Polling is underway for the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections in 51 constituencies spread over seven states, amidst tight security. In Uttar Pradesh, a total of 182 candidates including 26 women are in the fray for 14 constituencies. These include Sitapur, Lucknow, Raebareli, Amethi, Kaushambi, Gonda, Banda, Fatehpur, Faizabad and Bahraich.

India Votes: Is UP heading for a tight finish?

Bahujan Samaj&nbsp;Party president Mayawati on Thursday accused the Election Commission of ignoring the alleged model code violations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In a tweet on Thursday, the BSP chief said, "PM Modi is moving about freely despite facing numerous serious allegations of the model code of conduct violation, thanks to the ECI. That's why he has started crossing the limit as far as respect for women is concerned. Hasn't the BJP/RSS imposed a lajawab neta upon the country?".

Further targetting the BJP, she said, "Why is the BJP &amp; co. Repeatedly insulting masses by claiming that the Opposition lacked leadership for the post of the Prime Minister? Who after Nehru was the arrogant question asked earlier too. But people gave a befitting reply to all this nonsense and will surely give another one shortly".

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PM Modi is moving freely without care despite facing numerous serious allegations of Model Code of Conduct violation, thanks to the ECI. That's why he has started crossing the limit so far as respect for women is concerned. Haven't BJP/RSS imposed a lajawab neta upon the country.
— Mayawati (@Mayawati) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mayawati/status/1121273372443279360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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BSP is fighting the ensuing Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh in alliance with SP and RLD.&nbsp;

While the BSP is contesting on 38 seats, the SP is fighting elections on 37 and the RLD on three seats out of 80 seats in the state.&nbsp;

The SP-BSP-RLD alliance have left the two seats of Rae Bareli and Amethi for Congress in the state.

Of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, 26 have voted so far in the first three phases of polling, while the other 54 constituencies will go to the polls in the remaining four phases.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati on Thursday accused the Election Commission of ignoring the alleged model code violations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati on Thursday accused the Election Commission of ignoring the alleged model code violations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a tweet on Thursday, the BSP chief said, "PM Modi is moving about freely despite facing numerous serious allegations of the model code of conduct violation, thanks to the ECI. That's why he has started crossing the limit as far as respect for women is concerned. Hasn't the BJP/RSS imposed a lajawab neta upon the country?". Further targetting the BJP, she said, "Why is the BJP & co. Repeatedly insulting masses by claiming that the Opposition lacked leadership for the post of the Prime Minister? Who after Nehru was the arrogant question asked earlier too. But people gave a befitting reply to all this nonsense and will surely give another one shortly". PM Modi is moving freely without care despite facing numerous serious allegations of Model Code of Conduct violation, thanks to the ECI. That's why he has started crossing the limit so far as respect for women is concerned. Haven't BJP/RSS imposed a lajawab neta upon the country. — Mayawati (@Mayawati) April 25, 2019 × BSP is fighting the ensuing Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh in alliance with SP and RLD. While the BSP is contesting on 38 seats, the SP is fighting elections on 37 and the RLD on three seats out of 80 seats in the state. The SP-BSP-RLD alliance have left the two seats of Rae Bareli and Amethi for Congress in the state. Of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, 26 have voted so far in the first three phases of polling, while the other 54 constituencies will go to the polls in the remaining four phases. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP is repeatedly insulting masses by questioning opposition's PM choice: Mayawati

Two days before the polls in Amethi, BJP president Amit Shah and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-smriti-irani-visits-amethi-more-than-rahul-gandhi-says-yogi-adityanath-214907">party's candidate from the constituency</a> Smriti Irani held a road show in the town.

Addressing the crowd in the roadshow Shah said that the massive crowd was "evidence that people of Amethi had faith in BJP and Modi ji".

"Everyone is hopeful. The massive crowd is evidence that people of Amethi have faith in Modi ji and BJP is winning here in this elections. Opposition will stop making any claims after the result, BJP will form government with massive majority," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amethis-battle-royale-smriti-irani-to-take-on-rahul-gandhi-again-207829">Amethi's battle royale: Smriti Irani to take on Rahul Gandhi again</a>

Targetting the Congress, Shah further said, "For the first time Amethi is feeling that development is possible here as well. Even after making members of Gandhi family their representative for so many years, there were villages which didn't have electricity. They received electricity only after Modi ji came".

Union Smriti Irani, who accompanied Shah said, "By writing letters (to the electorate) before elections, Rahul Gandhi is hinting that he will not be present in Amethi ever."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: BJP President Amit Shah and Union Minister Smriti Irani hold a road show in Amethi. Smriti Irani is BJP candidate from Amethi parliamentary constituency. The constituency will undergo polling on 6th May. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/DOv0CVYe66">pic.twitter.com/DOv0CVYe66</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1124623885452734464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Uttar Pradesh's Amethi constituency&nbsp;which is considered a&nbsp;Gandhi bastion, will go to polls in the fifth phase on May 6.

For the past four generations, the Lok Sabha seat&nbsp;has been represented by the members of the Gandhi family.

Rahul Gandhi, who has been representing the constituency for the past 15 years, will this time again face BJP's Irani.

In the 2014 general elections, Irani was defeated by Rahul Gandhi by over one lakh votes.

This time, the Congress president filed nominations from two Lok Sabha constituencies, Amethi and Wayanad.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two days before the polls in Amethi, BJP president Amit Shah and the party's candidate from the constituency Smriti Irani held a road show in the town. Addressing the crowd in the roadshow Shah said that the massive crowd was "evidence that people of Amethi had faith in BJP and Modi ji".

Two days before the polls in Amethi, BJP president Amit Shah and the party's candidate from the constituency Smriti Irani held a road show in the town. Addressing the crowd in the roadshow Shah said that the massive crowd was "evidence that people of Amethi had faith in BJP and Modi ji". "Everyone is hopeful. The massive crowd is evidence that people of Amethi have faith in Modi ji and BJP is winning here in this elections. Opposition will stop making any claims after the result, BJP will form government with massive majority," he said. Also read: Amethi's battle royale: Smriti Irani to take on Rahul Gandhi again Targetting the Congress, Shah further said, "For the first time Amethi is feeling that development is possible here as well. Even after making members of Gandhi family their representative for so many years, there were villages which didn't have electricity. They received electricity only after Modi ji came". Union Smriti Irani, who accompanied Shah said, "By writing letters (to the electorate) before elections, Rahul Gandhi is hinting that he will not be present in Amethi ever." #WATCH: BJP President Amit Shah and Union Minister Smriti Irani hold a road show in Amethi. Smriti Irani is BJP candidate from Amethi parliamentary constituency. The constituency will undergo polling on 6th May. #LokSabhaElections pic.twitter.com/DOv0CVYe66 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 4, 2019 × Uttar Pradesh's Amethi constituency which is considered a Gandhi bastion, will go to polls in the fifth phase on May 6. For the past four generations, the Lok Sabha seat has been represented by the members of the Gandhi family. Rahul Gandhi, who has been representing the constituency for the past 15 years, will this time again face BJP's Irani. In the 2014 general elections, Irani was defeated by Rahul Gandhi by over one lakh votes. This time, the Congress president filed nominations from two Lok Sabha constituencies, Amethi and Wayanad. (With inputs from agencies)

Massive crowd is evidence that people of Amethi have faith in Modi ji: Amit Shah

Making a U-turn from her remark of weak Congress candidates eating into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) votes in Uttar Pradesh, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi on Thursday said the party has only fielded strong candidates.

