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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Response in the first two phases of polling is giving sleepless nights to&nbsp;Opposition parties, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. &nbsp;

Addressing an election rally at Kendrapara in Odisha, Modi further said that 'Lahar' (wave) for BJP has become 'Lalkar' (challenge) for the Opposition after two phases of polls.&nbsp;

Prime minister accused the Naveen Patnaik government of resorting to violence and added in Odisha, BJD will go and BJP will come to power after polls.&nbsp;

How will Odisha's car move forward if it has three tyres of BJP and one of some other party? he asked the crowd.&nbsp;

Modi also spoke about his clean image as prime minister and said ''You have seen many governments in the past, ours is the only One which hasn't been mired in any scams: Modi in Odisha.''

Those levelling false allegations against BJP are found Standing in the dock, he said.&nbsp;

Response in the first two phases of polling is giving sleepless nights to Opposition parties, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. Addressing an election rally at Kendrapara in Odisha, Modi further said that 'Lahar' (wave) for BJP has become 'Lalkar' (challenge) for the Opposition after two phases of polls.

Response in the first two phases of polling is giving sleepless nights to Opposition parties, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. Addressing an election rally at Kendrapara in Odisha, Modi further said that 'Lahar' (wave) for BJP has become 'Lalkar' (challenge) for the Opposition after two phases of polls. Prime minister accused the Naveen Patnaik government of resorting to violence and added in Odisha, BJD will go and BJP will come to power after polls. How will Odisha's car move forward if it has three tyres of BJP and one of some other party? he asked the crowd. Modi also spoke about his clean image as prime minister and said ''You have seen many governments in the past, ours is the only One which hasn't been mired in any scams: Modi in Odisha.'' Those levelling false allegations against BJP are found Standing in the dock, he said.

Response in first 2 phases giving sleepless nights to Opposition parties: PM Modi  

The Indian politico-diplomatic policy contour, in relation to two major events slated for end April in the Chinese calendar, is indicative of a carefully nuanced posture that Delhi is adopting towards Beijing, even as the world’s largest democracy is in the middle of a major national election.

The Modi led NDA government is in caretaker mode and a new Prime Minister will assume office after May 23 but some import-laden Indian policies that are unfolding this week warrant scrutiny.

On April 23 (Tuesday), two Indian naval ships – the INS Kolkata, a guided-missile destroyer and INS Shakti the fleet tanker will be part of the International Fleet Review (IFR) that China is conducting off Qingdao as part of the 70th-anniversary celebrations of the PLA Navy. Chinese President Xi Jinping will review the 50 naval ships assembled from 13 nations (excluding the host) on Tuesday. Major foreign navies represented at the PLA(N) IFR &nbsp;include Russia, Japan and India and some ASEAN nations. It may be recalled that India had conducted an IFR in February 2016 that saw 100 ships from 50 navies anchored off Visakhapatnam and the assemblage included two PLA(N) frigates.

International fleet reviews are a demonstration of a nation’s politico-diplomatic and military credibility as also acceptability and China is engaged in a similar pursuit against the backdrop of regional anxiety and unease over the kind of military assertiveness that Beijing has demonstrated in recent years in relation to its territorial claims in the East Asia-western Pacific continuum.

But in contrast to this friendly overture apropos the Qingdao IFR, Delhi has decided that India will not be part of the second OBOR (one belt-one road) summit being held in Beijing later in the week (April 26). This summit meeting has been billed as the biggest diplomatic event for China in 2019 and is acknowledged as a hugely ambitious personal project of President Xi Jinping that has complex strategic implications linked to the ‘rise of China’.

Delhi had stayed away from the inaugural summit in 2017 due to the manner in which India’s sovereignty claims over POK (Pakistan occupied Kashmir) were ignored among other concerns. Yet given the manner in which the post-Doklam tension was sought to be assuaged at the informal Xi-Modi summit Wuhan, it was expected that India would review its non-participation at the second OBOR (aka Belt and Road Initiative) &nbsp;summit. &nbsp;&nbsp;

However, in what was seen as a major disappointment for Beijing, earlier in March, the Indian ambassador to China Vikram Misri explained the rationale for the Indian refusal to be part of the 2019 summit. Misri noted: &nbsp;"Above all, connectivity initiatives must be pursued in a manner that respects the sovereignty, equality and territorial integrity of nations".

He further added: "No country can participate in an initiative that ignores its core concerns on sovereignty and territorial integrity. To be honest, we have made no secret of our views and our position on the BRI is clear and consistent and one that we have conveyed to the authorities concerned.”&nbsp; 
 
It is understood that most of the global community would be present at the second BRI &nbsp;summit, including nations with whom China currently has an uneasy or tense relationship including the USA and Japan and India’s determined ‘absence’ would be visible.

The inference that could be made is that by adopting two very different policy &nbsp;options in relation to the PLA (Navy) IFR on April 23 and the BRI summit on April 26, Delhi &nbsp;is signalling both malleability and resolve in what may be described as an ‘issue-based’ and carefully calibrated approach in its overall China policy.

In yet another development, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has set up a new division designated the Indo-Pacific and it is understood that this division will integrate policies pertaining to the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and deliberations related to the Quad. The latter refers to maritime/naval consultations between the USA, Japan, India and Australia.

The Indo-Pacific is both a geographic entity that links the two oceans – the Indian and the Pacific; and a nascent strategic construct mooted by the USA in some detail in October 2017. The Indian formulation in relation to the Indo-Pacific was outlined by PM Modi at the Shangri-La dialogue in mid-2018 which dwelt on the centrality of ASEAN in this maritime framework. China has its own reservations about this yoking of the two oceans and the strategic sub-text advanced by the USA and the Indian decision to formally create a new division dedicated to the Indo-Pacific will not go unnoticed.

Managing the bilateral with China will be a major challenge for the next Indian government and the policy contours of end April, as manifest in the IFR and the BRI summit, will remain important punctuation in this uneasy relationship between the two Asian giants.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Indian politico-diplomatic policy contour, in relation to two major events slated for end April in the Chinese calendar, is indicative of a carefully nuanced posture that Delhi is adopting towards Beijing, even as the world’s largest democracy is in the middle of a major national election.

The Indian politico-diplomatic policy contour, in relation to two major events slated for end April in the Chinese calendar, is indicative of a carefully nuanced posture that Delhi is adopting towards Beijing, even as the world’s largest democracy is in the middle of a major national election. The Modi led NDA government is in caretaker mode and a new Prime Minister will assume office after May 23 but some import-laden Indian policies that are unfolding this week warrant scrutiny. On April 23 (Tuesday), two Indian naval ships – the INS Kolkata, a guided-missile destroyer and INS Shakti the fleet tanker will be part of the International Fleet Review (IFR) that China is conducting off Qingdao as part of the 70th-anniversary celebrations of the PLA Navy. Chinese President Xi Jinping will review the 50 naval ships assembled from 13 nations (excluding the host) on Tuesday. Major foreign navies represented at the PLA(N) IFR include Russia, Japan and India and some ASEAN nations. It may be recalled that India had conducted an IFR in February 2016 that saw 100 ships from 50 navies anchored off Visakhapatnam and the assemblage included two PLA(N) frigates. International fleet reviews are a demonstration of a nation’s politico-diplomatic and military credibility as also acceptability and China is engaged in a similar pursuit against the backdrop of regional anxiety and unease over the kind of military assertiveness that Beijing has demonstrated in recent years in relation to its territorial claims in the East Asia-western Pacific continuum. But in contrast to this friendly overture apropos the Qingdao IFR, Delhi has decided that India will not be part of the second OBOR (one belt-one road) summit being held in Beijing later in the week (April 26). This summit meeting has been billed as the biggest diplomatic event for China in 2019 and is acknowledged as a hugely ambitious personal project of President Xi Jinping that has complex strategic implications linked to the ‘rise of China’. Delhi had stayed away from the inaugural summit in 2017 due to the manner in which India’s sovereignty claims over POK (Pakistan occupied Kashmir) were ignored among other concerns. Yet given the manner in which the post-Doklam tension was sought to be assuaged at the informal Xi-Modi summit Wuhan, it was expected that India would review its non-participation at the second OBOR (aka Belt and Road Initiative) summit. However, in what was seen as a major disappointment for Beijing, earlier in March, the Indian ambassador to China Vikram Misri explained the rationale for the Indian refusal to be part of the 2019 summit. Misri noted: "Above all, connectivity initiatives must be pursued in a manner that respects the sovereignty, equality and territorial integrity of nations". He further added: "No country can participate in an initiative that ignores its core concerns on sovereignty and territorial integrity. To be honest, we have made no secret of our views and our position on the BRI is clear and consistent and one that we have conveyed to the authorities concerned.” It is understood that most of the global community would be present at the second BRI summit, including nations with whom China currently has an uneasy or tense relationship including the USA and Japan and India’s determined ‘absence’ would be visible. The inference that could be made is that by adopting two very different policy options in relation to the PLA (Navy) IFR on April 23 and the BRI summit on April 26, Delhi is signalling both malleability and resolve in what may be described as an ‘issue-based’ and carefully calibrated approach in its overall China policy. In yet another development, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has set up a new division designated the Indo-Pacific and it is understood that this division will integrate policies pertaining to the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and deliberations related to the Quad. The latter refers to maritime/naval consultations between the USA, Japan, India and Australia. The Indo-Pacific is both a geographic entity that links the two oceans – the Indian and the Pacific; and a nascent strategic construct mooted by the USA in some detail in October 2017. The Indian formulation in relation to the Indo-Pacific was outlined by PM Modi at the Shangri-La dialogue in mid-2018 which dwelt on the centrality of ASEAN in this maritime framework. China has its own reservations about this yoking of the two oceans and the strategic sub-text advanced by the USA and the Indian decision to formally create a new division dedicated to the Indo-Pacific will not go unnoticed. Managing the bilateral with China will be a major challenge for the next Indian government and the policy contours of end April, as manifest in the IFR and the BRI summit, will remain important punctuation in this uneasy relationship between the two Asian giants. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Managing bilateral relations with China will be a major challenge for the next Indian government

Election Commission of India barred Congress leaders <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fir-against-navjot-singh-sidhu-over-communal-remarks-210997">Navjot Singh Sidhu</a> from holding any public meeting, road show, public rally in connection with ongoing Lok Sabha elections for 72 hours over his communal remark he made earlier.

On April 16, Sidhu had warned Muslims not to split their votes and instead defeat the BJP by voting against it unitedly. Following his speech, Elections Commission registered a case against him for violating the model code of conduct for elections.

"I am here to warn my Muslim brothers. They (BJP) are dividing you. By bringing people like (Asadudding) Owaisi here, they want to divide your vote for winning. If you people unite and vote unitedly, then everything will overturn and Modi will be finished," cricketer-turned-politician said in a rally in Bihar.

He is also barred from giving an interview in media &nbsp;&nbsp;

The temporary ban will come into effect from 10 am on 23 April and will stay till 72 hours.

Lok Sabha elections in Bihar are being held in all seven phases. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

(With inputs from news agencies)

Election Commission of India barred Congress leaders Navjot Singh Sidhu from holding any public meeting, road show, public rally in connection with ongoing Lok Sabha elections for 72 hours over his communal remark he made earlier.

Election Commission of India barred Congress leaders Navjot Singh Sidhu from holding any public meeting, road show, public rally in connection with ongoing Lok Sabha elections for 72 hours over his communal remark he made earlier. On April 16, Sidhu had warned Muslims not to split their votes and instead defeat the BJP by voting against it unitedly. Following his speech, Elections Commission registered a case against him for violating the model code of conduct for elections. "I am here to warn my Muslim brothers. They (BJP) are dividing you. By bringing people like (Asadudding) Owaisi here, they want to divide your vote for winning. If you people unite and vote unitedly, then everything will overturn and Modi will be finished," cricketer-turned-politician said in a rally in Bihar. He is also barred from giving an interview in media The temporary ban will come into effect from 10 am on 23 April and will stay till 72 hours. Lok Sabha elections in Bihar are being held in all seven phases. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. (With inputs from news agencies)

Election Commission bars Navjot Singh Sidhu from campaigning for 3 days

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

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

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

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/eighth-blast-hits-sri-lankan-capital-city-colombo-death-toll-crosses-160-212267">series of blasts</a> that hit the neighbour island today, news agency PTI reported. He&nbsp;conveyed his condolences on behalf of all Indians and termed "as cold-blooded and pre-planned barbaric acts".

During the call, PM Modi pointed out that these attacks were another grim reminder of the most serious challenge posed to the entire humanity by terrorism in our region and the entire world.

A series of blasts ripped through high-end hotels and churches holding Easter services in Sri Lanka on Sunday, over 160 people have been reported dead so far, including 35 foreigners.

So far no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/leaders-condemn-serial-explosions-in-sri-lanka-that-killed-at-least-129-212230">condemned the attacks</a> on Twitter and said that&nbsp;India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka.

"Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured."

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Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1119863044216172544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Indian foreign ministry also extended condolences to the families of victims.

"We strongly condemn the serial blasts on multiple locations in Sri Lanka today morning in which many people have been killed and injured. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of Sri Lanka. We wish a speedy recovery to those injured in the attacks," the foreign ministry&nbsp;said in the statement.

"We stand together with the people and Government of Sri Lanka in this hour of grief," the statement added.

India also called for perpetrators of the attack and those who provide them support to be brought to justice expeditiously.

The three hotels that were hit were the Shangri-La Colombo, Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo and the Cinnamon Grand Colombo in the capital city, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

St Anthony's Shrine, a Catholic Church in Kochcikade, Colombo, was one of the churches where a blast was reported on Sunday along with an explosion at St Sebastian's gothic-style Catholic church in Katuwapitiya, north of Colombo and an explosion that hit an evangelical church in Batticaloa in Eastern Province.

Later in the day, the Sri Lankan police reported the seventh explosion, the fourth at a hotel near the national zoo, which is in an area near the capital Colombo, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The latest and the eighth in the series of Easter Day explosions occurred in the suburb of Orugodawatta in the north of the capital city Colombo.&nbsp;

As per reports, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for an emergency parliamentary session.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan government also imposed a nationwide curfew Sunday that police said would go into effect immediately and would last "until further notice".

