<p>To create awareness among the voters, a man arrived on a horse at a polling station to cast his vote in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh on Saturday (June 1).</p>

<p>While talking to the media persons, he said, "In the 2012, 2017 &amp; 2022 assembly elections and 2014 &amp; 2019 Lok Sabha polls, I had arrived on horse to cast my vote."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | To create voter awareness, a man arrives on a horse at a polling station to cast his vote in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh<br />
<br />
He says, "In the 2012, 2017 &amp; 2022 Assembly elections and 2014 &amp; 2019 Lok Sabha polls also I had arrived on horse to cast my vote." <a href="https://t.co/Qw2vlivoM1">pic.twitter.com/Qw2vlivoM1</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1796804716183298291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile in West Bengal, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in West Bengal informed that a mob looted reserve Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and threw two VVPAT machines inside a pond.</p>

<p>&nbsp;The incident was reported in the South 24 Parganas district.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-phase-7-voters-head-to-polls-in-final-phase-of-elections-amid-heatwave-727648">Lok Sabha Elections Phase 7: Voters head to polls in final phase of elections</a></p>

<p>FIR has been lodged by the Sector Officer and necessary action has been initiated. The poll process in all six booths under the Sector is running uninterrupted. Fresh EVM and papers have been provided to the Sector Officer, the police informed.</p>

<p>Voting is underway in seven states Uttar Pradesh (UP), Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand and the UT of Chandigarh. The results of this general election will be announced on Tuesday (Jun 4).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-slams-congress-for-boycotting-exit-polls-asks-them-not-to-run-away-727679">Amit Shah slams Congress for boycotting exit polls, asks them not to 'run away'</a></p>

<p>Notably, voters in 57 Lok Sabha constituencies across seven states and one Union Territory&nbsp;are casting their votes in the seventh and final phase of the world’s largest election, on Saturday (Jun 1).</p>

<p>Till 1 pm, 40 per cent&nbsp;voter turnout was recorded across seven states and one Union Territory. Bihar recorded the lowest voter turnout of over 35% while Himachal Pradesh recorded the highest at 48.6%.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


To create awareness among the voters, a man arrived on a horse at a polling station to cast his vote in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh on Saturday (June 1). While talking to the media persons, he said, "In the 2012, 2017 & 2022 assembly elections and 2014 & 2019 Lok Sabha polls, I had arrived on horse to cast my vote.

To create awareness among the voters, a man arrived on a horse at a polling station to cast his vote in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh on Saturday (June 1). While talking to the media persons, he said, "In the 2012, 2017 & 2022 assembly elections and 2014 & 2019 Lok Sabha polls, I had arrived on horse to cast my vote." #WATCH | To create voter awareness, a man arrives on a horse at a polling station to cast his vote in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh He says, "In the 2012, 2017 & 2022 Assembly elections and 2014 & 2019 Lok Sabha polls also I had arrived on horse to cast my vote." pic.twitter.com/Qw2vlivoM1 — ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024 × Meanwhile in West Bengal, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in West Bengal informed that a mob looted reserve Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and threw two VVPAT machines inside a pond. The incident was reported in the South 24 Parganas district. Also read: Lok Sabha Elections Phase 7: Voters head to polls in final phase of elections FIR has been lodged by the Sector Officer and necessary action has been initiated. The poll process in all six booths under the Sector is running uninterrupted. Fresh EVM and papers have been provided to the Sector Officer, the police informed. Voting is underway in seven states Uttar Pradesh (UP), Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand and the UT of Chandigarh. The results of this general election will be announced on Tuesday (Jun 4). Also read: Amit Shah slams Congress for boycotting exit polls, asks them not to 'run away' Notably, voters in 57 Lok Sabha constituencies across seven states and one Union Territory are casting their votes in the seventh and final phase of the world’s largest election, on Saturday (Jun 1). Till 1 pm, 40 per cent voter turnout was recorded across seven states and one Union Territory. Bihar recorded the lowest voter turnout of over 35% while Himachal Pradesh recorded the highest at 48.6%. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections Phase 7: UP man shows up on horse to cast vote

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started mediation at the Dhyan Mandapam in the southern state of Tamil Nadu,&nbsp;where Swami Vivekananda meditated once. The meditation will conclude on Saturday (June 1).</p>

<p>Modi started the mediation after reaching the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari on Thursday (May 30) evening.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-objects-pm-modis-meditation-at-vivekananda-rock-calls-it-violation-of-model-code-727081">PM Modi's old image surfaces as he starts meditation at Vivekananda Rock, Congress calls it violation</a></p>

<p>The first visuals of Modi meditating in Kanyakumari showed the Indian PM in a trance, sitting in front of a statue of philosopher-saint Swami Vivekananda.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Tamil Nadu | PM Narendra Modi meditates at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari, where Swami Vivekananda did meditation. He will meditate here till 1st June. <a href="https://t.co/cnx4zpGv5z">pic.twitter.com/cnx4zpGv5z</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1796393810140049542?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The prime minister is meditating at the Dhyan Mandapam, the same spot where Swami Vivekananda had meditated in 1892 to get a clear vision of the future of India.</p>

<p>Notably, it is also the centrepoint of the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian Sea.</p>

<p>According to BJP leaders, the choice of Kanyakumari gives out a message of national unity.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu | PM Narendra Modi meditates at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, where Swami Vivekananda did meditation.<br />
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PM Narendra Modi will meditate here till 1st June <a href="https://t.co/kcPECWZetA">pic.twitter.com/kcPECWZetA</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1796394547699929297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The last phase of Lok Sabha polls spread across seven phases, will close on June 1.</p>

<p>The votes will be counted on June 4.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-live-pm-modi-aims-last-mile-on-last-day-of-campaigning-726951" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-live-pm-modi-aims-last-mile-on-last-day-of-campaigning-726951&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwifs7KPpbeGAxX1TGwGHbYtC1kQFnoECAIQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3sYBRn_eSmHJ8EdpLk5IT0&amp;arm=e&amp;fexp=72519171,72519168" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-live-pm-modi-aims-last-mile-on-last-day-of-campaigning-726951" target="_blank">PM&nbsp;<b>Modi</b>&nbsp;arrives at Kanniyakumari to meditate from May 30 to June 1</a></p>

<p>The PM also visited several temples, including Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, and the Kothandaramaswamy Temple.</p>

<p>In 2019&nbsp;too, PM Modi made a similar trip to Kedarnath and meditated at a cave before the final phase of elections.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Old image of PM Modi surfaces&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>A 33-year-old photo of Modi at the same spot has gone viral on social media forums.</p>

<p>The image was taken during the nationwide Ekta Yatra which commenced from the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari and stretched to Kashmir.</p>

<p>BJP veteran Dr Murli Manohar Joshi can also be seen in the image. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thirty-three years ago, the massive nationwide Ekta Yatra commenced from the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, stretching all the way to Kashmir. All the Ekta Yatris including Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi and <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> circumambulated the statue of Swami Vivekananda… <a href="https://t.co/bMQ6qjjIuQ">pic.twitter.com/bMQ6qjjIuQ</a></p>
— Modi Archive (@modiarchive) <a href="https://twitter.com/modiarchive/status/1796066086380617897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started mediation at the Dhyan Mandapam in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, where Swami Vivekananda meditated once. The meditation will conclude on Saturday (June 1).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started mediation at the Dhyan Mandapam in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, where Swami Vivekananda meditated once. The meditation will conclude on Saturday (June 1). Modi started the mediation after reaching the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari on Thursday (May 30) evening. Also read: PM Modi's old image surfaces as he starts meditation at Vivekananda Rock, Congress calls it violation The first visuals of Modi meditating in Kanyakumari showed the Indian PM in a trance, sitting in front of a statue of philosopher-saint Swami Vivekananda. #WATCH | Tamil Nadu | PM Narendra Modi meditates at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari, where Swami Vivekananda did meditation. He will meditate here till 1st June. pic.twitter.com/cnx4zpGv5z — ANI (@ANI) May 31, 2024 × The prime minister is meditating at the Dhyan Mandapam, the same spot where Swami Vivekananda had meditated in 1892 to get a clear vision of the future of India. Notably, it is also the centrepoint of the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian Sea. According to BJP leaders, the choice of Kanyakumari gives out a message of national unity. Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu | PM Narendra Modi meditates at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, where Swami Vivekananda did meditation. PM Narendra Modi will meditate here till 1st June pic.twitter.com/kcPECWZetA — ANI (@ANI) May 31, 2024 × The last phase of Lok Sabha polls spread across seven phases, will close on June 1. The votes will be counted on June 4. Also read: PM Modi arrives at Kanniyakumari to meditate from May 30 to June 1 The PM also visited several temples, including Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, and the Kothandaramaswamy Temple. In 2019 too, PM Modi made a similar trip to Kedarnath and meditated at a cave before the final phase of elections. Old image of PM Modi surfaces A 33-year-old photo of Modi at the same spot has gone viral on social media forums. The image was taken during the nationwide Ekta Yatra which commenced from the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari and stretched to Kashmir. BJP veteran Dr Murli Manohar Joshi can also be seen in the image. Thirty-three years ago, the massive nationwide Ekta Yatra commenced from the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, stretching all the way to Kashmir. All the Ekta Yatris including Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi and @narendramodi circumambulated the statue of Swami Vivekananda… pic.twitter.com/bMQ6qjjIuQ — Modi Archive (@modiarchive) May 30, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: PM Modi meditates at Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari

<p>Not just Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but Grammy award winning musician Ricky Kej too feels that Mahatma Gandhi was not known to most until Sir Richard Attenborough made the biopic called <em>Gandhi </em>in 1982. According to Kej, the film helped Mahatma&nbsp;reclaim fame globally as an ambassador of peace.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an interview on Tuesday claimed the release of the film generated curiosity about Gandhi, who was relatively unknown in the decades following independence.</p>

<p>“Mahatma Gandhi was a great soul. Wasn’t it our responsibility to get him that level of global recognition during the last 75 years? Nobody knew about him. When the Gandhi film was released, curiosity was generated across the world about who is this man. We didn’t do anything,” said Modi. “If the world knew about Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Gandhi was no less than them and you have to accept that.”<br />
<br />
While Modi has drawn flak from rival politicians over his statement of the Mahatma, no BJP leader has yet offered any counterpoint to defend Modi.</p>

<p>A three time Grammy winner on Thursday came out in support of Modi and explained how Richard Attenborough’s 1982 biopic <em>Gandhi</em>&nbsp;on the Mahatma helped him become known globally as an ambassador of peace.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Ricky Kej, an Indian-American musician, wrote on his X&nbsp;handle that following his assassination in 1948, Gandhi had disappeared from public memory in the West.</p>

<p>“After Gandhiji died in 1948, he was lost soon after from international consciousness. For the next 33 years he was very rarely spoken about or written about in the western world. He was definitely not mainstream,” wrote Kej. “In the West, the new generation after his time, had not even heard of him.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">After Gandhiji died in 1948, he was lost soon after from international consciousness. For the next 33 years he was very rarely spoken about or written about in the Western world. He was definitely not mainstream. In the West, the new generation after his time, had not even heard… <a href="https://t.co/u2mAPgHVjf">https://t.co/u2mAPgHVjf</a></p>
— Ricky Kej (@rickykej) <a href="https://twitter.com/rickykej/status/1796067841440981104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>“When the film <em>Gandhi&nbsp;</em>by Sir Richard Attenborough was released in 1982, not too many people cared about the film and the film makers struggled with distribution,” Kej wrote. “It had a limited and deferred release. Like most Art films.”</p>

<p>“People (In the West) were shocked that an unknown biopic about a personality they had never heard of is nominated against <em>ET</em>&nbsp;(They all watched and loved <em>ET</em>). Of course,&nbsp;<em>Gandhi</em> was the better film and won eight Oscars in April 1983. That is when <em>Gandhi</em> (the film) became a massive box office success internationally and, Mahatma Gandhiji (our father of the nation) was cemented permanently in international consciousness and became synonymous with peace,” Kej wrote.</p>

<p>The musician, however, is unhappy with the film for one reason.</p>

<p>“Unfortunately though, even today when people in the West imagine Gandhiji it is Ben Kingsley who they see, and not Gandhiji himself. The medium of cinema is very powerful, and in many ways… if harnessed well,” wrote Kej.</p>


Not just Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but Grammy award winning musician Ricky Kej too feels that Mahatma Gandhi was not known to most until Sir Richard Attenborough made the biopic called Gandhi in 1982.

Not just Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but Grammy award winning musician Ricky Kej too feels that Mahatma Gandhi was not known to most until Sir Richard Attenborough made the biopic called Gandhi in 1982. According to Kej, the film helped Mahatma reclaim fame globally as an ambassador of peace. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an interview on Tuesday claimed the release of the film generated curiosity about Gandhi, who was relatively unknown in the decades following independence. “Mahatma Gandhi was a great soul. Wasn’t it our responsibility to get him that level of global recognition during the last 75 years? Nobody knew about him. When the Gandhi film was released, curiosity was generated across the world about who is this man. We didn’t do anything,” said Modi. “If the world knew about Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Gandhi was no less than them and you have to accept that.” While Modi has drawn flak from rival politicians over his statement of the Mahatma, no BJP leader has yet offered any counterpoint to defend Modi. A three time Grammy winner on Thursday came out in support of Modi and explained how Richard Attenborough’s 1982 biopic Gandhi on the Mahatma helped him become known globally as an ambassador of peace. Ricky Kej, an Indian-American musician, wrote on his X handle that following his assassination in 1948, Gandhi had disappeared from public memory in the West. “After Gandhiji died in 1948, he was lost soon after from international consciousness. For the next 33 years he was very rarely spoken about or written about in the western world. He was definitely not mainstream,” wrote Kej. “In the West, the new generation after his time, had not even heard of him.” After Gandhiji died in 1948, he was lost soon after from international consciousness. For the next 33 years he was very rarely spoken about or written about in the Western world. He was definitely not mainstream. In the West, the new generation after his time, had not even heard… https://t.co/u2mAPgHVjf — Ricky Kej (@rickykej) May 30, 2024 × “When the film Gandhi by Sir Richard Attenborough was released in 1982, not too many people cared about the film and the film makers struggled with distribution,” Kej wrote. “It had a limited and deferred release. Like most Art films.” “People (In the West) were shocked that an unknown biopic about a personality they had never heard of is nominated against ET (They all watched and loved ET). Of course, Gandhi was the better film and won eight Oscars in April 1983. That is when Gandhi (the film) became a massive box office success internationally and, Mahatma Gandhiji (our father of the nation) was cemented permanently in international consciousness and became synonymous with peace,” Kej wrote. The musician, however, is unhappy with the film for one reason. “Unfortunately though, even today when people in the West imagine Gandhiji it is Ben Kingsley who they see, and not Gandhiji himself. The medium of cinema is very powerful, and in many ways… if harnessed well,” wrote Kej.

Ricky Kej states Mahatma Gandhi was forgotten till Richard Attenborough made a film on him

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu and offered prayers. It is built on a small island where Swami Vivekananda is believed to have meditated.

Prime Minister Modi prays at the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari

Amid videos of Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik’s shivering hands going viral on social media, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the well-wishers of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader were worried over his health. Watch in for more election update!

India General Election 2024: PM Modi raises concerns about Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik's health

In WION's Poll Countdown we get you a roundup of all the latest updates in the realm of Indian politics. As part of his final campaigning for the last phase of the Lok Sabha elections Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a mega road show in Kolkata. Watch in for more details!

India Elections: Rahul & Akhilesh to hold rally in Varanasi | PM Modi to hold roadshow in Kolkata

India PM Narendra Modi and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee both held rallies and roadshows in the Kolkata ahead of phase seven of the Lok Sabha elections. The seventh and final phase of the general elections will take place on June 1, and the results will be announced on June 4. Watch in for more details!

India General Election 2024: Massive rallies in Kolkata as PM Modi, CM Mamata lead campaign

<p>In an embarrassing&nbsp;gaffe, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's alliance partner and Chief Minister of Bihar&nbsp;Nitish&nbsp;Kumar&nbsp;said Sunday (May 26)&nbsp;he wishes&nbsp;the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader to become a chief minister again.</p>

<p>The flub came as Kumar&nbsp;was speaking&nbsp;at a rally in Bihar's capital&nbsp;Patna&nbsp;while&nbsp;urging voters to support the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">"हमारी इच्छा है कि नरेंद्र मोदी देश के 'मुख्यमंत्री' बनें"<br />
<br />
◆ फिर फिसली बिहार CM नीतीश की जुबान<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NitishKumar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NitishKumar</a> | Nitish Kumar Narendra Modi <a href="https://t.co/qgLDF92sdy">pic.twitter.com/qgLDF92sdy</a></p>
— News24 (@news24tvchannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/news24tvchannel/status/1794679585956933845?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Humaari ichha hai ki hum deshbhar me 400 se bhi zyaada seat jeetein, aur adarniya Narendra Modi ji fir mukhya mantri bane. Desh ka vikas ho, Bihar ka vikas ho, sab kuch ho (We wish to win over 400 seats across India and respected Narendra Modi should become chief minister again. Then India will develop, Bihar will&nbsp;develop, everything will happen)," Kumar said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwihmbyD9KuGAxXg4DgGHTjYBPEQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-how-nitish-kumars-betrayal-spells-doom-for-india-bloc-684812" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-how-nitish-kumars-betrayal-spells-doom-for-india-bloc-684812&amp;ved=2ahUKEwihmbyD9KuGAxXg4DgGHTjYBPEQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Explained | India elections - How Nitish Kumar’s betrayal spells doom for INDIA bloc</a></strong></p>

<p>However, his mistake&nbsp;was immediately caught&nbsp;by other leaders on the stage. Nitish Kumar immediately corrected himself and said he hopes Modi becomes prime minister again and keeps moving ahead.</p>

<p>"Narendra Modi Pradhan Mantri toh hai hi. Hum toh keh rahe hai ki woh aage badhe. Hum yahi chahte hai (Narendra Modi is already the Prime Minister. I am saying that he will now move ahead. That is what I want)," Nitish Kumar said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Bihar CM Nitish Kumar snaps at DMK leader over Hindi speech | Race to Power</strong></p>

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<p>In India, chief ministers are the head of the state governments&nbsp;while&nbsp;the prime minister is the head of the union government. Before becoming the prime minister, Modi served as the chief minister of the western Indian state of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014.</p>

<p>Previously, the 73-year-old Janata&nbsp;Dal United&nbsp;(JDU) leader made headlines when he asked voters to support the late Ram Vilas Paswan, the veteran leader from Bihar who died in 2020.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In an embarrassing gaffe, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's alliance partner and Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar said Sunday (May 26) he wishes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader to become a chief minister again.

