Lok Sabha Election 2019 updates: Amit Shah says BJP fielded Sadhvi Pragya against Digvijay Singh as he 'coined saffron terror'

Narendra Modi in Gujarat latest updates

Congress wants to remove sedition law to strengthen Naxalism, says Modi

Addressing a rally in Gujarat’s Anand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Congress has said in its manifesto that it wants to remove the sedition law, so that stone pelting in Jammu and Kashmir, and Naxalism in this country can be strengthened.”

Lok Sabha election latest updates

BJD files EC complaint against Dharmendra Pradhan for misbehaving with govt officers

According to ANI, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) filed a complaint with Election Commission demanding action against Dharmendra Pradhan for allegedly “misbehaving & preventing govt officers from conducting their duties of checking his helicopter along with a sealed suitcase in his possession” on Tuesday.

Lok Sabha election latest updates

Sadhvi Pragya’s candidacy evokes sharp criticism on Twitter

The news of BJP fielding Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pragya Thakur from Bhopal drew sharp criticism from journalists and other personalities on Twitter. Congress spokesperson Sanjay Jha said that the BJP had scored a “huge self-goal” with this decision.

Actor Swara Bhasker said that the BJP was “absolutely naked in its agenda of hate and divisiveness”. Meanwhile, lyricist Javed Akhtar said that he “somewhat appreciates” BJP for the transparency that they have brought with the choice.

Fact: Charges have been framed against Sadhvi Pragya in Malegaon 2008 blast case , trial is on and she is yet to be acquitted by the court.. And she is the BJP candidate from the great city of Bhopal: what does one say but welcome to a ‘new’ India.. 🙏#IndiaElects

— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) April 17, 2019

Let this sink in. She is the prime accused in the 2006/ 2008 Malegaon blasts that killed close to a hundred muslims. https://t.co/23epP00vfX

— Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) April 17, 2019

The choice of the BJP for The candidate in Bhopal is indeed immpeccable . Sadhvi Pragya is the perfect prosonification of sangh parivar’s thoughts and actions. Wah ! Wah !! Wah !!!

— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) April 17, 2019

Latest addition to our scintillating list of MP contestants: a potential terrorist.. Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pragya.. BJP absolutely naked in its agenda of hate and divisiveness.. https://t.co/q5pD9NUi27

— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) April 17, 2019

Lok Sabha election latest updates

Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad to not contest from Varanasi

After announcing that he would contest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi, Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad rescinded his decision, saying his outfit will support the SP-BSP alliance and the Dalit vote should remain intact to defeat the BJP.

The Dalit group’s founder also said the Bhim Army will support the SP-BSP alliance if it fields Satish Chandra Mishra, Mayawati’s general secretary and Brahmin face of the BSP, from the Varanasi seat. “I have decided not to contest from Varanasi because I do not want that my decision should strengthen the BJP or Modi in anyway. We all want to defeat the BJP,” he said.

PTI

Lok Sabha election latest updates​

Navjot Singh Sidhu in Ahmedabad: This poll is a battle between Ram and Ravan

Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu said at a rally in Ahmedabad’s Dholka that this Lok Sabha election was a battle between Lord Krishna and Kans, Ram and Ravan, and Godse and Gandhi.

He lambasted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Rafale deal, unemployment, farmer issues and dividing the nation, and also dared the PM to have a debate with him. “You always talk about nationalism. Then listen Mr Modi. This is a battle between Lord Krishna and Kans. This is a battle between Ram and Ravan. And, this is a battle between Godse and Gandhi,” he added.

On the Rafale deal, the Congress leader said although Modi assumed office in 2014 as ‘Ganga ka lal’ (son of Ganga), he will have to vacate the office as ‘Rafale ka dalal’ (middleman of Rafale).

PTI

Lok Sabha election latest updates

Where was media when derogatory remarks were made against Priyanka Gandhi or Mayawati?: SP’s Dimple Yadav on Azam Khan row

Samajwadi Party leader Dimple Yadav said on Wednesday that BJP was diverting the attention from important issues by raising the controversy over Azam Khan’s remarks against BJP candidate Jaya Prada. She said, “When BJP leader Dayashankar Singh made a comment against Mayawati, where was media? When such remarks are made against Priyanka Gandhi or me, why are they not taken up by the media?”