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on series of blasts that hit the neighbour island today, news agency PTI reported.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on series of blasts that hit the neighbour island today, news agency PTI reported. He conveyed his condolences on behalf of all Indians and termed "as cold-blooded and pre-planned barbaric acts". During the call, PM Modi pointed out that these attacks were another grim reminder of the most serious challenge posed to the entire humanity by terrorism in our region and the entire world. A series of blasts ripped through high-end hotels and churches holding Easter services in Sri Lanka on Sunday, over 160 people have been reported dead so far, including 35 foreigners. So far no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Earlier in the day, PM Modi also condemned the attacks on Twitter and said that India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. "Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured." Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 21, 2019 × Indian foreign ministry also extended condolences to the families of victims. "We strongly condemn the serial blasts on multiple locations in Sri Lanka today morning in which many people have been killed and injured. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of Sri Lanka. We wish a speedy recovery to those injured in the attacks," the foreign ministry said in the statement. "We stand together with the people and Government of Sri Lanka in this hour of grief," the statement added. India also called for perpetrators of the attack and those who provide them support to be brought to justice expeditiously. The three hotels that were hit were the Shangri-La Colombo, Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo and the Cinnamon Grand Colombo in the capital city, news agency Reuters reported. St Anthony's Shrine, a Catholic Church in Kochcikade, Colombo, was one of the churches where a blast was reported on Sunday along with an explosion at St Sebastian's gothic-style Catholic church in Katuwapitiya, north of Colombo and an explosion that hit an evangelical church in Batticaloa in Eastern Province. Later in the day, the Sri Lankan police reported the seventh explosion, the fourth at a hotel near the national zoo, which is in an area near the capital Colombo, Reuters reported. The latest and the eighth in the series of Easter Day explosions occurred in the suburb of Orugodawatta in the north of the capital city Colombo. As per reports, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for an emergency parliamentary session. The Sri Lankan government also imposed a nationwide curfew Sunday that police said would go into effect immediately and would last "until further notice". (With inputs from agencies)

These blasts are grim reminder of most serious challenge to humanity: PM Modi to Sri Lankan President, PM

Attacking Narendra Modi, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Saturday said there has never been a "weaker government" and "weaker Prime minister" than the incumbent ones, as she sought to highlight the values and virtues of a true leader.

Campaigning in Wayanad from where her brother and party chief Rahul Gandhi is contesting besides his stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, she sought to know whether suppressing the voice of those who criticise the government's policies amounts to nationalism.

She also alleged that the BJP government had "betrayed" the faith of people, who voted it to power.

Making a strong pitch for her brother, the Congress' general secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh East took part in four election rallies in the constituency and met the farmers of Wayanad as thousands of people thronged the meetings.

Her children Miraya and Raihan were also with her.

Addressing a massive rally of farmers at Pulpally, she questioned the nationalism of those who refused to listen to thousands of farmers who had "marched barefoot" to Delhi to highlight their problems.

She said people deserve a Prime Minister who respects them and does not dismiss his own promises casually.

"Sisters and brothers of Wayanad, I have never seen a weaker government, than the government that has been in power for the last five years in India.

I have never seen a weaker Prime Minister than the Prime Minister of India today. My sisters and brothers, I think you deserve better. I think you deserve a government that speaks for you," Priyanka Gandhi said.

Continuing to attack Modi, the Congress leader claimed the prime minister, who cannot take out one day to visit even a single house in his constituency in five years, does not respect the people of the country.

"A Prime Minister who is afraid of questions, who is afraid to answer people when they ask him what he wants to do for them, who is afraid of criticism, who cannot tolerate dissent is not a strong Prime Minister," she said.

She said a government which suppresses its own people, that does not allow freedom of speech, or to practice own religion or culture, is not a strong government.

"Weakest of all is the government that divides you instead of uniting. That makes you afraid instead of filling you with courage. That makes you worried of speaking your views in public.

That's the weakest form of governance that could possibly exist," she said during a rally at Areekode.

She asked the voters of Wayanad to consider democracy and the vote as their weapons.

"When you see advertisements by the BJP which use words like you have been 'gifted' by certain policies or that the government is doing certain things as a favour to you, you must question it...Because, nothing a leader does, a politician does or a political party does for your benefit is not a favour but their duty," she said.

The government which does not have the "guts" to accept the power of its people, it is a weak government and it must be "taught a lesson", she said.

Narrating her experience when she went to Uttar Pradesh, she said she was asked by some women to make a promise, that is to construct a bridge across the river in their village.

"I got scared. I did not know how much it will cost, whether the government has sanctioned it or not. So I cannot make this promise.

And when I tell you that you must recognise your strength, you must understand, the fear that I felt in my heart, that making a wrong promise I cannot fulfil. It should be a fear that you instil in the hearts of politicians who come before you," Priyanka Gandhi said.

She said if a leader was a true nationalist, he does not spread hate, but spreads love and does not divide but unites.

Canvassing votes for Rahul Gandhi, she asked the voters to exercise their franchise carefully and use their vote to protect the country, democracy and their rights.

Attacking the NDA government, she wanted to know if "attempts" to destroy the constitution and weakening institutions that protect the rights of people was nationalism.

"They (BJP) attempt to divide you and talk about nationalism... When thousands of farmers marched barefoot from all corners of the country to your doorstep and you send them away without listening to their suffering..When people raise their voice in protest against you, when they criticise your policies...You jail them, beat them.. Is that nationalism?" she asked.

Referring to BJP leaders invoking Pakistan in their election speeches, the Congress leader said they never speak of what they were going to do for the people of the country.

Earlier at a rally in Manthawady, she said the saffron party, when it came to power, forgot who gave them the power.

"Five years ago, a government came to power that was voted with the majority. The people of our country, with all their wisdom, rested their faith upon them.

But from the moment it came to power, it began to betray the faith of the people," Priyanka Gandhi said.

She also found time to meet seven-year-old Naadan, a boy who was seen crying in a video which went viral as he was unable to see Rahul Gandhi when he visited the state earlier.

She gave him an autographed photo of the Congress chief.

Rahul Gandhi had earlier called and talked to Naadan over the phone after the video went viral.

"She will be visiting the house of CRPF jawan Vasanth Kumar, who was killed in the Pulwama terror attack in February, tomorrow," a senior party source said.&nbsp;

Attacking Narendra Modi, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Saturday said there has never been a "weaker government" and "weaker Prime minister" than the incumbent ones, as she sought to highlight the values and virtues of a true leader.

Attacking Narendra Modi, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Saturday said there has never been a "weaker government" and "weaker Prime minister" than the incumbent ones, as she sought to highlight the values and virtues of a true leader. Campaigning in Wayanad from where her brother and party chief Rahul Gandhi is contesting besides his stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, she sought to know whether suppressing the voice of those who criticise the government's policies amounts to nationalism. She also alleged that the BJP government had "betrayed" the faith of people, who voted it to power. Making a strong pitch for her brother, the Congress' general secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh East took part in four election rallies in the constituency and met the farmers of Wayanad as thousands of people thronged the meetings. Her children Miraya and Raihan were also with her. Addressing a massive rally of farmers at Pulpally, she questioned the nationalism of those who refused to listen to thousands of farmers who had "marched barefoot" to Delhi to highlight their problems. She said people deserve a Prime Minister who respects them and does not dismiss his own promises casually. "Sisters and brothers of Wayanad, I have never seen a weaker government, than the government that has been in power for the last five years in India. I have never seen a weaker Prime Minister than the Prime Minister of India today. My sisters and brothers, I think you deserve better. I think you deserve a government that speaks for you," Priyanka Gandhi said. Continuing to attack Modi, the Congress leader claimed the prime minister, who cannot take out one day to visit even a single house in his constituency in five years, does not respect the people of the country. "A Prime Minister who is afraid of questions, who is afraid to answer people when they ask him what he wants to do for them, who is afraid of criticism, who cannot tolerate dissent is not a strong Prime Minister," she said. She said a government which suppresses its own people, that does not allow freedom of speech, or to practice own religion or culture, is not a strong government. "Weakest of all is the government that divides you instead of uniting. That makes you afraid instead of filling you with courage. That makes you worried of speaking your views in public. That's the weakest form of governance that could possibly exist," she said during a rally at Areekode. She asked the voters of Wayanad to consider democracy and the vote as their weapons. "When you see advertisements by the BJP which use words like you have been 'gifted' by certain policies or that the government is doing certain things as a favour to you, you must question it...Because, nothing a leader does, a politician does or a political party does for your benefit is not a favour but their duty," she said. The government which does not have the "guts" to accept the power of its people, it is a weak government and it must be "taught a lesson", she said. Narrating her experience when she went to Uttar Pradesh, she said she was asked by some women to make a promise, that is to construct a bridge across the river in their village. "I got scared. I did not know how much it will cost, whether the government has sanctioned it or not. So I cannot make this promise. And when I tell you that you must recognise your strength, you must understand, the fear that I felt in my heart, that making a wrong promise I cannot fulfil. It should be a fear that you instil in the hearts of politicians who come before you," Priyanka Gandhi said. She said if a leader was a true nationalist, he does not spread hate, but spreads love and does not divide but unites. Canvassing votes for Rahul Gandhi, she asked the voters to exercise their franchise carefully and use their vote to protect the country, democracy and their rights. Attacking the NDA government, she wanted to know if "attempts" to destroy the constitution and weakening institutions that protect the rights of people was nationalism. "They (BJP) attempt to divide you and talk about nationalism... When thousands of farmers marched barefoot from all corners of the country to your doorstep and you send them away without listening to their suffering..When people raise their voice in protest against you, when they criticise your policies...You jail them, beat them.. Is that nationalism?" she asked. Referring to BJP leaders invoking Pakistan in their election speeches, the Congress leader said they never speak of what they were going to do for the people of the country. Earlier at a rally in Manthawady, she said the saffron party, when it came to power, forgot who gave them the power. "Five years ago, a government came to power that was voted with the majority. The people of our country, with all their wisdom, rested their faith upon them. But from the moment it came to power, it began to betray the faith of the people," Priyanka Gandhi said. She also found time to meet seven-year-old Naadan, a boy who was seen crying in a video which went viral as he was unable to see Rahul Gandhi when he visited the state earlier. She gave him an autographed photo of the Congress chief. Rahul Gandhi had earlier called and talked to Naadan over the phone after the video went viral. "She will be visiting the house of CRPF jawan Vasanth Kumar, who was killed in the Pulwama terror attack in February, tomorrow," a senior party source said.

There has never been a 'weaker government','weaker PM': Priyanka Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday asserted that the BJP is committed to 'desh bhakti', while its rival Congress is dedicated to 'vote bhakti' as part of its appeasement politics.

He said lies are being spread that his government introduced 10 per cent reservation for the weaker sections of the unreserved categories will eventually do away with the quota system.

"The country has witnessed two types of politics of vote bhakti and of desh bhakti. The former was on display when after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks the government of the day did not go after Pakistan for abetting terror.

"It rather chose to derail the investigations in many terror cases by coming up with the theory of Hindu terror. Desh bhakti was demonstrated by us when the Uri terror attack was replied with surgical strike and Pulwama was followed by air strikes," Modi told an election rally here.

The politics of 'vote bhakti' was again on display when the Congress insulted martyrs of the Batla House encounter in New Delhi by casting doubts over the operation in which security personnel were killed, he said.

A team of Delhi Police had raided a Batla House flat in south Delhi following a tip-off that terrorists involved in the September 13, 2008 serial blasts in the national capital, were holed up there.

Some Congress leaders were in tears when they came to know about the Batla House encounter, Modi claimed.

"The trends of the first two phases of elections have left them rattled. They are not demanding proofs of the Balakot air strike," Modi claimed at the rally.

In a bid to reach out to the farmers, the prime minister announced that in his next term he will ensure that the ceiling of ownership of five acres of land for beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Nidhi Yojana is made available to all.

Leaders of BJP allies - Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who heads the JD(U), and cabinet colleague Ram Vilas Paswan, who is the founder of the LJP - were also on the stage.

In a veiled attack on Lalu Prasad's RJD and its heir apparent Tejashwi Yadav, Modi said, "In Bihar, some people are purveying lies that the quota for economically weaker sections was a step in the direction of finishing off reservations."

Asking the people to be cautious about them, he alleged that they have been running their shops with such falsehoods for two decades - "first by the father and now by the son".

He also made a mention of the welfare schemes launched by his government including the Ayushman Bharat Yojana which provides medical insurance cover at a small premium.

Seeking to strike a chord with the local populace, he spoke movingly of the renowned Hindi writer Phanishwar Nath Renu, who hailed from Araria district, and said he had received a copy of his renowned novel "Maila Anchal" as a gift from the late litterateur's son.

He sought votes for NDA candidates in adjoining constituencies of Madhepura, Jhanjharpur, Supaul and Khagaria, all of which go to polls in the third phase on April 23.

As these seats have a sizeable population of Yadavs, Modi deftly played the caste card saying, "I come from the land of Dwarka (Gujarat) and it has a very strong affinity with the gau-paalaks (those involved in the profession of rearing cows). 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday asserted that the BJP is committed to 'desh bhakti', while its rival Congress is dedicated to 'vote bhakti' as part of its appeasement politics.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday asserted that the BJP is committed to 'desh bhakti', while its rival Congress is dedicated to 'vote bhakti' as part of its appeasement politics. He said lies are being spread that his government introduced 10 per cent reservation for the weaker sections of the unreserved categories will eventually do away with the quota system. "The country has witnessed two types of politics of vote bhakti and of desh bhakti. The former was on display when after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks the government of the day did not go after Pakistan for abetting terror. "It rather chose to derail the investigations in many terror cases by coming up with the theory of Hindu terror. Desh bhakti was demonstrated by us when the Uri terror attack was replied with surgical strike and Pulwama was followed by air strikes," Modi told an election rally here. The politics of 'vote bhakti' was again on display when the Congress insulted martyrs of the Batla House encounter in New Delhi by casting doubts over the operation in which security personnel were killed, he said. A team of Delhi Police had raided a Batla House flat in south Delhi following a tip-off that terrorists involved in the September 13, 2008 serial blasts in the national capital, were holed up there. Some Congress leaders were in tears when they came to know about the Batla House encounter, Modi claimed. "The trends of the first two phases of elections have left them rattled. They are not demanding proofs of the Balakot air strike," Modi claimed at the rally. In a bid to reach out to the farmers, the prime minister announced that in his next term he will ensure that the ceiling of ownership of five acres of land for beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Nidhi Yojana is made available to all. Leaders of BJP allies - Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who heads the JD(U), and cabinet colleague Ram Vilas Paswan, who is the founder of the LJP - were also on the stage. In a veiled attack on Lalu Prasad's RJD and its heir apparent Tejashwi Yadav, Modi said, "In Bihar, some people are purveying lies that the quota for economically weaker sections was a step in the direction of finishing off reservations." Asking the people to be cautious about them, he alleged that they have been running their shops with such falsehoods for two decades - "first by the father and now by the son". He also made a mention of the welfare schemes launched by his government including the Ayushman Bharat Yojana which provides medical insurance cover at a small premium. Seeking to strike a chord with the local populace, he spoke movingly of the renowned Hindi writer Phanishwar Nath Renu, who hailed from Araria district, and said he had received a copy of his renowned novel "Maila Anchal" as a gift from the late litterateur's son. He sought votes for NDA candidates in adjoining constituencies of Madhepura, Jhanjharpur, Supaul and Khagaria, all of which go to polls in the third phase on April 23. As these seats have a sizeable population of Yadavs, Modi deftly played the caste card saying, "I come from the land of Dwarka (Gujarat) and it has a very strong affinity with the gau-paalaks (those involved in the profession of rearing cows).

Congress pursues vote bhakti, we have desh bhakti: Modi in Bihar rally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address election rallies in Rajasthan's Chittorgarh and Barmer districts on Sunday.

Modi will address the public meetings in support of BJP nominees at 2 pm in Chittorgarh and 3.15 pm in Barmer, BJP state tour programme convener Omkar Singh Lakhawat said.

