Lok Sabha Election 2019 Updates: Mayawati accuses Congress, BJP of corruption in Bofors, Rafale deals

Lok Sabha election latest updates

Rising Muslim population may divide India again: Gulab Chand Kataria

A video that went viral on social media, shows leader of opposition in Rajasthan assembly Gulab Chand Kataria warning tribals that high birth rate of Muslims might break up India. Kataria was trying to justify his comments by referring to the decreasing population of Hindus in Pakistan. He added that while the Hindu population reduced in Pakistan but Muslim population increased in India, according to_CNN-News18_.

Lok Sabha election latest updates

Sharad Pawar’s remark on Parrikar quitting over Rafale deal uncalled for, says Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said NCP chief Sharad Pawar’s remarks that former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar quit his post at the Centre and returned to Goa as he did not agree with the Rafale fighter jet deal, were uncalled for.

“Rahul (Gandhi) ji too had attempted to say something like this earlier. It was a crass joke but Manohar ji was alive then, so he could give a reply. Giving statements like this after his death is not right. Manohar Parrikar ji had given a reply to this. He was such a man that eight days before his death he had said that he should get the chance to campaign for Modi ji in at least two rallies as there won’t be a PM like him,” Fadnavis said.

Lok Sabha election latest updates

TDP youth wing Telugu Nadu Students Federation’s district president Tirumala Naidu hospitalised after being attacked in Nellore. More details awaited.

(ANI)

Lok Sabha election latest updates

People will welcome Priyanka Gandhi when she enters electoral politics, says Raj Babbar

Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar said, “People are enthusiastic about Priyanka ji (Priyanka Gandhi Vadra). The day she enters electoral politics, people will welcome her. She will win wherever she will contest from.”

Amit Shah in Gandhinagar latest updates

Amit Shah conducted a road show in Gandhinagar’ Kalol

Watch BJP National President Shri @AmitShah's Jan Sampark at Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Statue, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. https://t.co/SdzFL5vXGC #HarVoteModiKo pic.twitter.com/NfTCx0Qv1i

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 14, 2019

Lok Sabha election latest updates

Fragmentation of votes in Uttar Pradesh will benefit BJP, says Ramdas Athawale

“Today, the environment in the country is such that NDA will get 350 seats and BJP will get 65+ seats in Uttar Pradesh as Congress-SP-BSP are not together there, fragmentation of votes exists. So, BJP will automatically be benefited,” said Union Minister Ramdas Athawale

Lok Sabha election latest updates

Narendra Modi to hold roadshow in Bhubaneswar on 16 April

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a roadshow in Bhubaneswar during his visit to Odisha on 16 April.

He is also scheduled to address two rallies in Bhubaneswar and Sambalpur on the same day.

BJP state vice president Samir Mohanty on Sunday said that the prime minister will start his roadshow from near the Biju Patnaik International Airport and reach the public rally venue at Baramunda Ground covering Ganganagar and OUAT Square.

Polling in Bhubaneswar and Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituencies and the assembly segments coming under them will be held in the third phase on 23 April.

PTI

Lok Sabha election latest updates

Congress’ RPN Singh fries pakodas at fair in Kushinagar

Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh’s Kushinagar, Congress leader RPN Singh fried pakodas at a fair, ANI reported. The snack has frequently featured in the party’s protests against the NDA government in recent times, after Narendra Modi cited people opening pakoda stalls as evidence of employment generation in a media interview. 

Kushinagar: RPN Singh, Congress leader and party's candidate from the Parliamentary constituency, fried 'pakora' and prepared 'jalebi' at a fair in Horlapur village earlier today. pic.twitter.com/wwNRAjntVA

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) April 14, 2019

Lok Sabha Election latest updates

Attempt being made to destroy the Constitution: Priyanka Gandhi

Coming down heavily on the BJP, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday said the Constitution is not respected and an attempt is being made to destroy it.

Holding a roadshow in Silchar in support of Congress candidate and sitting MP Sushmita Dev, she also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has toured the world over, but hardly spent time in his own constituency in Varanasi.