IEW: Buzz around Priyanka Gandhi's Raebareli visit

Watch this segment of India Election Watch for latest updates of India Election as on May 1st, 2019.

India Election Watch; May 1st, 2019

This segment of India Election Watch brings to you the story of veteran politicians. Watch this video to know about parliamentarians with most terms.

India Election Watch: All you need to know about parliamentarians with most terms

While addressing a public rally in Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki today, Congress President Rahul Gandhi took jibe at PM Modi and said, “Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav’s controller is in the hands of PM Modi. Modi can’t suppress me, Modi can suppress BSP and SP.” Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: PM Modi can suppress BSP-SP but not me, says Rahul Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday attacked the troika of Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party and Samajwadi Party at a rally here while skipping any mention of Ram Temple. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: Prime Minister Modi campaigns in UP, MP

This segment of India Election Watch brings to you top election headlines of the day.

India Election Watch: Watch top election stories

Rally roster for top leaders for May 1st, 2019. Watch more to know.

India Election Watch: Rally roster for top leaders for May 1st, 2019

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/be-it-pak-terrorists-or-traitors-on-our-own-soil-chowkidar-will-not-spare-anyone-pm-modi-214470">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Tuesday slammed the opposition and said that the electors, by their overwhelming response in the four phases of Lok Sabha polls, have shattered the dreams of the opposition.&nbsp;

While addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki, the prime minister said that those who were playing the game of "who will become the prime minister with each other"&nbsp;are now playing hide and seek after the conclusion of the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi in Barabanki: Those people who till a few days ago were playing "Kaun Banega Pradhan Mantri" with each other, are now playing hide and seek after the 4th phase of voting concluded....Ab janta ne inke saare sapno ko chaar charan mein choor choor kar diya hai. <a href="https://t.co/PKP23dIwml">pic.twitter.com/PKP23dIwml</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1123184772878966784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Monday, while speaking at a rally in Koderma, Jharkhand, he said that the 'chowkidar' will not spare anyone, "be it Pakistani terrorists or traitors on our own soil".

"We have proved through the surgical and aerial strikes that if we receive a threat from anywhere, we revert with the same force," he said

The prime minister launched a scathing attack on the Congress party and said, "Congress announced that if they are voted to power, their government will remove the sedition law. It implies that this party is the supporter of the Naxalites. This would make it harder for us to launch an inquiry onto such anti-national forces. This shows the ideologies of the party."

The fourth leg of the seven-phased general elections was conducted across 9 states and for 72 constituencies on Monday. 64 per cent voter turnout was recorded as announced by the Election Commission.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday slammed the opposition and said that the electors, by their overwhelming response in the four phases of Lok Sabha polls, have shattered the dreams of the opposition.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday slammed the opposition and said that the electors, by their overwhelming response in the four phases of Lok Sabha polls, have shattered the dreams of the opposition. While addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki, the prime minister said that those who were playing the game of "who will become the prime minister with each other" are now playing hide and seek after the conclusion of the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha polls. PM Narendra Modi in Barabanki: Those people who till a few days ago were playing "Kaun Banega Pradhan Mantri" with each other, are now playing hide and seek after the 4th phase of voting concluded....Ab janta ne inke saare sapno ko chaar charan mein choor choor kar diya hai. pic.twitter.com/PKP23dIwml — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 30, 2019 × On Monday, while speaking at a rally in Koderma, Jharkhand, he said that the 'chowkidar' will not spare anyone, "be it Pakistani terrorists or traitors on our own soil". "We have proved through the surgical and aerial strikes that if we receive a threat from anywhere, we revert with the same force," he said The prime minister launched a scathing attack on the Congress party and said, "Congress announced that if they are voted to power, their government will remove the sedition law. It implies that this party is the supporter of the Naxalites. This would make it harder for us to launch an inquiry onto such anti-national forces. This shows the ideologies of the party." The fourth leg of the seven-phased general elections was conducted across 9 states and for 72 constituencies on Monday. 64 per cent voter turnout was recorded as announced by the Election Commission.

Opposition is playing hide and seek after fourth phase of Lok Sabha polls: PM Modi in Barabanki 

Lok Sabha polls 2019: 64% turnout in fourth phase; violence in West Bengal, Odisha

With four Uttar Pradesh ministers fighting the ongoing Lok Sabha polls and standing "bright chances" to win their seats, the Adityanath government may have to undertake its first Cabinet reshuffle soon after the elections are over.

The four state ministers in the poll fray include Rita Bahuguna Joshi from Allahabad, S P Singh Baghel from Agra, Satyadev Pachauri from Kanpur and Mukut Bihari from Ambedkarnagar parliamentary constituencies.&nbsp;

"The names of ministers were zeroed in on for fielding, seeing their track record, utility and effectiveness in respective areas, dedication towards the party, communication with party workers and their overall performance, the names of ministers were zeroed in on," state BJP spokesperson Hero Bajpai told PTI.

"They all stand bright chances of winning their respective seats," he added.

Asked by PTI recently if any Cabinet reshuffle is on cards, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had said, "First let the elections get over."&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The whole election process will be completed by May 27 after counting of votes on May 23, said an Election Commission official.&nbsp;

Among the four state ministers fielded so far in the ongoing polls, the name of Cooperative Minister Mukut Bihari figured in the BJP latest poll list.

Bihari has been fielded from Ambedkarnagar parliamentary constituency which goes to polls on May 12 in the sixth phase.&nbsp;

The BJP had earlier named Minister for Animal Husbandry, Minor Irrigation and Fisheries Baghel in its first list as its candidate for the reserved Lok Sabha seat of Agra.&nbsp; 
Agra had gone to polls on April 18 in the second phase of elections.&nbsp;

Two others, Minister for Women, Family, Mother and Child Welfare Department Joshi and Minister for Khadi Village Industries, Sericulture, Textile, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Export Promotion departments Pachauri have been fielded from Allahabad and Kanpur Lok Sabha seats.

Joshi, who is presently also the tourism minister in the UP Cabinet had contested the 2014 General Elections from Lucknow parliamentary constituency on a Congress ticket and lost to the BJP's Rajnath Singh.

Voting in Kanpur will be held on April 29, while Allahabad goes to polls on May 12. 
&nbsp;

With four Uttar Pradesh ministers fighting the ongoing Lok Sabha polls and standing "bright chances" to win their seats, the Adityanath government may have to undertake its first Cabinet reshuffle soon after the elections are over.

