Assembly Election 2022 Updates: BJP is frustrated...it's getting itself attacked, says Akhilesh Yadav

We've decided that Bhagidari Parivartan Morcha will support candidates of Peace Party, wherever they'll contest elections (in the state). Similarly, Peace Party will support the candidates of Bhagidari Parivartan Morcha wherever they'll contest from: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi

Optimism for BJP in Punjab is unprecedented. The main reason which I feel is that people have seen what Congress, Akali have done people: Rajnath Singh

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has done an excellent job in Uttar Pradesh. Whatever reports have emerged on his alleged comments, should not be taken seriously. It is a kind of colloquial language in UP, says Rajnath Singh on CM's 'garmi nikal denge' remark 

BJP is frustrated it can't win polls, it's getting itself attacked. They have central force &responsibility of law &order. What was UP govt doing?: Akhilesh Yadav, on Union Minister Anurag Thakur demanding action over attack on BJP Karhal candidate SPS Baghel & BJP MP Geeta Shakya

How are all the industrialists, who are eloping after looting banks, from Gujarat? These incidents have increased after the BJP govt has come to power. They cannot even stop these eloping industrialists & their loots. We're alerting you, outsiders may spread rumours. I've heard that few people have come to Kannauj after leaving their uniforms. This double engine govt has just doubled corruption & injustice. Why are they not running their bulldozers in Lakhimpur? Samajwadi Party & its alliance has made a century in the 1st & 2nd phases of UP Assembly polls. If we get the support of Kannauj, BJP will be left behind so much so that till the 7th phase, no one but ghosts will go to their booths: SP chief Akhilesh Yadav in Tirwa, Kannauj

It's a shameful statement. I condemn this. Wherever the people of Bihar & UP went, they made a place for themselves with hard work & contributed to the growth of their state. Does anyway need a passport to travel within the country? With such a mindset, Congress' stature has declined. Situation of 'Congress mukt (India)' will persist if they speak such language & do such politics. They have lost Punjab, there's no chance for them: Bihar Min Sanjay Jha on Punjab CM Channi's reported remark 'don't let UP, Bihar ke bhaiya enter Punjab'

Punjab polls: Channi's statement sign of dictatorial nature of Congress, says Anil Vij slams Punjab CM over "CM has all power" remark

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh attacked Samajwadi Party, saying "kattas” (locally-made pistols) were commonly made during its government, but under BJP they will be replaced by Brahmos missiles. Addressing election rallies in Malihabad (Lucknow) and Babupurva (Kanpur), the union minister said such a missile is now going to be made in Lucknow, as can be fired at the enemy from 400-600 kms away.

The manner in which the Congress CM of Punjab has insulted the people of UP and Bihar in the presence of the top leadership is very shameful. In such a situation, the people of these two states must teach a lesson to the Congress in the assembly elections being held in Punjab and UP also. People of Bihar must also take proper cognizance of this: Mayawati

BSP releases 7th list for Uttar Pradesh elections

PM Modi had chosen Ferozepore for election campaigning, his rally was scheduled here. But Congress was scared of his rally, so they hired people in an attempt to stop his rally. You can neither stop us like this nor will people of Punjab like your tactics. Under PM Modi's leadership, BJP contesting independently along with its 2 allies. For yrs, we contested only on 22 seats. I've come to tell Hindu & Sikh brothers & sisters that it's the beginning. In next 5 yrs, we'll bring BJP's Lotus in every household: HM in Ferozepore, Punjab

SP goons then attacked BJP candidate from Karhal & MoS SP Singh Baghel in Mainpuri on Feb 15. SP goons do this in every Mainpuri poll. We've demanded strict action, CCTVs on every polling booth, & flag marches a day before polling, with paramilitary force deployment. I had to come to EC as after the 1st & 2nd phases of Uttar Pradesh Elections, Akhilesh started sweating. His workers & goons are instigating violence. Attack on BJP MP & UP Mahila Morcha chief, Geeta Shakya, on February 14 shows SP does violence against women: Union Minister Anurag Thakur

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday condemned the state government over grant of bail to union minister Ajay Mishra's son in Lakhimpur case, saying he would ensure that the culprit and his protectors go to prison when he comes to power. "The minister's son who trampled farmers has got bail from court. The government did not pursue the case as it should have been. “SP assures you all that our government is coming and when it does, the case will be pursued in such a manner that not only the one who took the life of farmers will go to jail but also those patronizing them," Akhilesh said.

