President Ram Nath Kovind as exhorted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday coordinated the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-pm-modis-right-hand-man-is-indias-new-home-minister-223085"> assignment of portfolios</a> among members from the Union Council of Ministers.

In the allocation of portfolios to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/s-jaishankar-is-the-new-foreign-minister-will-replace-sushma-swaraj-223083">newly sworn-in members</a> of the Council of Ministers announced on Monday, most of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/nirmala-sitharaman-the-first-full-time-woman-defence-minister-retained-as-union-minister-222866">Cabinet ministers </a>retained their earlier portfolios with Nitin Gadkari getting Road Transport and Highways while Ravi Shankar Prasad, Law and justice, Communications and Electronics and Information and Technology.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/modi-20-prominent-faces-of-the-58-member-ministerial-team-222972">In pics: Prominent faces of the 58-member ministerial team</a>

Smriti Irani, who defeated Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi, will retain Textiles Minister along with Women and Child Development Ministry, earlier looked after by Maneka Gandhi.&nbsp;

Watch: All-new Narendra Modi govt to hold its first Cabinet meet

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Dharmendra Pradhan will be looking after Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry again along with Steel Ministry, earlier looked after by Chaudhary Birender Singh.

Here is the list of the council of ministers and their portfolios 

Cabinet Ministers

1. Raj Nath Singh - Minister of Defence

2. Amit Shah - Minister of Home Affairs

3. Nitin Jairam Gadkari - Minister of Road Transport and Highways; and Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

4. D.V. Sadananda Gowda - Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers

5. Nirmala Sitharaman - Minister of Finance; and Minister of Corporate Affairs

6. Ramvilas Paswan - Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

7. Narendra Singh Tomar - Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; Minister of Rural Development; and Minister of Panchayati Raj

8. Ravi Shankar Prasad - Minister of Law and Justice; Minister of Communications; and Minister of Electronics and Information Technology

9. Harsimrat Kaur Badal - Minister of Food Processing Industries

10. Thaawar Chand Gehlot - Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment

11. Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar - Minister of External Affairs

12. Ramesh Pokhriyal `Nishank` - Minister of Human Resource Development

13 Arjun Munda - Minister of Tribal Affairs

14. Smriti Zubin Irani - Minister of Women and Child Development; and Minister of Textiles

15. Harsh Vardhan - Minister of Health and Family Welfare; Minister of Science and Technology; and Minister of Earth Sciences

16. Prakash Javadekar - Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; and Minister of Information and Broadcasting

17. Piyush Goyal - Minister of Railways; and Minister of Commerce and Industry

18. Dharmendra Pradhan - Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas; and Minister of Steel

19. Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi - Minister of Minority Affairs

20. Pralhad Joshi - Minister of Parliamentary Affairs; Minister of Coal; and Minister of Mines

21. Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey - Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

22. Arvind Ganpat Sawant - Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprise

23. Giriraj Singh - Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries

24. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat - Minister of Jal Shakti

Ministers of State (Independent Charge)&nbsp;

1. Santosh Kumar Gangwar - Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Labour and Employment

2. Rao Inderjit Singh - Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation; and Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Planning

3. Shripad Yesso Naik - Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH); and Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence

4. Dr Jitendra Singh - Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region; Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office; Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Minister of State in the Department of Atomic Energy; and Minister of State in the Department of Space

5. Kiren Rijiju - Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Minority Affairs

6. Prahalad Singh Patel - Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Culture; and Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Tourism

7. Raj Kumar Singh - Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Power; Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

8. Hardeep Singh Puri - Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs; Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Civil Aviation; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry

9. Mansukh L. Mandaviya - Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Shipping; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

Ministers of State

1. Faggansingh Kulaste - Minister of State in the Ministry of Steel

2. Ashwini Kumar Choubey - Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

3. Arjun Ram Meghwal - Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs; andMinister of State in the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises

4. General (Retd.) VK Singh - Minister of State in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways

5. Krishan Pal - Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

6. Danve Raosaheb Dadarao - Minister of State in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

7. G Kishan Reddy - Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs

8. Parshottam Rupala - Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

9. Ramdas Athawale - Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

10. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti - Minister of State in the Ministry of Rural Development

11. Babul Supriyo - Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

12. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan - Minister of State in the Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries

13. Dhotre Sanjay Shamrao - Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Resource Development; Minister of State in the Ministry of Communications; andMinister of State in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

14. Anurag Singh Thakur - Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance andMinister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs

15. Angadi Suresh Channabasappa - Minister of State in the Ministry of Railways

16. Nityanand Rai - Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs

17. Rattan Lal Kataria - Minister of State in the Ministry of Jal Shakti; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

18. V Muraleedharan - Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs

19. Renuka Singh Saruta - Minister of State in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs

20. Som Parkash - Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry

21. Rameshwar Teli - Minister of State in the Ministry of Food Processing Industries

22. Pratap Chandra Sarangi - Minister of State in the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries

23. Kailash Choudhary - Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

24. Sushri Debasree Chaudhuri - Minister of State in the Ministry of Women and Child Development 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

President Ram Nath Kovind as exhorted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday coordinated the assignment of portfolios among members from the Union Council of Ministers.

President Ram Nath Kovind as exhorted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday coordinated the assignment of portfolios among members from the Union Council of Ministers. In the allocation of portfolios to newly sworn-in members of the Council of Ministers announced on Monday, most of the Cabinet ministers retained their earlier portfolios with Nitin Gadkari getting Road Transport and Highways while Ravi Shankar Prasad, Law and justice, Communications and Electronics and Information and Technology. In pics: Prominent faces of the 58-member ministerial team Smriti Irani, who defeated Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi, will retain Textiles Minister along with Women and Child Development Ministry, earlier looked after by Maneka Gandhi. Watch: All-new Narendra Modi govt to hold its first Cabinet meet Dharmendra Pradhan will be looking after Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry again along with Steel Ministry, earlier looked after by Chaudhary Birender Singh. Here is the list of the council of ministers and their portfolios Cabinet Ministers 1. Raj Nath Singh - Minister of Defence 2. Amit Shah - Minister of Home Affairs 3. Nitin Jairam Gadkari - Minister of Road Transport and Highways; and Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises 4. D.V. Sadananda Gowda - Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers 5. Nirmala Sitharaman - Minister of Finance; and Minister of Corporate Affairs 6. Ramvilas Paswan - Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution 7. Narendra Singh Tomar - Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; Minister of Rural Development; and Minister of Panchayati Raj 8. Ravi Shankar Prasad - Minister of Law and Justice; Minister of Communications; and Minister of Electronics and Information Technology 9. Harsimrat Kaur Badal - Minister of Food Processing Industries 10. Thaawar Chand Gehlot - Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment 11. Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar - Minister of External Affairs 12. Ramesh Pokhriyal `Nishank` - Minister of Human Resource Development 13 Arjun Munda - Minister of Tribal Affairs 14. Smriti Zubin Irani - Minister of Women and Child Development; and Minister of Textiles 15. Harsh Vardhan - Minister of Health and Family Welfare; Minister of Science and Technology; and Minister of Earth Sciences 16. Prakash Javadekar - Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; and Minister of Information and Broadcasting 17. Piyush Goyal - Minister of Railways; and Minister of Commerce and Industry 18. Dharmendra Pradhan - Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas; and Minister of Steel 19. Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi - Minister of Minority Affairs 20. Pralhad Joshi - Minister of Parliamentary Affairs; Minister of Coal; and Minister of Mines 21. Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey - Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship 22. Arvind Ganpat Sawant - Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprise 23. Giriraj Singh - Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries 24. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat - Minister of Jal Shakti Ministers of State (Independent Charge) 1. Santosh Kumar Gangwar - Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Labour and Employment 2. Rao Inderjit Singh - Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation; and Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Planning 3. Shripad Yesso Naik - Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH); and Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence 4. Dr Jitendra Singh - Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region; Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office; Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Minister of State in the Department of Atomic Energy; and Minister of State in the Department of Space 5. Kiren Rijiju - Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Minority Affairs 6. Prahalad Singh Patel - Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Culture; and Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Tourism 7. Raj Kumar Singh - Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Power; Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship 8. Hardeep Singh Puri - Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs; Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Civil Aviation; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry 9. Mansukh L. Mandaviya - Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Shipping; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. Ministers of State 1. Faggansingh Kulaste - Minister of State in the Ministry of Steel 2. Ashwini Kumar Choubey - Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare 3. Arjun Ram Meghwal - Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs; andMinister of State in the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises 4. General (Retd.) VK Singh - Minister of State in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways 5. Krishan Pal - Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment 6. Danve Raosaheb Dadarao - Minister of State in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution 7. G Kishan Reddy - Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs 8. Parshottam Rupala - Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare 9. Ramdas Athawale - Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment 10. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti - Minister of State in the Ministry of Rural Development 11. Babul Supriyo - Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change 12. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan - Minister of State in the Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries 13. Dhotre Sanjay Shamrao - Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Resource Development; Minister of State in the Ministry of Communications; andMinister of State in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology 14. Anurag Singh Thakur - Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance andMinister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs 15. Angadi Suresh Channabasappa - Minister of State in the Ministry of Railways 16. Nityanand Rai - Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs 17. Rattan Lal Kataria - Minister of State in the Ministry of Jal Shakti; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment 18. V Muraleedharan - Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs 19. Renuka Singh Saruta - Minister of State in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs 20. Som Parkash - Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry 21. Rameshwar Teli - Minister of State in the Ministry of Food Processing Industries 22. Pratap Chandra Sarangi - Minister of State in the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries 23. Kailash Choudhary - Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare 24. Sushri Debasree Chaudhuri - Minister of State in the Ministry of Women and Child Development (With inputs from agencies)

