 "Is Shashi Tharoor’s breakup with Congress inevitable?")
 "‘Naxalism will end in India by March 2026’: Amit Shah at CRPF Raising Day parade")
Election Campaign 2019 LATEST updates: Narendra Modi criticises former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, “After Independence, the Indian struggle for development should have continued. The former finance minister said during a budget speech in 2014 that India should be proud that it stood at 11th position as World’s largest economy. India has everything, every citizen has to dream. I did not say anything, we are now at 6th spot in 2019. India also now falls under elite space club.” “In the year 2013-14, I was the new face for the prime minister. My critics made me popular,” said Narendra Modi in Delhi. “Five years has gone by but current the Prime Minister of India has not kept the promises he made. There should be no confusion (on special status), as soon as our party comes to power in 2019, one of the first decision will be to give special status to Andhra Pradesh, " Rahul said. The Uttar Pradesh chief minister accused Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of insulting Hindus for not going to Ram janmabhoomi during her Ayodhya visit. “She said it is disputed land, so she didn’t. She didn’t go there as this would have upset a particular community,” Adityanath said. CPM chief Sitaram Yechury on Sunday said that it’s important for the Congress to clarify what the party means by fielding party president Rahul Gandhi from Kerala’s Wayanad. “What message is being conveyed by coming here and fighting against the LDF, the Congress has to decide. Any party can decide which candidate will contest from which seat but what’s the message they want to convey, they’ll have to explain to people.” Yechury also said that “removing” the BJP was the party’s priority. “We are very clear, this election is an important one, that will decide whether a secular democracy will survive or not. Removing BJP is our priority.” Union minister and BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday attacked Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his decision to contest Lok Sabha polls from Wayanad along with Amethi. The law minister said the “truth” about Rahul’s Hinduism has been revealed because Kerala’s Wayanad is a constituency with “only 8 percent” Hindus, and the rest are minorities. “Some people are Hindus in thought and actions, and some are Hindus only before an election. They start going to temples only before the elections. The truth about the web of lies Rahul Gandhi has spun has been revealed.” “We did some research to find out why the Congress president chose Wayanad and saw that the constituency has only eight percent Hindus, rest are all minorities. The story of Rahul Gandhi’s escape to Wayanad is in the composition of the constituency. The BJP leader also said that Rahul’s “roots” in Amethi “are crumbling”. “Rahul Gandhi stands exposed today. If you like South India so much, why didn’t you choose any other constituency?” Prasad questioned. “On one hand he supports Hinduism, on the other hand he chooses to contest from a minoity-strong constituency,” Prasad concluded. BJP president Amit Shah, in a rally in Uttar Pradesh’ Nagina on Sunday reacted to Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s decision to contest Lok Sabha election from Kerala’s Wayanad. He said, “I read on WhatsApp that Rahul Gandhi has run towards Kerala, leaving Amethi behind. Why has he escaped to Kerala? All of you know that this time Rahul Gandhi is done for, in Amethi. So he is going to Kerala in a bid to win on the politics of polarisation.” In a rally as part of the Congress’ campaign for the Lok Sabha election in Andhra Pradesh’s Vijaywada, party president Rahul Gandhi said that the “commitment” had been made by the Congress and former prime minister Manmohan Singh. “It’s a commitment made by the country to Andhra Pradesh. It’s our commitment that we’ll give special status to Andhra Pradesh the moment we come to power in Delhi.” He added, “Mr Modi has been prime minister for 5 years and he has not fulfilled this commitment and frankly I am surprised that the parties in Andhra Pradesh aren’t aggressively pushing for Mr Modi to give Andhra what it has been promised.” Kerala chief minister and CPM leader Pinarayi Vijayan, in response to Congress chief Rahul Gandhi’s decision to contest Lok Sabha polls from Kerala’s Wayanad, said, “He’s fighting in one of the 20 constituencies (in Kerala) and doesn’t need to be seen as any different. We’ll fight him. He should have contested from a constituency where BJP is contesting, it’s nothing but a fight against Left.” Congress leader AK Anthony and spokesperson Randeep Surjewala on Sunday announced that Congress chief Rahul Gandhi will also contest Lok Sabha polls from Kerala’s Wayanad. Rahul will be contesting the crucial general elections from two seats, Amethi and Wayanad. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has decided that the party will not be forming an alliance with AAP for the crucial Lok Sabha elections. His decision has been conveyed to Delhi Congress chief Sheila Dikshit by party leaders PC Chacko and KC Venugopal, NDTV reported. A formal announcement is likely today. Dikshit had, in a letter to Rahul and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, warned the top leadership an alliance with AAP would “hurt the Congress in the long run”. The ruling alliance in Karnataka will launch their joint Lok Sabha polls campaign Sunday with Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and JD(S) patriarch HD Deve Gowda addressing a mega rally on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Titled ‘Parivartana Samavesha’, this will be the first rally jointly organised by the Congress and JD(S) after the combine came to power. Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, who visited BIEC ground near Nelamanagala to inspect the arrangements being made, said the event would be “historic.” “This will be the first joint campaign by Congress and JD(S)… tomorrow’s meeting is historic as it will send a clear message to people of the country from Karnataka for Lok Sabha polls,” Kumaraswamy told reporters. Congress and JD(S) ministers, MLAs and leaders will be part of the event. Sunday evening’s rally will also be attended by lakhs of workers of both parties from Tumkur, Ramanagara, Bengaluru Rural and Bengaluru urban districts, Congress and JDS sources said. Following this, state leaders of both parties would organise similar joint meetings at several places across Karnataka, they said. According to seat sharing arrangements, the Congress and JD(S) have decided to contest in 21 and 7 seats respectively. For the coalition to emerge as a formidable opposition to BJP and win more number of seats, it is crucial for the Congress to transfer its votes to the JD(S) and vice-versa. However, dissidence over seat sharing among workers of both parties, who have been arch rivals for decades, has caused worry to coalition leaders. According to the sources, organising the joint campaign is aimed at addressing this disgruntlement and send out a message that both the alliance partners are together. Both parties that had fought against each other ahead of May 2018 assembly polls joined hands to form an alliance as the election threw up a hung verdict. Karnataka will go to the polls in two phases, 14 constituencies each, on 18 and 23 April.
Lok Sabha Election Campaign LIVE Updates: Pakistan couldn't divide India in 70 years, Modi-Shah did it in 5 years, says Arvind Kejriwal
Election Campaign 2019 LIVE Updates: Narendra Modi criticises former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, “After Independence, the Indian struggle for development should have continued. The former finance minister said during a budget speech in 2014 that India should be proud that it stood at 11th position as World’s largest economy.”
 "Lok Sabha Election Campaign LIVE Updates: Pakistan couldn't divide India in 70 years, Modi-Shah did it in 5 years, says Arvind Kejriwal")
Amit Shah says he quoted Balakot figures from what he saw on media channels
I quoted the Balakot figures from what I saw on our media channels, I did not watch or refer to foreign media reports: @AmitShah tells @18RahulJoshi on #News18AgendaIndia forum @EbixInc @OfficialJioTV pic.twitter.com/EB44joMFRw
— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 31, 2019
Pakistan could not divide India on religious lines in 70 years, Modi-Shah did it in 5 years: Arvind Kejriwal at Visakhapatnam rally
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and her Andhra Pradesh counterpart N Chandrababu Naidu are also at the rally.
Visakhapatnam: West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee and Delhi CM and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal attend Andhra Pradesh CM & TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu's public rally pic.twitter.com/D09KLGDybx
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2019
Took decision as game must be played from where terror is controlled: Narendra Modi on Balakot air strikes
Addressing a ‘Main bhi Chowkidar’ event, he said Pakistan was in a fix because if it acknowledges the air strikes, it will have to accept that there were terror camps there.
“They have been saying that there are no terror camps. Now they have to hide it. They are not allowing anybody to go there. We’ve been told Balakot area is being reconstructed by Pakistan to show that a school is being run there, so that people can be taken there and shown that no terror camp existed there,” he said.
“Those abusing Modi on Balakot air strikes are helping Pakistan with their statements,” Modi said.
