The income tax department on Wednesday attached Rs 400 crore worth of ‘benami’ property of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati’s brother, Anand and his wife.&nbsp;

The order was issued under the Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988. BSP has termed the act a conspiracy by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to throttle the voices of the poor, downtrodden, Dalits and minorities.&nbsp;

Anand was recently appointed the national vice president of the BSP. At the same meeting, she appointed her nephew Aakash Anand as national coordinator. Through this step, she initiated the process of passing on the baton of the party to her family members. A bitter critic of dynastic politics, Mayawati’s action left even her core supporters baffled. Many social activists allege that her actions have weakened the social justice movement of her late mentor Kanshi Ram.&nbsp;

Loyalists, however, claim that most regional parties today are family-held like RJD, DMK, TRS, TDP, YSRCP, SP etc. Family is the glue, which holds these parties together and prevents them from disintegration.&nbsp;

Most patriarchs try to close the leadership loop during their life so that their children/relatives do not face opposition from ambitious leaders post their retirement/ death.&nbsp;

At the same meeting last month, Mayawati formalised the breakup of BSP with SP, announcing it will contest all future elections on its own. She accused Akhilesh Yadav of not calling her after the results, working “against non-Yadav backward communities” and even neglecting the Muslims while he was the Uttar Pradesh chief minister. More importantly, perhaps, she alleged that Yadav votes were not transferred to BSP while her party transferred its votes to the SP.&nbsp;

Mayawati’s assertion is incorrect. It’s the BSP, which has benefitted more from this alliance. Her party won 10 seats in 2019, twice the tally of SP, after it failed to even open its account in 2014. SP could just maintain its tally of 5 seats.&nbsp;

The alliance was banking on DMY (Dalit-Muslim-Yadav) combination, which accounts for 50 per cent of the population to see them through. The India Today-Axis exit poll showed that SP was able to consolidate the Yadav votes towards Mahagathbandhan (MGB) candidates. About 72 per cent Yadavs in 2019 supported the Mahagthbandhan, up from 56 per cent in 2014. In-fact BJP’s support among the Yadavs is expected to have declined by 9 per cent, from 27 per cent in 2014 to 18 per cent in 2019.&nbsp;

SP also ensured that the Muslim votes were transferred to BSP candidates without any leakages; support received by the Mahagthbandhan from the community in 2019 was 76 , per centthe same as 2014: this despite Congress not being part of this grand alliance.&nbsp;

While Mayawati was able to maintain her hold on Jatav votes, the non-Jatavs continued to ditch her and the BSP. Among the non-Jatav’s, the Mahagathbandhan support declined from 39 per cent in 2014 to 30 per cent in 2019. The BJP further strengthened its influence among the non-Jatav SCs increasing its support base from 45 per cent in 2014 to 57 per cent in 2019.&nbsp;

So, actually, Mayawati lost support among her own Dalit community and couldn’t transfer votes to Akhilesh, while SP consolidated its support among Yadavs (contrary to popular belief) and managed to seamlessly transfer its votes. This is the reason why the BSP won more seats than SP.

Mayawati has a habit of twisting facts and figures to console her vote bank. In the 2012 Assembly elections, BSP received a drubbing and SP rejuvenated by young Akhilesh Yadav’s campaign won the polls. At that time, Mayawati blamed the Muslims and upper caste for her loss, while actually, BSP’s support from minorities and Brahmins increased by 3 per cent each.&nbsp;

She lost because of the dissatisfaction amongst Dalits on account of the Brahminisation of their party. Scheduled Caste support for BSP declined from 86 per cent in 2007 to 62 per cent in 2012, shaving off 5 per cent from its vote share.&nbsp;

SP and BSP expected to win 60-65 seats between them and play a key role in government formation at the centre. Akhilesh had openly announced support for Mayawati as PM. With BJP coming back to power with an even bigger mandate, Mayawati’s dreams were quashed.&nbsp;

With no role for her in central politics, Mayawati doesn’t want to leave the CM chair for Akhilesh. This would literally kill her party. Elections in the state are due in 2022. This is the real bone of contention.

In a triangular contest, Mayawati needs minimum 30 per cent vote share to win elections. For the past few elections, BSP has been hovering around the 20 per cent vote share. With just SCs (21 per cent of the population) as anchor vote segment within which too the BJP has made inroads, BSP cannot win.&nbsp;

SP is better placed with MY as anchor vote bank accounting for 28 per cent of the population. Without the Muslim vote, it will be difficult for BSP to be in contention. The Muslim vote increases her support base to roughly 30 per cent of the population, including Jatavs. This is why she attacked Akhilesh for neglecting Muslims and suggesting to her not to field candidates from the community else it could stoke polarisation.&nbsp;

The non-Yadav OBC vote is now solidly behind BJP; 72 per cent supported the party in 2019, an increase of 12 per cent compared to 2014. Her statement that Akhilesh and his SP government worked against non-Yadav backward communities’ interests is not likely to cut much ice. SP and BSP combined could garner only 14 per cent of non-Yadav OBC vote in the 2019 elections.&nbsp;

 
Mayawati would have become history if not for the support from Akhilesh. Deep inside her heart, she knows that too. But she wants to capitalise on the Lok Sabha performance and revive her party in the state elections. If the party doesn’t win or do extremely well in 2022 it could face potential electoral oblivion. She is facing the biggest challenge of her life. Only time will tell whether she succeeds or fails.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-mayawati-s-existential-crisis-2773412">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The income tax department on Wednesday attached Rs 400 crore worth of ‘benami’ property of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati’s brother, Anand and his wife.

The income tax department on Wednesday attached Rs 400 crore worth of ‘benami’ property of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati’s brother, Anand and his wife. The order was issued under the Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988. BSP has termed the act a conspiracy by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to throttle the voices of the poor, downtrodden, Dalits and minorities. Anand was recently appointed the national vice president of the BSP. At the same meeting, she appointed her nephew Aakash Anand as national coordinator. Through this step, she initiated the process of passing on the baton of the party to her family members. A bitter critic of dynastic politics, Mayawati’s action left even her core supporters baffled. Many social activists allege that her actions have weakened the social justice movement of her late mentor Kanshi Ram. Loyalists, however, claim that most regional parties today are family-held like RJD, DMK, TRS, TDP, YSRCP, SP etc. Family is the glue, which holds these parties together and prevents them from disintegration. Most patriarchs try to close the leadership loop during their life so that their children/relatives do not face opposition from ambitious leaders post their retirement/ death. At the same meeting last month, Mayawati formalised the breakup of BSP with SP, announcing it will contest all future elections on its own. She accused Akhilesh Yadav of not calling her after the results, working “against non-Yadav backward communities” and even neglecting the Muslims while he was the Uttar Pradesh chief minister. More importantly, perhaps, she alleged that Yadav votes were not transferred to BSP while her party transferred its votes to the SP. Mayawati’s assertion is incorrect. It’s the BSP, which has benefitted more from this alliance. Her party won 10 seats in 2019, twice the tally of SP, after it failed to even open its account in 2014. SP could just maintain its tally of 5 seats. The alliance was banking on DMY (Dalit-Muslim-Yadav) combination, which accounts for 50 per cent of the population to see them through. The India Today-Axis exit poll showed that SP was able to consolidate the Yadav votes towards Mahagathbandhan (MGB) candidates. About 72 per cent Yadavs in 2019 supported the Mahagthbandhan, up from 56 per cent in 2014. In-fact BJP’s support among the Yadavs is expected to have declined by 9 per cent, from 27 per cent in 2014 to 18 per cent in 2019. SP also ensured that the Muslim votes were transferred to BSP candidates without any leakages; support received by the Mahagthbandhan from the community in 2019 was 76 , per centthe same as 2014: this despite Congress not being part of this grand alliance. While Mayawati was able to maintain her hold on Jatav votes, the non-Jatavs continued to ditch her and the BSP. Among the non-Jatav’s, the Mahagathbandhan support declined from 39 per cent in 2014 to 30 per cent in 2019. The BJP further strengthened its influence among the non-Jatav SCs increasing its support base from 45 per cent in 2014 to 57 per cent in 2019. So, actually, Mayawati lost support among her own Dalit community and couldn’t transfer votes to Akhilesh, while SP consolidated its support among Yadavs (contrary to popular belief) and managed to seamlessly transfer its votes. This is the reason why the BSP won more seats than SP. Mayawati has a habit of twisting facts and figures to console her vote bank. In the 2012 Assembly elections, BSP received a drubbing and SP rejuvenated by young Akhilesh Yadav’s campaign won the polls. At that time, Mayawati blamed the Muslims and upper caste for her loss, while actually, BSP’s support from minorities and Brahmins increased by 3 per cent each. She lost because of the dissatisfaction amongst Dalits on account of the Brahminisation of their party. Scheduled Caste support for BSP declined from 86 per cent in 2007 to 62 per cent in 2012, shaving off 5 per cent from its vote share. SP and BSP expected to win 60-65 seats between them and play a key role in government formation at the centre. Akhilesh had openly announced support for Mayawati as PM. With BJP coming back to power with an even bigger mandate, Mayawati’s dreams were quashed. With no role for her in central politics, Mayawati doesn’t want to leave the CM chair for Akhilesh. This would literally kill her party. Elections in the state are due in 2022. This is the real bone of contention. In a triangular contest, Mayawati needs minimum 30 per cent vote share to win elections. For the past few elections, BSP has been hovering around the 20 per cent vote share. With just SCs (21 per cent of the population) as anchor vote segment within which too the BJP has made inroads, BSP cannot win. SP is better placed with MY as anchor vote bank accounting for 28 per cent of the population. Without the Muslim vote, it will be difficult for BSP to be in contention. The Muslim vote increases her support base to roughly 30 per cent of the population, including Jatavs. This is why she attacked Akhilesh for neglecting Muslims and suggesting to her not to field candidates from the community else it could stoke polarisation. The non-Yadav OBC vote is now solidly behind BJP; 72 per cent supported the party in 2019, an increase of 12 per cent compared to 2014. Her statement that Akhilesh and his SP government worked against non-Yadav backward communities’ interests is not likely to cut much ice. SP and BSP combined could garner only 14 per cent of non-Yadav OBC vote in the 2019 elections. Mayawati would have become history if not for the support from Akhilesh. Deep inside her heart, she knows that too. But she wants to capitalise on the Lok Sabha performance and revive her party in the state elections. If the party doesn’t win or do extremely well in 2022 it could face potential electoral oblivion. She is facing the biggest challenge of her life. Only time will tell whether she succeeds or fails. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Mayawati’s existential crisis

Alleging that Rampur lawmaker is unnecessarily being harassed through registration of fake cases against him, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/samajwadi-party-leader-neeraj-shekhar-joins-bjp-236420">Samajwadi Party</a> has formed a high-level delegation of its legislative party members to look into the matter.

In a statement issued by party spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary, the party has alleged that Rampur district administration has registered `bogus` cases against Jauhar <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fir-registered-against-azam-khan-10-others-for-making-derogatory-remarks-against-jaya-prada-232243">University Chancellor Mohammad Azam Khan</a> and is harassing him.

"To investigate such cases of harassment a 21 member delegation headed by Ahmad Hasan, leader of Opposition in state assembly has been formed on orders of party president Akhilesh Yadav", the statement said.&nbsp;

The delegation comprising of MLAs and MLCs will be visiting Rampur on July 20 and will submit a report within three days. The development comes after some cases of land grabbing were registered against Khan in Rampur.

Alleging that Rampur lawmaker is unnecessarily being harassed through registration of fake cases against him, Samajwadi Party has formed a high-level delegation of its legislative party members to look into the matter.

Alleging that Rampur lawmaker is unnecessarily being harassed through registration of fake cases against him, Samajwadi Party has formed a high-level delegation of its legislative party members to look into the matter. In a statement issued by party spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary, the party has alleged that Rampur district administration has registered `bogus` cases against Jauhar University Chancellor Mohammad Azam Khan and is harassing him. "To investigate such cases of harassment a 21 member delegation headed by Ahmad Hasan, leader of Opposition in state assembly has been formed on orders of party president Akhilesh Yadav", the statement said. The delegation comprising of MLAs and MLCs will be visiting Rampur on July 20 and will submit a report within three days. The development comes after some cases of land grabbing were registered against Khan in Rampur.

Samajwadi Party alleges harassment of Azam Khan through bogus cases, forms delegation

A team of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday carried out raids at six different locations in Uttar Pradesh, including the residence and office of mafia don Ateeq Ahmad, who is presently lodged in Ahmedabad Jail.

The raids are related to a case of abduction and assault of a businessman, officials said.

