Amit Shah in Gujarat; Lok Sabha Election 2019 LIVE updates: Amid Article 370 row, BJP chief asks crowd to chant 'entire Kashmir is ours'

Yogi Adityanath in Assam latest updates: Uttar Pradesh CM says Modi drove China to ‘retreat’

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday heaped praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the prime minister’s leadership made China, for the first time, to retreat from Doklam in Bhutan.

Speaking at an election rally in Assam’s Hojai, Adityanath said, “China tried to forcefully enter India’s borders and threaten our security in Doklam, the government under the leadership of Modi ji displayed strong will power and our soldiers gave China a befitting reply. For the first time, China was forced to retreat.”

ANI

Kite-maker flies high on poll spirit

A Kolkata kite-maker has been making brisk business by selling kites with symbols of political parties on it.

#WestBengal: A kite maker in Kolkata is making and selling kites with the symbols of political parties on it, ahead of Lok Sabha elections, says, "This is a way to express our interest in the upcoming elections. I sell these kites from Rs 5 to Rs 15." #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/Z3yLqmxRtD

— ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2019

Uttar Pradesh election latest updates: SP-BSP-RLD alliance to have first rally at Saharanpur tomorrow

The SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh will kick off its joint campaign for the coming Lok Sabha elections on Sunday, holding its first rally in Saharanpur’s Deoband. The top leaders of the parties will address the Deoband meeting just days before Saharanpur and seven other western Uttar Pradesh constituencies go to the polls in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections on 11 April.

BJP election campaign latest updates: Former army staff vice-chief joins BJP

Lieutenant General (Retired) Sarath Chand, former Vice-Chief of Army Staff today joined the BJP in the presence of Union minister and party leader Sushma Swaraj.

Delhi: Lt. General (Retired) Sarath Chand, former Vice Chief of Army Staff, joins BJP in presence of Union Minister & party leader Sushma Swaraj. pic.twitter.com/cHlZBgm7xi

— ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2019

IN PHOTOS: Priyanka Gandhi holds roadshow in Fatehpur

Congress’s newly anointed general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East, Priyanka Gandhi, today led a roadshow across Fatehpur.

Congress General Secretary for eastern Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra holds roadshow in Fatehpur. pic.twitter.com/WoRa4L3l6l

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) April 6, 2019

Amit Shah in Gandhinagar latest updates: BJP chief urges crowd to chant ’entire Kashmir is ours’

BJP president Amit Shah, who is contesting the Lok Sabha election from Gandhinagar seat, took out on a roadshow in the city before which he asked those present there to chant “entire Kashmir is ours.”

Shah garlanded the photographs of Jan Sangh founders Deen Dayal Upadhyaya and Shyama Prasad Mookerjee before the roadshow, at Ahmedabad. There, he asked people present to say, “Jaha hue balidan Mookerjee, woh Kashmir hamara hai, sara ka sara hamara hai.” This translates to “where Mookerjee sacrificed his life, that Kashmir is ours, entire Kashmir is ours.”

PDP chief and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had recently criticised Shah, saying he was “daydreaming” about abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution that provides special status to the state.

PTI

BJP election campaign latest updates: Former army chief set to join BJP

Former army chief Dalbir Suhag, it is being reported, is likely to join BJP today.

AAP election campaign latest updates: Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, other leaders meet to discuss alliance

A meeting was held between Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, and party leaders Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh and Gopal Rai, on the party’s possible alliance with Congress and for a review of the campaign so far. 

News18 reported source as having informed it that AAP’s position is that they will enter the gathbandhan only if it includes 18 seats: seven in Delhi, 10 in Haryana and one in Chandigarh, and not otherwise.

Rahul Gandhi in Haridwar latest updates: Narendra Modi has insulted his own guru but speaks on Hindu dharm

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, speaking at Haridwar in Uttarakhand, slammed the BJP once again for effectively doing away with party veteran LK Advani.

“Look at their treatment of their own guru. Who is Narendra Modi’s guru? LK Advani. Narendra Modi has kicked out his own guru and yet has the temerity to talk on Hindu dharm in which the guru is the most important thing,” Rahul said.

