Indian authorities are using<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-ministry-on-toes-to-face-repercussions-of-cyclone-fani-215218"> boats, buses and trains</a> to evacuate 800,000 people along its east coast on Thursday ahead of an approaching cyclone "Fani" that is forecast to make landfall within 24 hours, officials said.

Severe cyclonic storm "Fani" was centred in the west of the Bay of Bengal, the India Meteorological Office said. The south coast of Odisha was also expected to get heavy to very heavy rainfall on Thursday, it said in a bulletin.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cyclone-fani-intensifies-into-extremely-severe-cyclonic-storm-214886/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

The state-run weather office also forecast wind speeds gusting up to 200 kph (125 mph) by Friday. Cyclone tracker Tropical Storm Risk rated Fani a mid-range category 3 storm.

About 800,000 people were expected to be evacuated from low-lying areas of 14 districts in Odisha to cyclone shelters, safer schools and college buildings, a government statement said.

"We are maximising efforts at all levels for evacuation for the time being," Odisha's Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi told said.

Tourists have also been advised to leave coastal towns in West Bengal and Odisha, state government officials said.

Sea conditions were also likely to be very rough off the coast of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry, the weather office said.

Cyclones in India generally last from April to December, with severe storms often leading to the evacuation of tens of thousands of people, widespread deaths and damage to crops and property in both India and Bangladesh.

A super-cyclone battered the coast of Odisha for 30 hours, killing 10,000 people, two decades ago. A mass evacuation of nearly a million people in 2013 likely saved thousands of lives.

Indian authorities are using boats, buses and trains to evacuate 800,000 people along its east coast on Thursday ahead of an approaching cyclone "Fani" that is forecast to make landfall within 24 hours, officials said.

Indian authorities are using boats, buses and trains to evacuate 800,000 people along its east coast on Thursday ahead of an approaching cyclone "Fani" that is forecast to make landfall within 24 hours, officials said. Severe cyclonic storm "Fani" was centred in the west of the Bay of Bengal, the India Meteorological Office said. The south coast of Odisha was also expected to get heavy to very heavy rainfall on Thursday, it said in a bulletin. The state-run weather office also forecast wind speeds gusting up to 200 kph (125 mph) by Friday. Cyclone tracker Tropical Storm Risk rated Fani a mid-range category 3 storm. About 800,000 people were expected to be evacuated from low-lying areas of 14 districts in Odisha to cyclone shelters, safer schools and college buildings, a government statement said. "We are maximising efforts at all levels for evacuation for the time being," Odisha's Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi told said. Tourists have also been advised to leave coastal towns in West Bengal and Odisha, state government officials said. Sea conditions were also likely to be very rough off the coast of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry, the weather office said. Cyclones in India generally last from April to December, with severe storms often leading to the evacuation of tens of thousands of people, widespread deaths and damage to crops and property in both India and Bangladesh. A super-cyclone battered the coast of Odisha for 30 hours, killing 10,000 people, two decades ago. A mass evacuation of nearly a million people in 2013 likely saved thousands of lives.

At least 800,000 people to be evacuated along east coast ahead of cyclone 'Fani': Odisha government

Though the 2019 Lok Sabha election may go down in history as a different kind of electoral battle, there is no denying the fact that the Communist movement is facing a crisis of existence, almost a century after its birth in India.

Be it in Kerala or Bengal, and to a certain extent, Tripura and Begusarai, it may lose at the hands of secular parties and not the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It is certainly time for introspection for the mainstream Communist movement in India.

Interestingly, the Left has bounced back in Nepal, where they came to power 16 months ago, or in Mexico, where they won an election last summer. These developments took place more than a quarter century after the collapse of the Reds in Russia. In the same way, China is mostly Communist in name, while post-Castro Cuba is a different country now.

The Indian Communists may have their own political compulsions in Kerala where they are in power and the only force strong enough to take on the Congress. The saffron party has a relatively small base in that state. But in Bengal, there was some possibility of an alliance between the Left and Congress as they had contested the last Assembly election together, yet no such seat-sharing arrangement could be worked out this time. 
 
Notwithstanding the failure of an alliance with secular parties, people, in general, recognise contributions of the Left in fighting political opponents — be it Congress in the past, or the BJP now.

Perhaps they are missing personalities like Harkishen Singh Surjeet, Indrajit Gupta, Jyoti Basu and Somnath Chatterjee. Today there is a general feeling among the non-Communist secular parties that the Left is not following the line of Sitaram Yechury, but of Prakash Karat, the present general secretary of the CPM.

It was in Kerala that the first ever elected Communist government in the world came to power in 1957, when EMS Namboodiripad became the chief minister of the state. If things continue to go the way they are, Pinarayi Vijayan may end up becoming the last elected Chief Minister from the Left!

They have not only lost power in Bengal and Tripura, but have also become more or less politically irrelevant in these two states.

Incidentally, Kanhaiya Kumar the former president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union — perhaps by default — has brought a glimmer of hope for the Communist movement. But he is too young and too new to the electoral battle of such a complex constituency as Begusarai, from where he has been fielded. That is why several Left-leaning activists have questioned the wisdom of the CPI to expose him to the rough and tumble of polls so early in his career. They are now asking as to why the Communists failed to build an alliance in Bengal and Begusarai — even if there was no scope for it in Kerala.

The Communists cannot put all the blame on the Congress in Bengal or the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Bihar. From the very beginning, they started making unrealistic demands regarding sharing of seats in Bihar and Bengal. For example, the CPI demanded six Lok Sabha seats from the ‘Grand Alliance’ without any presence in the Bihar Assembly. 
 
The big question is even if Kanhaiya wins from Begusarai, how many seats will the Communists win in the rest of the country?

If the Communists end up winning just a handful of seats, Kanhaiya would not be in a position to wage the so-called war against communalism alone. It seems that the hard-line ideological position is taking its toll on the Communist movement in India.

Strangely, even the bitterest rivals of Communists have never questioned their political commitment and honesty of their leaders. Even in Bengal, where they ruled for 34 years, nobody charged them with corruption, though they have repeatedly been blamed for violence and political arm-twisting.

If the Indian Left is really in the lurch, they themselves are to blame. They perhaps failed to read the writing on the wall. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-left-s-unrealistic-poll-demands-scuttled-alliances-2744403">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

Though the 2019 Lok Sabha election may go down in history as a different kind of electoral battle, there is no denying the fact that the Communist movement is facing a crisis of existence, almost a century after its birth in India.

Though the 2019 Lok Sabha election may go down in history as a different kind of electoral battle, there is no denying the fact that the Communist movement is facing a crisis of existence, almost a century after its birth in India. Be it in Kerala or Bengal, and to a certain extent, Tripura and Begusarai, it may lose at the hands of secular parties and not the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It is certainly time for introspection for the mainstream Communist movement in India. Interestingly, the Left has bounced back in Nepal, where they came to power 16 months ago, or in Mexico, where they won an election last summer. These developments took place more than a quarter century after the collapse of the Reds in Russia. In the same way, China is mostly Communist in name, while post-Castro Cuba is a different country now. The Indian Communists may have their own political compulsions in Kerala where they are in power and the only force strong enough to take on the Congress. The saffron party has a relatively small base in that state. But in Bengal, there was some possibility of an alliance between the Left and Congress as they had contested the last Assembly election together, yet no such seat-sharing arrangement could be worked out this time. Notwithstanding the failure of an alliance with secular parties, people, in general, recognise contributions of the Left in fighting political opponents — be it Congress in the past, or the BJP now. Perhaps they are missing personalities like Harkishen Singh Surjeet, Indrajit Gupta, Jyoti Basu and Somnath Chatterjee. Today there is a general feeling among the non-Communist secular parties that the Left is not following the line of Sitaram Yechury, but of Prakash Karat, the present general secretary of the CPM. It was in Kerala that the first ever elected Communist government in the world came to power in 1957, when EMS Namboodiripad became the chief minister of the state. If things continue to go the way they are, Pinarayi Vijayan may end up becoming the last elected Chief Minister from the Left! They have not only lost power in Bengal and Tripura, but have also become more or less politically irrelevant in these two states. Incidentally, Kanhaiya Kumar the former president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union — perhaps by default — has brought a glimmer of hope for the Communist movement. But he is too young and too new to the electoral battle of such a complex constituency as Begusarai, from where he has been fielded. That is why several Left-leaning activists have questioned the wisdom of the CPI to expose him to the rough and tumble of polls so early in his career. They are now asking as to why the Communists failed to build an alliance in Bengal and Begusarai — even if there was no scope for it in Kerala. The Communists cannot put all the blame on the Congress in Bengal or the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Bihar. From the very beginning, they started making unrealistic demands regarding sharing of seats in Bihar and Bengal. For example, the CPI demanded six Lok Sabha seats from the ‘Grand Alliance’ without any presence in the Bihar Assembly. The big question is even if Kanhaiya wins from Begusarai, how many seats will the Communists win in the rest of the country? If the Communists end up winning just a handful of seats, Kanhaiya would not be in a position to wage the so-called war against communalism alone. It seems that the hard-line ideological position is taking its toll on the Communist movement in India. Strangely, even the bitterest rivals of Communists have never questioned their political commitment and honesty of their leaders. Even in Bengal, where they ruled for 34 years, nobody charged them with corruption, though they have repeatedly been blamed for violence and political arm-twisting. If the Indian Left is really in the lurch, they themselves are to blame. They perhaps failed to read the writing on the wall. (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.)

2019 Lok Sabha polls: Left’s unrealistic poll demands scuttled alliances

With the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-imd-issues-yellow-warning-in-odisha-predicting-heavy-rainfall-214909">IMD issuing a formal alert that Cyclone Fani</a> is likely to hit the coastal areas of West Bengal, the state government has taken all precautionary measures to avert any untoward incident, officials said Tuesday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has extended cyclone alert to north Andhra Pradesh coast and West Bengal coast, apart from Odisha, which it is expected to cross by Friday.

The state disaster management department in a message issued a warning to the fishermen asking them not to venture into the deep sea and urged those already there to return to the coast by Wednesday evening.

The MHA has released in advance fund for financial assistance to the state disaster management department for undertaking preventive and relief measures in response to Cyclonic storm Fani, officials said.

Of the total financial assistance of Rs 1,086 crore, Odisha will get Rs 340.87 crore, Tamil Nadu Rs 309.37 crore, West Bengal Rs 235.50 crore and Andhra Pradesh will get Rs 200.25 crore, a home ministry statement said.

The cyclone is very likely to intensify further into an extremely severe cyclonic storm shortly, the IMD said in a bulletin in the evening.&nbsp;

With the IMD issuing a formal alert that Cyclone Fani is likely to hit the coastal areas of West Bengal, the state government has taken all precautionary measures to avert any untoward incident, officials said Tuesday.

With the IMD issuing a formal alert that Cyclone Fani is likely to hit the coastal areas of West Bengal, the state government has taken all precautionary measures to avert any untoward incident, officials said Tuesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has extended cyclone alert to north Andhra Pradesh coast and West Bengal coast, apart from Odisha, which it is expected to cross by Friday. The state disaster management department in a message issued a warning to the fishermen asking them not to venture into the deep sea and urged those already there to return to the coast by Wednesday evening. The MHA has released in advance fund for financial assistance to the state disaster management department for undertaking preventive and relief measures in response to Cyclonic storm Fani, officials said. Of the total financial assistance of Rs 1,086 crore, Odisha will get Rs 340.87 crore, Tamil Nadu Rs 309.37 crore, West Bengal Rs 235.50 crore and Andhra Pradesh will get Rs 200.25 crore, a home ministry statement said. The cyclone is very likely to intensify further into an extremely severe cyclonic storm shortly, the IMD said in a bulletin in the evening.