The ruling Congress faces a daunting task as it looks to retain its electoral tally in the Dalit-dominated Doaba region of Punjab where it confronts the twin challenges of the SAD's well-oiled machinery and the AAP's growing popularity particularly among the youth. Though many in the region express their liking for Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, the first Dalit to hold the post in the state, calling him "apna banda" (our man), not much groundswell for his party was visible. The BJP, which traditionally enjoys support in a few urban pockets, and the SAD are making all-out efforts to reap dividends in the fertile Doaba region in the February 20 polls.

BJP in UP means control over Dangaraj, Mafiaraj, Gundaraj... & freedom to celebrate all the festivals. Having  BJP in UP means protection of daughters, women from 'manchalon' (eve teasers). BJP in UP means Centre's schemes being implemented at double speed: PM Modi in Sitapur

Apna Dal (Sonelal) announces names of two more candidates for UP

Samajwadi Party's name is Samajwadi but the work is 'tamanchawadi' & the thought process is 'parivaarvadi'. They only developed their family & let the rest go to hell, established pistol factories to destroy the lives of youth. They're (Opposition) trying their best to stop BJP, but BJP has your (public's) blessings. We will cross the 300-seat mark in UP again, but it can only happen when BJP's lotus will bloom in Charkhari & Mahoba: UP CM Yogi Adityanath in Mahoba, UP

Two persons have been arrested in connection with the attack on BJP leader and Union Minister Satya Pal Singh Baghel's convoy in Mainpuri's Karhal last evening. According to police, a case was registered after Baghel submitted a formal complaint with the Karhal police station. READ

National Women's Front, the women's wing of Popular Front of India (PFI) alleged that Muslim girls are being subjected to mental harassment over the hijab issue. NWF Dakshina Kannada district president Zulaikha Bajpe condemned the attitude of some school administrations and teachers who are 'torturing' girl students under the pretext of implementing the High Court order. She said while the order is limited to pre-university colleges, the authorities are forcing students and teachers of other colleges also to remove their headscarves in public places. Such acts amount to denial of the fundamental rights of Muslim students, she claimed.

The social democratic party of India (SDPI) on Wednesday charged the BJP with 'sponsoring' and 'promoting' the hijab-saffron shawl issue in educational institutions in Karnataka. SDPI state general secretary B R Bhaskar Prasad alleged that the entire issue is a 'criminal act' sponsored by the BJP government in the state. Noting that the constitution never barred Muslim women wearing hijab, he alleged that the issue was created by a college principal which was later taken up by the Sangh Parivar outfits. He sought to know why hijab should be banned as a religious symbol when Hindu symbols like thread and ænama' are allowed. He also accused the Congress of adopting ædouble standards' on the issue. SDPI state president Abdul Majeed, who was also present, said the High Court interim order is applicable only to colleges where development committees have prescribed a dress code. The district administrations and the education department are creating confusion over the order, he charged. He said KPCC president D K Shivakumar should clarify the stand of the Congress on the issue. The party does not want to address the problems of Muslims though they want minority votes, Majeed said.

BJP leader Sadanand Shet Tanavade on Wednesday took a dig at the Congress saying that the party should stop "daydreaming" about forming the next government in Goa with majority seats. The Congress had on Tuesday claimed that its alliance with the Goa Forward Party (GFP) would get a majority in the 40-member Goa Assembly, while the BJP will secure less than 10 seats in the state. Goa witnessed 78.94 per cent voter turnout during polling on Monday. The counting of votes is scheduled on March 10. Talking to PTI, the BJP's Goa unit president said Congress leaders were nervous and were hence making irrelevant statements. "The massive response to voting indicates that the BJP will once again form a government in Goa," Tanavade said.

The Union government has accorded the central VIP security cover of armed paramilitary commandos to close to two dozen BJP leaders in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, including the "Z" category security cover to Union minister S P S Baghel, the party candidate against SP chief Akhilesh Yadav in Uttar Pradesh, officials said on Wednesday. Some candidates in these two states have been provided security till the poll process ends, they added. READ