Rahul Gandhi in Haridwar latest updates: Congress chief counters BJP’s charges

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, speaking at Haridwar in Uttarakhand, sought to reply to many of the charges brought against him by the likes of BJP leaders and especially Narendra Modi, in campaign speeches. He spoke on portions of the Congress manifesto that the BJP has especially hit out against. “The concept of NYAY comes with the intention of eradicating poverty in the 21st century. It is a surgical strike on poverty,” he said.

Countering the BJP’s charge that the Congress manifesto is disrespectful of army personnel, Rahul said, “If a CRPF jawan is martyred, he does not get martyr status. We have clearly written in the manifesto that para-military youths who are martyred will get martyr status.”

Narendra Modi in Chhattisgarh latest updates: PM plays on words again with new acronym of ‘DBT’

Speaking in his third rally of the day, at Balod in Chhattisgarh, Modi said he believes in the “DBT” that stands for “Direct Benefit Transfer” while Congress believes in a “DBT” which stands for “Direct Bicholiya Transfer”. The word “bicholiya” stands for “middlemen”. 

He also spoke on the Congress manifesto’s promise to amend Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. “I want to ask the Congress people who wish to strip the army of their rights to go without their own security cover for once,” Modi said.

कांग्रेस की नीयत में खोट है, इसलिए दलालों और बिचौलियों का एक पूरा संसार इन्होंने विकसित किया है।

नीयत में खोट है, इसलिए हेलिकॉप्टर की खरीदारी में भी दलाली खाने से भी ये बाज़ नहीं आए: पीएम मोदी #IndiaWantsModiAgain pic.twitter.com/wfQm1Bvogi

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 6, 2019

BJP election campaign updates: Uma Bharti snubbed in latest candidates’ list

BJP veteran Uma Bharti’s Jhansi seat has gone to Anurag Sharma in a new list of candidates released by the BJP for Odisha, Haryana, Uttar Pradsh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

BJP releases list of 24 candidates for #LokSabhaElections2019, 2 candidates for Odisha Legislative Assembly Elections & 2 candidates for by-election to the Legislative Assembly for Chhindwara (Madhya Pradesh) & Nighasan (Uttar Pradesh). pic.twitter.com/tpn1DeNLJ2

— ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2019

Narendra Modi in Chhattisgarh latest updates: PM brings up Congresss manifesto again

Narendra Modi is addressing his first rally in Chhattisgarh since the Election Commission announced the dates of the polls. He has once again referred to the Congress manifesto, saying that it tries to take away from the army’s freedom. 

“In Odisha, from where I am coming, Congress leaders are running around, looking for parties to join,” he said.

बीते 5 वर्षों में आपने देखा है कि मजबूत सरकार का मतलब क्या होता है।

जब सरकार मजबूत होती है तो आतंकी हमलों के बाद देश चुप नहीं रहता है, घर में घुसकर मारता है: पीएम मोदी #IndiaWantsModiAgain pic.twitter.com/FPnbGI54Ds

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 6, 2019

Congress election campaign updates: Shatrughan fielded from Patna Sahib

In a new candidates list released by the Congress on Saturday, Shatrughan Sinha has been fielded from the Patna Sahib constituency he currently holds.

Congress releases another list of 5 candidates for #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/6MbmEfXLkX

— ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2019

Congress election campaign latest updates: We are being taught a new definition of patriotism, says Sonia Gandhi

Sonia Gandhi, addressing a Congress event at Delhi said “a new definition of patriotism” is being taught in this day and age. She added that compromises needed to be made in terms of expression and living in order to be considered a patriot anymore.

Sonia Gandhi in Delhi: Today we are being taught a new definition of patriotism. Those who do not accept diversity are being called patriots. Humse umeed ki ja rahi hai ki khaan paan pehnaave aur abhivyakti ki azaadi ke maamle mein kuch logon ki manmaani hum bardaasht karein. pic.twitter.com/yAXAvV019h

— ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2019

Priyanka Gandhi in Jahanabad latest updates: Congress general secretary asks BJP not to be selective in respecting martyrs

Campaigning at Jahanabad, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said on Saturday, “Answer me, how much black money has come back?… Tell me who is not a desh bhakt in this country. Vote for those who have worked for you.”

She added that “BJP can’t be selective” about respecting martyrs. “They should also respect Rajeev Gandhi, they should respect Indira Gandhi,” she said.

She further slammed the BJP’s unkept promise of Rs 15 lakh in every account. “Has anyone got Rs 15 lakh in their bank account? When it comes to farm loan waiver, this government says they don’t have money…on the other hand, this government waives loans to industrialists,” she said.

