Opposition Slams Adityanath Over Starvation and Biryani Remarks

Opposition Slams Adityanath Over Starvation and Biryani Remarks Launching a scathing attack on the Congress, Samajwadi Party and BSP, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said the ''poor were victims of starvation'' and the ''terrorists were fed biryani'' when they were in power. The chief minister addressed separate election rallies in Sikandrarau for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Anup Pradhan from Hathras seat and Firozabad constituency candidate Thakur Vishwadeep Singh. ''The poor, farmers, women and youth were not in the agenda of the SP (Samajwadi Party), Congress and BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party). They only did vote bank politics, they committed the sin of dividing the caste and society,'' Adityanath said in Hathras. ''During their (opposition governments) time, the poor were victims of starvation and the terrorists were fed biryani. The farmers used to commit suicide and the corrupt people used to enjoy life of luxury, he added. Adityanath said the ''mafia used to wield power as patrons'', but work is being done today in the country and the state ''without any discrimination''. He claimed that more work was done under the BJP rule than what was done by the Congress, Samajwadi Party and BSP. Even in the meeting in Firozabad, the chief minister hit out at the Congress and the Samajwadi Party stating these people want to give permission for cow slaughter on the land of Ram and Krishna. Taking aim at the Congress, Adityanath said the people of 'Discovery of India' think that Ram and Krishna never existed. He said that on one hand the Modi government is giving free ration to 80 crore people of the country, on the other hand even the ration of even the poorest of the poor was wasted during the Congress rule. ''After Kashi and Ayodhya, we have moved towards Mathura,'' Adityanath said. Targeting the Samajwadi Party, he asked whether they have ever done anything for the development of Braj region. Taking potshots at Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Adityanath said that these people did not think anything outside their family and keep defaming caste in the name of nepotism. His sympathy is not with the poor but with the mafia, he added. Voting will be held in the third phase in Hathras and Firozabad on May 7.

Kerala LS polls: Coastal votes help raise poll percentage in Attingal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A high voter turnout in the coastal areas at the fag end of the polling time pushed the voting percentage in the Attingal constituency closer to the state average. The booths along the coastal road have seen the rush after 1pm when the overall voting percentage in the constituency was around 40%. Women and elderly chose to cast their votes in the evening in several booths in the coastal regions of Thumpa, Maryanad, Puthukurichi, Perumathura, Perunguzhi, Poothura and Anchuthengu. The women are busy with their household and other livelihood matters in the morning. But they did come to booths by afternoon, said Gerald Franklin a booth-level agent at Puthikurichy. The voter turnout in the coastal area was also closely linked to the mass or Juma being held at religious centres in the locality. At Perumathura and Perunghuzhi the rush began after the Juma at the Central Juma Masjid and Valiya Palli at 1.30pm. The boat workers in the region decided not to operate boats on Election Day to attend the Juma and cast their votes. At the booth at Government LPS Perumathura, which is a designated sensitive booth, a heavy rush witnessed since the afternoon to the last hours, forcing the officials to close the gate at the scheduled time. The seven assembly constituencies in Attingal reported brisk polling from 7am itself. However, the voting percentage dipped from the 74 % recorded in 2019. Attingal 2024: 68.84% 2019: 74.4%

Lok Sabha elections: 65% turnout in 2nd phase

NEW DELHI: In a relatively improved showing, the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections recorded over 65% voter turnout covering 88 seats across 13 states. The highest voting percentage was recorded in Tripura at 78.53% while the lowest was in Uttar Pradesh at 54.85%. Kerala, Karnataka and Rajasthan accounted for more than half the seats. Elections to 14 seats were held in Karnataka, 13 seats in Rajasthan, 8 seats each in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, 6 seats in Madhya Pradesh, 5 seats each in Assam and Bihar, 3 seats each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and 1 seat each in Manipur, Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir. All eyes are on the high stakes battle in Kerala, where the BJP has been aggressively working to open its account. The contests in Wayanad, where former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi is contesting, and Thiruvananthapuram where Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar is pitted against sitting MP Shashi Tharoor, are keenly watched. Other top guns in the fray include actor-turned-politician Arun Govil in Meerut, Karnataka deputy CM D K Shivakumars brother D K Suresh in Bangalore Rural, and former Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy (JDS) in Mandya. BJPs Hema Malini, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat are seeking a hat-trick of wins from Uttar Pradeshs Mathura, Rajasthans Kota and Jodhpur, respectively. With the conclusion of the second phase, voting has been completed in 14 states/UTs.

Over 61 per cent turnout across 88 seats

New Delhi: Over 61 per cent polling was reported in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections covering 88 seats across 13 states amid few complaints of EVM glitches and bogus voting in some states. Voters in some villages of Uttar Pradeshs Mathura, Rajasthans Banswara and Maharashtras Parbhani were boycotting the polls over various issues []

Over 63 per cent turnout in phase 2 of Lok Sabhapolls

New Delhi, Apr 26 (PTI) Over 63 per cent polling was reported in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections covering 88 seats across 13 states amid few complaints of EVM glitches and bogus voting in some states. Voters in some villages of Uttar Pradeshs Mathura, Rajasthans Banswara and Maharashtras Parbhani were boycotting the polls Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Robust Voter Turnout Marks Second Phase of Indian Parliamentary Elections

Robust Voter Turnout Marks Second Phase of Indian Parliamentary Elections Over 63 per cent polling was reported in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections covering 88 seats across 13 states amid few complaints of EVM glitches and bogus voting in some states. Voters in some villages of Uttar Pradesh's Mathura, Rajasthan's Banswara and Maharashtra's Parbhani were boycotting the polls over various issues but were later persuaded by authorities to cast their franchise. Polling for the second stage of the seven-phase elections started at 7 am and ended at 6 pm. Several states experienced intense heat conditions. The first phase of polling was held on April 19 in 102 seats across 21 states and Union territories. The Election Commission (EC) said polling remained largely peaceful. The tentative figure at 8 pm of voter turnout was 63.50 per cent. It is likely to go upwards when reports from all polling stations are obtained, the EC said, adding voters reaching polling stations till the end of polling hour are allowed to cast their vote. The National Democratic alliance (NDA) under Prime Minister Modi is seeking a stronger majority for a third consecutive term, while the constituents of the opposition INDIA bloc are hoping for a rebound after facing reverses in the 2014 and 2019 elections. Election Commission data showed the highest voting percentage was recorded in Tripura which registered 79.46 per cent polling, followed by Manipur at 77.32 while the turnout was in Uttar Pradesh at 54.85 per cent and Bihar 55.08 per cent. Polling was held in all 20 seats of Kerala, 14 of the 28 seats in Karnataka, 13 seats in Rajasthan, 8 seats each in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, 6 seats in Madhya Pradesh, 5 seats each in Assam and Bihar, 3 seats each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and 1 seat each in Manipur, Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and actor-turned-politician Arun Govil, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's brother DK Suresh (Cong), and former Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy (JDS) are among the key candidates while BJP's Hema Malini, Om Birla and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat seeking a hat-trick of wins from their respective constituencies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the morning urged people to cast their votes in record numbers and said a high voter turnout strengthens democracy. Stressing on the importance of each vote, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi issued impassioned appeals asking people to step out and exercise their franchise in the second phase of the Lok Sabha election. After the end of polling, Modi in a tweet said, ''Phase Two has been too good! Gratitude to the people across India who have voted today. The unparalleled support for NDA is going to disappoint the Opposition even more. Voters want NDA's good governance. Youth and women voters are powering the strong NDA support.'' In Kerala, the turnout was 65.91 per cent. The election process, held amid tight security arrangements, was primarily incident free except for instances of bogus voting and breakdowns of electronic voting machines (EVMs) being reported in some booths of the state. Such incidents resulted in delaying the polling process in the affected booths. One person each reportedly died at Palakkad, Alappuzha and Malappuram after casting their vote and a polling agent died after collapsing at a booth in Kozhikode. Tripura East Lok Sabha constituency recorded a turnout of 79.46 per cent. Election officials said there were some complaints from a few booths but those were ''promptly addressed''. A jawan of the Madhya Pradesh Special Armed Force deployed on poll duty allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself with his service rifle at a government school where he was stationed in Gariaband district under the Mahasamund seat in Chhattisgarh, where a voter turnout of 73.62 per cent was recorded. A polling booth at Sivni village in Balod district (Kanker seat) was decorated like a wedding 'mandap', with a display of rituals of traditional weddings. Several brides and grooms, dressed in their wedding finery, cast their votes at several polling booths. The EC said people from 46 villages in Bastar and Kanker seats cast their votes in a polling booth set up in their own village for the first time in a Lok Sabha election. In neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, there was a turnout of 57.88 per cent. An estimated 71.11 per cent of the 77,26,668 voters exercised their franchise in the five parliamentary constituencies of Assam that went to polls in this phase. In restive Manipur, where polling is being held under high presence of security personnel, the turnout was a significantly high 77.32 per cent. There were reports of intimidation by suspected militants, altercation between Congress workers and NPF supporters and damage of EVM at a polling station in the Tangkhul Naga-dominated hill district. At KK Leishi Phanit polling station in Ukhrul, irate voters destroyed an EVM and other items after alleged disturbances by armed miscreants. The overall voting percentage in Karnataka was 68.30. A case was booked against BJP MP and Bangalore South Candidate Tejasvi Surya for allegedly posting a video on a social media platform and soliciting votes on the grounds of religion, the Election Commission said. Another BJP leader CT Ravi was booked for allegedly promoting hatred and enmity between citizens through his social media post. Various restaurants in Bangalore were offering free dosas, laddu, coffee and other food items at discounted rates to customers who cast their vote. A private hospital assisted 41 inpatients cast their vote with the help of city civic body Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). Green corridors were created for the ambulances across constituencies to ensure easy, hassle-free voting. Some EVMs were destroyed at a polling station in Indiganatha village in Chamarajanagara district of Karnataka during a clash between two groups of people over whether to vote or not. Officials said an FIR is being filed the Election Commission will take a call after getting a detailed report. A voter turnout of 57.83 per cent was recorded in eight constituencies in Maharashtra, while in Rajasthan, the turnout was 64.07 per cent. Incidents of confrontation between the supporters of the Congress candidate and an independent candidate were reported at a couple of places during polling in Barmer-Jaisalmer Lok Sabha constituency of Rajasthan. Police said they were looking into the complaints besides some about fake voting from some places. The by-election for the Bagidora assembly constituency in Banswara district was also held simultaneously on Friday and 76.66 per cent voting took place. A voter turnout of 54.85 per cent was recorded in the eight parliamentary constituencies of Uttar Pradesh. Senior citizens dominated the early hours of voting in Noida in the Gautam Buddh Nagar constituency. Some residents' welfare associations made arrangements for electric vehicles to ferry voters to and from the polling booths. In Bihar, the turnout was 55.08 per cent, 71.84 per cent in in West Bengal and 71.91 per cent in Jammu and Kashmir. The Lok Sabha polls are the first major electoral battle in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into Union territories -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh -- on August 5, 2019. The Election Commission registered nearly 300 complaints in West Bengal, mostly related to EVM malfunctioning. After Friday's phase, polling is over in Kerala, Rajasthan and Tripura. In the first phase on April 19, polling was completed in all seats of Tamil Nadu (39), Uttarakhand (5), Arunachal Pradesh (2), Meghalaya (2), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Puducherry (1), Sikkim (1) and Lakshadweep (1). The third phase of elections for 94 seats across 12 states and Union territories will be held on May 7. Counting will be done on June 4.

Nearly 61 Per Cent Turnout In Phase 2 Of LS polls; Tripura records 78.53 pc, Manipur 77.18

NEW DELHI, Apr 26: Nearly 61 per cent polling was reported in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections covering 88 seats across 13 states amid few complaints of EVM glitches and bogus voting in some states. Voters in some villages of Uttar Pradeshs Mathura, Rajasthans Banswara and Maharashtras Parbhani were boycotting the polls over various issues but were later persuaded by authorities to cast their franchise. Polling for the second stage of the seven-phase elections started at 7 am [] The post Nearly 61 Per Cent Turnout In Phase 2 Of LS polls; Tripura records 78.53 pc, Manipur 77.18 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

LS polls phase 2: Over 60% turnout till 5 pm

New Delhi: Over 60 per cent polling was reported till 5 pm in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections covering 88 seats across 13 states amid complaints of EVM glitches and bogus voting in some booths in Kerala and West Bengal. Voters in some villages of Uttar Pradeshs Mathura, Rajasthans Banswara and Maharashtras Parbhani []

Lok Sabha Polls: 2nd phase voting

Solapur: Supporters of Congress candidate Praniti during an election campaign for Lok Sabha elections, in Solapur, Friday, April 26, 2024. (PTI Photo) Mathura: Rashtriya Lok Dal Chief Jayant Chaudhary and his wife show their fingers marked with indelible ink after casting their vote for the second phase of Lok Sabha polls, in Mathura, Friday, April Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Who are the richest candidates in 2nd phase of LS polls?

India votes in Lok Sabha elections with 1,200 candidates. DK Suresh seeks re-election from Bangalore Rural. Hema Malini, the third wealthiest candidate, contests from Mathura in the second phase.

