Lok Sabha Elections 2019, April 5: As it Happened

Andhra Pradesh CM and TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu on the transfer of chief secretary Anil Chandra Punetha: For what mistake did EC transfer the Chief Secretary? How can you transfer without telling the mistake he did? Election Commission should work in an unbiased manner. I am condemning the transfer of Chief Secretary. I am condemning center's conspiracies against Andhra. I will see if they will arrest me tomorrow or day after.

EC writes to NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar over his remarks on NYAY, states '...your comments violate Model Code of Conduct norms. Commission has decided to convey its displeasure to you for your comments & expects you shall exercise caution in future'

A Shiv Sena leader was allegedly shot dead in Punjab's Gurdaspur district on Friday evening by three youths over a dispute, police said.Ajay Thakur, 25, was about to board a bus from near a bus stand in Purana Shalla area. Three youths, who have been identified, came on a motorcycle and one of them pulled out a gun and opened fire at Thakur. He was rushed to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, the police said.

Be careful in your utterances in future, EC tells Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on his 'Modiji ki sena' remark. 

Congress party releases list of 1 candidate in Jharkhand for Lok Sabha Elections 2019 and 4 candidates for elections to the state legislative assembly of Odisha.

Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy in Koppa: I am pleading with you don't believe PM's colourful words. Why should we have enmity with neighbouring countries? Two years ago a military officer told me PM will build a story before election to get votes. They don't ask for votes on development work.

BJP leader Sushma Swaraj in Hyderabad: 

Jis parivar ke 2-2 log aatankwad ka shikaar hue ho,uss parivar ka beta(Rahul Gandhi) ye keh raha hai ki aatankwad koi mudda nahi hai. Rahul ji, agar aatankwad koi mudda nahi hai to aap SPG ki suraksha liye kyun chalte hain?

Ahmed Patel reacts on PM's remark 'Issi chargesheet mein kaha gaya hai 'AP' ka matlab hai 'Ahmed Patel'... Says "Narendra Modi ko sab jante hain, gutter level politics karte hain. Jaise village mukhiya bol raha ho, jaise dehat mein koi municipality politics kar raha ho.."

Reacting on PM Modi's remark in a rally earlier, Congress leader Imran Masood said that a prime minister should refrain from using such language. This shows desperation, he claimed. Here in Saharanpur, the Hindu vote bank is leaning in my favour, PM is using such language to affect their votes, Masood claimed. 

At a rally in Saharanpur today, PM Modi had said: "Yahaan toh boti boti karne wale saahab bhi hain, aur Congress ke Shehzaade ke bade khaas hain. Vo boti boti kehte hain; hum beti beti ke sammaan aur suraksha ki baat karte hain."

BJP chief Amit Shah termed Rahul Gandhi delusional for proclaiming his love for 'all living beings'. In a tweet, Rahul Gandhi today said that he loves all, even those who have been temporarily blinded by hatred. "Hatred is cowardice. I don’t care if the entire world is full of hatred. I am not a coward. I will not hide behind hate and anger. I love all living beings, including those temporarily blinded by hatred," Gandhi tweeted. In his reply, Amit Shah said that Congress chief's statement was a fine example of delusion. 

"Fine example of arrogance and delusion! Now he sees the entire humankind as full of hate, except himself of course.  Get well soon Yuvraj!"

Actor Vivek Oberoi is also included in the list.

'Mauni baba' Manmohan Singh was the prime minister for 10 years. He went to the Rajya Sabha via Assam. I would like to ask Rahul Gandhi, you speak loudly from stage; why don't you give an account for your 10 years of governance?: Amit Shah in Assam

It was not us but you who released the terrorists, Akhilesh Yadav replies to PM Modi's allegation

Rahul Gandhi talks on several subjects without even having a nodding acquaintance with it. He makes wild and unsubstantiated allegations against all and sundry. Now, who are ‘RG’, ‘AP’ and ‘FAM’ mentioned in the chargesheet in the AugustaWestland case, Arun Jaitley said today in a blog. 