Alleging that the Samajwadi Party renamed Sant Ravidas Nagar as Bhadohi due to its casteist mentality and political hatred, Mayawati said the BJP government too did not restore the name. In a jibe at political leaders visiting the birthplace of Sant Ravidas in 'Seer Govardhan' to pay their respects, Mayawati claimed those who ignore saints and their teachings are now bowing their heads for the selfish motive of getting votes. There is a need to be careful of such elements who are adept in doing politics of votes only, she added.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday paid their obeisance at the Guru Ravidas temple here on the occasion of his birth anniversary. Both Rahul and Priyanka also performed 'langar seva' during their visit to the birthplace of the revered poet and social reformer of the 15-16th century at Seer Govardhan.  The Gandhi siblings arrived at the airport in Babatpur where they were received by local Congress leaders, including former MLA Ajay Rai, and went straight to the temple of Guru Ravidas in the city.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' policy is inspired by the teachings of Guru Ravidas, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Wednesday as he paid obeisance at the revered icon's birthplace. Adityanath reached the Ravidas temple at the Seer Govardhan premises in the morning, paid his respects to the 15th-16th century poet and also had 'prasad' at the 'langar' served. "It's maghi poornima today and also the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas, who was born in the holy land of Kashi at Seer Govardhan. Today, lakhs of people are expressing their respects towards the sadhguru," he told reporters in Varanasi. "Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, we are taking forward to all the 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' policy which is also inspired by Saint Ravidas's teachings," Adityanath added.

Alleging that firing was done at their residence by the BJP candidate and her supporters after the polling on Monday, the son of Samajwadi Party candidate from Tilhar assembly constituency here has lodged an FIR, police said. Earlier on Monday night, a report was also filed by the supporters of the BJP candidate Salona Kushwaha against seven people including SP candidate Roshanlal Verma under serious sections for beating up a BJP worker.

Making an explosive revelation, noted poet and former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Kumar Vishwas on Wednesday said that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will do anything to remain in power. With reference to Punjab Assembly elections, Kumar Vishwas said, AAP's chances in the Punjab election 2022, the ex-colleague of Kejriwal made a startling claim that the AAP convenor was supportive of separatists in Punjab. FULL STORY 

Harish Rawat exuded confidence that the Congress will also return to power in Uttarakhand, which went to polls on February 14, and win close to 48 out of the 70 seats in the state.

Ruling out the possibility of a fractured mandate, former Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat on Wednesday asserted that the people will bring back Congress with a clear majority in Punjab as it is the only party which can take all sections of the society along and lead the state on the path of development. At the time of Amarinder Singh's unceremonious exit as the CM in September last year, Rawat was then in-charge of Congress' Punjab affairs.  Later, in October, Harish Chaudhary had succeeded Rawat as in-charge of Punjab affairs. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a blistering attack on the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), saying the two parties are 'partners in crime. Addressing an election rally in Pathankot, he termed the AAP a photocopy of the Congress and reminded that both of them are not happy with the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya temple. FULL STORY

Harish Rawat Ji Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne dekh rahe hain. Congress is not coming to power. BJP is forming the government with an overwhelming majority: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami on Rawat saying nobody in Congress is opposed to him being CM

Addressing an election rally in Pathankot, PM Modi promised hundreds of sainik schools will be opened in Punjab and that girls will also be given admission to these schools.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra serve 'langer' at Ravidas Temple in Varanasi, UP.

PM Modi asked the people of Punjab to choose the BJP for Punjab's peace. "Welfare of poor above all for my govt," he said in Pathankot on Ravidas Jayanti.

Give me five years to serve you. I assure you farming, trade, industry will be made profitable: PM Modi at poll rally in Pathankot

PM Modi attacked Congress over the 1965 war. He said that in the 1965 war, the Indian Army was advancing with the strength of flag hoisting in Lahaul. "Had we gone a little two steps further then we would have had Guru Nanak Dev ji's tapobhoomi. But Congress missed the second chance too," he said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath eats 'langar' at Ravidas Temple in Varanasi on the occasion of Ravidas Jayanti

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offers prayers at Ravidas Temple in Varanasi on the occasion of Ravidas Jayanti

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi on Tuesday mounted a blistering attack on the BJP in Manipur, accusing the state's ruling party of having disrespected people's mandate, and used "bullying and bribing" as a tool to form the government in the state where the Congress had emerged as the single largest party in the 2017 elections. Promising to pursue "politics of development", she said more jobs will be created in the state whose potential for tourism will be fully utilised. Addressing an election rally in Imphal online, Gandhi also promised to "protect civil liberties and democratic rights" of all people in the militancy-hit state. "You elected the Congress party but got a different government," she said. The 2017 state election had thrown up a hung assembly where neither the Congress nor the BJP had a majority in the 60-member House. Though the Congress came closest to the magic 31 seat mark with 28 MLAs, the BJP pipped it at the post with the help of smaller parties like the NPP of Conrad Sangma and the Naga People's Front, besides some others.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday targeted the Congress-led regime in Punjab over the issues of drug trade and illegal sand mining and dared the ruling party to reveal how many of its 2017 election promises it has fulfilled. Singh also took on the AAP for its claims of ending the drug problem in the state, saying how could the party do so when it made liquor available door-to-door in Delhi. Singh raised the issue of last month's breach in the security of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Punjab and said a state government, which could not ensure the security of the PM, has no moral right to remain in power. “I believe that the prime minister is not an individual. He is an institution. For a healthy democracy, institutions should be respected,” said Singh.

