Lok Sabha Election 2019 updates: Vellore polls cancelled; MHA cancels Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed's visa over TMC campaign row

Lok Sabha election latest updates

Polls in Vellore cancelled after huge cash haul

Accepting the recommendation of EC dated 14 April, President Ram Nath Kovind has rescinded the election to Vellore parliamentary constituency in Tamil Nadu. The move came following the seizure of over Rs 11 crore cash from a warehouse in Vellore district.

Lok Sabha election latest updates

EC orders re-poll in 19 polling stations of Outer Manipur LS constituency

The Election Commission on Tuesday ordered re-poll in 19 polling stations of Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency following complaints of voter intimidation by militants and destruction of EVMs and VVPATs.

Repolling in these polling stations spread over four districts — Senapati, Chandel, Churachandpur and Ukhrul — will be held on 18 April, the same day of voting for Inner Manipur Lok Sabha seat, according to an order by the Election Commission.

Eleven polling stations in Senapati, four in Ukhrul, three in Churachandpur and one in Chandel will witness repolling.

PTI

Rahul Gandhi in Kerala latest updates

Happy to see Tharoor back in action, says Rahul

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor suffered head injuries while performing ‘Tulabharam’ ritual at a temple in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday. Congress president Rahul Gandhi said at the Thiruvananthapuram rally, “I was quite worried when Tharoor got hurt. But I’m happy to see that he’s back in action pretty quickly. It tells you about his spirit. He has represented you extremely well in the Parliament. He’s an asset to Kerala and to the Congress. So, you have to make sure that he wins the election.”

Rahul Gandhi in Kerala latest updates

Shameful Modi doesn’t give jawans due credit, says Congress chief

Congress president Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of politicising armed forces. “When Pulwama took place, my immediate reaction was ‘I’m not going to politicise this issue’. This is not a political issue. I refuse to exploit our jawans politically. But that is not how the prime minister thinks. The prime minister exploits the valour of our jawans politically for his own good. And if the army and air force do something, the credit is theirs. It is shameful that the prime minister doesn’t give them credit, because they’re the people who give their blood. They deserve the credit and nobody else,” he said.

Rahul Gandhi in Kerala latest updates

Rahul says fishermen will get their ministry when Congress comes to power

In Thiruvananthapuram, Rahul Gandhi said, “The fishermen who saved thousands of lives during floods, who sacrificed everything they had to protect the people, we ask them, what would you like us to do? How can we honour what you’ve done? We have unique problems. The voice of our brave fishermen is in our manifesto. The moment we win the election, fishermen will have their own ministry in Delhi. All we did was listen to the voice of the Indians.”

Rahul Gandhi in Kerala latest updates

Have no other choice than remonetising economy, says Rahul
“Narendra Modi demonetised the economy, we will remonetise the economy. Frankly, there’s no other choice other than remonetising the economy,” Rahul Gandhi said while addressing a public meeting in Thiruvananthapuram.

“The Congress will come to power in 2019. NYAY will put the fuel into the Indian economy engine and you will see the impact of the scheme in a couple of months. The vibrancy will come back, and millions of jobs would be created. But we don’t want to stop there. We want to aggressively fight unemployment.”

He further said: “The truth is we can remonetise the economy and give 22 lakh government jobs, 10 lakh jobs in the panchayats. We want to unleash India’s youngsters, we want to free India’s job creation army.”

Rahul Gandhi in Kerala latest updates

‘Ache din aayenge’ has become old, now it’s all about chowkidar chor hai, says Congress chief

Rahul Gandhi lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Rafale deal and claimed that Modi failed to answer his questions on the agreement. “He didn’t mention Rafale or Anil Ambani (in Modi’s response in the Parliament). The old slogan was ‘ache din ayenge’, the new slogan is ‘chowkidar chor hai’.”

Rahul Gandhi in Kerala latest updates

Congress chief slams BJP over ‘ache din’ promise

Addressing a rally in Thiruvananthapuram, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said, “We understand that hatred hurts India. Division hurts India. Love, united strengthens India. You’ve seen the BJP government for five years. Their slogan was ‘acche din ayenge’. Today we have the highest unemployment rate in 45 years, the highest suicide rate of farmers.

He targetted businessman Anil Ambani and the Centre over Rafale deal. “His (Anil Ambani) brother had to pay his debts to keep him out of jail but for some reason he was given the biggest defence contract in the world,” he said.

