Just before the last parliamentary elections in 2014, some senior Congress leaders indicated that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra could enter active politics, especially if the Congress party suffered a rout in that election. The Congress suffered its greatest electoral defeat. Its seat tally in the Lok Sabha dwindled to a mere 44 out of 543 seats.&nbsp;

In the years that followed, Congress continued to suffer electoral defeats. Nevertheless, from the brink of a political abyss, the party pulled back; last December, it won assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. After playing a secondary role for some years, Priyanka has waded into direct political activity. 
 
The Congress hopes that her political campaigns and active involvement in organisational work will not only help Rahul Gandhi but also revive the Congress’s political fortunes. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Her focus is on Uttar Pradesh, which has 80 LS seats. Any party or alliance that wins maximum seats in the state will have a powerful say in government formation at the Centre. In 2014, the BJP-led NDA swept the state, bagging 71 seats. &nbsp;

However, the state was a former bastion of the Congress party and the Nehru-Gandhi family. Over the years, the party has witnessed steady erosion of support base to the SP, the BSP and more recently, to the BJP. At present, apart from the two constituencies of Amethi and Rae Bareli, the Congress’ political heft in UP is very limited.&nbsp;

To ensure that anti-BJP votes do not split to the disadvantage of BJP’s political opponents, several parties have tried to form alliances. The Congress, at present, is a relatively emaciated, but it’s still a national party. Though it does not carry enough political weight to secure a dominant position in anti-BJP alliance formations across most states, its trying to position itself as a presiding political entity within the context of the power structure in New Delhi.&nbsp;

Even then, however, it is being challenged by regional parties such as the SP, BSP and West Bengal’s TMC. Successfully navigating the political terrain of UP is a challenge. Since the 1990s, it has been observed that broader the ambit, including community and caste identities, apart from the core vote of a political party, the greater its political expediency. The BSP has been typically supported by the Yadav-led vote bank, while SP’s support derives from a consolidated Yadav vote bloc. The BJP’s vote base was traditionally confined to so-called upper castes. But of late, through an increasing narrative of development, good governance and non-appeasement, it has been successful in accruing a percentage of votes across the board. The aftermath: BJP rode to massive victory in the last state assembly elections.

The Congress has not wielded much influence in the state, circa 1990. Its former winning coalition constituents, the Brahmins, Dalits and Muslims, have drifted to vote other political parties. The changed political scenario, absence of appropriate policies, and lack of concerted leadership to the UP unit of the party have collectively contributed to its decline. Today, it is struggling to recover lost ground. But would it be relatively easier than otherwise?

The SP and the BSP have built their respective political identities around anti-Congress, anti-BJP rhetoric. BSP leader Mayawati and SP President Akhilesh Yadav have explicitly refused to strike any electoral alliance with the Congress. They are confident of their own alliance against the BJP-led NDA. Currently, they are prepared to extend only surface courtesies to Congress.&nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi has embarked on a boat journey across eastern UP to increase adherence for the Congress. She accuses the BJP of agrarian distress, stressed employment rates, and divisive politics. Whether the amiable reception she receives across the banks of the Ganges would translate to votes for Congress candidates is moot.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in an interview, the BJP Chief Minister of UP, Yogi Adityanath, has insisted on the relative improvement of law and order in the state, implementation of certain welfare schemes, and non-discriminatory policies of his government. His work will strike a chord with some sections of the electorate. &nbsp;

The way ahead for the Congress seems to be tortuous.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-congress-will-find-up-to-be-a-tough-political-terrain-2733552">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Just before the last parliamentary elections in 2014, some senior Congress leaders indicated that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra could enter active politics, especially if the Congress party suffered a rout in that election.

Just before the last parliamentary elections in 2014, some senior Congress leaders indicated that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra could enter active politics, especially if the Congress party suffered a rout in that election. The Congress suffered its greatest electoral defeat. Its seat tally in the Lok Sabha dwindled to a mere 44 out of 543 seats. In the years that followed, Congress continued to suffer electoral defeats. Nevertheless, from the brink of a political abyss, the party pulled back; last December, it won assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. After playing a secondary role for some years, Priyanka has waded into direct political activity. The Congress hopes that her political campaigns and active involvement in organisational work will not only help Rahul Gandhi but also revive the Congress’s political fortunes. Her focus is on Uttar Pradesh, which has 80 LS seats. Any party or alliance that wins maximum seats in the state will have a powerful say in government formation at the Centre. In 2014, the BJP-led NDA swept the state, bagging 71 seats. However, the state was a former bastion of the Congress party and the Nehru-Gandhi family. Over the years, the party has witnessed steady erosion of support base to the SP, the BSP and more recently, to the BJP. At present, apart from the two constituencies of Amethi and Rae Bareli, the Congress’ political heft in UP is very limited. To ensure that anti-BJP votes do not split to the disadvantage of BJP’s political opponents, several parties have tried to form alliances. The Congress, at present, is a relatively emaciated, but it’s still a national party. Though it does not carry enough political weight to secure a dominant position in anti-BJP alliance formations across most states, its trying to position itself as a presiding political entity within the context of the power structure in New Delhi. Even then, however, it is being challenged by regional parties such as the SP, BSP and West Bengal’s TMC. Successfully navigating the political terrain of UP is a challenge. Since the 1990s, it has been observed that broader the ambit, including community and caste identities, apart from the core vote of a political party, the greater its political expediency. The BSP has been typically supported by the Yadav-led vote bank, while SP’s support derives from a consolidated Yadav vote bloc. The BJP’s vote base was traditionally confined to so-called upper castes. But of late, through an increasing narrative of development, good governance and non-appeasement, it has been successful in accruing a percentage of votes across the board. The aftermath: BJP rode to massive victory in the last state assembly elections. The Congress has not wielded much influence in the state, circa 1990. Its former winning coalition constituents, the Brahmins, Dalits and Muslims, have drifted to vote other political parties. The changed political scenario, absence of appropriate policies, and lack of concerted leadership to the UP unit of the party have collectively contributed to its decline. Today, it is struggling to recover lost ground. But would it be relatively easier than otherwise? The SP and the BSP have built their respective political identities around anti-Congress, anti-BJP rhetoric. BSP leader Mayawati and SP President Akhilesh Yadav have explicitly refused to strike any electoral alliance with the Congress. They are confident of their own alliance against the BJP-led NDA. Currently, they are prepared to extend only surface courtesies to Congress. Priyanka Gandhi has embarked on a boat journey across eastern UP to increase adherence for the Congress. She accuses the BJP of agrarian distress, stressed employment rates, and divisive politics. Whether the amiable reception she receives across the banks of the Ganges would translate to votes for Congress candidates is moot. Meanwhile, in an interview, the BJP Chief Minister of UP, Yogi Adityanath, has insisted on the relative improvement of law and order in the state, implementation of certain welfare schemes, and non-discriminatory policies of his government. His work will strike a chord with some sections of the electorate. The way ahead for the Congress seems to be tortuous. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Congress will find UP to be a tough political terrain

Actor Urmila Matondkar Wednesday joined the Congress after meeting party chief Rahul Gandhi at his residence.

Gandhi welcomed her in the party fold and wished her the best.

Later, at a press conference, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the actor will contribute to spreading the Congress ideology and strengthening the party.

"I am here because I believe in the ideology of Congress and what the party stands for. I have not joined the party for the sake of elections," she told reporters.

"I am here to stay," she said, adding her entry in the Congress was not about elections.

The Bollywood actor is speculated to contest the Lok Sabha election from the Mumbai North Lok Sabha constituency.

Matondkar said she felt the need to join the Congress party as the freedom to express was under attack in the country and there are numerous examples in this regard in the last five years. She said the Congress party has participated in the freedom struggle and it stood for freedom.

"Today is a significant day for me as I have formally entered politics. My life has been inspired by Mahatma Gandhi from the days of my childhood," she also said.

Matondkar also lauded the leadership of Gandhi. She said he is the one who takes everyone along and such a leader is required in today's times.

Surjewala said the actor met Gandhi and expressed her solidarity in the Congress ideals and principles.

"She has been an inspiration for the youth on how with your hard work, commitment and talent, she has won the hearts of many and achieved a lot," Surjewala said.

Mumbai Regional Congress Committee chief Milind Deora and his predecessor Sanjay Nirupam were also present during her joining and both welcomed her into the party fold.

Actor Urmila Matondkar Wednesday joined the Congress after meeting party chief Rahul Gandhi at his residence. Gandhi welcomed her in the party fold and wished her the best.

Actor Urmila Matondkar Wednesday joined the Congress after meeting party chief Rahul Gandhi at his residence. Gandhi welcomed her in the party fold and wished her the best. Later, at a press conference, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the actor will contribute to spreading the Congress ideology and strengthening the party. "I am here because I believe in the ideology of Congress and what the party stands for. I have not joined the party for the sake of elections," she told reporters. "I am here to stay," she said, adding her entry in the Congress was not about elections. The Bollywood actor is speculated to contest the Lok Sabha election from the Mumbai North Lok Sabha constituency. Matondkar said she felt the need to join the Congress party as the freedom to express was under attack in the country and there are numerous examples in this regard in the last five years. She said the Congress party has participated in the freedom struggle and it stood for freedom. "Today is a significant day for me as I have formally entered politics. My life has been inspired by Mahatma Gandhi from the days of my childhood," she also said. Matondkar also lauded the leadership of Gandhi. She said he is the one who takes everyone along and such a leader is required in today's times. Surjewala said the actor met Gandhi and expressed her solidarity in the Congress ideals and principles. "She has been an inspiration for the youth on how with your hard work, commitment and talent, she has won the hearts of many and achieved a lot," Surjewala said. Mumbai Regional Congress Committee chief Milind Deora and his predecessor Sanjay Nirupam were also present during her joining and both welcomed her into the party fold.

Believe in Congress ideology, not joining for elections, says Urmila Matondkar

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - March 25, 2019

The BJP said Sunday that there had been a "huge jump" in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/is-it-going-to-be-rahul-gandhi-vs-narendra-modi-in-2019-185056">Congress President Rahul Gandhi</a>'s income and asked where the money was coming from.&nbsp;

The BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said at a press conference on Sunday that Rahul's income, according to his election affidavits, had risen from over Rs 55 lakh in 2004 to Rs 9 crore in 2014.&nbsp;

"How can an MP, who is not a professional, witness such a jump in his income?" Patra asked.&nbsp;

Patra also challenged Gandhi to file a defamation case against him, saying he was stating facts with evidence.&nbsp;

Patra went on to allege that Rahul's income "by and large, is profiteering from scams, dubious deals". He also alleged that Rahul had lied on his election affidavits. He did not however provide any evidence or document to substantiate his claim.

Patra said Sunday that the BJP will hold a series of press conferences in the coming days to expose the "corruption of Rahul Gandhi".

The Congress has rubbished the charges, calling them a "desperate attempt by BJP" to "divert attention" from the real issues.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Saturday, union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had said, "In his (Rahul Gandhi) election affidavit in 2004, his income was Rs 55,38,123 while in 2009, it rose to Rs 2 crore and in 2014 it rose to Rs 9 crore.&nbsp;

"We know how much an MP earns. We want to ask what is this Rahul Gandhi model of development without an ostensible source of income?" he had added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The BJP said Sunday that there had been a "huge jump" in Congress President Rahul Gandhi's income and asked where the money was coming from. The BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said at a press conference on Sunday that Rahul's income, according to his election affidavits, had risen from over Rs 55 lakh in 2004 to Rs 9 crore in 2014.

The BJP said Sunday that there had been a "huge jump" in Congress President Rahul Gandhi's income and asked where the money was coming from. The BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said at a press conference on Sunday that Rahul's income, according to his election affidavits, had risen from over Rs 55 lakh in 2004 to Rs 9 crore in 2014. "How can an MP, who is not a professional, witness such a jump in his income?" Patra asked. Patra also challenged Gandhi to file a defamation case against him, saying he was stating facts with evidence. Patra went on to allege that Rahul's income "by and large, is profiteering from scams, dubious deals". He also alleged that Rahul had lied on his election affidavits. He did not however provide any evidence or document to substantiate his claim. Patra said Sunday that the BJP will hold a series of press conferences in the coming days to expose the "corruption of Rahul Gandhi". The Congress has rubbished the charges, calling them a "desperate attempt by BJP" to "divert attention" from the real issues. On Saturday, union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had said, "In his (Rahul Gandhi) election affidavit in 2004, his income was Rs 55,38,123 while in 2009, it rose to Rs 2 crore and in 2014 it rose to Rs 9 crore. "We know how much an MP earns. We want to ask what is this Rahul Gandhi model of development without an ostensible source of income?" he had added. (With inputs from PTI)

'Huge jump' in Rahul Gandhi's income, says BJP, asks where it's coming from

IEW: Rahul's Minimum Income Guarantee scheme promise fiscally viable?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-declares-complete-exoneration-after-mueller-report-finds-no-collusion-205408">Trump declares 'complete exoneration' after Mueller report finds no collusion with Russia</a>

US President Donald Trump declared Sunday that he had been completely exonerated after his campaign was cleared of colluding with Russia in the 2016 election, in a major boost for his re-election hopes.

The long-awaited final report of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe into Moscow's election meddling concluded that no member or associate of the campaign conspired or coordinated with Russia in its plot to boost Trump in the vote more than two years ago.

While not completely absolving the president, Attorney General Bill Barr's letter to Congress summarizing the still-secret Mueller report cleared a dark cloud that had hung over the Trump's legitimacy since he took office in January 2017.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/huge-jump-in-rahul-gandhis-income-says-bjp-asks-where-its-coming-from-205426">'Huge jump' in Rahul Gandhi's income, says BJP, asks where it's coming from</a>

The BJP said Sunday that there had been a "huge jump" in Congress President Rahul Gandhi's income and asked where the money was coming from.&nbsp;

The BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said at a press conference on Sunday that Rahul's income, according to his election affidavits, had risen from over Rs 55 lakh in 2004 to Rs 9 crore in 2014.&nbsp;

"How can an MP, who is not a professional, witness such a jump in his income?" Patra asked.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-hindu-minor-girls-approach-court-seeking-protection-man-suspected-to-assist-in-wedding-held-205430">Pakistan: Minor Hindu girls approach </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-hindu-minor-girls-approach-court-seeking-protection-man-suspected-to-assist-in-wedding-held-205430">court</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-hindu-minor-girls-approach-court-seeking-protection-man-suspected-to-assist-in-wedding-held-205430">, </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-hindu-minor-girls-approach-court-seeking-protection-man-suspected-to-assist-in-wedding-held-205430">man</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-hindu-minor-girls-approach-court-seeking-protection-man-suspected-to-assist-in-wedding-held-205430"> suspected to have assisted in their&nbsp;wedding held</a>

A man suspected to have assisted in solemnising the wedding of two Pakistani Hindu minor girls, who were reportedly abducted and forcefully converted to Islam, was arrested on Sunday, as the teenagers approached a court in Pakistan's Punjab province seeking protection, according to a media report.&nbsp;

The two girls, Raveena (13) and Reena (15), were allegedly kidnapped by a group of "influential" men from their home in Ghotki district in Sindh on the eve of Holi. Soon after the kidnapping, a video went viral in which a cleric was purportedly shown solemnising the Nikah (marriage) of the two girls, triggering nationwide outrage.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had also ordered a probe into the issue.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stricken-norway-cruise-ship-reaches-port-after-airlift-drama-205421">Stricken Norway cruise ship reaches port after airlift drama</a>

A cruise liner that ran into trouble in stormy seas off Norway reached port under its own steam Sunday after hundreds of passengers were winched to safety by helicopter in a spectacular rescue operation.

