Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah filed his nomination papers on Saturday for the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani accompanied Shah.

The BJP chief submitted his nomination form to the Gandhinagar district collector and returning officer S K Langa.

BJP president Amit Shah Saturday held a massive roadshow here before filing his nomination for the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency.

Lakhs of people greeted Shah on the four-km route from where his road show passed.

Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Piyush Goyal, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel accompanied Shah in an open vehicle during the road show that started from Sardar Patel statue in Naranpura area in Ahmedabad.

BJP workers and people thronged the street to greet Shah, who is contesting the Lok Sabha election for the first time. It was a massive show of strength for the BJP, which aims to retain all the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat it had won in 2014.

The roadshow ended at Prabhat Chowk area of Ghatlodia, after which Shah left for Gandhinagar to file the nomination papers.

Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah filed his nomination papers on Saturday for the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani accompanied Shah.

Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah filed his nomination papers on Saturday for the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani accompanied Shah. The BJP chief submitted his nomination form to the Gandhinagar district collector and returning officer S K Langa. BJP president Amit Shah Saturday held a massive roadshow here before filing his nomination for the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. Lakhs of people greeted Shah on the four-km route from where his road show passed. Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Piyush Goyal, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel accompanied Shah in an open vehicle during the road show that started from Sardar Patel statue in Naranpura area in Ahmedabad. BJP workers and people thronged the street to greet Shah, who is contesting the Lok Sabha election for the first time. It was a massive show of strength for the BJP, which aims to retain all the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat it had won in 2014. The roadshow ended at Prabhat Chowk area of Ghatlodia, after which Shah left for Gandhinagar to file the nomination papers.

BJP president Amit Shah files nomination from Gandhinagar seat

Lok Sabha polls: A look at Bollywood entries in Indian politics

The ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP, who are ready to battle it out in the Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal, are preferring turncoats over their tried and tested leaders. There is discontent over candidate selection within both the parties dominating the poll scenario in the state.&nbsp;

Senior TMC leader and it's South Dinajpur district chief Biplab Mitra said there is anger among grass-roots level workers of the party over giving tickets to newcomers and ignoring the old-timers.

The TMC is going solo and has declared names of candidates for all 42 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP declared its first list of 28 contestants in the state Thursday. The two parties defend their decision, saying winnability was of prime consideration for them.

However, the TMC feels it is the best way to quell the infighting in the party, whereas for the BJP, fielding turncoats had become a compulsion as it did not have enough candidates to assure its victory. “We have party leaders and workers who are working very hard. We had given them tickets in panchayat and assembly polls. But in case of fighting Lok Sabha polls, we don’t have enough candidates who can put up a fight and win,” state BJP chief Dilip Ghosh said last Friday.

Out of 18 new faces in TMC’s list, seven are those who have either switched over from the Congress or the Left parties in the past few years. Two of the TMC’s sitting MPs in the north and south Bengal — Dasarth Tirkey and Sunil Mondal — who have been renominated this time, used to be MLAs of Left Front constituents RSP and Forward Bloc, respectively. BJP’s list has six candidates who were earlier either with the TMC or the CPI(M).

It also includes the name of an ex-IPS officer, who was once considered close to TMC chief Mamata Banerjee. A TMC leader told PTI on condition of anonymity that infighting is one of the biggest problems being faced by the party this time. “There are so many factions in every district that it was next to impossible to bring all the disgruntled leaders on the same page… That is why in at least seven seats which are considered tough, we have pitted those who have come from other parties so that opposing factions will at least unite under their umbrellas to help us win,” he said.

Out of the seven candidates who have either switched over from the Congress or the Left parties in the past few years, three have been nominated from Bolpur, Medinipur and Coochbehar which the TMC had won last time. In Malda North, Raiganj, Jangipur and Murshidabad seats, which were won by the Congress and the CPI(M) last time, the TMC has nominated MLAs and MPs who had switched over from the Congress in the last two years.

“In Cooch Behar, former Left Front minister Paresh Chandra Adhikary was nominated as only a strong candidate can ensure in retaining the seat in the face of factionalism and resurgent BJP there,” said a senior TMC MLA from north Bengal. The reason is the same behind nominating former state Congress president Manas Bhunia from Mednipur and Asit Mal from Bolpur.

Former Congress MP Mausam Benazir Noor, who crossed over to the TMC, and has been nominated from Malda North seat told PTI, “I had joined TMC as I feel only it can fight against communal BJP in the state.” On the other hand, sitting TMC MP from Bolpur, Anupam Hazra has switched over to the BJP and has been fielded from Jadavpur seat in the city.

In Murshidabad, TMC youth leader and key organisational man Shamik Hossain was overlooked in favour of former Congress MLA Abu Taher, who had switched over only last year. The situation is more difficult in the BJP, which had won two seats in 2014 and now targeting to win 23 seats in the state.

The BJP has emerged as the main opposition party after the 2018 panchayat polls. The party in its first list has five candidates who had recently defected to it from the TMC and one from the CPI(M). Former IPS officer Bharati Ghosh who recently joined BJP will be contesting Ghatal Lok Sabha seat on the party’s ticket. During her stint as the Jhargram SP, she was considered to be the defacto TMC district president.

Former TMC MLA Arjun Singh, who recently switched over to the BJP, has been pitted against TMC’s Dinesh Trivedi in Barrackpore. Singh had quit the TMC recently after the party denied him a ticket for the Barrackpore seat. Former TMC MP Soumitra Khan has been given BJP ticket from his Bishnupur seat, while former CPI(M) MLA Khagen Murmu will contest on a BJP ticket from Malda North.

Former TMC leader Sreerupa Mitra Chowdhury, who had contested polls on that party’s ticket from New Delhi, is the BJP candidate from Malda South seat this time, while TMC youth leader Nishith Pramanik, who was expelled last year, has been fielded from Cooch Behar.

The BJP has fielded another TMC turncoat Bolpur MP Anupam Hazra from Jadavpur. BJP leader Mukul Roy, once TMC’s number two, defended the saffron party’s decision on fielding turncoats. “Anybody who wants to fight against TMC misrule in Bengal is welcome,” Roy said.

BJP workers had staged a protest in Cooch Behar and Malda North against the party’s decision to nominate TMC and CPI(M) leaders instead of local party leaders. Several BJP leaders, including its vice president Raj Kamal Pathak, have submitted their resignation and protests have been organised in various parts of the state over candidate selection. The seven-phase polling in the state will begin on April 11.

The ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP, who are ready to battle it out in the Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal, are preferring turncoats over their tried and tested leaders.

The ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP, who are ready to battle it out in the Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal, are preferring turncoats over their tried and tested leaders. There is discontent over candidate selection within both the parties dominating the poll scenario in the state. Senior TMC leader and it's South Dinajpur district chief Biplab Mitra said there is anger among grass-roots level workers of the party over giving tickets to newcomers and ignoring the old-timers. The TMC is going solo and has declared names of candidates for all 42 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP declared its first list of 28 contestants in the state Thursday. The two parties defend their decision, saying winnability was of prime consideration for them. However, the TMC feels it is the best way to quell the infighting in the party, whereas for the BJP, fielding turncoats had become a compulsion as it did not have enough candidates to assure its victory. “We have party leaders and workers who are working very hard. We had given them tickets in panchayat and assembly polls. But in case of fighting Lok Sabha polls, we don’t have enough candidates who can put up a fight and win,” state BJP chief Dilip Ghosh said last Friday. Out of 18 new faces in TMC’s list, seven are those who have either switched over from the Congress or the Left parties in the past few years. Two of the TMC’s sitting MPs in the north and south Bengal — Dasarth Tirkey and Sunil Mondal — who have been renominated this time, used to be MLAs of Left Front constituents RSP and Forward Bloc, respectively. BJP’s list has six candidates who were earlier either with the TMC or the CPI(M). It also includes the name of an ex-IPS officer, who was once considered close to TMC chief Mamata Banerjee. A TMC leader told PTI on condition of anonymity that infighting is one of the biggest problems being faced by the party this time. “There are so many factions in every district that it was next to impossible to bring all the disgruntled leaders on the same page… That is why in at least seven seats which are considered tough, we have pitted those who have come from other parties so that opposing factions will at least unite under their umbrellas to help us win,” he said. Out of the seven candidates who have either switched over from the Congress or the Left parties in the past few years, three have been nominated from Bolpur, Medinipur and Coochbehar which the TMC had won last time. In Malda North, Raiganj, Jangipur and Murshidabad seats, which were won by the Congress and the CPI(M) last time, the TMC has nominated MLAs and MPs who had switched over from the Congress in the last two years. “In Cooch Behar, former Left Front minister Paresh Chandra Adhikary was nominated as only a strong candidate can ensure in retaining the seat in the face of factionalism and resurgent BJP there,” said a senior TMC MLA from north Bengal. The reason is the same behind nominating former state Congress president Manas Bhunia from Mednipur and Asit Mal from Bolpur. Former Congress MP Mausam Benazir Noor, who crossed over to the TMC, and has been nominated from Malda North seat told PTI, “I had joined TMC as I feel only it can fight against communal BJP in the state.” On the other hand, sitting TMC MP from Bolpur, Anupam Hazra has switched over to the BJP and has been fielded from Jadavpur seat in the city. In Murshidabad, TMC youth leader and key organisational man Shamik Hossain was overlooked in favour of former Congress MLA Abu Taher, who had switched over only last year. The situation is more difficult in the BJP, which had won two seats in 2014 and now targeting to win 23 seats in the state. The BJP has emerged as the main opposition party after the 2018 panchayat polls. The party in its first list has five candidates who had recently defected to it from the TMC and one from the CPI(M). Former IPS officer Bharati Ghosh who recently joined BJP will be contesting Ghatal Lok Sabha seat on the party’s ticket. During her stint as the Jhargram SP, she was considered to be the defacto TMC district president. Former TMC MLA Arjun Singh, who recently switched over to the BJP, has been pitted against TMC’s Dinesh Trivedi in Barrackpore. Singh had quit the TMC recently after the party denied him a ticket for the Barrackpore seat. Former TMC MP Soumitra Khan has been given BJP ticket from his Bishnupur seat, while former CPI(M) MLA Khagen Murmu will contest on a BJP ticket from Malda North. Former TMC leader Sreerupa Mitra Chowdhury, who had contested polls on that party’s ticket from New Delhi, is the BJP candidate from Malda South seat this time, while TMC youth leader Nishith Pramanik, who was expelled last year, has been fielded from Cooch Behar. The BJP has fielded another TMC turncoat Bolpur MP Anupam Hazra from Jadavpur. BJP leader Mukul Roy, once TMC’s number two, defended the saffron party’s decision on fielding turncoats. “Anybody who wants to fight against TMC misrule in Bengal is welcome,” Roy said. BJP workers had staged a protest in Cooch Behar and Malda North against the party’s decision to nominate TMC and CPI(M) leaders instead of local party leaders. Several BJP leaders, including its vice president Raj Kamal Pathak, have submitted their resignation and protests have been organised in various parts of the state over candidate selection. The seven-phase polling in the state will begin on April 11.

Lok Sabha election 2019: In West Bengal, BJP, TMC bank on turncoats to win poll battle

Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

The announcement was made in the presence of Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Ravi Shankar Prasad.&nbsp;

BJP sources said Gambhir is likely to be fielded from the New Delhi constituency, currently represented by Meenakshi Lekhi.&nbsp;

However, a&nbsp;final decision is yet to be taken, they added.