Mayawati’s nephew, Azam Khan’s son fill in for them

BSP chief Mayawati’s nephew and SP leader Azam Khan’s son Tuesday filled in for the two Uttar Pradesh heavyweights on Tuesday, the final day of electioneering for the second phase of polling in the state.

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo’s nephew Akash Anand delivered his first political speech in Nagina, where Mayawati was initially scheduled to address a joint opposition alliance meeting. Azam Khan’s son Abdullah addressed a press conference in Rampur, criticising the Election Commission order.

The Election Commission had Monday barred the two leaders — as well as Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and BJP’s Maneka Gandhi — from campaigning for varying periods over violations of the Model Code of Conduct.

PTI

Lok Sabha election latest updates

BJP says EC assured to take necessary action on Sidhu’s remarks

Bihar BJP vice-president Devesh Kumar said, “We met Election Commission and made them aware of Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu’s statement made at a rally in Katihar, earlier today (Tuesday). They said they have seen the footage and have assured us that necessary action will be taken.”

Bihar BJP Vice-President Devesh Kumar: We met Election Commission and made them aware of Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu's statement made at a rally in Katihar, earlier today. They said they have seen the footage and have assured us that necessary action will be taken. pic.twitter.com/XF3l5aWkQb

— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2019

Amit Shah in Kerala latest updates

Amit Shah slams Pinarayi Vijayan govt over deaths of RSS, BJP workers, violence in state

Amit Shah claimed in Thrissur that over 120 workers of the BJP and RSS had been murdered in Kerala till date. “I want to ask the Kerala chief minister, why have most of these murders taken place in your district? You must take responsibility.”

He further alleged, “Under Pinarayi Vijayan government, 525 incidents of mob lynching and violence have taken place… The Kerala government also unleashed violence  on the devotees of Sabarimala in the name of implementing the Supreme Court order. What message does the Kerala chief minister want to send through the violence on the devotees?”

Amit Shah in Kerala latest updates

In Thrissur, BJP chief targets UPA govt

Addressing a public meeting in Thrissur, BJP chief Amit Shah said, “UPA government gave Rs 45,393 crore under the 13th Finance Commission. However, in five years, NDA govt gave Rs 1.98 lakh crore to Kerala under 14th Finance Commission.”

Narendra Modi in Odisha latest updates

PM holds road show in Bhubaneswar

LIVE: PM Modi's roadshow in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. #BharatModiKeSaath https://t.co/lu7JxDm9EY

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 16, 2019

Lok Sabha election latest updates

Rajnath Singh reacts to Poonam Sinha contesting from Lucknow

HM Rajnath Singh on Poonam Sinha to contest against him from Lucknow as SP-BSP-RLD candidate: Yes somebody must contest, that is the beauty of democracy. We will fight elections with full dignity, tehzeeb jo Lucknow ki bohot badi dharohar hai usko bhi hum kayam rakhenge. pic.twitter.com/rtFHtIxuqi

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) April 16, 2019

Shiv Sena election campaign latest updates  

Congress-NCP leaderless, struggled to find candidates: Uddhav Thackeray

In Amravati, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday that the Congress-NCP alliance in Maharashtra lacked both leaders and direction. The Sena-BJP alliance will win all the 48 Lok Sabha​ seats in the state, Thackeray said, addressing a campaign rally for sitting MP and Sena candidate Anandrao Adsul.

“Congress-NCP alliance is leaderless and rudderless… They even struggled to find candidates,” he said.

PTI

Lok Sabha election latest updates

Congress asks EC to act against Modi over ‘mysterious property’ in Gandhinagar.

Congress on Tuesday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi submitted wrong information in his affidavits over the years regarding a land owned by him in Gandhinagar. “The Congress demands that the Election Commission of India takes thorough cognisance of the seemingly deliberate omissions in Modi’s affidavite and take appropriate action under the Representatin of People Act,” it said.

INC COMMUNIQUE

Press release by @Pawankhera, Spokesperson, AICC, on PM @narendramodi's mysterious property in Gandhinagar. pic.twitter.com/gRqj2FUEUH

— INC Sandesh (@INCSandesh) April 16, 2019

DMK election campaign latest updates

MK Stalin calls AIADMK-BJP ‘inefficient alliance’ 

Holding a roadshow in Tiravarur, DMK leader MK Stalin said, “This (AIADMK-BJP) is an inefficient alliance. Remember, these people introduced GST, promising that rates of essential goods will come down. But you tell me, prices of which things have come down?”