With four Uttar Pradesh ministers fighting the ongoing Lok Sabha polls and standing "bright chances" to win their seats, the Adityanath government may have to undertake its first Cabinet reshuffle soon after the elections are over. The four state ministers in the poll fray include Rita Bahuguna Joshi from Allahabad, S P Singh Baghel from Agra, Satyadev Pachauri from Kanpur and Mukut Bihari from Ambedkarnagar parliamentary constituencies. "The names of ministers were zeroed in on for fielding, seeing their track record, utility and effectiveness in respective areas, dedication towards the party, communication with party workers and their overall performance, the names of ministers were zeroed in on," state BJP spokesperson Hero Bajpai told PTI. "They all stand bright chances of winning their respective seats," he added. Asked by PTI recently if any Cabinet reshuffle is on cards, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had said, "First let the elections get over." The whole election process will be completed by May 27 after counting of votes on May 23, said an Election Commission official. Among the four state ministers fielded so far in the ongoing polls, the name of Cooperative Minister Mukut Bihari figured in the BJP latest poll list. Bihari has been fielded from Ambedkarnagar parliamentary constituency which goes to polls on May 12 in the sixth phase. The BJP had earlier named Minister for Animal Husbandry, Minor Irrigation and Fisheries Baghel in its first list as its candidate for the reserved Lok Sabha seat of Agra. Agra had gone to polls on April 18 in the second phase of elections. Two others, Minister for Women, Family, Mother and Child Welfare Department Joshi and Minister for Khadi Village Industries, Sericulture, Textile, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Export Promotion departments Pachauri have been fielded from Allahabad and Kanpur Lok Sabha seats. Joshi, who is presently also the tourism minister in the UP Cabinet had contested the 2014 General Elections from Lucknow parliamentary constituency on a Congress ticket and lost to the BJP's Rajnath Singh. Voting in Kanpur will be held on April 29, while Allahabad goes to polls on May 12.

Uttar Pradesh Cabinet may undergo reshuffle soon after general polls

<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

'Modi wave' sweeps Varanasi as huge crowd gathers at roadshow

The Congress party on Monday released a list of candidates for 3 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Yogesh Shukla has been fielded from Prayagraj, Chandresh Upadhyay will fight from Domariyaganj and Bhal Chand Yadav has replaced Parvez Khan from Sant Kabir Nagar.

This comes just hours after the party declared candidates on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-releases-list-of-delhi-candidates-sheila-dixit-to-contest-from-north-east-delhi-212497">six of the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital</a>.

JP Agarwal to contest from Chandni Chowk, Sheila Dixit from North East Delhi, Arvinder Singh Lovely from East Delhi, Ajay Maken from New Delhi, Rajesh Lilothia from North West Delhi (SC) and Mahabal Mishra from West Delhi.

From North East Delhi seat where Sheila Dikshit will contest, AAP has fielded Dilip Pandey.

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Congress releases list of candidates for 3 Parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Yogesh Shukla from Prayagraj, Chandresh Upadhyay from Domariyaganj &amp; Bhal Chand Yadav (in place of Parvez Khan) from Sant Kabir Nagar. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/b5VHACPlPr">pic.twitter.com/b5VHACPlPr</a>
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At present, this seat is represented by Manoj Tiwari, who is also the president of BJP’s Delhi unit. In the last Lok Sabha poll, Tiwari had defeated Professor Anand Kumar of AAP by 1,44,084 votes.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday released a list of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bharatiya-janata-party-releases-list-of-candidates-for-delhi-punjab-mp-212380">candidates for four out of seven parliamentary seats in Delhi</a> for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan will be contesting from Delhi's Chandni Chowk, singer and actor Manoj Tiwari from North East Delhi. Pravesh Verma will be contesting from West Delhi and Ramesh Bidhuri from South Delhi.

The Congress party on Monday released a list of candidates for 3 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Yogesh Shukla has been fielded from Prayagraj, Chandresh Upadhyay will fight from Domariyaganj and Bhal Chand Yadav has replaced Parvez Khan from Sant Kabir Nagar.

The Congress party on Monday released a list of candidates for 3 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Yogesh Shukla has been fielded from Prayagraj, Chandresh Upadhyay will fight from Domariyaganj and Bhal Chand Yadav has replaced Parvez Khan from Sant Kabir Nagar. This comes just hours after the party declared candidates on six of the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital. JP Agarwal to contest from Chandni Chowk, Sheila Dixit from North East Delhi, Arvinder Singh Lovely from East Delhi, Ajay Maken from New Delhi, Rajesh Lilothia from North West Delhi (SC) and Mahabal Mishra from West Delhi. From North East Delhi seat where Sheila Dikshit will contest, AAP has fielded Dilip Pandey. Congress releases list of candidates for 3 Parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Yogesh Shukla from Prayagraj, Chandresh Upadhyay from Domariyaganj & Bhal Chand Yadav (in place of Parvez Khan) from Sant Kabir Nagar. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/b5VHACPlPr — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 22, 2019 × At present, this seat is represented by Manoj Tiwari, who is also the president of BJP’s Delhi unit. In the last Lok Sabha poll, Tiwari had defeated Professor Anand Kumar of AAP by 1,44,084 votes. Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday released a list of candidates for four out of seven parliamentary seats in Delhi for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan will be contesting from Delhi's Chandni Chowk, singer and actor Manoj Tiwari from North East Delhi. Pravesh Verma will be contesting from West Delhi and Ramesh Bidhuri from South Delhi.

Congress releases list of candidates for Uttar Pradesh, fields Yogesh Shukla from Prayagraj

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched an attack on the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh stating that it will collapse right after the Lok Sabha results are announced on May 23.

The Prime Minister alluded to the alliance between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party during the last Uttar Pradesh assembly elections and said that the alliance failed and now the two parties have turned to become foes again. &nbsp;

"A friendship was forged during Uttar Pradesh assembly polls last time, polls ended and so did the friendship which turned into animosity. Now, a friendship has been formed again, but I will tell you the date when this will come to an end too - May 23. This fake friendship will come to an end then," the Prime Minister said while addressing a rally in Etah, Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

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PM Modi in Etah: Ek dosti UP Vidhan Sabha ke chunaav ke samay bhi hui thi, chunav khatm hua, dosti bhi khatm hogai,dushmani mein badal gai. Ab ek dosti phir hui hai, lekin iske tootne ki tarikh bhi tay hai.Aapko tootne ki tarikh bataun? 23 May ko ye farzi dosti Phir se toot jaegi <a href="https://t.co/R0BjAcRfTD">pic.twitter.com/R0BjAcRfTD</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1119562192532041729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-placed-vote-bank-politics-above-national-interest-pm-modi-212009">Earlier in the day, PM Modi slammed the Congress party</a> for preaching vote bank politics over the national interest of the country.

Claiming that the UPA government was following the "vote bhakti" politics, PM Modi said, "The country has witnessed two types of politics of 'vote bhakti' and of "desh bhakti".

The former was on display after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, when the then government did not go after Pakistan for abetting terror".

Attacking further, he said that the then government chose to derail the investigations in many terror cases and came up with the theory of "Hindu terror".

PM Modi said his government responded to the Uri terror attack with surgical strikes and Pulwama by air strikes, demonstrating "desh bhakti" politics.

PM Modi who was addressing an election rally in Araria, Bihar, further said that the opposition party and its allies were rattled by the trends that have emerged from the first two phases of the Lok Sabha polls.

The Prime Minister also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-has-only-fooled-people-in-name-of-maa-mati-and-manush-pm-modi-in-west-bengal-211984">targetted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee</a> and said she has fooled people in the name of 'Maa, Mati and Manush'.

Modi, who was addressing a rally in Buniadpur, South Dinajpur district attacked the TMC leader over the campaigning of Bangladeshi film star Ferdous Ahmed.

