Watch BSP Chief Mayawati's distasteful appeal from women of our nation. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: Mayawati's Distasteful Appeal

In this segment of 'India Election Watch' We decodes the election discource with Mr. Andrew Whitehead, Former BBC Senior Journalist; Mr. Arun Anand, Senior Journalist & Mr. Lord Meghnad Desai, Author & Professor Emeritus at LSE.

India Election Watch: Decoding the Election discourse with some experts

PM Modi slams entire opposition mentioning Sam Pitroda's comments again. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: PM Modi slams entire opposition

In this segment of India Election Watch, Know the significance of Phase 7 of LS Polls 2019.

India Election Watch: Significance of Phase 7 of LS Polls 2019

Countdown has begin for the results day of India General Election 2019. Six phases has been completed. Overall West Bengal records high voter turnout. Watch this complete video to know more.

India Election Watch: Big Picture Of The 2019 Election

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP continuing their attack on the Congress over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-bjp-slam-pitroda-over-remarks-on-1984-anti-sikh-riots-congress-distances-itself-217586">Sam Pitroda's remarks on the 1984 riots</a>, party chief Rahul Gandhi Monday said the leader should be ashamed of himself and seek apology from the country.

Gandhi was addressing a poll rally here in favour of Congress candidate Amar Singh, who is pitted against SAD nominee D S Guru from Fatehgarh Sahib (reserve) constituency.

"What Sam Pitroda said about 1984 (anti-Sikh riots) was totally wrong and he should seek an apology from the country. I am saying this publicly and I also said the same to him over the phone. Pitroda ji, what you had said was completely wrong and you should be ashamed of yourself. You should seek a public apology," he said winding up his speech here.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh was also present at the event.

The BJP has stepped up offensive against the Congress over the Indian Overseas Congress chief's remarks as the 1984 anti-Sikh riots is an emotive issue in Punjab which is going to polls on May 19.

During campaigning in Rohtak in Haryana and at Hoshiarpur in Punjab, Modi on Friday had hit out at the Congress, saying Pitroda's remarks reflected the "character and arrogance" of the opposition party.

On Sunday in Amritsar, BJP chief Amit Shah had asked Gandhi whether the matter has ended with Pitroda tendering an apology for "justifying" the Sikh genocide.&nbsp;

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP continuing their attack on the Congress over Sam Pitroda's remarks on the 1984 riots, party chief Rahul Gandhi Monday said the leader should be ashamed of himself and seek apology from the country.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP continuing their attack on the Congress over Sam Pitroda's remarks on the 1984 riots, party chief Rahul Gandhi Monday said the leader should be ashamed of himself and seek apology from the country. Gandhi was addressing a poll rally here in favour of Congress candidate Amar Singh, who is pitted against SAD nominee D S Guru from Fatehgarh Sahib (reserve) constituency. "What Sam Pitroda said about 1984 (anti-Sikh riots) was totally wrong and he should seek an apology from the country. I am saying this publicly and I also said the same to him over the phone. Pitroda ji, what you had said was completely wrong and you should be ashamed of yourself. You should seek a public apology," he said winding up his speech here. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh was also present at the event. The BJP has stepped up offensive against the Congress over the Indian Overseas Congress chief's remarks as the 1984 anti-Sikh riots is an emotive issue in Punjab which is going to polls on May 19. During campaigning in Rohtak in Haryana and at Hoshiarpur in Punjab, Modi on Friday had hit out at the Congress, saying Pitroda's remarks reflected the "character and arrogance" of the opposition party. On Sunday in Amritsar, BJP chief Amit Shah had asked Gandhi whether the matter has ended with Pitroda tendering an apology for "justifying" the Sikh genocide.

You should be ashamed: Rahul Gandhi hits out at Sam Pitroda for remarks on 1984 riots

The elections are almost over. After exhaustive campaigning of more than seven weeks, the D-Day is approaching fast for all the political parties. So how did this election pan out? What's at stake? And which issues dominated the campaign? Here are the big takeaways from the seven-phase-long marathon election exercise:

Unabashed Hindutva

Unlike 2014, when the punch line was 'Gujarat model' and 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas'. 2019 election was untamed and unabashed Hindutva. The ruling party crossed certain lines which were not to be seen post-Babri Masjid demolition.&nbsp;

Most politicians, accused in the demolition row, went on to enjoy successful careers but none of them was charged under terror laws. The Ayodhya agitation remained a matter of faith and criminal cases revolved around the issue of law and order. Meanwhile, Pragya Singh was charged under terror laws and even then BJP gave her the ticket. The idea was to send a clear message that &nbsp;BJP’s first commitment remains the idea of undivided Hindu vote. It is for this reason, BJP by giving a ticket to Pragya Singh Thakur crossed the Rubicon where the idea of Hindu victimhood was enshrined on Pragya's living body.

