As voters in Cooch Behar&nbsp;prepare to go to the polls on April 11th, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2019-in-west-bengal-bjp-tmc-bank-on-turncoats-to-win-poll-battle-205078">BJP has already declared</a> its intentions to open a front with PM Modi leading from the front in the reserved schedule caste category seat.

On Sunday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/didi-maligned-bengal-with-scams-denied-people-of-central-scheme-benefits-pm-modi-208492">PM Narendra Modi addressed a poll</a> rally in the former princely state where he targeted corruption and Mamata Banerjee's regime.&nbsp;

Cooch Behar is one of the key seats of West Bengal among the 48 constituencies which will be keenly watched by political pundits.&nbsp;

The more the "lotus" will bloom in West Bengal, the stronger your voice will be. The fight for your rights will get stronger," the prime minister said at the poll rally which is close to the Indo-Bangla border.

The Trinamool Congress and the BJP will face-off against each other in this important eastern outpost which the BJP hopes it can wrestle from the TMC. However, there are others in the fray as well namely the All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) and Congress.

The key West Bengal constituency has an almost equal division of men and women voters comprising of 9,40,948 and 8,68,632 respectively. TMC has filed Paresh Chandra Adhikary while the BJP has picked Nisith Pramanik, a former Trinamool Youth Congress leader.

In 2014, the BJP had finished third behind the Forward Bloc and TMC which clinched the seat with a huge margin. Renuka Sinha who had won the seat, however, passed away in 2016 due to a heart attack.

The BJP came back strongly in the by-poll in 2016 finishing second behind the TMC's Partha Pratim Ray. The constituency which was once the bastion on the AIFB fell away drastically polling just six per cent votes.

BJP candidate Hem Chandra Barman polled 38, 1134 votes against Ray's 79,4375 votes as the AIFB faded away. This time however the TMC has given the ticket to Adhikary and the BJP has expressed confidence in &nbsp;Nisith Pramanik to grab TMC's seat.

Congress candidate Priya Roy Chowdhury will be hoping to seize the seat by cutting into the vote bank of all three - BJP, TMC and AIFB, however, it will be an uphill task for her.

The constituency has exactly 1,329,086 electorates, according to the Election Commission with the administrative division belonging to Jalpaiguri. Significantly, the average literacy rate of Cooch Behar is 75 per cent, with male literacy rate of 81 per cent and female literacy rate of 69 per cent.

Development, cross-border infiltration and employment dominate the poll issues in this agricultural area which has witnessed a political slugfest over the years, especially since 2014.

During his poll rally, PM Narendra Modi had said the NDA government had approved projects worth crores, focussing on the development plank.

"Didi has put a break on free treatment for the poor under Ayushman Yojana and on financial assistance to farmers," the prime minister said at Cooch Behar in a bid to win over the farmers who constitute a major chunk of voters.

The Lok Sabha poll results which will be declared on May 23rd may open a new front for the BJP as it seeks to grab the eastern front from the ruling TMC. 
&nbsp;

As voters in Cooch Behar prepare to go to the polls on April 11th, the BJP has already declared its intentions to open a front with PM Modi leading from the front in the reserved schedule caste category seat.

As voters in Cooch Behar prepare to go to the polls on April 11th, the BJP has already declared its intentions to open a front with PM Modi leading from the front in the reserved schedule caste category seat. On Sunday, PM Narendra Modi addressed a poll rally in the former princely state where he targeted corruption and Mamata Banerjee's regime. Cooch Behar is one of the key seats of West Bengal among the 48 constituencies which will be keenly watched by political pundits. The more the "lotus" will bloom in West Bengal, the stronger your voice will be. The fight for your rights will get stronger," the prime minister said at the poll rally which is close to the Indo-Bangla border. The Trinamool Congress and the BJP will face-off against each other in this important eastern outpost which the BJP hopes it can wrestle from the TMC. However, there are others in the fray as well namely the All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) and Congress. The key West Bengal constituency has an almost equal division of men and women voters comprising of 9,40,948 and 8,68,632 respectively. TMC has filed Paresh Chandra Adhikary while the BJP has picked Nisith Pramanik, a former Trinamool Youth Congress leader. In 2014, the BJP had finished third behind the Forward Bloc and TMC which clinched the seat with a huge margin. Renuka Sinha who had won the seat, however, passed away in 2016 due to a heart attack. The BJP came back strongly in the by-poll in 2016 finishing second behind the TMC's Partha Pratim Ray. The constituency which was once the bastion on the AIFB fell away drastically polling just six per cent votes. BJP candidate Hem Chandra Barman polled 38, 1134 votes against Ray's 79,4375 votes as the AIFB faded away. This time however the TMC has given the ticket to Adhikary and the BJP has expressed confidence in Nisith Pramanik to grab TMC's seat. Congress candidate Priya Roy Chowdhury will be hoping to seize the seat by cutting into the vote bank of all three - BJP, TMC and AIFB, however, it will be an uphill task for her. The constituency has exactly 1,329,086 electorates, according to the Election Commission with the administrative division belonging to Jalpaiguri. Significantly, the average literacy rate of Cooch Behar is 75 per cent, with male literacy rate of 81 per cent and female literacy rate of 69 per cent. Development, cross-border infiltration and employment dominate the poll issues in this agricultural area which has witnessed a political slugfest over the years, especially since 2014. During his poll rally, PM Narendra Modi had said the NDA government had approved projects worth crores, focussing on the development plank. "Didi has put a break on free treatment for the poor under Ayushman Yojana and on financial assistance to farmers," the prime minister said at Cooch Behar in a bid to win over the farmers who constitute a major chunk of voters. The Lok Sabha poll results which will be declared on May 23rd may open a new front for the BJP as it seeks to grab the eastern front from the ruling TMC.