West Bengal on high alert as Cyclone Fani likely to hit coastal areas

The dreaded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-has-intensified-into-severe-cyclonic-storm-imd-214625">Cyclone Fani</a> is likely to hit West Bengal on May 3 and the government agencies are expecting largescale damage across the coastal districts of the state.

The Kolkata office of Indian Meteorological Department has issued warning for districts like East and West Midnapore, South and North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hoogly and Kolkata.

"The extremely severe cyclonic storm 'Fani' is very likely to move northwestwards during next 12 hours and thereafter recurve north-northeastwards and cross Odisha&nbsp; Coast between Gopalpur and Chandbali, around Puri during May 3, afternoon with maximum sustained wind of speed 170-180kmph gusting to 200kmph," said Sajib Banerjee, Deputy Director General of Meteorology, IMD Kolkata.

The alert has been issued to prevent wide-scale damage to the state. The state government has cancelled leaves of all concerned departments like Disaster Management Group and put them on alert. The state police have sounded an alert for those residing in the coastal areas to go to higher ground and further away from the sea as houses may be damaged.

"Total destruction of thatched houses, extensive damage to kutcha houses, and some damage to pucca houses is expected. Potential threat from flying objects, bending and uprooting of power and communication poles, trees, major damage to roads also expected. There could be minor disruption of railways, overhead powerlines and signalling systems. Widespread damage to standing crops, plantations anticipated," added Banerjee.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/odisha-on-high-alert-as-cyclone-fani-progresses-214601">Met office</a> has suggested total suspension of fishing operations, extensive evacuation from coastal areas of east Midnapore, North and South 24 Parganas districts. The fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea from May 2, and those who are already at sea are advised to return to coast.

The state suffered significant damage when hit by the Cyclone Aila in 2009. "The speed of Cyclone Aila was 110-112 kmph, however, the speed of Cyclone Fani is likely to be around 100-120 kmph when it will hit Bengal," added Banerjee.

The NDRF teams too have been stationed in Bengal to combat the cyclone. "As many as 18 NDRF operation teams are being deployed for West Bengal to assist during Cyclone Fani, These teams will be positioned across vulnerable West Bengal districts. The NDRF will act in coordination with concerned West Bengal agencies," NDRF DG Satya Pradhan tweeted.

The Indian Coast Guard has, meanwhile, initiated all actions as per the Standard Operating Procedure prior to the onset of the cyclone.

The dreaded Cyclone Fani is likely to hit West Bengal on May 3 and the government agencies are expecting largescale damage across the coastal districts of the state.

The dreaded Cyclone Fani is likely to hit West Bengal on May 3 and the government agencies are expecting largescale damage across the coastal districts of the state. The Kolkata office of Indian Meteorological Department has issued warning for districts like East and West Midnapore, South and North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hoogly and Kolkata. "The extremely severe cyclonic storm 'Fani' is very likely to move northwestwards during next 12 hours and thereafter recurve north-northeastwards and cross Odisha Coast between Gopalpur and Chandbali, around Puri during May 3, afternoon with maximum sustained wind of speed 170-180kmph gusting to 200kmph," said Sajib Banerjee, Deputy Director General of Meteorology, IMD Kolkata. The alert has been issued to prevent wide-scale damage to the state. The state government has cancelled leaves of all concerned departments like Disaster Management Group and put them on alert. The state police have sounded an alert for those residing in the coastal areas to go to higher ground and further away from the sea as houses may be damaged. "Total destruction of thatched houses, extensive damage to kutcha houses, and some damage to pucca houses is expected. Potential threat from flying objects, bending and uprooting of power and communication poles, trees, major damage to roads also expected. There could be minor disruption of railways, overhead powerlines and signalling systems. Widespread damage to standing crops, plantations anticipated," added Banerjee. The Met office has suggested total suspension of fishing operations, extensive evacuation from coastal areas of east Midnapore, North and South 24 Parganas districts. The fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea from May 2, and those who are already at sea are advised to return to coast. The state suffered significant damage when hit by the Cyclone Aila in 2009. "The speed of Cyclone Aila was 110-112 kmph, however, the speed of Cyclone Fani is likely to be around 100-120 kmph when it will hit Bengal," added Banerjee. The NDRF teams too have been stationed in Bengal to combat the cyclone. "As many as 18 NDRF operation teams are being deployed for West Bengal to assist during Cyclone Fani, These teams will be positioned across vulnerable West Bengal districts. The NDRF will act in coordination with concerned West Bengal agencies," NDRF DG Satya Pradhan tweeted. The Indian Coast Guard has, meanwhile, initiated all actions as per the Standard Operating Procedure prior to the onset of the cyclone.

Alert in West Bengal as Cyclone Fani advances

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday demanded the cancellation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's candidature from Varanasi, a day after he claimed 40 Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLAs were in touch with him.

"You are coming and you are saying 40 MLAs will go. Nobody will go; the people of our party are not thieves like yours. If you purchase everybody, you will still be unable to topple my government. I thereby demand that your nomination should be cancelled as you are indulging in horse trading," Banerjee said at a rally in Hooghly district.

Making a sensational claim in the middle of the general election, PM Modi had said on Monday that 40 TMC MLAs were in touch with him and will desert their party once the BJP wins the polls.

After Banerjee's speech, the TMC wrote to the Election Commission, alleging that PM Modi's speech indicates an "impending horse-trading" and asked the poll panel to cancel his nomination for such "provocative and undemocratic" statements.

The firebrand Trinamool Congress chief also said the BJP will not be able to establish a foothold in West Bengal, no matter how much the party "daydreams" about it.

In its letter to the poll panel, the TMC demanded "strong action" for the "unfounded, inappropriate and illegal" campaign and "utterances of the prime minister".

(With inputs from agencies)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday demanded the cancellation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's candidature from Varanasi, a day after he claimed 40 Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLAs were in touch with him.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday demanded the cancellation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's candidature from Varanasi, a day after he claimed 40 Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLAs were in touch with him. "You are coming and you are saying 40 MLAs will go. Nobody will go; the people of our party are not thieves like yours. If you purchase everybody, you will still be unable to topple my government. I thereby demand that your nomination should be cancelled as you are indulging in horse trading," Banerjee said at a rally in Hooghly district. Making a sensational claim in the middle of the general election, PM Modi had said on Monday that 40 TMC MLAs were in touch with him and will desert their party once the BJP wins the polls. After Banerjee's speech, the TMC wrote to the Election Commission, alleging that PM Modi's speech indicates an "impending horse-trading" and asked the poll panel to cancel his nomination for such "provocative and undemocratic" statements. The firebrand Trinamool Congress chief also said the BJP will not be able to establish a foothold in West Bengal, no matter how much the party "daydreams" about it. In its letter to the poll panel, the TMC demanded "strong action" for the "unfounded, inappropriate and illegal" campaign and "utterances of the prime minister". (With inputs from agencies)

Trinamool Congress wants PM Modi's nomination cancelled, writes to Election Commission

Clashes erupted between Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/madhya-pradesh-poll-candidate-alleges-attack-by-naxals-ec-launches-probe-214321">security forces at polling booths</a> in Asansol, West Bengal on Monday during the fourth phase of polling in the area.

BJP MP candidate from Asansol, Babul Supriyo's car was also vandalised outside the polling station.

Voters at a polling booth in Asansol had refused to vote in the absence of security forces, media reports said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-fourth-phase-polling-underway-in-nine-states-214251">Live Lok Sabha polls: 23.62% polling recorded till 12pm, highest in Bengal</a>

WION reporter Pooja Mehta said that Babul Supriyo had information that the BJP polling agent was allegedly kicked out of a polling booth.

As soon as&nbsp;Supriyo&nbsp;reached the booth, he got into a war of words first with the TMC polling agent and then TMC supporters in the village. While leaving the village, TMC cadres reportedly began sloganeering "go back Babul". Just a few minutes later, Babul and his car was attacked.

"I am very aware that wherever I try to reach are the places where TMC is going to try to create some tension," the BJP candidate said, adding, "I'll deal with it the way it should be dealt."

There has been&nbsp;no comment yet from the Election Commissioner(EC) over the incident. There are eight seats going to&nbsp;the polls in West Bengal during the fourth phase apart from&nbsp;Asansol which include&nbsp;Baharampur, Krishnagar, Ranaghat (SC), Burdwan East (SC), Burdwan-Durgapur,&nbsp;Bolpur (SC)&nbsp;and Birbhum.

The Election Commission had made elaborate security arrangments ahead of the fourth phase in West Bengal deploying 580 companies of central forces. EC sources had told PTI that "special emphasis"&nbsp;would be given to Asansol.

During the second phase of polling, violence had occurred in Raiganj Parliamentary constituency with BJP candidate Debasree Chaudhuri alleging that TMC workers tried to capture a polling booth in the constituency.

In Chopra, security personnel had lobbed tear gas shells and resorted to baton charge on locals as they blocked NH-34 highway in protest after unknown miscreants allegedly prevented them from casting their votes at Digirpar polling booth.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee's ruling TMC in the state is locked in a four-way battle with the Congress, Left Front and a resurgent BJP. An electorate of 1,34,56,491 will decide the fate of 68 candidates in these eight constituencies.

Despite incidents of violence, West Bengal has recorded consistently high voter turnout with the state recording 81 per cent turnout in the first phase and similarly high figures in the subsequent phases.

Clashes erupted between Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers and security forces at polling booths in Asansol, West Bengal on Monday during the fourth phase of polling in the area.

Clashes erupted between Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers and security forces at polling booths in Asansol, West Bengal on Monday during the fourth phase of polling in the area. BJP MP candidate from Asansol, Babul Supriyo's car was also vandalised outside the polling station. Voters at a polling booth in Asansol had refused to vote in the absence of security forces, media reports said. Live Lok Sabha polls: 23.62% polling recorded till 12pm, highest in Bengal WION reporter Pooja Mehta said that Babul Supriyo had information that the BJP polling agent was allegedly kicked out of a polling booth. As soon as Supriyo reached the booth, he got into a war of words first with the TMC polling agent and then TMC supporters in the village. While leaving the village, TMC cadres reportedly began sloganeering "go back Babul". Just a few minutes later, Babul and his car was attacked. "I am very aware that wherever I try to reach are the places where TMC is going to try to create some tension," the BJP candidate said, adding, "I'll deal with it the way it should be dealt." There has been no comment yet from the Election Commissioner(EC) over the incident. There are eight seats going to the polls in West Bengal during the fourth phase apart from Asansol which include Baharampur, Krishnagar, Ranaghat (SC), Burdwan East (SC), Burdwan-Durgapur, Bolpur (SC) and Birbhum. The Election Commission had made elaborate security arrangments ahead of the fourth phase in West Bengal deploying 580 companies of central forces. EC sources had told PTI that "special emphasis" would be given to Asansol. During the second phase of polling, violence had occurred in Raiganj Parliamentary constituency with BJP candidate Debasree Chaudhuri alleging that TMC workers tried to capture a polling booth in the constituency. In Chopra, security personnel had lobbed tear gas shells and resorted to baton charge on locals as they blocked NH-34 highway in protest after unknown miscreants allegedly prevented them from casting their votes at Digirpar polling booth. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee's ruling TMC in the state is locked in a four-way battle with the Congress, Left Front and a resurgent BJP. An electorate of 1,34,56,491 will decide the fate of 68 candidates in these eight constituencies. Despite incidents of violence, West Bengal has recorded consistently high voter turnout with the state recording 81 per cent turnout in the first phase and similarly high figures in the subsequent phases.