He said the prime minister will also address rallies in Udaipur and Jodhpur on Monday.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, too, will address three public meetings on Monday in Kolayat of Bikaner, Deoli of Tonk and Shahajahapur of Alwar.

BJP chief Amit Shah will tour the state on April 26 and 30. He will address a public meeting in Jalore district on April 26 and then take part in a road show in Jodhpur the same day.

On April 30, Shah will address meetings in Dausa, Alwar and Bharatpur districts, Lakhawat said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address election rallies in Rajasthan's Chittorgarh and Barmer districts on Sunday. Modi will address the public meetings in support of BJP nominees at 2 pm in Chittorgarh and 3.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address election rallies in Rajasthan's Chittorgarh and Barmer districts on Sunday. Modi will address the public meetings in support of BJP nominees at 2 pm in Chittorgarh and 3.15 pm in Barmer, BJP state tour programme convener Omkar Singh Lakhawat said. He said the prime minister will also address rallies in Udaipur and Jodhpur on Monday. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, too, will address three public meetings on Monday in Kolayat of Bikaner, Deoli of Tonk and Shahajahapur of Alwar. BJP chief Amit Shah will tour the state on April 26 and 30. He will address a public meeting in Jalore district on April 26 and then take part in a road show in Jodhpur the same day. On April 30, Shah will address meetings in Dausa, Alwar and Bharatpur districts, Lakhawat said.

Rajasthan: PM Modi to address rallies in Chittorgarh, Barmer on Sunday

The Lok Sabha election of 2019 has become presidential. The campaign theme of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition are both Modi-centric. &nbsp;

The BJP’s election slogan is “phir ek bar Modi sarkar (Modi once again) ”.The opposition has reinforced this thrust by launching a unifocal attack on the Prime Minister’s persona, and by trying to posit the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) as an anti-Modi front. The grand alliance has so far come a cropper, damaging the opposition plank and derailing its credibility.&nbsp;

The election has been turned into a referendum on Modi; The absence of any towering pan-Indian personality in the opposition ranks has added to the sheen and glamour of the Teflon Modi imagery.&nbsp;

The NDA has come up as a cohesive election machinery. The opposition, conversely, is at each other’s throat in most states. Their antipathy for Modi has not helped them sink their differences.&nbsp;

The much-touted idea of Mahagathbandhan has fallen flat and Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears invincible as the second phase of polling comes to an end.&nbsp;

Some disgruntled party leaders like Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie, who have been strategising with the Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, wanted one joint opposition candidate against the NDA in all the 543 constituencies.

The so-called grand alliance is solely focused on stopping Modi at all costs. The template for this is nearly like the 1971 Grand Alliance pitched against Indira Gandhi. The then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s famous campaign lines were, “I want to remove poverty; they want to remove me”.

Little under five decades later, a similar situation has emerged in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha election — the only difference being that the protagonist of the new grand alliance now is Indira Gandhi’s grandson.&nbsp;

But it has failed to take off mainly because of the decline of the Congress as a central force and the reluctance of other opposition parties to accept Rahul Gandhi as their leader.&nbsp;

In the past one year, Rahul had approached nearly all regional leaders mooting this idea. After the big show of opposition unity in Bengaluru in June 2018, the impression had gained ground that the Congress was stooping to conquer.&nbsp;

The euphoria, however, was shortlived. Ego clashes in the opposition ranks came to the surface in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra and three Congress-ruled states in the north.&nbsp;

For the Mahagathbandhan, each state presented a conflicting picture, as each party wanted to maximise their gain and expand at the expense of the Congress.&nbsp;

Senior opposition leaders like N Chandrababu Naidu in Andhra, Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal, Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav in UP were unwilling to play second fiddle to the Congress president.&nbsp;

In Andhra, the attempt failed because of the humiliating defeat of the Congress-TDP alliance in Telangana in the December Assembly elections.

Leaders like Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao in Telangana, Naveen Patnaik in Orissa and Jagmohan Reddy of YSR Congress in Andhra, were keener on a federal front, which is yet to take shape.&nbsp;

In Uttar Pradesh, which sends the largest contingent of MPs to the Lok Sabha, Mayawati and Akhilesh formed a tie-up without so much as accommodating the Congress. &nbsp;

This irritated the Congress and the party decided to stage a counteroffensive by projecting Priyanka Vadra and launching a desperate campaign in at least two dozen constituencies, putting up formidable candidates.

The Congress was able to work out respectable partnerships only in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Bihar.&nbsp;

In Tamil Nadu and Bihar, it is the junior partner while in Maharashtra, it is at the mercy of Sharad Pawar’s NCP, which has a history of hobnobbing with the BJP.&nbsp;

The Congress and the CPM attempted a tie-up in West Bengal but failed. The same seems to be the case in Haryana, Punjab and Delhi, where its talks with the AAP are still hazy.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi’s decision to also contest from Wayanad in Kerala, a minority- dominated, backward constituency in Kerala, has spoiled his chemistry with the Left. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has accused him of fighting the Left, “after trying to stop Modi all these years”.&nbsp;

BSP supremo Mayawati is piqued with Rahul Gandhi for failing to accommodate BSP in MP and Chhattisgarh in the December 2018 Assembly election. &nbsp;

The break down of negotiations with BSP on seat sharing in these states, sealed any chance of adjustment in UP in the Lok Sabha poll.&nbsp;

In the end, there are at least a dozen contestants against Narendra Modi’s candidates in almost all the 543 Lok Sabha constituencies. Talk about post-poll adjustments are unconvincing. Voters want to know the alternative to Modi.&nbsp;

The Congress strategy from the beginning was flawed. In their personal attacks, they only helped to project a larger than life image for the prime minister. Every time the opposition spoke of stopping Modi without offering a convincing governance agenda, it has looked power hungry. &nbsp;

This has helped invest Modi with the “underdog image”, gaining voters’ sympathy. &nbsp;

National security and the Balakot air strikes proved the defining moments. Modi stood for taking India forward, protecting it from Pak-sponsored terror and forces hostile to India. &nbsp;

As against this, the Congress manifesto, which offered repeal of AFSPA, the sedition law and expressed a pro-separatist stand on Jammu and Kashmir, has convinced the voter that Modi stood for a strong and united India.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-there-is-no-alternative-to-narendra-modi-2741055">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The Lok Sabha election of 2019 has become presidential. The campaign theme of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition are both Modi-centric. The BJP’s election slogan is “phir ek bar Modi sarkar (Modi once again) ”.

The Lok Sabha election of 2019 has become presidential. The campaign theme of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition are both Modi-centric. The BJP’s election slogan is “phir ek bar Modi sarkar (Modi once again) ”.The opposition has reinforced this thrust by launching a unifocal attack on the Prime Minister’s persona, and by trying to posit the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) as an anti-Modi front. The grand alliance has so far come a cropper, damaging the opposition plank and derailing its credibility. The election has been turned into a referendum on Modi; The absence of any towering pan-Indian personality in the opposition ranks has added to the sheen and glamour of the Teflon Modi imagery. The NDA has come up as a cohesive election machinery. The opposition, conversely, is at each other’s throat in most states. Their antipathy for Modi has not helped them sink their differences. The much-touted idea of Mahagathbandhan has fallen flat and Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears invincible as the second phase of polling comes to an end. Some disgruntled party leaders like Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie, who have been strategising with the Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, wanted one joint opposition candidate against the NDA in all the 543 constituencies. The so-called grand alliance is solely focused on stopping Modi at all costs. The template for this is nearly like the 1971 Grand Alliance pitched against Indira Gandhi. The then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s famous campaign lines were, “I want to remove poverty; they want to remove me”. Little under five decades later, a similar situation has emerged in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha election — the only difference being that the protagonist of the new grand alliance now is Indira Gandhi’s grandson. But it has failed to take off mainly because of the decline of the Congress as a central force and the reluctance of other opposition parties to accept Rahul Gandhi as their leader. In the past one year, Rahul had approached nearly all regional leaders mooting this idea. After the big show of opposition unity in Bengaluru in June 2018, the impression had gained ground that the Congress was stooping to conquer. The euphoria, however, was shortlived. Ego clashes in the opposition ranks came to the surface in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra and three Congress-ruled states in the north. For the Mahagathbandhan, each state presented a conflicting picture, as each party wanted to maximise their gain and expand at the expense of the Congress. Senior opposition leaders like N Chandrababu Naidu in Andhra, Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal, Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav in UP were unwilling to play second fiddle to the Congress president. In Andhra, the attempt failed because of the humiliating defeat of the Congress-TDP alliance in Telangana in the December Assembly elections. Leaders like Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao in Telangana, Naveen Patnaik in Orissa and Jagmohan Reddy of YSR Congress in Andhra, were keener on a federal front, which is yet to take shape. In Uttar Pradesh, which sends the largest contingent of MPs to the Lok Sabha, Mayawati and Akhilesh formed a tie-up without so much as accommodating the Congress. This irritated the Congress and the party decided to stage a counteroffensive by projecting Priyanka Vadra and launching a desperate campaign in at least two dozen constituencies, putting up formidable candidates. The Congress was able to work out respectable partnerships only in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Bihar. In Tamil Nadu and Bihar, it is the junior partner while in Maharashtra, it is at the mercy of Sharad Pawar’s NCP, which has a history of hobnobbing with the BJP. The Congress and the CPM attempted a tie-up in West Bengal but failed. The same seems to be the case in Haryana, Punjab and Delhi, where its talks with the AAP are still hazy. Rahul Gandhi’s decision to also contest from Wayanad in Kerala, a minority- dominated, backward constituency in Kerala, has spoiled his chemistry with the Left. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has accused him of fighting the Left, “after trying to stop Modi all these years”. BSP supremo Mayawati is piqued with Rahul Gandhi for failing to accommodate BSP in MP and Chhattisgarh in the December 2018 Assembly election. The break down of negotiations with BSP on seat sharing in these states, sealed any chance of adjustment in UP in the Lok Sabha poll. In the end, there are at least a dozen contestants against Narendra Modi’s candidates in almost all the 543 Lok Sabha constituencies. Talk about post-poll adjustments are unconvincing. Voters want to know the alternative to Modi. The Congress strategy from the beginning was flawed. In their personal attacks, they only helped to project a larger than life image for the prime minister. Every time the opposition spoke of stopping Modi without offering a convincing governance agenda, it has looked power hungry. This has helped invest Modi with the “underdog image”, gaining voters’ sympathy. National security and the Balakot air strikes proved the defining moments. Modi stood for taking India forward, protecting it from Pak-sponsored terror and forces hostile to India. As against this, the Congress manifesto, which offered repeal of AFSPA, the sedition law and expressed a pro-separatist stand on Jammu and Kashmir, has convinced the voter that Modi stood for a strong and united India. (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 polls 2019: Narendra Modi stands tall and imposing during polls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday promised traders Rs 50-lakh loan without any collateral, credit card facility and a pension scheme for small shopkeepers as he made a strong re-election pitch to the business community.

Modi said while his government has stood by traders in thick and thin, the opposition Congress has abused businessmen by calling all of them 'chor'&nbsp;(thieves).

Addressing a traders' convention in Delhi, he said the BJP-led NDA government in the last five years at the Centre worked to simplify lives and businesses of traders by scraping 1,500 archaic laws, simplifying processes and providing easy credit.

Traders are "backbone" of the Indian economy but had in past never got the respect they deserved, Modi said, adding that doubling the size of the economy to $5 trillion is not possible without their contribution.

"I am impressed by the hard work of traders... Their business has helped the economy bloom," he said. "I have tried to make your life and business easy in last five years."

"The country is also seeing how we have stood by you in thick and thin," Modi said.

With a household audience, the prime minister said the trading community is like weather forecaster who can anticipate future tidings.

Hitting out at the opposition Congress, the prime minister said the party has in its 70-year rule only "insulted" businessmen. "They called all businessmen chor (thieves)" without realising the contribution of the business community in the economy.

Stating that Mahatma Gandhi too came from businessmen community of banias, he said the country has seen the "insults" meted out by the Congress to traders.

After being re-elected, he said, his government will set up a National Traders' Welfare Board, bring trader credit cards and a pension scheme for small shopkeepers.

Also, the provision will be made to provide loans of up to Rs 50 lakh without collateral, the prime minister promised to traders.

Congress-led governments blamed traders for ills like price rise when it was the party's own hoarders who were black marketing commodities, he alleged.

Listing his government's achievements, he said the NDA regime has ended 1,500 archaic laws at the rate of one per day in the last five years to make doing business easier in the country.

Processes have been simplified, inspector raj largely checked and personal interference in income tax assessment removed.

"I consider you (traders) as the biggest stakeholder of the economy. Opposition parties remember you only on a special occasion," he said.

Modi said the Goods and Services Tax, which was brought in July 2017 by amalgamating 17 different central and state taxes, has made doing business transparent, ended state check-posts and resulted in doubling of registered traders.

"I do not say there may have not been mistakes (in implementing GST) but we have quickly addressed any anomalies based on suggestions from traders," he said.

Based on suggestions of traders, most daily use items are taxed at zero rates while 98 per cent of the commodities are taxed at less than 18 per cent, he said adding the process of filing tax returns under GST has also been simplified and exemption limit for small businesses doubled.

"We are continuously making this process simple," he said.

Stating that he is a 'sevak' (servant) and not a 'malik' (owner), Modi gave an account of his government achievement in five years - release of 70,000 free LPG gas connections to poor women every day, providing electricity connection to 50,000 households per day, opening of lakhs of Jan Dhan bank accounts for poor every month and 1 lakh entrepreneurs being given loan under Mudra scheme on a daily basis.

Modi said India has jumped 65 places on World Bank's ease of doing business ranking to rank 77 in the world and the target is to break into top 50 in the next 5 years.

Traders, he said, should get the credit for what they have done for the economy and not government interference.