Cabinet 2.0: Most ministers retain earlier ministries; check complete list

BJP president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-pm-modis-right-hand-man-is-indias-new-home-minister-223085">Amit Shah has been appointed as Home Minister</a> while former Home Minister Rajnath Singh has been given Defence in the portfolios announced today in the BJP's Cabinet as Modi begins his second innings as Prime Minister after the landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/s-jaishankar-is-the-new-foreign-minister-will-replace-sushma-swaraj-223083">Subrahmanyam Jaishankar</a>, surprise pick in the new Narendra Modi government, will take over as the foreign minister of the country.&nbsp;

The high-profile foreign affairs portfolio was handled by Sushma Swaraj who refused to be part of the new dispensation due to health issues.&nbsp;

Former Defence Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/nirmala-sitharaman-the-first-full-time-woman-defence-minister-retained-as-union-minister-222866">Nirmala Sitharaman</a> will take charge as Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs while&nbsp;Ravi Shankar Prasad&nbsp;retained his earlier portfolio&nbsp;of Minister of Law and Justice.&nbsp;

Ramvilas Paswan is Minister of Consumer Affairs while Narendra Singh Tomar has been appointed as Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/modi-20-prominent-faces-of-the-58-member-ministerial-team-222972">In pics: Prominent faces of the 58-member ministerial team</a>

DV Sadananda Gowda has been appointed as Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers while Piyush Goyal and Dharmendra Pradhan and have retained their respective portfolios of Railways and Petroleum.&nbsp;Goyal has also been given Commerce and Industry, a portfolio held by&nbsp;Suresh Prabhu during&nbsp;Modi's first term.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch: All-new Narendra Modi govt to hold its first Cabinet meet

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/smriti-irani-the-return-of-giant-slayer-222868">Smriti Irani,</a> who defeated Congress president Rahul Gandhi from Amethi, has been given Women and Child Development.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Pralhad Joshi has been given Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs while Giriraj Singh is Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries.&nbsp;

Harsh Vardhan has been appointed Ministry of Health and Family Welfare while Prakash Javadekar is Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.&nbsp;

Santhosh Kumar Gangwar, Rao Inderjit Singh, Shripad Yesso Naik, Jitendra Singh, Kiren Rijiju and Prahalad Singh Patel have been given independent Charge.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will retain the Department of Personnel and Training, Atomic Energy and Space as well as all important policy issues and portfolios not allocated.&nbsp;
<img alt="Modi Cabinet 2.0" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c01b7559-64ad-4c4b-8ddb-bdfbc0de7b37" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/modi%20cabinet.jpg" />
Nitin Gadkari considered one of the best performers during the first term of Modi government for his expeditious project implementation, will continue to be the minister for Road Transport and Highways and has also been given charge of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

Piyush Goyal, who has presented the interim budget earlier this year and was expected to take over from Jaitley, has been given the Commerce and Industry ministry in addition to his old charge of Railways. However, the Coal ministry has been taken away from him and given to Pralhad Joshi, a new entrant in Modi Government.

Joshi will also be the minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Mines.&nbsp;

A new Ministry of Jal Shakti has been created and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will be its minister.

Ujjwala-man Dharmendra Pradhan retains his Petroleum portfolio and has also been given charge of the Steel ministry.&nbsp;

Former Uttarakhand chief minister Ramesh Pokhariyal 'Nishank' is the new Human Resource Development minister while Bihar ally and Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan remain Consumer Affairs minister.

Akali Dal leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal continues to be the minister of Food Processing Industries, Thawar Chand Gehlot will be the new minister of Social Justice and Empowerment.&nbsp;

Former diplomat Hardeep Puri will be the new minister of state with Independent charge of Civil Aviation while former IAS bureaucrat R K Singh will retain the ministries of Power and Renewable Energy in the same capacity.&nbsp;

Eight-term BJP MP from Uttar Pradesh Santosh Kumar Gangwar will be MoS with Independent charge for Labour and Employment.&nbsp;

The BJP capped a massive mandate by winning a total of 303 seats while the NDA has 353 MPs in the recently elected 17th Lok Sabha.

(With inputs from agencies)

BJP president Amit Shah has been appointed as Home Minister while former Home Minister Rajnath Singh has been given Defence in the portfolios announced today in the BJP's Cabinet as Modi begins his second innings as Prime Minister after the landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections.

BJP president Amit Shah has been appointed as Home Minister while former Home Minister Rajnath Singh has been given Defence in the portfolios announced today in the BJP's Cabinet as Modi begins his second innings as Prime Minister after the landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, surprise pick in the new Narendra Modi government, will take over as the foreign minister of the country. The high-profile foreign affairs portfolio was handled by Sushma Swaraj who refused to be part of the new dispensation due to health issues. Former Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will take charge as Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs while Ravi Shankar Prasad retained his earlier portfolio of Minister of Law and Justice. Ramvilas Paswan is Minister of Consumer Affairs while Narendra Singh Tomar has been appointed as Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. In pics: Prominent faces of the 58-member ministerial team DV Sadananda Gowda has been appointed as Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers while Piyush Goyal and Dharmendra Pradhan and have retained their respective portfolios of Railways and Petroleum. Goyal has also been given Commerce and Industry, a portfolio held by Suresh Prabhu during Modi's first term. Watch: All-new Narendra Modi govt to hold its first Cabinet meet × Smriti Irani, who defeated Congress president Rahul Gandhi from Amethi, has been given Women and Child Development. Pralhad Joshi has been given Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs while Giriraj Singh is Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries. Harsh Vardhan has been appointed Ministry of Health and Family Welfare while Prakash Javadekar is Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Santhosh Kumar Gangwar, Rao Inderjit Singh, Shripad Yesso Naik, Jitendra Singh, Kiren Rijiju and Prahalad Singh Patel have been given independent Charge. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will retain the Department of Personnel and Training, Atomic Energy and Space as well as all important policy issues and portfolios not allocated. Nitin Gadkari considered one of the best performers during the first term of Modi government for his expeditious project implementation, will continue to be the minister for Road Transport and Highways and has also been given charge of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Piyush Goyal, who has presented the interim budget earlier this year and was expected to take over from Jaitley, has been given the Commerce and Industry ministry in addition to his old charge of Railways. However, the Coal ministry has been taken away from him and given to Pralhad Joshi, a new entrant in Modi Government. Joshi will also be the minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Mines. A new Ministry of Jal Shakti has been created and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will be its minister. Ujjwala-man Dharmendra Pradhan retains his Petroleum portfolio and has also been given charge of the Steel ministry. Former Uttarakhand chief minister Ramesh Pokhariyal 'Nishank' is the new Human Resource Development minister while Bihar ally and Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan remain Consumer Affairs minister. Akali Dal leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal continues to be the minister of Food Processing Industries, Thawar Chand Gehlot will be the new minister of Social Justice and Empowerment. Former diplomat Hardeep Puri will be the new minister of state with Independent charge of Civil Aviation while former IAS bureaucrat R K Singh will retain the ministries of Power and Renewable Energy in the same capacity. Eight-term BJP MP from Uttar Pradesh Santosh Kumar Gangwar will be MoS with Independent charge for Labour and Employment. The BJP capped a massive mandate by winning a total of 303 seats while the NDA has 353 MPs in the recently elected 17th Lok Sabha. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi 2.0: Rajnath Singh is Defence Minister, Amit Shah Home; Nirmala Sitharaman gets Finance

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/will-make-sedition-law-more-stringent-rajnath-singh-219016">Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh </a>on Thursday said that inflation is not an issue in the ongoing elections as it has been well controlled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre.

"If you go through Indian elections` history, you will see inflation was an issue in all of them. People used to sing `Congress sarkar aayi hai, kamartod mehengai layi hai` (Congress government has come and brought high inflation along with it). But 2004 and 2019 are two elections where there were issues but inflation was not one of them," Singh said while addressing an election rally in Himachal Pradesh.