First phase Lok Sabha polls: After PM Modi's rally, BJP eyes Cooch Behar in West Bengal

India Election Watch: Latest election news

BJP Manifesto 2019: BJP brings 'Sankalp Patra' not 'Ghoshna Patra', says Sushma Swaraj

BJP Manifesto 2019: Huge support from people of India in last 5 years, says PM Modi

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-unveils-election-manifesto-zero-tolerance-on-terrorism-full-commitment-towards-uniform-civil-code-208715">BJP manifesto released</a> on Monday&nbsp;said that if the party is elected back to form the government, it will take steps to isolate countries supporting terror and strengthen ties with groupings such as Russia-India-China (RIC) and Japan-America-India(JAI).

On the issue of terror, the BJP manifesto said,"we are committed to take concrete steps on international forums against countries &amp; supporting terrorism" and will take necessary measures to "isolate such countries" on the global stage.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WclSbVA4R7s" width="560"></iframe>

In the aftermath of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nationalism-our-inspiration-good-governance-our-mantra-says-pm-modi-as-bjp-unveils-election-manifesto-208728">Uri, Pathankot and Pulwama </a>terror attacks, India has been focusing on isolating Pakistan which has been supporting terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) responsible for these terror attacks.

&nbsp;

It proposed the establishment of a "committee of nations against international terrorism" which will be voluntary multilateral forum based on CCIT or Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism which calls for a common definition of terrorism.&nbsp;

CCIT was proposed by India in 1996 but still languishes at United Nation due to lack of consensus to have a common definition on terror.

The manifesto said, if it forms the next government, it will pursue co-operation against global evils like "terror &amp; corruption" through &nbsp;UN, G20, SCO, BRICS and Commonwealth.

Remember PM Modi has been raising the issue of terror and corruption at global forums. At the G20 summits in Argentina (2018), Germany(2017), Australia (2014), he gave agendas to counter corruption and terror.&nbsp;

The focus will be on boosting ties with groupings like RIC (Russia-India-China) and JAI (Japan-America-India), it said.

Last year on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina, RIC under Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping had met after a gap of 12 years and JAI under PM Modi, US President Donald Trump and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe had met for the first time.

The "neighbourhood-first" policy will continue with extensive leverage being given to forums like BIMSTEC.&nbsp;

BIMSTEC has become India's premier forum for regional cooperation. SAARC is on a standstill after India along with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives boycotted the 19th SAARC summit in Islamabad in the aftermath of the 2016 Uri terror attack perpetrated by Pakistan-based United Nations listed terror organisation - JeM.

Indo-Pacific also found mention in the manifesto, the party said it will be "pursued vigorously" along with Act East and cooperation with ASEAN.

The manifesto has also suggested the creation of an "international space technology alliance" so that benefits of space technology can reach everyone, especially the smaller countries.

Under the Modi government, India had launched the South Asia satellite to benefit the regional countries such as Nepal, Bangaldesh, Maldives, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.

The BJP manifesto released on Monday said that if the party is elected back to form the government, it will take steps to isolate countries supporting terror and strengthen ties with groupings such as Russia-India-China (RIC) and Japan-America-India(JAI).

The BJP manifesto released on Monday said that if the party is elected back to form the government, it will take steps to isolate countries supporting terror and strengthen ties with groupings such as Russia-India-China (RIC) and Japan-America-India(JAI). On the issue of terror, the BJP manifesto said,"we are committed to take concrete steps on international forums against countries & supporting terrorism" and will take necessary measures to "isolate such countries" on the global stage. In the aftermath of Uri, Pathankot and Pulwama terror attacks, India has been focusing on isolating Pakistan which has been supporting terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) responsible for these terror attacks. It proposed the establishment of a "committee of nations against international terrorism" which will be voluntary multilateral forum based on CCIT or Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism which calls for a common definition of terrorism. CCIT was proposed by India in 1996 but still languishes at United Nation due to lack of consensus to have a common definition on terror. The manifesto said, if it forms the next government, it will pursue co-operation against global evils like "terror & corruption" through UN, G20, SCO, BRICS and Commonwealth. Remember PM Modi has been raising the issue of terror and corruption at global forums. At the G20 summits in Argentina (2018), Germany(2017), Australia (2014), he gave agendas to counter corruption and terror. The focus will be on boosting ties with groupings like RIC (Russia-India-China) and JAI (Japan-America-India), it said. Last year on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina, RIC under Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping had met after a gap of 12 years and JAI under PM Modi, US President Donald Trump and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe had met for the first time. The "neighbourhood-first" policy will continue with extensive leverage being given to forums like BIMSTEC. BIMSTEC has become India's premier forum for regional cooperation. SAARC is on a standstill after India along with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives boycotted the 19th SAARC summit in Islamabad in the aftermath of the 2016 Uri terror attack perpetrated by Pakistan-based United Nations listed terror organisation - JeM. Indo-Pacific also found mention in the manifesto, the party said it will be "pursued vigorously" along with Act East and cooperation with ASEAN. The manifesto has also suggested the creation of an "international space technology alliance" so that benefits of space technology can reach everyone, especially the smaller countries. Under the Modi government, India had launched the South Asia satellite to benefit the regional countries such as Nepal, Bangaldesh, Maldives, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.