PTI
Every first time voter should realise they have a say in country’s decision making process: Modi while speaking at Delhi
Taking a jibe at the Congress for its newly-launched NYAY scheme, Modi said: “Those who are making promises, check their track record. They repeat the same things, but don’t do anything. They could not remove poverty. The responsibility of the first-time voter is to recognise such people.”
PM Modi at 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' program in Delhi: Every first time voter should realise that they have reached a stage where they can have a say in country's decision making process. pic.twitter.com/yl8X5zS3VT
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2019
Will address dreams of every citizens: Modi
“In the coming five years we will eradicate corruption and poverty, won’t spare economic offenders, fulfill aspirations and will address the dreams of every citizens,” said Modi while talking about the poll agenda if the BJP comes to power in 2019.
Congress has seasonal liars: Modi
Narendra Modi accused the Congress of habitually spreading lies. The prime minister said, “Congress’ lies are seasonal… they change their lies according to seasons.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Congress ka jhoot bada seasonal hota hai, jab Dilli mein chunaav chal raha tha, tab unhone jhoot chala diya, aur jhoot kya tha, Church pe hamle ho rahe hain, intolerance...intolerance. Jaise hi chunaav samaapt hogye, intolerance bhi samaapt ho gaya pic.twitter.com/SzhoMFKIbx
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2019
Mission Shakti has nothing to do with Lok Sabha polls: Modi
Narendra Modi hailed the recent Anti Satellite (A-SAT) launch and said that India now belonged to the elite space club. Modi said, “Mission Shakti has nothing to do with elections… what we have achieved is unique.”
Taking a jibe at fugitive Vijay Mallya, Modi said “Some people are complaining that they won’t return to India because the jails here are in bad condition… shall I give them jails better than the one where Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned?
PM Modi: Kuch log (loan defaulters and financial offenders) videsh ki adalaton mein jakar keh rahe hain ki Bharat ki jail ki sthiti aisi hai ki hum usmein reh nahi sakte. Toh ab unko mahal dain kya? Angrezon ne Gandhi ko jis jail mein rakha tha usse achhi jail thodi na dunga. pic.twitter.com/98eAbi4Gsm
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2019
India has the 6th largest economy in 2019: Modi
Narendra Modi criticises former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, “After Independence, the Indian struggle for development should have continued. The former finance minister said during a budget speech in 2014 that India should be proud that it stood at 11th position as World’s largest economy. India has everything, every citizen has to dream. I did not say anything, we are now at 6th spot in 2019. India also now falls under elite space club.”
Chowkidar is representative of Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of trusteeship: Modi
At Mai Bhi Chowkidar event in Delhi, the prime minister said, “For me, chowkidar is representative of Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of trusteeship.”
Pakistan thought if Modi is busy during election, then perhaps he will not do anything: Narendra Modi
पाकिस्तान को लगता होगा की मोदी चुनाव में busy होगा तो शायद कुछ करेगा नहीं।
— BJP (@BJP4India) March 31, 2019
मेरे लिए चुनाव priority नहीं है, देश priority है : प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi #MainBhiChowkidar https://t.co/NqQLOaZUNV pic.twitter.com/CtKTNsbpTX
Balakot air strikes was not carried by me, but armed forces of this nation: Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the IAF airstrikes at Pakistan’s Balakot was not carried by him, but the Indian Armed Forces.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with people at Mai Bhi Chowkidar campaign at Delhi’s Talkatora stadium
Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with people at 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' program pic.twitter.com/6VFg6HAKRw
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2019
Chowkidar is a spirit: Narendra Modi
“Some people have limited thinking capabilities, and for them the image of a Chowkidar is someone who wears a cap or whistle, but Chowkidar is a spirit,” said the prime minsiter.
Narendra Modi addresses party workers across 500 locations:
“In the year 2013-14, I was the new face for the prime minister. My critics made me popular,” says the prime minister in Delhi.