Procedural difficulties in getting credit are being ended and loans of up to Rs 1 crore are now available in 59 minutes, he said. "We have largely succeeded in checking inspector raj."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday promised traders Rs 50-lakh loan without any collateral, credit card facility and a pension scheme for small shopkeepers as he made a strong re-election pitch to the business community.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday promised traders Rs 50-lakh loan without any collateral, credit card facility and a pension scheme for small shopkeepers as he made a strong re-election pitch to the business community. Modi said while his government has stood by traders in thick and thin, the opposition Congress has abused businessmen by calling all of them 'chor' (thieves). Addressing a traders' convention in Delhi, he said the BJP-led NDA government in the last five years at the Centre worked to simplify lives and businesses of traders by scraping 1,500 archaic laws, simplifying processes and providing easy credit. Traders are "backbone" of the Indian economy but had in past never got the respect they deserved, Modi said, adding that doubling the size of the economy to $5 trillion is not possible without their contribution. "I am impressed by the hard work of traders... Their business has helped the economy bloom," he said. "I have tried to make your life and business easy in last five years." "The country is also seeing how we have stood by you in thick and thin," Modi said. With a household audience, the prime minister said the trading community is like weather forecaster who can anticipate future tidings. Hitting out at the opposition Congress, the prime minister said the party has in its 70-year rule only "insulted" businessmen. "They called all businessmen chor (thieves)" without realising the contribution of the business community in the economy. Stating that Mahatma Gandhi too came from businessmen community of banias, he said the country has seen the "insults" meted out by the Congress to traders. After being re-elected, he said, his government will set up a National Traders' Welfare Board, bring trader credit cards and a pension scheme for small shopkeepers. Also, the provision will be made to provide loans of up to Rs 50 lakh without collateral, the prime minister promised to traders. Congress-led governments blamed traders for ills like price rise when it was the party's own hoarders who were black marketing commodities, he alleged. Listing his government's achievements, he said the NDA regime has ended 1,500 archaic laws at the rate of one per day in the last five years to make doing business easier in the country. Processes have been simplified, inspector raj largely checked and personal interference in income tax assessment removed. "I consider you (traders) as the biggest stakeholder of the economy. Opposition parties remember you only on a special occasion," he said. Modi said the Goods and Services Tax, which was brought in July 2017 by amalgamating 17 different central and state taxes, has made doing business transparent, ended state check-posts and resulted in doubling of registered traders. "I do not say there may have not been mistakes (in implementing GST) but we have quickly addressed any anomalies based on suggestions from traders," he said. Based on suggestions of traders, most daily use items are taxed at zero rates while 98 per cent of the commodities are taxed at less than 18 per cent, he said adding the process of filing tax returns under GST has also been simplified and exemption limit for small businesses doubled. "We are continuously making this process simple," he said. Stating that he is a 'sevak' (servant) and not a 'malik' (owner), Modi gave an account of his government achievement in five years - release of 70,000 free LPG gas connections to poor women every day, providing electricity connection to 50,000 households per day, opening of lakhs of Jan Dhan bank accounts for poor every month and 1 lakh entrepreneurs being given loan under Mudra scheme on a daily basis. Modi said India has jumped 65 places on World Bank's ease of doing business ranking to rank 77 in the world and the target is to break into top 50 in the next 5 years. Traders, he said, should get the credit for what they have done for the economy and not government interference. Procedural difficulties in getting credit are being ended and loans of up to Rs 1 crore are now available in 59 minutes, he said. "We have largely succeeded in checking inspector raj."

Modi says traders to get 50-lakh loan without collateral, credit card, pension if NDA re-elected

The BJP on Friday took a dig at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mayawati-has-always-supported-our-party-in-times-of-need-mulayam-singh-yadav-211764">SP-BSP grand alliance in the UP</a>, saying a "storm" in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the general election has forced opposition leaders to come together.

The jibe from BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain came as BSP supremo Mayawati and SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav shared stage after many years of bitter rivalry.

Though the SP and the BSP had come together last year and the former's president Akhilesh Yadav has often been seen together with Mayawati, this is the first time that Mulayam Singh Yadav joined them.

"This is a proof of storm in Modi's support. Both SP and BSP have been rendered powerless by it and have come together to survive. People in Uttar Pradesh and country are with Modi," Hussain told reporters.

In a swipe at Mayawati, he said she came to respect those whom she blamed for her life's biggest insult.

At the press conference, Hussain also took aim at the Congress after its spokesperson <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-chaturvedi-joins-shiv-sena-hours-after-quitting-congress-211766">Priyanka Chaturvedi joined Shiv Sena</a>, saying the opposition party has become a "sinking ship".

Opposition parties are in such a poor shape than nobody knows which leader is supporting whom, said the BJP leader after Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha, who is its candidate in Patna Sahib seat, campaigned for his wife and Samajwadi Party nominee in Lucknow Poonam Sinha.

The BJP on Friday took a dig at the SP-BSP grand alliance in the UP, saying a "storm" in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the general election has forced opposition leaders to come together.

The BJP on Friday took a dig at the SP-BSP grand alliance in the UP, saying a "storm" in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the general election has forced opposition leaders to come together. The jibe from BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain came as BSP supremo Mayawati and SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav shared stage after many years of bitter rivalry. Though the SP and the BSP had come together last year and the former's president Akhilesh Yadav has often been seen together with Mayawati, this is the first time that Mulayam Singh Yadav joined them. "This is a proof of storm in Modi's support. Both SP and BSP have been rendered powerless by it and have come together to survive. People in Uttar Pradesh and country are with Modi," Hussain told reporters. In a swipe at Mayawati, he said she came to respect those whom she blamed for her life's biggest insult. At the press conference, Hussain also took aim at the Congress after its spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi joined Shiv Sena, saying the opposition party has become a "sinking ship". Opposition parties are in such a poor shape than nobody knows which leader is supporting whom, said the BJP leader after Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha, who is its candidate in Patna Sahib seat, campaigned for his wife and Samajwadi Party nominee in Lucknow Poonam Sinha.

SP-BSP joint rally proof of storm in Modi's support in Lok Sabha polls: BJP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Ravindra Jadeja for his selection in India's World Cup squad that was announced on Monday.&nbsp;

Jadeja, who is an all-rounder, got the ticket for England seeing his recent performance in the ODIs and 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL).

The wishes came after Jadeja had tagged Narendra Modi on Twitter, extending his support to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at a time when Lok Sabha elections are underway.&nbsp;

 
The Chennai cricketer has a strong bond with the ruling part of the nation as his wife Rivaba had joined the party last month in Jamnagar in the presence of the eminent BJP leaders from the state.&nbsp;

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Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/imjadeja?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imjadeja</a>! 
 
And, congratulations on being selected for the Indian cricket team for the 2019 World Cup. My best wishes. <a href="https://t.co/wLbssqSoTB">https://t.co/wLbssqSoTB</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1117991838319771652?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In fact, she is fighting for a seat from the Jamnagar constituency in the ongoing elections.

However, there were questions raised on Jadeja’s loyalty to BJP when two of his own family members surprisingly pledged their allegiance to BJP’s biggest opposition party Congress.&nbsp;

For the uninitiated, the ICC WOrld Cup will start from May 30 to July 14.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Ravindra Jadeja for his selection in India's World Cup squad that was announced on Monday. Jadeja, who is an all-rounder, got the ticket for England seeing his recent performance in the ODIs and 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Ravindra Jadeja for his selection in India's World Cup squad that was announced on Monday. Jadeja, who is an all-rounder, got the ticket for England seeing his recent performance in the ODIs and 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL). The wishes came after Jadeja had tagged Narendra Modi on Twitter, extending his support to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at a time when Lok Sabha elections are underway. The Chennai cricketer has a strong bond with the ruling part of the nation as his wife Rivaba had joined the party last month in Jamnagar in the presence of the eminent BJP leaders from the state. Thank you @imjadeja! And, congratulations on being selected for the Indian cricket team for the 2019 World Cup. My best wishes. https://t.co/wLbssqSoTB — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 16, 2019 × In fact, she is fighting for a seat from the Jamnagar constituency in the ongoing elections. However, there were questions raised on Jadeja’s loyalty to BJP when two of his own family members surprisingly pledged their allegiance to BJP’s biggest opposition party Congress. For the uninitiated, the ICC WOrld Cup will start from May 30 to July 14.

PM Narendra Modi congratulates Ravindra Jadeja for being selected in India's World Cup squad

Coming down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Tuesday said he has "failed" to fulfil the promises made during the last five years.

"The promises Modi has given to you, he has not fulfilled. But Anil Ambani gets Rs 30,000 crore in Rafale deal."

"The Prime Minister is speaking of nationalism and he gave the biggest defence deal to a person who has not made a single aircraft," Gandhi charged.

The Congress President was addressing an election rally at the St Stephen college grounds here in Kollam district.

Hitting at the Sangh forces, the AICC chief alleged the country is now under attack from the BJP-RSS and there was an ideological fight going on between the BJP on one side and Congress on the other.

"No matter how many times you (BJP/RSS) attack us, we will use love and non-violence to convince you are wrong," he said.

"In the last five years, our Prime Minister promised several things. Two crore job opportunities... Rs 15 lakh deposits in bank accounts and price support for farmers," he said.

Gandhi asked the people how many of them had received the money in their bank account promised by the Prime Minister.

Gandhi assured the cashew farmers in the state that his party if voted to power, will to take up their cause.

"We will start a conversation to help make cashew growing a viable alternative", he said adding that it was an "honour" for him to fight elections from Kerala.

Rahul Gandhi arrived here last night on a two-day visit to Kerala.

Besides Kollam, he would address rallies in three more districts.

Gandhi, who is contesting from Wayanad district as a second constituency besides the Congress stronghold of Amethi, will be addressing meetings in his constituency on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Coming down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Tuesday said he has "failed" to fulfil the promises made during the last five years.

Coming down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Tuesday said he has "failed" to fulfil the promises made during the last five years. "The promises Modi has given to you, he has not fulfilled. But Anil Ambani gets Rs 30,000 crore in Rafale deal." "The Prime Minister is speaking of nationalism and he gave the biggest defence deal to a person who has not made a single aircraft," Gandhi charged. The Congress President was addressing an election rally at the St Stephen college grounds here in Kollam district. Hitting at the Sangh forces, the AICC chief alleged the country is now under attack from the BJP-RSS and there was an ideological fight going on between the BJP on one side and Congress on the other. "No matter how many times you (BJP/RSS) attack us, we will use love and non-violence to convince you are wrong," he said. "In the last five years, our Prime Minister promised several things. Two crore job opportunities... Rs 15 lakh deposits in bank accounts and price support for farmers," he said. Gandhi asked the people how many of them had received the money in their bank account promised by the Prime Minister. Gandhi assured the cashew farmers in the state that his party if voted to power, will to take up their cause. "We will start a conversation to help make cashew growing a viable alternative", he said adding that it was an "honour" for him to fight elections from Kerala. Rahul Gandhi arrived here last night on a two-day visit to Kerala. Besides Kollam, he would address rallies in three more districts. Gandhi, who is contesting from Wayanad district as a second constituency besides the Congress stronghold of Amethi, will be addressing meetings in his constituency on Wednesday.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: PM Modi failed to fulfil promises, says Rahul Gandhi in Kerala rally

Jet Airways pilots body, the National Aviator's Guild, Monday appealed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jet-airways-pilots-body-defers-no-flying-call-ahead-of-lenders-meet-210467">State Bank of India</a> (SBI) to release Rs 1,500 crore, which was proposed to be infused in the ailing carrier as part of a debt-restructuring plan last month.

The airline is operating just 6-7 planes, with almost its entire fleet being grounded due to non-payment of rentals to lessors amid severe paucity of cash.

"We would like to appeal SBI to release Rs 1,500 crore funds for the airline to help it continue operations. We also appeal Prime Minister Narendra Modi to save 20,000 odd jobs at the airline," National Aviator's Guild ( NAG) vice president Adim Valiani told reporters at the airline's headquarter, Siroya Centre, here Monday.

Earlier, the airline's pilots, engineers and cabin crew members assembled at the headquarters to show their solidarity.

The airline's pilots along with engineers and senior staff were last paid for December 2018. This apart, the airline has also defaulted on the March salary of other categories of employees as well.

Last month, an SBI-led consortium of lenders had taken management control of the airline post a debt-recast deal, following which the lenders had proposed to infuse as much as Rs 1,500 crore to the carrier to keep it afloat till the time it gets an investor.&nbsp;

The Monday meeting with lenders is reportedly expected to take a final decision on the quantum of funds to be infused immediately to avert a possible shut down. A meeting between the airline management and its major lender SBI last Friday could not take a decision on the fund infusion issue.

Jet Airways pilots body, the National Aviator's Guild, Monday appealed the State Bank of India (SBI) to release Rs 1,500 crore, which was proposed to be infused in the ailing carrier as part of a debt-restructuring plan last month.

Jet Airways pilots body, the National Aviator's Guild, Monday appealed the State Bank of India (SBI) to release Rs 1,500 crore, which was proposed to be infused in the ailing carrier as part of a debt-restructuring plan last month. The airline is operating just 6-7 planes, with almost its entire fleet being grounded due to non-payment of rentals to lessors amid severe paucity of cash. "We would like to appeal SBI to release Rs 1,500 crore funds for the airline to help it continue operations. We also appeal Prime Minister Narendra Modi to save 20,000 odd jobs at the airline," National Aviator's Guild ( NAG) vice president Adim Valiani told reporters at the airline's headquarter, Siroya Centre, here Monday. Earlier, the airline's pilots, engineers and cabin crew members assembled at the headquarters to show their solidarity. The airline's pilots along with engineers and senior staff were last paid for December 2018. This apart, the airline has also defaulted on the March salary of other categories of employees as well. Last month, an SBI-led consortium of lenders had taken management control of the airline post a debt-recast deal, following which the lenders had proposed to infuse as much as Rs 1,500 crore to the carrier to keep it afloat till the time it gets an investor. The Monday meeting with lenders is reportedly expected to take a final decision on the quantum of funds to be infused immediately to avert a possible shut down. A meeting between the airline management and its major lender SBI last Friday could not take a decision on the fund infusion issue.

Jet Airways pilots appeal to SBI for funds, also ask PM to save 20,000 jobs

Good works of mine and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi led NDA government at the Centre will help me win this Lok Sabha election again, said actor-turned-politician <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/good-works-of-mine-pm-modi-will-help-me-win-lok-sabha-polls-again-says-hema-malini-210135&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjJvNOBhc_hAhVc7HMBHcLGCvIQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw13CMwgvcwIz8p-HWYGloQ3">Hema Malini </a>on Saturday.

"I am very confident of my win because I have done good works. My government has also done good work. So I am sure people will support us," said Malini in an exclusive interview to ANI.

She also expressed confidence that the next government at the Centre will again be formed by the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

"The whole system is changing. People want development. They want quick decisions to be taken for whatever is happening in the country. People belonging to different castes -- all want PM Modi," she said.

In the last Lok Sabha elections in 2014, Malini, who is also popular among masses as `Basanti` for her stellar role in blockbuster `Sholay,` had defeated the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Jayant Chaudhary by a margin of over three lakh votes.

When asked if SP-BSP-RLD alliance candidate Narendra Singh will queer the pitch for her this time by eating into Jat votes, she said: "I am sure that he will get some votes. But I will get much more votes than him because I have worked for everybody irrespective of his caste. For me, all the people are Brijwasis."

Talking about Union Minister Maneka Gandhi`s controversial speech at Sultanpur, she said: "On the issue of Triple Talaq, many minority community women support us. Even if they do not, you have to help everybody. It does not matter who voted for us and who did not. This kind of feeling does not come to me."

Union Minister Gandhi on Friday, while addressing an election rally at Turab Khani village in Sultanpur from where she is contesting the Lok Sabha poll this time, told Muslims that she was all set to win and that they should vote for her as they would need her help in future.

"I am winning...But if my victory is without support from Muslims, I will not feel that good. Then when a Muslim comes to me for work, I think let it be. How does it matter," Union Minister Gandhi had said.

When asked if being an actor has helped her in politics, said: "People are able to recognise me. They at least listen to me. Other leaders have to work hard to reach out to the people."

In response to the way she was trolled on social media for reaping the wheat crop during her campaign in a village in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-share-divine-connection-with-mathura-hema-malini-206595&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjJvNOBhc_hAhVc7HMBHcLGCvIQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2f3RRnlLDvwKQjtEnsi0rp"> Mathura</a>, Hema Malini said: "I felt like doing that and I do not think that there was any problem. I go to the field. I work for my farmers in Mathura and help them so much. I have a right to enter the field. I had gone there just to take a picture. It was a pleasure to have the picture," she said.