BJP manifesto: India to focus on fighting terror; strengthen ties with RIC, JAI

Ahead of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-manifesto-not-prepared-with-tukde-tukde-mindset-but-with-strong-nationalist-vision-says-jaitley-while-unveiling-of-party-manifesto-208720">first phase of polling on April 11th</a>, the BJP today presented its manifesto at the party headquarters in New Delhi.

The "Sankalp Patra" was unveiled in the presence of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nationalism-our-inspiration-good-governance-our-mantra-says-pm-modi-as-bjp-unveils-election-manifesto-208728">PM Narendra Modi</a> and party president Amit Shah. Rajnath Singh who was the key member of the party's manifesto committee presented the BJP's programme.

The vision document 2019&nbsp;emphasised on "zero tolerance" on terrorism and illegal migration.

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We will ensure corruption-free Bharat by effective governance and transparent decision making. 
 
To empower citizens and ensure time-bound delivery of public services, we will explore every avenue to implement the Right to Service. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJPSankalpPatr2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJPSankalpPatr2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/4W8GbVqWr0">pic.twitter.com/4W8GbVqWr0</a>
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"We have our full commitment for uniform civil code,"&nbsp;Rajnath Singh said.

"We reiterate our position since the time of the Jan Sangh to the abrogation of Article 370."&nbsp;

"We are committed to annulling Article 35A of the Constitution of India as the provision is discriminatory against non-permanent residents and women of Jammu and Kashmir," Rajnath Singh added.

"Citizenship Amendment bill will&nbsp;be passed,"&nbsp;Rajanath Singh said while asserting that regional identity will be protected. Our "Sankalp Patra"&nbsp;is a vision document that lists expectations of 130 crore Indians, Rajnath Singh, head of BJP's manifesto committee, said.

"All alternative options will be explored for construction of Ram temple in a most conducive manner," Rajnath Singh said adding, "We will also give pension facility to small and marginal farmers after 60 years of age.

"We will give Rs 6,000 yearly income support to all farmers and pension to small and marginal farmers above 60 years of age&nbsp;under Kisan Samman Nidhi,"&nbsp;he said.

"BJP promises to spend Rs 25 lakh crore on rural development in the next five years," Rajnath Singh informed.&nbsp;

"Seventy-five&nbsp;new medical colleges and postgraduate colleges will be established if BJP is voted to power,"&nbsp;he said.

During his opening speech, Amit Shah reminded party leaders about the 2014 polls when Narendra Modi was presented as the PM candidate. He emphasised on the party's programme in the last five years on the Swachh campaign, housing and farmer policy.

"The nation has achieved new heights under PM Modi," Amit Shah said, adding, "India is the fastest growing economy in the world."

"The country feels safe under PM Modi," he added.

The presentation ceremony was attended by top leaders including external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-manifesto-not-prepared-with-tukde-tukde-mindset-but-with-strong-nationalist-vision-says-jaitley-while-unveiling-of-party-manifesto-208720"> finance minister Arun Jaitley </a>among others.

The seven-phase Lok Sabha polls will conclude on May 19th with the results to be announced on May 23rd.

Ahead of the first phase of polling on April 11th, the BJP today presented its manifesto at the party headquarters in New Delhi. The "Sankalp Patra" was unveiled in the presence of PM Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah.