Religious Tourism spots like Varanasi and Ayodhya may soon outshine Goa and Agra

Religious Tourism spots like Varanasi and Ayodhya may soon outshine Goa and Agra By Nikhil Dedha Recent data shows that post COVID religious inclinations of Indians have become stronger resulting in an accelerated momentum towards religious tourism. According to the Ministry of Tourism data, last year 8.5 crores of tourists visited Varanasi(Kashi), around 4.5 crore people visited Prayagraj and more than 1.5 crores of people have visited Ayodhya Ram temple since the consecration ceremony. Many experts feel Varanasi will outdo Goa, Agra, and Shimla. During the COVID period when the temples were closed down, our Prime Minister thought let's make the temples a place where everybody would like to visit. So we came up with the idea of having the Kashi Vishwanath corridor. It has changed the entire tourism scenario of the state and in year 2023 we had more than 10 crore tourists said Preeti Srivastava, Deputy Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh to ANI. Government of Uttar Pradesh is promoting the new golden triangle of Prayagraj, Kashi and Ayodhaya as a golden triangle of religious tourism. Now everybody is benefiting. Even the small washerman, he's also getting business because he's washing the linen of the hotels. The vegetable seller, everybody is benefiting. The rickshaw pullers, the flower sellers and local Prasad shops. Now the new golden triangle is coming up that is Ayodhya, Prayagraj and Varanasi said Preeti. The transformative impact of projects like the Kashi Vishwanath corridor, has revitalized Varanasi's tourism sector, leading to a substantial increase in tourist footfall and allied economic activities. The surge in tourism has not only boosted local businesses but also generated substantial revenue for the state. As per the data by the Ministry of Tourism 1,439 million people participated in religious tourism in India during 2022, it is more than double from 677 million in 2021. In 2022, religious tourism destinations earned Rs1.34 lakh crore in revenue, up from Rs65,070 crore in 2021. In 2022, Varanasi had 82 million visitors, which is almost four times the number of visitors in 2019. This number accounted for almost 26% of all arrivals in 2022, compared to less than 4 per cent in 2019. Varanasi's tourist footfall has surpassed Agra, which is home to the Taj Mahal, and has made it the most visited city in Uttar Pradesh. PM Narendra Modi also mentioned in his address on the 103rd episode of radio program 'Mann Ki Baat' that Now more than 10 crore tourists are reaching Kashi every year. The number of devotees visiting pilgrimages like Ayodhya, Mathura, Ujjain is also increasing rapidly. Due to this lakhs of poor are getting employment. According to the industry experts the religious tourism sector is expected to generate a revenue of Rs 59 billion by 2028 and create 140 million temporary and permanent jobs by 2030. Under central government's Swadesh Darshan Scheme, an outlay of Rs 5294 crore has been allocated for the development of theme-based tourist circuits. A total of 76 projects have been sanctioned under the project which covers popular religious destinations across different states of India. These includes Buddhist circuit, Ramayana circuit and Krishna circuit. The Ministry of tourism has also started the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme to improve the religious tourism experience by identifying and developing pilgrimage sites across India.(ANI)

Phase 2: Three-Way Contest For UPs 8 Lok Sabha Seats

Polling commenced at 7 am in eight parliamentary constituencies of Uttar Pradesh during the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections. Noteworthy candidates include Hema Malini, who is contesting for a third term from Mathura on a BJP ticket, and Arun Govil, who is famed for his portrayal of Lord... The post Phase 2: Three-Way Contest For UPs 8 Lok Sabha Seats appeared first on HW News English .

Mathura Muslim Voter

(Mathura)

BJPs Hema Malini confident ahead of Mathura polls: We are going to perform twice as well

The News Mill

India votes in second election phase as Modi vs Gandhi contest heats up

India votes in second election phase as Modi vs Gandhi contest heats up India began voting on Friday in the second phase of the world's biggest election, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his rivals raise the pitch of the campaign by focusing on hot-button issues such as religious discrimination, affirmative action and taxes. Almost one billion people are eligible to vote in the seven-phase general elections that began on April 19 and concludes on June 1, with votes set to be counted on June 4. Modi is seeking a record-equalling third straight term on the back of his economic record, welfare measures, national pride, Hindu nationalism and personal popularity. Surveys suggest he will easily win a comfortable majority. His challengers have formed an alliance of more than two dozen parties and are promising greater affirmative action, more handouts and an end to what they call Modi's autocratic rule. A total of 88 seats out of the 543 seats in the lower house of parliament went to the polls on Friday, with 160 million people eligible to vote. They were spread across 13 states and federal territories in the world's most populous country. More than half of the seats in Friday's contests were in the southern states of Kerala and Karnataka and the northwestern state of Rajasthan. The campaign has become more heated since the first phase of voting on April 19 as Modi and the main opposition Congress party have faced off on communal issues with Modi accusing Congress of favouring minority Muslims, aiming to dilute affirmative action and planning to impose an inheritance tax. Congress has denied the charges and said Modi fears losing and was using divisive language to distract voters from real issues such as unemployment, the price rise and rural distress. But some voters were responding to the BJP. I will vote for BJP. Muslims will get a lot of benefits if Congress comes to power and I dont want taxpayers' money to go for the benefit of any one community, said Shree Hari S.S., 23, who voted in the tech hub of Bengaluru. Tackling unemployment, inflation and high taxation in the world's fastest growing major economy, however, should be the priorities of the new government, said Kareemulla Basha, 47, a Bengaluru software engineer and a Muslim voter. When you promise something, see if it is fiscally prudent, he said. I am okay with subsidies, but the government should do a better job of finding a balance and understanding how much they will cost the exchequer. RAHUL GANDHI IN THE FRAY Rahul Gandhi, former Congress president and the face of the party, was among the 1,200 candidates in the fray on Friday. Your vote will decide whether the next government will be of 'a few billionaires' or of '140 crore Indians', Gandhi posted on X as voting began, referring to India's population of 1.4 billion. Therefore, it is the duty of every citizen to step out of their homes today and become a 'soldier of the constitution' and vote to protect democracy. Gandhi is seeking re-election from Wayanad in Kerala and faces Annie Raja of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and BJP's K. Surendran, among others, in the Left Front-ruled state. In 2019, Gandhi defeated the CPI candidate by more than 400,000 votes, the highest margin in Kerala, although he lost his second seat to BJP in the family bastion of Amethi in north India. India allows a candidate to contest from more than one seat but they can retain only one if they win from more. Congress slumped to a historic low when it was swept out of power by BJP in 2014 and won its second-lowest number of 52 seats in 2019, with Kerala contributing the highest tally of 15. The party is expected to do better in Karnataka this year where it won just one of 28 seats in 2019 but gained strength and defeated BJP in state elections last year. It is still seen to be struggling nationally as bickering within the opposition alliance it leads and graft cases against some leaders has hobbled its challenge to Modi. The Election Commission and political parties have been worried about voter turnout due to the summer heat and wedding season in some parts of the country with turnout falling to around 65% in the first phase from nearly 70% in 2019. While Bengaluru, which has faced an unusually hot summer this year, is forecast to touch a high of 37 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit) on Friday, Mathura is expected to touch 41 degrees Celsius (106F), weather websites showed.

BJP pick Hema Malini predicts her victory margin in UP's Mathura: '5-7 lakhs'

BJP pick Hema Malini predicts her victory margin in UPs Mathura lakhs

BJP Mathura candidate Hema Malini confident of extending her term

BJP Mathura candidate Hema Malini confident of extending her term

Battle For Bharat | Massive Reporter Team Delivers Phase 2 Polling Updates! | Lok Sabha Elections

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 | Biggest team of reporters on ground to get you updates from the length & breadth of the country on 2nd phase of polling; @KamalikaSengupt brings in brings in details from Darjeeling. Battle For Bharat: 4.4% noted in the voter turnout in phase 1; 2nd phase polling on 88 seats today, key seats include Mathura and Wayanad. Join the special

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 2: 88 Seats Vote In Lok Sabha Polls Phase 2, Wayanad And Mathura Key Contests

Voting is on in 88 constituencies across 13 states and Union Territories amid a furious row between the Congress and the BJP over manifesto and inheritance tax. Election will be held on all seats of Kerala, a chunk of Rajasthan and UP.

Phase 2 Lok Sabha | Key Battles Unfold: Phase 2 Polling in 88 Seats - Mathura, Wayanad in Spotlight

Phase 2 Lok Sabha | Key Battles Unfold: Phase 2 Polling in 88 Seats - Mathura, Wayanad in Spotlight | English NewsBattle For Bharat: 4.4% noted in the voter turnout in phase 1; 2nd phase polling on 88 seats today, key seats include Mathura and Wayanad. Join the special

From Rahul Gandhi to Arun Govil: List of key candidates in Phase 2 LS polls

New Delhi: From Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad, Shashi Tharoor in Thiruvananthapuram to Hema Malini in Mathura and Arun Govil in Meerut, the fates of several prominent personalities will be locked by the voters in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections on Friday. The second phase has 88 Lok Sabha constituencies including all Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

India begins voting in second phase of giant election as Modi vs Gandhi campaign heats up

India begins voting in second phase of giant election as Modi vs Gandhi campaign heats up By Dhanya Skariachan, Chris Thomas and Nikunj Ohri BENGALURU/KOTTAYAM/MATHURA, India, April 26 (Reuters) - I ndia began voting on Friday in the second phase of the world's biggest election, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his rivals raise the pitch of the campaign by focusing on hot-button issues such as religious discrimination, affirmative action and taxes. Almost one billion people are eligible to vote in the seven-phase general elections that began on April 19 and concludes on June 1, with votes set to be counted on June 4. Modi is seeking a record-equalling third straight term on the back of his economic record, welfare measures, national pride, Hindu nationalism and personal popularity. Surveys suggest he will easily win a comfortable majority. His challengers have formed an alliance of more than two dozen parties and are promising greater affirmative action, more handouts and an end to what they call Modi's autocratic rule. Friday's polling will be held for 88 of the total 543 seats in the lower house of parliament with 160 million people eligible to vote. It will be spread across 13 states and federal territories in the world's most populous country. More than half of those 88 seats are in the southern states of Kerala and Karnataka and the northwestern state of Rajasthan. The campaign has changed tack since the first phase and become heated as Modi and the main opposition Congress party have faced off on communal issues with Modi accusing Congress of favouring minority Muslims, aiming to dilute affirmative action and planning to impose inheritance tax. Congress, which used to make noise in the name of the Constitution, has now been badly exposed for its hidden agenda, Modi posted on X late on Thursday. Congress has denied the charges and said Modi is distracting voters from real issues such as unemployment, price rise and rural distress and fears losing. RAHUL GANDHI IN THE FRAY We spoke to you, we heard what was on your mind and drafted a revolutionary manifesto, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said in a video message on the eve of the vote. This has been drafted by the Congress party but it is your voice. Gandhi, former Congress president and the face of the party, is among the 1200 candidates in the fray on Friday. He is seeking re-election from Wayanad in Kerala and faces Annie Raja of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and BJP's K. Surendran, among others, in the Left Front-ruled state. In 2019, Gandhi defeated the CPI candidate by more than 400,000 votes, the highest margin in Kerala, although he lost his second seat to BJP in the family bastion of Amethi in north India. India allows a candidate to contest from more than one seat but they can retain only one if they win from more. Congress slumped to a historic low when it was swept out of power by BJP in 2014 and won its second-lowest number of 52 seats in 2019, with Kerala contributing the highest of 15. The party is also expected to do better in Karnataka where it won just one of 28 seats in 2019 but gained strength and defeated BJP in state elections last year. It is still seen to be struggling nationally as bickering within the opposition alliance it leads and graft cases against some leaders has hobbled its challenge to Modi. The Election Commission and political parties have been worried about voter turnout due to the summer heat and wedding season in some parts of the country with turnout falling to around 65% in the first phase from nearly 70% in 2019. The poll panel has increased appeals for voter participation since, asking them to vote with responsibility and pride. (Reproting by Dhanya Skariachan in Bengaluru, Chris Thomas in Kottayam and Nikunj Ohri in Mathura; Writing by YP Rajesh; Editing by Stephen Coates)

Hema Malini, Lord Krishna's 'Gopi', Faces Congress Test In Mathura

BJP leader Hema Malini - who last week labelled herself a 'gopi' of Lord Krishna - will defend her Mathura Lok Sabha seat against Mukesh Dhangar of the Congress and Suresh Singh of the Bahujan Samaj Party when voting opens Friday morning.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 2: 2nd Phase Polling On 88 Seats Today, Key Seats Include Mathura And Wayanad NDTV

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 2: 2nd Phase Polling On 88 Seats Today, Key Seats Include Mathura And WayanadNDTV

Its advantage BJP in 8 western UP seats

Indefatigable: The ruling party expects to counter local factors impacting seats such as Mathura, Meerut and Amroha with organisational strength and Modi appeal

Mathura Lok Sabha election 2024: Voting date, key candidates

Mathura Lok Sabha election Voting date key candidates

Mohan-Mathura-Modi-Malini: The Intricacies Of Politics In Brajabhoomi

Entertainment: Movie Review of Razakars!