Talking about the works done for her constituency in the past five years, Hema Malini said: "I have provided water, electricity facility to all areas in the constituency. I have also got a passport office open in Mathura. Earlier the people had to go to Aligarh or other towns for making passports. Roads have been widened. Connectivity has improved a lot," she said.

Election to Mathura Lok Sabha constituency is slated to be held in the second phase of seven-phased General Elections on April 18. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. 
&nbsp;

Good works of mine and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi led NDA government at the Centre will help me win this Lok Sabha election again, said actor-turned-politician Hema Malini on Saturday.

Good works of mine and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi led NDA government at the Centre will help me win this Lok Sabha election again, said actor-turned-politician Hema Malini on Saturday. "I am very confident of my win because I have done good works. My government has also done good work. So I am sure people will support us," said Malini in an exclusive interview to ANI. She also expressed confidence that the next government at the Centre will again be formed by the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. "The whole system is changing. People want development. They want quick decisions to be taken for whatever is happening in the country. People belonging to different castes -- all want PM Modi," she said. In the last Lok Sabha elections in 2014, Malini, who is also popular among masses as `Basanti` for her stellar role in blockbuster `Sholay,` had defeated the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Jayant Chaudhary by a margin of over three lakh votes. When asked if SP-BSP-RLD alliance candidate Narendra Singh will queer the pitch for her this time by eating into Jat votes, she said: "I am sure that he will get some votes. But I will get much more votes than him because I have worked for everybody irrespective of his caste. For me, all the people are Brijwasis." Talking about Union Minister Maneka Gandhi`s controversial speech at Sultanpur, she said: "On the issue of Triple Talaq, many minority community women support us. Even if they do not, you have to help everybody. It does not matter who voted for us and who did not. This kind of feeling does not come to me." Union Minister Gandhi on Friday, while addressing an election rally at Turab Khani village in Sultanpur from where she is contesting the Lok Sabha poll this time, told Muslims that she was all set to win and that they should vote for her as they would need her help in future. "I am winning...But if my victory is without support from Muslims, I will not feel that good. Then when a Muslim comes to me for work, I think let it be. How does it matter," Union Minister Gandhi had said. When asked if being an actor has helped her in politics, said: "People are able to recognise me. They at least listen to me. Other leaders have to work hard to reach out to the people." In response to the way she was trolled on social media for reaping the wheat crop during her campaign in a village in Mathura, Hema Malini said: "I felt like doing that and I do not think that there was any problem. I go to the field. I work for my farmers in Mathura and help them so much. I have a right to enter the field. I had gone there just to take a picture. It was a pleasure to have the picture," she said. Talking about the works done for her constituency in the past five years, Hema Malini said: "I have provided water, electricity facility to all areas in the constituency. I have also got a passport office open in Mathura. Earlier the people had to go to Aligarh or other towns for making passports. Roads have been widened. Connectivity has improved a lot," she said. Election to Mathura Lok Sabha constituency is slated to be held in the second phase of seven-phased General Elections on April 18. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Good works of mine, PM Modi will help me win Lok Sabha poll again, says Hema Malini

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that he was committed to settling displaced Kashmiri Pandits in their native places in Kashmir and work has started in that direction.&nbsp;

Addressing an election rally&nbsp;in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, Modi said Congress policies were behind the migration of Kashmiri Pandits from Valley.&nbsp;

''Congress might avoid taking their name but this chowkidar is committed to letting Kashmiri Pandits live on their land. We're also making efforts to form a law to provide citizenship to families which have come here helplessly from Pakistan,'' Modi said.

By coming out to vote in large numbers in Baramulla and Jammu, you have given a befitting reply to terrorist leaders, opportunists, he added.

Modi also accused Abdullah and Mufti family of destroying the lives of three generations of Jammu and Kashmir and said they can not divide the country.

''Two families have ruined three generations of Jammu and Kashmir. For better future of the state, they need to be voted out,'' he said.&nbsp;

Modi also attacked Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh for his ''devotion to Gandhi family''.

''I can understand the kind of pressure which must have been put on him for such parivar bhakti','' Modi said.

Accusing the Congress of politicising Jallianwala Bagh centenary event, Modi said vice president was in Jallianwala Bagh for the event but Congress chief minister from the state was not present.&nbsp;

Modi also said ''Congress never trusted the valour of Indian armed forces'' &nbsp;and accused it of ''doubting IAF strikes in Balakot''.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that he was committed to settling displaced Kashmiri Pandits in their native places in Kashmir and work has started in that direction.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that he was committed to settling displaced Kashmiri Pandits in their native places in Kashmir and work has started in that direction. Addressing an election rally in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, Modi said Congress policies were behind the migration of Kashmiri Pandits from Valley. ''Congress might avoid taking their name but this chowkidar is committed to letting Kashmiri Pandits live on their land. We're also making efforts to form a law to provide citizenship to families which have come here helplessly from Pakistan,'' Modi said. By coming out to vote in large numbers in Baramulla and Jammu, you have given a befitting reply to terrorist leaders, opportunists, he added. Modi also accused Abdullah and Mufti family of destroying the lives of three generations of Jammu and Kashmir and said they can not divide the country. ''Two families have ruined three generations of Jammu and Kashmir. For better future of the state, they need to be voted out,'' he said. Modi also attacked Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh for his ''devotion to Gandhi family''. ''I can understand the kind of pressure which must have been put on him for such parivar bhakti','' Modi said. Accusing the Congress of politicising Jallianwala Bagh centenary event, Modi said vice president was in Jallianwala Bagh for the event but Congress chief minister from the state was not present. Modi also said ''Congress never trusted the valour of Indian armed forces'' and accused it of ''doubting IAF strikes in Balakot''.

Committed to settling displaced Kashmiri Pandits in their native places: PM Modi 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-will-do-nyay-to-governments-of-the-great-mgr-asks-pm-modi-in-tamil-nadu-210024">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> Saturday mocked Congress' "dream" of forming a government at the Centre and castigated it on national security and Jammu and Kashmir issues, asking people to punish it in such a way that the party would not be able to save its deposits in the Lok Sabha polls.

Addressing a massive rally in Bengaluru, he said the Congress has promised to remove the Army from Jammu and Kashmir, saying "exactly what Pakistan says word to word in Pakistan's language."

Devoting most parts of his speech to national security, Modi said the Congress had spoken about coming to power in its manifesto and added, "who can stop one from dreaming? "&nbsp;

"But let them dream about forming the government. I can understand it because a chaiwala has robbed the opportunity of four generations of Sultanate," he said.

Modi said what was worrying was that the Congress has said in its manifesto that if they form the government in Delhi, they would "remove" AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) that gives special powers to the soldiers.

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PM:When Congress' 'mahamilavati remote govt' was at centre, didn't blasts occur in Bengaluru?Didn't the nation was living under fear of terror attacks?Did any major blast took place in last 5 yrs of your "chowkidaar's chowkidaari".It was power of your 1 vote that made it possible <a href="https://t.co/Go5tyjbXEV">pic.twitter.com/Go5tyjbXEV</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1117074020095098880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Which way are they going? Didn't you feel the pain and anger hearing this? The Jammu Kashmir for which thousands of soldiers were martyred, you want to make soldiers unarmed, helpless?" he asked the crowd.

Modi said Congress had also said in Pakistan's language that they would remove the army from Jammu and Kashmir.

"Is this okay with you, will you be able to forgive Congress?.

Pandit Nehru sowed the seed of fire in Kashmir and still, the country is bearing it, now they say they will remove the army from there, what is the meaning of it?"

Modi also referred to the talk about having two prime ministers -one in Hindustan and the other in J&amp;K (by National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah).

"Their talk of removing the law (AFSPA), removing the military and their Milavati friends talk about second Prime Minister.

If you see all these together, does Congress want to save Kashmir? Will you allow Kashmir to go away? The land on which our soldiers have shed their blood," Modi asked.

The Congress manifesto said the party proposed to reduce the presence of the Indian Army and central armed police forces (CAPFs) in the Kashmir valley.

It said the AFSPA and the Disturbed Areas Act in Jammu and Kashmir would be reviewed.

Referring to the air strike and surgical strike on terror camps in Pakistan and launch of ASAT (Anti Satellite) by India, Modi said the whole world was with India.

"Earlier whenever such things or statements were made, Russia used to be with us and the entire world with Pakistan. Now what has happened is China alone is with Pakistan while the entire world was with us. 
Isn't it India's strength? he asked.

"You might have felt Congress processor is slow, but their software is corrupt.

Their process is fast the only when something has to be done against the country's security and demoralise our brave soldiers," Modi said.

The Prime Minister also hit out at the Congress for its promise to review the sedition law, saying it wants to remove law to punish those who indulge in treason.

"Will you accept such Congress and their allies?"

Making such promises, can we forgive the Congress that has such a mindset?, he asked, telling voters that "in this election, punish Congress in such a way and also their allies that they should not be able to save their deposits."

The prime minister also took exception to the political row created by the ruling Congress-JDS alliance over the recent Income Tax raids on several JDS men across Karnataka.

Modi asked the crowd, "should the law be followed or not whether it is PM or CM or minister? Why get scared if you have not committed anything&nbsp; 
wrong?" he asked.

On March 28, the Income Tax department carried out raids at multiple locations in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mandya, Ramanagara, Shivamogga and Hassan, triggering a strong reaction from Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Congress leaders, who accused the Centre of promoting the politics of vendetta.

Kumaraswamy had even called the I-T officers as BJP agents and led a protest by the ruling Congress-JDS coalition in front of the IT department office here.

In his rally at Mangaluru, Modi said the ruling Congress-JDS coalition in Karnataka and parties alike were inspired by "Pariwarvad" (dynasty) and believed in giving power to even the last member of the family.

Addressing a massive rally, Modi said unlike the Congress, JDS and others, BJP's inspiration came from "Rashtrawad" (nationalism).

He said the Lok Sabha polls was not about who became an MP or prime minister or minister, but about how the "New India" should be and what should be its inspiration.

"Inspiration of Congress-JD(S) and parties like them is pariwarwad (dynasty) and our inspiration is rashtrawad (nationalism).

They look for ways to give power to even the last member of their family, while we are striving to bring those people ahead who are in the last line of society."

"Their darshan is vamshoday, while ours is antyodaya (uplifting the weaker sections of society).

Because of their vamshoday there will be corruption and injustice and because our antyodaya the glory of transparency and honesty will increase", Modi said.

Continuing to target the dynasty politics of Congress on the second consecutive day of his campaign in Karnataka, Modi said, "this vamshoday will ignore their own party senior leaders, while our antyodaya will make a tea seller the Prime Minister."&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday mocked Congress' "dream" of forming a government at the Centre and castigated it on national security and Jammu and Kashmir issues, asking people to punish it in such a way that the party would not be able to save its deposits in the Lok Sabha polls.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday mocked Congress' "dream" of forming a government at the Centre and castigated it on national security and Jammu and Kashmir issues, asking people to punish it in such a way that the party would not be able to save its deposits in the Lok Sabha polls. Addressing a massive rally in Bengaluru, he said the Congress has promised to remove the Army from Jammu and Kashmir, saying "exactly what Pakistan says word to word in Pakistan's language." Devoting most parts of his speech to national security, Modi said the Congress had spoken about coming to power in its manifesto and added, "who can stop one from dreaming? " "But let them dream about forming the government. I can understand it because a chaiwala has robbed the opportunity of four generations of Sultanate," he said. Modi said what was worrying was that the Congress has said in its manifesto that if they form the government in Delhi, they would "remove" AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) that gives special powers to the soldiers. PM:When Congress' 'mahamilavati remote govt' was at centre, didn't blasts occur in Bengaluru?Didn't the nation was living under fear of terror attacks?Did any major blast took place in last 5 yrs of your "chowkidaar's chowkidaari".It was power of your 1 vote that made it possible pic.twitter.com/Go5tyjbXEV — ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2019 × "Which way are they going? Didn't you feel the pain and anger hearing this? The Jammu Kashmir for which thousands of soldiers were martyred, you want to make soldiers unarmed, helpless?" he asked the crowd. Modi said Congress had also said in Pakistan's language that they would remove the army from Jammu and Kashmir. "Is this okay with you, will you be able to forgive Congress?. Pandit Nehru sowed the seed of fire in Kashmir and still, the country is bearing it, now they say they will remove the army from there, what is the meaning of it?" Modi also referred to the talk about having two prime ministers -one in Hindustan and the other in J&K (by National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah). "Their talk of removing the law (AFSPA), removing the military and their Milavati friends talk about second Prime Minister. If you see all these together, does Congress want to save Kashmir? Will you allow Kashmir to go away? The land on which our soldiers have shed their blood," Modi asked. The Congress manifesto said the party proposed to reduce the presence of the Indian Army and central armed police forces (CAPFs) in the Kashmir valley. It said the AFSPA and the Disturbed Areas Act in Jammu and Kashmir would be reviewed. Referring to the air strike and surgical strike on terror camps in Pakistan and launch of ASAT (Anti Satellite) by India, Modi said the whole world was with India. "Earlier whenever such things or statements were made, Russia used to be with us and the entire world with Pakistan. Now what has happened is China alone is with Pakistan while the entire world was with us. Isn't it India's strength? he asked. "You might have felt Congress processor is slow, but their software is corrupt. Their process is fast the only when something has to be done against the country's security and demoralise our brave soldiers," Modi said. The Prime Minister also hit out at the Congress for its promise to review the sedition law, saying it wants to remove law to punish those who indulge in treason. "Will you accept such Congress and their allies?" Making such promises, can we forgive the Congress that has such a mindset?, he asked, telling voters that "in this election, punish Congress in such a way and also their allies that they should not be able to save their deposits." The prime minister also took exception to the political row created by the ruling Congress-JDS alliance over the recent Income Tax raids on several JDS men across Karnataka. Modi asked the crowd, "should the law be followed or not whether it is PM or CM or minister? Why get scared if you have not committed anything wrong?" he asked. On March 28, the Income Tax department carried out raids at multiple locations in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mandya, Ramanagara, Shivamogga and Hassan, triggering a strong reaction from Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Congress leaders, who accused the Centre of promoting the politics of vendetta. Kumaraswamy had even called the I-T officers as BJP agents and led a protest by the ruling Congress-JDS coalition in front of the IT department office here. In his rally at Mangaluru, Modi said the ruling Congress-JDS coalition in Karnataka and parties alike were inspired by "Pariwarvad" (dynasty) and believed in giving power to even the last member of the family. Addressing a massive rally, Modi said unlike the Congress, JDS and others, BJP's inspiration came from "Rashtrawad" (nationalism). He said the Lok Sabha polls was not about who became an MP or prime minister or minister, but about how the "New India" should be and what should be its inspiration. "Inspiration of Congress-JD(S) and parties like them is pariwarwad (dynasty) and our inspiration is rashtrawad (nationalism). They look for ways to give power to even the last member of their family, while we are striving to bring those people ahead who are in the last line of society." "Their darshan is vamshoday, while ours is antyodaya (uplifting the weaker sections of society). Because of their vamshoday there will be corruption and injustice and because our antyodaya the glory of transparency and honesty will increase", Modi said. Continuing to target the dynasty politics of Congress on the second consecutive day of his campaign in Karnataka, Modi said, "this vamshoday will ignore their own party senior leaders, while our antyodaya will make a tea seller the Prime Minister."