After joining the party, Gambhir said, "I am joining this party(BJP) after getting influenced&nbsp;by PM Narendra Modi's vision. I am honoured to get the opportunity to join this platform."&nbsp;

Earlier this month, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-kovind-confers-padma-awards-hs-phoolka-cricketer-gautam-gambhir-bollywood-actor-manoj-bajpayee-receive-padma-shri-203672">Gambhir was honoured with the Padma Shri award</a> for his contribution&nbsp;to the world of cricket.&nbsp;

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Delhi: Former Cricketer Gautam Gambhir joins Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) in the presence of Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Ravi Shankar Prasad <a href="https://t.co/EYmhfSSMy7">pic.twitter.com/EYmhfSSMy7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1108984072062337024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In his cricketing career, Gambhir earned 58 Test caps and scored nine centuries and 22 fifties in the Test format.&nbsp;

The left-handed batsman announced his retirement in the year 2018 after completing 10,000 runs in List-A cricket.&nbsp;

Gambhir's performance in the finals of the 2007 T20 World Cup final against Pakistan and the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka helped India win both the titles.&nbsp;

Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The announcement was made in the presence of Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Ravi Shankar Prasad.

Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The announcement was made in the presence of Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Ravi Shankar Prasad. BJP sources said Gambhir is likely to be fielded from the New Delhi constituency, currently represented by Meenakshi Lekhi. However, a final decision is yet to be taken, they added. After joining the party, Gambhir said, "I am joining this party(BJP) after getting influenced by PM Narendra Modi's vision. I am honoured to get the opportunity to join this platform." Earlier this month, Gambhir was honoured with the Padma Shri award for his contribution to the world of cricket. Delhi: Former Cricketer Gautam Gambhir joins Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) in the presence of Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Ravi Shankar Prasad pic.twitter.com/EYmhfSSMy7 — ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2019 × In his cricketing career, Gambhir earned 58 Test caps and scored nine centuries and 22 fifties in the Test format. The left-handed batsman announced his retirement in the year 2018 after completing 10,000 runs in List-A cricket. Gambhir's performance in the finals of the 2007 T20 World Cup final against Pakistan and the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka helped India win both the titles.

Former cricketer Gautam Gambhir pads up for political innings, joins BJP

After an alliance with the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, the Rashtriya Lok Dal is looking to regain its base in western UP and win the three seats it will be contesting in the coming Lok Sabha election.

In 2014, the defeat of the then Union minister and Rashtriya Lok Dal president Ajit Singh in Baghpat to BJP's Satyapal Singh, who had resigned as Mumbai Police commissioner just before the election, was "unexpected" for many as he had never lost the seat since 1999.

"The defeat was seen as a big sign of how the BJP was consolidating the dominant Jat vote in its favour. This time, RLD has an opportunity to take a sweet revenge by improving its performance with the help of SP and BSP and get back the Jat vote in its fold," said political analyst Manjula Upadhyay.

RLD leaders are confident of repeating their performance of Kairana LS bypoll last year when they succeeded in getting back Jat votes they had lost to the BJP in 2014.

"During Kairana byelection, RLD leader Jayant Chowdhury's slogan to Jats was 'BJP Ki Poonch Nahi, RLD Ki Mooch Bano'. The call was a hit and he succeeded in invoking the name of his grandfather Chowdhury Charan Singh and reminding the Jats of his legacy," a senior RLD leader said.

During the Kairana bypoll, RLD candidate Tabassum Hasan succeeded in defeating the BJP in the high-profile battle necessitated following the death of BJP MP Hukum Singh.

RLD candidate Tabassum was supported by the Congress, SP and BSP.

Kairana was seen as a testing ground for the new-found opposition unity against the rising BJP then, and the win gave a boost to opposition's efforts to stitch a grand alliance against the saffron party.

Statistically, RLD's performance showed a downward trend after the death of former prime minister Chowdhury Charan Singh.

When Charan Singh died in 1987, Bharatiya Lok Dal had the maximum 83 legislators in Uttar Pradesh. The number dwindled over the years and came down to just one in 2017 assembly polls.

The best performance of RLD under Ajit Singh was in 2002 when it won 14 assembly seats in alliance with the BJP.

The party won five seats in 2009 Lok Sabha polls, again in alliance with the BJP, but during 2012 assembly polls, it forged an alliance with Congress and won nine assembly seats.

In 2014 general election and 2017 assembly polls, the party's performance was worst as it failed to turn voters in its favour and the BJP succeeded in making a dent in its vote bank.

Of the seven seats contested in 2014, the party lost all of them.

Even party chief Ajit Singh slipped to the third spot in his traditional Baghpat seat while his son Jayant Chowdhury lost to Bollywood actor-politician Hema Malini, who contested on a BJP ticket from Mathura.

Other candidates including Amar Singh, Jaya Prada and Rakesh Tikait also could not perform well and all of them lost.

In 2017 UP assembly polls, the RLD had contested 277 of the total 403 seats but won only one, Chhaprauli seat.

After entering an alliance with SP-BSP, the RLD will be contesting Baghpat, Muzaffarnagar and Mathura seats.

While party chief Ajit Singh is likely to contest from Muzaffarnagar, his son Jayant will be contesting from party's traditional seat Baghpat.

Asked about RLD's Lok Sabha prospects, a senior RLD leader said, "This time equations are in our favour. Be it Muslim, backwards, Dalits, Jats or any other community, all are in our favour. Farmers are angry due to non-payment of cane dues."

SP MLC Rajpal Kashyap, when asked about the alliance partner, said, "This is an alliance of ideologies and it will succeed in defeating the communal BJP. We are all committed to ensuring the victory of the alliance candidates.

After an alliance with the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, the Rashtriya Lok Dal is looking to regain its base in western UP and win the three seats it will be contesting in the coming Lok Sabha election.

After an alliance with the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, the Rashtriya Lok Dal is looking to regain its base in western UP and win the three seats it will be contesting in the coming Lok Sabha election. In 2014, the defeat of the then Union minister and Rashtriya Lok Dal president Ajit Singh in Baghpat to BJP's Satyapal Singh, who had resigned as Mumbai Police commissioner just before the election, was "unexpected" for many as he had never lost the seat since 1999. "The defeat was seen as a big sign of how the BJP was consolidating the dominant Jat vote in its favour. This time, RLD has an opportunity to take a sweet revenge by improving its performance with the help of SP and BSP and get back the Jat vote in its fold," said political analyst Manjula Upadhyay. RLD leaders are confident of repeating their performance of Kairana LS bypoll last year when they succeeded in getting back Jat votes they had lost to the BJP in 2014. "During Kairana byelection, RLD leader Jayant Chowdhury's slogan to Jats was 'BJP Ki Poonch Nahi, RLD Ki Mooch Bano'. The call was a hit and he succeeded in invoking the name of his grandfather Chowdhury Charan Singh and reminding the Jats of his legacy," a senior RLD leader said. During the Kairana bypoll, RLD candidate Tabassum Hasan succeeded in defeating the BJP in the high-profile battle necessitated following the death of BJP MP Hukum Singh. RLD candidate Tabassum was supported by the Congress, SP and BSP. Kairana was seen as a testing ground for the new-found opposition unity against the rising BJP then, and the win gave a boost to opposition's efforts to stitch a grand alliance against the saffron party. Statistically, RLD's performance showed a downward trend after the death of former prime minister Chowdhury Charan Singh. When Charan Singh died in 1987, Bharatiya Lok Dal had the maximum 83 legislators in Uttar Pradesh. The number dwindled over the years and came down to just one in 2017 assembly polls. The best performance of RLD under Ajit Singh was in 2002 when it won 14 assembly seats in alliance with the BJP. The party won five seats in 2009 Lok Sabha polls, again in alliance with the BJP, but during 2012 assembly polls, it forged an alliance with Congress and won nine assembly seats. In 2014 general election and 2017 assembly polls, the party's performance was worst as it failed to turn voters in its favour and the BJP succeeded in making a dent in its vote bank. Of the seven seats contested in 2014, the party lost all of them. Even party chief Ajit Singh slipped to the third spot in his traditional Baghpat seat while his son Jayant Chowdhury lost to Bollywood actor-politician Hema Malini, who contested on a BJP ticket from Mathura. Other candidates including Amar Singh, Jaya Prada and Rakesh Tikait also could not perform well and all of them lost. In 2017 UP assembly polls, the RLD had contested 277 of the total 403 seats but won only one, Chhaprauli seat. After entering an alliance with SP-BSP, the RLD will be contesting Baghpat, Muzaffarnagar and Mathura seats. While party chief Ajit Singh is likely to contest from Muzaffarnagar, his son Jayant will be contesting from party's traditional seat Baghpat. Asked about RLD's Lok Sabha prospects, a senior RLD leader said, "This time equations are in our favour. Be it Muslim, backwards, Dalits, Jats or any other community, all are in our favour. Farmers are angry due to non-payment of cane dues." SP MLC Rajpal Kashyap, when asked about the alliance partner, said, "This is an alliance of ideologies and it will succeed in defeating the communal BJP. We are all committed to ensuring the victory of the alliance candidates.

After alliance with SP-BSP, RLD looks to revive itself in west Uttar Pradesh

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray Friday said his party has forged an alliance with the BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls with an aim to provide a strong and progressive government at the Centre.

The BJP and the Sena have reached a pre-poll alliance for the next month's Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, where they will contest 25 and 23 seats, respectively.

The differences between the two parties have been sorted out, Thackeray said, adding the Sena never had personal issues but only matters concerning the interest of people which have been addressed by the government.

Thackeray was addressing a joint meeting of BJP-Sena workers here.

Explaining his decision to align again with the BJP, he said, "I thought this is the election of the country. The government has taught a good lesson to Pakistan (in form of air strikes).

"I recall the earlier governments of (Congress) which only condemned attacks on armed forces but did not do anything. Who would like to bring back such a government? The Congress-NCP should not teach us patriotism," he said.

However, things have changed under the BJP-led NDA government.

"Now also attacks are taking place and soldiers are being martyred. But, we are taking revenge of our martyrs by attacking Pakistan," Thackeray said.

There should be a government which gives support to the families of the martyrs, the Sena chief said.

The Sena has tied up with the BJP in order to provide a strong and progressive government at the Centre, he said.

"Why should we only fight for power...Yes, we fought with each other but when the time came we came together. Power is not our dream, but the country's (welfare) is our dream," he said.

Thackeray took a swipe at NCP chief Sharad Pawar, saying in Pakistan a cricketer (Imran Khan) became prime minister and here, a person dreaming to become PM became a cricket administrator.

These people want power but first, they should realise do they have the ability to sit on that chair? he asked.

Two Hindutva parties, which unfortunately were going away from each other, have come together now and has made "anti-Hindu" elements uncomfortable, the Sena chief said.

The Sena chief expressed the hope the saffron alliance will win the maximum seats in Maharashtra, which at 48, sends the second highest number of MPs to the Lok Sabha after Uttar Pradesh's 80.

