Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Saturday rated the Narendra Modi-led BJP government on its completion of four years in power.

Rahul Gandhi gave the BJP government an "F" (Fail) grade in the spheres of agriculture, foreign policy, fuel prices and job creation

He gave PM Modi an A+ in slogan creation and self promotion and a B- in Yoga.

In the "remarks" section, Rahul Gandhi called the prime minister a master communicator who struggled with complex issues and had a short attention span.

Asked to comment on Rahul Gandhi's tweet, BJP President Amit Shah said the Congress president had no option other than doing this since he was in the Opposition.&nbsp

"What else do you expect from Rahul Gandhi? He is in the opposition, he has to do this. Woh thodi na hamare bakhan karenge. (They will not praise us). We have presented facts and figures and anyone can challenge that," Amit Shah said.

On four years of the Modi government, Amit Shah praised PM Modi for being hardworking and said he was the most popular leader in the world.

"BJP provided the most hardworking Prime Minister and the most popular leader in the world to the country, a PM who works for 15-18 hours a day. We are proud that this Prime Minister is a leader of BJP," the BJP President said.

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4 Yr. Report Card 
 
Agriculture: F 
Foreign Policy: F 
Fuel Prices: F 
Job Creation: F 
 
Slogan Creation: A+ 
Self Promotion: A+ 
Yoga: B- 
 
Remarks: 
Master communicator struggles with complex issues short attention span.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1000274212932628480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Rahul Gandhi gave the BJP government an 'F' grade in the spheres of agriculture, foreign policy, fuel prices and job creation

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Saturday rated the Narendra Modi-led BJP government on its completion of four years in power. Rahul Gandhi gave the BJP government an "F" (Fail) grade in the spheres of agriculture, foreign policy, fuel prices and job creation He gave PM Modi an A+ in slogan creation and self promotion and a B- in Yoga. In the "remarks" section, Rahul Gandhi called the prime minister a master communicator who struggled with complex issues and had a short attention span. Asked to comment on Rahul Gandhi's tweet, BJP President Amit Shah said the Congress president had no option other than doing this since he was in the Opposition. "What else do you expect from Rahul Gandhi? He is in the opposition, he has to do this. Woh thodi na hamare bakhan karenge. (They will not praise us). We have presented facts and figures and anyone can challenge that," Amit Shah said. On four years of the Modi government, Amit Shah praised PM Modi for being hardworking and said he was the most popular leader in the world. "BJP provided the most hardworking Prime Minister and the most popular leader in the world to the country, a PM who works for 15-18 hours a day. We are proud that this Prime Minister is a leader of BJP," the BJP President said. 4 Yr. Report Card Agriculture: F Foreign Policy: F Fuel Prices: F Job Creation: F Slogan Creation: A+ Self Promotion: A+ Yoga: B- Remarks: Master communicator struggles with complex issues short attention span. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 26, 2018 ×

Four years of Modi: Rahul Gandhi's report card

After <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/challenge-accepted-says-pm-modi-accepting-virat-kohlis-fitness-dare-139302">Prime&nbsp;Minister Narendra Modi accepted Virat Kohli's fitness challenge</a> on Thursday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi has also challenged the PM on Twitter.

Gandhi&nbsp;took to Twitter and asked PM Modi to reduce the fuel prices in the country. He also warned the Prime Minister saying&nbsp;his party would go on a nationwide protest if the prices are not brought down.

His tweet said, "Dear PM,&nbsp; 
Glad to see you accept the @imVkohli fitness challenge. Here’s one from me: 
Reduce Fuel prices or the Congress will do a nationwide agitation and force you to do so.&nbsp; 
I look forward to your response. 
#FuelChallenge

Earlier Cricketer Virat Kohli had given a fitness&nbsp;challenge&nbsp;to the prime minister on Twitter.

The PM replied to Kohli's challenge stating that "Challenge accepted, Virat! I will be sharing my own #FitnessChallenge video soon. @imVkohli #HumFitTohIndiaFit,"

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Dear PM, 
 
Glad to see you accept the <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> fitness challenge. Here’s one from me: 
 
Reduce Fuel prices or the Congress will do a nationwide agitation and force you to do so. 
 
I look forward to your response.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FuelChallenge?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FuelChallenge</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/999575452749574144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Gandhi took to Twitter and asked PM Modi to reduce the fuel prices in the country. He also warned the Prime Minister saying his party would go on a nationwide protest if the prices are not brought down

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi accepted Virat Kohli's fitness challenge on Thursday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi has also challenged the PM on Twitter. Gandhi took to Twitter and asked PM Modi to reduce the fuel prices in the country. He also warned the Prime Minister saying his party would go on a nationwide protest if the prices are not brought down. His tweet said, "Dear PM, Glad to see you accept the @imVkohli fitness challenge. Here’s one from me: Reduce Fuel prices or the Congress will do a nationwide agitation and force you to do so. I look forward to your response. #FuelChallenge Earlier Cricketer Virat Kohli had given a fitness challenge to the prime minister on Twitter. The PM replied to Kohli's challenge stating that "Challenge accepted, Virat! I will be sharing my own #FitnessChallenge video soon. @imVkohli #HumFitTohIndiaFit," Dear PM, Glad to see you accept the @imVkohli fitness challenge. Here’s one from me: Reduce Fuel prices or the Congress will do a nationwide agitation and force you to do so. I look forward to your response.#FuelChallenge — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 24, 2018 ×

After Modi accepts 'fitness challenge', Rahul Gandhi dares PM to take 'fuel challenge'

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will visit Piplya Mandi village near Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh on June 6, the first death anniversary of six farmers who were killed in police firing during a protest there last year.

During his visit, Gandhi is will hold a condolence meeting-cum-rally, the Congress said on Wednesday.

The party, however, alleged that the district administration has given permission to the event by imposing 19 different conditions, one of which asks Gandhi not to make a "provocative" speech.

The opposition party alleged that the BJP-led government in Madhya Pradesh wanted to disturb Gandhi's event through such conditions.

When asked, the district administration, however, said it was in the process of "amending" its previous order (in which the conditions were set).

The event is being seen as the launch of Congress's poll campaign in the state, which will witness the Assembly polls later this year.

"Rahulji is coming here to condole the deaths of six farmers at Pipliya Mandi, the epicentre of last year's farmers' unrest," MP Congress chief spokesperson Manak Agrawal said.

One lakh people are expected to take part in the meeting, he added.

Sharing a copy of the district administration's permission letter, Congress spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi said, "The district administration has given its nod to the event with certain conditions like the maximum size of the tent spread for the rally can't be more than 15X15 feet, no loudspeakers above 10 decibel limit."

The letter also reads that the organisers shall be held responsible if the vehicles of anyone participating in the rally are stolen, he said, adding that "besides, the Congress was also asked to arrange for the security of the event".

"One of the conditions also says that the Congress chief should not make any provocative speech," Chaturvedi said.

He alleged that imposing such conditions was a deliberate attempt to stop Gandhi from reaching out to people.

MP Congress chief Kamal Nath in a tweet said, "The Shivraj Singh government, which did not allow Rahul ji to enter Mandsaur following the farmers' killing, again wants to disturb Rahul ji's meeting of June 6 and muzzle the voice of farmers by laying the conditions."

"Will the same conditions be laid for the meetings of Modi ji and all the BJP leaders in future?" he asked.

When contacted, district collector O P Shrivastava said, "We are amending the previous order related to the Congress event. Under the revised order, they can use the site as per their needs."

Tehsildar of the Malhargarh area of the district, Parasmal Kunhara said permission for the Congress rally was granted on four hectares of land.&nbsp

"They can use the land as per their wish. The conditions were inadvertently pasted on the order earlier," he said.&nbsp

Superintendent of plice Manoj Kumar Singh said the police would make security arrangements for the event.

"Holding a public meeting is their constitutional right. We will make all arrangements to maintain law and order. We have already detained 350 habitual offenders and criminals in view of this programme and such action is going to continue," he said.

Gandhi was detained in Neemuch in Madhya Pradesh en route Mandsaur in June last year to meet the families of the farmers killed in the police firing during their protest.&nbsp

The opposition party alleged that the BJP-led government in Madhya Pradesh wanted to disturb Gandhi's event through such conditions.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will visit Piplya Mandi village near Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh on June 6, the first death anniversary of six farmers who were killed in police firing during a protest there last year. During his visit, Gandhi is will hold a condolence meeting-cum-rally, the Congress said on Wednesday. The party, however, alleged that the district administration has given permission to the event by imposing 19 different conditions, one of which asks Gandhi not to make a "provocative" speech. The opposition party alleged that the BJP-led government in Madhya Pradesh wanted to disturb Gandhi's event through such conditions. When asked, the district administration, however, said it was in the process of "amending" its previous order (in which the conditions were set). The event is being seen as the launch of Congress's poll campaign in the state, which will witness the Assembly polls later this year. "Rahulji is coming here to condole the deaths of six farmers at Pipliya Mandi, the epicentre of last year's farmers' unrest," MP Congress chief spokesperson Manak Agrawal said. One lakh people are expected to take part in the meeting, he added. Sharing a copy of the district administration's permission letter, Congress spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi said, "The district administration has given its nod to the event with certain conditions like the maximum size of the tent spread for the rally can't be more than 15X15 feet, no loudspeakers above 10 decibel limit." The letter also reads that the organisers shall be held responsible if the vehicles of anyone participating in the rally are stolen, he said, adding that "besides, the Congress was also asked to arrange for the security of the event". "One of the conditions also says that the Congress chief should not make any provocative speech," Chaturvedi said. He alleged that imposing such conditions was a deliberate attempt to stop Gandhi from reaching out to people. MP Congress chief Kamal Nath in a tweet said, "The Shivraj Singh government, which did not allow Rahul ji to enter Mandsaur following the farmers' killing, again wants to disturb Rahul ji's meeting of June 6 and muzzle the voice of farmers by laying the conditions." "Will the same conditions be laid for the meetings of Modi ji and all the BJP leaders in future?" he asked. When contacted, district collector O P Shrivastava said, "We are amending the previous order related to the Congress event. Under the revised order, they can use the site as per their needs." Tehsildar of the Malhargarh area of the district, Parasmal Kunhara said permission for the Congress rally was granted on four hectares of land. "They can use the land as per their wish. The conditions were inadvertently pasted on the order earlier," he said. Superintendent of plice Manoj Kumar Singh said the police would make security arrangements for the event. "Holding a public meeting is their constitutional right. We will make all arrangements to maintain law and order. We have already detained 350 habitual offenders and criminals in view of this programme and such action is going to continue," he said. Gandhi was detained in Neemuch in Madhya Pradesh en route Mandsaur in June last year to meet the families of the farmers killed in the police firing during their protest.

Rahul Gandhi to hold rally on farmers' death anniversary in Mandsaur in June

The final Congress-JD(S) deal is expected to be hammered out today in Bengaluru.&nbsp;

The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy — who will be sworn in as chief minister of Karnataka on Wednesday — met Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday in Delhi.&nbsp;

Rahul described the meeting as "cordial".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-jds-win-in-karnataka-encouraging-formation-of-federal-front-against-bjp-138306">Congress-JD(S) win in Karnataka encouraging formation of 'federal front' against BJP</a>

But issues remain.&nbsp;

The Congress for one reportedly wants two deputy chief ministers. The Congress has 78 MLAs in Karnataka, the JD(S) has 37. (The latter won 38 seats but Kumaraswamy had contested, and won, from two seats.)&nbsp;

The Congress believes having two deputy CMs will even out the balance of power.&nbsp;

The JD(S) would rather have one.&nbsp;

The speaker's post, however, news reports said Tuesday, will go to the Congress.&nbsp;

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Speaker for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> Assembly will be from Congress. Name likely to be announced by evening by local leaders: Sources
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/998815050180710400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Congress is also expected to get anywhere up to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kumaraswamy-to-meet-sonia-rahul-today-in-delhi-congress-may-get-20-seats-in-karnatakas-33-member-cabinet-138488">20 seats</a> in the 33-member Karnataka cabinet.&nbsp;

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I had a warm and cordial meeting this evening, in Delhi, with Shri H D Kumaraswamy ji. We discussed the political situation in Karnataka and other matters of mutual interest. I will be attending his swearing in as CM of Karnataka, on Wednesday, in Bengaluru. <a href="https://t.co/sZAwX8mQut">pic.twitter.com/sZAwX8mQut</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/998573614508249089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The reports added that the parties are also likely to set up a coordination committee and to draft a common minimum programme.

The reports quoted Kumaraswamy as saying that Rahul had "cleared the modalities". And that AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka KC&nbsp;Venugopal would hammer out the final details today in Bengaluru.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy — who will be sworn in as chief minister of Karnataka on Wednesday — met Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday in Delhi

The final Congress-JD(S) deal is expected to be hammered out today in Bengaluru. The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy — who will be sworn in as chief minister of Karnataka on Wednesday — met Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday in Delhi. Rahul described the meeting as "cordial". Also read: Congress-JD(S) win in Karnataka encouraging formation of 'federal front' against BJP But issues remain. The Congress for one reportedly wants two deputy chief ministers. The Congress has 78 MLAs in Karnataka, the JD(S) has 37. (The latter won 38 seats but Kumaraswamy had contested, and won, from two seats.) The Congress believes having two deputy CMs will even out the balance of power. The JD(S) would rather have one. The speaker's post, however, news reports said Tuesday, will go to the Congress. Speaker for #Karnataka Assembly will be from Congress. Name likely to be announced by evening by local leaders: Sources — ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2018 × The Congress is also expected to get anywhere up to 20 seats in the 33-member Karnataka cabinet. I had a warm and cordial meeting this evening, in Delhi, with Shri H D Kumaraswamy ji. We discussed the political situation in Karnataka and other matters of mutual interest. I will be attending his swearing in as CM of Karnataka, on Wednesday, in Bengaluru. pic.twitter.com/sZAwX8mQut — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2018 × The reports added that the parties are also likely to set up a coordination committee and to draft a common minimum programme. The reports quoted Kumaraswamy as saying that Rahul had "cleared the modalities". And that AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka KC Venugopal would hammer out the final details today in Bengaluru.

Karnataka: Final Congress-JD(S) deal to be hammered out today

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday remembered his father former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 27th death anniversary today.&nbsp;

Taking to Twitter, the Congress president posted a picture of his father whose caption read: "My father taught me that hate is a prison for those who carry it. Today, on his death anniversary, I thank him for teaching me to love and respect all beings, the most valuable gifts a father can give a son," he tweeted.

"Rajiv Gandhi, those of us that love you hold you forever in our hearts," he added.

On Monday morning, Rahul Gandhi along with his sister Priyanka and her husband &nbsp;Robert Vadra paid homage to the former PM at Vir Bhumi in Delhi.&nbsp;

Rajiv Gandhi became the youngest PM of India at 40 when he assumed office after his mother and former PM Indira Gandhi was assassinated in 1984.

He was assassinated in Tamil Nadu’s Sriperumbudur, a village located about 40 kms from Chennai in a suicide bombing.

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My father taught me that hate is a prison for those who carry it. Today, on his death anniversary, I thank him for teaching me to love and respect all beings, the most valuable gifts a father can give a son. 
 
