Lok Sabha elections 2019 HIGHLIGHTS: New India gives befitting reply to terror, PM Modi says in Varanasi after roadshow

"Kashi blessed me with not just the office of an MP but of a PM. It gave me the strength to avenge terrorist attack in their language. For a competent, prosperous and a content country, security of the nation is required alongside its development."

From 2005 to 2014, Sankatmorchan Temple was under constant attack. It gives me goosebumps remembering the Innocent devotees who were killed. Back then, the government in power did not take any action post-attacks apart from talking about it.

Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi performs aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat pic.twitter.com/4iqUYtDWcs

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 25, 2019

“Modi ji jayenge, aache din aayenge,' (Good days will come, once Modi leaves)," Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot mocked the prime minister. "Modi imposes his mann ki baat, but Rahul ji says listen to what people say; don't make promises and if you do, fulfil them."

Varanasi: PM Narendra Modi arrives to perform Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. UP CM Yogi Adityanath, BJP President Amit Shah & UP BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey also present. pic.twitter.com/M2rxJ2z0rQ

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 25, 2019

Senior Congress Leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil resigns as Leader of Opposition(LoP) in Maharashtra assembly. It has been under speculation that Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil may join the BJP. 

WATCH PM Narendra Modi performs Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi https://t.co/qw0a51YNP4

— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2019

Varanasi: Visuals from Dashashwamedh Ghat. PM Narendra Modi to arrive shortly. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/K2c1BUjBnp

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 25, 2019

"Deeply disappointed with the Congress Party’s decision of not fielding Priyanka Gandhi from Varanasi. The last two months that she has been in the public life has driven home the point, “India has changed, dynasties don’t matter". Her exit from the contest shows what matters," said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. 

Putting to rest speculation that party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra would take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi, Congress today announced the candidature of Ajay Rai.

"If rich people are not jailed for not paying off loans then farmers too will not be jailed. If lakhs and crores are given to them then the same will be given to farmers, labourers, tribals, Dalits and small traders. There will be no injustice in Hindustan. The country will not be divided in two Hindustans. There will be one Hindustan where justice will be done," Rahul Gandhi at Jalore in Rajasthan.

"I want to thank Modi Ji for opening bank accounts. I am going to deposit money of NYAY scheme in the same accounts. The money will be deposited directly in bank accounts of women of the families," Rahul said at an election rally in Kota.

(With PTI inputs)

#WATCH Samajwadi Party leader Dimple Yadav takes blessings of BSP chief Mayawati at a 'mahagathbandhan' rally in Kannauj, earlier today pic.twitter.com/ZGUny3aPET

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 25, 2019

(Reuters photo)

(PTI photo)

Visuals from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow in Varanasi. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/ZJfQUh4yVe

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 25, 2019

Narendra Modi pays his respect to by garlanding the statue of Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya outside the gate of Banaras Hindu University.  (Reuters photo)

Visuals from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow in Varanasi. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/YSAjYbWHx8

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 25, 2019

Live from Kashi...Grateful for the warmth and affection! https://t.co/792e4aX6Sa

— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 25, 2019

Narendra Modi arrives in Varanasi for his roadshow and is accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He paid tribute to Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya at Banaras Hindu University. 

He will be filing his nomination from Varanasi tomorrow. 

Arvind Kejriwal on Twitter urged AAP volunteers across the country, barring ones in Haryana and Punjab, to take leave from work and come to Delhi and help party defeat the BJP in the capital. "I request all volunteers to take leave from work till elections. Except Punjab and Haryana I urge all volunteers to come to Delhi and join our fight in defeating BJP on all seven seats in the national capital."

Delhi goes to poll on May 12, the results of which will be announced on May 23.

(Express photo)

(Source: BJP/Twitter)

"People heard 'Mann ki Baat for five years but Congress think tank has done 'Kaam Ki Baat' by formulating Nyay scheme," Rahul Gandhi said in Kota, Rajasthan while addressing an election rally. 

Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi to perform Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat later today. pic.twitter.com/ObLNDWAM4N

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 25, 2019

(Source: Reuters)

Candidates contesting the elections will have to bear the cost of advertising their criminal antecedents in TV and newspapers as it falls under the category of 'poll expenses' the Election Commission said.

The EC made it compulsory for candidates to advertise their criminal antecedents in TV and newspapers at least thrice during electioneering. Though directions in this regard were issued on October 10, 2018, the rule is being used for the first time in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed an election rally in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh and alleged that Akhilesh Yadav had turned the city into a "stronghold of terrorism".

"Once Azamgarh was known in the field of education and literature but the Samajwadi Party turned it into a stronghold of terrorism," he said. The chief minister added, SP and BSP made "a fortress of terror and crime to defame it and we have come to pull it out of it."

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed an election rally in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh and alleged that Akhilesh Yadav had turned the city into a "stronghold of terrorism".

"Once Azamgarh was known in the field of education and literature but the Samajwadi Party turned it into a stronghold of terrorism," he said. The chief minister added, SP and BSP made "a fortress of terror and crime to defame it and we have come to pull it out of it."

