Narendra Modi in Telangana; Election 2019 campaign updates: Mahamilawat will 'steal everything' if voted to power, says PM

Congress isn’t in power anymore, Modi is: PM

Continuing his attack on Omar Abdullah and PDP in Jammu and Kashmir, Narendra Modi said in Secunderabad, “Elections will come and go, but till the time there is Modi, your plans will never come to fruition. Modi will stand as a wall between the enemies of the country and the people of the country.

“The leaders who have no ground left are holding on to the ends of Congress. The times have changed. It’s not Congress anymore (in power), it is Modi. We have made a strong government to build a strong country. Your vote is for a strong government and for Modi, this chowkidar.”

Modi slams Opposition over Omar Abdullah’s remarks for prime minister for Jammu and Kashmir

“A major ally of Congress, the National Conference, has given a statement that there should be a separate prime minister in Jammu and Kashmir. I want to know from the Congress and each of its grand alliance partner, what is the reason that their ally is daring to say such things,” Narendra Modi said in Secunderabad.

NDA govt successful in controlling inflation, says Modi

In Secunderabad, Narendra Modi said, “Our government has been successful in controlling inflation. Otherwise, at the rate at which prices were rising 5 years ago, the budget of the average family’s kitchen would’ve gotton out of control. Even electricity bills, mobile phones bills, health-related bills have reduced.”

Narendra Modi address rally in Secunderabad

Addressing a rally in Telangana’s Secunderabad, Narendra Modi said, “The 2019 election is going to play an important role in the creation of new India. The new India is going to be built on that strong foundation, which has been done by your custodian of honest effort to create.”

Congress delegation meets EC over misuse of Doordarshan by BJP, Namo TV

Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal told reporters that a party delegation met the Election Commission over a few issues, including the misuse of Doordarshan by BJP in broadcasting, certain speeches made by Narendra Modi, and use of a particular channel which has come up and has logo of ‘NAMO’.

Kapil Sibal, Congress: A Congress delegation met Election Commission over a few issues including the misuse of Doordarshan by BJP in broadcasting certain speeches made by PM Modi and use of a particular channel which has come up and has logo of 'NAMO'. pic.twitter.com/sYJCcBcyTp

— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2019

‘Desperate’ Congress resorting to dubious means: RS Prasad on Facebook removing pages linked to party

Reacting to reports of Facebook removing 687 pages and accounts linked to Congress, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “It (pages and accounts) was used to spread falsehood against Narendra Modi government. When inquiry was done, it was found that those individuals were linked to Congress IT cell. Congress is desperate therefore resorting to these types of dubious means to claim support, but the people are sure of what they have seen of Narendra Modi government.”

Union Minister RS Prasad on 'Facebook removing 687 pages,accounts linked to Congress party ahead of polls': Today a very historical development has taken place. Owners of those accounts were not known. It was fake. It was used to spread falsehood against Narendra Modi govt. pic.twitter.com/IMSPQ8En5A

— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2019

Amit Shah targets Naveen Patnaik for not learning to speak Odia

At a rally in Odisha, BJP chief Amit Shah said, “Naveen Babu is ruling from past two decades and he cannot even speak Odia without paper. I appeal people of Odisha to elect a chief minister who can understand your pain and your language as well.”

Naveen Babu is ruling from past two decades and he cannot even speak Odia without paper.

I appeal people of Odisha to elect a Chief Minister who can understand your pain and your language as well. pic.twitter.com/uGAy9ETikB

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 1, 2019

Chandrababu Naidu reacts to Modi’s ‘U-turn babu’ jibe, calls him U-turn PM

TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu said, “By supporting Jaganmohan Reddy and KCR, Narendra Modi is U-turn prime minister. Modi is u turn and mine is right turn. One can compare Ahmedabad  with Hyderabad and see which city has seen more development. Modi is a chowkidar of criminals and scamsters,” he said.

Input courtesy: News18, Delhi

At poll rally, Yogi Adityanath calls Indian Army ‘Modi ji ki sena’

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath described the Indian Army as “Modi ji ki sena” (Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Army) during an election campaign for the BJP in Ghaziabad.

