume significance amid reports of the SP and the BSP toying the idea of cobbling an alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, barely few months away, as they had done in bye-elections to Gorakhpur, Phulpur and Kairana constituencies of the Lower House, in which ruling BJP candidates were defeated. Buoyed by this success, reports of bonhomie between SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and his BSP counterpart Mayawati started doing the rounds in political circles. There were talks that the Congress too might be roped in in the proposed alliance. But in what is seen as a snub to the grand old party, Mayawati dumped it and tied up with the party of rebel Congress leader Ajit Jogi for the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections and projected him as the chief ministerial candidate. Also, the SP too suffered a setback when its stalwart Shivpal Yadav floated a new front as he felt he was being sidelined in the parent party. "These gaps and contradictions will make our task further easy," said the state BJP president, who is a Lok Sabha member from Chandauli.

Will increase seats tally in Uttar Pradesh in 2019: State BJP chief

BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa today claimed that several disgruntled leaders from the ruling Congress and JD(S) are eager to join his party.

Yeddyurappa's comments come as dissident activities of the MLAs intensified in the Congress over not getting ministerial berths.

The former chief minister, who is also the state BJP chief, asked his partymen to work as a strong opposition and prepare for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

"Several disgruntled young leaders and leaders from Congress and JD(S) are eager to join the BJP," Yeddyurappa said.

Addressing partymen, he said, "It is our responsibility to induct those who are disgruntled with the JD(S) and Congress and their style of administration in every assembly segment, and are willing to join the BJP, thereby strengthening the party in every constituency."

The BJP leader said the party has "complete strength" with 104 members in the assembly and "let's work as a "strong opposition."

"How long this government will function is a different matter, but without aspiring for seat of power, let us all 104 members work as successful opposition to our good work."

As the assembly polls threw up hung assembly with the BJP emerging as the single largest party, the BJP had formed the government but conceded the numbers game with Yeddyurappa resigning on May 19 without facing the trust vote.

Following this, Congress-JD(S) post-poll coalition formed the government in the state, under the leadership of HD Kumaraswamy.

Calling upon BJP Yuva Morcha to strengthen the organisation at every assembly constituency level, Yeddyurappa said that "by doing this let us prepare ourselves for the Lok Sabha election."

With his government facing birth pangs of coalition politics, Kumaraswamy yesterday stepped in to check the disquiet among newly elected Congress lawmakers who were left out during the Cabinet expansion, but they remained defiant.

Yeddyurappa's comments come as dissident activities of the MLAs intensified in the Congress over not getting ministerial berths

BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa today claimed that several disgruntled leaders from the ruling Congress and JD(S) are eager to join his party. Yeddyurappa's comments come as dissident activities of the MLAs intensified in the Congress over not getting ministerial berths. The former chief minister, who is also the state BJP chief, asked his partymen to work as a strong opposition and prepare for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. "Several disgruntled young leaders and leaders from Congress and JD(S) are eager to join the BJP," Yeddyurappa said. Addressing partymen, he said, "It is our responsibility to induct those who are disgruntled with the JD(S) and Congress and their style of administration in every assembly segment, and are willing to join the BJP, thereby strengthening the party in every constituency." The BJP leader said the party has "complete strength" with 104 members in the assembly and "let's work as a "strong opposition." "How long this government will function is a different matter, but without aspiring for seat of power, let us all 104 members work as successful opposition to our good work." As the assembly polls threw up hung assembly with the BJP emerging as the single largest party, the BJP had formed the government but conceded the numbers game with Yeddyurappa resigning on May 19 without facing the trust vote. Following this, Congress-JD(S) post-poll coalition formed the government in the state, under the leadership of HD Kumaraswamy. Calling upon BJP Yuva Morcha to strengthen the organisation at every assembly constituency level, Yeddyurappa said that "by doing this let us prepare ourselves for the Lok Sabha election." With his government facing birth pangs of coalition politics, Kumaraswamy yesterday stepped in to check the disquiet among newly elected Congress lawmakers who were left out during the Cabinet expansion, but they remained defiant.