Arguments of probity in the public space demand more answers.  Are ‘RG’, ‘AP’ and ‘FAM’ fictional characters or were they in a position to influence the deal? How come every time there is a controversial defence deal and evidence is collected, names close to the Congress Party’s first family start appearing? Who are these ‘RG’, ‘AP’ and ‘FAM’? Are they fictional characters who influenced the deal? The Right to Silence is available to an accused, not to a Prime Ministerial aspirant.

PM Modi Raises VVIP chopper scam chargesheet naming 'AP', 'FAM' in public rally

BJP leader Smriti Irani, who has been fielded against Congress chief Rahul Gandhi from his family bastion Amethi, today told the town that its 14-year-long Vanvas (life term punishment) will end on May 23, as she claimed that BJP will storm into power at the Lok Sabha constituency. 

Ghaziabad: Congress General Secretary for UP east Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and party's candidate from the Parliamentary constituency Dolly Sharma hold a road show.

Congress hurting morale of armed forces by seeking review of AFSPA in J&K: PM Modi at rally in Dehradun 

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee in Naxalbari, West Bengal: We don't want 'Dilli ka laddoo'. We want a leader who is connected to the ground, one who stands with the people in their bad and good times. Narendra Modi's 'beti bachao, beti padhao' a flop, our 'Kanyashree' scheme got UNESCO award.

PM Modi in Dehradun: 40 varsh se latka hua One Rank One Pension ka mudda hum hal kar paaye. Varna jinki neeyat sirf vote batorne ki rahi ya note batorne ki rahi unhone toh isko latkaane aur bhatakane mein koi kasar nahi chhodi thi. Congress aur corruption mil karke corruption ke naye record karte rehte hain. Congress ke raj ki pehchaan hai ki usmein bhrashtachar accelerator par rehta hai aur vikas ventilator par rehta hai. Yahi Congress ki pehchaan hai. 

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will release its manifesto on April 8 -- a week after Congress did.

PM Modi has said Congress president Rahul Gandhi chose Wayanad as his second seat because Hindus were there in minority.

The National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Citizenship Bill are "two lollipops" being doled out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to "fool" the people of Assam, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Friday.

The NRC had left out the names of 40 lakh people and it was only the Trinamool Congress that stood beside these people irrespective of their religion, Banerjee said while addressing an election rally in Assam's Dhubri.

No political party supported the people whose names were left out from the list, but "we were always with them", she said.

"It was not only Muslims, but the names of 22 lakh Hindus and also Gorkhas, Biharis, Tamils and people from Kerala and Rajasthan have been left out from the NRC. We are fighting to get all of their names included," she said.

Meanwhile, BJP president Amit Shah Friday said prices of essential items had sky-rocketed under the Congress rule due to repeated bandhs and strikes, but the BJP-led government has made the state "blockade-free".

As many as 150 candidates have filed their nominations for the seven Lok Sabha constituencies in Chhattisgarh that will vote in the third phase on April 23.

Elections to the 11 Lok Sabha seats in the state will be held in three phases - on April 11, April 18 and April 23.

A total of 150 candidates, including those from main rivals Congress and the BJP, have filed their nominations for the third phase, Chief Electoral Officer Subrat Sahoo said in a statement in Ranchi on Friday.

Congress ne apne 'dhakosla patra' mein jo likha hai uska matlab ye nikalta hai ki betiyon ke saath rakshasi apraadh karne waalon ko bhi abb bail mil jaayegi. Jo dahej ke kaaran bahu ko zinda jalaa detey hain, kya aise raakshason ko bail milni chaiye?: PM Modi on Congress manifesto

PM Modi alleges RLD chief Ajit Singh forgot atrocities against people and didn't raise voice for self interest.

"Congress ne humein shauchaalya ka chowkidar kaha. Yeh sharm ki baat toh nahin...sammaan ki baat hai," PM Modi says.