DMK Chief MK Stalin in Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu: This (AIADMK-BJP) is an inefficient alliance, remember it's these same people who brought GST, promising that rates of essential things will come down but you tell me, rates of which things have come down? #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/cvsfVDFcxv

— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2019

Lok Sabha election latest updates

EC seeks report from Katihar DM over Sidhu’s speech

The Election Commission has sought report from the Katihar district magistration on Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu’s speech in which he reportedly appealed to the Muslims not to split their votes.

BJP election campaign latest updates

Ravi Shankar Prasad accuses Congress of practicing divisive politics

Addressing a press conference, BJP leader and Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad lashed out at Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu over his speech allegedly seeking Muslim votes, and said, “Divisive politics is in Congress’ DNA. It’s nothing new. When slogans were being raised in JNU to divide India, then Rahul Gandhi had gone there to support them.”

Hitting out at NC leader Farooq Abdullah for his recent remarks, Prasad said, “These days, there are voices from Kashmir claiming that India can be divided whenever they want. Priyanka Gandhi needs to understand the mentality of the tukde-tukde gang. Rahul Gandhi’s move to contest from Wayanad also encourages this.”

Lok Sabha election latest updates

EC issues show cause notice to Gajendra Singh Shekhawat over MCC violation

The Election Commission (EC) has issued a show cause notice to Union minister and BJP MP from Jodhpur Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for violating Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by warning government officials and threatening to “hang them upside down” while addressing an election meeting in Pokhran on Sunday night. 

The BJP candidate from Jodhpur Lok Sabha seat was angered apparently by the videography of vehicles during his election meeting in Pokhran. The videography was carried following a notice from the sub-divisional magistrate stating that the expenditure on vehicles used by Shekhawat in the meeting would be added to his total campaign cost.

“This is not the last election. I have details of all officials. The government would change after five years. I would hang all of them upside down then,” Shekhawat had purportedly said.

Rahul Gandhi in Kerala latest updates

We will never kill BJP-RSS or use violence against opponents, says Congress chief

Addressing a rally in Kerala’s Alappuzha, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said, “We’re currently involved in an ideological fight between the Congress and the BJP-RSS. The Congress views India in a particular way and the RSS views India in a completely different way. We say that India should be represented by the voice of its people. We say that we should accept many different idea, languages, cultures.”

“That’s not how they see India; they want India to be ruled by one idea and they want to crush anybody who does not agree with their idea. The prime minister can announce from a stage Congress-mukt Bharat. He says he wants to eliminate Congress and its ideas. We do not say that, we don’t want the elimination of anybody. We disagree the BJP and the RSS, we fight with them, but we will never kill BJP and RSS. We will never use violence against our opponents. Even when we are fighting our opponents, we will do so with love, respect and compassion. And the history of this state and country will show you that in this country love will always triumphs over hate.”

Centre seeks report on Bangladeshi actor allegedly campaigning for TMC

The Centre sought a report from the Foreigner Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) in Kolkata on Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed allegedly campaigning for a Trinamool Congress candidate for the Lok Sabha polls, officials said.

The move comes following reports that Ferdous Ahmed, along with a few Indian actors, allegedly took part in campaigning for TMC’s Raiganj candidate Kanhaiyalal Agarwal.

The Foreigner Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) Kolkata has been asked to send a detailed report whether Ahmed has violated visa conditions by allegedly participating in the Lok Sabha poll campaigning. Ahmed is said to be visiting India on a business visa.

PTI

Narendra Modi in Chhattisgarh latest updates

PM takes on Rahul over ‘saare Modi chor hai’ remark

Against the backdrop of Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s ‘saare Modi chor hai’ remark, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday, “These people are crossing limits daily. According to them anyone whose name is Modi is a thief, What kind of politics is this? They have labelled a whole community as thieves only to get some applause, just to insult your chowkidar.”

Uttar Pradesh election latest updates

SP leader confirms Poonam Sinha will be Uttar Pradesh alliance’s candidate from Lucknow

Samajwadi Party leader Ravidas Mehrotra said that Shatrughan Sinha’s wife Poonam Sinha will be the SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow. She will file nomination on 18 April. “We appeal to the Congress that do not field your candidate from here so that BJP can be defeated,” he was quoted as saying by ANI.

Narendra Modi in Chhattisgarh latest updates

Your one vote made surgical strike, air strike, shooting down satellite possible: Modi

Addressing a rally in Bhatapara, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Today, India enters Pakistan and performs surgical strikes. Today, India kills the terrorists by entering their house. Today, India can spot a missile in space.​ Modi did not do all this; this was possible becayse of your one vote.”