"It is shameful that people from neighbouring country are campaigning for the TMC, which was done to appease the minority community," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched an attack on the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh stating that it will collapse right after the Lok Sabha results are announced on May 23.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched an attack on the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh stating that it will collapse right after the Lok Sabha results are announced on May 23. The Prime Minister alluded to the alliance between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party during the last Uttar Pradesh assembly elections and said that the alliance failed and now the two parties have turned to become foes again. "A friendship was forged during Uttar Pradesh assembly polls last time, polls ended and so did the friendship which turned into animosity. Now, a friendship has been formed again, but I will tell you the date when this will come to an end too - May 23. This fake friendship will come to an end then," the Prime Minister said while addressing a rally in Etah, Uttar Pradesh. PM Modi in Etah: Ek dosti UP Vidhan Sabha ke chunaav ke samay bhi hui thi, chunav khatm hua, dosti bhi khatm hogai,dushmani mein badal gai. Ab ek dosti phir hui hai, lekin iske tootne ki tarikh bhi tay hai.Aapko tootne ki tarikh bataun? 23 May ko ye farzi dosti Phir se toot jaegi pic.twitter.com/R0BjAcRfTD — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 20, 2019 × Earlier in the day, PM Modi slammed the Congress party for preaching vote bank politics over the national interest of the country. Claiming that the UPA government was following the "vote bhakti" politics, PM Modi said, "The country has witnessed two types of politics of 'vote bhakti' and of "desh bhakti". The former was on display after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, when the then government did not go after Pakistan for abetting terror". Attacking further, he said that the then government chose to derail the investigations in many terror cases and came up with the theory of "Hindu terror". PM Modi said his government responded to the Uri terror attack with surgical strikes and Pulwama by air strikes, demonstrating "desh bhakti" politics. PM Modi who was addressing an election rally in Araria, Bihar, further said that the opposition party and its allies were rattled by the trends that have emerged from the first two phases of the Lok Sabha polls. The Prime Minister also targetted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said she has fooled people in the name of 'Maa, Mati and Manush'. Modi, who was addressing a rally in Buniadpur, South Dinajpur district attacked the TMC leader over the campaigning of Bangladeshi film star Ferdous Ahmed. "It is shameful that people from neighbouring country are campaigning for the TMC, which was done to appease the minority community," he said.

May 23 is when this fake friendship will collapse: PM Modi on SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh 

Congress candidate from Bihar's Patna Sahib Lok Sabha constituency and veteran Bollywood actor Shatrughan Sinha on Thursday campaigned for his wife Poonam Sinha in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow. Poonam Sinha, earlier in the day, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-poonam-sinha-files-nomination-from-lucknow-in-presence-of-shatrughan-dimple-yadav-211500">filed her nomination from the constituency</a> in the presence of her husband and Samajwadi Party MP from Kannauj Dimple Yadav.&nbsp;

Accompanied by his wife and SP leader Dimple Yadav during a road show, Shatrughan Sinha praised the BSP-SP-RLD alliance in the state.

"I have never seen such a powerful and huge gathering. This has been possible only through the blessings of Mulayam Singh Yadav, co-operation of BSP's Mayawati and hard work of RLD's Ajit Singh," he said.

While praising SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, Sinha said, "Grand alliance has the power of youth with it and the example is Akhilesh Yadav, who is a youth icon not only in Uttar Pradesh but also throughout the country."

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Shatrughan Sinha, Congress on reported comments of Congress candidate from Lucknow, Pramod Krishnam that Sinha should not campaign for a candidate from an opposing party: It is my duty as the head of the family and a husband to support my family. <a href="https://t.co/3pW1nsCfrS">pic.twitter.com/3pW1nsCfrS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1118826848517906432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Congress leader said, "I am here not only for SP and BSP but also for my wife, Poonam Sinha... The elections this time are being held to bring a change, it will be fought for a cause of development... the development of the city, state and country."&nbsp;

Shatrughan Sinha faced a backlash from Congress'&nbsp;Lucknow candidate for campaigning for Poonam Sinha. Shatrughan responded saying that it is his duty "as the head of the family and a husband to support my family."&nbsp;

Krishnam had said that by campaigning for SP candidate and his wife Poonam Sinha, Shatrughan Sinha kept his virtue as a husband, he should now campaign for his party's candidate.&nbsp;

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Congress MP candidate for Lucknow,Pramod Krishnam: Shatrughan Sinha Ji ne yahan aa karke apna pati-dharm nibhaya hai, lekin mai Shatru Ji se ye kehna chahunga ki pati-dharm unhone aaj nibha diya, lekin ek din mere liye prachar karke wo party-dharm nibhayein.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/ivWJXcodW9">pic.twitter.com/ivWJXcodW9</a>
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"Mai Shatru Ji se ye kehna chahunga ki pati-dharm unhone aaj nibha diya, lekin ek din mere liye prachar karke wo party-dharm nibhayein," Krishnam said.&nbsp;

Poonam Sinha is set to take on Congress' Krishnam and BJP leader and union minister Rajnath Singh from Lucknow Lok Sabha seat.&nbsp;

Rebel BJP leader and Congress candidate Shatrughan Sinha is set to take on BJP leader and union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from Bihar's Patna Sahib seat.&nbsp;

Congress candidate from Bihar's Patna Sahib Lok Sabha constituency and veteran Bollywood actor Shatrughan Sinha on Thursday campaigned for his wife Poonam Sinha in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow.

Congress candidate from Bihar's Patna Sahib Lok Sabha constituency and veteran Bollywood actor Shatrughan Sinha on Thursday campaigned for his wife Poonam Sinha in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow. Poonam Sinha, earlier in the day, filed her nomination from the constituency in the presence of her husband and Samajwadi Party MP from Kannauj Dimple Yadav. Accompanied by his wife and SP leader Dimple Yadav during a road show, Shatrughan Sinha praised the BSP-SP-RLD alliance in the state. "I have never seen such a powerful and huge gathering. This has been possible only through the blessings of Mulayam Singh Yadav, co-operation of BSP's Mayawati and hard work of RLD's Ajit Singh," he said. While praising SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, Sinha said, "Grand alliance has the power of youth with it and the example is Akhilesh Yadav, who is a youth icon not only in Uttar Pradesh but also throughout the country." Shatrughan Sinha, Congress on reported comments of Congress candidate from Lucknow, Pramod Krishnam that Sinha should not campaign for a candidate from an opposing party: It is my duty as the head of the family and a husband to support my family. pic.twitter.com/3pW1nsCfrS — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2019 × The Congress leader said, "I am here not only for SP and BSP but also for my wife, Poonam Sinha... The elections this time are being held to bring a change, it will be fought for a cause of development... the development of the city, state and country." Shatrughan Sinha faced a backlash from Congress' Lucknow candidate for campaigning for Poonam Sinha. Shatrughan responded saying that it is his duty "as the head of the family and a husband to support my family." Krishnam had said that by campaigning for SP candidate and his wife Poonam Sinha, Shatrughan Sinha kept his virtue as a husband, he should now campaign for his party's candidate. Congress MP candidate for Lucknow,Pramod Krishnam: Shatrughan Sinha Ji ne yahan aa karke apna pati-dharm nibhaya hai, lekin mai Shatru Ji se ye kehna chahunga ki pati-dharm unhone aaj nibha diya, lekin ek din mere liye prachar karke wo party-dharm nibhayein.#LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/ivWJXcodW9 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 18, 2019 × "Mai Shatru Ji se ye kehna chahunga ki pati-dharm unhone aaj nibha diya, lekin ek din mere liye prachar karke wo party-dharm nibhayein," Krishnam said. Poonam Sinha is set to take on Congress' Krishnam and BJP leader and union minister Rajnath Singh from Lucknow Lok Sabha seat. Rebel BJP leader and Congress candidate Shatrughan Sinha is set to take on BJP leader and union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from Bihar's Patna Sahib seat.

