Election 2019: Yogi Issued Censure by EC on ‘Modi ki Sena’ Remark
Catch all the updates on the Lok Sabha 2019 elections here.
In a little over a week, the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections will officially begin. Polling would be held in 91 parliamentary constituencies spread across 20 states on 11 April. The results will be announced on 23 May. Catch all the updates on the Lok Sabha 2019 elections here.
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10 Lakh Voters Added Last Week: EC
The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday said as many as 10 lakh voters were added to the electoral rolls across the country last week, including four lakh first timers, reported news agency PTI.
It also said that "all preparations" are being made for a smooth conduct of the first and second phases of the Lok Sabha polls, in which over 2,900 candidates are in the fray.
Senior Cong Leader Suffers Heart Attack
Senior Congress leader and UDF candidate for Chalakudy Lok Sabha constituency, Benny Behanan, was admitted to a private hospital here Friday after he suffered a heart attack, party sources said.
The 67-year old Behannan was rushed to the hospital after he complained of severe chest pain in the early hours of Friday, they said.
"He underwent angioplasty. He has been kept under 48-hour observation," his aide said.
SC to Hear WB BJP Candidate's Plea Challenging Ban from Constituency
Supreme Court said, it would hear next week the mentioning by BJP candidate from West Bengal Saumitra Khan challenging the Calcutta High Court order which barred him from entering his district Bankura, as a cheating case was registered against him.
Sonia, Rahul Gandhi to File Nomination from Their UP Seats on 10, 11 April
Former Congress President Sonia Gandhi will file nomination for the Lok Sabha Elections in Raebareli on 11 April, while current President Rahul Gandhi will file his nomination from Amethi on 10 April. UP East General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be present on both the occasions.
BJP Workers Booked for Violating Model Code of Conduct in UP's Muzaffarnagar
A case has been registered against unidentified BJP workers for allegedly violating the model code of conduct by tying party flags to electric poles in Muzaffarnagar, the police said on Friday.
Station House Officer Santosh Kumar Singh said the workers had tied the flags to electric poles on Thursday, 4 April without permission from the authorities concerned.
He said police removed the flags and registered a case against unidentified BJP supporters.
Nitish Kumar Has Made Many Attempts to Ally With RJD: Tejashwi Yadav
RJD Leader Tejashwi Yadav, on his father’s claims in his book, saying that Bihar CM Nitish Kumar wanted to ally with RJD, said that the current CM has made many attempts to join hands with the RJD.
Chandrababu Naidu to Sit on Protest in Vijaywada
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will sit on protest in Vijayawada over reported IT raids on TDP candidates and supporters, ANI reported.
Delhi Congress Committee Meeting Underway at Party Office
A meeting of Delhi Congress leaders is underway at the party office in the national capital. Sheila Dikshit, Haroon Yousuf and state incharge PC Chacko are among the names present in the meeting.
VK Singh Responds to 'Modi ki Sena' Controversy
Union Minister General VK Singh, on his reported remark on UP Chief Minister's 'Modi ke sena comment' said that he has said what was to be said. Singh also alleged the media to twist his words and put them out, he also alleged the same practice with Yogi Adityanath’s comments as well.
SC to Hear Plea Challenging Issuance of Electoral Bonds on 10 April
The Supreme Court, on 10 April will hear a plea challenging the Central government’s decision on the issuance of electoral bonds, PTI reported on Friday, 5 April.
'Some Don't Like To Respond to Terrorists in Their Language': PM in Amroha
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday 5 April addressed a rally in Uttar Pradesh’s Amroha, where he thanked the Government of UAE that honoured him with the Zayed medal.
The Prime Minister also touched upon the ongoing India-Pakistan debate and terror. He said that some people don’t like replying to terrorists in their own language.
Congress Announces Shrawasti Candidate
The Congress, on Friday 5 April announced Dhirender Pratap Singh as its candidate from Uttar Pradesh’s Shrawasti.
Akhilesh Yadav Releases Samajwadi Party's Manifesto
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, on Friday 5 April released his party’s manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The SP’s manifesto, called its “vision document” is for all sections of the society, Akhilesh said while releasing the document.