Ahead of the first phase of polling on April 11th, the BJP today presented its manifesto at the party headquarters in New Delhi. The "Sankalp Patra" was unveiled in the presence of PM Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah. Rajnath Singh who was the key member of the party's manifesto committee presented the BJP's programme. The vision document 2019 emphasised on "zero tolerance" on terrorism and illegal migration. We will ensure corruption-free Bharat by effective governance and transparent decision making. To empower citizens and ensure time-bound delivery of public services, we will explore every avenue to implement the Right to Service. #BJPSankalpPatr2019 pic.twitter.com/4W8GbVqWr0 — BJP (@BJP4India) April 8, 2019 × "We have our full commitment for uniform civil code," Rajnath Singh said. "We reiterate our position since the time of the Jan Sangh to the abrogation of Article 370." "We are committed to annulling Article 35A of the Constitution of India as the provision is discriminatory against non-permanent residents and women of Jammu and Kashmir," Rajnath Singh added. "Citizenship Amendment bill will be passed," Rajanath Singh said while asserting that regional identity will be protected. Our "Sankalp Patra" is a vision document that lists expectations of 130 crore Indians, Rajnath Singh, head of BJP's manifesto committee, said. "All alternative options will be explored for construction of Ram temple in a most conducive manner," Rajnath Singh said adding, "We will also give pension facility to small and marginal farmers after 60 years of age. "We will give Rs 6,000 yearly income support to all farmers and pension to small and marginal farmers above 60 years of age under Kisan Samman Nidhi," he said. "BJP promises to spend Rs 25 lakh crore on rural development in the next five years," Rajnath Singh informed. "Seventy-five new medical colleges and postgraduate colleges will be established if BJP is voted to power," he said. During his opening speech, Amit Shah reminded party leaders about the 2014 polls when Narendra Modi was presented as the PM candidate. He emphasised on the party's programme in the last five years on the Swachh campaign, housing and farmer policy. "The nation has achieved new heights under PM Modi," Amit Shah said, adding, "India is the fastest growing economy in the world." "The country feels safe under PM Modi," he added. The presentation ceremony was attended by top leaders including external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, finance minister Arun Jaitley among others. The seven-phase Lok Sabha polls will conclude on May 19th with the results to be announced on May 23rd.

BJP unveils election manifesto; 'zero tolerance' on terrorism, full commitment towards uniform civil code

After the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-unveils-election-manifesto-zero-tolerance-on-terrorism-full-commitment-towards-uniform-civil-code-208715">BJP presented its election manifesto</a> today, PM Modi speaking on the occasion on Monday said the party has based its vision document on "multi-layered development".

"We have set <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-manifesto-not-prepared-with-tukde-tukde-mindset-but-with-strong-nationalist-vision-says-jaitley-while-unveiling-of-party-manifesto-208720">75 well-defined resolutions</a> in our manifesto that we can fulfil in a time-bound manner, he said, adding, "we are moving forward with 'one mission, one rection'."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> live from Delhi: BJP releases their manifesto for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/x4t3F7srhI">https://t.co/x4t3F7srhI</a>
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"Nationalism is our inspiration, the Antoydaya mission is our aim and good governance is our mantra," he said.&nbsp;"BJP's 'Sankalp Patra' aims to make India a developed nation by 2047, on completion of 100 years of Independence," PM Modi added.

"This is the reason why we have made multi-layered development our main thrust in the manifesto."

PM Modi said in order to develop India, development had to be made into a "mass movement". "A successful result of that is "swacchta" (cleanliness) today "swachhta"&nbsp;is a mass movement."

BJP's "Sankalp Patra"&nbsp;addresses expectations and aspirations of our&nbsp;country and&nbsp;contains 'Jan ki Mann ki Baat', PM Modi said.

"We will form separate Jal Shakti Ministry," PM Modi revealed as the BJP released its manifesto.&nbsp;

"We first addressed needs of people, now we will fulfil their aspirations," PM Modi added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

After the BJP presented its election manifesto today, PM Modi speaking on the occasion on Monday said the party has based its vision document on "multi-layered development".

After the BJP presented its election manifesto today, PM Modi speaking on the occasion on Monday said the party has based its vision document on "multi-layered development". "We have set 75 well-defined resolutions in our manifesto that we can fulfil in a time-bound manner, he said, adding, "we are moving forward with 'one mission, one rection'." #WATCH live from Delhi: BJP releases their manifesto for #LokSabhaElections2019 https://t.co/x4t3F7srhI — ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2019 × "Nationalism is our inspiration, the Antoydaya mission is our aim and good governance is our mantra," he said. "BJP's 'Sankalp Patra' aims to make India a developed nation by 2047, on completion of 100 years of Independence," PM Modi added. "This is the reason why we have made multi-layered development our main thrust in the manifesto." PM Modi said in order to develop India, development had to be made into a "mass movement". "A successful result of that is "swacchta" (cleanliness) today "swachhta" is a mass movement." BJP's "Sankalp Patra" addresses expectations and aspirations of our country and contains 'Jan ki Mann ki Baat', PM Modi said. "We will form separate Jal Shakti Ministry," PM Modi revealed as the BJP released its manifesto. "We first addressed needs of people, now we will fulfil their aspirations," PM Modi added.

Nationalism our inspiration, good governance our mantra, says PM Modi as BJP unveils election manifesto

As the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-unveils-election-manifesto-zero-tolerance-on-terrorism-full-commitment-towards-uniform-civil-code-208715">BJP released its party manifesto</a>, finance minister Arun Jaitley said the party will not allow the "Balkanisation of India".

"BJP manifesto is not prepared with "tukde tukde" mindset but with strong nationalist vision," Jaitley said, adding, "BJP manifesto is rooted in Indian reality."

