West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday took to Twitter to inform that she has cancelled all her election rallies for the next two days in the wake of `impending` <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/puri-hit-with-wind-speed-of-240-245-kmph-cyclone-fani-moving-towards-west-bengal-coast-imd-215613&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjE1MHL9f7hAhVa7XMBHV9sAYsQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1qLpDJ26kI5Apaiqz828tR">Cyclone Fani</a> in her home state.

"Have cancelled my rallies for the next 48 hours because of what could be an impending disaster #CyclonicStormFANI We are monitoring the situation 24x7 and doing all it takes. I appeal to all people to cooperate. Be alert, take care and stay safe for the next two days," she tweeted.

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Have cancelled my rallies for the next 48 hours because of what could be an impending disaster <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CyclonicStormFANI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CyclonicStormFANI</a> We are monitoring the situation 24x7 and doing all it takes. I appeal to all people to cooperate. Be alert, take care and stay safe for the next two days
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/1124173080081731584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Banerjee will stay in Kharagpur in West Bengal, near the coastal belt and monitor the situation herself.

Earlier in the day, Odisha and adjoining regions were battered by the extremely <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-apepdcl-cautions-public-to-be-alert-on-possible-power-accidents-215534&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjE1MHL9f7hAhVa7XMBHV9sAYsQFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1E4dEbQRVfhNr4mmv639WE">severe cyclonic storm Fani</a> which made landfall in Puri district with a wind speed of around 245 kmph, according to Hyderabad IMD.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) tweeted: "The extremely severe cyclonic storm "Fani" is very likely to move north-northeastwards and weaken into a very severe cyclonic storm during next 6 hours."

The landfall began on Friday morning at 8 am with strong winds and rain hitting Puri district.

Helpline number - 1938 - has been made operational by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Indian Coast Guard has positioned 34 disaster relief teams at Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Paradip, Gopalpur, Haldia, Frazergunj and Kolkata besides four ships at Visakhapatnam and Chennai.

The system is likely to continue to move north-northeastwards, weaken gradually and emerge into Gangetic West Bengal as a "severe cyclonic storm" by the early morning of May 4.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday took to Twitter to inform that she has cancelled all her election rallies for the next two days in the wake of `impending` Cyclone Fani in her home state.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday took to Twitter to inform that she has cancelled all her election rallies for the next two days in the wake of `impending` Cyclone Fani in her home state. "Have cancelled my rallies for the next 48 hours because of what could be an impending disaster #CyclonicStormFANI We are monitoring the situation 24x7 and doing all it takes. I appeal to all people to cooperate. Be alert, take care and stay safe for the next two days," she tweeted. Have cancelled my rallies for the next 48 hours because of what could be an impending disaster #CyclonicStormFANI We are monitoring the situation 24x7 and doing all it takes. I appeal to all people to cooperate. Be alert, take care and stay safe for the next two days — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) May 3, 2019 × Banerjee will stay in Kharagpur in West Bengal, near the coastal belt and monitor the situation herself. Earlier in the day, Odisha and adjoining regions were battered by the extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani which made landfall in Puri district with a wind speed of around 245 kmph, according to Hyderabad IMD. India Meteorological Department (IMD) tweeted: "The extremely severe cyclonic storm "Fani" is very likely to move north-northeastwards and weaken into a very severe cyclonic storm during next 6 hours." The landfall began on Friday morning at 8 am with strong winds and rain hitting Puri district. Helpline number - 1938 - has been made operational by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Indian Coast Guard has positioned 34 disaster relief teams at Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Paradip, Gopalpur, Haldia, Frazergunj and Kolkata besides four ships at Visakhapatnam and Chennai. The system is likely to continue to move north-northeastwards, weaken gradually and emerge into Gangetic West Bengal as a "severe cyclonic storm" by the early morning of May 4.

Cyclone Fani: Mamata Banerjee cancels rallies for next 2 days to monitor situation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released Rs 1,000 crore in advance for<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/puri-hit-with-wind-speed-of-240-245-kmph-cyclone-fani-moving-towards-west-bengal-coast-imd-215613">&nbsp;cyclone Fani-affected states</a> on Friday, news agency PTI reported after Fani slammed Odisha and forced a million people to flee.

Earlier in the day, Odisha and adjoining regions were battered by the extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani which made landfall in Puri district with a wind speed of around 245 kmph, according to India Meteorological Department.

"Centre stands with people in states facing severe cyclone," PM Modi said in a rally at Rajasthan's Hindaun city.

The storm is now likely moving towards West Bengal coast, IMD informed.

Two people have also been killed due to the cyclone while large areas in the seaside pilgrim town of Puri were submerged with water as heavy rains battered the entire coastal belt of the state.

Several trees were also uprooted and thatched structures destroyed at some places including Bhubaneswar.

Indian Navy's P-8I and Dornier have been scheduled to be launched in the afternoon for undertaking an aerial survey to assess the extent of impact and devastation post-Fani.

Meanwhile, Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee cancelled all scheduled rallies for next two days. Banerjee will stay in Kharagpur in West Bengal, near the coastal belt and monitor the situation herself.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released Rs 1,000 crore in advance for cyclone Fani-affected states on Friday, news agency PTI reported after Fani slammed Odisha and forced a million people to flee.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released Rs 1,000 crore in advance for cyclone Fani-affected states on Friday, news agency PTI reported after Fani slammed Odisha and forced a million people to flee. Earlier in the day, Odisha and adjoining regions were battered by the extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani which made landfall in Puri district with a wind speed of around 245 kmph, according to India Meteorological Department. "Centre stands with people in states facing severe cyclone," PM Modi said in a rally at Rajasthan's Hindaun city. The storm is now likely moving towards West Bengal coast, IMD informed. Two people have also been killed due to the cyclone while large areas in the seaside pilgrim town of Puri were submerged with water as heavy rains battered the entire coastal belt of the state. Several trees were also uprooted and thatched structures destroyed at some places including Bhubaneswar. Indian Navy's P-8I and Dornier have been scheduled to be launched in the afternoon for undertaking an aerial survey to assess the extent of impact and devastation post-Fani. Meanwhile, Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee cancelled all scheduled rallies for next two days. Banerjee will stay in Kharagpur in West Bengal, near the coastal belt and monitor the situation herself. (With inputs from agencies)

Cyclone Fani: Rs 1,000 crore released in advance for affected states, says PM Modi

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/trinamool-congress-wants-pm-modis-nomination-cancelled-writes-to-election-commission-214802&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjUlJah5PzhAhV-73MBHcDbBccQFjABegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3MNOe1IUd7HAsyz2T46h5_">Trinamool Congress</a> supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday invoked the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 to draw a parallel with the efforts by her party to dislodge the Narendra Modi government in the ongoing parliamentary polls.

"Sepoy Mutiny was the first uprising against the British in India. Now the biggest threat and problem in the country is Narendra Modi," she said at a rally in support of TMC MP Dinesh Trivedi, who is pitted against BJP's Arjun Singh.

The Sepoy Mutiny was a violent and bloody uprising against British rule in India in 1857.

"Sepoy Mutiny started from Barrackpore. You keep this in mind and vote," she told the gathering at Bhatpara, which is under the Barrackpore parliamentary constituency.

Raising the slogan "Modi Hatao, Desh Bachao", she sought the support of the people for TMC in both Lok Sabha and assembly by-election at Bhatpara.

The by-election was necessitated as Singh, who was the Bhatpara TMC MLA had quit the party and switched to BJP just before the Lok Sabha elections.

Slamming the Modi government, she said democracy is at stake and BJP is involved in riots. "This cannot happen here (Bengal)".

"We have seen national leaders like Gandhiji, Netaji Ambedkar and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. But we have never seen a leader like Modi. His very appearance is like Gabbar Singh".

Gabbar Singh is a fictional character, the antagonist of the 1975 Bollywood film 'Sholay'.

"What we want is a democratic government - a government for the people. We don't want Modi", she said.

Referring to the comment by Modi that 40 MLAs of TMC in Bengal are in touch with him, she said it is unbecoming of a prime minister to make such a statement during elections.

"I ask him to name one of such MLA," she challenged adding "TMC is now a full-grown tree and it is not easy to destabilise it. We do not fear any sort of threats".

The TMC supremo alleged that BJP is spending huge sums of money to influence the vote. "He (Modi) is travelling with big boxes," she said referring to the recent alleged incident in which a black box was reportedly offloaded from the prime minister's helicopter during his visit to Chitradurga in Karnataka for poll campaign.

Banerjee alleged that Modi had never looked at West Bengal and is now coming to the state begging for votes.

"Narendra Modi is shameless. He says that nothing has been done in the state and is now seeking votes to do something for Bengal.

"Just come and see the development which has taken place in Rajarhat-New Town area. If he compares the traffic system with this area and Delhi, he will be surprised to see the roads and lighting that has been done", she said.

The TMC supremo accused Modi that of doing nothing for the country in the last five years and instead of raising the fuel prices when it had softened in the international market.

"This vote is of a different nature. Either Modi will stay or go. If he stays, then everything will be destroyed and shattered. If not, then democracy will prevail and flourish in the country and everything will survive," she said at a poll rally in New Town in the northern suburbs of the city.&nbsp;

Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday invoked the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 to draw a parallel with the efforts by her party to dislodge the Narendra Modi government in the ongoing parliamentary polls.

Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday invoked the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 to draw a parallel with the efforts by her party to dislodge the Narendra Modi government in the ongoing parliamentary polls. "Sepoy Mutiny was the first uprising against the British in India. Now the biggest threat and problem in the country is Narendra Modi," she said at a rally in support of TMC MP Dinesh Trivedi, who is pitted against BJP's Arjun Singh. The Sepoy Mutiny was a violent and bloody uprising against British rule in India in 1857. "Sepoy Mutiny started from Barrackpore. You keep this in mind and vote," she told the gathering at Bhatpara, which is under the Barrackpore parliamentary constituency. Raising the slogan "Modi Hatao, Desh Bachao", she sought the support of the people for TMC in both Lok Sabha and assembly by-election at Bhatpara. The by-election was necessitated as Singh, who was the Bhatpara TMC MLA had quit the party and switched to BJP just before the Lok Sabha elections. Slamming the Modi government, she said democracy is at stake and BJP is involved in riots. "This cannot happen here (Bengal)". "We have seen national leaders like Gandhiji, Netaji Ambedkar and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. But we have never seen a leader like Modi. His very appearance is like Gabbar Singh". Gabbar Singh is a fictional character, the antagonist of the 1975 Bollywood film 'Sholay'. "What we want is a democratic government - a government for the people. We don't want Modi", she said. Referring to the comment by Modi that 40 MLAs of TMC in Bengal are in touch with him, she said it is unbecoming of a prime minister to make such a statement during elections. "I ask him to name one of such MLA," she challenged adding "TMC is now a full-grown tree and it is not easy to destabilise it. We do not fear any sort of threats". The TMC supremo alleged that BJP is spending huge sums of money to influence the vote. "He (Modi) is travelling with big boxes," she said referring to the recent alleged incident in which a black box was reportedly offloaded from the prime minister's helicopter during his visit to Chitradurga in Karnataka for poll campaign. Banerjee alleged that Modi had never looked at West Bengal and is now coming to the state begging for votes. "Narendra Modi is shameless. He says that nothing has been done in the state and is now seeking votes to do something for Bengal. "Just come and see the development which has taken place in Rajarhat-New Town area. If he compares the traffic system with this area and Delhi, he will be surprised to see the roads and lighting that has been done", she said. The TMC supremo accused Modi that of doing nothing for the country in the last five years and instead of raising the fuel prices when it had softened in the international market. "This vote is of a different nature. Either Modi will stay or go. If he stays, then everything will be destroyed and shattered. If not, then democracy will prevail and flourish in the country and everything will survive," she said at a poll rally in New Town in the northern suburbs of the city.

Mamata invokes Sepoy Mutiny for her oust Modi campaign

In this segment of WION Know, What does high voter turnout mean?

What does high voter turnout mean?

Fiercely violence reported in West Bengal on fourth phase of Lok Sabha Election 2019. Watch this video to know more about Phase 4.

LS Polls 2019: Fiercely violence reported in West Bengal on fourth phase of election

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday demanded the cancellation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's candidature from Varanasi, a day after he claimed 40 Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLAs were in touch with him.

"You are coming and you are saying 40 MLAs will go. Nobody will go; the people of our party are not thieves like yours. If you purchase everybody, you will still be unable to topple my government. I thereby demand that your nomination should be cancelled as you are indulging in horse trading," Banerjee said at a rally in Hooghly district.

Making a sensational claim in the middle of the general election, PM Modi had said on Monday that 40 TMC MLAs were in touch with him and will desert their party once the BJP wins the polls.

After Banerjee's speech, the TMC wrote to the Election Commission, alleging that PM Modi's speech indicates an "impending horse-trading" and asked the poll panel to cancel his nomination for such "provocative and undemocratic" statements.

The firebrand Trinamool Congress chief also said the BJP will not be able to establish a foothold in West Bengal, no matter how much the party "daydreams" about it.

In its letter to the poll panel, the TMC demanded "strong action" for the "unfounded, inappropriate and illegal" campaign and "utterances of the prime minister".

(With inputs from agencies)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday demanded the cancellation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's candidature from Varanasi, a day after he claimed 40 Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLAs were in touch with him.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday demanded the cancellation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's candidature from Varanasi, a day after he claimed 40 Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLAs were in touch with him. "You are coming and you are saying 40 MLAs will go. Nobody will go; the people of our party are not thieves like yours. If you purchase everybody, you will still be unable to topple my government. I thereby demand that your nomination should be cancelled as you are indulging in horse trading," Banerjee said at a rally in Hooghly district. Making a sensational claim in the middle of the general election, PM Modi had said on Monday that 40 TMC MLAs were in touch with him and will desert their party once the BJP wins the polls. After Banerjee's speech, the TMC wrote to the Election Commission, alleging that PM Modi's speech indicates an "impending horse-trading" and asked the poll panel to cancel his nomination for such "provocative and undemocratic" statements. The firebrand Trinamool Congress chief also said the BJP will not be able to establish a foothold in West Bengal, no matter how much the party "daydreams" about it. In its letter to the poll panel, the TMC demanded "strong action" for the "unfounded, inappropriate and illegal" campaign and "utterances of the prime minister". (With inputs from agencies)

Trinamool Congress wants PM Modi's nomination cancelled, writes to Election Commission

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday sharpened his attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said that the "goons of the Trinamool Congress are trying their hardest to stop people from voting and attacking BJP workers".&nbsp;

"They are not letting BJP leaders campaign," the Prime Minister said while speaking at a rally in Serampore in West Bengal.