Making a strong pitch for “Punjab for Punjabis”, the SAD-BSP alliance on Tuesday released its poll manifesto, promising 75 percent reservation in jobs in government and private sectors for domiciled youths and MSP on fruits, vegetables and milk, besides a number of freebies, if it is elected to power in the state. The Shiromani Akali Dal and Bahujan Samaj Party alliance also promised 400 units of free power for all households, Rs 10 lakh free annual health insurance, Rs 2,000 per month to all women heads of blue card holder families (BPL beneficiaries) as well as 5 lakh houses and five marla plots each to homeless poor. Its leaders said that the alliance is committed to the idea of a genuine federal structure in the country and will continue to fight to secure justice for the state in river waters, territorial, political and religious matters. They announced sops for various sectors including education, health, agriculture and social welfare. The manifesto said old-age pension will be increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,100, increase in 'Shagun' scheme to Rs 75,000. Under the Punjab government's Shagun scheme currently, an amount of Rs 51,000 is given for the marriage of women belonging to Scheduled Caste and Backward Classes. It also promised Rs 5 lakh interest-free loan for every youth, especially women to start their own enterprise. Punjab will go to the polls on February 20.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday campaigned for party candidates in Punjab and said like the BJP earlier propagated  Gujarat model', AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal was publicising his 'Delhi model', which she said was also a "failure". Riding a tractor with Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi in Rupnagar district as part of her 'Jansampark Abhiyan', Gandhi, who later addressed a gathering, also dubbed the BJP and AAP "two sides of the same coin". In the evening, she took out a roadshow in Amritsar. Punjab Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu, who is contesting from Amritsar East, accompanied her in an SUV. She added that both AAP and BJP are promising a new brand of politics to befool the public.

Claiming “historic voting” for the SP-RLD candidates, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday said the people have subdued the “garmi” (haughtiness) of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the first two phases of the UP assembly elections. Yadav took on Adityanath saying he used to claim ahead of the elections that “khoon ki garmi” (haughtiness, enthusiasm) of the SP and RLD leaders would be subdued after the elections. "After the first two phases, the people have pacified 'garmi' of those who were talking of curbing others’ enthusiasm (garmi nikal denge) after the elections,” Yadav said while addressing an election rally in the Bundelkhand region. "Now after the third phase, the people of Bundelkhand will make him 'thanda' (cool down)," he said. he addressed rallies in Jhansi, Hamirpur and Mahoba.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has promised a kilo of 'ghee' for the poor and free ration for five years if his party wins Uttar Pradesh polls while claiming that BJP supporters have become "numb" after the first two phases of voting. He also alleged the BJP government was all set to discontinue its free-ration scheme but deferred it because of the elections. "The poor availing their rations will get it till the elections. Earlier, it was to be given till November but when the Uttar Pradesh elections were announced, they (BJP) said people will get it till March," Yadav said at a poll rally in Raebareli.

Attacking Samajwadi Party in its founder Mulayam Singh Yadav's parliamentary constituency Mainpuri, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said 'criminal' politicians like Azam Khan and Mukhtar Ansari will be out of jail again if that party comes to power in Uttar Pradesh. He also accused the previous governments led by SP's Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party's Mayawati of crumbling the economy of Uttar Pradesh and credited Chief Minister Adityanath with bringing a turnaround in five years. Shah said the 2022 assembly polls are for strengthening the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and making Yogi Adityanath "chief minister again".

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath targeted the Samajwadi Party, saying that during its rule there were illegal country-made pistol ('tamancha') factories in Kanpur but his BJP dispensation is establishing a defence corridor. "Under the previous government, there were factories of 'tamancha' in Kanpur. Their name is 'Samajwadi', work is 'tamanchawadi' and thinking is 'pariwarvadi'. Our government is making a defence corridor. Now, the youth of Kanpur will sit on tanks made in Kanpur, enter into the boundary of the enemy, and will raise the war cry for Bharat Mata."

In a scathing attack on the Samajwadi Party, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said while the BJP believes in "development for all", Akhilesh Yadav "cares only about the development of the Saifai family". Saifai is the native village of Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, the father of party chief Akhilesh Yadav. At a public meeting here, Adityanath said, "The Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and the Congress were not there for you during the pandemic. But our government gave free vaccine to everyone and ensured that no one sleeps hungry." He claimed the law-and-order situation in Uttar Pradesh has improved and lot and there is no place for anarchy in the state. "Earlier, there was no security. The property of the poor was grabbed. But during our government, mafia and goons were sent to jail and sisters and daughters were protected," the chief minister said.