PTI

Lok Sabha election latest updates

Rahul Gandhi to campaign in Kerala on 15, 16 and 17 April

Rahul Gandhi will reach Thiruvananthapuram on 15 April. He will visiting Kollam, Pathanmitta and Alappuzha on 16 April. On the same day, he also be visiting the residence of late KM Mani, a senior Kerala Congress leader, in Kottayam.

He will be visiting Wayanad on 17 April, where he will hold a road show and public rally.

Narendra Modi in Moradabad latest updates

Elephant is now riding the cycle and is aiming at chowkidar, says Modi

“People asked me why I call the Opposition Mahamilavat. Behen ji (Mayawati) spent so much money on statues that now one may find money even in the statues’ purses. What does politics bring you to? The elephant is now sitting on the cycle and is aiming at the chowkidar.

Their slogan now is ‘mera bhi maaf, tumhara bhi maaf, warna ho jayenge dono saaf’ (let’s forgive each other else we will both be removed). The people will not forget their deeds and will give full majority to BJP.”

Narendra Modi in Moradabad latest updates

Triple Talaq bill will be tabled in the Parliament when BJP comes back to power, Modi says in Moradabad

The prime minsiter said, “The Opposition has one-point agenda – to defame Modi. Congress calls me ‘shauchalay ka chowkidar’, saying that Modi’s agenda is to build toilets. Can you imagine that after 70 years of independence, women wait for the dark in the absence of toilets? Those with all the luxuries will never understand.

He further said, “In western Uttar Pradesh, gundas made lives of women difficult. The Yogi Adityanath government dealt with this strictly. It is the Opposition’s mentality that compels Muslim women to suffer from triple talaq. On 23 May, when election results will come and when the Modi government comes back, the Triple Talaq will be tabled in the Parliament again.”

Narendra Modi in Moradabad latest updates

Do you want a cowardly government or strong India, asks Modi

Do you want a cowardly government or a strong India? India had technology to attack satellites since a decade. When scientists asked for permissions from the Congress government, they were busy with their remote control government. When scientists asked the same from the Chowkidar’s government, we gave a green signal. India has also done a strike in space and it has become a matter of discussion. Enemies will think 100 times before attacking India in air, space, land and even space.

When India’s strength across the world increases, that is when economy will flourish too. That is when our decisions will be supported by other countries.

Narendra Modi in Moradabad latest updates

Pakistan knows that a third mistake will bear heavy costs, says Modi

The India that we have vowed to help progress and develop will be strong. Earlier, terrorists from Pakistan used to come and attack and Congress used to only complain. Today, it is a new India. Brave soldiers met the Uri attack with surgical strikes. After Pulwama, we entered their homes with the air strikes. They have now understood that a third mistake will bear heavy costs. Now, Pakistan is complaining to the world, as the latter supports India. Pakistan’s friends have also left their side.

Lok Sabha election latest updates

Not scared of Income Tax raids, says HD Kumaraswamy

“I am not scared of Income Tax raids. Even when HD Deve Gowda went to somebody’s house for dinner, their house was raided. What kind of government is this? I don’t need to learn from the Prime Minister. As a Chief Minister, I haven’t taken lives of innocent people, like he did,” Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy told reporters in Bengaluru.

Lok Sabha election latest update​s

BJP is against dynastic rule, says Union Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh offers to resign after son gets Hisar Lok Sabha ticket

Union Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh offered to resign from the cabinet and Rajya Sabha as his son Brijendra Singh got a ticket to contest Lok Sabha elections from Haryana’s Hisar. “When BJP goes for elections, they’re against dynastic rule. So I thought it proper that if my son gets a nomination, I should resign from the Rajya Sabha and ministership. I have written to Amit Shah ji that I am ready to resign,” he told ANI.

Lok Sabha election latest updates

EC acting under BJP’s influence, alleges N Chandrababu Naidu

“The Election Commission is acting under the BJP. They have to act impartially, but we doubt even EVMs are under manipulation. That is why we are demanding 50% counting of VVPATs, but they are not agreeing to the same,” Andhra Pradesh Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu told ANI.