In an embarrassing gaffe, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's alliance partner and Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar said Sunday (May 26) he wishes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader to become a chief minister again. The flub came as Kumar was speaking at a rally in Bihar's capital Patna while urging voters to support the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). "हमारी इच्छा है कि नरेंद्र मोदी देश के 'मुख्यमंत्री' बनें" ◆ फिर फिसली बिहार CM नीतीश की जुबान#NitishKumar | Nitish Kumar Narendra Modi pic.twitter.com/qgLDF92sdy — News24 (@news24tvchannel) May 26, 2024 × "Humaari ichha hai ki hum deshbhar me 400 se bhi zyaada seat jeetein, aur adarniya Narendra Modi ji fir mukhya mantri bane. Desh ka vikas ho, Bihar ka vikas ho, sab kuch ho (We wish to win over 400 seats across India and respected Narendra Modi should become chief minister again. Then India will develop, Bihar will develop, everything will happen)," Kumar said. Also read: Explained | India elections - How Nitish Kumar’s betrayal spells doom for INDIA bloc However, his mistake was immediately caught by other leaders on the stage. Nitish Kumar immediately corrected himself and said he hopes Modi becomes prime minister again and keeps moving ahead. "Narendra Modi Pradhan Mantri toh hai hi. Hum toh keh rahe hai ki woh aage badhe. Hum yahi chahte hai (Narendra Modi is already the Prime Minister. I am saying that he will now move ahead. That is what I want)," Nitish Kumar said. Watch: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar snaps at DMK leader over Hindi speech | Race to Power × In India, chief ministers are the head of the state governments while the prime minister is the head of the union government. Before becoming the prime minister, Modi served as the chief minister of the western Indian state of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014. Previously, the 73-year-old Janata Dal United (JDU) leader made headlines when he asked voters to support the late Ram Vilas Paswan, the veteran leader from Bihar who died in 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: BJP ally Nitish Kumar goofs up, wishes PM Modi becomes ‘CM again’

<p>On the 60th anniversary of India's first Prime Minister&nbsp;Jawaharlal Nehru's passing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leaders paid their respects.</p>

<p>PM Modi wrote on X, "I pay homage to former PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji on his death anniversary."</p>

<p>On the anniversary of his death, the Congress paid heartfelt homage to India's first prime minister on Monday (May 27). Mallikarjun Kharge, the party head, said that without "the architect of modern India," the history of the nation would be incomplete.</p>

<p>At his memorial, 'Shantivan',&nbsp;Kharge and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi also presented flowers to the former prime minister.</p>

<p>In a post on X, Kharge stated that the history of India is incomplete without the extraordinary contribution of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the architect of modern India, who propelled India ahead in scientific, economic, industrial, and other spheres.</p>

<p>He stated that Nehru was our inspiration and a devoted defender of democracy. "Our humble tribute to 'Hind ke Jawahar'&nbsp;on his death anniversary," Kharge added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuidHDMWCztYd8ms" /><a href="http://wionews.com/world/watch-bjp-ally-nitish-kumar-wishes-pm-modi-becomes-cm-again-725693" target="_blank">Watch: BJP ally Nitish Kumar goofs up, wishes PM Modi becomes ‘CM&nbsp;again’</a></strong></p>

<p>Nehru was quoted by the president of the Congress as saying that the national religion of all of us is the preservation, advancement, and unity of our country.</p>

<p>Even now, the Congress party is on the same path of "justice," Kharge stated. Rahul Gandhi, the former president of the Congress, also paid respects to his great-grandfather.</p>

<p>"Respectful tributes to the architect of modern India and the first Prime Minister of the country, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his death anniversary. As a visionary, he dedicated his entire life to building India through the freedom movement, establishing democracy, secularism and laying the foundation of the Constitution. His values will always guide us," Gandhi said in a post in Hindi on X.</p>

<p>Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh also offered heartfelt tribute.</p>

<p>"On May 22, 1964 Nehru conducted his usual almost-monthly freewheeling press interaction. Towards the end of that meet he was asked about succession and he jokingly replied: 'My life is not ending very soon'," Ramesh said.</p>

<p>"Nehru then spent a few days in Dehradun from where we have his very last photo alive. He returned to New Delhi on May 26th. Perhaps the last act of his that night was to write a letter to Seiiche Hirose in Japan. A few hours later, in the early morning of May 27th at 6:25 am, Nehru lost consciousness, and he was declared dead at 2 pm," he added.<br />
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<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


On the 60th anniversary of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's passing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leaders paid their respects. PM Modi wrote on X, "I pay homage to former PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji on his death anniversary.

On the 60th anniversary of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's passing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leaders paid their respects. PM Modi wrote on X, "I pay homage to former PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji on his death anniversary." On the anniversary of his death, the Congress paid heartfelt homage to India's first prime minister on Monday (May 27). Mallikarjun Kharge, the party head, said that without "the architect of modern India," the history of the nation would be incomplete. At his memorial, 'Shantivan', Kharge and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi also presented flowers to the former prime minister. In a post on X, Kharge stated that the history of India is incomplete without the extraordinary contribution of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the architect of modern India, who propelled India ahead in scientific, economic, industrial, and other spheres. He stated that Nehru was our inspiration and a devoted defender of democracy. "Our humble tribute to 'Hind ke Jawahar' on his death anniversary," Kharge added. Also read: Watch: BJP ally Nitish Kumar goofs up, wishes PM Modi becomes ‘CM again’ Nehru was quoted by the president of the Congress as saying that the national religion of all of us is the preservation, advancement, and unity of our country. Even now, the Congress party is on the same path of "justice," Kharge stated. Rahul Gandhi, the former president of the Congress, also paid respects to his great-grandfather. "Respectful tributes to the architect of modern India and the first Prime Minister of the country, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his death anniversary. As a visionary, he dedicated his entire life to building India through the freedom movement, establishing democracy, secularism and laying the foundation of the Constitution. His values will always guide us," Gandhi said in a post in Hindi on X. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh also offered heartfelt tribute. "On May 22, 1964 Nehru conducted his usual almost-monthly freewheeling press interaction. Towards the end of that meet he was asked about succession and he jokingly replied: 'My life is not ending very soon'," Ramesh said. "Nehru then spent a few days in Dehradun from where we have his very last photo alive. He returned to New Delhi on May 26th. Perhaps the last act of his that night was to write a letter to Seiiche Hirose in Japan. A few hours later, in the early morning of May 27th at 6:25 am, Nehru lost consciousness, and he was declared dead at 2 pm," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi, Congress leaders pay tribute to first PM Jawaharlal Nehru on 60th death anniversary

Political observers are handing India's poll result to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the last phase of polling. But investors are taking a more cautious approach despite the likely and expected result. So, how do you position your portfolio during such volatile times? Take a look at this report for more.

Global investors' guide to Indian stocks; how markets could react to Indian poll results

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the INDI Alliance of getting support from Pakistan and jihadis, stating that prayers were being held in Pakistan for the Samajwadi Party and Congress, who were appealing for "vote jihad" in the country.</p>

<p>He further said that the INDIA bloc was abusing him for "opposing reservation on the basis of religion".</p>

<p>"In Pakistan, 'duas' (prayers) are being made for the INDI alliance of Samajwadi Party and Congress. Jihadis from across borders are supporting SP and Congress; these parties are appealing for 'vote jihad' here," PM Modi said on Sunday (May 26) while addressing a rally in Bansgaon.</p>

<p>The Indian prime minister then highlighted the opposition's stance on Article 370 and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and said, "The INDI alliance says they will reinstate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and repeal the CAA, which grants citizenship to refugees. This is exactly what anti-India forces want; why does the INDI bloc want the same?"</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mallikarjun-kharge-draws-parallels-between-pm-modi-and-poison-still-insist-on-licking-it-725387">Mallikarjun Kharge draws parallels between PM Modi and poison; ‘still insist on licking it’</a></p>

<p>He alleged that the grand old party obstructed the progress of India's defence sector and said that the Congress created roadblocks for countries who wished to purchase the BrahMos missiles.</p>

<p>"It won't be long before BrahMos missiles are manufactured in UP. The BrahMos missile is in demand worldwide, but Congress created roadblocks for countries wanting to purchase it. The INDI bloc doesn't want India to become self-reliant in defence or to export weapons; they prefer foreign arms deals that bring them commissions. Under the rule of the previous governments, the farmers here suffered a lot, most of the sugar mills were closed, and farmers had stopped cultivating sugarcane. Our government is also filling these potholes of SP," he said.</p>

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged victorious in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh by securing 62 out of 80 seats.</p>

<p>The saffron party was followed by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) with 10 seats, the Samajwadi Party (SP) with five seats, and the Apna Dal with two&nbsp;seats.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the INDI Alliance of getting support from Pakistan and jihadis, stating that prayers were being held in Pakistan for the Samajwadi Party and Congress, who were appealing for "vote jihad" in the country.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the INDI Alliance of getting support from Pakistan and jihadis, stating that prayers were being held in Pakistan for the Samajwadi Party and Congress, who were appealing for "vote jihad" in the country. He further said that the INDIA bloc was abusing him for "opposing reservation on the basis of religion". "In Pakistan, 'duas' (prayers) are being made for the INDI alliance of Samajwadi Party and Congress. Jihadis from across borders are supporting SP and Congress; these parties are appealing for 'vote jihad' here," PM Modi said on Sunday (May 26) while addressing a rally in Bansgaon. The Indian prime minister then highlighted the opposition's stance on Article 370 and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and said, "The INDI alliance says they will reinstate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and repeal the CAA, which grants citizenship to refugees. This is exactly what anti-India forces want; why does the INDI bloc want the same?" Also read: Mallikarjun Kharge draws parallels between PM Modi and poison; ‘still insist on licking it’ He alleged that the grand old party obstructed the progress of India's defence sector and said that the Congress created roadblocks for countries who wished to purchase the BrahMos missiles. "It won't be long before BrahMos missiles are manufactured in UP. The BrahMos missile is in demand worldwide, but Congress created roadblocks for countries wanting to purchase it. The INDI bloc doesn't want India to become self-reliant in defence or to export weapons; they prefer foreign arms deals that bring them commissions. Under the rule of the previous governments, the farmers here suffered a lot, most of the sugar mills were closed, and farmers had stopped cultivating sugarcane. Our government is also filling these potholes of SP," he said. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged victorious in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh by securing 62 out of 80 seats. The saffron party was followed by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) with 10 seats, the Samajwadi Party (SP) with five seats, and the Apna Dal with two seats. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi accuses INDIA bloc of getting support from Pakistan and jihadis