Narendra Modi arrives in Varanasi and hols a mega roadshow. He will be participating in the well known 'Ganga Aarti'. Modi will file his nomination papers for Varanasi seat today. 

"Nyay scheme aims at: First, it will provide money to the poor and second, it will improve the economy of the country. Rahul further promised that 33 per cent women will get a reservation in the Parliament and state assembly and 33 per cent women will get jobs as well."

"As soon as we come to power, we will simplify the 'Gabbar Singh Tax' to GST. Within a year, we will fill out 22 lakhs vacancies in government offices and will provide jobs to 10 lakh youth at the Panchayat level."

"We have decided that in order to start a business, the youth will not have to wait for three years to get permission from the government."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold a roadshow in Varanasi shortly.
Visuals from outside Banaras Hindu University (BHU). pic.twitter.com/qdZWqfsYRf

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 25, 2019

"If the Modi government comes back in power, we will throw out each and every infiltrator residing in the corners of the country along with Bengal and Assam. We introduced NRC in the country and Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati asked not to throw infiltrators out, Amit Shah said Auraiya, Uttar Pradesh.

Entire Ludhiana city was brought to a standstill as Cong MP @RavneetBittu filed his nomination papers. Police diverted traffic at several points including National Highway. He arrived in the Ambassador vehicle (1985 model) of his grandfather former CM Beant Singh @IndianExpress pic.twitter.com/VidXJU8VKF

— Divya Goyal (@divya5521) April 25, 2019

BSP supremo at a joint rally with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav in Kannau said, "This election will see the end of those chanting "Namo Namo." Playing the caste card, she further said, Congress did not implement the Mandal Commission report. 

Dimple Yadav, sitting SP MP and wife of Akhilesh Yadav is seeking re-election from Kannauj as the joint candidate of the SP-BSP alliance.

"In the history of India's independence, Modi government formulated a scheme for farmers to help them directly. Bundelkhand will be known not just for its expressway but we will make it a development and security corridor as well."

"SP and BSP are focused on distributing my caste certificate and Congress continues to abuse the backward society."

"We have decided to form a Jal Shakti Ministry which will function on a separate budget. Through a process, water from rivers, sea and rain will be distributed to regions in need."

"Opposition parties kept abusing Modi until now, they will keep abusing EVMs from now. The opposition has a long face after three phases of polling; they know the outcome," Modi said at an election rally in Banda, Uttar Pradesh. 

Modi plays on Hindi movie Nil Battey Sannata's title, says opposition parties will get 'Zero Battey Sannata' in this election. 

Manshahia, the 56-year-old legislator, was part of the group of rebel AAP MLAs who had aligned with Sukhpal Singh Khaira after he was removed unceremoniously from the post of the Leader of Opposition of Punjab Assembly last year. Manshahia, who had taken a premature retirement from the Punjab Pollution Control Board in 2015 after serving as senior environmental engineer in the department, said he wanted to serve the people of Punjab, which he felt the Congress was best equipped to do. (With PTI inputs)

Punjab: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Nazar Singh Manshahia joins Congress in presence of Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh. pic.twitter.com/GAZIszkWtu

— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2019

BJP president Amit Shah on Thursday claimed that Opposition leaders cannot look after the security of the country properly. Addressing a rally in Ghazipur constituency of Uttar Pradesh, Shah alleged that BSP chief Mayawati and her Samajwadi Party and Congress counterparts, Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi, respectively, were upset with the Balakot airstrikes.

"These 'mahamilavati' people talk about the country. Akhilesh, Mayawati and Congress cannot keep the country safe," the BJP chief said.
Shah said the BJP cannot do 'ilu-ilu' with terrorists

BJP MP Kirron Kher filed her nomination from Chandigarh Lok Sabha constituency Thursday. 

??????? ?????? ?? ??? ??????? ?? ???? ?? ? ??? ??? ?? ???????? ?????? ????? ??? ????? ??, ?????????? ???? ??, ???? ???? ??, ????? ?? ?? ???? ?????? ???????? ???? ???????????? ?? ???????? ???? ??????? ?????? ??? ???? ????? ???? :) #ChandigarhMangeModiDobara pic.twitter.com/8ANpK2fl39

— Chowkidar Kirron Kher (@KirronKherBJP) April 25, 2019

District Electoral Officer, Mandi has issued a notice to Himachal Pradesh BJP Chief, Satpal Singh Satti over his comment 'will chop off hands of those who point fingers at Modi Ji.'

Taking on the BJP,  RLSP's Upendra Kushwaha said the party is like Sita's character in Ram Leela, who, once offstage, can be found smoking a cigarette. 

"In Ram leela when the curtain rises a person comes dressed as Sita mata.....people who watch Ram Leela bow their heads out of respect, if you go behind the curtain the same Sita ji can be seen smoking a cigarette. This is the face of BJP," ANI quoted him as saying.

