Lok Sabha polls 2019 HIGHLIGHTS: Amit Shah’s statement is an attack on secular culture, he should apologise, says Mufti

Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti called Amit Shah's statement on the implementation of NRC as an "attack on secular culture of the country" and asked Shah to apologise to the people. "Language being used by Amit Shah & his men for votes in this election, isn't right. India is a secular country. Such statements are intended to shake the country's foundations. They are an attack on secular culture of this country. J&K had decided to join India keeping in mind its secular culture. I think Amit Shah should apologise to people of this country because the foundation of this country has been laid on secularism. It's not only for Hindu, Sikh or Muslim, the country is for everyone," Mufti said.

Assuring implementation of National Register of Citizens (NRC) in West Bengal, BJP president Amit Shah Thursday called illegal migrants from Bangladesh as “termites’ and promised to throw them out of West Bengal after the BJP comes to power again for a second consecutive term. The BJP stalwart, however, added that citizenship would be granted to every Hindu and Buddhist refugee.

Congress Central Election Committee announces next list of candidates for the ensuing elections to the Lok Sabha. pic.twitter.com/CWoy00vxdD

— Congress (@INCIndia) April 12, 2019

Additional Chief Election Officer BR Tiwari said the EC has taken cognisance of the matter of Maneka Gandhi's remark during speech before a gathering of Muslims in Sultanpur yesterday and District Magistrate, Sultanpur has issued a show-cause notice to her. A report has been sent to EC.

Union Minister Maneka Gandhi appealed to Muslims in Sultanpur to vote for her as they will need her once the Lok Sabha elections come to an end. “We are not Mahatma Gandhi's children that we keep giving and not get anything in return,” she said in Muslim-dominated Turabkhani area on Thursday.

The Opposition’s non-serious attitude towards national security is known. When Congress was in power in India, the country saw many terror attacks but they did nothing. Today, when the bare minimum they can do is show support, they prefer to question & insult our forces. Here in Kerala, Congress and Communists have given a free pass to extremist organisations that are fomenting hate and radicalization among youngsters. It is important to teach such elements a strong lesson through the ballot, Modi said in Calicut, Kerala. 

From Kozhikode, I want to ask outdated Communists and fake Liberals - why are you silent on the political violence in Kerala? I assure my fellow BJP Karyakartas - your struggles will not go in vain. Their bullying will not weaken us. The Communists and Congress have blatant double standards when it comes to women empowerment. The so-called defenders of women rights are the ones at the forefront of defending the brutal and barbaric practice of Triple TalaqThey are trying to make Kerala a laboratory of their mischief. They are insulting sentiments of the people. They call themselves champions of speech and expression. But, they deny the same to the people of Kerala, Modi said in Calicut, Kerala. 

"Electing Congress and Communists is like giving a license to their leaders to engage in top-level corruption. Right now, the entire nation is talking about a very big national scam of the Congress. This is the Tughlak Road Election Scam. In Madhya Pradesh, crores of Rupees, bags of cash have been found. Detailed probes revealed that the money trail reaches the house of a top Congress leader in Delhi’s Tughlak Road. Kerala’s culture has come under immense attack from LDF & UDF Kerala is a land of peace & harmony but insensitive Communists & Congress have brought a culture of political violence Several patriotic RSS & BJP Karyakartas have been attacked & killed for serving the people," Modi said in Calicut, Kerala. 

"For decades, the Communist LDF and Communal UDF have dominated Kerala politics but they have miserably failed the people of Kerala. BJP presents an alternative that is inclusive, democratic and compassionate. We will serve each and every citizen," Modi in Calicut, Kerala.

"UDF and LDF are different only in name. In deeds they are the same. Both have taken turns to loot the state. UDF has a full dictionary of scams. LDF is no better. Why have so many Ministers resigned on corruption charges? Since May 2016, backdoor appointments have been taking place in State PSUs but there is no vision for industrial development."

"The central theme of our manifesto is justice 'NYAY'. We are going to fulfil Modi's promise. The answer is Rs 72,000 in a year to 20 per cent of poorest families. Five crore families will receive this money and the women of the families will get it. It is a surgical strike on poverty," Rahul Gandhi said in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. 

"Modi snatched the purchasing power from you. Unemployment rose and the economy faltered. Nyay scheme is designed to counter that. We are going to start putting into your pocket. As you keep buying things, factories will start producing things."

"Nyay scheme is designed to jump-start India's economy. We are going to re-start the economic engine. The money is going to come from Anil Ambani, Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi. There is no shortage of money in India."

Union Minister Maneka Gandhi appealed to Muslims in Sultanpur to vote for her as they will need her once the Lok Sabha elections come to an end. “We are not Mahatma Gandhi's children that we keep giving and not get anything in return,” she said in Muslim-dominated Turabkhani area on Thursday.