Congress leader Priyanka Chaturvedi lashed out at Adityanath on Twitter and wrote, “This is an insult to our armed forces. They are India’s Armed Forces not the private army of Prachaar Mantri. Adityanath must apologise.”

Ab Indian Army ka naamkaran karke Modi ki Sena rakh diya CM Adityanath ne. This is an insult to our armed forces. They are India’s Armed Forces not the private army of Prachaar Mantri. Adityanath must apologise. https://t.co/IDF8U6DSjR

— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) April 1, 2019

If you vote for TRS, it’ll go to BJP: Rahul Gandhi

In Telangana’s Huzurnagar, Rahul Gandhi lashed out at the KCR government and said at a rally, “If you vote for TRS, it’ll go to BJP. If you vote for Congress, it’ll be to make Narendra Modi lose. Only Congress can ensure that he loses and the country gets justice.”

I’m a Shiv Sainik, not a chowkidar’: Uddhav Thackeray 

In an interview given to Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, party chief Uddhav Thackeray said, “I am not chowkidar, I was born Shiv Sainik and so I am Sainik.” He also said that he doesn’t work for a “Congress-mukt Bharat.”

Congress issues clarification on Facebook taking down pages linked to party

“This is to clarify no official pages run by INC have been taken down. Additionally, all pages run by our verified volunteers are also unaffected. In the mean time, we are awaiting a response from Facebook to provide us a list of all pages/accounts that they have taken down,” Congress said in a tweet.

Click here to read more

This is to clarify no official pages run by INC have been taken down. Additionally, all pages run by our verified volunteers are also unaffected.

In the mean time, we are awaiting a response from Facebook to provide us a list of all pages/accounts that they have taken down.

— Congress (@INCIndia) April 1, 2019

Rahul Gandhi addresses rally in Telangana’s Huzurnagar

Speaking about the NYAY scheme, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said, “Congress found that the prime minister was lying and vowed to tell only truth to the country. Narendra Modi promised the country to pay Rs 15 lakh to every citizen, that was a false promise. But Congress doesn’t give false promises. I told Congress and my think-tank to give me a number (on what can be promised to each citizen as minimum income). I told them that the economy shouldn’t be destroyed, but if Modi can give money to the rich, then Congress can give money to the poor.

“The team came to me a few days ago and wrote a number on a piece of paper. It said Rs 72,000. Do you know what this number is? As soon as Congress forms the government in 2019, the party will identity the poorest 20 percent of the country, which is 5 crore poor people. When we have this list, all these families will be given Rs 72,000 every year. The money will be transferred to the bank account every month.”

Hardik Patel moves SC against Gujarat HC order rejecting plea to stay conviction in 2015 rioting case

On 29 March, Congress leader Hardik Patel’s plans to contest Lok Sabha election hit a roadblock when the Gujarat High Court rejected his plea seeking a stay to his conviction in the 2015 Mehsana rioting case.

Under the Representation of the People Act and a related Supreme Court ruling, a convict facing a jail term of two years or more cannot stand for election unless the conviction is stayed. The last date for filing of nominations is 4 April.

AAP files complaint against BJP’s NaMo channel

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday said in a complaint to the Election Commission that the BJP had launched a channel called NaMo TV. In the complaint, AAP asked “Can permission be granted to a party to have their own TV channel even after Model Code of Conduct is enforced?” On Sunday, BJP and Narendra Modi had tweeted about the channel, saying that it will be available on at least four prominent DTH services.

AAP complaint against NAMO TV to Election Commission of India.
How is this channel running ?
Who gave permission?
Whether EC knows about any such channel ?? pic.twitter.com/VV9KMZpBIf

— Vikas Yogi (@vikaskyogi) April 1, 2019

Congress on reports of Facebook removing pages linked to Congress

Addressing a press conference, Congress leader Manish Tewari said, “We don’t react to news reports which may just be coming in. We will have to check veracity of the report, whether there are any Facebook pages which are linked to us.” 