Director: Yata Satyanarayana Star Cast: Raj Arjun, Tej Sapru, Makarand Deshpande, Bobby Simha, Anushriya Tripathi, Vedika, Anusuiya Bhardwaj, Prerna, Thalaswal Vijay, Chandu Nath Nair etc. Where to watch: In theater Star Rating: 3.5 Razakar Movie Review: It has been the problem of many generations of India that the governments have avoided telling them the gruesome truths of history. The result of which was that when the hidden truths started coming to light, neither did the new generations of Hindus trust them easily and the Muslims considered it a false propaganda against them. All the stories of 'Kashmir Files' were recorded in the books of eyewitnesses like Jagmohan, newspapers and reports of that time, but people called them propaganda and now the same is happening with 'Razakar: The Silent Genocide of Hyderabad'. . If today's generation is told that when Taj Mahal was being built, more than half of India was suffering from famine and instead of spending this money on them, will Shahjahan not agree? It will not even be accepted that Shahjahan had burnt a Brahmin alive for praising Sanatan. Jahanara, sister of Aurangzeb, who established Chandni Chowk, had installed the idol of Shri Krishna from Mathura on the stairs of Moti Masjid in Agra, but Kareena Kapoor was going to play her role in 'Takht'. We make Jodha Akbar but hide his murder mangoes and Fatahnama in Chittor Fort. Similarly, let's finish the history of Razakars in one or two lines, the situation was that 90 percent of the critics who reviewed the movie had never even heard the name of Qasim Rizvi before. This movie shows the same hidden gruesome truth, which not only Hindus but also Muslims should see to know why parties like the BJP get so much public support. Story of Hyderabad State This is the story of the princely state of Hyderabad, which did not join India even after independence, It was very rich due to the wealth of the Kakatiya kings of Golconda mines, which produced world-famous diamond mines like Kohinoor, at that time it was ruled by Nizam Mir Ali Osman. (Makarand Deshpande). The Nizam wanted the princely state of Hyderabad to become a separate country, Turkistan, and he made a one-year status quo agreement with India i.e. Stand Still Agreement. Obviously, like in Kashmir, Nehruji was adopting a lax attitude here too. But this one year had a heavy toll on the 85 percent Hindu population of the princely state of Hyderabad. Nizam's commander Qasim Rizvi (Raj Arjun) formed a large army of Razakars and started a jihad of religious conversion. There was no port in the state, so preparations were made to buy Goa from the Portuguese, Rs. 20 crores were sent from Pakistan for military help, a lot of money was deposited in the banks of London, etc. Also, to suppress the rebellion in Hyderabad state, recruitment of Razakars started on a large scale. However, it is not shown in the movie how Rizvi wins the hearts of the people by donating all his property to his party Majli-e-Ittihadul Muslimeen and then creates his army, Razakar Sena. It was also not told how he later gave his party to Owaisi's grandfather before going to Pakistan and the same party is AIMIM today. Sardar Patel (Tej Sapru) was getting news of atrocities happening in Hyderabad, but due to Nehruji, he and KN Munshi were left feeling sad. Here Qasim Rizvi wreaked havoc on Hyderabadi Hindus. Some local youth rose against that havoc at different places, director Yata Satyanarayan has worked hard to give respect to all those unsung heroes through this movie, and at the same time, the effort to make every scene iconic is visible. Each character seems to have been chosen with great thought, each scene, each set has been carefully planned. Special effects, set designing, cinematography, editing, music, and excellent direction take this movie many times higher than Kashmir Files. This movie is a wonderful example of production and for this, producer Gudur Narayana Reddy has to be praised, who has given free rein to the director. Every incident till Operation Polo has been woven into this movie. Every incident of atrocities on Hindus has been included in this movie with research, be it the murder of a Muslim journalist by cutting off his hands the incident of stoning of children hiding in a pit, killing of naked women. Be it the incident of burning to death in a straw enclosure or the burning to death of a Brahmin family. Raj Arjun did wonders Since the film was on such a subject that big actors refused to work in the film, otherwise the film would have become even more discussed. Despite this, Raj Arjun has done wonders in the role of the main villain Qasim Rizvi, after 'Secret Superstar', you saw him in the role of Khabar in the recent film 'Section 370'. But in the role of Qasim Rizvi, he has gone several notches higher, you saw such ferocity in the characters of Gabbar Singh, Doctor Dang, and Shakal. Tej Sapru has donned the villainous attire and has come into the role of Sardar Patel, and despite having less dialogues in the part, has looked excellent, whereas, as always, Makrand Deshpande has fitted perfectly into the role of Nizam. Anushriya Tripathi's dialogue delivery comes to everyone's notice. But we have to praise all the actors of the South who were playing the roles of rebels against the atrocities of Qasim Rizvi, in small roles they made the second half of the film so powerful that the movie will not let you take your eyes off the screen. Don't blink. Many iconic scenes have been created. The small roles of Vedika, Anusuya, Prema, Bobby Simha, and Tarak Ponnappa have overshadowed the entire film. The review is incomplete without discussing the music, the song 'Zinda Hai Tu' in the voice of Kailash Kher is as emotional as Swami Dena Saath Hamara in Baahubali, there is a lot of energy in the song 'Bharti Bharti' and also in the song 'Vande Mataram'. For this, music composer Bhims Cecirollo has to be praised. This movie will be released in Hindi on the 26th of April, but it has been released in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam on the 15th of March. information given in the history However, for those who do not know the history, the history of Nizam and Hyderabad is narrated in the voice of narrator Mahesh Manjrekar at the beginning of the movie as background, but Qasim's political activities and rise to the top and how he later goes to Pakistan, All that has not been shown. But it is also true that 99 percent of the people of India do not even know about such a big villain of the country because all this was hidden and after watching this movie you will feel that you should have known about him earlier. While watching the movie, the audience should also be aware of the area of the then princely state of Hyderabad, which included many of today's southern states. This movie is being called 'Kashmir Files' of South. Although at the level of production, this movie is much better than that, in other Kashmir files there were scenes of how the neighbor is keeping an eye on your vacant house or is giving information about you to the terrorists, but in Razakar you will also see such Muslims. Those who, albeit slowly, oppose this genocide.

In Mathura, BJP Eyes Hema Hattrick In Nal And Kamal Partnership Ground Report

LS polls Phase 2: Rahul, Tharoor in fray; Hema Malini, Om Birla seek hat-trick of wins

New Delhi: Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Shashi Tharoor, and actor-turned-politician Arun Govil are among the key candidates in the fray for the second phase of the Lok Sabha polls with BJP's Hema Malini, Om Birla and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat seeking a hat-trick of wins from their respective constituencies.Staggered over seven stages, the first phase of the elections held last Friday for 102 seats across 21 states and Union territories saw a voter turnout of around 65.5 per cent. In the second phase of Lok Sabha polls on Friday, polling is scheduled in all 20 seats of Kerala, 14 of the 28 seats in Karnataka, 13 seats in Rajasthan, eight seats each in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, seven in Madhya Pradesh, five each in Assam and Bihar, three seats each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and one seat each in Manipur, Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir. Gandhi is the sitting MP from Wayanad in Kerala and is seeking re-election. He is pitted against CPI's Annie Raja and BJP's K Surendran. In the 2019 election, Gandhi secured victory by a substantial margin of more than 7 lakh votes against his closest rival, CPI's P P Suneer. Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor is hoping to retain the Thiruvananthapuram seat for the fourth time. He is pitted against Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar from the BJP and CPI's Pannyan Raveendran. Malini, who has represented the Mathura constituency since 2014, is contesting against Congress' Mukesh Dhangar while Om Birla, a two-time MP from Kota, is facing Prahlad Gunjal from the Congress party. Union minister Shekhawat is eyeing a third win from the Jodhpur seat while Congress candidate Karan Singh Uchiyarda would look to put a spanner in the works of the BJP candidate. Tejasvi Surya, the sitting MP for Bangalore South and the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), will face Congress' Sowmya Reddy. Former chief minister of Chhattisgarh and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel is contesting from Rajnandgaon, a stronghold of the BJP for over 30 years. Baghel is pitted against BJP's Santosh Pandey, who won the 2019 Lok Sabha elections succeeding Abhishek Singh, the son of former Chief Minister Raman Singh, also from the BJP. Replacing three-time MP Rajendra Agarwal, who has been holding the Meerut seat since 2004, Arun Govil, famous for portraying Lord Ram's character in Ramayan TV series, is making his electoral debut against BSP's Devvrat Kumar Tyagi and SP's Sunita Verma. In Madhya Pradesh, BJP leader Virendra Kumar Khatik is eyeing a fourth win from Tikamgarh. The Congress has fielded a new face, Pankaj Ahirwar, from the constituency. In 2019, Khatik defeated Congress' Kiran Ahirwar by a margin of over 3.48 lakh votes. The contest for the Alappuzha seat in Kerala has turned into a prestige battle for the Congress with All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary K C Venugopal's return to the Lok Sabha poll fray after 2014 as the party looks to wrest the only seat it lost to the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) in its landslide 19-1 victory in Kerala in the 2019 polls. Venugopal has not lost any major election in his career. He won the Alappuzha Assembly seat thrice in a row in 1996, 2001, and 2006 and was elected to the Lok Sabha from Alappuzha in 2009 and 2014. In 2019, he did not contest after the party elevated him to the post of the AICC general secretary. Actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi is also in the fray from Thrissur against K Muraleedharan of Congress and VS Sunil Kumar of CPI(M). Sukanta Majumdar, incumbent BJP MP from Balurghat in West Bengal is seeking re-election. He is pitted against Biplab Mitra of the Trinamool Congress and Joydeb Siddhanta of the Revolutionary Socialist Party.

Odisha: King Kansa to drive voters to polling booths in Bargarh

BARGARH: The Bargarh administration has roped in the iconic character of King Kansa of the famous Dhanuyatra festival to encourage more people to vote in the upcoming election. Known for his larger-than-life character and theatrical performances, King Kansa has captivated audiences for generations during Dhanuyatra, a festival which re-enacts episodes of the Hindu epic The Mahabharata. But this year, the character has assumed a new role, the messenger of democracy. In a two and a half minutes video circulated by the district administration, the actor playing the character of King Kansa Hrusikesh Bhoi can be seen urging people to fulfil their civic responsibility by exercising their right to vote. Dressed in elaborate costumes and wielding his characteristic sceptre, the ruler of Mathura while talking to his minister, says, Bargarh district is in a festive mood now. I am also delighted to see such enthusiasm among the people. The election is a festival of democracy. I King Kansa order the people of Bargarh to cast their votes with pomp and gaiety on May 20 and make the election a success. Before winding up, King Kansa says, Mili Misi Hema Jot, Sabhe Aasa Dema Vote (Lets come together and cast our votes. The initiative has garnered widespread appreciation from residents, who were impressed by the district administrations decision to use cultural icons to convey important messages. In another video, Padma Shri awardee and poet Haldar Nag has also appealed to the public to cast their votes through a poem. This apart, local officials are also actively involved in awareness campaign, organising voter registration drives and rallies to address queries and concerns of the public.

Kidnapping At Gunpoint, Then 800-Km Drive: Faridabad Bank Manager Rescued

A bank manager, who was kidnapped at gunpoint Saturday from his Faridabad home to Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur and then Mathura, has been rescued, thanks to swift action by Haryana police's crime branch