Lok Sabha election latest updates

Sadhvi Pragya addresses media 

Addressing the media with former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, BJP’s candidate for Bhopal Pragya Singh Thakur said, “I’m not that experienced as far as politics is concerned. But I believe that we have power in the form of Shivaj Singh Chouhan. Whatever we say, we will do. With your support, we will work together, win together and keep the country safe.”

On allegations against her, she said, “I have been given a clean chit. All the conspiracies against me have failed.”

Lok Sabha election latest updates

Security heightened in Ganjam district’s Aska ahead of voting tomorrow

Bargarh, Sundargarh, Bolangir, Kandhamal and Aska in Odisha will to polls in the second phase of general election on Thursday.

Odisha: Security heightened in Ganjam district's Aska ahead of voting for #LokSabhaElections2019 tomorrow; Bargarh, Sundargarh, Bolangir, Kandhamal and Aska go to polls in the second phase of general elections pic.twitter.com/mbQ6IErwnK

— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2019

Uttar Pradesh election latest updates

Akhilesh Yadav announces Poonam Sinha’s candidacy

Addressing a press conference to official announce the candidature of Shatrughan Sinha’s wife Poonam Sinha, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav said he is happy to see the amount of support for SP-BSP-RLD alliance. “I want to welcome Poonam Sinha to the party. She will contest from Lucknow,” he said. Poonam has been pitted against BJP’s Rajnath Singh, who is also the Union home minister.

Tamil Nadu election latest updates

Madras HC dismisses pleas against EC order cancelling Vellore polls

The Madras High Court upheld decision of Election Commission of India to cancel election to Vellore Lok Sabha constituency as it dismissed pleas moved by AIADMK candidate AC Shanmugam and Independent candidate K Sugumar.

Lok Sabha election latest updates

AIADMK files EC complaint against MK Stalin over MCC violation

The ruling AIADMK Wednesday approached the Election Commission with a complaint of violation of model code of conduct against DMK president MK Stalin for addressing the media during the “silence period,” saying it was an attempt at “indirect canvassing.”

India Today reported that the AIADMK accused Stalin of interacting with the media on two occassions, in violation of the poll code.

Rahul Gandhi in Kerala latest updates

Fighting from Wayanad as south India is equally important, says Congress chief

In Palakkad, Rahul Gandhi spoke on his Wayanad candidacy. “I’m fighting the election from this state to send a message that south India is equally important. It is an honour for me to represent the voice of this wonderful state,” he said.

Lok Sabha election latest updates

EC flying squad raids ex-Puducherry chief minister’s residence

The EC flying squad on Wednesday carried out a check at the residential premises of All India NR Congress chief and former Puducherry chief minister N Rangaswamy.

Election Commission Flying Squad conducted checking at the residential premises of All India NR Congress Chief and former Chief Minister of Puducherry, N Rangaswamy in Puducherry, today. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/akL7aTPDWH

— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2019

Rahul Gandhi in Kerala latest updates

Congress chief slams Modi over ‘Mann Ki Baat’

Addressing a rally in Palakkad, Congress president Rahul Gandhi lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme. “Why doesn’t the prime minister answer the people of India? Why doesn’t he tell them what he has done in the last five years? Because he has got nothing to.

“Can you imagine every morning he gets up and says ‘I’m going to tell the country what I think. He doesn’t realise no one is interested in knowing what he thinks. He doesn’t realise the country is much bigger that him, that the country is much more important and powerful than him. He doesn’t even understand the job of the prime minister is to listen to the soul of the country, to be humble enough to listen to even the weakest person, to understand the pain of our people.

BJP campaign election latest updates

I’m ready, says Pragya Thakur

After being fielded from Bhopal by the BJP, Sadhvi Pragya Thakur was quoted as saying by ANI, “Hum tayar hain. Ab ussi karya mein lag gayi hun. (I’m ready. Now I’m busy preparing for it (election).

Speaking to India Today, she said, “Now everything good will happen.” On being asked if Congress leader Digvijay Singh was her target in Bhopal, she said, “Whoever is in the Opposition is the target.”