"There was Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s government before 2004 and Narendra Modi`s before 2019. Both of them handled economic management well and attacked corruption. Pakistan`s inflation rate is 10-12 per cent and India`s is 2-3 per cent. We did not let inflation cross Indo-Pak border and enter here," he said.

The Home Minister was addressing the rally in support of sitting BJP MP Ram Swaroop Sharma from Mandi Lok Sabha seat.

The four Lok Sabha seats in Himachal Pradesh, including Mandi, would go for polling on May 19.

The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that inflation is not an issue in the ongoing elections as it has been well controlled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that inflation is not an issue in the ongoing elections as it has been well controlled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre. "If you go through Indian elections` history, you will see inflation was an issue in all of them. People used to sing `Congress sarkar aayi hai, kamartod mehengai layi hai` (Congress government has come and brought high inflation along with it). But 2004 and 2019 are two elections where there were issues but inflation was not one of them," Singh said while addressing an election rally in Himachal Pradesh. "There was Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s government before 2004 and Narendra Modi`s before 2019. Both of them handled economic management well and attacked corruption. Pakistan`s inflation rate is 10-12 per cent and India`s is 2-3 per cent. We did not let inflation cross Indo-Pak border and enter here," he said. The Home Minister was addressing the rally in support of sitting BJP MP Ram Swaroop Sharma from Mandi Lok Sabha seat. The four Lok Sabha seats in Himachal Pradesh, including Mandi, would go for polling on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Inflation not issue in 2019, Modi handled economy well: Rajnath Singh

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday spoke to Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal regarding the blasts in Guwahati on Wednesday evening that left as many as 12 people injured.

"Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal regarding the blast in Guwahati. The Chief Minister apprised him of the situation. The police and other agencies are investigating the incident. The HM prays for the speedy recovery of the injured," the office of the Home Minister of India tweeted.

The explosion had occurred outside a mall on Zoo Road in Guwahati.

"A grenade blast took place at 8 pm. An investigation is underway," Deepak Kumar, Commissioner of Police, Guwahati, had informed on Wednesday.

Two unknown bike-borne suspects had lobbed a grenade on state police troops and fled the spot.

Soon after the blasts, the area was cordoned off for police investigation.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday spoke to Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal regarding the blasts in Guwahati on Wednesday evening that left as many as 12 people injured.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday spoke to Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal regarding the blasts in Guwahati on Wednesday evening that left as many as 12 people injured. "Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal regarding the blast in Guwahati. The Chief Minister apprised him of the situation. The police and other agencies are investigating the incident. The HM prays for the speedy recovery of the injured," the office of the Home Minister of India tweeted. The explosion had occurred outside a mall on Zoo Road in Guwahati. "A grenade blast took place at 8 pm. An investigation is underway," Deepak Kumar, Commissioner of Police, Guwahati, had informed on Wednesday. Two unknown bike-borne suspects had lobbed a grenade on state police troops and fled the spot. Soon after the blasts, the area was cordoned off for police investigation.

Rajnath Singh speaks to Assam CM over Guwahati blasts

Exuding confidence that BJP will win more seats than it did in 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that thepossibility of a two-third majority cannot be ruled out.

"In comparison to 2004 and 2014 Lok Sabha elections, BJP will win with greater majority this time. The possibility of a two-third majority cannot be ruled out. The hopes and desires people had from the prime minister in the 2014 elections have now taken the shape of trust," he told media persons.

Lauding the Modi-led government for its capability on the economic front, he said, "Inflation did not become an issue during the last five years and did not come up during the election campaign as well. This shows the financial capabilities of our government."

Attacking the Mamata Banerjee government over the issue of violence in West Bengal on polling day, he said, "There is no place for political violence in a healthy democracy. It`s unfortunate that more and more incidents of violence are taking place in West Bengal. What can be more unfortunate that the chief minister is unable to stop violence in the state?"

Slamming the Congress party on Hindu terrorism comment, Singh said that such statements weaken BJP`s fight against terrorism.

"Terrorism is terrorism. It does not have a religion. Due to such statements, our fight against terrorism is weakened. Congress party did the similar thing in 2008 when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that `kewal bharat he nahi pakistan bhi atankwad ka shikar hai` (not only India but Pakistan is also a victim of terrorism). Such repetitive statements weaken the whole system," said Singh.

Continuing his tirade against the opposition party, Singh said, "Congress president Rahul Gandhi always talks about the eradication of poverty but does not do anything about it."&nbsp;

Exuding confidence that BJP will win more seats than it did in 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that thepossibility of a two-third majority cannot be ruled out.

Exuding confidence that BJP will win more seats than it did in 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that thepossibility of a two-third majority cannot be ruled out. "In comparison to 2004 and 2014 Lok Sabha elections, BJP will win with greater majority this time. The possibility of a two-third majority cannot be ruled out. The hopes and desires people had from the prime minister in the 2014 elections have now taken the shape of trust," he told media persons. Lauding the Modi-led government for its capability on the economic front, he said, "Inflation did not become an issue during the last five years and did not come up during the election campaign as well. This shows the financial capabilities of our government." Attacking the Mamata Banerjee government over the issue of violence in West Bengal on polling day, he said, "There is no place for political violence in a healthy democracy. It`s unfortunate that more and more incidents of violence are taking place in West Bengal. What can be more unfortunate that the chief minister is unable to stop violence in the state?" Slamming the Congress party on Hindu terrorism comment, Singh said that such statements weaken BJP`s fight against terrorism. "Terrorism is terrorism. It does not have a religion. Due to such statements, our fight against terrorism is weakened. Congress party did the similar thing in 2008 when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that `kewal bharat he nahi pakistan bhi atankwad ka shikar hai` (not only India but Pakistan is also a victim of terrorism). Such repetitive statements weaken the whole system," said Singh. Continuing his tirade against the opposition party, Singh said, "Congress president Rahul Gandhi always talks about the eradication of poverty but does not do anything about it."

BJP will win more seats than it got in 2014: Rajnath Singh

Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday told reporters that the 'Mahagathbandhan' is not a challenge for the Bharatiya Janata Party.

While Singh was interacting with the media after casting his vote during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-elections-polling-underway-in-seven-states-in-fifth-phase-216212">fifth phase of the Lok Sabha polls</a>, he said that he doesn't want to comment on the candidature of Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha as an SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow as elections are not about the individuals contesting but the issues.&nbsp;

"I don't want to comment on her (SP-BSP-RLD candidate Poonam Sinha), as I believe elections are not about individuals but about issues," he said.&nbsp;

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Rajnath Singh,Lucknow BJP candidate: The Mahagatbandhan is no challenge for BJP here. I don't want to comment on her(SP-BSP-RLD candidate Poonam Sinha), as I believe elections are not about individuals but about issues. <a href="https://t.co/FdwsHdj7nd">pic.twitter.com/FdwsHdj7nd</a>
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Lucknow Lok Sabha seat has gone to polls today in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

Home Minister Rajnath Singh is the BJP's candidate from the seat, Pramod Krishnam is fighting on a Congress ticket, and Poonam Sinha is SP-BSP-RLD's candidate for the Lok Sabha constituency.&nbsp;

He has expressed confidence about BJP getting a full majority and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will get a second term.

Polling for the fifth phase began at 7 am and will continue till 6 pm, amid elaborate security arrangements.

Fourteen seats in Uttar Pradesh, 12 in Rajasthan, seven each in West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh, five in Bihar and four in Jharkhand are undergoing polling in addition to Ladakh and Anantnag constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir.

Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday told reporters that the 'Mahagathbandhan' is not a challenge for the Bharatiya Janata Party. While Singh was interacting with the media after casting his vote during the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha polls, he said that he doesn't want to comment on the candidature of Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha as an SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow as elections are not about the individuals contesting but the issues.

Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday told reporters that the 'Mahagathbandhan' is not a challenge for the Bharatiya Janata Party. While Singh was interacting with the media after casting his vote during the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha polls, he said that he doesn't want to comment on the candidature of Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha as an SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow as elections are not about the individuals contesting but the issues. "I don't want to comment on her (SP-BSP-RLD candidate Poonam Sinha), as I believe elections are not about individuals but about issues," he said. Rajnath Singh,Lucknow BJP candidate: The Mahagatbandhan is no challenge for BJP here. I don't want to comment on her(SP-BSP-RLD candidate Poonam Sinha), as I believe elections are not about individuals but about issues. pic.twitter.com/FdwsHdj7nd — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 6, 2019 × Lucknow Lok Sabha seat has gone to polls today in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha polls. Home Minister Rajnath Singh is the BJP's candidate from the seat, Pramod Krishnam is fighting on a Congress ticket, and Poonam Sinha is SP-BSP-RLD's candidate for the Lok Sabha constituency. He has expressed confidence about BJP getting a full majority and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will get a second term. Polling for the fifth phase began at 7 am and will continue till 6 pm, amid elaborate security arrangements. Fourteen seats in Uttar Pradesh, 12 in Rajasthan, seven each in West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh, five in Bihar and four in Jharkhand are undergoing polling in addition to Ladakh and Anantnag constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir.