The CBI last month registered a case against Ahmad for allegedly assaulting and abducting real estate dealer Mohit Jaiswal on December 2018 while he was in Deoria Jail.

In a complaint, Jaiswal had claimed that on December 26, 2018, aides of former MP Atiq Ahmad forcibly took him to Deoria jail where Ahmad along with his son and 10-12 other miscreants were present, who forced him to transfer four of his companies to people associated with the former Samajwadi Party (SP) leader.

The case was registered following the Supreme Court’s direction, the official said.

Ahmed was an SP member in the 14th Lok Sabha from Phulpur in Uttar Pradesh from 2004 to 2009.

(With inputs from agencies)

A team of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday carried out raids at six different locations in Uttar Pradesh, including the residence and office of mafia don Ateeq Ahmad, who is presently lodged in Ahmedabad Jail.

A team of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday carried out raids at six different locations in Uttar Pradesh, including the residence and office of mafia don Ateeq Ahmad, who is presently lodged in Ahmedabad Jail. The raids are related to a case of abduction and assault of a businessman, officials said. The CBI last month registered a case against Ahmad for allegedly assaulting and abducting real estate dealer Mohit Jaiswal on December 2018 while he was in Deoria Jail. In a complaint, Jaiswal had claimed that on December 26, 2018, aides of former MP Atiq Ahmad forcibly took him to Deoria jail where Ahmad along with his son and 10-12 other miscreants were present, who forced him to transfer four of his companies to people associated with the former Samajwadi Party (SP) leader. The case was registered following the Supreme Court’s direction, the official said. Ahmed was an SP member in the 14th Lok Sabha from Phulpur in Uttar Pradesh from 2004 to 2009. (With inputs from agencies)

CBI raids houses of former Samajwadi Party MP Ateeq Ahmad in Uttar Pradesh

Samajwadi Party leader Neeraj Shekhar on Tuesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in presence of BJP general secretary Bhupender Yadav.

Neeraj Shekhar, son of former Prime Minister Chandrashekhar, resigned as a member of the Rajya Sabha on Monday. He told Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu that he was resigning voluntarily.

According to reports, he also met other senior BJP leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah before resigning as Rajya Sabha MP. 
 
As per the rules, if a Member hands over the letter of resignation to the Chairman personally and informs him that the resignation is voluntary and genuine and the Chairman has no information or knowledge to the contrary, the Chairman may accept the resignation immediately.

He had been a member of the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh since November 26, 2014, and was due to retire on November 25, 2020. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Samajwadi Party leader Neeraj Shekhar on Tuesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in presence of BJP general secretary Bhupender Yadav. Neeraj Shekhar, son of former Prime Minister Chandrashekhar, resigned as a member of the Rajya Sabha on Monday.

Samajwadi Party leader Neeraj Shekhar on Tuesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in presence of BJP general secretary Bhupender Yadav. Neeraj Shekhar, son of former Prime Minister Chandrashekhar, resigned as a member of the Rajya Sabha on Monday. He told Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu that he was resigning voluntarily. According to reports, he also met other senior BJP leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah before resigning as Rajya Sabha MP. As per the rules, if a Member hands over the letter of resignation to the Chairman personally and informs him that the resignation is voluntary and genuine and the Chairman has no information or knowledge to the contrary, the Chairman may accept the resignation immediately. He had been a member of the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh since November 26, 2014, and was due to retire on November 25, 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

Samajwadi Party leader Neeraj Shekhar joins BJP

Another <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fir-registered-against-azam-khan-10-others-for-making-derogatory-remarks-against-jaya-prada-232243">FIR has been registered against Samajwadi Party</a> (SP) leader Azam Khan for allegedly making derogatory remarks against BJP leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/azam-khan-fighting-polls-to-legalise-his-acts-jaya-prada-208710">Jaya Prada</a>.

On Monday, an FIR was filed against the SP leader by Akash Saxena, a supporter of Jaya Prada, at Civil Line police station. In the complaint, Saxena alleged that Azam Khan made derogatory remarks about Jaya Prada at a ceremony of a local cricket tournament on June 29.

The FIR was registered under Section 294 (obscene acts) and 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 66 in the Information Technology Act.&nbsp;

Besides Azam Khan, 10 other people were also named in the FIR. The second complaint was registered against Khan at the Civil Line police station on Tuesday by Mustafa Hussain.

Sharing details regarding the second FIR, Vidya Kishore, Circle Officer, Rampur said, "At an event on June 30, he (Azam Khan) made some remarks against Jaya Prada. Mustafa Hussain filed a complaint against around seven people including Azam Khan and ST Hasan."

"Case registered under Sections 294 (obscene acts and songs) and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), and 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The second FIR has been registered over an event which took place in Moradabad on June 30.

While addressing the event, Azam Khan allegedly used foul language against Jaya Prada.

During the Lok Sabha elections too, Khan was banned from campaigning for 72 hours by the Election Commission for his remarks against Jaya Prada.

Azam Khan won from Rampur Lok Sabha seat in the recently held polls. He defeated BJP` Jaya Prada from the seat.

Another FIR has been registered against Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan for allegedly making derogatory remarks against BJP leader Jaya Prada. On Monday, an FIR was filed against the SP leader by Akash Saxena, a supporter of Jaya Prada, at Civil Line police station.

Another FIR has been registered against Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan for allegedly making derogatory remarks against BJP leader Jaya Prada. On Monday, an FIR was filed against the SP leader by Akash Saxena, a supporter of Jaya Prada, at Civil Line police station. In the complaint, Saxena alleged that Azam Khan made derogatory remarks about Jaya Prada at a ceremony of a local cricket tournament on June 29. The FIR was registered under Section 294 (obscene acts) and 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 66 in the Information Technology Act. Besides Azam Khan, 10 other people were also named in the FIR. The second complaint was registered against Khan at the Civil Line police station on Tuesday by Mustafa Hussain. Sharing details regarding the second FIR, Vidya Kishore, Circle Officer, Rampur said, "At an event on June 30, he (Azam Khan) made some remarks against Jaya Prada. Mustafa Hussain filed a complaint against around seven people including Azam Khan and ST Hasan." "Case registered under Sections 294 (obscene acts and songs) and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), and 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The second FIR has been registered over an event which took place in Moradabad on June 30. While addressing the event, Azam Khan allegedly used foul language against Jaya Prada. During the Lok Sabha elections too, Khan was banned from campaigning for 72 hours by the Election Commission for his remarks against Jaya Prada. Azam Khan won from Rampur Lok Sabha seat in the recently held polls. He defeated BJP` Jaya Prada from the seat.

Second FIR against Azam Khan for derogatory remarks on Jaya Prada

An FIR was registered against Samajwadi Party (SP) lawmaker Azam Khan on Monday for allegedly making derogatory remarks against BJP leader Jaya Prada.

Ten other SP leaders were also named in the FIR.

On June 30, Azam Khan, while addressing the electorate for the first time since his win in the Lok Sabha elections, kicked up another row by using foul language against Jaya Prada.

The FIR has been registered under Section 294 (obscene acts) and 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 66 in the Information Technology Act.

During the Lok Sabha elections, too, Khan was banned from campaigning for 72 hours by the Election Commission for his derogatory remarks against Jaya Prada.

Azam Khan won from Rampur Lok Sabha seat in the recently held polls. He defeated BJP's&nbsp;Jaya Prada from the seat.&nbsp;

An FIR was registered against Samajwadi Party (SP) lawmaker Azam Khan on Monday for allegedly making derogatory remarks against BJP leader Jaya Prada. Ten other SP leaders were also named in the FIR.

An FIR was registered against Samajwadi Party (SP) lawmaker Azam Khan on Monday for allegedly making derogatory remarks against BJP leader Jaya Prada. Ten other SP leaders were also named in the FIR. On June 30, Azam Khan, while addressing the electorate for the first time since his win in the Lok Sabha elections, kicked up another row by using foul language against Jaya Prada. The FIR has been registered under Section 294 (obscene acts) and 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 66 in the Information Technology Act. During the Lok Sabha elections, too, Khan was banned from campaigning for 72 hours by the Election Commission for his derogatory remarks against Jaya Prada. Azam Khan won from Rampur Lok Sabha seat in the recently held polls. He defeated BJP's Jaya Prada from the seat.

FIR registered against Azam Khan, 10 others for making derogatory remarks against Jaya Prada

Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Ram Gopal Yadav on Monday, while speaking in Rajya Sabha, said that the party will support the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-approves-extension-of-presidents-rule-in-jk-for-another-six-months-231201">extension of President's Rule in Jammu &amp; Kashmir</a>.&nbsp;

Trinamool Congress and Biju Janata Dal have also followed suit, stating that the parties will support in Rajya Sabha the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and extension of President Rule in the state, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir is ending tomorrow and will further be extended by six more months as recently announced by the Central government.&nbsp;

On June 28, Lok Sabha approved the statutory resolution to extend President's Rule in Jammu &amp; Kashmir with effect from July 3rd, 2019.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had moved a resolution earlier in the lower house and had said that the extension was essential to facilitate fresh Assembly elections in the state later this year.

The move was opposed by scores of regional parties as well as national parties including the Congress. Former J&amp;K Chief Minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah criticised Shah’s argument in the House as an "unacceptable one".&nbsp;

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Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Ram Gopal Yadav announces in Rajya Sabha that the party will support the extension by 6 months of the President's rule in Jammu &amp; Kashmir which is ending tomorrow <a href="https://t.co/o2uACCQcpZ">pic.twitter.com/o2uACCQcpZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1145624744672268288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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“So the Home Minister’s argument is that because the Congress has used Article 356 more times than anyone else the Modi government is justified in denying the people of J&amp;K an elected government. That’s an unacceptable argument,” Abdullah had tweeted.

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So the Home Minister’s argument is that because the Congress has used Article 356 more times than anyone else the Modi government is justified in denying the people of J&amp;K an elected government. That’s an unacceptable argument. <a href="https://t.co/IOsi9aUIKT">https://t.co/IOsi9aUIKT</a>
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/1144545518086807552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Congress strongly opposed the extension, blaming the "incompatible" alliance of BJP and PDP for the current security situation in the state.

"Today the situation is such that we have to extend the President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir for every six months. Its roots are in the incompatible alliance of PDP and BJP in 2015," Congress leader Manish Tewari said in the Lok Sabha on June 28.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Shah on Monday said the government has no other option but to extend President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir as the Election Commission wants to hold Assembly elections in the state by the end of 2019.

He was speaking in Rajya Sabha after moving a statutory resolution to extend President's Rule for another six months, starting July 3.&nbsp;

He also moved the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill that proposes to provide reservation to people living in the areas along the border with Pakistan on par with residents of areas near the Line of Actual Control.

The President's Rule was implemented in the state in June last year following the collapse of the PDP-BJP alliance. The State Assembly, initially kept in suspended animation was dissolved by Governor Satya Pal Malik in November.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Ram Gopal Yadav on Monday, while speaking in Rajya Sabha, said that the party will support the extension of President's Rule in Jammu & Kashmir.

Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Ram Gopal Yadav on Monday, while speaking in Rajya Sabha, said that the party will support the extension of President's Rule in Jammu & Kashmir. Trinamool Congress and Biju Janata Dal have also followed suit, stating that the parties will support in Rajya Sabha the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and extension of President Rule in the state, news agency ANI reported. The President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir is ending tomorrow and will further be extended by six more months as recently announced by the Central government. On June 28, Lok Sabha approved the statutory resolution to extend President's Rule in Jammu & Kashmir with effect from July 3rd, 2019. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had moved a resolution earlier in the lower house and had said that the extension was essential to facilitate fresh Assembly elections in the state later this year. The move was opposed by scores of regional parties as well as national parties including the Congress. Former J&K Chief Minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah criticised Shah’s argument in the House as an "unacceptable one". Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Ram Gopal Yadav announces in Rajya Sabha that the party will support the extension by 6 months of the President's rule in Jammu & Kashmir which is ending tomorrow pic.twitter.com/o2uACCQcpZ — ANI (@ANI) July 1, 2019 × “So the Home Minister’s argument is that because the Congress has used Article 356 more times than anyone else the Modi government is justified in denying the people of J&K an elected government. That’s an unacceptable argument,” Abdullah had tweeted. So the Home Minister’s argument is that because the Congress has used Article 356 more times than anyone else the Modi government is justified in denying the people of J&K an elected government. That’s an unacceptable argument. https://t.co/IOsi9aUIKT — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) June 28, 2019 × The Congress strongly opposed the extension, blaming the "incompatible" alliance of BJP and PDP for the current security situation in the state. "Today the situation is such that we have to extend the President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir for every six months. Its roots are in the incompatible alliance of PDP and BJP in 2015," Congress leader Manish Tewari said in the Lok Sabha on June 28. Meanwhile, Shah on Monday said the government has no other option but to extend President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir as the Election Commission wants to hold Assembly elections in the state by the end of 2019. He was speaking in Rajya Sabha after moving a statutory resolution to extend President's Rule for another six months, starting July 3. He also moved the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill that proposes to provide reservation to people living in the areas along the border with Pakistan on par with residents of areas near the Line of Actual Control. The President's Rule was implemented in the state in June last year following the collapse of the PDP-BJP alliance. The State Assembly, initially kept in suspended animation was dissolved by Governor Satya Pal Malik in November. (With inputs from ANI)

Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress, Biju Janata Dal to support extension of President's Rule in Jammu & Kashmir

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Monday announced that her party will fight all future elections on its own. 
 