Let them dream about forming government: PM Modi mocks Congress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a non-stop schedule at all times, even as he crisscrossed the country, holding Lok Sabha election rallies during the nine-day festival of Navratras.

The prime minister, while fasting, travelled 22,000 kilometres across 13 states, holding 23 rallies during Navratras according to sources in charge of planning PM Modi's election rallies.

Sources in the PMO say, his official work never stopped and he would return to Delhi after a full day's campaign of three to four rallies to look into the matters that demand immediate attention.

Prime Minister Modi, amidst hectic political activities at home, congratulated the leadership in the Maldives and President Benjamin Netanyahu on the successful electoral result in Israel.

He also thanked President Vladimir Putin and the people of Russia, for receiving the Order of St. Andrew, sources added.

However, Prime Minister Modi is not the only one with this hectic travel schedule. With an election that is coming down to the wire, frenetic campaigning and backbreaking travel itineraries have been planned for Rahul Gandhi as well, as he travels across the country addressing rallies.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a non-stop schedule at all times, even as he crisscrossed the country, holding Lok Sabha election rallies during the nine-day festival of Navratras.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a non-stop schedule at all times, even as he crisscrossed the country, holding Lok Sabha election rallies during the nine-day festival of Navratras. The prime minister, while fasting, travelled 22,000 kilometres across 13 states, holding 23 rallies during Navratras according to sources in charge of planning PM Modi's election rallies. Sources in the PMO say, his official work never stopped and he would return to Delhi after a full day's campaign of three to four rallies to look into the matters that demand immediate attention. Prime Minister Modi, amidst hectic political activities at home, congratulated the leadership in the Maldives and President Benjamin Netanyahu on the successful electoral result in Israel. He also thanked President Vladimir Putin and the people of Russia, for receiving the Order of St. Andrew, sources added. However, Prime Minister Modi is not the only one with this hectic travel schedule. With an election that is coming down to the wire, frenetic campaigning and backbreaking travel itineraries have been planned for Rahul Gandhi as well, as he travels across the country addressing rallies.

22,000 kilometres, 13 states and 23 rallies: PM Modi's jam-packed schedule while fasting during Navratri

Tearing into the Congress-JDS coalition in Karnataka over its alleged corruption and dynasty politics, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/choose-between-honest-chowkidar-and-corrupt-naamdar-pm-modi-209864">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> Friday dubbed it a "20 per cent government", saying their only mission was "commission."

Intensifying his campaign blitz in Karnataka, Modi also asserted there was a wave across the country for the return of the BJP-led NDA government in the Lok Sabha polls, which was between "Rashtravad (nationalism) and Pariwarvad (dynasty)."

He lashed out at the Deve Gowda family, targeting the JDS supremo's son Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy over his reported remark that only those who cannot get two square meals a day seek jobs in the services, terming it an 'insult' to the armed forces.

He also hit out at Gowda's other son and minister H D Revanna, without naming him, for his remark that he would retire from politics if Modi was voted back to power.

The Prime Minister is addressing back to back rallies in Karnataka, where the BJP has targetted to win 22 of the 28 Lok Sabha seats, riding on what it perceives as a "Modi wave".

BJP is also hoping to cash in on mutual hostility between the ruling coalition partners at the grassroots level in several constituencies. 
The BJP won 17 seats in the 2014 polls.

The Prime Minister said the 2019 election is between Rashtrawad (nationalism) and parivarwad (dynasty). "The election was between nation first or family first," he said.

"In Karnataka Congress and JD(S) are signs of Parivarwad. Both parties that have lost touch with the people are that much connected to their families...Their only mission is commission," Modi said.

"When there was Congress government, there was Mr 10 per cent. 
Do you remember Mr 10 per cent? Now they have joined together 10 per cent is theirs and the other 10 per cent of others. Now Karnataka is going on with 20 per cent," he said.

In his campaign during the May 2018 assembly polls, Modi had attacked the then Siddaramaiah dispensation as a "10 per cent commission government.

The Prime Minister said he had seen media reports yesterday of Kumaraswamy saying that those who don't get food two times a day join the Army.

"What kind of thinking is thisKumaraswamy ji? You cannot escape by saying that your statement has been wrongly interpreted. You have said what is in your heart," Modi said.

"...Is it not an insult to our brave soldiers and armed forces...Will you seek vote on this? Those who serve the country and ready to sacrifice for it facing all odds...Such words for them, such thinking.

Doob maro doob maro (die drowning), those who insult the country's army," he said.

Modi said such people could not understand the "tapasya" of the Army as they were born with a silver spoon. Those who have remained in power for three generations could never understand the poor and their dignity, Modi said.

"This is the thinking with Congress and JD(S) and their mahamilavati (adulterated) dal....(they) don't give importance to the country's security," the Prime Minister said.

Accusing Congress and JD(S) of being against "Rashtrawadis" and those protecting the country, Modi said they don't feel ashamed in standing with those shouting slogans 'Bharat tere tukde honge' and dream about it.

The Prime Minister said such people stand with those supporting the secession of Jammu Kashmir from the country.

"They have money for Sultan's utsav, but have shortage of money to remember Hampis pride," Modi, said referring to the state government's controversial celebrations of "Tipu Jayanti" on November 10 every year in memory of Tipu Sultan, the 18th-century ruler of the erstwhile Mysore kingdom.

On Revanna's remarks that he would retire from politics if Modi came back to power, the prime minister said "Do you believe them? Will these people speak the truth any time?"&nbsp;

He reminded the crowd that in the 2014 elections, Deve Gowda had himself said that if Modi won and became the prime minister, he would take "sanyas".

"Did he take sanyas? Did father (Deve Gowda) take sanyas? Will son take sanyas? Leave sanyas, they are giving tickets to those remaining in the family."

On the response to his rallies across the country and the surging crows at the meeting here, Modi said, "This scene shows which way the wind is blowing."

"Wherever I have had the opportunity to go across the country, phir ek baar..." Modi said, to which the public roared in unison "Modi sarkar".

"This is the voice of the people across the country. There is a wave that is going on. Your love is spoiling the sleep of those sitting in Delhi," he told the surging crowds.

Modi stopped his speech four or five times as the crowds continued to swell and surged forward chanting "Modi, Modi."

Referring to the first phase of voting on Thursday, the Prime Minister said the opposition would not be able to sustain and there was a complete wave of BJP and its allies.

"There is chaos (afra tafri) in West Bengal, they are indulging in killing...But people phir ek baar."

Accusing Congress of having looted the money over which children and pregnant women had their rights, to "buy votes," he said, "they committed another corruption for this Lok Sabha polls, called the Tuglaq Raod Election scam."

Pointing out there is a Tuglaq Road in Delhi, where there are prominent leaders' residences, Modi said,..." in Madhya Pradesh, where Congress formed the government a few months ago, several crores of Rupees was sent to Delhi for election. This money was meant for malnourished children..." he said.

"Till now we were hearing about Congress' involvement in defence deal, land deal, submarine deal, helicopter deal.

Now they are looting the plates of innocent kids. Congress is hungry after remaining out of power for five years...Congress' sin cannot be cleared.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath's residence as an MP is at 1, Tughlaq Road, in New Delhi while Congress president Rahul Gandhi's official residence as an MP is 12, Tughlak Lane in the national capital.

Tearing into the Congress-JDS coalition in Karnataka over its alleged corruption and dynasty politics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday dubbed it a "20 per cent government", saying their only mission was "commission.

Tearing into the Congress-JDS coalition in Karnataka over its alleged corruption and dynasty politics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday dubbed it a "20 per cent government", saying their only mission was "commission." Intensifying his campaign blitz in Karnataka, Modi also asserted there was a wave across the country for the return of the BJP-led NDA government in the Lok Sabha polls, which was between "Rashtravad (nationalism) and Pariwarvad (dynasty)." He lashed out at the Deve Gowda family, targeting the JDS supremo's son Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy over his reported remark that only those who cannot get two square meals a day seek jobs in the services, terming it an 'insult' to the armed forces. He also hit out at Gowda's other son and minister H D Revanna, without naming him, for his remark that he would retire from politics if Modi was voted back to power. The Prime Minister is addressing back to back rallies in Karnataka, where the BJP has targetted to win 22 of the 28 Lok Sabha seats, riding on what it perceives as a "Modi wave". BJP is also hoping to cash in on mutual hostility between the ruling coalition partners at the grassroots level in several constituencies. The BJP won 17 seats in the 2014 polls. The Prime Minister said the 2019 election is between Rashtrawad (nationalism) and parivarwad (dynasty). "The election was between nation first or family first," he said. "In Karnataka Congress and JD(S) are signs of Parivarwad. Both parties that have lost touch with the people are that much connected to their families...Their only mission is commission," Modi said. "When there was Congress government, there was Mr 10 per cent. Do you remember Mr 10 per cent? Now they have joined together 10 per cent is theirs and the other 10 per cent of others. Now Karnataka is going on with 20 per cent," he said. In his campaign during the May 2018 assembly polls, Modi had attacked the then Siddaramaiah dispensation as a "10 per cent commission government. The Prime Minister said he had seen media reports yesterday of Kumaraswamy saying that those who don't get food two times a day join the Army. "What kind of thinking is thisKumaraswamy ji? You cannot escape by saying that your statement has been wrongly interpreted. You have said what is in your heart," Modi said. "...Is it not an insult to our brave soldiers and armed forces...Will you seek vote on this? Those who serve the country and ready to sacrifice for it facing all odds...Such words for them, such thinking. Doob maro doob maro (die drowning), those who insult the country's army," he said. Modi said such people could not understand the "tapasya" of the Army as they were born with a silver spoon. Those who have remained in power for three generations could never understand the poor and their dignity, Modi said. "This is the thinking with Congress and JD(S) and their mahamilavati (adulterated) dal....(they) don't give importance to the country's security," the Prime Minister said. Accusing Congress and JD(S) of being against "Rashtrawadis" and those protecting the country, Modi said they don't feel ashamed in standing with those shouting slogans 'Bharat tere tukde honge' and dream about it. The Prime Minister said such people stand with those supporting the secession of Jammu Kashmir from the country. "They have money for Sultan's utsav, but have shortage of money to remember Hampis pride," Modi, said referring to the state government's controversial celebrations of "Tipu Jayanti" on November 10 every year in memory of Tipu Sultan, the 18th-century ruler of the erstwhile Mysore kingdom. On Revanna's remarks that he would retire from politics if Modi came back to power, the prime minister said "Do you believe them? Will these people speak the truth any time?" He reminded the crowd that in the 2014 elections, Deve Gowda had himself said that if Modi won and became the prime minister, he would take "sanyas". "Did he take sanyas? Did father (Deve Gowda) take sanyas? Will son take sanyas? Leave sanyas, they are giving tickets to those remaining in the family." On the response to his rallies across the country and the surging crows at the meeting here, Modi said, "This scene shows which way the wind is blowing." "Wherever I have had the opportunity to go across the country, phir ek baar..." Modi said, to which the public roared in unison "Modi sarkar". "This is the voice of the people across the country. There is a wave that is going on. Your love is spoiling the sleep of those sitting in Delhi," he told the surging crowds. Modi stopped his speech four or five times as the crowds continued to swell and surged forward chanting "Modi, Modi." Referring to the first phase of voting on Thursday, the Prime Minister said the opposition would not be able to sustain and there was a complete wave of BJP and its allies. "There is chaos (afra tafri) in West Bengal, they are indulging in killing...But people phir ek baar." Accusing Congress of having looted the money over which children and pregnant women had their rights, to "buy votes," he said, "they committed another corruption for this Lok Sabha polls, called the Tuglaq Raod Election scam." Pointing out there is a Tuglaq Road in Delhi, where there are prominent leaders' residences, Modi said,..." in Madhya Pradesh, where Congress formed the government a few months ago, several crores of Rupees was sent to Delhi for election. This money was meant for malnourished children..." he said. "Till now we were hearing about Congress' involvement in defence deal, land deal, submarine deal, helicopter deal. Now they are looting the plates of innocent kids. Congress is hungry after remaining out of power for five years...Congress' sin cannot be cleared. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath's residence as an MP is at 1, Tughlaq Road, in New Delhi while Congress president Rahul Gandhi's official residence as an MP is 12, Tughlak Lane in the national capital.

Congress-JDS coalition is a '20% commission government': PM Modi

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/classic-manifestation-of-fake-news-several-ex-army-officers-deny-writing-letter-to-president-over-alleged-politicisation-of-services-209824">'Classic manifestation of fake news': Several ex-army officers deny writing letter to President over alleged politicisation of services</a>

Several senior armed forces veterans on Friday denied writing a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind over alleged politicisation of the services with former Army Chief General Sunith Francis Rodrigues calling it "a classic manifestation of fake news".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/narendra-modi-is-not-going-to-come-back-to-power-hd-kumaraswamy-to-wion-209844">Narendra Modi is not going to come back to power: HD Kumaraswamy to WION</a>

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday stressed the importance of the regional parties in Lok Sabha elections and claimed that these parties will play an important role in the formation of the next government at the Centre.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-gets-highest-civilian-award-of-russia-209806">PM Narendra Modi gets highest civilian award of Russia, Order of St Andrew</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with Order of St Andrew, Russia’s highest state honour, on Friday.&nbsp;In a statement, Russia said that the PM has been honoured for exceptional services in further improving ties between both countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudans-ousted-president-bashir-will-not-be-extradited-military-rulers-209837">Sudan's ousted president Bashir will not be extradited: Military rulers</a>

A day after the&nbsp;Sudanese army toppled&nbsp;president Omar al-Bashir, the country's military stated on Friday that they will not extradite the ousted president. "The president is currently in custody," the head of the military council's political committee, Lieutenant General Omar Zain al-Abdin, told a news conference.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/julian-assange-held-in-london-jail-ahead-of-long-legal-fight-209853">Julian Assange held in London jail ahead of long legal fight</a>

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange&nbsp;woke up in a British jail Friday at the start of a likely lengthy extradition battle after a dramatic end to his seven-year stay in Ecuador's London embassy.

'Classic manifestation of fake news': Several ex-army officers deny writing letter to President over alleged politicisation of services Several senior armed forces veterans on Friday denied writing a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind over alleged politicisation of the services with former Army Chief General Sunith Francis Rodrigues calling it "a classic manifestation of fake news".