Sonia Gandhi in Delhi latest updates: UPA chairperson addresses Congress rally, says party will deliver all its promises

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi is addressing the Congress’s Jan Sarokar rally 2019 in Delhi. “When the UPA was in power, civil society had been in sync with the Manmohan Singh government. Laws and schemes came which helped several ordinary people realise their dreams,” she said.

“I have no doubt that the promises being made by the Congress now will be realised in their entirety if the party is voted to power,” Sonia added.

LIVE: UPA Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi addresses Peoples’ Agenda- Jan Sarokar 2019 in Delhi. #PeoplesAgenda2019 https://t.co/BK3Jr1iZbv

— Congress (@INCIndia) April 6, 2019

TMC election campaign updates: Mamata turns the heat up on Modi, calls him a liar

Speaking at a rally in West Bengal’s Alipurduar, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “liar”. 

“TMC will lead the formation of new government at the Centre after defeating Modi. You didn’t look after your wife. How will you look after the masses,” the Bengal chief minister asked.

TDP election campaign updates: Chandrababu Naidu releases party manifesto, says these have become a ‘farce’

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, speaking Telugu Desam Party manifesto release said manifestos have become a “farce” nowadays with some parties claiming that they will do a lot without engaging with the intricacies.

Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu speaking at party manifesto release: Manifestos have become a farce nowadays. Some parties claim that they'll do many things, they don't even know intricacies. But we have clear vision. We have fulfilled many promises,more than the said ones. pic.twitter.com/qkAWlht3z1

— ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2019

EC to seek factual report from poll authorities in Maharashtra over PM’s Wardha speech

The Election Commission is learnt to have sought a factual report from poll authorities in Maharashtra on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech in Wardha following a complaint from the Congress.

The Congress Friday moved the EC against Modi’s speech in Wardha city in which he said the opposition party was “scared” to field its leaders from constituencies where majority dominates, alleging that the comments were “hateful and divisive”.

PTI

Rahul Gandhi in Uttarakhand latest updates: Congress president to address rally at GINTI Grounds

The Congress chief has arrived at his first rally venue of the day, at Srinagar in Uttarakhand.

https://bit.ly/2G49IOf

Rahul Gandhi in Uttarakhand latest updates: Congress president to address rally at GINTI Grounds

The Congress chief has arrived at his first rally venue of the day, at Srinagar in Uttarakhand.

https://bit.ly/2G49IOf

IUML complains to EC against Adityanath’s ‘virus’ remark

A delegation of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) on Saturday lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over his remark on the party.

“We came today to Election Commission of India to lodge a complaint with regards to the tweets and statements made by Yogi Adityanath, leaders from the BJP and its allies including Delhi MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa and the troll army of the BJP. They are calling us virus, terrorist and calling our flag a Pakistani flag. Such statements are maligning us,” IUML national secretary Khurram Omer said.

ANI

YSRCP election campaign latest updates: Jaganmohan Reddy releases party manifesto

The YSR Congress Party on Saturday released its manifesto for the Lok Sabha and Assembly Elections in the state with a focus on empowerment of marginalised sections of the society, especially women.

The manifesto was released by YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy at party’s head office here. The party acknowledged farm distress and proposed ‘Rythu Bharosa’ scheme that will provide Rs 12,500 per annum, free crop insurance, interest-free loans to farmers.

For empowerment of women, the manifesto promises Rs 15,000 per year under ‘Amma Vodi’ welfare scheme. The manifesto promises Rs 50,000 per year for Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWCRA) under the YSR Aasara scheme. 

ANI

BJP election campaign latest updates: Giriraj Singh files nomination from Begusarai

Union minister Giriraj Singh has filed his nomination from Begusarai seat in Bihar. Giriraj had earlier been unwilling to contest from the Bihar seat which will see him go against CPI leader Kanhaiya Kumar.

Dimple Yadav in Kannauj latest updates: Samajwadi Party MP files nomination papers

Samajwadi Party MP from Kannauj, Dimple Yadav, filed her nomination papers on Saturday in the presence of husband Akhilesh Yadav and other senior leaders of the party.