#WATCH Congress reaction on 'Facebook says removing 687 pages, accounts linked to Congress party ahead of polls.' pic.twitter.com/HUWh0yxfzF

— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2019

‘Let’s vote against hate politics’: Over 200 writers appeal to citizens 

In an appeal to the citizens, a total of 210 writers said in a joint release , “We don’t want rationalists, writers and activists to be hounded or assassinated. We want stern measures against violence in word or deed against women, dalits, adivasis and minority communities. We want resources and measures for jobs, education, research, healthcare and equal opportunities for all. Most of all, we want to safeguard our diversity and let democracy flourish.

“The first step, the one we can take soon, is to vote out hate politics. Vote out the division of our people; vote out inequality; vote against violence, intimidation and censorship. This is the only way we can vote for an India that renews the promises made by our Constitution. This is why we appeal to all citizens to vote for a diverse and equal India.”

Haven’t raised taxes in five years, but country developing at fast pace: Narendra Modi in Rajahmundry

Addressing a rally in Rajahmundry, Narendra Modi said that his government didn’t raise taxes in five years, but the country’s has developed at a fast pace. “We have raised the tax slab to benefit the middle class for upto income of INR 5 Lakhs. This has benefited crores of families… With the help of all honest taxpayers, we have taken steps to strengthen agriculture, education, connectivity and industrial infrastructure in Rajahmundry and Andhra Pradesh,” he said.

Narendra Modi addresses rally in Andhra Pradesh’s Rajahmundry 

In Rajahmundry, Narendra Modi claimed that the TDP government didn’t want to complete the multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River. “The truth is that the TDP government does not want to complete the Polavaram project. On one hand, he (Chandrababu Naidu) is not spending money given by the Centre in the right place, on the other hand this project is stalled. His attempt is to increase the total cost of the project in any way.”

Visuals of Congress-linked pages taken down by Facebook

ANI posted snapshots of the Congress IT cell-linked Facebook pages that were shut down on Monday for spreading misinformation and “coordinated inauthentic behaviour in India” according to FB Head of Cybersecurity Nathaniel Gleicher.

Snapshots of Congress IT Cell linked Facebook pages that were shut down today for spreading misinformation and “coordinated inauthentic behaviour in India” according to FB Head of Cybersecurity Nathaniel Gleicher pic.twitter.com/x90ekmO5ZN

— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2019

Rahul Gandhi promises to use 6% of GDP on education if Congress comes to power

In a rally in Telangana’s Zaheerabad on Monday, Congress president Rahul Gandhi slammed Narendra Modi for “anti-poor” policies and said that if the UPA comes to power, the government “will spend six percent of GDP, on education”.

Priyanka Gandhi likely to begin second 3-day tour in UP from Wednesday

Congress general secretary for eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi is likely to begin another 3-day tour in Uttar Pradesh from Wednesday, reports said.

AAP appeals to EC over 24-hour ‘NAMO TV’

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday wrote to the Election Commission over the BJP’s 24-hour channel ‘NAMO TV’. The letter stated," Can permission be granted to a party to have their own TV channel even after the Model Code of Conduct is enforced? If no permission was sought from ECI, then what action has been taken?"

Aam Aadmi Party writes to Election Commission over 24-hour channel 'NAMO TV'. The letter states,"Can permission be granted to a party to have their own TV channel even after model code of conduct is enforced? If no permission was sought by ECI then what action has been taken?"

— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2019

Facebook removes 687 pages linked to Congress

Facebook has removed 687 pages and accounts linked to Congress party ahead the Lok Sabha election, Reuters reported on Monday.

The tech and social media giant was quoted by the agencies as saying,“We removed 687 Facebook pages and accounts — the majority of which had already been detected and suspended by our automated systems — that engaged in coordinated inauthentic behavior in India and were linked to individuals associated with an IT Cell of the Indian National Congress.”

Facebook: We removed 687 Facebook Pages & accounts-the majority of which had already been detected&suspended by our automated systems-that engaged in coordinated inauthentic behavior in India &were linked to individuals associated with an IT Cell of the Indian National Congress https://t.co/lWA2BJgUfg

— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2019

Amit Shah announces Thushar Vellappally as NDA candidate from Wayanad

BJP president Amit Shah on Monday tweeted the announcement of the NDA’s candidate for the Lok Sabha election from Kerala’s Wayanad, one day after Congress president Rahul Gandhi announced his decision to contest the polls from Wayanad along with Amethi.

