Hisar, April 7
Along with the prestige of candidates, the fate of two main regional parties — the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and the Haryana Janhit Congress (HJC) — is also at stake at the keenly watched parliamentary constituency in the state, as the crucial Assembly elections are nearing.

A clash of clans is imminent as the INLD has put its best bet by fielding Dushyant Chautala, the 26-year-old great grandson of Devi Lal Chautala, against HJC supremo and sitting MP Kuldeep Bishnoi, son of former Chief Minister Bhajan Lal.

The Congress has pitted Sampat Singh, the most-illustrious political pupils of Devi Lal, who is trying to make it a triangular contest.

The outcome is expected to have a strong bearing on the electoral fortunes of the two regional outfits.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Yudhbir Singh Khyalia, Bahujan Samaj Party's Mange Ram Varma, CPM nominee Phool Singh Sheokand and seven other Kuldeeps — namesakes of HJC nominee —could play a spoilsport for any of the main contestants.

Cliffhanger on cards

The contest is expected to be a cliffhanger like the two previous elections, 2011 by-election and the 2009 General Election, when the victory margin was quite low.

Sympathy votes

By nominating Dushyant, the INLD has played its trump card in the absence of his father Ajay Chautala, who is in jail after being convicted in the JBT recruitment scam along with party supremo Om Prakash Chautala. Dushyant is now trying to garner sympathy votes.

The sentiments among Jats also indicated that his appeal has had desired results for the party and INLD has been on a strong footing in the rural Assembly segments in the Lok Sabha constituency, including

Narnaund, Uchana, Uklana and Bawani Khera.

A win for Dushyant would be a big morale booster for the party cadre. Besides, it would be a revenge for his father's defeat at the hands of Bishnoi in 2011 by-election here. The party has not won the Lok Sabha seat since 1999, when it, in alliance with the BJP, made a clean sweep sharing five seats, each.

The INLD had drawn a blank in 2004 and 2009 General Election. But adverse results could be equally demoralising for the party, as it would be a severe setback for the Chautala clan with top leadership missing in action.

Stakes high for Kuldeep

The stakes are high for Kuldeep, who is seeking votes while showcasing his chief ministerial candidature of the HJC-BJP alliance in the Assembly elections.

His victory would strengthen the ties with the BJP ahead of the Assembly polls putting a stop to the speculations of a rift in the coalition.

Hisar has proved to be a stronghold for the HJC as the party has won the last two elections from here.

Moreover, Kuldeep has an edge over the Lal clan's clash as he defeated Ajay Chautala twice in 2004 and 2011 in Bhiwani and Hisar Lok Sabha seats, respectively.

But a loose could spell a disaster for the fledgling outfit, as the INLD was eager to ride piggyback on BJP at the cost of the HJC. He expects a good margin in the Adampur, Nalwa, Hansi, Hisar and Barwala Assembly segments.

Heat’s on in ‘satta bazaar’

The betting rates on the candidates in the infamous satta market of Hansi town reveal how close the fight is getting.

Mahesh Chander, a shopkeeper who keeps a close tab on the swings in the satta bazaar, said: “The top two contenders share a common rate— 90 paisa per one rupee. Dushyant has vocal support in rural segments, while Kuldeep has a strong backing in urban centres.”

However, voters maintained that much would depend on the stand of some influential leaders, who have the capacity to sway their loyal vote bank to any side.

A political observer said: "With some Congress leaders not interested in canvassing for their leader, it would be interesting to see how he performs. Besides, the BSP's dent in the non-Jat votes and unforeseen strength of AAP will be the other deciding factors.”

While a win would obviously be a big boost, defeat would prove to be too costly a consequence in political terms for the three main contenders, he added.

Bathinda, April 7
I Vote, a user-friendly mobile application for disseminating information on Lok Sabha elections, has finally got the green signal from the Election Commission of India (ECI). After getting the nod, the application has been forwarded to Google and would be available at its play store for download from Thursday onwards.

An initiative of ADC Bathinda, Sonali Giri, the first-of-its-kind mobile app, I Vote, will have all information pertaining to users’ voter id, booth number, mapping and even e-voters’ slip will be available. Not only this, it will give information on constituencies, candidates and the candidates’ affidavits—all at a small tap.