समाजवादी पार्टी और बहुजन समाज पार्टी के वरिष्ठ नेताओं के साथ कन्नौज लोकसभा सीट से नामांकन के दौरान। pic.twitter.com/YbnXAmSXpG

— Dimple Yadav (@dimpleyadav) April 6, 2019

WATCH: BJD releases Naveen Patnaik’s exercise video

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has released a video of 72-year-old Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik exercising at his residence. At end of the over two-minute video, Patnaik says, “Getting ready to fight for the people of Odisha.”

The video is believed to have been released to quell rumours that the chief minister is unwell. 

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) releases video of Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik’s exercise regime. The CM says, "Getting ready to fight for the people of Odisha". pic.twitter.com/C15SqZRvoJ

— ANI (@ANI) April 5, 2019

Naveen Patnaik in Nabarangpur latest updates: Odisha CM addresses massive rally

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi toured Sundargarh and Sonepur in Odisha, state chief minister Naveen Patnaik addressed a rally at Nabarangpur. 

Addressing Public at Nabarangpur during #OdishaElection2019 campaign #NabarangpurReShankhanada #GhareGhareShankha https://t.co/E7qxQhS4Eb

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) April 6, 2019

Mayawati calls LK Advani’s blogpost a ‘reality check’

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Saturday sided with the BJP patriarch LK Advani over his blog post, saying it gave “reality check” on the functioning of the “anti-people” Modi government.

“LK Advani’s reality check admonition on the functioning of the Modi government on the party’s foundation day is a serious no-confidence against them,” Mayawati tweeted while taking a dig at the incumbent government.

Mayawati’s statement comes after Advani in a blog post on 5 April said that the BJP never regarded its adversaries as “enemies” or “anti-national”.

BJP patriarch LK Advani’s reality check admonition on the functioning of the BJP/Modi govt on the party’s foundation day is a serious no-confidence against them besides a fervent appeal to the people that this despotic/anti-people Modi Govt is unworthy of returning back to power.

— Mayawati (@Mayawati) April 6, 2019

Mayawati calls LK Advani’s blogpost a ‘reality check’

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Saturday sided with the BJP patriarch LK Advani over his blog post, saying it gave “reality check” on the functioning of the “anti-people” Modi government.

“LK Advani’s reality check admonition on the functioning of the Modi government on the party’s foundation day is a serious no-confidence against them,” Mayawati tweeted while taking a dig at the incumbent government.

Mayawati’s statement comes after Advani in a blog post on 5 April said that the BJP never regarded its adversaries as “enemies” or “anti-national”.

BJP patriarch LK Advani’s reality check admonition on the functioning of the BJP/Modi govt on the party’s foundation day is a serious no-confidence against them besides a fervent appeal to the people that this despotic/anti-people Modi Govt is unworthy of returning back to power.

— Mayawati (@Mayawati) April 6, 2019

In Odisha, politically-owned media houses sing to tunes of patron parties as objectivity takes backseat in poll discourse

As the electoral combat intensifies, the leading media houses of Odisha — either owned or promoted by candidates belonging to different parties — are busy fighting in the political ring. As a result, in the words of Rabi Das, former editor of an Odia daily and political commentator, “Not only truth is killed, even basic neutrality is not maintained.”

As far as media strength is concerned, the ruling BJD, clearly enjoys an edge over its opponents, the BJP and Congress. Three of its leaders, Cuttack Lok Sabha MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, who is contesting from the same seat, and two Rajya Sabha members — media tycoon Soumya Ranjan Patnaik (MLA candidate from Khandapara Assembly segment) and educational entrepreneur Achyuta Samanta who is fighting for the tribal-dominated Kandhamal Lok Sabha constituency — have their media units.

Arunachal Pradesh election latest updates: Border police cast first vote of Lok Sabha polls 

The first votes of the 2019 Lok Sabha Polls have been cast in Arunachal Pradesh by service voters.

A remote Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) unit on the eastern tip of North East began service voting by secret postal ballot on Friday, at Lohitpur in Arunachal Pradesh.

https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1114434123924262912

Narendra Modi in Sonepur latest updates: PM points finger at region’s own issues, slams Congress, BJD govts

“Do you want a majboor sarkar or a majboot sarkar,” Modi asked Sonepur. 

Modi brought up the particular problems of tribals and weavers in the region, alluding to the water scarcity “in spite of the presence of the Mahanadi and Tel rivers in the region”. 