Rajiv Gandhi, those of us that love you hold you forever in our hearts. <a href="https://t.co/BBjESe4D3S">pic.twitter.com/BBjESe4D3S</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/998370308494151680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi pay homage to their father Rajiv Gandhi at Vir Bhumi in Delhi, on the 27th death anniversary of the former Prime Minister. Former President Pranab Mukherjee and Priyanka's husband Robert Vadra also pay homage <a href="https://t.co/DFmThKwtI0">pic.twitter.com/DFmThKwtI0</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/998386379037052929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

He was assassinated in Tamil Nadu’s Sriperumbudur, a village located about 40 kms from Chennai in a suicide bombing.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday remembered his father former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 27th death anniversary today. Taking to Twitter, the Congress president posted a picture of his father whose caption read: "My father taught me that hate is a prison for those who carry it. Today, on his death anniversary, I thank him for teaching me to love and respect all beings, the most valuable gifts a father can give a son," he tweeted. "Rajiv Gandhi, those of us that love you hold you forever in our hearts," he added. On Monday morning, Rahul Gandhi along with his sister Priyanka and her husband Robert Vadra paid homage to the former PM at Vir Bhumi in Delhi. Rajiv Gandhi became the youngest PM of India at 40 when he assumed office after his mother and former PM Indira Gandhi was assassinated in 1984. He was assassinated in Tamil Nadu’s Sriperumbudur, a village located about 40 kms from Chennai in a suicide bombing. My father taught me that hate is a prison for those who carry it. Today, on his death anniversary, I thank him for teaching me to love and respect all beings, the most valuable gifts a father can give a son. Rajiv Gandhi, those of us that love you hold you forever in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/BBjESe4D3S — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 21, 2018 × Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi pay homage to their father Rajiv Gandhi at Vir Bhumi in Delhi, on the 27th death anniversary of the former Prime Minister. Former President Pranab Mukherjee and Priyanka's husband Robert Vadra also pay homage pic.twitter.com/DFmThKwtI0 — ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2018 ×

'Hate is a prison,' says Rahul Gandhi on father Rajiv's 27th death anniversary

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kumaraswamy-to-meet-sonia-rahul-today-in-delhi-congress-may-get-20-seats-in-karnatakas-33-member-cabinet-138488">Kumaraswamy to meet Sonia, Rahul today in Delhi Cong may get 20 seats in Karnataka cabinet, JD(S) 13</a>

HD Kumaraswamy, who will be sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, will be in Delhi today to meet Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-demands-probe-of-alleged-spying-on-his-campaign-138487">Trump says his presidential campaign was spied on, demands probe</a>

US President Donald Trump demanded Sunday that the Justice Department investigate whether his presidential campaign was "infiltrated" or spied on for political purposes, prompting it to announce it would look into those issues.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-installing-viewing-stands-for-audience-to-watch-dismantling-nuclear-site--138481">North Korea installing viewing stands for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-installing-viewing-stands-for-audience-to-watch-dismantling-nuclear-site--138481">audience</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-installing-viewing-stands-for-audience-to-watch-dismantling-nuclear-site--138481"> to watch </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-installing-viewing-stands-for-audience-to-watch-dismantling-nuclear-site--138481">dismantling</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-installing-viewing-stands-for-audience-to-watch-dismantling-nuclear-site--138481"> of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-installing-viewing-stands-for-audience-to-watch-dismantling-nuclear-site--138481">nuclear</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-installing-viewing-stands-for-audience-to-watch-dismantling-nuclear-site--138481"> test site</a>

North Korea has now decided to set up stands for viewers to watch the dismantling of its nuclear test site through satellite imagery between Wednesday (May 23) and Friday (May 25).

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-teen-domestic-help-asks-for-salary-is-chopped-into-pieces-138502">Delhi: Teen domestic help asks for salary, is chopped into pieces</a>

A 16-year-old girl was killed and her body was chopped into three pieces by the person who had brought her from Jharkhand to get her employed as a domestic help in Delhi, after she demanded her salary, police said on Sunday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-brazilian-woman-swallows-106-cocaine-pills-in-smuggling-bid--138484">Delhi: Brazil woman who swallowed 106 cocaine pills caught at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-brazilian-woman-swallows-106-cocaine-pills-in-smuggling-bid--138484">airport</a>

A 25-year-old Brazilian woman was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau from Indira Gandhi International Airport after she was caught smuggling cocaine that she had swallowed

Kumaraswamy to meet Sonia, Rahul today in Delhi Cong may get 20 seats in Karnataka cabinet, JD(S) 13 HD Kumaraswamy, who will be sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, will be in Delhi today to meet Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi. Trump says his presidential campaign was spied on, demands probe US President Donald Trump demanded Sunday that the Justice Department investigate whether his presidential campaign was "infiltrated" or spied on for political purposes, prompting it to announce it would look into those issues. North Korea installing viewing stands for audience to watch dismantling of nuclear test site North Korea has now decided to set up stands for viewers to watch the dismantling of its nuclear test site through satellite imagery between Wednesday (May 23) and Friday (May 25). Delhi: Teen domestic help asks for salary, is chopped into pieces A 16-year-old girl was killed and her body was chopped into three pieces by the person who had brought her from Jharkhand to get her employed as a domestic help in Delhi, after she demanded her salary, police said on Sunday. Delhi: Brazil woman who swallowed 106 cocaine pills caught at airport A 25-year-old Brazilian woman was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau from Indira Gandhi International Airport after she was caught smuggling cocaine that she had swallowed

News brief: Big stories of the day

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that he had a warm and cordial meeting with JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy in New Delhi.

"I had a warm and cordial meeting this evening, in Delhi, with Shri H D Kumaraswamy Ji. We discussed the political situation in Karnataka and other matters of mutual interest. I will be attending his swearing-in as CM of Karnataka, on Wednesday, in Bengaluru," he tweeted.

Meanwhile, Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) leader HD Kumaraswamy said that he is confident that the yet-to-be sworn in the coalition government with the Congress in Karnataka will be stable.

HD Kumaraswamy spoke to reporters on the question of who will become Deputy chief minister of Karnataka.

"I wanted to show my respect & regards to Gandhi family. That's why I came here. I requested them for further presence in oath taking ceremony. Both of them agreed to be present at the oath-taking ceremony," said HD Kumaraswamy, Karnataka CM designate after meeting Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> CM designate HD Kumaraswamy met Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Delhi. JD(S) Danish Ali and Congress's KC Venugopal also present. <a href="https://t.co/Qqqf3PFJQ4">pic.twitter.com/Qqqf3PFJQ4</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/998558102067671040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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ANI quoted him as saying that Rahul Gandhi has given permission to Congress general secretary KC Venugopal to finalise everything.&nbsp;

He further said that Rahul would carry out a discussion with local leaders and finalise the issue.

HD Kumaraswamy spoke to reporters on the question of who will become Deputy chief minister of Karnataka.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that he had a warm and cordial meeting with JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy in New Delhi. "I had a warm and cordial meeting this evening, in Delhi, with Shri H D Kumaraswamy Ji. We discussed the political situation in Karnataka and other matters of mutual interest. I will be attending his swearing-in as CM of Karnataka, on Wednesday, in Bengaluru," he tweeted. Meanwhile, Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) leader HD Kumaraswamy said that he is confident that the yet-to-be sworn in the coalition government with the Congress in Karnataka will be stable. HD Kumaraswamy spoke to reporters on the question of who will become Deputy chief minister of Karnataka. "I wanted to show my respect & regards to Gandhi family. That's why I came here. I requested them for further presence in oath taking ceremony. Both of them agreed to be present at the oath-taking ceremony," said HD Kumaraswamy, Karnataka CM designate after meeting Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. #Karnataka CM designate HD Kumaraswamy met Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Delhi. JD(S) Danish Ali and Congress's KC Venugopal also present. pic.twitter.com/Qqqf3PFJQ4 — ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2018 × ANI quoted him as saying that Rahul Gandhi has given permission to Congress general secretary KC Venugopal to finalise everything. He further said that Rahul would carry out a discussion with local leaders and finalise the issue.

Warm and cordial meeting with Kumaraswamy, says Rahul Gandhi

HD Kumaraswamy, who will be sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, will be in Delhi today to meet Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy and the Gandhis will discuss the nitty gritties of government formation in the southern state.&nbsp;

News reports said Monday that the Congress — which has 78 MLAs, the JD(S) now has 37 after Kumaraswamy gave up the second seat he contested from — is expected to end up with 20 ministers in the 33-member cabinet.&nbsp;

News reports added that Karnataka could get two deputy chief ministers. It had earlier been decided that the deputy chief ministership would go to a Dalit, with the Congress's G Parameshwara expected to fill the post.&nbsp;

There has now been a second demand for a Lingayat to be made deputy chief minister, which may lead to the state having two of them.&nbsp;

The reports added that the Congress would make no demands of the JD(S) in order to keep the coalition stable.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Kumaraswamy termed reports of a power-sharing formula of 30 months each between the two parties as "bogus".

"I'm visiting New Delhi tomorrow...I will meet Congress President Rahul Gandhi and the party's senior leader Sonia Gandhi," he told reporters in Bengaluru.

Based on the outcome of discussions with them, a decision will be taken on the number of Congress and JD(S) MLAs who will become ministers, Kumaraswamy added.

BS Yeddyurappa had on Saturday stepped down as the chief minister without facing the floor test in the state assembly as the BJP fell short of numbers, following which Kumaraswamy met Governor Vajubhai Vala, and said he had been invited to form the government.

The May 12 Karnataka assembly polls threw up a hung assembly, with the BJP emerging as the single largest party with 104 seats.

While making it clear that there have been no discussions yet on the portfolio allocation, Kumaraswamy requested the media not to create confusion among the public and MLAs with such "speculative" reports.

He also asserted that within 24 hours of taking oath, he would prove his majority on the floor of the House.

"Mostly on Wednesday there will be oath-taking ceremony after that on Thursday we will complete the process of Speaker's election and trust vote," he added.

After meeting the governor, Kumaraswamy had said the swearing-in ceremony would take place tentatively between 12 noon and 1.50 pm at Kanteerava stadium on May 21.

But, later he announced that the event would be held on May 23 as May 21 happens to be the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

The venue of the swearing-in is also likely to be changed, with party sources now saying it is likely to take place at Vidhana Soudha (the seat of the state legislature).

However, Kumaraswamy said he had spoken to the Chief Secretary and other senior officials about it and they would take a call on the venue.

Kumaraswamy met his father and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda at his residence on Sunday and later visited the hotel where JD(S) MLAs are camping and held a meeting with them.

Asked about reports on power-sharing formula of 30 months each that is being worked out with the Congress, Kumaraswamy said, "No such talks have taken place."

On reports about parleys with Congress leaders regarding elections in Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagar assembly constituencies, Kumarasamy described it as "bogus".

"It is a bogus news...No such discussions have taken place. Winning Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagara is a necessity. Till now, no such discussions have happened," he said.

While polling was deferred in Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency over allegations of electoral malpractice, election to Jayanagar seat was countermanded following the death of the BJP candidate.

(With inputs from PTI)

Kumaraswamy will be sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday. He is expected to take his floor test on Thursday

HD Kumaraswamy, who will be sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, will be in Delhi today to meet Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi. Kumaraswamy and the Gandhis will discuss the nitty gritties of government formation in the southern state. News reports said Monday that the Congress — which has 78 MLAs, the JD(S) now has 37 after Kumaraswamy gave up the second seat he contested from — is expected to end up with 20 ministers in the 33-member cabinet. News reports added that Karnataka could get two deputy chief ministers. It had earlier been decided that the deputy chief ministership would go to a Dalit, with the Congress's G Parameshwara expected to fill the post. There has now been a second demand for a Lingayat to be made deputy chief minister, which may lead to the state having two of them. The reports added that the Congress would make no demands of the JD(S) in order to keep the coalition stable. On Sunday, Kumaraswamy termed reports of a power-sharing formula of 30 months each between the two parties as "bogus". "I'm visiting New Delhi tomorrow...I will meet Congress President Rahul Gandhi and the party's senior leader Sonia Gandhi," he told reporters in Bengaluru. Based on the outcome of discussions with them, a decision will be taken on the number of Congress and JD(S) MLAs who will become ministers, Kumaraswamy added. BS Yeddyurappa had on Saturday stepped down as the chief minister without facing the floor test in the state assembly as the BJP fell short of numbers, following which Kumaraswamy met Governor Vajubhai Vala, and said he had been invited to form the government. The May 12 Karnataka assembly polls threw up a hung assembly, with the BJP emerging as the single largest party with 104 seats. While making it clear that there have been no discussions yet on the portfolio allocation, Kumaraswamy requested the media not to create confusion among the public and MLAs with such "speculative" reports. He also asserted that within 24 hours of taking oath, he would prove his majority on the floor of the House. "Mostly on Wednesday there will be oath-taking ceremony after that on Thursday we will complete the process of Speaker's election and trust vote," he added. After meeting the governor, Kumaraswamy had said the swearing-in ceremony would take place tentatively between 12 noon and 1.50 pm at Kanteerava stadium on May 21. But, later he announced that the event would be held on May 23 as May 21 happens to be the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The venue of the swearing-in is also likely to be changed, with party sources now saying it is likely to take place at Vidhana Soudha (the seat of the state legislature). However, Kumaraswamy said he had spoken to the Chief Secretary and other senior officials about it and they would take a call on the venue. Kumaraswamy met his father and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda at his residence on Sunday and later visited the hotel where JD(S) MLAs are camping and held a meeting with them. Asked about reports on power-sharing formula of 30 months each that is being worked out with the Congress, Kumaraswamy said, "No such talks have taken place." On reports about parleys with Congress leaders regarding elections in Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagar assembly constituencies, Kumarasamy described it as "bogus". "It is a bogus news...No such discussions have taken place. Winning Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagara is a necessity. Till now, no such discussions have happened," he said. While polling was deferred in Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency over allegations of electoral malpractice, election to Jayanagar seat was countermanded following the death of the BJP candidate. (With inputs from PTI)

Kumaraswamy to meet Sonia, Rahul Gandhi today in Delhi

Karnataka CM-designate and&nbspJDS' (Janata Dal (Secular) HD Kumaraswamy on Sunday said he will be meeting Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Monday, according to news agency ANI.

The JD(S) leader will also hold discussions on Cabinet expansion and how to establish a stable government in Karnataka with both, ANI added

''Tomorrow I will be going to Delhi, where I will meet Sonia ji and Rahul ji. We will decide about cabinet expansion. I will discuss everything with them on how to give a stable government for the next 5 years,'' Kumaraswamy said.&nbsp

Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R Vala on Saturday invited JD(S)&nbsplegislative party leader HD Kumaraswamy to form the next government in the state, following the resignation of BJP's BS Yeddyurappa ahead of his trust vote.

"The Governor has invited me to form the next government as the leader of the JD-S legislative party with the support of the Congress, which is our alliance partner," Kumaraswamy told reporters after meeting Vala at Raj Bhavan and staked claim to power after the three-day BJP government fell.

The Governor had given Kumaraswamy&nbsp15 days to prove majority in the 224-member legislative assembly, whose strength is currently 222.

Kumaraswamy who was earlier slated to take oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on May 21 between 12 noon and 1 pm-- will now swear-in on May 23.

Speaking to ANI, HD Kumaraswamy reasoned, "We are going to take oath on Wednesday, May 23, as Monday (May 21) is Rajiv Gandhi's death anniversary and so that is not a proper date."

The JD(S) leader will also hold discussions on Cabinet expansion and how to establish a stable government in Karnataka

Karnataka CM-designate and&nbspJDS' (Janata Dal (Secular) HD Kumaraswamy on Sunday said he will be meeting Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Monday, according to news agency ANI. The JD(S) leader will also hold discussions on Cabinet expansion and how to establish a stable government in Karnataka with both, ANI added ''Tomorrow I will be going to Delhi, where I will meet Sonia ji and Rahul ji. We will decide about cabinet expansion. I will discuss everything with them on how to give a stable government for the next 5 years,'' Kumaraswamy said. Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R Vala on Saturday invited JD(S)&nbsplegislative party leader HD Kumaraswamy to form the next government in the state, following the resignation of BJP's BS Yeddyurappa ahead of his trust vote. "The Governor has invited me to form the next government as the leader of the JD-S legislative party with the support of the Congress, which is our alliance partner," Kumaraswamy told reporters after meeting Vala at Raj Bhavan and staked claim to power after the three-day BJP government fell. The Governor had given Kumaraswamy&nbsp15 days to prove majority in the 224-member legislative assembly, whose strength is currently 222. Kumaraswamy who was earlier slated to take oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on May 21 between 12 noon and 1 pm-- will now swear-in on May 23. Speaking to ANI, HD Kumaraswamy reasoned, "We are going to take oath on Wednesday, May 23, as Monday (May 21) is Rajiv Gandhi's death anniversary and so that is not a proper date."