"Our new policy, new doctrine of striking terror in its origin has received global recognition," he said.

"We are the first government in history which has consolidated India's middle class and which brought out the fastest depletion of poverty," he said while addressing reporters.

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We will increase the coverage of Ayushman Bharat to include all Anganwadi workers and ASHA workers to ensure improved health and social support system. 
 
BJP is committed to 33% reservation in parliament &amp; state assemblies through a constitutional amendment. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJPSankalpPatr2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJPSankalpPatr2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/4COiFBndro">pic.twitter.com/4COiFBndro</a>
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"A new security doctrine makes India into one of the most powerful nations in the world where our deterrent is the best defence," he said.

"Our fiscal prudence since 1947 has been best ever for any government,"&nbsp;Jaitley emphasised, adding, "BJP manifesto is to deplete poverty over next five years to single digit and then gradually eliminate it."

"When India is at the cusp of history making most of all its lost opportunities, does it require a fragile government or a decisive government," he asked.

"Previous governments only gave slogans. PM Modi government gave resources to the&nbsp;poor,"&nbsp;Jaitley said as the party launched its manifesto.

As the BJP released its party manifesto, finance minister Arun Jaitley said the party will not allow the "Balkanisation of India". "BJP manifesto is not prepared with "tukde tukde" mindset but with strong nationalist vision," Jaitley said, adding, "BJP manifesto is rooted in Indian reality.

As the BJP released its party manifesto, finance minister Arun Jaitley said the party will not allow the "Balkanisation of India". "BJP manifesto is not prepared with "tukde tukde" mindset but with strong nationalist vision," Jaitley said, adding, "BJP manifesto is rooted in Indian reality." "Our new policy, new doctrine of striking terror in its origin has received global recognition," he said. "We are the first government in history which has consolidated India's middle class and which brought out the fastest depletion of poverty," he said while addressing reporters. We will increase the coverage of Ayushman Bharat to include all Anganwadi workers and ASHA workers to ensure improved health and social support system. BJP is committed to 33% reservation in parliament & state assemblies through a constitutional amendment. #BJPSankalpPatr2019 pic.twitter.com/4COiFBndro — BJP (@BJP4India) April 8, 2019 × "A new security doctrine makes India into one of the most powerful nations in the world where our deterrent is the best defence," he said. "Our fiscal prudence since 1947 has been best ever for any government," Jaitley emphasised, adding, "BJP manifesto is to deplete poverty over next five years to single digit and then gradually eliminate it." "When India is at the cusp of history making most of all its lost opportunities, does it require a fragile government or a decisive government," he asked. "Previous governments only gave slogans. PM Modi government gave resources to the poor," Jaitley said as the party launched its manifesto.

BJP manifesto not prepared with 'tukde tukde' mindset but with strong nationalist vision, says Jaitley while unveiling party manifesto

BJP is set to release its manifesto for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections on April 8.

The manifesto will be released in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah. Other senior leaders of the party including several Cabinet Ministers will be present at the event.

BJP conducted around three-month long exercise to make this “Sankalp Patra”, or the election manifesto for the 2019 election.

The party had also launched hundreds of chariots for its ‘Bharat Ke Mann Ki Baat, Modi ke Saath’ campaign in February this year as it wanted to seek suggestions directly from the people to prepare its “Sankalp Patra”&nbsp;

The party had sought suggestions from the people from almost every Lok Sabha seat through this campaign.

Earlier on January 6, BJP had constituted 20-member manifesto committee led by Home Minister Rajanth Singh. Rajnath later constituted 15 sub-committees to work on the Manifesto.

Now the long exercise is over and BJP is ready with its 'Sankalp Patra'.

The party will release its manifesto (Sankalp Patra) on Monday in a mega event at new BJP headquarter situated at Deen Dayal Upadhaya Marg.

BJP has promised to make its manifesto “Sankalp Patra”, “voice of the people.”

It remains to be seen what eventually figures out in the manifesto but according to sources- Development, Nationalism, Hindutva, and a special mechanism for job creation are certain to be included in the manifesto.&nbsp;

BJP is set to release its manifesto for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections on April 8. The manifesto will be released in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah.

BJP is set to release its manifesto for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections on April 8. The manifesto will be released in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah. Other senior leaders of the party including several Cabinet Ministers will be present at the event. BJP conducted around three-month long exercise to make this “Sankalp Patra”, or the election manifesto for the 2019 election. The party had also launched hundreds of chariots for its ‘Bharat Ke Mann Ki Baat, Modi ke Saath’ campaign in February this year as it wanted to seek suggestions directly from the people to prepare its “Sankalp Patra” The party had sought suggestions from the people from almost every Lok Sabha seat through this campaign. Earlier on January 6, BJP had constituted 20-member manifesto committee led by Home Minister Rajanth Singh. Rajnath later constituted 15 sub-committees to work on the Manifesto. Now the long exercise is over and BJP is ready with its 'Sankalp Patra'. The party will release its manifesto (Sankalp Patra) on Monday in a mega event at new BJP headquarter situated at Deen Dayal Upadhaya Marg. BJP has promised to make its manifesto “Sankalp Patra”, “voice of the people.” It remains to be seen what eventually figures out in the manifesto but according to sources- Development, Nationalism, Hindutva, and a special mechanism for job creation are certain to be included in the manifesto.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP to release election manifesto 'Sankalp Patra' on Monday