This a big change from Vajpayee’s politics which looked for moderation once BJP acquired power. Throughout elections, BJP ensured that core voter remains mobilised on Hindutva even if a section of the middle class feels alienated. The question is whether mobilisation on the line of hard Hindutva ends up creating a stronger counter mobilisation or not? If the former stays strong then, BJP will be unaffected in Uttar Pradesh and if latter is the truth then BJP’s number, overall, will come down substantially in Lok Sabha.

For Modi or Against Modi but Only Modi

This is the first election which, in a small way, mimics 1989 election when Congress projected Rajiv Gandhi as the tallest leader and every other Opposition leader as an opportunist who by coming together wanted to defeat Congress party.&nbsp;

Well, Congress lost the election and rest remains history. The fact is that this election has only revolved around Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Even the major Opposition party, Congress, has not once said that Rahul Gandhi is the Prime Ministerial candidate. In almost all the interview, he has given, Rahul Gandhi has only spoken about ways to stop Modi but not once, he or his party has claimed that they have the capacity to cross 200 plus seats. The best bet for the Congress is to break into triple digits and ensure that Modi does not become the Prime Minister. The bottom line of the political discourse through the month has been that you can love Modi or hate Modi, but you cannot ignore Modi. So, people will either vote for Modi or against Modi, but he remains the cornerstone of the discourse.

Harvest Areas

Many political pundits ignore this aspect of politics. Generally, the focus remains on constituencies which a party can win. BJP, like Congress in past, has focused on constituencies it has not won before and has drawn a list of 150 such seats. Not only BJP has focused on the non-traditional seats, but it has also doubled its efforts in non-traditional areas like Kerala, West Bengal and Odisha, this time around. In case, BJP gets a simple majority on its own, the performance in these areas would require closer examination.&nbsp;

Congress surge in 2009 also took place on similar lines. Congress was able to win seats which they had not won in the past 20 years in both Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Mandsaur Lok Sabha constituency in Madhya Pradesh and constituencies like Ballia and Maharajganj in Uttar Pradesh are examples in case.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi too made an attempt to repeat the same in 2012 assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh by identifying tough seats but failed for the lack of clear leadership in the state. Congress has failed to reinvent its self in states which it has lost to regional parties. The latest example is that of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. BJP, on the other hand, has organisationally expanded into unchartered waters like North East and swept states like Tripura and Assam

Priyanka’s Launch

She was the surprise package and help for much occupied Rahul Gandhi. It is difficult to say as to how much impact she has had on the electorate, but she definitely chewed into the media space of BJP. My personal opinion is that her campaign had no impact in the Eastern Uttar Pradesh, but she did provide much-required publicity to the Congress Party. She was able to enthuse party workers in Uttar Pradesh and create a positive during her campaign. In fact, she generated more publicity than Rahul Gandhi during her tours in Uttar Pradesh.

Agriculture is Back

After two long decades, agriculture as an electoral issue is back on the drawing table. From 1991 onwards, agriculture faded away from active public discourse with the emerging middle class and economic liberalisation. Even the tag lines reflected the new mood which ranged from Shining India to 'Congress ka Hath Aam Aadmi Ke Saath' to 'Singh is King' to 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas'. After shocking defeat in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, BJP had to go back to the drawing room and ended up announcing massive subsidies to counter Congress whose campaign was only around waiver of farmers debt. It led to a large number of editorials being written on the farming community and new policy, required to end the agricultural crisis.

Regional Parties: Restoration of Balance?

For the first time after 1996, regional parties can play a big role in making of the new government. In likely hood, NDA++ is expected to form the government but regional players will have a strong say. DMK, TMC, YSRCP, TRS, BJD and SP-BSP alliance will play an important role in the formation of the government in New Delhi. SP-BSP can be a deal breaker and YSRCP and TRS may end up providing oxygen to NDA, if it falls short of majority though, as of now, TRS is campaigning for a Federal Front. 
 
This list can grow if&nbsp;BJD also decides to support BJP but the fact remains that regional parties will have a lot say in this election.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The elections are almost over. After exhaustive campaigning of more than seven weeks, the D-Day is approaching fast for all the political parties. So how did this election pan out?