'Classic manifestation of fake news': Several ex-army officers deny writing letter to President over alleged politicisation of services Several senior armed forces veterans on Friday denied writing a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind over alleged politicisation of the services with former Army Chief General Sunith Francis Rodrigues calling it "a classic manifestation of fake news". Narendra Modi is not going to come back to power: HD Kumaraswamy to WION Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday stressed the importance of the regional parties in Lok Sabha elections and claimed that these parties will play an important role in the formation of the next government at the Centre. PM Narendra Modi gets highest civilian award of Russia, Order of St Andrew Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with Order of St Andrew, Russia’s highest state honour, on Friday. In a statement, Russia said that the PM has been honoured for exceptional services in further improving ties between both countries. Sudan's ousted president Bashir will not be extradited: Military rulers A day after the Sudanese army toppled president Omar al-Bashir, the country's military stated on Friday that they will not extradite the ousted president. "The president is currently in custody," the head of the military council's political committee, Lieutenant General Omar Zain al-Abdin, told a news conference. Julian Assange held in London jail ahead of long legal fight WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange woke up in a British jail Friday at the start of a likely lengthy extradition battle after a dramatic end to his seven-year stay in Ecuador's London embassy.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Seeking to make the Lok Sabha polls a contest between him and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-moves-election-commission-for-action-against-rahul-gandhi-for-making-baseless-allegations-against-pm-modi-209819">Congress chief Rahul Gandhi</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-gets-highest-civilian-award-of-russia-209806">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> Friday asked voters to chose between 'imaandar chowkidar' and 'bhrashtachari naamdar'.

Gandhi has been hurling the "chowkidar chor hai" jibe at Modi to claim irregularities in Rafale deal, while the PM has been calling the Congress chief as 'naamdar' (dynast).

At a rally here to campaign for BJP-Shiv Sena alliance candidates of Ahmednagar and Shirdi Lok Sabha constituencies respectively, Modi said, "You have to decide the country's future and which direction will it take in this election.''

"You have to choose between imaandar chowkidar and bhrashtachari naamdar. You also have to choose between heroes of India and supporters of Pakistan," Modi added.

Modi said in the last five years, people have seen that his government is a strong regime which takes decisions.

"You have seen Chowkidar's government which is strong and takes decisions. Scams and decision-making delays were the order of the day during the remote-controlled government (UPA) earlier," Modi said.

If people compare the Congress-led alliance with the NDA, the latter's "buland irade" (strong intentions) are visible, Modi said.

"During the UPA rule, bomb blasts were frequent in which farmers, middle-class people and traders were killed. Blasts happened in trains, buses and stations. But under the Chowkidar's rule, where are the bomb blasts," he said.

"This is because the Chowkidar has instilled fear in minds of the terror perpetrators that even a single mistake would prove costly for them. The Chowkidar will find them from hell and punish them," Modi said, asking the crowd if it agreed with his policy of eliminating terrorists by going into their territory and killing them.

Modi said the earlier government looked weak "in front of Pakistan and rest of the world".

"Our army wanted to take revenge but the (then) government kept quiet. This Chowkidar gave permission (to army) to kill terrorists by going inside their territory. Are you happy with this strong government," he said.

On the National Conference demanding Prime Minister's post for Jammu and Kashmir, Modi said, "the Congress and NCP are supporting those who demand that Jammu and Kashmir have a Prime Minister."

"I have no expectation from the Congress since it has stopped thinking about people long ago," he said. "This sin is the creation of that party," he added.

Modi said NCP chief Sharad Pawar had quit the Congress in the name of the country. "Sharad rao, how can you be silent on the two PM demand. Why are you silent? Is this acceptable to you?

"Your party's name is Rashtravadi but you see the country through a foreign lens after allying with the Congress again. Is the name Rashtravadi in your party to fool people," Modi said.

"How can you (Pawar) sleep despite being from the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," he said.

Modi said the Congress wants to scrap the special powers of the armed forces.

Reaching out to first-time voters, Modi said,"those born in the 21st century will be voting for the first time. Do you agree with the weak approach of previous governments and their compromising national security? Is this acceptable to you?"

Modi said he has been able to work on various development projects, including farmers welfare, because of people's support.

He expressed confidence that the "Modi sarkar" will be re-elected on May 23 when results of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls are declared.

Modi said after being re-elected to power, his government would have a separate ministry for water management. He accused the Congress-NCP combine of being enemies of farmers.

Modi said the Congress needs to be decisively defeated to ensure poverty eradication, modern infrastructure and development of all sections of society.

Continuing his tirade against Rahul Gandhi, Modi linked the IT raids on aides of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, claiming this was&nbsp; 
"Tughlak Road chunavi ghotala" (election scam).

Tughlak Road is the residence of a "naamdar neta" in Delhi where funds are being sent, Modi said.

"Child nutrition funds given to Madhya Pradesh government are being used for elections. Habits of the Congress won't go. The Chowkidar is alert and that is why he could arrest the thieves," he said.

Notably, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath's residence as an MP is at 1, Tughlaq Road in New Delhi, while Congress president Rahul Gandhi's official residence as an MP is 12, Tughlak Lane in the national capital.

The Income Tax Department recently conducted raids on close aides of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and Congress leader Kamal Nath and others in four states on Sunday.

The CBDT, that frames policy for the I-T department, had said the department has also detected a trail of Rs 20 crore suspect cash allegedly being moved to the "headquarters of a major political party in Delhi" from the house of an important person who lives on Tughlaq Road, home to many VIPs.

"Searches in Madhya Pradesh have detected widespread and well-organised racket of collection of unaccounted cash of about Rs 281 crore through various persons in different walks of life, including business, politics and public service," it had said.&nbsp;

Seeking to make the Lok Sabha polls a contest between him and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday asked voters to chose between 'imaandar chowkidar' and 'bhrashtachari naamdar'.

Seeking to make the Lok Sabha polls a contest between him and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday asked voters to chose between 'imaandar chowkidar' and 'bhrashtachari naamdar'. Gandhi has been hurling the "chowkidar chor hai" jibe at Modi to claim irregularities in Rafale deal, while the PM has been calling the Congress chief as 'naamdar' (dynast). At a rally here to campaign for BJP-Shiv Sena alliance candidates of Ahmednagar and Shirdi Lok Sabha constituencies respectively, Modi said, "You have to decide the country's future and which direction will it take in this election.'' "You have to choose between imaandar chowkidar and bhrashtachari naamdar. You also have to choose between heroes of India and supporters of Pakistan," Modi added. Modi said in the last five years, people have seen that his government is a strong regime which takes decisions. "You have seen Chowkidar's government which is strong and takes decisions. Scams and decision-making delays were the order of the day during the remote-controlled government (UPA) earlier," Modi said. If people compare the Congress-led alliance with the NDA, the latter's "buland irade" (strong intentions) are visible, Modi said. "During the UPA rule, bomb blasts were frequent in which farmers, middle-class people and traders were killed. Blasts happened in trains, buses and stations. But under the Chowkidar's rule, where are the bomb blasts," he said. "This is because the Chowkidar has instilled fear in minds of the terror perpetrators that even a single mistake would prove costly for them. The Chowkidar will find them from hell and punish them," Modi said, asking the crowd if it agreed with his policy of eliminating terrorists by going into their territory and killing them. Modi said the earlier government looked weak "in front of Pakistan and rest of the world". "Our army wanted to take revenge but the (then) government kept quiet. This Chowkidar gave permission (to army) to kill terrorists by going inside their territory. Are you happy with this strong government," he said. On the National Conference demanding Prime Minister's post for Jammu and Kashmir, Modi said, "the Congress and NCP are supporting those who demand that Jammu and Kashmir have a Prime Minister." "I have no expectation from the Congress since it has stopped thinking about people long ago," he said. "This sin is the creation of that party," he added. Modi said NCP chief Sharad Pawar had quit the Congress in the name of the country. "Sharad rao, how can you be silent on the two PM demand. Why are you silent? Is this acceptable to you? "Your party's name is Rashtravadi but you see the country through a foreign lens after allying with the Congress again. Is the name Rashtravadi in your party to fool people," Modi said. "How can you (Pawar) sleep despite being from the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," he said. Modi said the Congress wants to scrap the special powers of the armed forces. Reaching out to first-time voters, Modi said,"those born in the 21st century will be voting for the first time. Do you agree with the weak approach of previous governments and their compromising national security? Is this acceptable to you?" Modi said he has been able to work on various development projects, including farmers welfare, because of people's support. He expressed confidence that the "Modi sarkar" will be re-elected on May 23 when results of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls are declared. Modi said after being re-elected to power, his government would have a separate ministry for water management. He accused the Congress-NCP combine of being enemies of farmers. Modi said the Congress needs to be decisively defeated to ensure poverty eradication, modern infrastructure and development of all sections of society. Continuing his tirade against Rahul Gandhi, Modi linked the IT raids on aides of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, claiming this was "Tughlak Road chunavi ghotala" (election scam). Tughlak Road is the residence of a "naamdar neta" in Delhi where funds are being sent, Modi said. "Child nutrition funds given to Madhya Pradesh government are being used for elections. Habits of the Congress won't go. The Chowkidar is alert and that is why he could arrest the thieves," he said. Notably, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath's residence as an MP is at 1, Tughlaq Road in New Delhi, while Congress president Rahul Gandhi's official residence as an MP is 12, Tughlak Lane in the national capital. The Income Tax Department recently conducted raids on close aides of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and Congress leader Kamal Nath and others in four states on Sunday. The CBDT, that frames policy for the I-T department, had said the department has also detected a trail of Rs 20 crore suspect cash allegedly being moved to the "headquarters of a major political party in Delhi" from the house of an important person who lives on Tughlaq Road, home to many VIPs. "Searches in Madhya Pradesh have detected widespread and well-organised racket of collection of unaccounted cash of about Rs 281 crore through various persons in different walks of life, including business, politics and public service," it had said.

Choose between honest 'chowkidar' and corrupt 'naamdar': PM Modi

The BJP leadership Friday demanded repoll at several booths in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/first-phase-lok-sabha-polls-after-pm-modis-rally-bjp-eyes-cooch-behar-in-west-bengal-208675&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiciamRyMrhAhUUiXAKHcNYAjEQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0ae6GBWr-LgwXhHW4RRjBt"> Cooch Bebar </a>Lok Sabha seat alleging that the ruling <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2019-in-west-bengal-bjp-tmc-bank-on-turncoats-to-win-poll-battle-205078&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiL3Lq6yMrhAhUBNo8KHSivBsYQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1L9y9merdzX2D83Ue_sffV">Trinamool Congress</a> (TMC) indulged in malpractices during polling there Thursday.

The saffron party also claimed that the TMC rigged those booths where state police personnel were on guard and the Election Commission failed to provide adequate security to the voters.

Polling was held in Cooch Bebar and Alipurduar seats in north Bengal in the first phase on Thursday and around 81 per cent of 34.52 lakh voters&nbsp; 
exercised their franchise.

"There should be repoll in Cooch Behar Lok Sabha seat. Several booths were rigged by the TMC as the security in these booths were provided by the state police. We wanted central forces to provide security cover," BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said.

The BJP candidate of Cooch Behar seat Nishit Pramanik Thursday night held a protest in front of the district magistrate's office, demanding re-poll in all booths where central force was not deployed.

He claimed that at least 350 polling stations were rigged by the TMC.

Senior BJP leader Mukul Roy Friday visited the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in Kolkata and demanded repoll.

Echoing the views of Ghosh, BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya claimed that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee does not respect democratic norms and should stop talking about democracy in the country.

Vijayvargiya said, "If she is so confident of victory, why isn't she not allowing free and fair polls? Why is the TMC trying to rig the elections?"

Ghosh had a word of caution for police officers who are allegedly working at the behest of the ruling party.

If they do not stop acting in an unbiased manner, they would have to face the music, he said.

"We would complain to the Election Commission and ensure that these officers are removed," Ghosh said.

The BJP and the TMC on Thursday had accused each other of using state police and central forces to "manipulate" the voting in Cooch Behar Lok Sabha seat.

"We want repoll in all the polling stations which were guarded by the state police and not by the central force personnel," Pramanik had said.

On the other hand, TMC secretary-general Partha Chatterjee said. "We have reports of central forces threatening voters. This is unprecedented. We condemn it and want the EC to look into it,"&nbsp;

The BJP leadership Friday demanded repoll at several booths in Cooch Bebar Lok Sabha seat alleging that the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) indulged in malpractices during polling there Thursday.

The BJP leadership Friday demanded repoll at several booths in Cooch Bebar Lok Sabha seat alleging that the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) indulged in malpractices during polling there Thursday. The saffron party also claimed that the TMC rigged those booths where state police personnel were on guard and the Election Commission failed to provide adequate security to the voters. Polling was held in Cooch Bebar and Alipurduar seats in north Bengal in the first phase on Thursday and around 81 per cent of 34.52 lakh voters exercised their franchise. "There should be repoll in Cooch Behar Lok Sabha seat. Several booths were rigged by the TMC as the security in these booths were provided by the state police. We wanted central forces to provide security cover," BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said. The BJP candidate of Cooch Behar seat Nishit Pramanik Thursday night held a protest in front of the district magistrate's office, demanding re-poll in all booths where central force was not deployed. He claimed that at least 350 polling stations were rigged by the TMC. Senior BJP leader Mukul Roy Friday visited the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in Kolkata and demanded repoll. Echoing the views of Ghosh, BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya claimed that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee does not respect democratic norms and should stop talking about democracy in the country. Vijayvargiya said, "If she is so confident of victory, why isn't she not allowing free and fair polls? Why is the TMC trying to rig the elections?" Ghosh had a word of caution for police officers who are allegedly working at the behest of the ruling party. If they do not stop acting in an unbiased manner, they would have to face the music, he said. "We would complain to the Election Commission and ensure that these officers are removed," Ghosh said. The BJP and the TMC on Thursday had accused each other of using state police and central forces to "manipulate" the voting in Cooch Behar Lok Sabha seat. "We want repoll in all the polling stations which were guarded by the state police and not by the central force personnel," Pramanik had said. On the other hand, TMC secretary-general Partha Chatterjee said. "We have reports of central forces threatening voters. This is unprecedented. We condemn it and want the EC to look into it,"

BJP alleges rigging by TMC in Cooch Behar, demands repoll

Karnataka Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-applies-make-up-everyday-to-get-shine-on-face-hd-kumaraswamy-209104">HD Kumaraswamy </a>on Friday stressed the importance of the regional parties in Lok Sabha elections and claimed that these parties will play an important role in the formation of the next government at the Centre.

In an exclusive interview to WION, Kumaraswamy said that 2019 is an election of regional parties and that the Congress-JD(S) alliance will beat BJP.

"Local leaders must cooperate to achieve the full potential of the alliance," Kumaraswamy said.

The Karnataka Chief Minister strongly criticised BJP and said that it has an unofficial alliance with ED, CBI and Income Tax department.

"Modi government is misusing the institutions. The raids on Opposition is part of political agenda and not good for democracy," he said.

He also said that Pulwama was an intelligence failure and that Modi should be asked that how is he running the intelligence department of the country?

"Modi is not going to come back to power. The nationalist rhetoric is not going to work in this election," said Kumaraswamy, adding that Congress president Rahul Gandhi has evolved into a mature politician.

In a controversial remark, Kumaraswamy said, "Modi is not a humane person and vengeance in politics does not work well. I urge the young community in the country not to get swayed by speeches of the Prime Minister."

He also admitted that he has received full cooperation from the Congress leaders, but the alliance needs to work well on the ground. He also said that he has a comfortable working relationship with former chief minister Siddaramaiah.