#WATCH Upendra Kushwaha, RLSP in Darbhanga: In Ram leela when the curtain rises a person comes dressed as Sita mata.....people who watch Ram leela bow their heads out of respect, if you go behind curtain the same Sita ji can be seen smoking a cigarette. This is the face of BJP. pic.twitter.com/2Z1wepXCcH

— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2019

After the Congress announced that 2014 candidate Ajay Rai will contest the Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party leader Sushmita Dev said Priyanka Gandhi is a "formidable force" who has taken on opponents in every constituency of UP, "not just Varanasi". 

The Congress announcement put to rest speculation that  Gandhi would take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi.

@priyankagandhi ji is a formidable force, no one can deny her impact on the election campaign in Uttar Pradesh. She has actually taken on her opponents in every constituency of UP where she is campaigning not just Varanasi. ?? pic.twitter.com/Vtlndx0enO

— Sushmita Dev (@sushmitadevmp) April 25, 2019

Congress General Secretary for UP (East) Priyanka Gandhi Vadra holds a roadshow in Jhansi pic.twitter.com/YwSkuLWrgc

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 25, 2019

AAP Chief and Delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal, Deputy CM @msisodia, @AapKaGopalRai, @SanjayAzadSln and party candidates at the party manifesto release in New Delhi. #ExpressPhoto by @tashitobgyal #LokSabhaEelctions2019 @decision2019 #Decision2019 pic.twitter.com/4xW0U9BT8k

— Express Photography (@ExpressImages) April 25, 2019

Addressing a rally in Jalore, Rajasthan, Congress president Rahul Gandhi promised a simplified GST and 22 lakh government jobs in one year if the Congress is elected to power. 

The Congress Thursday announced the candidature of Ajay Rai from Varanasi constituency from Uttar Pradesh, putting to rest speculation that party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra would take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. READ MORE HERE

Addressing a rally in Jalore, Rajasthan, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi did injustice with people of the country in last five years. 

"Demonetisation and GST are ways to rob poor, labourers, small traders; NYAY scheme will benefit them," he said. 

Watch LIVE: Congress president Rahul Gandhi addresses rally in Jalore, Rajasthan

LIVE: Congress President @RahulGandhi addresses public meeting in Jalore, Rajasthan. #NyayforRajasthan https://t.co/ebEmgEtLFz

— Congress (@INCIndia) April 25, 2019

Congress announces Ajay Rai as candidate for Varanasi Lok Sabha seat.

#LokSabhaElections2019 Congress announces Ajay Rai as candidate for Varanasi Lok Sabha seat. pic.twitter.com/gwnEdpIQ3Y

— #Elections2019 (@decision2019) April 25, 2019

Ending speculations of fielding Priyanka Gandhi Vadra from Varanasi, the Congress Thursday declared Ajay Rai as its candidate to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his constituency. 

Launching the Aam Aadmi Party manifesto for Lok Sabha elections,  Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said if full statehood is granted to Delhi, 85% reservation will be granted to students from the national capital for admission in colleges.  

The AAP has released its Delhi manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections, which will be held on May 12. AAP convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, speaking at the manifesto launch, said this election is about saving democracy, and is a choice to "save the country's Constitution".

AAP convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal (centre), with Deputy CM Manish Sisodia (left) and Gopal Rai. (Twitter/@AamAadmiParty)

The BJP finally chose sitting MP Kirron Kher over city BJP chief Sanjay Tandon as its candidate for the May 19 Lok Sabha poll after a long and tantalising wait that fuelled endless speculation in the city. While Kher, who has been campaigning relentlessly, was expectedly overjoyed, the news was received with dismay by many in the BJP, who had been rooting for Tandon.

READ MORE HERE

Actor Anupam Kher campaigns for his wife and BJP candidate, Kirron Kher. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat also present.

Chandigarh: Actor Anupam Kher campaigns for his wife and BJP candidate, Kirron Kher. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat also present. pic.twitter.com/XpQRQGU15H

— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2019

Watch LIVE: BJP president Amit Shah addresses rally in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh

LIVE: Shri @AmitShah is addressing a public meeting in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. #KashiBoleNaMoNaMo https://t.co/Gs4oxn4Ogm

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 25, 2019

Attacking the Opposition and its yet-to-be-declared PM candidate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a rally in Bihar's Darbhanga, said "those who are contesting only 40, 20 or even eight seats are standing in the queue waiting for their turn to become the Prime Minister."

Addressing a rally in Bihar's Darbhanga, PM Modi went all guns blazing against the Opposition, saying the 'Mahamilavat' does not feel terrorism and national security is an important issue. 

"Modi cannot fight terror on his own. The chowkidar needs your votes to win this fight," he said. 

PM Modi in Bihar: Some people have problems with slogans 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram'. Should they not lose their deposits in elections?

Speaking at a rally in Bihar's Darbhanga, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cited the blasts in Sri Lanka that claimed over 350 lives. He said that while factories of terrorism are working in our neighbourhood, the "Mahamilavat" does not consider it to be an issue. 

??? ??????? ?? ???????? ??? 350 ?? ?????? ??????? ?? ??? ?? ??, ???? ?? ?????? ???? ????
????? ????? ??? ???? ?? ???????? ?? ??? ?? ?? ?????????? ???? ??? ?? ??????? ?????? ?? ???? ??: ???? ????

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 25, 2019