Generation after generations the Congress was able to give only slogans for eradication of poverty. People got poorer and their ministers got richer: PM Modi #IndiaWantsModiAgain pic.twitter.com/fK1Y5VFgCM

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 6, 2019

People support and trust me because I've given free LPG connection to the women and free electricity connection to the needy: PM Modi

Dial 9345014501 to listen LIVE. #IndiaWantsModiAgain pic.twitter.com/WfZ72XNDUp

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 6, 2019

Narendra Modi rally in Odisha latest updates: PM hits out at BJD, Congress once again

I have travelled across India and I’ve seen a wave. But some people can’t see this massive wave," Modi said at Sonepur. 

He slammed the Congress and BJD governments that are and had been in power in Odisha. “These are leaders who neither want the poor to succeed nor will they do anything to help them. They want all the riches for themselves,” he said.

देश का प्रधानसेवक होने के साथ ही मैं बनारस का सांसद भी हूं और इसलिए इस स्थान से मुझे विशेष लगाव है, क्योंकि स्वर्णपुर और बनारस दोनों ही महादेव की नगरी हैं: पीएम मोदी #IndiaWantsModiAgain pic.twitter.com/jyondgF156

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 6, 2019

Narendra Modi in Odisha latest updates: PM Modi addresses Sonepur rally, says state will vote for vikas

Speaking at his second Odisha rally of the day, Narendra Modi extolled the virtues of Odisha and asked why the BJD government has not been able to make the most of the natural resources of the state.

LIVE: PM Modi addresses public meeting in Sonepur, Odisha. Dial 9345014501 to listen LIVE. #IndiaWantsModiAgain https://t.co/ZarOL7Lw7h

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 6, 2019

Shatrughan Sinha calls Bihar Congress chief ‘backbone of BJP’

Minutes after joining the Congress, Shatrughan Sinha made a gaffe when he said, “Shakti Singh Gohil ji (Bihar Congress In-charge) has been backbone of BJP in Bihar and in Gujarat.” 

When corrected, Sinha admitted that the fact that it was the BJP’s foundation day could have played a role behind his mistake, that he was new to the game and that his mistake was not deliberate.

https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1114426413753536512

Shatrughan Sinha calls Bihar Congress chief ‘backbone of BJP’

Minutes after joining the Congress, Shatrughan Sinha made a gaffe when he said, “Shakti Singh Gohil ji (Bihar Congress In-charge) has been backbone of BJP in Bihar and in Gujarat.” 

When corrected, Sinha admitted that the fact that it was the BJP’s foundation day could have played a role behind his mistake, that he was new to the game and that his mistake was not deliberate.

https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1114426413753536512

Shatrughan Sinha joins Congress in the presence of Randeep Singh Surjewala, other Congress leaders

After nearly three decades with the BJP, actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha, who had been unhappy with the saffron party, formally joined Congress in the presence of senior party leaders on Saturday.

Image: Twitter/@SinghNagen

Sushma asks Rahul to maintain decorum over Advani mention in speech

Sushma Swaraj has asked Rahul Gandhi, who brought up LK Advani at a speech on Friday, to “maintain some decorum” in his speech.

राहुल जी - अडवाणी जी हमारे पिता तुल्य हैं. आपके बयान ने हमें बहुत आहत किया है. कृपया भाषा की मर्यादा रखने की कोशिश करें. #Advaniji
Rahulji - Advani ji is our father figure. Your words have hurt us deeply. Please try to maintain some decorum of your speech. #Advaniji

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) April 6, 2019

Narendra Modi in Sundargarh latest updates: PM highlights BJD’s failure

“No party ever thought of carrying out an air strike and surgical strike. It’s indicative of strengthening India. A strong government is necessary for strong and empowered India,” Modi said in Odisha. 

He repeatedly struck out at the BJD government in Odisha, invoking everything from the formation of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and their relative “success” in comparison to Odisha to the Naveen Patnaik government’s disavowal of the Ayushman Bharat scheme to highlight the BJD government’s failure.