Lok Sabha polls: Clashes erupt between TMC workers, security forces in Asansol; Babul Supriyo's car vandalised

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-64-turnout-recorded-in-fourth-phase-violence-in-west-bengal-214572">The fourth phase of Lok Sabha election</a> in West Bengal was marred by violence on Monday.&nbsp;As many as eight seats in West Bengal - Krishnanagar, Ranaghat, Berhampore, Bolpur, Birbhum, Asansol, Burdwan East and Burdwan Durgapur went to polls in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-fourth-phase-polling-underway-in-nine-states-214251">the fourth phase today</a>.&nbsp;

While several seats witnessed peaceful polls, constituencies like Bolpur, Birbhum and Asansol witnessed sporadic cases of violence.&nbsp;

The first incident came to light in the first hours of polling in Jemua in Asansol constituency. Voters threatened to boycott polls after getting to know that the state police, instead of the central paramilitary force, were deployed at the polling booths.&nbsp;

“We do not have confidence on state police. We will not cast our votes till the central force jawans are deployed. Not just us but villages after villages have agreed to boycott polls if the Election Commission does not deploy central forces. We were intimated during the panchayat polls, we cannot allow this to be repeated this time,” said a villager.&nbsp;

Immediately after, the locals started agitating, demanding deployment of central forces. The incident took a violent turn when Trinamool Congress and BJP supporters clashed with each other. The police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse agitating Trinamool Congress and BJP supporters. Several supporters on both sides were injured.&nbsp;

This apart, parts of Asansol witnessed sporadic instances of violence. Union minister and BJP candidate from Asansol Babul Supriyo reached a booth in Borabani after hearing reports of the BJP polling agent being thrown out of the polling booth. Supriyo got into a war of words with the TMC polling agent. Supriyo and media persons later came under attack, their vehicles were vandalised.&nbsp;

Later, the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal directed the police to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-election-commission-directs-to-register-fir-against-babul-supriyo-for-trespassing-into-booth-214482">register an FIR against Supriyo</a> for intimidating the TMC polling agent. “I haven’t done anything wrong by behaving in that manner with the TMC polling agent. If he abuses me, if the &nbsp;TMC party attacks women and journalists, am I to keep quiet? I shall not do so. Even if I’m shown in poor light, I’ll continue to do this,” Supriyo said.&nbsp;

He further expressed unhappiness over the role of central forces on the poll day. “We are not happy with the role of the central force, as earlier we were told that there would be 100 per cent coverage and then suddenly late last night they reduced it to 96-98 per cent. We will be demanding repolls in several polling stations. I have spoken to Mukul da, we are preparing a list of where all we want repolls,” he said.&nbsp;

On the other hand, another incident stirred a major controversy where a central force jawan fired a bullet inside the polling booth to disperse agitating TMC and BJP supporters. While none were hurt in the incident, the bullet hit the ceiling of the polling booth.&nbsp;

The fourth phase of Lok Sabha election in West Bengal was marred by violence on Monday. As many as eight seats in West Bengal - Krishnanagar, Ranaghat, Berhampore, Bolpur, Birbhum, Asansol, Burdwan East and Burdwan Durgapur went to polls in the fourth phase today.

The fourth phase of Lok Sabha election in West Bengal was marred by violence on Monday. As many as eight seats in West Bengal - Krishnanagar, Ranaghat, Berhampore, Bolpur, Birbhum, Asansol, Burdwan East and Burdwan Durgapur went to polls in the fourth phase today. While several seats witnessed peaceful polls, constituencies like Bolpur, Birbhum and Asansol witnessed sporadic cases of violence. The first incident came to light in the first hours of polling in Jemua in Asansol constituency. Voters threatened to boycott polls after getting to know that the state police, instead of the central paramilitary force, were deployed at the polling booths. “We do not have confidence on state police. We will not cast our votes till the central force jawans are deployed. Not just us but villages after villages have agreed to boycott polls if the Election Commission does not deploy central forces. We were intimated during the panchayat polls, we cannot allow this to be repeated this time,” said a villager. Immediately after, the locals started agitating, demanding deployment of central forces. The incident took a violent turn when Trinamool Congress and BJP supporters clashed with each other. The police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse agitating Trinamool Congress and BJP supporters. Several supporters on both sides were injured. This apart, parts of Asansol witnessed sporadic instances of violence. Union minister and BJP candidate from Asansol Babul Supriyo reached a booth in Borabani after hearing reports of the BJP polling agent being thrown out of the polling booth. Supriyo got into a war of words with the TMC polling agent. Supriyo and media persons later came under attack, their vehicles were vandalised. Later, the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal directed the police to register an FIR against Supriyo for intimidating the TMC polling agent. “I haven’t done anything wrong by behaving in that manner with the TMC polling agent. If he abuses me, if the TMC party attacks women and journalists, am I to keep quiet? I shall not do so. Even if I’m shown in poor light, I’ll continue to do this,” Supriyo said. He further expressed unhappiness over the role of central forces on the poll day. “We are not happy with the role of the central force, as earlier we were told that there would be 100 per cent coverage and then suddenly late last night they reduced it to 96-98 per cent. We will be demanding repolls in several polling stations. I have spoken to Mukul da, we are preparing a list of where all we want repolls,” he said. On the other hand, another incident stirred a major controversy where a central force jawan fired a bullet inside the polling booth to disperse agitating TMC and BJP supporters. While none were hurt in the incident, the bullet hit the ceiling of the polling booth.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Violence marred fourth phase of general election in West Bengal

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

Watch this segment of India Election Watch for latest updates of India Election as on 29th April 2019.

India Election Watch; 29th April 2019

Incidents of violence in West Bengal and EVM glitches in some areas were reported as 64 per cent turnout was recorded on Monday in 72 constituencies across nine states in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-fourth-phase-polling-underway-in-nine-states-214251">fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections</a>.

In the heartland states, where the BJP had won 30 out of 32 seats in 2014, 62 per cent turnout was recorded in Rajasthan (13 seats), 53.12 per cent in Uttar Pradesh (13 seats) and 65.86 per cent Madhya Pradesh (6 seats).

West Bengal recorded a high turnout at 76.47 in the eight seats though <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-clashes-erupt-between-tmc-workers-security-forces-in-asansol-babul-supriyos-car-vandalised-214362">clashes broke out</a> between supporters of rival parties in Nanoor, Rampurhat, Nalhati and Suri areas of Birbhum seat, leaving several people injured.

In Barabani, BJP candidate from Asansol and Union minister Babul Supriyo's vehicle was vandalised allegedly by TMC workers outside a polling station while in Dubrajpur area central security forces personnel reportedly opened fire in the air to disperse irate people who attacked them when they were barred from entering the booths with mobile phones.&nbsp;

An FIR was registered against Supriyo for allegedly getting into an argument with polling officials, an election official said. The ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP accused each other of intimidating voters in the state, which has seen violence in all previous three phases despite stepped up central forces deployment.

The stakes are high for the BJP which had won 56 of the 72 constituencies in the 2014 polls. About 12.79 crore people were eligible for voting in the phase, which marked the start of polling in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh while elections came to an end in Maharashtra and Odisha.&nbsp;

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Madhya Pradesh V L Kantha Rao said that during a mock-poll, electronic voting machines (EVMs) were replaced at 207 polling booths as some glitches were found. EVMs were also replaced at 106 polling booths after the voting began.

Polling was peaceful in Rajasthan, with tribal dominated seat of Banswara recording the highest voting percentage at 72.34, followed by Barmer which recorded 72.21 per cent voting, according to state election officials.

Nearly 52 per cent voting was recorded in Maharashtra (17 seats), 64.05 per cent Odisha (6 seats), 53.67 per cent Bihar (five seats) and 63.42 per cent Jharkhand (3 seats), according to data provided by the Election Commission till 6 PM.

In Kulgam district of Anantnag constituency in Jammu and Kashmir, 10.3 per cent polling was recorded, amid isolated incidents of stone pelting. This was the second of the three-phased polling in the sensitive seat.

Billionaires and Bollywood star lined up outside polling stations along with the common folks in Mumbai, where polling was held in six constituencies.&nbsp;

Complaints of technical glitches in EVMs and VVPAT machines in some polling booths were addressed in Maharashtra, an election official said.

Bollywood celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, the Khan troika of Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir, and Deepika Padukone cast their votes in Mumbai. Priyanka Chopra, Rekha, Aamir and wife Kiran Rao were among the early voters.

In Uttar Pradesh, opposition Samajwadi Party's alleged that many EVMs malfunctioned and in Kannauj, from where SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife and sitting MP Dimple Yadav is contesting, several party workers were prevented from coming out of their homes to vote.

In Kanpur, BJP workers allegedly tried to barge into a polling booth and clashed with the police. A case has been registered against BJP leader Suresh Awasthi and six others in this connection, Kanpur District Magistrate Vijay Vishwas Pant said.

Shahjahanpur (SC), Kheri, Hardoi (SC), Misrikh (SC), Unnao, Farrukhabad, Etawah (SC), Kannauj, Kanpur, Akbarpur, Jalaun (SC), Jhansi and Hamirpur seats recorded 53.23 per cent polling till 5 pm, an electoral officer said.

Reports were received of EVMs developing snag in Bidhauna area under the Kannauj Lok Sabha seat following which polling remained suspended for over an hour.

Complaints of EVM malfunctioning were also reported in Etawah under Auriaya district, with voters claiming they had to wait for hours at polling booths in Tilak Mahavidyalaya, Sahupur, Ajitmal and Dalelnagar to cast their votes.

According to a report from Hardoi, an elderly woman voter complained that the presiding officer at Jamkara booth under Sandila area forcibly pressed the EVM button. The sector magistrate has removed the officer and handed him over to the police who is investigating the matter.

Besides Dimple Yadav, prominent candidates whose electoral fate will be decided in this phase are Dimple Yadav, former Union ministers Salman Khurshid (Farrukhabd) and Sriprakash Jaiswal (Kanpur) of Congress, UP Cabinet minister Satyadev Pachauri (Kanpur) and Sakshi Maharaj of BJP (Unnao)

In Bihar, voting was delayed due to EVM malfunctioning at three polling stations in Munger, two polling stations in Darbhanga and three polling stations in Begusarai, from where CPI's Kanhaiya Kumar and Union Minister Giriraj Singh (BJP) are contesting, due to technical glitches, official sources said.

In Odisha, technical glitches in EVMs delayed polling in 60 booths, but it resumed after the snags were rectified, the official said.

Election to 542 Lok Sabha seats is being conducted in seven phases between April 11 and May 19.

Election in Vellore constituency in Tamil Nadu has been cancelled following excess use of money power. Results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

Incidents of violence in West Bengal and EVM glitches in some areas were reported as 64 per cent turnout was recorded on Monday in 72 constituencies across nine states in the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections.