The announcement comes a day after the BSP supremo held a meeting with party workers to review her outfit's showing in the recent Lok Sabha polls.

In a series of tweets, the BSP chief said that Samajwadi Party's (SP) conduct after the Lok Sabha elections has compelled her to review whether it was possible to defeat the BJP in future by continuing the alliance. 
 
"Everyone is aware that forgetting everything of the past as also the anti-BSP and anti-Dalit decisions like reservation in promotions and bad law and order during the SP rule in 2012-2017, BSP adhered to the 'Gatbandhan dharma' with the Samajwadi Party in the interest of the country," she tweeted in Hindi.

&nbsp;"Samajwadi Party's (SP) conduct after the Lok Sabha elections has compelled us&nbsp;to review whether it was possible to defeat the BJP in future by continuing the alliance. Therefore, in the interest of the party and the movement, BSP will fight all future elections - big or small - on its own," she said in another tweet.

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परन्तु लोकसभा आमचुनाव के बाद सपा का व्यवहार बीएसपी को यह सोचने पर मजबूर करता है कि क्या ऐसा करके बीजेपी को आगे हरा पाना संभव होगा? जो संभव नहीं है। अतः पार्टी व मूवमेन्ट के हित में अब बीएसपी आगे होने वाले सभी छोटे-बड़े चुनाव अकेले अपने बूते पर ही लड़ेगी।
— Mayawati (@Mayawati) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mayawati/status/1143031592853446657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Sunday, Mayawati had claimed that she had called Akhilesh Yadav&nbsp;on the counting day but he did not answer her calls. The BSP chief&nbsp;also alleged that Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav got her framed in Taj corridor case.

The two parties had joined hands to take on the Saffron Party in the Lok Sabha elections. 
 
The BJP won 62 of 80 seats in the state while the 'Gathbandhan' bagged just 15 with the BSP winning 10 and the SP five. The Congress got one seat and the Apna Dal (S) two. In 2014, the BSP could not even manage one seat. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Monday announced that her party will fight all future elections on its own. The announcement comes a day after the BSP supremo held a meeting with party workers to review her outfit's showing in the recent Lok Sabha polls.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Monday announced that her party will fight all future elections on its own. The announcement comes a day after the BSP supremo held a meeting with party workers to review her outfit's showing in the recent Lok Sabha polls. In a series of tweets, the BSP chief said that Samajwadi Party's (SP) conduct after the Lok Sabha elections has compelled her to review whether it was possible to defeat the BJP in future by continuing the alliance. "Everyone is aware that forgetting everything of the past as also the anti-BSP and anti-Dalit decisions like reservation in promotions and bad law and order during the SP rule in 2012-2017, BSP adhered to the 'Gatbandhan dharma' with the Samajwadi Party in the interest of the country," she tweeted in Hindi. "Samajwadi Party's (SP) conduct after the Lok Sabha elections has compelled us to review whether it was possible to defeat the BJP in future by continuing the alliance. Therefore, in the interest of the party and the movement, BSP will fight all future elections - big or small - on its own," she said in another tweet. परन्तु लोकसभा आमचुनाव के बाद सपा का व्यवहार बीएसपी को यह सोचने पर मजबूर करता है कि क्या ऐसा करके बीजेपी को आगे हरा पाना संभव होगा? जो संभव नहीं है। अतः पार्टी व मूवमेन्ट के हित में अब बीएसपी आगे होने वाले सभी छोटे-बड़े चुनाव अकेले अपने बूते पर ही लड़ेगी। — Mayawati (@Mayawati) June 24, 2019 × On Sunday, Mayawati had claimed that she had called Akhilesh Yadav on the counting day but he did not answer her calls. The BSP chief also alleged that Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav got her framed in Taj corridor case. The two parties had joined hands to take on the Saffron Party in the Lok Sabha elections. The BJP won 62 of 80 seats in the state while the 'Gathbandhan' bagged just 15 with the BSP winning 10 and the SP five. The Congress got one seat and the Apna Dal (S) two. In 2014, the BSP could not even manage one seat. (With inputs from agencies)

Mayawati questions Samajwadi Party's attitude, says Bahujan Samaj Party will fight all elections alone

A Samajwadi Party (SP) leader was abducted and killed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-climbs-to-16-in-naxal-attack-on-police-vehicle-in-gadchiroli-215016">Naxals</a> in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, police said on Wednesday.

Santosh Punem, who was also a contractor, was abducted by ultras late Tuesday evening from his construction site in Marimalla village where he had gone to supervise some road- related work, Superintendent of Police Divyang Patel said.

Some locals spotted his body lying in a pool of blood at the nearby Marimalla hills on Wednesday morning and informed the police.

A team of security personnel rushed to the spot, located deep inside a forest which is 16 km away from the police station, he said.

The police were yet to return with the body, he said.

Punem last year contested the state Assembly polls from Bijapur seat on the SP's ticket, he added.

A Samajwadi Party (SP) leader was abducted and killed by Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, police said on Wednesday. Santosh Punem, who was also a contractor, was abducted by ultras late Tuesday evening from his construction site in Marimalla village where he had gone to supervise some road- related work, Superintendent of Police Divyang Patel said.

A Samajwadi Party (SP) leader was abducted and killed by Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, police said on Wednesday. Santosh Punem, who was also a contractor, was abducted by ultras late Tuesday evening from his construction site in Marimalla village where he had gone to supervise some road- related work, Superintendent of Police Divyang Patel said. Some locals spotted his body lying in a pool of blood at the nearby Marimalla hills on Wednesday morning and informed the police. A team of security personnel rushed to the spot, located deep inside a forest which is 16 km away from the police station, he said. The police were yet to return with the body, he said. Punem last year contested the state Assembly polls from Bijapur seat on the SP's ticket, he added.

Samajwadi Party leader Santosh Punem abducted, killed by Naxals in Chhattisgarh

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said the party will fight bypolls alone on all 11 Uttar Pradesh Assembly seats if its alliance with the BSP ends, stressing that he would deliberate on the decision carefully.

After the BSP president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-contest-by-polls-alone-but-not-permanent-break-from-samajwadi-party-mayawati-224105">Mayawati announcing her decision to go solo in the bypolls</a>, the alliance with the SP appeared to be falling apart on Tuesday.

Yadav, who was in Ghazipur to visit the residence of SP worker Vijay Yadav to express his condolence after his murder, said, "If the gathbandhan (alliance) has disintegrated or whatever that is being said about the gathbandhan is true, then I will deliberate on it very carefully..."

"When there is no alliance, we will prepare on our own for the upcoming UP bypolls and contest on all the 11 seats. We will be preparing for it and a decision will be taken after consulting senior members of the party," he told reporters.

He said that even if the BSP treads a separate path, it is welcome.

The SP chief said, "At this point of time, the 'gathbandhan' is not important for us. What is more important is that the family of our slain party worker should get justice...I am more concerned over the killing of our workers."

Vijay Yadav was killed by some unidentified people who attacked him after barging into this house on May 24.

Akhilesh Yadav, who was earlier in Azamgarh, the seat from where he won the Lok Sabha election, said, "In 2022, the SP will form a government in Uttar Pradesh and this is our strategy."

Earlier, Mayawati said her party will fight the upcoming bypolls alone but can work with the SP in the future if Yadav is able to "fulfil his duties".

She also said that the Bahujan Samaj Party's ties with the Samajwadi Party "is never going to end" and she will try to ensure that their relationship stays "intact".

The alliance was formed in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls after a similar tie-up ensured the rout of the BJP from three Lok Sabha seats -&nbsp;Gorakhpur, Phulpur and Kairana -&nbsp;in bypolls held last year after the saffron party swept to power in the state.

But the tie-up this time failed to yield desired results for the SP, which contested 37 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats, and for the BSP which pitted its candidates in 38 seats.

While the BSP wrested 10 seats this time from nil in 2014, the SP won five, the same number of seats it bagged last time. Another ally RLD lost on all the three seats it contested jointly with the SP and the BSP.

The alliance had not fielded candidates in the Congress strongholds of Rae Bareli and Amethi, though the grand old party could retain only Rae Bareli, losing out Amethi to BJP's Smriti Irani.&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said the party will fight bypolls alone on all 11 Uttar Pradesh Assembly seats if its alliance with the BSP ends, stressing that he would deliberate on the decision carefully.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said the party will fight bypolls alone on all 11 Uttar Pradesh Assembly seats if its alliance with the BSP ends, stressing that he would deliberate on the decision carefully. After the BSP president Mayawati announcing her decision to go solo in the bypolls, the alliance with the SP appeared to be falling apart on Tuesday. Yadav, who was in Ghazipur to visit the residence of SP worker Vijay Yadav to express his condolence after his murder, said, "If the gathbandhan (alliance) has disintegrated or whatever that is being said about the gathbandhan is true, then I will deliberate on it very carefully..." "When there is no alliance, we will prepare on our own for the upcoming UP bypolls and contest on all the 11 seats. We will be preparing for it and a decision will be taken after consulting senior members of the party," he told reporters. He said that even if the BSP treads a separate path, it is welcome. The SP chief said, "At this point of time, the 'gathbandhan' is not important for us. What is more important is that the family of our slain party worker should get justice...I am more concerned over the killing of our workers." Vijay Yadav was killed by some unidentified people who attacked him after barging into this house on May 24. Akhilesh Yadav, who was earlier in Azamgarh, the seat from where he won the Lok Sabha election, said, "In 2022, the SP will form a government in Uttar Pradesh and this is our strategy." Earlier, Mayawati said her party will fight the upcoming bypolls alone but can work with the SP in the future if Yadav is able to "fulfil his duties". She also said that the Bahujan Samaj Party's ties with the Samajwadi Party "is never going to end" and she will try to ensure that their relationship stays "intact". The alliance was formed in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls after a similar tie-up ensured the rout of the BJP from three Lok Sabha seats - Gorakhpur, Phulpur and Kairana - in bypolls held last year after the saffron party swept to power in the state. But the tie-up this time failed to yield desired results for the SP, which contested 37 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats, and for the BSP which pitted its candidates in 38 seats. While the BSP wrested 10 seats this time from nil in 2014, the SP won five, the same number of seats it bagged last time. Another ally RLD lost on all the three seats it contested jointly with the SP and the BSP. The alliance had not fielded candidates in the Congress strongholds of Rae Bareli and Amethi, though the grand old party could retain only Rae Bareli, losing out Amethi to BJP's Smriti Irani.

Samajwadi Party to go solo in Uttar Pradesh Assembly bypolls if BSP tie ends: Akhilesh Yadav

Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav won Mainpuri and Azamgarh Lok Sabha Parliamentary seats, respectively.

The winning margin of Mulayam Singh Yadav, however, plummeted to 94,389 from 3,64,666 in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Akhilesh Yadav won by a margin of 2,59,874 seats.

The father-son duo polled 5,24,926 and 6,21,578 in their constituencies, respectively.

While Mulayam was pitted against Prem Singh Shakya of the BJP, Akhilesh contested against Dinesh Nirahua of the ruling party at the Centre.

Last time, Mulayam Singh had won from his son's constituency--Azamgarh, with a margin of 63,204 votes.

The counting of votes for the 542 Lok Sabha seats is currently underway.

Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav won Mainpuri and Azamgarh Lok Sabha Parliamentary seats, respectively. The winning margin of Mulayam Singh Yadav, however, plummeted to 94,389 from 3,64,666 in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav won Mainpuri and Azamgarh Lok Sabha Parliamentary seats, respectively. The winning margin of Mulayam Singh Yadav, however, plummeted to 94,389 from 3,64,666 in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Akhilesh Yadav won by a margin of 2,59,874 seats. The father-son duo polled 5,24,926 and 6,21,578 in their constituencies, respectively. While Mulayam was pitted against Prem Singh Shakya of the BJP, Akhilesh contested against Dinesh Nirahua of the ruling party at the Centre. Last time, Mulayam Singh had won from his son's constituency--Azamgarh, with a margin of 63,204 votes. The counting of votes for the 542 Lok Sabha seats is currently underway.