The Prime Minister said that on May 23, when the Lok Sabha election results will be declared, lotus will bloom everywhere, "and your MLAs will leave you. Even today, didi, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-40-trinamool-congress-mlas-ready-to-join-once-bjp-wins-polls-says-pm-narendra-modi-214436">40 of your MLAs are in contact with me</a>," he added.&nbsp;

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Serampore, West Bengal: Goons of TMC are trying their hardest to stop people from voting and attacking BJP workers, they are not letting BJP leaders campaign. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/BmXt1IHBKO">pic.twitter.com/BmXt1IHBKO</a>
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"Didi said she wants to give me a rasgulla made of soil and pebbles. The soil of Bengal has the essence of greats like Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda, JC Bose, Netaji, SP Mukherjee and if Modi gets a rasgulla made of this holy soil then it will be a 'prasad' for Modi," he stated.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-ask-election-commission-to-seek-expenditure-details-of-pm-modis-rallies-mamata-banerjee-214158">On Sunday, Banerjee accused the BJP</a> of doling out money to buy votes in the general election. Mamata Banerjee said her party will request the poll panel to seek an account of expenditure at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rallies.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Serampore, West Bengal: Didi, on 23 May when the results will come, lotus will bloom everywhere and your MLAs will leave you. Even today, didi, 40 of your MLAs are in contact with me. <a href="https://t.co/XaZQ4BORwO">pic.twitter.com/XaZQ4BORwO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1122797092047663105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Banerjee also demanded that Modi's candidature from Varanasi be cancelled, claiming that he has written "does not know" on many counts in his affidavit.

Addressing back-to-back rallies in East Midnapore, she said, "We will ask the Election Commission (EC) to keep an account of the spendings in the prime minister's public meetings. If the EC can seek details of expenditure from others, why not from him?"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday sharpened his attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said that the "goons of the Trinamool Congress are trying their hardest to stop people from voting and attacking BJP workers".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday sharpened his attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said that the "goons of the Trinamool Congress are trying their hardest to stop people from voting and attacking BJP workers". "They are not letting BJP leaders campaign," the Prime Minister said while speaking at a rally in Serampore in West Bengal. The Prime Minister said that on May 23, when the Lok Sabha election results will be declared, lotus will bloom everywhere, "and your MLAs will leave you. Even today, didi, 40 of your MLAs are in contact with me," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Serampore, West Bengal: Goons of TMC are trying their hardest to stop people from voting and attacking BJP workers, they are not letting BJP leaders campaign. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/BmXt1IHBKO — ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019 × "Didi said she wants to give me a rasgulla made of soil and pebbles. The soil of Bengal has the essence of greats like Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda, JC Bose, Netaji, SP Mukherjee and if Modi gets a rasgulla made of this holy soil then it will be a 'prasad' for Modi," he stated. On Sunday, Banerjee accused the BJP of doling out money to buy votes in the general election. Mamata Banerjee said her party will request the poll panel to seek an account of expenditure at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rallies. #WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Serampore, West Bengal: Didi, on 23 May when the results will come, lotus will bloom everywhere and your MLAs will leave you. Even today, didi, 40 of your MLAs are in contact with me. pic.twitter.com/XaZQ4BORwO — ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019 × Banerjee also demanded that Modi's candidature from Varanasi be cancelled, claiming that he has written "does not know" on many counts in his affidavit. Addressing back-to-back rallies in East Midnapore, she said, "We will ask the Election Commission (EC) to keep an account of the spendings in the prime minister's public meetings. If the EC can seek details of expenditure from others, why not from him?"

Goons of the Trinamool Congress are trying their hardest to stop BJP: PM Modi

Accusing the BJP of doling out money to buy votes in the general election, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee Sunday said her party will request the poll panel to seek an account of expenditure at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rallies.

Banerjee also demanded that Modi's candidature from Varanasi be cancelled, claiming that he has written "does not know" on many counts in his affidavit.

Addressing back-to-back rallies in East Midnapore, she said, "We will ask the Election Commission (EC) to keep an account of the spendings in the prime minister's public meetings. If the EC can seek details of expenditure from others, why not from him?"

The chief minister also alleged that the saffron party is doling out thousands of rupees to lure people to its rallies, while also buying votes.

Taking her diatribe against the prime minister to his homefront, she claimed that "all throughout his life, Modi never respected his mother or his wife".

"You shy away from giving your wife her due respect, what respect will you give to the people?" the CM said.

Maintaining that she has seen Modi's affidavit in his nomination papers, Banerjee said, "The PM has written that he does not know about his wife's movable and immovable assets. I don't like making such comments, but the level he has stooped to forced me to speak out," the TMC boss said.

She urged the Election Commission to carry out an investigation into the spendings of Modi's "colourful rally" in the holy town of Varanasi before filing his nomination.

"This election is not (a test) for Mamata Banerjee, but for you (Modi). It is time for you to answer what you have done in five years," she said, insisting that the prime minister was busy touring the world during his tenure.

Maintaining that Modi is worse than Muhammed bin Tughlaq, the 14th-century sultan of Delhi known for his whims, she said that the sudden demonetisation of high-value currency notes in November 2016 caused immense hardship to people, be it a housewife, farmer, worker or a small businessman.

Banerjee, whose aversion to communism and everything associated with it including the colour red is well-known, for once sought refuge in Karl Marx to deride the BJP.

Drawing from Marx's famous statement "religion is the opium of the masses", she said, "The BJP is using religion as opium to divert the attention of people from the non-performance of its government at the Centre.

She, however, did not mince her words when it came to targeting the Left parties in the state.

"Those who wore red shirts earlier are now donning saffron kurtas in West Bengal," the TMC chief said, indicating that many BJP workers in the state are former CPI(M) cadres.

The CM also iterated that Modi will ensure that there was no further election in the country if re-elected to power.

She charged the poll panel with "doing the bidding of the BJP".

Banerjee, whose party was accused of unleashing a reign of terror during the panchayat polls, insisted that it was her partymen who were killed during the elections in 2018.

"In Bengal, there is a democratically elected dispensation, but the BJP is trying to run a parallel government here. A retired officer is dictating terms to the serving officers, this is unconstitutional," she said, referring to the two special observers appointed by the EC to oversee polls in West Bengal.&nbsp;

Accusing the BJP of doling out money to buy votes in the general election, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee Sunday said her party will request the poll panel to seek an account of expenditure at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rallies.

Accusing the BJP of doling out money to buy votes in the general election, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee Sunday said her party will request the poll panel to seek an account of expenditure at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rallies. Banerjee also demanded that Modi's candidature from Varanasi be cancelled, claiming that he has written "does not know" on many counts in his affidavit. Addressing back-to-back rallies in East Midnapore, she said, "We will ask the Election Commission (EC) to keep an account of the spendings in the prime minister's public meetings. If the EC can seek details of expenditure from others, why not from him?" The chief minister also alleged that the saffron party is doling out thousands of rupees to lure people to its rallies, while also buying votes. Taking her diatribe against the prime minister to his homefront, she claimed that "all throughout his life, Modi never respected his mother or his wife". "You shy away from giving your wife her due respect, what respect will you give to the people?" the CM said. Maintaining that she has seen Modi's affidavit in his nomination papers, Banerjee said, "The PM has written that he does not know about his wife's movable and immovable assets. I don't like making such comments, but the level he has stooped to forced me to speak out," the TMC boss said. She urged the Election Commission to carry out an investigation into the spendings of Modi's "colourful rally" in the holy town of Varanasi before filing his nomination. "This election is not (a test) for Mamata Banerjee, but for you (Modi). It is time for you to answer what you have done in five years," she said, insisting that the prime minister was busy touring the world during his tenure. Maintaining that Modi is worse than Muhammed bin Tughlaq, the 14th-century sultan of Delhi known for his whims, she said that the sudden demonetisation of high-value currency notes in November 2016 caused immense hardship to people, be it a housewife, farmer, worker or a small businessman. Banerjee, whose aversion to communism and everything associated with it including the colour red is well-known, for once sought refuge in Karl Marx to deride the BJP. Drawing from Marx's famous statement "religion is the opium of the masses", she said, "The BJP is using religion as opium to divert the attention of people from the non-performance of its government at the Centre. She, however, did not mince her words when it came to targeting the Left parties in the state. "Those who wore red shirts earlier are now donning saffron kurtas in West Bengal," the TMC chief said, indicating that many BJP workers in the state are former CPI(M) cadres. The CM also iterated that Modi will ensure that there was no further election in the country if re-elected to power. She charged the poll panel with "doing the bidding of the BJP". Banerjee, whose party was accused of unleashing a reign of terror during the panchayat polls, insisted that it was her partymen who were killed during the elections in 2018. "In Bengal, there is a democratically elected dispensation, but the BJP is trying to run a parallel government here. A retired officer is dictating terms to the serving officers, this is unconstitutional," she said, referring to the two special observers appointed by the EC to oversee polls in West Bengal.

Will ask Election Commission to seek expenditure details of PM Modi's rallies: Mamata Banerjee

Taking a jibe at West Bengal chief minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/elections/politicians/mamata-banerjee">Mamata Banerjee</a>, who the Prime Minister claimed gifted him kurtas and sweets, senior Congress leader Raj Babbar wondered how the Trinamool Congress leader knew the size of Modi`s kurta.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in a recent interview claimed that he has many <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-have-many-friends-in-opposition-mamata-banerjee-sends-kurtas-sweets-to-me-pm-narendra-modi-to-akshay-kumar-213161">"good friends" in the Opposition including Mamata</a> Banerjee, who sent personally-selected kurtas and sweets to him.

"Two products from West Bengal are famous across the world. One is sweets made of cottage cheese and another is the 'kurta'. But till date, Mamata ji has not sent these two to us or anyone else. If she wants to gift them, she sends it to only one person. So you can understand that she knows the size of a kurta. Earlier, we used to raise questions if the size of his chest is 56 inches or not," Babbar said here in a press conference.

"Mamata didi saal me aaj bhi mujhe ek-do kurte wo khud select karne jati hain (Even today Mamata didi herself selects one-two Kurtas for me in the year). She sends one-two Kurtas for me. Even Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sends sweets to me three-four times in a year especially from Dhaka. When Mamata didi got to know this, then she also started sending sweets for me one or two times in a year," the Prime Minister had said in an interview with actor Akshay Kumar.

Interestingly, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/its-bengals-culture-says-mamata-in-veiled-response-to-pms-remark-on-receiving-sweets-from-her-213285">Mamata </a>has mostly been critical about Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government and has openly opposed their various initiatives including Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetisation.

Last week, Mamata had accused Prime Minister Modi of causing hardships to the people through demonetisation and said the electorate in West Bengal will pay back by not casting a "single vote" for him.&nbsp;

Taking a jibe at West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who the Prime Minister claimed gifted him kurtas and sweets, senior Congress leader Raj Babbar wondered how the Trinamool Congress leader knew the size of Modi`s kurta.

Taking a jibe at West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who the Prime Minister claimed gifted him kurtas and sweets, senior Congress leader Raj Babbar wondered how the Trinamool Congress leader knew the size of Modi`s kurta. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in a recent interview claimed that he has many "good friends" in the Opposition including Mamata Banerjee, who sent personally-selected kurtas and sweets to him. "Two products from West Bengal are famous across the world. One is sweets made of cottage cheese and another is the 'kurta'. But till date, Mamata ji has not sent these two to us or anyone else. If she wants to gift them, she sends it to only one person. So you can understand that she knows the size of a kurta. Earlier, we used to raise questions if the size of his chest is 56 inches or not," Babbar said here in a press conference. "Mamata didi saal me aaj bhi mujhe ek-do kurte wo khud select karne jati hain (Even today Mamata didi herself selects one-two Kurtas for me in the year). She sends one-two Kurtas for me. Even Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sends sweets to me three-four times in a year especially from Dhaka. When Mamata didi got to know this, then she also started sending sweets for me one or two times in a year," the Prime Minister had said in an interview with actor Akshay Kumar. Interestingly, Mamata has mostly been critical about Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government and has openly opposed their various initiatives including Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetisation. Last week, Mamata had accused Prime Minister Modi of causing hardships to the people through demonetisation and said the electorate in West Bengal will pay back by not casting a "single vote" for him.

Raj Babbar takes jibe at Mamata Banerjee, asks how did she know PM Modi's kurta size

Just days after the BJP approached the Election Commission seeking a ban on the release of the alleged biopic on Mamata Banerjee till the election is over, the West Bengal Chief Minister said in a tweet that she has "nothing at all to do with any biopic" and "will file defamation suit if compelled."

"What is all this nonsense being spread! I have nothing at all to do with any biopic. If some young people have collected stories and expressed themselves, that's up to them. Not related to us. I am not Narendra Modi. Please do not compel me to file for defamation by spreading lies," she wrote on Twitter, on Wednesday.

On April 17, the BJP had penned down a letter to the poll body asking them to review the purported biopic on the TMC supremo and put a ban on it till the time the Lok Sabha elections are over.

"This is to draw your attention to the news in the media that a biopic allegedly of Smt Mamata Banerjee will be released on 3 May 2019. Bharatiya Janata Party requests the Hon'ble Election Commission of India and its representative in West Bengal, the CEO, to review the said biopic before release, on similar lines done in the case of another biopic depicting Shri Narendra Modi," a letter signed by BJP West Bengal Vice-President Joy Prakash Majumdar and BJP leader Shishir Bajoria read.

Just days after the BJP approached the Election Commission seeking a ban on the release of the alleged biopic on Mamata Banerjee till the election is over, the West Bengal Chief Minister said in a tweet that she has "nothing at all to do with any biopic" and "will file defamation suit if compelled.

Just days after the BJP approached the Election Commission seeking a ban on the release of the alleged biopic on Mamata Banerjee till the election is over, the West Bengal Chief Minister said in a tweet that she has "nothing at all to do with any biopic" and "will file defamation suit if compelled." "What is all this nonsense being spread! I have nothing at all to do with any biopic. If some young people have collected stories and expressed themselves, that's up to them. Not related to us. I am not Narendra Modi. Please do not compel me to file for defamation by spreading lies," she wrote on Twitter, on Wednesday. On April 17, the BJP had penned down a letter to the poll body asking them to review the purported biopic on the TMC supremo and put a ban on it till the time the Lok Sabha elections are over. "This is to draw your attention to the news in the media that a biopic allegedly of Smt Mamata Banerjee will be released on 3 May 2019. Bharatiya Janata Party requests the Hon'ble Election Commission of India and its representative in West Bengal, the CEO, to review the said biopic before release, on similar lines done in the case of another biopic depicting Shri Narendra Modi," a letter signed by BJP West Bengal Vice-President Joy Prakash Majumdar and BJP leader Shishir Bajoria read.