The elections are almost over. After exhaustive campaigning of more than seven weeks, the D-Day is approaching fast for all the political parties. So how did this election pan out? What's at stake? And which issues dominated the campaign? Here are the big takeaways from the seven-phase-long marathon election exercise: Unabashed Hindutva Unlike 2014, when the punch line was 'Gujarat model' and 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas'. 2019 election was untamed and unabashed Hindutva. The ruling party crossed certain lines which were not to be seen post-Babri Masjid demolition. Most politicians, accused in the demolition row, went on to enjoy successful careers but none of them was charged under terror laws. The Ayodhya agitation remained a matter of faith and criminal cases revolved around the issue of law and order. Meanwhile, Pragya Singh was charged under terror laws and even then BJP gave her the ticket. The idea was to send a clear message that BJP’s first commitment remains the idea of undivided Hindu vote. It is for this reason, BJP by giving a ticket to Pragya Singh Thakur crossed the Rubicon where the idea of Hindu victimhood was enshrined on Pragya's living body. This a big change from Vajpayee’s politics which looked for moderation once BJP acquired power. Throughout elections, BJP ensured that core voter remains mobilised on Hindutva even if a section of the middle class feels alienated. The question is whether mobilisation on the line of hard Hindutva ends up creating a stronger counter mobilisation or not? If the former stays strong then, BJP will be unaffected in Uttar Pradesh and if latter is the truth then BJP’s number, overall, will come down substantially in Lok Sabha. For Modi or Against Modi but Only Modi This is the first election which, in a small way, mimics 1989 election when Congress projected Rajiv Gandhi as the tallest leader and every other Opposition leader as an opportunist who by coming together wanted to defeat Congress party. Well, Congress lost the election and rest remains history. The fact is that this election has only revolved around Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Even the major Opposition party, Congress, has not once said that Rahul Gandhi is the Prime Ministerial candidate. In almost all the interview, he has given, Rahul Gandhi has only spoken about ways to stop Modi but not once, he or his party has claimed that they have the capacity to cross 200 plus seats. The best bet for the Congress is to break into triple digits and ensure that Modi does not become the Prime Minister. The bottom line of the political discourse through the month has been that you can love Modi or hate Modi, but you cannot ignore Modi. So, people will either vote for Modi or against Modi, but he remains the cornerstone of the discourse. Harvest Areas Many political pundits ignore this aspect of politics. Generally, the focus remains on constituencies which a party can win. BJP, like Congress in past, has focused on constituencies it has not won before and has drawn a list of 150 such seats. Not only BJP has focused on the non-traditional seats, but it has also doubled its efforts in non-traditional areas like Kerala, West Bengal and Odisha, this time around. In case, BJP gets a simple majority on its own, the performance in these areas would require closer examination. Congress surge in 2009 also took place on similar lines. Congress was able to win seats which they had not won in the past 20 years in both Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Mandsaur Lok Sabha constituency in Madhya Pradesh and constituencies like Ballia and Maharajganj in Uttar Pradesh are examples in case. Congress president Rahul Gandhi too made an attempt to repeat the same in 2012 assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh by identifying tough seats but failed for the lack of clear leadership in the state. Congress has failed to reinvent its self in states which it has lost to regional parties. The latest example is that of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. BJP, on the other hand, has organisationally expanded into unchartered waters like North East and swept states like Tripura and Assam Priyanka’s Launch She was the surprise package and help for much occupied Rahul Gandhi. It is difficult to say as to how much impact she has had on the electorate, but she definitely chewed into the media space of BJP. My personal opinion is that her campaign had no impact in the Eastern Uttar Pradesh, but she did provide much-required publicity to the Congress Party. She was able to enthuse party workers in Uttar Pradesh and create a positive during her campaign. In fact, she generated more publicity than Rahul Gandhi during her tours in Uttar Pradesh. Agriculture is Back After two long decades, agriculture as an electoral issue is back on the drawing table. From 1991 onwards, agriculture faded away from active public discourse with the emerging middle class and economic liberalisation. Even the tag lines reflected the new mood which ranged from Shining India to 'Congress ka Hath Aam Aadmi Ke Saath' to 'Singh is King' to 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas'. After shocking defeat in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, BJP had to go back to the drawing room and ended up announcing massive subsidies to counter Congress whose campaign was only around waiver of farmers debt. It led to a large number of editorials being written on the farming community and new policy, required to end the agricultural crisis. Regional Parties: Restoration of Balance? For the first time after 1996, regional parties can play a big role in making of the new government. In likely hood, NDA++ is expected to form the government but regional players will have a strong say. DMK, TMC, YSRCP, TRS, BJD and SP-BSP alliance will play an important role in the formation of the government in New Delhi. SP-BSP can be a deal breaker and YSRCP and TRS may end up providing oxygen to NDA, if it falls short of majority though, as of now, TRS is campaigning for a Federal Front. This list can grow if BJD also decides to support BJP but the fact remains that regional parties will have a lot say in this election. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Five key takeaways

India's famed political family - the Gandhis cast their vote in capital New Delhi in the penultimate phase of the mammoth Indian elections on Sunday (May 12).

India's Gandhi family members vote in New Delhi

Delhi Congress unit chief Sheila Dikshit on Saturday said the people's perception about Rahul Gandhi has undergone a sea change.

"People's perception about Rahul ji has gone through a major change. He is being seen as a promising leader," said Dikshit in an exclusive conversation with ANI.

She also said that the campaign of the Congress party in Delhi drastically picked up the pace after the roadshow of party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi.

"People's response towards Priyanka ji has been overwhelming. The high turnout of people during her roadshow even amazed us. Our campaign suddenly spiked after the arrival of Priyanka ji and Rahul ji," said the three-time former chief minister.

Resisting from predicting the Lok Sabha result, the octogenarian leader said: "It is a three-sided contest between Congress, AAP, and BJP. But it is only the Congress party which has got an enviable record of bringing development to Delhi during our three terms."

Contesting from North-East Delhi parliamentary constituency, Dikshit expressed concern over the delay in sending slips to the voters in her constituency.