Uttar Pradesh: RLD onboard, BJP looks for dominance

LUCKNOW: Having acquired more political muscle through Jat support by taking Jayant Chaudhury-led RLD onboard, the BJP is aiming for a dominance on the eight seats Amroha, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Bulandshahr, Aligarh and Mathura set to vote on April 26, while the Opposition bloc is ready to put a stiff fight. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP, while facing the challenge from SP-BSP-RLD grand alliance, won seven of these seats. Only Amroha was won by the alliance. In 2024, the BJP has reworked its strategy by allying with the RLD and allotting the Baghpat seat to the party that has Jats as its core support base. To regain lost ground, the SP has tied up with the Congress. The BSP is going it alone. In this phase, both SP and Congress are contesting on four seats each as per their seat-sharing arrangement. While the SP has fielded candidates in Meerut, Baghpat, Gautam Buddha Nagar and Aligarh, Congress will contest in Ghaziabad, Mathura, Amroha and Bulandshahr. The fate of former Union minister Mahesh Sharma, who is seeking a third term on the BJP ticket from Gautam Budh Nagar, Ramayan fame actor Arun Govil in Meerut and actress Hema Malini, who is seeking a hat-trick from Mathura, will be decided in this phase. Former Mumbai Police commissioner Satya Pal Singh is not in the fray this time. He had defeated RLD chief Ajit Singh in Baghpat in 2014 and Jayant Chaudhary in 2019. BJP has allotted Baghpat to the RLD and Dr Rajkumar Sangwan has been fielded as NDA candidate. Amroha is set to witness a contest among Congresss Danish Ali, BJPs Kanwar Singh Tanwar, and BSPs Dr Mujahid Hussain. The BSP suspended Ali, who was its MP from Amroha, last year for anti-party activities and he joined the Congress. The BJP stronghold Meerut will witness a three-way fight among BJPs Arun Govil, SPs Sunita Verma and BSPs Devvrat Kumar Tyagi. In Meerut, the S P has fielded dalit candidate Sunita Verma replacing OBC aspirant Atul Pradhan. The BJP won the seat in 1996, losing it to Congress in 1999 and BSP in 2004. BJPs Rajendra Agrawal, who has been denied the ticket this time, won the Meerut seat in 2009, 2014 and 2019. The BJP has replaced Agarwal with Govil. Baghpat, an RLD bastion, is in for a three-cornered contest among RLDs Rajkumar Sangwan, SPs Amarpal Sharma and BSPs Praveen Baisala. Former PM Chaudhary Charan Singh had won the seat thrice in 1977, 1980 and 1984. His son Ajit Singh won it in 1989, 1991, 1996, 1999, 2004 and 2009. However, BJP candidate Sompal won the seat in 1998. A BJP bastion since it came into existence in 2008, the Ghaziabad seat is set for a fight between BJPs Atul Garg, Congresss Dolly Sharma and BSPs Nandkishor Pundhir. The BJP is banking on the popularity of Garg to retain the seat, while BSP plans to cash in on anger among Rajputs in rural areas over denial of ticket to two-time BJP MP and Union minister General (retd) VK Singh. The Congress is working on the Brahmin-Muslim formula. In Gautam Budhh Nagar, Mahesh Sharma, who was elected to the Lok Sabha in 2014 and 2019, is seeking a third term as the BJP candidate. He is facing the SPs Rahul Awana, a Gujjar leader, and BSPs Rajendra Singh Solanki, a Rajput. The Bulandshahr reserved seat is all set for a contest among BJPs Bhola Singh, who won the seat in 2014 and 2019, BSPs Girish Chandra, MP from Nagina, and Congresss Shiv Ram Valmiki. In Aligarh, BJPs Satish Gautam (Brahmin), who won the seat in 2014 and 2019, is in the fray for a third term. The BSP has fielded a Brahmin candidate, Hitendra Kumar aka Bunty Upadhyay, a former BJP leader. The SP has nominated Bijendra Singh. In Mathura, two-time BJP MP Hema Malini is seeking a third term. She is pitted against Mukesh Dhangar of Congress and Suresh Singh of BSP. The Congress was earlier planning to field boxer Vijendra Singh in Mathura but he joined BJP.

LS Polls: UP govt to provide medical kits for polling personnel in 2nd phase to combat hot conditions

LS Polls: UP govt to provide medical kits for polling personnel in 2nd phase to combat hot conditions In view of the soaring temperatures in Uttar Pradesh, medical kits to address health conditions such as heatstroke, will be provided to the polling personnel for the voting scheduled on April 26 across 8 constituencies in the second phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Directions have also been issued to ensure all necessary facilities for polling personnel and voters at polling stations. The polling parties will depart for polling stations on April 25 (Thursday) to ensure fair and peaceful elections in the state. The eight constituencies of UP that are going to polls in the second phase include Amroha, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, and Mathura. These 8 Lok Sabha seats fall under 9 districts of the state, namely, Amroha, Hapur, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, and Mathura. State Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa said that instructions have been given to all the District Election Officers to send polling parties on time for the second phase of voting in 8 Lok Sabha constituencies scheduled for April 26. He mentioned that directions have been issued to all the concerned District Election Officers to ensure necessary facilities for voters and polling personnel at polling centres and polling booths. Before the departure of polling parties, the polling personnel will be provided with medical kits to address health conditions such as heatstroke. Because of the heat, tents, sheds, drinking water arrangements and other necessary facilities will be installed as per the guidelines issued earlier. In compliance with the directives of the Election Commission of India, continuous operations are being carried out across Uttar Pradesh by the Police, Income Tax, Excise, Narcotics, and other departments. For thorough inspection, 480 interstate check posts and 1836 check posts within the state are operational. From March 16 to April 23, 2024, the Police department seized 495 licensed weapons from criminals whereas licenses for 4553 weapons were revoked and deposited. Notices have been issued under the CrPC to 2,532,068 individuals over concerns of peace disruption, of which 2,061,166 have already been restricted. Additionally, the Police department seized 7650 unlicensed weapons, 7753 cartridges, 2900.32 kilograms of explosives, and 411 bombs. Besides, raids were conducted on 3153 illegal weapon manufacturing centres, while 148 were busted. On April 23, licenses for 249 weapons owned by criminals were revoked and deposited by the Police department. Under the CrPC, 36,978 individuals were restricted as a preventive measure. Additionally, 105 unlicensed weapons and 171 cartridges were seized. Raids were conducted on 96 illegal weapon manufacturing centres by the police. (ANI)

Mathura Roadshow Resonates with Festive Cheer as Hema Malini Exudes Confidence

Mathura Roadshow Resonates with Festive Cheer as Hema Malini Exudes Confidence Amid chants of 'Radhe, Radhe' and sweltering heat, actor-turned-politician Hema Malini, seeking a third successive term as Lok Sabha MP from Mathura, on Wednesday held a roadshow that wound its way through the narrow bylanes of the temple town. Dressed in a green saree, she used a yellow peacock feather motif dupatta to shield herself from the afternoon sun as she stood in an SUV and greeted voters with an elegant namaste. Hema Malini waved a cutout of the lotus, the BJP's poll symbol, and reminded voters to exercise their franchise on April 26, when Mathura goes to polls. An accomplished Bharatanatyam exponent, Hema Malini often showcased the 'flower mudra', gently opening her closed fingers to depict a flowering bud. People gathered in balconies and on rooftops showered rose petals on her carcade which snaked its way through the Chowk Bazaar area, considered the business hub of the old town. ''It (the roadshow) felt like it was a post-victory celebration. The roadshow was very beautifully organised by our party. Everybody, including our alliance partners, participated in it,'' Hema Malini told reporters after the roadshow. Hema Malini is pitted against OBC leader Mukesh Dhangar of the Congress, the nominee of the opposition INDIA bloc, and Chaudhary Suresh Singh of the BSP. ''This is a one-sided election. The Congress and the BSP are vying for the second spot,'' Dinesh Kumar Agrawal, a businessman in the local jewellery market, told PTI as Hema Malini's roadshow crossed the Chowk Bazaar. While the BJP is banking on the performance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the star power of Hema Malini, the Congress is seeking votes in the name of change. BSP's Singh, a veteran Jat leader who was earlier with the BJP, is hoping to cash in on the sizeable population of his community in Mathura and his party's committed supporters. RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary's last-minute decision to align with the BJP has not gone down well with his supporters here and Singh is eyeing this section. ''The Jat community in this region holds RLD founder Chaudhary Charan Singh in high regard. The BJP may benefit from bestowing the Bharat Ratna on him, but local leaders of the RLD are unhappy with Jayant's decision to align with the BJP,'' said Hemant Chaudhary, a local hotelier. Among the 19.30 lakh voters in Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, the Jat community is the most influential with around 5 lakh votes, followed by Rajputs and Brahmins (approximately 3 lakh each), Jatavs (2 lakh), Muslims (1.6 lakh) and OBCs. A large section of the locals still view Hema Malini as an ''outsider'' but BJP supporters turned out in large numbers for her roadshow on Wednesday, the last day of campaigning for the second phase of the Lok Sabha polls. ''Vote toh Modi aur Yogi baba ke naam par padna hai, Hema ji toh bahar ki hai (people will vote in the name of Modi and Yogi baba, Hema is an outsider),'' local BJP leader Sanjay Bhardwaj said. Vinod Kumar Gola, who belongs to the Prajapati community of potters, said he will vote for the BJP and listed central government initiatives that have benefited his community. The Jatav community, considered a staunch supporter of former chief minister and BSP president Mayawati, appears to be firmly backing her party. ''Behen ji ko vote nahi diya toh vote bekar hai (my vote will go waste if I don't vote for behen ji),'' said daily labourer Phool Chand Jatav, dismissing concerns over a Jat candidate fielded by the BSP. BJP corporator Kunjvihari Bhardwaj claimed that the real fight in Mathura was for the second rank as Hema Malini's victory was a ''foregone conclusion''. ''In 2019, she won by a margin of nearly 3 lakh votes. If the voter turnout is good on the election day, Hema ji can win by even a margin of 5 lakh votes. The Congress and the BSP are in the race for the second spot,'' he said.

Campaigning on eight LS seats for second phase in UP ends today

Lucknow: Campaigning for the second phase of Lok Sabha elections in eight seats of western will conclude on Wednesday evening. The eight seats where polls will be held in the second phase are Amroha, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Bulandshahr, Aligarh and Mathura. Polling for the second phase will be held on April 26. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Lot of work has to be done in next five years...: BJP candidate Hema Malini

Lot of work has to be done in next five years...: BJP candidate Hema Malini Bhartiya Janta Party Lok Sabha Candidate and two-term Member of Parliament from Mathura, Hema Malini, said on Tuesday that many developmental works have been completed and a lot of work has to be done in the next five years in Mathura with the support of the party. Hema Malini told ANI, I feel proud that I have done a lot of work and I have to do a lot of work in the next five years with the support of Prime Minister Modi Ji, Amit Shah Ji, Nadda ji and Yogi Ji. A lot of good development work has been done here, including the 84 Kos Parikrama, the purification of Yamuna, centres for girls education, and theatres as centres for cultural activities. Along with the darshan of the temple, you will get to see various cultural activities here. Responding to the question of how many seats the BJP will win this time, Hema Malini said that they will win 80 out of 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh. Our party is saying that we will win from Mathura by a margin of more than 5 lakh votes. We will win by more votes than before. I appeal to all the people to vote when voting takes place on April 26th. Everyone should participate in it. I also appeal to the people of India that everyone should go and vote; each of your votes is very important, she said. Further, speaking on the Srikrishna Janambhoomi dispute, the BJP candidate from Mathura said that the issue is in the court and the court will decide but we are planning to make corridor for Banke Bihari Ji very beautiful, which is very congested and very soon work will start. Challenge is a challenge. You should not take it lightly. So, we will work hard, we have the capability to win. We have our work to show. Who will vote for someone who has not done anything? What has the INDIA bloc done till date? We will definitely cross 400, she added. The seats which will go to polls in the second phase on April 26 included-- Amroha, Meerut, Mathura, Baghpat, Aligarh, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar and Bulandshahar. (ANI)

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP's incumbent MP Mahesh Sharma to face SP, BSP candidates in Gautam Buddha Nagar in Phase 2

The Gautam Buddha Nagar constituency will go to polls in the second phase on April 26 along with Amroha, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Aligarh, Mathura and Bulandshahr seats in Uttar Pradesh.

Krishna Janmbhoomi-Idgah suit: Hindu side says forcible possession of temple land does not make it Waqf property

Allahabad High Court debates Mathura temple jurisdiction, legal acts. Hearing set for April 30. Focus on Places of Worship Act, legal procedures in Hindu-Muslim dispute.

BJPs Mathura MP Hema Malini Says Have Done So Much Work That Cant Recollect; Internet Reacts With Memes

* inserts Koi Sense Hai Iss Baat Ka meme *

Mathuras museums: Unveiling architectural marvels and hidden treasures

If you find yourself on a pilgrimage to Mathura, dont overlook the hidden treasures waiting to be discovered beyond its religious significance. A lesser-known part of this place is its Jain heritage housed in its...

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Hema Malini Backs Traditional Investments, Bets On Immoveable Assets

Hema Malini has filed her nomination from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, for the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

Powered by brand PM Modi and RLD tie-up, Hema Malini in lead role again in Mathura

Hema Malini pocketed 53% of votes in 2014 LS polls, rising to a staggering 61% five years later, although her victory margin dipped. RLD had cornered 34% of the votes then. Simply put, BJP and RLD had polled a combined 95% votes for Mathura in 2019. In politics, one plus one does not always equal two, but with RLD and BJP joining forces, the Lotus is undeniably in pole position here.

Lok Sabha Polls 2024: UP Phase 2 candidates pad up; 'Dream Girl' eyes dream run

Uttar Pradesh emerges as a crucial battleground with 80 parliamentary seats, witnessing a fierce contest among BJP, Congress, BSP, and RLD. With voting in seven phases and the first phase completed on April 19, Mathura gears up for polling on April 26, followed by phases on May 7, 13, 20, 23, and June 1. The state's election results, key for national politics, will be announced on June 4.