Lok Sabha election live updates

Yesteryear actor Dharmendra accompanied Hema Malini on the campaign trail in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh

Mathura: Actor Dharmendra campaigns for Hema Malini, BJP MP & party's candidate from the Parliamentary constituency. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/yD9wKDWsKA

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) April 14, 2019

Devendra Fadnavis in Ahmedabad latest updates​

“Rahul Gandhi says Garibi Hatao, just like his father and grandmother. Just like television shows give disclaimers that all its characters are fictional, there will soon be disclaimers before Gandhi’s speeches which say ‘ye bhashan kalpnik hai’ (this speech is fictional),” said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Lok Sabha election latest updates

Tamil Nadu: Union Minister Smriti Irani holds a roadshow in Chennai. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/RiVStUfS06

— ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2019

Lok Sabha election latest updates

On being asked about a possible alliance with Congress, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal told reporters, “The country is in danger. To save the country from Narendra Modi ji and Amit Shah ji’s ‘jodi’, we are ready to do whatever is needed. Our efforts will continue till the end.”

Narendra Modi in Aligarh latest updates

“Should the country not be freed of terrorism? Should Pakistani terrorists not be eliminated? Should surgical strikes and air strikes not be conducted? Modi’s mission is to eliminate terrorism, corruption and poverty.”

Narendra Modi in Aligarh latest updates

At the Aligarh rally, Modi said, “It is the power of the Constitution, penned by Bababsaheb Ambedkar, that a member of an otherwise repressed community is now at the position of the President. It is the power of the Constitution that a tea-seller is the Prime Minister. We will develop all the five places relating to Ambedkar as hubs of tourism and pilgrimage.”

He further said, “The Opposition forgot what the people of western Uttar Pradesh went through for their own advantage. Some wanted to change the face of politics, but they adopted the slogan ‘Sabse pehle parivar aur rishtedar’ (Family and relatives come first and foremost).”

Narendra Modi in Aligarh latest updates

First phase of polling has shown Mahamilavat is on verge of defeat: Modi

People want progress and development and Caste-based selfish politics are not needed. People want ‘sabka saath, sabka vikas’.

The elections results this time will compel the Mahamilavat to buy Aligarh locks for their shops. After Phase 1, they know it is difficult to survive for them. They are on the verge of defeat. They are not fighting in 40 seats (in Uttar Pradesh), can they ever become PM?

Lok Sabha election latest updates

Arvind Kejriwal indicates willingness for alliance with Congress

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday reiterated the “need” to defeat the BJP in the ongoing Lok Sabha election. He said, “Will do anything to defeat Narendra Modi and Amit Shah.”

Opposition joint press briefing latest updates

BJP responds to joint Opposition press conference on ‘irregularities’ EVM system

BJP MP GVL Narasimha Rao addressed a press conference in response to the Opposition’s joint press briefing over the issue of EVM malfunctioning and said they will approach the Supreme Court again to demand that at least 50 percent of paper trails be verified with EVMs.

Rao said, “The so-called all-party meeting convened in Delhi is nothing but a confession of defeat by of the so-called Mahagathbandhan. It’s a fact that the Opposition alliance neither have any governance agenda nor do they have any leadership to inspire people.”

Priyanka Gandhi campaign latest updates

Priyanka Gandhi campaigns in Assam, says PM has not visited his own constituency

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi on Sunday addressed a public rally in Assam’s Silchar in favour of the Congress Lok Sabha candidate, Sushmita Dev. Priyanka said, “The prime minister has time to visit US and other countries but doesn’t have the time to visit his own people. When asked the public, they said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not visited his own constituency."

Rajnath Singh campaign latest updates

Rajnath Singh says SP, BSP formed alliance out of fear of ‘Modi wave’

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who addressed a rally in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor district on Sunday said, SP-BSP have formed an alliance to stop Narendra Modi ji. It could have never been imagined that these two parties will come together in UP. They knew ‘Modi ki aandhi mein hum (SP and BSP) akele tinke ki tarah beh jaenge’, so they came together.