Incidents of violence in West Bengal and EVM glitches in some areas were reported as 64 per cent turnout was recorded on Monday in 72 constituencies across nine states in the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections. In the heartland states, where the BJP had won 30 out of 32 seats in 2014, 62 per cent turnout was recorded in Rajasthan (13 seats), 53.12 per cent in Uttar Pradesh (13 seats) and 65.86 per cent Madhya Pradesh (6 seats). West Bengal recorded a high turnout at 76.47 in the eight seats though clashes broke out between supporters of rival parties in Nanoor, Rampurhat, Nalhati and Suri areas of Birbhum seat, leaving several people injured. In Barabani, BJP candidate from Asansol and Union minister Babul Supriyo's vehicle was vandalised allegedly by TMC workers outside a polling station while in Dubrajpur area central security forces personnel reportedly opened fire in the air to disperse irate people who attacked them when they were barred from entering the booths with mobile phones. An FIR was registered against Supriyo for allegedly getting into an argument with polling officials, an election official said. The ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP accused each other of intimidating voters in the state, which has seen violence in all previous three phases despite stepped up central forces deployment. The stakes are high for the BJP which had won 56 of the 72 constituencies in the 2014 polls. About 12.79 crore people were eligible for voting in the phase, which marked the start of polling in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh while elections came to an end in Maharashtra and Odisha. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Madhya Pradesh V L Kantha Rao said that during a mock-poll, electronic voting machines (EVMs) were replaced at 207 polling booths as some glitches were found. EVMs were also replaced at 106 polling booths after the voting began. Polling was peaceful in Rajasthan, with tribal dominated seat of Banswara recording the highest voting percentage at 72.34, followed by Barmer which recorded 72.21 per cent voting, according to state election officials. Nearly 52 per cent voting was recorded in Maharashtra (17 seats), 64.05 per cent Odisha (6 seats), 53.67 per cent Bihar (five seats) and 63.42 per cent Jharkhand (3 seats), according to data provided by the Election Commission till 6 PM. In Kulgam district of Anantnag constituency in Jammu and Kashmir, 10.3 per cent polling was recorded, amid isolated incidents of stone pelting. This was the second of the three-phased polling in the sensitive seat. Billionaires and Bollywood star lined up outside polling stations along with the common folks in Mumbai, where polling was held in six constituencies. Complaints of technical glitches in EVMs and VVPAT machines in some polling booths were addressed in Maharashtra, an election official said. Bollywood celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, the Khan troika of Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir, and Deepika Padukone cast their votes in Mumbai. Priyanka Chopra, Rekha, Aamir and wife Kiran Rao were among the early voters. In Uttar Pradesh, opposition Samajwadi Party's alleged that many EVMs malfunctioned and in Kannauj, from where SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife and sitting MP Dimple Yadav is contesting, several party workers were prevented from coming out of their homes to vote. In Kanpur, BJP workers allegedly tried to barge into a polling booth and clashed with the police. A case has been registered against BJP leader Suresh Awasthi and six others in this connection, Kanpur District Magistrate Vijay Vishwas Pant said. Shahjahanpur (SC), Kheri, Hardoi (SC), Misrikh (SC), Unnao, Farrukhabad, Etawah (SC), Kannauj, Kanpur, Akbarpur, Jalaun (SC), Jhansi and Hamirpur seats recorded 53.23 per cent polling till 5 pm, an electoral officer said. Reports were received of EVMs developing snag in Bidhauna area under the Kannauj Lok Sabha seat following which polling remained suspended for over an hour. Complaints of EVM malfunctioning were also reported in Etawah under Auriaya district, with voters claiming they had to wait for hours at polling booths in Tilak Mahavidyalaya, Sahupur, Ajitmal and Dalelnagar to cast their votes. According to a report from Hardoi, an elderly woman voter complained that the presiding officer at Jamkara booth under Sandila area forcibly pressed the EVM button. The sector magistrate has removed the officer and handed him over to the police who is investigating the matter. Besides Dimple Yadav, prominent candidates whose electoral fate will be decided in this phase are Dimple Yadav, former Union ministers Salman Khurshid (Farrukhabd) and Sriprakash Jaiswal (Kanpur) of Congress, UP Cabinet minister Satyadev Pachauri (Kanpur) and Sakshi Maharaj of BJP (Unnao) In Bihar, voting was delayed due to EVM malfunctioning at three polling stations in Munger, two polling stations in Darbhanga and three polling stations in Begusarai, from where CPI's Kanhaiya Kumar and Union Minister Giriraj Singh (BJP) are contesting, due to technical glitches, official sources said. In Odisha, technical glitches in EVMs delayed polling in 60 booths, but it resumed after the snags were rectified, the official said. Election to 542 Lok Sabha seats is being conducted in seven phases between April 11 and May 19. Election in Vellore constituency in Tamil Nadu has been cancelled following excess use of money power. Results will be declared on May 23.

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

As many as 12.7 crore electors were eligible to cast their vote in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-fourth-phase-polling-underway-in-nine-states-214251">fourth phase of Lok Sabha polls on Monday</a>. As many as 72&nbsp;constituencies across 9 states were up for polls.&nbsp;

According to the official Election Commission figures, the overall voter turnout till 7 pm stood at around 62 per cent. The state to bag the top slot with respect to the highest voter turnout was West Bengal at 76.59 per cent.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-clashes-erupt-between-tmc-workers-security-forces-in-asansol-babul-supriyos-car-vandalised-214362">Spurts of violence marred the state</a> during the fourth phase as well, similar to the previous phases. There were reports of clashes, intimidation and booth capturing in isolated areas in the state.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>States</td>
			<td>Polling% figure released by EC till 7pm</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bihar</td>
			<td>58.92%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Jammu and Kashmir</td>
			<td>9.79%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Madhya Pradesh</td>
			<td>66.66%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Maharashtra</td>
			<td>55.88%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Odisha</td>
			<td>64.05%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rajasthan</td>
			<td>66.53%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Uttar Pradesh</td>
			<td>56.40%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>West Bengal</td>
			<td>76.59%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Jharkhand</td>
			<td>63.77%</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Clashes erupted between Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers and security forces at polling booths in Asansol. BJP MP candidate from Asansol, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-election-commission-directs-to-register-fir-against-babul-supriyo-for-trespassing-into-booth-214482">Babul Supriyo</a>'s car was also vandalised outside the polling station.

Rajasthan saw scores of people lining up outside polling stations despite the blazing heat. The polling percentage here till 7pm was recorded at 66.53 per cent.&nbsp;

Long queues were seen in some areas of Mumbai like Powai and Chanidwali. Many Bollywood stars and celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and industrialist Mukesh Ambani, were spotted outside polling stations, along with their families after casting their vote.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir recorded the lowest turnout till 7pm at 9.79 per cent.&nbsp;

As per the election schedule, five seats in Bihar, one in Jammu and Kashmir, three in Jharkhand, six in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha each, 17 in Maharashtra, 13 in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh each, and eight in West Bengal went to polls during the fourth phase of polling. &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

As many as 12.7 crore electors were eligible to cast their vote in the fourth phase of Lok Sabha polls on Monday. As many as 72 constituencies across 9 states were up for polls.

As many as 12.7 crore electors were eligible to cast their vote in the fourth phase of Lok Sabha polls on Monday. As many as 72 constituencies across 9 states were up for polls. According to the official Election Commission figures, the overall voter turnout till 7 pm stood at around 62 per cent. The state to bag the top slot with respect to the highest voter turnout was West Bengal at 76.59 per cent. Spurts of violence marred the state during the fourth phase as well, similar to the previous phases. There were reports of clashes, intimidation and booth capturing in isolated areas in the state. States Polling% figure released by EC till 7pm Bihar 58.92% Jammu and Kashmir 9.79% Madhya Pradesh 66.66% Maharashtra 55.88% Odisha 64.05% Rajasthan 66.53% Uttar Pradesh 56.40% West Bengal 76.59% Jharkhand 63.77% Clashes erupted between Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers and security forces at polling booths in Asansol. BJP MP candidate from Asansol, Babul Supriyo's car was also vandalised outside the polling station. Rajasthan saw scores of people lining up outside polling stations despite the blazing heat. The polling percentage here till 7pm was recorded at 66.53 per cent. Long queues were seen in some areas of Mumbai like Powai and Chanidwali. Many Bollywood stars and celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and industrialist Mukesh Ambani, were spotted outside polling stations, along with their families after casting their vote. Jammu and Kashmir recorded the lowest turnout till 7pm at 9.79 per cent. As per the election schedule, five seats in Bihar, one in Jammu and Kashmir, three in Jharkhand, six in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha each, 17 in Maharashtra, 13 in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh each, and eight in West Bengal went to polls during the fourth phase of polling.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Total turnout at 62% till 7pm; violence marred West Bengal bags top spot

In this segment of India Election Watch. Watch; the 4th phase of the Lok Sabha election 2019 has been summed up, though it had witnessed violence in various provinces in West Bengal.

IEW: Violence reported in West Bengal's Asansol amid 4th phase polling

The 4th phase of the Lok Sabha election 2019 has been summed up, though it had witnessed violence in various provinces in West Bengal.

Lok Sabha election 2019: EC asks police to lodge FIR against BJP's Babul Supriyo

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien on Monday reacted to PM Modi's remark that "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-40-trinamool-congress-mlas-ready-to-join-once-bjp-wins-polls-says-pm-narendra-modi-214436">40 TMC MLAs are in contact with me</a>" and said that "nobody" will go with the BJP in the state.&nbsp;

Calling the prime minister "expiry babu" he said that not even "one councillor will go with him".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Derek O'Brien, TMC on PM's remark "40 TMC MLAs in contact with me": Expiry Babu PM. Nobody will go with you, not even 1 councilor. Are you election campaigning or horse trading, your expiry date is near. Today, we are complaining to EC. Charging you with horse trading. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/mLkaMq8AwZ">pic.twitter.com/mLkaMq8AwZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1122817144394174465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Are you election campaigning or horse-trading? Your expiry date is near. Today, we are complaining to EC. Charging you with horse-trading," O'Brien added.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, while addressing a rally in Serampore in West Bengal, PM Modi sharpened his attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said that "your MLAs will leave you. Even today, didi, 40 of your MLAs are in contact with me".&nbsp;

"Goons of the Trinamool Congress are trying their hardest to stop people from voting and attacking BJP workers," the PM added.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien on Monday reacted to PM Modi's remark that "40 TMC MLAs are in contact with me" and said that "nobody" will go with the BJP in the state.

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien on Monday reacted to PM Modi's remark that "40 TMC MLAs are in contact with me" and said that "nobody" will go with the BJP in the state. Calling the prime minister "expiry babu" he said that not even "one councillor will go with him". Derek O'Brien, TMC on PM's remark "40 TMC MLAs in contact with me": Expiry Babu PM. Nobody will go with you, not even 1 councilor. Are you election campaigning or horse trading, your expiry date is near. Today, we are complaining to EC. Charging you with horse trading. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/mLkaMq8AwZ — ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019 × "Are you election campaigning or horse-trading? Your expiry date is near. Today, we are complaining to EC. Charging you with horse-trading," O'Brien added. Earlier in the day, while addressing a rally in Serampore in West Bengal, PM Modi sharpened his attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said that "your MLAs will leave you. Even today, didi, 40 of your MLAs are in contact with me". "Goons of the Trinamool Congress are trying their hardest to stop people from voting and attacking BJP workers," the PM added.

We're complaining to Election Commission, charging you with horse-trading: TMC on PM Modi's '40 MLAs are with me' remark

Lok Sabha election 2019: TMC workers clash with cops at polling booth

Preparations are in place for the fourth phase of polling in eight West Bengal Lok Sabha constituencies on Monday, which will decide the fate of 68 candidates in the fray.

All the eight seats -- Baharampur, Krishnagar, Ranaghat (SC), Burdwan East (SC), Burdwan-Durgapur, Asansol, Bolpur (SC) and Birbhum -- will see a four-cornered contest between the Trinamool Congress, the BJP, the Congress and the Left Front.

An electorate of 1,34,56,491 will decide the fate of 68 candidates in these eight constituencies, the Election Commission said.

The commission will deploy a total of 580 companies of central forces, which will cover all the polling booths in the Lok Sabha constituencies to ensure free and fair polling, election officials said.