Lok Sabha election latest updates

What if I fielded a terror accused, asks Mehbooba Mufti

After Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur joined the BJP on Wednesday, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti tweeted, “Imagine the anger if I’d field a terror accused. Channels would’ve gone berserk by now trending a mehboobaterrorist hashtag! According to these guys, terror has no religion when it comes to saffron fanatics, but otherwise all Muslims are terrorists.” 

Imagine the anger if I’d field a terror accused. Channels would’ve gone berserk by now trending a mehboobaterrorist hashtag! According to these guys terror has no religion when it comes to saffron fanatics but otherwise all Muslims are terrorists. Guilty until proven innocent https://t.co/ymTumxgty7

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) April 17, 2019

BJP campaign latest updates

Sadhvi Thakur vs Digvijaya Singh in Bhopal

The BJP has released a list of four candidates in Madhya Pradesh, fielding Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur from Bhopal against Congress’s Digvijaya Singh.

BJP releases list of four candidates for #LokSabhaElections2019 in Madhya Pradesh; Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur to contest from Bhopal against Congress's Digvijaya Singh. pic.twitter.com/mSiSX8Xfsz

— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2019

Lok Sabha election latest updates

All India Raiger Mahasabha files complaint againt Mayawati over remarks on making her statue

A complaint has been filed in Delhi’s Tis Hazari Court by All India Raiger Mahasabha against BSP chief Mayawati for allegedly hurting religious sentiments by saying “if ruling Uttar Pradesh government can make tall statue of Lord Rama with government funds”, then why can’t she make her own idol, according to ANI .

Lok Sabha election latest updates

Screening of PM Narendra Modi for EC underway

According to ANI , seven officials of the Election Commission are present for the screening of PM Narendra Modi.  The poll panel had asked the producers of the film to arrange for a screening for a committee set up for the purpose. The Supreme Court on Monday directed the commission to watch the full biopic on Modi and take an informed decision on banning its pan-India release by 19 April.

Lok Sabha election latest updates

Namo TV can’t air pre-recorded content for 48 hours before polling date

ANI  reported that Election Commission has barred telecasting of pre-recorded content during the silence period. State Chief Election Commissioners (CEC) have been informed to observe this strictly. However, the channel is allowed to air live coverage of events.

Lok Sabha election latest updates

NaMo TV will have to follow silence period as per election law: EC

NaMo TV, sponsored by the BJP, cannot display ’election matter’ during the silence period prescribed in the electoral law in a particular phase of the poll, the Election Commission has concluded.

The poll panel has now asked the chief electoral officer of Delhi to ensure that its directions are followed in each of the remaining six phases of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act “prohibits” display of any “election matter” by means of “cinematograph, television or other similar apparatus”, 48 hours before the hour fixed for conclusion of poll in a particular constituency. This phase is called the ‘silence period’.

PTI

Lok Sabha election latest updates

BJP writes to EC alleging campaign by a Bangladeshi national for TMC MP candidate Sougata Roy

BJP has written to the Election Commission alleging campaign by a Bangladeshi National Gaazi Noor for TMC MP candidate Sougata Roy in Dum Dum, West Bengal.

The development comes a day after popular Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed was ordered by the Centre to leave the country immediately and his business visa was cancelled, two days after he allegedly campaigned for West Bengal’s ruling TMC that sparked a political row.

BJP writes to Election Commission alleging campaign by a Bangladeshi National Gaazi Noor for TMC MP candidate Sougata Roy in Dum Dum, West Bengal pic.twitter.com/lafWVD8rSH

— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2019

Lok Sabha election latest updates

EC flying squad conducts raids at AIADMK leader Devadas’ residence

Madurai: Raids conducted at the residence of AIADMK leader Devadas by Election Commission Flying Squad. #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/jFKTi3Cy5A

— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2019

Lok Sabha election latest updates

BJP MLA’s ‘black buffalo’ jibe at HD Kumaraswamy

Days after Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi puts on makeup before appear in front of the camera, former BJP MLA Raju Kage mocked the JD(S) leader saying that he will look like a “black buffalo” even if he bathes “100 times”.

Former BJP MLA Raju Kage: You say Prime Minister changes outfits again & again. Arre, he is fair & handsome, that's why he changes constantly. But even if you (Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy) bathe 100 times a day, you will remain a black buffalo pic.twitter.com/NF4N3eBR4R

— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2019

Lok Sabha election latest updates

Madras HC to pass order on AIADMK’s plea at 4.30 pm

The Madras High Court is scheduled to pronounce its order on AIADMK’s petition at 4:30pm challenging the cancellation of Lok Sabha polls for Vellore constituency.