HD Kumaraswamy to meet Sonia, Rahul tomorrow in Delhi

After winning over the stake in Karnataka, Congress President Rahul Gandhi hit out at the Prime Minister saying that the PM "is corruption".

He targetted PM Modi by saying that " the purchasing of MLAs in Karnataka was openly authorised by the PM".

He said, "You've seen openly how the PM directly authorized purchasing of MLAs in Karnataka, so the idea that PM spreads in the country that he is fighting corruption, is a blatant lie, he is corruption".

He further took a dig at the BJP and RSS saying that the BJP legislatures left the Vidhan Sabha immediately after Yeddyurappa's resignation, disrespecting the national anthem.

He further said, "Did you notice that after the entire exercise in Karnataka Vidhan Sabha, the BJP legislators and speaker chose to leave the house before the national anthem? It shows they can disrespect any institution if in power, both BJP and RSS have disrespected institutions".

He also said that the joint efforts by the opposition will continue to defeat BJP in the future as well.&nbsp

He said, "I am proud that opposition stood together and defeated the BJP and we will continue to do so".

He targetted PM Modi by saying that 'the purchasing of MLAs in Karnataka was openly authorised by the PM'

After winning over the stake in Karnataka, Congress President Rahul Gandhi hit out at the Prime Minister saying that the PM "is corruption". He targetted PM Modi by saying that " the purchasing of MLAs in Karnataka was openly authorised by the PM". He said, "You've seen openly how the PM directly authorized purchasing of MLAs in Karnataka, so the idea that PM spreads in the country that he is fighting corruption, is a blatant lie, he is corruption". He further took a dig at the BJP and RSS saying that the BJP legislatures left the Vidhan Sabha immediately after Yeddyurappa's resignation, disrespecting the national anthem. He further said, "Did you notice that after the entire exercise in Karnataka Vidhan Sabha, the BJP legislators and speaker chose to leave the house before the national anthem? It shows they can disrespect any institution if in power, both BJP and RSS have disrespected institutions". He also said that the joint efforts by the opposition will continue to defeat BJP in the future as well. He said, "I am proud that opposition stood together and defeated the BJP and we will continue to do so".

After Yeddyurappa's resignation, Rahul Gandhi hits out at PM, says opposition will continue to defeat BJP

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Friday accused the BJP of dividing people and making them fight among themselves, alleging that the situation in the country was deteriorating and the Dalits and tribals were being attacked.

He also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "silence" on various issues, including the alleged rape of a girl in Unnao by a BJP MLA.

"The atmosphere in the country is deteriorating. Dalits, Adivasis (tribals), women and youth are being attacked. Wherever the BJP is in power, it is dividing people and making them fight among themselves," he alleged.

The Congress president was answering questions posed by his party's booth-level workers in Bilaspur.

"A BJP MLA from Uttar Pradesh raped a woman, but the prime minister does not even utter a word. When a PM does not give direction, a country becomes direction-less.

"When the PM does not say anything in the Unnao case, in the Rohit Vemula case and when the Dalits are attacked, then they (accused) feel what they were doing is right. A PM gives direction to the country, while a CM does so in case of a state," Gandhi said.

He said if the Congress was voted to power in Chhattisgarh, then those who commit crimes against women and Dalits would be strictly punished and jailed.

"If anyone breaks the law of the land, stern action will be taken against them," he said.

Gandhi's two-day tour of Chhattisgarh, where Assembly elections are due later this year, started yesterday.&nbsp

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Congress President Rahul Gandhi holds a roadshow in Chhattisgarh's Durg. <a href="https://t.co/dCixZ1xOp0">pic.twitter.com/dCixZ1xOp0</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/997434387653451776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Congress president was answering questions posed by his party's booth-level workers in Bilaspur.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Friday accused the BJP of dividing people and making them fight among themselves, alleging that the situation in the country was deteriorating and the Dalits and tribals were being attacked. He also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "silence" on various issues, including the alleged rape of a girl in Unnao by a BJP MLA. "The atmosphere in the country is deteriorating. Dalits, Adivasis (tribals), women and youth are being attacked. Wherever the BJP is in power, it is dividing people and making them fight among themselves," he alleged. The Congress president was answering questions posed by his party's booth-level workers in Bilaspur. "A BJP MLA from Uttar Pradesh raped a woman, but the prime minister does not even utter a word. When a PM does not give direction, a country becomes direction-less. "When the PM does not say anything in the Unnao case, in the Rohit Vemula case and when the Dalits are attacked, then they (accused) feel what they were doing is right. A PM gives direction to the country, while a CM does so in case of a state," Gandhi said. He said if the Congress was voted to power in Chhattisgarh, then those who commit crimes against women and Dalits would be strictly punished and jailed. "If anyone breaks the law of the land, stern action will be taken against them," he said. Gandhi's two-day tour of Chhattisgarh, where Assembly elections are due later this year, started yesterday. Congress President Rahul Gandhi holds a roadshow in Chhattisgarh's Durg. pic.twitter.com/dCixZ1xOp0 — ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018 ×

'Divisive' BJP making people fight among themselves: Rahul Gandhi

Congress president Rahul Gandhi said today that the floor test ordered by the Supreme Court in the Karnataka assembly vindicated his party's stand that Governor Vajubhai Vala's invitation to BS Yeddyurappa to become chief minister was unconstitutional.

The Congress president wrote on Twitter that the top court had called the BJP government's bluff that it would form the government in the state even without the numbers. He also alleged that stopped legally, the BJP would now try "money and muscle to steal the mandate".

"Today’s Supreme Court order&nbspvindicates our stand that Governor Vala acted unconstitutionally. The BJP’s bluff that it will form the government, even without the numbers, has been called out by the court. Stopped legally, they will now try money & muscle, to steal the mandate," tweeted Rahul Gandhi.

The Supreme Court today asked the Yeddyurappa-led BJP government to conduct a floor test on Saturday to prove their majority in the Karnataka assembly.

The top court was hearing a petition challenging Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala's invitation to BS Yeddyurappa to become chief minister.

In the May 12 polls, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 104 members, while Congress secured 78, the JD(S) 37 and others three.

The BJP insists it should stake claim to form the government by virtue of being the single largest party while the Congress, which has struck a post-poll alliance with the JD(S), says they have more seats, four more than the half-way mark.&nbsp 
&nbsp

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Today’s Supreme Court order, vindicates our stand that Governor Vala acted unconstitutionally. 
 
The BJP’s bluff that it will form the Govt., even without the numbers, has been called out by the court. 
 
Stopped legally, they will now try money & muscle, to steal the mandate.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/997369301198925824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Congress president wrote on Twitter that the top court had called the BJP government's bluff that it would form the government in the state even without the numbers

Congress president Rahul Gandhi said today that the floor test ordered by the Supreme Court in the Karnataka assembly vindicated his party's stand that Governor Vajubhai Vala's invitation to BS Yeddyurappa to become chief minister was unconstitutional. The Congress president wrote on Twitter that the top court had called the BJP government's bluff that it would form the government in the state even without the numbers. He also alleged that stopped legally, the BJP would now try "money and muscle to steal the mandate". "Today’s Supreme Court order&nbspvindicates our stand that Governor Vala acted unconstitutionally. The BJP’s bluff that it will form the government, even without the numbers, has been called out by the court. Stopped legally, they will now try money & muscle, to steal the mandate," tweeted Rahul Gandhi. The Supreme Court today asked the Yeddyurappa-led BJP government to conduct a floor test on Saturday to prove their majority in the Karnataka assembly. The top court was hearing a petition challenging Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala's invitation to BS Yeddyurappa to become chief minister. In the May 12 polls, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 104 members, while Congress secured 78, the JD(S) 37 and others three. The BJP insists it should stake claim to form the government by virtue of being the single largest party while the Congress, which has struck a post-poll alliance with the JD(S), says they have more seats, four more than the half-way mark. Today’s Supreme Court order, vindicates our stand that Governor Vala acted unconstitutionally. The BJP’s bluff that it will form the Govt., even without the numbers, has been called out by the court. Stopped legally, they will now try money & muscle, to steal the mandate. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 18, 2018 ×

Supreme Court order vindicates stand that Governor acted unconstitutionally: Rahul Gandhi

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi knew the main accused in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam for long, but remained silent when they stole "farmers' money" and fled the country.

He accused the NDA government of ignoring farmers while waiving the loans of "15 richest people" in the country.

Gandhi, who was addressing a rally of farmers and tribal people at Sitapur in Chhattisgarh, promised a farm loan waiver across the country if the Congress returned to power in 2019.

"The UPA government ran MNREGA scheme at a cost of Rs 35,000 core. The same amount was stolen by (jeweller and PNB scam accused) Nirav Modi from the farmers of the country. The entire money of MNREGA was stolen by a single man, but our prime minister did not utter a single word," he said.

"The PM had known Nirav Modi and (the scam co-accused) Mehul Choksi. It was years-old relation," Gandhi alleged.

Farmers wanted loan waiver because the BJP government was giving them neither the minimum support price nor bonus, he said, adding that even the crop insurance scheme was not working.

"The Centre waived the loans of industrialists, but is not ready to take any step for farmers," Gandhi said.

When the Congress government is voted to power in 2019, it will waive loans of farmers in the entire country within 10 days of coming to power, he asserted.

Food processing plants will be set up and farmers will be ensured good returns on their produce, the Congress president said.

"When prime minister Modi was campaigning in 2014, he had promised to provide jobs to two crore youths every year, to deposit Rs 15 lakh in bank accounts of people and provide handsome returns to farmers on their produce. But nothing has happened. Forget Rs 15 lakh, not even Rs 15 have been deposited in any account," Gandhi said.

"When the UPA was in power, minimum support price was increased by 15 per cent every year. But during the NDA regime it wasn't hiked by even five per cent," he said.

"Unemployment is rising. Farmers are committing suicide. Dalits and tribals are being attacked and facing repression. When nobody is benefiting from this government, who is getting the benefit?" he asked.

Gandhi said he had personally met Modi and asked him to waive crop loans, but the prime minister did not give any reply.

"For whom this BJP and RSS machinery is working? I will give you an example -- farmers in the entire country wanted to get their loans waived, but the government ignored them and Rs 2.5 lakh crore worth of loans of the 15 richest people were waived," Gandhi alleged.

Referring to the press conference held by senior-most Supreme Court judges on issues related to the apex court earlier this year, Gandhi said, "The BJP-led NDA government has snatched the rights of judges. Where will people get justice when Supreme Court judges themselves are asking for justice from people?"

"Judges said they were under pressure from the prime minister and (BJP chief) Amit Shah. The prime minister was silent on the issue," Gandhi said.

The Congress would form government in Chhattisgarh by defeating the ruling BJP in the coming elections, he said.

While demonetisation led to job losses, small traders had to bear the brunt of "Gabbar Singh Tax", he said, referring to the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Farmers, youths, tribals and small traders in the state will benefit from the Congress government's policies, he said.

Speaking at Kotmi in Bilaspur district later in the evening, Gandhi took a jibe at the prime minister's 'Mann ki Baat' radio programme.

"You listen to the prime minister's speech. He speaks Man ki Baat. We (the Congress) do not want to tell you our 'Mann ki Baat', but want to listen to yours. We want to work on the strength of your 'Mann ki Baat," the Congress president told the gathering.

"If we are in politics, it is for you. We are fighting for you because you have built this country. Farmers have built this country. Adivasis, Dalits and women have made sacrifices, but when this country got money, it is being snatched from you and given to 10-15 richest people," he said.

The Congress president, who arrived on a two-day tour of Chhattisgarh today, addressed three public meetings during the day.&nbsp 
 
&nbsp

Gandhi, who was addressing a rally of farmers and tribal people at Sitapur in Chhattisgarh, promised a farm loan waiver across the country if the Congress returned to power in 2019.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi knew the main accused in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam for long, but remained silent when they stole "farmers' money" and fled the country. He accused the NDA government of ignoring farmers while waiving the loans of "15 richest people" in the country. Gandhi, who was addressing a rally of farmers and tribal people at Sitapur in Chhattisgarh, promised a farm loan waiver across the country if the Congress returned to power in 2019. "The UPA government ran MNREGA scheme at a cost of Rs 35,000 core. The same amount was stolen by (jeweller and PNB scam accused) Nirav Modi from the farmers of the country. The entire money of MNREGA was stolen by a single man, but our prime minister did not utter a single word," he said. "The PM had known Nirav Modi and (the scam co-accused) Mehul Choksi. It was years-old relation," Gandhi alleged. Farmers wanted loan waiver because the BJP government was giving them neither the minimum support price nor bonus, he said, adding that even the crop insurance scheme was not working. "The Centre waived the loans of industrialists, but is not ready to take any step for farmers," Gandhi said. When the Congress government is voted to power in 2019, it will waive loans of farmers in the entire country within 10 days of coming to power, he asserted. Food processing plants will be set up and farmers will be ensured good returns on their produce, the Congress president said. "When prime minister Modi was campaigning in 2014, he had promised to provide jobs to two crore youths every year, to deposit Rs 15 lakh in bank accounts of people and provide handsome returns to farmers on their produce. But nothing has happened. Forget Rs 15 lakh, not even Rs 15 have been deposited in any account," Gandhi said. "When the UPA was in power, minimum support price was increased by 15 per cent every year. But during the NDA regime it wasn't hiked by even five per cent," he said. "Unemployment is rising. Farmers are committing suicide. Dalits and tribals are being attacked and facing repression. When nobody is benefiting from this government, who is getting the benefit?" he asked. Gandhi said he had personally met Modi and asked him to waive crop loans, but the prime minister did not give any reply. "For whom this BJP and RSS machinery is working? I will give you an example -- farmers in the entire country wanted to get their loans waived, but the government ignored them and Rs 2.5 lakh crore worth of loans of the 15 richest people were waived," Gandhi alleged. Referring to the press conference held by senior-most Supreme Court judges on issues related to the apex court earlier this year, Gandhi said, "The BJP-led NDA government has snatched the rights of judges. Where will people get justice when Supreme Court judges themselves are asking for justice from people?" "Judges said they were under pressure from the prime minister and (BJP chief) Amit Shah. The prime minister was silent on the issue," Gandhi said. The Congress would form government in Chhattisgarh by defeating the ruling BJP in the coming elections, he said. While demonetisation led to job losses, small traders had to bear the brunt of "Gabbar Singh Tax", he said, referring to the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Farmers, youths, tribals and small traders in the state will benefit from the Congress government's policies, he said. Speaking at Kotmi in Bilaspur district later in the evening, Gandhi took a jibe at the prime minister's 'Mann ki Baat' radio programme. "You listen to the prime minister's speech. He speaks Man ki Baat. We (the Congress) do not want to tell you our 'Mann ki Baat', but want to listen to yours. We want to work on the strength of your 'Mann ki Baat," the Congress president told the gathering. "If we are in politics, it is for you. We are fighting for you because you have built this country. Farmers have built this country. Adivasis, Dalits and women have made sacrifices, but when this country got money, it is being snatched from you and given to 10-15 richest people," he said. The Congress president, who arrived on a two-day tour of Chhattisgarh today, addressed three public meetings during the day.

PM kept mum as Nirav Modi stole farmers' money: Rahul Gandhi

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-congress-to-stake-claim-to-form-government-after-karnataka-governors-invite-to-bjp--137692">Now, Goa Congress, RJD in Bihar to stake claim to form </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-congress-to-stake-claim-to-form-government-after-karnataka-governors-invite-to-bjp--137692">government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-congress-to-stake-claim-to-form-government-after-karnataka-governors-invite-to-bjp--137692"> after Karnataka Governor's invite to BJP</a>

Fifteen months after the elections Goa Congress to approach the Governor tomorrow to stake claim to form the government in the state. Congress Goa in-charge Chella Kumar along with other party leaders will meet the Governor tomorrow and stake claim to form the government.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/atmosphere-of-fear-in-country-situation-similar-to-pakistan-rahul-gandhi-137744">Atmosphere of fear in country, situation similar to Pakistan: Rahul Gandhi</a>

Against the backdrop of political developments in Karnataka, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today claimed the situation in the country was similar to that in Pakistan under "dictatorship".