What is all this nonsense being spread!: Mamata Banerjee on her bipoic

In a veiled reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark that West Bengal Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-have-many-friends-in-opposition-mamata-banerjee-sends-kurtas-sweets-to-me-pm-narendra-modi-to-akshay-kumar-213161">Mamata Banerjee sends him sweets and kurtas every year</a>, the TMC leader said Wednesday it is Bengal's culture to welcome guests with sweets and gifts but not a single vote will be given to his party.

Banerjee made the comments at a rally in Serampore in Hooghly district against the backdrop of Modi's interview to actor Akshay Kumar aired by TV channels in which the prime minister mentioned her gifts to him.

"It is Bengal's culture to welcome guests with sweets and tea. We also greet them on special occasions. This is our tradition. We welcome guests with sweets and gifts but not a single vote will be given (to BJP)," the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo said without naming Modi.

&nbsp;

In a veiled reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sends him sweets and kurtas every year, the TMC leader said Wednesday it is Bengal's culture to welcome guests with sweets and gifts but not a single vote will be given to his party.

In a veiled reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sends him sweets and kurtas every year, the TMC leader said Wednesday it is Bengal's culture to welcome guests with sweets and gifts but not a single vote will be given to his party. Banerjee made the comments at a rally in Serampore in Hooghly district against the backdrop of Modi's interview to actor Akshay Kumar aired by TV channels in which the prime minister mentioned her gifts to him. "It is Bengal's culture to welcome guests with sweets and tea. We also greet them on special occasions. This is our tradition. We welcome guests with sweets and gifts but not a single vote will be given (to BJP)," the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo said without naming Modi.

It's Bengal's culture, says Mamata in veiled response to PM's remark on receiving sweets from her

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday slammed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/corruption-and-crime-are-non-stop-in-trinamool-congress-rule-speed-breaker-didi-is-also-there-pm-modi-is-asansol-212968">West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee</a> stating that her party is now trying to survive with the help of "videshi kalakar" or artists from abroad in its last try.&nbsp;

The prime minister added that this time around the people of West Bengal have together with the BJP against them.

PM Modi was addressing a public rally in Ranaghat, West Bengal.&nbsp;

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PM Modi at a rally in Ranaghat,West Bengal:Ab videshi kalakaron aur kiraye ke gundon ke bal par hi Didi akhri koshish karne mein juti hai.Lekin iss baar bachna mushkil hi nahi namumkin hai, kyunki iss baar BJP ke saath hi WB ki janta bhi unke khilaaf maidan mein khadi ho gayi hai <a href="https://t.co/CRf7WEuugl">pic.twitter.com/CRf7WEuugl</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1121011595595931648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched an attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating that her party's state is such that people are not turning up for the rallies. He was addressing a rally in Asansol.

"Today TMC's condition has become such that people are not turning up for their rallies, they are forced to call actors from abroad. I feel pity for you didi, look what the brave people of Bengal have done to you," the PM noted.

PM Modi went on to say that the TMC chief is dreaming of becoming the prime minister of the nation by fighting on just a handful of seats.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating that her party is now trying to survive with the help of "videshi kalakar" or artists from abroad in its last try.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating that her party is now trying to survive with the help of "videshi kalakar" or artists from abroad in its last try. The prime minister added that this time around the people of West Bengal have together with the BJP against them. PM Modi was addressing a public rally in Ranaghat, West Bengal. PM Modi at a rally in Ranaghat,West Bengal:Ab videshi kalakaron aur kiraye ke gundon ke bal par hi Didi akhri koshish karne mein juti hai.Lekin iss baar bachna mushkil hi nahi namumkin hai, kyunki iss baar BJP ke saath hi WB ki janta bhi unke khilaaf maidan mein khadi ho gayi hai pic.twitter.com/CRf7WEuugl — ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2019 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched an attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating that her party's state is such that people are not turning up for the rallies. He was addressing a rally in Asansol. "Today TMC's condition has become such that people are not turning up for their rallies, they are forced to call actors from abroad. I feel pity for you didi, look what the brave people of Bengal have done to you," the PM noted. PM Modi went on to say that the TMC chief is dreaming of becoming the prime minister of the nation by fighting on just a handful of seats.

In her final attempt, 'Didi' has resorted to help from 'videshi' artists: PM Modi

Watch this segment of India Election Watch for latest updates of India Election as on 22nd April 2019.

India Election Watch; 22nd April 2019

Claiming that officers sent by the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fully-within-rights-to-transfer-officials-during-polls-election-commission-tells-mamata-banerjee-208548&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiL9Kq7mOHhAhUIv48KHb2EB3oQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2fuPDz3ZHuYaGmZvo9m_5G">Election Commission</a> as special observers are abusing and insulting the people of West Bengal, Trinamool Congress supremo<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/lok-sabha-polls-2019-mamata-banerjees-dominance-mayawatis-reluctance-is-advantage-bjp-209214&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi2zuLbl-HhAhXMPo8KHU1OA48QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2PxWZl6lUovt7YvGVIhDem"> Mamata Banerjee</a> on Sunday accused the BJP of trying to run a parallel government in the state.

The chief minister also alleged that the poll panel has deputed the two retired officers to run the government in Bengal.

"The officers are abusing and insulting the people of the state," she said, reacting to Special Observer Ajay V Nayak's observation that the situation in Bengal is similar to what it was in Bihar around 10 to 15 years ago.

The people have lost faith in the state police, and therefore, their demand for deployment of central forces at all polling booths has increased, Nayak, a former chief electoral officer of Bihar, said on Saturday.

"The BJP is trying to run a parallel govt in the state," she said, adding, "Two retired officers have been sent to run the government, this is unconstitutional. They are trying to help the BJP."

Banerjee said that in 2016, assembly elections were held with the deployment of central forces in all the booths, but that did not deter her party from registering a resounding victory.

Alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann ki Baat' addresses were full of falsehood, the CM said that he spoke the language of the RSS on the radio over the last five years.

"The prime minister's position has a stature, I have never seen a person stoop so low," she said, addressing two election rallies in Nadia district.

Claiming that lakhs of migrant labourers lost their jobs due to demonetisation, she said, "You had done notebandi, people will do votebandi."

She alleged that labourers from Bengal were killed and subjected to violence in the then BJP-ruled Rajasthan and other places, leading to their mass return out of fear of persecution.

Banerjee accused the Modi government of depriving West Bengal in the last five years. "Every day, he is resorting to lies. They are seasonal birds, who come during elections only and vanish after the polls," she said.

Asserting that she faced several vilification bids throughout her political career, the CM said, "I don't care if someone calls me a thief".

Banerjee added that she has written 87 books and a number of songs, royalties from which are enough for her sustenance.

Neither the BJP nor the Congress will win the general elections. Instead, friendly regional parties will form the government at the Centre, she said.

"The BJP, the Congress and the CPI(M), who are all brothers in arms, will become mere signboards... After the elections," Banerjee said.&nbsp;

Claiming that officers sent by the Election Commission as special observers are abusing and insulting the people of West Bengal, Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Sunday accused the BJP of trying to run a parallel government in the state.

Claiming that officers sent by the Election Commission as special observers are abusing and insulting the people of West Bengal, Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Sunday accused the BJP of trying to run a parallel government in the state. The chief minister also alleged that the poll panel has deputed the two retired officers to run the government in Bengal. "The officers are abusing and insulting the people of the state," she said, reacting to Special Observer Ajay V Nayak's observation that the situation in Bengal is similar to what it was in Bihar around 10 to 15 years ago. The people have lost faith in the state police, and therefore, their demand for deployment of central forces at all polling booths has increased, Nayak, a former chief electoral officer of Bihar, said on Saturday. "The BJP is trying to run a parallel govt in the state," she said, adding, "Two retired officers have been sent to run the government, this is unconstitutional. They are trying to help the BJP." Banerjee said that in 2016, assembly elections were held with the deployment of central forces in all the booths, but that did not deter her party from registering a resounding victory. Alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann ki Baat' addresses were full of falsehood, the CM said that he spoke the language of the RSS on the radio over the last five years. "The prime minister's position has a stature, I have never seen a person stoop so low," she said, addressing two election rallies in Nadia district. Claiming that lakhs of migrant labourers lost their jobs due to demonetisation, she said, "You had done notebandi, people will do votebandi." She alleged that labourers from Bengal were killed and subjected to violence in the then BJP-ruled Rajasthan and other places, leading to their mass return out of fear of persecution. Banerjee accused the Modi government of depriving West Bengal in the last five years. "Every day, he is resorting to lies. They are seasonal birds, who come during elections only and vanish after the polls," she said. Asserting that she faced several vilification bids throughout her political career, the CM said, "I don't care if someone calls me a thief". Banerjee added that she has written 87 books and a number of songs, royalties from which are enough for her sustenance. Neither the BJP nor the Congress will win the general elections. Instead, friendly regional parties will form the government at the Centre, she said. "The BJP, the Congress and the CPI(M), who are all brothers in arms, will become mere signboards... After the elections," Banerjee said.

Election Commision special observers abusing people of West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday targetted Mamata Banerjee and said West Bengal chief minister has fooled people in the name of 'Maa, Mati and Manush'.

Modi, who was addressing a rally in&nbsp;Buniadpur, South Dinajpur district attacked the TMC leader&nbsp;over the campaigning of Bangladeshi film star Ferdous Ahmed.

"It is shameful that people from neighbouring country are campaigning for the TMC, which was done to appease the minority community," Modi said.

The BJP had earlier claimed that the Trinamool Congress was trying to consolidate minority votes for the Lok Sabha elections by roping in famous Bangladeshi actors.

45-year-old Ferdous Ahmed, a Bangladeshi film star was reportedly seen seeking votes for a TMC candidate at campaign rallies across Hemtabad and Karandighi near the Indo-Bangladesh border.

Another Bangladeshi actor Ghazi Abdul was also seen taking part in a political rally in West Bengal. As per reports, Noor attended a political rally in Dumdum, West Bengal. His visa had also expired.&nbsp;

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PM Modi addressing a rally at Buniadpur, West Bengal: Kya kabhi Hindustan mein aisa hua hai ki duniya ke kisi desh ke log aa karke Bharat mein chunaav prachar kare? Apne vote bank ke liye, tushtikaran ke liye, Didi kisi bhi hadd tak jaane ke liye tayar hai. <a href="https://t.co/0tE2ypJoHf">pic.twitter.com/0tE2ypJoHf</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1119472220877856768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Modi also criticised Banerjee for seeking proof of the Balakot air strikes in Pakistan and asked her to, instead, collect evidence against those behind chit fund scams.&nbsp;

"Mamata Banerjee should seek proof against those behind chit fund scams, instead of asking for proof of the Balakot strike,".

Recalling the death of a BJP worker in Purulia, West Bengal, PM Modi assured justice to the party workers and people of the state.

"In Purulia, a BJP worker was murdered. I want to assure each West Bengal BJP worker and people of the state that justice will be done. Strict action will be taken against those people who are responsible, ".

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday targetted Mamata Banerjee and said West Bengal chief minister has fooled people in the name of 'Maa, Mati and Manush'. Modi, who was addressing a rally in Buniadpur, South Dinajpur district attacked the TMC leader over the campaigning of Bangladeshi film star Ferdous Ahmed.

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday targetted Mamata Banerjee and said West Bengal chief minister has fooled people in the name of 'Maa, Mati and Manush'. Modi, who was addressing a rally in Buniadpur, South Dinajpur district attacked the TMC leader over the campaigning of Bangladeshi film star Ferdous Ahmed. "It is shameful that people from neighbouring country are campaigning for the TMC, which was done to appease the minority community," Modi said. The BJP had earlier claimed that the Trinamool Congress was trying to consolidate minority votes for the Lok Sabha elections by roping in famous Bangladeshi actors. 45-year-old Ferdous Ahmed, a Bangladeshi film star was reportedly seen seeking votes for a TMC candidate at campaign rallies across Hemtabad and Karandighi near the Indo-Bangladesh border. Another Bangladeshi actor Ghazi Abdul was also seen taking part in a political rally in West Bengal. As per reports, Noor attended a political rally in Dumdum, West Bengal. His visa had also expired. PM Modi addressing a rally at Buniadpur, West Bengal: Kya kabhi Hindustan mein aisa hua hai ki duniya ke kisi desh ke log aa karke Bharat mein chunaav prachar kare? Apne vote bank ke liye, tushtikaran ke liye, Didi kisi bhi hadd tak jaane ke liye tayar hai. pic.twitter.com/0tE2ypJoHf — ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2019 × Modi also criticised Banerjee for seeking proof of the Balakot air strikes in Pakistan and asked her to, instead, collect evidence against those behind chit fund scams. "Mamata Banerjee should seek proof against those behind chit fund scams, instead of asking for proof of the Balakot strike,". Recalling the death of a BJP worker in Purulia, West Bengal, PM Modi assured justice to the party workers and people of the state. "In Purulia, a BJP worker was murdered. I want to assure each West Bengal BJP worker and people of the state that justice will be done. Strict action will be taken against those people who are responsible, ". (With inputs from agencies)

Mamata fooled people in name of 'Maa, Mati and Manush': PM Modi in West Bengal

The Election Commission special observer, Ajay V Nayak Saturday said the situation in West Bengal is similar to what it was in Bihar around 10 to 15 years ago and had lead to the voters' demand for deployment of central forces in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

The ruling Trinamool Congress demanded his immediate removal, claiming that Nayak has allegiance to the RSS and the BJP and is acting as per their orders.

The people of West Bengal have lost faith in the state police and therefore their demand for deployment of central forces at all polling booths has increased, Nayak, who is the former Bihar chief electoral officer, said.

The situation in Bihar has improved and less number of central forces are required there now, he told newsmen at the office of the West Bengal chief electoral officer here.

Nayak, a 1984-batch IAS officer, was recently given the responsibility to oversee the last five phases of polls in West Bengal.

"This situation in West Bengal is similar to what it was in Bihar around 10 to 15 years ago. During that time in Bihar total deployment of central forces at the booths was required. Now it is required in West Bengal as the people of West Bengal have lost faith in the state police and are seeking deployment of central forces at all the booths," he told reporters.

"I cannot understand that if people in Bihar were able to bring in a change in the atmosphere and situation there, then why this is not happening in West Bengal," Nayak said in the presence of state Chief Electoral Officer Ariz Aftab.

He said that in the third phase of polling on April 23, 324 companies of central forces would be deployed to cover more than 92 per cent of the polling booths in five Lok Sabha constituencies.