Narendra Modi in Gujarat latest updates

PM speaks at Himmatnagar rally, hits out at Congress ‘dhakoslatpatra’ once again

Speaking at his second rally of the day at Himmatnagar in Gujarat, Narendra Modi spoke in Gujarati, hitting out at the Congress over the salient points of the party’s manifesto, which he called a dhakoslapatra and its focus on dynasty. Modi also said that the Congress of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel has devolved. “At one point, Congress used to believe in the bullet, it was golibaaz but now it believes in abusing people, so it is a gaalibaaz party,” said the PM.

PM Modi addresses Public Meeting at Himmatnagar, Gujarat. Dial 9345014501 to listen LIVE. #IndiaBoleModiDobara https://t.co/wtW8mjLYb8

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 17, 2019

West Bengal election latest updates

After CPIM, BJP move EC over Mamata biopic

The BJP in West Bengal has once again knocked on the EC’s door with the plea that a film called Baghini based on Mamata Banerjee’s live not be allowed to release. A delegation of CPIM leaders, led by party general secretary Sitaram Yechury, had met Election Commissioner Sunil Arora on Monday and protested the “gross irregularities” during the first phase of the Lok Sabha election in West Bengal and Tripura on 11 April.

Maharashtra election latest updates

Sharad Pawar hits out at Modi after PM’s barbs at NCP chief in morning rally

At his Madha rally on Wednesday morning, Narendra Modi directed most the vitriol at NCP chief Sharad Pawar, saying Pawar was wise enough to remove himself from the running because he knew which way the election winds were blowing. 

Pawar has now hit back at Modi, saying, “Modi ji says ‘Pawar sahab is a good man but has family issues. His nephews are out of his hands.’ I wanted to ask him what business he has with issues at my home? But then I realised I have my wife, daughter, son-in-law, and nephews. They visit us. But he has no one,” Pawar said. 

NCP Chief Sharad Pawar: How will he (PM Modi) know how to run a family? That's why he peeps in others' homes. I can say more also but I don't want to stoop to low-level https://t.co/j5mtDMyrfq

— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2019

Odisha election latest updates

Naveen Patnaik’s helicopter stopped, luggage searched

Naveen Patnaik’s luggage was checked by the flying squad of the Election Commission at a helipad in Rourkela on Wednesday. The helicopter of Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy was also searched.

Election Commission flying squad checks luggage of Odisha Chief Minister and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik at a helipad in Rourkela, Odisha. (16.4.19) pic.twitter.com/OVvrFwYAY9

— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2019

Amit Shah hits out at Mamata over Trinamool leader Ratna Ghosh Kar’s comments on Central forces

Polltime mudslinging continued as usual between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress on Wednesday with BJP chief Amit Shah tweeting a BJP video of Trinamool Congress’s Ratna Ghosh Kar asking women workers of the party to charge at Central forces who attack Trinamool workers.

“Finally, Mamata didi’s trusted lieutenant accepts that her party believes in the idea of violence and anarchy,” Shah wrote.

Finally, Mamata didi’s trusted lieutenant accepts that her party believes in the idea of violence and anarchy.

But I want to remind Mamata Didi that such destruction of democracy won't last long. People of Bengal will vote out TMC at the hustings. Her time is up! https://t.co/65dRMnvl0K

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 17, 2019

Priyanka Chaturvedi takes to Twitter: ‘Saddened’ over reinstatement of UP Congress leaders who misbehaved with her

In what could perhaps come as a blow to the Congress, party spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi wrote on Twitter to register her disappointment over the fact that Congress members who had been suspended for misbehaving with her had been reinstated.

The Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee had reportedly first suspended some of its leaders for their unruly behaviour with Chaturvedi in Mathura and then reinstate them after a few days.