In Jharkhand, the development has reached every corner. Now, they don't have to migrate to other states. They have options to earn livelihood in their state. This is what happens when you have same govt in the state and the centre: PM Modi #IndiaWantsModiAgain

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 6, 2019

क्षेत्र के आधार पर जो भेदभाव ओडिशा की BJD सरकार कर रही है, ऐसा ही भेदभाव कांग्रेस और उसके सहयोगियों ने भी दशकों से पूरे पूर्वी भारत के साथ किया है: प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र मोदी #IndiaWantsModiAgain pic.twitter.com/XGbEUDLtZJ

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 6, 2019

Shatrughan Sinha tweets on the occasion of leaving BJP, joining Congress

“It’s with a heavy heart and immense pain that I finally bid adieu to my old party, for reasons best known to all of us, on 6 April, which also happens to be the Sansthapna Diwas of BJP,” wrote Shatrughan Sinha on Saturday. 

He is set to joing the Congress today.

It's with a heavy heart and immense pain that I finally bid adieu to my old party, for reasons best known to all of us, on 6th April, which also happens to be the Sansthapna Diwas of BJP.
I don't hold any ill will for our people as they were like my family and I was groomed in

— Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) April 6, 2019

this party with the guidance and blessings of the stalwarts like Bharat Ratna Nanaji Deshmukh, late and great PM #atalbiharivajpayee and of course, our friend philosopher, ultimate leader, guru & guide, Sri. L.K #Advani. I would like to include some of those who've not lived up

— Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) April 6, 2019

to the expectations, to those who are responsible for the injustice and for turning Lok Shahi into Tana Shahi. I forgive and forget at this juncture. The differences I have with some of the present people and policies of the party, leave me with no option but to part ways with it

— Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) April 6, 2019

Narendra Modi rally in Sundargarh: PM holds forth on BJP’s role in India on party’s foundation day 

“BJP is the country’s largest party,” said the prime minister in Sundargarh. He stressed that everyone from women to dalits to adivasis is with the party. 

“The BJP was formed out of the sacrifice of karyakartas,” said Narendra Modi, adding that in Bengal, BJP workers are allegedly routinely killed. Modi spoke on the BJP’s Foundation Day, invoking the ethos of the party and holding forth at length on how much the party has “soldiered on” with courage. 

मुझे बताया गया कि पहली बार देश का कोई प्रधानमंत्री सुंदरगढ़ आया है। लेकिन आज भी कोई प्रधानमंत्री यहां नहीं आया है, आज तो ओडिशा का प्रधानसेवक अपने मालिकों से आशीर्वाद लेने आया है: प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र मोदी #IndiaWantsModiAgain pic.twitter.com/011bOxZ0Tu

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 6, 2019

Narendra Modi rally in Odisha latest updates: PM says he is not a pradhan mantri but a pradhan sevak

Narendra Modi has begun speaking at Sundargarh in Odisha. “It’s not a PM who is visiting Sundargarh. A pradhan sevak of Odisha has come here,” Modi said.

PM Modi addresses public meeting in Sundargarh, Odisha. #IndiaWantsModiAgain https://t.co/qG2rx31oG4

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 6, 2019

Vivek Oberoi says he is working hard to release PM Narendra Modi on 11 April

Vivek Oberoi, who has starred in the controversial film PM Narendra Modi said on Saturday that “very powerful people have approached courts through their lawyers to obstruct the release of the film.”

He added that they were working hard to release the film on 11 April. 

Vivek Oberoi on his film 'PM Narendra Modi': We wanted to release the film on April 5 but some people put us in so many difficulties that we couldn't do it. We are working hard to get the film released on April 11, we have to go to the Supreme Court on Monday. pic.twitter.com/AnEC3jt2W8

— ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2019

Vivek Oberoi on his film 'PM Narendra Modi': There are very powerful people who have approached courts through their lawyers. They can obstruct us briefly but they won't be able to stop us. The release might have been postponed but we are firm in our resolve. pic.twitter.com/iPOon4VvAC

— ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2019

IN PHOTOS: Smriti Irani offers prayers at Gauriganj

Union Minister and BJP’s candidate from Amethi Lok Sabha constituency, Smriti Irani offered prayers at a temple in Gauriganj on Saturday.

Union Minister and BJP's candidate from Amethi Lok Sabha constituency, Smriti Irani offers prayers at a temple in Gauriganj. pic.twitter.com/GIbcpUvzvS

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) April 6, 2019

Congress election campaign latest updates: Leaders convene at Rahul Gandhi’s house, decision expected on alliance with AAP soon

Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh has left Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s residence after a meeting which is widely expected to have been called in order to arrive at a decision regarding whether the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party will arrive at an alliance. 