'Mahagathbandhan' isn't a challenge for Bharatiya Janata Party: Rajnath Singh 

Senior BJP leader and Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said the sedition law will be reviewed for any weaknesses and made more stringent after his party returns to power at the Centre.

Singh, addressing a gathering at Delhi's Shastri Park area in support of party candidates for Lok Sabha elections Manoj Tiwari and Gautam Gambhir, also paid tribute to the Maharashtra policemen who were killed in an IED blast in the state's Naxal-affected Gadchiroli district.

"We will see if there are any weaknesses in the sedition law after coming back to power. We will make it so stringent that it will quiver the souls of traitors," the home minister said.

He also took shots at the opposition for raising questions over the number of terrorists killed in the Balakot air strike.

"Should our soldiers stop to count the bodies after strikes? Only vultures count bodies, not the warriors," he said.

Singh asserted that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will secure two-third majority in the Lok Sabha polls.

Senior BJP leader and Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said the sedition law will be reviewed for any weaknesses and made more stringent after his party returns to power at the Centre.

Senior BJP leader and Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said the sedition law will be reviewed for any weaknesses and made more stringent after his party returns to power at the Centre. Singh, addressing a gathering at Delhi's Shastri Park area in support of party candidates for Lok Sabha elections Manoj Tiwari and Gautam Gambhir, also paid tribute to the Maharashtra policemen who were killed in an IED blast in the state's Naxal-affected Gadchiroli district. "We will see if there are any weaknesses in the sedition law after coming back to power. We will make it so stringent that it will quiver the souls of traitors," the home minister said. He also took shots at the opposition for raising questions over the number of terrorists killed in the Balakot air strike. "Should our soldiers stop to count the bodies after strikes? Only vultures count bodies, not the warriors," he said. Singh asserted that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will secure two-third majority in the Lok Sabha polls.

Will review sedition law, make it more stringent after coming back to power: Rajnath Singh

Hours after the MHA served a notice to Congress president Rahul Gandhi seeking clarification on his citizenship status, Home Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday said the timing of the communication is not relevant, even though it came in the middle of general elections.

"It is not a big development. It is a normal process," he said when asked about his ministry serving the notice to the Congress chief asking him to clarify within a fortnight his "factual position" on a complaint questioning his citizenship status.

The Home Ministry issued the letter after it received documents from BJP MP Subramanian Swamy in which he has claimed that a company named Backops Limited was registered in the United Kingdom in 2003 with Gandhi as one of its directors.

Singh told media persons here, "If any member of Parliament raises a question in Parliament, it becomes necessary to respond to it. If any MP writes a letter to any ministry, then necessary proceedings are undertaken by the ministry. It is not a big development, it is a normal process."

Asked specifically if the timing of the letter raising the question on the citizenship of the country's main opposition leader was relevant as it comes in the election season, Singh replied, "No, no. This question was raised in Parliament also. A Member of Parliament (Dr Subramanian Swamy) has written to the ministry several times as well, following which the action has been taken." Gandhi is seeking reelection from the Amethi Lok Sabha constituency which goes to polls in the fifth phase of voting on May 6.

An objection on the citizenship issue was also raised by an independent candidate against Gandhi in Amethi, but the returning officer, after scrutiny, declared his nomination papers as valid.

The Home Ministry also said Swamy's letter mentioned that in the British company's annual returns filed on October 10, 2005, and October 31, 2006, Gandhi's date of birth has been shown as June 19, 1970, and his nationality as British.

"Further, in the dissolution application dated February 17, 2009, of the above-referred company, your nationality has been mentioned as British.

"You are requested to intimate the factual position in the matter to this ministry within a fortnight of the receipt of this communication," the Home Ministry notice issued Monday said.

Hours after the MHA served a notice to Congress president Rahul Gandhi seeking clarification on his citizenship status, Home Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday said the timing of the communication is not relevant, even though it came in the middle of general elections.

Hours after the MHA served a notice to Congress president Rahul Gandhi seeking clarification on his citizenship status, Home Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday said the timing of the communication is not relevant, even though it came in the middle of general elections. "It is not a big development. It is a normal process," he said when asked about his ministry serving the notice to the Congress chief asking him to clarify within a fortnight his "factual position" on a complaint questioning his citizenship status. The Home Ministry issued the letter after it received documents from BJP MP Subramanian Swamy in which he has claimed that a company named Backops Limited was registered in the United Kingdom in 2003 with Gandhi as one of its directors. Singh told media persons here, "If any member of Parliament raises a question in Parliament, it becomes necessary to respond to it. If any MP writes a letter to any ministry, then necessary proceedings are undertaken by the ministry. It is not a big development, it is a normal process." Asked specifically if the timing of the letter raising the question on the citizenship of the country's main opposition leader was relevant as it comes in the election season, Singh replied, "No, no. This question was raised in Parliament also. A Member of Parliament (Dr Subramanian Swamy) has written to the ministry several times as well, following which the action has been taken." Gandhi is seeking reelection from the Amethi Lok Sabha constituency which goes to polls in the fifth phase of voting on May 6. An objection on the citizenship issue was also raised by an independent candidate against Gandhi in Amethi, but the returning officer, after scrutiny, declared his nomination papers as valid. The Home Ministry also said Swamy's letter mentioned that in the British company's annual returns filed on October 10, 2005, and October 31, 2006, Gandhi's date of birth has been shown as June 19, 1970, and his nationality as British. "Further, in the dissolution application dated February 17, 2009, of the above-referred company, your nationality has been mentioned as British. "You are requested to intimate the factual position in the matter to this ministry within a fortnight of the receipt of this communication," the Home Ministry notice issued Monday said.

Timing of MHA notice to Rahul not relevant, it's normal process: Rajnath Singh

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/curbing-insurgency-in-northeast-my-biggest-achievement-as-home-minister-rajnath-singh-213723">Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh</a> Sunday said Articles 370 and 35A should be seriously reviewed and scrapped.

While Article 370 gives autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir, Article 35A allows the Himalayan state's legislature to define permanent residents of the state.

Speaking at a voters' awareness programme here, Singh attacked National Conference leader Omar Abdullah for his recent remarks that there should be a separate prime minister for Kashmir.

"When a person, who has occupied a Constitutional post says such things, then Articles 370 and 35A should be seriously reviewed. Since these (provisions) have mostly caused losses, Articles 370 and 35A should be scrapped."

Singh said, "There is a conspiracy in Jammu and Kasmir. Some organisations want to kindle the feelings of separatism among the people, but the majority want to stay with India. Barring three-four organisations, the rest are with India"

The Lok Sabha MP praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi. International Monetary Fund has endorsed that India is growing at rapid speed, he said.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Sunday said Articles 370 and 35A should be seriously reviewed and scrapped. While Article 370 gives autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir, Article 35A allows the Himalayan state's legislature to define permanent residents of the state.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Sunday said Articles 370 and 35A should be seriously reviewed and scrapped. While Article 370 gives autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir, Article 35A allows the Himalayan state's legislature to define permanent residents of the state. Speaking at a voters' awareness programme here, Singh attacked National Conference leader Omar Abdullah for his recent remarks that there should be a separate prime minister for Kashmir. "When a person, who has occupied a Constitutional post says such things, then Articles 370 and 35A should be seriously reviewed. Since these (provisions) have mostly caused losses, Articles 370 and 35A should be scrapped." Singh said, "There is a conspiracy in Jammu and Kasmir. Some organisations want to kindle the feelings of separatism among the people, but the majority want to stay with India. Barring three-four organisations, the rest are with India" The Lok Sabha MP praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi. International Monetary Fund has endorsed that India is growing at rapid speed, he said.

Articles 370, 35A should be reviewed and scrapped: Rajnath Singh

Union Home Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-rajnath-singh-files-nomination-from-lucknow-210886&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiYyOLXjOjhAhVr6nMBHR_MCLEQFggOMAM&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1D8RizZQlIkCEDFGqb-e7C">Rajnath Singh</a> on Tuesday said that by the year 2030 India could replace any one of the three world superpowers (Russia, China and America).

"By 2030 or 2031 Bharat will replace any one of the three superpowers, either Russia, China or America from the list of top three countries of the world in terms of economy and strength," said Rajnath Singh while addressing an election rally at Chatra.

He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government has provided an immense boost to the economy of India.

"In 2014 we were at ninth place among the top 10 countries in terms of the size of the economy. After four years of governance led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in 2018 we jumped to the sixth position," he said.

"And I say it with confidence that not in few years but in few months we will be at the fifth place," said Rajnath.