Deeply saddened that lumpen goons get prefence in @incindia over those who have given their sweat&blood. Having faced brickbats&abuse across board for the party but yet those who threatened me within the party getting away with not even a rap on their knuckles is unfortunate. https://t.co/CrVo1NAvz2

— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) April 17, 2019

50 lakh people lost jobs since demonetisation in 2016, reveals latest report on job crisis

Months after a leaked report on unemployment by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) created furore, with the Opposition calling it a “national disaster” and the Centre taking recuse by dubbing it a “draft report”, a fresh study conducted by the Centre for Sustainable Employment (CSE) at Azim Premji University has reiterated that job loss has been steadily rising in the past decade, hitting its worst levels after 2016.

The CSE report — State of Working India 2019 — revealed that 50 lakh men lost their jobs between 2016 and 2018, and the beginning of the decline of jobs coincided with demonetisation in November 2016. However, the report adds that “no direct causal relationship can be established based only on these trends”.

Rahul Gandhi in Kerala latest updates

IN PHOTOS: Congress chief tweets photos from Wayanad temple visit

“Standing besides the Papanasini, where my father’s ashes were immersed in 1991, brought back fond memories of him and our time together,” Rahul tweeted after his Thirunelli Temple visit.

Today I visited the Thirunelli Temple in Wayanad, Kerala.

This beautiful temple & its surroundings are an oasis of peace & serenity.

Standing besides the Papanasini, where my father’s ashes were immersed in 1991, brought back fond memories of him & our time together. pic.twitter.com/91Lzn9PG4R

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 17, 2019

BJP election campaign latest updates

Piyush Goyal says Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad as he is ‘afraid of Amethi defeat’

Union minister Piyush Goyal said on Wednesday that Rahul Gandhi is afraid of defeat in Amethi and “has had to run all the way to Wayanad” because he has lost the confidence of people of India. The Congress chief has been criss-crossing Kerala since Tuesday and is campaigning at Wayanad today.

Gujarat election latest updates

WATCH: Navjot Singh Sidhu’s rebuttal to BJP’s charges against him

Speaking at Ahmedabad in Gujarat on Wednesday, the Congress leader who has never been short of words said the BJP was trying to teach people yoga on an empty stomach.

#WATCH Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu in Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Arrey Narendra Modi yeh rashtrabhakti hai tumhari ki pet khali hai aur yoga karaya ja raha hai, Baba Ramdev hi bana do sabko. Pet khali hai yoga karaya ja raha hai aur jeb khali hai khaata khulvaya ja raha hai. pic.twitter.com/RoIdbamkwN

— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2019

UDF candidate releases video saying women should not be educated

UDF candidate for Kannur, K Sudhakaran, has released a blatantly sexist video in which it is suggested that educating a woman is a mistake and that a man should be elected so “he can get things done.”

The video is reportedly meant to be a strike at the sitting MP from Kannur and the Left’s candidate for the Kannur seat, PK Sreemathi, who is the only woman to be elected from Kerala in the 2014 election.

WOW. @RahulGandhi @ShashiTharoor UDF candidate K Sudhakaran ad against LDF candidate Sreemathy Teacher says "vote for the man" since educating women is a waste! Congress believes women shouldn't enter Sabarimala - nor schools, politics, Parliament?! https://t.co/teUZ3hRE50

— Kavita Krishnan (@kavita_krishnan) April 17, 2019

BJP demands action against Gehlot after comment on President Ram Nath Kovind

BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao held a press conference, in which he demanded that the Election Commission take action against Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot for saying Ram Nath Kovind became president because he was Dalit.

“Today, we are very sad that the Congress party today, at a very low level, has violated the electoral decorum,” Rao said.

We appeal to Election Commission to give a notice to Ashok Gehlot and to give a directive that no political party should make a remark critical of the President of India: Shri @GVLNRAO #IndiaBoleModiDobara pic.twitter.com/LH8Civ7nog

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 17, 2019

In line of fire, Sidhu slams BJP, says it cannot teach him nationalism

Navjot Singh Sidhu has hit out at the BJP after the latter accused the Congress politician of enticing voters along communal lines. “Those who are responsible for Godhra are teaching me nationalism,” he said at Gujarat on Wednesday. 

“I was born in a Congress family, don’t talk to me about nationalism. A person who sidelined such senior leaders like Advani and Joshi ji, he has made BJP a private limited company which is run by only two people and both are Rahu and Ketu, charted accountants like Nirav Modi and others. What kind of nationalism is this where the stomach is empty and you are teaching yoga? There is no food to eat but toilets are being made,” he added to loud applause.