LS Speaker Sumitra Mahajan Won't Contest Elections
Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, on Friday 5 April declared that she doesn't want to contest the 2019 elections. She has, according to ANI, appealed to the BJP to name a candidate from Indore to replace her.
Following is her letter announcing the decision:
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Takes Election Campaign to Assam
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Friday 5 April took her election campaign to Dhubri, Assam. The West Bengal CM touched upon the controversial citizenship amendment bill, calling it a conspiracy.
BJP President Amit Shah Addresses Rally in Manipur's Thoubal
BJP President Amit Shah addressed a rally in Manipur’s Thoubal. At the rally, Amit Shah said that 300-kms of highway, five helipads have been built in the state in last four years. He further said that the government has also started to work on the expansion of the Imphal Airport and Air Cargo terminal.
PM Modi Addresses Rally in UP's Saharanpur
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while campaigning in Uttar Pradesh, addressed a rally in Saharanpur as well. He launched an attack on Congress candidate from the seat, Imran Masood and Congress President Rahul Gandhi. PM Modi called Imran Masood Boti boti waale sahab and said that he is a close aide of Rahul Gandhi.
PM Modi Using IT Dept, CBI to Win Elections: Mallikarjun Kharge
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, on Friday 5 April addressed the Karnataka chief minister's complaints of harassment by the IT department. Kharge said that this is an ongoing practice.
Modi ji is using ED, I-T & CBI. He is doing everything he can do to demoralise the Opposition & to win elections, because he has lost hope of winning.
Cong Delegation to Meet EC at 5:15 pm
A Congress delegation will meet the Election Commission of India today at 5:15 pm at Nirvachan Sadan, ANI reported.
Ambedkar Calls Modi a 'Blackmailer'
A day after he was booked for his remarks against the Election Commission (EC), Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar today accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being a blackmailer.
Addressing a poll rally at Akola in Maharashtra, Ambedkar alleged that Modi blackmailed the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and her party saying if she did not want her son-in-law Robert Vadra to be in jail, they should refrain from joining hands with any other party.
"Can anyone tell me why Congress did not have an alliance with any other party across the country? Modi had put a condition that if Congress party wants Robert Vadra not to be in jail, then it should refrain from forging an alliance with any other party," he claimed.
(Source: PTI)
Smriti Irani Meets BJP Workers in Amethi
BJP leader Smriti Irani met several party workers today in different Assembly segments of the Amethi Lok Sabha constituency, including Tiloi and Jagdishpur, and discussed issues related to the polls.
The Union minister, who will take on sitting MP and Congress President Rahul Gandhi, started her door-to door contact programme from Tiloi. She was accompanied by BJP's district president Durgesh Tripathi.
(Source: PTI)
Oppn's Agenda Is to Remove Me from Power, Promote Dynastic Politics: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the Opposition parties today alleging their only agenda was to dislodge him from power and promote dynastic politics.
Addressing a rally in Saharanpur, he targeted the Congress accusing it of being against the welfare of the backward classes and termed its poll manifesto a "dhakosla patra (sham document)".
"The Opposition's only agenda is 'Modi Hatao' (remove Modi). Their only intention is to promote 'vansvaad' (dynastic politics)," he said.
At the election rally in western Uttar Pradesh which goes to polls in the first phase on 11 April, the prime minister also accused RLD chief Ajit Singh of forgetting the atrocities against people and not "raising his voice for self-interest".
(Source: PTI)
Rajasthan Govt Issues Notification to Declare Holidays in Constituencies Going to Polls
The Rajasthan government has issued a notification to declare holidays in respective Lok Sabha constituencies which will go to polls on 29 April and 6 May in the state.
The holiday will be observed in 13 Lok Sabha constituencies of Tonk-Sawaimadhopur, Ajmer, Pali, Jodhpur, Barmer, Jalore, Udaipur, Banswara, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Bhilwara, Kota and Jhalawar-Baran on 29 April.