Lok Sabha election result 2019: Samajwadi Party leaders Mulayam Singh, Akhilesh Yadav register victory

The vote count for Lok Sabha elections on Thursday showed that the people of the country have given the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-modi-wave-sweeps-india-again-nda-poised-to-win-lok-sabha-elections-221034">mandate to the BJP-led NDA</a> to again govern the country for the next five years. An important part in that mandate was played by Uttar Pradesh, which has the maximum number of Lok Sabha seats (80).

The alliance of Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) failed to stop the BJP's juggernaut which, along with its allies, is leading 59 seats in Uttar Pradesh. The overall tally of the BJP stands at 286, four more than its 2014 number.

The BJP's performance shows that the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) experiment of SP and BSP failed to achieve the desired results. Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati - chiefs of SP and BSP respectively - had joined hands in January this year to keep the BJP out. After their surprise annoucement, it was widely believed that the BJP will lose due to cast arithmetic. But the result said otherwise.

The Samajwadi Party, as part of the agreement, contested 37 of 80 Lok Sabha seats in UP.

While the BSP contested on 38 seats, the RLD, also a part of the alliance, fought from three seats. The SP-BSP-RLD alliance left two seats for the Congress in Amethi and Rae Bareli.

Watch: BJP+ achieves massive mandate in Lok Sabha polls

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lok-sabha-election-2019-bjp-achieves-massive-mandate-hits-congress-more-than-of-2014-220927/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In the 2017 assembly election in the state, the BJP had won 312 of the 403 seats in the state - its best-ever tally.

On Sunday, shortly after the seventh and last phase of polling for 2019 Lok Sabha elections, four exit polls predicted a win for the National Democratic Alliance and a rout for the SP-BSP alliance in UP. Out of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in UP, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance was seen winning 52 seats, Congress two and others 26.

The vote count for Lok Sabha elections on Thursday showed that the people of the country have given the mandate to the BJP-led NDA to again govern the country for the next five years.

The vote count for Lok Sabha elections on Thursday showed that the people of the country have given the mandate to the BJP-led NDA to again govern the country for the next five years. An important part in that mandate was played by Uttar Pradesh, which has the maximum number of Lok Sabha seats (80). The alliance of Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) failed to stop the BJP's juggernaut which, along with its allies, is leading 59 seats in Uttar Pradesh. The overall tally of the BJP stands at 286, four more than its 2014 number. The BJP's performance shows that the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) experiment of SP and BSP failed to achieve the desired results. Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati - chiefs of SP and BSP respectively - had joined hands in January this year to keep the BJP out. After their surprise annoucement, it was widely believed that the BJP will lose due to cast arithmetic. But the result said otherwise. The Samajwadi Party, as part of the agreement, contested 37 of 80 Lok Sabha seats in UP. While the BSP contested on 38 seats, the RLD, also a part of the alliance, fought from three seats. The SP-BSP-RLD alliance left two seats for the Congress in Amethi and Rae Bareli. Watch: BJP+ achieves massive mandate in Lok Sabha polls In the 2017 assembly election in the state, the BJP had won 312 of the 403 seats in the state - its best-ever tally. On Sunday, shortly after the seventh and last phase of polling for 2019 Lok Sabha elections, four exit polls predicted a win for the National Democratic Alliance and a rout for the SP-BSP alliance in UP. Out of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in UP, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance was seen winning 52 seats, Congress two and others 26.

Lok Sabha election results 2019: UP numbers show 'Mahagathbandhan' a failed experiment

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday tweeted a picture with Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/mayawati-meets-akhilesh-yadav-after-exit-polls-projections-220072">holding discussions</a>. The tweet in Hindi read, "Ab agale kadam ki tayyari (Now, preparing for the next step)".&nbsp;

According to reports, Yadav drove to the residence of Mayawati in the morning and held closed-door talks with her for about an hour.

Aiming to check the return of NDA at the Centre, Mayawati had opted to sink decades-long differences to enter into an alliance with the SP for the Lok Sabha election.

In the 2014 general election, the BJP had won 71 seats, ally Apna Dal bagged 2, Samajwadi Party 5 and the Congress 2, while the BSP drew a blank.

The BJP's impressive show in Uttar Pradesh helped the BJP to pull off a record 282 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha to oust the Congress, which was decimated to just 44 seats.

With 80 Lok Sabha seats, Uttar Pradesh has the largest number of seats in the lower house of Parliament.

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अब अगले क़दम की तैयारी... <a href="https://t.co/jrnI4TNoNK">pic.twitter.com/jrnI4TNoNK</a>
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavakhilesh/status/1130422061791416320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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This time around, the pollsters predict the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lions-share-of-uttar-pradeshs-seats-going-to-bjp-predict-exit-polls-219936">Bharatiya Janata Party stealing a lion's share</a> on the total 80 parliamentary constituencies.&nbsp;

The exit polls have predicted that the BJP-led NDA will again get the lion's share of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats. While Times Now-VMR says NDA will get 58 seats in UP, C-Voter is a little conservative predicting 38 seats for it. The poll of polls, a collection of various exit polls, predicts 43 seats for NDA.

Meanwhile, Telugu Desam Party chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/chandrababu-naidu-calls-on-mamata-banerjee-discusses-formation-of-non-bjp-government-220201">N Chandrababu Naidu met his West Bengal counterpart</a> in Kolkata today.&nbsp;

Naidu, who reached here from Amaravati, held a 45-minute-long meeting with Banerjee on the future strategies of the "Mahagatbandhan" (Grand Alliance), the highly-placed sources said.

The meeting also discussed possibilities of forming a non-BJP government including regional parties with the support of the Congress.

Top opposition leaders will meet in the national capital on Tuesday to discuss the political situation and possibilities of a non-NDA alliance to stake claim for government formation.

According to sources, leaders of opposition parties such as the Congress, TDP, Left parties, BSP, NCP and TMC will <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/notwithstanding-exit-polls-opposition-leaders-set-to-meet-tomorrow-220222">informally meet on Tuesday</a> to discuss the way forward in case the NDA fails to get to the majority mark.

Ahmed Patel and Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Congress, Sharad Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), TDP's Naidu, Satish Chandra Misra of the BSP, Sitaram Yechury of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), D Raja of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Derek O'Brien of the TMC are expected to take part in Tuesday's meeting among others.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday tweeted a picture with Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati after holding discussions. The tweet in Hindi read, "Ab agale kadam ki tayyari (Now, preparing for the next step)".

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday tweeted a picture with Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati after holding discussions. The tweet in Hindi read, "Ab agale kadam ki tayyari (Now, preparing for the next step)". According to reports, Yadav drove to the residence of Mayawati in the morning and held closed-door talks with her for about an hour. Aiming to check the return of NDA at the Centre, Mayawati had opted to sink decades-long differences to enter into an alliance with the SP for the Lok Sabha election. In the 2014 general election, the BJP had won 71 seats, ally Apna Dal bagged 2, Samajwadi Party 5 and the Congress 2, while the BSP drew a blank. The BJP's impressive show in Uttar Pradesh helped the BJP to pull off a record 282 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha to oust the Congress, which was decimated to just 44 seats. With 80 Lok Sabha seats, Uttar Pradesh has the largest number of seats in the lower house of Parliament. अब अगले क़दम की तैयारी... pic.twitter.com/jrnI4TNoNK — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) May 20, 2019 × This time around, the pollsters predict the Bharatiya Janata Party stealing a lion's share on the total 80 parliamentary constituencies. The exit polls have predicted that the BJP-led NDA will again get the lion's share of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats. While Times Now-VMR says NDA will get 58 seats in UP, C-Voter is a little conservative predicting 38 seats for it. The poll of polls, a collection of various exit polls, predicts 43 seats for NDA. Meanwhile, Telugu Desam Party chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met his West Bengal counterpart in Kolkata today. Naidu, who reached here from Amaravati, held a 45-minute-long meeting with Banerjee on the future strategies of the "Mahagatbandhan" (Grand Alliance), the highly-placed sources said. The meeting also discussed possibilities of forming a non-BJP government including regional parties with the support of the Congress. Top opposition leaders will meet in the national capital on Tuesday to discuss the political situation and possibilities of a non-NDA alliance to stake claim for government formation. According to sources, leaders of opposition parties such as the Congress, TDP, Left parties, BSP, NCP and TMC will informally meet on Tuesday to discuss the way forward in case the NDA fails to get to the majority mark. Ahmed Patel and Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Congress, Sharad Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), TDP's Naidu, Satish Chandra Misra of the BSP, Sitaram Yechury of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), D Raja of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Derek O'Brien of the TMC are expected to take part in Tuesday's meeting among others. (With inputs from agencies)

Preparing for the 'next step,' Akhilesh Yadav tweets picture with Mayawati after holding discussions 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/mayawati-likely-to-meet-sonia-gandhi-ahead-of-lok-sabha-poll-result-219973">BSP supremo Mayawati</a> and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met here on Monday after exit poll projections that the NDA is all set to form the government again at the Centre.

Yadav, who had formed a coalition with the BSP and the RLD to take on the BJP, drove to the residence of Mayawati.

Details of what transpired between the two top leaders were not known immediately.

BSP supremo Mayawati and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met here on Monday after exit poll projections that the NDA is all set to form the government again at the Centre.

BSP supremo Mayawati and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met here on Monday after exit poll projections that the NDA is all set to form the government again at the Centre. Yadav, who had formed a coalition with the BSP and the RLD to take on the BJP, drove to the residence of Mayawati. Details of what transpired between the two top leaders were not known immediately.

Mayawati meets Akhilesh Yadav after exit polls projections

Samajwadi Party on Monday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused him of deceiving people of the country.

"People (Modi) who came by deceiving you, by saying `hum chaiwala hain` (I am a tea seller), those who came by becoming a chaiwala`, our people trusted them and helped them. But now you know the taste of that tea in those 5 years and these 2 years. How was the taste?" Yadav said while addressing an election rally here.

"People know that is why BJP has been nowhere in this elections," he added.

Gathbandhan has fielded Ram Bhual Nishad against Madhusudan Tripathi of the Congress and actor-turned-politician Ravi Kisan from the BJP in Gorakhpur.

The Gorakhpur seat was represented by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for five terms since 1998 until Praveen Kumar Nishad of Samajwadi Party won the seat in a by-poll last year.

The seat was vacated by Yogi Adityanath when he became the CM.&nbsp;

However, Nishad joined hands with BJP and is now contesting from Sant Kabir Nagar constituency.

Gorakhpur, one of 13 parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh will go to polls on May 19 in the last phase of Lok Sabha elections.

Samajwadi Party on Monday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused him of deceiving people of the country. "People (Modi) who came by deceiving you, by saying `hum chaiwala hain` (I am a tea seller), those who came by becoming a chaiwala`, our people trusted them and helped them.

Samajwadi Party on Monday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused him of deceiving people of the country. "People (Modi) who came by deceiving you, by saying `hum chaiwala hain` (I am a tea seller), those who came by becoming a chaiwala`, our people trusted them and helped them. But now you know the taste of that tea in those 5 years and these 2 years. How was the taste?" Yadav said while addressing an election rally here. "People know that is why BJP has been nowhere in this elections," he added. Gathbandhan has fielded Ram Bhual Nishad against Madhusudan Tripathi of the Congress and actor-turned-politician Ravi Kisan from the BJP in Gorakhpur. The Gorakhpur seat was represented by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for five terms since 1998 until Praveen Kumar Nishad of Samajwadi Party won the seat in a by-poll last year. The seat was vacated by Yogi Adityanath when he became the CM. However, Nishad joined hands with BJP and is now contesting from Sant Kabir Nagar constituency. Gorakhpur, one of 13 parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh will go to polls on May 19 in the last phase of Lok Sabha elections.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Akhilesh accuses PM Modi of deceiving people

Terming the Congress and the Samajwadi Party as "supporters of terrorists", UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused the previous SP government in UP of withdrawing cases against terrorists.

"The first task, the Akhilesh-led SP government undertook, was taking back all the cases against terrorists. Cases were withdrawn against terrorists who attacked the Ram Janmbhoomi in Ayodhya and Sankatmochna temple in Kaashi," Yogi Adityanath said while addressing a rally here on Friday.

Adityanath was seeking votes for the BJP candidate from Gorakhpur Lok Sabha constituency and Bhojpuri film star, Ravi Kishan.

Taking on the Congress party over its manifesto promise of repealing the sedition law, UP Chief Minister said, "The Congress says that their government will repeal the sedition law. In other words, their government will support terrorists and Naxals."