Opposition press briefing latest updates

Arvind Kejriwal says people have ’lost faith’ in EVMs

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, who addressed the Opposition’s press conference on Sunday said, “People have lost faith in EVMs… EVM’s are manipulated for winning the Lok Sabha elections by the BJP.”

Opposition press briefing latest updates

Kapil Sibal says trust is in voters, not voting machines

Congress leader Kapil Sibal in the Opposition’s joint press conference on Sunday said, “We believe in voters, not in voting machines… Why are VVPATs not ready to count 50 percent…if EC is going to ignore these facts then we will try some other ways…we can tell EC how these machines can be manipulated…We are not ready to accept EC’s decision.”

Lok Sabha election latest updates

BJP releases 20th list of six candidates in Haryana, Madhya Prades, and Rajasthan

The BJP on Sunday released its 20th list of 6 candidates in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan for the Lok Sabha elections. Union minister Chaudhary Birender Singh’s son Brijendra Singh is set to contest from Hisar in Haryana, while one candidate for a by-election to the Uluberia Purba assembly constituency in West Bengal was also named.

BJP releases 20th list of 6 candidates in Haryana, MP and Rajasthan for #LokSabhaElections2019 . Union Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh's son Brijendra Singh to contest from Hisar (Haryana). One candidate for by-election to Uluberia Purba assembly constituency (WB) also named. pic.twitter.com/LliLITOxHd

— ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2019

Opposition press briefing latest updates

Congress says EVM-related demands will be taken to SC

Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi, in the Opposition’s joint press conference on Sunday said, “Names of Lakhs of voters are deleted online without physical verification. There is a long list the parties have given to EC. It has become even more necessary to count at least 50% of the paper trail of VVPAT. We will demand the same in Supreme Court.”

He added, “Questions were raised after the 1st phase of election,we don’t think EC is paying adequate attention. If you press the button before X Party,vote goes to Y party. VVPAT displays only for 3 seconds, instead of 7 seconds.”

Priyanka Gandhi campaign latest updates

Priyanka Gandhi’s roadshow in Assam begins

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi is holding a roadshow in Assam’s Silchar.

Assam: Congress General Secretary for eastern UP, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra campaigns for party's MP candidate from Silchar parliamentary constituency Sushmita Dev. pic.twitter.com/aZwB0sQHe1

— ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2019

Opposition press briefing latest updates

I am working to save democracy, says N Chandrababu Naidu

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu said that the Opposition’s EVM- and VVPAT-related demands were not new. “EVMs can be seen being manipulated. I am working to save democracy,” Naidu said. According to reports, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and Congress leader Kapil Sibal are also at the presser.

Opposition press briefing latest updates

N Chandrababu Naidu-led press conference begins

Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi began the press briefing saying that the Opposition parties were not “satisfied” by the Election Commission’s action on the “irregularities” in the EVM and VVPAT system. “We are not satisfied with the EC’s action on VVPAT, we want more VVPAT to ensure fair polls, we have seen numerous irregularities in the first phase. We need to uphold the credibility of the polling process, VVPAT is an indispendable part of the process, and we need more officials to speed up the process.”

Priyanka Gandhi in Silchar latest updates

Priyanka Gandhi reaches Assam’s Silchar for roadshow

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra reached Silchar in Assam on Sunday ahead of the planned roadshow. News18 reported that she will also visit the Kachakanti Mandir in Udharbond and address a rally.

Narendra Modi in Kathua latest updates

Narendra Modi says 2014 win has benefited marginalised communities

“Your vote in 2014 has given marginalised communities all the benefits,” Narendra Modi said.

Narendra Modi in Kathua latest updates

Kashmiri Pandits will be returned to their land, Narendra Modi says

The BJP is committed to bring the Kashmiri Pandits back to their land, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his Kathua rally in Jammu and Kashmir.