Congress will provide special category status to Andhra Pradesh if it comes to power: Rahul in Anantapur rally
“Five years has gone by but current the Prime Minister of India has not kept the promises he made. There should be no confusion (on special status), as soon as our party comes to power in 2019, one of the first decision will be to give special status to Andhra Pradesh, " Rahul said.
Rahul Gandhi addresses rally in Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur
LIVE: Congress President @RahulGandhi addresses public meeting in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. #RahulBharosaSabha https://t.co/Q36nr0gJsK
— Congress (@INCIndia) March 31, 2019
BJP announces four LS candidates from Gujarat, drops names of three sitting MPs
The BJP Sunday announced four more names from Gujarat for the forthcoming general elections, dropping the names of three sitting MPs.
Bharatsinh Dabhi, sitting MLA from Kheralu Assembly constituency, will contest from Patan while Geeta Rathwa, a district panchayat member for the last five terms, will be the BJP candidate from Chhota Udepur (ST). Mitesh Patel, a district-level treasurer in the BJP, will fight from Anand constituency.
The three will replace sitting MPs Liladhar Vaghela from Patan, Ramsinh Rathwa from Chhota Udepur (ST) and Dilip Patel from Anand.
Junagadh Member of Parliament Rajesh Chudasama has been renominated from the same seat.
PTI
BJD MLA Raghunath Mohanty, accuses party of deviating from ideals
In a fresh jolt to ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) ahead of the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha, its senior leader Raghunath Mohanty Sunday resigned
from the party and accused it of having deviated from the ideals of legendary leader Biju Patnaik.
Mohanty, who was vice-president of the ruling BJD, said he has sent a letter to chief minister Naveen Patnaik, conveying his decision to resign from the primary membership of the regional party.
“I am tendering my resignation from the primary membership as well as vice-presidentship of BJD for personal reasons,” Mohanty said in his resignation letter.
He is, however, believed to have quit the party after sensing denial of ticket to contest from his home turf of Basta Assembly seat in Balasore district.
PTI
All I know we will win from both the seats: Maneka Gandhi on Congress chief Rahul Gandhi contesting from Amethi and Wayanad
Union Minister Maneka Gandhi on Rahul Gandhi contesting from Amethi and Wayanad: All I know is we will win from both the seats. https://t.co/FSMEIppDss
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 31, 2019
Union Minister Maneka Gandhi on Rahul Gandhi contesting from Amethi and Wayanad: It's up-to him where he wants to contest from, how will I know if he got scared or not? pic.twitter.com/1liRUBPx1d
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 31, 2019
RECAP | Amit Shah takes a jibe at BSP-SP-RLD coalition in Uttar Pradesh
BJP president Amit Shah took a dig at the Bahujan Samaj Party- Samajwadi Party- Rashtriya Lok Dal alliance in Uttar Pradesh. Shah said, “A different coalition has happened in UP, bua-bhatija and dada have come together. Isn’t Ajit Singh at an age where he should be a grandfather or a great-grandfather? They think they can defeat BJP, include Rahul baba and Priyanka Vadra too, you won’t be able to defeat BJP.”
Amit Shah: A different coalition has happened in UP, 'bua-bhatija & dada' have come together. Isn't Ajit Singh at an age where he should be a grandfather or a great-grandfather? They think they can defeat BJP, include Rahul baba&Priyanka Vadra too, you won't be able to defeat BJP pic.twitter.com/td4Mldzcr7
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 31, 2019
31 March | Yogi Adityanath slams Congress for its hypocrisy over temple visits
The Uttar Pradesh chief minister accused Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of insulting Hindus for not going to Ram janmabhoomi during her Ayodhya visit. “She said it is disputed land, so she didn’t. She didn’t go there as this would have upset a particular community,” Adityanath said.
UP CM: Priyanka Vadra's statement y'day, over Ayodhya is an insult to Hindus everywhere. She was asked why did she not to go Ram janmbhoomi when she went to Ayodhya? She said it is disputed land, so she didn't. She didn't go there as this would have upset a particular community. https://t.co/I2XO0yUzwi
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 31, 2019
31 March | Yogi Adityanath slams Congress for its hypocrisy over temple visits
The Uttar Pradesh chief minister accused Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of insulting Hindus for not going to Ram janmabhoomi during her Ayodhya visit. “She said it is disputed land, so she didn’t. She didn’t go there as this would have upset a particular community,” Adityanath said.