He said, “I proudly announce Shri Thushar Vellappally, President of Bharat Dharma Jana Sena as NDA candidate from Wayanad. A vibrant and dynamic youth leader, he represents our commitment towards development and social justice. With him, NDA will emerge as Kerala’s political alternative.”

I proudly announce Shri Thushar Vellappally, President of Bharat Dharma Jana Sena as NDA candidate from Wayanad.

A vibrant and dynamic youth leader, he represents our commitment towards development and social justice. With him, NDA will emerge as Kerala's political alternative.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 1, 2019

Opposition is questioning Modi government’s action against terror, says Amit Shah

BJP president Amit Shah slammed Congress leader Sam Pitroda for his comments regarding Pulwama. Pitroda in March had questioned the Narendra Modi government’s claim about the retaliatory IAF strikes in Pakistan’s Balakot.

He said, “Even though we took action against the terrorists, the entire Opposition is questioning Modi’s government today. Today, even though everyone believes that terrorism should be given a tough reply, Rahul Gandhi’s guru Sam Pitroda is saying the government must negotiate with terrorists.”

Naveen Patnaik has meted out ‘step-motherly’ treatment to western, central Odisha

“Naveen (Patnaik) has behaved meted out “step-motherly” treatment to western and central Odisha. It’s time to hold the BJD accountable,” Amit Shah said, launching an attack on the Biju Janata Dal chief.

Amit Shah says Naveen Patnaik government needs to be ‘uprooted’

BJP president Amit Shah in the rally in Odisha’s Parlakhemundi constituency said, “Choose a prime minister who can speak in your language. The Naveen (Patnaik) government needs to be uprooted.”

Amit Shah says it is ‘unfortunate’ that Naveen Patnaik cannot speak regional language fluently

BJP president Amit Shah, in a rally in Odisha’s Parlakhemundi  on Monday, slammed Chief Minister and BJP leader Naveen Patnaik and said, “It is unfortunate for the people of Odisha that despite completing 19 years of statehood today, the chief minister is unable to speak Odiya without reading it.”

SP candidate from Gorakhpur slams Nishad party over exit from SP-BSP-RLD allia****nce

Ram Bhuwal Nishad, SP’s candidate from the Gorakhpur Lok Sabha seat on Monday accused Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad of taking a bribe from the BJP to become party of the NDA alliance. “There was a deal. Nishad Party chief, Sanjay Nishad took Rs 50 crore from BJP to become a part of the party. He had a deal with Yogiji,” Ram said.

Ram Bhuwal Nishad, SP's candidate from Gorakhpur LS seat: There was a deal. Nishad Party chief, Sanjay Nishad took Rs 50 crore from BJP to become a part of the party. He had a deal with Yogi ji. pic.twitter.com/CxMYF49Az9

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) April 1, 2019

‘Modi will damage the nation’: Amit Shah’s translator goofs up at Karnataka rally

BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday addressed a rally in Karnataka’s Devnagiri district. Shah was caught in an embarassing situation, however, when his translator goofed up the quote. Translator Prahlad Joshi turned Shah’s quote into, “PM Narendra Modi will not do anything for Dalits, poor and the backward classes. He will damage the nation. Please vote for him.”

However, Shah had actually said , “Siddaramaiah government could not develop Karnataka. You have faith in PM Modi and cast your vote for Yeddyurappa. We will transform Karnataka into the best state in the country.”

Shashi Tharoor files nomination from Thiruvananthapuram 

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor filed his nomination from Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency on Monday.

Kerala: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor files nomination from Thiruvananthapuram Parliamentary Constituency. pic.twitter.com/0DsoGavMpZ

— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2019

Rahul Gandhi makes strong pitch for farmers; promises food processing units, irrigation facility

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that the Congress will work for the farmers and small businesses if the party is voted to power in the Lok Sabha election. “We will provide food processing units, irrigation facilities right next to your farms. We will also give you go-downs so you can store your crop as per your convenience and choice,” Rahul said.