“I am winning, but if my victory is without Muslims, I will not feel good, because then there is a bitter feeling. If Muslims come for some work after that, I will think ‘what difference does it make’. Because employment is a negotiation after all, isn’t that right? We are not Mahatma Gandhi’s children to keep giving without getting anything in return,” she told the crowd in Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur.

Amit Shah addressing a gathering in Odisha said Naveen Patnaik has remained the chief minister for the last 19 years, however, the state still lacks educational and employment opportunities. "The youth of people have to go to other states in search of livelihood. If we form govt, we'd ensure ample opportunities for people."

"On one hand, Modi govt builds hospitals with the money from mining and on the other hand, a Commission has found corruption in issuing of mining lease. The land of Odisha is rich in natural resources but the corruption has kept them poor," the BJP president said.

Shah spoke about BJP's achievement in terms of state development, "For the development of Odisha, Modi govt has carried out several infrastructural and connectivity work. The government has built IIM, IIT and ESIC hospital. Besides, Rs 10,000 has been spent on four lane road."

(Source: Twitter/BJP)

After 2019 election, when Congress comes to power, "We will bring a new law. Not a single farmer will go to jail because he hasn't paid his loan. We will make it illegal for putting any farmer in jail for defaulting his loan," Rahul Gandhi said in Theni, Tamil Nadu.

"In every Congress state in the country, we have given farm loan waivers. Modi did not have the dignity to speak to the farmers of the country. in 2019, we are going to some dramatic change for the farmers of the country. We want farmers to live with confidence. As a gesture to all the farmers, the next budget Congress places will have a budget for farmers. Every single farmer will know in the beginning of the year, what the government will do for them. You will be given details what govt will do for you," Rahul Gandhi said in Theni, Tamil Nadu. 

"Narendra Modi is the element of hate among Indians. The moment Indians get together, Modi goes down. So we are not going to fight Modi's hatred with hatred but with love and affection of people and by respecting each other," Rahul Gandhi said in Theni, Tamil Nadu. 

"One thing that surprises me about Modi. he is convinced he can run TN from Delhi. He is convinced that because he can pressurise the govt in the state, he can decide what will happen in the state. I don't think he has read anything about Tamil history and certainly does not understand the Tamil spirit."

Addressing a rally in Theni, Tamil Nadu, Rahul Gandhi said, "Modi stole money from small traders and shopkeepers. With Gabbar Singh Tax, he introducted five different layers of taxes. dForced small busniesmen to fill forms everyday. Charged 28% tax to India. And he took this money to give to his friends, Mehul Choksi, Anil Ambani. Their purchase in power collapse and goods were left lying in the factories. And when factories stopped producing goods, they stopped hiring people."

Addressing a public meeting in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, BJP president Amit Shah said if there's nothing to hide, CM Bhupesh Baghael should ask the CBI to investigate Bhima Mandavi's murder. "The moment Congress took power in Chhattisgarh, CBI was banned. Earlier under Raman Singh's government, never sucha step was taken as there was no corruption under his rule."

"For 10 years, Sonia-Manmohan government ruled the state and in those years, they brought in Rs 12 lakh crore corruption.."

Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu said he would be meeting with the Election Commission to discuss the anomalies and technical problems EVMs are facing, as ANI reported. "Nobody knows what is happening in EVMs," Naidu said.

Union Minister Smriti Irani today responded to Congress' allegations that she "falsified records" of her educational qualifications, stating that she will continue to work for Amethi no matter what its leaders say.

"In the past five years, there has not been any attack which has not been made against me by the Congress and its 'chele chapate' (stooges), nor is there any bad word or disrespect which has not been hurled at me," Irani said. "I have a message for them... as much as you try, I will work for Amethi against the Congress. No matter what you say, the more you harass me, the harder I'll work," she said.

Earlier, Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi alleged that Irani submitted contradictory affidavits to the Election Commission for which she should be disqualified.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav today alleged that that BJP was creating a divide in the society on the basis of caste and religion while the 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) was committed to remove hatred, PTI reported. 

"They (BJP) confused the people with their promises and forgot the 'acche din' promise after coming to power," he said. "The BJP is playing politics by dividing the society on basis of caste and religion. Our 'Mahagathbandhan' wants to remove the hatred and bring a change to save the Constitution," the former chief minister said in a statement here.

Taking a jibe at the current government in Karnataka, Modi said the state government has failed to send a list of eligible farmers for sending financial assistance, however,  "when Modi govt again forms a government, all farmers of Karnataka will receive financial assistance."

"In the first phase of election, the wave of BJP and its allies will sweep the opposition. The situation in West Bengal is chaotic. It's a sign of an imminent change."