UP CM: Priyanka Vadra's statement y'day, over Ayodhya is an insult to Hindus everywhere. She was asked why did she not to go Ram janmbhoomi when she went to Ayodhya? She said it is disputed land, so she didn't. She didn't go there as this would have upset a particular community. https://t.co/I2XO0yUzwi
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 31, 2019
Nirmala Sitharaman rides the Delhi metro
Defence Minister and senior BJP leader Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday took a metro train to attend an event in Haryana’s Gurugram.
Delhi: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman takes a metro train to attend an event in Gurugram (Haryana). pic.twitter.com/EdLXOQKwIk
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2019
Sitaram Yechury says ‘removing BJP’ is CPM’s priority
CPM chief Sitaram Yechury on Sunday said that it’s important for the Congress to clarify what the party means by fielding party president Rahul Gandhi from Kerala’s Wayanad. “What message is being conveyed by coming here and fighting against the LDF, the Congress has to decide. Any party can decide which candidate will contest from which seat but what’s the message they want to convey, they’ll have to explain to people.”
Yechury also said that “removing” the BJP was the party’s priority. “We are very clear, this election is an important one, that will decide whether a secular democracy will survive or not. Removing BJP is our priority.”
S Yechury on Rahul Gandhi contesting from Wayanad: Coming here&fighting against LDF, what message this conveys, that Congress has to decide. Any party can decide which candidate will contest from which seat but what's the message they want to convey,they'll have to explain to ppl https://t.co/Y0szfX0Gwy
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2019
Ravi Shankar Prasad slams Rahul Gandhi over Wayanad bid
Union minister and BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday attacked Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his decision to contest Lok Sabha polls from Wayanad along with Amethi.
The law minister said the “truth” about Rahul’s Hinduism has been revealed because Kerala’s Wayanad is a constituency with “only 8 percent” Hindus, and the rest are minorities. “Some people are Hindus in thought and actions, and some are Hindus only before an election. They start going to temples only before the elections. The truth about the web of lies Rahul Gandhi has spun has been revealed.”
“We did some research to find out why the Congress president chose Wayanad and saw that the constituency has only eight percent Hindus, rest are all minorities. The story of Rahul Gandhi’s escape to Wayanad is in the composition of the constituency.”
The BJP leader also said that Rahul’s “roots” in Amethi “are crumbling”. “Rahul Gandhi stands exposed today. If you like South India so much, why didn’t you choose any other constituency?” Prasad questioned.
“On one hand he supports Hinduism, on the other hand he chooses to contest from a minoity-strong constituency,” Prasad concluded.
Amit Shah says Rahul Gandhi is scared of defeat in Amethi
BJP president Amit Shah, in a rally in Uttar Pradesh’ Nagina on Sunday reacted to Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s decision to contest Lok Sabha election from Kerala’s Wayanad.
He said, “I read on WhatsApp that Rahul Gandhi has run towards Kerala, leaving Amethi behind. Why has he escaped to Kerala? All of you know that this time Rahul Gandhi is done for, in Amethi. So he is going to Kerala in a bid to win on the politics of polarisation.”
Amit Shah in Nagina: I read on WhatsApp that Rahul Gandhi has run towards Kerala, leaving Amethi behind. Why has he escaped to Kerala? All of you know that this time Rahul Gandhi is done for in Amethi. So he is going to Kerala in a bid to win on the politics of polarisation. pic.twitter.com/F0Eyj94s1L
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 31, 2019
Preparations for TDP rally in Andhra Pradesh underway
ANI tweeted visuals of the preparations in Vishakhapatnam where TDP will be holding a public rally on Sunday. The rally is also likely to be attended by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.
TDP Spokesperson Lanka Dinakar said, “We’ll show voice of Andhra especially the betrayal of Narendra Modi led Union govt.”