Similarly, the holiday will be observed on 9 May in the remaining 12 Lok Sabha constituencies of Sriganganagar, Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhuju, Sikar, Jaipur rural, Jaipur, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli-Dholpur, Dausa and Nagaur, said Finance Department director Sharad Mehra.
(Source: PTI)
Democracy, Constitution Under Threat in BJP Rule: Gehlot
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot today said the country's Constitution and democracy were under threat in BJP's rule.
Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah, Gehlot said the duo ruled the country for five years and people do not even know the names of most of the union ministers.
"The Constitution and democracy is under threat and this is my duty to tell you this. BJP leaders talked about Congress-free India and those who criticise them are considered as anti-national," Gehlot said at a public meeting in Pali.
"This is the situation prevailing in the country today. It is alarming and you should know this," he added.
(Source: PTI)
BJP Likely to Release its Manifesto on 8 April
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to release the party’s manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls on 8 April, media reports.
Contingency Plan Put in Place to Deal with Any Eventuality: J-K CEO
The Jammu and Kashmir election department has put in place a contingency plan to deal with any eventuality during the Lok Sabha polls as the state faces challenges like bad weather conditions, border shelling and militancy, the CEO said today.
State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Shailendra Kumar said 70 polling stations have been identified along the LoC in villages of Poonch and Rajouri districts for relocation due to ongoing heavy shelling by Pakistan.
"We have not shifted the stations as yet, but we have identified the places where these will be shifted to," Kumar said.
(Source: PTI)
Hema Malini Violates Model Code of Conduct, Case Registered
A case has been registered against Hema Malini, the BJP MP and Lok Sabha candidate from Mathura constituency for violating the Model Code of Conduct. Malini has faced flak for holding a rally at a government school.
(Source: ANI)
Independent Candidate from Muzaffarnagar Lok Sabha Seat Threatened
An Independent candidate from the Muzaffarnagar parliamentary constituency has allegedly been threatened by some unidentified persons against campaigning for the 11 April election, police said today.
(Source: PTI)
Rahul to File Nomination from Amethi on 10 April, Sonia from Raebareli on 11 April
Congress president Rahul Gandhi will file his nomination from the Amethi Lok Sabha seat on 10 April and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will do the same from the Raebareli parliamentary constituency on 11 April, party sources said on Thursday.
Newly appointed Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be present with her brother and mother when they file their nomination papers.
The family will be together on both days with Rahul Gandhi accompanying his mother in Raebareli and Sonia Gandhi present while he files his papers in Amethi, the sources said.
(Source: PTI)
Murli Manohar Joshi Meets Advani at His Residence
Senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi today met party veteran LK Advani at his residence, a day after Advani said his party has never regarded those who disagreed with it politically as "anti-nationals" or "enemies".
Advani's comments assume significance as top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah, have been attacking Opposition parties with anti-national barbs in the aftermath of the Balakot air strikes.
Sources said Joshi drove down to Advani's residence and held deliberations with him.
(Source: PTI)
Cong Suffering from 'Muslim League Virus': Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today dubbed the "Muslim League" a "virus" and claimed the Congress was affected by it, prompting the Opposition party to retort that it was he who was a "virus" that would be "eradicated" in the election.
The tit-for-tat verbal duel was sparked with a tweet from Adityanath a day after Congress chief Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination from Wayanad in Kerala.
"Muslim League is a virus. If someone is affected by this virus, he cannot survive and today main Opposition party Congress is affected by it. Think, if they win what will happen? This virus will spread in the entire nation," Adityanath said on Twitter.
(Source: PTI)
Shiv Sena Drops Plan to Contest from North Goa LS Seat
The Shiv Sena, which had earlier announced that it would contest both the Lok Sabha seats in Goa, has now decided to drop the North Goa constituency from its list and focus only on the South Goa seat.
The two Lok Sabha seats in Goa are currently represented by the BJP.
Sena's state unit vice president Rakhi Prabhudesai Naik has filed her nomination from South Goa seat, where she is pitted against BJP's Narendra Sawaikar, Congress' Francisco Sardinha and AAP candidate Elvis Gomes.