LS polls: BJP's Hema Malini pitted against Congress, BSP in triangular contest; as she seeks third term in Mathura

LS polls: BJP's Hema Malini pitted against Congress, BSP in triangular contest; as she seeks third term in Mathura Mathura Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh is one of the high-profile seats up for grabs in the second phase of the Lok Sabha Elections from where Dream Girl Hema Malini is eyeing her third victory. The upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Mathura will see a triangular contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). Uttar Pradesh has 80 parliamentary seats and the Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party and the Rashtriya Lok Dal are the main parties in the constituency. The Mathura seat comprises five Assembly segments including Chhata, Mant, Goverdhan, Mathura, and Baldev. The constituency is a General quota seat. Hema Malini is a two-time MP from Mathura who is fielded by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the third consecutive time from the Mathura Lok Sabha seat, while Congress has decided to field Mukesh Dhangar and the BSP has given the ticket to Suresh Singh. Earlier in 2019, Hema Malini of the BJP won the Mathura constituency in the Lok Sabha elections 2019, securing 6,71,293 votes with 60.9 per cent while 3,77,822 votes were polled in favour of Kunwar Narendra Singh of the RLD with 34.3 per cent votes. Congress's Mahesh Pathak secured 28,084 votes. Malini won the elections with a massive margin of 2,93,471. In the 2014 Lok Sabha Elections, Malini from BJP won the seat and polled 574,633 votes with a vote share of 53.29 per cent. RLD candidate Jayant Chaudhary got 243,890 votes (22.62 per cent) and was the runner-up. Hema Malini defeated Jayant Chaudhary by a margin of 330,743 votes. From 1991 to 1999, Mathura was the BJP's stronghold four times. In 2004, Mathura went to Congress's account. In 2009, RLD's Jayant Chaudhary became an MP from Mathura. Hema Malini urged the people to convert their support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi into votes and come out in huge numbers to exercise their right to franchise. The BJP's lotus will definitely bloom all over India and definitely in UP as so much work has happened here and people have seen it. The work PM Modi has done here, neither has such work has been done before nor will anyone do it in the future. I know everyone knows how much work PM Modi has done, but to convert it into votes, you all will have to go out and vote. It is our responsibility towards your country, Hema Malini further added. Earlier, BJP candidate Malini's daughters, Isha and Ahana Deol, arrived in Mathura to meet youth and garner support for their mother in the Lok Sabha elections. The two arrived at the Banke Bihari Temple, where they bowed before Lord Banke Bihari Ji, and sought divine blessings. Isha expressed confidence in her mother's victory in the elections, highlighting the support from Mathura's residents. There are so many supporters here who are the residents of Mathura. They want my mother to stay here and win the election from here. They want her to do much more, and it's because of their support that my mom can do all this. So, their support is important, she said. In 2014, the BJP fielded Hema Malini who won. In the 2019 elections, Hema's husband, actor Dharmendra, also campaigned for her and gathered a huge crowd in her favour. Due to the public welfare schemes of the double-engine government, once again in 2019, lotus bloomed in Mathura and Hema Malini became an MP. Uttar Pradesh, which sends the maximum number of MPs, 80, to Parliament, will vote in all seven phases. Voting for phase 1 was held on April 19 on eight 8 seats. Mathura will go to polling during the second phase on April 26. The state will once again poll in phases three and four on May 7 and May 13. The Uttar Pradesh electorate will also vote in phases five, six and seven on May 20, May 23 and June 1, respectively. The votes will be counted on June 4. (ANI)

LS polls: BJPs Hema Malini pitted against Congress, BSP in triangular contest; as she seeks third term in Mathura

The News Mill

Samajwadi Party struggling to save its Mainpuri, Kannauj bastions: UP minister

Samajwadi Party struggling to save its Mainpuri, Kannauj bastions: UP minister The Samajwadi Party is struggling to save its bastions of Mainpuri and Kannauj in the Lok Sabha elections, Uttar Pradesh Minister Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary said on Sunday and claimed that there is no impact of its alliance with the Congress. The Congress virtually has no public support in the state. As a result, there is no impact of its alliance with the Samajwadi Party, he claimed. Chaudhary, the minister for sugarcane development, said, ''The Samajwadi Party is struggling to save its Mainpuri and Kannauj seats and it will be extremely difficult for the party to save those.'' In Mainpuri, the BJP has fielded UP Minister Jaiveer Singh against Dimple Yadav, the incumbent MP and the wife of Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. Mainpuri goes to the polls in the third phase on May 7. In Kannauj, which goes to the polls in the fourth phase on May 13, the BJP has fielded sitting MP Subrat Pathak. The Samajwadi Party is yet to announce its candidate from the seat. Chaudhary further claimed that the BJP's alliance with the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) will prevent the division of about 20 per cent Jat votes as more than 70 per cent people from the community have so far been voting for the saffron party. The minister also asserted that the BJP will sweep western Uttar Pradesh, like it did in previous elections. ''In Mathura, Hema Malini will set a record for victory margin in the state,'' he said. The BJP's Hema Malini is eyeing a third term in the Lok Sabha from Mathura. Owing to the welfare programmes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the administration of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the BJP will register convincing victories in all 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Chaudhary admitted that while the poll battle will not be a cakewalk for the party in a few areas due to the caste factor, the BJP will ultimately win the elections on the back of the government's welfare programmes. The minister also lashed out at Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati, saying, ''Her latest trick to give tickets to Muslims is not going to work. I have visited three constituencies of western Uttar Pradesh but did not find any support for the BSP.'' Chaudhary claimed the BJP will also get votes from Muslims after the Centre introduced a law criminalising triple talaq and other welfare programmes. Mathura will vote in the second phase of polling on April 26, alongside Amroha, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Bulandshahr and Aligarh.

Opposition Leaders Converge in Ranchi for 'Ulgulan Nyay' Rally, Focusing on Kejriwal and Hemant Soren Arrests

Ranchi: At least 14 leaders of the Opposition INDIA bloc, including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, are expected to attend the 'Ulgulan (uprising) Nyay' rally in Ranchi on Sunday. The main focus of the mega event will be on the arrests of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren by the Enforcement Directorate. Around 5 lakh people are likely to attend the rally at Ranchis Prabhat Tara ground, which is scheduled to commence at around 3 pm. The event has been organized by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) as a joint show of strength amid the Lok Sabha polls. Sunita Kejriwal and Kalpana Soren, the wives of Arvind Kejriwal and Hemant Soren, are also expected to address the event, along with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, and National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah. Posters of INDIA bloc leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee, Hemant Soren and his wife Kalpana Soren, have already been put up at the rally venue. A day before the rally, Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren said, We need to stop the dictatorship and save our democracy and the constitution. Everyone knows what happened in Jharkhand and Delhi. We will expose the dictatorial approach of the Centre at the mega rally. The Chief Minister also said that they got the people's mandate in the name of Hemant Soren, but attempts were made to destabilize his government from the beginning, and finally, he was sent to jail, as reported. Delhi's people also experienced a similar situation. From the dais of Ulgulan rally, we will tell the people of the country about the dictatorship of the Centre, he added. Speaking to the media, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi said, We are together in this fight against BJP's growing autocracy. They are not allowing the opposition to function properly; what they are trying to do is to silence the opposition. We are seeing a high rate of inflation, joblessness and women not getting a safe environment. In the first phase of the election, not many people, but those who have come out to vote have come out to change these people (BJP), who have been showing this dictatorial tendency, she added. Meanwhile, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury wrote to Kalpana Soren, saying that he would be unable to attend today's rally due to election-related commitments. Firstly, Yechury thanked Kalpana Soren for extending the invitation and said, Unfortunately, I am in the midst of the election campaign in Kerala, where voting is scheduled for April 26. You are surely aware of the importance of Kerala for the CPI(M)... Therefore, I will not be able to attend... In his letter, the CPI(M) General Secretary reiterated that he continued to denounce the detention of Hemant Soren. The CPI(M) will resolutely work for the defeat of the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections in cooperation with all the secular democratic parties of the INDIA bloc. However, Jharkhand BJP president Babulal Marandi criticized the Ranchi rally, saying all those who were against development and Sanatan Dharma are gathering here. Jharkhand would not have been created if there was no BJP government at the Centre. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee created the state on November 15, 2000, after the formation of the BJP-led NDA government in 1999. Only BJP and NDA understood the feelings and sentiments of the tribals and Jharkhand, he said. He alleged that the JMM-led coalition government indulged in corruption for the past four years and looted the state's resources. The 'Ulgulan (uprising) Nyay' rally in Ranchi comes weeks after the March 31 'Loktantra Bachao' rally in Delhi, which was called by top leaders of the Opposition INDIA bloc against the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal. The Delhi rally was attended by PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti; former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray; Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi; Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav; Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut; NCP (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar; and Kalpana Soren, among others. While addressing the rally, Kalpana Soren slammed the BJP and alleged that there were attempts to end democracy by dictatorship forces. She said hate was being spread throughout the country and called on the people to vote for the INDIA bloc to save democracy and your rights. Voters are the most powerful. Two months back, Hemant Soren was arrested. Arvind Kejriwal is in jail for 10 days. Strengthen our alliance by giving us votes. Throw out these dictatorship forces, she added. The Lok Sabha elections in Jharkhand are set to take place in four phases on May 13, 20, 25, and June 1. The state has 28 of the 81 Assembly seats and five of the 14 Lok Sabha constituencies reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs). The JMM will contest the upcoming polls in alliance with Congress and other parties. As per the seat-sharing agreement, the JMM will contest five seats while the Congress will field its candidates on seven seats out of the total 14 in Jharkhand. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP clinched 11 of the 14 Lok Sabha seats, while the All Jharkhand Students Union party, Congress, and JMM secured one seat each. Earlier this month, the JMM named two of its candidates for the upcoming polls, bringing an end to speculations that Hemant Soren was being fielded against his sister-in-law and BJP candidate Sita Soren from the Dumka seat. The party has instead fielded Nalin Soren from Dumka, while Mathura Mahto will contest from Giridih. Sita Soren, wife of late JMM leader Durga Soren, joined the BJP on March 19. She was given a ticket to contest from Dumka by the party. Film 'Laal Ayodhya' directed by Dushyant Pratap Singh unveiled, Emotionally deep and Unique concept Congress to Announce Candidates for Haryana Lok Sabha Elections; Deepender Hooda Likely from Rohtak The Rollout of School Quality Assurance and Assessment (SQAA)

Cong against development, stalled canal project, says Shah

JAIPUR/MATHURA: At a rally in Rajasthans Kota, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday sharply criticized the Congress, branding it as anti-development. Shah was in the town to garner support for Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Had the electorate voted for Congress in 2019, Kota would have been a stronghold for the Popular Front of India (PFI), a banned Islamic outfit. However, due to our support for Prime Minister Modi, the PFI influence has been eradicated, said Shah. He accused the former Ashok Gehlot-led government of hindering the states development. The Gehlot government halted the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) for five years. In contrast, the Bhajan Lal administration advanced the ERCP work within just three months. PM Modi is committed to ensuring water in every village through the ERCP, said the minister. He expressed confidence in the BJP sweeping all seats. All 12 seats contested in the state will be won by Narendra Modi, Shah said. Om Birla has won from Kota twice with a margin of over two lakh votes. He faces Congress Pahlad Gunjal, who recently switched from BJP to Congress. Every vote cast for Om Birla in Kota-Bundi directly supports Modi ji, he added. Earlier, Shah attended a Vijay Sankalp Mahasabha in Bhilwara to support BJPs Damodar Agarwal. Sonia Gandhi aims to make her son Rahul Gandhi the PM, while Modi strives to elevate the nation. Congress politicized Ram Lalla for vote banks, neglecting the true sentiment of the people, he said. Addressing another rally in Mathura in support for party candidate Hema Malini for a third term, Shah said the Congress-SP combined was wiped out in the first phase. The voting in Saharanpur, Bijnor, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Nagina, Moradabad, Rampur and Pilibhit seats took place on Friday. Cong failed to protect national security: Yogi UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted a roadshow supporting BJPs CP Joshi from Chittorgarh Lok Sabha constituency. Yogi criticized Congress, saying, During their tenure, terrorists were pampered with biryani. They even questioned Lord Rams existence. Those disrespecting faith and failing to bolster national security shouldnt govern. He also expressed confidence in BJPs victory.

Waterlogging, parking woes major concerns for Southeast Delhi residents

NEW DELHI : Jangpura, a neighborhood in South East Delhi, encompasses the residential areas of Jangpura A and B on either side of Mathura Road, extending westward to Jangpura (Bhogal) and further to Jangpura Extension. The latter stretches along the northern side of the Ring Railway line to the east side of the Defence Colony Flyover on Josip Broz Tito Marg. The Muslim voter percentage is the highest in Jangpura at 16.3%, followed by Punjabis at 11.2%. In 2020, Praveen Kumar of the AAP won the seat by defeating Impreet Singh Bakshi of the BJP with a margin of 16,063 votes. In the last seven major elections, AAP led three times, while the BJP and Congress led twice. In the 2015 election, AAP candidate Praveen Kumar won the seat. In 2013, AAP candidate Maninder Singh won the seat. Prior to that in 2008, Congress won the seat. Major issues concerning the Jangpura assembly include parking facilities, uneven streets, garbage accumulation, sanitation, sewerage in certain areas, noise pollution, and an unhygienic environment. Residents also complain of late-night loud music and the lack of greenery in residential areas. One resident of Jangpura, Apoorva, stated, There are a lot of Paying Guests in my lane and they come at odd timings. It is such a disturbance throughout the night, with vehicles entering the lanes. It is very disturbing. We cant control their timings, but I believe there should be certain restrictions at the entrance after particular timings. Entry and exit of the PGs should be monitored. Meanwhile, addressing the parking issue in Jangpura, Lalit Mehta said, Every now, and then we see people fighting over parking of their cars at a particular spot. If they park their cars at a specific location, they feel that it is their property. Parking issues are a major concern. I really dont know how this issue can be resolved. The concerned agency should be given this charge to handle the parking issue. Waterlogging is another troubling issue in Jangpura. Last year, in July, the PWD received over 200 complaints of waterlogging and rainwater seeping into homes, officials aware of the matter said. Jangpura and neighbouring areas remain inundated as backflow from the Barapullah canal has not allowed the excess rainwater to flow out into the Yamuna, the officials had said.