The idea was developed to target youngsters, Sonali said, adding: “First we worked on an idea named Tag My Vote. This provided users the facility to tag themselves on social networking sites and stay connected online with friends. However, the ECI turned it down as it was not comfortable working on social networking sites, which according to them might be vulnerable to sabotaging or bugging.”

Sonali again turned to her husband Vipul Ujwal, who is the commissioner at Municipal Corporation, Bathinda, to help her develop the system from scratch.

“Social networking sites were the basis of Tag My Vote. But after ECI orders, we again started from the scratch,” Vipul said.

Vipul roped in his friends Manish August Bhatt from August Communications and young techie Ankush Pandey from Digital Sorcerer. The team developed this app and submitted it to the ECI for final consideration.

“ECI is the most tech-savvy government department in the country. After several submissions, deletions, omissions and corrections, it has now given us the final nod,” Sonali said.

“The entire team has worked pro bono (for public good) chasing the dream to make every voting detail available in a mobile user’s hand. It is now working on providing counting trends for May 16 counting countrywide. The team hopes to have at least 1.5 lakh downloads till April 30 so that the app can further be sustained,” she said.

Chandigarh, April 7
Party bigwigs are always crowd-pullers in any election, but the numbers cannot be barometers when it comes to votes and support. Haryana saw hectic political activity in the last week of campaigning where party biggies made efforts to whip up support for their respective parties.

Supporters during BJP PM candidate Narendra Modi's election campaign rally in Gurgaon recently. PTI Photo

The BJP’s top brass, PM candidate Narendra Modi, party chief Rajnath Singh and senior leader Sushma Swaraj addressed meetings and rallies in every constituency of the state.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi and party vice-president Rahul Gandhi, besides senior leaders — Anand Sharma and Digvijay Singh — came calling. Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda toured the entire state to campaign for the party.

The Aam Aadmi Party’s face, Arvind Kejriwal, not only went campaigning in constituencies but even held a road show. BSP chief Mayawati also addressed rallies to garner support for candidates fielded by the party as did the Deputy CM of Punjab, Sukhbir Singh Badal, who addressed rallies and meeting in support of the INLD. While rallies may be a way for political parties to reach out to the masses by way of a single programme, the crowds that make these rallies a success don’t seem to believe that the “star campaigners” of parties make a difference to the ground.

After Rajnath Singh sought votes for the BJP at Barwala in Ambala constituency, Jai Chand of Naraingarh said the voter had already made up his mind. “I will not go anywhere to hear star politicians. However, since the rally was a stone’s throw from my place, I decided to drop by. It is more to see the leader in flesh and blood and have some fun while this political circus is on. If somebody thinks I will vote on the basis of what I hear, he is mistaken,” he said.

A grocery store owner from Barwala, Reshmi Devi, was critical of these leaders holding big rallies. “If politicians had spent this money on carrying out development works or for the welfare of the poor, there was not need for them to hold rallies The people would have voted for them without requiring to be prodded,” she said.

A similar sentiment prevails in Sonepat where Narendra Modi addressed a rally and crowds flocked in large numbers. A farmer, Rajendra Kumar, said he came to enjoy the oratory and see why there is such hype around the BJP leader. “Political parties bring people to attend rallies. Gatherings cannot be the indication of the support base of any party. While most are clear about who they will vote for, only about 5 per cent of voters decide after hearing star leaders,” he maintained.

Shopkeepers in Sonepat point out: “Modi is a good man and he talks sense at his rallies. Voters don’t seem to be happy with the candidate the party has fielded. He has come from the Congress. We have to deal with him on a regular basis and not with Modi. So, how can the big leader’s oratory decide where we will vote.” they ask.

Though Sonia Gandhi pulled crowds in Mewat when she addressed her rally, Kherla village’s Sher Mohammad, who attended Kejriwal’s road show remarks: “The Congress has shown results and the party president speaks well. On the other hand, Kejriwal is promising us the moon though we can’t be sure he will be able to deliver when the time comes. So, I am still not sure whom to go with. I will not base my decision on the big-speak of these leaders.”

New Delhi, April 7
The Congress party today approached the Election Commission demanding recall of the poll panel's decision to extend voting hours in some states and made a strong pitch for issuance of clear-cut directions for checking EVMs in Assam.

The party also asked the EC to check and verify the voting machines on sample basis in other parts of the country.