Sonia Gandhi hits out at Modi government

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Saturday demanded the resignation of Prasoon Joshi from the post of the chairman of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for allegedly giving preferential treatment to the makers of the upcoming biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Talking to ANI, Amey Khopkar, President of Maharashtra Navnirman Chitrapat Karmachari Sena, said, "Prasoon Joshi should resign as Censor board has given preferential treatment to an upcoming biopic on the prime minister, titled 'PM Narendra Modi'."

Kopkar explained, "the makers of the movie have been shooting till March 20 and they get censor board certificate in just fifteen days."

"For a film to get censor board certificate the producer has to submit an online registration and only after fifty-eight days the film can get the certificate," he added.

He further questioned, "Is Censor board giving preferential treatment to some films during the Narendra Modi government?"

Talking about the biopic he further said that, "shooting of the film was done on March 16 at the Dadasaheb Phalke Film City in Goregaon while on March 20 the shooting was done in Varanasi."&nbsp;

The film has come under a cloud with Opposition parties, including Congress claiming that its release was planned with the intention of influencing voters in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. The seven-phase polls will begin on April 11, the day the film is scheduled to release.

Various political parties also stated that releasing the film in less than a week before the General elections is a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Several political leaders had requested to delay the release of the biopic.&nbsp;

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Saturday demanded the resignation of Prasoon Joshi from the post of the chairman of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for allegedly giving preferential treatment to the makers of the upcoming biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Saturday demanded the resignation of Prasoon Joshi from the post of the chairman of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for allegedly giving preferential treatment to the makers of the upcoming biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Talking to ANI, Amey Khopkar, President of Maharashtra Navnirman Chitrapat Karmachari Sena, said, "Prasoon Joshi should resign as Censor board has given preferential treatment to an upcoming biopic on the prime minister, titled 'PM Narendra Modi'." Kopkar explained, "the makers of the movie have been shooting till March 20 and they get censor board certificate in just fifteen days." "For a film to get censor board certificate the producer has to submit an online registration and only after fifty-eight days the film can get the certificate," he added. He further questioned, "Is Censor board giving preferential treatment to some films during the Narendra Modi government?" Talking about the biopic he further said that, "shooting of the film was done on March 16 at the Dadasaheb Phalke Film City in Goregaon while on March 20 the shooting was done in Varanasi." The film has come under a cloud with Opposition parties, including Congress claiming that its release was planned with the intention of influencing voters in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. The seven-phase polls will begin on April 11, the day the film is scheduled to release. Various political parties also stated that releasing the film in less than a week before the General elections is a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Several political leaders had requested to delay the release of the biopic.

MNS demands Prasoon Joshi's resignation from Censor board over PM Modi biopic

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Christian Michel, alleged middleman arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper scam, told a Delhi court on Friday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-case-michel-identifies-ap-as-ahmed-patel-in-ed-chargesheet-208068">he has not named anybody</a> in connection with the deal during the investigation by the Enforcement Directorate, which has filed a supplementary charge sheet, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The development came shortly after reports emerged suggesting Michel to have identified the initials "AP" as Congress leader Ahmed Patel in a charge sheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) before a court on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi didn't bat an eye in picking up the matter today and slammed the Congress party.&nbsp;

Addressing a rally in Uttarakhand's Dehradun, PM Modi said that those involved in the helicopter scam include 'AP' and 'FAM'. "It is mentioned in the charge sheet that 'AP' stands for 'Ahmed Patel' and 'FAM' is for 'family'," the PM said.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> PM in Dehradun: ...helicopter ghotale ke dalaalon ne jin logon ko ghoos dene ki baat kahi hai usmein ek 'AP' hai, dusra 'FAM' hai. Issi chargesheet mein kaha gaya hai ki 'AP' ka matlab hai 'Ahmed Patel' aur 'FAM' ka matlab hai family. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Uttarakhand?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Uttarakhand</a> <a href="https://t.co/f2VskwSC6i">pic.twitter.com/f2VskwSC6i</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1114116752516845569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Michel, on Friday, alleged that the central government was using agencies for political agenda. He filed an application after the reports appeared that ED in its charge sheet has named politicians of the previous UPA dispensation, defence personnel, bureaucrats and journalists as the beneficiaries of the controversial defence deal.

"Michel has not named anyone in his statement before the agency which is being leaked to media. This is only to make the matter sensational and prejudice the case against my client," his counsel, Aljo K Joseph said.

Michel has questioned as to how the charge sheet was leaked to the media even before its cognisance was taken by the court.