"Today our hearts have met and the voice of Hindutva has become strong again," Thackeray said.&nbsp;

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray Friday said his party has forged an alliance with the BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls with an aim to provide a strong and progressive government at the Centre.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray Friday said his party has forged an alliance with the BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls with an aim to provide a strong and progressive government at the Centre. The BJP and the Sena have reached a pre-poll alliance for the next month's Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, where they will contest 25 and 23 seats, respectively. The differences between the two parties have been sorted out, Thackeray said, adding the Sena never had personal issues but only matters concerning the interest of people which have been addressed by the government. Thackeray was addressing a joint meeting of BJP-Sena workers here. Explaining his decision to align again with the BJP, he said, "I thought this is the election of the country. The government has taught a good lesson to Pakistan (in form of air strikes). "I recall the earlier governments of (Congress) which only condemned attacks on armed forces but did not do anything. Who would like to bring back such a government? The Congress-NCP should not teach us patriotism," he said. However, things have changed under the BJP-led NDA government. "Now also attacks are taking place and soldiers are being martyred. But, we are taking revenge of our martyrs by attacking Pakistan," Thackeray said. There should be a government which gives support to the families of the martyrs, the Sena chief said. The Sena has tied up with the BJP in order to provide a strong and progressive government at the Centre, he said. "Why should we only fight for power...Yes, we fought with each other but when the time came we came together. Power is not our dream, but the country's (welfare) is our dream," he said. Thackeray took a swipe at NCP chief Sharad Pawar, saying in Pakistan a cricketer (Imran Khan) became prime minister and here, a person dreaming to become PM became a cricket administrator. These people want power but first, they should realise do they have the ability to sit on that chair? he asked. Two Hindutva parties, which unfortunately were going away from each other, have come together now and has made "anti-Hindu" elements uncomfortable, the Sena chief said. The Sena chief expressed the hope the saffron alliance will win the maximum seats in Maharashtra, which at 48, sends the second highest number of MPs to the Lok Sabha after Uttar Pradesh's 80. "Today our hearts have met and the voice of Hindutva has become strong again," Thackeray said.

Shiv Sena allied with BJP to provide strong government at Centre: Uddhav Thackeray

The Congress late on Friday night released the third list of 18 candidates, for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls fielding former Chief Minister of Meghalaya Mukul M Sangma from Tura parliamentary constituency.

Out of 18 candidates declared, eight are from Telangana, five are from Assam, two from Meghalaya and one each from Nagaland, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/npp-to-field-agatha-k-sangma-from-meghalayas-tura-lok-sabha-constituency-203631">Sangma, presently the Leader of Opposition in the Meghalaya Assembly will take on former Union Minister Agatha Sangma</a>, who will be contesting the general elections from the ruling National People’s Party (NPP).

In Telangana around 17 Lok Sabha seats are at stake, 14 in Assam, 2 in Meghalaya, 80 in Uttar Pradesh and one each in Nagaland and Sikkim.

Sitting members Gaurav Gogoi, Sushmita Dev and Vincent Pala have been re-nominated from Kaliabor, Silchar and Shillong Lok Sabha seats respectively.

Swarup Das will be fielded from Assam's Karimganj seat, Sushanta Borgohain from Jorhat and Praban Singh Ghatowar from Dibrugarh in Assam.

Two-time sitting MP and former Union Minister Vincent C Pala will contest from Shillong, while KL Chilsi will contest from Nagaland and Tanuja Punia from Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki.

The eight candidates in the list who will contest from Telangana include, Ramesh Rathod (Adilabad), A Chandra Sekhar (Peddapalle), Ponnam Prabhakar (Karimanagar), K. Madan Mohan Rao (Zahirabad), Gali Anil Kumar (Medak), A Revanth Reddy (Malkajgiri), Konda Vishweshwar Reddy (Chevella), Porika Balram Naik (Mahabubabad) and Tanuj Punia (Barabanki).

So far, the Congress has declared 54 candidates for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, which held in seven-phase beginning April 11.

The last phase of polling is scheduled for May 19.

The counting of votes will take place on May 23. The Congress party released its first list on March 7, declaring the candidature of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi from Rae Bareli and Congress president Rahul Gandhi from Amethi.

The list of 15 candidates included 11 from Uttar Pradesh and four from Gujarat.

The second list of 21 candidates was released on Wednesday, which includes Priya Dutta from Mumbai North-Central Lok Sabha seat, and UP party unit chief Raj Babbar from Moradabad.

The Congress late on Friday night released the third list of 18 candidates, for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls fielding former Chief Minister of Meghalaya Mukul M Sangma from Tura parliamentary constituency.

The Congress late on Friday night released the third list of 18 candidates, for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls fielding former Chief Minister of Meghalaya Mukul M Sangma from Tura parliamentary constituency. Out of 18 candidates declared, eight are from Telangana, five are from Assam, two from Meghalaya and one each from Nagaland, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh. Sangma, presently the Leader of Opposition in the Meghalaya Assembly will take on former Union Minister Agatha Sangma, who will be contesting the general elections from the ruling National People’s Party (NPP). In Telangana around 17 Lok Sabha seats are at stake, 14 in Assam, 2 in Meghalaya, 80 in Uttar Pradesh and one each in Nagaland and Sikkim. Sitting members Gaurav Gogoi, Sushmita Dev and Vincent Pala have been re-nominated from Kaliabor, Silchar and Shillong Lok Sabha seats respectively. Swarup Das will be fielded from Assam's Karimganj seat, Sushanta Borgohain from Jorhat and Praban Singh Ghatowar from Dibrugarh in Assam. Two-time sitting MP and former Union Minister Vincent C Pala will contest from Shillong, while KL Chilsi will contest from Nagaland and Tanuja Punia from Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki. The eight candidates in the list who will contest from Telangana include, Ramesh Rathod (Adilabad), A Chandra Sekhar (Peddapalle), Ponnam Prabhakar (Karimanagar), K. Madan Mohan Rao (Zahirabad), Gali Anil Kumar (Medak), A Revanth Reddy (Malkajgiri), Konda Vishweshwar Reddy (Chevella), Porika Balram Naik (Mahabubabad) and Tanuj Punia (Barabanki). So far, the Congress has declared 54 candidates for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, which held in seven-phase beginning April 11. The last phase of polling is scheduled for May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. The Congress party released its first list on March 7, declaring the candidature of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi from Rae Bareli and Congress president Rahul Gandhi from Amethi. The list of 15 candidates included 11 from Uttar Pradesh and four from Gujarat. The second list of 21 candidates was released on Wednesday, which includes Priya Dutta from Mumbai North-Central Lok Sabha seat, and UP party unit chief Raj Babbar from Moradabad.

Congress releases 3rd list of 18 candidates, M Mukul Sangma to contest from Meghalaya's Tura

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on Friday issued a detailed Circular with an aim to curb the movement of unauthorized arms, contraband goods and cash at the airports, in the wake of the announcement of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the ensuing General Elections.

The Bureau has given specific instructions to be followed by the Airport authorities and other government officials.

Officers of BCAS will be conducting surprise inspections of these airports to check the compliance of these instructions.

Apart from strengthening the security at the regular commercial airports, BCAS has directed the airport authorities to check flights from uncontrolled, remote and unserved private and public airstrips, helipads and waterdromes.

It has also directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air Traffic Control (ATC) to inform State Police, BCAS and Income Tax Department about such flights in advance.

ATC has been specifically directed to share records of the travel plan of chartered aircrafts or helicopters half an hour in advance to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the State and the DEO of the district, in which the airport is located.

As per direction of the Election Commission, Director General of Police (DGPs) of States have been ordered to deploy police units to check these flights during Code of Conduct.

The operators of all private aircrafts or helicopters have been asked to declare the contents of the baggage, suitcases carried on these flights to CEO of the states, DEOs of the districts, state police and IT Department.

With an aim to keep strict vigil over movement of cash through all airports, Income Tax Department and CISF have been extended with all requisite cooperation for checking and surveillance activities.&nbsp;

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on Friday issued a detailed Circular with an aim to curb the movement of unauthorized arms, contraband goods and cash at the airports, in the wake of the announcement of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the ensuing General Elections.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on Friday issued a detailed Circular with an aim to curb the movement of unauthorized arms, contraband goods and cash at the airports, in the wake of the announcement of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the ensuing General Elections. The Bureau has given specific instructions to be followed by the Airport authorities and other government officials. Officers of BCAS will be conducting surprise inspections of these airports to check the compliance of these instructions. Apart from strengthening the security at the regular commercial airports, BCAS has directed the airport authorities to check flights from uncontrolled, remote and unserved private and public airstrips, helipads and waterdromes. It has also directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air Traffic Control (ATC) to inform State Police, BCAS and Income Tax Department about such flights in advance. ATC has been specifically directed to share records of the travel plan of chartered aircrafts or helicopters half an hour in advance to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the State and the DEO of the district, in which the airport is located. As per direction of the Election Commission, Director General of Police (DGPs) of States have been ordered to deploy police units to check these flights during Code of Conduct. The operators of all private aircrafts or helicopters have been asked to declare the contents of the baggage, suitcases carried on these flights to CEO of the states, DEOs of the districts, state police and IT Department. With an aim to keep strict vigil over movement of cash through all airports, Income Tax Department and CISF have been extended with all requisite cooperation for checking and surveillance activities.

BCAS issues circular to strengthen security at airports ahead of Lok Sabha polls

Terming the April 11 elections in the state a fight between "credibility and opportunism," YSR Congress president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy Monday asked people of Andhra Pradesh to vote for change to usher in welfare and development in equal measure.

Kickstarting his party's election campaign in the coastal city of Kakinada, Reddy said the time has come for people to teach Chief Minister and TDP president Chandrababu Naidu a fitting lesson for having cheated people on all counts.

"These elections are not between two political parties but a fight between credibility and opportunism. It is a fight between democracy and anarchy.

It is high time that such an unscrupulous person (Chandrababu Naidu) should go, as people are vexed with his lies, U-turns, deceptions and cheating," the Leader of Opposition said.

Jagan alleged Naidu was responsible for the division of the state and also stalling Special Category Status (SCS).

"He defaced the Polavaram project and stood as a promoter of real estate business in the (Amaravati) capital region," the YSRC chief alleged.

"The time has come to usher in a change, one for betterment and prosperity," Reddy said.

Meanwhile, Chandrababu Naidu alleged that the YSRC was seeking to win the elections through conspiracies.

"He (Reddy) has been to jail and sent several others as well. YSRC has a criminal history. If Jagan Mohan Reddy is trusted, he will send everyone to jail," Naidu told his party cadre through teleconference.

"In this just war, victory will be TDPs," Naidu added.

Over 3.71 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise for electing 25 Lok Sabha members and 175 members of the state assembly in the polls, the first after the state was bifurcated to create Telangana in 2014.

Terming the April 11 elections in the state a fight between "credibility and opportunism," YSR Congress president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy Monday asked people of Andhra Pradesh to vote for change to usher in welfare and development in equal measure.

Terming the April 11 elections in the state a fight between "credibility and opportunism," YSR Congress president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy Monday asked people of Andhra Pradesh to vote for change to usher in welfare and development in equal measure. Kickstarting his party's election campaign in the coastal city of Kakinada, Reddy said the time has come for people to teach Chief Minister and TDP president Chandrababu Naidu a fitting lesson for having cheated people on all counts. "These elections are not between two political parties but a fight between credibility and opportunism. It is a fight between democracy and anarchy. It is high time that such an unscrupulous person (Chandrababu Naidu) should go, as people are vexed with his lies, U-turns, deceptions and cheating," the Leader of Opposition said. Jagan alleged Naidu was responsible for the division of the state and also stalling Special Category Status (SCS). "He defaced the Polavaram project and stood as a promoter of real estate business in the (Amaravati) capital region," the YSRC chief alleged. "The time has come to usher in a change, one for betterment and prosperity," Reddy said. Meanwhile, Chandrababu Naidu alleged that the YSRC was seeking to win the elections through conspiracies. "He (Reddy) has been to jail and sent several others as well. YSRC has a criminal history. If Jagan Mohan Reddy is trusted, he will send everyone to jail," Naidu told his party cadre through teleconference. "In this just war, victory will be TDPs," Naidu added. Over 3.71 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise for electing 25 Lok Sabha members and 175 members of the state assembly in the polls, the first after the state was bifurcated to create Telangana in 2014.