Andhra Pradesh: Earlier visuals of preparation from Vishakhapatnam where TDP is holding a public rally today which will also be attended by WB CM&Delhi CM. TDP Spokesperson Lanka Dinakar says, "We'll show voice of Andhra especially the betrayal of Narendra Modi led Union govt." pic.twitter.com/ceTGkthmQ6
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2019
Visuals from the ‘Main bhi chowkidar’ theme car rally in Mumbai
The BJP in Mumbai carried out a ‘Main Bhi Chowkidar’ theme car rally in Mumbai on Sunday.
Maharashtra: Visuals from the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' theme car rally in Mumbai pic.twitter.com/2xinN97QPR
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2019
BJP releases list of four candidates in Gujarat
The BJP released a list of four candidates in Gujarat for the Lok Sabha election on Sunday. One candidate has also been announced for the by-election in the Talala assembly constituency.
BJP releases list of 4 candidates in Gujarat for #LokSabhaElections2019 . One candidate for by-election to Talala assembly constituency also announced. pic.twitter.com/pTiPY3kvny
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2019
Congress will deliver on NYAY like MGNREGA, White Revolution: Rahul Gandhi
In a rally in Andhra Pradesh’ Wayanad, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said, “… Rs 72,000 a year….I’m not Mr Modi, I don’t lie. He said he’ll give you Rs 15 Lakh, that was a lie…Government of India cannot give you Rs 15 Lakh in a bank account but Government of India can give Rs 72,000 a year to the poorest people in India.
He added, “Congress party and I will deliver the NYAY (Nyuntam Aay Yojana) scheme like we delivered MGNREGA, White Revolution and Green Revolution.”
Congress Pres Rahul Gandhi in Vijayawada: Rs 72,000 a year....I'm not Mr Modi, I don't lie. He said he'll give you Rs 15 Lakh, that was a lie...Govt of India cannot give you Rs 15 Lakh in a bank account but Govt of India can give Rs 72,000 a year to the poorest people in India. pic.twitter.com/g2X6dhrSIS
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2019
Rahul Gandhi promises special status to Andhra Pradesh in campaign rally
In a rally as part of the Congress’ campaign for the Lok Sabha election in Andhra Pradesh’s Vijaywada, party president Rahul Gandhi said that the “commitment” had been made by the Congress and former prime minister Manmohan Singh. “It’s a commitment made by the country to Andhra Pradesh. It’s our commitment that we’ll give special status to Andhra Pradesh the moment we come to power in Delhi.”
He added, “Mr Modi has been prime minister for 5 years and he has not fulfilled this commitment and frankly I am surprised that the parties in Andhra Pradesh aren’t aggressively pushing for Mr Modi to give Andhra what it has been promised.”
Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Vijayawada,Andhra: It is not only a commitment made by Congress&Manmohan Singh ji, it's a commitment made by the country to Andhra Pradesh. It's our commitment that we'll give special status to Andhra Pradesh the moment we come to power in Delhi pic.twitter.com/Z86tUJpDpw
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2019
Rahul Gandhi should have fought from a constituency that BJP is contesting: Pinarayi Vijayan
Kerala chief minister and CPM leader Pinarayi Vijayan, in response to Congress chief Rahul Gandhi’s decision to contest Lok Sabha polls from Kerala’s Wayanad, said, “He’s fighting in one of the 20 constituencies (in Kerala) and doesn’t need to be seen as any different. We’ll fight him. He should have contested from a constituency where BJP is contesting, it’s nothing but a fight against Left.”
Kerala CM P Vijayan on Rahul Gandhi contesting from Wayanad: He's fighting in one of the 20 constituencies(in Kerala)&doesn't need to be seen as any different. We'll fight him.He should've contested from a constituency where BJP is contesting,it's nothing but a fight against Left pic.twitter.com/VYehOrfJb8
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2019
We will work to ensure Rahul Gandhi’s defeat in Wayanad: CPM
Prakash Karat, former CPM general secretary reacted to the Congress’ announcement of party president Rahul Gandhi also contesting Lok Sabha polls from Kerala’s Wayanad constituency. Karat said, “Decision of Congress to field Rahul Gandhi from Wayanad shows their priority now is to fight against Left in Kerala. It goes against Congress’ national commitment to fight BJP, as in Kerala it’s LDF which is the main force fighting BJP there.”