Escorted by tugboats, the Viking Sky arrived in the port of Molde at around 4:15 pm (1515 GMT), television images showed. Nearly a third of its 1,373 passengers and crew had already been airlifted off the ship.

The cruise liner lost power and started drifting on Saturday afternoon two kilometres (1.2 miles) off a stretch of Norwegian coastline notorious for shipwrecks.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-the-back-foot-democrats-demand-release-of-full-mueller-report-205409">On the back foot, Democrats demand </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-the-back-foot-democrats-demand-release-of-full-mueller-report-205409">release</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-the-back-foot-democrats-demand-release-of-full-mueller-report-205409"> of full Mueller report</a>

Top congressional Democrats said Sunday it was "urgent" that the full report on Russian interference in the 2016 US election be publicly released, stressing it does not exonerate Donald Trump.

The president was quick to claim vindication by Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report findings which, according to a summary by Attorney General Bill Barr, found that no Trump campaign official was involved in Russian conspiracies to interfere in the 2016 US election.

Such a conclusion would no doubt blunt a key weapon for Democrats desperate to oust Trump in 2020.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Trump declares 'complete exoneration' after Mueller report finds no collusion with Russia US President Donald Trump declared Sunday that he had been completely exonerated after his campaign was cleared of colluding with Russia in the 2016 election, in a major boost for his re-election hopes.

Trump declares 'complete exoneration' after Mueller report finds no collusion with Russia US President Donald Trump declared Sunday that he had been completely exonerated after his campaign was cleared of colluding with Russia in the 2016 election, in a major boost for his re-election hopes. The long-awaited final report of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe into Moscow's election meddling concluded that no member or associate of the campaign conspired or coordinated with Russia in its plot to boost Trump in the vote more than two years ago. While not completely absolving the president, Attorney General Bill Barr's letter to Congress summarizing the still-secret Mueller report cleared a dark cloud that had hung over the Trump's legitimacy since he took office in January 2017. 'Huge jump' in Rahul Gandhi's income, says BJP, asks where it's coming from The BJP said Sunday that there had been a "huge jump" in Congress President Rahul Gandhi's income and asked where the money was coming from. The BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said at a press conference on Sunday that Rahul's income, according to his election affidavits, had risen from over Rs 55 lakh in 2004 to Rs 9 crore in 2014. "How can an MP, who is not a professional, witness such a jump in his income?" Patra asked. Pakistan: Minor Hindu girls approach court, man suspected to have assisted in their wedding held A man suspected to have assisted in solemnising the wedding of two Pakistani Hindu minor girls, who were reportedly abducted and forcefully converted to Islam, was arrested on Sunday, as the teenagers approached a court in Pakistan's Punjab province seeking protection, according to a media report. The two girls, Raveena (13) and Reena (15), were allegedly kidnapped by a group of "influential" men from their home in Ghotki district in Sindh on the eve of Holi. Soon after the kidnapping, a video went viral in which a cleric was purportedly shown solemnising the Nikah (marriage) of the two girls, triggering nationwide outrage. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had also ordered a probe into the issue. Stricken Norway cruise ship reaches port after airlift drama A cruise liner that ran into trouble in stormy seas off Norway reached port under its own steam Sunday after hundreds of passengers were winched to safety by helicopter in a spectacular rescue operation. Escorted by tugboats, the Viking Sky arrived in the port of Molde at around 4:15 pm (1515 GMT), television images showed. Nearly a third of its 1,373 passengers and crew had already been airlifted off the ship. The cruise liner lost power and started drifting on Saturday afternoon two kilometres (1.2 miles) off a stretch of Norwegian coastline notorious for shipwrecks. On the back foot, Democrats demand release of full Mueller report Top congressional Democrats said Sunday it was "urgent" that the full report on Russian interference in the 2016 US election be publicly released, stressing it does not exonerate Donald Trump. The president was quick to claim vindication by Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report findings which, according to a summary by Attorney General Bill Barr, found that no Trump campaign official was involved in Russian conspiracies to interfere in the 2016 US election. Such a conclusion would no doubt blunt a key weapon for Democrats desperate to oust Trump in 2020.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday put out his counter to Congress president Rahul Gandhi's “final assault on poverty”.

Jaitley termed Rahul Gandhi's promise of a minimum income of 72,000 annually to 20 per cent families in poorest of the poor category as the biggest bluff.

Jaitley validated his statement by putting forward simple math that sought to negate the calculations put forward by Rahul Gandhi while justifying Congress' minimum income programme.

“If the Congress Party’s announcement is tested on simple arithmetic, Rs.72,000 for five crore families works out to be Rs.3.6 lakh crore, which is less than 2/3rd of what is being given,” Jaitley said.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The latest announcement of the Congress Party if tested on simple arithmetic then ₹72,000 is less than 2/3rd of the existing DBT under Modi government, which averages ₹1.068 lakh annually. So what is being claimed by the Congress Party - A bluff announcement.
— Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley/status/1110172294679285760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the day, Congress President Rahul Gandhi announced that his party, if voted to power, would give a minimum income guarantee of Rs 6,000 per month to 20 crore household. He said that the move would bring the people out of poverty.

However, the Finance Minister said that the Congress always promised ‘Garibi Hatao’ but never actually worked on it.

“This announcement is an admission of the fact that neither Indiraji nor her son and certainly not the UPA Government controlled by her descendants, was able to remove poverty,” he added.

The minister further said that the Congress and the Gandhi family, in particular, has ruled India for over two-thirds of the period since the ‘Garibi Hatao’ slogan was given “If it has failed to even address poverty during this period, why should India believe it? Jaitley asked.

(With inputs from agencies)

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday put out his counter to Congress president Rahul Gandhi's “final assault on poverty”. Jaitley termed Rahul Gandhi's promise of a minimum income of 72,000 annually to 20 per cent families in poorest of the poor category as the biggest bluff.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday put out his counter to Congress president Rahul Gandhi's “final assault on poverty”. Jaitley termed Rahul Gandhi's promise of a minimum income of 72,000 annually to 20 per cent families in poorest of the poor category as the biggest bluff. Jaitley validated his statement by putting forward simple math that sought to negate the calculations put forward by Rahul Gandhi while justifying Congress' minimum income programme. “If the Congress Party’s announcement is tested on simple arithmetic, Rs.72,000 for five crore families works out to be Rs.3.6 lakh crore, which is less than 2/3rd of what is being given,” Jaitley said. The latest announcement of the Congress Party if tested on simple arithmetic then ₹72,000 is less than 2/3rd of the existing DBT under Modi government, which averages ₹1.068 lakh annually. So what is being claimed by the Congress Party - A bluff announcement. — Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) March 25, 2019 × Earlier in the day, Congress President Rahul Gandhi announced that his party, if voted to power, would give a minimum income guarantee of Rs 6,000 per month to 20 crore household. He said that the move would bring the people out of poverty. However, the Finance Minister said that the Congress always promised ‘Garibi Hatao’ but never actually worked on it. “This announcement is an admission of the fact that neither Indiraji nor her son and certainly not the UPA Government controlled by her descendants, was able to remove poverty,” he added. The minister further said that the Congress and the Gandhi family, in particular, has ruled India for over two-thirds of the period since the ‘Garibi Hatao’ slogan was given “If it has failed to even address poverty during this period, why should India believe it? Jaitley asked. (With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi’s minimum income guarantee is a bluff announcement, says Arun Jaitley

Congress to finalise party's manifesto today

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday expressed confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party's performance in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, stating that the Congress "will not get more than 60 seats" in the general elections.&nbsp;

Goyal said that he is confident of the BJP making a clean sweep, bagging more than 300 Lok Sabha seats. He targetted Congress' Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, criticising her political debut that happened just 60 days ahead of the general polls.&nbsp;

Goyal said Priyanka induction into politics at this juncture is just to "bail out her failed elder brother", news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"Nation needs more serious politicians than the fly-by-night ones," he said.&nbsp;

Slamming Congress leader Sam Pitroda over his remarks on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-only-a-similar-deterrent-action-was-taken-after-mumbai-attack-sitharaman-on-balakot-airstrikes-205237">aggressive action against Pakistan</a>, Goyal said the BJP would give a befitting reply to terror attacks and not be 'apologetic' as the opposition party leaders, news agency PTI reported. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to Twitter on Friday, and in a series of tweets, lashed out at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-slams-rahul-gandhi-over-pitrodas-remarks-asks-do-you-consider-pulwama-attack-a-routine-incident-205033">Pitroda</a>. &nbsp;

"The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces," PM Modi tweeted out.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday expressed confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party's performance in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, stating that the Congress "will not get more than 60 seats" in the general elections.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday expressed confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party's performance in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, stating that the Congress "will not get more than 60 seats" in the general elections. Goyal said that he is confident of the BJP making a clean sweep, bagging more than 300 Lok Sabha seats. He targetted Congress' Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, criticising her political debut that happened just 60 days ahead of the general polls. Goyal said Priyanka induction into politics at this juncture is just to "bail out her failed elder brother", news agency ANI reported. "Nation needs more serious politicians than the fly-by-night ones," he said. Slamming Congress leader Sam Pitroda over his remarks on aggressive action against Pakistan, Goyal said the BJP would give a befitting reply to terror attacks and not be 'apologetic' as the opposition party leaders, news agency PTI reported. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to Twitter on Friday, and in a series of tweets, lashed out at Pitroda. "The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces," PM Modi tweeted out. (With inputs from agencies)

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's political debut is just to 'bail out her failed elder brother': Piyush Goyal

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday addressed a press conference and raised questions about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/is-it-going-to-be-rahul-gandhi-vs-narendra-modi-in-2019-185056">Rahul Gandhi</a>’s source of income.&nbsp;

BJP leader and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told the media that Gandhi's income had risen from over Rs 55 lakh in 2004 to Rs 9 crore in 2014 as per his election affidavits, and asked how can a mere MP witness such a jump in income.

"In his election affidavit in 2004, his income was Rs 55,38,123 while in 2009, it rose to Rs 2 crore and in 2014 it rose to Rs 9 crore. We know how much an MP earns. We want to ask what is this Rahul Gandhi model of development without an ostensible source of income," he said.

He also questioned Gandhi whether he had bought two properties from Unitech which was linked to the 2G spectrum allocation scam.&nbsp;

Prasad ended his press conference with a demand for Rahul Gandhi to answer the questions that he had raised.

There was no immediate response from the Congress.

(With inputs from PTI)

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday addressed a press conference and raised questions about Rahul Gandhi’s source of income. BJP leader and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told the media that Gandhi's income had risen from over Rs 55 lakh in 2004 to Rs 9 crore in 2014 as per his election affidavits, and asked how can a mere MP witness such a jump in income.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday addressed a press conference and raised questions about Rahul Gandhi’s source of income. BJP leader and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told the media that Gandhi's income had risen from over Rs 55 lakh in 2004 to Rs 9 crore in 2014 as per his election affidavits, and asked how can a mere MP witness such a jump in income. "In his election affidavit in 2004, his income was Rs 55,38,123 while in 2009, it rose to Rs 2 crore and in 2014 it rose to Rs 9 crore. We know how much an MP earns. We want to ask what is this Rahul Gandhi model of development without an ostensible source of income," he said. He also questioned Gandhi whether he had bought two properties from Unitech which was linked to the 2G spectrum allocation scam. Prasad ended his press conference with a demand for Rahul Gandhi to answer the questions that he had raised. There was no immediate response from the Congress. (With inputs from PTI)

How did Rahul Gandhi's assets grow from Rs 55 lakh to Rs 9 crore? asks BJP

Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah on Saturday reacted over Indian Overseas Congress chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-most-trusted-adviser-has-kick-started-pak-national-day-celebrations-by-demeaning-iaf-pm-modi-hits-out-at-sam-pitroda-204818">Sam Pitroda's remark on Balakot airstrikes</a>. Shah lashed out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi saying that Gandhi "should explain it to the nation - do you consider such heinous attack (Pulwama attack) a routine incident?"

Pitroda, who is also known as a close aide of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, on Friday questioned the airstrikes carried out by the Indian Air Force at JeM camps in Balakot, Pakistan in an interview with news agency ANI.&nbsp;

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BJP President Amit Shah: Who do you (Rahul Gandhi) support? Doubting the Indian Air Force is not right for the national president of any party. You stand in support when slogans are raised against the country in JNU, and call it the freedom of expression. <a href="https://t.co/xoBasGtEja">pic.twitter.com/xoBasGtEja</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1109361051252850689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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“If they (IAF) killed 300, it's ok. All I am saying is can you give me more facts and prove it,” said Pitroda on Friday in the interview.

Shah alleged that the Congress chief supports those who doubt the Indian Air Force. "Who do you (Rahul Gandhi) support? Doubting the Indian Air Force is not right for the national president of any party. You stand in support when slogans are raised against the country in JNU, and call it the freedom of expression," Shah noted.&nbsp;

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BJP Chief Amit Shah on Indian Overseas Congress Chief Sam Pitroda's remark on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/airstrike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#airstrike</a>: Congress President should explain it to the nation- do you consider such heinous attack (Pulwama attack) a routine incident? <a href="https://t.co/2jHtKiWsIs">pic.twitter.com/2jHtKiWsIs</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1109359969248382976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Amit Shah referred to Pitroda's remark that a country shouldn't be held responsible for the deeds done by few people and demanded Congress party answer "who is the culprit".

"If a country shouldn't be held responsible for deeds of 7-8 ppl, does Congress believe that Pakistan government and the military has a connection with terror attacks here? If there is a connection, who is the culprit? Congress party should answer," he said.&nbsp;

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Amit Shah on Sam Pitroda's remark on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/airstrike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#airstrike</a>: If a country shouldn't be held responsible for deeds of 7-8 ppl, does Congress believe that Pakistan govt&amp;military has a connection with terror attacks here? If there is a connection,who is the culprit, Congress party should answer <a href="https://t.co/AE3pTfZmiB">https://t.co/AE3pTfZmiB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1109360566794158081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Shah's remarks come a day after the BJP had a field day criticising Pitroda's comments on Pulwama attack and the Balakot strikes on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday took to Twitter, and in a series of tweets, lashed out at Pitroda. &nbsp;

"The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces," PM Modi tweeted out.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah on Saturday reacted over Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda's remark on Balakot airstrikes. Shah lashed out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi saying that Gandhi "should explain it to the nation - do you consider such heinous attack (Pulwama attack) a routine incident?

Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah on Saturday reacted over Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda's remark on Balakot airstrikes. Shah lashed out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi saying that Gandhi "should explain it to the nation - do you consider such heinous attack (Pulwama attack) a routine incident?" Pitroda, who is also known as a close aide of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, on Friday questioned the airstrikes carried out by the Indian Air Force at JeM camps in Balakot, Pakistan in an interview with news agency ANI. BJP President Amit Shah: Who do you (Rahul Gandhi) support? Doubting the Indian Air Force is not right for the national president of any party. You stand in support when slogans are raised against the country in JNU, and call it the freedom of expression. pic.twitter.com/xoBasGtEja — ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2019 × “If they (IAF) killed 300, it's ok. All I am saying is can you give me more facts and prove it,” said Pitroda on Friday in the interview. Shah alleged that the Congress chief supports those who doubt the Indian Air Force. "Who do you (Rahul Gandhi) support? Doubting the Indian Air Force is not right for the national president of any party. You stand in support when slogans are raised against the country in JNU, and call it the freedom of expression," Shah noted. BJP Chief Amit Shah on Indian Overseas Congress Chief Sam Pitroda's remark on #airstrike: Congress President should explain it to the nation- do you consider such heinous attack (Pulwama attack) a routine incident? pic.twitter.com/2jHtKiWsIs — ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2019 × Amit Shah referred to Pitroda's remark that a country shouldn't be held responsible for the deeds done by few people and demanded Congress party answer "who is the culprit". "If a country shouldn't be held responsible for deeds of 7-8 ppl, does Congress believe that Pakistan government and the military has a connection with terror attacks here? If there is a connection, who is the culprit? Congress party should answer," he said. Amit Shah on Sam Pitroda's remark on #airstrike: If a country shouldn't be held responsible for deeds of 7-8 ppl, does Congress believe that Pakistan govt&military has a connection with terror attacks here? If there is a connection,who is the culprit, Congress party should answer https://t.co/AE3pTfZmiB — ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2019 × Shah's remarks come a day after the BJP had a field day criticising Pitroda's comments on Pulwama attack and the Balakot strikes on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday took to Twitter, and in a series of tweets, lashed out at Pitroda. "The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces," PM Modi tweeted out.

Amit Shah slams Rahul Gandhi over Pitroda's remarks, asks 'do you consider Pulwama attack a routine incident?'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday lashed out at Sam Pitroda, the chairman of the Overseas Indian National Congress, for his comments on the Balakot airstrikes. "Opposition insults our forces time and again," PM Modi tweeted out quoting Pitroda's comment tweeted out by news agency ANI.&nbsp;

"I appeal to my fellow Indians - question Opposition leaders on their statements. Tell them- 130 crore Indians will not forgive or forget the Opposition for their antics," the Prime Minister's tweet read.

"India stands firmly with our forces. #JantaMaafNahiKaregi," he added.&nbsp;

"The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces," PM Modi wrote in a separate tweet.&nbsp;

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Opposition insults our forces time and again. 
 
I appeal to my fellow Indians- question Opposition leaders on their statements. 
 
Tell them- 130 crore Indians will not forgive or forget the Opposition for their antics. 
 
India stands firmly with our forces. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JantaMaafNahiKaregi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JantaMaafNahiKaregi</a> <a href="https://t.co/rwpFKMMeHY">https://t.co/rwpFKMMeHY</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1108965519082684416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Pitroda, who is also known as a close aide of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, questioned the airstrikes carried out by the Indian Air Force at JeM camps in Balakot, Pakistan in an interview with news agency ANI.

“If they (IAF) killed 300, it's ok. All I am saying is can you give me more facts and prove it,” said Pitroda.

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The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces. 
 
Shame! <a href="https://t.co/puSjTK8Y4x">https://t.co/puSjTK8Y4x</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1108964730729689088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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“I would like to know a little more because I read reports in the New York Times and other newspapers. Did we really attack? We really killed 300 people? I don’t know that. As a citizen, I am entitled to know and if I ask it is my duty to ask, that doesn’t mean I’m not a nationalist, That doesn’t mean I am on this side or that side. We need to know the facts. If you say 300 people were killed,&nbsp;&nbsp;I need to know that. We all need to know that, people of India need to know that and then comes global media which says nobody was killed. I look bad as an Indian citizen,” Pitroda told ANI.

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Loyal courtier of Congress’ royal dynasty admits what the nation already knew- Congress was unwilling to respond to forces of terror. 
 
This is a New India- we will answer terrorists in a language they understand and with interest! <a href="https://t.co/Mul4LIbKb5">https://t.co/Mul4LIbKb5</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1108964963190628352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Pressed further to clarify if talks with Pakistan was an option post the Pulwama terror attack which killed 40 CRPF jawans, Pitroda said that it would be naïve to assume that if some people came here and attacked, every citizen of that nation is to be blamed. “I don’t know much about (Pulwama) attack, it happens all the time, attack happen in Mumbai Taj hotel and Oberoi hotel. We could have reacted then and sent our planes but that is not the right approach according to me that’s not how you deal with the World. Eight people come (referring to Mumbai 26/11 attacks) and do something, you don’t jump on the entire nation,” said Sam Pitroda in the interview.

When asked if he questioned the Indian Air Force’s version of the Balakot air strikes, Pitroda clarified that an attack is different from making a claim of 300 dead. “We cannot be emotional. Data has to be neutral. So you come in today and say ‘I killed 300 people’ and I say wait a minute, the World is saying we didn’t kill anybody or kill less&nbsp;or kill more... I don’t know,” added Pitroda.

Pitroda, who is part of the Congress’ manifesto committee for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and is considered a senior ideologue of the party, sought a dialogue with Pakistan. “I am a Gandhian, I believe in more compassion and respect. I believe in more dialogues personally. I think we should have a dialogue with everybody. Why just Pakistan? We are having a dialogue with the whole world,” Pitroda said.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday lashed out at Sam Pitroda, the chairman of the Overseas Indian National Congress, for his comments on the Balakot airstrikes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday lashed out at Sam Pitroda, the chairman of the Overseas Indian National Congress, for his comments on the Balakot airstrikes. "Opposition insults our forces time and again," PM Modi tweeted out quoting Pitroda's comment tweeted out by news agency ANI. "I appeal to my fellow Indians - question Opposition leaders on their statements. Tell them- 130 crore Indians will not forgive or forget the Opposition for their antics," the Prime Minister's tweet read. "India stands firmly with our forces. #JantaMaafNahiKaregi," he added. "The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces," PM Modi wrote in a separate tweet. Opposition insults our forces time and again. I appeal to my fellow Indians- question Opposition leaders on their statements. Tell them- 130 crore Indians will not forgive or forget the Opposition for their antics. India stands firmly with our forces. #JantaMaafNahiKaregi https://t.co/rwpFKMMeHY — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 22, 2019 × Pitroda, who is also known as a close aide of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, questioned the airstrikes carried out by the Indian Air Force at JeM camps in Balakot, Pakistan in an interview with news agency ANI. “If they (IAF) killed 300, it's ok. All I am saying is can you give me more facts and prove it,” said Pitroda. The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces. Shame! https://t.co/puSjTK8Y4x — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 22, 2019 × “I would like to know a little more because I read reports in the New York Times and other newspapers. Did we really attack? We really killed 300 people? I don’t know that. As a citizen, I am entitled to know and if I ask it is my duty to ask, that doesn’t mean I’m not a nationalist, That doesn’t mean I am on this side or that side. We need to know the facts. If you say 300 people were killed, I need to know that. We all need to know that, people of India need to know that and then comes global media which says nobody was killed. I look bad as an Indian citizen,” Pitroda told ANI. Loyal courtier of Congress’ royal dynasty admits what the nation already knew- Congress was unwilling to respond to forces of terror. This is a New India- we will answer terrorists in a language they understand and with interest! https://t.co/Mul4LIbKb5 — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 22, 2019 × Pressed further to clarify if talks with Pakistan was an option post the Pulwama terror attack which killed 40 CRPF jawans, Pitroda said that it would be naïve to assume that if some people came here and attacked, every citizen of that nation is to be blamed. “I don’t know much about (Pulwama) attack, it happens all the time, attack happen in Mumbai Taj hotel and Oberoi hotel. We could have reacted then and sent our planes but that is not the right approach according to me that’s not how you deal with the World. Eight people come (referring to Mumbai 26/11 attacks) and do something, you don’t jump on the entire nation,” said Sam Pitroda in the interview. When asked if he questioned the Indian Air Force’s version of the Balakot air strikes, Pitroda clarified that an attack is different from making a claim of 300 dead. “We cannot be emotional. Data has to be neutral. So you come in today and say ‘I killed 300 people’ and I say wait a minute, the World is saying we didn’t kill anybody or kill less or kill more... I don’t know,” added Pitroda. Pitroda, who is part of the Congress’ manifesto committee for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and is considered a senior ideologue of the party, sought a dialogue with Pakistan. “I am a Gandhian, I believe in more compassion and respect. I believe in more dialogues personally. I think we should have a dialogue with everybody. Why just Pakistan? We are having a dialogue with the whole world,” Pitroda said. (With inputs from ANI)

Congress' 'most trusted advisor' celebrates Pak national day by demeaning IAF: PM Modi slams Sam Pitroda 

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-congress-releases-5th-list-fields-pranab-mukherjees-son-from-jangipur-204216">Congress </a>has released its sixth list of nine candidates, seven from Maharashtra and two from Kerala, for the Lok Sabha election.

With this, it has released names of 146 candidates for the election starting on April 11.

In Kerala, the Congress announced that Shanimol Usman will be the candidate from Alappuzha seat and Adoor Prakash from Attingal seat.

The Alappuzha seat is currently represented by AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal, who has decided to opt out of the contest citing organisational work.

In Maharashtra, the party has fielded K C Padavi from Nandurbar, Kunal Rohidas Patil from Dhule, Charulata Khajasingh Tokas from Vardha, Manikrao G Thakarey from Yavatmal-Washim, Eknath Gaikwad from Mumbai-South Central, Bhausahib Kamble from Shirdi and Navinchandra Bandivadekar from Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg.

The list was cleared late Tuesday night after a meeting of the party's Central Election Committee chaired by Congress president Rahul Gandhi. 
&nbsp;

The Congress has released its sixth list of nine candidates, seven from Maharashtra and two from Kerala, for the Lok Sabha election. With this, it has released names of 146 candidates for the election starting on April 11.

The Congress has released its sixth list of nine candidates, seven from Maharashtra and two from Kerala, for the Lok Sabha election. With this, it has released names of 146 candidates for the election starting on April 11. In Kerala, the Congress announced that Shanimol Usman will be the candidate from Alappuzha seat and Adoor Prakash from Attingal seat. The Alappuzha seat is currently represented by AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal, who has decided to opt out of the contest citing organisational work. In Maharashtra, the party has fielded K C Padavi from Nandurbar, Kunal Rohidas Patil from Dhule, Charulata Khajasingh Tokas from Vardha, Manikrao G Thakarey from Yavatmal-Washim, Eknath Gaikwad from Mumbai-South Central, Bhausahib Kamble from Shirdi and Navinchandra Bandivadekar from Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg. The list was cleared late Tuesday night after a meeting of the party's Central Election Committee chaired by Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Lok Sabha polls: Congress releases sixth list of candidates

The problem with history is that it is often nuanced. Therefore, Rahul Gandhi’s colourful barb at NaMo’s China diplomacy in the Masood Azhar episode case might resonate with those bashing PM Narendra Modi, but betrays deep historical ignorance.

Such ignorance adds up because graver implications of past mistakes cannot be undone.&nbsp;

It is a fact that India was a founding member of the United Nations, whereas mainland China was excluded from that body until the early 1970s.

Nehru campaigned for China’s entry in the UN, and for making it a member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) at the expense of India’s chance of becoming a member of that apex body.&nbsp;

Even though never requested by China, India voluntarily and vigorously advocated Peoples Republic of China (PRC) for the permanent membership of the UNSC in lieu of Taiwan, lobbying with all nations for the UN membership and UNSC permanent seat - not for itself, but for China.&nbsp;

Both the US and the USSR were willing to accommodate India as a permanent member of the UNSC in 1955, in lieu of Taiwan, or as a sixth member, after amending the UN charter.&nbsp;

Nehru wanted the seat to be given to China, as he did not want them to be marginalised, a gesture reciprocated by China in kind seven years later in 1962.&nbsp;

That the lesson was completely lost on Nehru is evident from the fact that Nehru’s sister Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit — the first woman president of the United Nations General Assembly — advocated China’s case even in 1963.

Shashi Tharoor in his book ‘Nehru: The Invention of India’ recalls that when the US offered support for an “Indian Monroe Doctrine” in southern Asia in 1953, Nehru turned John Foster Dulles down with scorn.

“Indian diplomats who have seen the files swear that at about the same time Jawaharlal also declined a US offer to take the permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, then held, with scant credibility, by Taiwan, urging that it be offered to Beijing instead”.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in his speech in Parliament in August 1959, recalled how the Chinese occupation of Tibet in October 1950 notwithstanding, India had decided to raise the question of China’s admission into the United Nations in September 1959 at Nehru’s bidding.&nbsp;

On November 18, 1950, the representative of El Salvador moved the United Nations formally and asked the General Assembly to create a special committee to ‘study’ what measures should be adopted by the United Nations General Assembly to shield Tibet against ‘unprovoked’ Chinese aggression.&nbsp;

But when the Steering Committee of the United Nations met, the Indian representative asked the committee to drop the whole matter. When Vajpayee had moved a resolution in Parliament that simultaneously India should also raise the Tibetan issue in the United Nations, Nehru was unresponsive.&nbsp;

KM Panikkar, the Indian Ambassador in Beijing, stated that to protest the Chinese invasion of Tibet would be an act of interference vis a vis India’s efforts on behalf of China in the UN and destroy PRC’s prospects of entry into the UN.

Vallabhbhai Patel did try to draw the attention of Nehru to the threat expansionist China, warning against pursuing its entry into the UN, without quid-pro-quo, but Nehru seemed to be living in his own world, so far as China was concerned.

Patel advise came “in view of the rebuff which China has given us and the method which it has followed in dealing with Tibet”.

“There would probably be a threat in the UNO virtually to outlaw China, in view of its active participation in the Korean War”, Patel warned in his letter to Nehru, “We must determine our attitude on this question also.”