Lok Sabha elections 2019: Polls a fight between credibility and opportunism, says YSRC chief

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Tuesday reiterated that her party will "not have any alliance with Congress party in any state". Her remarks came just a couple of days after the Election Commission of India announced dates for the Lok Sabha polls next month.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
"It has been reiterated once again that Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will not have any alliance with Congress party in any state, to contest the upcoming elections," Mayawati said.&nbsp;

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BSP Chief Mayawati: It has been reiterated once again that Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will not have any alliance with Congress party in any state, to contest the upcoming elections. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/JgPzgrED1c">pic.twitter.com/JgPzgrED1c</a>
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It also means that Mayawati will tie-up with smaller parties in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chattisgarh.&nbsp;

Congress wanted 15 seats from Uttar Pradesh and was open to the idea of giving seats to the BSP in north Indian states and in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday said that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sp-bsp-give-rld-three-lok-sabha-seats-in-up-akhilesh-says-congress-part-of-mahagatbandhan-201321">Congress was very much part of the '</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sp-bsp-give-rld-three-lok-sabha-seats-in-up-akhilesh-says-congress-part-of-mahagatbandhan-201321">mahagatbandhan</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sp-bsp-give-rld-three-lok-sabha-seats-in-up-akhilesh-says-congress-part-of-mahagatbandhan-201321">'</a>.

"We have left two seats (Amethi and Rae Bareli) for the party," he added.

Yadav also stated that the Rashtriya Lok Dal will contest three Lok Sabha seats as part of an alliance with the SP and the BSP, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Tuesday reiterated that her party will "not have any alliance with Congress party in any state". Her remarks came just a couple of days after the Election Commission of India announced dates for the Lok Sabha polls next month.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Tuesday reiterated that her party will "not have any alliance with Congress party in any state". Her remarks came just a couple of days after the Election Commission of India announced dates for the Lok Sabha polls next month. "It has been reiterated once again that Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will not have any alliance with Congress party in any state, to contest the upcoming elections," Mayawati said. BSP Chief Mayawati: It has been reiterated once again that Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will not have any alliance with Congress party in any state, to contest the upcoming elections. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/JgPzgrED1c — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 12, 2019 × It also means that Mayawati will tie-up with smaller parties in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chattisgarh. Congress wanted 15 seats from Uttar Pradesh and was open to the idea of giving seats to the BSP in north Indian states and in Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday said that the Congress was very much part of the 'mahagatbandhan'. "We have left two seats (Amethi and Rae Bareli) for the party," he added. Yadav also stated that the Rashtriya Lok Dal will contest three Lok Sabha seats as part of an alliance with the SP and the BSP, news agency PTI reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls: No 'grand alliance' in Uttar Pradesh as Mayawati rules out tie-up with Congress in any state

The BJP parliamentary board met here Friday to finalise the party's strategy for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Lok+Sabha+polls">Lok Sabha polls</a> with its top leaders, including Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Narendra+Modi">Narendra Modi</a> and president Amit Shah, brainstorming for close to three hours.

There was no official statement on what transpired in the meeting.

Asked from where Modi will contest, sources said that it was already decided that he will fight from Varanasi, the constituency he represents in the current Lok Sabha.

The party is yet to take a call on whether he will contest from any other seat or not. Modi has fought and won from two seats in 2014 polls.&nbsp;

There has been speculation that the party is considering introducing certain criteria, including age bar, for candidates, but there has been no official word on this.&nbsp;

A party leader said "winability" will be the key consideration in selecting candidates.

Following the meeting, BJP general secretary Bhupendra Yadav announced a tie-up with All Jharkhand Students Union in Jharkhand.

The AJSU is already a partner in the BJP-led government in the state.&nbsp;Yadav said the BJP will contest 13 of the 14 Lok Sabha seats in the state and the AJSU one.&nbsp;

The BJP parliamentary board met here Friday to finalise the party's strategy for the Lok Sabha polls with its top leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and president Amit Shah, brainstorming for close to three hours.

The BJP parliamentary board met here Friday to finalise the party's strategy for the Lok Sabha polls with its top leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and president Amit Shah, brainstorming for close to three hours. There was no official statement on what transpired in the meeting. Asked from where Modi will contest, sources said that it was already decided that he will fight from Varanasi, the constituency he represents in the current Lok Sabha. The party is yet to take a call on whether he will contest from any other seat or not. Modi has fought and won from two seats in 2014 polls. There has been speculation that the party is considering introducing certain criteria, including age bar, for candidates, but there has been no official word on this. A party leader said "winability" will be the key consideration in selecting candidates. Following the meeting, BJP general secretary Bhupendra Yadav announced a tie-up with All Jharkhand Students Union in Jharkhand. The AJSU is already a partner in the BJP-led government in the state. Yadav said the BJP will contest 13 of the 14 Lok Sabha seats in the state and the AJSU one.

BJP parliamentary board meets to strategise on Lok Sabha polls

The highest decision-making body of RSS, Akhil Bhartiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS), started its three-day long deliberation session in Gwalior on Friday. What is surprising is that the topmost body will not discuss electoral politics but the&nbsp;swayamsevaks will create awareness in the society about casting their votes.&nbsp;

This Lok Sabha election is considered very important for the BJP because it has decided to take on the opposition on core issues like nationalism and the Ram temple.&nbsp;

ABPS is the highest decision-making body which meets once a year and a representative is chosen on every 2,000 swayamsevak. The meeting is important because it provides a road-map to the entire organization.

This time around, the RSS only intends to pass a resolution on the Sabarimala issue and the promotion of family values and challenges in contemporary India. But RSS did not refrain from espousing its position on the Ayodhya issue this time.

In a strongly worded statement, published in part of the annual report, the RSS expressed strong reservation on the Ram Janambhomi case.

In its annual report, the RSS stated, "In Ram Janambhomi case, instead of accelerating the judicial process to end the long-drawn dispute, the Supreme Court has taken a surprising stand. That the Supreme Court should find no priority for the sensitive subject associated with the deep faith of Hindu society is beyond understanding. We are experiencing that Hindus are constantly being neglected. While having full respect in the judicial system we would like to say emphatically that the judgment on the dispute must expedite and remove the obstacles in constructing a grand Ram temple."

The RSS was equally scathing on the top court when it came to the Sabarimala issue. Its statement read, "Reverence and values are the pivots of the Hindu society. These accepted norms and traditions guide social behaviour. Hence, it is not just the legal process but social tradition and acceptance which are also important. The Supreme Court in the Sabarimala case, without taking into consideration all relevant entities and customs, delivered a judgement even without the consideration of the different opinion of the lone woman member of the bench.”

The RSS also addressed the issue of terrorism in its report saying, "The external forces, with the help of some anti-national internal elements, are giving shape to violent incidents. The attack on the Army is very tragic especially the attack in Pulwama. Nobody should take our tolerance as a sign of weakness.” The RSS said that the current government must take strong action against the anti-national elements, adding that it had, indeed, done praiseworthy work in this direction.

RSS Joint General Secretary Manmohan Vaidya said that to improve the outreach of the organisation, both qualitatively and quantitatively, the six sah sarkaryavahs of the organisation have taken meetings with 12,000 swayamsevaks in 43 prants. It was also noted that over 1 lakh youth, ageing between 20-35 years, joined the organisation in a year’s time.&nbsp;

It was also noted that the RSS has reached 88 per cent of the blocks in the country through its 63,637 shakhas. Its work expanded to 54,472 mandals and the number of daily RSS shakhas increased to 59,266. The meeting focused on the issue of Sabarimala and challenges to the family system in contemporary India.

The highest decision-making body of RSS, Akhil Bhartiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS), started its three-day long deliberation session in Gwalior on Friday. What is surprising is that the topmost body will not discuss electoral politics but the swayamsevaks will create awareness in the society about casting their votes.

The highest decision-making body of RSS, Akhil Bhartiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS), started its three-day long deliberation session in Gwalior on Friday. What is surprising is that the topmost body will not discuss electoral politics but the swayamsevaks will create awareness in the society about casting their votes. This Lok Sabha election is considered very important for the BJP because it has decided to take on the opposition on core issues like nationalism and the Ram temple. ABPS is the highest decision-making body which meets once a year and a representative is chosen on every 2,000 swayamsevak. The meeting is important because it provides a road-map to the entire organization. This time around, the RSS only intends to pass a resolution on the Sabarimala issue and the promotion of family values and challenges in contemporary India. But RSS did not refrain from espousing its position on the Ayodhya issue this time. In a strongly worded statement, published in part of the annual report, the RSS expressed strong reservation on the Ram Janambhomi case. In its annual report, the RSS stated, "In Ram Janambhomi case, instead of accelerating the judicial process to end the long-drawn dispute, the Supreme Court has taken a surprising stand. That the Supreme Court should find no priority for the sensitive subject associated with the deep faith of Hindu society is beyond understanding. We are experiencing that Hindus are constantly being neglected. While having full respect in the judicial system we would like to say emphatically that the judgment on the dispute must expedite and remove the obstacles in constructing a grand Ram temple." The RSS was equally scathing on the top court when it came to the Sabarimala issue. Its statement read, "Reverence and values are the pivots of the Hindu society. These accepted norms and traditions guide social behaviour. Hence, it is not just the legal process but social tradition and acceptance which are also important. The Supreme Court in the Sabarimala case, without taking into consideration all relevant entities and customs, delivered a judgement even without the consideration of the different opinion of the lone woman member of the bench.” The RSS also addressed the issue of terrorism in its report saying, "The external forces, with the help of some anti-national internal elements, are giving shape to violent incidents. The attack on the Army is very tragic especially the attack in Pulwama. Nobody should take our tolerance as a sign of weakness.” The RSS said that the current government must take strong action against the anti-national elements, adding that it had, indeed, done praiseworthy work in this direction. RSS Joint General Secretary Manmohan Vaidya said that to improve the outreach of the organisation, both qualitatively and quantitatively, the six sah sarkaryavahs of the organisation have taken meetings with 12,000 swayamsevaks in 43 prants. It was also noted that over 1 lakh youth, ageing between 20-35 years, joined the organisation in a year’s time. It was also noted that the RSS has reached 88 per cent of the blocks in the country through its 63,637 shakhas. Its work expanded to 54,472 mandals and the number of daily RSS shakhas increased to 59,266. The meeting focused on the issue of Sabarimala and challenges to the family system in contemporary India.

Back to basics: RSS highest decision-making body refrains from discussing Lok Sabha polls

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will kick off the Trinamool Congress' campaign for the Lok Sabha polls on International Women's Day on March 8, a party leader said Wednesday.

Incidentally, the TMC chief had also commenced her party's election campaign for the 2014 parliamentary and 2016 Assembly elections on the same date.