LS polls an election to decide future of country; Shah

Mathura (UP), (UNI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Saturday that the ongoing Lok Sabha election is an election to decide the future of the country, in which on one side there are corrupt parties and on the other side there is Narendra Modi, who has not made a single allegation of corruption. During... The post LS polls an election to decide future of country; Shah first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Lok Sabha elections: Hema Malinis daughters Isha, Ahana visit Mathura to campaign for her

The News Mill

Congress-SP combine wiped out in first phase: Amit Shah in Mathura

Union Home Minister Amit Shah claimed that the Congress-SP combine was defeated in the first phase of polling in Uttar Pradesh. Polling was held for eight seats, including Saharanpur, Bijnor, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Nagina (reserved), Moradabad, Rampur, and Pilibhit. Speaking at an election rally in support of BJP candidate Hema Malini in Vrindavan, Shah asserted that Congress and SP were wiped out in the first phase. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav claimed a change in the state's atmosphere, stating that people had rejected the BJP after the initial polling.

Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha Election: Esha And Ahana Deol Join Hema Malini In Mathura For Campaign

Esha Deol and Ahana Deol join mother Hema Malini's hand for the campaign in Mathura constituency. The people of Mathura is all set to polls on April 26.

Delhi: Traffic Advisory Issued For Lord Mahavir Nirvana Mahotsav At Bharat Mandapam On Sunday

The police have also requested commuters to avoid Bhairon Marg, Purana Quila Road and Mathura Road from the W-Point to the Bhairon Road crossing

Lok Sabha elections: Hema Malini's daughters Isha, Ahana visit Mathura to campaign for her

Lok Sabha elections: Hema Malini's daughters Isha, Ahana visit Mathura to campaign for her Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Hema Malini's daughters, Isha and Ahana Deol, arrived in Mathura on Saturday to meet youth and garner support for their mother in the Lok Sabha elections. The two arrived at the Banke Bihari Temple, where they bowed before Lord Banke Bihari Ji, and sought divine blessings. During their visit, temple priest Abhilash Goswami presented them with the Lord's blessed cloth and 'prasad.' While speaking to ANI, the actress praised the development and preservation efforts in Mathura and Vrindavan. There's so much to say about Mathura, I'm coming here after some time, and there's been so much development. It feels so good here. And the special thing is that along with development, you all have taken care of Vrindavan's alleys, its heritage, you've preserved it well, Isha said. Isha expressed confidence in her mother's victory in the elections, highlighting the support from Mathura's residents. There are so many supporters here who are the residents of Mathura. They want my mother to stay here and win the election from here. They want her to do much more, and it's because of their support that my mom can do all this. So, their support is important, she said. Having concluded their temple visit, Isha and Ahana will next interact with youth in colleges and universities in Mathura. Hema Malini is fielded by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the third consecutive time from the Mathura Lok Sabha seat. From 1991 to 1999, Mathura was the BJP's stronghold four times. In 2004, Mathura went to Congress's account. In 2009, RLD's Jayant Chaudhary became an MP from Mathura. In 2014, the BJP fielded Hema Malini who won. In the 2019 elections, Hema's husband, actor Dharmendra, also campaigned for her and gathered a huge crowd in her favour. Due to the public welfare schemes of the double-engine government, once again in 2019, lotus bloomed in Mathura and Hema Malini became an MP. Uttar Pradesh, which sends the maximum number of MPs, 80, to Parliament, will vote in all seven phases. Voting for phases one and two will be held on April 19 and April 26. Next, the state will once again poll in phases three and four on May 7 and May 13. The Uttar Pradesh electorate will also vote in phases five, six and seven on May 20, May 23 and June 1, respectively. Mathura will poll in the second phase of the general elections on April 26. (ANI)

Travel Destinations: Cheapest weekend trip, visit these places for just Rs 5000

Summer has come. In this season, people get troubled by the high temperature, but in summer, getting out of the high temperature and busy schedule, you can plan to travel somewhere. This will give you rest between work and you can also get relief from the heat by choosing a good place. You can plan a weekend trip in April and May. Weekend trips do not require separate holidays and can be within the budget. In this article, we are talking about some beautiful and thrilling places to visit with less money and less time, where you can visit for less than Rs 5000. In the next slides, learn about the best places to visit on a low budget this summer weekend. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand If you want to go to some cool place in summer, then include hilly areas in your travel list. Uttarakhand is very close to Delhi, where Mussoorie would be a better option to visit this weekend. The lush green valleys and beautiful mountains of Mussoorie will give you peace. Mussoorie is called the queen of hills. This place is also very romantic. You can go to Mussoorie with friends or partners. You can go from Delhi to Mussoorie by train, bus or your car. Less money will be required to stay here, eat, drink, and explore Mussoorie. For just five thousand rupees, you can visit Company Garden, Gun Hill Point, Kempty Fall, Mall Road, etc. in Mussoorie. Kasol, Himachal Pradesh Kasauli is the favorite travel destination of the people in Himachal Pradesh. There are many hill stations in Himachal, where you can go on weekends. You can travel to Kasaul to spend moments of peace amidst natural beauty for less money. Kasol is situated in the Parvati valley. This place is the best place for adventure lovers. You can go from Delhi to Kasauli by bus, the fare of which is around Rs 1000. You can book a room here at low cost. McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh Apart from Kasol, Mcleodganj is also a good option to visit in Himachal Pradesh. McLeodganj Hill Station is located near Dharamshala, where you can enjoy trekking. Tourists will get to see Tibetan culture at this place. You can also visit the most famous monastery in India. The beauty of Mcleodganj can be enjoyed on a budget of just five thousand. Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh You can also go for a holiday to Pachmarhi Hill Station from Delhi. Pachmarhi hill station is located in Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh. You will get to see historical monuments at this hill station. You can explore waterfalls, natural views, caves, forests, etc. The special thing is that you do not need to spend much money on this. You can visit here for just five thousand rupees. Gypsy can be hired to roam in Pachmarhi, the fare of which can be up to Rs 1200. Agra From Delhi, you can go to Agra by bus, train or drive in your car. Here one can visit the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, the Mughal Garden, Akbar's Tomb, etc. Apart from this, there are many historical buildings here. Fatehpur Sikri is also close to here. This weekend you will be able to visit Agra and Mathura for less money. (PC: ISTOCK)

In Mathura: 'Temple is Okay but What Has BJP Done For the Poor?'

As Mathura goes to vote, locals weigh in on the Mandir-Masjid dispute, inflation, unemployment and other issues.

Mathura Case: The Krishna Janmabhoomi

The Krishna Janmabhoomi At Mathura Case is a long-standing dispute between the Hindu and Muslim communities in India. The dispute revolves around a site in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, which is beli...

I Consider Myself Lord Krishna's 'Gopi': BJP's Mathura MP Hema Malini

Actor-turned-politician Hema Malini, contesting the Lok Sabha election from Mathura as a BJP candidate for the third time, said on Wednesday that she considers herself as a gopi of Lord Krishna.

BJP MP Hema Malini compares herself to Lord Krishna's devotee 'gopi' in Mathura

BJP MP Hema Malini compares herself to Lord Krishna's devotee 'gopi' in Mathura Actress-turned-politician Hema Malini, contesting the Lok Sabha election from Mathura as a BJP candidate for the third time, said Wednesday that she considers herself as a ''gopi'' of Lord Krishna. ''I joined politics neither for name nor for fame. I also did not join politics for any materialistic gain,'' the Mathura MP told reporters here. Calling herself ''Gopi of Krishna'', Hema Malini said since Lord Krishna loves the ''Brijwasis'', she thought that he will shower his blessings on her only if she serves them sincerely. ''And I am accordingly serving the Brijwasis,'' she said. She expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president J P Nadda for giving her the opportunity to serve the Brijwasis for the third time from Mathura. She said the development of 'Braj 84 Kos Parikrama', lying in a miserable condition, will be her first priority. ''Efforts will be made to turn Braj 84 Kos Parikrama soothing, alluring and fascinating for the tourists,'' Hema Malini, two-term MP from Mathura, said. She said Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari was kind enough to consider her request and he sanctioned Rs 5,000 crore for the renovation of Braj 84 Kos Parikrama. ''As the DPR (detailed project report) for it has been prepared for Rs 11,000 crore, I will get the rest of the amount sanctioned for an ideal infrastructure so that it provides the needed facilities to the pilgrims and turns attractive and mesmerising for the international tourists,'' she said. Tourism will open the gates for employment to the locals, she said. Her second priority will be to work towards cleaning the Yamuna river, she said. Hema Malini claimed to have raised a question in Parliament about the pollution of the Ganga and the Yamuna rivers even before the Namami Gange project was launched. She said ever since Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath Yogi has taken interest in the Namami Gange project, the Ganga water has turned transparent and pollution-free at Prayagraj. But the Delhi government did not take interest in solving the pollution problem of the Yamuna river and the holy river remains polluted in Mathura, she alleged. According to the Mathura MP, without cleaning the Yamuna in Delhi and Haryana, the dream of a clean Yamuna in Mathura can not be translated into reality. At present, the Yamunotri water is used by Delhi and Haryana and drain water of both the states is discharged into the Yamuna, Hema Malini said, adding that she will make every effort for a clean Yamuna. Expressing her gratitude to Yogi, she said he formed the UP Braj Tirth Vikas Parishad at her behest when his attention was drawn towards the need for the development of Mathura. It included Sant Gram (a village for the saints) in Vrindavan, renovation of kunds, Raskhan Samadhi, Sur (Surdas') Sadhana Sthali at Parasauli and Govardhan Parikrama. Much work including renovation of Raskhan Samadhi, Sur Sadhana Sthali and Govardhan Parikrama has been accomplished. Though work on other projects is in progress, it is on a slow speed due to encroachments, she said. Hema Malini thanked Yogi also for the declaration of Vrindavan, Barsana, Nandgaon, Govardhan, Gokul, Mathura and Baldeo as ''teerth sthals'' (pilgrimages) on her request. Her other priorities will be elevated broad gauge rail line between Mathura junction, connecting the holy city of Vrindavan with Aligarh, construction of a double line rail track between Mathura and Kasganj, replacing hard potable water with the Ganga river water and opening a central university that ultimately will pave the way for youths to succeed in the competitive examinations.

Delhi HC seeks govt report on measures to deal with bomb threats in schools

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court recently sought a report from the Delhi government in response to a petition filed by a parent seeking direction for a detailed action plan to deal with bomb threats in city schools. In case there is a real threat, then there should be a proper response plan which can be uniformly implemented across the schools, the plea said referring to a incident in Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, on April 26, 2023. Some miscreant sent an email in relation to the presence of bomb in DPS Mathura Road school premises leading to chaos, and mental and emotional trauma for all, said the plea, adding that it turned out to be a hoax. In its April 1 order, a single-judge bench of Justice Subramonium Prasad observed, Though a reply has been filed on behalf of Delhi Police, no reply has been filed on behalf of GNCTD (Government of NCT of Delhi). The reply of GNCTD is necessary for laying down a proper and detailed action plan to deal with bombthreats and other disasters to ensure the safety of children studying in schools. The GNCTD is directed to file the status report positively on or before April 29, 2024. The bench said if the status report is not filed, an officer not below the rank of joint secretary in the education department will have to be present in the high court to explain the delay. The matter is next listed on May 3. In its report filed last year, the Delhi Police informed the High Court that they have drafted a circular highlighting the procedure followed by them after a bomb threat call is declared as a hoax. The polices status report stated that an action plan has been prepared highlighting steps to be taken by different stakeholders when a bomb threat call is received. The police have said they have dedicated bomb disposal squads which are tasked with the responsibility of dealing with threats and a standard operating procedure has also been laid down.

Mathura constituency of Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha Election 2024: Date of voting, result, candidates list, main parties, schedule

Case Analysis: Anil Kumar Agarwal v/s Assistant Labour Commissioner, Mathura - Special Reference To Child Labour (Prohibition And Regulation) Act, 1986

Facts Of The Case The case deals with the filing of the Writ Petition of Certiorari by the Petitioner who is the Director of Oriental Rugs Private Limited. The said company is registered under...