Balurghat, Malda North, Malda South, Jangipur and Murshidabad parliamentary constituencies will go to the polls on April 23.

Nayak, however, sounded hopeful that the state may require less central force by next Parliamentary elections.

"In terms of election management, things are improving in West Bengal. So I am sure by the time of next Parliamentary elections it will not require this kind of central force deployment. I am sure about that," Nayak said.

In the first phase on April 11, central forces were deployed in 51 per cent of the booths in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar seats and 194 companies covered 80 per cent of the booths in Raiganj, Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri in the second phase on April 18.

In the first phase, there were reports of booth capturing, smashing of EVMs and intimidation. Similar incidents were reported in the second phase from Chopra in Darjeeling constituency and also from Islampur in Raiganj constituency. There were also reports of damage to the vehicle of sitting CPI-M MP Mohammed Salim at Raiganj.

Nayak said no negligence was found after scrutiny of the pollings in the first phase and there will be no repoll in the constituencies where voting was held on the day.

The special observer, however, did not dismiss chances of repolling in some booths where polling was held in the second phase.

TMC secretary general Subrata Bakshi wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora demanding the immediate removal of Nayak to ensure free and fair polls in the state.

"The Election Commission after two phases of polling had said, barring a few incidents the polling was peaceful. Nayak's comments are highly misplaced. He is acting in a partisan manner with pre-conceived notions to destabilise elections in the state and create a fear psychosis among voters," Bakshi said in the letter.

Nayak has political and organisational allegiance to the RSS and is connected to BJP leaders. His statements clearly indicate that he has acted as per instructions of his political bosses, he said.

"It is therefore requested to immediately recall him or cancel his appointment as a special observer in the state of West Bengal to ensure free and fair elections," Bakshi said.

The EC has appointed Vivek Dubey as the special police observer for the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal.

Meanwhile, the EC has transferred Malda district Superintendent of Police Arnab Ghosh and has brought in the commanding officer of the second battalion of state armed police Ajoy Prasad in his place.

Sources said Ghosh, who was reportedly close to the Trinamool Congress administration, was under the EC scanner.

The state BJP had urged the EC to remove Ghosh a few days ago.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Election Commission special observer, Ajay V Nayak Saturday said the situation in West Bengal is similar to what it was in Bihar around 10 to 15 years ago and had lead to the voters' demand for deployment of central forces in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

The Election Commission special observer, Ajay V Nayak Saturday said the situation in West Bengal is similar to what it was in Bihar around 10 to 15 years ago and had lead to the voters' demand for deployment of central forces in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. The ruling Trinamool Congress demanded his immediate removal, claiming that Nayak has allegiance to the RSS and the BJP and is acting as per their orders. The people of West Bengal have lost faith in the state police and therefore their demand for deployment of central forces at all polling booths has increased, Nayak, who is the former Bihar chief electoral officer, said. The situation in Bihar has improved and less number of central forces are required there now, he told newsmen at the office of the West Bengal chief electoral officer here. Nayak, a 1984-batch IAS officer, was recently given the responsibility to oversee the last five phases of polls in West Bengal. "This situation in West Bengal is similar to what it was in Bihar around 10 to 15 years ago. During that time in Bihar total deployment of central forces at the booths was required. Now it is required in West Bengal as the people of West Bengal have lost faith in the state police and are seeking deployment of central forces at all the booths," he told reporters. "I cannot understand that if people in Bihar were able to bring in a change in the atmosphere and situation there, then why this is not happening in West Bengal," Nayak said in the presence of state Chief Electoral Officer Ariz Aftab. He said that in the third phase of polling on April 23, 324 companies of central forces would be deployed to cover more than 92 per cent of the polling booths in five Lok Sabha constituencies. Balurghat, Malda North, Malda South, Jangipur and Murshidabad parliamentary constituencies will go to the polls on April 23. Nayak, however, sounded hopeful that the state may require less central force by next Parliamentary elections. "In terms of election management, things are improving in West Bengal. So I am sure by the time of next Parliamentary elections it will not require this kind of central force deployment. I am sure about that," Nayak said. In the first phase on April 11, central forces were deployed in 51 per cent of the booths in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar seats and 194 companies covered 80 per cent of the booths in Raiganj, Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri in the second phase on April 18. In the first phase, there were reports of booth capturing, smashing of EVMs and intimidation. Similar incidents were reported in the second phase from Chopra in Darjeeling constituency and also from Islampur in Raiganj constituency. There were also reports of damage to the vehicle of sitting CPI-M MP Mohammed Salim at Raiganj. Nayak said no negligence was found after scrutiny of the pollings in the first phase and there will be no repoll in the constituencies where voting was held on the day. The special observer, however, did not dismiss chances of repolling in some booths where polling was held in the second phase. TMC secretary general Subrata Bakshi wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora demanding the immediate removal of Nayak to ensure free and fair polls in the state. "The Election Commission after two phases of polling had said, barring a few incidents the polling was peaceful. Nayak's comments are highly misplaced. He is acting in a partisan manner with pre-conceived notions to destabilise elections in the state and create a fear psychosis among voters," Bakshi said in the letter. Nayak has political and organisational allegiance to the RSS and is connected to BJP leaders. His statements clearly indicate that he has acted as per instructions of his political bosses, he said. "It is therefore requested to immediately recall him or cancel his appointment as a special observer in the state of West Bengal to ensure free and fair elections," Bakshi said. The EC has appointed Vivek Dubey as the special police observer for the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal. Meanwhile, the EC has transferred Malda district Superintendent of Police Arnab Ghosh and has brought in the commanding officer of the second battalion of state armed police Ajoy Prasad in his place. Sources said Ghosh, who was reportedly close to the Trinamool Congress administration, was under the EC scanner. The state BJP had urged the EC to remove Ghosh a few days ago.

Situation in Bengal like Bihar 15 years ago: Election Commission special observer; TMC demands his removal

Violence marred the second phase of elections held in West Bengal's Raiganj on Thursday as BJP`s Raiganj Parliamentary constituency candidate Debasree Chaudhuri alleged that TMC workers tried to capture a polling booth in the constituency.

Meanwhile, police had to resort to lathi-charge and tear-gas to clear the blockade at Chopra which falls under Darjeeling parliamentary constituency.

"TMC workers were trying to capture booth. They were campaigning among Muslims there. This isn`t election campaign," Debasree alleged.

She also claimed that TMC workers tried to capture booth at Raiganj Coronation High School.

In Chopra, security personnel lobbed tear gas shells and resorted to lathi charge on locals as they blocked NH-34 in protest after unknown miscreants allegedly prevented them from casting their votes at Digirpar polling booth.

A local, Sujit Kumar, said that people were stopped by few miscreants from reaching their respective polling booths and the unscrupulous elements allegedly also snatched their EPIC cards or voter I-cards.

"While voters were on their way to polling booths some persons have beaten them and snatched their EPIC card and make them run away. We want peace," said Kumar.

Bangladeshi star Ferdous Ahmed, along with a few Indian actors, allegedly campaigned for TMC`s Raiganj candidate Kanhaiyalal Agarwal in the ongoing elections.

The government subsequently blacklisted Ahmed from campaigning, cancelled his business visa and asked him to leave India.

Polling is underway at three constituencies in West Bengal, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, and Raiganj today in the second phase of general elections.

On April 11, Coochbehar and Alipurduar went to the polls. While in phase 3 on April 23, 5 Lok Sabha constituencies will go for polls, 8 Lok Sabha seats in phase 4 on April 29, while 7, 8 and 9 parliamentary constituencies will vote on May 6, May 12 and May 19, respectively.

There are 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal.95 parliamentary constituencies spread across 11 states and a Union Territory will go to polls today.

Polling is being held in Lok Sabha constituencies of Assam (5), Bihar (5), Chhattisgarh (3), Jammu and Kashmir (2), Karnataka (14), Maharashtra (10), Manipur (1), Odisha (5), Tamil Nadu (38), Uttar Pradesh (8), West Bengal (3), and a single parliamentary seat of Puducherry.

Violence marred the second phase of elections held in West Bengal's Raiganj on Thursday as BJP`s Raiganj Parliamentary constituency candidate Debasree Chaudhuri alleged that TMC workers tried to capture a polling booth in the constituency.

Violence marred the second phase of elections held in West Bengal's Raiganj on Thursday as BJP`s Raiganj Parliamentary constituency candidate Debasree Chaudhuri alleged that TMC workers tried to capture a polling booth in the constituency. Meanwhile, police had to resort to lathi-charge and tear-gas to clear the blockade at Chopra which falls under Darjeeling parliamentary constituency. "TMC workers were trying to capture booth. They were campaigning among Muslims there. This isn`t election campaign," Debasree alleged. She also claimed that TMC workers tried to capture booth at Raiganj Coronation High School. In Chopra, security personnel lobbed tear gas shells and resorted to lathi charge on locals as they blocked NH-34 in protest after unknown miscreants allegedly prevented them from casting their votes at Digirpar polling booth. A local, Sujit Kumar, said that people were stopped by few miscreants from reaching their respective polling booths and the unscrupulous elements allegedly also snatched their EPIC cards or voter I-cards. "While voters were on their way to polling booths some persons have beaten them and snatched their EPIC card and make them run away. We want peace," said Kumar. Bangladeshi star Ferdous Ahmed, along with a few Indian actors, allegedly campaigned for TMC`s Raiganj candidate Kanhaiyalal Agarwal in the ongoing elections. The government subsequently blacklisted Ahmed from campaigning, cancelled his business visa and asked him to leave India. Polling is underway at three constituencies in West Bengal, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, and Raiganj today in the second phase of general elections. On April 11, Coochbehar and Alipurduar went to the polls. While in phase 3 on April 23, 5 Lok Sabha constituencies will go for polls, 8 Lok Sabha seats in phase 4 on April 29, while 7, 8 and 9 parliamentary constituencies will vote on May 6, May 12 and May 19, respectively. There are 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal.95 parliamentary constituencies spread across 11 states and a Union Territory will go to polls today. Polling is being held in Lok Sabha constituencies of Assam (5), Bihar (5), Chhattisgarh (3), Jammu and Kashmir (2), Karnataka (14), Maharashtra (10), Manipur (1), Odisha (5), Tamil Nadu (38), Uttar Pradesh (8), West Bengal (3), and a single parliamentary seat of Puducherry.

West Bengal: Violence mars polling at Raiganj, Chopra

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said she can contest from any part of the country but chose not to do so as does not want division of votes, adding that stronghold of regional parties in states is a must.

"I could have fought from several places. People asked me why I'm not contesting as our TMC has got national party recognition. I can contest from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar. If I'm winning I can contest from anywhere but I do not want division of votes," she said while addressing a public gathering at Siliguri in West Bengal.

"I want regional parties to go ahead. Lalu Yadav in Bihar, Mayawati and Akhilesh in Uttar Pradesh and AAP in Delhi. I have helped everyone and brought everyone together," she stressed.

Underlying the need for the Opposition to defeat the BJP government, Mamata said, "We contest on 9 seats in Assam, 1 in Andaman, 2 to 4 in Odisha. We will contest from Jharkhand on three to four sets but Bengal is our main focus and loyalty. We will not leave any stone unturned to come into power in the state. Everyone vote is very important to bring development in Bengal."

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo said wherever regional parties are strong they should not lose their votes from their area. "BJP is at no place, CPM is something in Kerala but nothing across the country. Even Congress can do nothing. Whatever little they have in other states let them fight from there...we have no issue with it. But where I am strong why would you vote for the Congress. Where Chandrababu Naidu is strong why would you vote for some other party," she said.

Continuing her tirade against the BJP and Prime Minister Modi for ruling in an authoritative manner, Mamata said, "BJP looted traders, framers, industrialist, young generation and maa-behen (mother-daughter). Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are facing atrocities. We will not allow this. We will follow the footsteps of Dr BR Ambedkar. No political party has the right to torture the minority."

"Air India no more serves non-vegetarian food. It is like what he (PM Modi) wants to eat everyone has to eat that. We will eat what we want. It is my choice whether I want to eat veg or non-veg. Who is Modi to tell us?" she said.

She added it is dangerous for us that there is a party called RSS who carries "danda (stick) and roam around with goondas" (goons). Asserting that Prime Minister Modi is spreading rumours about two most prominent religious festivals -- Saraswati pooja and Durga Pooja, the TMC chief said, "Is it so? Are not we celebration Durga pooja and Saraswati pooja. Who is he to tell us about our people, state and culture. Can he chant a single mantra? For his whimsical thoughts, he has started behaving like Hitler."

The Lok Sabha polls for 42 parliamentary seats in West Bengal began on April 11 and it is staggered in all seven phases till May 19. The results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said she can contest from any part of the country but chose not to do so as does not want division of votes, adding that stronghold of regional parties in states is a must.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said she can contest from any part of the country but chose not to do so as does not want division of votes, adding that stronghold of regional parties in states is a must. "I could have fought from several places. People asked me why I'm not contesting as our TMC has got national party recognition. I can contest from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar. If I'm winning I can contest from anywhere but I do not want division of votes," she said while addressing a public gathering at Siliguri in West Bengal. "I want regional parties to go ahead. Lalu Yadav in Bihar, Mayawati and Akhilesh in Uttar Pradesh and AAP in Delhi. I have helped everyone and brought everyone together," she stressed. Underlying the need for the Opposition to defeat the BJP government, Mamata said, "We contest on 9 seats in Assam, 1 in Andaman, 2 to 4 in Odisha. We will contest from Jharkhand on three to four sets but Bengal is our main focus and loyalty. We will not leave any stone unturned to come into power in the state. Everyone vote is very important to bring development in Bengal." The Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo said wherever regional parties are strong they should not lose their votes from their area. "BJP is at no place, CPM is something in Kerala but nothing across the country. Even Congress can do nothing. Whatever little they have in other states let them fight from there...we have no issue with it. But where I am strong why would you vote for the Congress. Where Chandrababu Naidu is strong why would you vote for some other party," she said. Continuing her tirade against the BJP and Prime Minister Modi for ruling in an authoritative manner, Mamata said, "BJP looted traders, framers, industrialist, young generation and maa-behen (mother-daughter). Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are facing atrocities. We will not allow this. We will follow the footsteps of Dr BR Ambedkar. No political party has the right to torture the minority." "Air India no more serves non-vegetarian food. It is like what he (PM Modi) wants to eat everyone has to eat that. We will eat what we want. It is my choice whether I want to eat veg or non-veg. Who is Modi to tell us?" she said. She added it is dangerous for us that there is a party called RSS who carries "danda (stick) and roam around with goondas" (goons). Asserting that Prime Minister Modi is spreading rumours about two most prominent religious festivals -- Saraswati pooja and Durga Pooja, the TMC chief said, "Is it so? Are not we celebration Durga pooja and Saraswati pooja. Who is he to tell us about our people, state and culture. Can he chant a single mantra? For his whimsical thoughts, he has started behaving like Hitler." The Lok Sabha polls for 42 parliamentary seats in West Bengal began on April 11 and it is staggered in all seven phases till May 19. The results will be declared on May 23.