This is the second meeting of Congress leaders with the EC within a week on the issue of apprehensions over manipulation of EVMs.

On Thursday, Congress-led delegation had met the Commission raising concerns over the functioning of EVMs during a sample survey in Jorhat in Assam.

"It is requested that the Commission may recall its decision to extend the polling hours. However, if any other decision is to be taken in respect to the polling hours then an all-party meeting should be called to discuss as this impacts all parties concerned in the election fray," it said. The party delegation comprised party leaders Moti Lal Vohra, Ahmed Patel, Janardhan Dwivedi, Abhishek Singhvi, KC Mittal and Jaiveer Shergill.

They asked the Election Commission to give immediate directions to mandating the production of authenticated government-issued ID proof along with the photo slip issued by the Booth Level Officers for identification of voters. The delegation also asked the Commission to deploy additional supervisory manpower to ensure proper distribution and free and fair casting of vote through postal ballot.—PTI 

Amethi, April 7
BJP candidate from the Amethi Lok Sabha seat, Smriti Irani, today attacked Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi for the lack of development in the seat, saying he has betrayed people after promising them progress.

“Development is not visible in Amethi. Rahul Gandhi has done nothing to develop the area,” Irani said while addressing a series of nukkad sabhas during her road show.

She said: “Rahul could not provide jobs to youth despite remaining in office for 10 years. The people in Amethi have now recognised him. He has betrayed them.”

Irani was accorded a warm welcome by party workers. She said there was the Modi wave everywhere in the country, as the people who are frustrated by inflation and corruption want to bring a change.— PTI

Kollam, April 7
The red flag with a hammer and sickle flutters alongside the tricolour of the Congress and the green flag with crescent moon and star of the Indian Union of Muslim League (IUML).

The vehicle carrying this incongruity belongs to NK Premachandran of the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP). Premachandran has challenged CPI(M) politbureau member MA Baby in the Kollam Lok Sabha constituency near Thiruvananthapuram.

The RSP had been a partner in the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front in Kerala for more than three decades. Its recent parting of ways with the LDF in Kerala and subsequent adoption by the United Democratic Front (UDF) headed by the Congress as its candidate against the heavyweight Baby has made the clash high profile in Kollam, Kerala, where polling is slated for April 10.

"I won from Kollam constituency twice. In 1997, I won by a margin of 77,000 votes. Subsequently, there were some issues in our party and taking advantage of that, the CPI(M) took away the seat from us. It won on two occasions and lost in 2009 to the Congress' NP Kurup," Premachandran told the TNS.

The RSP, he said, wrote to the CPI(M) six months ago saying that Kollam seat should be allocated to the RSP this time. But even before formal meeting of the LDF state committee, news started appearing that Baby would contest from the seat.

"We were given the impression that the Pathanamthitta seat would be allocated to the RSP. But the CPI(M) announced its own candidate from Pathanamthitta. After making these announcements, the CPI(M) called the LDF state committee meeting," Premachandran said.

The RSP leader said after they parted ways with the LDF, the UDF came forward and asked the RSP to join the Congress-led formation. The UDF gave RSP respect, Premchandran said, adding that the Congress sacrificed a seat held by it to accommodate the RSP. "The UDF is also helping us financially. We 
don't have much money to spend for canvassing," he said.

The CPI(M) candidate MA Baby told the TNS that the Congress was fighting a proxy war against the CPI(M) through the RSP. "I am not contesting against the RSP. It is with the Left Front in West Bengal and elsewhere. A section within the RSP took a politically wrong decision to go with the Congress. The Kollam seat is held by the Congress, which is trying to retain the seat by using the RSP as a tool," Baby said. He cited the example of Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram, who, according to Baby, was afraid of facing the electorate and backed out from contesting.

Baby said the CPI(M) nominees had contested from Kollam during the last three Lok Sabha elections. "What is the RSP's claim to this seat. It has only one MLA in this Lok Sabha segment," he added.

Baby pointed out that Premachandran was the only LDF MLA from Kollam district who failed to get re-elected when Assembly elections were held in Kerala in 2011.

"There were five LDF MLAs from the district and four of us got re-elected while Premachandran lost. Now, he has crossed over to the UDF. It is disgraceful. He cannot answer questions that we are going to ask him," Baby added.

