The Congress controlled the narrative during the Lok Sabha polls and placed a new vision for the country before the people, former party chief Rahul Gandhi said on Thursday, exuding confidence that the INDIA bloc will form the next government. (PTI)
The 75-day campaigning for the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections – the longest in Indian election history after the 1951-52 polls – ended on a combative note on Thursday
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On Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s ‘Pakistan acknowledges India growth, but not Congress’ remark, Samajwadi Party spokesperson Fakhrul Hasan Chaand said, "Samajwadi Party stands with the government on the issues which are in the interest of the country. Country’s welfare and politics should be kept aside".
Bhojpur District Magistrate Mahendra Kumar said that four polling officials have died due to heat wave despite adequate facilities available.
"So far, four polling officials have died. Although facilities for drinking water, shed and others were available at every dispatch centre, this unfortunate incident happened," he said.
On opposition's reaction over PM Modi's meditation, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, "What has happened to the Congress party and INDI alliance? If the PM says something, they have a problem with that and now when PM Modi has gone to the Vivekananda rock memorial for austerity, and meditation, they have a problem with this too. It means the PM's mediation is the opposition's absolute frustration... Which provision of the Model Code of Conduct is being violated?...".
On opposition's objection over PM Modi's meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said, "What has happened to the opposition? They raise objection if PM Modi holds rallies, roadshows. They used to say that PM doesn't interact with the media. He gave over 70 interviews to various channels. They have problem over PM Modi's meditation too. The prime minister is a 'Sanatani Hindu', who follows his religion. During last elections, he went to Uttarakhand and meditated inside a cave. What is there to raise objection if he is meditating in Kanyakumari? Who has stopped Congress people, they can go to any 'mazaar' or anywhere else to pray."
In a video message, Delhi CM Kejriwal Arvind said, "I will surrender day after tomorrow. I will leave from my house at around 3 pm. It is possible that they torture me even more this time but I will not break...My parents are very old. My mother is ill. I worry about them in jail. Please take care of them, pray for them. My wife Sunita is very strong. She has always been with me in all my hardships. We are all fighting against dictatorship. Don't be saddened even if I lose my life fighting for the country".
We are all fighting against dictatorship. Don't be saddened even if I lose my life fighting for the country.Arvind Kejriwal
Congress leader Vijay Namdevrao Wadettiwar said on PM Modi's meditation in Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari.
"Perhaps he has taken a vow of silence to repent for the way he has deceived people. The country will be happy and thriving if his 'maun vrat' becomes permanent."
In an interaction with ANI, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva blamed the AAP government for the current water crisis prevailing in Delhi.
"The man who is solely responsible for today's water crisis in Delhi is Arvind Kejriwal. They have 'looted' the Delhi Jal Board.
"The Haryana government is supplying water as per the agreement, However, there is no record of water being looted or wasted.
"The AAP government is in the business of selling water and making money from it."
These remarks come after Water minister Atishi Marlena claimed that Haryana government has stopped Yamuna water supply to Delhi.
While addressing the media, Jairam Ramesh said that since 29 April, Rahul Gandhi has been carrying the Constitution with him in all his rallies. Time and again, he has reiterated, the party's goal of protecting the constitution, conducting a caste census and removing the 50 per cent reservation cap
He stated, "The party has given 5 justices and 25 guarantees to the people. Along with this, we have given priority to the protection of the Constitution.
"This is why on June 4, the I.N.D.I.A. alliance is going to get a decisive majority."
While addressing the media, AAP minister Atishi Marlena attacked the BJP for playing dirty politics at a time when the people of Delhi are reeling under the impact of an intense heatwave and facing acute water crisis.
She said volunteers belonging to the BJP staged a protest outside Delhi Government Secretariat.
"Is it time to do dirty politics during an emergency situation?" she asked during her address.
"Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are both neighbouring states of Delhi with a BJP government at the helm of affairs. I appeal to the BJP that this is the time to ask to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to provide extra water to Delhi."
With the onset of intense heatwave, Delhi has been suffering from a water crisis. Atishi Marlena had earlier accused Haryana of stopping the Yamuna water supply to Delhi.
After Pawan Khera said Congress will not to participate in exit poll debates, Amit Shah responded by saying, "Congress has been in denial mode. During the elections, they kept campaigning they are going to get the majority. However, they are aware of the situation and are afraid to face the media.
"Therefore, they are boycotting the entire exit poll exercise. Exit polls have been happening for a while, but this time, they don't know how to explain their upcoming defeat and that's why they are boycotting.
"Since Rahul Gandhi has taken charge of Congress, they have been in denial mode."