Nehru went ahead with his bull-headed stubbornness, his miscalculations driven by his inexplicably adamant and unreasonable approach, which ended up creating and complicating India-China border problem and allowed it to drift into an unfortunate war.&nbsp;

He bungled Kashmir in 1947-48 by refusing the military advice of its generals to clear the state of invaders, and internationalised the issue by sending it to the UN.&nbsp;

The Panchsheel in 1954 and the Indus Water Treaty in 1960, with zero reciprocity, amounted to massive giveaways.&nbsp;

After signing the Panchsheel agreement with China in 1954 and helping Chou Enlai to emerge into the limelight in Bandung in 1955, Nehru’s starry-eyed phase of “Hindi-Chini bhai-bhai” blissfully glossed over the real divergence of interests between the two countries at that time.&nbsp;

India exploded a bomb in 1974, but instead of declaring weapons status, it declared its intent to stay non-nuclear and left itself vulnerable to external pressures to disarm.

Nehru’s idealistic shenanigans were fatal, to say the least. Patel was strongly against the reference of Kashmir to the UN and preferred ‘timely action’ on the ground.&nbsp;

Because of this reference, the issue no longer remained an internal affair, but snowballed into an international issue in the UNSC, enabling Pakistan to rake it up every now and then.&nbsp;

If the grand old party is willing to own up the role of Indian National Congress in liberating India from the British rule all to itself, it must also be willing to accept that many of the pathogens still afflicting India are bequeathed to India by Nehru. Cosying up to China is one of them.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-cosying-up-to-the-dragon-2730407">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

 
 
&nbsp;

The problem with history is that it is often nuanced. Therefore, Rahul Gandhi’s colourful barb at NaMo’s China diplomacy in the Masood Azhar episode case might resonate with those bashing PM Narendra Modi, but betrays deep historical ignorance.

The problem with history is that it is often nuanced. Therefore, Rahul Gandhi’s colourful barb at NaMo’s China diplomacy in the Masood Azhar episode case might resonate with those bashing PM Narendra Modi, but betrays deep historical ignorance. Such ignorance adds up because graver implications of past mistakes cannot be undone. It is a fact that India was a founding member of the United Nations, whereas mainland China was excluded from that body until the early 1970s. Nehru campaigned for China’s entry in the UN, and for making it a member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) at the expense of India’s chance of becoming a member of that apex body. Even though never requested by China, India voluntarily and vigorously advocated Peoples Republic of China (PRC) for the permanent membership of the UNSC in lieu of Taiwan, lobbying with all nations for the UN membership and UNSC permanent seat - not for itself, but for China. Both the US and the USSR were willing to accommodate India as a permanent member of the UNSC in 1955, in lieu of Taiwan, or as a sixth member, after amending the UN charter. Nehru wanted the seat to be given to China, as he did not want them to be marginalised, a gesture reciprocated by China in kind seven years later in 1962. That the lesson was completely lost on Nehru is evident from the fact that Nehru’s sister Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit — the first woman president of the United Nations General Assembly — advocated China’s case even in 1963. Shashi Tharoor in his book ‘Nehru: The Invention of India’ recalls that when the US offered support for an “Indian Monroe Doctrine” in southern Asia in 1953, Nehru turned John Foster Dulles down with scorn. “Indian diplomats who have seen the files swear that at about the same time Jawaharlal also declined a US offer to take the permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, then held, with scant credibility, by Taiwan, urging that it be offered to Beijing instead”. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in his speech in Parliament in August 1959, recalled how the Chinese occupation of Tibet in October 1950 notwithstanding, India had decided to raise the question of China’s admission into the United Nations in September 1959 at Nehru’s bidding. On November 18, 1950, the representative of El Salvador moved the United Nations formally and asked the General Assembly to create a special committee to ‘study’ what measures should be adopted by the United Nations General Assembly to shield Tibet against ‘unprovoked’ Chinese aggression. But when the Steering Committee of the United Nations met, the Indian representative asked the committee to drop the whole matter. When Vajpayee had moved a resolution in Parliament that simultaneously India should also raise the Tibetan issue in the United Nations, Nehru was unresponsive. KM Panikkar, the Indian Ambassador in Beijing, stated that to protest the Chinese invasion of Tibet would be an act of interference vis a vis India’s efforts on behalf of China in the UN and destroy PRC’s prospects of entry into the UN. Vallabhbhai Patel did try to draw the attention of Nehru to the threat expansionist China, warning against pursuing its entry into the UN, without quid-pro-quo, but Nehru seemed to be living in his own world, so far as China was concerned. Patel advise came “in view of the rebuff which China has given us and the method which it has followed in dealing with Tibet”. “There would probably be a threat in the UNO virtually to outlaw China, in view of its active participation in the Korean War”, Patel warned in his letter to Nehru, “We must determine our attitude on this question also.” Nehru went ahead with his bull-headed stubbornness, his miscalculations driven by his inexplicably adamant and unreasonable approach, which ended up creating and complicating India-China border problem and allowed it to drift into an unfortunate war. He bungled Kashmir in 1947-48 by refusing the military advice of its generals to clear the state of invaders, and internationalised the issue by sending it to the UN. The Panchsheel in 1954 and the Indus Water Treaty in 1960, with zero reciprocity, amounted to massive giveaways. After signing the Panchsheel agreement with China in 1954 and helping Chou Enlai to emerge into the limelight in Bandung in 1955, Nehru’s starry-eyed phase of “Hindi-Chini bhai-bhai” blissfully glossed over the real divergence of interests between the two countries at that time. India exploded a bomb in 1974, but instead of declaring weapons status, it declared its intent to stay non-nuclear and left itself vulnerable to external pressures to disarm. Nehru’s idealistic shenanigans were fatal, to say the least. Patel was strongly against the reference of Kashmir to the UN and preferred ‘timely action’ on the ground. Because of this reference, the issue no longer remained an internal affair, but snowballed into an international issue in the UNSC, enabling Pakistan to rake it up every now and then. If the grand old party is willing to own up the role of Indian National Congress in liberating India from the British rule all to itself, it must also be willing to accept that many of the pathogens still afflicting India are bequeathed to India by Nehru. Cosying up to China is one of them. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Congress's barb at Narendra Modi government's China diplomacy shows historical ignorance

A&nbsp;day after declaring its candidate for the seventh Lok Sabha seat, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday made it clear that there would be neither any alliance with the Congress nor a rollback of any of its candidates in Delhi.

Asserting that "enough is enough", senior AAP leader Gopal Rai said these are the final seven candidates of the party and there is no question of "any roll back".

The ruling AAP had earlier on March 2, announced the names of its candidates for the six Lok Sabha seats.

On Sunday, the party declared its last candidate in Delhi, with a senior leader saying the announcement was made seeing the Congress's "irresponsible and indecisive" attitude towards an alliance.

"Despite facing stiff opposition from its workers, the AAP was open to an alliance with the Congress in Delhi but after waiting for so long and constantly hearing conflicting statements from the party, we have decided that enough is enough and now even if Congress approaches us with a proposal there would be no alliance in Delhi," he said.

He said there has been no communication from the Congress and it clearly shows that the grand old party is "not serious" about elections in Delhi.

The BJP and Congress have not yet declared their candidates for elections in Delhi.

There were rumours of an alliance between Congress-AAP last week when the Congress decided to seek feedback from its booth-level workers on a tie-up with the AAP.

"There are many leaders and workers in Delhi Congress who are in favour of alliance with AAP. But a final call in this regard will be taken by party president Rahul Gandhi," P C Chacko, a senior Congress leader, had said earlier.

Elections to the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi will be held on May 12. The results will be declared with the rest of the country on May 23.

A day after declaring its candidate for the seventh Lok Sabha seat, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday made it clear that there would be neither any alliance with the Congress nor a rollback of any of its candidates in Delhi.

A day after declaring its candidate for the seventh Lok Sabha seat, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday made it clear that there would be neither any alliance with the Congress nor a rollback of any of its candidates in Delhi. Asserting that "enough is enough", senior AAP leader Gopal Rai said these are the final seven candidates of the party and there is no question of "any roll back". The ruling AAP had earlier on March 2, announced the names of its candidates for the six Lok Sabha seats. On Sunday, the party declared its last candidate in Delhi, with a senior leader saying the announcement was made seeing the Congress's "irresponsible and indecisive" attitude towards an alliance. "Despite facing stiff opposition from its workers, the AAP was open to an alliance with the Congress in Delhi but after waiting for so long and constantly hearing conflicting statements from the party, we have decided that enough is enough and now even if Congress approaches us with a proposal there would be no alliance in Delhi," he said. He said there has been no communication from the Congress and it clearly shows that the grand old party is "not serious" about elections in Delhi. The BJP and Congress have not yet declared their candidates for elections in Delhi. There were rumours of an alliance between Congress-AAP last week when the Congress decided to seek feedback from its booth-level workers on a tie-up with the AAP. "There are many leaders and workers in Delhi Congress who are in favour of alliance with AAP. But a final call in this regard will be taken by party president Rahul Gandhi," P C Chacko, a senior Congress leader, had said earlier. Elections to the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi will be held on May 12. The results will be declared with the rest of the country on May 23.

No alliance with Congress in Delhi: AAP

Condolences began pouring in from all over India the moment after the news of sad demise of Goa Chief Minister and former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.

The death was announced by President of India from his Twitter handle.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him an unparalleled leader in his tweet.

''Shri Manohar Parrikar was an unparalleled leader. A true patriot and exceptional administrator, he was admired by all. His impeccable service to the nation will be remembered by generations. Deeply saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and supporters,'' Modi tweeted.

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Shri Manohar Parrikar was an unparalleled leader. 
 
A true patriot and exceptional administrator, he was admired by all. His impeccable service to the nation will be remembered by generations. 
 
Deeply saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and supporters. 
 
Om Shanti. <a href="https://t.co/uahXme3ifp">pic.twitter.com/uahXme3ifp</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1107302872616706048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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''Saddened to know about the demise of senior BJP leader Shri Manohar Parrikar ji, Chief Minister of Goa. He always led by example in his public life &amp; was loved by masses. He will be missed by everyone of us. May God render peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti ॐ शान्ति,'' Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tweeted.

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Saddened to know about the demise of senior BJP leader Shri Manohar Parrikar ji, Chief Minister of Goa. He always led by example in his public life &amp; was loved by masses. He will be missed by everyone of us. May God render peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti ॐ शान्ति
— Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley/status/1107301033028608000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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''Entire BJP stands firmly with Parrikar ji’s family. I along with millions of BJP karyakartas and importantly the people of Goa, who were his family, express my deepest condolences. May God give the bereaved family strength to withstand this tragic loss. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti,'' BJP President Amit Shah tweeted.

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Entire BJP stands firmly with Parrikar ji’s family. I along with millions of BJP karyakartas and importantly the people of Goa, who were his family, express my deepest condolences. May God give the bereaved family strength to withstand this tragic loss. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti. <a href="https://t.co/HWFA4gtSnX">pic.twitter.com/HWFA4gtSnX</a>
— Chowkidar Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1107294919046164480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Shri Manohar Parrikar is no more. A sincere, honest and sensitive political activist. Was simple and down to earth, I learnt a lot from Shri Parrikar. As Raksha Mantri his contribution to making the armed forces a modernised, lean and mean fighting machine will remain unparalleled," tweeted Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

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Shri Manohar Parrikar is no more. A sincere, honest &amp; sensitive political activist. Was simple and down to earth, I learnt a lot from Shri.Parrikar. As Raksha Mantri his contribution to making the armed forces a modernised, lean &amp; mean fighting machine will remain unparalleled.
— Chowkidar Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman/status/1107292744609923072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Home Minister Rajnath Singh also recalled the honesty and integrity of the late Goa Chief Minister while expressing his condolence."Deeply saddened and pained by the demise of my dear friend and Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Manohar Parrikar. He was known for his honesty, integrity and simplicity. He served the nation and the state of Goa with great diligence. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family," he said.

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Deeply saddened and pained by the demise of my dear friend &amp; Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Manohar Parrikar. He was known for his honesty, integrity and simplicity. He served the nation and the state of Goa with great diligence. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.
— Chowkidar Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1107294795968536577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Congress president Rahul Gandhi also called him one of Goa`s favourite sons and wrote, "I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Goa CM, Shri Manohar Parrikar Ji, who bravely battled a debilitating illness for over a year. Respected and admired across party lines, he was one of Goa`s favourite sons. My condolences to his family in this time of grief."

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I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Goa CM, Shri Manohar Parrikar Ji, who bravely battled a debilitating illness for over a year. 
 
Respected and admired across party lines, he was one of Goa’s favourite sons. 
 
My condolences to his family in this time of grief.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1107292522471133184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Congress general secretary, Priyanka Gandhi recalled her only meet with Parrikar while expressing her condolence."My condolences to the bereaved family of Shri Manohar Parrikar. I met him only once when he graciously visited my mother at the hospital two years ago. May his soul rest in peace," she said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed grief over the death of Goa Chief Minister and said, "Saddened at the passing away of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar ji. He patiently endured his illness. Condolences to his family and his admirers."Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, 63, breathed his last on Sunday evening in Goa.

Parrikar, who was suffering from a pancreatic ailment, had been in and out of hospitals in Goa, Mumbai, Delhi and New York since February last year.&nbsp;

Condolences began pouring in from all over India the moment after the news of sad demise of Goa Chief Minister and former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. The death was announced by President of India from his Twitter handle.