Uttar Pradesh election latest updates

Samajwadi Party tweets out welcome message to Poonam Sinha

The Samajwadi Party’s official Twitter handle has welcomed Poonam Sinha to the fold. Sinha met Akhilesh Yadav’s wife Dimple on the occasion.

आज लखनऊ में सांसद श्रीमती डिम्पल यादव जी की उपस्थिति में श्रीमती पूनम सिन्हा जी ने समाजवादी पार्टी की सदस्यता ग्रहण की। pic.twitter.com/AdjeuaYBc3

— Samajwadi Party (@samajwadiparty) April 16, 2019

Uttar Pradesh election latest updates

Poonam Sinha joins Samajwadi Party, say reports

Shatrughan Sinha’s wife Poonam has reportedly joined the Samajwadi Party, say reports. SP is expected to announce her name as Lucknow candidate soon.

  Congress election campaign latest updates

Shatrughan Sinha’s wife Poonam likely to take on Rajnath from Lucknow

Poonam Sinha, newly anointed Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha’s wife, is likely to go against Rajnath Singh from the Lucknow constituency. The fact that Congress has not fielded anyone from the crucial constituency yet is being considered significant enough to suggest that Sinha will have the backing of Congress, SP and BSP.

Amit Shah in Karnataka latest updates:

Amit Shah begins roadshow in Karnataka

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah began his roadshow in Tumakuru, Karnataka on Wednesday. Former prime minister and JDS chief HD Deve Gowda will contest from Tumakuru in the 2019 general election.

Watch BJP National President Shri @AmitShah's roadshow in Tumakuru, Karnataka at https://t.co/H6DC1W3ioy #BharatModiKeSaath pic.twitter.com/g34kAoz5Rz

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 16, 2019

Kerala election latest updates

IN PHOTOS: Rahul visits late KM Mani’s house

Congress president Rahul Gandhi visited the house of recently deceased Congress leader KM Mani on Tuesday.

Congress President @RahulGandhi visits the home & family of the Late Shri. K. M. Mani while in Kerala. #VaravayiRahulGandhi pic.twitter.com/C4bilhzaFp

— Congress (@INCIndia) April 16, 2019

Amit Shah in Karnataka latest updates:

Amit Shah begins roadshow in Karnataka

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah began his roadshow in Tumakuru, Karnataka on Wednesday. Former prime minister and JDS chief HD Deve Gowda will contest from Tumakuru in the 2019 general election.

Watch BJP National President Shri @AmitShah's roadshow in Tumakuru, Karnataka at https://t.co/H6DC1W3ioy #BharatModiKeSaath pic.twitter.com/g34kAoz5Rz

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 16, 2019

Kerala election latest updates

IN PHOTOS: Rahul visits late KM Mani’s house

Congress president Rahul Gandhi visited the house of recently deceased Congress leader KM Mani on Tuesday.

Congress President @RahulGandhi visits the home & family of the Late Shri. K. M. Mani while in Kerala. #VaravayiRahulGandhi pic.twitter.com/C4bilhzaFp

— Congress (@INCIndia) April 16, 2019

Sushil Modi to file defamation case against Rahul over ‘all thieves are Modi’ comment

Bihar deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi on Tuesday announced that he will file a defamation case against Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his alleged “all thieves have Modi in their surnames” comment.

“I will file a defamation case against Rahul Gandhi in Patna High Court within two days,” Modi told reporters in Patna. 

The BJP leader claimed that Rahul has hurt the sentiments of crores of people with Modi surname. The deputy chief minister said, “He (Rahul Gandhi) has referred to crores of people with ‘Modi’ surname as ‘chor’ and hurt their sentiments.”

ANI

Uttar Pradesh election latest updates

OP Rajbhar’s party announces list of 39 candidates, to contest without BJP

The Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), an ally of the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, Tuesday announced it will go alone in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls in the state and released a list of 39 candidates. Party chief and state minister Om Prakash Rajbhar said his party has decided to field its candidates as the seat-sharing talks with the BJP remained unsuccessful.

“The BJP asked me to contest the Ghosi seat on the BJP symbol but I declined,” the Uttar Pradesh minister for backward class welfare and divyangjan empowerment said.