What does it mean when Twitter withholds content?

Twitter has withheld tweets by as many as 32 Indian accounts propagating communal content. The accounts include those by Yogi Adityanath, Major Surendra Poonia, Koena Mitra, Union Minister Giriraj Singh and MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa.

In its ‘Help’ page, Twitter clarifies that “upon receipt of requests to withhold content, we will promptly notify affected users unless we are prohibited from doing so (e.g., if we receive a court order under seal). We also clearly indicate within the product when content has been withheld and publish requests to withhold content on Lumen—unless, similar to our practice of notifying users, we are prohibited from doing so.”

Twitter withholds Yogi Adityanath’s ‘green virus’ tweet, removes 34 other messages with communal content

Twitter has withheld Yogi Adityanath’s controversial ‘green virus’ tweet, in reference to Muslims in India, along with communally charged tweets of 31 others including the likes of Koena Mitra and Major Surendra Poonia. The move is likely to go a long way in the debate for greater control by social media sites over content policing.

BJP election campaign latest updates

Ravi Kishan criticises Azam Khan over comment on Jaya Prada

Ravi Kishan, the BJP;s candidate from Gorakhpur has criticised the nature of derogatory comments made by SP leader Azam Khan on Jaya Prada. “Jaya Prada ji is a senior in our industry, we respect her a lot. Just because she has come to Rampur to contest elections you will comment on her?” he asked.

Ravi Kishan, BJP candidate from Gorakhpur: What derogatory comments are being made on women! Jaya Prada ji is a sr in our industry, we respect her a lot. Just because she has come to Rampur to contest elections you will comment on her? Dignity should be maintained during election pic.twitter.com/KlbLc61E1u

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) April 17, 2019

Maharashtra election latest updates

Amit Shah addresses rally at Sangli, begins by accusing NCP, Congress for perpetuating poverty

BJP president Amit Shah, speaking at his first rally of the day at Sangli, struck at both Sharad Pawar and the Gandhi family for allegedly perpetuating poverty in the country. “Rahul baba has only just woken up to the issue of poverty now,” he said, adding that around the country roars of “Modi, Modi” could be heard. 

पूरब, पश्चिम, उत्तर, दक्षिण सभी जगह मैंने देश का दौरा किया, सभी जगह मोदी-मोदी ही सुनाई देता।

ये जनता का संकल्प है कि 'फिर एक बार मोदी सरकार': श्री अमित शाह #IndiaBoleModiDobara pic.twitter.com/z5z8M5vSd1

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 17, 2019

Madhya Pradesh election latest updates

Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pragya Thakur joins BJP

Sadhvi Pradya Thakur, an accused in the Malegaon blast case, has joined the BJP. She is likely to be pitted against Congress’s Digvijaya Singh.

Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur in Bhopal: I have formally joined BJP, I will contest elections and will win also. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/siAsXSMm1U

— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2019

Madhya Pradesh election latest updates

Sadhvi Pragya Thakur likely to be fielded from Bhopal

Malegaon-blast accused Sadhvi Pragya Thakur is likely to contest from Bhopal where she can go against Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh. Thakur had reached the BJP office in Bhopal, to meet party leaders Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Ramlal and Prabhat Jha.

Madhya Pradesh: Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur has arrived at the BJP office in Bhopal and is currently meeting senior BJP leaders Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Ramlal, and Prabhat Jha. pic.twitter.com/9rG7KuLiq0

— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2019

Rajasthan election latest update

State chief minister says Ram Nath Kovind became president because he was Dalit

Addressing a press conference, Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot said President Ram Nath Kovind was elected because of his caste and because his elevation would appease Dalits.

Rahul Gandhi in Kerala latest updates

Congress chief makes travel ban repeal promise to crowd

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi had been expected to speak on the travel ban in Wayanad that had been plaguing the local tourism industry, which is probably why his audience was ecstatic when he mentioned that he would take another look at it if elected to power. Rahul also made several allusions to the region’s diversity and said Wayanad stood to teach the whole of India what it meant to live in peace.

Rahul Gandhi in Kerala latest updates

KC Venugopal says Congress chief offered prayers to forefathers, Pulwama victims

Congress general secretary KC Venugopal said on Rahul Gandhi’s temple visit in Wayanad that the Congress president performed rituals according to the pujari’s directions, for his “grandmother, father, forefathers and victims of Pulwama incident.”