The Home Minister also said that the Prime Minister had assured that every paise earmarked for the welfare of the people reaches the common man.

"Rajiv Gandhi helplessly said that out of 100 Paise given by him only 16 Paise manages to reach the people but Prime Minister Narendra Modi has overcome this and now when 100 paise is sent, 100 paise reaches your pocket," said Singh.

Rajnath Singh also gave an assurance of completely wiping out Naxalism.

"Naxalism which was spread across 126 districts of the country is now restricted to only seven to eight districts. I assure you it will be entirely uprooted from India in the next three to four years," he said.

Jharkhand has 14 Lok Sabha constituencies which will go for polls on 29 April, 6 May, 12 May and 19 May for its 3, 4, 4 and 3 seats respectively.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that by the year 2030 India could replace any one of the three world superpowers (Russia, China and America). "By 2030 or 2031 Bharat will replace any one of the three superpowers, either Russia, China or America from the list of top three countries of the world in terms of economy and strength," said Rajnath Singh while addressing an election rally at Chatra.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that by the year 2030 India could replace any one of the three world superpowers (Russia, China and America). "By 2030 or 2031 Bharat will replace any one of the three superpowers, either Russia, China or America from the list of top three countries of the world in terms of economy and strength," said Rajnath Singh while addressing an election rally at Chatra. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government has provided an immense boost to the economy of India. "In 2014 we were at ninth place among the top 10 countries in terms of the size of the economy. After four years of governance led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in 2018 we jumped to the sixth position," he said. "And I say it with confidence that not in few years but in few months we will be at the fifth place," said Rajnath. The Home Minister also said that the Prime Minister had assured that every paise earmarked for the welfare of the people reaches the common man. "Rajiv Gandhi helplessly said that out of 100 Paise given by him only 16 Paise manages to reach the people but Prime Minister Narendra Modi has overcome this and now when 100 paise is sent, 100 paise reaches your pocket," said Singh. Rajnath Singh also gave an assurance of completely wiping out Naxalism. "Naxalism which was spread across 126 districts of the country is now restricted to only seven to eight districts. I assure you it will be entirely uprooted from India in the next three to four years," he said. Jharkhand has 14 Lok Sabha constituencies which will go for polls on 29 April, 6 May, 12 May and 19 May for its 3, 4, 4 and 3 seats respectively.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: By 2030 India will replace one of the top 3 superpowers, says Rajnath Singh

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday said naxals will be rooted out in the country by 2023.

Rebels and terrorists coming in the way of the country's security, which is an essential part of development, will be crushed, Singh told a poll rally here.

Naxals have been almost eliminated in Jharkhand and their remaining pockets in the state will end soon, he told a poll rally here.

Singh, who was campaigning in support of Palamau (SC) constituency sitting BJP MP V D Ram, said that Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Congress have joined hands in the state due to their lust for power but they will not be successful in achieving their aim.

There is no leader in the opposition to match the stature of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the other leaders are "dwarfs" compared to him.

Detailing developmental schemes like Ujjwala, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Jan Dhan Yojana, Singh said BJP is committed to ushering in the development of the country by 2022 and its manifesto reflected it.

Ridiculing opposition parties seeking proof of bodies in the aftermath of Balakot air strikes, Singh said the air force's job was to hit the terror camps and not count the bodies and the objective was completed.

After Pulwama attack, all the countries stood with India, whose "policy is not to fire the first bullet but respond strongly to any bullet fired at it".

Palamau goes to the polls along with Chatra and Lohardaga(ST) seats in the fourth phase of polling on April 29, which will be the first phase for Jharkhand.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday said naxals will be rooted out in the country by 2023. Rebels and terrorists coming in the way of the country's security, which is an essential part of development, will be crushed, Singh told a poll rally here.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday said naxals will be rooted out in the country by 2023. Rebels and terrorists coming in the way of the country's security, which is an essential part of development, will be crushed, Singh told a poll rally here. Naxals have been almost eliminated in Jharkhand and their remaining pockets in the state will end soon, he told a poll rally here. Singh, who was campaigning in support of Palamau (SC) constituency sitting BJP MP V D Ram, said that Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Congress have joined hands in the state due to their lust for power but they will not be successful in achieving their aim. There is no leader in the opposition to match the stature of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the other leaders are "dwarfs" compared to him. Detailing developmental schemes like Ujjwala, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Jan Dhan Yojana, Singh said BJP is committed to ushering in the development of the country by 2022 and its manifesto reflected it. Ridiculing opposition parties seeking proof of bodies in the aftermath of Balakot air strikes, Singh said the air force's job was to hit the terror camps and not count the bodies and the objective was completed. After Pulwama attack, all the countries stood with India, whose "policy is not to fire the first bullet but respond strongly to any bullet fired at it". Palamau goes to the polls along with Chatra and Lohardaga(ST) seats in the fourth phase of polling on April 29, which will be the first phase for Jharkhand.

Naxalites will be rooted out by 2023: Rajnath Singh

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said India's stand against terrorism has been weakened on several occasions by the Congress party.

Addressing a press conference, Singh said, "They (Congress) have given a new theory of Hindu terrorism. There is no religion or caste of terrorism. Their new theory weakened India's stand against terrorism."

He said repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) was another such case which undermined India's stand.

"In 2004, India had an agreement with Pakistan in which its former army chief had assured that the country will not provide shelter and allow terrorism to flourish on its soil, but Congress tried weakening India's stand, saying Pakistan was also a victim of terrorism," he said.

The home minister said the opposition was doing politics over issues which should not be politicised.&nbsp;

Instead of praising the defence forces after the airstrike in Balakot of Pakistan, the opposition parties questioned it with queries on the number of terrorists killed, he said.

"When such types of questions are asked, it weakens India's stand against terrorism," he said.

Speaking on the Congress' election manifesto promising to scrap the sedition law, Singh said the law should be further strengthened but it should not be misused.

Talking about Articles 370 and 35A for Jammu and Kashmir, he said it was a temporary arrangement and it was time to review it.

"How much the entitlement benefitted Jammu and Kashmir? When a few people are raising questions there should be two prime ministers in the country then what is the significance of Article 370 and 35A," Singh asked.

He exuded confidence that the first two phases of Lok Sabha elections reflected a wave in favour of the BJP, and there was no doubt the party will get a clear majority and possibly the NDA will achieve 3/4th majority.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said India's stand against terrorism has been weakened on several occasions by the Congress party. Addressing a press conference, Singh said, "They (Congress) have given a new theory of Hindu terrorism.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said India's stand against terrorism has been weakened on several occasions by the Congress party. Addressing a press conference, Singh said, "They (Congress) have given a new theory of Hindu terrorism. There is no religion or caste of terrorism. Their new theory weakened India's stand against terrorism." He said repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) was another such case which undermined India's stand. "In 2004, India had an agreement with Pakistan in which its former army chief had assured that the country will not provide shelter and allow terrorism to flourish on its soil, but Congress tried weakening India's stand, saying Pakistan was also a victim of terrorism," he said. The home minister said the opposition was doing politics over issues which should not be politicised. Instead of praising the defence forces after the airstrike in Balakot of Pakistan, the opposition parties questioned it with queries on the number of terrorists killed, he said. "When such types of questions are asked, it weakens India's stand against terrorism," he said. Speaking on the Congress' election manifesto promising to scrap the sedition law, Singh said the law should be further strengthened but it should not be misused. Talking about Articles 370 and 35A for Jammu and Kashmir, he said it was a temporary arrangement and it was time to review it. "How much the entitlement benefitted Jammu and Kashmir? When a few people are raising questions there should be two prime ministers in the country then what is the significance of Article 370 and 35A," Singh asked. He exuded confidence that the first two phases of Lok Sabha elections reflected a wave in favour of the BJP, and there was no doubt the party will get a clear majority and possibly the NDA will achieve 3/4th majority.

Congress has weakened India's stand on terrorism on several occasions: Rajnath Singh

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday said the country has earned respect across the world during the last five years of the Modi government.

The senior BJP leader, who was speaking at an election rally here, attacked the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), saying organisations cannot get success on the basis of negative thinking.

"The country has earned respect at the global level during the BJP government...We made an anti-satellite missile which only Russia, China and the US had," Singh said.

India is on the sixth spot "as far as the economy is concerned whereas in 2014 it was ninth. We want the country to become a superpower and 'vishwa' guru," he said.

The home minister said after the Mumbai attack in 2008, "the then Congress government did nothing, but after the Pulwama terror attack, Indian forces went inside Pakistan and carried out its operation."

The Indian Air Force on February 26 carried out a strike on a terror camp in Pakistan's Balakot after 40 CRPF personnel were killed in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

"The Congress is asking how many were killed (in Balakot) to which we said the brave do not count bodies, but vultures do," Singh said.