Narendra Modi in Kathua latest updates

Narendra Modi says Kashmiri Pandit families had to leave because of Congress

“The Congress was so concerned about their vote bank, that they pretended not to see the atrocities against my Kashmiri Pandit brothers and sisters,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. The prime minister also referred to the 1984 Sikh riots and said that the Congress was betraying the people by promising nyay.

Narendra Modi in Kathua latest updates

Narendra Modi says Congress has been ‘infected with germs’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Congress had been “infected with germs” the grand old party’s manifesto promise that AFSPA will be removed from the state if they come to power. “Can a patriot speak like this? Shouldn’t our security forces have a safety net” he questioned.

Narendra Modi in Kathua latest updates

Two families have destroyed three generations of Jammu and Kashmir’s citizens

Prime Minister Narendra Modi challenged the “two families” who have “ruled” Jammu and Kashmir for three generations and said that he would not allow them to divide the country. He was referring to NC chief Omar Abdullah’s demand for a separate prime minister for the state.

Narendra Modi in Kathua latest updates

Jammu and Kashmir is choosing ‘New India’ in these elections, says Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the ‘chowkidar’ campaign in his rally in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua. He slammed the “Abdullah family” and said that he was not scared or intimidated.

Narendra Modi in Kathua latest updates

Narendra Modi says Congress appeases vote bank

The Congress is raising questions on the government’s actions on national security to appease their vote bank, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a rally in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua.

Narendra Modi in Kathua latest updates

Narendra Modi says Congress has never trusted India’s defence forces

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Congress had ’never trusted’ the Indian Armed Forces, referring to the Opposition’s questions regarding the 2016 surgical strikes and the IAF strikes in Balakot. “For the Congress, the army is only a way of earning money,” Modi said. He mentioned the Bofors scam.

Narendra Modi in Kathua latest updates

Narendra Modi says nationalism is an ‘insult’ for Opposition

The prime minister launched an attack on the Opposition, and the Congress in specific. He also alleged that Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh had ‘insulted’ the Jallianwala Bagh memorial by not attending the government’s memorial on the day of the incident’s centenary.

Narendra Modi in Kathua latest updates

Narendra Modi pays tribute to BR Ambedkar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began by paying a tribute to Dr BR Ambedkar on the latter’s birth anniversary. He also addressed the public in the local language initially and said that there is still a BJP wave across the country. “Opinion polls and surveys are saying that BJP will get thrice the seats that Congress gets in these Lok Sabha polls,” he said.

Narendra Modi in Kathua latest updates

Narendra Modi begins addressing public rally in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua

Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins speaking at a public rally in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district. Modi raised slogans for Dr BR Ambedkar on the latter’s birth anniversary.

Akhilesh Yadav campaign latest updates

Akhilesh Yadav says governments ‘come and go’ but jawans remain at borders

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, while addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, slammed the BJP’s claim that the NDA government has made national security strong in its tenure.

He said , “They say as long as there is a BJP government, our borders are secure. We the people of Samajwadi Party believe that as long as there are brave soldiers at our borders, the borders are secure. Governments come and go but the jawans stay at the border, protecting India.”

Lok Sabha election latest updates

BSP releases fourth list of 16 candidates

The Bahujan Samaj Party on Sunday released its fourth list of 16 candidates for the Lok Sabha election. The second phase of the election is scheduled for 18 April.

Bahujan Samaj Party releases fourth list of 16 candidates for #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/9cejO6wwMn

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) April 14, 2019

Priyanka Gandhi campaign latest updates

Priyanka Gandhi to hold roadshow in Assam

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi will address a rally in Assam’s Silchar, however, Congress president Rahul Gandhi was forced to cancel his public rally scheduled for Sunday in West Bengal’s Siliguri after the state authority denied permission for his helicopter to land at the venue.

Narendra Modi campaign latest updates

Narendra Modi to campaign in Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will keep up the campaign for the second phase of the Lok Sabha election with three rallies on Sunday — in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua and Uttar Pradesh’s Aligarh and Moradabad.