He added, “To pick a candidate like Rahul Gandhi against Left means that Congress is going to target the Left in Kerala. This is something which we will strongly oppose & in this election we will work to ensure the defeat of Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad.”
Prakash Karat, CPI(M) ex-General Secy: To pick a candidate like Rahul Gandhi against Left means that Congress is going to target the Left in Kerala. This is something which we will strongly oppose & in this election we will work to ensure the defeat of Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad. pic.twitter.com/uIjLgDhxF4
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2019
RECAP: Pinarayi Vijayan asked Congress to clarify intentions behind fielding Rahul Gandhi from Wayanad
On 23 March, Kerala chief minister and CPM leader Pinarayi Vijayan asked the Congress to clarify about the message it was sending out by asking party president Rahul Gandhi to contest Lok Sabha polls from the state’s Wayanad district.
The Kerala unit of the Congress, which is in opposition against the Left Democratic Front government in the state, had urged Rahul to contest from the seat.
“In Uttar Pradesh, SP-BSP alliance is unarguably the main political force, whereas in Kerala it is the LDF. Gandhi is not coming to fight the BJP here, but the LDF,” Vijayan had told reporters.
“His (Rahul’s) arrival in Kerala, I believe, is not going to have a major impact in the electoral battle. But, with this move, the Congress would be sending out a message that it is not the BJP they are fighting, but the LDF. Congress needs to think what is the message they are trying to send out to the nation," the chief minister added.
Rahul’s decision to contest from Wayanad as effort to ‘bridge North-South divide’
Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala on Sunday, while announcing party president Rahul Gandhi’s decision to contest the Lok Sabha polls from Kerala’s Wayanad along with the Amethi constituency in Uttar Pradesh, said that the move was an attempt to “bridge the North-South divide”.
He added that the decision also stemmed from the “attack on the social fabric” of India. Surjewala asserted that both Amethi and Wayanad were special for the Congress president.
Surjewala also said, “Why did Modi ji leave Gujarat and contest from Varanasi? Was he not confident in Gujarat? These are immature and childish comments. She (Smriti Irani) will complete a hat-trick of losses (in Amethi).”
AK Anthony announces Rahul Gandhi’s decision to contest LS polls from Wayanad
Congress leader AK Antony, in a press conference on Sunday said, “Rahulji has given his consent to contest from two seats, very happy to inform you that he will also contest from Wayanad in Kerala.”
AK Antony,Congress: Rahul ji has given his consent to contest from two seats, very happy to inform you that he will also contest from Wayanad in Kerala. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/Rt7IDNxr0D
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2019
Rahul Gandhi will also contest polls from Kerala’s Wayanad
Congress leader AK Anthony and spokesperson Randeep Surjewala on Sunday announced that Congress chief Rahul Gandhi will also contest Lok Sabha polls from Kerala’s Wayanad. Rahul will be contesting the crucial general elections from two seats, Amethi and Wayanad.
Sheila Dikshit says official announcement on alliance with AAP likely soon
Delhi Congress chief Sheila Dikshit on Sunday told reporters that an official announcement regarding a possible alliance between Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi is likely soon. She said, “You will get to know about it in a matter of few hours, by this evening or by tomorrow. There will be an official announcement.”
Delhi Congress chief Sheila Dikshit on possible alliance between Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi: You will get to know about it in a matter of few hours, by this evening or by tomorrow. There will be an official announcement. pic.twitter.com/7PLB7S6DZp
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2019
Congress decides not to ally with AAP for Lok Sabha polls, says report
Congress president Rahul Gandhi has decided that the party will not be forming an alliance with AAP for the crucial Lok Sabha elections. His decision has been conveyed to Delhi Congress chief Sheila Dikshit by party leaders PC Chacko and KC Venugopal, NDTV reported.
A formal announcement is likely today. Dikshit had, in a letter to Rahul and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, warned the top leadership an alliance with AAP would “hurt the Congress in the long run”.
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