"Yahaan toh boti boti karne wale saahab bhi hain, aur Congress ke Shehzaade ke bade khaas hain. Vo boti boti kehte hain; hum beti beti ke sammaan aur suraksha ki baat karte hain," PM Modi says.

This election is not for choosing a prime minister; it is an election for development: PM Modi in Saharanpur

Congress is saying that if they get the chance they will talk to the patrons of terrorists, PM Modi says

NDA government is building India's first national sports university in Manipur, says Amit Shah

"Five years ago PM Modi called himself 'Chaiwala' but now he has forgotten how to make tea and has become 'chowkidar'," says Mamata Banerjee.

"Biren Singh has served in BSF, he can be called true chowkidar," Amit Shah says.

"During Congress rule, there were frequent bandhs and one lasted for 160 days, it led to escalation in price of commodities."

"Northeast was given 238 per cent more funds in 14th finance commission under NDA as compared to 13th finance commission under UPA."

"The government has started work on the expansion of Imphal airport and air cargo terminal", BJP president Amit Shah says.

"Saharanpur is going to reject votebank politics of SP, BSP and Congress. People here trust BJP," PM Modi says.

"In Citizenship Amendment Bill, you will be a foreigner for six years, then you will be given citizenship. Why? What will you do in these many years? What about your job, school and every essential thing? This is nothing but a conspiracy," Mamata Banerjee says.

"It is our vision document for party leaders and workers and will be utilised for answering BJP," SP chief Akhilesh Yadav says.

The government talks of giving money but has snatched it from people, Akhilesh adds.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP leader Yogi Adityanath has said Muslim League was like a "deadly virus" and the Congress party was infested with it.

"Muslim League is a virus. The type of virus which if somebody is infested with cannot be saved and today the principal Opposition party Congress is infested with it. Just think if they win then what will happen? The virus will spread across the nation," he tweeted.

Congress has announced Dhirender Pratap Singh as its candidate from Shrawasti.

"During UPA rule, there used to be attacks in Lucknow, Ayodhya, Kashi, or Rampur. Our agencies used to nab the people responsible but for the sake of their vote bank 'Bua and Bhatija' used to set them free," PM Modi says.

"If we want our nation to move forward then we need to move forward together," PM Modi says.

"Replying to terrorists in their own language is not being liked by some people. When India hits back at the enemy, people here start crying. When Pakistan is being exposed in front of the world these people start speaking in support of Pakistan," PM Modi adds.

"I would like to thank the Government of UAE and people of UAE for honouring me with the Zayed medal. This is not an award given to Modi but to the Indian people," PM Modi says.

"One of my favourite childhood memories is with my grandmother [late Indira Gandhi]. I used to hide behind a curtain. And tried to scare her. She pretended she was scared," Rahul Gandhi says.

"There should be a retirement age for politicians. 60 is a good age to retire," Rahul Gandhi says.

"I love Mr Narendra Modi," Rahul Gandhi says to a rapturous crowd.

"My sister is my best friend. I wear her Rakhi all year long," Rahul Gandhi says.

When asked who should be the lead actress in a biopic made on him, Rahul Gandhi says, "I am unfortunately married to my work."

"We will deliver," says Sam Pitroda.

"I am not giving you my valuable time. You are giving me yours. How can your time be less important than mine?" Rahul adds.

Rahul Gandhi says, "We have the same syllabus as we had 20 years back. Because we are not moving forward. We need to ask questions. Ask everybody. Why doesn't the prime minister attend these kind of functions and answer questions? And not just him. Ask me too. Make me uncomfortable."

"Only Air Force should take credit for Balakot airstrike," says Rahul Gandhi.

"The only thing that I am against is the politicisation of the airstrike."

"The current banking system is controlled by a few peole. We will give access to young entrepreneurs. We are working towards creating jobs for the youth," Rahul Gandhi adds.

Rahul Gandhi says, "Demonetisation was a disaster. You can ask any economist."

Former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi, while campaigning for the wife of rape convict Rajballabh Yadav, accused the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government of maligning his image by sending Rajballabh to jail.