Yogi also urged voters to teach a lesson to the Congress, SP, and BSP for "playing with the national security."

Commending PM Modi for striking terrorist camps inside Pakistan, Adityanath said, "Pulwama attack happened and the next day, Modiji trampled on the head of Pakistan and destroyed all terrorist camps."

"In contrast, Congress government remained silent when Pakistan chopped the head of one of our soldiers. Today when Modi starts speaking in Delhi, Pakistan PM gets worried in Islamabad," he added.

Gorakhpur will go to polls in the last phase of the general elections on May 19.

Five of the seven phases of the general election in the country have been concluded while two remaining phases are scheduled on May 12 and 19.

Counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Terming the Congress and the Samajwadi Party as "supporters of terrorists", UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused the previous SP government in UP of withdrawing cases against terrorists.

Terming the Congress and the Samajwadi Party as "supporters of terrorists", UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused the previous SP government in UP of withdrawing cases against terrorists. "The first task, the Akhilesh-led SP government undertook, was taking back all the cases against terrorists. Cases were withdrawn against terrorists who attacked the Ram Janmbhoomi in Ayodhya and Sankatmochna temple in Kaashi," Yogi Adityanath said while addressing a rally here on Friday. Adityanath was seeking votes for the BJP candidate from Gorakhpur Lok Sabha constituency and Bhojpuri film star, Ravi Kishan. Taking on the Congress party over its manifesto promise of repealing the sedition law, UP Chief Minister said, "The Congress says that their government will repeal the sedition law. In other words, their government will support terrorists and Naxals." Yogi also urged voters to teach a lesson to the Congress, SP, and BSP for "playing with the national security." Commending PM Modi for striking terrorist camps inside Pakistan, Adityanath said, "Pulwama attack happened and the next day, Modiji trampled on the head of Pakistan and destroyed all terrorist camps." "In contrast, Congress government remained silent when Pakistan chopped the head of one of our soldiers. Today when Modi starts speaking in Delhi, Pakistan PM gets worried in Islamabad," he added. Gorakhpur will go to polls in the last phase of the general elections on May 19. Five of the seven phases of the general election in the country have been concluded while two remaining phases are scheduled on May 12 and 19. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Uttar Pradesh: Yogi Adityanath terms SP-Congress as 'supporters of terrorists'

Sacked BSF jawan Tej Bahadur Yadav on Monday moved the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission's decision to cancel his candidature from the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is contesting.

Yadav, who was dismissed in 2017 after he posted a video online complaining about the food served to the troops, was fielded by the Samajwadi Party as its candidate from the Varanasi seat.

However, the returning officer rejected Yadav's nomination papers citing his failure to submit a certificate that he was not sacked for either corruption or disloyalty.

Yadav, in his plea, termed the decision of the poll panel discriminatory and unreasonable and said it should be set aside.&nbsp;

The SP had initially fielded Shalini Yadav as its candidate to contest against Modi and later nominated the sacked BSF jawan.

Sacked BSF jawan Tej Bahadur Yadav on Monday moved the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission's decision to cancel his candidature from the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is contesting.

Sacked BSF jawan Tej Bahadur Yadav on Monday moved the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission's decision to cancel his candidature from the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is contesting. Yadav, who was dismissed in 2017 after he posted a video online complaining about the food served to the troops, was fielded by the Samajwadi Party as its candidate from the Varanasi seat. However, the returning officer rejected Yadav's nomination papers citing his failure to submit a certificate that he was not sacked for either corruption or disloyalty. Yadav, in his plea, termed the decision of the poll panel discriminatory and unreasonable and said it should be set aside. The SP had initially fielded Shalini Yadav as its candidate to contest against Modi and later nominated the sacked BSF jawan.

Sacked BSF jawan moves Supreme Court against Election Commission decision to cancel his candidature

The Samajwadi Party (SP) on Tuesday said that it has fielded former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/samajwadi-party-changes-varanasi-candidate-fields-ex-bsf-constable-tej-bahadur-yadav-against-pm-modi-214463">BSF constable Tej Bahadur Yadav against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi</a> in honour of India's security forces and nationalism and appealed to the people to stand with him.

"The Samajwadi Party has fielded former BSF jawan Tej Bahadur as alliance candidate in honour of security forces and nationalism. This is the high time that India stands with Tej Bahadur," SP spokesperson Ameeque Jamei told ANI.

The party also cleared the air over its two candidates from Varanasi, saying, "The final candidate of the Samajwadi Party is Tej Bahadur." He said that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance has posed a major challenge before Prime Minister Modi by announcing Tej Bahadur's candidature.

Jamei said, "There is a major challenge before Modi - he has to decide whether he is with security forces, India and nationalism or he is merely a BJP candidate."

The SP announced on Monday to replace its candidate Shalini Yadav with Tej Bahadur who was dismissed from BSP in 2017 after he complained about the poor quality of food served to soldiers in a viral video.

After the announcement, Tej Bahadur appealed the people to distinguish between the fake Chowkidar (a reference to Modi) and real Chowkidar of the country.

He had also claimed of getting the support of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to take on the prime minister.AAP convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in a tweet, hailed SP chief Akhilesh Yadav`s decision to field Yadav from Varanasi. However, the AAP is yet to come clear on Tej Bahadur's claim.

Tej Bahadur was already in the fray as an independent candidate from Varanasi parliamentary constituency. Shalini Yadav had insisted that she was the party's official candidate.

"I have filed nomination at the direction of national president. I am the official candidate of the party," she had said.

Varanasi seat was won by Prime Minister Modi in the last Lok Sabha elections. He had defeated AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal with a massive margin of 3.37 lakh votes.

The SP is contesting the Lok Sabha polls in alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) in Uttar Pradesh.

As per the seat-sharing pact, the SP is contesting 37 Lok Sabha seats, while Mayawati-led BSP and Ajit Singh's RLD have been allocated 38 and three seats respectively.

The election in Varanasi is slated to take place in the last phase of seven-phased Lok Sabha elections on May 19. The counting of votes will begin on May 23.&nbsp;

The Samajwadi Party (SP) on Tuesday said that it has fielded former BSF constable Tej Bahadur Yadav against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi in honour of India's security forces and nationalism and appealed to the people to stand with him.

The Samajwadi Party (SP) on Tuesday said that it has fielded former BSF constable Tej Bahadur Yadav against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi in honour of India's security forces and nationalism and appealed to the people to stand with him. "The Samajwadi Party has fielded former BSF jawan Tej Bahadur as alliance candidate in honour of security forces and nationalism. This is the high time that India stands with Tej Bahadur," SP spokesperson Ameeque Jamei told ANI. The party also cleared the air over its two candidates from Varanasi, saying, "The final candidate of the Samajwadi Party is Tej Bahadur." He said that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance has posed a major challenge before Prime Minister Modi by announcing Tej Bahadur's candidature. Jamei said, "There is a major challenge before Modi - he has to decide whether he is with security forces, India and nationalism or he is merely a BJP candidate." The SP announced on Monday to replace its candidate Shalini Yadav with Tej Bahadur who was dismissed from BSP in 2017 after he complained about the poor quality of food served to soldiers in a viral video. After the announcement, Tej Bahadur appealed the people to distinguish between the fake Chowkidar (a reference to Modi) and real Chowkidar of the country. He had also claimed of getting the support of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to take on the prime minister.AAP convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in a tweet, hailed SP chief Akhilesh Yadav`s decision to field Yadav from Varanasi. However, the AAP is yet to come clear on Tej Bahadur's claim. Tej Bahadur was already in the fray as an independent candidate from Varanasi parliamentary constituency. Shalini Yadav had insisted that she was the party's official candidate. "I have filed nomination at the direction of national president. I am the official candidate of the party," she had said. Varanasi seat was won by Prime Minister Modi in the last Lok Sabha elections. He had defeated AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal with a massive margin of 3.37 lakh votes. The SP is contesting the Lok Sabha polls in alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) in Uttar Pradesh. As per the seat-sharing pact, the SP is contesting 37 Lok Sabha seats, while Mayawati-led BSP and Ajit Singh's RLD have been allocated 38 and three seats respectively. The election in Varanasi is slated to take place in the last phase of seven-phased Lok Sabha elections on May 19. The counting of votes will begin on May 23.

Fielded Tej Bahadur from Varanasi in honour of forces, nationalism: Samajwadi Party

A case has been registered against Samajwadi Party (SP) leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/azam-khan-fighting-polls-to-legalise-his-acts-jaya-prada-208710">Azam Khan </a>on Saturday for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during his speech in an election rally in Rampur&nbsp;on April 25, said police.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/many-undesirable-dangerous-trends-in-2019-lok-sabha-elections-211131">Many undesirable, dangerous trends in 2019 Lok Sabha elections</a>

Talking to ANI, Milak Circle Officer Saloni Agarwal said, "The comments made by SP leader Azam Khan in his speech during an election rally on April 25 in Shahabad, Saifini village of Rampur were found to be in violation of MCC."

"A case has been registered against three persons including Azam Khan, Programme co-ordinator Jai Prakash Sagar and programme speaker Radhe Shyam Rahi," she added.

In his speech on April 25, SP leader Azam Khan allegedly referred to Kargil war and also used religious slogans. Khan had allegedly said, "During Kargil war, Indian soldiers comprising both Hindus and Muslims defeated Pakistanis. The Indian soldiers shouted `Naara-e- Takbeer Allahu Akbar` slogan to fool the Pakistanis, who mistook them for their own soldiers and came out of their cover. After this Indian soldiers easily defeated them."

On April 24, Khan had alleged that the district administration in his constituency did not allow Muslims voters to exercise their franchise in the ongoing elections.

"For past one week, houses of Muslims are being looted. They were beaten as well. One day back, District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police have beaten them as well," Khan had said during a press conference in Rampur.

Azam Khan contested in Rampur against BJP's Jaya Prada.

Polling for this constituency was held on April 18.&nbsp;

A case has been registered against Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan on Saturday for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during his speech in an election rally in Rampur on April 25, said police.

A case has been registered against Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan on Saturday for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during his speech in an election rally in Rampur on April 25, said police. Also read: Many undesirable, dangerous trends in 2019 Lok Sabha elections Talking to ANI, Milak Circle Officer Saloni Agarwal said, "The comments made by SP leader Azam Khan in his speech during an election rally on April 25 in Shahabad, Saifini village of Rampur were found to be in violation of MCC." "A case has been registered against three persons including Azam Khan, Programme co-ordinator Jai Prakash Sagar and programme speaker Radhe Shyam Rahi," she added. In his speech on April 25, SP leader Azam Khan allegedly referred to Kargil war and also used religious slogans. Khan had allegedly said, "During Kargil war, Indian soldiers comprising both Hindus and Muslims defeated Pakistanis. The Indian soldiers shouted `Naara-e- Takbeer Allahu Akbar` slogan to fool the Pakistanis, who mistook them for their own soldiers and came out of their cover. After this Indian soldiers easily defeated them." On April 24, Khan had alleged that the district administration in his constituency did not allow Muslims voters to exercise their franchise in the ongoing elections. "For past one week, houses of Muslims are being looted. They were beaten as well. One day back, District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police have beaten them as well," Khan had said during a press conference in Rampur. Azam Khan contested in Rampur against BJP's Jaya Prada. Polling for this constituency was held on April 18.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Case registered against Azam Khan for violating Model Code of Conduct

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday said the Congress game plan was not to stop the BJP from forming the government at the Centre, but to come to power in Uttar Pradesh in 2022.

Akhilesh Yadav also said that his party and the BSP have sacrificed seats in the national interest.

"Our intention is clear right from the word go. We formed an alliance (with BSP and RLD) to stop the communal party and in the process, we in the SP and also the BSP had to sacrifice seats in the national interest," said Akhilesh.

But, the Congress' agenda in the ongoing parliamentary polls is not to stop the BJP from forming the next government at the Centre.

They are working for making the next UP chief minister in 2022 (when the next assembly polls are due), Akhilesh&nbsp;added.

His no holds barred attack came days after he lashed out at the Congress for its "too big ego".

The SP chief's remarks assume significance against the backdrop of Congress president Rahul Gandhi himself asserting that his party will form the government at the Centre and that "after the Lok Sabha polls, the next target was (UP) assembly elections (in 2022) to ensure that the state is at the top in education, health and employment as before."

Maintaining that his alliance with the BSP and the RLD is "strong", Akhilesh said, "Both the parties have sacrificed for the sake of the country.

''We have given up half of our seats only to ensure the communal BJP did not return to power again", Akhilesh said.

When asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's prediction that the SP-BSP alliance will crack the moment election results are out on May 23, Akhilesh said, "What has the BJP got to do with it? Why are they bothered? In UP we are strong and the BJP is nowhere. And this is the ground reality. They are trailing far behind the alliance."

Asked to comment on Modi terming the alliance as "maha milawat", Akhilesh retorted, "What should we call their (BJP) alliance with 38 parties? We are contesting on core issues and people have seen hope in our alliance."

Trashing Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya's statement that complaints about EVM malfunctioning across the state by the SP show that it has sensed defeat after the third phase of polls, Akhilesh said, "He could not become CM.

''He is still under training. He did not get a helicopter for campaigning for three days. He is nobody in the party", Akhilesh&nbsp;added.

"There are large scale discrepancies in EVM machines in Rampur, Badaun and Mainpuri too. Hundreds of EVMs malfunctioned. Is this not serious?" the former UP CM shot back.

About BJP's campaign targeting corruption during previous SP and BSP regimes, Akhilesh said, "They (BJP) did not have any development issues to raise. Why are they not taking action if there is an anomaly in previous regime works? Who is stopping them?"

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday said the Congress game plan was not to stop the BJP from forming the government at the Centre, but to come to power in Uttar Pradesh in 2022.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday said the Congress game plan was not to stop the BJP from forming the government at the Centre, but to come to power in Uttar Pradesh in 2022. Akhilesh Yadav also said that his party and the BSP have sacrificed seats in the national interest. "Our intention is clear right from the word go. We formed an alliance (with BSP and RLD) to stop the communal party and in the process, we in the SP and also the BSP had to sacrifice seats in the national interest," said Akhilesh. But, the Congress' agenda in the ongoing parliamentary polls is not to stop the BJP from forming the next government at the Centre. They are working for making the next UP chief minister in 2022 (when the next assembly polls are due), Akhilesh added. His no holds barred attack came days after he lashed out at the Congress for its "too big ego". The SP chief's remarks assume significance against the backdrop of Congress president Rahul Gandhi himself asserting that his party will form the government at the Centre and that "after the Lok Sabha polls, the next target was (UP) assembly elections (in 2022) to ensure that the state is at the top in education, health and employment as before." Maintaining that his alliance with the BSP and the RLD is "strong", Akhilesh said, "Both the parties have sacrificed for the sake of the country. ''We have given up half of our seats only to ensure the communal BJP did not return to power again", Akhilesh said. When asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's prediction that the SP-BSP alliance will crack the moment election results are out on May 23, Akhilesh said, "What has the BJP got to do with it? Why are they bothered? In UP we are strong and the BJP is nowhere. And this is the ground reality. They are trailing far behind the alliance." Asked to comment on Modi terming the alliance as "maha milawat", Akhilesh retorted, "What should we call their (BJP) alliance with 38 parties? We are contesting on core issues and people have seen hope in our alliance." Trashing Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya's statement that complaints about EVM malfunctioning across the state by the SP show that it has sensed defeat after the third phase of polls, Akhilesh said, "He could not become CM. ''He is still under training. He did not get a helicopter for campaigning for three days. He is nobody in the party", Akhilesh added. "There are large scale discrepancies in EVM machines in Rampur, Badaun and Mainpuri too. Hundreds of EVMs malfunctioned. Is this not serious?" the former UP CM shot back. About BJP's campaign targeting corruption during previous SP and BSP regimes, Akhilesh said, "They (BJP) did not have any development issues to raise. Why are they not taking action if there is an anomaly in previous regime works? Who is stopping them?"

Congress more keen on forming government in UP in 2022, rather than halting BJP: Akhilesh Yadav

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/elections/politicians/akhilesh-yadav">Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav </a>lashed out at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/akhilesh-calls-congress-sabse-dhokebaaz-party-211959">Congress</a>, saying that the Rahul Gandhi-led party betrayed the SP.

"If there is somebody who has betrayed the Samajwadi Party then it is the Congress," said Yadav at an election rally in Kanpur on Wednesday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-akhilesh-yadav-and-mayawati-are-pm-material-says-shatrughan-sinha-213364">Akhilesh</a>’s SP had formed an alliance with Congress for the Uttar Pradesh Legislative election in 2017. However, the relations between the two parties soured after they faced a drubbing in the polls.

"Ye sahi hai ki hamara gathbandhan tha lekin hame nahi pata tha ki Congress mein zyada ghamand hai, gathbandhan kuch nahi hota ghamand zyada badi cheez hai. (It’s true that we had formed an alliance, but we didn’t know that Congress party is more arrogant. For them arrogance is more important but alliance is nothing),” Akhilesh added.

Ahead of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, there was speculation that Congress would stitch an alliance with SP and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Uttar Pradesh but Akhilesh joined hands with the BSP, keeping the Congress out of their seat-sharing agreement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav lashed out at the Congress, saying that the Rahul Gandhi-led party betrayed the SP. "If there is somebody who has betrayed the Samajwadi Party then it is the Congress," said Yadav at an election rally in Kanpur on Wednesday.

Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav lashed out at the Congress, saying that the Rahul Gandhi-led party betrayed the SP. "If there is somebody who has betrayed the Samajwadi Party then it is the Congress," said Yadav at an election rally in Kanpur on Wednesday. Akhilesh’s SP had formed an alliance with Congress for the Uttar Pradesh Legislative election in 2017. However, the relations between the two parties soured after they faced a drubbing in the polls. "Ye sahi hai ki hamara gathbandhan tha lekin hame nahi pata tha ki Congress mein zyada ghamand hai, gathbandhan kuch nahi hota ghamand zyada badi cheez hai. (It’s true that we had formed an alliance, but we didn’t know that Congress party is more arrogant. For them arrogance is more important but alliance is nothing),” Akhilesh added. Ahead of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, there was speculation that Congress would stitch an alliance with SP and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Uttar Pradesh but Akhilesh joined hands with the BSP, keeping the Congress out of their seat-sharing agreement.

If there is somebody who has betrayed the Samajwadi Party then it is Congress: Akhilesh Yadav

In a show of mahagathbandhan unity, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and wife of Akhilesh Yadav, Dimple Yadav, touched Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati`s feet and sought blessings before addressing a public gathering at a rally here.

In a video from the rally, Dimple is seen bending to touch Mayawati`s feet, after which the BSP chief pats her on the back. Dimple`s husband and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav was also present.&nbsp;

During the rally, Mayawati said Dimple was like a member of her family.

Terming Dimple as a "mature" woman, Mayawati said, "SP president Akhilesh Yadav respects me as an elder of the family and after this Gathbandhan I also have accepted Dimple as a part of my family."&nbsp;

She also appealed to public present at the event to vote for Dimple.

"Make her (Dimple) win by record margin," she said.She then went to say that the "theatrics of chowkidari" will not help BJP win elections.&nbsp;

Terming the BJP`s campaign on national security "unfortunate", Mayawati said, "Every now and then our country witnesses terrorist attacks and many soldiers of our country have got martyred but despite all this, the government is trying to use this issue for political gains."

Attacking the BJP government for using investigative agencies against its opponents, Mayawati said, "Alike the Congress party, the BJP government is using CBI, ED and Income Tax to retain its rule. You have to ensure that neither the Congress nor the BJP comes to power at the Centre."

"BJP promised to transfer Rs 15 lakh into your bank account, the promise has turned into a cruel joke for the poor. Congress is also promising Rs 6000 every month to every poor family but this is also not going to end poverty. If we (the Gathbandhan) form the government at the centre we will provide employment to everybody in government and non-government sectors," she assured.

In Kannauj, polling will be held on April 29, and counting of votes will take place on May 23.As per the seat-sharing pact in Uttar Pradesh, SP will contest on 37 seats, BSP on 38 and RLD on three.In a show of mahagathbandhan unity, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and wife of Akhilesh Yadav, Dimple Yadav, touched Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati`s feet and sought blessings before addressing a public gathering at a rally here.

In a video from the rally, Dimple is seen bending to touch Mayawati`s feet, after which the BSP chief pats her on the back. Dimple`s husband and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav was also present.&nbsp;

During the rally, Mayawati said Dimple was like a member of her family.

Terming Dimple as a "mature" woman, Mayawati said, "SP president Akhilesh Yadav respects me as an elder of the family and after this Gathbandhan I also have accepted Dimple as a part of my family."&nbsp;

She also appealed to public present at the event to vote for Dimple.

"Make her (Dimple) win by record margin," she said.She then went to say that the "theatrics of chowkidari" will not help BJP win elections.&nbsp;

Terming the BJP`s campaign on national security "unfortunate", Mayawati said, "Every now and then our country witnesses terrorist attacks and many soldiers of our country have got martyred but despite all this, the government is trying to use this issue for political gains."

Attacking the BJP government for using investigative agencies against its opponents, Mayawati said, "Alike the Congress party, the BJP government is using CBI, ED and Income Tax to retain its rule. You have to ensure that neither the Congress nor the BJP comes to power at the Centre."

"BJP promised to transfer Rs 15 lakh into your bank account, the promise has turned into a cruel joke for the poor. Congress is also promising Rs 6000 every month to every poor family but this is also not going to end poverty. If we (the Gathbandhan) form the government at the centre we will provide employment to everybody in government and non-government sectors," she assured.

In Kannauj, polling will be held on April 29, and counting of votes will take place on May 23. As per the seat-sharing pact in Uttar Pradesh, SP will contest on 37 seats, BSP on 38 and RLD on three.

In a show of mahagathbandhan unity, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and wife of Akhilesh Yadav, Dimple Yadav, touched Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati`s feet and sought blessings before addressing a public gathering at a rally here.

In a show of mahagathbandhan unity, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and wife of Akhilesh Yadav, Dimple Yadav, touched Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati`s feet and sought blessings before addressing a public gathering at a rally here. In a video from the rally, Dimple is seen bending to touch Mayawati`s feet, after which the BSP chief pats her on the back. Dimple`s husband and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav was also present. During the rally, Mayawati said Dimple was like a member of her family. Terming Dimple as a "mature" woman, Mayawati said, "SP president Akhilesh Yadav respects me as an elder of the family and after this Gathbandhan I also have accepted Dimple as a part of my family." She also appealed to public present at the event to vote for Dimple. "Make her (Dimple) win by record margin," she said.She then went to say that the "theatrics of chowkidari" will not help BJP win elections. Terming the BJP`s campaign on national security "unfortunate", Mayawati said, "Every now and then our country witnesses terrorist attacks and many soldiers of our country have got martyred but despite all this, the government is trying to use this issue for political gains." Attacking the BJP government for using investigative agencies against its opponents, Mayawati said, "Alike the Congress party, the BJP government is using CBI, ED and Income Tax to retain its rule. You have to ensure that neither the Congress nor the BJP comes to power at the Centre." "BJP promised to transfer Rs 15 lakh into your bank account, the promise has turned into a cruel joke for the poor. Congress is also promising Rs 6000 every month to every poor family but this is also not going to end poverty. If we (the Gathbandhan) form the government at the centre we will provide employment to everybody in government and non-government sectors," she assured. In Kannauj, polling will be held on April 29, and counting of votes will take place on May 23.As per the seat-sharing pact in Uttar Pradesh, SP will contest on 37 seats, BSP on 38 and RLD on three.In a show of mahagathbandhan unity, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and wife of Akhilesh Yadav, Dimple Yadav, touched Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati`s feet and sought blessings before addressing a public gathering at a rally here. In a video from the rally, Dimple is seen bending to touch Mayawati`s feet, after which the BSP chief pats her on the back. Dimple`s husband and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav was also present. During the rally, Mayawati said Dimple was like a member of her family. Terming Dimple as a "mature" woman, Mayawati said, "SP president Akhilesh Yadav respects me as an elder of the family and after this Gathbandhan I also have accepted Dimple as a part of my family." She also appealed to public present at the event to vote for Dimple. "Make her (Dimple) win by record margin," she said.She then went to say that the "theatrics of chowkidari" will not help BJP win elections. Terming the BJP`s campaign on national security "unfortunate", Mayawati said, "Every now and then our country witnesses terrorist attacks and many soldiers of our country have got martyred but despite all this, the government is trying to use this issue for political gains." Attacking the BJP government for using investigative agencies against its opponents, Mayawati said, "Alike the Congress party, the BJP government is using CBI, ED and Income Tax to retain its rule. You have to ensure that neither the Congress nor the BJP comes to power at the Centre." "BJP promised to transfer Rs 15 lakh into your bank account, the promise has turned into a cruel joke for the poor. Congress is also promising Rs 6000 every month to every poor family but this is also not going to end poverty. If we (the Gathbandhan) form the government at the centre we will provide employment to everybody in government and non-government sectors," she assured. In Kannauj, polling will be held on April 29, and counting of votes will take place on May 23. As per the seat-sharing pact in Uttar Pradesh, SP will contest on 37 seats, BSP on 38 and RLD on three.