After contesting the election as an Independent candidate in the Panaji assembly segment, Utpal, son of the former Goa chief minister the late Manohar Parrikar, said that he has experienced first-hand the immense bond of love shared between local people and his father. Goa voted in a single phase on February 14. The contest for the Panaji segment was one of the highlights of the elections. Utpal contested as an Independent candidate after the ruling BJP denied him a ticket and instead fielded sitting MLA and Congress turncoat Atanasio Monserrate from Panaji. "Over the last month or so I have moved around Panaji extensively and during this time I had the opportunity to interact with many of you and can now feel a sense of why my father, the late Manohar Parrikar felt such an immense sense of love, attachment and pride about Panaji and Ponjekars (Panaji residents)," Utpal said in his post-poll message released on various social media platforms on Tuesday.

PM Narendra Modi to address rallies in Punjab's Pathankot, Uttar Pradesh's Sitapur today

On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas on Wednesday, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and party's General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will visit Ravidas Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The Congress leader will pay obeisance at Seer Goverdhanpur on Wednesday morning.

Notably, the Election Commission of India (ECI) had postponed Punjab Assembly elections in view of Guru Ravidas birth anniversary. The State was scheduled to go for polls on February 14 earlier.

The political parties including BJP, Congress and Aam Aadmi Party requested the poll panel to change the date as the Guru Ravidas followers would not be able to vote if elections were held two days before the festival as they embark on an annual pilgrimage to Varanasi on the Guru's birth anniversary.

After Congress exuded confidence in winning Goa Assembly elections, Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday said that Congress should stop daydreaming about forming government in the coastal state. The BJP is the incumbent government in the state.

"Congress should stop daydreaming. Their greed for power is visible through their statements. As I said before, the huge turnout shows people have voted for BJP. Our win and Congress' defeat will be clear on March 10," BJP State President Sadanand Shet Tanawde said in a statement.

Notably, Goa reported a high voter turnout in Assembly elections held on Monday after which All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge of Goa, Dinesh Gundu Rao said that there is a huge anti-incumbency wave and Congress will form the government with a full majority.

Uttar Pradesh's 'Mainpuri tobacco' which was famed both inside India and abroad is now restricted to only a few sellers who say they are facing challenges to survive the business in the face of rising costs of raw materials.

Nowadays, tobacco sellers have also added a product called Kapoori which consists of a mixture of finely cut betel nut and flavoring agents such as powdered cloves, cardamom, kewara and sandalwood powder.

As Mainpuri is set to poll on February 20, sellers request the government to reduce taxes on raw materials.

District Election Officer and District Magistrate R Rajesh Kumar on Tuesday took stock of the security arrangements in an on-site inspection of the strongroom built in Maharana Pratap Sports College at Uttarakhand's Raipur.

During this, he inspected the three-circle security system of the strongroom, installed live CCTV cameras and directed the concerned officer to maintain proper security arrangements and keep a strict vigil on any kind of activity.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by saying that merely wearing a turban on stage, doesn't make them 'Sardar' (Sikh).

"PM Modi and Kejriwal come to Punjab and wear turbans on stage. Merely wearing a turban doesn't make them Sardars," said Vadra in conversation with ANI during her roadshow in Amritsar.

Further, unleashing an attack on Aam Aadmi Party and Arvind Kejriwal, the Congress leader said, "Both of them were born out of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). One started an agitation that was backed by RSS, the other was an RSS member. They're the same."

Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, who is contesting assembly polls from Shahjahanpur city constituency, has expressed confidence about his and BJP's victory in the polls and said the party will give a boost to industrialisation.

Shahjahanpur district, which has six assembly segments, went to the polls on Monday. The Shahjahanpur seat is witnessing a tough fight between Khanna and SP's Tanveer Khan.

"I am sure that people will elect me for the ninth time from this constituency. This time the biggest focus will be on industrialization. The non-BJP governments in the state did not focus on attracting investments and boosting industry," he said.

Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice Satya Pal Singh Baghels' convoy was attacked with stones and sticks near Attikullapur village in Mainpuri district of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday evening and a case has been registered, said police.

"Union Minister SP Baghel's convoy was attacked with stones and sticks near Attikullapur village that lies under police station Karhal this evening. A case is being registered and the minister is fine," Mainpuri Police tweeted on Tuesday.