PTI

Bihar    election latest updates

Sidhu appeals to Muslims to vote for Congress

Notwithstanding the fact that as many as four prominent politicians are currently suffering campaign bans by the EC for polarising comments, Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu, at a rally in Bihar’s Katihar, appealed to the Muslim voters to vote for the Congress.

“My Muslim brothers and sisters, you must vote for the Congress. If you show solidarity, nobody can defeat your candidate.  You are not a minority but a majority,” he said.

Narendra Modi in Chhattisgarh latest updates

PM hits out at Rahul’s ‘all Modis are chor’ remark

“There is a namdaar who said recently that all Modis are thieves. Those of you here who are named ‘Sahoo’, if you went to Gujarat, you would be called ‘Modi’. So tell me, are you all thieves? Should we believe that we are all thieves? Are you going to let this go without giving an apt reply to those who say things like this?” Modi asked his Korba audience. 

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi had on Monday said at a campaign speech that all Modis were thieves.

कांग्रेस बरसों पहले जमीन से इतना कट चुकी है, कि उसे देश के लोगों की भावनाएं, देश के लोगों की जरूरतें समझ ही नहीं आती।

एक परिवार की गुलामी, उस परिवार का हुक्म मानना ही कांग्रेस की सच्चाई है: पीएम मोदी #BharatModiKeSaath pic.twitter.com/JPHPbunaep

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 16, 2019

Narendra Modi in Chhattisgarh latest updates

Congress not just with Naxals but with people who want to divide India, says PM

Narendra Modi is addressing his second rally of the day, at Korba in Chhattisgarh. Almost immediately after taking stage, the prime minister blamed the Congress for siding with Naxals and people who wanted to “divide” India. 

इससे पहले जब मैं यहां आया था तब मैंने कांग्रेस के नेताओं के बयान की तरफ आप लोगों का ध्यान दिलाया था।

तब नक्सलियों को क्रांतिकारी कहने का दौर कांग्रेस में चल पड़ा था। नक्सली हमले कांग्रेस द्वारा नक्सलियों के हौसला बढ़ाया जाने से हो रहे हैं: पीएम मोदी #BharatModiKeSaath pic.twitter.com/t2H5G6b2bT

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 16, 2019

Manipur election latest updates

IN PHOTOS: CPI candidate M Nara Singh campaigns in Inner Manipur

Communist Party of India (CPI) candidate for Inner Manipur Lok Sabha constituency, M Nara Singh campaigns in the constituency. Lok Sabha polls in the state will be held for one out of two seats on 18 April. Voting for Outer Manipur Lok Sabha constituency was held on 11 Apr.

Manipur: Communist Party of India (CPI) candidate for Inner Manipur Lok Sabha constituency, M Nara Singh campaigns in the constituency. Lok Sabha polls in the state will be held for one out of two seats on Apr 18. Voting for Outer Manipur Lok Sabha constituency was held on Apr 11 pic.twitter.com/dGXpoGBixG

— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2019

West Bengal election latest updates

BJP delegation knocks on EC’s door over TMC’s Bangladeshi campaigner

BJP’s JP Majumdar held a press meet in Kolkata after meeting the Election Commission over Bangladeshi actor Ferdous campaigning for Trinamool. “We understand that foreign nationals can’t participate in the electioneering process in India. When TMC is using Bangladeshi nationals for campaigning, they are breaking the rules. He should be arrested for breach of visa rules,” Majumdar told ANI.

BJP election campaign latest updates

Kerala party chief says you can identify Muslims by taking off their clothes

Speaking at Attingal, at a campaign rally, the BJP’s Kerala chief Sreedharan Pillai remarked that Muslims can be identified by “removing their clothes”, in a reference to circumcision. Pillai, supporting BJP’s Attingal candidate Sobha Surendran was referring to the questions raised by the Opposition on the number of people killed in the Balakot air strikes.

“Our Rahul Gandhi, Yechury, and Pinarayi are saying, our soldiers have to go there and see the count of the dead…their caste, religion etc. If it is Islam, there are some signs, no?” he said, adding “If you remove their clothes you will be able to know. We have to do all that and return is what they (the Opposition) are saying.”

EC searches BSY’s luggage at Shivamogga helipad

The Election Commission of India’s flying squad conducted checks on the luggage of former Karnataka chief minister and BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa at a helipad in Shivamogga.