"They have tried to malign his image by falsely implicating him and sending him to jail. I appeal to the people to vote for Vibha Devi and make her win the elections," she said.

"PM Modi instructed ministers to visit the Northeast every fortnight; it was done to resolve problems in the region," Amit Shah says while addressing a rally in Arunachal. 

He adds, "The country has already decided the next government is going to be that of PM Modi."

"First time, the BJP is contesting all assembly seats in Arunachal; our winning streak began when three BJP MLAs were elected uncontested."

"I say this with full responsibility. [Bihar Chief Minister] Nitish Kumar made many attempts to get back and ally with us. He tried many different approaches, that also within six months of returning to NDA," Tejashwi Yadav reaffirms Nitish Kumar wanted to rejoin mahagathbandhan. The fact was mentioned in an upcoming book.

A case has been registered against unidentified BJP workers for allegedly violating the model code of conduct by tying party flags to electric poles in Muzaffarnagar.

Station House Officer Santosh Kumar Singh said the workers had tied the flags to electric poles Thursday without permission from the authorities concerned.

He said police removed the flags and registered a case against unidentified BJP supporters.

Former TMC MP Saumitra Khan, who jumped ship to BJP after being named in the sand mining case, moves Supreme Court against Calcutta High Court.

The court had ordered banning him from entering Bankura constituency. The top court will hear the matter next week.

Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy has said, "The Election Commission and the Income Tax Department are literally harassing me and my family. Let the EC officials perform their duties, but don’t harass us on mere suspicion."

The Supreme Court has refused urgent listing of fresh plea seeking stay on release of biopic on PM Narendra Modi.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear on April 10 RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav's plea seeking bail in fodder scam cases. The top court has allowed CBI to file reply on Lalu's bail plea by April 9.

Senior Congress leader and UDF candidate for Chalakudy Lok Sabha constituency, Benny Behanan, was admitted to a private hospital in Kochi on Friday after he suffered a heart attack.

The 67-year old Behannan was rushed to the hospital after he complained of severe chest pain in the early hours of Friday.

"He underwent angioplasty. He has been kept under 48-hour observation," his aide said.

Behanan, who is also convener of the Congress-led UDF in Kerala, had filed his nomination papers as party candidate from Chalakkudy constituency on Monday.

Meanwhile, ahead of the BJP's foundation day on April 6, senior party leader LK Advani penned his thoughts on anti-nationalism.

"Right from its inception, the BJP has never regarded those who disagree with us politically as our 'enemies', but only as our adversaries. Similarly, in our conception of Indian nationalism, we have never regarded those who disagree with us politically as 'anti-national'. The party has been committed to freedom of choice of every citizen at personal as well as political level," he wrote in a blog.

Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu to sit on protest in Vijayawada over reported IT raids on TDP candidates and supporters.

I would be addressing campaign rallies in Amroha, Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Dehradun (Uttarakhand) today. Looking forward to interacting with the people of these places and elaborating on the BJP’s development agenda: PM Modi tweeted

FIR registered against Prakash Ambedkar at Digras Police station by District Collector for his controversial remarks against Election Commission at Yavatmal rally.

Saharanpur: Case registered against BSP leader Omar Ali Khan and his supporters for violation of model code of conduct. SP Dehat VS Mishra says 'They had taken permission for a public meeting but they carried out a procession on the road and also misbehaved with the SDM'

The Bharatiya Janata Party is likely to release its election manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls on April 7, the same date when it had released its manifesto in 2014, IANS cited sources as saying.

BJP president Amit Shah will address three election rallies across the Northeast on Friday. Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee will address an election rally in Assam's Dhubri district.

The Election Commission will take a final call on the release of a Hindi biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. Opposition parties raised the pitch for deferring the release of the film by citing poll code violation. 

PM Narendra Modi will address two election rallies in Uttar Pradesh on Friday, the BJP has said. PM Modi will address the rallies in Amroha and Saharanpur parliamentary constituencies in support of party candidates.