I can contest from anywhere but don't want division of votes: Mamata Banerjee

Something "very very serious" seems to be going on in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-cm-mamata-banerjee-writes-poem-key-to-democracy-196767">West Bengal</a>, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/supreme-court-upholds-conviction-life-imprisonment-of-saravana-bhavan-founder-in-murder-case-206445">Supreme Court</a> said on Friday (April 12) as it agreed to hear a plea alleging harassment of customs officials at Kolkata Airport for checking the luggage of a Trinamool Congress leader's wife.

The top court asked the West Bengal government to file its reply on the plea within four weeks.

A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna said: "Someone has drawn our attention to something very very serious. We don't know yet whose claim is bona fide but we would like to go into the root of the matter."

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the customs department and assisted by advocate Ravi Prakash, told the bench that the plea pertains to the incident of March 15-16 when customs officials were obstructed from carrying out their duty.

The obstruction was caused to the officials, when two women including one Rujira Naroola Banerjee, wife of Abhishek Banerjee who is TMC MP and nephew of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, was intercepted at the airport for checking.

Senior advocate Abhishek M Singhvi objected to the issuance of notice and said that the petition is not maintainable as the petitioner Rajkumar Barthwal is a member of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs and has no locus standi to file the plea.

To this, the bench observed that it does not know the bona fide of the petitioner but "We cannot ignore what is going on in West Bengal. If required we can ourselves take suo motu cognizance of the events and get to the bottom of the issue".

On March 29, the Centre had told the apex court that customs officials at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata were "intimidated, harassed and threatened" by the local police for checking the baggage of the wife of the TMC MP.

It had also alleged that "institutional anarchy" and "complete lawlessness" have been prevailing in West Bengal.

Mehta had told the court that on the intervening night of March 15-16 at around 1.10 AM, two women, who arrived from an international flight, and their luggage were checked by the customs officials.

"They were asked to allow checking of their baggage but they resisted. They were asked to show their passports after which they abused the officials present there," he had said.

Mehta had added that soon after the ladies left the airport, a huge contingent of police personnel entered the premises and tried to arrest the customs officials for checking the baggage of the women.

"This is institutional anarchy and complete lawlessness going on in West Bengal," he had said, adding that customs officials tried to lodge the FIR but no case was registered by the police so far.

A letter was written by Assistant Commissioner of Customs to Inspector-in-charge of Airport police station on March 22, seeking registration of an FIR for interfering, obstruction and criminal intimidation by the West Bengal police, he had said.

The custom commissioner has narrated the entire incident and said that one of the ladies whose baggage was checked was wife TMC MP, the nephew of the West Bengal CM, as per the letter.

The Commissioner alleged that police officers who entered the airport in different batches tried to intimidate, harass and threaten the customs officials with arrests.

The commissioner has said that West Bengal police wanted a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) by the customs officials where VIPs were not "checked" and "a safe passage of their VIPs without any interception by customs".

Police personnel, who arrived at the airport, have claimed that they have received a complaint from one of the two women who was checked by customs officials alleging harassment, intimidation and extortion by them, the letter said.

Something "very very serious" seems to be going on in West Bengal, the Supreme Court said on Friday (April 12) as it agreed to hear a plea alleging harassment of customs officials at Kolkata Airport for checking the luggage of a Trinamool Congress leader's wife.

Something "very very serious" seems to be going on in West Bengal, the Supreme Court said on Friday (April 12) as it agreed to hear a plea alleging harassment of customs officials at Kolkata Airport for checking the luggage of a Trinamool Congress leader's wife. The top court asked the West Bengal government to file its reply on the plea within four weeks. A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna said: "Someone has drawn our attention to something very very serious. We don't know yet whose claim is bona fide but we would like to go into the root of the matter." Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the customs department and assisted by advocate Ravi Prakash, told the bench that the plea pertains to the incident of March 15-16 when customs officials were obstructed from carrying out their duty. The obstruction was caused to the officials, when two women including one Rujira Naroola Banerjee, wife of Abhishek Banerjee who is TMC MP and nephew of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, was intercepted at the airport for checking. Senior advocate Abhishek M Singhvi objected to the issuance of notice and said that the petition is not maintainable as the petitioner Rajkumar Barthwal is a member of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs and has no locus standi to file the plea. To this, the bench observed that it does not know the bona fide of the petitioner but "We cannot ignore what is going on in West Bengal. If required we can ourselves take suo motu cognizance of the events and get to the bottom of the issue". On March 29, the Centre had told the apex court that customs officials at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata were "intimidated, harassed and threatened" by the local police for checking the baggage of the wife of the TMC MP. It had also alleged that "institutional anarchy" and "complete lawlessness" have been prevailing in West Bengal. Mehta had told the court that on the intervening night of March 15-16 at around 1.10 AM, two women, who arrived from an international flight, and their luggage were checked by the customs officials. "They were asked to allow checking of their baggage but they resisted. They were asked to show their passports after which they abused the officials present there," he had said. Mehta had added that soon after the ladies left the airport, a huge contingent of police personnel entered the premises and tried to arrest the customs officials for checking the baggage of the women. "This is institutional anarchy and complete lawlessness going on in West Bengal," he had said, adding that customs officials tried to lodge the FIR but no case was registered by the police so far. A letter was written by Assistant Commissioner of Customs to Inspector-in-charge of Airport police station on March 22, seeking registration of an FIR for interfering, obstruction and criminal intimidation by the West Bengal police, he had said. The custom commissioner has narrated the entire incident and said that one of the ladies whose baggage was checked was wife TMC MP, the nephew of the West Bengal CM, as per the letter. The Commissioner alleged that police officers who entered the airport in different batches tried to intimidate, harass and threaten the customs officials with arrests. The commissioner has said that West Bengal police wanted a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) by the customs officials where VIPs were not "checked" and "a safe passage of their VIPs without any interception by customs". Police personnel, who arrived at the airport, have claimed that they have received a complaint from one of the two women who was checked by customs officials alleging harassment, intimidation and extortion by them, the letter said.

Something serious going on in West Bengal says Supreme Court; seeks state's reply on customs officials' harassment

Electoral outcomes in West Bengal reveal that anti-incumbency is not a very big factor. Unless a major threshold of unacceptability has been crossed and a viable political alternative exists, a substantial section of the electorate continues to support the dominant political party.&nbsp;

At present, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) occupies that exalted position.

Political temperatures have risen across the country and in West Bengal, the stakes could be among the highest. The BJP is striving for greater political penetration of the state, even though its prevailing political heft in the state is negligible.&nbsp;

The Congress Party, meanwhile, is in an emaciated position. The Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Front is a steadily shrinking political entity. Naturally, the TMC is not too concerned about anti-incumbency. &nbsp;

However, there is latent political opposition to the TMC. The Congress, BJP, and CPI(M) would try to make a dent in TMC’s political vote base, but to the TMC’s satisfaction, there are no political alliances among any of the three parties regarding seat-sharing. Talks of a possible alliance between the CPI(M) and the Congress fell apart amid mutual discord.&nbsp;

However the BJP, notwithstanding its negligible presence, could be a cause of some worry for the TMC. With its pan-India presence and strong commitment of its members, the BJP could throw a spanner in the TMC’s works.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supreme leader Mamata Banerjee’s alleged appeasement of Muslims is a major political issue for her opponents, particularly the BJP.&nbsp;

In a bid to introduce correctives, Banerjee has spoken of her identification with the best of Bengal’s culture and heritage, rejected charges of appeasement, articulated at length the inviolability of the rule of law, accorded high priority to national security and taken the narrative of holistic development to the heart of public discourse. &nbsp;&nbsp;

To the TMC’s credit, it has presided over improved conditions in rural Bengal. It has also helped provide better infrastructural facilities: roads, electricity and drinking water to the villages.&nbsp;

Plus, there have been social sector reforms. The state government has successfully initiated “Kanyashree”, which empowers the girl child through education; for it, Banerjee’s government has also won a UN award.&nbsp;

Farmers have been provided a measure of financial security in the event of flagging retail prices of agricultural products. The state’s food security system has been revamped.&nbsp;

Small-scale and medium scale enterprises have been encouraged. Banerjee has repeatedly expressed her government’s support for organised, accountable entrepreneurial investments. &nbsp;

Perennial inter-party factional wrangling, its attendant violence and intermittent charges of corruption against TMC leaders are negative attributes. However, the penchant for political high-handedness among some of them, often visible during the party’s first stint, looks like having decelerated for the moment. &nbsp;

A fortnight ago, Rahul Gandhi campaigned at Chanchal in Malda district. He ranted against the TMC. Whether he realises it or not, it would not be of much help to Congress Party’s Bengal unit.&nbsp;

There is grim irony in Gandhi’s criticism of the ruling TMC in West Bengal. Apart from Amethi, Gandhi is also contesting from Wayanad in Kerala. That state’s ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front has interpreted it as a challenge to its candidate by Gandhi. In response, he has said that he would refrain from politically attacking the LDF. &nbsp;

If Gandhi can refrain from criticising the LDF in Kerala, then he could have withheld censuring the ruling TMC. Surely he knows that the TMC is much more opposed to the BJP than it is to the Congress.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah, and other party leaders have also attacked the TMC.&nbsp;

They are keen to highlight security issues like infiltration and the necessity for a stable, coherent government at the Centre. But Banerjee and other TMC leaders are ready with their repartees.&nbsp;

Any notable trend regarding the outcome of the Lok Sabha elections is still elusive, but most appraisals indicate that the TMC has a relative political edge in its bastion.&nbsp;

If it manages to win a substantial proportion of the state’s 42 parliamentary seats, its role could be crucial in supporting a coalition government. Conversely, it could constructively oppose another BJP-led NDA government.&nbsp; 
 
(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-there-is-no-anti-incumbency-or-grand-alliance-in-bengal-2738695">original article)</a> 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Electoral outcomes in West Bengal reveal that anti-incumbency is not a very big factor. Unless a major threshold of unacceptability has been crossed and a viable political alternative exists, a substantial section of the electorate continues to support the dominant political party.

Electoral outcomes in West Bengal reveal that anti-incumbency is not a very big factor. Unless a major threshold of unacceptability has been crossed and a viable political alternative exists, a substantial section of the electorate continues to support the dominant political party. At present, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) occupies that exalted position. Political temperatures have risen across the country and in West Bengal, the stakes could be among the highest. The BJP is striving for greater political penetration of the state, even though its prevailing political heft in the state is negligible. The Congress Party, meanwhile, is in an emaciated position. The Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Front is a steadily shrinking political entity. Naturally, the TMC is not too concerned about anti-incumbency. However, there is latent political opposition to the TMC. The Congress, BJP, and CPI(M) would try to make a dent in TMC’s political vote base, but to the TMC’s satisfaction, there are no political alliances among any of the three parties regarding seat-sharing. Talks of a possible alliance between the CPI(M) and the Congress fell apart amid mutual discord. However the BJP, notwithstanding its negligible presence, could be a cause of some worry for the TMC. With its pan-India presence and strong commitment of its members, the BJP could throw a spanner in the TMC’s works. West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supreme leader Mamata Banerjee’s alleged appeasement of Muslims is a major political issue for her opponents, particularly the BJP. In a bid to introduce correctives, Banerjee has spoken of her identification with the best of Bengal’s culture and heritage, rejected charges of appeasement, articulated at length the inviolability of the rule of law, accorded high priority to national security and taken the narrative of holistic development to the heart of public discourse. To the TMC’s credit, it has presided over improved conditions in rural Bengal. It has also helped provide better infrastructural facilities: roads, electricity and drinking water to the villages. Plus, there have been social sector reforms. The state government has successfully initiated “Kanyashree”, which empowers the girl child through education; for it, Banerjee’s government has also won a UN award. Farmers have been provided a measure of financial security in the event of flagging retail prices of agricultural products. The state’s food security system has been revamped. Small-scale and medium scale enterprises have been encouraged. Banerjee has repeatedly expressed her government’s support for organised, accountable entrepreneurial investments. Perennial inter-party factional wrangling, its attendant violence and intermittent charges of corruption against TMC leaders are negative attributes. However, the penchant for political high-handedness among some of them, often visible during the party’s first stint, looks like having decelerated for the moment. A fortnight ago, Rahul Gandhi campaigned at Chanchal in Malda district. He ranted against the TMC. Whether he realises it or not, it would not be of much help to Congress Party’s Bengal unit. There is grim irony in Gandhi’s criticism of the ruling TMC in West Bengal. Apart from Amethi, Gandhi is also contesting from Wayanad in Kerala. That state’s ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front has interpreted it as a challenge to its candidate by Gandhi. In response, he has said that he would refrain from politically attacking the LDF. If Gandhi can refrain from criticising the LDF in Kerala, then he could have withheld censuring the ruling TMC. Surely he knows that the TMC is much more opposed to the BJP than it is to the Congress. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah, and other party leaders have also attacked the TMC. They are keen to highlight security issues like infiltration and the necessity for a stable, coherent government at the Centre. But Banerjee and other TMC leaders are ready with their repartees. Any notable trend regarding the outcome of the Lok Sabha elections is still elusive, but most appraisals indicate that the TMC has a relative political edge in its bastion. If it manages to win a substantial proportion of the state’s 42 parliamentary seats, its role could be crucial in supporting a coalition government. Conversely, it could constructively oppose another BJP-led NDA government. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Lok Sabha elections 2019: There is no anti-incumbency or grand alliance in Bengal

Darjeeling, enclosed in the hills was one of the favourite destinations of famous writer Mark Twain when he visited in 1896. The famous writer of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Swayer fame described his journey in the "toy train" in glowing terms.

The hilly enclosure has now hit the headlines again as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/after-2019-lok-sabha-elections-the-kingmakers-are-likely-to-be-from-the-south-209566">TMC and BJP square off</a> against each other on April 18th in the second phase of elections in West Bengal.

BJP had won the 2009 and 2014 parliamentary elections from Darjeeling after Jaswant Singh and Surinder Singh Ahluwalia held out a challenge from the Opposition TMC in the area.

The hill town had hit the headlines in 2017 during the Gorkhaland agitation when it undertook a&nbsp;104-day strike to press from an independent state. The agitation has now ebbed away with only remnants remaining.