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Against the backdrop of political developments in Karnataka, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today claimed the situation in the country was similar to that in Pakistan under "dictatorship".

At an event here, he alleged there was an atmosphere of fear in the country and the Constitution was under "severe attack", with even the institutions such as the judiciary and the press being suppressed and threatened.

His remarks came hours after BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa was sworn-in as the chief minister of Karnataka.

While the Congress-JD(S) combine in the state has been claiming a majority with the support of 117 MLAs, the BJP has 104 seats in the Assembly which has 224 elected members. Polling was not held in two seats. The House has a nominated seat.

"The Constitution is under severe attack in the country... In Karnataka, the MLAs are on one side and the Governor on the other and you know what attempt is being made," Gandhi said.

"The JD(S) leader has said its MLAs were offered Rs 100 crore," the Congress president said, apparently referring to H D Kumaraswami who had made the allegation.

Gandhi said, "One after another, you can see in every democratic institution in the country,..The RSS is trying to induct its people."

He said, "There is fear in the judiciary, there is fear in the press, and even the BJP's members of Parliament are scared as they cannot speak a single word before the prime minister."

In the last 70 years, it was generally seen that the people approached the judiciary for seeking justice, he said.

"But for the first time it was seen that four judges of the Supreme Court appeared before the press and sought support from the public, saying they were being suppressed and not allowed to perform their duties.

"Such a thing was witnessed for the first time in a democratic country. It definitely happens under dictatorships, it happens in Pakistan, it happens in different African countries, (where) a general comes and suppresses the court and the press. But in India, it has happened for the first time in last 70 years," Gandhi said.

He was apparently referring to the unprecedented press conference by four senior judges of the Supreme Court in January this year to express their grievances against the Chief Justice of India.

In his address at a 'Jan Swaraj Sammelan' here on the occasion of the silver jubilee of 73rd and 74th amendment in the Constitution related to local self-governance, the Congress leader accused the BJP and the RSS of capturing every democratic institution in country.

He said the Congress had ruled the country for several years but never tried to capture the democratic institutions.

Gandhi also alleged that the RSS and the BJP's target was to suppress the voice of Dalits, 'adivasis' (tribals) and women and distribute the country's wealth to some selected people.

"When farmers talk about loan waiver, (Finance Minister) Arun Jaitley says the Centre does not have any policy for it. But in the last one year, Rs 2.5 lakh crore loan of 15 rich people was waived. He (Jaitley) doesn't speak on it because it's in their policy," the Congress chief said.

He said that if the BJP wanted to talk about corruption, then its leaders should speak about the Rafale fighter deal, BJP chief's son and (Union minister) Piyush Goyal's company. However, he did not elaborate on it.

Gandhi alleged the BJP government has snatched the rights of farmers, villagers and poor and diluted the law.

He said the people will have to come together to fight against the ideology of the RSS and the BJP to protect the Constitution.

"If we want to fight against the ideology of the RSS and the BJP, the representatives and women who are sitting here, are our key strength," he said, referring to the panchayat members present at the event.

During the interaction with the representatives, Gandhi said if the Congress comes to power at the Centre, its focus will be on education, health and employment sectors in which the "Modi government has completely failed".

He said his party's government would waive farmers' loans within 10 days of coming to power in 2019.

Accusing the Modi government of considering farmers as a burden, he said the Congress considers them as its strength.

"If the Narendra Modi government can waive loans of 15 to 20 rich industrialists worth Rs 2.5 lakh crore, why can't farmers' loans be waived?" he asked.

"That amount is equivalent to Rs 35,000 crore that the UPA spent to implement the MNERGA scheme in the country," he said.

He said, "Modi calls Mehul Choksi as Mehul bhai. He knows Choksi and Nirav Modi well. Modi did not respond to my request to waive farm loans in the entire country."

The Congress government had brought the Land Acquisition Bill, in which it was clearly mentioned that panchayat's permission should be mandatory for acquiring land in a village, Gandhi said.

"The attack on me (by the BJP) was launched since the day I visited Bhatta Parsaul (in 2011 in Noida in UP). There I had raised questions and from that day they have been trying to corner me," he said.&nbsp

At an event here, he alleged there was an atmosphere of fear in the country and the Constitution was under "severe attack", with even the institutions such as the judiciary and the press being suppressed and threatened.

Against the backdrop of political developments in Karnataka, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today claimed the situation in the country was similar to that in Pakistan under "dictatorship". At an event here, he alleged there was an atmosphere of fear in the country and the Constitution was under "severe attack", with even the institutions such as the judiciary and the press being suppressed and threatened. His remarks came hours after BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa was sworn-in as the chief minister of Karnataka. While the Congress-JD(S) combine in the state has been claiming a majority with the support of 117 MLAs, the BJP has 104 seats in the Assembly which has 224 elected members. Polling was not held in two seats. The House has a nominated seat. "The Constitution is under severe attack in the country... In Karnataka, the MLAs are on one side and the Governor on the other and you know what attempt is being made," Gandhi said. "The JD(S) leader has said its MLAs were offered Rs 100 crore," the Congress president said, apparently referring to H D Kumaraswami who had made the allegation. Gandhi said, "One after another, you can see in every democratic institution in the country,..The RSS is trying to induct its people." He said, "There is fear in the judiciary, there is fear in the press, and even the BJP's members of Parliament are scared as they cannot speak a single word before the prime minister." In the last 70 years, it was generally seen that the people approached the judiciary for seeking justice, he said. "But for the first time it was seen that four judges of the Supreme Court appeared before the press and sought support from the public, saying they were being suppressed and not allowed to perform their duties. "Such a thing was witnessed for the first time in a democratic country. It definitely happens under dictatorships, it happens in Pakistan, it happens in different African countries, (where) a general comes and suppresses the court and the press. But in India, it has happened for the first time in last 70 years," Gandhi said. He was apparently referring to the unprecedented press conference by four senior judges of the Supreme Court in January this year to express their grievances against the Chief Justice of India. In his address at a 'Jan Swaraj Sammelan' here on the occasion of the silver jubilee of 73rd and 74th amendment in the Constitution related to local self-governance, the Congress leader accused the BJP and the RSS of capturing every democratic institution in country. He said the Congress had ruled the country for several years but never tried to capture the democratic institutions. Gandhi also alleged that the RSS and the BJP's target was to suppress the voice of Dalits, 'adivasis' (tribals) and women and distribute the country's wealth to some selected people. "When farmers talk about loan waiver, (Finance Minister) Arun Jaitley says the Centre does not have any policy for it. But in the last one year, Rs 2.5 lakh crore loan of 15 rich people was waived. He (Jaitley) doesn't speak on it because it's in their policy," the Congress chief said. He said that if the BJP wanted to talk about corruption, then its leaders should speak about the Rafale fighter deal, BJP chief's son and (Union minister) Piyush Goyal's company. However, he did not elaborate on it. Gandhi alleged the BJP government has snatched the rights of farmers, villagers and poor and diluted the law. He said the people will have to come together to fight against the ideology of the RSS and the BJP to protect the Constitution. "If we want to fight against the ideology of the RSS and the BJP, the representatives and women who are sitting here, are our key strength," he said, referring to the panchayat members present at the event. During the interaction with the representatives, Gandhi said if the Congress comes to power at the Centre, its focus will be on education, health and employment sectors in which the "Modi government has completely failed". He said his party's government would waive farmers' loans within 10 days of coming to power in 2019. Accusing the Modi government of considering farmers as a burden, he said the Congress considers them as its strength. "If the Narendra Modi government can waive loans of 15 to 20 rich industrialists worth Rs 2.5 lakh crore, why can't farmers' loans be waived?" he asked. "That amount is equivalent to Rs 35,000 crore that the UPA spent to implement the MNERGA scheme in the country," he said. He said, "Modi calls Mehul Choksi as Mehul bhai. He knows Choksi and Nirav Modi well. Modi did not respond to my request to waive farm loans in the entire country." The Congress government had brought the Land Acquisition Bill, in which it was clearly mentioned that panchayat's permission should be mandatory for acquiring land in a village, Gandhi said. "The attack on me (by the BJP) was launched since the day I visited Bhatta Parsaul (in 2011 in Noida in UP). There I had raised questions and from that day they have been trying to corner me," he said.

Atmosphere of fear in country, situation similar to Pakistan: Rahul Gandhi

Congress President Rahul Gandhi said Thursday the BJP was making "a mockery of our constitution".&nbsp;

This was even as the BJP's BS Yeddyurappa was being <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-natak-in-karnataka-continues-both-sides-to-meet-governor-mlas-report-poaching-attempts-137278">sworn in</a> as Chief Minister of Karnataka.&nbsp;

"The BJP’s irrational insistence that it will form a Govt. in Karnataka, even though it clearly doesn’t have the numbers, is to make a mockery of our Constitution," Rahul tweeted. &nbsp;

"This morning, while the BJP celebrates its hollow victory, India will mourn the defeat of democracy," he added.&nbsp;

The BJP emerged the single-largest party after the recent Karnataka elections with 104 seats.&nbsp;

The Congress won 78, and the JD(S) 37. The JD(S)'s pre-poll ally the BSP won 1 seat.&nbsp;

The Congress-JD(S) combine therefore has 116 seats.&nbsp;

112 seats are currently needed for a simple majority in Karnataka. Polling was postponed in two seats in the 224-member Karnataka house.&nbsp;

Karnataka Governor Vajubahi Vala has given Yeddyurappa 15 days to prove his majority on the floor of the house.&nbsp;

Governor Vajubhai Vala: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/once-crisis-manager-for-bjp-governor-of-karnataka-vajubhai-vala-137299">Karnataka's future rests on a man who once gave up his seat for Narendra Modi</a>

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The BJP’s irrational insistence that it will form a Govt. in Karnataka, even though it clearly doesn’t have the numbers, is to make a mockery of our Constitution. 
 
This morning, while the BJP celebrates its hollow victory, India will mourn the defeat of democracy.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/996951947885228032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On Wednesday, the Congress moved the Supreme Court asking it to stay the swearing in.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court — which began hearing the Congress plea at 2.11 am Thursday morning and ended it at 5.28 am — however refused to stay the swearing in.&nbsp;

It will next hear the case 10.30 am Friday morning. &nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MPPHNqJmUUs" width="560"></iframe>

'This morning, while the BJP celebrates its hollow victory, India will mourn the defeat of democracy,' Rahul added

Congress President Rahul Gandhi said Thursday the BJP was making "a mockery of our constitution". This was even as the BJP's BS Yeddyurappa was being sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka. "The BJP’s irrational insistence that it will form a Govt. in Karnataka, even though it clearly doesn’t have the numbers, is to make a mockery of our Constitution," Rahul tweeted. "This morning, while the BJP celebrates its hollow victory, India will mourn the defeat of democracy," he added. The BJP emerged the single-largest party after the recent Karnataka elections with 104 seats. The Congress won 78, and the JD(S) 37. The JD(S)'s pre-poll ally the BSP won 1 seat. The Congress-JD(S) combine therefore has 116 seats. 112 seats are currently needed for a simple majority in Karnataka. Polling was postponed in two seats in the 224-member Karnataka house. Karnataka Governor Vajubahi Vala has given Yeddyurappa 15 days to prove his majority on the floor of the house. Governor Vajubhai Vala: Karnataka's future rests on a man who once gave up his seat for Narendra Modi The BJP’s irrational insistence that it will form a Govt. in Karnataka, even though it clearly doesn’t have the numbers, is to make a mockery of our Constitution. This morning, while the BJP celebrates its hollow victory, India will mourn the defeat of democracy. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 17, 2018 × On Wednesday, the Congress moved the Supreme Court asking it to stay the swearing in. The Supreme Court — which began hearing the Congress plea at 2.11 am Thursday morning and ended it at 5.28 am — however refused to stay the swearing in. It will next hear the case 10.30 am Friday morning.

As Yeddyurappa is sworn in, Rahul Gandhi says BJP making 'mockery of our constitution'

The drama in Karnataka will continue on Wednesday with both the JD(S)-Congress combine and the BJP meeting Governor Vajubhai Vala today to stake their claims to forming a government.&nbsp;

The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy had met Governor Vala Tuesday evening, and staked his claim to forming a government in the state.&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy was accompanied by the Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah.&nbsp;

The Congress told Vala that it was giving the JD(S) its "unconditional support".&nbsp;

But the BJP's chief ministerial candidate got to Vala before Kumaraswamy, and he too staked his claim to forming the government.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-does-a-goa-in-karnataka-137130">Congress does to BJP in Karnataka what latter did to it in Goa</a>

The Karnataka vote, which was counted yesterday, ended with the BJP emerging as the single largest party.&nbsp;

The party won 104 seats, the Congress won 78, the JD(S) won 37, its pre-poll ally the BSP won 1, and Others 2.&nbsp;

Karnataka has 224 assembly seats but voting was held for 222. The halfway mark then is 111, with a party needing 112 seats for a simple majority.&nbsp;

The BJP is short by 8 seats, while the JD(S)-Congress combine (including the BSP) has 116 seats.&nbsp;

But Yeddyurappa told Governor Vala yesterday that he should be the one invited to try and form a government since the BJP has emerged as the single-largest party in Karnataka.&nbsp;

Former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah meanwhile quoted the Supreme Court as saying after the Goa election that "group having more seats than required are invited".&nbsp;

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Have called for a meeting tomorrow. Newly elected Congress & JD(S) MLAs will be there. We are supporting JD(S) to form govt & have sent this resolution to the Governor. SC said after Goa election that group having more seats than reqd. are invited, we have 117 seats: Siddarmaiah <a href="https://t.co/YT5IEaHO9H">pic.twitter.com/YT5IEaHO9H</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996468249381429248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Remember, in Goa and Manipur, which went to the polls last year, the Congress had emerged as the single-largest party. But the BJP ended up forming coalition governments in both states because the Congress was not able to muster up the needed numbers.&nbsp;

All eyes, in Karnataka and the country, then are on Governor Vala and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jdss-kumaraswamy-bjps-yeddyurappa-stake-claim-to-form-karnataka-govt-all-eyes-now-on-governor-137164">what he does next</a>.&nbsp;

Constitutional experts have said the decision is his but that he will have to be guided by the principle of inviting the combine/ party that he thinks will provide the state with a stable government. &nbsp;

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HD Deve Gowda reaches Ashoka Hotel for meeting with senior Congress leaders in Bengaluru. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/GIDbPgSPpZ">pic.twitter.com/GIDbPgSPpZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996418655872139264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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JD(S)' HD Deve Gowda & HD Kumaraswamy are in meeting with Congress leaders including Siddaramaiah, Ghulam Nabi Azad, DK Shivakumar and Mallikarjun Kharge in Bengaluru. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/rJxE5mXrrM">https://t.co/rJxE5mXrrM</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996419812120145920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Tomorrow at 10:30 am in BJP legislative party meeting, I am going to be elected as party leader. After that all MLAs are going to meet the Governor to request him to allow BJP to form govt. Now the ball is in the court of the Governor. We will do as he decides: BS Yeddyurappa <a href="https://t.co/6QbhizTr6z">pic.twitter.com/6QbhizTr6z</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996422285945749505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The JD(S) meanwhile has said they will be sticking with the Congress, but that the BJP has been trying to get in touch with them.&nbsp;