"The money seized from Tughlak road scam was meant for nutritious food for the poor children & pregnant women," Modi says. 

"Congress has committed a grave sin by depriving innocent children and women of their right. They will not be pardoned for it."

"People who could not arrange for two square meals, Karnataka CM asked them to join the forces. He has insulted the soldiers of our armed forces. They secure our borders facing adverse conditions. However, these people can't understand this."

This is an election between Nation First or Family First. Congress and JDS are detached from people and attached to their own family, says Modi.

As much as Congress and JDS are disconnected with the people, they are immensely connected to their families. They are concerned about themselves and not the people or the country. Commission is their mission.

Modi addressing in Gangavathi, Karnataka says the size of the crowd today affirms that the direction of the wind is changing to 'Fir ek baar Modi Sarkar'.

"Deve Gowda's son has told that he would retire from politics if NDA again forms govt in the centre. During 2014 election, Deve Gowda ji had said that if Modi becomes PM, he would retire. As expected, he didn't retire from politics," Modi said.

AAP leader Gopal Rai said, Jananayak Janata Party (JJP) have entered into an alliance in Haryana for Lok Sabha elections. JJP will contest on 7 seats and AAP will contest on 3 seats in Haryana.

Himachal Pradesh Power Minister Anil Sharma has tendered his resignation as a minister in the BJP government in the state. 

Last month, speculations were made that Sharma might quit the party, however, he had refused to resign from his Cabinet post unless BJP leaders asked him to. When asked if he eventually plans to join Congress, Sharma had replied negatively, "Currently, I have no plans of getting associated with the Congress."

Sharma is a four-time MLA in Himachal Pradesh state Assembly and a former Rajya Sabha member who is currently a minister in the BJP government in Himachal Pradesh.  While Aashray Sharma could soon be declared the Congress candidate from Mandi, the entire episode has landed his father Anil Sharma in a tricky situation.

Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi after BJP delegation met the Election Commission and said, "Rahul Gandhi has crossed all limits by using such level of unparliamentary language for PM. He's chief of Congress's 'gaali gang.' Have demanded action be taken against his statements, which aren't based on facts."

#WATCH Nirmala Sitharaman on purported letter to Pres signed by Armed Forces veterans: 2 senior officers said they haven't given consent,worrying that fake letters being signed by vested groups.Condemnable. Rashtrapati Bhawan has also said that they have not received the letter. pic.twitter.com/VQdWhbgKh5

— ANI (@ANI) April 12, 2019

Dalit rights activist Krishna Tirath has quit BJP and rejoined Congress. 

Several meetings took place between Delhi Congress chief Sheila Dikshit and Tirath, according to senior leaders of the party. Tirath was a Minister of State in the Manmohan Singh government and had joined BJP in 2015.

Tirath had contested the 2015 Delhi Assembly polls from a BJP ticket, but had lost to the AAP candidate.

Taking a dig at BJP, CM Mamata Banerjee said the ruling party will find it difficult to bag even 100 Lok Sabha seats. The CM responded to BJP's remark, made yesterday, claiming to win majority seats in Benagl in May.

"It's sad BJP could not find a candidate in Darjeeling, it had to bring someone from Manipur to fight election," Mamata said.

Mamata expresses solidarity with military veterans who expressed outrage over alleged use of armed forces for political purposes. She further promised to set up university and develop tourist lodge in Kurseong as a tourist hub.

Congress senior leader Abhishek Singhvi and PC Chacko held a press conference at party's head office and said there will be no alliance with AAP in Delhi. 

"AAP wanted to have an alliance in other states also which is not practical. Every state is different; we will announce the seats tomorrow or day after tomorrow. If they are ready for an alliance in Delhi with Congress, we are ready even today," says PC Chacko. 

(Express photos by Prem Nath Pandey)

Due to lack of employment opportunities in Odisha, the youth has to migrate to other states to earn livelihood: Shri @AmitShah #ModiHiAayega pic.twitter.com/2hrhpxmv4A

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 12, 2019

BJP chief Amit Shah in his rally at Odisha said, "From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Odisha to Gujarat, people raising slogans in favour of PM Narendra Modi." Shah promised that steel plant will be set up in Keonjhar if Modi is elected to power.  He said, "Steel plant will be set up in Odisha's Keonjhar district if Modi is elected to power again."

Rahul Gandhi said when his party is voted to power, no farmer 'is going to be put in jail for not paying back his bank loan, it is not fair that the richest people do not go to jail but farmers go to jail for the same offence.' He alleged the Prime Minister gave Rs 35,0000 crore to Nirav Modi, Rs 35,000 crore to Mehul Choksi and Rs 10,000 crore to Vijay Mallya.