Kannauj: Dimple Yadav touches Mayawati's feet, seeks blessings

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav on Friday called Congress `sabse dhokebaaz` (most betraying) party of the country.

"Congress desh ki sabse dhokebaaz party hai," Akhilesh said at a press conference in Lucknow.

His comment came after Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday reportedly said that SP and BSP leaders are afraid of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he has the CBI and Enforcement Directorate under him.

"Those Congress people who are saying that we are afraid of ED and CBI, we are in fact not afraid of any organisation. Congress itself got an investigation done on us. The person who filed the PIL belongs to Congress. Big leaders of Congress gave money to get PIL filed against Netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav) and our family. That person is still a part of Congress. When the investigation got over and the matter came up for review, that person joined hands with BJP," said Akhilesh.

"I want to make this clear that the person who filed PIL on Netaji, me and my wife Dimple has joined hands with both BJP and Congress. Both the parties have formed an alliance on this," he added.&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav on Friday called Congress `sabse dhokebaaz` (most betraying) party of the country. "Congress desh ki sabse dhokebaaz party hai," Akhilesh said at a press conference in Lucknow.

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav on Friday called Congress `sabse dhokebaaz` (most betraying) party of the country. "Congress desh ki sabse dhokebaaz party hai," Akhilesh said at a press conference in Lucknow. His comment came after Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday reportedly said that SP and BSP leaders are afraid of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he has the CBI and Enforcement Directorate under him. "Those Congress people who are saying that we are afraid of ED and CBI, we are in fact not afraid of any organisation. Congress itself got an investigation done on us. The person who filed the PIL belongs to Congress. Big leaders of Congress gave money to get PIL filed against Netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav) and our family. That person is still a part of Congress. When the investigation got over and the matter came up for review, that person joined hands with BJP," said Akhilesh. "I want to make this clear that the person who filed PIL on Netaji, me and my wife Dimple has joined hands with both BJP and Congress. Both the parties have formed an alliance on this," he added.

Akhilesh calls Congress 'sabse dhokebaaz' party

Watch this segment of India Election Watch for latest updates of India Election as on 16th April 2019.

India Election Watch; 16th April 2019

Actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha joined the Samajwadi Party on Tuesday. The development was confirmed on Twitter by the Samajwadi Party.

India Election Watch: Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha joins Samajwadi Party

Veteran actor and former BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha joined&nbsp;Samajwadi Party on Tuesday in the presence of Kannauj MP Dimple Yadav.

The development comes just 10 days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-shatrughan-sinha-to-challenge-ravi-shankar-prasad-in-bihars-patna-sahib-208336">Shatrughan Sinha joined Congress</a> 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&nbsp;file nomination on April 18.

The SP has urged Congress party not to field a candidate from Lucknow to ensure BJP's defeat.&nbsp;

"We appeal to the Congress that do not field your candidate from here so that BJP can be defeated," Samajwadi Party's Ravidas Mehrotra told media on Tuesday.

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Ravidas Mehrotra, SP: Poonam Sinha ji (wife of Shatrughan Sinha) will be the SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow. She will file nomination on April 18. We appeal to the Congress that do not field your candidate from here so that BJP can be defeated. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/Xp2y3M6Wz1">pic.twitter.com/Xp2y3M6Wz1</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1118098123190964224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Samajwadi Party MP and chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav welcomed Sinha to the party. Yadav has been critical in inducting key candidates into the party. She was instrumental in foraying talks with the Congress' Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for an alliance in Uttar Pradesh which didn't end up materialising.&nbsp;

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Lucknow: Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha joins Samajwadi Party in presence of Dimple Yadav. <a href="https://t.co/sgFg3C5oRm">pic.twitter.com/sgFg3C5oRm</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1118091817877065728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Shatrughan Sinha is set to take BJP leader and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from the Bihar's key Patna Sahib&nbsp;constituency.&nbsp;

Shatrughan Sinha had a long association with the BJP. He was the minister for shipping and health and family welfare during former Prime Minister Vajpayee's term.

He won the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat in 2009 and then again during the BJP wave under Narendra Modi in 2014.

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. The development comes just 10 days after Shatrughan Sinha joined Congress and was given a ticket from Bihar's Patna Sahib.

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. 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 has urged Congress party not to field a candidate from Lucknow to ensure BJP's defeat. "We appeal to the Congress that do not field your candidate from here so that BJP can be defeated," Samajwadi Party's Ravidas Mehrotra told media on Tuesday. Ravidas Mehrotra, SP: Poonam Sinha ji (wife of Shatrughan Sinha) will be the SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow. She will file nomination on April 18. We appeal to the Congress that do not field your candidate from here so that BJP can be defeated. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/Xp2y3M6Wz1 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 16, 2019 × Samajwadi Party MP and chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav welcomed Sinha to the party. Yadav has been critical in inducting key candidates into the party. She was instrumental in foraying talks with the Congress' Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for an alliance in Uttar Pradesh which didn't end up materialising. Lucknow: Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha joins Samajwadi Party in presence of Dimple Yadav. pic.twitter.com/sgFg3C5oRm — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 16, 2019 × Shatrughan Sinha is set to take BJP leader and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from the Bihar's key Patna Sahib constituency. Shatrughan Sinha had a long association with the BJP. He was the minister for shipping and health and family welfare during former Prime Minister Vajpayee's term. He won the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat in 2009 and then again during the BJP wave under Narendra Modi in 2014.

Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha joins SP, set to take Rajnath Singh from Lucknow

CBI told the Supreme Court Friday that it had closed in 2013 a preliminary inquiry against former Uttar Pradesh chief minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sc-gives-cbi-4-weeks-to-reply-on-mulayams-da-case-209793">Mulayam Singh Yadav </a>and his son Akhilesh in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ancestral-corrupt-yogi-adityanath-takes-a-dig-at-akhilesh-mulayam-after-sc-seeks-status-report-on-13-year-old-da-case-205546">disproportionate assets </a>case.

Taking note of the oral submission of the agency, a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi asked the CBI to file its response within four weeks on a fresh plea filed by a Congress activist seeking to know the status of probe in the assets case against the family members of the Samajwadi Party patriarch including his second son Prateek.

The bench, which also included Justice Sanjiv Khanna, had on March 25 granted two weeks to CBI, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, to file the response to the plea.&nbsp;

Yadav, who is contesting Lok Sabha polls from Mainpuri seat in Uttar Pradesh, in its reply has alleged that the petition, filed on the poll eve, was politically motivated.&nbsp;

He said the petition against him and his family was filed in 2005 and the CBI and the Income Tax Authorities did not find anything adverse.&nbsp;

He alleged in an affidavit that Congress activist Vishwanath Chaturvedi was trying to rake up an old disproportionate assets case against him and his family to malign their image during the current general elections.

Yadav, who had filed his affidavit in response to the notice issued to him on March 25, said Chaturvedi filed a fresh plea for extraneous reasons and with an objective to gain political mileage "just at the time and eve of the 2019 General Elections with mala fide reasons".&nbsp;

Chaturvedi has sought a direction to the CBI to place the status report on probe either before the apex court or before a magisterial court in the assets case against the three SP leaders -- Yadav and his two sons, Akhilesh, also a former Chief Minister, and Prateek.

"The petition is not bona fide and has been filed for extraneous reasons and considerations to malign the reputation of Yadav and his family particularly when the petitioner is aware that respondents would be contesting in the upcoming general elections," the affidavit claimed.

The petitioner is associated and affiliated to a political adversary and he himself contested assembly election in the past and lost, it added.

Yadav said even after a detailed enquiry, spread over the period of about two years, no case was found by the CBI against him or his son Akhilesh and daughter-in-law Dimple Yadav.

He had further submitted that due to one petition filed, he has been subjected to a prolonged investigation by the CBI but nothing was unearthed.&nbsp;

"It is stated that on account of the said proceedings, Yadav has been suffering and facing completely uncalled for embarrassment in the public sphere. 
&nbsp;He has been subjected to the investigation only for the reason that he and his family members have been in public life and have held high offices both at the state and central level," he said in the affidavit.

Yadav had submitted that in the absence of any direction of registration of FIR or regular case by the CBI no directions can be given by the top court for placing the report of the probe agency before the jurisdictional magistrate as sought by the petitioner.

Chaturvedi, in 2005, had filed the PIL in the top court seeking a direction to the CBI to take appropriate action to prosecute Yadav, Akhilesh and his wife Dimple, and Prateek under the Prevention of Corruption Act for allegedly acquiring assets more than the known source of their income by misusing their power of authority.

The apex court in its verdict of March 1, 2007, had directed the CBI "to inquire into allegations" and find out as to as to whether the plea with regard to disproportionate assets of SP leaders was "correct or not".

In 2012, the court had dismissed the review petitions of Yadav and his sons against its verdict and directed the CBI to go ahead with the probe against them in the disproportionate assets case.

It had allowed the review plea of Dimple and directed the CBI to drop the inquiry against her saying that she was not holding any public office.

The court had also modified its March 1, 2007 order and asked the CBI to file the status report before the court, not the government.

The top court had on March 25, 2019, had also asked the probe agency to file a report within two weeks and said that "there was a status report (of 2007 by CBI) saying that prima facie case is made out. We are entitled to know as to what happened to the investigation".

CBI told the Supreme Court Friday that it had closed in 2013 a preliminary inquiry against former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav and his son Akhilesh in a disproportionate assets case.

CBI told the Supreme Court Friday that it had closed in 2013 a preliminary inquiry against former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav and his son Akhilesh in a disproportionate assets case. Taking note of the oral submission of the agency, a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi asked the CBI to file its response within four weeks on a fresh plea filed by a Congress activist seeking to know the status of probe in the assets case against the family members of the Samajwadi Party patriarch including his second son Prateek. The bench, which also included Justice Sanjiv Khanna, had on March 25 granted two weeks to CBI, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, to file the response to the plea. Yadav, who is contesting Lok Sabha polls from Mainpuri seat in Uttar Pradesh, in its reply has alleged that the petition, filed on the poll eve, was politically motivated. He said the petition against him and his family was filed in 2005 and the CBI and the Income Tax Authorities did not find anything adverse. He alleged in an affidavit that Congress activist Vishwanath Chaturvedi was trying to rake up an old disproportionate assets case against him and his family to malign their image during the current general elections. Yadav, who had filed his affidavit in response to the notice issued to him on March 25, said Chaturvedi filed a fresh plea for extraneous reasons and with an objective to gain political mileage "just at the time and eve of the 2019 General Elections with mala fide reasons". Chaturvedi has sought a direction to the CBI to place the status report on probe either before the apex court or before a magisterial court in the assets case against the three SP leaders -- Yadav and his two sons, Akhilesh, also a former Chief Minister, and Prateek. "The petition is not bona fide and has been filed for extraneous reasons and considerations to malign the reputation of Yadav and his family particularly when the petitioner is aware that respondents would be contesting in the upcoming general elections," the affidavit claimed. The petitioner is associated and affiliated to a political adversary and he himself contested assembly election in the past and lost, it added. Yadav said even after a detailed enquiry, spread over the period of about two years, no case was found by the CBI against him or his son Akhilesh and daughter-in-law Dimple Yadav. He had further submitted that due to one petition filed, he has been subjected to a prolonged investigation by the CBI but nothing was unearthed. "It is stated that on account of the said proceedings, Yadav has been suffering and facing completely uncalled for embarrassment in the public sphere. He has been subjected to the investigation only for the reason that he and his family members have been in public life and have held high offices both at the state and central level," he said in the affidavit. Yadav had submitted that in the absence of any direction of registration of FIR or regular case by the CBI no directions can be given by the top court for placing the report of the probe agency before the jurisdictional magistrate as sought by the petitioner. Chaturvedi, in 2005, had filed the PIL in the top court seeking a direction to the CBI to take appropriate action to prosecute Yadav, Akhilesh and his wife Dimple, and Prateek under the Prevention of Corruption Act for allegedly acquiring assets more than the known source of their income by misusing their power of authority. The apex court in its verdict of March 1, 2007, had directed the CBI "to inquire into allegations" and find out as to as to whether the plea with regard to disproportionate assets of SP leaders was "correct or not". In 2012, the court had dismissed the review petitions of Yadav and his sons against its verdict and directed the CBI to go ahead with the probe against them in the disproportionate assets case. It had allowed the review plea of Dimple and directed the CBI to drop the inquiry against her saying that she was not holding any public office. The court had also modified its March 1, 2007 order and asked the CBI to file the status report before the court, not the government. The top court had on March 25, 2019, had also asked the probe agency to file a report within two weeks and said that "there was a status report (of 2007 by CBI) saying that prima facie case is made out. We are entitled to know as to what happened to the investigation".