"We have already decided to go with Congress. That's the reason we called Janta Dal (Secular) Legislature Party meeting. There is no question of taking any other decision," the JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy told ANI.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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I don't know what they (BJP) are offering but they are trying to call our people, but they are not responding. We are all together, no one can touch our party. Our party MLAs are loyal to the party: Saravana, JD(S) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/3q0OAehwWq">pic.twitter.com/3q0OAehwWq</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996604732855803904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I got a call from the BJP leaders. They said come to us & we'll give a ministry to you. We'll make you a minister. But, I'm going to stay here. HD Kumaraswamy is our Chief Minister: Amaregouda Linganagouda Patil Bayyapur, Congress. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/BIJYZHV7P7">pic.twitter.com/BIJYZHV7P7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996593046014734336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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JD(S) & Congress have the numbers. I hope, the governor will discharge his constitutional duties & invite HD Kumaraswamy to talk. If BJP puts pressure on the governor, it will be the death of Democracy: Danish Ali, JD(S). <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/vNV3EBRAME">pic.twitter.com/vNV3EBRAME</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996600279976955905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The JD(S)'s Kumaraswamy and the BJP's Yeddyurappa had both met Governor Vajubhai Vala on Tuesday. Both staked their claims to forming a government in Karnataka

The drama in Karnataka will continue on Wednesday with both the JD(S)-Congress combine and the BJP meeting Governor Vajubhai Vala today to stake their claims to forming a government. The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy had met Governor Vala Tuesday evening, and staked his claim to forming a government in the state. Kumaraswamy was accompanied by the Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah. The Congress told Vala that it was giving the JD(S) its "unconditional support". But the BJP's chief ministerial candidate got to Vala before Kumaraswamy, and he too staked his claim to forming the government. Also read: Congress does to BJP in Karnataka what latter did to it in Goa The Karnataka vote, which was counted yesterday, ended with the BJP emerging as the single largest party. The party won 104 seats, the Congress won 78, the JD(S) won 37, its pre-poll ally the BSP won 1, and Others 2. Karnataka has 224 assembly seats but voting was held for 222. The halfway mark then is 111, with a party needing 112 seats for a simple majority. The BJP is short by 8 seats, while the JD(S)-Congress combine (including the BSP) has 116 seats. But Yeddyurappa told Governor Vala yesterday that he should be the one invited to try and form a government since the BJP has emerged as the single-largest party in Karnataka. Former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah meanwhile quoted the Supreme Court as saying after the Goa election that "group having more seats than required are invited". Have called for a meeting tomorrow. Newly elected Congress & JD(S) MLAs will be there. We are supporting JD(S) to form govt & have sent this resolution to the Governor. SC said after Goa election that group having more seats than reqd. are invited, we have 117 seats: Siddarmaiah pic.twitter.com/YT5IEaHO9H — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × Remember, in Goa and Manipur, which went to the polls last year, the Congress had emerged as the single-largest party. But the BJP ended up forming coalition governments in both states because the Congress was not able to muster up the needed numbers. All eyes, in Karnataka and the country, then are on Governor Vala and what he does next. Constitutional experts have said the decision is his but that he will have to be guided by the principle of inviting the combine/ party that he thinks will provide the state with a stable government. HD Deve Gowda reaches Ashoka Hotel for meeting with senior Congress leaders in Bengaluru. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/GIDbPgSPpZ — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × JD(S)' HD Deve Gowda & HD Kumaraswamy are in meeting with Congress leaders including Siddaramaiah, Ghulam Nabi Azad, DK Shivakumar and Mallikarjun Kharge in Bengaluru. #KarnatakaElections2018 https://t.co/rJxE5mXrrM — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × Tomorrow at 10:30 am in BJP legislative party meeting, I am going to be elected as party leader. After that all MLAs are going to meet the Governor to request him to allow BJP to form govt. Now the ball is in the court of the Governor. We will do as he decides: BS Yeddyurappa pic.twitter.com/6QbhizTr6z — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × The JD(S) meanwhile has said they will be sticking with the Congress, but that the BJP has been trying to get in touch with them. "We have already decided to go with Congress. That's the reason we called Janta Dal (Secular) Legislature Party meeting. There is no question of taking any other decision," the JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy told ANI. I don't know what they (BJP) are offering but they are trying to call our people, but they are not responding. We are all together, no one can touch our party. Our party MLAs are loyal to the party: Saravana, JD(S) #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/3q0OAehwWq — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 × I got a call from the BJP leaders. They said come to us & we'll give a ministry to you. We'll make you a minister. But, I'm going to stay here. HD Kumaraswamy is our Chief Minister: Amaregouda Linganagouda Patil Bayyapur, Congress. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/BIJYZHV7P7 — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 × JD(S) & Congress have the numbers. I hope, the governor will discharge his constitutional duties & invite HD Kumaraswamy to talk. If BJP puts pressure on the governor, it will be the death of Democracy: Danish Ali, JD(S). #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/vNV3EBRAME — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 ×

Natak in Karnataka continues: JD(S)-Congress combine, and BJP to meet Governor again today

PM Modi and his deputy Amit Shah ran a spirited campaign to annex Karnataka but came up short, in the end, giving a chance to Congress & JD(U) to stitch a last moment coalition to stop the BJP in its tracks.

Did the BJP's magic duo get it wrong in the end, maybe.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-elections-why-pm-modi-adityanath-will-lose--karnataka-will-win-136688">Also Read: Why PM Modi, Adityanath will lose & Karnataka will win</a>

Firstly, the BJP was nowhere close to Congress's 2013 tally of 122, finishing with 104. The failure to clinch the magic number 112 helped the Opposition to seize the initiative.

Even though the BJP won more seats than the Congress but the party failed to pick as much vote share than Rahul's party and to top it all it failed to put down the Congress and JD(U) even though Modi's BJP&nbsp;fared much better than the last elections.

The failure could largely be attributed to lack of local support and leaders at the grassroots even though Yeddyurappa's appeal helped the BJP to consolidate votes. A party which is by nature focussed on getting the numbers game right could not blunt the Opposition this time.

Even though the Vokkaligas and Lingayats voted in large numbers for the JD(S) and BJP and the Dalits split with Congress, still the saffron surge could not come about at a crucial time.

Congress finished with 78 seats a creditable show given the fact that there was an obvious anti-incumbency wave in the state. The villain in the show for the Congress was former chief minister Siddaramaiah who with his announcement of turning Lingayat into a religious minority wasn't able to convince the voters with his last-minute antics. The numbers game backfired on the Congress too.

Politics maybe a ruthless numbers game but it has several different parameters - it cannot be applied in a singular way in all elections.

In the end, both the BJP and Congress did not give enough credit to the voters who made up their own mind. In this the JD(U) played the game according to its limitation, retaining the Vokkaliga votebank in the south and mopping up enough numbers to force the Congress to allow it have a free hand and "unconditional" support.

The JD(S) retained its vote share, dipping marginally from 20.2 to 18.3, but it was enough to propel Deve Gowda & Sons to force the Congress into submission.

Now the drama moves to Raj Bhawan and all eyes are on Governor Vala, an old BJP hand, the question is will he or won't he invite the JD(S)-Congress combine to form the next government or will he first invite the BJP, the single largest party to prove its majority?

Amit Shah could yet spring a surprise and cobble up the numbers - 12 in all - needed in the last over, and emerge victorious&nbsp;but in this last dash to reach the target the BJP could well stumble again and expose its flanks which could mean its gateway to the south would again be a bridge too far.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZM7QOcp2Bw0" width="560"></iframe>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The JD(S) retained its voteshare, dipping marginally from 20.2 to 18.3, but it was enough to propel Deve Gowda & Sons to force the Congress into submission.

PM Modi and his deputy Amit Shah ran a spirited campaign to annex Karnataka but came up short, in the end, giving a chance to Congress & JD(U) to stitch a last moment coalition to stop the BJP in its tracks. Did the BJP's magic duo get it wrong in the end, maybe. Also Read: Why PM Modi, Adityanath will lose & Karnataka will win Firstly, the BJP was nowhere close to Congress's 2013 tally of 122, finishing with 104. The failure to clinch the magic number 112 helped the Opposition to seize the initiative. Even though the BJP won more seats than the Congress but the party failed to pick as much vote share than Rahul's party and to top it all it failed to put down the Congress and JD(U) even though Modi's BJP fared much better than the last elections. The failure could largely be attributed to lack of local support and leaders at the grassroots even though Yeddyurappa's appeal helped the BJP to consolidate votes. A party which is by nature focussed on getting the numbers game right could not blunt the Opposition this time. Even though the Vokkaligas and Lingayats voted in large numbers for the JD(S) and BJP and the Dalits split with Congress, still the saffron surge could not come about at a crucial time. Congress finished with 78 seats a creditable show given the fact that there was an obvious anti-incumbency wave in the state. The villain in the show for the Congress was former chief minister Siddaramaiah who with his announcement of turning Lingayat into a religious minority wasn't able to convince the voters with his last-minute antics. The numbers game backfired on the Congress too. Politics maybe a ruthless numbers game but it has several different parameters - it cannot be applied in a singular way in all elections. In the end, both the BJP and Congress did not give enough credit to the voters who made up their own mind. In this the JD(U) played the game according to its limitation, retaining the Vokkaliga votebank in the south and mopping up enough numbers to force the Congress to allow it have a free hand and "unconditional" support. The JD(S) retained its vote share, dipping marginally from 20.2 to 18.3, but it was enough to propel Deve Gowda & Sons to force the Congress into submission. Now the drama moves to Raj Bhawan and all eyes are on Governor Vala, an old BJP hand, the question is will he or won't he invite the JD(S)-Congress combine to form the next government or will he first invite the BJP, the single largest party to prove its majority? Amit Shah could yet spring a surprise and cobble up the numbers - 12 in all - needed in the last over, and emerge victorious but in this last dash to reach the target the BJP could well stumble again and expose its flanks which could mean its gateway to the south would again be a bridge too far. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: How 'ruthless' PM Modi, Amit Shah lost the numbers game in Karnataka

Chief minister<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/siddaramaiah-trails-by-over-11000-votes-in-chamundeshwari--136911"> Siddaramaiah fortunes took a </a>U-turn on Tuesday morning as he trails by over 13,000 votes in Chamundeshwari and by over 400 votes in Badami.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-karnataka-election-results-counting-underway-as-bjp-congress-wait-for-results-136866">Also See: Live Karnataka election leads: Congress: 57 | BJP: 121 | JD(S)+: 42</a>

The chief minister who was widely expected to retain at least one seat is now struggling to keep both his constituencies with him. Siddaramaiah's fortunes mirrors the Congress which has failed to keep up with the BJP, ahead in just 59 seats.

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This is a historic win for BJP. I want to thank all the people of Karnataka for voting for us. Ab desh mein Congress khojo abhiyan chalega, kahaan rahegi pata nahi: Raman Singh, CM of Chhattisgarh. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fc9tao6paN">pic.twitter.com/Fc9tao6paN</a>
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Congress has managed to garner Dalit votes but failed to appeal to larger voters of the state despite being in power for the last five years.

JD(S) on the other hand has played to its strength ahead in 40 seats currently leading in southern Karnataka.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BZKCtcMT-NA" width="560"></iframe>

BJP has got the arithmetic right yet again winning in rural seats including in coastal belt wining over Lingayat seats.

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JD(S) on the other hand has played to its strength ahead in 40 seats currently leading in southern Karnataka.

Chief minister Siddaramaiah fortunes took a U-turn on Tuesday morning as he trails by over 13,000 votes in Chamundeshwari and by over 400 votes in Badami. Also See: Live Karnataka election leads: Congress: 57 | BJP: 121 | JD(S)+: 42 The chief minister who was widely expected to retain at least one seat is now struggling to keep both his constituencies with him. Siddaramaiah's fortunes mirrors the Congress which has failed to keep up with the BJP, ahead in just 59 seats. This is a historic win for BJP. I want to thank all the people of Karnataka for voting for us. Ab desh mein Congress khojo abhiyan chalega, kahaan rahegi pata nahi: Raman Singh, CM of Chhattisgarh. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/Fc9tao6paN — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × Congress has managed to garner Dalit votes but failed to appeal to larger voters of the state despite being in power for the last five years. JD(S) on the other hand has played to its strength ahead in 40 seats currently leading in southern Karnataka. BJP has got the arithmetic right yet again winning in rural seats including in coastal belt wining over Lingayat seats.

Karnataka elections: Siddaramaiah slides as BJP marches ahead; JD(S) dominates south

As the ballot boxes in Karnataka today, the fate of Congress chief minister Siddaramaiah and BJP's CM face Yeddyurappa will be decided by voters who exercised their franchise on Saturday.

On Saturday, the voter turnout in Karnataka was 72.36 which was a record, however, exit polls predict it would be a hung assembly.

The state which saw a heated poll campaign in the last two months between the BJP and the Congress became a battle of nerves as PM Modi joined the campaign trail in the last leg on May 1st addressing rallies in over 20 locations.

Although the Indian prime minister focused his campaign on Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, attacking Siddaramaiah's performance in the last five years, the country will finally get to know the verdict of the voters on Tuesday.

Siddaramaiah in his last tweet on May 9th had called on voters to pick "peace, stability & progress", asserting that his government had ensured a "stable government and delivered on our promises and developed the state."

"As I look back on the 5 years I feel a deep sense of fulfilment. I do have a list of things we could do better and a list of things that we need to do," he said in his tweet, adding,"I am looking forward to your love & support for doing more."&nbsp;

However, with chief minister Siddaramaiah declaring he may step aside if the Congress high command decided to field a Dalit CM has created quite a stir ahead of counting day.

BJP's Yeddyurappa on the other hand confidently declared ahead of polling day that the party is "headed towards a landslide victory."

The twist in the tale could be HD Deve Gowda led-Janata Dal (Secular) which may hold the crucial "trump card" if the election ends in a stalemate with neither the BJP or the Congress unable to cobble up a majority.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi had branded the JD(S) as the "B-team" of the BJP, the party which had won 40 seats in the 224-seat assembly in 2013 could once again surprise everyone and become a "kingmaker" as is being widely speculated.&nbsp;

The JD(S) strategy to target Dalits and Vokkaligas could help it to get crucial seats.

H D Kumaraswamy, Deve Gowda's son has led the campaign for his party and it remains to be seen if the party will see its finest hour today.

On Saturday, the voter turnout in Karnataka was 72.36 which was a record, however, exit polls predict it would be a hung assembly

As the ballot boxes in Karnataka today, the fate of Congress chief minister Siddaramaiah and BJP's CM face Yeddyurappa will be decided by voters who exercised their franchise on Saturday. On Saturday, the voter turnout in Karnataka was 72.36 which was a record, however, exit polls predict it would be a hung assembly. The state which saw a heated poll campaign in the last two months between the BJP and the Congress became a battle of nerves as PM Modi joined the campaign trail in the last leg on May 1st addressing rallies in over 20 locations. Although the Indian prime minister focused his campaign on Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, attacking Siddaramaiah's performance in the last five years, the country will finally get to know the verdict of the voters on Tuesday. Siddaramaiah in his last tweet on May 9th had called on voters to pick "peace, stability & progress", asserting that his government had ensured a "stable government and delivered on our promises and developed the state." "As I look back on the 5 years I feel a deep sense of fulfilment. I do have a list of things we could do better and a list of things that we need to do," he said in his tweet, adding,"I am looking forward to your love & support for doing more." However, with chief minister Siddaramaiah declaring he may step aside if the Congress high command decided to field a Dalit CM has created quite a stir ahead of counting day. BJP's Yeddyurappa on the other hand confidently declared ahead of polling day that the party is "headed towards a landslide victory." The twist in the tale could be HD Deve Gowda led-Janata Dal (Secular) which may hold the crucial "trump card" if the election ends in a stalemate with neither the BJP or the Congress unable to cobble up a majority. Rahul Gandhi had branded the JD(S) as the "B-team" of the BJP, the party which had won 40 seats in the 224-seat assembly in 2013 could once again surprise everyone and become a "kingmaker" as is being widely speculated. The JD(S) strategy to target Dalits and Vokkaligas could help it to get crucial seats. H D Kumaraswamy, Deve Gowda's son has led the campaign for his party and it remains to be seen if the party will see its finest hour today.

Karnataka elections: D-Day for Congress, BJP as Siddaramaiah & Yeddyurappa eye top spot

PM Modi joined the Karnataka campaign in the last leg with just 10 days to go, in that little time the Indian prime minister addressed over 20 rallies and put the Namo app to good use reaching out to farmers, Dalits and the general public.