Condolences began pouring in from all over India the moment after the news of sad demise of Goa Chief Minister and former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. The death was announced by President of India from his Twitter handle. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him an unparalleled leader in his tweet. ''Shri Manohar Parrikar was an unparalleled leader. A true patriot and exceptional administrator, he was admired by all. His impeccable service to the nation will be remembered by generations. Deeply saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and supporters,'' Modi tweeted. Shri Manohar Parrikar was an unparalleled leader. A true patriot and exceptional administrator, he was admired by all. His impeccable service to the nation will be remembered by generations. Deeply saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/uahXme3ifp — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 17, 2019 × ''Saddened to know about the demise of senior BJP leader Shri Manohar Parrikar ji, Chief Minister of Goa. He always led by example in his public life & was loved by masses. He will be missed by everyone of us. May God render peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti ॐ शान्ति,'' Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tweeted. Saddened to know about the demise of senior BJP leader Shri Manohar Parrikar ji, Chief Minister of Goa. He always led by example in his public life & was loved by masses. He will be missed by everyone of us. May God render peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti ॐ शान्ति — Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) March 17, 2019 × ''Entire BJP stands firmly with Parrikar ji’s family. I along with millions of BJP karyakartas and importantly the people of Goa, who were his family, express my deepest condolences. May God give the bereaved family strength to withstand this tragic loss. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti,'' BJP President Amit Shah tweeted. Entire BJP stands firmly with Parrikar ji’s family. I along with millions of BJP karyakartas and importantly the people of Goa, who were his family, express my deepest condolences. May God give the bereaved family strength to withstand this tragic loss. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti. pic.twitter.com/HWFA4gtSnX — Chowkidar Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 17, 2019 × "Shri Manohar Parrikar is no more. A sincere, honest and sensitive political activist. Was simple and down to earth, I learnt a lot from Shri Parrikar. As Raksha Mantri his contribution to making the armed forces a modernised, lean and mean fighting machine will remain unparalleled," tweeted Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Shri Manohar Parrikar is no more. A sincere, honest & sensitive political activist. Was simple and down to earth, I learnt a lot from Shri.Parrikar. As Raksha Mantri his contribution to making the armed forces a modernised, lean & mean fighting machine will remain unparalleled. — Chowkidar Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) March 17, 2019 × Home Minister Rajnath Singh also recalled the honesty and integrity of the late Goa Chief Minister while expressing his condolence."Deeply saddened and pained by the demise of my dear friend and Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Manohar Parrikar. He was known for his honesty, integrity and simplicity. He served the nation and the state of Goa with great diligence. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family," he said. Deeply saddened and pained by the demise of my dear friend & Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Manohar Parrikar. He was known for his honesty, integrity and simplicity. He served the nation and the state of Goa with great diligence. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family. — Chowkidar Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) March 17, 2019 × Congress president Rahul Gandhi also called him one of Goa`s favourite sons and wrote, "I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Goa CM, Shri Manohar Parrikar Ji, who bravely battled a debilitating illness for over a year. Respected and admired across party lines, he was one of Goa`s favourite sons. My condolences to his family in this time of grief." I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Goa CM, Shri Manohar Parrikar Ji, who bravely battled a debilitating illness for over a year. Respected and admired across party lines, he was one of Goa’s favourite sons. My condolences to his family in this time of grief. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 17, 2019 × Congress general secretary, Priyanka Gandhi recalled her only meet with Parrikar while expressing her condolence."My condolences to the bereaved family of Shri Manohar Parrikar. I met him only once when he graciously visited my mother at the hospital two years ago. May his soul rest in peace," she said. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed grief over the death of Goa Chief Minister and said, "Saddened at the passing away of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar ji. He patiently endured his illness. Condolences to his family and his admirers."Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, 63, breathed his last on Sunday evening in Goa. Parrikar, who was suffering from a pancreatic ailment, had been in and out of hospitals in Goa, Mumbai, Delhi and New York since February last year.

Condolences pour in after the sad demise of Goa CM Manohar Parrikar

The Gujarat BJP Sunday held a meeting to discuss names of candidates for the state's 26 Lok Sabha seats.

All 26 seats, currently held by the BJP, will go to polls in a single phase on April 23.

The meeting, which took place in Gandhinagar, was attended by Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, state Lok Sabha poll in-charge Om Mathur and state unit chief Jitu Vaghani among others.

Names of probable candidates will be discussed for three days after which a final report will be sent to the party high command in Delhi, a leader said on condition of anonymity.

Senior BJP leaders met Sunday to discuss names of probable candidates for Vadodara, Bharuch, Panchmahals, Chhota Udepur, Dahod, Valsad, Navsari, Vardoli, Surat, Anand and Kheda Lok Sabha constituencies, Rupani said in a Facebook post.

"The Lok Sabha election committee met in Gandhinagar. Discussions were held on candidates for the Lok Sabha seats based on input received by party's poll observers," Rupani said.

Rupani said names of probable candidates for Vadodara, Bharuch, Panchmahals, Chhota Udepur, Dahod, Valsad, Navsari, Vardoli, Surat, Anand and Kheda Lok Sabha seats were discussed.

Sources said sitting MPs from the 26 seats were discussed Sunday.

Discussions on rest of the seats will be held tomorrow and day after tomorrow, a party source said.

The opposition Congress also held a meeting Sunday under the leadership of state unit president Amit Chavda.

Party sources said Congress leaders from Kheda, Kutch and Surendranagar Lok Sabha constituencies were among those who met Chavda.

Discussions were also held on the party's preparations for bypolls in five Assembly constituencies, Congress sources said.

The Gujarat BJP Sunday held a meeting to discuss names of candidates for the state's 26 Lok Sabha seats. All 26 seats, currently held by the BJP, will go to polls in a single phase on April 23.

The Gujarat BJP Sunday held a meeting to discuss names of candidates for the state's 26 Lok Sabha seats. All 26 seats, currently held by the BJP, will go to polls in a single phase on April 23. The meeting, which took place in Gandhinagar, was attended by Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, state Lok Sabha poll in-charge Om Mathur and state unit chief Jitu Vaghani among others. Names of probable candidates will be discussed for three days after which a final report will be sent to the party high command in Delhi, a leader said on condition of anonymity. Senior BJP leaders met Sunday to discuss names of probable candidates for Vadodara, Bharuch, Panchmahals, Chhota Udepur, Dahod, Valsad, Navsari, Vardoli, Surat, Anand and Kheda Lok Sabha constituencies, Rupani said in a Facebook post. "The Lok Sabha election committee met in Gandhinagar. Discussions were held on candidates for the Lok Sabha seats based on input received by party's poll observers," Rupani said. Rupani said names of probable candidates for Vadodara, Bharuch, Panchmahals, Chhota Udepur, Dahod, Valsad, Navsari, Vardoli, Surat, Anand and Kheda Lok Sabha seats were discussed. Sources said sitting MPs from the 26 seats were discussed Sunday. Discussions on rest of the seats will be held tomorrow and day after tomorrow, a party source said. The opposition Congress also held a meeting Sunday under the leadership of state unit president Amit Chavda. Party sources said Congress leaders from Kheda, Kutch and Surendranagar Lok Sabha constituencies were among those who met Chavda. Discussions were also held on the party's preparations for bypolls in five Assembly constituencies, Congress sources said.

Gujarat: BJP, Congress hold meetings for Lok Sabha poll candidates

The Congress has announced its candidates for five out of the total 11 Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh, giving a chance to three of its sitting MLAs.

The names of candidates for Surguja, Bastar, Raigarh and Kanker seats, reserved for the Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Janjgir-Champa, which is allocated to a Scheduled Caste (SCs) candidate, were declared late Saturday night.

Prominent tribal leader Khelsai Singh, currently an MLA from Premnagar Assembly seat, has been nominated from Surguja Lok Sabha constituency.

Mr Singh, a four-time MLA, earlier represented the Surguja Lok Sabha seat thrice in 1991, 1996 and 1999.

Another tribal leader Dipak Baij, who is a legislator from Chitrakot Assembly seat, will contest from Bastar Lok Sabha constituency.

Also, Dharamjaigarh seat MLA Laljeet Singh Rathiya has been fielded from Raigarh Lok Sabha constituency.

His father Chanesh Ram Rathiya had been a Congress MLA from Madhya Pradesh before Chhattisgarh was carved out of it.

Besides, the Congress has fielded Biresh Thakur from Kanker Lok Sabha seat.

He is currently a member of the Kanker Zila panchayat. His father Satyanarayan Singh Thakur and grandfather Ratan Singh Thakur had also earlier served as Congress MLAs in MP.

Former Congress MP Parasram Bhardwaj's son Ravi Bhardwaj will contest from Janjgir-Champa (SC) Lok Sabha seat.

"All the five candidates are active in their regions. The way Congress unseated the BJP in last year's Assembly polls, it will also win all the 11 Lok Sabha seats in the state," state Congress spokesperson RP Singh told PTI.

The party is yet to announced its candidates for the remaining six general category Lok Sabha seats - Raipur, Mahasamund, Rajnandgaon, Bilaspur, Korba and Durg.

In the 2014 general elections, the BJP won 10 out of the 11 seats in the state.

Tamradhwaj Sahu was the lone Congress candidate who won from Durg parliamentary seat.

The BJP is yet to announce its candidates for the Lok Sabha polls, to be held in three phases in the state on April 11, 18 and 23.

The Congress has announced its candidates for five out of the total 11 Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh, giving a chance to three of its sitting MLAs. The names of candidates for Surguja, Bastar, Raigarh and Kanker seats, reserved for the Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Janjgir-Champa, which is allocated to a Scheduled Caste (SCs) candidate, were declared late Saturday night.

The Congress has announced its candidates for five out of the total 11 Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh, giving a chance to three of its sitting MLAs. The names of candidates for Surguja, Bastar, Raigarh and Kanker seats, reserved for the Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Janjgir-Champa, which is allocated to a Scheduled Caste (SCs) candidate, were declared late Saturday night. Prominent tribal leader Khelsai Singh, currently an MLA from Premnagar Assembly seat, has been nominated from Surguja Lok Sabha constituency. Mr Singh, a four-time MLA, earlier represented the Surguja Lok Sabha seat thrice in 1991, 1996 and 1999. Another tribal leader Dipak Baij, who is a legislator from Chitrakot Assembly seat, will contest from Bastar Lok Sabha constituency. Also, Dharamjaigarh seat MLA Laljeet Singh Rathiya has been fielded from Raigarh Lok Sabha constituency. His father Chanesh Ram Rathiya had been a Congress MLA from Madhya Pradesh before Chhattisgarh was carved out of it. Besides, the Congress has fielded Biresh Thakur from Kanker Lok Sabha seat. He is currently a member of the Kanker Zila panchayat. His father Satyanarayan Singh Thakur and grandfather Ratan Singh Thakur had also earlier served as Congress MLAs in MP. Former Congress MP Parasram Bhardwaj's son Ravi Bhardwaj will contest from Janjgir-Champa (SC) Lok Sabha seat. "All the five candidates are active in their regions. The way Congress unseated the BJP in last year's Assembly polls, it will also win all the 11 Lok Sabha seats in the state," state Congress spokesperson RP Singh told PTI. The party is yet to announced its candidates for the remaining six general category Lok Sabha seats - Raipur, Mahasamund, Rajnandgaon, Bilaspur, Korba and Durg. In the 2014 general elections, the BJP won 10 out of the 11 seats in the state. Tamradhwaj Sahu was the lone Congress candidate who won from Durg parliamentary seat. The BJP is yet to announce its candidates for the Lok Sabha polls, to be held in three phases in the state on April 11, 18 and 23.

Lok Sabha polls: Congress announces candidates for 5 seats in Chhattisgarh

Lok Sabha polls 2019: A closer look at the key constituents of the United Progressive Alliance

89 years of the Dandi satyagraha

Rahul Gandhi calling JeM chief as 'Masood Azhar Ji' sparks row

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/country-built-on-love-harmony-brotherhood-priyanka-gandhi-at-her-first-rally-202902">Country</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/country-built-on-love-harmony-brotherhood-priyanka-gandhi-at-her-first-rally-202902"> built on love, harmony &amp; brotherhood: Priyanka Gandhi at her first rally&nbsp;</a>

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood." She added that "today, whatever is happening in the country is very sad."&nbsp;

The rally is being seen as the Congress kicking off its campaign for the general elections which will be held from April 11 to May 19. The results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-i-reiterate-bsp-will-not-have-any-alliance-with-congress-says-mayawati-202862">Lok Sabha polls: No 'grand alliance' in Uttar Pradesh as Mayawati rules out </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-i-reiterate-bsp-will-not-have-any-alliance-with-congress-says-mayawati-202862">tie-up</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-i-reiterate-bsp-will-not-have-any-alliance-with-congress-says-mayawati-202862"> with Congress in any state</a>

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Tuesday reiterated that her party will "not have any alliance with Congress party in any state". Her remarks came just a couple of days after the Election Commission of India announced dates for the Lok Sabha polls next month.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
"It has been reiterated once again that Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will not have any alliance with Congress party in any state, to contest the upcoming elections," Mayawati said.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-should-not-be-impeached-unless-reasons-are-overwhelming-house-speaker-nancy-pelosi-202904">Trump should not be impeached unless reasons are 'overwhelming': Nancy Pelosi</a>

US President Donald Trump should not be impeached unless the reasons are overwhelming and bipartisan, given how divisive it would be for the country, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a Washington Post interview published on Monday.

"I’m not for impeachment," Pelosi, the top US Democrat, said in the interview, which was conducted last week.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/consumer-inflation-rises-to-257-in-february-government-data-202903">Retail inflation up to 2.57% in February: Government data</a>

Consumer inflation in the month of February rose to 2.57 per cent, government data revealed on Tuesday. Consumer inflation was revised to 1.97 per cent in January this year from 2.05 per cent.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-new-york-times-faces-backlash-for-missplelling-pm-modis-name-calling-pulwama-terror-attack-an-explosion-202885">New York Times faces backlash for calling Pulwama terror attack an 'explosion', misspelling PM Modi's name</a>

The New York Times, a leading American daily, raked controversy on Monday after it referred to Pulwama terror attack as an "explosion". Twitterati didn't spare a second to troll the US media giant with some even asking if the 9/11 terror attack was an airplane crash if Pulwama bombing was an "explosion".&nbsp;

The "explosion" bit wasn't the only folly exhibited in the NYT tweet. Its post on a story on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls had the Prime Minister's name spelt wrongly as "Narandra Modi".&nbsp;

Country built on love, harmony & brotherhood: Priyanka Gandhi at her first rally Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood.