Karnataka: Election Commission flying squad checks luggage of former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa at helipad in Shivamogga. pic.twitter.com/a5KCj2VY84

— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2019

EC searches BSY’s luggage at Shivamogga helipad

The Election Commission of India’s flying squad conducted checks on the luggage of former Karnataka chief minister and BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa at a helipad in Shivamogga.

Karnataka: Election Commission flying squad checks luggage of former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa at helipad in Shivamogga. pic.twitter.com/a5KCj2VY84

— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2019

Rahul Gandhi in Kerala latest updates

Congress chief addresses second rally of day, repeats NYAY promise

In what has proven to be quite a busy day for poll-related developments and fervent campaigns, Rahul Gandhi said in his second rally of the day at Kerala’s Pathanamthitta that the Congress will will spend money on education, healthcare and hospitals if it comes to power in 2019.

“Modi has reduced the amount of money spent on education drastically. This is a shame. We have a target of spending 6 percent of the GDP on education. We want the poorest and weakest people to have access to the best education and healthcare systems,” Rahul said.

WATCH: Congress President @RahulGandhi addresses public meeting in Pathanamthitta, Kerala. #VaravayiRahulGandhi https://t.co/rlEjfDD5oC

— Congress (@INCIndia) April 16, 2019

BJP delegation to meet EC over Yogi Adityanath’s campaign ban

A BJP delegation comprising senior leaders Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Jagat Prakash Nadda, will approach the Election Commission later on Tuesday against the campaign ban on UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath, ANI has reported.

Rajasthan election latest updates

IN PHOTOS: Rajyavardhan Rathore files nomination 

Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore filed his nomination from Jaipur parliamentary constituency in the presence of yoga guru Ramdev and wife Gayathri.

Rajasthan: Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore files his nomination from Jaipur parliamentary constituency for #LokSabhaElections2019 . Yog guru Ramdev and Rathore's wife Gayatri Rathore are also present. pic.twitter.com/wl1FTjbLMe

— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2019

Amit Shah in Karnataka latest updates

BJP chief issues yet another ultimatum on Kashmir

Speaking at Davanegere on Tuesday, Amit Shah went back to one of the most troubling topics on the campaign trail: the issue of Kashmir. “For as long as there are BJP karyakartas, Kashmir will remain a part of India,” he said, adding that it did not matter what Rahul Gandhi and Omar Abdullah were saying.

Shah hit out repeatedly against the Congress-JDS alliance government in Karnataka, saying that chief minister HD Kumaraswamy is one to say that Sonia and Rahul Gandhi have made him chief minister and not the people.

एनडीए की सभी पार्टियां नरेन्द्र मोदी जी के नेतृत्व में चुनाव लड़ रही हैं, हमने तय किया है कि हमारी सरकार बनने के बाद नरेन्द्र मोदी जी प्रधानमंत्री बनेंगे।

दूसरी तरफ महागठबंधन है, जिनका नेता ही न हो वो देश सही से चला सकते हैं क्या?: श्री @AmitShah #BharatModiKeSaath pic.twitter.com/r9VobusTn2

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 16, 2019

Rajnath Shah in Lucknow latest updates

Home minister files nomination

Rajnath Singh has filed his nomination from the Lucknow seat. 

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh files his nomination from Lucknow for #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/MpwtUJefER

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) April 16, 2019

Amit Shah in Karnataka latest updates

BJP chief addresses rally in Davanagere

Amit Shah has begun to address his first public meeting of the day at Davanagere in Karnataka. Immediately upon taking stage, Shah hit out at the mahagathbandhan, saying that if “somehow” the mahamilavat forms a government in the country, the leaders of different political parties of the opposition will “take turns” to become the prime minister, throwing the nation into disarray.

विगत 4 महीनों से मैं पूरे देश में घूम रहा हूं, उत्तर से दक्षिण और पूरब से पश्चिम जहां भी जा रहा हूं, बस एक ही नारा सुनाई दे रहा है- मोदी, मोदी, मोदी: श्री अमित शाह #BharatModiKeSaath pic.twitter.com/TQHdxdf4pR

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 16, 2019

Uttar Pradesh election latest updates

Azam Khan’s son cries conspiracy over father’s campaign ban

Azam Khan’s son, Abdullah Azam Khan, alleged on Tuesday that the Election Commission has been banned from campaigning because he is a Muslim. “Because Yogi Adityanath was banned, they saw it fit to ban a Muslim man too,” he said. 

Azam Khan is the only leader among the four who were banned from campaigning on Monday (including Maneka Gandhi, Yogi Adityanath and Mayawati), who did not receive a notice before being banned. This, his son and family have held, is grounds for alleging that the bias against a Muslim candidate was at play.