However, throughout the 10 days, Modi's prime focus was Rahul Gandhi, the eligibility of the Congress president for prime ministership in the next election and attacking Karnataka's Congress chief minister&nbsp;Siddaramaiah.

It felt more like it was May 2019 General Elections then Karnataka assembly polls being fought in May, 2018.

As prime minister Modi hardly ever spoke about his "vision" for the state which the BJP thinks is its&nbsp;gateway to the south.

In this, the prime minister played to the gallery i.e. the ever-present TV cameras relaying his message Live to every drawing room in the country, not just in Karnataka.&nbsp;

The prime minister looked distracted fighting an assembly poll on a "national scale" - a fact which was picked up by chief minister Siddaramaiah who said both Modi and Adityanath had parachuted into Karnataka at the last moment, a fact which could not be contradicted.

Modi may be BJP's chief "vote-catcher" but it can't feed off his charisma alone, it would be like exposing the "trump card" ahead of the big election in 2019.

The party also has to assess the fact that Karnataka is not Uttar Pradesh or Gujarat where Modi's name already has a resonance. In Karnataka local issues matter - a Modi cannot act like "Mr Fixit" for the BJP.

Exit polls already show a hung assembly coming up in Karnataka on 15th, if so, the BJP would have to accept the fact that they have played the Modi card way too often and not addressed the core issues of the state merely having Yeddyurappa to tag along with the prime minister will not get the party a majority.

Neither is every assembly poll a Modi vs Rahul debate or of Sonia's foreign origin. It is time BJP started looking out for "horses for courses",&nbsp;finding a "local star" is the key.

The BJP cannot make the same mistake as parachuting Kiran Bedi in Delhi or pull someone from deep within its rank at the last moment to pitch as CM of a state that trick may not work for too long.

One thing is clear - the BJP has to watch its next step&nbsp;as the countdown begins for General Elections in 2019 otherwise risk playing the old Modi card which the electorate has already seen and experienced, and they know all too well what Brand Modi will bring to the table.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Exit polls already show a hung assembly coming up in Karnataka on 15th, if so, the BJP would have to accept the fact that they have played the Modi card way too often

PM Modi joined the Karnataka campaign in the last leg with just 10 days to go, in that little time the Indian prime minister addressed over 20 rallies and put the Namo app to good use reaching out to farmers, Dalits and the general public. However, throughout the 10 days, Modi's prime focus was Rahul Gandhi, the eligibility of the Congress president for prime ministership in the next election and attacking Karnataka's Congress chief minister Siddaramaiah. It felt more like it was May 2019 General Elections then Karnataka assembly polls being fought in May, 2018. As prime minister Modi hardly ever spoke about his "vision" for the state which the BJP thinks is its gateway to the south. In this, the prime minister played to the gallery i.e. the ever-present TV cameras relaying his message Live to every drawing room in the country, not just in Karnataka. The prime minister looked distracted fighting an assembly poll on a "national scale" - a fact which was picked up by chief minister Siddaramaiah who said both Modi and Adityanath had parachuted into Karnataka at the last moment, a fact which could not be contradicted. Modi may be BJP's chief "vote-catcher" but it can't feed off his charisma alone, it would be like exposing the "trump card" ahead of the big election in 2019. The party also has to assess the fact that Karnataka is not Uttar Pradesh or Gujarat where Modi's name already has a resonance. In Karnataka local issues matter - a Modi cannot act like "Mr Fixit" for the BJP. Exit polls already show a hung assembly coming up in Karnataka on 15th, if so, the BJP would have to accept the fact that they have played the Modi card way too often and not addressed the core issues of the state merely having Yeddyurappa to tag along with the prime minister will not get the party a majority. Neither is every assembly poll a Modi vs Rahul debate or of Sonia's foreign origin. It is time BJP started looking out for "horses for courses", finding a "local star" is the key. The BJP cannot make the same mistake as parachuting Kiran Bedi in Delhi or pull someone from deep within its rank at the last moment to pitch as CM of a state that trick may not work for too long. One thing is clear - the BJP has to watch its next step as the countdown begins for General Elections in 2019 otherwise risk playing the old Modi card which the electorate has already seen and experienced, and they know all too well what Brand Modi will bring to the table. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Assembly elections: Why PM Modi, Adityanath will lose & Karnataka will win

"I am not prepared to accept or reject anything, let's wait for May 15," former prime minister Deve Gowda said Sunday after exit polls suggested voters have returned a hung verdict in the Karnataka elections.&nbsp;

The exit polls however give the BJP a slight edge.&nbsp;

According to the Zee Maha exit poll, the BJP is likely to win 102 seats, the Congress 92, the JD(S) 26, and others, including independents, 2.

That implies no major political party will be able to reach the halfway mark of 113 seats required for a simple majority.

If the exit polls should turn out to be correct, that will leave the JD(S) led by HD Deve Gowda in the position of kingmaker when it comes to government formation.&nbsp;

That means the the BJP or the Congress will require the support of the JD(S) to form a government in Karnataka.&nbsp;

Karnataka went to the polls on Saturday.&nbsp;

The results will be out on May 15.&nbsp;

"We will get to know the reality" then, said Deve Gowda on Sunday.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/siddaramaiah-says-exit-polls-are-entertainment-after-they-give-bjp-edge-in-karnataka-tells-party-workers-to-enjoy-weekend-136452">Siddaramaiah says exit polls are 'entertainment' after they give BJP edge in Karnataka</a>

Here is what the major exit poll surveys projected for Karnataka:

- According to the Suvarna exit poll, the Congress is likely to win 106-118 seats, the BJP 79-92, the JD(S) 22-30, and others 1-4 seats.

- According to the ABP exit poll, the BJP is likely to win 97-109 seats, the Congress 87-99, the JD(S) 21-30, and others 1-8.&nbsp;

- The Republic TV Jan Ki Baat exit poll says the BJP will be the single largest party with 95-114 seats. The Congress is likely to win 73-82, the JD(S) 32-42 seats, and others 2 to 3 seats in Karnataka. In the 2013 Karnataka elections, the Congress had won 122 seats, the BJP and JD(S) ended up with 40 seats each, while 22 seats were won by others and independents.

- According to the IndiaTV-VMR exit poll, the BJP will win 87 seats, the Congress will win 97 seats, and the JD(S) 35 seats. &nbsp;

- The News X-CNX exit poll survey predicts the BJP will emerge as the single largest party in Karnataka with 102-110 seats, the Congress will come second with 72-78 seats, the JD(S) third with 35-39 seats, while others will get 3-5 seats.

- According to the Times Now-VMR exit poll, the Congress will win 90-103 seats, the BJP 82-93, the JD(S) 31-39 and others 2-4.

Karnataka has a 225-member assembly.&nbsp;

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I am not prepared to accept or reject anything, let's wait for 15th May (counting of votes ), we will get to know the reality: Janata Dal (Secular) chief HD Deve Gowda on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/ffOPCubX0B">pic.twitter.com/ffOPCubX0B</a>
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The exit polls give the BJP a slight edge. 'Let's wait for 15th May,' said Gowda. 'We will get to know the reality'

"I am not prepared to accept or reject anything, let's wait for May 15," former prime minister Deve Gowda said Sunday after exit polls suggested voters have returned a hung verdict in the Karnataka elections. The exit polls however give the BJP a slight edge. According to the Zee Maha exit poll, the BJP is likely to win 102 seats, the Congress 92, the JD(S) 26, and others, including independents, 2. That implies no major political party will be able to reach the halfway mark of 113 seats required for a simple majority. If the exit polls should turn out to be correct, that will leave the JD(S) led by HD Deve Gowda in the position of kingmaker when it comes to government formation. That means the the BJP or the Congress will require the support of the JD(S) to form a government in Karnataka. Karnataka went to the polls on Saturday. The results will be out on May 15. "We will get to know the reality" then, said Deve Gowda on Sunday. Also read: Siddaramaiah says exit polls are 'entertainment' after they give BJP edge in Karnataka Here is what the major exit poll surveys projected for Karnataka: - According to the Suvarna exit poll, the Congress is likely to win 106-118 seats, the BJP 79-92, the JD(S) 22-30, and others 1-4 seats. - According to the ABP exit poll, the BJP is likely to win 97-109 seats, the Congress 87-99, the JD(S) 21-30, and others 1-8. - The Republic TV Jan Ki Baat exit poll says the BJP will be the single largest party with 95-114 seats. The Congress is likely to win 73-82, the JD(S) 32-42 seats, and others 2 to 3 seats in Karnataka. In the 2013 Karnataka elections, the Congress had won 122 seats, the BJP and JD(S) ended up with 40 seats each, while 22 seats were won by others and independents. - According to the IndiaTV-VMR exit poll, the BJP will win 87 seats, the Congress will win 97 seats, and the JD(S) 35 seats. - The News X-CNX exit poll survey predicts the BJP will emerge as the single largest party in Karnataka with 102-110 seats, the Congress will come second with 72-78 seats, the JD(S) third with 35-39 seats, while others will get 3-5 seats. - According to the Times Now-VMR exit poll, the Congress will win 90-103 seats, the BJP 82-93, the JD(S) 31-39 and others 2-4. Karnataka has a 225-member assembly. I am not prepared to accept or reject anything, let's wait for 15th May (counting of votes ), we will get to know the reality: Janata Dal (Secular) chief HD Deve Gowda on #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/ffOPCubX0B — ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2018 ×

Will JD(S)'s Deve Gowda support BJP or Congress in Karnataka? 'Let's wait,' he says

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Friday said that Congress chief Rahul Gandhi would have to wait for "10 to 15 years" to become the country's Prime Minister.

He said that there was, however, nothing wrong in nurturing such an ambition.

"Rahul Gandhi has spoken about his Prime Ministerial ambitions. But I think he will have to wait for 10 to 15 years. There is nothing wrong with having an ambition to become Prime Minister. However, it is too early to express such an ambition," said Mr Athawale.

The Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment claimed that the National Democratic Alliance under PM Narendra Modi would once again come to power in 2019.

He added that the BJP would win Karnataka with a clear majority as communities like the Lingayats, OBCs etc were supporting the party.

"The Congress is projecting the BJP as an anti-Dalit party, but people are wise enough to understand what is right," he said.

 
Earlier in the day, Mr Athawale visited Bhima Koregaon and met the family members of Pooja Sakat, whose house was torched during the violence that occurred there on January 1.

Pooja, who was a witness to the violence, was found dead in a well nearby in April.

"Pooja's family claims she was either murdered or was forced to commit suicide. Nine people have been named in the FIR of which two have been arrested. I have asked police to arrest the rest soon," he said.

Ramdas Athawale said that there was, however, nothing wrong in nurturing such an ambition.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Friday said that Congress chief Rahul Gandhi would have to wait for "10 to 15 years" to become the country's Prime Minister. He said that there was, however, nothing wrong in nurturing such an ambition. "Rahul Gandhi has spoken about his Prime Ministerial ambitions. But I think he will have to wait for 10 to 15 years. There is nothing wrong with having an ambition to become Prime Minister. However, it is too early to express such an ambition," said Mr Athawale. The Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment claimed that the National Democratic Alliance under PM Narendra Modi would once again come to power in 2019. He added that the BJP would win Karnataka with a clear majority as communities like the Lingayats, OBCs etc were supporting the party. "The Congress is projecting the BJP as an anti-Dalit party, but people are wise enough to understand what is right," he said. Earlier in the day, Mr Athawale visited Bhima Koregaon and met the family members of Pooja Sakat, whose house was torched during the violence that occurred there on January 1. Pooja, who was a witness to the violence, was found dead in a well nearby in April. "Pooja's family claims she was either murdered or was forced to commit suicide. Nine people have been named in the FIR of which two have been arrested. I have asked police to arrest the rest soon," he said.

Rahul Gandhi will have to wait 10-15 years to become PM: Ramdas Athawale

In his final Karnataka poll pitch, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-making-fake-voter-ids-to-avoid-defeat-pm-modi-in-karnataka-135714">PM Modi speaking </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-making-fake-voter-ids-to-avoid-defeat-pm-modi-in-karnataka-135714">live</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-making-fake-voter-ids-to-avoid-defeat-pm-modi-in-karnataka-135714"> on the Namo app</a> said the BJP is committed towards the welfare of SC/STs and OBCs, adding that his party is working towards making Ambedkar's vision a reality.

"India is the second largest skill producer," PM Modi told voters in Karnataka through the Namo app on the last day of campaigning in Karnataka. "There are 99 cities in India set to become smart cities,"&nbsp;he added.

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The state will go to the poll on Saturday with results to be declared on May, 15th.

"People from SC/ST are joining the BJP in huge numbers,"&nbsp;he said, adding,"BJP has the&nbsp;maximum number of SC/STs and OBCs."

"We have made strict provisions in the SC/ST Act," he told voters in Karnataka. The BJP is committed towards the welfare of SC/STs, he said.

Taking a dig at the Congress, the PM asked what has the Congress done for Ambedkar? The prime minister said his party is fostering Ambedkar's vision.

"The BJP is working for the upliftment of the Dalits," he said. "Tribal people are supporting our development plans,"&nbsp;he informed voters in Karnataka.

On the growing push of technology, the prime minister informed voters that the country is the 2nd largest mobile phone holders and also the second highest steel producers in the world.

NDA government&nbsp;has made 2.25 crores toilets in the country, he said as part of the Swach&nbsp;Bharat&nbsp;campaign.

BJP's motto is to achieve equality for all, PM Modi said.

BJP has the maximum number of SC/STs and OBCs, PM Modi said

In his final Karnataka poll pitch, PM Modi speaking live on the Namo app said the BJP is committed towards the welfare of SC/STs and OBCs, adding that his party is working towards making Ambedkar's vision a reality. "India is the second largest skill producer," PM Modi told voters in Karnataka through the Namo app on the last day of campaigning in Karnataka. "There are 99 cities in India set to become smart cities," he added. BJP has the highest number of MPs belonging to SC & ST communities. More and more people of these communities are connecting with BJP: PM Narendra Modi to SC/ST/OBC and Slum Morcha Karyakartas of Karnataka BJP pic.twitter.com/n4IBfnh2vl — ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2018 × The state will go to the poll on Saturday with results to be declared on May, 15th. "People from SC/ST are joining the BJP in huge numbers," he said, adding,"BJP has the maximum number of SC/STs and OBCs." "We have made strict provisions in the SC/ST Act," he told voters in Karnataka. The BJP is committed towards the welfare of SC/STs, he said. Taking a dig at the Congress, the PM asked what has the Congress done for Ambedkar? The prime minister said his party is fostering Ambedkar's vision. "The BJP is working for the upliftment of the Dalits," he said. "Tribal people are supporting our development plans," he informed voters in Karnataka. On the growing push of technology, the prime minister informed voters that the country is the 2nd largest mobile phone holders and also the second highest steel producers in the world. NDA government has made 2.25 crores toilets in the country, he said as part of the Swach Bharat campaign. BJP's motto is to achieve equality for all, PM Modi said.

In final Karnataka poll push, PM Modi reaches out to SC/STs & OBCs via Namo app

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel today said that Rahul Gandhi is the party's prime ministerial candidate for the next national election.

Asked as to how he saw the Congress chief's comment yesterday that he was ready to occupy the prime ministerial post if the Congress emerges as the single largest party in the Lok Sabha polls, Patel said, "The Congress president has already said something. It all depends on who will get how many seats. Our candidate will be Rahul Gandhi,"&nbsp

"But ultimately it will all depend on the (Lok Sabha poll) results," Patel told reporters here, maintaining that Gandhi's claim did not make him "arrogant."

"After all he (Gandhi) is the president of the Congress party...If we don't get a majority, others (alliance parties) will definitely be consulted. This is not arrogance. If he says he cannot become the prime minister, it will demoralise the party," Patel added.

In reply to a question, Patel alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had "learnt from China" how to showcase a few big projects to create the impression that there is a lot of development.