The campaign for the eight parliamentary seats -- that came to an end on Saturday evening -- saw roadshows and poll meetings by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

TMC has fielded Apurba Sarkar (David) against the Congress MP, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in the Baharampur seat. The Left Front constituent RSP has nominated Id Mohammad, while the BJP has named Krishna Joyardar.

In Krishnagar, the TMC has fielded Mahua Moitra against BJP's Kalyan Chaubey, a footballer. The Congress has nominated Intaj Ali Shah and the CPI(M) Shantanu Jha.

Ranaghat (SC) will see TMC's Rupali Biswas locking horns with BJP's Jagannath Sarkar. Congress has nominated Minati Biswas and the CPI(M) Rama Biswas.

In the Burdwan East (SC) seat, TMC's Sunil Kumar Mondal will contest against Paresh Chandra Das of the BJP. The Congress has fielded Siddhartha Majumdar and the CPI(M) Iswar Chandra Das.

Mamtaz Sanghamita is the TMC candidate from the Burdwan-Durgapur seat against BJP's S S Ahluwalia. The Congress has nominated Ranajit Mukherjee and the CPI(M) named Abhas Ray Chaudhuri.

In Asansol, Union minister and BJP sitting MP Babul Supriyo will contest against TMC's celebrity candidate Moon Moon Sen. The CPI(M) has nominated Gouranga Chatterjee and the Congress Biswarup Mondal for the seat.

In the Bolpur (SC) seat, TMC's Asit Kumar Mal will contest against Ramprasad Das of the BJP. The CPI(M) has fielded Ramchandra Dome and the Congress, Abhijit Saha.

Celebrity candidate Satabdi Roy is the TMC name from the Birbhum seat against BJP's Dudh Kumar Mondal. The Congress has nominated Imam Hossain and the CPI(M) named Rezaul Karim for the seat.

The polling personnel have already left for the 15,277 booths in the eight parliamentary constituencies.

Besides general election observers and expenditure observers, the poll panel has for the first time deployed a special police observer and a special observer in the state.

In another first, VVPAT will be used in all the polling booths along with the EVMs, EC sources said.&nbsp;

Preparations are in place for the fourth phase of polling in eight West Bengal Lok Sabha constituencies on Monday, which will decide the fate of 68 candidates in the fray.

Preparations are in place for the fourth phase of polling in eight West Bengal Lok Sabha constituencies on Monday, which will decide the fate of 68 candidates in the fray. All the eight seats -- Baharampur, Krishnagar, Ranaghat (SC), Burdwan East (SC), Burdwan-Durgapur, Asansol, Bolpur (SC) and Birbhum -- will see a four-cornered contest between the Trinamool Congress, the BJP, the Congress and the Left Front. An electorate of 1,34,56,491 will decide the fate of 68 candidates in these eight constituencies, the Election Commission said. The commission will deploy a total of 580 companies of central forces, which will cover all the polling booths in the Lok Sabha constituencies to ensure free and fair polling, election officials said. The campaign for the eight parliamentary seats -- that came to an end on Saturday evening -- saw roadshows and poll meetings by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. TMC has fielded Apurba Sarkar (David) against the Congress MP, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in the Baharampur seat. The Left Front constituent RSP has nominated Id Mohammad, while the BJP has named Krishna Joyardar. In Krishnagar, the TMC has fielded Mahua Moitra against BJP's Kalyan Chaubey, a footballer. The Congress has nominated Intaj Ali Shah and the CPI(M) Shantanu Jha. Ranaghat (SC) will see TMC's Rupali Biswas locking horns with BJP's Jagannath Sarkar. Congress has nominated Minati Biswas and the CPI(M) Rama Biswas. In the Burdwan East (SC) seat, TMC's Sunil Kumar Mondal will contest against Paresh Chandra Das of the BJP. The Congress has fielded Siddhartha Majumdar and the CPI(M) Iswar Chandra Das. Mamtaz Sanghamita is the TMC candidate from the Burdwan-Durgapur seat against BJP's S S Ahluwalia. The Congress has nominated Ranajit Mukherjee and the CPI(M) named Abhas Ray Chaudhuri. In Asansol, Union minister and BJP sitting MP Babul Supriyo will contest against TMC's celebrity candidate Moon Moon Sen. The CPI(M) has nominated Gouranga Chatterjee and the Congress Biswarup Mondal for the seat. In the Bolpur (SC) seat, TMC's Asit Kumar Mal will contest against Ramprasad Das of the BJP. The CPI(M) has fielded Ramchandra Dome and the Congress, Abhijit Saha. Celebrity candidate Satabdi Roy is the TMC name from the Birbhum seat against BJP's Dudh Kumar Mondal. The Congress has nominated Imam Hossain and the CPI(M) named Rezaul Karim for the seat. The polling personnel have already left for the 15,277 booths in the eight parliamentary constituencies. Besides general election observers and expenditure observers, the poll panel has for the first time deployed a special police observer and a special observer in the state. In another first, VVPAT will be used in all the polling booths along with the EVMs, EC sources said.

Eight Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal to go to polls in fourth phase

Taking a jibe at West Bengal chief minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/elections/politicians/mamata-banerjee">Mamata Banerjee</a>, who the Prime Minister claimed gifted him kurtas and sweets, senior Congress leader Raj Babbar wondered how the Trinamool Congress leader knew the size of Modi`s kurta.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in a recent interview claimed that he has many <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-have-many-friends-in-opposition-mamata-banerjee-sends-kurtas-sweets-to-me-pm-narendra-modi-to-akshay-kumar-213161">"good friends" in the Opposition including Mamata</a> Banerjee, who sent personally-selected kurtas and sweets to him.

"Two products from West Bengal are famous across the world. One is sweets made of cottage cheese and another is the 'kurta'. But till date, Mamata ji has not sent these two to us or anyone else. If she wants to gift them, she sends it to only one person. So you can understand that she knows the size of a kurta. Earlier, we used to raise questions if the size of his chest is 56 inches or not," Babbar said here in a press conference.

"Mamata didi saal me aaj bhi mujhe ek-do kurte wo khud select karne jati hain (Even today Mamata didi herself selects one-two Kurtas for me in the year). She sends one-two Kurtas for me. Even Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sends sweets to me three-four times in a year especially from Dhaka. When Mamata didi got to know this, then she also started sending sweets for me one or two times in a year," the Prime Minister had said in an interview with actor Akshay Kumar.

Interestingly, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/its-bengals-culture-says-mamata-in-veiled-response-to-pms-remark-on-receiving-sweets-from-her-213285">Mamata </a>has mostly been critical about Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government and has openly opposed their various initiatives including Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetisation.

Last week, Mamata had accused Prime Minister Modi of causing hardships to the people through demonetisation and said the electorate in West Bengal will pay back by not casting a "single vote" for him.&nbsp;

Taking a jibe at West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who the Prime Minister claimed gifted him kurtas and sweets, senior Congress leader Raj Babbar wondered how the Trinamool Congress leader knew the size of Modi`s kurta.

Taking a jibe at West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who the Prime Minister claimed gifted him kurtas and sweets, senior Congress leader Raj Babbar wondered how the Trinamool Congress leader knew the size of Modi`s kurta. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in a recent interview claimed that he has many "good friends" in the Opposition including Mamata Banerjee, who sent personally-selected kurtas and sweets to him. "Two products from West Bengal are famous across the world. One is sweets made of cottage cheese and another is the 'kurta'. But till date, Mamata ji has not sent these two to us or anyone else. If she wants to gift them, she sends it to only one person. So you can understand that she knows the size of a kurta. Earlier, we used to raise questions if the size of his chest is 56 inches or not," Babbar said here in a press conference. "Mamata didi saal me aaj bhi mujhe ek-do kurte wo khud select karne jati hain (Even today Mamata didi herself selects one-two Kurtas for me in the year). She sends one-two Kurtas for me. Even Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sends sweets to me three-four times in a year especially from Dhaka. When Mamata didi got to know this, then she also started sending sweets for me one or two times in a year," the Prime Minister had said in an interview with actor Akshay Kumar. Interestingly, Mamata has mostly been critical about Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government and has openly opposed their various initiatives including Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetisation. Last week, Mamata had accused Prime Minister Modi of causing hardships to the people through demonetisation and said the electorate in West Bengal will pay back by not casting a "single vote" for him.

Raj Babbar takes jibe at Mamata Banerjee, asks how did she know PM Modi's kurta size

With an objective to cover 100 per cent of election booths in West Bengal for the fourth phase of polling, there will be deployment of 580 companies of central forces, a senior official said on Thursday.

"We expect this will enable us to cover as many as 100 per cent of the polling stations by central forces," the Election Commission official told PTI.

The fourth phase on April 29 will see deployment of over 200 companies more as compared to the number in the third phase.

During the first phase, the EC had deputed central forces at 50 per cent of the booths, which was increased to 92 per cent in the third phase of polling held on April 23.

On Monday, eight Lok Sabha constituencies - Baharampur, Krishnanagar, Ranaghat, Bardhaman Purba, Bardhaman-Durgapur, Asansol, Bolpur and Birbhum will go to polls.

Special emphasis will be given to Asansol, which shares its border with Bihar, an EC source said.

Meanwhile, the commission served a showcause notice on Wednesday to Trinamool Congress MLA from Chakdah Ratna Ghosh Kar, for making derogatory remarks in reply to a report sought by the EC, he said.

The EC had asked for a report from the District Magistrate of Nadia on April 17, in connection with Ghosh Kar's alleged objectionable remarks about the central forces.

"Her replies to the commission were highly derogatory in nature, and now it (EC) has showcaused her," the source said.&nbsp;

With an objective to cover 100 per cent of election booths in West Bengal for the fourth phase of polling, there will be deployment of 580 companies of central forces, a senior official said on Thursday.

With an objective to cover 100 per cent of election booths in West Bengal for the fourth phase of polling, there will be deployment of 580 companies of central forces, a senior official said on Thursday. "We expect this will enable us to cover as many as 100 per cent of the polling stations by central forces," the Election Commission official told PTI. The fourth phase on April 29 will see deployment of over 200 companies more as compared to the number in the third phase. During the first phase, the EC had deputed central forces at 50 per cent of the booths, which was increased to 92 per cent in the third phase of polling held on April 23. On Monday, eight Lok Sabha constituencies - Baharampur, Krishnanagar, Ranaghat, Bardhaman Purba, Bardhaman-Durgapur, Asansol, Bolpur and Birbhum will go to polls. Special emphasis will be given to Asansol, which shares its border with Bihar, an EC source said. Meanwhile, the commission served a showcause notice on Wednesday to Trinamool Congress MLA from Chakdah Ratna Ghosh Kar, for making derogatory remarks in reply to a report sought by the EC, he said. The EC had asked for a report from the District Magistrate of Nadia on April 17, in connection with Ghosh Kar's alleged objectionable remarks about the central forces. "Her replies to the commission were highly derogatory in nature, and now it (EC) has showcaused her," the source said.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission to deploy 580 companies of central forces in West Bengal for fourth phase

Just days after the BJP approached the Election Commission seeking a ban on the release of the alleged biopic on Mamata Banerjee till the election is over, the West Bengal Chief Minister said in a tweet that she has "nothing at all to do with any biopic" and "will file defamation suit if compelled."

"What is all this nonsense being spread! I have nothing at all to do with any biopic. If some young people have collected stories and expressed themselves, that's up to them. Not related to us. I am not Narendra Modi. Please do not compel me to file for defamation by spreading lies," she wrote on Twitter, on Wednesday.

On April 17, the BJP had penned down a letter to the poll body asking them to review the purported biopic on the TMC supremo and put a ban on it till the time the Lok Sabha elections are over.