The chief minister said that Hindutva will not work in the current elections as the job is the main issue on which the ruling government has failed miserably.

Karnataka will vote in the second and third phases of Lok Sabha election, scheduled on April 18 and 23, respectively.

(You can watch the full interview at 8.30 AM and 4.30 PM on Saturday, 9.30 and 1.30 PM on Sunday and 2.30 PM on Monday)

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday stressed the importance of the regional parties in Lok Sabha elections and claimed that these parties will play an important role in the formation of the next government at the Centre.

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday stressed the importance of the regional parties in Lok Sabha elections and claimed that these parties will play an important role in the formation of the next government at the Centre. In an exclusive interview to WION, Kumaraswamy said that 2019 is an election of regional parties and that the Congress-JD(S) alliance will beat BJP. "Local leaders must cooperate to achieve the full potential of the alliance," Kumaraswamy said. The Karnataka Chief Minister strongly criticised BJP and said that it has an unofficial alliance with ED, CBI and Income Tax department. "Modi government is misusing the institutions. The raids on Opposition is part of political agenda and not good for democracy," he said. He also said that Pulwama was an intelligence failure and that Modi should be asked that how is he running the intelligence department of the country? "Modi is not going to come back to power. The nationalist rhetoric is not going to work in this election," said Kumaraswamy, adding that Congress president Rahul Gandhi has evolved into a mature politician. In a controversial remark, Kumaraswamy said, "Modi is not a humane person and vengeance in politics does not work well. I urge the young community in the country not to get swayed by speeches of the Prime Minister." He also admitted that he has received full cooperation from the Congress leaders, but the alliance needs to work well on the ground. He also said that he has a comfortable working relationship with former chief minister Siddaramaiah. The chief minister said that Hindutva will not work in the current elections as the job is the main issue on which the ruling government has failed miserably. Karnataka will vote in the second and third phases of Lok Sabha election, scheduled on April 18 and 23, respectively. (You can watch the full interview at 8.30 AM and 4.30 PM on Saturday, 9.30 and 1.30 PM on Sunday and 2.30 PM on Monday)

Narendra Modi is not going to come back to power: HD Kumaraswamy to WION

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-moves-election-commission-for-action-against-rahul-gandhi-for-making-baseless-allegations-against-pm-modi-209819">Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)</a> has successfully implemented all its promises made in its 2014 election manifesto, except those that needed constitutional amendments for which the party required a majority in the Rajya Sabha, BJP national vice-president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe claimed Friday.

Unveiling 'This is how BJP Walks the Talk' -- a report card of the ruling party in the social and science and technology sectors prepared by the Public Policy Research Centre (PPRC), Sahasrabuddhe said, "We believe in empowerment and not an entitlement. The focus is now on deliverance."

According to the report, Rs 17 crore loans have been provided under Mudra Scheme, 35 crore bank accounts have been opened under Jan Dhan Yojana and three crore houses have been electrified under Saubhagya scheme.&nbsp;

"Only goal perhaps which BJP has not been able to meet was Article 370, basically those which need constitutional interventions which we cannot do without a majority in the Rajya Sabha. Other than that I think we have robustly managed to achieve all our goals," said the BJP leader who is also a Rajya Sabha MP and Director of PPRC.&nbsp;

He also said that the "Leftist mentality" of having a law for everything needs to change.

"This is why RTE came, Food Security Act came...So this rights-based narrative has played a significant role in our country since the beginning. It is very attractive as well as populist. But on the ground it is different. For example, RTE which was formed after so much discussion had to be improved in merely five years...The informality of education has been almost finished off. Under RTE they are illegal...They made the Act in a hurry, it didn't seem well thought-out," he said.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has successfully implemented all its promises made in its 2014 election manifesto, except those that needed constitutional amendments for which the party required a majority in the Rajya Sabha, BJP national vice-president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe claimed Friday.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has successfully implemented all its promises made in its 2014 election manifesto, except those that needed constitutional amendments for which the party required a majority in the Rajya Sabha, BJP national vice-president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe claimed Friday. Unveiling 'This is how BJP Walks the Talk' -- a report card of the ruling party in the social and science and technology sectors prepared by the Public Policy Research Centre (PPRC), Sahasrabuddhe said, "We believe in empowerment and not an entitlement. The focus is now on deliverance." According to the report, Rs 17 crore loans have been provided under Mudra Scheme, 35 crore bank accounts have been opened under Jan Dhan Yojana and three crore houses have been electrified under Saubhagya scheme. "Only goal perhaps which BJP has not been able to meet was Article 370, basically those which need constitutional interventions which we cannot do without a majority in the Rajya Sabha. Other than that I think we have robustly managed to achieve all our goals," said the BJP leader who is also a Rajya Sabha MP and Director of PPRC. He also said that the "Leftist mentality" of having a law for everything needs to change. "This is why RTE came, Food Security Act came...So this rights-based narrative has played a significant role in our country since the beginning. It is very attractive as well as populist. But on the ground it is different. For example, RTE which was formed after so much discussion had to be improved in merely five years...The informality of education has been almost finished off. Under RTE they are illegal...They made the Act in a hurry, it didn't seem well thought-out," he said.

BJP successfully implemented almost all its 2014 poll promises: Vinay Sahasrabuddhe

The BJP on Friday moved the Election Commission seeking action against Rahul Gandhi for his "abusive" and "completely untrue" comments against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-gets-highest-civilian-award-of-russia-209806">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>, accusing the Congress president of attributing words to the Supreme Court in the Rafale case that it never said.

Senior BJP leader and Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman also expressed her party's "disappointment" with the poll watchdog, saying it has looked the other way despite their repeated pleas to it against Gandhi for his "baseless" allegations against Modi.

A BJP delegation, including Sitharaman, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and its media head Anil Baluni, submitted to the EC a memorandum in which the saffron party also accused the Trinamool Congress of poll rigging in West Bengal during the first phase polling of the general election on Thursday.

Pointing to Gandhi's remarks Wednesday that the apex court has acknowledged that Modi is a "thief" and that he gave Rs 30,000 crore to industrialist Anil Ambani, Naqvi said such "lies" and "baseless allegations" are not only violative of the Model Code of Conduct but also fall under "corrupt practices", as described in the Representation of People Act.

The court had never said such a thing, he said.

"Congress president Rahul Gandhi is using abusive and such strong statements which are totally untrue, calling repeatedly the prime minister a 'chor' (thief) and also putting words in the mouth of Supreme Court," Sitharaman told reporters.

Gandhi has been making such allegations without any evidence, she said, adding that the BJP has approached the EC three times so far against the Congress president.

The BJP felt "let down" that the EC has not taken cognizance of its complaints against him, she said.

Taking a dig at Gandhi, Naqvi said the "brand new president" of an old party like the Congress has crossed all boundaries with his utterances.

The apex court had on Wednesday allowed leaked documents to be relied upon by petitioners seeking review of its Rafale judgement and dismissed the government's preliminary objections claiming "privilege" over them.

Gandhi had then claimed that the court has accepted that Modi was a thief.

The BJP on Friday moved the Election Commission seeking action against Rahul Gandhi for his "abusive" and "completely untrue" comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing the Congress president of attributing words to the Supreme Court in the Rafale case that it never said.

The BJP on Friday moved the Election Commission seeking action against Rahul Gandhi for his "abusive" and "completely untrue" comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing the Congress president of attributing words to the Supreme Court in the Rafale case that it never said. Senior BJP leader and Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman also expressed her party's "disappointment" with the poll watchdog, saying it has looked the other way despite their repeated pleas to it against Gandhi for his "baseless" allegations against Modi. A BJP delegation, including Sitharaman, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and its media head Anil Baluni, submitted to the EC a memorandum in which the saffron party also accused the Trinamool Congress of poll rigging in West Bengal during the first phase polling of the general election on Thursday. Pointing to Gandhi's remarks Wednesday that the apex court has acknowledged that Modi is a "thief" and that he gave Rs 30,000 crore to industrialist Anil Ambani, Naqvi said such "lies" and "baseless allegations" are not only violative of the Model Code of Conduct but also fall under "corrupt practices", as described in the Representation of People Act. The court had never said such a thing, he said. "Congress president Rahul Gandhi is using abusive and such strong statements which are totally untrue, calling repeatedly the prime minister a 'chor' (thief) and also putting words in the mouth of Supreme Court," Sitharaman told reporters. Gandhi has been making such allegations without any evidence, she said, adding that the BJP has approached the EC three times so far against the Congress president. The BJP felt "let down" that the EC has not taken cognizance of its complaints against him, she said. Taking a dig at Gandhi, Naqvi said the "brand new president" of an old party like the Congress has crossed all boundaries with his utterances. The apex court had on Wednesday allowed leaked documents to be relied upon by petitioners seeking review of its Rafale judgement and dismissed the government's preliminary objections claiming "privilege" over them. Gandhi had then claimed that the court has accepted that Modi was a thief.

BJP moves Election Commission for action against Rahul Gandhi for making 'baseless' allegations against PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led opposition, asserting that the "mahamilavati gang" is scared that if he comes to power again, their "shops" of corruption and dynasty politics will shut down.

Addressing an election rally in Bihar, Modi also said the opposition wants to strip the armed forces of their special powers, while the NDA government strives to give full liberty to jawans to deal with terrorists and Naxals.

Live Lok Sabha polls 2019:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404">&nbsp;Naxals trigger IED blast near polling booth in Maharashtra; no injuries reported</a>

"The mahamilavati gang is actually afraid of something else though it may have other pretensions while scaremongering. They fear that if Modi comes to power again, their shops of corruption, dynasty politics and venal defence deals will shut down," he said.

The prime minister said his government has been making efforts to bolster the quota system introduced by Baba Saheb Ambedkar.

"They are saying that if Modi comes to power again, elections would be done away with. All constitutional bodies will be under threat. And reservations will be done away with.

"The fact remains, this 'chowkidar' of yours has been making all efforts to strengthen the quota system introduced by Baba Saheb Ambedkar," Modi said. 
Bihar will witness seven-phase polling for its 40 Lok Sabha seats.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led opposition, asserting that the "mahamilavati gang" is scared that if he comes to power again, their "shops" of corruption and dynasty politics will shut down.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led opposition, asserting that the "mahamilavati gang" is scared that if he comes to power again, their "shops" of corruption and dynasty politics will shut down. Addressing an election rally in Bihar, Modi also said the opposition wants to strip the armed forces of their special powers, while the NDA government strives to give full liberty to jawans to deal with terrorists and Naxals. Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: Naxals trigger IED blast near polling booth in Maharashtra; no injuries reported "The mahamilavati gang is actually afraid of something else though it may have other pretensions while scaremongering. They fear that if Modi comes to power again, their shops of corruption, dynasty politics and venal defence deals will shut down," he said. The prime minister said his government has been making efforts to bolster the quota system introduced by Baba Saheb Ambedkar. "They are saying that if Modi comes to power again, elections would be done away with. All constitutional bodies will be under threat. And reservations will be done away with. "The fact remains, this 'chowkidar' of yours has been making all efforts to strengthen the quota system introduced by Baba Saheb Ambedkar," Modi said. Bihar will witness seven-phase polling for its 40 Lok Sabha seats.

Opposition scared, indulging in scaremongering: PM Modi in Bihar rally

India's general election begins with voting in first of seven phases

Israel Elections: PM Narendra Modi congratulates Netanyahu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-netanyahu-wins-reelection-with-parliamentary-majority-tally-209271">winning the elections</a> in his country.

"My dear friend Bibi, Congratulations! You are a great friend of India, and I look forward to continuing to work with you to take our bilateral partnership to new heights. @netanyahu," PM Modi said on Twitter.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
My dear friend Bibi, Congratulations! You are a great friend of India, and I look forward to continuing to work with you to take our bilateral partnership to new heights. <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@netanyahu</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1115916217431277568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Netanyahu secured a clear path to re-election on Wednesday, with religious-rightist parties set to hand him a parliamentary majority despite a close contest against his main centrist challenger, a vote tally showed.

With more than 97 per cent of votes counted, Netanyahu's conservative Likud party looked likely to muster enough support to control 65 of the Knesset's 120 seats and be named to head the next coalition government - a record fifth term as premier.

Modi and Netanyahu developed cordial connect after the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Israel in July, 2017 - first ever by an Indian Prime Minister. He was received at the airport by Netanyahu - an honour afforded to only a few select leaders.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says, 'Aapka swagat hai mere dost' welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel <a href="https://t.co/QjtsoCek2R">pic.twitter.com/QjtsoCek2R</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/882227611501346816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Modi was welcomed by Netanyahu with a hug. "Aapka swagat hai mere dost (Welcome my friend)," said Netanyahu in his welcome address.

Six months later, Modi hosted Netanyahu and wife Sara in his home state Gujarat. He also presented a special gift - a water desalination and purification jeep - to PM Modi.

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PM Netanyahu and <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> attend a demonstration of a mobile seawater desalination unit. <a href="https://t.co/FLhZsScgXM">pic.twitter.com/FLhZsScgXM</a>
— PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM/status/882894955362103296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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This was the second visit of any Israeli Prime Minister to India. Prior to this, Ariel Sharon came to India in 2003 during PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee tenure.

Watch: A brief profile of Israel's longest-serving prime minister

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu for winning the elections in his country. "My dear friend Bibi, Congratulations!

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu for winning the elections in his country. "My dear friend Bibi, Congratulations! You are a great friend of India, and I look forward to continuing to work with you to take our bilateral partnership to new heights. @netanyahu," PM Modi said on Twitter. My dear friend Bibi, Congratulations! You are a great friend of India, and I look forward to continuing to work with you to take our bilateral partnership to new heights. @netanyahu — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 10, 2019 × Netanyahu secured a clear path to re-election on Wednesday, with religious-rightist parties set to hand him a parliamentary majority despite a close contest against his main centrist challenger, a vote tally showed. With more than 97 per cent of votes counted, Netanyahu's conservative Likud party looked likely to muster enough support to control 65 of the Knesset's 120 seats and be named to head the next coalition government - a record fifth term as premier. Modi and Netanyahu developed cordial connect after the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Israel in July, 2017 - first ever by an Indian Prime Minister. He was received at the airport by Netanyahu - an honour afforded to only a few select leaders. #WATCH Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says, 'Aapka swagat hai mere dost' welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel pic.twitter.com/QjtsoCek2R — ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2017 × Modi was welcomed by Netanyahu with a hug. "Aapka swagat hai mere dost (Welcome my friend)," said Netanyahu in his welcome address. Six months later, Modi hosted Netanyahu and wife Sara in his home state Gujarat. He also presented a special gift - a water desalination and purification jeep - to PM Modi. PM Netanyahu and @PMOIndia @narendramodi attend a demonstration of a mobile seawater desalination unit. pic.twitter.com/FLhZsScgXM — PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) July 6, 2017 × This was the second visit of any Israeli Prime Minister to India. Prior to this, Ariel Sharon came to India in 2003 during PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee tenure. Watch: A brief profile of Israel's longest-serving prime minister

Look forward to work with you: PM Modi congratulates Netanyahu for poll win

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