Preliminary inquiry against Mulayam Singh Yadav, Akhilesh in DA case closed in 2013: CBI to Supreme Court

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/didnt-name-anyone-in-connection-with-chopper-deal-michel-tells-delhi-court-pm-modi-says-charge-sheet-names-ahmed-patel-family-208154">Didn't name anyone in connection with chopper deal, Michel tells Delhi court; PM Modi says charge sheet names 'Ahmed Patel', 'family'</a>

Christian Michel, alleged middleman arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper scam, told a Delhi court on Friday that he has not named anybody in connection with the deal during the investigation by the Enforcement Directorate, which has filed a supplementary charge sheet, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-kills-hundreds-of-suspected-militants-in-disputed-gun-battles-report-208140">Egypt kills hundreds of suspected militants in disputed gun battles: Report</a>

Mohamed Abu Amer, a landscape gardener, was working in downtown Cairo when national security agents took him away on February 6, 2018, his family said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wikileaks-assange-to-be-expelled-within-hours-to-days-british-fm-hunt-calls-him-free-man-208151">WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to be expelled within 'hours to days' from Ecuador embassy; arrest likely</a>

A WikiLeaks tweets posted on Friday reported that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will be expelled within "hours to days" from the Ecuador embassy and that there already exists an agreement with the United Kingdom for his arrest.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-polls-see-netanyahu-ahead-but-many-still-undecided-208162">Israeli polls see Netanyahu ahead, but many still undecided</a>

Final authorised opinion polls published Friday just days ahead of the Israeli general elections showed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heading for a fifth term in office, leading a right-wing coalition.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-sp-releases-vision-document-calls-for-mega-transformation-208133">Lok Sabha polls: Samajwadi Party releases 'vision document'; calls for mega transformation</a>

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday released party manifesto ahead of the Lok Sabha polls due next week. Calling the manifesto their "vision document", Yadav said the document will be used for "answering the BJP".&nbsp;

Didn't name anyone in connection with chopper deal, Michel tells Delhi court; PM Modi says charge sheet names 'Ahmed Patel', 'family' Christian Michel, alleged middleman arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper scam, told a Delhi court on Friday that he has not named anybody in connection with the deal during the investigation by the Enforcement Directorate, which has filed a supplementary charge sheet, news agency PTI reported.

Didn't name anyone in connection with chopper deal, Michel tells Delhi court; PM Modi says charge sheet names 'Ahmed Patel', 'family' Christian Michel, alleged middleman arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper scam, told a Delhi court on Friday that he has not named anybody in connection with the deal during the investigation by the Enforcement Directorate, which has filed a supplementary charge sheet, news agency PTI reported. Egypt kills hundreds of suspected militants in disputed gun battles: Report Mohamed Abu Amer, a landscape gardener, was working in downtown Cairo when national security agents took him away on February 6, 2018, his family said. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to be expelled within 'hours to days' from Ecuador embassy; arrest likely A WikiLeaks tweets posted on Friday reported that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will be expelled within "hours to days" from the Ecuador embassy and that there already exists an agreement with the United Kingdom for his arrest. Israeli polls see Netanyahu ahead, but many still undecided Final authorised opinion polls published Friday just days ahead of the Israeli general elections showed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heading for a fifth term in office, leading a right-wing coalition. Lok Sabha polls: Samajwadi Party releases 'vision document'; calls for mega transformation Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday released party manifesto ahead of the Lok Sabha polls due next week. Calling the manifesto their "vision document", Yadav said the document will be used for "answering the BJP".

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-akhilesh-yadav-vs-dinesh-lal-yadav-nirahua-fight-puts-the-spotlight-on-azamgarh-207977">Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav</a> on Friday released party manifesto ahead of the Lok Sabha polls due next week. Calling the manifesto their "vision document", Yadav said the document will be used for "answering the BJP".&nbsp;

The 16-page document called for 'mahaparivartan' (mega transformation) and emphasised the gaping chasm between the rich and the poor. &nbsp;&nbsp;

While releasing the document, the SP chief said the future of the country should be better for all sections, including farmers and Muslims. &nbsp;

Asked whether the document is an election manifesto, Yadav said, "If I say it is a manifesto, you will ask are you going to form a government. This is a vision document or message to party cadre with which they will reply to the BJP and understand the party's stand on various issues. Our party candidates and workers will take it to people."

"We feel the future of the country should be better for all sections - be it farmers, youth or Muslims. The chasm between rich and poor has become very wide," he said.

The document, studded with the photographs of Akhilesh and party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, also carried Ram Manohar Lohia's quote, "The fight against poverty is a farce till there is discrimination on basis of caste and sex."

(With inputs from PTI)

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday released party manifesto ahead of the Lok Sabha polls due next week. Calling the manifesto their "vision document", Yadav said the document will be used for "answering the BJP".

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday released party manifesto ahead of the Lok Sabha polls due next week. Calling the manifesto their "vision document", Yadav said the document will be used for "answering the BJP". The 16-page document called for 'mahaparivartan' (mega transformation) and emphasised the gaping chasm between the rich and the poor. While releasing the document, the SP chief said the future of the country should be better for all sections, including farmers and Muslims. Asked whether the document is an election manifesto, Yadav said, "If I say it is a manifesto, you will ask are you going to form a government. This is a vision document or message to party cadre with which they will reply to the BJP and understand the party's stand on various issues. Our party candidates and workers will take it to people." "We feel the future of the country should be better for all sections - be it farmers, youth or Muslims. The chasm between rich and poor has become very wide," he said. The document, studded with the photographs of Akhilesh and party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, also carried Ram Manohar Lohia's quote, "The fight against poverty is a farce till there is discrimination on basis of caste and sex." (With inputs from PTI)

Lok Sabha polls: Samajwadi Party releases 'vision document'; calls for mega transformation

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav will contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls from Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh city. Party's founder member Azam Khan will contest from Rampur seat, the party announced on Sunday.&nbsp;

The party also released a list of star campaigners which includes Akhilesh Yadav, Ram Gopal Yadav, Azam Khan, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-samajwadi-party-names-3-women-candidates-dimple-yadav-to-contest-from-kannauj-202078">Dimple Yadav</a> and Jaya Bachchan.

The campaigners'&nbsp;list did not include party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav.

The party had earlier released a&nbsp;list of its candidates for 2019 elections.

The list had fielded&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-samajwadi-party-releases-list-of-6-candidates-mulayam-singh-yadav-to-fight-from-mainpuri-201964">Mulayam Singh Yadav</a>&nbsp;as a&nbsp;candidate from the&nbsp;Mainpuri seat, considered as an SP&nbsp;stronghold.

Mulayam Singh Yadav had represented Mainpuri in the Lok Sabha in 1996, 2004 and 2009. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls,&nbsp;he had contested from Azamgarh and Mainpuri and had won both seats.

While Dimple Yadav will contest from Kannauj constituency, from where the 41-year-old has already been elected twice -- in 2012 by-polls and 2014 general elections.

The Samajwadi Party is contesting the polls in alliance with BSP. According to the seat-sharing arrangement, Samajwadi Party will contest 37 seats while BSP will contest 38.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav will contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls from Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh city. Party's founder member Azam Khan will contest from Rampur seat, the party announced on Sunday.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav will contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls from Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh city. Party's founder member Azam Khan will contest from Rampur seat, the party announced on Sunday. The party also released a list of star campaigners which includes Akhilesh Yadav, Ram Gopal Yadav, Azam Khan, Dimple Yadav and Jaya Bachchan. The campaigners' list did not include party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav. The party had earlier released a list of its candidates for 2019 elections. The list had fielded Mulayam Singh Yadav as a candidate from the Mainpuri seat, considered as an SP stronghold. Mulayam Singh Yadav had represented Mainpuri in the Lok Sabha in 1996, 2004 and 2009. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, he had contested from Azamgarh and Mainpuri and had won both seats. While Dimple Yadav will contest from Kannauj constituency, from where the 41-year-old has already been elected twice -- in 2012 by-polls and 2014 general elections. The Samajwadi Party is contesting the polls in alliance with BSP. According to the seat-sharing arrangement, Samajwadi Party will contest 37 seats while BSP will contest 38.

Lok Sabha 2019: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav to contest from Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh

In a clear message to the Congress party, BSP supremo Mayawati on Monday said that the BSP-SP alliance can alone defeat the BJP in the forthcoming general elections.&nbsp;

In a series of tweets, Mayawati asserted that the Congress should feel free to contest in all 80 seats in UP. The Congress party on Sunday announced to leave seven Lok Sabha seats for Samajwadi Party (SP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) in Uttar Pradesh, where 80 seats are at stake.&nbsp;

"Congress is fully free in Uttar Pradesh and should field its own candidate for contesting on all the 80 Lok Sabha seats. Our alliance (SP-BSP) alone is capable of defeating the BJP. Congress should not forcibly spread rumours by leaving 7 seats in UP for the SP-BSP alliance," tweeted Mayawati.

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कांग्रेस यूपी में भी पूरी तरह से स्वतंत्र है कि वह यहाँ की सभी 80 सीटों पर अपने उम्मीदवार खड़ा करके अकेले चुनाव लड़े आर्थात हमारा यहाँ बना गठबंधन अकेले बीजेपी को पराजित करने में पूरी तरह से सक्षम है। कांग्रेस जबर्दस्ती यूपी में गठबंधन हेतु 7 सीटें छोड़ने की भ्रान्ति ना फैलाये।
— Mayawati (@Mayawati) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mayawati/status/1107513718810832896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The former chief minister also clarified that including Uttar Pradesh, the BSP is not in alliance with the Congress in any other state.&nbsp;

"BSP once again wants to make it very clear that in Uttar Pradesh and in the country as a whole we are not in any form of alliance or agreement with Congress. Our people should not pay heed to the rumours spread by the Congress".

It is worth mentioning that SP, BSP, and RLD have forged an alliance to take on the BJP in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections in the state. SP president Akhilesh Yadav had, however, claimed that the Congress party is with the SP-BSP alliance in UP. SP-BSP has left Rae Bareli and Amethi seats for the Congress.&nbsp;

As per the seat-sharing agreement, SP is contesting 37 seats and BSP 38. Three seats have been given to the RLD--Mathura, Muzaffarpur, and Baghpat.

In a clear message to the Congress party, BSP supremo Mayawati on Monday said that the BSP-SP alliance can alone defeat the BJP in the forthcoming general elections.

In a clear message to the Congress party, BSP supremo Mayawati on Monday said that the BSP-SP alliance can alone defeat the BJP in the forthcoming general elections. In a series of tweets, Mayawati asserted that the Congress should feel free to contest in all 80 seats in UP. The Congress party on Sunday announced to leave seven Lok Sabha seats for Samajwadi Party (SP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) in Uttar Pradesh, where 80 seats are at stake. "Congress is fully free in Uttar Pradesh and should field its own candidate for contesting on all the 80 Lok Sabha seats. Our alliance (SP-BSP) alone is capable of defeating the BJP. Congress should not forcibly spread rumours by leaving 7 seats in UP for the SP-BSP alliance," tweeted Mayawati. कांग्रेस यूपी में भी पूरी तरह से स्वतंत्र है कि वह यहाँ की सभी 80 सीटों पर अपने उम्मीदवार खड़ा करके अकेले चुनाव लड़े आर्थात हमारा यहाँ बना गठबंधन अकेले बीजेपी को पराजित करने में पूरी तरह से सक्षम है। कांग्रेस जबर्दस्ती यूपी में गठबंधन हेतु 7 सीटें छोड़ने की भ्रान्ति ना फैलाये। — Mayawati (@Mayawati) March 18, 2019 × The former chief minister also clarified that including Uttar Pradesh, the BSP is not in alliance with the Congress in any other state. "BSP once again wants to make it very clear that in Uttar Pradesh and in the country as a whole we are not in any form of alliance or agreement with Congress. Our people should not pay heed to the rumours spread by the Congress". It is worth mentioning that SP, BSP, and RLD have forged an alliance to take on the BJP in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections in the state. SP president Akhilesh Yadav had, however, claimed that the Congress party is with the SP-BSP alliance in UP. SP-BSP has left Rae Bareli and Amethi seats for the Congress. As per the seat-sharing agreement, SP is contesting 37 seats and BSP 38. Three seats have been given to the RLD--Mathura, Muzaffarpur, and Baghpat.

We don't need Congress, SP-BSP alliance can defeat BJP on its own: Mayawati

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