Sarita Vihar flyover to remain closed for repairs from May 1 to June 30

NEW DELHI: The Sarita Vihar flyover is set to undergo significant repair and expansion work, leading to the closure of carriageways for 60 days, starting May 1 till June 30, according to the Public Works Department (PWD). This decision comes after earlier renovation plans were postponed in 2023. The project, divided into four phases, aims to address crucial expansion joint and repair work to ensure the flyovers structural integrity. Constructed in 2001, the flyover has been deemed in urgent need of repair after a structural audit was conducted by the PWD. Approval for the project was obtained from the traffic police. While the repair is done, commuters travelling from Mathura Road to Delhi-Faridabad via the flyover can expect increased traffic congestion. However, the PWD has assured that one carriageway will remain open for vehicular movement during the phases of repair works, minimizing disruption. The work will progress in phases, with half lane of the carriageway open for traffic at all times, sources said. The repair schedule involves the first and second phases focusing on the flyover portion from Ashram to Badarpur, while the third and fourth phases will address the stretch from Badarpur to Ashram. In preparation for the closure, the Delhi traffic police have issued a traffic advisory, urging commuters to seek alternative routes to avoid congestion. Additionally, heavy and commercial vehicles travelling on Mathura Road towards the Sarita Vihar flyover will face restrictions to ensure smooth traffic flow. Commuters travelling from Ashram on Mathura Road towards Badarpur and Faridabad are advised to use Road No. 13A from the slip road of the Sarita Vihar flyover, followed by a U-turn from Road No. 13A to reach Mathura Road.

EC bans Congress leader Randeep Surjewala from campaigning for 48 hours over his remarks on Hema Malini

The Election Commission (EC) has imposed a 48-hour campaign ban on Congress leader Randeep Surjewala for his comments on Hema Malini. The EC had previously issued a notice to Surjewala for his derogatory remarks against BJP's Mathura candidate.

Stay on court-monitored survey of Shahi Idgah mosque complex extended

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court, on Monday, once again extended the interim stay on the Allahabad High Court order appointing a commission to inspect the Shahi Idgah Mosque situated adjacent to the Krishna Janmabhoomi at Mathura in Uttar Pradesh. A two-judge bench, led by Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, listed the matter for further hearing in August. It directed that the interim orders will continue till then. All interim orders will continue. Re-list the matters in the week commencing August 5, the bench ordered. It was hearing the pleas related to Krishna Janmabhoomis dispute with the Shahi Idgah Masjid. The Shahi Idgah Masjid Committee has filed a batch of petitions challenging the Allahabad HC order appointing a commission to inspect the mosque. In its earlier order, the apex court had rejected an appeal filed by the mosque committee challenging the Allahabad HC order to consolidate 15 suits concerning the Krishna Janmabhoomi against the Shahi Idgah Masjid dispute. Notably, in May 2023, the Allahabad court transferred all the suits about the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid dispute to itself, forcing the mosque committee to move the top court challenging the order. The committee had moved the top court, objecting to the HCs consolidation of 15 cases about the dispute for joint hearings. The SC ruled that the jurisdiction of this matter lies solely within the purview of the High Court. A number of separate petitions were filed in lower courts in Mathura. The petitions sought the removal of the Shahi Idgah Masjid from the 13.37-acre complex, which it shares with the Katra Keshav Dev temple. The petitioner, the Hindu side, has claimed that the Shahi Idgah mosque holds signs that suggest that it was a Hindu temple once.

HDK apologises to women

BENGALURU: Coming under sharp criticism for his remarks that rural women have lost their way, or gone astray, because of the Congress governments guarantee schemes, former CM HD Kumaraswamy on Monday expressed regret. Addressing a joint press conference with activist Girijamma, Akhila Bharata Karmika Hitarakshne Vedike president, Kumaraswamy apologised for his statement. I am sorry if my statement has hurt mothers. I have not insulted women, and have never done it in the past... My prestige is not at stake because I am expressing regret. I want to ask the mothers of the state: They (Congress government) give you Rs 2,000 and pick Rs 5,000 from the pockets of your husbands. I have told mothers to be careful about this and suggest they get stronger financially, he said. Kumaraswamy had made the controversial statement at Turuvekere in Tumakuru constituency on Saturday, sparking a row. In his defence, he raked up comments made by other politicians, notably former assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumars alleged vulgar remarks about women in the assembly, and Danavagere MLA Shamanuru Shivashankarappas comment that BJP candidate Gayathri Siddeshwara was fit to remain in the kitchen. Girijamma said she had lodged a complaint against Surjewala and Shivashankarappa with the State Womens Commission. Kumaraswamy also brought up AICC general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewalas comment about Mathura BJP MP and actor Hema Malini, and Congress leader Supriya Shrinates social media post about Mandi (Himachal Pradesh) BJP candidate and actor Kangana Ranaut. Surjewalas comment on why Hema Malini was elected had got him a notice from the ECI. Congress approaches ECI The Congress approached the ECI against Kumaraswamy, terming his statement was intentional and had outraged the modesty of women. His intention is to woo male voters in favour of BJP and JDS candidates in all 28 parliamentary constituencies, alleged KPCC vice-president V S Ugrappa.

SC extends Mathura Idgah survey stay but HC land suit trial to go on

The Supreme Court extended its stay on the Allahabad High Court's direction to appoint a commission to survey the Shahi Idgah mosque in Mathura, near Krishna Janmabhoomi. The Committee of Management Trust of Shahi Masjid Idgah filed a petition against the HC order, challenging the transfer of civil suits and the directive for a survey.

Robert Vadra considers running for Lok Sabha elections after Amethi residents express desire for him to represent them

Robert Vadra considers running for Lok Sabha elections after Amethi residents express desire for him to represent them Robert Vadra, the husband of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Monday said the people of Amethi want him to represent them and the decision to become a candidate in the Lok Sabha polls will be taken at the right time. Vadra visited holy city Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh and had a 'darshan' of Lord Banke Bihari. He saw Thakurji's 'Shringar Aarti' and said be it Ayodhya or Mathura, he looks at every place in the same way. The Congress is yet to declare its candidates either from Amethi or Raebareli, the two pocket boroughs of the Nehru-Gandhi family. There are speculations about Priyanka Gandhi's brother Rahul Gandhi contesting again from Amethi. Rahul Gandhi had lost the 2019 Lok Sabha elections to Union minister Smriti Irani, who has again been fielded by the BJP from the constituency. Speaking to reporters, Robert Vadra indicated that he will also join politics and said there is an atmosphere of change in the country. His entire family is working diligently on this, he added. He said whether he remains actively involved in politics or not, he will continue to work hard for the country and its people. ''We will continue to make efforts to form a secular government in the country,'' Vadra said. On the question of becoming a candidate from Amethi, Vadra said discussions are going on in every corner of the country. This is a call of the people. He understands their hard work, he said. ''They want me to represent them, go to their area and listen to their problems so that they can progress. I am also interested in joining politics but the decision will be taken at the right time. There is no hurry right now,'' he said. Pradeep Mathur, former leader of the UP Congress Legislature Party accompanied Vadra. After 'darshan' in the temple, Vadra enjoyed the 'kachori' given in Thakurji's 'prasad' and himself distributed the 'prasad' to the devotees. He said whenever a person faces any problem, he remembers his God. He does not remember any leader or party, he added. ''When a person in trouble remembers God, his courage increases. Therefore, there should be no politics of discrimination in the name of religion,'' Vadra said. Accusing the BJP of being a party doing ''politics of discrimination'', he said calling the Congress anti-Sanatan is the BJP's own way of publicity. His (Robert Vadra) entire family is secular and away from discrimination, he added. Assuring the victory of the INDIA bloc, he said, ''In the coming time, we will form a secular government in the country. Will keep the country secular. ''The new alliance that has been formed will be kept strong. Because our thinking is to strengthen the country,'' he said. Referring to the BJP, he said a secular government should be established in the country and the (INDIA) bloc is working strongly in this direction. Asked about Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi working to make the Congress and the alliance victorious, he said both of them are also working very hard. They are ready to help the people and want to find solutions to their problems. ''It is a prayer to Banke Bihari that there should be happiness and peace in the country. I also wish for Rahul and Priyanka that they definitely succeed,'' he said.

SC extends stay on court-monitored survey of Shahi Idgah mosque complex in Mathura

Supreme Court extends stay on Allahabad High Court order regarding Shahi Idgah mosque near Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura. Hearing on mosque management committee petitions rescheduled to week starting August 5, with interim orders to continue and challenges to suits' maintainability under CPC discussed.

Krishna Janmabhoomi case: Supreme Court extends stay on Allahabad HC order appointing commission to inspect Shahi Idgah mosque

The Supreme Court once again extended its stay on the Allahabad High Court December 14 order directing survey of Shahi Eidgah mosque attributing the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura. The court also postponed to August 2024 a batch of pleas against the orders passed by the High Court. A bench comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna and []

UPs rotting underbelly laid bare, says TMC after Bengal teen molested in Mathura

UP's Rotting Underbelly Laid Bare: Trinamool After Teen Assaulted In Mathura

A teenage girl, with a baby in hand, was walking down a road in Mathura when a boy ambled along and forcibly kissed her on the mouth and walked away.

Is This BJP's Idea Of Nari Samman? Trinamool After Teen Assaulted In UP

A teenage girl, with a baby in hand, was walking down a road in Mathura when a boy ambled along and forcibly kissed her on the mouth and walked away.

EC's novel initiative to increase voter turnout in UP: Polling stations in housing societies

EC's novel initiative to increase voter turnout in UP: Polling stations in housing societies The Election Commission of India has set up more than 200 polling stations within housing societies in the urban areas of Uttar Pradesh to increase the voter turnout in the politically crucial state. In an interview with PTI, state's Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa said the poll body is targeting urban areas that have registered a low voter turnout in the past and expressed that Uttar Pradesh will secure the first position as far as voting percentage is concerned. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the voting percentage in Uttar Pradesh was a tepid 59.11 per cent. ''We have taken a number of important steps to ensure that all kinds of barriers that prevent voters from casting votes are removed. We have ensured that the polling station is located within a two-kilometre radius of every voter. ''Also in urban areas, we have undertaken a new initiative of setting up polling stations within gated communities and multi-storeyed housing societies where there has been a low voter turnout in the past,'' Rinwa told PTI. The senior official said 200-plus polling booths have been set up across the state, with Noida taking the lead. ''Uttar Pradesh has the maximum number of such polling stations and Noida has taken the lead in this regard. Ghaziabad, Lucknow, Kanpur, Bareilly and even Mathura will have such polling stations,'' Rinwa said. Asked if the polling percentage in Uttar Pradesh will exceed 60 per cent this time, the CEO said, ''I am confident that UP voters will score the first division and pass with flying colours.'' Rinwa highlighted that SVEEP (Systematic Voter's Education and Electoral Participation) activities are also ongoing in the state. SVEEP is a flagship programme of the Election Commission for voter education, spreading voter awareness and promoting voter literacy. On the tepid voter turnout in 2019, Rinwa said, ''To find out the reasons, we have taken a bottoms-up approach for each assembly constituency. ''We have asked the EROs (electoral registration officers) and DMs (district magistrates) to prepare a Turnout Implementation Plan (TIP) -- an initiative of the ECI -- to identify the reasons for the low turnout in each assembly constituency and polling station. This is happening for the first time in the country,'' Rinwa said. Rinwa said, this time, more than 15.30 crore people across Uttar Pradesh would be exercising their franchise and the voting will be held from 7 am to 6 pm -- except in two assembly constituencies of Sonbhadra district, as it was earlier affected by Left Wing Extremism. Sonbhadra shares its boundaries with Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. ''Keeping this in mind, the polling timing of 7 am to 4 pm has been proposed to the ECI. The ECI is yet to approve the timing, as it is done phase-wise,'' he said. Robertsganj (SC) Lok Sabha seat in Sonbhadra will go to polls in the seventh phase on June 1. Asked about the challenges in implementing 'One Nation, One Election' in a state like Uttar Pradesh, Rinwa said, ''There will be no problems if we have the necessary infrastructure, mainly, sufficient number of EVMs.'' ''We have over 1.62 lakh polling stations... if 'One Nation, One Election' is implemented, a minimum of 3.24 lakh EVMs will be needed, one for LS polls, and one for assembly polls,'' he added. The official further said the weather in April and May will be hot, and it might discourage the voters from coming out. ''Keeping this in mind, we have asked our DEOs (district election officers) to ensure clean drinking water at polling stations and shade for the voters standing in queues. ''We have also asked for some furniture for senior citizens, pregnant women and physically challenged voters,'' Rinwa said. Rinwa said the people have been advised to use the early morning hours to cast their vote to avoid the afternoon sun. On steps taken by the ECI to ensure that the polling staff also remains physically and medically fit during the election period, the UP CEO said, ''We will provide medical kits to all the polling teams, along with a list of do's and don'ts.'' On the challenges faced by the poll body, the official said, ''In UP and Bihar, there are a number of voters in the voters' list, who do not exist. This happens as people do not file Form 7 to get their names deleted.'' ''In the recent special summary revision, we have taken a number of steps to ensure that our voter list is clean,'' he added. Form 7 has to be filed in case of the death of a voter, shifting to a different constituency, and duplication of a voters identity among other reasons.