Narendra Modi doesn’t say one word about the unemployed youth or farmers, says Rahul Gandhi

The prime minister never talks about the unemployed or the agrarian distress, says Rahul Gandhi in Telangana rally.

It’s a battle of ideology, says Rahul Gandhi

“There are two ideologies. One that works for India to be divided based on religion, caste, class, etc. And the other says that India must be united. The Congress supports development for everyone, for all marginalised communities,” Rahul Gandhi says.

Rahul Gandhi slams KCR for ‘partnership’ with Narendra Modi

“Your chief minister (K Chandrasekhar Rao) has supported demonetisation, Gabbar Singh Tax. Has your chief minister ever said ‘chowkidar chor hai’? Has he ever spoken about Rafale? It’s a partnership. The TRS MPs help Narendra Modi, but they pretend to fight the BJP. But only the Congress is fighting the BJP,” Rahul Gandhi said.

Narendra Modi wants to create ’two India-s’, says Rahul Gandhi

“Narendra Modi wants to divide India into two groups: Those 15 richest in the country on one side, and farmers, unemployed youth and other marginalised communities on the other. Why should you not be able to dream? What mistake have the poor made? What mistakes have the farmers in Telangana made?” Rahul Gandhi said.

Rahul Gandhi says Narendra Modi ‘snatches’ employment from the youth

“Go to any state, any city in the country and you will see unemployed youth. It is the highest scale of unemployment in the country’s history,” Rahul Gandhi said. He also slammed the prime minister over demonetisation.

“Did you see Mehul Choksi or Nirav Modi in the ATM lines after demonetisation? It was not an attack on corruption or black money, it was an attack on India’s marginalised communities,” Rahul said.

Narendra Modi conducted surgical strikes on poor people, says Rahul Gandhi

“Narendra Modi conducted surgical strikes on poor people, but the Congress will conduct surgical strikes on poverty,” says Rahul Gandhi in Telangana.

We need to give the country NYAY, says Rahul Gandhi in Telangana

“Narendra Modi wakes up in the morning and takes up his job: Helping India’s rich people. The second work is to spread hate and lie. He said he would provide employment, alleviate farmer distress but has it happened? No,” Rahul Gandhi said.

Rahul Gandhi begins addressing rally in Telangana

“Narendra Modi had said he didn’t want to be prime minister, that he wanted to be the ‘chowkidar’. But he has become the chowkidar of the biggest chors of India Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi. First the slogan was ‘Acche din ayenge’, now the slogan is ‘Chowkidar chor hai’,” says Rahul Gandhi.

BJP releases 14th list of three candidates in Odisha

BJP on Monday released the 14th list of three candidates in Odisha for the Lok Sabha Elections 2019. The fifth list of 11 candidates for elections to Odisha State Legislative Assembly was also released.

BJP releases 14th list of 3 candidates in Odisha for #LokSabhaElections2019 . 5th list of 11 candidates for elections to Odisha State Legislative Assembly also released. pic.twitter.com/KJmdoAHndl

— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2019

Indian, Nepali officials hold coordination committee as prep for Lok Sabha polls

A coordination committee meeting between officials of India and Nepal was held on Monday in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh, ahead of Lok Sabha elections.

Uttarakhand: A coordination committee meeting between officials of India and Nepal was held today in Pithoragarh, ahead of Lok Sabha elections. pic.twitter.com/TVN8wJXfd2

— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2019

Mulayam Singh Yadav files nomination from Mainpur****i

Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav filed his nomination for the Lok Sabha election from Mainpuri in Uttar Pradesh.

Mulayam Singh Yadav: I have filed the nomination (from Mainpuri Lok Sabha constituency). pic.twitter.com/SVwDRdzMwL

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) April 1, 2019

BJP govt is ‘sincerely’ working to alleviate water crisis in Vidarbha, says Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong pitch for re-election in Maharashtra by promising that BJP government is making “sincere” efforts to alleviate the water crisis in Wardha. Wardha is the industrial hub of the drought-hit Vidarbha region in Maharashtra.