"This is to draw your attention to the news in the media that a biopic allegedly of Smt Mamata Banerjee will be released on 3 May 2019. Bharatiya Janata Party requests the Hon'ble Election Commission of India and its representative in West Bengal, the CEO, to review the said biopic before release, on similar lines done in the case of another biopic depicting Shri Narendra Modi," a letter signed by BJP West Bengal Vice-President Joy Prakash Majumdar and BJP leader Shishir Bajoria read.

Just days after the BJP approached the Election Commission seeking a ban on the release of the alleged biopic on Mamata Banerjee till the election is over, the West Bengal Chief Minister said in a tweet that she has "nothing at all to do with any biopic" and "will file defamation suit if compelled.

Just days after the BJP approached the Election Commission seeking a ban on the release of the alleged biopic on Mamata Banerjee till the election is over, the West Bengal Chief Minister said in a tweet that she has "nothing at all to do with any biopic" and "will file defamation suit if compelled." "What is all this nonsense being spread! I have nothing at all to do with any biopic. If some young people have collected stories and expressed themselves, that's up to them. Not related to us. I am not Narendra Modi. Please do not compel me to file for defamation by spreading lies," she wrote on Twitter, on Wednesday. On April 17, the BJP had penned down a letter to the poll body asking them to review the purported biopic on the TMC supremo and put a ban on it till the time the Lok Sabha elections are over. "This is to draw your attention to the news in the media that a biopic allegedly of Smt Mamata Banerjee will be released on 3 May 2019. Bharatiya Janata Party requests the Hon'ble Election Commission of India and its representative in West Bengal, the CEO, to review the said biopic before release, on similar lines done in the case of another biopic depicting Shri Narendra Modi," a letter signed by BJP West Bengal Vice-President Joy Prakash Majumdar and BJP leader Shishir Bajoria read.

What is all this nonsense being spread!: Mamata Banerjee on her bipoic

In a veiled reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark that West Bengal Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-have-many-friends-in-opposition-mamata-banerjee-sends-kurtas-sweets-to-me-pm-narendra-modi-to-akshay-kumar-213161">Mamata Banerjee sends him sweets and kurtas every year</a>, the TMC leader said Wednesday it is Bengal's culture to welcome guests with sweets and gifts but not a single vote will be given to his party.

Banerjee made the comments at a rally in Serampore in Hooghly district against the backdrop of Modi's interview to actor Akshay Kumar aired by TV channels in which the prime minister mentioned her gifts to him.

"It is Bengal's culture to welcome guests with sweets and tea. We also greet them on special occasions. This is our tradition. We welcome guests with sweets and gifts but not a single vote will be given (to BJP)," the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo said without naming Modi.

&nbsp;

In a veiled reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sends him sweets and kurtas every year, the TMC leader said Wednesday it is Bengal's culture to welcome guests with sweets and gifts but not a single vote will be given to his party.

In a veiled reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sends him sweets and kurtas every year, the TMC leader said Wednesday it is Bengal's culture to welcome guests with sweets and gifts but not a single vote will be given to his party. Banerjee made the comments at a rally in Serampore in Hooghly district against the backdrop of Modi's interview to actor Akshay Kumar aired by TV channels in which the prime minister mentioned her gifts to him. "It is Bengal's culture to welcome guests with sweets and tea. We also greet them on special occasions. This is our tradition. We welcome guests with sweets and gifts but not a single vote will be given (to BJP)," the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo said without naming Modi.

It's Bengal's culture, says Mamata in veiled response to PM's remark on receiving sweets from her

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday slammed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/corruption-and-crime-are-non-stop-in-trinamool-congress-rule-speed-breaker-didi-is-also-there-pm-modi-is-asansol-212968">West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee</a> stating that her party is now trying to survive with the help of "videshi kalakar" or artists from abroad in its last try.&nbsp;

The prime minister added that this time around the people of West Bengal have together with the BJP against them.

PM Modi was addressing a public rally in Ranaghat, West Bengal.&nbsp;

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PM Modi at a rally in Ranaghat,West Bengal:Ab videshi kalakaron aur kiraye ke gundon ke bal par hi Didi akhri koshish karne mein juti hai.Lekin iss baar bachna mushkil hi nahi namumkin hai, kyunki iss baar BJP ke saath hi WB ki janta bhi unke khilaaf maidan mein khadi ho gayi hai <a href="https://t.co/CRf7WEuugl">pic.twitter.com/CRf7WEuugl</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1121011595595931648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched an attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating that her party's state is such that people are not turning up for the rallies. He was addressing a rally in Asansol.

"Today TMC's condition has become such that people are not turning up for their rallies, they are forced to call actors from abroad. I feel pity for you didi, look what the brave people of Bengal have done to you," the PM noted.

PM Modi went on to say that the TMC chief is dreaming of becoming the prime minister of the nation by fighting on just a handful of seats.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating that her party is now trying to survive with the help of "videshi kalakar" or artists from abroad in its last try.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating that her party is now trying to survive with the help of "videshi kalakar" or artists from abroad in its last try. The prime minister added that this time around the people of West Bengal have together with the BJP against them. PM Modi was addressing a public rally in Ranaghat, West Bengal. PM Modi at a rally in Ranaghat,West Bengal:Ab videshi kalakaron aur kiraye ke gundon ke bal par hi Didi akhri koshish karne mein juti hai.Lekin iss baar bachna mushkil hi nahi namumkin hai, kyunki iss baar BJP ke saath hi WB ki janta bhi unke khilaaf maidan mein khadi ho gayi hai pic.twitter.com/CRf7WEuugl — ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2019 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched an attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating that her party's state is such that people are not turning up for the rallies. He was addressing a rally in Asansol. "Today TMC's condition has become such that people are not turning up for their rallies, they are forced to call actors from abroad. I feel pity for you didi, look what the brave people of Bengal have done to you," the PM noted. PM Modi went on to say that the TMC chief is dreaming of becoming the prime minister of the nation by fighting on just a handful of seats.

In her final attempt, 'Didi' has resorted to help from 'videshi' artists: PM Modi

A man standing in a queue to cast his vote was killed in clashes that broke out between Congress and Trinamool Congress workers in West Bengal's Baligram in Murshidabad.&nbsp;

The state has had witnessed spurts of violence amid polling in the previous phases.

Isolated incidents of violence, road blockades, bombings and police firing marred the second phase of polling at a few places in the three Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal during the second phase polls last week.

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West Bengal: Man standing in a queue to vote killed in clashes between Congress and TMC workers in Baligram, Murshidabad. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/hkTc56cT7i">pic.twitter.com/hkTc56cT7i</a>
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Despite tensions, the state recorded one of the highest voter turnouts during the last phase.&nbsp;

Five Lok Sabha seats from the state are up for polls today in the third and the largest phase of Lok Sabha polls.

Balurghat, Jangipur, Maldaha Dakshin, Maldaha Uttar and Murshidabad have gone to polls today. Till 3pm, the state topped the voter turnout with 52 per cent polling.&nbsp;

A man standing in a queue to cast his vote was killed in clashes that broke out between Congress and Trinamool Congress workers in West Bengal's Baligram in Murshidabad.

A man standing in a queue to cast his vote was killed in clashes that broke out between Congress and Trinamool Congress workers in West Bengal's Baligram in Murshidabad. The state has had witnessed spurts of violence amid polling in the previous phases. Isolated incidents of violence, road blockades, bombings and police firing marred the second phase of polling at a few places in the three Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal during the second phase polls last week. West Bengal: Man standing in a queue to vote killed in clashes between Congress and TMC workers in Baligram, Murshidabad. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/hkTc56cT7i — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × Despite tensions, the state recorded one of the highest voter turnouts during the last phase. Five Lok Sabha seats from the state are up for polls today in the third and the largest phase of Lok Sabha polls. Balurghat, Jangipur, Maldaha Dakshin, Maldaha Uttar and Murshidabad have gone to polls today. Till 3pm, the state topped the voter turnout with 52 per cent polling.

Lok Sabha polls: Man gets killed in clashes between Congress, TMC workers in West Bengal's Murshidabad

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls to be held in West Bengal, BJP president Amit Shah on Monday assured the people of the state that his party will help in restoring Saraswati puja and Durga puja again with respect.

Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata Shah said, "If someone can restore Saraswati pooja and Durga pooja again with respect, it is only the BJP".

On being asked if Prime Minister Modi will also contest from West Bengal, Shah said, "No, there is no such plan at the moment".

He also reiterated the party's stance on the Citizenship Amendment Bill and said, "The refugees who have come from Bangladesh, be it Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, or Christians, BJP has clearly signalled in its 'Sankalp Patra' that we will give them citizenship".

Adding that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assams-national-register-of-citizens-an-explainer-155549">National Register of Citizens</a> will not be just for Bengal but also for the whole country, Shah said, "Citizenship Amendment Bill will come first, all refugees will be given citizenship after that NRC will be made. Refugees shouldn't worry, only infiltrators should. First, the Citizenship Amendment Bill&nbsp;will come then NRC, NRC will not be for just Bengal but for the whole country".

"I request the&nbsp;people of Bengal to vote without fear; BJP workers are guarding them as protectors of democracy in the Lok Sabha Polls," he said.

Hitting out at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-mamata-banerjee-takes-a-u-turn-on-national-register-of-citizens-156891">West Bengal chief minister</a>, Shah said, "Mamata Banerjee is under pressure after the end of second phase polls. There is politics of appeasement in Bengal."

"Mamata Banerjee did not allow my rallies in Bengal, now the people here are not coming out in to attend her rallies," he added.

Commenting on BJP candidate from Bhopal, Pragya Singh Thakur, he said, "As far as Sadhvi Pragya is considered, I want to say that a false case was registered as to allege that there is Hindu terror. The court proceedings found the case to be false."

Praising the Prime Minister led-NDA government Shah said, "Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at Centre, we have provided 10,000 poor with household in this district. Also, 3,000 urban poor got households. BJP gave gas connections to 7 crore houses, 8 crore houses got toilets and 50 crore poor will get Rs 5 lakh Insurance under Ayushman Bharat scheme."&nbsp;