Uttar Pradesh: RLD Chief Jayant in, yet Jats play hardball to BJP

LUCKNOW : Two days before voting in the 2022 assembly elections in western UP, Union home minister Amit Shah made an unprecedented move. Along with hundreds of BJP workers, he went door-to-door seeking support from voters, especially Jats, for party candidates. This happened immediately after the BJPs failed discussions for a pre-poll alliance with the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) led by Jayant Chaudhary, a significant Jat leader and the grandson of former PM Chaudhary Charan Singh. Jayant opted to stay aligned with the SP and famously declared, Main koi chavanni nahin jo palat jaoon (I am not a coin that flips). Cut to February 2024. Two months before the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conferred Bharat Ratna on Charan Singh. And Jayant reacted to this saying: Dil Jeet Liya (won hearts). Thus the RLD chief was won over. Solving the Jat puzzle was a major strategic win for the BJP, as it facilitated their entry into the political landscape of UPs Wild West in the lead-up to the election. Jats form just 2% of UPs electorate. Nonetheless, political analysts say the influence of Jats stems from their concentration in a dozen districts of western UP, where they make up 20-25% of the voting population. The influence of the Jat factor is palpable as the BJP, which continues to reign supreme in the state since 2014, has now joined hands with the RLD, the party that is perceived to advocate for the Jat community. The Jats are primarily farmers and wield significant economic influence in the region. The extent of Jat influence on votes is evident from the 2009 polls, where the BJP secured only three seats in western UP while RLD (then a minor partner of NDA), won five seats due to support from Jats. On the other hand, experts note that in the 2014 polls, held in the aftermath of the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots, Jats were polarised in favour of the BJP, resulting in a sweeping victory for the saffron party in the region. This trend continued in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. However, alarm bells rang for the BJP in the 2022 Assembly polls when Jats were divided between their loyalty to Jayant, who was an ally of the SP, and the BJP. And the community drifted away from the BJP over the Centres controversial farm laws. Although the three farm laws were withdrawn before the polls, the damage was already done. The BJPs loss translated into RLDs victory. It resulted in a jump in RLDs vote share, with the number of seats going up from one in 2017 to eight in 2022. It was no wonder that the BJP brass went on an overdrive to lure Jayant, despite opposition from partys Jat leaders. The thinking was that with RLD by our side, whatever discontent among farmers is remaining would go away, and Jats will have no dilemma over which camp to support, said a senior BJP leader. Jats wield a lot of influence in society because of their dominant social status. Their firepower is beyond their own community, he said. Economic influence The Jats are primarily farmers and wield significant economic influence in the region. The extent of Jat influence on votes is evident from the 2009 polls, where the BJP secured only three seats in western UP while RLD (then a minor partner of NDA), won five seats due to support from Jats. However, experts note that in 2014 polls, held in aftermath of the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots, Jats were polarised in favour of the BJP, resulting in its sweeping victory The J Factor The communitys influence and importance is palpable as BJP has joined hands with RLD a party that is perceived to advocate for the Jats Jats comprise around 2% of UPs population Around a dozen LS constituencies of west UP have up to 20-25% of Jat population Their strong social status influences other caste groups They are farmers, majority being cane growers They are in good numbers in Baghpat, Mathura, Fatehpur Sikri, Muzaffarnagar, Aligarh, Kairana, Amroha, Bijnor, Hathras.

Molester asked to slap self with slipper 10 times on head, let off

A 16-year-old girl from West Bengal was molested by a 15-year-old youth in Goverdhan, Mathura. CCTV footage captured the incident, leading to the accused being ordered to apologize and slap himself by a panchayat.

'Jat factor' and love-hate relationship of BJP, RLD in western Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW: The Jats constitute a mere 2 percent of Uttar Pradesh's vote share . Nonetheless, their significant presence across a dozen districts in western Uttar Pradesh renders them a potent force in the region's political landscape, assert political analysts. The influence of the 'Jat factor' is palpable as the BJPwhich continues to reign supreme in the state since 2014is currently allying with the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), the party that is perceived to advocate for the Jat community. Solving the Jat puzzle was a major strategic win for the saffron party, as it facilitated their entry into the challenging political landscape of Uttar Pradesh's Wild West in the lead-up to the election. Over the years, it has always kept the 'Jat card' in their back pockets and managed to pull it in UP right around elections. The importance of being Akhilesh Yadav in this Lok Sabha election Yet this time, the saffron party rushed to ally with the RLD chief, Jayant Chaudhary, who had just quit the alliance with the Samajwadi Party. A happy Amit Shah, along with hundreds of other BJP workers, were busy carrying out door-to-door campaigns with their new partners and seeking votes, especially those of Jats. And in February, two months before the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conferred Bharat Ratna on former Prime Minister Chaudary Charan Singh, also the grandfather of Jayant Singh. And Jayant reacted to this saying: Dil Jeet Liya (won hearts). Long story short, the BJP had won Jayant's heart as well as the Jat votes. Jats, who are primarily farmers, are economically influential in their regions. The Jat influence on votes can be gauged by the fact that in the 2009 polls, while a national party like the BJP managed to secure just three seats in West UP, a relatively smaller party, RLD (then a minor partner of the NDA), won five seats. Parties vie for a pie in Muslim votes spread across two dozen seats In the 2014 polls, held in the aftermath of the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots, Jats were completely polarised and were in favour of the BJP, marking an absolute victory for them, according to experts. This trend continued even in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. However, alarm bells rang for the BJP in the 2022 Assembly polls when the Jats were divided between their loyalty to their leader Jayant (who was part of the SP coalition) and the BJP. The predominantly farmer community mainly drifted away from the BJP over the party's controversial farm laws. Although the three farm laws were withdrawn before the polls, the damage was already done. The BJP's loss translated into the RLD's victory. It resulted in a sharp jump in RLD's vote share, with the number of seats going up from one in 2017 to eight in 2022. It was no wonder that the BJP brass went ahead in an overdrive to lure Jayant, despite strong opposition from the party's own Jat leaders. The thinking was that with RLD by our side, whatever discontent among farmers is remaining would also go away, and Jats will have no dilemma over which camp to support, said a senior BJP functionary. Their overall number may be small, but their concentration in the sugar belt makes them formidable in the western region. Jats wield a lot of influence in society because of their dominant social status. Therefore, their firepower goes much beyond their own community, added the BJP leader. Top 5 LS constituencies with large Jat population Baghpat: 4 lakh Mathura: 2.15 lakh Fatehpur Sikri: 2.1 lakh Kairana: 1.75 lakh Amroha: 1.70 lakh Bumpy roads ahead of BJPs Mission 80 Mixed feelings for Gandhis in UPs rice bowl

Telangana: BJP MP D Arvind talks about Gyanvapi, Idgah mosques in Nizamabad

Hyderabad: As part of his election campaign in Jagtial town on Friday, April 12 and during a Chai Pe Charcha programme, Nizamabad BJP MP Dharmapuri Arvind has informed the people that just like the Gyanvapi mosque in Kashi, a Dargah was built in Lord Krishnas birthplace Mathura, which will be contested in the court. By Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Hema Malini Poses With Women Working In Fields While Campaigning

BJP MP and candidate of Mathura constituency, Hema Malini, who has been busy campaigning for Lok Sabha Polls, recently visited a wheat field in Uttar Pradesh. Taking to her account on X, Ms Malini dropped a few pictures from her meeting with the local farmers.

'Dream girl' Hema Malini becomes 'Mother India' as she harvests wheat ahead of Lok Sabha polls

With around 35 per cent of its voters belonging to the Jat community, Mathura presents Hema Malini as the frontrunner for the constituency. Additionally, the BJP has secured the support of Rashtriya Lok Dal's Jayant Chaudhary for the upcoming elections.

Pics: Hema Malini Lends Hand To Women Working In Fields While Campaigning

BJP MP and candidate of Mathura constituency, Hema Malini, who has been busy campaigning for Lok Sabha Polls, recently visited a wheat field in Uttar Pradesh.

Video: BJP's Hema Malini harvests wheat crop during poll campaign in Mathura

Video BJPs Hema Malini harvests wheat crop during poll campaign in Mathura

Give 'katora' instead of votes to BJP: BSP leader Akash Anand to voters

Give 'katora' instead of votes to BJP: BSP leader Akash Anand to voters Attacking the BJP, Bahujan Samaj Party national coordinator Akash Anand on Thursday asked the voters to give ''katora'' (bowl) to the BJP in the name of votes. Addressing an election rally in support of BSP candidate Suresh Singh, Anand said, ''The BJP government has done nothing on the issues of education, employment and inflation. It has only handed you (voters) a 'katora' (bowl). So this time the people should also give them a bowl in the name of votes.'' Voting will take place in Mathura on April 26. The BJP has again fielded Bollywood actor Hema Malini from this seat. While advising the voters, Anand said, ''If they (BJP) try to force religion on you, tell them that if our children are hungry, we are not concerned with religion. Our first religion is our employment and education.'' He said the papers get leaked every day and the government gets an excuse to cancel the jobs which disappoints the youth. ''This time when they ask for votes, give them a bowl. Tell them that our vote is with our Mayawati. Ask them how much employment they have provided in 10 years,'' he said. Anand cautioned the party cadre to remain alert from those who talk against Mayawati. ''Those who talk against her (Mayawati) is against the movement. Those who are against Mayawati are against Kanshiram, Ambedkar, BSP and the Constitution,'' he said. On Samajwadi Party (SP), he said, ''These people come to you donning the red cap but this time you remain alert from them. Get the 'cycle' (SP's election symbol) punctured.'' He said the Congress used to befool the people showing their 'hand' and in past 60 year they only committed atrocities on 'Bahujan samaj'.

BJP's Mathura LS poll candidate Hema Malini meets RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary

BJP's Mathura LS poll candidate Hema Malini meets RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary Hema Malini, BJP candidate from Mathura Lok Sabha constituency, met with Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Jayant Chaudhary here on Thursday. The meeting assumes significance as around 35 per cent of voters of the Mathura Lok Sabha constituency are from the Jat community, the main support base of the RLD. Today was the first meeting with Jayant Chaudhary. I also got a chance to address his office bearers and party workers. It was very good, Hema Malini said in her brief reply to the reporters after the meeting. Jayant Chaudhary was recently switched over from the INDIA bloc to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). His switchover is considered to be beneficial for the actor-turned-politician who has been fielded by the BJP from the constituency for the third consecutive time. Mathura Lok Sabha seat is very important for the Bharatiya Janata Party and the party looks forward to retaining its hold on this seat. People of Mathura consider Hema Malini, who is the wife of actor Dharmendra Deol, as Jat's daughter-in-law. Mathura, situated on the banks of Yamuna, is a Jat-dominated area with about 35 per cent Jat voters. Elections were held on the Mathura seat 17 times, in which candidates from the Jat community were victorious 12 times. From 1991 to 1999, Mathura was the BJP's stronghold four times. In 2004, Mathura went to Congress's account. In 2009, RLD's Jayant Chaudhary became an MP from Mathura. In 2014, the BJP fielded Hema Malini who won. In the 2019 elections, Hema's husband, actor Dharmendra, also campaigned for her and gathered a huge crowd in her favour. Due to the public welfare schemes of the double-engine government, once again in 2019, lotus bloomed in Mathura and Hema Malini became an MP.Hema Malini remained active in both her tenures. Political experts believe that after RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary joins the NDA, BJP will not only be helped in getting Jat voters in Mathura and parts of western UP, but BJP will also get the benefit in Haryana and other places. Interestingly, Hema defeated Jayant by more than 3 lakh votes in the Mathura seat in 2014. Uttar Pradesh, which sends the maximum number of MPs, 80, to Parliament, will vote in all seven phases.Voting for phases one and two will be held on April 19 and April 26. Next, the state will once again poll in phases three and four on May 7 and May 13. The Uttar Pradesh electorate will also vote in phases five, six and seven on May 20, May 23 and June 1, respectively. Mathura will poll in the second phase of the general elections on April 26. The general elections for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases, with the first scheduled for April 19. The counting of votes has been scheduled for June 4. (ANI)

BJPs Mathura LS poll candidate Hema Malini meets RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary

The News Mill

UP sees surge of pilgrims ahead with onset of festivals

With the onset of summer vacations and well before the festivals of Ram Navami and Navratri, cities crucial for religious tourism in Uttar PradeshVaranasi, Mathura, and Ayodhyaare witnessing an influx of millions of devotees. Varanasi alone saw a record-breaking influx of 95.63 lakhs pilgrims in the month of March, flocking to seek the blessings of... The post UP sees surge of pilgrims ahead with onset of festivals first appeared on India's Top Travel News Source: TravelBiz Monitor .

One Among The Passengers: This Mathura Station's 'Sleeping' Thief Has A Unique Style To Steal

After receiving several theft complaints from passengers over the past few days, the station's GRP in charge Sandeep Tomar started scanning CCTV footage and was left surprised

Religious tourism sees a surge in Uttar Pradesh ahead of festivals

Religious cities in Uttar Pradesh see a surge in tourism as devotees visit Varanasi, Mathura, and Ayodhya for blessings before festivals. Kashi Vishwanath Temple donations hit a record Rs 83.34 crore by March, with significant increases observed. Prakhar Mishra, director, tourism, at Government of Uttar Pradesh said Varanasi saw a record-breaking influx of 95.63 lakh pilgrims in March, flocking to seek the blessings of Kashi Vishwanath, while Ayodhya saw more than two lakh visitors each day for the newly constructed Ram Mandir and Hanumangarhi last month.