It's my duty as head of family and a husband: Shatrughan Sinha on campaigning for wife Poonam Sinha in Lucknow 

India underway for its 2nd phase of Lok Sabha election 2019. Here is a quick look at the voter's turn-out for the day. Watch video to know more.

Lok Sabha election 2019: Quick look at the voter's turn-out figures for 2nd phase

Voters, politicians & celebrities queue up to vote in second phase

Poonam Sinha, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-fight-with-full-dignity-rajnath-singh-welcomes-samajwadi-partys-poonam-sinha-as-opponent-from-lucknow-210968">the SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow</a> parliamentary constituency, filed her nomination on Thursday. Congress leader and veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, SP MP from Kannauj Dimple Yadav were also present on the occasion.&nbsp;

Poonam Sinha is set to take on Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Union Minister Rajnath Singh from Lucknow. Congress was urged by the Samajwadi Party not to field a candidate from the seat but the party went ahead and named Acharya Pramod as its candidate from Lucknow.&nbsp;

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SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow parliamentary constituency, Poonam Sinha, files nomination. Shatrughan Sinha &amp; Dimple Yadav also present. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/vp0i2GO0nn">pic.twitter.com/vp0i2GO0nn</a>
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Union Home Minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reacted over Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha contesting from Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow Lok Sabha seat.

Singh said that someone must contest. Calling Lucknow the land of "tehzeeb (etiquette)" he said the battle will be fought with full dignity.

"Yes somebody must contest, that is the beauty of democracy. We will fight elections with full dignity, tehzeeb jo Lucknow ki bohot badi dharohar hai usko bhi hum kayam rakhenge," Singh told media.&nbsp;

Poonam Sinha, the SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow parliamentary constituency, filed her nomination on Thursday. Congress leader and veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, SP MP from Kannauj Dimple Yadav were also present on the occasion.

Poonam Sinha, the SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow parliamentary constituency, filed her nomination on Thursday. Congress leader and veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, SP MP from Kannauj Dimple Yadav were also present on the occasion. Poonam Sinha is set to take on Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Union Minister Rajnath Singh from Lucknow. Congress was urged by the Samajwadi Party not to field a candidate from the seat but the party went ahead and named Acharya Pramod as its candidate from Lucknow. SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow parliamentary constituency, Poonam Sinha, files nomination. Shatrughan Sinha & Dimple Yadav also present. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/vp0i2GO0nn — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 18, 2019 × Union Home Minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reacted over Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha contesting from Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow Lok Sabha seat. Singh said that someone must contest. Calling Lucknow the land of "tehzeeb (etiquette)" he said the battle will be fought with full dignity. "Yes somebody must contest, that is the beauty of democracy. We will fight elections with full dignity, tehzeeb jo Lucknow ki bohot badi dharohar hai usko bhi hum kayam rakhenge," Singh told media.

Lok Sabha polls: Poonam Sinha files nomination from Lucknow in presence of Shatrughan, Dimple Yadav

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav filed his nomination from Azamgarh Lok Sabha constituency on Thursday in the presence of BSP general secretary Satish Chand Mishra.

"SP and BSP both have worked together in Azamgarh and 'gathbandhan'&nbsp;will take the state on the path of development," said Yadav, before filing his nomination papers.

"BJP has to give an account of its work in the last 5 years at centre and 2 years in the state," he added.

SP, BSP and RLD are contesting the Lok Sabha polls in alliance in Uttar Pradesh in which the SP is contesting on 37 seats, BSP on 38 and RLD on three.

Akhilesh's father Mulayam Singh Yadav, who is contesting from Mainpuri constituency, is the sitting MP from Azamgarh.

Uttar Pradesh is undergoing polling today in the second phase for 8 parliamentary constituencies. It went to polls on April 11 for 8 Lok Sabha constituencies. The remaining seats will witness polling in the next five phases, and counting of votes will take place on May 18.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav filed his nomination from Azamgarh Lok Sabha constituency on Thursday in the presence of BSP general secretary Satish Chand Mishra.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav filed his nomination from Azamgarh Lok Sabha constituency on Thursday in the presence of BSP general secretary Satish Chand Mishra. "SP and BSP both have worked together in Azamgarh and 'gathbandhan' will take the state on the path of development," said Yadav, before filing his nomination papers. "BJP has to give an account of its work in the last 5 years at centre and 2 years in the state," he added. SP, BSP and RLD are contesting the Lok Sabha polls in alliance in Uttar Pradesh in which the SP is contesting on 37 seats, BSP on 38 and RLD on three. Akhilesh's father Mulayam Singh Yadav, who is contesting from Mainpuri constituency, is the sitting MP from Azamgarh. Uttar Pradesh is undergoing polling today in the second phase for 8 parliamentary constituencies. It went to polls on April 11 for 8 Lok Sabha constituencies. The remaining seats will witness polling in the next five phases, and counting of votes will take place on May 18.

Akhilesh Yadav files nomination from Azamgarh

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Raj Babbar and another actor-turned-politician Hema Malini are among the 85 candidates contesting for eight Lok Sabha seats in the second phase of elections in the state on Thursday.

Polling will be held in Nagina (SC), Amroha, Bulandshahr (SC), <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-aligarh-bjp-candidate-facing-strong-anti-incumbency-residents-say-unhappy-over-amu-row-211129">Aligarh</a>, Hathras (SC), Fatehpur Sikri, Mathura and Agra (SC).

Fatehpur Sikri will see a triangular battle between Babbar, BJP's Rajkumar Chahar and BSP's Shreebhagwan Sharma, who is a two-time MLA from Debai assembly constituency of Bulandshahr.

While in the temple-town constituency of Mathura, Bollywood "dream girl" of yesteryears, Hema Malini, is seeking re-election after winning the seat in the 2014 general elections.

The other candidates in the fray are Kunwar Narendra Singh of the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) and Mahesh Pathak of the Congress.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/second-phase-polls-bjp-mahagathbandhan-set-to-lock-horns-in-uttar-pradeshs-amroha-210709">In Amroha, sitting BJP MP Kanwar Singh Tanwar</a> will lock horns with Bahujan Samaj Party's Kunwar Danish Ali, who recently joined the party after quitting as the general secretary of the Janata Dal-Secular.

The eight Lok Sabha seats were bagged by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014. This time it faces a tough fight from the SP-BSP-RLD alliance.

In this phase, the BSP has fielded candidates for six of the eight constituencies -- Nagina, Amroha, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Agra and Fatehpur Sikri. The SP and the RLD have fielded one candidate each from Hathras and Mathura respectively.

Apart from Hema Malini and Tanwar, the BJP has retained three other MPs - Yashwant Singh (Nagina), Bhola Singh (Bulandshahr) and Satish Gautam (Aligarh).