He also attacked the SP and the BSP, saying they have joined hands to stop Narendra Modi from becoming prime minister, but warned that no individual or organisation can get success on the basis of negative thinking.

The SP, BSP and RLD have formed an alliance in Uttar Pradesh to take on the BJP in this Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

The Mayawati-led BSP is contesting 38 Lok Sabha seats, while the Akhilesh Yadav-led SP has fielded candidates from 37 parliamentary constituencies.

There are three Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) candidates in the poll fray from the state. The alliance has fielded no candidates from Rae Bareli and Amethi, which are Congress bastions in the state.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday said the country has earned respect across the world during the last five years of the Modi government. The senior BJP leader, who was speaking at an election rally here, attacked the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), saying organisations cannot get success on the basis of negative thinking.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday said the country has earned respect across the world during the last five years of the Modi government. The senior BJP leader, who was speaking at an election rally here, attacked the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), saying organisations cannot get success on the basis of negative thinking. "The country has earned respect at the global level during the BJP government...We made an anti-satellite missile which only Russia, China and the US had," Singh said. India is on the sixth spot "as far as the economy is concerned whereas in 2014 it was ninth. We want the country to become a superpower and 'vishwa' guru," he said. The home minister said after the Mumbai attack in 2008, "the then Congress government did nothing, but after the Pulwama terror attack, Indian forces went inside Pakistan and carried out its operation." The Indian Air Force on February 26 carried out a strike on a terror camp in Pakistan's Balakot after 40 CRPF personnel were killed in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. "The Congress is asking how many were killed (in Balakot) to which we said the brave do not count bodies, but vultures do," Singh said. He also attacked the SP and the BSP, saying they have joined hands to stop Narendra Modi from becoming prime minister, but warned that no individual or organisation can get success on the basis of negative thinking. The SP, BSP and RLD have formed an alliance in Uttar Pradesh to take on the BJP in this Lok Sabha elections. The Mayawati-led BSP is contesting 38 Lok Sabha seats, while the Akhilesh Yadav-led SP has fielded candidates from 37 parliamentary constituencies. There are three Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) candidates in the poll fray from the state. The alliance has fielded no candidates from Rae Bareli and Amethi, which are Congress bastions in the state.

India earned respect at global level during BJP governmentt: Rajnath Singh

Union Home Minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reacted over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-shatrughan-sinhas-wife-poonam-sinha-joins-samajwadi-party-210893">Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha contesting from Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow</a> Lok Sabha seat on a SP ticket.

Singh said that someone must contest. Calling Lucknow the land of "tehzeeb (etiquette)" he said the battle will be fought with full dignity.

"Yes somebody must contest, that is the beauty of democracy. We will fight elections with full dignity, tehzeeb jo Lucknow ki bohot badi dharohar hai usko bhi hum kayam rakhenge," Singh told media today.&nbsp;

Veteran actor and former BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha joined Samajwadi Party on Tuesday in the presence of Kannauj MP Dimple Yadav.

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Congress releases list of three names for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> , Acharya Pramod Krishnam to contest from Lucknow,Vinay Kumar Pandey from Kaiserganj(UP) and Pankaj Sanghvi from Indore(Madhya Pradesh)
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The development comes just 10 days after Shatrughan Sinha joined Congress and was given a ticket from Bihar's Patna Sahib. Poonam Sinha is set to take Union Minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh from Lucknow Lok Sabha seat. Poonam Sinha will file nomination on April 18.

The SP had urged Congress party not to field a candidate from Lucknow to ensure BJP's defeat.&nbsp;

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HM Rajnath Singh on Poonam Sinha to contest against him from Lucknow as SP-BSP-RLD candidate: Yes somebody must contest, that is the beauty of democracy. We will fight elections with full dignity, tehzeeb jo Lucknow ki bohot badi dharohar hai usko bhi hum kayam rakhenge. <a href="https://t.co/rtFHtIxuqi">pic.twitter.com/rtFHtIxuqi</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1118124233299595264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Congress, later in the day, released&nbsp;list of three names for Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;Acharya Pramod Krishnam will take on Rajnath Singh, Poonam Sinha from Lucknow.

Vinay Kumar Pandey is Congress' candidate from Kaiserganj and Pankaj Sanghvi from Indore, Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reacted over Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha contesting from Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow Lok Sabha seat on a SP ticket.

Union Home Minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reacted over Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha contesting from Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow Lok Sabha seat on a SP ticket. Singh said that someone must contest. Calling Lucknow the land of "tehzeeb (etiquette)" he said the battle will be fought with full dignity. "Yes somebody must contest, that is the beauty of democracy. We will fight elections with full dignity, tehzeeb jo Lucknow ki bohot badi dharohar hai usko bhi hum kayam rakhenge," Singh told media today. Veteran actor and former BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha joined Samajwadi Party on Tuesday in the presence of Kannauj MP Dimple Yadav. Congress releases list of three names for #LokSabhaElections2019 , Acharya Pramod Krishnam to contest from Lucknow,Vinay Kumar Pandey from Kaiserganj(UP) and Pankaj Sanghvi from Indore(Madhya Pradesh) — ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2019 × The development comes just 10 days after Shatrughan Sinha joined Congress and was given a ticket from Bihar's Patna Sahib. Poonam Sinha is set to take Union Minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh from Lucknow Lok Sabha seat. Poonam Sinha will file nomination on April 18. The SP had urged Congress party not to field a candidate from Lucknow to ensure BJP's defeat. HM Rajnath Singh on Poonam Sinha to contest against him from Lucknow as SP-BSP-RLD candidate: Yes somebody must contest, that is the beauty of democracy. We will fight elections with full dignity, tehzeeb jo Lucknow ki bohot badi dharohar hai usko bhi hum kayam rakhenge. pic.twitter.com/rtFHtIxuqi — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 16, 2019 × Congress, later in the day, released list of three names for Lok Sabha polls. Acharya Pramod Krishnam will take on Rajnath Singh, Poonam Sinha from Lucknow. Vinay Kumar Pandey is Congress' candidate from Kaiserganj and Pankaj Sanghvi from Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

Will fight with full dignity: Rajnath Singh welcomes Poonam Sinha as opponent from Lucknow

The Lucknow parliamentary seat is considered to be a BJP bastion and has been its stronghold since the Atal Bihari Vajpayee era.&nbsp;

BJP has been on a winning spree here winning the prestigious parliamentary seat continuously since 1991.

After Vajpayee, this seat was won by Lalji Tandon and then by Rajnath Singh in 2014. Rajnath Singh is seeking a second term form Lucknow.

Singh had contested from Lucknow parliamentary constituency for the first time in 2014 and registered an easy victory over the Congress candidate. Singh's nearest rival then was Rita Bahuguna Joshi who is now in BJP and a minister in UP government.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 483px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>State</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">Uttar Pradesh</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Constituency number</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">35</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Constituency Status</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">General</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Current Member of Parliament</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">Rajnath Singh (Bharatiya Janata Party)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Assembly Constituencies</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">Lucknow West, Lucknow North, Lucknow East, Lucknow Central, Lucknow Cantt.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Total voters</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">19,49,956</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Female voters</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">8,97,785</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Male voters</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">10,52,171</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Reserved</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">No</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Delimited</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">Yes</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Samajwadi Party has fielded Bollywood actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha’s wife Poonam Sinha against Rajnath Singh.

According to sources, the Congress is likely to extend support to Sinha’s candidature, with the aim to dent BJP’s votes and keep Singh confined to his constituency. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party is banking on the caste equation of Lucknow. There are four lakh Kayastha voters and 1.3 lakh Sindhi voters in Lucknow, apart from 3.5 lakh Muslims. Poonam Sinha is a Sindhi while her husband Shatrughan Sinha is a Kayastha.&nbsp;

Lucknow naturally meets all requirements to be a prominent seat by being a Lok Sabha constituency that has been represented by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for five times.

Vajpayee who contested from Lucknow five times scarcely ever needed to confront a political heavyweight of his stature as a rival.&nbsp;

Most popular of the individuals who lost against him were senior Advocate Ram Jethmalani as an independent candidate, Dr Karan Singh of Congress, movie producer Muzaffar Ali and Raj Babbar from Congress in 2004, 1999, 1998, 1996 separately. And&nbsp;every one of them was defeated with huge margins.

Lucknow is going to polls on May 6 along with a total of 51 constituencies across seven states in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha election.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Lucknow parliamentary seat is considered to be a BJP bastion and has been its stronghold since the Atal Bihari Vajpayee era. BJP has been on a winning spree here winning the prestigious parliamentary seat continuously since 1991.