The senior CPI(M) leader claimed that supporters of the RSP and the Congress in the constituency were perplexed by the RSP's decision to contest elections as a member of the UDF.

The clash in Kollam, a straight fight between the two friends-turned-foes, is thus poised.

Chandigarh, April 7
With just three days left for the electors to cast their votes in the first phase of the General Elections, armed forces and paramilitary personnel in Haryana and Chandigarh will have to rely only on the postal ballot to exercise their right to franchise, as no uniformed personnel in these two states have been registered as voters at their place of posting.

While about 1.2 lakh uniformed personnel, belonging to Haryana but posted outside their hometowns, have been registered as voters through the postal ballot, the figure for Chandigarh is 1,273. Both Haryana and Chandigarh are scheduled to go to polls on April 10.

Exercising their constitutional right to vote by soldiers has become a major issue with the matter being adjudicated by the Supreme Court.

Armed Forces personnel and members of their families had three options—postal ballot, proxy voting and voting at their place of posting.

While the first two options were hampered due to administrative, logistical and technical issues, the third option was never implemented. The Supreme Court had, on March 25, held that all defence personnel, residing at peace stations, would be entitled to register and vote at their place of posting. It also ruled that the constituencies, where the electoral rolls have been finalised would not be affected by the order.

Shrikant Walgad, Chief Electoral Officer, Haryana, said: "Since we had already completed the electoral process, in accordance with the Election Commission's schedule before the Supreme Court order, we could not register service personnel at their place of posting. Same was the case with Chandigarh."

With an Army Command at Chandimandir, a Corps at Ambala, Divisions at Hisar and Ambala, two air bases at Ambala and Sirsa and a large number of brigades, units and other establishments, Haryana has a sizable defence population.

Gurgaon and Faridabad also have a large number of service personnel. Chandigarh has a significant air force presence, with a major flying station and a base-repair depot, besides NCC and Territorial Army set ups.

The number of personnel presently posted in Haryana and Chandigarh but belonging to other states registered for the postal ballot is not known.

Several veteran organisations have been taking up the issue of registering service personnel at their place of posting, under the provisions of the Representation of the People's Act with local administration and electoral officers for a long time, but to no avail.

However, with the SC order the situation in neighbouring states such as Punjab and Himachal Pradesh and also in several other states that go to polls later, could be different.

New Delhi, April 7
Non-resident Indians (NRIs) may be able to cast their votes through internet from overseas as the Election Commission today told the Supreme Court that it was exploring such a possibility.

The Commission, however, told a bench headed by Justice KS Radhakrishnan that it is almost impossible to make any such arrangement for NRI to cast their votes from overseas in the ongoing general election as electoral rolls have been concluded in almost all constituencies. The bench, however, asked the Commission to do something in this election itself.

"You still have time," the bench said and wondered whether NRIs, who are registered voters, can be allowed to use their franchise through postal ballot.

"Why don't you examine at least this (regarding 11,844 registered NRIs)," it said.

The Election Commission submitted that it has appointed a committee to explore the possibility of allowing NRIs to cast their votes from overseas.

The bench then asked the Commission to file their response and posted the case for hearing on April 11.

The court was hearing a PIL filed by an NRI Shamsheer VP, who contended that the existing provision which mandates NRI voter to be physically present in the constituency to exercise his vote was discriminatory and violative of fundamental rights.

He submitted that a total number—over one crore people—will be entitled to cast their vote if NRIs are allowed to vote from overseas.

The PIL said 114 countries have adopted external voting and among it are 20 Asian countries. It said that the external voting could be by setting up polling booths at the diplomatic mission, or by postal, proxy or electronic voting. Shamsheer migrated to the UAE 12 years ago prior to which he was enrolled as a voter in his hometown of Calicut, Kerala and had voted in the elections. Subsequently he was removed from the voters’ list because of his NRI status. — PTI

Srinagar, April 7
A number of journalists in the country are joining politics and some are even contesting the Lok Sabha elections. Jammu and Kashmir is no exception as four Valley-based journalists have plunged into politics.

Nayeema Mehjoor (55) PDP
Broadcaster and former employee of the BBC and Radio Kashmir Nayeema Mehjoor joined the PDP in January this year. Nayeema Mehjoor, who is also the daughter-in-law of a Kashmiri poet Ghulam Ahmad Mehjoor, claimed that she had no inclination to join politics. "A day before joining politics, I thought that the state needs a strong leadership. I think Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is serious about the problems of the people," said Mehjoor. She started her career with Zoone Dab on Radio Kashmir where she performed as a child artiste, Nanne Kour. She later shifted to the BBC and worked there for 20 years.