“The work on the Wardha irrigation project is going on at a good pace.  Similarly, in Wardha, the BJP’s water campaign will benefit hundreds of villages. We are very sincerely trying to alleviate the problem of water in the region,” Modi said.

Narendra Modi targets Congress over drought in parched Vidarbha region

“The drought and weather of Vidarbha is due to the Congress’ 70 years of corruption. Your partner is fully committed to defeating it,” Modi said.

Narendra Modi slams Congress over Samjhauta Express blast case verdict

In the rally in Maharashtra’s Wardha, referring to the verdict of acquittal of the accused in the Samjhauta Express blast case, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the saffron party’s statement against the Congress, accusing it of insulting the Hindu community.

“Who coined the term Hindu terror? The Congress has insulted the Hindu community, they cannot be forgiven,” the prime minister said. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had also slammed the Congress over the remark after the verdict in the case.

I need your blessings on 11 April, says Narendra Modi

“For the BJP’s mission for development, I need your blessing on 11 April. I need your help to ensure that the Congress and its allies don’t get even one seat in Maharashtra. This is the land of Shivaji Maharaj. Everyone in every village has become a chowkidar,” says Modi.

Congress called peace-loving Hindu community ’terrorists’, says Narendra Modi

Referring to Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s decision to contest Lok Sabha polls from Wayanad also, the prime minister said, “The party that called Hindus ’terrorists’ have no guts to face the community so he has run to Kerala.”

Congress has insulted Hindus, says Narendra Modi in Wardha

Congress has committed the sin of bringing down the reputation of Indians on an international level. Congress has insulted Hindus. Who coined the term ‘Hindu terror’? Can you forgive such a Congress after such deeds?" says Modi.

Narendra Modi slams Congress-NCP alliance over ‘vote bank’ politics

“Whether it is Congress or NCP, they are deeply engaged in vote bank politics,” says Modi.

‘Who do you want?’ asks Narendra Modi

“Do you want those who have become heros in Pakistan or in India? The Opposition has been asking for proof about the IAF’s strikes in Balakot, they have made people very happy in Pakistan,” Modi said.

Congress’s corruption caused drought in Maharashtra, Narendra Modi sa****ys

“I assure you that the schemes that are in the works will be fast-forwarded so that they are completed in time. The drought in Maharashtra is also a gift of the Congress’ 70-year-old rule of corruption,” Modi said.

Those who have ruled for 70 years never thought about the poor, says Modi

“The parties that have ruled for 70 years have never worked for the poor. Congress and NCP have looted farmers in the name of irrigation schemes. Your pradhan sevak has taken the responsibility of removing this corruption,” Modi said.

Now is the time to remove anti-development politicians from Maharashtra, says Narendra Modi

“Your chowkidar is engaged in protecting the country day and night,” Narendra Modi says. “We have also made efforts to give MSP for forest produce a boost. It’s time to remove anti-development politicians from Maharashtra,” he added.

Congress-NCP alliance is like ‘Kumbhakaran’, says Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the Opposition in Maharashtra and said that the parties were like ‘Kumbhakaran’. “They sleep when they are in power in the Parliament,” Modi said.

Narendra Modi slams Congress in Wardha

“Two days ago, a “great” Congress leader said that Modi had only been a toilet guard. Now that you have been involved in cleaning for years, those who are cleanliness watchmen, whether they are insulting or not,” Modi said.

Congress is insulting the chowkidars of sanitation, says Narendra Modi

“The situation is such that Congress is insulting the chowkidars of sanitation,” Modi said referring to Congress’ earlier jibe.

I salute India’s scientists for Mission Shakti, says Narendra Modi in Wardha

Praising ISRO scientists for Mission Shakti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he is “honoured” to start the BJP’s Lok Sabha poll campaign in Maharashtra with Wardha.

RECAP: Rahul Gandhi’s Wayanad bid evokes sharp response from BJP, Left front

Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s decision to contest from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala besides his traditional stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh evoked sharp reactions from both the Left and Right of the political spectrum.