The Lucknow parliamentary seat is considered to be a BJP bastion and has been its stronghold since the Atal Bihari Vajpayee era. BJP has been on a winning spree here winning the prestigious parliamentary seat continuously since 1991. After Vajpayee, this seat was won by Lalji Tandon and then by Rajnath Singh in 2014. Rajnath Singh is seeking a second term form Lucknow. Singh had contested from Lucknow parliamentary constituency for the first time in 2014 and registered an easy victory over the Congress candidate. Singh's nearest rival then was Rita Bahuguna Joshi who is now in BJP and a minister in UP government. State Uttar Pradesh Constituency number 35 Constituency Status General Current Member of Parliament Rajnath Singh (Bharatiya Janata Party) Assembly Constituencies Lucknow West, Lucknow North, Lucknow East, Lucknow Central, Lucknow Cantt. Total voters 19,49,956 Female voters 8,97,785 Male voters 10,52,171 Reserved No Delimited Yes Samajwadi Party has fielded Bollywood actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha’s wife Poonam Sinha against Rajnath Singh. According to sources, the Congress is likely to extend support to Sinha’s candidature, with the aim to dent BJP’s votes and keep Singh confined to his constituency. Samajwadi Party is banking on the caste equation of Lucknow. There are four lakh Kayastha voters and 1.3 lakh Sindhi voters in Lucknow, apart from 3.5 lakh Muslims. Poonam Sinha is a Sindhi while her husband Shatrughan Sinha is a Kayastha. Lucknow naturally meets all requirements to be a prominent seat by being a Lok Sabha constituency that has been represented by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for five times. Vajpayee who contested from Lucknow five times scarcely ever needed to confront a political heavyweight of his stature as a rival. Most popular of the individuals who lost against him were senior Advocate Ram Jethmalani as an independent candidate, Dr Karan Singh of Congress, movie producer Muzaffar Ali and Raj Babbar from Congress in 2004, 1999, 1998, 1996 separately. And every one of them was defeated with huge margins. Lucknow is going to polls on May 6 along with a total of 51 constituencies across seven states in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha election. (With inputs from agencies)

Lucknow: Shatrughan Sinha’s wife Poonam takes on Rajnath Singh in BJP's stronghold

Flanked by several party leaders and scores of supporters, <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/they-came-together-knowing-that-theyll-be-swept-away-in-modi-wave-rajnath-singh-on-sp-bsp-alliance-in-uttar-pradesh-210289">Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh</a> on Tuesday filed his nomination for the Lok Sabha elections from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh.

Before filing the nominations, Singh offered prayers at the Hanuman Setu temple and addressed party workers at the BJP state headquarters situated at Hazrathang Chauraha.

He also held a 6-kilometre-long road show in the region to the collector's office for filing nomination.

This will be the second time that the 67-year-old leader will contest Lok Sabha elections from Lucknow.

In 2014, he bagged the seat by defeating the then Congress candidate Rita Bahuguna Joshi, who is now in BJP and a minister in the Uttar Pradesh government.

It is believed that Lucknow is a prestigious constituency for the BJP as it was once held by former prime minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Lok Sabha elections in Lucknow will be held on May 6 and the counting of the votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Flanked by several party leaders and scores of supporters, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday filed his nomination for the Lok Sabha elections from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh.

Flanked by several party leaders and scores of supporters, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday filed his nomination for the Lok Sabha elections from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. Before filing the nominations, Singh offered prayers at the Hanuman Setu temple and addressed party workers at the BJP state headquarters situated at Hazrathang Chauraha. He also held a 6-kilometre-long road show in the region to the collector's office for filing nomination. This will be the second time that the 67-year-old leader will contest Lok Sabha elections from Lucknow. In 2014, he bagged the seat by defeating the then Congress candidate Rita Bahuguna Joshi, who is now in BJP and a minister in the Uttar Pradesh government. It is believed that Lucknow is a prestigious constituency for the BJP as it was once held by former prime minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Lok Sabha elections in Lucknow will be held on May 6 and the counting of the votes will take place on May 23.

Lok Sabha Polls 2019: Rajnath Singh files nomination from Lucknow

Union <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-will-make-sedition-law-even-more-stringent-rajnath-singh-209977">Home Minister Rajnath Singh</a> on Sunday slammed the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj&nbsp;Party for forging an alliance in Uttar Pradesh for Lok Sabha polls. Singh noted that the alliance has been "formed to stop Narendra Modi".&nbsp;

Singh, while addressing a gathering in Nagina, Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh, said that "it could have never been imagined that these two parties will come together in UP".

"They came together knowing that they all will be swept away in the Modi wave," Singh added.&nbsp;

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HM Rajnath Singh in Nagina, Bijnor: SP-BSP have formed an alliance to stop Narendra Modi ji. It could have never been imagined that these two parties will come together in UP. They knew 'Modi ki aandhi mein hum (SP and BSP) akele tinke ki tarah beh jaenge', so they came together. <a href="https://t.co/Lez0oGQX5D">pic.twitter.com/Lez0oGQX5D</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1117348364247543808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the Home Minister on Friday slammed Congress for its stand on sedition law as mentioned in party's manifesto and asserted that BJP will make it even more stringent after forming a government for a second term.

Addressing an election rally, Singh said, "If someone tries to break India, should they be forgiven? They say they will end the sedition law, to whom are they giving a signal? If our government comes to power we will make the sedition law even more stringent."

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday slammed the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party for forging an alliance in Uttar Pradesh for Lok Sabha polls. Singh noted that the alliance has been "formed to stop Narendra Modi".

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday slammed the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party for forging an alliance in Uttar Pradesh for Lok Sabha polls. Singh noted that the alliance has been "formed to stop Narendra Modi". Singh, while addressing a gathering in Nagina, Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh, said that "it could have never been imagined that these two parties will come together in UP". "They came together knowing that they all will be swept away in the Modi wave," Singh added. HM Rajnath Singh in Nagina, Bijnor: SP-BSP have formed an alliance to stop Narendra Modi ji. It could have never been imagined that these two parties will come together in UP. They knew 'Modi ki aandhi mein hum (SP and BSP) akele tinke ki tarah beh jaenge', so they came together. pic.twitter.com/Lez0oGQX5D — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 14, 2019 × Meanwhile, the Home Minister on Friday slammed Congress for its stand on sedition law as mentioned in party's manifesto and asserted that BJP will make it even more stringent after forming a government for a second term. Addressing an election rally, Singh said, "If someone tries to break India, should they be forgiven? They say they will end the sedition law, to whom are they giving a signal? If our government comes to power we will make the sedition law even more stringent."

They came together knowing that they'll be swept away in Modi wave: Rajnath Singh on SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh 

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to file his nomination papers from Lucknow on April 16.

President of BJP's Lucknow Mahanagar unit Mukesh Sharma Wednesday said, "Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who is also the MP from Lucknow, will address party workers at UP BJP office on April 16, and then proceed to the collectorate along with ministers and MLAs to file nomination papers from Lucknow parliamentary constituency."&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to file his nomination papers from Lucknow on April 16. President of BJP's Lucknow Mahanagar unit Mukesh Sharma Wednesday said, "Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who is also the MP from Lucknow, will address party workers at UP BJP office on April 16, and then proceed to the collectorate along with ministers and MLAs to file nomination papers from Lucknow parliamentary constituency.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to file his nomination papers from Lucknow on April 16. President of BJP's Lucknow Mahanagar unit Mukesh Sharma Wednesday said, "Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who is also the MP from Lucknow, will address party workers at UP BJP office on April 16, and then proceed to the collectorate along with ministers and MLAs to file nomination papers from Lucknow parliamentary constituency."

Rajnath Singh likely to file nomination from Lucknow on April 16

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that the BJP never made promises of transferring Rs 15 lakhs into people's bank accounts during the campaign for Lok Sabha election in 2014.

"Never said that Rs 15 lakh will come (to accounts of people). This was never said. (Bilkul nahi kaha tha ki Rs 15 lakh aenge. Ye kabhi nahi kaha tha). We had said that we will take action (karyawahi) against black money. Action is being taken against black money. It was our government which made SIT on the topic of black money," Rajnath told ANI in an exclusive interview.

His statement comes at a time when opposition parties have been criticising the BJP for having made “false promises" to woo the people of India ahead of 2014 general elections and now repeating it in 2019.

Bringing black money stashed abroad was one of the key issues for 2014 elections and the BJP had promised to crack down on black money parked in foreign banks. In this year’s manifesto, there is a mention of cracking down on parallel economy but it doesn’t occupy pride of place in speeches by political leaders.