Several Congress, JDS MLAs willing to join BJP: Yeddyurappa

After facing consistent losses in the recent elections, the Bhartiya Janata Party leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has hinted on forming new alliance ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Admitting the same, the Union Minister said on Sunday that the recent electoral reverses have affected the BJP and the party would go for new alliance if a need arises.

He added that their party has not put up a "no-entry" sign and will go for new allies if party needs. He also said that they would want the existing allies to stay with the party.

Referring to the TDP, he said that the party was also ready to accept the alliance parties who have left the NDA recently.

Naqvi said that the BJP was committed to alliance partners from the time of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

He said the recent defeat in the&nbsp;bypolls in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and other states have impacted the party and also taught them a lesson.

He said that now that the party was aware of the strategy of the opposition, it would be easier for them to contest the polls against them. 
&nbsp;

Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the recent defeat in the bypolls in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and other states have impacted the party and also taught them a lesson

After facing consistent losses in the recent elections, the Bhartiya Janata Party leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has hinted on forming new alliance ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Admitting the same, the Union Minister said on Sunday that the recent electoral reverses have affected the BJP and the party would go for new alliance if a need arises. He added that their party has not put up a "no-entry" sign and will go for new allies if party needs. He also said that they would want the existing allies to stay with the party. Referring to the TDP, he said that the party was also ready to accept the alliance parties who have left the NDA recently. Naqvi said that the BJP was committed to alliance partners from the time of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He said the recent defeat in the bypolls in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and other states have impacted the party and also taught them a lesson. He said that now that the party was aware of the strategy of the opposition, it would be easier for them to contest the polls against them.

Will go for new alliance if need arises: BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi

After losing control over Karnataka despite winning the majority of seats in the state, BJP President Amit Shah&nbspaccepted on Friday that the alliance between BSP-SP will be a challenge to his party.&nbsp

He, however, ensured that his party will win one of the Congress bastions. He said the BJP will defeat Congress either in Amethi or Rae Bareli.

Referring to the growing conflict with its alliance partner Shiv Sena in Maharashtra he said he would not want to give up the coalition with the party, however, BJP will not be left with an option if Shiv Sena insists on breaking up the old time alliance with them.

Talking about the opposition's unity ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls he said that the opposition believes that they will&nbspnot be able to defeat the NDA in 2019 elections on their own.

He also added that his party will not be defeated in the Lok Sabha polls even if the opposition&nbspcomes together. He further said that his party will even win seats in areas where it could not win in the 2019 polls.&nbsp

The major opposition parties have joined their hands together against the BJP ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The recent defeat of the BJP in Karnataka after&nbspthe coming together of the Congress and JD(S) has set the battle between BJP and the&nbspunited&nbspopposition.

Amit Shah, however, ensured that his party will win one of the Congress bastions. He said the BJP will defeat Congress either in Amethi or Rae Bareli.

After losing control over Karnataka despite winning the majority of seats in the state, BJP President Amit Shah&nbspaccepted on Friday that the alliance between BSP-SP will be a challenge to his party. He, however, ensured that his party will win one of the Congress bastions. He said the BJP will defeat Congress either in Amethi or Rae Bareli. Referring to the growing conflict with its alliance partner Shiv Sena in Maharashtra he said he would not want to give up the coalition with the party, however, BJP will not be left with an option if Shiv Sena insists on breaking up the old time alliance with them. Talking about the opposition's unity ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls he said that the opposition believes that they will&nbspnot be able to defeat the NDA in 2019 elections on their own. He also added that his party will not be defeated in the Lok Sabha polls even if the opposition&nbspcomes together. He further said that his party will even win seats in areas where it could not win in the 2019 polls. The major opposition parties have joined their hands together against the BJP ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The recent defeat of the BJP in Karnataka after&nbspthe coming together of the Congress and JD(S) has set the battle between BJP and the&nbspunited&nbspopposition.

BSP-SP alliance will be challenge to BJP in 2019: Amit Shah

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