This time the BJP has fielded ex-Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) leader Raju Singh Bista against TMC's Amar Singh Rai. Bisht has the support of GNLF and Bimal Gurung faction of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) making him a hot favourite to clinch a third term for the party, however, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is leaving no stone unturned to win back the seat which it hasn't won so far ever since its inception in 1998.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had addressed a poll rally in Darjeeling as she took on the BJP head on lashing out at party president Amit Shah saying, “Dilli se aaya, halwa khake chala gaya (he came from Delhi, ate sweets and went away).”

“You help me win and we will capture Delhi. The TMC will form the next government in Delhi. We will win all of 42 seats,” the West Bengal chief minister told the people present at the rally.

The ethnically diverse West Bengal constituency is dominated by Lepcha, Tamang and other minorities who are now eager for development after years of agitation and confusion.

Both the TMC and BJP have pitched for basic amenities including minimum wage for tea workers who form a major chunk of the vote bank in the area.

Amit Shah in his poll rally in Kalimpong emphasised the importance of the National Register of Citizens(NRC) and the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

“We have promised in our manifesto that once Narendra Modi forms the government again, we will implement the NRC across the country. We will remove every single infiltrator from the country,” the BJP president said, adding,"Didi (Mamata Banerjee) keeps telling that Gorkhas will be inconvenienced once the NRC is in place. These are lies. And no one can question them (Gorkhas) on their citizenship."

“Only those who have faced religious persecution will be granted citizenship,” he asserted.

Darjeeling has become a sort of ego tussle for the BJP and the ruling TMC with both not ready to give an inch.

The area which is strategically located on the Nepal, Bhutan and China border has become an important beachhead for the BJP in its attempt capture the state, a scenario which Mamata's TMC is bent on resisting.

Another BJP victory here would come as&nbsp;a major setback for the TMC, however, as polling day nears it could be anybody's game.

Darjeeling, enclosed in the hills was one of the favourite destinations of famous writer Mark Twain when he visited in 1896. The famous writer of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Swayer fame described his journey in the "toy train" in glowing terms.

Darjeeling, enclosed in the hills was one of the favourite destinations of famous writer Mark Twain when he visited in 1896. The famous writer of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Swayer fame described his journey in the "toy train" in glowing terms. The hilly enclosure has now hit the headlines again as TMC and BJP square off against each other on April 18th in the second phase of elections in West Bengal. BJP had won the 2009 and 2014 parliamentary elections from Darjeeling after Jaswant Singh and Surinder Singh Ahluwalia held out a challenge from the Opposition TMC in the area. The hill town had hit the headlines in 2017 during the Gorkhaland agitation when it undertook a 104-day strike to press from an independent state. The agitation has now ebbed away with only remnants remaining. This time the BJP has fielded ex-Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) leader Raju Singh Bista against TMC's Amar Singh Rai. Bisht has the support of GNLF and Bimal Gurung faction of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) making him a hot favourite to clinch a third term for the party, however, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is leaving no stone unturned to win back the seat which it hasn't won so far ever since its inception in 1998. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had addressed a poll rally in Darjeeling as she took on the BJP head on lashing out at party president Amit Shah saying, “Dilli se aaya, halwa khake chala gaya (he came from Delhi, ate sweets and went away).” “You help me win and we will capture Delhi. The TMC will form the next government in Delhi. We will win all of 42 seats,” the West Bengal chief minister told the people present at the rally. The ethnically diverse West Bengal constituency is dominated by Lepcha, Tamang and other minorities who are now eager for development after years of agitation and confusion. Both the TMC and BJP have pitched for basic amenities including minimum wage for tea workers who form a major chunk of the vote bank in the area. Amit Shah in his poll rally in Kalimpong emphasised the importance of the National Register of Citizens(NRC) and the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. “We have promised in our manifesto that once Narendra Modi forms the government again, we will implement the NRC across the country. We will remove every single infiltrator from the country,” the BJP president said, adding,"Didi (Mamata Banerjee) keeps telling that Gorkhas will be inconvenienced once the NRC is in place. These are lies. And no one can question them (Gorkhas) on their citizenship." “Only those who have faced religious persecution will be granted citizenship,” he asserted. Darjeeling has become a sort of ego tussle for the BJP and the ruling TMC with both not ready to give an inch. The area which is strategically located on the Nepal, Bhutan and China border has become an important beachhead for the BJP in its attempt capture the state, a scenario which Mamata's TMC is bent on resisting. Another BJP victory here would come as a major setback for the TMC, however, as polling day nears it could be anybody's game.

Second phase polls: BJP, TMC eye Darjeeling in West Bengal battle

The Supreme Court has imposed a Rs 20 lakh fine on the West Bengal government for shadow banning Bengali film 'Bhobishyoter Bhoot' which has been directed by Anik Dutta. &nbsp;The political satire was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bengali-film-withdrawn-from-theatres-actor-soumitra-chatterjee-joins-fans-in-protest-198040">pulled down from theatres</a> by the state government earlier this year.&nbsp;

A bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud said the fine amount of Rs 20 lakh shall be given to producers and cinema hall owners as compensation for violation of their right to freedom of speech and expression.

The court was hearing a plea by the film producer which alleged the movie was taken down from a majority of theatres at the behest of the state authorities.

On 15th March, the top court directed the Mamata Banerjee government to ensure that no obstruction or restraint of any kind was imposed on the screening of the movie.

A communication was received by one of the producers of the movie from the Special Branch of West Bengal Police that the contents of the film may hurt public sentiments, which may lead to political law and order issues. 
The film was released on 15th February. Its story revolves around a group of ghosts, including a politician, who assemble at a refugee camp and try to be relevant in contemporary times.

The film was allegedly withdrawn from single-screen theatres and multiplexes a day after its release. It has now re-released and is playing at selective theatres across Bengal, Mumbai, Delhi-NCR.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court has imposed a Rs 20 lakh fine on the West Bengal government for shadow banning Bengali film 'Bhobishyoter Bhoot' which has been directed by Anik Dutta.

The Supreme Court has imposed a Rs 20 lakh fine on the West Bengal government for shadow banning Bengali film 'Bhobishyoter Bhoot' which has been directed by Anik Dutta. The political satire was pulled down from theatres by the state government earlier this year. A bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud said the fine amount of Rs 20 lakh shall be given to producers and cinema hall owners as compensation for violation of their right to freedom of speech and expression. The court was hearing a plea by the film producer which alleged the movie was taken down from a majority of theatres at the behest of the state authorities. On 15th March, the top court directed the Mamata Banerjee government to ensure that no obstruction or restraint of any kind was imposed on the screening of the movie. A communication was received by one of the producers of the movie from the Special Branch of West Bengal Police that the contents of the film may hurt public sentiments, which may lead to political law and order issues. The film was released on 15th February. Its story revolves around a group of ghosts, including a politician, who assemble at a refugee camp and try to be relevant in contemporary times. The film was allegedly withdrawn from single-screen theatres and multiplexes a day after its release. It has now re-released and is playing at selective theatres across Bengal, Mumbai, Delhi-NCR.

Supreme Court imposes Rs 20 lakh fine on West Bengal government for shadow banning film

In the run-up to Lok Sabha elections 2019, two women had a powerful influence on matters related to opposition's strategy to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP.

The key interlocutor of opposition - Mamata Banerjee is considered to be the prime reason behind Congress president Rahul Gandhi not being declared the prime ministerial candidate of the united opposition despite approvals from several leaders. The friction between Banerjee and Gandhi scion is quite evident, she recently called Rahul a 'kid' while responding to his attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Didi doesn't mince a word while attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well. She is one of the most vocal members of the opposition who claims West Bengal will lead in throwing Narendra Modi government out and forming the new government at the Centre. She ran pillar and post to unite all like-minded parties against BJP.

Mayawati too has emerged as a strong Congress-opposer. When Congress approached SP and BSP for forging an alliance in Uttar Pradesh, unhappy with the seat-sharing ratio suggested by Congress, Mayawati outrightly rejected the offer.

There were still some chances of understanding between the SP-BSP-RJD alliance and the Congress when the latter said it was ready to leave &nbsp;7 Lok Sabha seats vacant for the alliance, however, this couldn't happen due to Mayawati's defiance.&nbsp;

In a joint rally on Sunday, Mayawati trained her guns towards Congress and said the party was dividing votes on the basis of caste and religion. &nbsp;She cautioned voters against any such attempt and asked them to give all their votes to the SP, BSP and RJD alliance.

Other opposition members are worried that this three-cornered contest will divide the votes in UP and help the BJP. UP is a politically crucial state which has the highest number of Lok Sabha seats in the country - 80. In such a scenario, Mayawati's decision to not tie-up with Congress could prove costly to the alliance.

Meanwhile, on the national front - setting aside three decades of rivalry - even Chandrababu Naidu dropped his 'non-Congress Third Front' plank and approached Congress president Rahul Gandhi. He stressed on the need for opposition unity to save the nation. DMK chief M K Stalin too endorsed Gandhi as the Prime Ministerial candidate of the 'Mahagathbandhan', but Didi remained&nbsp;adamant.

Going by her and ignoring Congress, which did exceptionally well in the recently-concluded Assembly elections under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, isn't mature.&nbsp;

For 'Mahagathbandhan', leadership has become a divisive issue. The opposition parties need to reach a broader understanding and declare the grouping's PM face. Political analysts say that not having a credible face pitted against PM Narendra Modi would impact voters' decision during the polling. Electorates are curious and have the right to know who will lead the country if 'Mahagathbandhan' comes to&nbsp;power. &nbsp;

The resistance&nbsp;of Mamata and Mayawati is a big setback to the entire calculation for forming an anti-BJP coalition and the prospects of 'Mahagathbandhan' - both on state and national level.&nbsp;

Alliances need sacrifices, however, they have shown reluctance to have an understanding with Congress - the main opposition party. Mamata and Mayawati have no desire to become Gandhi’s minority partners. They want to be in the driver's seat themselves.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) &nbsp;

&nbsp;

In the run-up to Lok Sabha elections 2019, two women had a powerful influence on matters related to opposition's strategy to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP.

In the run-up to Lok Sabha elections 2019, two women had a powerful influence on matters related to opposition's strategy to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP. The key interlocutor of opposition - Mamata Banerjee is considered to be the prime reason behind Congress president Rahul Gandhi not being declared the prime ministerial candidate of the united opposition despite approvals from several leaders. The friction between Banerjee and Gandhi scion is quite evident, she recently called Rahul a 'kid' while responding to his attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Didi doesn't mince a word while attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well. She is one of the most vocal members of the opposition who claims West Bengal will lead in throwing Narendra Modi government out and forming the new government at the Centre. She ran pillar and post to unite all like-minded parties against BJP. Mayawati too has emerged as a strong Congress-opposer. When Congress approached SP and BSP for forging an alliance in Uttar Pradesh, unhappy with the seat-sharing ratio suggested by Congress, Mayawati outrightly rejected the offer. There were still some chances of understanding between the SP-BSP-RJD alliance and the Congress when the latter said it was ready to leave 7 Lok Sabha seats vacant for the alliance, however, this couldn't happen due to Mayawati's defiance. In a joint rally on Sunday, Mayawati trained her guns towards Congress and said the party was dividing votes on the basis of caste and religion. She cautioned voters against any such attempt and asked them to give all their votes to the SP, BSP and RJD alliance. Other opposition members are worried that this three-cornered contest will divide the votes in UP and help the BJP. UP is a politically crucial state which has the highest number of Lok Sabha seats in the country - 80. In such a scenario, Mayawati's decision to not tie-up with Congress could prove costly to the alliance. Meanwhile, on the national front - setting aside three decades of rivalry - even Chandrababu Naidu dropped his 'non-Congress Third Front' plank and approached Congress president Rahul Gandhi. He stressed on the need for opposition unity to save the nation. DMK chief M K Stalin too endorsed Gandhi as the Prime Ministerial candidate of the 'Mahagathbandhan', but Didi remained adamant. Going by her and ignoring Congress, which did exceptionally well in the recently-concluded Assembly elections under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, isn't mature. For 'Mahagathbandhan', leadership has become a divisive issue. The opposition parties need to reach a broader understanding and declare the grouping's PM face. Political analysts say that not having a credible face pitted against PM Narendra Modi would impact voters' decision during the polling. Electorates are curious and have the right to know who will lead the country if 'Mahagathbandhan' comes to power. The resistance of Mamata and Mayawati is a big setback to the entire calculation for forming an anti-BJP coalition and the prospects of 'Mahagathbandhan' - both on state and national level. Alliances need sacrifices, however, they have shown reluctance to have an understanding with Congress - the main opposition party. Mamata and Mayawati have no desire to become Gandhi’s minority partners. They want to be in the driver's seat themselves. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Mamata Banerjee's dominance, Mayawati's reluctance is advantage BJP

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's chopper, used for a poll campaign in North Bengal, lost its way on Wednesday while she was on a campaign trail in Chopra, North Dinajpur district.

"I am sorry as you all had to wait for me. This distance is usually covered within 22 minutes, but it took us 55 minutes to find the way. The pilot could not find the way," said Banerjee without divulging any further detail.

According to officials accompanying her, the pilot of the chopper lost the way and ventured into Bihar's air space by mistake.&nbsp;

The pilot reportedly found it difficult to locate the helipad created right next to the stage of her campaign in Chopra. However, after establishing radio contact, the pilot was given a route to follow and managed to locate the helipad.&nbsp;

A colourful flare was also lit to help the pilot locate the exact location of the helipad.

The chopper had taken off from Siliguri around 1 pm. While it was supposed to land at Chopra helipad at 1:22 pm, it landed at 2 pm.

The state administration has ordered a high-level enquiry into the matter as the Chief Minister is a Z Plus category protectee.

In 2016, a Kolkata-bound flight carrying the Chief Minister from Patna was reportedly low on fuel and was hovering over the Kolkata airport for over an hour, eventually landing behind schedule. She and other TMC leaders at the time had alleged that the plot had tried to eliminate her. The incident had also sparked a debate in Parliament, raising concerns over the Chief Minister and other passengers' security.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's chopper, used for a poll campaign in North Bengal, lost its way on Wednesday while she was on a campaign trail in Chopra, North Dinajpur district.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's chopper, used for a poll campaign in North Bengal, lost its way on Wednesday while she was on a campaign trail in Chopra, North Dinajpur district. "I am sorry as you all had to wait for me. This distance is usually covered within 22 minutes, but it took us 55 minutes to find the way. The pilot could not find the way," said Banerjee without divulging any further detail. According to officials accompanying her, the pilot of the chopper lost the way and ventured into Bihar's air space by mistake. The pilot reportedly found it difficult to locate the helipad created right next to the stage of her campaign in Chopra. However, after establishing radio contact, the pilot was given a route to follow and managed to locate the helipad. A colourful flare was also lit to help the pilot locate the exact location of the helipad. The chopper had taken off from Siliguri around 1 pm. While it was supposed to land at Chopra helipad at 1:22 pm, it landed at 2 pm. The state administration has ordered a high-level enquiry into the matter as the Chief Minister is a Z Plus category protectee. In 2016, a Kolkata-bound flight carrying the Chief Minister from Patna was reportedly low on fuel and was hovering over the Kolkata airport for over an hour, eventually landing behind schedule. She and other TMC leaders at the time had alleged that the plot had tried to eliminate her. The incident had also sparked a debate in Parliament, raising concerns over the Chief Minister and other passengers' security.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Mamata Banerjee's chopper loses its way, inquiry ordered

In a bid to reach out to voters, especially the young one, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition BJP in West Bengal have extended their fight to the social media with innovative ideas and catchy jingles.