The opposition, especially the Congress party, has been quick to point out that the BJP has not delivered on ‘bringing back home illegal wealth stashed abroad’ as was promised.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that the BJP never made promises of transferring Rs 15 lakhs into people's bank accounts during the campaign for Lok Sabha election in 2014.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that the BJP never made promises of transferring Rs 15 lakhs into people's bank accounts during the campaign for Lok Sabha election in 2014. "Never said that Rs 15 lakh will come (to accounts of people). This was never said. (Bilkul nahi kaha tha ki Rs 15 lakh aenge. Ye kabhi nahi kaha tha). We had said that we will take action (karyawahi) against black money. Action is being taken against black money. It was our government which made SIT on the topic of black money," Rajnath told ANI in an exclusive interview. His statement comes at a time when opposition parties have been criticising the BJP for having made “false promises" to woo the people of India ahead of 2014 general elections and now repeating it in 2019. Bringing black money stashed abroad was one of the key issues for 2014 elections and the BJP had promised to crack down on black money parked in foreign banks. In this year’s manifesto, there is a mention of cracking down on parallel economy but it doesn’t occupy pride of place in speeches by political leaders. The opposition, especially the Congress party, has been quick to point out that the BJP has not delivered on ‘bringing back home illegal wealth stashed abroad’ as was promised.

Never said that Rs 15 lakh will come to people's accounts: Rajnath Singh

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

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

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

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

India Election Watch: Exclusive interview with Rajnath Singh

WION: Watch Exclusive interview of Home Minister Rajnath Singh

WION Exclusive: Interview with Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh

As the Lok Sabha polls draw closer, WION's Editor-in-chief Sudhir Chaudhary spoke to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on a range of issues - from Balakot air strikes to the Bharatiya Janata Party's poll preparedness ahead of the general elections.&nbsp;

WION: You were the party president in the last election. You are the Home Minister in this election. At that time, your decision proved as a turning point. You declared Modi ji a candidate for the post of Prime Minister. What is the difference between the two elections?

Rajnath Singh: This time the BJP will win more seats as compared to 2014 because for the first time people got to know Modi as a CM. Now people know him as a Prime Minister. Narendra Bhai has increased the trust of people. And people want the country's leadership to be in strong hands.

WION: Modi wave was there last time. This time most people are saying that the wave is not there.

Rajnath Singh: Last time everyone was not aware. But many people had the information ... so people gave us the opportunity. Now after 5 years Modi ji fulfilled the expectations of the people, so this time our seats will increase.

WION: Can you say that your achievement was such that the voters will not look at any other side this time?&nbsp;

Rajnath Singh: Economically, India registered the fastest growth in 5 years. The growth rate of GDP increased. Bank accounts for the poor were opened by the Prime Minister's Jandhana Yojana. The poor were insured. Electricity connections, water connections and gas are being given in every house.

WION: Political pundits say that there is no vote in the name of development in the country but on other issues, your comments?&nbsp;

Rajnath Singh: &nbsp;I do not agree with this. People don't vote on miracles or on charisma. People see which government worries about public interest. Which government is about to work and can honour the dignity of the country.

WION: Do you think Balakot air strikes will prove as a turning point?

Rajnath Singh: I would not want to call the airstrikes as a turning point in terms of the election, however, it has instilled trust. It shows that our Prime Minister is decisive, the one who takes decisions and isn't afraid. People can see that the country is in safe hands, people have come about to trust.&nbsp;

WION: Pakistan has said that the information given in the dossier to them is not complete. Pakistan is also seeking evidence, the people of our own country, the opposition demands evidence.

Rajnath Singh: It is a matter of great irony that Pakistan is also seeking evidence and even those who are living here are also demanding evidence. I understand that in this regard the public will decide what to do.

I would like to say that no matter how many dossiers we give to Pakistan or all the evidence, they always behave like this. I would like to say that India is not weak. Pakistan will have to change its ways and crack down on terrorism and terror emanating from its soil, if it is not able to do the same on its own, ask us, India will help achieve the same.&nbsp;

WION: Did you ever think that after Balakot we should assume that now it is the end of this story or anything else can happen after this?

Rajnath Singh: I would like to tell you that India has never been an expansionist. India has never invaded any country in the world. But if you hurt the self-esteem, then India will not sit quietly. India responds.

WION: You would have first-hand information on the number of those killed in Balakot. Do we have any evidence, if yes, then when are we going to go public with it?&nbsp;

Rajnath Singh: There is no reason to doubt the bravery and valour of our Army. The operation was done on the basis of credible intelligence input, there is no doubt about this operation. If it wasn't a successful strike, then Pakistan would have not been bothered but Pakistan is getting disturbed because of this strike, we also have people of some political parties, they are having trouble too.

WION: But did we try to find out how much damage has happened? This is indeed a huge achievement

Rajnath Singh: Let's see, generally no country can tell what was the damage, how many people killed, no country in the world. Everything will be exposed on time, and I want to say that if nothing had happened then why was Pakistan so disturbed?

WION: But you must have calculated your risk that it is very risky to enter a country and attack there. Pakistan, after all, is also nuclear-armed.

Rajnath Singh: See, if it comes on self-esteem, then the person does not even calculate the risk. It is not necessary to evaluate what decision was take. Whatever strikes took place, it was an outcome of well-intentioned and calculated thought. There was no other option.&nbsp;

As the Lok Sabha polls draw closer, WION's Editor-in-chief Sudhir Chaudhary spoke to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on a range of issues - from Balakot air strikes to the Bharatiya Janata Party's poll preparedness ahead of the general elections.

As the Lok Sabha polls draw closer, WION's Editor-in-chief Sudhir Chaudhary spoke to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on a range of issues - from Balakot air strikes to the Bharatiya Janata Party's poll preparedness ahead of the general elections. WION: You were the party president in the last election. You are the Home Minister in this election. At that time, your decision proved as a turning point. You declared Modi ji a candidate for the post of Prime Minister. What is the difference between the two elections? Rajnath Singh: This time the BJP will win more seats as compared to 2014 because for the first time people got to know Modi as a CM. Now people know him as a Prime Minister. Narendra Bhai has increased the trust of people. And people want the country's leadership to be in strong hands. WION: Modi wave was there last time. This time most people are saying that the wave is not there. Rajnath Singh: Last time everyone was not aware. But many people had the information ... so people gave us the opportunity. Now after 5 years Modi ji fulfilled the expectations of the people, so this time our seats will increase. WION: Can you say that your achievement was such that the voters will not look at any other side this time? Rajnath Singh: Economically, India registered the fastest growth in 5 years. The growth rate of GDP increased. Bank accounts for the poor were opened by the Prime Minister's Jandhana Yojana. The poor were insured. Electricity connections, water connections and gas are being given in every house. WION: Political pundits say that there is no vote in the name of development in the country but on other issues, your comments? Rajnath Singh: I do not agree with this. People don't vote on miracles or on charisma. People see which government worries about public interest. Which government is about to work and can honour the dignity of the country. WION: Do you think Balakot air strikes will prove as a turning point? Rajnath Singh: I would not want to call the airstrikes as a turning point in terms of the election, however, it has instilled trust. It shows that our Prime Minister is decisive, the one who takes decisions and isn't afraid. People can see that the country is in safe hands, people have come about to trust. WION: Pakistan has said that the information given in the dossier to them is not complete. Pakistan is also seeking evidence, the people of our own country, the opposition demands evidence. Rajnath Singh: It is a matter of great irony that Pakistan is also seeking evidence and even those who are living here are also demanding evidence. I understand that in this regard the public will decide what to do. I would like to say that no matter how many dossiers we give to Pakistan or all the evidence, they always behave like this. I would like to say that India is not weak. Pakistan will have to change its ways and crack down on terrorism and terror emanating from its soil, if it is not able to do the same on its own, ask us, India will help achieve the same. WION: Did you ever think that after Balakot we should assume that now it is the end of this story or anything else can happen after this? Rajnath Singh: I would like to tell you that India has never been an expansionist. India has never invaded any country in the world. But if you hurt the self-esteem, then India will not sit quietly. India responds. WION: You would have first-hand information on the number of those killed in Balakot. Do we have any evidence, if yes, then when are we going to go public with it? Rajnath Singh: There is no reason to doubt the bravery and valour of our Army. The operation was done on the basis of credible intelligence input, there is no doubt about this operation. If it wasn't a successful strike, then Pakistan would have not been bothered but Pakistan is getting disturbed because of this strike, we also have people of some political parties, they are having trouble too. WION: But did we try to find out how much damage has happened? This is indeed a huge achievement Rajnath Singh: Let's see, generally no country can tell what was the damage, how many people killed, no country in the world. Everything will be exposed on time, and I want to say that if nothing had happened then why was Pakistan so disturbed? WION: But you must have calculated your risk that it is very risky to enter a country and attack there. Pakistan, after all, is also nuclear-armed. Rajnath Singh: See, if it comes on self-esteem, then the person does not even calculate the risk. It is not necessary to evaluate what decision was take. Whatever strikes took place, it was an outcome of well-intentioned and calculated thought. There was no other option.

Balakot air strikes instilled faith in people, showed nation is in safe hands: Rajnath Singh to WION

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