Country built on love, harmony & brotherhood: Priyanka Gandhi at her first rally Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood." She added that "today, whatever is happening in the country is very sad." The rally is being seen as the Congress kicking off its campaign for the general elections which will be held from April 11 to May 19. The results will be declared on May 23. Lok Sabha polls: No 'grand alliance' in Uttar Pradesh as Mayawati rules out tie-up with Congress in any state Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Tuesday reiterated that her party will "not have any alliance with Congress party in any state". Her remarks came just a couple of days after the Election Commission of India announced dates for the Lok Sabha polls next month. "It has been reiterated once again that Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will not have any alliance with Congress party in any state, to contest the upcoming elections," Mayawati said. Trump should not be impeached unless reasons are 'overwhelming': Nancy Pelosi US President Donald Trump should not be impeached unless the reasons are overwhelming and bipartisan, given how divisive it would be for the country, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a Washington Post interview published on Monday. "I’m not for impeachment," Pelosi, the top US Democrat, said in the interview, which was conducted last week. Retail inflation up to 2.57% in February: Government data Consumer inflation in the month of February rose to 2.57 per cent, government data revealed on Tuesday. Consumer inflation was revised to 1.97 per cent in January this year from 2.05 per cent. New York Times faces backlash for calling Pulwama terror attack an 'explosion', misspelling PM Modi's name The New York Times, a leading American daily, raked controversy on Monday after it referred to Pulwama terror attack as an "explosion". Twitterati didn't spare a second to troll the US media giant with some even asking if the 9/11 terror attack was an airplane crash if Pulwama bombing was an "explosion". The "explosion" bit wasn't the only folly exhibited in the NYT tweet. Its post on a story on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls had the Prime Minister's name spelt wrongly as "Narandra Modi".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/with-congress-in-a-shambles-in-up-a-long-and-hard-road-for-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-196746">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</a>, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood." She added that "today, whatever is happening in the country is very sad."&nbsp;

The rally is being seen as the Congress kicking off its campaign for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-i-reiterate-bsp-will-not-have-any-alliance-with-congress-says-mayawati-202862">the general elections</a> which will be held from April 11 to May 19. The results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

"Our institutions are being destroyed," said Priyanka. "Wherever you see, hatred is being spread."&nbsp;

Priyanka, in her address, tried to keep the focus on what might be called pre-February 26 (the date of the Indian Air Force's air strike&nbsp; on&nbsp;the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan's Balakote) issues.&nbsp;

"Issues which should be raised must comprise as to what is most important for you and how can you move forward. How will youth get jobs? How will women feel safe? What will be done for farmers?&nbsp;

"These are the issues for elections," said Priyanka.&nbsp;

A number of polls and pollsters of course have said support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi has risen since the air strike.&nbsp;

"Nothing matters more to us that you and I protect this nation, work for it and move forward together," Priyanka said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi was also present at the rally but WION's political editor Kartikeya Sharma said it was Priyanka who "stole the show".&nbsp;

"Her speech, in which she attacked Prime Minister Modi, was well received by the people," he added.&nbsp;

"Her choice of words was good... she'll be the one to get the headlines."&nbsp;

Also present at the Congress rally was Patidar leader Hardik Patel who joined the party on Wednesday.&nbsp;

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Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Gandhinagar, Gujarat: First time in history, 4 Supreme Court judges went to press &amp; said they are not allowed to work. Generally, people go to SC for justice but in today’s Hindustan, SC judges are going to public &amp; asking for justice. <a href="https://t.co/8sLPUFQJmS">pic.twitter.com/8sLPUFQJmS</a>
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Gujarat: Visuals from the public rally of Congress party in Gandhinagar. <a href="https://t.co/rmA6iNh244">pic.twitter.com/rmA6iNh244</a>
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The upcoming general election will pit the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance against (mostly) different opposition groupings in various states, including of the Congress, Left and regional forces who are continuing to work out a grand alliance (mahagatbandhan) to minimise a division of votes between them which would work in favour of the Modi government.

The BJP has worked out a seat-sharing formula with some new allies and several old partners by making concessions in states like Bihar. The opposition parties however are yet to do so in several states.

The 2019 Lok Sabha elections are to be held over seven phases.&nbsp;The polling dates over the seven phases are April 11, April 18, April 23, May 6, May 12, and May 19. All votes will be counted on May 23.&nbsp;

Assembly elections will also be held in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Odisha simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said on Sunday while announcing the dates for the elections.&nbsp;

He added that 90 crore voters would be eligible to vote, that 10 lakh&nbsp;polling stations would be set up, and that VVPAT (voter verifiable paper audit trail) machines would be used in all the stations. The VVPAT machines are used to detect election fraud.&nbsp;

Arora added that the Election Commission's code of conduct would apply to social media, that all political advertisements on social media will need pre-certification and that all candidates for the elections will have to give the details of their social media accounts to the commission.

(With inputs from PTI)

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood." She added that "today, whatever is happening in the country is very sad." The rally is being seen as the Congress kicking off its campaign for the general elections which will be held from April 11 to May 19. The results will be declared on May 23. "Our institutions are being destroyed," said Priyanka. "Wherever you see, hatred is being spread." Priyanka, in her address, tried to keep the focus on what might be called pre-February 26 (the date of the Indian Air Force's air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan's Balakote) issues. "Issues which should be raised must comprise as to what is most important for you and how can you move forward. How will youth get jobs? How will women feel safe? What will be done for farmers? "These are the issues for elections," said Priyanka. A number of polls and pollsters of course have said support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi has risen since the air strike. "Nothing matters more to us that you and I protect this nation, work for it and move forward together," Priyanka said on Tuesday. Congress president Rahul Gandhi was also present at the rally but WION's political editor Kartikeya Sharma said it was Priyanka who "stole the show". "Her speech, in which she attacked Prime Minister Modi, was well received by the people," he added. "Her choice of words was good... she'll be the one to get the headlines." Also present at the Congress rally was Patidar leader Hardik Patel who joined the party on Wednesday. Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Gandhinagar, Gujarat: First time in history, 4 Supreme Court judges went to press & said they are not allowed to work. Generally, people go to SC for justice but in today’s Hindustan, SC judges are going to public & asking for justice. pic.twitter.com/8sLPUFQJmS — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2019 × Gujarat: Visuals from the public rally of Congress party in Gandhinagar. pic.twitter.com/rmA6iNh244 — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2019 × The upcoming general election will pit the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance against (mostly) different opposition groupings in various states, including of the Congress, Left and regional forces who are continuing to work out a grand alliance (mahagatbandhan) to minimise a division of votes between them which would work in favour of the Modi government. The BJP has worked out a seat-sharing formula with some new allies and several old partners by making concessions in states like Bihar. The opposition parties however are yet to do so in several states. The 2019 Lok Sabha elections are to be held over seven phases. The polling dates over the seven phases are April 11, April 18, April 23, May 6, May 12, and May 19. All votes will be counted on May 23. Assembly elections will also be held in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Odisha simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said on Sunday while announcing the dates for the elections. He added that 90 crore voters would be eligible to vote, that 10 lakh polling stations would be set up, and that VVPAT (voter verifiable paper audit trail) machines would be used in all the stations. The VVPAT machines are used to detect election fraud. Arora added that the Election Commission's code of conduct would apply to social media, that all political advertisements on social media will need pre-certification and that all candidates for the elections will have to give the details of their social media accounts to the commission. (With inputs from PTI)

Country built on love, harmony & brotherhood: Priyanka Gandhi at her first rally 

The Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress are different in many ways. But one striking difference is the manner in which these parties react to electoral outcomes. In victory, the BJP turns its attention to the next challenge instead of spending too much time basking in glory. The Congress exults so much that it loses sight of the new obstacles ahead. Following a setback, the BJP quickly rethinks its strategy, even going to the extent of casting away earlier narratives. Congress, on the other hand, sinks into despair and nearly loses the ability to emerge from the crisis.&nbsp;

Let us consider a few instances. Late last year, the BJP lost three important north Indian states which it had ruled. Stung by the result, it swung into action to summon whatever leverage it had to reach out to allies it had antagonised earlier. It kept aside past acrimony with the Shiv Sena, even the latter’s open criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and saved the partnership which was as good as dead. It’s a fact that Shiv Sena too saw merit in burying the past in its own interest, but had the BJP not demonstrated a desire to let bygones be bygones, the Shiv Sena would have kept its promise of going it alone in the Lok Sabha elections. Ideological similarities, which was cited by both parties to justify the alliance, would not have come in the way of a parting of ways. Now, suddenly, the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party, which were salivating at the prospect of the Sena and the BJP contesting against each other, are on the back foot.&nbsp; 
 
In the south, the BJP moved swiftly to forge an alliance with the AIADMK and the PMK. There is speculation that the DMDK too will join the coalition. The BJP’s speed took many by surprise, given that it happened before even the Congress and the DMK, who have been virtually together for a long time, could formally announce their partnership. Nobody is predicting that the BJP-AIADMK combine will trounce the Congress-DMK, but at least there may not be a one-sided contest.&nbsp; 
 
In Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP faces a formidable opponent in the SP-BSP coalition, the party has sought to placate disgruntled regional allies, and there are prospects that the outreach will bear fruit. Neither the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party OP Rajbhar nor the Apna Dal (Sonelal) of Anupriya Patel, whom the senior leadership of the BJP has moved to retain in the NDA fold, has real chances if it goes with the Congress. &nbsp; 
 
Now contrast the Congress’s reaction after its victory in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. It is so confident (over-confident) that it spurned repeated attempts by the Aam Aadmi Party for an alliance in Delhi. The party’s Delhi unit under the leadership of Sheila Dikshit put its foot down in opposing the partnership, despite the high command seemingly eager for the alliance. Both the Congress and the AAP realise that together they had a better chance to take on the BJP, yet personal animosity came in the way of an electoral understanding. The result is, most opinion polls are predicting a clean sweep for the BJP in the seven seats in Delhi.&nbsp; 
 
Cussedness, apart, there is also tepidness in the Congress’s actions post the wins late last year. The party initially grabbed the headlines with the announcement of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra being made general secretary in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh. But after the impressive roadshow in Lucknow, nothing has been heard of her. The Congress, instead of helming a new narrative with Priyanka in the front seat, is back to its tired old Rafale lament and ‘Chowkidar is a thief’ refrain. To make matters worse for itself, it appears to have caught the wrong end of the stick on the air strikes the Indian Air Force has conducted deep inside Pakistan.&nbsp;

The BJP had followed the 2014 victory with a series of wins in state Assembly elections, including breaking the glass ceiling, so to say, in states such as Tripura and Assam. It recorded a massive win in Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, it renewed its alliance with the Janata Dal (United) in Bihar and performed well enough in Karnataka, though it could not form the government there.&nbsp;

Whether in victory or defeat, the BJP has studiously concentrated on greenfield states — Odisha and West Bengal — where it is expected to perform well. The Congress, on the other hand, despite the booster shot it got recently, has failed to make any headway in either of the two states. In the first, it stands no chance, and in the second it depends on Mamata Banerjee to contain the BJP. Incidentally, unlike the BJP, the Congress had once upon a time ruled these states for long periods of time. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
While it is not clear if the BJP has regained all of the ground it had lost in the past months, recent developments have revived its prospects of a return in the coming general election. Congress needs to do better if it hopes to oust the Modi regime.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress are different in many ways. But one striking difference is the manner in which these parties react to electoral outcomes.

The Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress are different in many ways. But one striking difference is the manner in which these parties react to electoral outcomes. In victory, the BJP turns its attention to the next challenge instead of spending too much time basking in glory. The Congress exults so much that it loses sight of the new obstacles ahead. Following a setback, the BJP quickly rethinks its strategy, even going to the extent of casting away earlier narratives. Congress, on the other hand, sinks into despair and nearly loses the ability to emerge from the crisis. Let us consider a few instances. Late last year, the BJP lost three important north Indian states which it had ruled. Stung by the result, it swung into action to summon whatever leverage it had to reach out to allies it had antagonised earlier. It kept aside past acrimony with the Shiv Sena, even the latter’s open criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and saved the partnership which was as good as dead. It’s a fact that Shiv Sena too saw merit in burying the past in its own interest, but had the BJP not demonstrated a desire to let bygones be bygones, the Shiv Sena would have kept its promise of going it alone in the Lok Sabha elections. Ideological similarities, which was cited by both parties to justify the alliance, would not have come in the way of a parting of ways. Now, suddenly, the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party, which were salivating at the prospect of the Sena and the BJP contesting against each other, are on the back foot. In the south, the BJP moved swiftly to forge an alliance with the AIADMK and the PMK. There is speculation that the DMDK too will join the coalition. The BJP’s speed took many by surprise, given that it happened before even the Congress and the DMK, who have been virtually together for a long time, could formally announce their partnership. Nobody is predicting that the BJP-AIADMK combine will trounce the Congress-DMK, but at least there may not be a one-sided contest. In Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP faces a formidable opponent in the SP-BSP coalition, the party has sought to placate disgruntled regional allies, and there are prospects that the outreach will bear fruit. Neither the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party OP Rajbhar nor the Apna Dal (Sonelal) of Anupriya Patel, whom the senior leadership of the BJP has moved to retain in the NDA fold, has real chances if it goes with the Congress. Now contrast the Congress’s reaction after its victory in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. It is so confident (over-confident) that it spurned repeated attempts by the Aam Aadmi Party for an alliance in Delhi. The party’s Delhi unit under the leadership of Sheila Dikshit put its foot down in opposing the partnership, despite the high command seemingly eager for the alliance. Both the Congress and the AAP realise that together they had a better chance to take on the BJP, yet personal animosity came in the way of an electoral understanding. The result is, most opinion polls are predicting a clean sweep for the BJP in the seven seats in Delhi. Cussedness, apart, there is also tepidness in the Congress’s actions post the wins late last year. The party initially grabbed the headlines with the announcement of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra being made general secretary in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh. But after the impressive roadshow in Lucknow, nothing has been heard of her. The Congress, instead of helming a new narrative with Priyanka in the front seat, is back to its tired old Rafale lament and ‘Chowkidar is a thief’ refrain. To make matters worse for itself, it appears to have caught the wrong end of the stick on the air strikes the Indian Air Force has conducted deep inside Pakistan. The BJP had followed the 2014 victory with a series of wins in state Assembly elections, including breaking the glass ceiling, so to say, in states such as Tripura and Assam. It recorded a massive win in Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, it renewed its alliance with the Janata Dal (United) in Bihar and performed well enough in Karnataka, though it could not form the government there. Whether in victory or defeat, the BJP has studiously concentrated on greenfield states — Odisha and West Bengal — where it is expected to perform well. The Congress, on the other hand, despite the booster shot it got recently, has failed to make any headway in either of the two states. In the first, it stands no chance, and in the second it depends on Mamata Banerjee to contain the BJP. Incidentally, unlike the BJP, the Congress had once upon a time ruled these states for long periods of time. While it is not clear if the BJP has regained all of the ground it had lost in the past months, recent developments have revived its prospects of a return in the coming general election. Congress needs to do better if it hopes to oust the Modi regime. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

In victory or defeat, BJP responds to electoral outcomes more maturely

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday slammed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/is-it-going-to-be-rahul-gandhi-vs-narendra-modi-in-2019-185056">Congress president Rahul Gandhi</a> for referring to terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed chief as Masood Azhar "ji" during his public address.&nbsp;

Gandhi, in his address, said that "You would remember that during their (NDA) last government, current National Security Advisor Ajit Doval went to Kandahar to hand over Masood Azhar ji."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Rahul Gandhi in Delhi: You would remember that during their(NDA) last Govt, current National Security Advisor Ajit Doval went to Kandahar to hand over Masood Azhar. <a href="https://t.co/xTErFR6rjV">pic.twitter.com/xTErFR6rjV</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1105082740712660992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The BJP did not bat an eye in attacking Gandhi with scores of party leaders joining in, including Union ministers, who took to Twitter and trolled the Congress chief.&nbsp;

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Come on “Rahul Gandhi Ji”! 
 
Earlier it were the likes of Digvijay Ji who called “Osama Ji” and “Hafiz Saeed Sahab”. 
 
Now you are saying “Masood Azhar Ji”. 
 