Dedicated teams comprising hundreds of volunteers are slogging away to ensure that the "Jumla metre" and "Pradhan mantri hisab do" campaign of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the "Main Bhi Chowkidar" music video of the BJP reach their target audience.

From coming out with Web series to catchy online songs to campaigns, both the parties are looking at making optimal use of social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, besides traditional emails and SMS.

Attacking the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the TMC has launched a Web series "Pradhan Mantri Hisab Do" (Prime Minister, answer this).

In this campaign, the party is releasing a short video everyday on Twitter and Facebook comparing the "failure" of Modi government and "success" of Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government in West Bengal in a particular field.

The TMC have also come out with a "Jumla meter" on its website showing whether or not claims made by the BJP especially on governance issues in West Bengal, are true.

"Both Pradhan Mantri Hisab Do and Jumla meter have become hugely popular among netizens. We have also taken steps so that each episode of Pradhan Mantri Hisab Do goes viral. We are trying reach out to our target audience - youths and first time voters," a senior TMC leader said.

According to the Election Commission, West Bengal has 20.1 lakh first time voters, the maximum among the states in the coming Lok Sabha elections.

The BJP, on the other hand, has made the music video of "Main Bhi Chowkidar" campaign viral on social media.

The Facebook page of the saffron party's West Bengal unit live streams all the public meetings of Modi and party president Amit Shah.

"We have a trained cadre base with presence down to the booth level to use the social media. We also have a huge network of volunteers. We are highlighting the failures of the TMC government and the pro-people policies of the BJP," senior BJP leader Sayantan Basu said.

The TMC has trained over 40,000 youths on the use of social media under the stewardship of Abhishek Banerjee, the party's youth wing president and nephew of Mamata Banerjee.

"We have one social media team for each constituency and its job is to air speeches of our party candidates via Facebook Live. We also organise Facebook chats," Col (retd) Dipatanshu Chowdhury, who is a joint convenor of the TMC's Media cell, said.

The party has also set up a team to monitor media content, fake news and trolls from district level to booth level, said a member of the TMC's Social Media IT cell.

The party has also created more than 10,000 WhatsApp groups to spread its message to the people.

The BJP West Bengal unit has also set up a core team of around 100 professionals, who have revamped social media presence of the party in the state.

The BJP has also created WhatsApp groups at various levels to create public opinion on local issues, Basu said.

The top leaders of both the TMC and the BJP are regular users of social media.

Mamata Banerjee, TMC's national spokesperson Derek O' Brien and Abhishek Banerjee are quite active on Twitter and Facebook.

The chief minister has around 2.9 million followers on Facebook and 3.25 million followers on Twitter.

Besides Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah, Union minister Babul Supriyo who is BJP candidate from Asansol, is one of the most popular faces of the party on social media.

In a bid to reach out to voters, especially the young one, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition BJP in West Bengal have extended their fight to the social media with innovative ideas and catchy jingles.

In a bid to reach out to voters, especially the young one, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition BJP in West Bengal have extended their fight to the social media with innovative ideas and catchy jingles. Dedicated teams comprising hundreds of volunteers are slogging away to ensure that the "Jumla metre" and "Pradhan mantri hisab do" campaign of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the "Main Bhi Chowkidar" music video of the BJP reach their target audience. From coming out with Web series to catchy online songs to campaigns, both the parties are looking at making optimal use of social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, besides traditional emails and SMS. Attacking the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the TMC has launched a Web series "Pradhan Mantri Hisab Do" (Prime Minister, answer this). In this campaign, the party is releasing a short video everyday on Twitter and Facebook comparing the "failure" of Modi government and "success" of Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government in West Bengal in a particular field. The TMC have also come out with a "Jumla meter" on its website showing whether or not claims made by the BJP especially on governance issues in West Bengal, are true. "Both Pradhan Mantri Hisab Do and Jumla meter have become hugely popular among netizens. We have also taken steps so that each episode of Pradhan Mantri Hisab Do goes viral. We are trying reach out to our target audience - youths and first time voters," a senior TMC leader said. According to the Election Commission, West Bengal has 20.1 lakh first time voters, the maximum among the states in the coming Lok Sabha elections. The BJP, on the other hand, has made the music video of "Main Bhi Chowkidar" campaign viral on social media. The Facebook page of the saffron party's West Bengal unit live streams all the public meetings of Modi and party president Amit Shah. "We have a trained cadre base with presence down to the booth level to use the social media. We also have a huge network of volunteers. We are highlighting the failures of the TMC government and the pro-people policies of the BJP," senior BJP leader Sayantan Basu said. The TMC has trained over 40,000 youths on the use of social media under the stewardship of Abhishek Banerjee, the party's youth wing president and nephew of Mamata Banerjee. "We have one social media team for each constituency and its job is to air speeches of our party candidates via Facebook Live. We also organise Facebook chats," Col (retd) Dipatanshu Chowdhury, who is a joint convenor of the TMC's Media cell, said. The party has also set up a team to monitor media content, fake news and trolls from district level to booth level, said a member of the TMC's Social Media IT cell. The party has also created more than 10,000 WhatsApp groups to spread its message to the people. The BJP West Bengal unit has also set up a core team of around 100 professionals, who have revamped social media presence of the party in the state. The BJP has also created WhatsApp groups at various levels to create public opinion on local issues, Basu said. The top leaders of both the TMC and the BJP are regular users of social media. Mamata Banerjee, TMC's national spokesperson Derek O' Brien and Abhishek Banerjee are quite active on Twitter and Facebook. The chief minister has around 2.9 million followers on Facebook and 3.25 million followers on Twitter. Besides Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah, Union minister Babul Supriyo who is BJP candidate from Asansol, is one of the most popular faces of the party on social media.

Web series vs music video: Trinamool Congress, BJP fight it out on social media

A look at PM Narendra Modi's general election campaign

In a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday "speed-breaker Didi" has applied brakes on several central schemes, denying people of the benefits available in other parts of the country.

Addressing a rally at Rash Mela ground here, he alleged that Banerjee has let loose goons in the state, dashing the hopes of people.

"Didi has maligned Bengal with Saradha Scam, Rose Valley scam and Narada scam. I want to promise you all that this Chowkidar (Modi) will seek answers for each and every paisa looted," he said.

Noting that a venue with limited space was allotted for today's rally, Modi said, "Didi tried her best to stop people from attending the rally in large numbers.

How does she expect to win the elections with such childish antics."

"The way Mamata expressed her anger against Election Commission only shows how perplexed she is. Didi is fast losing her political ground in Bengal," the PM said.

Banerjee had expressed her displeasure when the Election Commission announced seven-phase Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal.

Modi also charged Banerjee with protecting illegal immigrants to secure her vote bank.

"Didi has betrayed the Centre by giving protection to the intruders. This chowkidar has brought NRC and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill to drive out infiltrators. But Didi with her 'Mahamilawati' (opposition alliance) colleagues are trying to stop the government from pursuing them," he said.

Sharing his plans for the development of the country, Modi said, phone calls will soon become free in the country and the charges for the Internet will be the least in the world.

"Every poor has a bank account and a debit card. Women have easy access to gas connections. What seemed impossible a few years ago has been made possible by the Modi government," he added.

Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal will be held in seven phases between April 11 and May 19.

In a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday "speed-breaker Didi" has applied brakes on several central schemes, denying people of the benefits available in other parts of the country.

In a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday "speed-breaker Didi" has applied brakes on several central schemes, denying people of the benefits available in other parts of the country. Addressing a rally at Rash Mela ground here, he alleged that Banerjee has let loose goons in the state, dashing the hopes of people. "Didi has maligned Bengal with Saradha Scam, Rose Valley scam and Narada scam. I want to promise you all that this Chowkidar (Modi) will seek answers for each and every paisa looted," he said. Noting that a venue with limited space was allotted for today's rally, Modi said, "Didi tried her best to stop people from attending the rally in large numbers. How does she expect to win the elections with such childish antics." "The way Mamata expressed her anger against Election Commission only shows how perplexed she is. Didi is fast losing her political ground in Bengal," the PM said. Banerjee had expressed her displeasure when the Election Commission announced seven-phase Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal. Modi also charged Banerjee with protecting illegal immigrants to secure her vote bank. "Didi has betrayed the Centre by giving protection to the intruders. This chowkidar has brought NRC and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill to drive out infiltrators. But Didi with her 'Mahamilawati' (opposition alliance) colleagues are trying to stop the government from pursuing them," he said. Sharing his plans for the development of the country, Modi said, phone calls will soon become free in the country and the charges for the Internet will be the least in the world. "Every poor has a bank account and a debit card. Women have easy access to gas connections. What seemed impossible a few years ago has been made possible by the Modi government," he added. Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal will be held in seven phases between April 11 and May 19.

Didi maligned Bengal with scams, denied people of central Scheme benefits: PM Modi

The Election Commission has rejected allegations of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that it ordered the transfer of four police officers at the behest of the ruling BJP at the Centre, saying the decision was based on “cumulative feedback” from one of its top officials and the special police observer.&nbsp;

The Commission also told Banerjee that as per election law, it is “fully within its rights” to transfer and appoint officers during a model code. It said it won’t respond to the averment to prove its image.

Banerjee had on Saturday has written to the EC alleging that the poll panel was working at the behest of the BJP. Responding to Banerjee’s letter, the poll panel said Saturday that “It is the ECI and the governments of states/UTs who are jointly responsible to electors of the largest democracy and are bound to act strictly in the letter and spirit of the respective roles set forth by the founding fathers of the Constitution.”

The letter, written by one of the deputy election commissioners, and addressed to Banerjee, referred to Section 28A of the Representation of the People Act to drive home the point that EC can transfer and post them during the poll code period. It said the Kerala High court has also approved of the provision in one of its judgements.

“It is unfortunate that an exercise carried out by ECI only for the duration of the Model Code of Conduct is being labelled as arbitrary, motivated at the behest of ruling party at the Centre. It would not be correct and dignified to respond to such averments to prove/burnish its credentials,” the letter read.

The Commission pointed out that the transfer of four police officials was “based on the cumulative feedback from the DEC (deputy election commissioner) who oversees electoral process in West Bengal and Special Police Observer”. It said even the officers who have been posted in their place are of similar seniority and being from West Bengal cadre are expected to know about field situation in the state.

“It is understood that the Government of West Bengal has already operationalised the decision of ECI in respect of transfers. This action of the Government of West Bengal amply demonstrates the willingness of the state administration to conduct free, fair, credible and ethical elections in West Bengal and ECI is appreciative of this irrespective of the factually incorrect innuendoes …,” the letter read.

It said, after several rounds of review, including the one in mid-March, EC appointed a Special Police Observer for West Bengal. Similarly, such observers were appointed for Jharkhand, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Telangana. “Thus, it is not as if any particular state was being singled out. Special Expenditure Observers have also been appointed for Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra,” it said.

The Election Commission has rejected allegations of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that it ordered the transfer of four police officers at the behest of the ruling BJP at the Centre, saying the decision was based on “cumulative feedback” from one of its top officials and the special police observer.

The Election Commission has rejected allegations of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that it ordered the transfer of four police officers at the behest of the ruling BJP at the Centre, saying the decision was based on “cumulative feedback” from one of its top officials and the special police observer. The Commission also told Banerjee that as per election law, it is “fully within its rights” to transfer and appoint officers during a model code. It said it won’t respond to the averment to prove its image. Banerjee had on Saturday has written to the EC alleging that the poll panel was working at the behest of the BJP. Responding to Banerjee’s letter, the poll panel said Saturday that “It is the ECI and the governments of states/UTs who are jointly responsible to electors of the largest democracy and are bound to act strictly in the letter and spirit of the respective roles set forth by the founding fathers of the Constitution.” The letter, written by one of the deputy election commissioners, and addressed to Banerjee, referred to Section 28A of the Representation of the People Act to drive home the point that EC can transfer and post them during the poll code period. It said the Kerala High court has also approved of the provision in one of its judgements. “It is unfortunate that an exercise carried out by ECI only for the duration of the Model Code of Conduct is being labelled as arbitrary, motivated at the behest of ruling party at the Centre. It would not be correct and dignified to respond to such averments to prove/burnish its credentials,” the letter read. The Commission pointed out that the transfer of four police officials was “based on the cumulative feedback from the DEC (deputy election commissioner) who oversees electoral process in West Bengal and Special Police Observer”. It said even the officers who have been posted in their place are of similar seniority and being from West Bengal cadre are expected to know about field situation in the state. “It is understood that the Government of West Bengal has already operationalised the decision of ECI in respect of transfers. This action of the Government of West Bengal amply demonstrates the willingness of the state administration to conduct free, fair, credible and ethical elections in West Bengal and ECI is appreciative of this irrespective of the factually incorrect innuendoes …,” the letter read. It said, after several rounds of review, including the one in mid-March, EC appointed a Special Police Observer for West Bengal. Similarly, such observers were appointed for Jharkhand, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Telangana. “Thus, it is not as if any particular state was being singled out. Special Expenditure Observers have also been appointed for Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra,” it said.