Banerjee is scheduled to participate in a rally convened by the party's women's wing from Shraddhananda Park to Park Street here on Friday to celebrate the International Women's Day.

"Although election dates are yet to be announced, our campaign for the Lok Sabha elections will begin on March 8. During the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and 2016 Assembly polls also, Mamata di had started her poll campaign on Women's Day," a senior leader of the TMC's women's wing said.

The purpose of this rally is to create a "new India, united India and strong India", the posters of the rally read.

"She (Banerjee) will give her message for the Lok Sabha polls. And after the dates are announced, a full-fledged campaign will begin," the TMC leader said. 
Banerjee, who has been the prime mover of an anti- Bharatiya Janata Party front, had organised a mega Opposition rally here on January 19, during which she had given a call to oust the Modi government.

The TMC, which is vying to play a major role in the formation of the next government at the Centre, has vowed to win all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The party had won 34 seats in the 2014 general election.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will kick off the Trinamool Congress' campaign for the Lok Sabha polls on International Women's Day on March 8, a party leader said Wednesday.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will kick off the Trinamool Congress' campaign for the Lok Sabha polls on International Women's Day on March 8, a party leader said Wednesday. Incidentally, the TMC chief had also commenced her party's election campaign for the 2014 parliamentary and 2016 Assembly elections on the same date. Banerjee is scheduled to participate in a rally convened by the party's women's wing from Shraddhananda Park to Park Street here on Friday to celebrate the International Women's Day. "Although election dates are yet to be announced, our campaign for the Lok Sabha elections will begin on March 8. During the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and 2016 Assembly polls also, Mamata di had started her poll campaign on Women's Day," a senior leader of the TMC's women's wing said. The purpose of this rally is to create a "new India, united India and strong India", the posters of the rally read. "She (Banerjee) will give her message for the Lok Sabha polls. And after the dates are announced, a full-fledged campaign will begin," the TMC leader said. Banerjee, who has been the prime mover of an anti- Bharatiya Janata Party front, had organised a mega Opposition rally here on January 19, during which she had given a call to oust the Modi government. The TMC, which is vying to play a major role in the formation of the next government at the Centre, has vowed to win all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The party had won 34 seats in the 2014 general election.

Lok Sabha 2019: Mamata to begin poll campaign on Women's Day

A three-member team of Election Commission of India (ECI) lead by Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Sharma landed in Srinagar on a two-day visit to access the situation for the conduct of Lok Sabha and local assembly elections.

Members from several mainstream political parties both national and regional met the team in Srinagar just some metres away from the famous Dal lake. The political delegations have given their inputs to the team on the upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

All the parties after meeting the team said that they had asked ECI to hold Lok Sabha and state assembly elections simultaneously, given the security situation.

The first delegation to meet the ECI was Congress, which was led by its senior leader and former minister Taj Mohiuddin. Taj told the media that their party wants simultaneous elections. “Security situation has been same, be it 1996, 2008 or 2014, elections were held,” he said.

His comment has come amid speculations that the local assembly elections may not be held with Lok Sabha elections. The state is currently under President's rule after the fall of PDP-BJP collation government.&nbsp;

Interestingly, PDP also chose to favour elections in the state. Earlier their party chief and former chief minister, Mehbooba Mufti had told media that she wasn’t for elections given the circumstances.

“The Governor rule is temporary. Free and fair elections should be held in the state as people want a civilian government so that their issues are resolved. There is no alternative to an elected government. We have given our point of view to the ECI that elections should be held,” Senior PDP leader Abdur Rehman Veeri told outside the venue of the meeting.

While the oldest regional party, National conference also echoed the same tune. Party General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar said that the credibility of Election Commission of India was at stake and voice of people should be heard.

The team also met top officials of the J&amp;K police, district authorities and other top security officials to get a perspective on the prevailing situation.

The team will leave for Jammu and meet the stakeholders there and take their feedback. The ECI is expected to brief the media on Tuesday.&nbsp;

A three-member team of Election Commission of India (ECI) lead by Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Sharma landed in Srinagar on a two-day visit to access the situation for the conduct of Lok Sabha and local assembly elections.

A three-member team of Election Commission of India (ECI) lead by Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Sharma landed in Srinagar on a two-day visit to access the situation for the conduct of Lok Sabha and local assembly elections. Members from several mainstream political parties both national and regional met the team in Srinagar just some metres away from the famous Dal lake. The political delegations have given their inputs to the team on the upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir. All the parties after meeting the team said that they had asked ECI to hold Lok Sabha and state assembly elections simultaneously, given the security situation. The first delegation to meet the ECI was Congress, which was led by its senior leader and former minister Taj Mohiuddin. Taj told the media that their party wants simultaneous elections. “Security situation has been same, be it 1996, 2008 or 2014, elections were held,” he said. His comment has come amid speculations that the local assembly elections may not be held with Lok Sabha elections. The state is currently under President's rule after the fall of PDP-BJP collation government. Interestingly, PDP also chose to favour elections in the state. Earlier their party chief and former chief minister, Mehbooba Mufti had told media that she wasn’t for elections given the circumstances. “The Governor rule is temporary. Free and fair elections should be held in the state as people want a civilian government so that their issues are resolved. There is no alternative to an elected government. We have given our point of view to the ECI that elections should be held,” Senior PDP leader Abdur Rehman Veeri told outside the venue of the meeting. While the oldest regional party, National conference also echoed the same tune. Party General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar said that the credibility of Election Commission of India was at stake and voice of people should be heard. The team also met top officials of the J&K police, district authorities and other top security officials to get a perspective on the prevailing situation. The team will leave for Jammu and meet the stakeholders there and take their feedback. The ECI is expected to brief the media on Tuesday.

Mainstream parties in Jammu and Kashmir ask Election Commission to hold simultaneous elections

Amid factionalism and hurdles in its mass outreach programme, the West Bengal unit of the BJP, which has set a target of winning over 23 of 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state, is carrying out a survey to assess the winnability of its candidates.

With more than 60-70 aspirants throwing their hats into the ring for one seat, especially in the northern and southern part of the state, the party is grappling with internal dissent over ticket distribution.

Several factions, including the ones led by leaders who switched to the BJP from the TMC, are staking claims to the same seat, forcing the state unit to seek an assessment of its candidates to meet its 23-seat target, set by the saffron party's national president Amit Shah.

"It is unprecedented that we have been receiving such a huge number of applications for some seats. Ten years back, we used to have a tough time convincing people to contest on our ticket," a BJP state unit leader said, adding that a section of leaders has appealed to the central leadership to ensure that old timers don't feel sidelined.

The state unit, in consultation with the central leaders, has roped in an external agency to assess its prospects in the Lok Sabha constituencies, he said.

BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya told PTI that a candidate list will be prepared based on inputs by the external agency and the party's senior leaders.

"We have launched both external and internal surveys to assess the winnability of seats and candidates. The survey will cover aspects such as a candidate's potential in winning a seat and his popularity. Based on inputs from the internal survey and the external agency, we will prepare our list," he said.

Asked about internal dissent, Vijayvargiya said the BJP is a disciplined party and once the names of candidates are announced, every member will work to ensure their victory in the elections.

According to sources within the party, the state unit will send names of at least three candidates for every Lok Sabha seat to the central unit, which would then take a final call on the matter.

BJP state president Dilip Ghosh claimed that the party is putting in equal efforts in all constituencies, notwithstanding its target of winning at least 23 seats.

"Our party president had given us a target of 23 seats, but if the elections are held in a fair manner, we are in a position to win at least 26 seats," Ghosh told PTI.

The state unit has already categorized the seats as 'A plus', 'A', 'B'and 'C' as per their prospects, according to another senior leader of the party.

"The classification of the constituencies into four categories was done on the basis of five criteria - BJP's organisational strength, the demographic situation (number of Muslims, Hindu and Hindu refugee population), its organisational weakness, the geographical location and the potential of the candidate," he said.

The party has kept Darjeeling and Asansol seats out of the survey's purview as it is confident of retaining them.

Of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state, the Trinamool Congress bagged 34 seats in 2014, the Congress secured four seats, while CPI(M) and the BJP won two seats each.

"We have identified 18-20 seats in north and south Bengal, where our chances of winning is as high as 70-80%. This study was done keeping in mind our performance in those seats in the last few elections," the BJP leader added.

However, despite all its efforts, the BJP is still scouting for answers over its "inability" to constitute booth committees at all polling stations in the state.

Shah, during its visit to Bengal in September 2017, had sought booth committee formation at 77,000 polling stations in the state, but the party has been able to achieve only 75 percent of the target so far.

"We have not been able to reach out to all the booths, especially the ones in minority-dominated areas. We have a support base, but no one is ready to man the booth committees fearing backlash by the Trinamool Congress. We hope things will change in the days to come," Ghosh said.&nbsp;

Amid factionalism and hurdles in its mass outreach programme, the West Bengal unit of the BJP, which has set a target of winning over 23 of 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state, is carrying out a survey to assess the winnability of its candidates.

Amid factionalism and hurdles in its mass outreach programme, the West Bengal unit of the BJP, which has set a target of winning over 23 of 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state, is carrying out a survey to assess the winnability of its candidates. With more than 60-70 aspirants throwing their hats into the ring for one seat, especially in the northern and southern part of the state, the party is grappling with internal dissent over ticket distribution. Several factions, including the ones led by leaders who switched to the BJP from the TMC, are staking claims to the same seat, forcing the state unit to seek an assessment of its candidates to meet its 23-seat target, set by the saffron party's national president Amit Shah. "It is unprecedented that we have been receiving such a huge number of applications for some seats. Ten years back, we used to have a tough time convincing people to contest on our ticket," a BJP state unit leader said, adding that a section of leaders has appealed to the central leadership to ensure that old timers don't feel sidelined. The state unit, in consultation with the central leaders, has roped in an external agency to assess its prospects in the Lok Sabha constituencies, he said. BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya told PTI that a candidate list will be prepared based on inputs by the external agency and the party's senior leaders. "We have launched both external and internal surveys to assess the winnability of seats and candidates. The survey will cover aspects such as a candidate's potential in winning a seat and his popularity. Based on inputs from the internal survey and the external agency, we will prepare our list," he said. Asked about internal dissent, Vijayvargiya said the BJP is a disciplined party and once the names of candidates are announced, every member will work to ensure their victory in the elections. According to sources within the party, the state unit will send names of at least three candidates for every Lok Sabha seat to the central unit, which would then take a final call on the matter. BJP state president Dilip Ghosh claimed that the party is putting in equal efforts in all constituencies, notwithstanding its target of winning at least 23 seats. "Our party president had given us a target of 23 seats, but if the elections are held in a fair manner, we are in a position to win at least 26 seats," Ghosh told PTI. The state unit has already categorized the seats as 'A plus', 'A', 'B'and 'C' as per their prospects, according to another senior leader of the party. "The classification of the constituencies into four categories was done on the basis of five criteria - BJP's organisational strength, the demographic situation (number of Muslims, Hindu and Hindu refugee population), its organisational weakness, the geographical location and the potential of the candidate," he said. The party has kept Darjeeling and Asansol seats out of the survey's purview as it is confident of retaining them. Of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state, the Trinamool Congress bagged 34 seats in 2014, the Congress secured four seats, while CPI(M) and the BJP won two seats each. "We have identified 18-20 seats in north and south Bengal, where our chances of winning is as high as 70-80%. This study was done keeping in mind our performance in those seats in the last few elections," the BJP leader added. However, despite all its efforts, the BJP is still scouting for answers over its "inability" to constitute booth committees at all polling stations in the state. Shah, during its visit to Bengal in September 2017, had sought booth committee formation at 77,000 polling stations in the state, but the party has been able to achieve only 75 percent of the target so far. "We have not been able to reach out to all the booths, especially the ones in minority-dominated areas. We have a support base, but no one is ready to man the booth committees fearing backlash by the Trinamool Congress. We hope things will change in the days to come," Ghosh said.