Railway workers suspended after selling tickets with Modi’s photos

Two Railway employees have been suspended after tickets with photos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi printed on them were issued to passengers at Barabanki railway station in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday.  

2 Railway employees have been suspended after tickets with photo of PM Modi printed on them were issued to passengers at Barabanki railway station yesterday. ADM says, "On 13 April, when shift changes, the old roll was mistakenly used. 2 employees suspended, dept probe underway" pic.twitter.com/1fbLFbXq9X

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) April 16, 2019

TMC election campaign latest updates

BJP complains to EC after Bangladeshi actor campaigns for TMC candidate

BJP leader Mukul Roy, who was once Mamata Banerjee’s man friday, led the charge against Trinamool Congress after it engaged Bangladeshi actor Ferdous to campaign for its Lok Sabha candidate Kanaia Lal Agarwal from Raiganj in North Dinajpur district. The saffron party has complained to the EC in this regard, reports said.

Senior Principal Secretary in the EC KF Wilfred told News18 that there is “no such specific rule, but we need to look in to his (Ferdous’) purpose of visit when he applied for visa.”

Prakash Raj in Bengaluru latest updates

IN PHOTOS: Actor-politician campaigns in city

Prakash Raj is contesting from the Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha seat as an independent candidate. On the campaign trail on Tuesday, he said, “I’m not fighting against anyone. I’m fighting for the people.”

Prakash Raj who is contesting from Bengaluru Central LS seat as an independent candidate,says,"I'm not fighting against anyone.I'm fighting for the people. It's we who are the majority. In democracy,if you choose the right leader,people win,if you choose wrong leader,people lose" pic.twitter.com/LYA1keGpT2

— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2019

Narendra Modi in Odisha latest updates

PM, clothed in traditional attire, begins speaking at Sambalpur

Hitting out once again at the Naveen Patnaik government, PM Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that the Naveen Patnaik government at Odisha had pocketed 85 percent of the money that the Centre had sent to the state. “You tell me, how will development happen then,” he asked, pointing out that most of Odisha’s people were wracked by poverty years after Independence because “Congress and BJD have been in power in the state.”

PM Modi addresses public meeting at Sambalpur, Odisha. #BharatModiKeSaath https://t.co/WQEjWCPRI0

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 16, 2019

Rajnath Singh in Lucknow latest updates

IN PHOTOS: Home Minister’s roadshow takes off

In frenzy we have seen before as leaders went to respective Collectorates to file their nomination papers, Union Minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh too is leading a populated roadshow ahead of filing his nomination from the Lucknow Parliamentary seat.

Lucknow: Union Minister & BJP leader Rajnath Singh holds road show ahead of filing nomination from Lucknow parliamentary seat pic.twitter.com/pIYVNt02Xm

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) April 16, 2019

Rahul Gandhi in Kerala latest updates

Congress chief says the money for NYAY will come from Anil Ambani

“The money for NYAY will come from the likes of Anil Ambani. Not honest businessmen, not fair people. We will make sure that those who have stolen from you pay you back,” Rahul Gandhi said at Kollam on Tuesday. He spoke at length on the Congress’s manifesto. At the rally, Rahul also made several promises in line with what the party has promised in its manifesto, including a single cell clearance platform for permissions for new businesses.

Rahul Gandhi in Kerala latest updates

Rahul speaks at mega roadshow: Insisted that NYAY money be sent to women

“I insisted that the money from NYAY be sent to women because I knew that women were better at money. I know the men will not be happy with this,” said Rahul to loud laughter and applause, at his Kollam rally on Tuesday. 

The Congress chief, speaking in English and with a Tamil interpreter on stage, hit out at the BJP over the Rafale scam, the charge that the BJP has made it easy for the rich to get richer and the rule of the RSS.

WATCH: Congress President @RahulGandhi addresses public meeting in Pathanapuram, Kerala. #VaravayiRahulGandhi https://t.co/W11P1jhhcE

— Congress (@INCIndia) April 16, 2019

Supreme Court asks Mayawati to come back with separate plea

Mayawati on Tuesday, did not get the relief she was hoping for, from the Supreme Court. The BSP chief, challenging the Election Commission ban on her campaigning for 48 hours starting 6 am today, was told by the Supreme Court to file a separate petition if she was “aggrieved”.