What is happening to Congress Party? <a href="https://t.co/fIB4FoOFOh">pic.twitter.com/fIB4FoOFOh</a>
— Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/rsprasad/status/1105102694891601920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Come on “Rahul Gandhi Ji”! Earlier it were the likes of Digvijay Ji who called “Osama Ji” and “Hafiz Saeed Sahab”. Now you are saying “Masood Azhar Ji”. What is happening to Congress Party?" Ravi Shankar Prasad tweeted.&nbsp;

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What is common between Rahul Gandhi and Pakistan? 
 
Their love for terrorists. 
 
Please note Rahul ji’s reverence for terrorist Masood Azhar - a testimony to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RahulLovesTerrorists?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RahulLovesTerrorists</a> <a href="https://t.co/CyqoZ7b9CF">pic.twitter.com/CyqoZ7b9CF</a>
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) <a href="https://twitter.com/smritiirani/status/1105097551039082497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"What is common between Rahul Gandhi and Pakistan? Their love for terrorists. Please note Rahul ji’s reverence for terrorist Masood Azhar - a testimony to," read Smriti Irani's tweet.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi for referring to terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed chief as Masood Azhar "ji" during his public address.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi for referring to terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed chief as Masood Azhar "ji" during his public address. Gandhi, in his address, said that "You would remember that during their (NDA) last government, current National Security Advisor Ajit Doval went to Kandahar to hand over Masood Azhar ji." #WATCH Rahul Gandhi in Delhi: You would remember that during their(NDA) last Govt, current National Security Advisor Ajit Doval went to Kandahar to hand over Masood Azhar. pic.twitter.com/xTErFR6rjV — ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2019 × The BJP did not bat an eye in attacking Gandhi with scores of party leaders joining in, including Union ministers, who took to Twitter and trolled the Congress chief. Come on “Rahul Gandhi Ji”! Earlier it were the likes of Digvijay Ji who called “Osama Ji” and “Hafiz Saeed Sahab”. Now you are saying “Masood Azhar Ji”. What is happening to Congress Party? pic.twitter.com/fIB4FoOFOh — Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) March 11, 2019 × "Come on “Rahul Gandhi Ji”! Earlier it were the likes of Digvijay Ji who called “Osama Ji” and “Hafiz Saeed Sahab”. Now you are saying “Masood Azhar Ji”. What is happening to Congress Party?" Ravi Shankar Prasad tweeted. What is common between Rahul Gandhi and Pakistan? Their love for terrorists. Please note Rahul ji’s reverence for terrorist Masood Azhar - a testimony to #RahulLovesTerrorists pic.twitter.com/CyqoZ7b9CF — Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) March 11, 2019 × "What is common between Rahul Gandhi and Pakistan? Their love for terrorists. Please note Rahul ji’s reverence for terrorist Masood Azhar - a testimony to," read Smriti Irani's tweet.

'What's happening to Congress?' asks BJP after Rahul says 'Masood Azhar ji'

Lok Sabha elections will begin on April 11 and continue for over a month till May 19 across seven phases, followed by counting of votes on May 23, the Election Commission announced Sunday, kick-starting the countdown for a mega electoral battle where the BJP will pitch for a re-election of the Modi government amid the Opposition's efforts for a united fight to unseat it.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2019-lok-sabha-elections-check-when-your-state-ut-goes-to-the-polls-202410">polling will be held on</a> April 11, April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19 for 543 Lok Sabha seats across the country in which nearly 90 crore voters would be eligible to vote, the Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said at a packed press conference here.

Assembly elections will also be held in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Odisha simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls, the CEC said.&nbsp;

However, elections for Jammu and Kashmir assembly will not to be held along with the Lok Sabha polls, the EC said citing security reasons. The state has been under Governor's rule after the ruling alliance between the BJP and People's Democratic Party fell apart last year.&nbsp;

National Conference, Congress and other opposition parties slammed the decision to not hold assembly polls in J&amp;K, while opposition leaders elsewhere including in West Bengal also latched onto the EC decision to hold multi-phase elections in their states to slam the government on law and order situation.

Arora said the model code of conduct would come into immediate effect from Sunday and 10 lakhs polling stations would be set up this time as against about nine lakhs in 2014.

Among other restrictions, the model code bars the government from announcing any policy move that may impact voters' decision.

The EC said the 'voter verifiable paper audit trail' (VVPAT) will be used in all polling stations this time.

Counting of votes for all seven phases would be done on May 23, Arora said. 
 
In 2014, BJP had won 282 seats out of 543 constituencies in Lok Sabha handing a crushing defeat to the 10-year-rule of the United Progressive Alliance led by Congress.

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi will seek to retain power, the opposition is seeking to put up a spirited fight to defeat the ruling BJP.

"Best wishes to the Election Commission, all those officials and security personnel who will be on the field, across the length and breadth of India assuring smooth elections. India is very proud of the EC for assiduously organising elections for several years," Modi tweeted.

In the press briefing, Arora also reassured the nation of the EC's "solemn resolve and deep commitment to fulfil its constitutional mandate to conduct free, fair and credible elections."

He said all political advertisements on social media will need pre-certification and that the candidates will have to give details of their social media accounts to the election commission.

The CEC said 91 constituencies will go for polls in first phase, 97 in second phase, 115 in third phase, 71 in fourth, 51 in fifth, 59 in sixth and 59 in the seventh phase.&nbsp;

The election will pit the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance against mostly different opposition groupings in various states, including of Congress, Left and regional forces who are continuing to work out a grand alliance to minimise a division of votes against the Modi government.

The BJP has worked out a seat-sharing formula with some new allies and several old partners, by even making concessions in states like Bihar. However, opposition parties are yet to do so in several states.

While the NDA hopes to make history by coming back to power for a second full term, the Opposition wants to unseat the Modi government by raising questions on its performance on a host of issues, including economic growth, employment, corruption and social harmony.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee had led the NDA to back-to-back wins in 1998 and 1999 general elections but he was at the helm for only one full term.&nbsp;

After losing three assemblies last year, the BJP believes its Lok Sabha campaign is back on track following decisions like 10 per cent quota for the general category poor, money transfer to farmers and a populist budget.&nbsp;

What has injected further confidence into the NDA fold is the fronting of the nationalist plank in the poll campaign after the Indian Air Force' strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan after Pulwama terror attack, which killed 40 CRPF personnel.

The BJP has been citing 2016 surgical strikes on terror launch pads and the Balakot air strikes to assert that only a government headed by Modi will be capable of taking on Pakistan over terrorism.

Modi has already launched an aggressive campaign accusing opposition parties of coming together for the sole purpose of removing him when he is working to "remove poverty, corruption and terrorism".

He had led the NDA to a sweeping victory in 2014 as it won 336 of 543 Lok Sabha seats, reducing the incumbent Congress to its lowest total of 44 seats.

In 2014, the Lok Sabha elections were held across nine phases beginning April 7 and ending May 9. Votes were counted on May 16.

The total contestants in fray were 8,251, with an average of 15 candidates in each constituency, though deposits got forfeited for 7,000 contestants.

A total of over 55 crore voters (66.3 per cent) exercised their vote, while there were nearly 60 lakh 'NOTA' votes. A total of 668 women candidates contested, out of which 62 won.&nbsp;

Lok Sabha elections will begin on April 11 and continue for over a month till May 19 across seven phases, followed by counting of votes on May 23, the Election Commission announced Sunday, kick-starting the countdown for a mega electoral battle where the BJP will pitch for a re-election of the Modi government amid the Opposition's efforts for a united fight to unseat it.

Lok Sabha elections will begin on April 11 and continue for over a month till May 19 across seven phases, followed by counting of votes on May 23, the Election Commission announced Sunday, kick-starting the countdown for a mega electoral battle where the BJP will pitch for a re-election of the Modi government amid the Opposition's efforts for a united fight to unseat it. The polling will be held on April 11, April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19 for 543 Lok Sabha seats across the country in which nearly 90 crore voters would be eligible to vote, the Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said at a packed press conference here. Assembly elections will also be held in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Odisha simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls, the CEC said. However, elections for Jammu and Kashmir assembly will not to be held along with the Lok Sabha polls, the EC said citing security reasons. The state has been under Governor's rule after the ruling alliance between the BJP and People's Democratic Party fell apart last year. National Conference, Congress and other opposition parties slammed the decision to not hold assembly polls in J&K, while opposition leaders elsewhere including in West Bengal also latched onto the EC decision to hold multi-phase elections in their states to slam the government on law and order situation. Arora said the model code of conduct would come into immediate effect from Sunday and 10 lakhs polling stations would be set up this time as against about nine lakhs in 2014. Among other restrictions, the model code bars the government from announcing any policy move that may impact voters' decision. The EC said the 'voter verifiable paper audit trail' (VVPAT) will be used in all polling stations this time. Counting of votes for all seven phases would be done on May 23, Arora said. In 2014, BJP had won 282 seats out of 543 constituencies in Lok Sabha handing a crushing defeat to the 10-year-rule of the United Progressive Alliance led by Congress. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi will seek to retain power, the opposition is seeking to put up a spirited fight to defeat the ruling BJP. "Best wishes to the Election Commission, all those officials and security personnel who will be on the field, across the length and breadth of India assuring smooth elections. India is very proud of the EC for assiduously organising elections for several years," Modi tweeted. In the press briefing, Arora also reassured the nation of the EC's "solemn resolve and deep commitment to fulfil its constitutional mandate to conduct free, fair and credible elections." He said all political advertisements on social media will need pre-certification and that the candidates will have to give details of their social media accounts to the election commission. The CEC said 91 constituencies will go for polls in first phase, 97 in second phase, 115 in third phase, 71 in fourth, 51 in fifth, 59 in sixth and 59 in the seventh phase. The election will pit the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance against mostly different opposition groupings in various states, including of Congress, Left and regional forces who are continuing to work out a grand alliance to minimise a division of votes against the Modi government. The BJP has worked out a seat-sharing formula with some new allies and several old partners, by even making concessions in states like Bihar. However, opposition parties are yet to do so in several states. While the NDA hopes to make history by coming back to power for a second full term, the Opposition wants to unseat the Modi government by raising questions on its performance on a host of issues, including economic growth, employment, corruption and social harmony. Atal Bihari Vajpayee had led the NDA to back-to-back wins in 1998 and 1999 general elections but he was at the helm for only one full term. After losing three assemblies last year, the BJP believes its Lok Sabha campaign is back on track following decisions like 10 per cent quota for the general category poor, money transfer to farmers and a populist budget. What has injected further confidence into the NDA fold is the fronting of the nationalist plank in the poll campaign after the Indian Air Force' strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan after Pulwama terror attack, which killed 40 CRPF personnel. The BJP has been citing 2016 surgical strikes on terror launch pads and the Balakot air strikes to assert that only a government headed by Modi will be capable of taking on Pakistan over terrorism. Modi has already launched an aggressive campaign accusing opposition parties of coming together for the sole purpose of removing him when he is working to "remove poverty, corruption and terrorism". He had led the NDA to a sweeping victory in 2014 as it won 336 of 543 Lok Sabha seats, reducing the incumbent Congress to its lowest total of 44 seats. In 2014, the Lok Sabha elections were held across nine phases beginning April 7 and ending May 9. Votes were counted on May 16. The total contestants in fray were 8,251, with an average of 15 candidates in each constituency, though deposits got forfeited for 7,000 contestants. A total of over 55 crore voters (66.3 per cent) exercised their vote, while there were nearly 60 lakh 'NOTA' votes. A total of 668 women candidates contested, out of which 62 won.

Lok Sabha polls to stretch out for over a month from April 11 to May 19, results on May 23

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Thursday released its first official list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will contest the election from Rae Bareli, while Rahul Gandhi will contest from Amethi.

The list of 15 candidates includes 11 from Uttar Pradesh and 4 from Gujarat.

The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-2019-no-mention-of-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-as-congress-releases-first-list-of-candidates-201853"> list, however, does not name Priyanka Gandhi Vadra </a>who was named the party's General Secretary for UP East and made her political debut earlier this year.&nbsp;

Former Union ministers Salman Khursheed, RPN Singh and Jitin Prasad will be contesting from Farrukhabad, Kushi Nagar and Dhaurahra in Uttar Pradesh respectively.

Imran Masood will contest from Saharanpur (UP), Saleem Iqbal Shervani from Badaun(UP), Annu Tandon from Unnao (UP), Rajaram Pal from Akbarpur (UP), Brij Lal Khabri from Jalaun - SC (UP), Nirmal Khatri from Faizabad (UP).

While Raju Parmar will contest from Ahmedabad West - SC (Gujarat), Bharat Sinh M Solanki from Anand (Gujarat), Prashant Patel from Vadodara (Gujarat) and Ranjit MohanSinh Rathwa from Chhota Udaipur - ST (Gujarat). Lok Sabha elections are due by May end.

The Election Commission is expected to announce its&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-to-announce-lok-sabha-elections-soon-logistic-preparations-almost-over-201813">schedule for the high-voltage Lok Sabha elections</a>&nbsp;soon. The polls are likely to be&nbsp;spread over 7-8 phases in April-May, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Sources said the poll panel is in final stages of completing its logistical preparations to hold elections for the 17th Lok Sabha and a detailed polling schedule could be announced as early this weekend or by early next week.

The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3.

The announcement of dates for the elections, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his bid to return to power amid hectic parleys by several political parties to put a united fight against the ruling BJP, would be followed by a meeting of election observers next week for the first and second phase of polling.

A senior Election Commission functionary said the poll panel is now prepared to announce the dates "any day" and it could happen over the weekend or at most by Tuesday, PTI reported.&nbsp;

Notification for the first phase could be issued by the end of March for voting sometime in early April, sources suggested.

(With inputs from news agencies)

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Thursday released its first official list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will contest the election from Rae Bareli, while Rahul Gandhi will contest from Amethi.