West Bengal: BJP launches survey to assess winnability of candidates ahead of Lok Sabha

Polls should be held to make India and its economy strong, to give Pakistan a befitting reply and not to fulfil the desire of a 'prince' to become the prime minister, BJP chief Amit Shah said here on Saturday in a veiled attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Shah, addressing BJP's 'Vijay Sankalp' bike rally here, slammed the opposition for raising doubts over the recent air strike on the terrorist camps in Pakistan.

"Polls should be held to make the country and its economy strong and to give Pakistan a befitting reply and not to fulfil the desires of ageing leaders and a family's prince to become the prime minister," he said.

On the Indian Air Force's air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp early Tuesday, Shah said, "The opposition is doing politics by raising doubts over the recent air strike on Pakistan-based terrorist camps."

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BJP President Amit Shah at a rally in Umaria, Madhya Pradesh: Rahul Baba, antankwadiyon ko jawaab dene ka jazba tha aap mein? Pakistan ko muh tod jawaab dene ki shamta nahi thi aur aap sawaal utha rahe hain. <a href="https://t.co/rgJoOiHxT5">pic.twitter.com/rgJoOiHxT5</a>
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He criticised Rahul Gandhi, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav over the issue.

"During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rule, maximum number of terrorists were eliminated in the country," he said.

Shah also blamed the Congress for the delay in the implementation of the One Rank-One Pension (OROP) for the ex-servicemen and creation of the National War Memorial.

Modi inaugurated the National War Memorial, adjoining the iconic India Gate complex in New Delhi, on Monday, nearly 60 years after it was mooted to honour the fallen soldiers after Independence.

Polls should be held to make India and its economy strong, to give Pakistan a befitting reply and not to fulfil the desire of a 'prince' to become the prime minister, BJP chief Amit Shah said here on Saturday in a veiled attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Polls should be held to make India and its economy strong, to give Pakistan a befitting reply and not to fulfil the desire of a 'prince' to become the prime minister, BJP chief Amit Shah said here on Saturday in a veiled attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Shah, addressing BJP's 'Vijay Sankalp' bike rally here, slammed the opposition for raising doubts over the recent air strike on the terrorist camps in Pakistan. "Polls should be held to make the country and its economy strong and to give Pakistan a befitting reply and not to fulfil the desires of ageing leaders and a family's prince to become the prime minister," he said. On the Indian Air Force's air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp early Tuesday, Shah said, "The opposition is doing politics by raising doubts over the recent air strike on Pakistan-based terrorist camps." BJP President Amit Shah at a rally in Umaria, Madhya Pradesh: Rahul Baba, antankwadiyon ko jawaab dene ka jazba tha aap mein? Pakistan ko muh tod jawaab dene ki shamta nahi thi aur aap sawaal utha rahe hain. pic.twitter.com/rgJoOiHxT5 — ANI (@ANI) March 2, 2019 × He criticised Rahul Gandhi, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav over the issue. "During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rule, maximum number of terrorists were eliminated in the country," he said. Shah also blamed the Congress for the delay in the implementation of the One Rank-One Pension (OROP) for the ex-servicemen and creation of the National War Memorial. Modi inaugurated the National War Memorial, adjoining the iconic India Gate complex in New Delhi, on Monday, nearly 60 years after it was mooted to honour the fallen soldiers after Independence.

Hold polls to make India strong, not to fulfil prince's desire to be PM: Amit Shah

TRS MP K Kavitha has said regional parties would play a greater role in the general elections and it was time for a federal front to come to power, as the BJP and the Congress "got ample opportunities but did not fulfil their promises".

Interacting Saturday with the media at a programme -- 'meet the press' -- organised by the Press Club of Thiruvananthapuram, she said her party has had discussions with several regional parties and the BJP and the Congress need to be rooted out.

"The two parties got ample opportunities and they have not fulfilled their promises. How can they ask for votes?" said Kavitha, daughter of TRS supremo and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao.

She said the fundamental agenda of the alliance of regional parties would be not to tie up either with the BJP or the Congress.

"Regional parties will play a greater role in this election. While playing that role, we want to make sure that the BJP and the Congress are kept away from power. It's high time as we have given them ample opportunity. It's time for someone else to take charge," she said.

The Nizamabad Lok Sabha MP said, "We want to make sure that a non-BJP, non-Congress alliance comes to power in this country. We will work very hard for that. We have already began the work."

Kavitha opined the proposed alliance of regional parties should not be called a 'third front', but a 'federal front'.

"Because you never know, we might surprise you and emerge as the 'first front'."&nbsp;

She said states should have more freedom to decide on various important issues like reservation, education and health.&nbsp;

"So, we call this a federal front and we are working with like-minded parties. Many parties are on board. We are overtly and covertly working with various parties. Once the elections are over, you will see what shape the Federal front is going to take," she said.

"The front will be driven by an agenda to make sure that the nation makes progress."&nbsp;

She lashed out at the Narendra Modi-led NDA government alleging it failed to fulfil the promises made to the people of the country. 
Kavitha also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion that his government has ensured power supply to 18,000 villages where there was no electricity before 2014.

"I always hear the same number of (18,000) for last five years. So I don't know how many villages got power in last five years. This rhetoric won't work," she said.

She said promises made by political parties during election campaigns should be fulfilled.

"Modiji...Came to power and made a promise that 33 per cent women reservation bill would be taken up. Five full years have passed. The BJP government was in full majority and they have comfortable majority in Rajya Sabha as well.&nbsp;

"Why have they (BJP) not introduced the bill? Should not the women of the country question them? Should not be a political party be held accountable for the promises made? We (TRS) have fulfilled our promises," she said.&nbsp;

She said the BJP and Congress ruled this country for 75 years and asked, "how many opportunities have they missed". "I think it's time for a change and for a new leadership to take charge."

She was also critical of the current reservation policy of the country.

"Each state has got a different demography. How can the same reservation policy be effective for all the states...States should be given more freedom to decide on these matters.&nbsp;

"The states are more informed about these issues. The Centre should be focusing more on foreign policy and international issues, monetary issues, internal security," she said.

She praised the Kudumbashree project of the Kerala government and said her party was "very impressed" by it.

"We have discussed at length the project Kudumbashree as we are very fond of it. We are very impressed with how the women are empowered in Kerala.

We are now going to start one food processing industry in every constituency of Telangana. The self-help group of women will be involved in the project," she said.&nbsp;

TRS MP K Kavitha has said regional parties would play a greater role in the general elections and it was time for a federal front to come to power, as the BJP and the Congress "got ample opportunities but did not fulfil their promises".

TRS MP K Kavitha has said regional parties would play a greater role in the general elections and it was time for a federal front to come to power, as the BJP and the Congress "got ample opportunities but did not fulfil their promises". Interacting Saturday with the media at a programme -- 'meet the press' -- organised by the Press Club of Thiruvananthapuram, she said her party has had discussions with several regional parties and the BJP and the Congress need to be rooted out. "The two parties got ample opportunities and they have not fulfilled their promises. How can they ask for votes?" said Kavitha, daughter of TRS supremo and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. She said the fundamental agenda of the alliance of regional parties would be not to tie up either with the BJP or the Congress. "Regional parties will play a greater role in this election. While playing that role, we want to make sure that the BJP and the Congress are kept away from power. It's high time as we have given them ample opportunity. It's time for someone else to take charge," she said. The Nizamabad Lok Sabha MP said, "We want to make sure that a non-BJP, non-Congress alliance comes to power in this country. We will work very hard for that. We have already began the work." Kavitha opined the proposed alliance of regional parties should not be called a 'third front', but a 'federal front'. "Because you never know, we might surprise you and emerge as the 'first front'." She said states should have more freedom to decide on various important issues like reservation, education and health. "So, we call this a federal front and we are working with like-minded parties. Many parties are on board. We are overtly and covertly working with various parties. Once the elections are over, you will see what shape the Federal front is going to take," she said. "The front will be driven by an agenda to make sure that the nation makes progress." She lashed out at the Narendra Modi-led NDA government alleging it failed to fulfil the promises made to the people of the country. Kavitha also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion that his government has ensured power supply to 18,000 villages where there was no electricity before 2014. "I always hear the same number of (18,000) for last five years. So I don't know how many villages got power in last five years. This rhetoric won't work," she said. She said promises made by political parties during election campaigns should be fulfilled. "Modiji...Came to power and made a promise that 33 per cent women reservation bill would be taken up. Five full years have passed. The BJP government was in full majority and they have comfortable majority in Rajya Sabha as well. "Why have they (BJP) not introduced the bill? Should not the women of the country question them? Should not be a political party be held accountable for the promises made? We (TRS) have fulfilled our promises," she said. She said the BJP and Congress ruled this country for 75 years and asked, "how many opportunities have they missed". "I think it's time for a change and for a new leadership to take charge." She was also critical of the current reservation policy of the country. "Each state has got a different demography. How can the same reservation policy be effective for all the states...States should be given more freedom to decide on these matters. "The states are more informed about these issues. The Centre should be focusing more on foreign policy and international issues, monetary issues, internal security," she said. She praised the Kudumbashree project of the Kerala government and said her party was "very impressed" by it. "We have discussed at length the project Kudumbashree as we are very fond of it. We are very impressed with how the women are empowered in Kerala. We are now going to start one food processing industry in every constituency of Telangana. The self-help group of women will be involved in the project," she said.

Regional parties to play greater role, BJP & Congress won't come to power: TRS MP K Kavitha

A key Maratha outfit, that led the quota agitation in Maharashtra, has decided not to extend support to any major political party in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls for "neglecting" its demands.

The Maratha Kranti Morcha (MKM) will support independent candidates or nominees of smaller parties in the polls, its convener Sanjeev Bhor-Patil said on Saturday.

"We are contemplating to support independent candidates or smaller parties in the polls instead of major political parties, such as alliances of BJP-Shiv Sena or Congress-NCP, as they all neglected our key demands," he said.

He claimed that some members of the community were falsely framed in atrocity cases.

"One of our key demands was to sort out the issue of false atrocity cases. However, no political party has taken it seriously. Our another demand was to implement the Swaminathan Commission recommendations on minimum support price (MSP) for crops," he said.

Bhor-Patil said MKM leaders will meet in the coming week to chalk out strategy for the general elections.

"We cannot register a political party in the name of 'Maratha Kranti Morcha' as it is against our protocol. Hence, we will either support smaller political parties or favourable candidates," another MKM leader said.

The MKM had earlier spearheaded the agitation for quota for the Maratha community in jobs and education in the state.

The Maharashtra Legislature had in November last year passed a bill proposing 16 per cent reservation in education and government jobs for Marathas, declared as socially and educationally backward class by the government.

The quota was granted in addition to the existing 52 per cent reservation in the state.

Meanwhile, members of Other Backward Class (OBC) communities from Maharashtra will organise a march here on the first day of the state legislature session on Monday for "safeguarding" their existing quota.