(Source: PTI)
Rahul Gandhi Has Assets Worth Rs 15.88 Crore
Congress President Rahul Gandhi has assets worth Rs 15.88 crore, according to an affidavit filed by him with his nomination papers for the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala.
Gandhi's movable assets worth Rs 5.81 crore include Rs 40,000 in cash as on March 31, 2019, Rs 17.93 lakh in deposits with various banks, Rs 5.19 crore worth of shares and bonds, Rs 39 lakh worth of postal, National Savings Scheme (NSS) and insurance investments, and jewellery worth Rs 2.91 lakh.
Of his total immovable assets, Rs 8.75 crore are self acquired and Rs 1.32 crore inherited. He also has a liability of Rs 72 lakh in bank loans.
(Source: IANS)
'Beti Bachao' Scheme a Failure, Kanyashree Won UN Award: Mamata
Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee today said the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' scheme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a flop whereas the Kanyashree scheme for girls introduced by her in West Bengal has won a UN award.
The West Bengal chief minister said the state government has won the United Nations Public Service Award for its Kanyashree programme, which was introduced in 2012 to aid the girl child in education and her wellbeing.
"Modi's 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' has not been able to provide any real help to the girl child and is a flop," she said at a rally in Naxalbari which falls in the Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency.
(Source: PTI)
Modi Threw out His Guru Advani, Is This Hinduism, Asks Rahul Gandhi
Congress president Rahul Gandhi today accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of humiliating BJP veteran L K Advani, saying disrespecting one's guru is not Hindu culture.
Gandhi's swipe at Modi over the treatment meted out to Advani follows the BJP patriarch's blog published yesterday where he said the BJP never considered its political adversaries as anti-national.
"BJP talks of Hinduism. In Hinduism, guru is supreme. It talks of guru-shishya tradition. Who is Modi's guru? Advani. Modi just kicked Advani out (`Joota marke stage se utara')," Gandhi said.
(Source: PTI)
BJP Supporters Hold Rallies in America
Supporters of the BJP in the US have organised a number of rallies and events in several American cities ahead of the general election in India.
While a group of Indian-Americans organised "Chowkidar March" in New Jersey, NRIs4Modi group organised a car rally in a Maryland suburb of Washington DC this week.
"There is so much enthusiasm among the NRIs to bring back the Modi government," said Krishna Reddy, president of Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) after participating in a "Chowkidar March" in the Indian-American dominated areas of New Jersey.
People from different backgrounds joined the march with placards written in multiple languages like Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannnada and Malayalam, he said.
(Source: PTI)
Vivek Oberoi, Paresh Rawal and Hema Malini to Campaign for BJP
Vivek Oberoi, Paresh Rawal and Hema Malini are reportedly expected to campaign for the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections.
(Source: ANI)
AAP Likely to Release Manifesto for LS Polls on 25 April: Sources
The Aam Aadmi Party is likely to release its manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls on 25 April, according to sources in the party.
Polling for the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi will be held in the sixth phase on 12 May.
The manifesto, which will list out its agenda for the general elections, will focus on its endeavour to get full statehood for Delhi, a source said.
(Source: PTI)
Congress Delegation Reaches Election Commission of India
A Congress delegation comprising Ahmed Patel, Randeep Surjewala, Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Jairam Ramesh reaches Election Commission of India.
(Source: ANI)
Yogi Adityanath Does Not Know Anything: Akhilesh Yadav
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav today mocked Yogi Adityanath for his "Muslim League is a virus" remark, wondering whether the Uttar Pradesh chief minister has been affected by one and said the firebrand Hindutva leader "does not know anything".
"He talks of virus. He doesn't know anything. He only knows how to betray people," Yadav told reporters when asked about the remark.
In a tweet this morning, Adityanath said "Muslim League is a virus" and the principal opposition party, the Congress, has been affected by it.
(Source: PTI)
Congress Delegation Discusses Violations by BJP at EC Office
A Congress delegation comprising Ahmed Patel, Randeep Surjewala, Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Jairam Ramesh reached Election Commission of India today to discuss breach of Model Code of Conduct by the ruling party BJP.