Reacting to the development, CPM Politbureau member Prakash Karat said that the decision of the Congress to field Rahul from Wayanad shows that the party wants to take on the Left in Kerala.

“Their priority now is to fight against the Left in Kerala. It goes against Congress’ national commitment to fight the BJP, as in Kerala it is the LDF which is the main force fighting the BJP there,” he told reporters. The CPM ex-general secretary said his party will work to ensure Rahul’s defeat in Wayanad.

BJP chief Amit Shah also took a sharp dig at Rahul contesting from two seats at a rally in Uttar Pradesh. “Congress’ vote bank politics has worked on playing with the security of the country. It is the result of this that Rahul Gandhi has left Amethi and run away to Kerala because he knows that voters will seek account from him in Amethi this time,” Shah said.

RECAP: Rahul Gandhi will also contest Lok Sabha polls from Kerala’s Wayanad

Congress president Rahul Gandhi is set to contest from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala besides his traditional stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, the party said on Sunday.

Veteran Congress leader from Kerala and former defence minister AK Antony made this announcement at a press conference on Sunday, saying Rahul had agreed to fight from Wayanad following requests from the party’s state unit.

The decision is seen as an attempt by the Congress to consolidate its electoral base in south India, especially Kerala which has 20 Lok Sabha seats. Tamil Nadu has 39 Lok Sabha seats and Karnataka has 28.

“This is a message to the southern states that they are deeply valued and respected. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has said he will represent Amethi but will also represent southern states as they are an important part of India’s way of life,” Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.

Congress launches BJP’s ‘manifesto’

The Congress released a spoof manifesto of the BJP on its official Twitter handle on Monday. The cover of the “manifesto” features an upturned lotus (which is the saffron party’s symbol) and the title ‘Ek Bharat, Berozgar Bharat’.

The main Opposition party seeks to target the BJP over unemployment data and economic defaulters through the spoof manifesto.

They really have put in a lot of thought. Take a closer look. #ModiMatBanao pic.twitter.com/FvtiE8jEd2

— Congress (@INCIndia) April 1, 2019

WATCH: NCP leader Majeed Memon says Narendra Modi talks like ‘illiterate’ person

NCP leader Majeed Memon was quoted by ANI on Monday as saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi “talks like an illiterate person off the street”.

#WATCH Majeed Memon, NCP: Mujhe lagta hai ki Pradhan Mantri bhi ek anpadh, jahil ya raaste pe chalne wale aadmi ki tarah baat karte hain. Vo itne bade pad pe baithe hain, Unka pad ek sanvaidhanik pad hai, uss sanvaidhanik pad mein Pradhan Mantri raaste mein nahi chuna jata. pic.twitter.com/IczTw58QlH

— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2019

SC asks Opposition leaders to file response regarding VVPAT peition before 8 April

Supreme Court grants time till 8 April to the 21 Opposition parties seeking direction that 50 percent EVM results be matched and crosschecked with VVPAT, to file response on an affidavit filed by the Election Commission of India which had opposed the plea.

Supreme Court grants time till April 8 to the 21 opposition parties seeking direction that 50 per cent EVM results be matched & crosschecked with VVPAT, to file response on an affidavit filed by the Election Commission of India which had opposed the plea. pic.twitter.com/XizjTqUaUG

— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2019

KCR also scheduled to address rally in Telangana’s Peddpalli constituency

Telangana chief minister and TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao is set to address an election rally for the Lok Sabha polls in Telangana’s Peddpalli constituency on Monday.

On Sunday, KCR asserted that the coalition of regional parties is set to form the government at the Centre after the coming Lok Sabha elections. Reiterating that he would, if necessary, launch a national party for the development of the country, KCR said there are changes required in health, legal, administrative matters as well as in the Constitution.

“If needed, I will launch a national party. There are changes needed in health, legal and administrative matters as well as in the Constitution. With your blessings I will create tremors in national politics,” the TRS chief said.