The organisers of the protest are also opposing any probable move on part of the state government to induct Marathas into the OBC category.&nbsp;

A key Maratha outfit, that led the quota agitation in Maharashtra, has decided not to extend support to any major political party in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls for "neglecting" its demands.

A key Maratha outfit, that led the quota agitation in Maharashtra, has decided not to extend support to any major political party in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls for "neglecting" its demands. The Maratha Kranti Morcha (MKM) will support independent candidates or nominees of smaller parties in the polls, its convener Sanjeev Bhor-Patil said on Saturday. "We are contemplating to support independent candidates or smaller parties in the polls instead of major political parties, such as alliances of BJP-Shiv Sena or Congress-NCP, as they all neglected our key demands," he said. He claimed that some members of the community were falsely framed in atrocity cases. "One of our key demands was to sort out the issue of false atrocity cases. However, no political party has taken it seriously. Our another demand was to implement the Swaminathan Commission recommendations on minimum support price (MSP) for crops," he said. Bhor-Patil said MKM leaders will meet in the coming week to chalk out strategy for the general elections. "We cannot register a political party in the name of 'Maratha Kranti Morcha' as it is against our protocol. Hence, we will either support smaller political parties or favourable candidates," another MKM leader said. The MKM had earlier spearheaded the agitation for quota for the Maratha community in jobs and education in the state. The Maharashtra Legislature had in November last year passed a bill proposing 16 per cent reservation in education and government jobs for Marathas, declared as socially and educationally backward class by the government. The quota was granted in addition to the existing 52 per cent reservation in the state. Meanwhile, members of Other Backward Class (OBC) communities from Maharashtra will organise a march here on the first day of the state legislature session on Monday for "safeguarding" their existing quota. The organisers of the protest are also opposing any probable move on part of the state government to induct Marathas into the OBC category.

Key Maratha outfit not to back major parties in Lok Sabha polls

The BJP state unit Friday announced that the party would contest the Lok Sabha seat in Mizoram and also the Assembly by-election.

Mizoram has only one Lok Sabha seat. By-election to the Aizawl West-I Assembly seat is most likely to be held simultaneously with the parliamentary polls.

A press statement issued by the state BJP unit said that the meeting of the office bearers of the BJP Mizoram Pradesh, chaired by state unit president Prof John V Hluna took the decision on Friday.

"The names of the candidates for both the polls would be announced after the search committee, which will be constituted soon, makes its recommendations," the statement said.

The BJP state unit Friday announced that the party would contest the Lok Sabha seat in Mizoram and also the Assembly by-election. Mizoram has only one Lok Sabha seat.

The BJP state unit Friday announced that the party would contest the Lok Sabha seat in Mizoram and also the Assembly by-election. Mizoram has only one Lok Sabha seat. By-election to the Aizawl West-I Assembly seat is most likely to be held simultaneously with the parliamentary polls. A press statement issued by the state BJP unit said that the meeting of the office bearers of the BJP Mizoram Pradesh, chaired by state unit president Prof John V Hluna took the decision on Friday. "The names of the candidates for both the polls would be announced after the search committee, which will be constituted soon, makes its recommendations," the statement said.

BJP to contest Mizoram Lok Sabha seat: Party state unit

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday evening that he <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">decided to join hands with the BJP</a> because of the saffron party's changed way of dealing with its allies.

Thackeray was speaking to Sena workers at his residence here.

On Monday, Shiv Sena and BJP, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-mad-murderer-yogi-adityanath-hypocrite-shiv-sena-139795">the sparring ruling allies</a>, announced that they would contest the coming Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections together.

"I experienced the change in the way they treat people, hence I decided to join hands with the BJP," Thackeray said.

He also reiterated that the BJP's proposal that the chief minister will be from the party which will send more MLAs to the Assembly was not acceptable to the Sena.

"I want to see a Sena chief minister and I will work for it," he said.

"I have already won in the treaty, now we should win the real battle of the election," Thackeray said.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday evening that he decided to join hands with the BJP because of the saffron party's changed way of dealing with its allies.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday evening that he decided to join hands with the BJP because of the saffron party's changed way of dealing with its allies. Thackeray was speaking to Sena workers at his residence here. On Monday, Shiv Sena and BJP, the sparring ruling allies, announced that they would contest the coming Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections together. "I experienced the change in the way they treat people, hence I decided to join hands with the BJP," Thackeray said. He also reiterated that the BJP's proposal that the chief minister will be from the party which will send more MLAs to the Assembly was not acceptable to the Sena. "I want to see a Sena chief minister and I will work for it," he said. "I have already won in the treaty, now we should win the real battle of the election," Thackeray said.

Agreed to alliance as BJP's way of treating allies has changed: Uddhav Thackeray

The ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) Board of Directors, present and voting at its board meeting on September 21, 2021, unanimously approved the merger between Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) and ZEEL.&nbsp;

The Board considered not just the financial aspects of the partnership, but also the strategic value it brings to the table.

The Board came to the conclusion that the merger would benefit all shareholders and stakeholders.&nbsp;

Punit Goenka will continue as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) after the merger of Zee Entertainment and Sony Pictures India. &nbsp; 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/zeel-board-gives-go-ahead-for-merger-with-sony-pictures-networks-india-414797">ZEEL board gives go-ahead for merger with Sony Pictures Networks India</a>

Talking about the mega-merger deal, Goenka said: “The mega-merger between ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited and Sony Pictures Networks India will create the largest media and entertainment company in India. The merger will create close to $2 billion in revenue.” &nbsp;

He also stated that the combined business will be valued at $1.6 billion in cash. In the mega-merger, ZEEL will own 47 percent of the company. There will also be a non-binding term sheet with a 90-day mutual diligence period.”

Sony will have the opportunity to designate new promoters to the board, according to Goenka. The new board of the amalgamated firm will decide on fund infusion avenues.”&nbsp;

He also asserted that the overlaps are largely in the Hindi GEC space. However, the objective is to maximise viewership. The MD also mentioned that no open offer is required in a merger. &nbsp;

Goenka further added that the channel rationalisation call will be taken by the board of the merged entity. Similarly, the capital allocation strategy will also be taken by the board. &nbsp;&nbsp;

He mentioned that “We will first optimise revenue from the merged entity and then cost.” 
 
(Disclaimer: Zee Entertainment is not our sister concern/ group company. Though our names sound similar, but our company is owned by Zee Media Corporation, which is a different group)

The ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) Board of Directors, present and voting at its board meeting on September 21, 2021, unanimously approved the merger between Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) and ZEEL.

The ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) Board of Directors, present and voting at its board meeting on September 21, 2021, unanimously approved the merger between Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) and ZEEL. The Board considered not just the financial aspects of the partnership, but also the strategic value it brings to the table. The Board came to the conclusion that the merger would benefit all shareholders and stakeholders. Punit Goenka will continue as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) after the merger of Zee Entertainment and Sony Pictures India. Also read: ZEEL board gives go-ahead for merger with Sony Pictures Networks India Talking about the mega-merger deal, Goenka said: “The mega-merger between ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited and Sony Pictures Networks India will create the largest media and entertainment company in India. The merger will create close to $2 billion in revenue.” He also stated that the combined business will be valued at $1.6 billion in cash. In the mega-merger, ZEEL will own 47 percent of the company. There will also be a non-binding term sheet with a 90-day mutual diligence period.” Sony will have the opportunity to designate new promoters to the board, according to Goenka. The new board of the amalgamated firm will decide on fund infusion avenues.” He also asserted that the overlaps are largely in the Hindi GEC space. However, the objective is to maximise viewership. The MD also mentioned that no open offer is required in a merger. Goenka further added that the channel rationalisation call will be taken by the board of the merged entity. Similarly, the capital allocation strategy will also be taken by the board. He mentioned that “We will first optimise revenue from the merged entity and then cost.” (Disclaimer: Zee Entertainment is not our sister concern/ group company. Though our names sound similar, but our company is owned by Zee Media Corporation, which is a different group)

Simultaneous Lok Sabha, Assembly polls possible in Jammu and Kashmir: Ram Madhav

Samajwadi Party Wednesday raised in the Lok Sabha the issue of Uttar Pradesh authorities preventing their chief Akhilesh Yadav from flying to Allahabad even as the Centre asserted that neither the government nor the BJP had any role. After Yadav was stopped at Lucknow airport, SP workers clashed with police in several parts of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday. During the Zero Hour, Dharmendra Yadav and other SP members displayed placards to register their protest on the issue.

Yadav, whose forehead was bandaged, alleged that workers were lathicharged by UP Police on Tuesday. He claimed that members of the legislative council, workers and women, among others, were beaten up. While noting that some MPs were also beaten up, he urged Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to direct authorities to take action against police officers involved. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said the SP chief was prevented from flying to Allahabad on the grounds of law and order.

The BJP and the government do not have anything to do with it, he stressed. On Tuesday, Akhilesh Yadav said he was stopped by authorities at the Lucknow airport in a bid to prevent him from visiting Allahabad, triggering outrage by party lawmakers in the state legislature and workers. During the Zero Hour, TMC members were in the Well displaying placards and shouting slogans against the government. Later, some Congress members also trooped into the Well and sought to raise the issue of Rafale deal. A member was also seen throwing paper planes.

Samajwadi Party Wednesday raised in the Lok Sabha the issue of Uttar Pradesh authorities preventing their chief Akhilesh Yadav from flying to Allahabad even as the Centre asserted that neither the government nor the BJP had any role.

Samajwadi Party Wednesday raised in the Lok Sabha the issue of Uttar Pradesh authorities preventing their chief Akhilesh Yadav from flying to Allahabad even as the Centre asserted that neither the government nor the BJP had any role. After Yadav was stopped at Lucknow airport, SP workers clashed with police in several parts of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday. During the Zero Hour, Dharmendra Yadav and other SP members displayed placards to register their protest on the issue. Yadav, whose forehead was bandaged, alleged that workers were lathicharged by UP Police on Tuesday. He claimed that members of the legislative council, workers and women, among others, were beaten up. While noting that some MPs were also beaten up, he urged Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to direct authorities to take action against police officers involved. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said the SP chief was prevented from flying to Allahabad on the grounds of law and order. The BJP and the government do not have anything to do with it, he stressed. On Tuesday, Akhilesh Yadav said he was stopped by authorities at the Lucknow airport in a bid to prevent him from visiting Allahabad, triggering outrage by party lawmakers in the state legislature and workers. During the Zero Hour, TMC members were in the Well displaying placards and shouting slogans against the government. Later, some Congress members also trooped into the Well and sought to raise the issue of Rafale deal. A member was also seen throwing paper planes.

Akhilesh Yadav detained at airport: SP MLAs raise issue in Lok Sabha, party workers clash with police

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan Wednesday asked the members to introspect whether they lived up to the expectations of people whom they represented in the House in the last five years. In her address on the final day of the last session of the 16th Lok Sabha, Mahajan expressed satisfaction that 205 legislations were approved by the House. However, she said that 422 hours and 19 minutes were lost due to disruptions in the five years since June 2014. The House conducted business for 1,612 hours spread over 331 sittings, she noted.

Mahajan was elected as Speaker on June 6, 2014, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government came to power. Giving details about the business conducted by the outgoing Lok Sabha, she said 205 important legislations were passed. These include a law to curb black money as well as those related to juvenile justice, GST, Aadhaar and 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker section of people. “In the last session of the 16th Lok Sabha, it is time that we introspect whether we have lived up to the expectation of the people during the last five years.