The Election Commission has set up 16,162 polling booths in 8,751 polling centres for this phase in the state.

In Agra, UP animal husbandry, minor irrigation and fisheries minister S P Singh Baghel (BJP) will take on Preeta Harit of the Congress and Manoj Kumar Soni of the BSP.

In Aligarh, the fight is between Gautam (BJP), Ajeet Baliyan (BSP) and Bijendra Singh (Congress) while in Hathras, Rajvir Diler of the BJP will take on Ramji Lal Suman of the Samajwadi Party and Triloki Ram of the Congress.&nbsp;

In Bulandshahr, the contest figures Bhola Singh (BJP), Yogesh Verma (BSP) and Banshi Singh (Congress).

The Nagina constituency will see Singh defending his turf against Omvati Devi of the Congress and Girish Chandra of the BSP.

While Singh is a former SP leader, Devi has been with all the four principal parties in the state - SP, BSP, BJP and Congress - at different times of her political career.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Raj Babbar and another actor-turned-politician Hema Malini are among the 85 candidates contesting for eight Lok Sabha seats in the second phase of elections in the state on Thursday.

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Raj Babbar and another actor-turned-politician Hema Malini are among the 85 candidates contesting for eight Lok Sabha seats in the second phase of elections in the state on Thursday. Polling will be held in Nagina (SC), Amroha, Bulandshahr (SC), Aligarh, Hathras (SC), Fatehpur Sikri, Mathura and Agra (SC). Fatehpur Sikri will see a triangular battle between Babbar, BJP's Rajkumar Chahar and BSP's Shreebhagwan Sharma, who is a two-time MLA from Debai assembly constituency of Bulandshahr. While in the temple-town constituency of Mathura, Bollywood "dream girl" of yesteryears, Hema Malini, is seeking re-election after winning the seat in the 2014 general elections. The other candidates in the fray are Kunwar Narendra Singh of the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) and Mahesh Pathak of the Congress. In Amroha, sitting BJP MP Kanwar Singh Tanwar will lock horns with Bahujan Samaj Party's Kunwar Danish Ali, who recently joined the party after quitting as the general secretary of the Janata Dal-Secular. The eight Lok Sabha seats were bagged by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014. This time it faces a tough fight from the SP-BSP-RLD alliance. In this phase, the BSP has fielded candidates for six of the eight constituencies -- Nagina, Amroha, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Agra and Fatehpur Sikri. The SP and the RLD have fielded one candidate each from Hathras and Mathura respectively. Apart from Hema Malini and Tanwar, the BJP has retained three other MPs - Yashwant Singh (Nagina), Bhola Singh (Bulandshahr) and Satish Gautam (Aligarh). The Election Commission has set up 16,162 polling booths in 8,751 polling centres for this phase in the state. In Agra, UP animal husbandry, minor irrigation and fisheries minister S P Singh Baghel (BJP) will take on Preeta Harit of the Congress and Manoj Kumar Soni of the BSP. In Aligarh, the fight is between Gautam (BJP), Ajeet Baliyan (BSP) and Bijendra Singh (Congress) while in Hathras, Rajvir Diler of the BJP will take on Ramji Lal Suman of the Samajwadi Party and Triloki Ram of the Congress. In Bulandshahr, the contest figures Bhola Singh (BJP), Yogesh Verma (BSP) and Banshi Singh (Congress). The Nagina constituency will see Singh defending his turf against Omvati Devi of the Congress and Girish Chandra of the BSP. While Singh is a former SP leader, Devi has been with all the four principal parties in the state - SP, BSP, BJP and Congress - at different times of her political career.

Second phase polls in Uttar Pradesh to decide fate of Raj Babbar, Hema Malini

The sitting BJP MP in Aligarh, which was at the centre of a raging controversy last year over Muhammad Ali Jinnah's portrait at the distinguished Aligarh Muslim University, is facing strong anti-incumbency and anger from traders, making the Lok Sabha election a three-cornered contest.

Satish Gautam of Bharatiya Janata Party is fighting "mahagathbandhan" candidate Ajeet Baliyan of Bahujan Samaj Party and Bijendra Singh of Congress in the election to be held on Thursday.

The BJP candidate appears to be banking on a division of the Muslim vote while the two opposition candidates are hoping for its consolidation in favour of one of them.

Sameer Mishra, a businessman, said he does not like the hard-line Gautam takes.

"People, like me, chose him to bring pro-people policies and not instigate controversies like the one he did in Aligarh Muslim University," Mishra said.

In May 2018, Gautam demanded the portrait of Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, be removed from AMU student union office where it had been for decades. Violent protests ensued.

"This aggressive and communal attitude has shown him in bad light. We would have supported another BJP candidate but not him again," Mishra added.

But other residents of the city admitted that Gautam has a strong Brahmin voter base, about five lakh in the constituency.

Brahmins, Vaishya and Chatriya together make up about seven lakh of the total 18.73 lakh voters in Aligarh, a lock-making hub in western Uttar Pradesh.

There are 3.50 lakh Muslims voters while Jat, Yadav and Lodi account for four lakh. Around 3.50 lakh voters belong to SC/ST communities.

In 2014, Gautam won the seat by beating BSP's Arvind Kumar Singh by over two lakh votes. "But that time Gautam was riding on Modi wave. Things have changed since," said a BJP member, who did not wished to be named.

"There is strong opposition for Gautam by veteran leader Kalyan Singh who did not support his candidature and was vocal about it too within party cadres," the BJP member added.

"Another factor which might act against him is the anger brewing among lock industrialists who are extremely angry with him over demonetisation and high GST rate," said Tribhuvan Sarmisht, a tea seller on Shahjamal Road, a hub of small lock industries in the area.

Prakash Sharma, the owner of Rajput locks, agrees with him.

"Most of the industries on this road closed post demonetisation and GST implementation. Even my business is running in loss, it would definitely reflect in the result of the polls," Sharma said.

"I know Gautam wasn't directly responsible for demonetisation and GST but even our demands and situation was put forward by him which is his responsibility as an elected member," he said.

This anti-incumbency may benefit both Congress and mahagathbandhan who have promised to focus on education and improve the city's infrastructure, many residents feel.

A split in Muslim votes between Congress and mahagathbandhan may prove a challenge, the residents say, and added the mahagathbandhan candidate, Baliyan, a newcomer and Jat leader, has a better chance due to his strong support base also among SC/ST voters.

"It is high time that Muslims do tactical voting as that could play a very important role in the turnout in the election," said Ali Nadeem Rezavi, a professor at Aligarh Muslim University.

Nusrat Jahan, a primary school teacher, said the Congress candidate, Singh, has fought the election 12 times so she is thinking of giving the mahagathbandhan candidate a chance.

"It is yet to be seen how other voters think but for now, I think, Baliyan has a better chance as he would have the combined support of BSP-SP-RLD voters," she said.

Aligarh goes to poll in the second phase of elections on April 18. Khair, Baroli, Atroli, Kol and Aligarh city are assembly segments in the constituency.&nbsp;

The sitting BJP MP in Aligarh, which was at the centre of a raging controversy last year over Muhammad Ali Jinnah's portrait at the distinguished Aligarh Muslim University, is facing strong anti-incumbency and anger from traders, making the Lok Sabha election a three-cornered contest.