"The court is duty bound to balance it. Even to ensure a free and fair trail the court can temporarily curtail the freedom of media to ensure free and fair trial," the plea said.

"Since this court is yet to take cognisance of the charge sheet, it appeared that the ED has clandestinely provided a copy of the same to the media houses which were publishing the same in installments only to sensationalise the issue and prejudice the accused named therein even before cognisance was taken by this court," the plea claimed.

It said that selective portions of the charge sheet have been published in the media which make it clear that the ED was not interested in a fair trial in a court of law but in a trial by media, PTI reported.&nbsp;

"ED is making mockery of the judicial process resulting in a complete travesty of justice. The extradition treaty prohibited the extradition of accused involved in the political offences and the government is now using the ED and all the investigating agencies for the political purpose. The supply of the charge sheet to the media houses is the best example of that," it said, adding that such hostile remarks might curtail the rights of Michel to a free and fair trial as he was a citizen of another country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Christian Michel, alleged middleman arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper scam, told a Delhi court on Friday that he has not named anybody in connection with the deal during the investigation by the Enforcement Directorate, which has filed a supplementary charge sheet, news agency PTI reported.

Christian Michel, alleged middleman arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper scam, told a Delhi court on Friday that he has not named anybody in connection with the deal during the investigation by the Enforcement Directorate, which has filed a supplementary charge sheet, news agency PTI reported. The development came shortly after reports emerged suggesting Michel to have identified the initials "AP" as Congress leader Ahmed Patel in a charge sheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) before a court on Thursday. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi didn't bat an eye in picking up the matter today and slammed the Congress party. Addressing a rally in Uttarakhand's Dehradun, PM Modi said that those involved in the helicopter scam include 'AP' and 'FAM'. "It is mentioned in the charge sheet that 'AP' stands for 'Ahmed Patel' and 'FAM' is for 'family'," the PM said. #WATCH PM in Dehradun: ...helicopter ghotale ke dalaalon ne jin logon ko ghoos dene ki baat kahi hai usmein ek 'AP' hai, dusra 'FAM' hai. Issi chargesheet mein kaha gaya hai ki 'AP' ka matlab hai 'Ahmed Patel' aur 'FAM' ka matlab hai family. #Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/f2VskwSC6i — ANI (@ANI) April 5, 2019 × Michel, on Friday, alleged that the central government was using agencies for political agenda. He filed an application after the reports appeared that ED in its charge sheet has named politicians of the previous UPA dispensation, defence personnel, bureaucrats and journalists as the beneficiaries of the controversial defence deal. "Michel has not named anyone in his statement before the agency which is being leaked to media. This is only to make the matter sensational and prejudice the case against my client," his counsel, Aljo K Joseph said. Michel has questioned as to how the charge sheet was leaked to the media even before its cognisance was taken by the court. "The court is duty bound to balance it. Even to ensure a free and fair trail the court can temporarily curtail the freedom of media to ensure free and fair trial," the plea said. "Since this court is yet to take cognisance of the charge sheet, it appeared that the ED has clandestinely provided a copy of the same to the media houses which were publishing the same in installments only to sensationalise the issue and prejudice the accused named therein even before cognisance was taken by this court," the plea claimed. It said that selective portions of the charge sheet have been published in the media which make it clear that the ED was not interested in a fair trial in a court of law but in a trial by media, PTI reported. "ED is making mockery of the judicial process resulting in a complete travesty of justice. The extradition treaty prohibited the extradition of accused involved in the political offences and the government is now using the ED and all the investigating agencies for the political purpose. The supply of the charge sheet to the media houses is the best example of that," it said, adding that such hostile remarks might curtail the rights of Michel to a free and fair trial as he was a citizen of another country. (With inputs from PTI)

Didn't name anyone in connection with chopper deal, Michel tells Delhi court; PM Modi says charge sheet names 'Ahmed Patel', 'family'

PM Modi in Amroha: When India hits back at the enemy, some people here start crying

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-advani-writes-blog-modi-says-he-perfectly-sums-up-true-essence-of-bjp-207968">Prime Minister Narendra Modi </a>raised the terror issue to take on the Opposition while addressing an election rally in Amroha in Uttar Pradesh on Friday.

"Replying to terrorists in their own language is not being liked by some people. When India hits back at the enemy, some people here start crying," the prime minister said, adding," When Pakistan is being exposed in front of the world these people start speaking in support of Pakistan."

The prime minister thanked the UAE government for honouring him with the Zayed medal asserting that "this is not an award given to Modi but to the Indian people."

"Congress, Samajwadi Party(SP) or BSP, they have all put your life and future in danger," PM Modi said at the election rally in Amroha.

"Governments of 'Bua' (Mayawati) and 'Babua' (Akhilesh Yadav) released terror accused, they were kind to them," the prime minister said.