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's helicopter crash that took place on Sunday (May 19).</p>

<p>Taking to his official X account, PM Modi wrote, "Deeply concerned by reports regarding President Raisi’s helicopter flight today. We stand in solidarity with the Iranian people in this hour of distress, and pray for well-being of the President and his entourage."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Deeply concerned by reports regarding President Raisi’s helicopter flight today. We stand in solidarity with the Iranian people in this hour of distress, and pray for well being of the President and his entourage.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1792242768468758626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>A helicopter carrying Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian crashed on Sunday (May 19) as it was crossing a mountainous terrain, an Iranian official told the news agency Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Iranian state television earlier reported that rescuers are trying to reach the area where the incident occurred, but fog and bad weather are hampering the rescue efforts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The state TV had also reported that the helicopter suffered a "hard landing".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Raisi was returning from the Khoda Afarin region in Iran’s northwestern province of East Azarbaijan after inaugurating a dam at the common border with the Republic of Azerbaijan, reported Tasnim news agency</p>

<p>Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, in his first statement since the news broke out, said, "We hope Almighty God will return the respected, esteemed President and his entourage to the arms of the nation."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We hope Almighty God will return the respected, esteemed President and his entourage to the arms of the nation.</p>
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) <a href="https://twitter.com/khamenei_ir/status/1792247260920566015?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>'Waiting with great anxiety for good news,' says Pakistan PM</strong></h2>

<p>Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to his official X handle and wrote, “Heard the distressing news from Iran regarding Hon. President Seyed Ibrahim Raisi’s helicopter. Waiting with great anxiety for good news that all is well. Our prayers and best wishes are with Hon.President Raisi and the entire Iranian nation."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Heard the distressing news from Iran regarding Hon. President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi’s helicopter. Waiting with great anxiety for good news that all is well. Our prayers and best wishes are with Hon.President Raisi and the entire Iranian nation.</p>
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz/status/1792228265379377470?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari shared a post on social media which said, "Deeply concerned to hear news about the helicopter incident carrying the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Abdullahian &amp; others. My heartfelt prayers &amp; good wishes for the well-being &amp; safety of President Raisi so that he may continue to serve &nbsp;the Iranian nation."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Deeply concerned to hear news about the helicopter incident carrying the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Abdullahian &amp; others. My heartfelt prayers &amp; good wishes for the well-being &amp; safety of President Raisi so that he may continue to serve the Iranian nation.</p>
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) <a href="https://twitter.com/PresOfPakistan/status/1792228177106133047?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/helicopter-accompanying-iranian-president-ebrahim-raisi-involved-in-incident-723114">Iranian President Raisi’s helicopter crashes, fog hampers rescue efforts</a></p>

<h2><strong>'Profoundly troubled by news,' says President of Azerbaijan</strong></h2>

<p>The President of Azerbaijan in a posting on X said, “Today, after bidding a friendly farewell to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, we were profoundly troubled by the news of a helicopter carrying the top delegation crash-landing in Iran. Our prayers to Allah Almighty are with President Ebrahim Raisi and the accompanying delegation. As a neighbour, friend, and brotherly country, the Republic of Azerbaijan stands ready to offer any assistance needed.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today, after bidding a friendly farewell to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, we were profoundly troubled by the news of a helicopter carrying the top delegation crash-landing in Iran. Our prayers to Allah Almighty are with President Ebrahim Raisi and…</p>
— Ilham Aliyev (@presidentaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/presidentaz/status/1792228739494850637?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Iraq offers help in search efforts</strong></h2>

<p>Iraq offered help to its neighbouring country Iran in the search for Raisi's helicopter.</p>

<p>Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani "instructed the interior ministry, the Iraqi Red Crescent and other relevant authorities to offer the Islamic Republic of Iran the available resources to aid in the search for the Iranian president's aircraft," government spokesman Bassem al-Awadi said in a statement.</p>

<h2><strong>Turkey offers Iran 'all necessary support'</strong></h2>

<p>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reacting to the incident said that he was "profoundly saddened" by the news of Raisi's helicopter "accident". He further affirmed that his country will provide all the "necessary support" in rescue efforts.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="tr">İran Cumhurbaşkanı, kardeşim Sayın İbrahim Reisi ve heyetinin bir helikopter kazası geçirmiş olması bizleri derinden üzmüştür.…</p>
— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) <a href="https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1792252450927251931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are following the incident closely, are in contact and in coordination with the Iranian authorities and we are ready to provide all necessary support," Erdogan posted on X.</p>

<h2><strong>Saudi expresses readiness to provide any assistance needed&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>"We affirm that the Kingdom stands by the sisterly Islamic Republic of Iran in these difficult circumstances and its readiness to provide any assistance that the Iranian agencies need," the foreign ministry of the Gulf kingdom said in a statement.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's helicopter crash that took place on Sunday (May 19). Taking to his official X account, PM Modi wrote, "Deeply concerned by reports regarding President Raisi’s helicopter flight today.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's helicopter crash that took place on Sunday (May 19). Taking to his official X account, PM Modi wrote, "Deeply concerned by reports regarding President Raisi’s helicopter flight today. We stand in solidarity with the Iranian people in this hour of distress, and pray for well-being of the President and his entourage." Deeply concerned by reports regarding President Raisi’s helicopter flight today. We stand in solidarity with the Iranian people in this hour of distress, and pray for well being of the President and his entourage. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 19, 2024 × A helicopter carrying Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian crashed on Sunday (May 19) as it was crossing a mountainous terrain, an Iranian official told the news agency Reuters. Iranian state television earlier reported that rescuers are trying to reach the area where the incident occurred, but fog and bad weather are hampering the rescue efforts. The state TV had also reported that the helicopter suffered a "hard landing". Raisi was returning from the Khoda Afarin region in Iran’s northwestern province of East Azarbaijan after inaugurating a dam at the common border with the Republic of Azerbaijan, reported Tasnim news agency Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, in his first statement since the news broke out, said, "We hope Almighty God will return the respected, esteemed President and his entourage to the arms of the nation." We hope Almighty God will return the respected, esteemed President and his entourage to the arms of the nation. — Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) May 19, 2024 × 'Waiting with great anxiety for good news,' says Pakistan PM Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to his official X handle and wrote, “Heard the distressing news from Iran regarding Hon. President Seyed Ibrahim Raisi’s helicopter. Waiting with great anxiety for good news that all is well. Our prayers and best wishes are with Hon.President Raisi and the entire Iranian nation." Heard the distressing news from Iran regarding Hon. President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi’s helicopter. Waiting with great anxiety for good news that all is well. Our prayers and best wishes are with Hon.President Raisi and the entire Iranian nation. — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 19, 2024 × Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari shared a post on social media which said, "Deeply concerned to hear news about the helicopter incident carrying the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Abdullahian & others. My heartfelt prayers & good wishes for the well-being & safety of President Raisi so that he may continue to serve the Iranian nation." Deeply concerned to hear news about the helicopter incident carrying the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Abdullahian & others. My heartfelt prayers & good wishes for the well-being & safety of President Raisi so that he may continue to serve the Iranian nation. — The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) May 19, 2024 × Also read: Iranian President Raisi’s helicopter crashes, fog hampers rescue efforts 'Profoundly troubled by news,' says President of Azerbaijan The President of Azerbaijan in a posting on X said, “Today, after bidding a friendly farewell to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, we were profoundly troubled by the news of a helicopter carrying the top delegation crash-landing in Iran. Our prayers to Allah Almighty are with President Ebrahim Raisi and the accompanying delegation. As a neighbour, friend, and brotherly country, the Republic of Azerbaijan stands ready to offer any assistance needed.” Today, after bidding a friendly farewell to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, we were profoundly troubled by the news of a helicopter carrying the top delegation crash-landing in Iran. Our prayers to Allah Almighty are with President Ebrahim Raisi and… — Ilham Aliyev (@presidentaz) May 19, 2024 × Iraq offers help in search efforts Iraq offered help to its neighbouring country Iran in the search for Raisi's helicopter. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani "instructed the interior ministry, the Iraqi Red Crescent and other relevant authorities to offer the Islamic Republic of Iran the available resources to aid in the search for the Iranian president's aircraft," government spokesman Bassem al-Awadi said in a statement. Turkey offers Iran 'all necessary support' Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reacting to the incident said that he was "profoundly saddened" by the news of Raisi's helicopter "accident". He further affirmed that his country will provide all the "necessary support" in rescue efforts. İran Cumhurbaşkanı, kardeşim Sayın İbrahim Reisi ve heyetinin bir helikopter kazası geçirmiş olması bizleri derinden üzmüştür.… — Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) May 19, 2024 × "We are following the incident closely, are in contact and in coordination with the Iranian authorities and we are ready to provide all necessary support," Erdogan posted on X. Saudi expresses readiness to provide any assistance needed "We affirm that the Kingdom stands by the sisterly Islamic Republic of Iran in these difficult circumstances and its readiness to provide any assistance that the Iranian agencies need," the foreign ministry of the Gulf kingdom said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies

PM Modi, world leaders express deep concern over Iranian President Raisi’s helicopter crash

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<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (May 19) lashed out at Trinamool Congress (TMC) over the Sandeshkhali incident stating that the party questioned the “characters of the sisters of Sandeshkhali” just to save their 'Shahjahan'.</p>

<p>He stated that when the TMC came to power, it claimed to safeguard Maa, Maati, and Manush but failed to do so in due course of time.</p>

<p>"TMC came to power by saying that it would protect Maa, Maati, and Manush. Today, TMC is devouring Maa, Maati, and Manush. The women of Bengal have lost faith in TMC. The sin that has happened in Sandeshkhali has forced the sisters of Bengal to think. The TMC people do not even consider the sisters of SC/ST families as human beings. To save their Shahjahan, the TMC people are blaming the sisters of Sandeshkhali and questioning their character. The kind of language they are using for them, every daughter of Bengal will destroy TMC with her vote," PM Modi said while addressing a public meeting in Purulia.</p>

<p>"TMC gives the slogan 'Maa, Maati, Maanush' yet does nothing to protect them. The incident of Sandeshkhali has shaken the women of Bengal. TMC has dehumanised the women of SC and ST communities to protect Shahjahan Sheikh. Leaders of TMC are pointing fingers at the women who suffered atrocities," he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">एससी/एसटी परिवार की बहनों को तो टीएमसी के लोग इंसान ही नहीं समझते। अपने शाहजहां को बचाने के लिए टीएमसी के लोग संदेशखाली की बहनों को ही दोषी ठहरा रहे हैं, उनके चरित्र पर सवाल उठा रहे हैं।<br />
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जैसी भाषा ये उनके लिए बोल रहे हैं, इसका जवाब बंगाल की हर बेटी अपने वोट से टीएमसी को तबाह कर…</p>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1792105191346524173?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Sandeshkhali, a village in North 24 Parganas district, grabbed headlines earlier this year when its residents, mostly women, took to the streets to protest against the ruling TMC and Shahjahan, the main accused in the incident.</p>

<p>Women levelled allegations against Shahjahan and his aides for committing atrocities against them and for also grabbing their lands. They accused Shajahan and his aides of "land-grab and sexual assault".</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-take-pok-back-amit-shah-says-modi-govt-is-not-afraid-of-pakistans-atom-bombs-722905">‘Will take PoK back,’ Amit Shah says Modi govt is not afraid of Pakistan’s atom bomb</a></p>

<h2><strong>Mamata 'threatening Ramakrishna Mission to please vote bank'</strong></h2>

<p>PM Modi further slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her remarks targeting the Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha.</p>

<p>He said that the TMC supremo was issuing threats to these socio-religious organisations just to please her vote bank.</p>

<p>"The TMC government, which intimidated and threatened the people of Bengal during elections, has crossed all limits this time. Today, in the country and the world, ISKCON, Ram Krishna Mission, and Bharat Sevashram Sangh are known for service and morality, but today the Chief Minister of Bengal is openly threatening them, warning them from an open platform," PM Modi said while addressing a public meeting in Purulia.</p>

<p>"There are millions of followers associated with these missions all over the world, and their sole aim is to serve the people. The Bengal government has pointed a finger at him and is threatening his name. So much courage! Just to please their vote bank," he added.</p>

<p>PM Modi's remarks came after the West Bengal CM, during a rally in Behrampore said, "There is a maharaj in Behrampore; I have been hearing about him for a long time. Kartik Maharaj. He says he will not allow any TMC agent in the poll booth. I do not consider him a saint because he is directly involved in politics. I used to respect Bharat Sevashram Sangha a lot. It has been on my list of respected organisations for a long time."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (May 19) lashed out at Trinamool Congress (TMC) over the Sandeshkhali incident stating that the party questioned the “characters of the sisters of Sandeshkhali” just to save their 'Shahjahan'.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (May 19) lashed out at Trinamool Congress (TMC) over the Sandeshkhali incident stating that the party questioned the “characters of the sisters of Sandeshkhali” just to save their 'Shahjahan'. He stated that when the TMC came to power, it claimed to safeguard Maa, Maati, and Manush but failed to do so in due course of time. "TMC came to power by saying that it would protect Maa, Maati, and Manush. Today, TMC is devouring Maa, Maati, and Manush. The women of Bengal have lost faith in TMC. The sin that has happened in Sandeshkhali has forced the sisters of Bengal to think. The TMC people do not even consider the sisters of SC/ST families as human beings. To save their Shahjahan, the TMC people are blaming the sisters of Sandeshkhali and questioning their character. The kind of language they are using for them, every daughter of Bengal will destroy TMC with her vote," PM Modi said while addressing a public meeting in Purulia. "TMC gives the slogan 'Maa, Maati, Maanush' yet does nothing to protect them. The incident of Sandeshkhali has shaken the women of Bengal. TMC has dehumanised the women of SC and ST communities to protect Shahjahan Sheikh. Leaders of TMC are pointing fingers at the women who suffered atrocities," he added. एससी/एसटी परिवार की बहनों को तो टीएमसी के लोग इंसान ही नहीं समझते। अपने शाहजहां को बचाने के लिए टीएमसी के लोग संदेशखाली की बहनों को ही दोषी ठहरा रहे हैं, उनके चरित्र पर सवाल उठा रहे हैं। जैसी भाषा ये उनके लिए बोल रहे हैं, इसका जवाब बंगाल की हर बेटी अपने वोट से टीएमसी को तबाह कर… — BJP (@BJP4India) May 19, 2024 × Sandeshkhali, a village in North 24 Parganas district, grabbed headlines earlier this year when its residents, mostly women, took to the streets to protest against the ruling TMC and Shahjahan, the main accused in the incident. Women levelled allegations against Shahjahan and his aides for committing atrocities against them and for also grabbing their lands. They accused Shajahan and his aides of "land-grab and sexual assault". Also read: ‘Will take PoK back,’ Amit Shah says Modi govt is not afraid of Pakistan’s atom bomb Mamata 'threatening Ramakrishna Mission to please vote bank' PM Modi further slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her remarks targeting the Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha. He said that the TMC supremo was issuing threats to these socio-religious organisations just to please her vote bank. "The TMC government, which intimidated and threatened the people of Bengal during elections, has crossed all limits this time. Today, in the country and the world, ISKCON, Ram Krishna Mission, and Bharat Sevashram Sangh are known for service and morality, but today the Chief Minister of Bengal is openly threatening them, warning them from an open platform," PM Modi said while addressing a public meeting in Purulia. "There are millions of followers associated with these missions all over the world, and their sole aim is to serve the people. The Bengal government has pointed a finger at him and is threatening his name. So much courage! Just to please their vote bank," he added. PM Modi's remarks came after the West Bengal CM, during a rally in Behrampore said, "There is a maharaj in Behrampore; I have been hearing about him for a long time. Kartik Maharaj. He says he will not allow any TMC agent in the poll booth. I do not consider him a saint because he is directly involved in politics. I used to respect Bharat Sevashram Sangha a lot. It has been on my list of respected organisations for a long time." (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi slams TMC, accuses it of ‘questioning character of Sandeshkhali women’

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<p>During an election&nbsp;rally in Jhansi on Saturday (May 18)&nbsp;Union&nbsp;Home Minister Amit Shah brought up the subject of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.</p>

<p>“Their (Congress) greed for the vote bank has burgeoned to the extent that Mani Shankar Aiyar, one of their&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;has asked us not to talk about the PoK. He is saying that Pakistan has atom bombs&nbsp;and&nbsp;we should not demand our rights over the PoK. I want to tell you that this is the Narendra Modi government&nbsp;and&nbsp;we are not afraid of atom bombs. PoK belongs to India&nbsp;and&nbsp;we will take it back,”&nbsp;he said.</p>

<h2><strong>What did Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar say?</strong></h2>

<p>His remarks follow Congress leader&nbsp;Mani Shankar&nbsp;Aiyar's&nbsp;April 15 interview, in which he said that if not respected, Pakistan could use bombs against India.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/democracy-in-action-in-srinagar-but-pok-calls-for-azadi-heres-what-it-means-720891" hreflang="en">Democracy in action in Srinagar but PoK calls for 'Azadi'. Here's what it means</a></strong></p>

<p>"They are also a sovereign country (Pakistan). They are a respected nation. You can talk tough with them (Pakistan). But start the dialogue. You are walking with a gun&nbsp;which&nbsp;yielded you nothing. Tensions are escalating. And if a mad person comes there, what will happen to the nation? They have an atom bomb. We also possess the atomic bomb. But if a mad person detonates our bomb at Lahore station, so within eight seconds, eight moments, its radioactivity will reach Amritsar,"&nbsp;Aiyar said.</p>

<h2><strong>What else did Amit Shah say during the rally?</strong></h2>

<p>During the rally, the Union Minister asserted that&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on track to win&nbsp;a third term in power. He stated that PM Modi has already&nbsp;won 270 seats in&nbsp;the previous four phases and is on his way to the third century.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shah highlighted PM&nbsp;Modi's&nbsp;humble origins and said that on&nbsp;the one hand, there is Rahul&nbsp; Gandhi&nbsp;born with a silver spoon in his mouth, and&nbsp;on the other hand, there is PM&nbsp;Modi&nbsp;born to the family of a poor tea vendor from the backward class.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


During an election rally in Jhansi on Saturday (May 18) Union Home Minister Amit Shah brought up the subject of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. “Their (Congress) greed for the vote bank has burgeoned to the extent that Mani Shankar Aiyar, one of their leaders has asked us not to talk about the PoK.