"Voters in my constituency have not received voter slips by now. I have called the officials thrice and they have assured me that the slips will reach in time. Let us hope for the best," said Dikshit.

All seven parliamentary constituencies in Delhi are going to polls on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Delhi Congress unit chief Sheila Dikshit on Saturday said the people's perception about Rahul Gandhi has undergone a sea change. "People's perception about Rahul ji has gone through a major change.

Delhi Congress unit chief Sheila Dikshit on Saturday said the people's perception about Rahul Gandhi has undergone a sea change. "People's perception about Rahul ji has gone through a major change. He is being seen as a promising leader," said Dikshit in an exclusive conversation with ANI. She also said that the campaign of the Congress party in Delhi drastically picked up the pace after the roadshow of party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi. "People's response towards Priyanka ji has been overwhelming. The high turnout of people during her roadshow even amazed us. Our campaign suddenly spiked after the arrival of Priyanka ji and Rahul ji," said the three-time former chief minister. Resisting from predicting the Lok Sabha result, the octogenarian leader said: "It is a three-sided contest between Congress, AAP, and BJP. But it is only the Congress party which has got an enviable record of bringing development to Delhi during our three terms." Contesting from North-East Delhi parliamentary constituency, Dikshit expressed concern over the delay in sending slips to the voters in her constituency. "Voters in my constituency have not received voter slips by now. I have called the officials thrice and they have assured me that the slips will reach in time. Let us hope for the best," said Dikshit. All seven parliamentary constituencies in Delhi are going to polls on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

People's perception about Rahul Gandhi has undergone change: Sheila Dikshit

In pics: Key constituencies in Phase 6 of Lok Sabha polls

Watch 'India Election Watch.' This is the show that brings you the latest on world's biggest electoral exercise, Verified updates & Unbiased analysis.

India Election Watch; 10th May, 2019

Union Minister Smriti Irani took a veiled jibe at Congress president Rahul Gandhi and its general secretary Priyanka Gandhi saying that they are people who wear "janeu" once in five years and come for "Ganga-darshan" only during elections.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi served nation and hypocrites, mahamilawati (&nbsp;(highly adulterated))&nbsp;people and corrupt Congress didn't give him anything else except insults. They are people who wear a 'janeu' (scared thread)&nbsp;once in 5 years, who go on foreign tours for 5 years and come for 'darshan'&nbsp;of Ganga at the time of elections," she said without naming anyone while addressing an election rally here on Friday.

The Union Minister also criticised Priyanka for choosing not to contest from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat.

"They go to Ayodhya but don't bow their heads before Ram Lalla as they remember their vote bank. They're people who ask in Amethi if they should contest from Varanasi but when it is time to draw swords in the battlefield, they leave not only Varanasi and Amethi but go to Wayanad," said Smriti Irani.

It was widely speculated that Congress might field Priyanka Gandhi from Varanasi. Priyanka had also expressed her desire to contest from Varanasi.

However, Congress party chose to field Ajay Rai from Varanasi.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi is contesting from two Lok Sabha seats-- Amethi and Wayanad.

Varanasi will go to polls in the last phase on May 7.&nbsp; The counting of votes will be done on May 23.&nbsp;

Union Minister Smriti Irani took a veiled jibe at Congress president Rahul Gandhi and its general secretary Priyanka Gandhi saying that they are people who wear "janeu" once in five years and come for "Ganga-darshan" only during elections.

Union Minister Smriti Irani took a veiled jibe at Congress president Rahul Gandhi and its general secretary Priyanka Gandhi saying that they are people who wear "janeu" once in five years and come for "Ganga-darshan" only during elections. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi served nation and hypocrites, mahamilawati ( (highly adulterated)) people and corrupt Congress didn't give him anything else except insults. They are people who wear a 'janeu' (scared thread) once in 5 years, who go on foreign tours for 5 years and come for 'darshan' of Ganga at the time of elections," she said without naming anyone while addressing an election rally here on Friday. The Union Minister also criticised Priyanka for choosing not to contest from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat. "They go to Ayodhya but don't bow their heads before Ram Lalla as they remember their vote bank. They're people who ask in Amethi if they should contest from Varanasi but when it is time to draw swords in the battlefield, they leave not only Varanasi and Amethi but go to Wayanad," said Smriti Irani. It was widely speculated that Congress might field Priyanka Gandhi from Varanasi. Priyanka had also expressed her desire to contest from Varanasi. However, Congress party chose to field Ajay Rai from Varanasi. Congress president Rahul Gandhi is contesting from two Lok Sabha seats-- Amethi and Wayanad. Varanasi will go to polls in the last phase on May 7. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

They're people who wear 'janeu' once in 5 years: Smriti Irani takes dig at Rahul Gandhi

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/yogi-adityanath-likens-akhilesh-to-aurangzeb-says-dethroned-his-father-217780">Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath</a> on Saturday took a dig at the opposition parties for not declaring their Prime Ministerial candidate, saying even the Congress president Rahul Gandhi does not know who will be his Prime Minister if the party is voted to power.