PM Modi will later travel to Dehradun in Uttarakhand to address another election rally today. 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the terror issue to take on the Opposition while addressing an election rally in Amroha in Uttar Pradesh on Friday. "Replying to terrorists in their own language is not being liked by some people.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the terror issue to take on the Opposition while addressing an election rally in Amroha in Uttar Pradesh on Friday. "Replying to terrorists in their own language is not being liked by some people. When India hits back at the enemy, some people here start crying," the prime minister said, adding," When Pakistan is being exposed in front of the world these people start speaking in support of Pakistan." The prime minister thanked the UAE government for honouring him with the Zayed medal asserting that "this is not an award given to Modi but to the Indian people." "Congress, Samajwadi Party(SP) or BSP, they have all put your life and future in danger," PM Modi said at the election rally in Amroha. "Governments of 'Bua' (Mayawati) and 'Babua' (Akhilesh Yadav) released terror accused, they were kind to them," the prime minister said. PM Modi will later travel to Dehradun in Uttarakhand to address another election rally today.

Replying to terrorists in their own language not liked by some people: PM Modi in Amroha rally

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had to go for the betterment of the state. He said she was a "speed breaker" in the state's development.&nbsp;

Modi was speaking at an election rally in Siliguri in West Bengal.&nbsp;

"'Didi' (Mamata Banerjee) is a speed breaker in the path of West Bengal's development," Modi said.

"I am waiting for this speed breaker to go so development can gather speed," he added.&nbsp;

Modi also took on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-manifesto-some-ideas-positively-dangerous-says-bjp-207472">the Congress and their election manifesto</a>, as he had done earlier in the day during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-manifesto-is-corrupt-full-of-lies-pm-modi-in-arunachal-pradesh-207658">an election rally in Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh</a>.&nbsp;

The Congress had released its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-exactly-does-the-congress-manifesto-promise-207487">manifesto</a> at its party headquarters in Delhi on Tuesday. The pushback from the BJP was swift, with Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley saying some of the ideas in it were "positively dangerous".&nbsp;

Jaitley added that some of the ideas in the manifesto looked like they had been written by the Congress president's (Rahul Gandhi) "friends in the tukde-tukde gang".&nbsp;

Jaitley had been referring to what the Congress manifesto says about Kashmir — that there would be no change to the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir, that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) would be reviewed, and that fewer soldiers and more policemen instead would be deployed in Kashmir.&nbsp;

"They (the Congress) want our defence forces to be helpless...Their hands and feet tied," Modi said in Siliguri on Wednesday.

He also accused the Congress and its allies of sympathising with Pakistan.&nbsp;

The Congress manifesto also says the party, if it is voted to power in the upcoming general elections, will increase expenditure on education and health to 6% of GDP — India will this year spend 1.44% of its GDP on defence — and bring in a single, moderate GST rate.&nbsp;

Jaitley on Tuesday said a number of those ideas were "unimplementable".&nbsp;

Modi kept up his vitriol later in the day while addressing yet another rally in Kolkata. (He tends to do three a day. On his first day of campaigning after the general elections were announced, he addressed three rallies in three different states — Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, Rudrapur in Uttarakhand, and Jammu — in one single day.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Today some people in their hate for Modi have started speaking against India," Modi said in Kolkata.

"Who raised doubts on airstrike? Who demoralised armed forces? Who had asked for count of bodies of terrorists?"

(With inputs from PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had to go for the betterment of the state. He said she was a "speed breaker" in the state's development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had to go for the betterment of the state. He said she was a "speed breaker" in the state's development. Modi was speaking at an election rally in Siliguri in West Bengal. "'Didi' (Mamata Banerjee) is a speed breaker in the path of West Bengal's development," Modi said. "I am waiting for this speed breaker to go so development can gather speed," he added. Modi also took on the Congress and their election manifesto, as he had done earlier in the day during an election rally in Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh. The Congress had released its manifesto at its party headquarters in Delhi on Tuesday. The pushback from the BJP was swift, with Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley saying some of the ideas in it were "positively dangerous". Jaitley added that some of the ideas in the manifesto looked like they had been written by the Congress president's (Rahul Gandhi) "friends in the tukde-tukde gang". Jaitley had been referring to what the Congress manifesto says about Kashmir — that there would be no change to the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir, that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) would be reviewed, and that fewer soldiers and more policemen instead would be deployed in Kashmir. "They (the Congress) want our defence forces to be helpless...Their hands and feet tied," Modi said in Siliguri on Wednesday. He also accused the Congress and its allies of sympathising with Pakistan. The Congress manifesto also says the party, if it is voted to power in the upcoming general elections, will increase expenditure on education and health to 6% of GDP — India will this year spend 1.44% of its GDP on defence — and bring in a single, moderate GST rate. Jaitley on Tuesday said a number of those ideas were "unimplementable". Modi kept up his vitriol later in the day while addressing yet another rally in Kolkata. (He tends to do three a day. On his first day of campaigning after the general elections were announced, he addressed three rallies in three different states — Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, Rudrapur in Uttarakhand, and Jammu — in one single day.) "Today some people in their hate for Modi have started speaking against India," Modi said in Kolkata. "Who raised doubts on airstrike? Who demoralised armed forces? Who had asked for count of bodies of terrorists?" (With inputs from PTI)

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