During an election rally in Jhansi on Saturday (May 18) Union Home Minister Amit Shah brought up the subject of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. “Their (Congress) greed for the vote bank has burgeoned to the extent that Mani Shankar Aiyar, one of their leaders has asked us not to talk about the PoK. He is saying that Pakistan has atom bombs and we should not demand our rights over the PoK. I want to tell you that this is the Narendra Modi government and we are not afraid of atom bombs. PoK belongs to India and we will take it back,” he said. What did Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar say? His remarks follow Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's April 15 interview, in which he said that if not respected, Pakistan could use bombs against India. Also read: Democracy in action in Srinagar but PoK calls for 'Azadi'. Here's what it means "They are also a sovereign country (Pakistan). They are a respected nation. You can talk tough with them (Pakistan). But start the dialogue. You are walking with a gun which yielded you nothing. Tensions are escalating. And if a mad person comes there, what will happen to the nation? They have an atom bomb. We also possess the atomic bomb. But if a mad person detonates our bomb at Lahore station, so within eight seconds, eight moments, its radioactivity will reach Amritsar," Aiyar said. What else did Amit Shah say during the rally? During the rally, the Union Minister asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on track to win a third term in power. He stated that PM Modi has already won 270 seats in the previous four phases and is on his way to the third century. Shah highlighted PM Modi's humble origins and said that on the one hand, there is Rahul Gandhi born with a silver spoon in his mouth, and on the other hand, there is PM Modi born to the family of a poor tea vendor from the backward class. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Will take PoK back,’ Amit Shah says Modi govt is not afraid of Pakistan’s atom bomb

<p>Congress president Malliakarjun Kharge on Saturday (May 18) lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing him of "provoking" people and called on the Election Commission to take stern action.</p>

<p>He also alleged that PM Modi was supporting the "illegal" Mahayuti government in the Indian state of Maharashtra.</p>

<p>"We have not used bulldozers to date... The Election Commission should take action against those who make instigating speeches. The Prime Minister himself is doing it. He is provoking people. After our government comes, everything will be protected as per our Constitution, we will follow the Constitution," Kharge said during a media briefing in Mumbai.</p>

<p>He then claimed that the INDI alliance will win 46 out of the 48 seats in the state of Maharashtra and will defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).</p>

<p>"INDIA bloc will win 46 out of 48 seats in Maharashtra. People are saying this themselves. Our alliance will win maximum seats and defeat BJP...," Kharge claimed.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhis-emotional-appeal-to-people-of-raebareli-i-am-handing-over-my-son-to-you-722576">Sonia Gandhi's emotional appeal to people of Raebareli; 'I am handing over my son to you'</a></p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi hits out at Congress-SP combine</strong></h2>

<p>Kharge's remarks came after PM Modi, during his rally in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki, said that Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) would run bulldozer over Ayodhya's Ram Temple if they get elected in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>"If the Congress, SP and their INDIA partners come to power, our Ram Lalla would have to return to the tent again as they would run a bulldozer over the Ram Mandir. They should take lessons from Yogi-ji (Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath) on where to run bulldozers and where not to," PM Modi said on Friday (May 17).</p>

<p>"The Congress and the Samajwadi Party have become slaves to appeasement politics. And, when Modi uncovers the truth before the people, they accuse me of creating a Hindu-Muslim divide," he further said.</p>

<p>The Indian prime minister then exuded confidence that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was all set to register its third consecutive win and return to power again.</p>

<p>"June 4 (counting day) is not too far away now. All doubts will be cleared and the entire country and the world will know when we score a hat-trick of wins and return for a third term at the Centre."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Congress president Malliakarjun Kharge on Saturday (May 18) lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing him of "provoking" people and called on the Election Commission to take stern action.

Congress president Malliakarjun Kharge on Saturday (May 18) lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing him of "provoking" people and called on the Election Commission to take stern action. He also alleged that PM Modi was supporting the "illegal" Mahayuti government in the Indian state of Maharashtra. "We have not used bulldozers to date... The Election Commission should take action against those who make instigating speeches. The Prime Minister himself is doing it. He is provoking people. After our government comes, everything will be protected as per our Constitution, we will follow the Constitution," Kharge said during a media briefing in Mumbai. He then claimed that the INDI alliance will win 46 out of the 48 seats in the state of Maharashtra and will defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "INDIA bloc will win 46 out of 48 seats in Maharashtra. People are saying this themselves. Our alliance will win maximum seats and defeat BJP...," Kharge claimed. Also read: Sonia Gandhi's emotional appeal to people of Raebareli; 'I am handing over my son to you' PM Modi hits out at Congress-SP combine Kharge's remarks came after PM Modi, during his rally in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki, said that Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) would run bulldozer over Ayodhya's Ram Temple if they get elected in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. "If the Congress, SP and their INDIA partners come to power, our Ram Lalla would have to return to the tent again as they would run a bulldozer over the Ram Mandir. They should take lessons from Yogi-ji (Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath) on where to run bulldozers and where not to," PM Modi said on Friday (May 17). "The Congress and the Samajwadi Party have become slaves to appeasement politics. And, when Modi uncovers the truth before the people, they accuse me of creating a Hindu-Muslim divide," he further said. The Indian prime minister then exuded confidence that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was all set to register its third consecutive win and return to power again. "June 4 (counting day) is not too far away now. All doubts will be cleared and the entire country and the world will know when we score a hat-trick of wins and return for a third term at the Centre." (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls: Kharge accuses PM Modi of ‘provoking’ people, calls on ED to take action

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a rally in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday (May 16), took a swipe at Samajwadi Party's leader Akhilesh Yadav, saying he should question Mamata Banerjee as to why she calls the people hailing from UP as outsiders in West Bengal.</p>

<p>"I want to ask one question from the SP's 'shehzade,' since you are so close to your new bua (Mamata Banerjee), have you ever asked her why she calls people from UP outsiders in West Bengal," PM Modi said as he launched a scathing attack at former UP chief minister.</p>

<p>"We all are Indians. We are the children of 'Bharat Mata'. Then why TMC [Trinamool Congress] abuses people from Uttar Pradesh who go there? 'Are Babua, zara apni bua ko puch to lo [please ask your aunt]' And after abusing them, she comes to Uttar Pradesh and asks for votes," he added.</p>

<p>"There is only one thing that connects SP and TMC and that is appeasement. The contractors of appeasement want to change India's identity," the Indian prime minister said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-recommends-increase-in-reservation-quota-for-obcs-in-public-employment-in-punjab-west-bengal-722057">Centre recommends increase in reservation quota for OBCs in public employment in Punjab, West Bengal</a></p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi denounces Congress and SP's stance on Ram Mandir</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian prime minister further denounced the Congress and the Samajwadi Party's stance on the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and accused Rahul Gandhi of intending to put up a lock on the Hindu temple.</p>

<p>"During their time (SP's rule), what kind of condition used to be of roads and ghats of Ayodhya and Banaras? Tell me, didn't you (the public) feel hurt by seeing such a situation? ... Today, the magnificent mandir is in front of our eyes. When Ram Lalla was in the tent, didn't you feel the pain? Ram Lalla has been seated in Ram mandir but these people are still not accepting it.</p>

<p>"SP leaders are saying that Ram Mandir is useless. The Shehzada of Congress (Rahul Gandhi) wants to change the court order and put up a lock on Ram Mandir and wants to force Ram Lalla to live in a tent. Will you let their intentions be a success?"</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a rally in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday (May 16), took a swipe at Samajwadi Party's leader Akhilesh Yadav, saying he should question Mamata Banerjee as to why she calls the people hailing from UP as outsiders in West Bengal.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a rally in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday (May 16), took a swipe at Samajwadi Party's leader Akhilesh Yadav, saying he should question Mamata Banerjee as to why she calls the people hailing from UP as outsiders in West Bengal. "I want to ask one question from the SP's 'shehzade,' since you are so close to your new bua (Mamata Banerjee), have you ever asked her why she calls people from UP outsiders in West Bengal," PM Modi said as he launched a scathing attack at former UP chief minister. "We all are Indians. We are the children of 'Bharat Mata'. Then why TMC [Trinamool Congress] abuses people from Uttar Pradesh who go there? 'Are Babua, zara apni bua ko puch to lo [please ask your aunt]' And after abusing them, she comes to Uttar Pradesh and asks for votes," he added. "There is only one thing that connects SP and TMC and that is appeasement. The contractors of appeasement want to change India's identity," the Indian prime minister said. Also read: Centre recommends increase in reservation quota for OBCs in public employment in Punjab, West Bengal PM Modi denounces Congress and SP's stance on Ram Mandir The Indian prime minister further denounced the Congress and the Samajwadi Party's stance on the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and accused Rahul Gandhi of intending to put up a lock on the Hindu temple. "During their time (SP's rule), what kind of condition used to be of roads and ghats of Ayodhya and Banaras? Tell me, didn't you (the public) feel hurt by seeing such a situation? ... Today, the magnificent mandir is in front of our eyes. When Ram Lalla was in the tent, didn't you feel the pain? Ram Lalla has been seated in Ram mandir but these people are still not accepting it. "SP leaders are saying that Ram Mandir is useless. The Shehzada of Congress (Rahul Gandhi) wants to change the court order and put up a lock on Ram Mandir and wants to force Ram Lalla to live in a tent. Will you let their intentions be a success?" (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi takes dig at Akhilesh Yadav; 'ask Mamata why she calls people of UP outsiders'

A prominent Pakistani-American businessman has heaped praise on PM Modi. He hopes that Pakistan gets a leader like PM Modi. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas | Pakistani-American businessman: 'Hope Pak gets a leader like PM Modi'

Seeking a third consecutive term from Varanasi, which will go to polls in the last phase on June 1, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will file his nomination papers today (Tuesday). Watch in for more updates!