Fully within rights to transfer officials during polls: Election Commission tells Mamata Banerjee

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a blistering attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accusing her of supporting those who want two Prime Ministers in the country.&nbsp;

“Didi stands by the tukde-tukde gang. Didi is supporting those who want two prime ministers in the country. They want one prime minister for the country and one for Jammu &amp; Kashmir. Are you going to support such a demand? The bua-bhatija duo is destroying the state,” Modi said at the Coochbehar rally.&nbsp;

He claimed that Banerjee has lost her sleep with people chanting prime minister’s name. “The more you chant Modi, Modi, didi is not getting sleep, she is the speed breaker towards development in the state. She is hyperventilating on the Election Commission as police officers have been transferred. She is scared,” he said.&nbsp;

He used the Saradha - Rose Valley - Narada rhetoric and alleged that Goddess Saradha is worshipped everywhere. But, in Bengal her name is embroiled in chit fund scams, he said. “I promise to bring those who have suffered from the Narada, Saradha and Rose Valley scams to justice,” he added.&nbsp;

The rally, held at Rash Mela Grounds near the Coochbehar Palace -- the same venue where West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will address a public meeting tomorrow.&nbsp;

TMC had erected a stage on the grounds even before the BJP’s meeting was to be held.&nbsp;

Interestingly, the stage erected by TMC remained on one side of the ground as Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the public meeting from the other side.&nbsp;

Reacting to the stage present on the other side of the ground, Modi said, “Didi is acting like kids. You can’t win elections by acting like kids. The stage you see in front of you is a memorial. It signifies the end of TMC rule in Bengal.”

The district administration had granted permission to BJP to hold a meeting on April 7 and TMC to hold a meeting on April 8.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held his last rally in Coochbehar district going for the polls in the first phase of elections. This is his second visit to West Bengal within a week after he addressed twin rallies in Siliguri and Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Grounds.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a blistering attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accusing her of supporting those who want two Prime Ministers in the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a blistering attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accusing her of supporting those who want two Prime Ministers in the country. “Didi stands by the tukde-tukde gang. Didi is supporting those who want two prime ministers in the country. They want one prime minister for the country and one for Jammu & Kashmir. Are you going to support such a demand? The bua-bhatija duo is destroying the state,” Modi said at the Coochbehar rally. He claimed that Banerjee has lost her sleep with people chanting prime minister’s name. “The more you chant Modi, Modi, didi is not getting sleep, she is the speed breaker towards development in the state. She is hyperventilating on the Election Commission as police officers have been transferred. She is scared,” he said. He used the Saradha - Rose Valley - Narada rhetoric and alleged that Goddess Saradha is worshipped everywhere. But, in Bengal her name is embroiled in chit fund scams, he said. “I promise to bring those who have suffered from the Narada, Saradha and Rose Valley scams to justice,” he added. The rally, held at Rash Mela Grounds near the Coochbehar Palace -- the same venue where West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will address a public meeting tomorrow. TMC had erected a stage on the grounds even before the BJP’s meeting was to be held. Interestingly, the stage erected by TMC remained on one side of the ground as Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the public meeting from the other side. Reacting to the stage present on the other side of the ground, Modi said, “Didi is acting like kids. You can’t win elections by acting like kids. The stage you see in front of you is a memorial. It signifies the end of TMC rule in Bengal.” The district administration had granted permission to BJP to hold a meeting on April 7 and TMC to hold a meeting on April 8. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held his last rally in Coochbehar district going for the polls in the first phase of elections. This is his second visit to West Bengal within a week after he addressed twin rallies in Siliguri and Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Grounds.

Didi stands by 'tukde-tukde gang', supports those who want two PMs, says Modi

Trinamool Congress Mamata Banerjee Sunday accused the Centre of intervening in state matters while questioning the removal of Andhra Pradesh chief secretary by the Election Commission.

She sought to know why Prime Minister Narendra Modi isn't removing his own Cabinet secretary or the Union home secretary if he was so "fond of making last-minute changes".

"Why is the Centre intervening in state matters? Why was Andhra Pradesh chief secretary removed?" Banerjee asked at an election rally here. 
"Why don't you (Modi) remove your own cabinet secretary," she asked.

The Election Commission on Friday removed Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary Anil Chandra Punetha from the post and appointed senior-most IAS officer LV Subrahmanyam in his place.

Reacting to the poll panel's move of removing four IPS officers in West Bengal, including Kolkata and Bidhanagar police commissioners, the West Bengal chief minister Saturday wrote a letter protesting its decision.

The letter said the removals were "unfortunate, highly arbitrary, motivated and biased" and taken at the behest of BJP, and urged the poll panel to review its decision.

Retorting to PM's claim that the TMC supremo was afraid of him, Banerjee said that it was Modi who was afraid of her and not the other way round.

Without naming former political associate Mukul Roy, whom she addressed as a traitor for quitting her party to join the BJP, she accused Modi of holding a meeting with a person accused in Saradha, Narada cases.

"Have you (PM Narendra Modi) been able to clean the Ganga at Varanasi, that you are looking at Bengal?" Banerjee questioned, saying that the BJP should trying to save its seat in Delhi before turning to Bengal.

She dared the BJP to implement NRC in Bengal, saying it will never be allowed in the state.&nbsp;

Trinamool Congress Mamata Banerjee Sunday accused the Centre of intervening in state matters while questioning the removal of Andhra Pradesh chief secretary by the Election Commission.

Trinamool Congress Mamata Banerjee Sunday accused the Centre of intervening in state matters while questioning the removal of Andhra Pradesh chief secretary by the Election Commission. She sought to know why Prime Minister Narendra Modi isn't removing his own Cabinet secretary or the Union home secretary if he was so "fond of making last-minute changes". "Why is the Centre intervening in state matters? Why was Andhra Pradesh chief secretary removed?" Banerjee asked at an election rally here. "Why don't you (Modi) remove your own cabinet secretary," she asked. The Election Commission on Friday removed Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary Anil Chandra Punetha from the post and appointed senior-most IAS officer LV Subrahmanyam in his place. Reacting to the poll panel's move of removing four IPS officers in West Bengal, including Kolkata and Bidhanagar police commissioners, the West Bengal chief minister Saturday wrote a letter protesting its decision. The letter said the removals were "unfortunate, highly arbitrary, motivated and biased" and taken at the behest of BJP, and urged the poll panel to review its decision. Retorting to PM's claim that the TMC supremo was afraid of him, Banerjee said that it was Modi who was afraid of her and not the other way round. Without naming former political associate Mukul Roy, whom she addressed as a traitor for quitting her party to join the BJP, she accused Modi of holding a meeting with a person accused in Saradha, Narada cases. "Have you (PM Narendra Modi) been able to clean the Ganga at Varanasi, that you are looking at Bengal?" Banerjee questioned, saying that the BJP should trying to save its seat in Delhi before turning to Bengal. She dared the BJP to implement NRC in Bengal, saying it will never be allowed in the state.

Mamata lashes out at Modi, questions Andhra chief secretary's Removal

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra became the latest member of India's storied Nehru-Gandhi dynasty to enter politics in January, but the boost she brings the opposition campaign may not turn the tide against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, polls show.

After years of speculation, the charismatic Vadra joined Congress to help its leader, her brother Rahul, in general elections that begin next week, pitching the party and regional groups against Modi.

Congress hopes the fourth-generation siblings of a dynasty that ruled India for decades after independence from Britain in 1947 and is still revered by many will help energise its ranks and counter Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

In the run-up to the election that starts on Thursday, the 47-year-old Vadra has spent hours campaigning in cars, trucks and even a boat, to woo voters in Uttar Pradesh, which sends more lawmakers to parliament than any other Indian state.

Reuters followed her at two roadshows where she smiled, waved, and shook hands, occasionally wading into crowds as her security detail scrambled along. Her father and grandmother, both former prime ministers, were assassinated.

Thousands of people lined the streets for several kilometres, waving Congress flags and chanting her name.

"There is support for Congress because of Priyanka," said Mahesh Gupta, a shopkeeper in the temple town of Ayodhya, where she visited a shrine in late March.

Gupta, who referred to Vadra by her first name, as many Indians do, voted for Modi in the last election, but said he was considering Congress after seeing her campaign.

Vadra, a marquee campaigner for Congress, chose Ayodhya as one of her first tours to take on the BJP in its own bastion.

Even so, in the face of the formidable political machine of the BJP which also rules the state, Congress may be unable to capitalise on her appeal, pollsters and some party leaders said.

Vadra's campaigning was getting attention for Congress it would not have got otherwise, but it did not look like the party was making gains, said Milan Vaishnav, an analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

"Many in Congress say the Priyanka play is more about building up the party for 2022 assembly elections and beyond," he said, referring to state elections in Uttar Pradesh.

Last month, polling agencies CVoter and CNX separately estimated Congress would win just 4 of the 80 seats up for grabs in the state, doubling its tally since the last general election in 2014.

That year's sweep of 71 seats for the BJP paved the way for Modi's clear majority in India’s 545-member Lok Sabha.

A broader poll published by a newspaper on Friday showed Modi's approval ratings across India were higher even than in 2014 when he was making a bid for power.

The poll, by the newspaper CSDS-Lokniti, showed 43 per cent of respondents wanted Modi as the next prime minister, with 24 per cent for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Vote wisely

For years, Vadra helped manage elections for her brother and mother, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, in their own constituencies, but was reluctant to get into politics herself.

A mother of two, she is married to businessman Robert Vadra and has long been seen as a natural politician with strong speaking skills and an ability to easily connect with people.

One afternoon last week, her 12-car convoy sped past lush fields and small settlements, kicking up a cloud of dust before stopping at the village of Atka in the Ayodhya district.

The saree-clad Vadra jumped out of her car and settled down on the ground surrounded by a group of women, many veiled and others smiling.

"If someone doesn’t work for you, how will you teach them a lesson?" she asked, imploring them to vote wisely. "Vote for those who want to work for you."

CVoter, which has run a daily opinion poll since January, said Congress support in Uttar Pradesh has dropped off after jumping 10 percentage points in the days following the news that Vadra had taken a party post.

Late in March, about 8.9 per cent of state voters backed Congress, a far cry from the 43.4 per cent supporting the BJP and the 44 per cent behind an alliance of two major regional parties.

However, even with Vadra's hectic campaigning, Congress is struggling to get its message of welfare to voters, party officials said.

Six voters in Uttar Pradesh said they had not heard of a Congress election promise for a programme to give India's poorest families monthly handouts of 6,000 rupees.

"They brought her in at a very wrong time," said one Congress official, who declined to be identified because he was not authorised to speak formally to media.

A better time would have been December, just days after Congress won power in three key states, giving her more time to prepare, he added. Others in the party have said it should have been years earlier.

The BJP has dismissed Vadra's formal entry into politics as inconsequential and Modi said it only showed that for some "the family is the party".

Vadra's office did not respond to a request from Reuters for an interview.

But Congress will seize on momentum building against the BJP, said Kamal Nath, a top Congress leader and chief minister of Madhya Pradesh.

"You have to time everything," he told Reuters. "You don't want to peak out too fast."

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra became the latest member of India's storied Nehru-Gandhi dynasty to enter politics in January, but the boost she brings the opposition campaign may not turn the tide against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, polls show.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra became the latest member of India's storied Nehru-Gandhi dynasty to enter politics in January, but the boost she brings the opposition campaign may not turn the tide against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, polls show. After years of speculation, the charismatic Vadra joined Congress to help its leader, her brother Rahul, in general elections that begin next week, pitching the party and regional groups against Modi. Congress hopes the fourth-generation siblings of a dynasty that ruled India for decades after independence from Britain in 1947 and is still revered by many will help energise its ranks and counter Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In the run-up to the election that starts on Thursday, the 47-year-old Vadra has spent hours campaigning in cars, trucks and even a boat, to woo voters in Uttar Pradesh, which sends more lawmakers to parliament than any other Indian state. Reuters followed her at two roadshows where she smiled, waved, and shook hands, occasionally wading into crowds as her security detail scrambled along. Her father and grandmother, both former prime ministers, were assassinated. Thousands of people lined the streets for several kilometres, waving Congress flags and chanting her name. "There is support for Congress because of Priyanka," said Mahesh Gupta, a shopkeeper in the temple town of Ayodhya, where she visited a shrine in late March. Gupta, who referred to Vadra by her first name, as many Indians do, voted for Modi in the last election, but said he was considering Congress after seeing her campaign. Vadra, a marquee campaigner for Congress, chose Ayodhya as one of her first tours to take on the BJP in its own bastion. Even so, in the face of the formidable political machine of the BJP which also rules the state, Congress may be unable to capitalise on her appeal, pollsters and some party leaders said. Vadra's campaigning was getting attention for Congress it would not have got otherwise, but it did not look like the party was making gains, said Milan Vaishnav, an analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. "Many in Congress say the Priyanka play is more about building up the party for 2022 assembly elections and beyond," he said, referring to state elections in Uttar Pradesh. Last month, polling agencies CVoter and CNX separately estimated Congress would win just 4 of the 80 seats up for grabs in the state, doubling its tally since the last general election in 2014. That year's sweep of 71 seats for the BJP paved the way for Modi's clear majority in India’s 545-member Lok Sabha. A broader poll published by a newspaper on Friday showed Modi's approval ratings across India were higher even than in 2014 when he was making a bid for power. The poll, by the newspaper CSDS-Lokniti, showed 43 per cent of respondents wanted Modi as the next prime minister, with 24 per cent for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Vote wisely For years, Vadra helped manage elections for her brother and mother, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, in their own constituencies, but was reluctant to get into politics herself. A mother of two, she is married to businessman Robert Vadra and has long been seen as a natural politician with strong speaking skills and an ability to easily connect with people. One afternoon last week, her 12-car convoy sped past lush fields and small settlements, kicking up a cloud of dust before stopping at the village of Atka in the Ayodhya district. The saree-clad Vadra jumped out of her car and settled down on the ground surrounded by a group of women, many veiled and others smiling. "If someone doesn’t work for you, how will you teach them a lesson?" she asked, imploring them to vote wisely. "Vote for those who want to work for you." CVoter, which has run a daily opinion poll since January, said Congress support in Uttar Pradesh has dropped off after jumping 10 percentage points in the days following the news that Vadra had taken a party post. Late in March, about 8.9 per cent of state voters backed Congress, a far cry from the 43.4 per cent supporting the BJP and the 44 per cent behind an alliance of two major regional parties. However, even with Vadra's hectic campaigning, Congress is struggling to get its message of welfare to voters, party officials said. Six voters in Uttar Pradesh said they had not heard of a Congress election promise for a programme to give India's poorest families monthly handouts of 6,000 rupees. "They brought her in at a very wrong time," said one Congress official, who declined to be identified because he was not authorised to speak formally to media. A better time would have been December, just days after Congress won power in three key states, giving her more time to prepare, he added. Others in the party have said it should have been years earlier. The BJP has dismissed Vadra's formal entry into politics as inconsequential and Modi said it only showed that for some "the family is the party". Vadra's office did not respond to a request from Reuters for an interview. But Congress will seize on momentum building against the BJP, said Kamal Nath, a top Congress leader and chief minister of Madhya Pradesh. "You have to time everything," he told Reuters. "You don't want to peak out too fast."

Priyanka Gandhi in uphill battle against BJP in eastern Uttar Pradesh

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