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Amit Shah in Kolkata, West Bengal: Batla House ka jab encounter hua, Sonia Ji ko rona aa gaya Batla House ke aatankwadiyon ke marne par, jabki apna ek bahadur Police Inspector waha shaheed ho gaya, uske mrityu par rona nahi aaya, is par Congress ko jawab dena chahiye <a href="https://t.co/fFMtLXeJqS">pic.twitter.com/fFMtLXeJqS</a>
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To a question on alleged discrepancies over citizenship and educational qualifications in Congress president Rahul Gandhi's poll affidavit filed at Amethi, Shah said the returning officer concerned should look into it.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls to be held in West Bengal, BJP president Amit Shah on Monday assured the people of the state that his party will help in restoring Saraswati puja and Durga puja again with respect.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls to be held in West Bengal, BJP president Amit Shah on Monday assured the people of the state that his party will help in restoring Saraswati puja and Durga puja again with respect. Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata Shah said, "If someone can restore Saraswati pooja and Durga pooja again with respect, it is only the BJP". On being asked if Prime Minister Modi will also contest from West Bengal, Shah said, "No, there is no such plan at the moment". He also reiterated the party's stance on the Citizenship Amendment Bill and said, "The refugees who have come from Bangladesh, be it Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, or Christians, BJP has clearly signalled in its 'Sankalp Patra' that we will give them citizenship". Adding that the National Register of Citizens will not be just for Bengal but also for the whole country, Shah said, "Citizenship Amendment Bill will come first, all refugees will be given citizenship after that NRC will be made. Refugees shouldn't worry, only infiltrators should. First, the Citizenship Amendment Bill will come then NRC, NRC will not be for just Bengal but for the whole country". "I request the people of Bengal to vote without fear; BJP workers are guarding them as protectors of democracy in the Lok Sabha Polls," he said. Hitting out at West Bengal chief minister, Shah said, "Mamata Banerjee is under pressure after the end of second phase polls. There is politics of appeasement in Bengal." "Mamata Banerjee did not allow my rallies in Bengal, now the people here are not coming out in to attend her rallies," he added. Commenting on BJP candidate from Bhopal, Pragya Singh Thakur, he said, "As far as Sadhvi Pragya is considered, I want to say that a false case was registered as to allege that there is Hindu terror. The court proceedings found the case to be false." Praising the Prime Minister led-NDA government Shah said, "Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at Centre, we have provided 10,000 poor with household in this district. Also, 3,000 urban poor got households. BJP gave gas connections to 7 crore houses, 8 crore houses got toilets and 50 crore poor will get Rs 5 lakh Insurance under Ayushman Bharat scheme." Amit Shah in Kolkata, West Bengal: Batla House ka jab encounter hua, Sonia Ji ko rona aa gaya Batla House ke aatankwadiyon ke marne par, jabki apna ek bahadur Police Inspector waha shaheed ho gaya, uske mrityu par rona nahi aaya, is par Congress ko jawab dena chahiye pic.twitter.com/fFMtLXeJqS — ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2019 × To a question on alleged discrepancies over citizenship and educational qualifications in Congress president Rahul Gandhi's poll affidavit filed at Amethi, Shah said the returning officer concerned should look into it. (With inputs from agencies)

NRC will not be just for Bengal but for the whole country: Amit Shah in Kolkata

BJP pushing for gains in West Bengal and Odisha and wants to win 35-40 seats in the East. BJP also wants to make gains in the North East.

India Election Watch: Decoding BJP's strategy for East

Bypoll to five assembly constituencies of West Bengal will be held on May 19 and the votes there will be counted along with those of all the Lok Sabha seats, news agency PTI reported quoting the Election Commission.

The five assembly seats - Darjeeling, Islampur, Kandi, Habibpur (ST) and Bhatpara - fell vacant after the sitting MLAs resigned following their nomination to contest the Lok Sabha elections.

Polling for the parliamentary constituencies of Darjeeling and Raiganj were held on April 18. Islampur assembly seat falls under Raiganj LS constituency.

Kandi assembly segment is under Baharampur Lok Sabha constituency where polling will be held in the fourth phase on April 29, the report added.

Habibpur falls under Malda Uttar parliamentary seat and Bhatpara under Barrackpore Lok Sabha constituency. These two seats will go to polls on April 23 and May 6 respectively.

The Election Commission on Saturday night said the notification for the bypolls will be issued on April 22. While the last day for filing nomination will be April 29, the last date of withdrawal of candidature will be May 2.&nbsp;

Bypoll to five assembly constituencies of West Bengal will be held on May 19 and the votes there will be counted along with those of all the Lok Sabha seats, news agency PTI reported quoting the Election Commission.

Bypoll to five assembly constituencies of West Bengal will be held on May 19 and the votes there will be counted along with those of all the Lok Sabha seats, news agency PTI reported quoting the Election Commission. The five assembly seats - Darjeeling, Islampur, Kandi, Habibpur (ST) and Bhatpara - fell vacant after the sitting MLAs resigned following their nomination to contest the Lok Sabha elections. Polling for the parliamentary constituencies of Darjeeling and Raiganj were held on April 18. Islampur assembly seat falls under Raiganj LS constituency. Kandi assembly segment is under Baharampur Lok Sabha constituency where polling will be held in the fourth phase on April 29, the report added. Habibpur falls under Malda Uttar parliamentary seat and Bhatpara under Barrackpore Lok Sabha constituency. These two seats will go to polls on April 23 and May 6 respectively. The Election Commission on Saturday night said the notification for the bypolls will be issued on April 22. While the last day for filing nomination will be April 29, the last date of withdrawal of candidature will be May 2.

Bypoll in 5 assembly seats in West Bengal to be held on May 19

Claiming that officers sent by the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fully-within-rights-to-transfer-officials-during-polls-election-commission-tells-mamata-banerjee-208548&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiL9Kq7mOHhAhUIv48KHb2EB3oQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2fuPDz3ZHuYaGmZvo9m_5G">Election Commission</a> as special observers are abusing and insulting the people of West Bengal, Trinamool Congress supremo<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/lok-sabha-polls-2019-mamata-banerjees-dominance-mayawatis-reluctance-is-advantage-bjp-209214&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi2zuLbl-HhAhXMPo8KHU1OA48QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2PxWZl6lUovt7YvGVIhDem"> Mamata Banerjee</a> on Sunday accused the BJP of trying to run a parallel government in the state.

The chief minister also alleged that the poll panel has deputed the two retired officers to run the government in Bengal.

"The officers are abusing and insulting the people of the state," she said, reacting to Special Observer Ajay V Nayak's observation that the situation in Bengal is similar to what it was in Bihar around 10 to 15 years ago.

The people have lost faith in the state police, and therefore, their demand for deployment of central forces at all polling booths has increased, Nayak, a former chief electoral officer of Bihar, said on Saturday.

"The BJP is trying to run a parallel govt in the state," she said, adding, "Two retired officers have been sent to run the government, this is unconstitutional. They are trying to help the BJP."

Banerjee said that in 2016, assembly elections were held with the deployment of central forces in all the booths, but that did not deter her party from registering a resounding victory.

Alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann ki Baat' addresses were full of falsehood, the CM said that he spoke the language of the RSS on the radio over the last five years.

"The prime minister's position has a stature, I have never seen a person stoop so low," she said, addressing two election rallies in Nadia district.

Claiming that lakhs of migrant labourers lost their jobs due to demonetisation, she said, "You had done notebandi, people will do votebandi."

She alleged that labourers from Bengal were killed and subjected to violence in the then BJP-ruled Rajasthan and other places, leading to their mass return out of fear of persecution.

Banerjee accused the Modi government of depriving West Bengal in the last five years. "Every day, he is resorting to lies. They are seasonal birds, who come during elections only and vanish after the polls," she said.

Asserting that she faced several vilification bids throughout her political career, the CM said, "I don't care if someone calls me a thief".

Banerjee added that she has written 87 books and a number of songs, royalties from which are enough for her sustenance.

Neither the BJP nor the Congress will win the general elections. Instead, friendly regional parties will form the government at the Centre, she said.

"The BJP, the Congress and the CPI(M), who are all brothers in arms, will become mere signboards... After the elections," Banerjee said.&nbsp;

Claiming that officers sent by the Election Commission as special observers are abusing and insulting the people of West Bengal, Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Sunday accused the BJP of trying to run a parallel government in the state.

Claiming that officers sent by the Election Commission as special observers are abusing and insulting the people of West Bengal, Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Sunday accused the BJP of trying to run a parallel government in the state. The chief minister also alleged that the poll panel has deputed the two retired officers to run the government in Bengal. "The officers are abusing and insulting the people of the state," she said, reacting to Special Observer Ajay V Nayak's observation that the situation in Bengal is similar to what it was in Bihar around 10 to 15 years ago. The people have lost faith in the state police, and therefore, their demand for deployment of central forces at all polling booths has increased, Nayak, a former chief electoral officer of Bihar, said on Saturday. "The BJP is trying to run a parallel govt in the state," she said, adding, "Two retired officers have been sent to run the government, this is unconstitutional. They are trying to help the BJP." Banerjee said that in 2016, assembly elections were held with the deployment of central forces in all the booths, but that did not deter her party from registering a resounding victory. Alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann ki Baat' addresses were full of falsehood, the CM said that he spoke the language of the RSS on the radio over the last five years. "The prime minister's position has a stature, I have never seen a person stoop so low," she said, addressing two election rallies in Nadia district. Claiming that lakhs of migrant labourers lost their jobs due to demonetisation, she said, "You had done notebandi, people will do votebandi." She alleged that labourers from Bengal were killed and subjected to violence in the then BJP-ruled Rajasthan and other places, leading to their mass return out of fear of persecution. Banerjee accused the Modi government of depriving West Bengal in the last five years. "Every day, he is resorting to lies. They are seasonal birds, who come during elections only and vanish after the polls," she said. Asserting that she faced several vilification bids throughout her political career, the CM said, "I don't care if someone calls me a thief". Banerjee added that she has written 87 books and a number of songs, royalties from which are enough for her sustenance. Neither the BJP nor the Congress will win the general elections. Instead, friendly regional parties will form the government at the Centre, she said. "The BJP, the Congress and the CPI(M), who are all brothers in arms, will become mere signboards... After the elections," Banerjee said.

Election Commision special observers abusing people of West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday targetted Mamata Banerjee and said West Bengal chief minister has fooled people in the name of 'Maa, Mati and Manush'.

Modi, who was addressing a rally in&nbsp;Buniadpur, South Dinajpur district attacked the TMC leader&nbsp;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," Modi said.

The BJP had earlier claimed that the Trinamool Congress was trying to consolidate minority votes for the Lok Sabha elections by roping in famous Bangladeshi actors.

45-year-old Ferdous Ahmed, a Bangladeshi film star was reportedly seen seeking votes for a TMC candidate at campaign rallies across Hemtabad and Karandighi near the Indo-Bangladesh border.

Another Bangladeshi actor Ghazi Abdul was also seen taking part in a political rally in West Bengal. As per reports, Noor attended a political rally in Dumdum, West Bengal. His visa had also expired.&nbsp;

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PM Modi addressing a rally at Buniadpur, West Bengal: Kya kabhi Hindustan mein aisa hua hai ki duniya ke kisi desh ke log aa karke Bharat mein chunaav prachar kare? Apne vote bank ke liye, tushtikaran ke liye, Didi kisi bhi hadd tak jaane ke liye tayar hai. <a href="https://t.co/0tE2ypJoHf">pic.twitter.com/0tE2ypJoHf</a>
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Modi also criticised Banerjee for seeking proof of the Balakot air strikes in Pakistan and asked her to, instead, collect evidence against those behind chit fund scams.&nbsp;

"Mamata Banerjee should seek proof against those behind chit fund scams, instead of asking for proof of the Balakot strike,".

Recalling the death of a BJP worker in Purulia, West Bengal, PM Modi assured justice to the party workers and people of the state.

"In Purulia, a BJP worker was murdered. I want to assure each West Bengal BJP worker and people of the state that justice will be done. Strict action will be taken against those people who are responsible, ".

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday targetted Mamata Banerjee and said West Bengal chief minister 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.