“Last time also he had wished to come here but because of security restrictions, he could not do it,” Venugopal added.

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal on Rahul Gandhi's temple visit in Wayanad: As per pujari's directions he has performed all rituals for his grandmother, father, forefathers & victims of Pulwama incident. https://t.co/fuHgHC6gJN

— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2019

Rahul Gandhi in Kerala latest updates

Congress chief lauds Wayanad for its culture and way of living

Addressing his very first rally at Wayanad since filing his nomination papers from the constituency amidst much fanfare, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said he was intent upon proving that the south is as important and no less important than any other place in India. “I realised that Wayanad was the best place to fight from because it represents many different ideas and cultures. Almost all communities can be found in this beautiful place,” he said.

LIVE: Congress President @RahulGandhi addresses public meeting in Wayanad, Kerala. #JanaNayakanRahulGandhi https://t.co/xFCXoGoERG

— Rahul Gandhi - Wayanad (@RGWayanadOffice) April 17, 2019

Narendra Modi in Maharashtra latest updates

PM returns to Balakot in speech, says he had promised action by jawans in 2014

Making a reference to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Narendra Modi went ahead with what is fast emerging his refrain in campaign speeches, the Balakot air strikes. Notwithstanding the backlash over his repeated mention of the Army, Modi said that he had come to Madha before the 2014 election, and told the likes of Sharad Pawar that when politicians stop speaking, then the jawan’s fingers speak. He then asked the crowds whether they felt proud about the Balakot air strikes.

इतना बड़ा देश चलाना है तो मजबूत नेता होना जरूरी है। आपने 2014 में मुझे जो पूर्ण बहुमत दिया, उसने मुझे ऐसी ताकत दी जिससे में बड़े से बड़े फैसला ले पाया, और गरीबों के कल्याण के लिए भी में कई फैसले ले पाया: पीएम मोदी #IndiaBoleModiDobara pic.twitter.com/RHWGhKds5r

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 17, 2019

Narendra Modi in Maharashtra latest updates

I can understand why Sharad Pawar removed himself from the polls now, says PM

Speaking at his first rally of the day, at Madha in Maharashtra, Narendra Modi gave out a clarion call to people to vote for the BJP, the only party which has the strength to bear the weight of India according to the PM. “I can understand why Sharad Pawar removed himself from the polls now. He is wise, he knew which way the winds were blowing,” he said. 

Modi also announced relief for those affected by unseasonal rains in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

महाराष्ट्र, गुजरात और अन्य कुछ राज्यों में कल आए तुफान में कई लोगों की मृत्यु हुई है। किसानों की फसलों का भी नुकसान हुआ है।

मैंने अफसरों से कहा है कि आम जन को जल्द से जल्द सहायता पहुंचाई जाए।

जिन्होंने अपने स्वजन खोये हैं उन परिवारों के प्रति मैं संवेदना व्यक्त करता हूं: पीएम pic.twitter.com/6vXSSIiBOL

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 17, 2019

Tamil Nadu election latest update

I-T department seizes more cash from Theni

The Income Tax department on Wednesday said it has seized Rs 1.48 crore cash, allegedly kept to bribe voters in Tamil Nadu’s Theni district, where an assembly bypoll is scheduled on Thursday. 

This takes place a day after the Income Tax Department and the Election Commission’s flying squad returned empty handed after raiding Dravida Munnetra Kazhagham (DMK) leader Kanimozhi’s home at Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, on a tip-off that turned out to be a “false one”, reports say.

BJP election campaign latest updates

Vijayvargiya takes himself out of running for polls

BJP national secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya will not be contesting the Lok Sabha election this time, the leader announced on Wednesday.

Bihar election latest updates

Kanhaiya Kumar threatened by angry mob at roadshow

CPI candidate from Begusarai, Kanhaiya Kumar, faced protests while campaigning in the constituency on Wednesday. The one-time JNUSU president was met with sloganeers who hurled “deshdrohi murdabad” abuses at him.