Arvind Kejriwal says Rahul Gandhi has ‘refused’ to forge an alliance in Delhi

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that Congress president Rahul Gandhi has refused to forge an alliance with the AAP for the Lok Sabha polls in the national capital.

Talking to reporters at the airport, the AAP leader said he had met Rahul recently and the Congress leader had refused to “join hands with the AAP”.  Asked about Congress’ Delhi unit president Sheila Dikshit’s remarks that Kejriwal never approached her for an alliance, the chief minister said, “We have met Rahul Gandhi. Dikshit is not that important a leader.”

Kejriwal has been urging the Congress to stitch an alliance in Delhi for the Lok Sabha polls to keep the BJP away from power.

Amit Shah to address rallies in two Odisha constituencies today

BJP president Amit Shah will address rallies as part of the BJP’s Lok Sabha poll campaign in Nabarangpur and Parlakhemundi in Odisha. The BJP president is scheduled to start at 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm respectively, reports said.

Rahul Gandhi to hold rallies in three Telangana constituencies

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will address election rallies in Telangana’s Zaheerabad, Wanaparthy, and Huzurnagar constituencies on Monday. 

On Sunday, Rahul addressed a joint rally with ally JD(S) in Karnataka. JD(S) supremo Deve Gowda was also present. At the rally, Rahul asked leaders and workers of his party and JD(S) to strive unitedly for the coalition victory in Lok Sabha polls, as defeating Prime Minister Narendra Modi was its target.

Modi will also be campaigning in Telangana’s Secunderabad on Monday.

Mulayam Singh Yadav to file nomination today

Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav will file his nomination papers for the Lok Sabha election from the Mainpuri constituency in Uttar Pradesh on Monday. 

Mulayam’s brother and Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Singh Yadav said he will not be present when Mulayam files the papers. “My adversaries would be there. Hence I cannot go there,” said Shivpal.

Misson Shakti had nothing to do with elections: Narendra Modi

In an apparent dig at Congress’ minimum income promise ahead of the Lok Sabha election and the Gandhi family, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said its four generations had made the same promises but nothing happened, and first-time voters should see the “track record” of those pitching for eliminating poverty.

Addressing a ‘Main bhi chowkidar’ event in New Delhi, he also said that the ‘Mission Shakti, demonstrating India’s anti-satellite missile capability, had nothing to do with polls and hit out at those opposing his announcement of it in an address to the nation.

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

#WATCH PM Modi, says, "Pak is in dilemma, if they say something happened in Balakot, they'll have to accept, ‘Yes, we had terrorist camps operating here.’ They kept telling the world, there's nothing, we attacked the place they can't hide anymore." pic.twitter.com/os6e6VQfIV

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2019

Narendra Modi to visit Andhra Pradesh, Secunderabad, Maharashtra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on Monday as part of his pre-poll campaigning. Prime Minister on Monday tweeted about his visits and slammed Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party for corruption and family politics. “I believe that the Telugu Desam Party will be defeated,” Modi said.

केंद्र आणि राज्य सरकारने जी लोकाभिमुख कामे केली, त्यातून महाराष्ट्रातील जनता पुन्हा एकदा भाजपा-शिवसेना-रिपाई(अा) महायुतीला भक्कम आशीर्वाद देतील, हा मला विश्वास आहे! @BJP4Maharashtra @ShivSena

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 1, 2019

महाराष्ट्रातील माझ्या प्रिय बंधू आणि भगिनींना नमस्कार!

आज मी महाराष्ट्राला भेट देणार आहे. महात्मा गांधीजी यांच्या जीवनदर्शनाची साक्ष देणाऱ्या वर्ध्यात संवाद साधणार आहे.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 1, 2019

సికింద్రాబాద్... భారత్‌ను మరింత సంపన్నమైన దేశంగా తీర్చిదిద్దడంలో కష్టపడి పనిచేసే ప్రజలతో అనుబంధాన్ని కలిగి ఉంది. అలాంటి సికింద్రాబాద్ ప్రజలతో ఈరోజు సాయంత్రం కలిసేందుకు ఎంతో ఆతృతగా ఎదురు చూస్తున్నాను. @BJP4Telangana

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 1, 2019