"If you ask Congress leaders who are their PM candidate, forget that they will tell you some name. Even their president himself cannot tell who is their PM candidate&nbsp;is since they know their party is not coming to power, so there is no point in declaring a PM candidate," Yogi said at an election rally.

The UP Chief Minister said that the opposition parties lack leadership and there was a confusion in the SP-BSP-RLD alliance over their candidate for the top job.

He said, "The Congress lacks leadership. It has no policies. SP-BSP alliance is no different. You ask a Samajwadi Party leader, he will name Akhilesh Yadav. Ask a Bahujan Samaj Party leader, he will project Mayawati ji."

"But if you ask the SP people if they will make Mayawati ji Prime Minister, they will ask - where Mulayam Singh ji will go? You ask BSP people if they will make Mulayam ji PM, they will say - where Mayawati ji will go," he said.

He further said, "A new experiment was done in 2014 when the BSP's elephant starting delivering eggs. They got no seats. They will get nothing in this elections as well."

"On one side, there is the world's most eligible leadership with his clear policies, on the other, there are parties which have no leadership," Yogi said, targeting the opposition parties.

Five phases of Lok Sabha elections are over, while the elections for 118 of a total of 543 Lok Sabha seats will take place in the next two phases on May 12 and 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday took a dig at the opposition parties for not declaring their Prime Ministerial candidate, saying even the Congress president Rahul Gandhi does not know who will be his Prime Minister if the party is voted to power.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday took a dig at the opposition parties for not declaring their Prime Ministerial candidate, saying even the Congress president Rahul Gandhi does not know who will be his Prime Minister if the party is voted to power. "If you ask Congress leaders who are their PM candidate, forget that they will tell you some name. Even their president himself cannot tell who is their PM candidate is since they know their party is not coming to power, so there is no point in declaring a PM candidate," Yogi said at an election rally. The UP Chief Minister said that the opposition parties lack leadership and there was a confusion in the SP-BSP-RLD alliance over their candidate for the top job. He said, "The Congress lacks leadership. It has no policies. SP-BSP alliance is no different. You ask a Samajwadi Party leader, he will name Akhilesh Yadav. Ask a Bahujan Samaj Party leader, he will project Mayawati ji." "But if you ask the SP people if they will make Mayawati ji Prime Minister, they will ask - where Mulayam Singh ji will go? You ask BSP people if they will make Mulayam ji PM, they will say - where Mayawati ji will go," he said. He further said, "A new experiment was done in 2014 when the BSP's elephant starting delivering eggs. They got no seats. They will get nothing in this elections as well." "On one side, there is the world's most eligible leadership with his clear policies, on the other, there are parties which have no leadership," Yogi said, targeting the opposition parties. Five phases of Lok Sabha elections are over, while the elections for 118 of a total of 543 Lok Sabha seats will take place in the next two phases on May 12 and 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Even Rahul Gandhi doesn't know who is Congress' PM candidate: Yogi Adityanath

Congress president Rahul Gandhi asked Sam Pitroda to apologise for his "happened, so what" remarks on 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

"I think what Sam Pitroda Ji said is completely out of line and he should apologise for it. I think 1984 was a needless tragedy that caused tremendous pain," Rahul said in a Facebook post on Friday asserting that "justice has to be done" and the people responsible for 1984 tragedy have to be punished.

"The people who were responsible for the 1984 tragedy have to be punished. The Former PM, Manmohan Singh Ji has apologised. My mother, Sonia Gandhi Ji has apologised. We all have made our position very clear - that 1984 was a terrible tragedy and should never have happened," he further said.

Terming Pitroda's comments as "completely out of line", the Gandhi scion said, "What Mr Sam Pitroda has said is absolutely and completely out of line and is not appreciated. I will be communicating this to him directly. He must apologise for his comment."

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On Thursday, BJP, citing the Nanavati Commission report, had said that "instructions to kill" came directly from then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's office.

In response to this, Pitroda, while rubbishing the allegations, had said, "I don't think so, this is also another lie, and what about 1984? You speak about what you have done in five years. It happened in 1984, so what? (1984 hua toh hua). What have you done? (Ab kya hai `84 ka? Aapne kya kiya 5 saal mein, uski baat kariye. `84 mein hua to hua. Aapne kya kiya?)"

Under attack over his remarks "happened, so what" on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Congress leader Sam Pitroda on Friday apologised for that saying they were blown out of proportion because his Hindi is not good.