Khalid Jehangir (38) BJP
Khalid Jehangir had made up his mind to join politics in 2012. It was Modi's speech at Lalkar Rally in Jammu that motivated him to join the BJP. "The Congress and the regional parties have been hoodwinking people," said Jehangir. A resident of Ganderbal district, Jehangir did his schooling from Burn Hall School, Srinagar, and pursued his graduation from SP College, Srinagar. "I also did practical intermediate course on public diplomacy and international relations from the Geneva School of Diplomacy," said Jehangir. Before joining the BJP, the journalist-turned-politician was a correspondent with ARD German News Network. He also had a brief stint as a resident editor of Political and Business Daily, which was published from Srinagar. "I think people in J&K are changing their perspective towards the BJP. Kashmiris still appreciate Atal Bihari Vajpayee and they term his tenure as the golden era in the history of Kashmir," he said

Abdul Rashid Tantary (45) AIP
Abdul Rashid Tantary, aka Rashid Rahil, is the Awami Itehad Party (AIP) candidate for the Srinagar parliamentary constituency where he will take on Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference. A journalist, poet and an author of two books, Rahil had also remained a preacher. In 1997, he joined journalism as the managing editor of a local Urdu daily. In 2004, he started his own Urdu newspaper 'Asian Mail' and was elected the general secretary of the Kashmir Press Association in 2007. He was also the general secretary of the Kashmir Editors' Association. He authored two books "Kahaan gaye woh din (Urdu) and Lole Mankal (Kashmiri poetry). Rahil, a resident of Ganderbal district, recently joined the AIP headed by Independent MLA Abdul Rashid Sheikh, aka Engineer Rashid.

Tura (Meghalaya), April 7
Contesting the most crucial election in his long political career, former Lok Sabha speaker Purno Agitok Sangma of the Nationalist People's Party (NPP) is trying to revive the separate Garoland state dream in the minds of people of the Garo tribe.

The 66-year-old eight-time MP from this Tura parliamentary constituency and former Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Sangma is contesting a crucial election in his career against Congress' greenhorn Daryl Momin (27) as a candidate of the NPP that he formed in January 2013 after he parted ways with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

Addressing a series of five rallies in West Garo Hills, Sangma appealed to militant groups to eschew violence. "The voice of the people is more powerful than AK 47, grenades and bombs. I seek your vote for Garoland and will raise your voice in Parliament. I will lead the democratic fight for Garoland and ensure that it is created. The demand has become relevant after the creation of Telangana."

Sangma promised: "I will raise my pitch at the highest level in Parliament. Our demand for a Garoland will be heard if Garo people remain united.

It is not an easy task but can be made to happen. So, if you vote for the NPP on April 9, you vote for Garoland." Justifying his decision to lend his voice to the age-old Garoland state demand, Sangma said he was waiting for the right time to raise his voice. "The Garos have an aspiration for a separate homeland. It is a question of our pride and identity. There is a popular realisation that it is 
the right time to raise the pitch in demanding a separate Garoland."

Purno accused the Congress government in Meghalaya headed by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma of misappropriating development funds provided by the Central government, a charge dismissed by the Congress citing the improved road conditions in Garo Hills. Sangma also flayed the Meghalaya government for its failure to implement the Food Security Act in the state. He tried to corner the Congress over 2G scam, Commonwealth Games scandal and Coalgate.

Sangma is facing a stiff challenge this time as the NPP has only two MLAs in the 24 Assembly segments under the Tura parliamentary constituency. The Congress has 19 MLAs. Three Independent MLAs are now backing Sangma in the fight against Daryl.

Purno's son James Sangma, an MLA, said in the last Assembly elections, the Congress had polled around 35 per cent votes. "We are trying to get the anti-Congress votes."

Independent MLA from the South Tura constituency John Lesley Marak, who is supporting Purno Sangma, said: "Congress candidate Daryl Momin, a greenhorn, is no match for Purno Sangma's experience and knowledge as a parliamentarian." 