India General Elections 2024: PM Modi set to file nomination from Varanasi

<p>Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha President Tejasvi Surya on Monday (May 13) accepted an invitation for a public debate with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and nominated BJYM's Vice President Abhinav Prakash.</p>

<p>Notably, the invitation for a public debate was extended by former Supreme Court judge Madan B Lokur, former High Court Chief Justice AP Shah, and senior journalist N Ram to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.</p>

<p>Surya proposed Prakash's name stating that he was a young and educated leader from the Pasi scheduled caste community, who make up about 30 per cent of the population in Rae Baraeli, where Gandhi is contesting the elections.</p>

<p>Elaborating on Prakash's credentials, he wrote in a letter, "He is not only a distinguished leader within our youth wing but also an articulate spokesperson for the policies and reforms implemented by our government. An alumnus of Jawaharlal Nehru University and an assistant professor of economics at Delhi University's Ramjas College, with previous teaching stints at SRCC, his profound understanding of social, economic, and political dynamics is poised to enrich the debate significantly."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dear Rahul Gandhi Ji,<br />
<br />
BJYM has deputed Sri <a href="https://twitter.com/Abhina_Prakash?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Abhina_Prakash</a>, our VP, to debate with you.<br />
<br />
He is a young and educated leader from the Pasi (SC) community, who are around 30%, in Rae Baraeli.<br />
<br />
It will be an enriching debate between a political scion and a common youngster who… <a href="https://t.co/8FarSmqrQe">pic.twitter.com/8FarSmqrQe</a></p>
— Tejasvi Surya (ಮೋದಿಯ ಪರಿವಾರ) (@Tejasvi_Surya) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tejasvi_Surya/status/1789954178145464655?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/smriti-irani-hits-out-at-rahul-gandhi-over-debate-challenge-to-modi-is-he-pm-candidate-720561"><strong>Also read: Smriti Irani hits out at Rahul Gandhi over debate challenge to Modi: 'Is he PM candidate?'</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>'Look forward to debate with Gandhi,' says Prakash</strong></h2>

<p>The BJYM president said that he was looking forward to debating with Gandhi and further taking a swipe at the Congress stating that he hoped he did not run away from the debate, the same way he did from Amethi.</p>

<p>"I would like to thank Tejasvi Surya for deputing me to debate with Rahul Gandhi. I am looking forward to this debate. I am from Uttar Pradesh, Rahul Gandhi and his family have represented the state for so long. I hope he doesn't run away from the debate the way he ran away from Amethi otherwise who knows he will have to run away from Raebareli as well, in the next elections," he told news agency ANI.</p>

<p>Gandhi on Friday (May 10) accepted the invitation stating that such a debate "will help people understand our respective vision and enable them to make an informed choice."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">स्वस्थ लोकतंत्र के लिए प्रमुख दलों का एक मंच से अपना विज़न देश के समक्ष रखना एक सकारात्मक पहल होगी।<br />
<br />
कांग्रेस इस पहल का स्वागत करती है और चर्चा का निमंत्रण स्वीकार करती है।<br />
<br />
देश प्रधानमंत्री जी से भी इस संवाद में हिस्सा लेने की अपेक्षा करता है। <a href="https://t.co/YMWWqzBRhE">pic.twitter.com/YMWWqzBRhE</a></p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1789270273641869619?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is also critical to put to rest any unsubstantiated allegations attributed to our respective parties. As the principal parties fighting the election, the public deserve to hear from their leaders directly," Gandhi said. "Accordingly, either myself or the Congress president would be pleased to participate in such a debate."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Congress welcomes this initiative and accepts the invitation for discussion. The country also expects the prime minister to take part in this dialogue," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha President Tejasvi Surya on Monday (May 13) accepted an invitation for a public debate with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and nominated BJYM's Vice President Abhinav Prakash.

Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha President Tejasvi Surya on Monday (May 13) accepted an invitation for a public debate with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and nominated BJYM's Vice President Abhinav Prakash. Notably, the invitation for a public debate was extended by former Supreme Court judge Madan B Lokur, former High Court Chief Justice AP Shah, and senior journalist N Ram to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Surya proposed Prakash's name stating that he was a young and educated leader from the Pasi scheduled caste community, who make up about 30 per cent of the population in Rae Baraeli, where Gandhi is contesting the elections. Elaborating on Prakash's credentials, he wrote in a letter, "He is not only a distinguished leader within our youth wing but also an articulate spokesperson for the policies and reforms implemented by our government. An alumnus of Jawaharlal Nehru University and an assistant professor of economics at Delhi University's Ramjas College, with previous teaching stints at SRCC, his profound understanding of social, economic, and political dynamics is poised to enrich the debate significantly." Dear Rahul Gandhi Ji, BJYM has deputed Sri @Abhina_Prakash, our VP, to debate with you. He is a young and educated leader from the Pasi (SC) community, who are around 30%, in Rae Baraeli. It will be an enriching debate between a political scion and a common youngster who… pic.twitter.com/8FarSmqrQe — Tejasvi Surya (ಮೋದಿಯ ಪರಿವಾರ) (@Tejasvi_Surya) May 13, 2024 × Also read: Smriti Irani hits out at Rahul Gandhi over debate challenge to Modi: 'Is he PM candidate?' 'Look forward to debate with Gandhi,' says Prakash The BJYM president said that he was looking forward to debating with Gandhi and further taking a swipe at the Congress stating that he hoped he did not run away from the debate, the same way he did from Amethi. "I would like to thank Tejasvi Surya for deputing me to debate with Rahul Gandhi. I am looking forward to this debate. I am from Uttar Pradesh, Rahul Gandhi and his family have represented the state for so long. I hope he doesn't run away from the debate the way he ran away from Amethi otherwise who knows he will have to run away from Raebareli as well, in the next elections," he told news agency ANI. Gandhi on Friday (May 10) accepted the invitation stating that such a debate "will help people understand our respective vision and enable them to make an informed choice." स्वस्थ लोकतंत्र के लिए प्रमुख दलों का एक मंच से अपना विज़न देश के समक्ष रखना एक सकारात्मक पहल होगी। कांग्रेस इस पहल का स्वागत करती है और चर्चा का निमंत्रण स्वीकार करती है। देश प्रधानमंत्री जी से भी इस संवाद में हिस्सा लेने की अपेक्षा करता है। pic.twitter.com/YMWWqzBRhE — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 11, 2024 × "It is also critical to put to rest any unsubstantiated allegations attributed to our respective parties. As the principal parties fighting the election, the public deserve to hear from their leaders directly," Gandhi said. "Accordingly, either myself or the Congress president would be pleased to participate in such a debate." "Congress welcomes this initiative and accepts the invitation for discussion. The country also expects the prime minister to take part in this dialogue," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP picks Yuva Morcha vice president for public debate against Rahul Gandhi

PM Modi filed his nomination from Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi Lok Sabha seat. PM Modi is seeking a third term from the constituency. Varanasi will go to polls in the seventh and last phase of the elections on June 1.

India PM Narendra Modi files nomination from Varanasi, offers prayers at Dasaswamedh Ghat

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PM Modi files poll papers for nomination from Varanasi

Maldives' defence minister Ghassan Maumoon has admitted that the island's military lacks pilots capable of operating the aircraft donated by India. There is a pilot crisis in the Maldives. Did President Muizzu not see it coming?

Gravitas: Maldives Defence Minister admits to pilot crisis, did Muizzu not see it coming?

The fourth phase of voting for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections has ended in 96 Lok Sabha constituencies across 9 states and a Union Territory. These states and UT include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jammu and Kashmir. A total of 1,717 candidates are in the fray in this phase.