BJP election campaign latest updates

Uma Bharti calls Priyanka Gandhi ‘wife of a thief’ 

Union Minister Uma Bharti has courted controversy by saying the country will see Priyanka Gandhi Vadra the way it views a “thief’s wife”, while claiming that the Congress general secretary will have no impact on the outcome of Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh, reported News18 .

To a question on whether Priyanka Gandhi will contest the general elections from Varanasi, from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking re-election, Bharti said, “It is a democracy, anybody can fight election from anywhere”.

Nirmala Sitharaman speaks on Azam Khan’s ‘khaki underwear’ remarks 

Empathising with BJP candidate and actor Jaya Prada, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said political leaders should apply their minds before they speak about women-related issues.

In an exclusive interview to ANI, Sitharaman said, “It is always easy to hit at a woman when you talk about other things that don’t become part of the conversation, or are not germane to the discussion.”

Kerala election latest updates

Rahul Gandhi visits Thirunelli temple, father Rajiv’s ashes were immersed nearby 

Congress president and party’s candidate from Wayanad parliamentary constituency, Rahul Gandhi, offered prayers at the Thirunelli temple in Kerala. Rahul’s father Rajiv Gandhi’s ashes were immersed in the Papanasini river.

More visuals from Wayanad as Congress President Rahul Gandhi performs rituals, after offering prayers at the Thirunelli temple. #Kerala pic.twitter.com/MUzC1SpXU0

— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2019

Chhattisgarh election latest updates

Congress in trouble over use of buffalo for campaigning

In Kawardha, the home district of former Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh, a message from Congress, handwritten on a buffalo has earned the censure of animal rights groups, reported New Indian Express .

“Listen to us (we are dumb creatures). Elect Congress this time. Vote for Congress,” is written in Hindi on the buffalo’s body, along with the symbol of the party. A video of the cow has gone viral on social media. The use of animals for campaigning goes against the Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct.

BJP knocks on Election Commission’s doors with multiple ‘ban’ requests

The BJP has urged the Election Commission to ban Congress president Rahul Gandhi from campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls and impose the “heaviest penalty” on him, saying that he levelled false allegations against Narendra Modi on the Rafale aircraft deal.

BJP also urged the poll body to review its order banning Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath from campaigning for 72 hours, claiming he did not intend to incite communal tension and had only expressed his beliefs. A BJP delegation including Union ministers JP Nadda, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and VK Singh also asked the poll body to take action against cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu alleging that he tried to “spread hatred” with his speech in Bihar’s Katihar constituency on Monday.

BJP election campaign latest updates

Amit Shah to tour Maharashtra, Odisha

BJP president Amit Shah will be in Odisha, just a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi toured the state. Shah will also address a rally in Maharashtra.

भाजपा राष्ट्रीय अध्यक्ष श्री @AmitShah जी के आज महाराष्ट्र और ओडिशा में सार्वजनिक कार्यक्रम। pic.twitter.com/35RuqA3nZk

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 17, 2019

Congress election campaign latest updates

Rahul to hold rallies across Kerala

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi will campaign across Kerala’s Wayanad constituency. This will be his second trip to the region since he filed his nomination from there and led a roadshow through the town.

After addressing a co-ordination meeting of three parliamentary constituencies (Kannur, Kasargod and Vadakara) at Kannur, Rahul is expected to visit the Thirunelli Temple at Wayanad, where his father Rajiv Gandhi’s ashes were immersed. He is then expected to address successive public meetings at Wayanad, Thiruvambady, Wandoor and Thrithala.

बाढ़ ने केरला के लोगों को गहरी चोट पहुंचाई है। यह सरकार का कर्तव्य है कि वह लोगों की सहायता करे। केरला सरकार को चाहिए कि वे लोगों की मदद के लिए जो कुछ भी कर सकती है, वह करे : कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष @RahulGandhi#VaravayiRahulGandhi pic.twitter.com/Gwq5rr4SVb

— Congress (@INCIndia) April 16, 2019

BJP election campaign latest updates

Narendra Modi to speak in rallies in Maharashtra, Gujarat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, is scheduled to address four rallies, one each at Madha in Maharashtra, and Himatnagar, Surendranagar and Anand in Gujarat.

प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi आज महाराष्ट्र और गुजरात में विशाल जनसभाओं को सम्बोधित करेंगे। pic.twitter.com/AqyMWju7Xy

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 17, 2019