"The statement I made was completely twisted, taken out of context because my Hindi is not good, what I meant was 'jo hua vo bura hua,'&nbsp;(what happened was bad), I could not translate 'bura'&nbsp;(bad) in my mind," Pitroda, a confidant of Congress President Rahul Gandhi said.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi asked Sam Pitroda to apologise for his "happened, so what" remarks on 1984 anti-Sikh riots. "I think what Sam Pitroda Ji said is completely out of line and he should apologise for it.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi asked Sam Pitroda to apologise for his "happened, so what" remarks on 1984 anti-Sikh riots. "I think what Sam Pitroda Ji said is completely out of line and he should apologise for it. I think 1984 was a needless tragedy that caused tremendous pain," Rahul said in a Facebook post on Friday asserting that "justice has to be done" and the people responsible for 1984 tragedy have to be punished. "The people who were responsible for the 1984 tragedy have to be punished. The Former PM, Manmohan Singh Ji has apologised. My mother, Sonia Gandhi Ji has apologised. We all have made our position very clear - that 1984 was a terrible tragedy and should never have happened," he further said. Terming Pitroda's comments as "completely out of line", the Gandhi scion said, "What Mr Sam Pitroda has said is absolutely and completely out of line and is not appreciated. I will be communicating this to him directly. He must apologise for his comment." × On Thursday, BJP, citing the Nanavati Commission report, had said that "instructions to kill" came directly from then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's office. In response to this, Pitroda, while rubbishing the allegations, had said, "I don't think so, this is also another lie, and what about 1984? You speak about what you have done in five years. It happened in 1984, so what? (1984 hua toh hua). What have you done? (Ab kya hai `84 ka? Aapne kya kiya 5 saal mein, uski baat kariye. `84 mein hua to hua. Aapne kya kiya?)" Under attack over his remarks "happened, so what" on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Congress leader Sam Pitroda on Friday apologised for that saying they were blown out of proportion because his Hindi is not good. "The statement I made was completely twisted, taken out of context because my Hindi is not good, what I meant was 'jo hua vo bura hua,' (what happened was bad), I could not translate 'bura' (bad) in my mind," Pitroda, a confidant of Congress President Rahul Gandhi said.

Sam Pitroda was out of line, he should apologise: Rahul Gandhi on remark on 1984 anti-Sikh riots

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Saturday alleged the BJP, RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had hatred in their hearts for his family, but he would continue to hug the PM as hate could only be defeated by love.

He also said the ongoing election was a fight between two ideologies- that of the Congress, and of the BJP and the RSS on the other.

Gandhi was addressing an election rally here for Congress candidate and folk singer, Prahlad Tipaniya, who is contesting the Lok Sabha election from Dewas seat.

"BJP, RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have hatred for my family and our job is to remove it. He (Modi) speaks with hatred and anger about my father, my grandmother and my great grandfather, but I go and give them a 'jhappi' (hug). You are a prime minister and you must remove hatred and work with love," Gandhi said.

"They should know that hatred can only conquered by love," he added.

Referring to Congress' poll promise 'NYAY' scheme, he said it would revive the country's economy as it will increase people's purchasing power.

He also said the Congress will provide 22 lakh government jobs after coming to power at the Centre.

Gandhi said the agriculture loans of farmers in Madhya Pradesh, including the kin of former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, have been waived by the Congress government in the state.

The loan waiver was promised by Gandhi before the MP Assembly elections last year and it is widely believed to have played a key role in the party's victory in the state after a gap of 15 years.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Saturday alleged the BJP, RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had hatred in their hearts for his family, but he would continue to hug the PM as hate could only be defeated by love.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Saturday alleged the BJP, RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had hatred in their hearts for his family, but he would continue to hug the PM as hate could only be defeated by love. He also said the ongoing election was a fight between two ideologies- that of the Congress, and of the BJP and the RSS on the other. Gandhi was addressing an election rally here for Congress candidate and folk singer, Prahlad Tipaniya, who is contesting the Lok Sabha election from Dewas seat. "BJP, RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have hatred for my family and our job is to remove it. He (Modi) speaks with hatred and anger about my father, my grandmother and my great grandfather, but I go and give them a 'jhappi' (hug). You are a prime minister and you must remove hatred and work with love," Gandhi said. "They should know that hatred can only conquered by love," he added. Referring to Congress' poll promise 'NYAY' scheme, he said it would revive the country's economy as it will increase people's purchasing power. He also said the Congress will provide 22 lakh government jobs after coming to power at the Centre. Gandhi said the agriculture loans of farmers in Madhya Pradesh, including the kin of former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, have been waived by the Congress government in the state. The loan waiver was promised by Gandhi before the MP Assembly elections last year and it is widely believed to have played a key role in the party's victory in the state after a gap of 15 years.

BJP, RSS and Modi have hatred for my family: Rahul Gandhi

Watch this segment to know Lok Sabha elections related latest news.

Lok Sabha elections 2019: Watch latest election news

The leaders of opposition parties are reportedly contemplating a meeting between May 19 (the last phase of polling) and May 23 (when the results will be announced). The meeting will be held to decide the Prime Ministerial candidate of the national-level alliance - 'Mahagathbandhan'.

On the other hand, there has been another significant development, wherein Telangana Rashtra Samiti chief K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) revived his efforts to stitch a&nbsp;'third front'.

KCR met CPM leader and Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan to discuss&nbsp;the&nbsp;'national political scenario'. 
 
Vijayan, after the meeting, said&nbsp;that neither Congress nor BJP will get absolute majority and regional parties will play a key role in the formation of government at the Centre.

However, it's unlikely that Vijayan will back the federal front as CPM is a foe of BJP.