Lok Sabha elections | Final faceoff in South India: Polling concludes in Phase 4

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (May 12) hit out at West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress party stating that infiltrators were flourishing under the leadership of the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.</p>

<p>He further vowed to the people that no one could stop the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the state.</p>

<p>While addressing a rally in Barrackpur, PM Modi gave five "guarantees" to the people of West Bengal.</p>

<p>"I want to give five guarantees to the people of Bengal: - Nobody can give reservations based on religion. Reservations for SC, ST, and OBC will not be touched. Nobody can stop you from celebrating Ram Navami. The judgement of the Supreme Court on Ram Mandir will not be quashed. Nobody can stop the implementation of CAA," PM Modi said.</p>

<p>The Indian prime minister further lashed out at the opposition stating that they had projected the CAA as if it was a "villain".</p>

<p>"A law like CAA, which protects humanity, but opposition made it a villain. CAA is a law to give citizenship to the victims, it does not take away anyone's citizenship. But parties like Congress-TMC painted it with the colour of their lies for vote bank politics," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/smriti-irani-hits-out-at-rahul-gandhi-over-debate-challenge-to-modi-is-he-pm-candidate-720561">Smriti Irani hits out at Rahul Gandhi over debate challenge to Modi: 'Is he PM candidate?'</a></p>

<h2><strong>TMC advocating 'Break in India',&nbsp;says PM Modi</strong></h2>

<p>PM Modi then hit out at the state government saying that TMC was raising the slogan of 'Break in India' to counter the Centre's 'Make in India' initiative.</p>

<p>He accused the party of destroying society, law and order, and unity in India.</p>

<p>"Amid BJP's efforts of development, TMC is busy in its 'own work'. What is the work of TMC and its leaders? 'Yaha mafia raj chal raha hai. Modi kahta hai har ghar jal, TMC kahti hai, har ghar bomb'. Just a few days ago, a bomb exploded, snatching away children's lives. Life has become difficult for mothers, sisters, and daughters here. Today BJP is emphasising 'Make in India', but TMC is raising the slogan of 'Break in India'. TMC is dividing the society, TMC is breaking the law, TMC is breaking the unity," PM Modi said.</p>

<p>He said that the goons of the party were threatening the women of Sandeshkhali referring to the infamous incident.</p>

<p>"Goons of TMC are threatening the women of Sandeshkhali only because the culprit's name is Shahjahan Sheikh. They are trying their best to save and protect him from legal action. Don't be afraid of TMC. You must give your full mandate to our candidate; each vote will reach me. Viksit Bengal is crucial for Viksit Bharat," the PM said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (May 12) hit out at West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress party stating that infiltrators were flourishing under the leadership of the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (May 12) hit out at West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress party stating that infiltrators were flourishing under the leadership of the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He further vowed to the people that no one could stop the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the state. While addressing a rally in Barrackpur, PM Modi gave five "guarantees" to the people of West Bengal. "I want to give five guarantees to the people of Bengal: - Nobody can give reservations based on religion. Reservations for SC, ST, and OBC will not be touched. Nobody can stop you from celebrating Ram Navami. The judgement of the Supreme Court on Ram Mandir will not be quashed. Nobody can stop the implementation of CAA," PM Modi said. The Indian prime minister further lashed out at the opposition stating that they had projected the CAA as if it was a "villain". "A law like CAA, which protects humanity, but opposition made it a villain. CAA is a law to give citizenship to the victims, it does not take away anyone's citizenship. But parties like Congress-TMC painted it with the colour of their lies for vote bank politics," he said. Also read: Smriti Irani hits out at Rahul Gandhi over debate challenge to Modi: 'Is he PM candidate?' TMC advocating 'Break in India', says PM Modi PM Modi then hit out at the state government saying that TMC was raising the slogan of 'Break in India' to counter the Centre's 'Make in India' initiative. He accused the party of destroying society, law and order, and unity in India. "Amid BJP's efforts of development, TMC is busy in its 'own work'. What is the work of TMC and its leaders? 'Yaha mafia raj chal raha hai. Modi kahta hai har ghar jal, TMC kahti hai, har ghar bomb'. Just a few days ago, a bomb exploded, snatching away children's lives. Life has become difficult for mothers, sisters, and daughters here. Today BJP is emphasising 'Make in India', but TMC is raising the slogan of 'Break in India'. TMC is dividing the society, TMC is breaking the law, TMC is breaking the unity," PM Modi said. He said that the goons of the party were threatening the women of Sandeshkhali referring to the infamous incident. "Goons of TMC are threatening the women of Sandeshkhali only because the culprit's name is Shahjahan Sheikh. They are trying their best to save and protect him from legal action. Don't be afraid of TMC. You must give your full mandate to our candidate; each vote will reach me. Viksit Bengal is crucial for Viksit Bharat," the PM said. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi lists out 5 guarantees to Bengal, says ‘no one can stop CAA implementation’

Boosting rural incomes has always been a big aim of the Narendra Modi government. A new document reviewed by Reuters reveal a plan to lift rural per-capita income by 50% by 2030. But Prime Minister Modi faces significant challenges as he tries to achieve that target. Today's Pollnomics takes a deep dive into India's agricultural economy.

India: Govt document aims to lift rural incomes by 50% by 2030

India is nearly half way through its mega general election. Voters in 283 Lok Sabha constituencies out of 543 have chosen their representatives over 3 phases of the election so far. Among the key constituencies that go to polls in weeks to come will be old Gandhi bastions Amethi and Raebareli, both to vote in the 5th phase on the 20th of May. The 2 seats carry huge symbolic significance for the future of the Gandhis and the Congress party. The first story on Inside South Asia decodes political realities.

Half way through India's big elections | Focus on Amethi, Raebareli in Phase 5

Telangana is the youngest state of india, having been formed in 2014. The state goes to poll on may 13 to elect 17 members of parliament. On pollnomics, we look at telangana and its decade-long journey.

Lok Sabha Elections: Will Telangana be India's model state? | Decoding Telangana's economy

Tracking Telangana's economic turnaround

<p>India's Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday (May 9) asserted that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes to power, then it will scrap the Muslim reservation and will increase the reservation of SC, ST, and OBC communities.<br />
<br />
SC, ST and OBC stands for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes, respectively.</p>

<p>"Congress wants to fight elections by speaking lies. They say that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi comes, he will finish the reservation. Prime Minister Modi has been leading this country unanimously for the last 10 years, but he did not end the reservation. However, the Congress party has robbed the reservations of SC, ST and OBC by giving 4 per cent reservation to Muslims," Shah said at a rally in the southern city of Hyderabad.</p>

<p>"In 2019, the public of Telangana gave us four seats. This time, we will win more than 10 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana. This double-digit score in Telangana will make PM Modi cross 400 seats... Make BJP victorious on more than 10 seats. We will end the Muslim reservation and increase the reservation of SC, ST, and OBC," he added.</p>

<p>He then took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and said, "In our manifesto, we have given Modi's guarantees and he does what he says. And the guarantees of Rahul baba doesn't even stay till sunset."</p>

<p>Shah slammed Gandhi for making false promises stating, "Rahul Gandhi promised to forgive the farmer loans but he didn't, he promised to give Rs 15,000 to farmers but he didn't fulfil that."</p>

<p>"He (Rahul Gandhi) promised to give loans of Rs 5 lakh to students without guarantee but didn't, he didn't give scooty to girl students as promised by him, and he didn't open International Schools in every Taluka. The Congress doesn't fulfil its promises while PM Modi ji fulfils every promise," he further said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hindu-population-decreased-by-8-muslim-population-increased-by-43-in-india-eac-pm-study-719705">India's Hindu population fell 8%, Muslim population rose 43% in 1950-2015: PM's economic council</a></p>

<h2><strong>Yadav calls for Muslim reservation, stirs political row</strong></h2>

<p>Shah's comments came after Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav stirred a political row with his remarks about giving complete reservation to Muslims.</p>

<p>Calling for a Muslim quota, the former Bihar chief minister&nbsp;said, "Muslims should get a complete reservation." &nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi, slammed the RJD chief over his remarks and accused the INDI Alliance of slashing the reservation rights of ST, SC and OBC communities.</p>

<p>PM Modi then took a jibe at Lalu stating that the "fodder scam accused" leader who at present is out on bail, is advocating for the reservation rights of the Muslim population.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday (May 9) asserted that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes to power, then it will scrap the Muslim reservation and will increase the reservation of SC, ST, and OBC communities.

India's Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday (May 9) asserted that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes to power, then it will scrap the Muslim reservation and will increase the reservation of SC, ST, and OBC communities. SC, ST and OBC stands for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes, respectively. "Congress wants to fight elections by speaking lies. They say that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi comes, he will finish the reservation. Prime Minister Modi has been leading this country unanimously for the last 10 years, but he did not end the reservation. However, the Congress party has robbed the reservations of SC, ST and OBC by giving 4 per cent reservation to Muslims," Shah said at a rally in the southern city of Hyderabad. "In 2019, the public of Telangana gave us four seats. This time, we will win more than 10 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana. This double-digit score in Telangana will make PM Modi cross 400 seats... Make BJP victorious on more than 10 seats. We will end the Muslim reservation and increase the reservation of SC, ST, and OBC," he added. He then took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and said, "In our manifesto, we have given Modi's guarantees and he does what he says. And the guarantees of Rahul baba doesn't even stay till sunset." Shah slammed Gandhi for making false promises stating, "Rahul Gandhi promised to forgive the farmer loans but he didn't, he promised to give Rs 15,000 to farmers but he didn't fulfil that." "He (Rahul Gandhi) promised to give loans of Rs 5 lakh to students without guarantee but didn't, he didn't give scooty to girl students as promised by him, and he didn't open International Schools in every Taluka. The Congress doesn't fulfil its promises while PM Modi ji fulfils every promise," he further said. Also read: India's Hindu population fell 8%, Muslim population rose 43% in 1950-2015: PM's economic council Yadav calls for Muslim reservation, stirs political row Shah's comments came after Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav stirred a political row with his remarks about giving complete reservation to Muslims. Calling for a Muslim quota, the former Bihar chief minister said, "Muslims should get a complete reservation." Prime Minister Narendra Modi, slammed the RJD chief over his remarks and accused the INDI Alliance of slashing the reservation rights of ST, SC and OBC communities. PM Modi then took a jibe at Lalu stating that the "fodder scam accused" leader who at present is out on bail, is advocating for the reservation rights of the Muslim population. (With inputs from agencies)

'BJP will scrap Muslim reservation and give it to SC, ST, OBC,' asserts Amit Shah

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