Focusing on his party's Minimum Income Support Scheme 'Nyay,' he said it would give purchasing power to the people and that in turn would propel factories in Tamil Nadu and the overall economy. Textile and silk hubs of Tamil Nadu, Tirupur and Kancheepuram "will become live," again and provide employment opportunities to youngsters, he said. (PTI)

We will never ever let the people of Tamil Nadu be ruled by Nagpur. Tamil Nadu is going to be ruled from Tamil Nadu and MK Stalin is going to be the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu: Rahul Gandhi in Tamil Nadu (ANI)

When the Modi government returns to power after May 23, PM Kisan yojna will be extended to all farmers across the nation.

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— BJP (@BJP4India) April 12, 2019

Congress and NCP support people who want to separate J-K from India and want two prime ministers. I am happy that the nation today is raising a united voice in matters of national security. This trust is my power that helps me take big decisions. Congress talks about removing the forces from Jammu and Kashmir. They want to take away the special powers given to the Army. To the first time voters I want to ask if they are ready to compromise with the country's security: PM Modi in Maharashtra

In the last five years, PM Narendra Modi ran a government for 15 people and you know the names. These are Anil Ambani, Choksi, Nirav Modi and they are Modi's friends: Rahul Gandhi at a poll rally in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. 

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???? ???????? ?? ??? ?????? ???? ?? ??????? ?? ?? ?????? ?? ??????? ??? ????? ??? ??? ????? ??? ??: ???? pic.twitter.com/IzxHvZmIC7

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 12, 2019

We have instilled fear in the minds of all heads of terror groups that if they commit any mistake it will cost them dearly. This chowkidaar will hunt them down and punish them. During Congress-NCP rule sometimes there would be bomb blasts in Mumbai or Pune, sometimes train would blow up or buses, but in the last five years there has been no terror attacks in India: PM Modi in Ahmednagar

Prime Minister in his address in Maharashtra targetted Rahul Gandhi saying, "Choose between honest chowkidar and corrupt naamdar. You want Indian heroes or supporters of Pakistan." He called the UPA govt 'remote-controlled' and compared with his government calling it 'strong and decisive'. 

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court Friday has put no interim stay on the controversial Electoral Bonds Scheme on funding for political parties.

No interim stay on electoral bonds. Supreme Court directs political parties to submit “forthwith” to Election Commission in sealed covers, details of electoral bonds received by them till date @IndianExpress

— Ananthakrishnan G (@axidentaljourno) April 12, 2019

The Election Commission on Wednesday ordered the producers of Lakshmi’s NTR and Udyama Simham, the two biopics based on the lives of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N T Rama Rao and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, respectively, not to release the movies till further orders.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Election Commission stalled the release of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s biopic, asserting that any biopic material with the potential to disturb the level playing field timing the elections should not be displayed. Read more here

Narendra Modi cannot easily become the Prime Minister again since the situation in the states are not in his favour, former prime minister and JD(S) national president H D Deve Gowda said on Wednesday in the course of his own campaign as the JD(S)-Congress coalition candidate for the Tumkur Lok Sabha seat. The JD(S) leader said that Modi had not spoken like a person befitting the position of the Prime Minister in two election rallies in Karnataka on Tuesday. “Modi cannot become the Prime Minister again very easily. I know the situation across the states in the country and the condition of Modi and that is why I am saying this. He cannot tolerate the coalition in Karnataka so he talks in a very bad manner,” he said. Read more here

In a letter addressed to the President and signed by over 100 retired personnel, the veterans raised concerns that have “caused considerable alarm and disquiet among both the serving and the retired personnel of our forces”.

Strongly objecting to the manner in which “political leaders are taking credit for military operations”, a group of Army veterans wrote to President Ram Nath Kovind to “take all necessary steps” to ensure parties do not use the “military, military uniforms or symbols, and any actions by military formations or personnel for political purposes” amid the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Read more here

Tamil Nadu: More than 3000 people form a human chain at Pamban Sea Bridge in Rameswaram to spread election awareness for 100% voter turnout in Ramanathapuram Lok Sabha constituency. pic.twitter.com/cCkpr94vJX

— ANI (@ANI) April 12, 2019

Having completed 50 public meetings across the state, leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Prasad Yadav in an interview said, "The NDA has failed its promises... Bihar has not been not given special status despite ‘double engine’ government (the NDA in power in both the state and Centre)...."

Read more here

Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh may get away with a warning for violating the model code of conduct on “technical grounds”, with government sources stating that Singh’s remarks on Modi “winning” the 2019 general elections were made in Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh – not in Rajasthan. Officials, however, added that Singh’s remark may be classified as an act of “impropriety” while holding a constitutional post. Read more here

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