Rao is also scheduled to meet DMK chief Stalin on May 13, though reports say Stalin has turned down his proposal owing to his campaign schedule for the May 19 by-polls.

It's to be noted that DMK has an alliance with the Congress in Tamil Nadu and Stalin has already extended his support to the 'Mahagathbandhan.&nbsp;

He had also recommended Rahul Gandhi's name as the Mahagathbandhan's Prime Ministerial candidate.

Also, Congress has, time and again, accused KCR as the B-team of NDA. According to the party, KCR has been trying to forge a third front to help BJP, in case, the saffron party falls short of numbers.

Furthermore, there are reports which suggest KCR has reportedly asked JD(S) leader and Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy to help him strike a deal with the Congress. The Karnataka chief minister appears as a facilitator here because JD(S) and Congress alliance is in power in Karnataka and the Mahagathbandhan too has Kumaraswamy's backing.

KCR has probably realised that any alliance without Congress party's participation won't work. Congress is the main opposition party and Rahul Gandhi has emerged as a credible and confident leader. 
 
It's worth noting here that in the Assembly elections, Congress pulled off stunning victories in the three Hindi heartland states under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi

It may be recalled that KCR's arch rival and Andhra Pradesh chief minister, Chandrababu Naidu, too has realised the importance of Congress party's presence in the Mahagathbandhan. 
 
Keeping aside three decades of rivalry, Naidu had reached out to Rahul Gandhi and both the leaders stressed the need to come together to 'save democracy'.

At the national level, most opposition parties have already extended their support to Mahagathbandhan to take on BJP. Congress too is likely to join this national-level alliance.&nbsp;

Last year, KCR had approached several party leaders not aligned with Congress and BJP, including Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy.

However, his effort had hit the speed bumps after most parties chose Mahagathbandhan over his federal front. So far, only YSR Congress chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy has openly backed him.

Mahagathbandhan, an idea floated by Mamata Banerjee and promoted by Chandrababu Naidu, also has the support of seasoned political leaders like Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah.

KCR's idea of a non-Congress front is too weak to take on BJP. And the only way he can garner the support of all like-minded opposition parties, to keep&nbsp;the BJP-led NDA out of power, is by seeking Congress's cooperation. 
 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
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The leaders of opposition parties are reportedly contemplating a meeting between May 19 (the last phase of polling) and May 23 (when the results will be announced).

The leaders of opposition parties are reportedly contemplating a meeting between May 19 (the last phase of polling) and May 23 (when the results will be announced). The meeting will be held to decide the Prime Ministerial candidate of the national-level alliance - 'Mahagathbandhan'. On the other hand, there has been another significant development, wherein Telangana Rashtra Samiti chief K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) revived his efforts to stitch a 'third front'. KCR met CPM leader and Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan to discuss the 'national political scenario'. Vijayan, after the meeting, said that neither Congress nor BJP will get absolute majority and regional parties will play a key role in the formation of government at the Centre. However, it's unlikely that Vijayan will back the federal front as CPM is a foe of BJP. Rao is also scheduled to meet DMK chief Stalin on May 13, though reports say Stalin has turned down his proposal owing to his campaign schedule for the May 19 by-polls. It's to be noted that DMK has an alliance with the Congress in Tamil Nadu and Stalin has already extended his support to the 'Mahagathbandhan. He had also recommended Rahul Gandhi's name as the Mahagathbandhan's Prime Ministerial candidate. Also, Congress has, time and again, accused KCR as the B-team of NDA. According to the party, KCR has been trying to forge a third front to help BJP, in case, the saffron party falls short of numbers. Furthermore, there are reports which suggest KCR has reportedly asked JD(S) leader and Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy to help him strike a deal with the Congress. The Karnataka chief minister appears as a facilitator here because JD(S) and Congress alliance is in power in Karnataka and the Mahagathbandhan too has Kumaraswamy's backing. KCR has probably realised that any alliance without Congress party's participation won't work. Congress is the main opposition party and Rahul Gandhi has emerged as a credible and confident leader. It's worth noting here that in the Assembly elections, Congress pulled off stunning victories in the three Hindi heartland states under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi It may be recalled that KCR's arch rival and Andhra Pradesh chief minister, Chandrababu Naidu, too has realised the importance of Congress party's presence in the Mahagathbandhan. Keeping aside three decades of rivalry, Naidu had reached out to Rahul Gandhi and both the leaders stressed the need to come together to 'save democracy'. At the national level, most opposition parties have already extended their support to Mahagathbandhan to take on BJP. Congress too is likely to join this national-level alliance. Last year, KCR had approached several party leaders not aligned with Congress and BJP, including Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy. However, his effort had hit the speed bumps after most parties chose Mahagathbandhan over his federal front. So far, only YSR Congress chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy has openly backed him. Mahagathbandhan, an idea floated by Mamata Banerjee and promoted by Chandrababu Naidu, also has the support of seasoned political leaders like Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah. KCR's idea of a non-Congress front is too weak to take on BJP. And the only way he can garner the support of all like-minded opposition parties, to keep the BJP-led NDA out of power, is by seeking Congress's cooperation. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

No takers for federal front: Has KCR realised his idea of a non-Congress front is too weak to take on BJP?