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday targetted Mamata Banerjee and said West Bengal chief minister 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," Modi said. The BJP had earlier claimed that the Trinamool Congress was trying to consolidate minority votes for the Lok Sabha elections by roping in famous Bangladeshi actors. 45-year-old Ferdous Ahmed, a Bangladeshi film star was reportedly seen seeking votes for a TMC candidate at campaign rallies across Hemtabad and Karandighi near the Indo-Bangladesh border. Another Bangladeshi actor Ghazi Abdul was also seen taking part in a political rally in West Bengal. As per reports, Noor attended a political rally in Dumdum, West Bengal. His visa had also expired. PM Modi addressing a rally at Buniadpur, West Bengal: Kya kabhi Hindustan mein aisa hua hai ki duniya ke kisi desh ke log aa karke Bharat mein chunaav prachar kare? Apne vote bank ke liye, tushtikaran ke liye, Didi kisi bhi hadd tak jaane ke liye tayar hai. pic.twitter.com/0tE2ypJoHf — ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2019 × Modi also criticised Banerjee for seeking proof of the Balakot air strikes in Pakistan and asked her to, instead, collect evidence against those behind chit fund scams. "Mamata Banerjee should seek proof against those behind chit fund scams, instead of asking for proof of the Balakot strike,". Recalling the death of a BJP worker in Purulia, West Bengal, PM Modi assured justice to the party workers and people of the state. "In Purulia, a BJP worker was murdered. I want to assure each West Bengal BJP worker and people of the state that justice will be done. Strict action will be taken against those people who are responsible, ". (With inputs from agencies)

Mamata fooled people in name of 'Maa, Mati and Manush': PM Modi in West Bengal

Total Voter Turnout In Second Phase of Lok Sabha Polls Stands Above 61 Percent. The Phase Saw Sporadic Instances Of Violence. Palki sums up all the action on the day of second phase of Lok Sabha polls. Instances of violence have been reported in West Bengal, Assam, Manipur and Chhattisgarh

WION Gravitas: Phase 2 of Lok Sabha Polls: Incidents of stray violence reported

Violence marred the second phase of elections held in West Bengal's Raiganj on Thursday as BJP`s Raiganj Parliamentary constituency candidate Debasree Chaudhuri alleged that TMC workers tried to capture a polling booth in the constituency.

Meanwhile, police had to resort to lathi-charge and tear-gas to clear the blockade at Chopra which falls under Darjeeling parliamentary constituency.

"TMC workers were trying to capture booth. They were campaigning among Muslims there. This isn`t election campaign," Debasree alleged.

She also claimed that TMC workers tried to capture booth at Raiganj Coronation High School.

In Chopra, security personnel lobbed tear gas shells and resorted to lathi charge on locals as they blocked NH-34 in protest after unknown miscreants allegedly prevented them from casting their votes at Digirpar polling booth.

A local, Sujit Kumar, said that people were stopped by few miscreants from reaching their respective polling booths and the unscrupulous elements allegedly also snatched their EPIC cards or voter I-cards.

"While voters were on their way to polling booths some persons have beaten them and snatched their EPIC card and make them run away. We want peace," said Kumar.

Bangladeshi star Ferdous Ahmed, along with a few Indian actors, allegedly campaigned for TMC`s Raiganj candidate Kanhaiyalal Agarwal in the ongoing elections.

The government subsequently blacklisted Ahmed from campaigning, cancelled his business visa and asked him to leave India.

Polling is underway at three constituencies in West Bengal, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, and Raiganj today in the second phase of general elections.

On April 11, Coochbehar and Alipurduar went to the polls. While in phase 3 on April 23, 5 Lok Sabha constituencies will go for polls, 8 Lok Sabha seats in phase 4 on April 29, while 7, 8 and 9 parliamentary constituencies will vote on May 6, May 12 and May 19, respectively.

There are 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal.95 parliamentary constituencies spread across 11 states and a Union Territory will go to polls today.

Polling is being held in Lok Sabha constituencies of Assam (5), Bihar (5), Chhattisgarh (3), Jammu and Kashmir (2), Karnataka (14), Maharashtra (10), Manipur (1), Odisha (5), Tamil Nadu (38), Uttar Pradesh (8), West Bengal (3), and a single parliamentary seat of Puducherry.

Violence marred the second phase of elections held in West Bengal's Raiganj on Thursday as BJP`s Raiganj Parliamentary constituency candidate Debasree Chaudhuri alleged that TMC workers tried to capture a polling booth in the constituency.

Violence marred the second phase of elections held in West Bengal's Raiganj on Thursday as BJP`s Raiganj Parliamentary constituency candidate Debasree Chaudhuri alleged that TMC workers tried to capture a polling booth in the constituency. Meanwhile, police had to resort to lathi-charge and tear-gas to clear the blockade at Chopra which falls under Darjeeling parliamentary constituency. "TMC workers were trying to capture booth. They were campaigning among Muslims there. This isn`t election campaign," Debasree alleged. She also claimed that TMC workers tried to capture booth at Raiganj Coronation High School. In Chopra, security personnel lobbed tear gas shells and resorted to lathi charge on locals as they blocked NH-34 in protest after unknown miscreants allegedly prevented them from casting their votes at Digirpar polling booth. A local, Sujit Kumar, said that people were stopped by few miscreants from reaching their respective polling booths and the unscrupulous elements allegedly also snatched their EPIC cards or voter I-cards. "While voters were on their way to polling booths some persons have beaten them and snatched their EPIC card and make them run away. We want peace," said Kumar. Bangladeshi star Ferdous Ahmed, along with a few Indian actors, allegedly campaigned for TMC`s Raiganj candidate Kanhaiyalal Agarwal in the ongoing elections. The government subsequently blacklisted Ahmed from campaigning, cancelled his business visa and asked him to leave India. Polling is underway at three constituencies in West Bengal, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, and Raiganj today in the second phase of general elections. On April 11, Coochbehar and Alipurduar went to the polls. While in phase 3 on April 23, 5 Lok Sabha constituencies will go for polls, 8 Lok Sabha seats in phase 4 on April 29, while 7, 8 and 9 parliamentary constituencies will vote on May 6, May 12 and May 19, respectively. There are 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal.95 parliamentary constituencies spread across 11 states and a Union Territory will go to polls today. Polling is being held in Lok Sabha constituencies of Assam (5), Bihar (5), Chhattisgarh (3), Jammu and Kashmir (2), Karnataka (14), Maharashtra (10), Manipur (1), Odisha (5), Tamil Nadu (38), Uttar Pradesh (8), West Bengal (3), and a single parliamentary seat of Puducherry.

West Bengal: Violence mars polling at Raiganj, Chopra

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-phase-2-voting-on-april-18-211287">Lok Sabha polls 2019 live: EVM glitches delay voting in Tamil Nadu, 61% turnout recorded till 6 pm</a>

West Bengal went to polls braving violence.

Isolated incidents of violence, road blockades, bombings and police firing marred the second phase of polling at a few place in the three Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal with 76 per cent of voter turnout till 6pm on Thursday, officials said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-of-india-suspends-loc-trade-with-pakistan-says-route-being-misused-211563">Government of India suspends LoC trade with Pakistan, says route being misused</a>

In a blow to Pakistan, India on Thursday called off trade between J&amp;K and POK(Pakistan Occupied Kashmir) along the line of control(LoC).

The ministry of home affairs letter, procured by WION and dated April 18, 2019, said the trade is being misused by the Pakistan-based elements for funnelling illegal weapons, narcotics and fake currency and called for a "stricter regulatory regime".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/another-bangladeshi-actor-asked-to-leave-india-for-participating-in-political-rally-in-west-bengal-mha-211516">Another Bangladeshi actor asked to leave India for participating in political rally in West Bengal: MHA</a>

The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked another Bangladeshi actor Ghazi Abdul Noor to leave India immediately for taking part in a political rally in West Bengal, news agencies reported on Thursday.&nbsp;

As per reports, Noor attended a political rally in Dumdum, West Bengal. His visa had also expired.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/local-insurgent-group-claims-responsibility-for-balochistan-bus-attack-211475">Local insurgent group claims responsibility for Balochistan bus attack</a>

A Baluch insurgent group on Thursday claimed responsibility for killing 14 people in southwest Pakistan, it said in a statement emailed to reporters and newspaper offices.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-to-meet-putin-in-russia-in-late-april-211539">North Korea's Kim to meet Putin in Russia in late April</a>

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will visit Russia in late April for his first meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Moscow said Thursday.

"Following an invitation from Vladimir Putin... Kim Jong Un will visit Russia in the second half of April," the Kremlin said in a statement on its website.

Lok Sabha polls 2019 live: EVM glitches delay voting in Tamil Nadu, 61% turnout recorded till 6 pm West Bengal went to polls braving violence. Isolated incidents of violence, road blockades, bombings and police firing marred the second phase of polling at a few place in the three Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal with 76 per cent of voter turnout till 6pm on Thursday, officials said.

Lok Sabha polls 2019 live: EVM glitches delay voting in Tamil Nadu, 61% turnout recorded till 6 pm West Bengal went to polls braving violence. Isolated incidents of violence, road blockades, bombings and police firing marred the second phase of polling at a few place in the three Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal with 76 per cent of voter turnout till 6pm on Thursday, officials said. Government of India suspends LoC trade with Pakistan, says route being misused In a blow to Pakistan, India on Thursday called off trade between J&K and POK(Pakistan Occupied Kashmir) along the line of control(LoC). The ministry of home affairs letter, procured by WION and dated April 18, 2019, said the trade is being misused by the Pakistan-based elements for funnelling illegal weapons, narcotics and fake currency and called for a "stricter regulatory regime". Another Bangladeshi actor asked to leave India for participating in political rally in West Bengal: MHA The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked another Bangladeshi actor Ghazi Abdul Noor to leave India immediately for taking part in a political rally in West Bengal, news agencies reported on Thursday. As per reports, Noor attended a political rally in Dumdum, West Bengal. His visa had also expired. Local insurgent group claims responsibility for Balochistan bus attack A Baluch insurgent group on Thursday claimed responsibility for killing 14 people in southwest Pakistan, it said in a statement emailed to reporters and newspaper offices. North Korea's Kim to meet Putin in Russia in late April North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will visit Russia in late April for his first meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Moscow said Thursday. "Following an invitation from Vladimir Putin... Kim Jong Un will visit Russia in the second half of April," the Kremlin said in a statement on its website.

News brief: Big stories of the day

CPI(M) candidate from Raiganj constituency Md. Salim’s convoy was attacked on Thursday amidst polling.

Salim was visiting Patagora, Islampur in Raiganj constituency to observe the polling when stones were pelted and his vehicle was attacked. He claimed it was Trinamool Congress’ handiwork.

“I came here after hearing reports that Trinamool Congress’ men were preventing people from casting their votes. When I confronted them, they attacked my vehicle. &nbsp;My driver and assistant were still inside the vehicle when it was attacked with stones and bricks. They had to flee along with the vehicle to save their life,” said Salim.

“Massive rigging was on when I arrived here. Trinamool Congress men also tried to attack me with rods,” added Salim.

Immediately after, the sector officer arrived at the polling booth and asked Salim to wait till Central force jawans arrived at the booth.

Meanwhile, Salim has registered a complaint with the CEO’s office.

Sources in the CEO office says that they are looking into the matter.&nbsp;

CPI(M) candidate from Raiganj constituency Md. Salim’s convoy was attacked on Thursday amidst polling. Salim was visiting Patagora, Islampur in Raiganj constituency to observe the polling when stones were pelted and his vehicle was attacked.

CPI(M) candidate from Raiganj constituency Md. Salim’s convoy was attacked on Thursday amidst polling. Salim was visiting Patagora, Islampur in Raiganj constituency to observe the polling when stones were pelted and his vehicle was attacked. He claimed it was Trinamool Congress’ handiwork. “I came here after hearing reports that Trinamool Congress’ men were preventing people from casting their votes. When I confronted them, they attacked my vehicle. My driver and assistant were still inside the vehicle when it was attacked with stones and bricks. They had to flee along with the vehicle to save their life,” said Salim. “Massive rigging was on when I arrived here. Trinamool Congress men also tried to attack me with rods,” added Salim. Immediately after, the sector officer arrived at the polling booth and asked Salim to wait till Central force jawans arrived at the booth. Meanwhile, Salim has registered a complaint with the CEO’s office. Sources in the CEO office says that they are looking into the matter.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: CPI(M) candidate Md. Salim’s convoy attacked in West Bengal

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