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Thursday released its first official list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will contest the election from Rae Bareli, while Rahul Gandhi will contest from Amethi. The list of 15 candidates includes 11 from Uttar Pradesh and 4 from Gujarat. The list, however, does not name Priyanka Gandhi Vadra who was named the party's General Secretary for UP East and made her political debut earlier this year. Former Union ministers Salman Khursheed, RPN Singh and Jitin Prasad will be contesting from Farrukhabad, Kushi Nagar and Dhaurahra in Uttar Pradesh respectively. Imran Masood will contest from Saharanpur (UP), Saleem Iqbal Shervani from Badaun(UP), Annu Tandon from Unnao (UP), Rajaram Pal from Akbarpur (UP), Brij Lal Khabri from Jalaun - SC (UP), Nirmal Khatri from Faizabad (UP). While Raju Parmar will contest from Ahmedabad West - SC (Gujarat), Bharat Sinh M Solanki from Anand (Gujarat), Prashant Patel from Vadodara (Gujarat) and Ranjit MohanSinh Rathwa from Chhota Udaipur - ST (Gujarat). Lok Sabha elections are due by May end. The Election Commission is expected to announce its schedule for the high-voltage Lok Sabha elections soon. The polls are likely to be spread over 7-8 phases in April-May, news agency PTI reported. Sources said the poll panel is in final stages of completing its logistical preparations to hold elections for the 17th Lok Sabha and a detailed polling schedule could be announced as early this weekend or by early next week. The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3. The announcement of dates for the elections, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his bid to return to power amid hectic parleys by several political parties to put a united fight against the ruling BJP, would be followed by a meeting of election observers next week for the first and second phase of polling. A senior Election Commission functionary said the poll panel is now prepared to announce the dates "any day" and it could happen over the weekend or at most by Tuesday, PTI reported. Notification for the first phase could be issued by the end of March for voting sometime in early April, sources suggested. (With inputs from news agencies)

Lok Sabha polls: First list of Congress candidates out, Sonia Gandhi to contest from Rae Bareli; Rahul from Amethi

'Govt says crucial Rafale documents missing, so they were genuine?' Rahul attacks Modi govt

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Thursday released its first official list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

In the list of 15 candidates, 11 have been named from Uttar Pradesh and 4 from Gujarat.&nbsp;

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Congress releases first list of 15 candidates for Lok Sabha elections. 11 from Uttar Pradesh and 4 from Gujarat. Sonia Gandhi to contest from Rae Bareli and Rahul Gandhi to contest from Amethi. <a href="https://t.co/PZI4TlJfC6">pic.twitter.com/PZI4TlJfC6</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1103683080403865600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will contest from Rae Bareli while party president Rahul Gandhi will contest from Amethi.

The list, however, does not name Priyanka Gandhi Vadra who was named the party's General Secretary for UP East and made her political debut earlier this year.&nbsp;

Former Union ministers Salman Khursheed, RPN Singh and Jitin Prasad will be contesting from Farrukhabad, Kushi Nagar and Dhaurahra in Uttar Pradesh respectively, news agency ANI reported.

Imran Masood will contest from Saharanpur (UP), Saleem Iqbal Shervani from Badaun(UP), Annu Tandon from Unnao (UP), Rajaram Pal from Akbarpur (UP), Brij Lal Khabri from Jalaun - SC (UP), Nirmal Khatri from Faizabad (UP).

While, Raju Parmar will contest from Ahmedabad West - SC (Gujarat), BharatSinh M Solanki from Anand (Gujarat), Prashant Patel from Vadodara (Gujarat) and Ranjit MohanSinh Rathwa from Chhota Udaipur - ST (Gujarat).&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Election Commission is expected to announce its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-to-announce-lok-sabha-elections-soon-logistic-preparations-almost-over-201813">schedule for the high-voltage Lok Sabha elections</a> soon, sources said on Thursday. The polls are likely to be&nbsp;spread over 7-8 phases in April-May, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Sources said the poll panel is in final stages of completing its logistical preparations to hold elections for the 17th Lok Sabha and a detailed polling schedule could be announced as early this weekend or by early next week.

The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3.

The announcement of dates for the elections, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his bid to return to power amid hectic parleys by several political parties to put a united fight against the ruling BJP, would be followed by a meeting of election observers next week for the first and second phase of polling.

A senior Election Commission functionary said the poll panel is now prepared to announce the dates "any day" and it could happen over the weekend or at most by Tuesday, PTI reported.&nbsp;

Notification for the first phase could be issued by the end of March for voting sometime in early April, sources suggested.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Thursday released its first official list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. In the list of 15 candidates, 11 have been named from Uttar Pradesh and 4 from Gujarat.

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Thursday released its first official list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. In the list of 15 candidates, 11 have been named from Uttar Pradesh and 4 from Gujarat. Congress releases first list of 15 candidates for Lok Sabha elections. 11 from Uttar Pradesh and 4 from Gujarat. Sonia Gandhi to contest from Rae Bareli and Rahul Gandhi to contest from Amethi. pic.twitter.com/PZI4TlJfC6 — ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2019 × UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will contest from Rae Bareli while party president Rahul Gandhi will contest from Amethi. The list, however, does not name Priyanka Gandhi Vadra who was named the party's General Secretary for UP East and made her political debut earlier this year. Former Union ministers Salman Khursheed, RPN Singh and Jitin Prasad will be contesting from Farrukhabad, Kushi Nagar and Dhaurahra in Uttar Pradesh respectively, news agency ANI reported. Imran Masood will contest from Saharanpur (UP), Saleem Iqbal Shervani from Badaun(UP), Annu Tandon from Unnao (UP), Rajaram Pal from Akbarpur (UP), Brij Lal Khabri from Jalaun - SC (UP), Nirmal Khatri from Faizabad (UP). While, Raju Parmar will contest from Ahmedabad West - SC (Gujarat), BharatSinh M Solanki from Anand (Gujarat), Prashant Patel from Vadodara (Gujarat) and Ranjit MohanSinh Rathwa from Chhota Udaipur - ST (Gujarat). Meanwhile, the Election Commission is expected to announce its schedule for the high-voltage Lok Sabha elections soon, sources said on Thursday. The polls are likely to be spread over 7-8 phases in April-May, news agency PTI reported. Sources said the poll panel is in final stages of completing its logistical preparations to hold elections for the 17th Lok Sabha and a detailed polling schedule could be announced as early this weekend or by early next week. The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3. The announcement of dates for the elections, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his bid to return to power amid hectic parleys by several political parties to put a united fight against the ruling BJP, would be followed by a meeting of election observers next week for the first and second phase of polling. A senior Election Commission functionary said the poll panel is now prepared to announce the dates "any day" and it could happen over the weekend or at most by Tuesday, PTI reported. Notification for the first phase could be issued by the end of March for voting sometime in early April, sources suggested. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha 2019: No mention of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as Congress releases first list of candidates

The&nbsp;Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday stepped-up its attack on the opposition and asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi to clarify on the meeting he had with the G20 envoys on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Speaking with the media in Delhi today, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad asked if Gandhi presented India's stand to the envoys or the opposition's.

"Rahul Gandhi yesterday met ambassadors of G20 countries, what did he disclose to them about Pulwama attack and the AirStrikes? Did he convey to them the view of the country, Govt or Congress' view? Every day they're questioning air strikes, he needs to explain it to the country," Prasad told reporters.&nbsp;

Ahead of Lok Sabha elections, top Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh shared the party's economic and political vision with ambassadors of G20 member-countries at a meeting on Wednesday, during which the Pulwama attack and the subsequent developments were also discussed, news agency PTI reported.

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RS Prasad: Rahul Gandhi y'day met ambassadors of G20 countries, what did he disclose to them about Pulwama attack &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirStrikes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirStrikes</a>? Did he convey to them the view of the country, Govt or Congress' view. everyday they're questioning air strikes, he needs to explain it to the country. <a href="https://t.co/n7uPpjMXfd">pic.twitter.com/n7uPpjMXfd</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1103614873517285376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Pakistan High Commissioner was not invited to the meet which was attended by the ambassadors of the United States and China, the UK High Commissioner among others.

Sources said the Pulwama attack and the consequent air strikes were also learnt to have been discussed during the meeting, as the diplomats were curious about how the developments will play out in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. They also sought to know its effect on the stability of the region, PTI reported.

The meet, held at a local hotel, was earlier slated for February 15 and had been cancelled in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack on February 14. 
Rahul Gandhi later tweeted out saying he enjoyed the exchange of ideas and looked forward to continuing the dialogue with the envoys.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday stepped-up its attack on the opposition and asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi to clarify on the meeting he had with the G20 envoys on Wednesday.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday stepped-up its attack on the opposition and asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi to clarify on the meeting he had with the G20 envoys on Wednesday. Speaking with the media in Delhi today, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad asked if Gandhi presented India's stand to the envoys or the opposition's. "Rahul Gandhi yesterday met ambassadors of G20 countries, what did he disclose to them about Pulwama attack and the AirStrikes? Did he convey to them the view of the country, Govt or Congress' view? Every day they're questioning air strikes, he needs to explain it to the country," Prasad told reporters. Ahead of Lok Sabha elections, top Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh shared the party's economic and political vision with ambassadors of G20 member-countries at a meeting on Wednesday, during which the Pulwama attack and the subsequent developments were also discussed, news agency PTI reported. RS Prasad: Rahul Gandhi y'day met ambassadors of G20 countries, what did he disclose to them about Pulwama attack & #AirStrikes? Did he convey to them the view of the country, Govt or Congress' view. everyday they're questioning air strikes, he needs to explain it to the country. pic.twitter.com/n7uPpjMXfd — ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2019 × The Pakistan High Commissioner was not invited to the meet which was attended by the ambassadors of the United States and China, the UK High Commissioner among others. Sources said the Pulwama attack and the consequent air strikes were also learnt to have been discussed during the meeting, as the diplomats were curious about how the developments will play out in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. They also sought to know its effect on the stability of the region, PTI reported. The meet, held at a local hotel, was earlier slated for February 15 and had been cancelled in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack on February 14. Rahul Gandhi later tweeted out saying he enjoyed the exchange of ideas and looked forward to continuing the dialogue with the envoys. (With inputs from PTI)

'What did he disclose on Pulwama, Balakot strikes?' BJP asks Rahul to clarify on meeting with G20 envoys

Asserting that the Congress has boxed itself into a corner on the issue of national security, the BJP Thursday dubbed its president Rahul Gandhi's attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Rafale issue an attempt to shift the focus due to people's "revulsion" against it.

At a Cabinet briefing, Union minister Arun Jaitley told reporters that every falsehood the Congress and Rahul Gandhi have spoken on the Rafale issue has been "exposed", adding that no dynast can claim that he is above the Supreme Court and the CAG.

"Words were very few, facts were completely wrong and the motivation was also collateral," Jaitley said of Gandhi's press conference.

He claimed that the facts which have emerged about the matter so far have "proved" that the Congress and its leader have spoken "lies" on every issue.&nbsp;

"The Congress has in the last few days through statements of its senior leaders has boxed itself into a corner. They are getting high TRP on Pakistan television but there is revulsion as far as domestic opinion in India is concerned," he said.

Therefore, the motivation today was collateral, to shift the focus and take up an issue which is "false" and whose every "falsehood" has been exposed, he added.

He also defended the government's stand in the Supreme Court over publication of critical media reports that they were based the Rafale documents "stolen" from the defence ministry and that they violated Official Secrets Act.

"It is obvious that defence notings of an issue of sensitive interest to the country have been leaked... We have a very free press and we respect it. Even framers of the Constitution said national security is an exception and that has never been challenged in last 72 years," he said.

On Gandhi's criticism of the government on the Rafale issue, the senior BJP leader said the government has repeatedly made its position clear on the issue.

The Supreme Court has spoken on it and the petitioners are taking one more chance, he said, adding that the CAG has already analysed it.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said Gandhi neither believes the Indian Air Force nor the Supreme Court verdict and asked if he needed a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/does-rahul-gandhi-need-certificate-from-pakistan-on-rafale-bjp-201717">certificate from Pakistan about the fighter aircraft</a>.

The Congress president believes Pakistan more than Indian forces and its leaders, Prasad said.&nbsp;

"I totally condemn blatant lies of Rahul Gandhi. He does not believe the Indian Air Force, does not trust the Supreme Court verdict that clearly said there is no commercial impropriety in the (Rafale) procurement process. He does not believe the CAG," Prasad said.

"Will Rahul Gandhi need a certificate about Rafale from Pakistan. In that we cannot help. Of late he believes Pakistan more than Indian forces and its leaders," the senior BJP leader added.&nbsp;

Addressing a press conference in the morning, Gandhi asked why a probe cannot be ordered against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a "Rs 30,000-crore scam" when an investigation has been initiated into the theft of official documents related to the fighter jet deal.

He accused the prime minister of conducting parallel negotiations on the fighter jet deal and the government of manipulating institutions to "save" him.

The parallel negotiations "retarded" the delivery of Rafale, he claimed.&nbsp;

Asserting that the Congress has boxed itself into a corner on the issue of national security, the BJP Thursday dubbed its president Rahul Gandhi's attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Rafale issue an attempt to shift the focus due to people's "revulsion" against it.

Asserting that the Congress has boxed itself into a corner on the issue of national security, the BJP Thursday dubbed its president Rahul Gandhi's attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Rafale issue an attempt to shift the focus due to people's "revulsion" against it. At a Cabinet briefing, Union minister Arun Jaitley told reporters that every falsehood the Congress and Rahul Gandhi have spoken on the Rafale issue has been "exposed", adding that no dynast can claim that he is above the Supreme Court and the CAG. "Words were very few, facts were completely wrong and the motivation was also collateral," Jaitley said of Gandhi's press conference. He claimed that the facts which have emerged about the matter so far have "proved" that the Congress and its leader have spoken "lies" on every issue. "The Congress has in the last few days through statements of its senior leaders has boxed itself into a corner. They are getting high TRP on Pakistan television but there is revulsion as far as domestic opinion in India is concerned," he said. Therefore, the motivation today was collateral, to shift the focus and take up an issue which is "false" and whose every "falsehood" has been exposed, he added. He also defended the government's stand in the Supreme Court over publication of critical media reports that they were based the Rafale documents "stolen" from the defence ministry and that they violated Official Secrets Act. "It is obvious that defence notings of an issue of sensitive interest to the country have been leaked... We have a very free press and we respect it. Even framers of the Constitution said national security is an exception and that has never been challenged in last 72 years," he said. On Gandhi's criticism of the government on the Rafale issue, the senior BJP leader said the government has repeatedly made its position clear on the issue. The Supreme Court has spoken on it and the petitioners are taking one more chance, he said, adding that the CAG has already analysed it. Earlier in the day, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said Gandhi neither believes the Indian Air Force nor the Supreme Court verdict and asked if he needed a certificate from Pakistan about the fighter aircraft. The Congress president believes Pakistan more than Indian forces and its leaders, Prasad said. "I totally condemn blatant lies of Rahul Gandhi. He does not believe the Indian Air Force, does not trust the Supreme Court verdict that clearly said there is no commercial impropriety in the (Rafale) procurement process. He does not believe the CAG," Prasad said. "Will Rahul Gandhi need a certificate about Rafale from Pakistan. In that we cannot help. Of late he believes Pakistan more than Indian forces and its leaders," the senior BJP leader added. Addressing a press conference in the morning, Gandhi asked why a probe cannot be ordered against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a "Rs 30,000-crore scam" when an investigation has been initiated into the theft of official documents related to the fighter jet deal. He accused the prime minister of conducting parallel negotiations on the fighter jet deal and the government of manipulating institutions to "save" him. The parallel negotiations "retarded" the delivery of Rafale, he claimed.

Rahul trying to divert attention by attacking Modi on Rafale issue: BJP

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Lok Sabha polls to stretch out for over a month from April 11 to May 19, results on May 23