#SupremeCourt also refuses to entertain a plea by #Mayawati against the #EC ban. File a separate plea if you are aggrieved, says the court

— Utkarsh Anand (@utkarsh_aanand) April 16, 2019

EC does not look powerless anymore, says SC

The Supreme Court on Tuesday, after summoning the Election Commission on Monday, appreciated the poll watchdog for taking action on political leaders spewing hate speech. The poll watchdog has barred Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath from campaigning for 72 hours and Union minister Maneka Gandhi and Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati for 48 hours.

This was after the Supreme Court had criticised the Election Commission for not taking concrete action against disrespectful or communally-coloured speeches being political leaders and had called it a"toothless body".

Tamil Nadu election latest updates

IN PHOTO: Poll officials prepare in Ramanathapuram

Ahead of the 18 April election, preparations are underway in Ramanathapuram parliamentary constituency of Tamil Nadu where Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally on Saturday.

#TamilNadu: Preparations underway for Lok Sabha elections in Ramanathapuram parliamentary constituency; District Collector says, "we are fully prepared to conduct free and fair elections." pic.twitter.com/bpEsxdZDvT

— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2019

Uttar Pradesh election latest updates

Rajnath Singh to file nomination papers today

Union Home Minister and BJP candidate from Lucknow, Rajnath Singh will file his nomination papers on Tuesday. Ahead of the roadshow, Rajnath visited the Hanuman Setu temple in the city.

 He is likely to be accompanied by senior leaders including Mahendra Nath Pandey, Deputy CM of UP KP Maurya, Dinesh Sharma, MoS Home Hansraj Ahir, Kalraj Mishra. Singh is also expected to hold a road show from party office to the collectorate.

Lucknow: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh offers prayers at Hanuman Setu temple before filing his nomination today. He will file his nomination for #LokSabhaElections2019 from the Parliamentary constituency, later today. pic.twitter.com/zBzjKn7TY3

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) April 16, 2019

Kerala election campaign latest updates

Nirmala Sitharaman pays a visit to injured Shashi Tharoor

The frantic campaign pitches of the two-month-long Lok Sabha election process saw a small reprieve on Tuesday when Congress MP Shashi Tharoor tweeted that BJP minister Nirmala Sitharaman had been to visit him in the hospital in spite of a demanding campaign schedule. Tharoor had been hospitalised after hurting himself during a temple visit on Monday.

Touched by the gesture of @nsitharaman, who dropped by today morning to visit me in the hospital, amid her hectic electioneering in Kerala. Civility is a rare virtue in Indian politics - great to see her practice it by example! pic.twitter.com/XqbLf1iCR5

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 16, 2019

BJP election campaign latest updates

Amit Shah to also campaign in south India

Like Congress president Rahul Gandhi, BJP chief Amit Shah will also address rallies in Kerala. He will, however, begin the day with meetings at Karnataka.

Schedule of BJP National President Shri @AmitShah's public meetings in Kerala and Karnataka on 16 April 2019.

Watch LIVE at

∙ https://t.co/vpP0MI6iTu
∙ https://t.co/KrGm5hWgwn
∙ https://t.co/EyN23goWO7
∙ NaMoTV@BJP4Keralam @BJP4Karnataka pic.twitter.com/cGEIwtngY2

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 16, 2019

Congress election campaign latest updates

Rahul Gandhi to address four rallies in Kerala today

Congress president  Rahul Gandhi will be in Kerala on Tuesday and Wednesday, covering several districts including his second constituency of Wayanad.

Congress President @RahulGandhi will be in Kerala today to address four rallies. Watch him live on our social media platforms.

FB: https://t.co/NPOcx48kHN

YT: https://t.co/g2POk7bvU1 pic.twitter.com/k6hQbqD5VG

— Congress (@INCIndia) April 16, 2019

BJP election campaign latest updates

Narendra Modi to speak in BJD, Congress-ruled states today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address rallies criss-crossing Odisha and Chhattisgarh, at Sambalpur, Korba, Bhatapara and Bhubaneswar.

PM Shri @narendramodi will address mega rallies in Odisha and Chhattisgarh on 16 April 2019. Watch at

∙ https://t.co/vpP0MI6iTu
∙ https://t.co/KrGm5hWgwn
∙ https://t.co/EyN23goWO7
∙ NaMoTV

Dial 9345014501 to listen LIVE. @BJP4Odisha @BJP4CGState pic.twitter.com/QjyKzLMM4k

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 16, 2019