The sitting BJP MP in Aligarh, which was at the centre of a raging controversy last year over Muhammad Ali Jinnah's portrait at the distinguished Aligarh Muslim University, is facing strong anti-incumbency and anger from traders, making the Lok Sabha election a three-cornered contest. Satish Gautam of Bharatiya Janata Party is fighting "mahagathbandhan" candidate Ajeet Baliyan of Bahujan Samaj Party and Bijendra Singh of Congress in the election to be held on Thursday. The BJP candidate appears to be banking on a division of the Muslim vote while the two opposition candidates are hoping for its consolidation in favour of one of them. Sameer Mishra, a businessman, said he does not like the hard-line Gautam takes. "People, like me, chose him to bring pro-people policies and not instigate controversies like the one he did in Aligarh Muslim University," Mishra said. In May 2018, Gautam demanded the portrait of Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, be removed from AMU student union office where it had been for decades. Violent protests ensued. "This aggressive and communal attitude has shown him in bad light. We would have supported another BJP candidate but not him again," Mishra added. But other residents of the city admitted that Gautam has a strong Brahmin voter base, about five lakh in the constituency. Brahmins, Vaishya and Chatriya together make up about seven lakh of the total 18.73 lakh voters in Aligarh, a lock-making hub in western Uttar Pradesh. There are 3.50 lakh Muslims voters while Jat, Yadav and Lodi account for four lakh. Around 3.50 lakh voters belong to SC/ST communities. In 2014, Gautam won the seat by beating BSP's Arvind Kumar Singh by over two lakh votes. "But that time Gautam was riding on Modi wave. Things have changed since," said a BJP member, who did not wished to be named. "There is strong opposition for Gautam by veteran leader Kalyan Singh who did not support his candidature and was vocal about it too within party cadres," the BJP member added. "Another factor which might act against him is the anger brewing among lock industrialists who are extremely angry with him over demonetisation and high GST rate," said Tribhuvan Sarmisht, a tea seller on Shahjamal Road, a hub of small lock industries in the area. Prakash Sharma, the owner of Rajput locks, agrees with him. "Most of the industries on this road closed post demonetisation and GST implementation. Even my business is running in loss, it would definitely reflect in the result of the polls," Sharma said. "I know Gautam wasn't directly responsible for demonetisation and GST but even our demands and situation was put forward by him which is his responsibility as an elected member," he said. This anti-incumbency may benefit both Congress and mahagathbandhan who have promised to focus on education and improve the city's infrastructure, many residents feel. A split in Muslim votes between Congress and mahagathbandhan may prove a challenge, the residents say, and added the mahagathbandhan candidate, Baliyan, a newcomer and Jat leader, has a better chance due to his strong support base also among SC/ST voters. "It is high time that Muslims do tactical voting as that could play a very important role in the turnout in the election," said Ali Nadeem Rezavi, a professor at Aligarh Muslim University. Nusrat Jahan, a primary school teacher, said the Congress candidate, Singh, has fought the election 12 times so she is thinking of giving the mahagathbandhan candidate a chance. "It is yet to be seen how other voters think but for now, I think, Baliyan has a better chance as he would have the combined support of BSP-SP-RLD voters," she said. Aligarh goes to poll in the second phase of elections on April 18. Khair, Baroli, Atroli, Kol and Aligarh city are assembly segments in the constituency.

In Aligarh, BJP candidate facing strong anti-incumbency; residents say unhappy over AMU row

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>
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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>
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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

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

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

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

Lok Sabha Polls 2019: Rajnath Singh files nomination from Lucknow

Watch this segment of India Election Watch for latest updates of India Election as on 15th April, 2019.

India Election Watch; 15th April 2019

As many as eight Lok Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh will be up for a tight contest in the second phase of general elections on April 18. One of the key constituencies which will brave the electoral battle this Thursday is Amroha.&nbsp;

What makes the contest in Amroha interesting is the fact that the result&nbsp;here, time and again, defies any set pattern. While the seat currently rests with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in 2009 Rashtriya Lok Dal's Devendra Nagpal had registered a victory here.&nbsp;

In 2004, the constituency went to an independent candidate, whereas Mayawati's BSP swept the polls in 1999.&nbsp;

Caste factor

The caste factor turns around the tables almost every time in Amroha, making it nearly impossible to predict the verdict here. The region, although dominated by Muslims, also sees considerable numbers of Jats - a double-edged sword, strong enough to swing results. Dalits also enjoy a sizeable presence, especially in the rural areas.

BJP versus Mahagathbandhan?

This time around, there seems to be a direct contest between the BJP and the Mahagathbandhan. BJP's incumbent MP Kanwar Singh is set to lock horns with Danish Ali, Janata Dal (S) ex-general secretary who is fighting on a BSP ticket. Congress had earlier given a ticket to BSP-turncoat Rashid Alvi but later decided to field Sachin Chaudhary.&nbsp;

Congress'&nbsp;weak report card&nbsp;

Interestingly, the seat has never fallen into Congress' kitty after 1984 when Ram Pal Singh won from the constituency. Since then, the electoral battle here has been largely alternating.

What's at stake?

Of late, the saffron party has been facing a negative sentiment from the region with the local Gujjar community expressing dissatisfaction with incumbent MP Kanwar Singh. Dalit Muslim polarization may negatively affect BJP's prospects.&nbsp;

BSP may suffer because of its former MP Rashid Alvi switching camps and walking over to the Congress' side. However, the party's hopes run high with the Dalits, especially the Muslim-Dalit population, of the region.&nbsp;

Although an INC candidate, traditionally, has been the weakest in the electoral fight in Amroha, it won't be a surprise if Sachin Chaudhary manages to snatch the constituency away for Congress this general election. He is the lone Dalit candidate and has age on his side, however, it must not be overlooked that he is set for a battle against much more experienced and established opponents.

Under the SP-BSP alliance, Mayawati's party will be contesting in 38 Lok Sabha seats of the total 80 seats while Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party will fight in 37 seats with three seats going to Chaudhary Ajit Singh's Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD). The alliance has decided not to fight for Congress strongholds in Raebareli and Amethi.&nbsp;

Amroha will go polls in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 18. The results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

As many as eight Lok Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh will be up for a tight contest in the second phase of general elections on April 18. One of the key constituencies which will brave the electoral battle this Thursday is Amroha.