"He has learnt it from China how to build big projects and showcase them as development. But if you go a bit deeper, there is no development. The Sabarmati river front, the bullet train, the Metro trains are sold as development. But if you go to villages, there is no development. Government schools are shutting down," he alleged.

Patel exuded confidence that the Congress will be getting the majority in the Karnataka Assembly elections by crossing the magic figure of 112.

He also said his party will continue to press the demand of use of ballot paper in the general elections.

Patel led a delegation of Congress MLAs today who made a representation to governor O P Kohli "against the Gujarat government's anti-farmer policies and attempts to subvert the Panchayati Raj Act".

Patel said the representation was against the BJP government's methods of land acquisition for the bullet train and Dholera SIR projects which went "against the spirit" of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013.

The party also protested the government's move "to usurp constitutional and statutory powers vested in local bodies", he said.

If no action was taken, the party will launch an agitation, he said.

Patel exuded confidence that the Congress will be getting the majority in the Karnataka Assembly elections by crossing the magic figure of 112.

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel today said that Rahul Gandhi is the party's prime ministerial candidate for the next national election. Asked as to how he saw the Congress chief's comment yesterday that he was ready to occupy the prime ministerial post if the Congress emerges as the single largest party in the Lok Sabha polls, Patel said, "The Congress president has already said something. It all depends on who will get how many seats. Our candidate will be Rahul Gandhi," "But ultimately it will all depend on the (Lok Sabha poll) results," Patel told reporters here, maintaining that Gandhi's claim did not make him "arrogant." "After all he (Gandhi) is the president of the Congress party...If we don't get a majority, others (alliance parties) will definitely be consulted. This is not arrogance. If he says he cannot become the prime minister, it will demoralise the party," Patel added. In reply to a question, Patel alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had "learnt from China" how to showcase a few big projects to create the impression that there is a lot of development. "He has learnt it from China how to build big projects and showcase them as development. But if you go a bit deeper, there is no development. The Sabarmati river front, the bullet train, the Metro trains are sold as development. But if you go to villages, there is no development. Government schools are shutting down," he alleged. Patel exuded confidence that the Congress will be getting the majority in the Karnataka Assembly elections by crossing the magic figure of 112. He also said his party will continue to press the demand of use of ballot paper in the general elections. Patel led a delegation of Congress MLAs today who made a representation to governor O P Kohli "against the Gujarat government's anti-farmer policies and attempts to subvert the Panchayati Raj Act". Patel said the representation was against the BJP government's methods of land acquisition for the bullet train and Dholera SIR projects which went "against the spirit" of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013. The party also protested the government's move "to usurp constitutional and statutory powers vested in local bodies", he said. If no action was taken, the party will launch an agitation, he said.

Rahul Gandhi is our prime ministerial candidate: Ahmed Patel

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-mother-more-indian-than-many-rahul-gandhi-135937">vitriol-filled campaign</a> for the Karnataka Assembly elections ended today with top leaders of the BJP and Congress, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, making a last-gasp effort to sway the voters in a likely cliffhanger.

From corruption to communalism, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Rs 70 lakh Hublot watch, to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's foreign origin, the electoral potboiler had it all.

Like all state polls since he assumed the reins of power in New Delhi, Modi helmed the BJP's adrenaline-charged campaign despite the party having declared B S Yeddyurappa its chief ministerial candidate, while Rahul Gandhi helmed that of the Congress.

Though Modi remained out of the electoral scene for a long time after addressing a public meeting in February, he launched a blitzkrieg on May 1, addressing over a score of rallies in his bid to wrest the key southern state, which BJP chief Amit Shah dubbed as the party's "gateway to south", from the Congress.

Always high on energy during elections, he adddressed at least three rallies every day when he was in Karnataka, or else interacted with workers of the BJP's different frontal organisations through the 'Namo App'.

Though development remained part of the political discourse, it was overtaken by a slanging match between the two parties over corruption.

The prime minister and Amit Shah raised the issue of the killing of RSS and BJP workers by SDPI, a radical Islamist political party floated by the Popular Front of India, which Modi said was the "abc of communalism".

Shah claimed two of the candidates fielded by the Congress were, in fact, members of the SDPI.

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On day one of his campaign, Modi raked up the issue of Sonia's foreign origin at an election rally where he dared the Congress chief to speak for 15 minutes about the achievements of the Karnataka government in any language, including his "mother's mother tongue".

An emotional Rahul Gandhi hit back today at a press conference where he said,"My mother is an Italian. She has lived the larger part of her life in India. She is more Indian than many, many Indians I have seen."

Modi repeatedly addressed the Siddaramaiah ministry as "seedha rupaiah government (a government that takes bribes for work) and "10 per cent commission government".

Provoked, Siddaramaiah first called the Modi dispensation a "90 per cent commission government" and then served legal notices to Modi and Shah, demanding an apology and threatening to file Rs 100 crore civil and criminal defamation suit if they did not tender it.

Rally after election rally, Rahul Gandhi targeted BJP's chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa over corruption when he helmed the state while BJP was in power between 2008 and 2013.

"Will Modi ji tell the people of Karnataka why a man who spent time in jail for corruption is the BJP's CM candidate? Why the BJP has given 8 tickets to Reddy brothers and their associates who looted Rs 35,000 crore from the people of Karnataka?" he asked, as he sought to paint the saffron party into a corner.

The Congress president frequently referred to fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi in his speeches, alleging the government allowed him to flee the country after defrauding the Punjab National Bank fraud.

Modi, who has powered the BJP to victory after victory in Assembly polls in states in the last four years, also invoked nationalism and B R Ambedkar, after he was in the Congress president's firing line over a string of attacks on Dalits. He slammed the Congress for raising questions about the Army's surgical strikes in PoK.

Though Modi did not campaign in Karnataka today, he addressed BJP's SC/ST/OBC and Slum Morcha workers through his Namo App and said, "There is no place for dalits and backward classes in the heart of the Congress." He accused the Congress of "insulting" Ambedkar, a Dalit icon.

Sonia Gandhi, who avoided the rough and tumble of elections for two years after she was taken ill during a roadshow in Varanasi ahead of the Uttar Pradesh polls, also addressed a rally in the Lingayat stronghold of

Vijayapura where she said "Modi is possessed by the devil of 'Congress mukt Bharat' (bhoot lag gaya hai)".

Apart from Shah, who vigourously campaigned across the state over the last two months, the BJP fielded its Hindutva mascot Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who toured the communally sensitive coastal belt of Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada district.

Adityanath exhorted electors to elect a government that can protect people from "jihadi" forces.

After Rahul Gandhi publicly declared he was ready to become the prime minister if Congress emerged as the single largest party, Modi mocked him, calling him a "dynast" and wondering whether the nation will accept him as its leader.

The campaign was hit by a "fake" voter ID card scandal in it dying moments, but election officials said those appeared to be genuine.

Nearly 10,000 cards were recovered from a flat in Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency on Tuesday, setting off a war of words between the Congress and BJP, with each alleging the owner of the apartment owed allegiance to the rival party.

The contentious issue of the Siddaramaiah government recommending religious minority status for the numerically strong Lingayat community took a back seat as the two parties appeared unsure about its electoral fallout.

Opinion polls and surveys have projected a thriller of a contest, with neither BJP nor the Congress getting a majority on its own and the JD(S) of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda playing the kingmaker.

Polling for 223 seats of the 224-member Assembly will be held on May 12. Election for the Jayanagar seat was countermanded after the death of the sitting BJP MLA and its candidate B N Jayakumar. Results will be declared on May 15.&nbsp;

Like Gujarat before it, the campaign for Karnataka has been rough and ugly with a number of personal attacks from either side. The results will be out on May 15

The vitriol-filled campaign for the Karnataka Assembly elections ended today with top leaders of the BJP and Congress, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, making a last-gasp effort to sway the voters in a likely cliffhanger. From corruption to communalism, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Rs 70 lakh Hublot watch, to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's foreign origin, the electoral potboiler had it all. Like all state polls since he assumed the reins of power in New Delhi, Modi helmed the BJP's adrenaline-charged campaign despite the party having declared B S Yeddyurappa its chief ministerial candidate, while Rahul Gandhi helmed that of the Congress. Though Modi remained out of the electoral scene for a long time after addressing a public meeting in February, he launched a blitzkrieg on May 1, addressing over a score of rallies in his bid to wrest the key southern state, which BJP chief Amit Shah dubbed as the party's "gateway to south", from the Congress. Always high on energy during elections, he adddressed at least three rallies every day when he was in Karnataka, or else interacted with workers of the BJP's different frontal organisations through the 'Namo App'. Though development remained part of the political discourse, it was overtaken by a slanging match between the two parties over corruption. The prime minister and Amit Shah raised the issue of the killing of RSS and BJP workers by SDPI, a radical Islamist political party floated by the Popular Front of India, which Modi said was the "abc of communalism". Shah claimed two of the candidates fielded by the Congress were, in fact, members of the SDPI. Opinion polls and surveys have projected a thriller of a contest, with neither BJP nor the Congress getting a majority on its own and the JD(S) of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda playing the kingmaker × On day one of his campaign, Modi raked up the issue of Sonia's foreign origin at an election rally where he dared the Congress chief to speak for 15 minutes about the achievements of the Karnataka government in any language, including his "mother's mother tongue". An emotional Rahul Gandhi hit back today at a press conference where he said,"My mother is an Italian. She has lived the larger part of her life in India. She is more Indian than many, many Indians I have seen." Modi repeatedly addressed the Siddaramaiah ministry as "seedha rupaiah government (a government that takes bribes for work) and "10 per cent commission government". Provoked, Siddaramaiah first called the Modi dispensation a "90 per cent commission government" and then served legal notices to Modi and Shah, demanding an apology and threatening to file Rs 100 crore civil and criminal defamation suit if they did not tender it. Rally after election rally, Rahul Gandhi targeted BJP's chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa over corruption when he helmed the state while BJP was in power between 2008 and 2013. "Will Modi ji tell the people of Karnataka why a man who spent time in jail for corruption is the BJP's CM candidate? Why the BJP has given 8 tickets to Reddy brothers and their associates who looted Rs 35,000 crore from the people of Karnataka?" he asked, as he sought to paint the saffron party into a corner. The Congress president frequently referred to fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi in his speeches, alleging the government allowed him to flee the country after defrauding the Punjab National Bank fraud. Modi, who has powered the BJP to victory after victory in Assembly polls in states in the last four years, also invoked nationalism and B R Ambedkar, after he was in the Congress president's firing line over a string of attacks on Dalits. He slammed the Congress for raising questions about the Army's surgical strikes in PoK. Though Modi did not campaign in Karnataka today, he addressed BJP's SC/ST/OBC and Slum Morcha workers through his Namo App and said, "There is no place for dalits and backward classes in the heart of the Congress." He accused the Congress of "insulting" Ambedkar, a Dalit icon. Sonia Gandhi, who avoided the rough and tumble of elections for two years after she was taken ill during a roadshow in Varanasi ahead of the Uttar Pradesh polls, also addressed a rally in the Lingayat stronghold of Vijayapura where she said "Modi is possessed by the devil of 'Congress mukt Bharat' (bhoot lag gaya hai)". Apart from Shah, who vigourously campaigned across the state over the last two months, the BJP fielded its Hindutva mascot Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who toured the communally sensitive coastal belt of Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada district. Adityanath exhorted electors to elect a government that can protect people from "jihadi" forces. After Rahul Gandhi publicly declared he was ready to become the prime minister if Congress emerged as the single largest party, Modi mocked him, calling him a "dynast" and wondering whether the nation will accept him as its leader. The campaign was hit by a "fake" voter ID card scandal in it dying moments, but election officials said those appeared to be genuine. Nearly 10,000 cards were recovered from a flat in Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency on Tuesday, setting off a war of words between the Congress and BJP, with each alleging the owner of the apartment owed allegiance to the rival party. The contentious issue of the Siddaramaiah government recommending religious minority status for the numerically strong Lingayat community took a back seat as the two parties appeared unsure about its electoral fallout. Opinion polls and surveys have projected a thriller of a contest, with neither BJP nor the Congress getting a majority on its own and the JD(S) of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda playing the kingmaker. Polling for 223 seats of the 224-member Assembly will be held on May 12. Election for the Jayanagar seat was countermanded after the death of the sitting BJP MLA and its candidate B N Jayakumar. Results will be declared on May 15.

Vitriol-filled campaign for Karnataka ends, elections on May 12

Congress President Rahul Gandhi responded Thursday to Prime Minister Modi's and the BJP's frequent jibes about his mother's Italian heritage. &nbsp;

"My mother is Italian. She has lived a large part of her life in India. She is more Indian than many people I see," Rahul said.&nbsp;

He was speaking to reporters in Bengaluru after winding up his campaigning for the Karnataka polls.&nbsp;

Today is the last day of campaigning. The state which goes to the polls on May 12.&nbsp;

Sonia had been in Karnataka earlier this week to address a campaign rally. She said there that Modi "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-elections-sonia-hits-campaign-trail-after-2-years-says-wherever-modi-goes-he-distorts-historical-facts-135515">distorts facts</a>".&nbsp;

Ahead of her visit, the BJP had tweeted: “Today, Ms. Antonio Maino is here in K’taka to save her last citadel from falling! Madam Maino, K’taka needs no lessons from the person who was solely responsible for wasting India’s 10 precious years. And to Congress, need to remind you of your ‘import’ jibe?”

PM Modi too had rake up the issue of Sonia's roots.&nbsp;

At a campaign rally, Modi had challenged Rahul "to speak for 15 minutes on the achievements of your government in Karnataka without reading from a piece of paper. You can speak in Hindi, English or your mother's mother tongue.”

"I have now learnt to deal with the Prime Minister. When he can't respond, he distracts," Rahul said.

"This election is not about Rahul," he added.&nbsp;

That was a reference to Modi wondering whether the country would ever accept such an "immature and naamdar (famous)" leader for the post of prime minister.&nbsp;

That came after Rahul replied in the affirmative to a question asking him whether he would <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/is-rahul-gandhi-ready-to-be-pm-why-not-says-congress-president-135428">take over as prime minister</a> should the Congress win in 2019.&nbsp;

Rahul added that Modi sees him as a "threat".

"Modi has anger inside... he has anger for everybody, not just me ...and sees a threat in me," Rahul said.

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Today, Ms. Antonio Maino is here in K'taka to save her last citadel from falling! 
 
Madam Maino, K'taka needs no lessons from the person who was solely responsible for wasting India's 10 precious years. 
 
And to Congress, need to remind you of your 'import' jibe? <a href="https://t.co/7NmhjuoMOM">https://t.co/7NmhjuoMOM</a>
— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Karnataka/status/993690918309023744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Rahul said the Congress would win the May 12 elections — the results will be out on the 15th — and that the opposition had restricted itself to making personal attacks on him during the campaign.

The BJP, he added, feels "uncomfortable" when he visits a temple.