Singhvi, Congress’ spokesperson said that the commission has assured of action against those found violating the Model Code of Conduct.
The delegation has objected to Narendra Modi's remarks over party chief Rahul Gandhi choosing to contest from Wayanad in Kerala as his second seat, apparently because the Congress is "scared" that Hindus will punish them for "Hindu terror" remarks and therefore running away to minority-dominated seat.
Singhvi said that remarks by PM Modi go against the basic structure of Indian constitution and that they have sought criminal action against those found violating the code of conduct.
The Congress leaders have also objected to seizure of Rs 1 crore from a government vehicle, which was claimed by Christopher Perme, son of Mebo BJP candidate Dangi Perme. Rs 80 lakh was found inside a private vehicle of former MLA Ralomg Borang, the Arunachal Pradesh CEO had said.
In addition to this, the delegation has raised issues of discouraging voters in tribal areas and fallacies in affidavit filed by BJP President Amit Shah.
PM Took Credit for Air Strike, Can He Even Hold a Rifle: Rahul
Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of hogging credit for the Balakot air strike, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi today dared him to hold a rifle "for just five minutes" or travel alone in a bus in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a poll rally, Gandhi said the only thing "chowkidar" Modi did was to ensure "his boss" industrialist Anil Ambani got the Rafale fighter jet contract.
The Congress believes in uniting people while the BJP divides people, he said.
(Source: PTI)
BJP Accuses Rahul Gandhi of Giving 'Secular Certificate' to Wayanad
A day after Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination from Wayanad Lok Sabha seat, BJP today hit out at the Congress Chief, accusing him of giving a "secular certificate" to "communal and divisive politics" of outfits like Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Jamaat-e-Islami.
Apparently referring to the presence of workers of IUML with its green flags in Gandhi's roadshow in Kalpetta, senior BJP leader and union minister Muqtar Abbas Naqvi said "Muslim League Ka Jhanda" (flag of Muslim League), "Congress Ka Agenda" (agenda of Congress) has been exposed once again.
(Source: PTI)
Shah Asks Rahul to Clear Stand on Omar Abdullah's Separate PM in Kashmir Demand
BJP president Amit Shah today asked Rahul Gandhi to clear stand on National Conference Omar Abdullah's separate Prime Minister in Kashmir demand and said though Modi will return to power but in any case they were in opposition and they go ahead with Abdullah's proposal "we will put our lives at stake" and not allow it "at any cost."
Attacking Congress for raising doubts over Balakot airstrikes, Shah said after Prime Minister directed Air Force to enter Pakistan and destroy terrorists camps to avenge Pulwama attack, "there was an atmosphere of mourning in two places - Pakistan, which is understanable and the other in Congress camp at a time when entire country was celebrating."
(Source: PTI)
EC Expresses Displeasure over Niti Aayog VC's Remark
EC expresses "displeasure" over remarks made by Niti Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar on Congress's NYAY scheme.
RSS Activist Files Defamation Case Against Rahul Gandhi, Sitaram Yechury
A criminal defamation case has been registered against Rahul Gandhi and Sitaram Yechuri by RSS activist Dhrutiman Joshi in Mumbai Court. The next date of hearing is 22 April.
(Source: ANI)
EC Orders Transfer of 4 Officers in WB for Poll Preparedness
The Election Commission has orders transfer of 4 Officers in West Bengal citing Poll preparedness. The four officers transferred are Dr Rajesh Kumar, Natarajan Ramesh Babu, Avannu Ravindranath DC and Srihari Pandey.
EC has said that the direction should be implemented with immediate effect and has also sought a compliance report within 24 hours of joining of officers.
Yogi Issued Censure by EC Over 'Modi ki Sena' Remark
EC issues censure to Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath over his 'Modi ki Sena' remark. The Commission has advised him to be more careful in future, being a senior political leader.
Censure by EC is to express disapproval of someone or something in a formal statement.
(Source: ANI)