As many as eight Lok Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh will be up for a tight contest in the second phase of general elections on April 18. One of the key constituencies which will brave the electoral battle this Thursday is Amroha. What makes the contest in Amroha interesting is the fact that the result here, time and again, defies any set pattern. While the seat currently rests with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in 2009 Rashtriya Lok Dal's Devendra Nagpal had registered a victory here. In 2004, the constituency went to an independent candidate, whereas Mayawati's BSP swept the polls in 1999. Caste factor The caste factor turns around the tables almost every time in Amroha, making it nearly impossible to predict the verdict here. The region, although dominated by Muslims, also sees considerable numbers of Jats - a double-edged sword, strong enough to swing results. Dalits also enjoy a sizeable presence, especially in the rural areas. BJP versus Mahagathbandhan? This time around, there seems to be a direct contest between the BJP and the Mahagathbandhan. BJP's incumbent MP Kanwar Singh is set to lock horns with Danish Ali, Janata Dal (S) ex-general secretary who is fighting on a BSP ticket. Congress had earlier given a ticket to BSP-turncoat Rashid Alvi but later decided to field Sachin Chaudhary. Congress' weak report card Interestingly, the seat has never fallen into Congress' kitty after 1984 when Ram Pal Singh won from the constituency. Since then, the electoral battle here has been largely alternating. What's at stake? Of late, the saffron party has been facing a negative sentiment from the region with the local Gujjar community expressing dissatisfaction with incumbent MP Kanwar Singh. Dalit Muslim polarization may negatively affect BJP's prospects. BSP may suffer because of its former MP Rashid Alvi switching camps and walking over to the Congress' side. However, the party's hopes run high with the Dalits, especially the Muslim-Dalit population, of the region. Although an INC candidate, traditionally, has been the weakest in the electoral fight in Amroha, it won't be a surprise if Sachin Chaudhary manages to snatch the constituency away for Congress this general election. He is the lone Dalit candidate and has age on his side, however, it must not be overlooked that he is set for a battle against much more experienced and established opponents. Under the SP-BSP alliance, Mayawati's party will be contesting in 38 Lok Sabha seats of the total 80 seats while Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party will fight in 37 seats with three seats going to Chaudhary Ajit Singh's Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD). The alliance has decided not to fight for Congress strongholds in Raebareli and Amethi. Amroha will go polls in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 18. The results will be declared on May 23.

Second phase polls: BJP, Mahagathbandhan set to lock horns in Uttar Pradesh's Amroha

The Election Commission of India on Monday banned Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/both-ali-and-bajrang-bali-ours-says-bsp-chief-mayawati-210164">Yogi Adityanath and BSP supremo Mayawati</a> from election campaigning for 72 and 48 hours respectively. As per reports, the ban will come into effect from Tuesday 6 am.&nbsp;

The leaders are facing the ban for violating the Model Code of Conduct by making objectionable statements in their speeches, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

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The Election Commission on Monday "strongly condemned" Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BSP supremo Mayawati for their communal remarks and barred them from campaigning for different periods.

The two have also been "censured".

The development comes after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-takes-note-of-alleged-hate-speeches-made-by-mayawati-adityanath-210525">Supreme Court, earlier in the day, took note of the alleged hate speeches</a> made by BSP supremo Mayawati and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during poll campaign and sought to know from the Election Commission the action initiated against them so far.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi summoned a representative of the EC for Tuesday while agreeing to examine the poll panel's contention that it has the limited legal power to deal with hate speeches of politicians during electioneering, news agency PTI reported. &nbsp;

"The EC says they are toothless. They say that they first issue a notice, then advisory and then complain," the bench said, adding it would examine the aspect relating to poll panel's power to deal with hate speeches during the poll campaign.

"Tell us what actions you have taken against Mayawati and Yogi Adityanath," the bench asked and fixed the matter for tomorrow. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The bench was hearing a PIL filed by an NRI Yoga teacher based in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), seeking a direction to the EC to take "strict action" against political parties if their spokespersons make remarks based on caste and religion in the media in the run-up to general elections.&nbsp;

Mayawati was issued the notice for her speech in Deoband appealing to Muslims to not vote for a particular party. The BSP chief had prima facie violated the model code of conduct, the poll panel found.&nbsp;

Adityanath was served the notice for his "Ali" and "Bajrang Bali" remarks while addressing a rally in Meerut.

He compared the Lok Sabha elections to a contest between 'Ali', a revered figure in Islam, and Bajrang Bali, the Hindu god Hanuman.

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Election Commission bans UP CM Yogi Adityanath and BSP chief Mayawati from election campaigning for 72 hours &amp; 48 hours respectively, starting from 6 am tomorrow, for violating Model Code of Conduct by making objectionable statements in their speeches. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/j1cYzMY8Mr">pic.twitter.com/j1cYzMY8Mr</a>
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On Saturday, giving her own twist to Yogi Adityanath's recent comment, BSP chief Mayawati said her party wanted both Ali and Bajrang Bali - particularly Bajrang Bali as the deity is "linked with my own Dalit caste".

Addressing a rally in Badaun, Mayawati recalled Adityanath's comment on Tuesday in which he referred to her earlier appeal to Muslims to vote for the opposition alliance in Uttar Pradesh. The chief minister had said if Ali is with the BSP-SP-RLD alliance, then Bajrang Bali is with the BJP.

"In this connection, I want to tell him (Adityanath) that both Ali and Bajrang Bali are ours... So we want both Ali as well as Bajrang Bali," she said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India on Monday banned Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BSP supremo Mayawati from election campaigning for 72 and 48 hours respectively.

The Election Commission of India on Monday banned Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BSP supremo Mayawati from election campaigning for 72 and 48 hours respectively. As per reports, the ban will come into effect from Tuesday 6 am. The leaders are facing the ban for violating the Model Code of Conduct by making objectionable statements in their speeches, news agency ANI reported. The Election Commission on Monday "strongly condemned" Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BSP supremo Mayawati for their communal remarks and barred them from campaigning for different periods. The two have also been "censured". The development comes after the Supreme Court, earlier in the day, took note of the alleged hate speeches made by BSP supremo Mayawati and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during poll campaign and sought to know from the Election Commission the action initiated against them so far. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi summoned a representative of the EC for Tuesday while agreeing to examine the poll panel's contention that it has the limited legal power to deal with hate speeches of politicians during electioneering, news agency PTI reported. "The EC says they are toothless. They say that they first issue a notice, then advisory and then complain," the bench said, adding it would examine the aspect relating to poll panel's power to deal with hate speeches during the poll campaign. "Tell us what actions you have taken against Mayawati and Yogi Adityanath," the bench asked and fixed the matter for tomorrow. The bench was hearing a PIL filed by an NRI Yoga teacher based in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), seeking a direction to the EC to take "strict action" against political parties if their spokespersons make remarks based on caste and religion in the media in the run-up to general elections. Mayawati was issued the notice for her speech in Deoband appealing to Muslims to not vote for a particular party. The BSP chief had prima facie violated the model code of conduct, the poll panel found. Adityanath was served the notice for his "Ali" and "Bajrang Bali" remarks while addressing a rally in Meerut. He compared the Lok Sabha elections to a contest between 'Ali', a revered figure in Islam, and Bajrang Bali, the Hindu god Hanuman. Election Commission bans UP CM Yogi Adityanath and BSP chief Mayawati from election campaigning for 72 hours & 48 hours respectively, starting from 6 am tomorrow, for violating Model Code of Conduct by making objectionable statements in their speeches. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/j1cYzMY8Mr — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 15, 2019 × On Saturday, giving her own twist to Yogi Adityanath's recent comment, BSP chief Mayawati said her party wanted both Ali and Bajrang Bali - particularly Bajrang Bali as the deity is "linked with my own Dalit caste". Addressing a rally in Badaun, Mayawati recalled Adityanath's comment on Tuesday in which he referred to her earlier appeal to Muslims to vote for the opposition alliance in Uttar Pradesh. The chief minister had said if Ali is with the BSP-SP-RLD alliance, then Bajrang Bali is with the BJP. "In this connection, I want to tell him (Adityanath) that both Ali and Bajrang Bali are ours... So we want both Ali as well as Bajrang Bali," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

Election Commission bars Yogi Adityanath from campaigning for 3 days, Mayawati for 2 days

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