"I don't think the BJP understands the term Hindu," Rahul said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The Congress President was responding to Prime Minister Modi's and the BJP's frequent jibes about his mother's Italian heritage

Congress President Rahul Gandhi responded Thursday to Prime Minister Modi's and the BJP's frequent jibes about his mother's Italian heritage. "My mother is Italian. She has lived a large part of her life in India. She is more Indian than many people I see," Rahul said. He was speaking to reporters in Bengaluru after winding up his campaigning for the Karnataka polls. Today is the last day of campaigning. The state which goes to the polls on May 12. Sonia had been in Karnataka earlier this week to address a campaign rally. She said there that Modi "distorts facts". Ahead of her visit, the BJP had tweeted: “Today, Ms. Antonio Maino is here in K’taka to save her last citadel from falling! Madam Maino, K’taka needs no lessons from the person who was solely responsible for wasting India’s 10 precious years. And to Congress, need to remind you of your ‘import’ jibe?” PM Modi too had rake up the issue of Sonia's roots. At a campaign rally, Modi had challenged Rahul "to speak for 15 minutes on the achievements of your government in Karnataka without reading from a piece of paper. You can speak in Hindi, English or your mother's mother tongue.” "I have now learnt to deal with the Prime Minister. When he can't respond, he distracts," Rahul said. "This election is not about Rahul," he added. That was a reference to Modi wondering whether the country would ever accept such an "immature and naamdar (famous)" leader for the post of prime minister. That came after Rahul replied in the affirmative to a question asking him whether he would take over as prime minister should the Congress win in 2019. Rahul added that Modi sees him as a "threat". "Modi has anger inside... he has anger for everybody, not just me ...and sees a threat in me," Rahul said. Today, Ms. Antonio Maino is here in K'taka to save her last citadel from falling! Madam Maino, K'taka needs no lessons from the person who was solely responsible for wasting India's 10 precious years. And to Congress, need to remind you of your 'import' jibe? https://t.co/7NmhjuoMOM — BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) May 8, 2018 × Rahul said the Congress would win the May 12 elections — the results will be out on the 15th — and that the opposition had restricted itself to making personal attacks on him during the campaign. The BJP, he added, feels "uncomfortable" when he visits a temple. "I don't think the BJP understands the term Hindu," Rahul said. (With inputs from PTI)

'My mother more Indian than many', says Rahul Gandhi after PM Modi's jibe

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Justice J Chelameswar, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, has written a letter to the Chief Justice of India asking him to convene a meeting of the collegium to urgently forward the name of Uttarakhand Chief Justice KM Joseph as a judge of the apex court to the Centre.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-not-a-drill-neha-dhupia-gets-married-to-angad-bedi-135899">Not a drill! Neha Dhupia gets married to Angad Bedi</a>

Barely any of us were over Sonam Kapoor's wedding with businessman Anand Ahuja that concluded on May 8 -- that another Bollywood actress entered the club today and with what a surprise.&nbspShocking us all, Neha tied the knot with model-actor Angad Bedi who was last seen in TV series&nbspInside Edge&nbspwhich was based on cricket and the game's dark side.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/-why-pokhran-was-chosen-for-indias-nuclear-test-135943">American spy satellites & sandstorms: Why Pokhran was chosen as the test site for India's nukes</a>

The test was conducted during the month of May, when the wind in the region creates a serious sandstorms. The sandstorms obstructs a clear view to &nbspAmerican spy satellites.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/23-fighters-dead-in-israel-strikes-on-syria-monitor-135932">23 fighters dead in Israel </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/23-fighters-dead-in-israel-strikes-on-syria-monitor-135932">strikes</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/23-fighters-dead-in-israel-strikes-on-syria-monitor-135932"> on Syria: Monitor</a>

Twenty-three fighters, including five Syrian regime troops and 18 other allied forces, were killed in Israeli strikes on several areas of Syria overnight, a monitor said on Thursday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-mother-more-indian-than-many-rahul-gandhi-135937">My mother more Indian than many: Rahul Gandhi</a>

Congress President Rahul Gandhi responded Thursday to Prime Minister Modi's and the BJP's frequent jibes about his mother's Italian heritage.&nbsp

&nbsp

&nbsp

Convene meeting of collegium, resend Justice KM Joseph's name to Centre: Justice Chelameswar to CJI Justice J Chelameswar, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, has written a letter to the Chief Justice of India asking him to convene a meeting of the collegium to urgently forward the name of Uttarakhand Chief Justice KM Joseph as a judge of the apex court to the Centre. Not a drill! Neha Dhupia gets married to Angad Bedi Barely any of us were over Sonam Kapoor's wedding with businessman Anand Ahuja that concluded on May 8 -- that another Bollywood actress entered the club today and with what a surprise.&nbspShocking us all, Neha tied the knot with model-actor Angad Bedi who was last seen in TV series Inside Edge which was based on cricket and the game's dark side. American spy satellites & sandstorms: Why Pokhran was chosen as the test site for India's nukes The test was conducted during the month of May, when the wind in the region creates a serious sandstorms. The sandstorms obstructs a clear view to &nbspAmerican spy satellites. 23 fighters dead in Israel strikes on Syria: Monitor Twenty-three fighters, including five Syrian regime troops and 18 other allied forces, were killed in Israeli strikes on several areas of Syria overnight, a monitor said on Thursday. My mother more Indian than many: Rahul Gandhi Congress President Rahul Gandhi responded Thursday to Prime Minister Modi's and the BJP's frequent jibes about his mother's Italian heritage.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi today criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not interacting with the press.

Rahul Gandhi, who <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-doesnt-understand-meaning-of-hindu-pm-modi-silent-on-atrocities-against-dalits-says-rahul-gandhi-135858">held a press conference</a> in Bengaluru, wrote on Twitter that he enjoyed meeting the regional and national press in Bengaluru and that unlike PM Modi who had not held a press conference in four years, he would be doing "many more of these".

"Enjoyed meeting the regional and national press today in Bengaluru. We had a packed house! I’m sorry not everyone got a chance to ask a question due to the paucity of time. But, unlike our PM who hasn’t had a press conference in 4 yrs, I will be doing many more of these!," wrote the Congress president on Twitter. 
&nbsp;

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Enjoyed meeting the regional & national press today in Bengaluru. We had a packed house! I’m sorry not everyone got a chance to ask a question due to the paucity of time. 
 
But, unlike our PM who hasn’t had a press conference in 4 yrs., I will be doing many more of these! <a href="https://t.co/tzNVHVLXdu">pic.twitter.com/tzNVHVLXdu</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/994488116923850752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Asked at an event in Bengaluru if he harboured prime ministerial ambitions, the Congress chief said on Tuesday, "Yes, why not", if his party emerged as the single-largest party in 2019 general elections.

The Congress president, who has been busy campaigning in Karnataka ahead of the Assembly elections on May 12 has attacked the BJP over alleged corruption, not doing enough for Dalits, the party's manifesto, personal slandering and issue-less campaign by PM Modi.&nbsp;

Apart from hitting the campaign trail, the Congress president has also used social media to target PM Modi and the BJP.

Rahul Gandhi, who interacted with the press today in Bengaluru, wrote on Twitter that unlike PM Modi who had not held a press conference in four years, he would be doing 'many more of these'

Congress President Rahul Gandhi today criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not interacting with the press. Rahul Gandhi, who held a press conference in Bengaluru, wrote on Twitter that he enjoyed meeting the regional and national press in Bengaluru and that unlike PM Modi who had not held a press conference in four years, he would be doing "many more of these". "Enjoyed meeting the regional and national press today in Bengaluru. We had a packed house! I’m sorry not everyone got a chance to ask a question due to the paucity of time. But, unlike our PM who hasn’t had a press conference in 4 yrs, I will be doing many more of these!," wrote the Congress president on Twitter. Enjoyed meeting the regional & national press today in Bengaluru. We had a packed house! I’m sorry not everyone got a chance to ask a question due to the paucity of time. But, unlike our PM who hasn’t had a press conference in 4 yrs., I will be doing many more of these! pic.twitter.com/tzNVHVLXdu — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 10, 2018 × Asked at an event in Bengaluru if he harboured prime ministerial ambitions, the Congress chief said on Tuesday, "Yes, why not", if his party emerged as the single-largest party in 2019 general elections. The Congress president, who has been busy campaigning in Karnataka ahead of the Assembly elections on May 12 has attacked the BJP over alleged corruption, not doing enough for Dalits, the party's manifesto, personal slandering and issue-less campaign by PM Modi. Apart from hitting the campaign trail, the Congress president has also used social media to target PM Modi and the BJP.

Unlike PM, will have many more press conferences: Rahul Gandhi

As political <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/people-from-scst-are-joining-bjp-in-huge-numbers-says-modi-in-final-karnataka-poll-push-on-namo-app-135833">temperature rises on last day </a>of campaigning in Karnataka, Congress president addressing a press conference at Bengaluru with chief minister Siddaramaiah, said that PM Modi has been silent about atrocities against Dalits.

Rahul Gandhi openly attacked the prime minister said: "PM Modi wants to speak about me, not Karnataka," adding,"the prime minister has said nothing about the future of Karnataka."

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Enjoyed meeting the regional & national press today in Bengaluru. We had a packed house! I’m sorry not everyone got a chance to ask a question due to the paucity of time. 
 
But, unlike our PM who hasn’t had a press conference in 4 yrs., I will be doing many more of these! <a href="https://t.co/tzNVHVLXdu">pic.twitter.com/tzNVHVLXdu</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/994488116923850752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"This election is not about Rahul Gandhi but on Karnataka," he added.

"PM Modi is silent on atrocities against Dalits," he said. Taking a potshot at the prime minister, Rahul said Modi has anger towards everyone.

PM Modi in his final address to Karnataka voters through the Namo app had said people from SC/ST were joining the BJP in "huge numbers".

"The BJP is working for the upliftment of the Dalits," he said. "Tribal people are supporting our development plans," he informed voters in Karnataka.

The Congress president said the BJP is doing nothing for farmers. "BJP does not understand the meaning of 'Hindu'," he said.

On Congress's CM face Siddaramaiah, Rahul said there is no comparison between Yeddyurappa and&nbsp;Siddaramaiah, declaring that the ex-Karnataka CM has been to prison over corruption charges.

"We campaigned on the voice of the people and on fundamental issues in Karnataka," he said.

On the incidents of horrific rape in the country, he said, "rapes are absolutely a political issue."

Talking about India's relations with China, Rahul said Doklam was not brought up during Modi-Xi meet recently at Wuhan. "I can see changes in Russia's policy towards India,"&nbsp;he noted.

The Congress president said the BJP is doing nothing for farmers.

As political temperature rises on last day of campaigning in Karnataka, Congress president addressing a press conference at Bengaluru with chief minister Siddaramaiah, said that PM Modi has been silent about atrocities against Dalits. Rahul Gandhi openly attacked the prime minister said: "PM Modi wants to speak about me, not Karnataka," adding,"the prime minister has said nothing about the future of Karnataka." Enjoyed meeting the regional & national press today in Bengaluru. We had a packed house! I’m sorry not everyone got a chance to ask a question due to the paucity of time. But, unlike our PM who hasn’t had a press conference in 4 yrs., I will be doing many more of these! pic.twitter.com/tzNVHVLXdu — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 10, 2018 × "This election is not about Rahul Gandhi but on Karnataka," he added. "PM Modi is silent on atrocities against Dalits," he said. Taking a potshot at the prime minister, Rahul said Modi has anger towards everyone. PM Modi in his final address to Karnataka voters through the Namo app had said people from SC/ST were joining the BJP in "huge numbers". "The BJP is working for the upliftment of the Dalits," he said. "Tribal people are supporting our development plans," he informed voters in Karnataka. The Congress president said the BJP is doing nothing for farmers. "BJP does not understand the meaning of 'Hindu'," he said. On Congress's CM face Siddaramaiah, Rahul said there is no comparison between Yeddyurappa and Siddaramaiah, declaring that the ex-Karnataka CM has been to prison over corruption charges. "We campaigned on the voice of the people and on fundamental issues in Karnataka," he said. On the incidents of horrific rape in the country, he said, "rapes are absolutely a political issue." Talking about India's relations with China, Rahul said Doklam was not brought up during Modi-Xi meet recently at Wuhan. "I can see changes in Russia's policy towards India," he noted.

BJP doesn't understand meaning of 'Hindu', PM Modi silent on atrocities against Dalits, says Rahul Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that making fake voter ID cards to win elections is a "tactic of Congress", and that "people should never forgive such a party".&nbsp;

Modi was referring to the close to 10,000 fake voter ID cards recovered from a flat in Bengaluru last night. The Congress has since alleged that the raid was stage-managed by the BJP and that the flat's owner and tenant are both BJP leaders.&nbsp;

"Making multiple fake voter ID cards to win elections is the tactic of Congress. People should never forgive such party. Fearing a crushing defeat, Congress is indulging in all kinds of malpractices," Modi said at an election rally in Chikkamagaluru.&nbsp;

He then went on to attack Congress President Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

"Throughout the day, a Congress leader thinks only about one thing — <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/is-rahul-gandhi-ready-to-be-pm-why-not-says-congress-president-135428">how to be the prime minister</a>? If this isn't arrogance, then what is?" Modi asked.&nbsp;

He then <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/can-rahul-gandhi-speak-for-15-minutes-pm-modi-at-karnataka-rally-133953">continued with his </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/can-rahul-gandhi-speak-for-15-minutes-pm-modi-at-karnataka-rally-133953">naamdaar</a> (dynast) versus kaamdaar (worker) jibe.&nbsp;

"The naamdaar of Congress keeps getting promoted even if he doesn't do anything," Modi said.&nbsp;

"He was made General Secretary of the party in 2007. He said he'll make a young team and bring new ideas. It has been 11 years and things are still what they used to be," he added.&nbsp;

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Congress only wants to remain in power. In '78, Indira Ji came here, took your votes but never cared for people of this region. Congress never thought about welfare of people of Chikmagalur. Sonia Ji too contested from Bellari, but what happened to promises made here?: PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/Rm7xyS1CHf">pic.twitter.com/Rm7xyS1CHf</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/994137322730983424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Owner of the flat (in Jalahalli, where voter IDs were found) is Manjula Nanjamari, she was BJP corporator from '97-'02 & continues to be prominent leader of BJP. In last 24 hours she has been disowned by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> BJP in-charge Prakash Javadekar: Randeep Surjewala, Congress <a href="https://t.co/ERcpBLYUUx">pic.twitter.com/ERcpBLYUUx</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/994172382204997633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Last night raid was stage managed by BJP which is using huge amounts of cash & resources which are at BJP's disposal to influence voters & elections. It wasn't EC or police but BJP people who raided flat which belongs to BJP leader & the tenant is also a BJP leader: Anand Sharma <a href="https://t.co/NDLoAQqufE">pic.twitter.com/NDLoAQqufE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/994127614766927877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Modi was referring to the close to 10,000 fake voter ID cards recovered from a flat in Bengaluru last night. The Congress has since alleged that the raid was stage-managed by the BJP and that the flat's owner and tenant are both BJP leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that making fake voter ID cards to win elections is a "tactic of Congress", and that "people should never forgive such a party". Modi was referring to the close to 10,000 fake voter ID cards recovered from a flat in Bengaluru last night. The Congress has since alleged that the raid was stage-managed by the BJP and that the flat's owner and tenant are both BJP leaders. "Making multiple fake voter ID cards to win elections is the tactic of Congress. People should never forgive such party. Fearing a crushing defeat, Congress is indulging in all kinds of malpractices," Modi said at an election rally in Chikkamagaluru. He then went on to attack Congress President Rahul Gandhi. "Throughout the day, a Congress leader thinks only about one thing — how to be the prime minister? If this isn't arrogance, then what is?" Modi asked. He then continued with his naamdaar (dynast) versus kaamdaar (worker) jibe. "The naamdaar of Congress keeps getting promoted even if he doesn't do anything," Modi said. "He was made General Secretary of the party in 2007. He said he'll make a young team and bring new ideas. It has been 11 years and things are still what they used to be," he added. Congress only wants to remain in power. In '78, Indira Ji came here, took your votes but never cared for people of this region. Congress never thought about welfare of people of Chikmagalur. Sonia Ji too contested from Bellari, but what happened to promises made here?: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/Rm7xyS1CHf — ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2018 × Owner of the flat (in Jalahalli, where voter IDs were found) is Manjula Nanjamari, she was BJP corporator from '97-'02 & continues to be prominent leader of BJP. In last 24 hours she has been disowned by #Karnataka BJP in-charge Prakash Javadekar: Randeep Surjewala, Congress pic.twitter.com/ERcpBLYUUx — ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2018 × Last night raid was stage managed by BJP which is using huge amounts of cash & resources which are at BJP's disposal to influence voters & elections. It wasn't EC or police but BJP people who raided flat which belongs to BJP leader & the tenant is also a BJP leader: Anand Sharma pic.twitter.com/NDLoAQqufE — ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2018 ×

Congress making fake voter IDs to avoid defeat: PM Modi in Karnataka

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