Delhi Congress chief Sheila Dikshit, state in-charge PC Chacko and other Delhi Congress leaders are also party of the meeting. Sheika Dikshit has voiced her disagreement with the alliance earlier.

Delhi: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh leaves from Congress President Rahul Gandhi's residence pic.twitter.com/A5esoxE87C

— ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2019

DMK election latest updates: People are fed up of Modi, says MK Stalin

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagham chief MK Stalin said, “I have campaigned in nearly 30 parliamentary constituencies till now. I have sensed the public mood, they are fed up of Modi in Centre and Edappadi K Palaniswami government in the state and people want to put a full stop to these governments.

DMK Chief MK Stalin: I have campaigned in nearly 30 parliamentary constituencies till now. I have sensed public mood, they are fed up of Modi in Centre and Edappadi K. Palaniswami government in state and people want to put a full stop to these governments. pic.twitter.com/GV6ctL7Pnj

— ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2019

TMC election campaign latest updates: Mamata Banerjee to campaign in Alipurduar

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee will address public meetings at Barobisha and Kalchini in Alipurduar.

pic.twitter.com/QKvVpy9yHG

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) April 6, 2019

Congress election latest updates: Rahul to campaign in Valley, Uttarakhand; sister Priyanka in Uttar Pradesh

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will campaign in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar and address public meetings at Almora and Haridwar in Uttarakhand. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi will also be on the campaign trail with a roadshow at Fatehpur in Uttar Pradesh.

In his Pune interaction with students, as well as on Twitter, Rahul reiterated that he was against political hatred and for love. 

Hatred is cowardice.

I don’t care if the entire world is full of hatred. I am not a coward.

I will not hide behind hate and anger.

I love all living beings, including those temporarily blinded by hatred.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 5, 2019

Congress election latest updates: Rahul Gandhi congratulates first adivasi girl to crack UPSC 

Congress president Rahul Gandhi congratulated Sreedhanya Suresh from Wayanad district who created history on Friday by becoming the first adivasi student from the state to crack the UPSC examination. 

Ms Sreedhanya Suresh from Wayanad, is the first tribal girl from Kerala to be selected for the civil service.

Sreedhanya’s hard work & dedication have helped make her dream come true.

I congratulate Sreedhanya and her family and wish her great successs in her chosen career.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 6, 2019

IN PHOTOS: BJP chief Amit Shah leads roadshow through Ahmedabad

BJP president Amit Shah will address a rally in Gandhinagar, the constituency he is fighting the General Elections from. He is travelling to Gandhinagar in a roadshow and bike rally.

Pictures from BJP National President Shri @AmitShah's Jan Sampark Abhiyan in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Watch at https://t.co/gkPg69c7sL #IndiaWantsModiAgain pic.twitter.com/LtzyXDiRJj

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 6, 2019

Narendra Modi in Odisha latest updates: PM tweets ahead of his visit to Naveen Patnaik-ruled state

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address rallies in Odisha’s Sundargarh and Subarnapur. The BJP has concentrated its efforts on the Biju Janata Dal-ruled state which will see simultaneous Assembly elections. 

Modi has tweeted ahead of his visit to the state as well.

ଓଡିଶାର ସୁନ୍ଦରଗଡ ଓ ସୋନପୁର ଠାରେ ଜନସଭାକୁ ସମ୍ବୋଧିତ କରିବି । ଓଡିଶାର ନିର୍ବାଚନୀ ଫଳାଫଳ ସାରା ଦେଶକୁ ଆଚମ୍ବିତ କରିବ । ବିଜେପି ରେକର୍ଡ ସଂଖ୍ୟାରେ ଆସନ ସହ ବିଜୟ ଲାଭ କରିବ । ଜନ ସାଧାରଣ ବିଜେଡି ଓ କଂଗ୍ରେସ ଉଭୟକୁ ପ୍ରତ୍ୟାଖ୍ୟାନ କରିବେ । @BJP4Odisha

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2019

BJP election latest updates: Saffron party celebrates Foundation Day

Today is the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Foundation Day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has tweeted on the occasion, noting the hard work of BJP karyakartas through the past 39 years.

39 years ago on this day, @BJP4India was born with an unwavering commitment to serve society and take the nation to new heights. Thanks to the efforts of our Karyakartas, BJP has become India’s preferred party. Greetings to the BJP family on the Party’s Foundation Day. pic.twitter.com/fBHp3fBQ2a

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2019