“What we have achieved and what still needs to be done. We should do an impartial analysis,” Mahajan said and wished luck to the members for the ensuing general elections. Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai said he became the Deputy Speaker after 30 years. Earlier, he was elected to the post when Rajiv Gandhi was the prime minister and there was no principal opposition party. This time too the situation is the same as there is no principal opposition party and he was elected as Deputy Speaker, the senior AIADMK leader said.

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan Wednesday asked the members to introspect whether they lived up to the expectations of people whom they represented in the House in the last five years.

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan Wednesday asked the members to introspect whether they lived up to the expectations of people whom they represented in the House in the last five years. In her address on the final day of the last session of the 16th Lok Sabha, Mahajan expressed satisfaction that 205 legislations were approved by the House. However, she said that 422 hours and 19 minutes were lost due to disruptions in the five years since June 2014. The House conducted business for 1,612 hours spread over 331 sittings, she noted. Mahajan was elected as Speaker on June 6, 2014, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government came to power. Giving details about the business conducted by the outgoing Lok Sabha, she said 205 important legislations were passed. These include a law to curb black money as well as those related to juvenile justice, GST, Aadhaar and 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker section of people. “In the last session of the 16th Lok Sabha, it is time that we introspect whether we have lived up to the expectation of the people during the last five years. “What we have achieved and what still needs to be done. We should do an impartial analysis,” Mahajan said and wished luck to the members for the ensuing general elections. Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai said he became the Deputy Speaker after 30 years. Earlier, he was elected to the post when Rajiv Gandhi was the prime minister and there was no principal opposition party. This time too the situation is the same as there is no principal opposition party and he was elected as Deputy Speaker, the senior AIADMK leader said.

Introspect if you lived up to expectations of people: Lok Sabha Speaker tells members

PM Narendra Modi's last Lok Sabha speech before general election

Congress general secretary <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-assumes-charge-as-aicc-general-secretary-195665">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</a> on Sunday released an audio message requesting people to join her in creating a new culture of politics in the country.&nbsp;

In the audio message, she said that she would be visiting Lucknow on Monday and would appreciate if people could join her in this process. A similar 30-second-long audio recording was released for Jyotiraditya Scindia in Western Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

The audio clip for both the leaders targeted around 60 lakh voters in Uttar Pradesh. The outreach was divided into 30 lakh messages in Western and Eastern Uttar Pradesh respectively.

Praveen Chakravarthy, an economist by profession,&nbsp;who heads Congress' data department said, "Congress has done multiple surveys in Uttar Pradesh and found joblessness as a major issue in the context of elections and quota for the economically weaker sections amongst the upper castes. BJP is facing double anti-incumbency in Uttar Pradesh”.&nbsp;

Chakravarthy also said that both Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra have come on top of the anger index in the context of expectation from the government. He also confirmed that the Congress has already done a survey across Uttar Pradesh on who deserves to get a ticket from the party in the state.

Priyanka Gandhi would kickstart her day on Monday with a massive roadshow which would take her from the Lucknow airport to areas like Hazratganj, Alam Bagh, Lal Bagh, ultimately concluding at Nehru Bhawan.&nbsp;

Officially, the roadshow is expected to last 6 hours in the city but can extend due to the presence of workers who have poured into the state capital from all across. It is expected that Priyanka Gandhi would give a maiden speech at Lal Bagh.

Such is the enthusiasm for the preparations for Priyanka Gandhi's Lucknow show, it has already generated a lot of excitement in the party local unit as well.

What Priyanka Gandhi intends to do in the next four days is also very unique in the context of the finalization of the tickets for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi has decided to conduct closed-door meetings for three days with former MPS, MLAs, city presidents, party office bearers, district heads and panchayat chairmen. Interestingly, she has divided all her meetings as per the Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh. The closed-door meetings will allow no coverage. Priyanka would take feedback on the right candidate&nbsp;for the Lok Sabha constituency.

Sources in the party said that Priyanka Gandhi would select Lok Sabha candidates across Uttar Pradesh on the basis of the feedback received from the meetings. Priyanka Gandhi is expected to launch a district-wise exercise any day after February 18.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be accompanied by Congress president Rahul Gandhi and party general secretary in-charge of Western UP, Jyotiraditya Scindia. Rahul Gandhi will leave for Delhi on February 11 while Priyanka Gandhi would stay put till February 14.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday released an audio message requesting people to join her in creating a new culture of politics in the country.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday released an audio message requesting people to join her in creating a new culture of politics in the country. In the audio message, she said that she would be visiting Lucknow on Monday and would appreciate if people could join her in this process. A similar 30-second-long audio recording was released for Jyotiraditya Scindia in Western Uttar Pradesh. The audio clip for both the leaders targeted around 60 lakh voters in Uttar Pradesh. The outreach was divided into 30 lakh messages in Western and Eastern Uttar Pradesh respectively. Praveen Chakravarthy, an economist by profession, who heads Congress' data department said, "Congress has done multiple surveys in Uttar Pradesh and found joblessness as a major issue in the context of elections and quota for the economically weaker sections amongst the upper castes. BJP is facing double anti-incumbency in Uttar Pradesh”. Chakravarthy also said that both Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra have come on top of the anger index in the context of expectation from the government. He also confirmed that the Congress has already done a survey across Uttar Pradesh on who deserves to get a ticket from the party in the state. Priyanka Gandhi would kickstart her day on Monday with a massive roadshow which would take her from the Lucknow airport to areas like Hazratganj, Alam Bagh, Lal Bagh, ultimately concluding at Nehru Bhawan. Officially, the roadshow is expected to last 6 hours in the city but can extend due to the presence of workers who have poured into the state capital from all across. It is expected that Priyanka Gandhi would give a maiden speech at Lal Bagh. Such is the enthusiasm for the preparations for Priyanka Gandhi's Lucknow show, it has already generated a lot of excitement in the party local unit as well. What Priyanka Gandhi intends to do in the next four days is also very unique in the context of the finalization of the tickets for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Priyanka Gandhi has decided to conduct closed-door meetings for three days with former MPS, MLAs, city presidents, party office bearers, district heads and panchayat chairmen. Interestingly, she has divided all her meetings as per the Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh. The closed-door meetings will allow no coverage. Priyanka would take feedback on the right candidate for the Lok Sabha constituency. Sources in the party said that Priyanka Gandhi would select Lok Sabha candidates across Uttar Pradesh on the basis of the feedback received from the meetings. Priyanka Gandhi is expected to launch a district-wise exercise any day after February 18. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be accompanied by Congress president Rahul Gandhi and party general secretary in-charge of Western UP, Jyotiraditya Scindia. Rahul Gandhi will leave for Delhi on February 11 while Priyanka Gandhi would stay put till February 14.

Priyanka Gandhi appeals via audio message, Congress reaches out to 60 lakh voters

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-will-be-modi-vs-the-rest-bjp-chief-shah-in-aligarh-195675">BJP president Amit Shah</a> Friday called illegal migrants a vote bank of the SP and the BSP and also targeted the opposition over the issues of triple talaq and the Ayodhya dispute.

He said, "from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, every 'intruder' will be sent home if the BJP returns to power".

Shah said the party remained committed to the construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya, and challenged the opposition parties to spell out their own stands on the issue.

He was addressing booth-level party workers in Uttar Pradesh, in a series of such interactions in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections.

"Should the intruders not be thrown out of the country,"&nbsp;Shah asked them, in an apparent reference to migrants from Bangladesh.

He said the recent exercise on the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam had identified 40 lakh such people, and "the process of throwing them out has started".

"If UP elects the Narendra Modi government again in 2019, every single intruder will be ousted from Kashmir to Kanyakumari," he said.

"These intruders may be a vote bank for "bua" and "bhatija", Shah said, referring to alliance partners Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav. "For us, it is national security that is most important."

The Bharatiya Janata Party chief said all BJP workers want to know the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-should-explain-his-stand-on-ayodhya-issue-amit-shah-194670">party's stand on the Ram temple</a>.

"I want to make it clear that the BJP is committed to building a grand Ram temple at the same place at the earliest," he said.

He charged that the Congress wanted the Ayodhya land case taken up only after the elections.

He said the faith of crores of people was attached to the case and asked the Congress, "Whom do you want to appease?"

"I have said here that the BJP is committed to the Ram temple's construction, but I want to ask bua-bhatija and Rahul baba to clear their parties' stand on it,"&nbsp;he said, throwing a challenge at UP's opposition alliance and the Congress.

"If they do not want it, they should clearly tell the people. Whatever their stand is, the BJP will get a grand temple built there," he said.

Shah recalled that the Centre has moved the Supreme Court seeking permission to return the uncontested land adjacent to the disputed site to its original owners.

He referred to Congress women wing chief Sushmita Dev remark Thursday that the party will scrap the triple talaq law if it comes to power.

"Should Muslim women and girls not get their rights," he said.

"Every woman in the country has the right to her dignity and Modi will give this right to Muslim women as well," Shah said.

BJP president Amit Shah Friday called illegal migrants a vote bank of the SP and the BSP and also targeted the opposition over the issues of triple talaq and the Ayodhya dispute.

BJP president Amit Shah Friday called illegal migrants a vote bank of the SP and the BSP and also targeted the opposition over the issues of triple talaq and the Ayodhya dispute. He said, "from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, every 'intruder' will be sent home if the BJP returns to power". Shah said the party remained committed to the construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya, and challenged the opposition parties to spell out their own stands on the issue. He was addressing booth-level party workers in Uttar Pradesh, in a series of such interactions in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections. "Should the intruders not be thrown out of the country," Shah asked them, in an apparent reference to migrants from Bangladesh. He said the recent exercise on the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam had identified 40 lakh such people, and "the process of throwing them out has started". "If UP elects the Narendra Modi government again in 2019, every single intruder will be ousted from Kashmir to Kanyakumari," he said. "These intruders may be a vote bank for "bua" and "bhatija", Shah said, referring to alliance partners Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav. "For us, it is national security that is most important." The Bharatiya Janata Party chief said all BJP workers want to know the party's stand on the Ram temple. "I want to make it clear that the BJP is committed to building a grand Ram temple at the same place at the earliest," he said. He charged that the Congress wanted the Ayodhya land case taken up only after the elections. He said the faith of crores of people was attached to the case and asked the Congress, "Whom do you want to appease?" "I have said here that the BJP is committed to the Ram temple's construction, but I want to ask bua-bhatija and Rahul baba to clear their parties' stand on it," he said, throwing a challenge at UP's opposition alliance and the Congress. "If they do not want it, they should clearly tell the people. Whatever their stand is, the BJP will get a grand temple built there," he said. Shah recalled that the Centre has moved the Supreme Court seeking permission to return the uncontested land adjacent to the disputed site to its original owners. He referred to Congress women wing chief Sushmita Dev remark Thursday that the party will scrap the triple talaq law if it comes to power. "Should Muslim women and girls not get their rights," he said. "Every woman in the country has the right to her dignity and Modi will give this right to Muslim women as well," Shah said.

Illegal migrants are SP, BSP vote bank: Amit Shah

'Our 55-month old government is dedicated to the country': PM Modi in Lok Sabha

Prime Minister Modi hits out at Congress during Lok Sabha speech

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Congress misused Article 356 several times: PM Modi in Lok Sabha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses Lok Sabha

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