Watch this segment to know latest updates of Lok Sabha elections 2019.

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Supreme Court of India dismisses second plea against Rahul Gandhi, Petition sought to debar Congress President from contesting elections. Watch this video to know more.

SC dismisses second plea against Rahul Gandhi

The Supreme Court Thursday dismissed a plea seeking direction to the Centre and the Election Commission to debar Congress President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-citizenship-row-supreme-court-agrees-to-examine-petition-215259">Rahul Gandhi from contesting Lok Sabha elections</a> till the issue of his citizenship is decided.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi rejected the contention of the petitioners, who said that in a form along with the annual data of a UK-based company in 2005-06, it was allegedly mentioned that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-tenders-unconditional-apology-to-supreme-court-for-chowkidar-chor-hai-comment-216903">Rahul Gandhi</a> is a British citizen.

"If some company in some form mentions his nationality as British, does he become a British citizen," the bench also comprising Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna told the petitioners.&nbsp;

Last week, the Home Ministry had issued a notice acting on a complaint by BJP Rajya Sabha member Subramanian Swamy.

The complaint states that the Congress president had declared his nationality as British in a UK-based company.

The BJP leader demanded Rahul should dismiss these documents in a press conference and tell that he has not authenticated them.&nbsp;

The issue of Gandhi's dual citizenship was first raised by Subramanian Swamy in 2015, where he had written to the Prime Minister to deny the Congress president Indian citizenship. In November 2015, the Supreme Court has dismissed public interest litigation demanding CBI probe into the citizenship row noting that PILs were not meant to target one individual or organisation but was a medium to resolve human suffering through good governance.

A bench of then, Chief Justice of India H L Dattu and Justice Amitava Roy had rubbished the plea questioning the source and authenticity of the documents attached to the&nbsp;petition.

In 2016, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan had forwarded to the parliamentary ethics committee, headed by veteran BJP leader L K Advani, Swamy's "complaint of ethical misconduct" against Gandhi that he had accessed documents in which the Congress leader had called himself "British".

In his reply to the ethics committee on the allegations of British citizenship, Gandhi had said he had never "sought or acquired British citizenship" and that his "identity is that of an Indian".

He also questioned the committee's decision to look into a "complaint that is not in order", claiming it was "an endeavour to malign" him.

The panel had issued a notice to him, seeking an explanation to whether he had once declared himself a British citizen on the legal papers of a company in the United Kingdom.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court Thursday dismissed a plea seeking direction to the Centre and the Election Commission to debar Congress President Rahul Gandhi from contesting Lok Sabha elections till the issue of his citizenship is decided.

The Supreme Court Thursday dismissed a plea seeking direction to the Centre and the Election Commission to debar Congress President Rahul Gandhi from contesting Lok Sabha elections till the issue of his citizenship is decided. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi rejected the contention of the petitioners, who said that in a form along with the annual data of a UK-based company in 2005-06, it was allegedly mentioned that Rahul Gandhi is a British citizen. "If some company in some form mentions his nationality as British, does he become a British citizen," the bench also comprising Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna told the petitioners. Last week, the Home Ministry had issued a notice acting on a complaint by BJP Rajya Sabha member Subramanian Swamy. The complaint states that the Congress president had declared his nationality as British in a UK-based company. The BJP leader demanded Rahul should dismiss these documents in a press conference and tell that he has not authenticated them. The issue of Gandhi's dual citizenship was first raised by Subramanian Swamy in 2015, where he had written to the Prime Minister to deny the Congress president Indian citizenship. In November 2015, the Supreme Court has dismissed public interest litigation demanding CBI probe into the citizenship row noting that PILs were not meant to target one individual or organisation but was a medium to resolve human suffering through good governance. A bench of then, Chief Justice of India H L Dattu and Justice Amitava Roy had rubbished the plea questioning the source and authenticity of the documents attached to the petition. In 2016, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan had forwarded to the parliamentary ethics committee, headed by veteran BJP leader L K Advani, Swamy's "complaint of ethical misconduct" against Gandhi that he had accessed documents in which the Congress leader had called himself "British". In his reply to the ethics committee on the allegations of British citizenship, Gandhi had said he had never "sought or acquired British citizenship" and that his "identity is that of an Indian". He also questioned the committee's decision to look into a "complaint that is not in order", claiming it was "an endeavour to malign" him. The panel had issued a notice to him, seeking an explanation to whether he had once declared himself a British citizen on the legal papers of a company in the United Kingdom. (With inputs from agencies)

Supreme Court dismisses plea seeking to debar Rahul Gandhi from contesting Lok Sabha polls

In this segment, WION Exclusive: Watch exclusive chat of WION with Mr. Andrew Whitehead, Former BBC India Correspondent over Indian LS Polls.

WION Exclusive: Watch exclusive talk of WION with Mr. Andrew Whitehead over Indian LS Polls

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