Alliance of inconvenience

* Ticket aspirants in both the camps, who stand to lose because of the seat-sharing agreement, staged protests across Andhra Pradesh

* Lone Muslim member of TDP's politburo and renowned Urdu journalist Zahid Ali Khan quit the party in protest against the alliance with the BJP

* Warangal district unit president of BJP A Ashok Reddy announced his resignation in protest against the alliance

* The political storm is expected to intensify once the names of the constituencies, allotted to each party, are announced

Deoband, April 7
Inside the sprawling complex of Darul Uloom Deoband, one of the most influential schools of Islamic Studies in the world, is a small humble building.

It is home to one of the most influential persons in the complex — Maulana Abdul Khaliq Sambhali, deputy vice-chancellor of the apex body of traditional Muslim educational institutions or “madrasas” as they are commonly known.

Many Islamic schools across the world are affiliated with or theologically linked to Darul Uloom — the fountainhead of the Deobandi school of thought with followers across the world.

A knock at the door is answered by the Maulana, who, a polite “salaam” later, politely declines to say anything related to the General Election. The only reaction he offers is that “Darul Uloom is an educational institution. We do not believe in speaking on political matters or appealing in favour of any political party”.

Jama Masjid Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari had recently appealed to voters to support the Congress.

Insiders say many Congress leaders have knocked at the doors of the Darul Uloom to allow Rahul Gandhi to speak to students here. Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and Aam Aadmi Party’s Manish Sisodia also tried for political blessings from Deoband. “Everyone is welcome here, but ulemas want to steer away from politics to avoid any controversy,” they say. However, some local leaders say Muslims in the region - who are a sizable number - would prefer some direction on whom to vote for.

Deoband-based Majlis Ittehad-e-Millat general secretary Athar Usmani, who is appreciative of Imam’s direction, says: “Muslims, who are treated as mere spectators, need a clear message, a guidance to keep the communal forces at bay”.

Going a step further, Usmani charges the “so-called secular forces” with “misusing the name of Narendra Modi to create fear and confusion.” He says “people are not scared of Modi but his ideology, which other political parties take advantage of. Earlier it used to be the RSS, now it is Modi.”

“In such circumstances a clear message from someone they trust and respect would help them take the right decision. These elections are all about sentiments. It would not be wrong to say that Muslims are confused and need a clear direction,” he adds.

Incidentally, Deoband is located on the edge of the Saharanpur Lok Sabha constituency, where the Congress candidate is Imraan Masood — who was arrested for making a hate speech against Modi. He is now out on bail and actively campaigning.

Faheen Usmani, a local here, alleges that the “doctored video” was released by the SP. Though the video was intended to do him political harm, it seems to have done him wonders. “Masood must be pleasantly surprised with the kind of support he has been getting post-video,” he says.

In that context his cousin, SP candidate Shazaad Masood, may be in for a rude shock. With around 6.3 lakh Muslim voters in the constituency, the Congress candidate is gaining. What goes to Imran Masood’s benefit is that Hindu votes are expected to be divided between BSP candidate Jagdish Rana and BJP candidate Raghav Lakhan Pal Sharma and to some extend also AAP candidate Yogesh Dahiya.

It may not be the case in other places where there are more than one Muslims in the fray which is why people like Usmani are seeking a clear message - to ensure that votes are not divided.

Muslims have not yet decided who they should vote for, though in all likelihood they would vote against the BJP.

Post-Muzzaffarnagar riots, the SP may be the worst loser. The gains may be divided between the Congress and the BSP. AAP is yet to show any promise in the state that has more than 16 Lok Sabha constituencies with the Muslim population ranging between 20 and 45 per cent.

Saharanpur, Bijnour, Moradabad, Muzzafarnagar which are in immediate proximity of the leading Islamic seminary at Deoband have a population of 39 to 41 per cent Muslims. 

New Delhi, April 7
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today accused the Congress of scuttling the probe into the alleged snooping of a woman by the Gujarat Police in 2009 in lieu of the support of the BJP in passing the interim Budget during the last session.

Stressing the Congress party owes an explanation to the country on why it did not implement the Union Cabinet’s decision of December 26, 2013, to set up a commission of inquiry into the matter, the party questioned, “Would Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party show the courage to answer why the probe was scuttled? What is the stand of Kapil Sibal? Will he deny that there was a deal between the Congress and the BJP on not probing this matter?”

“Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday tried to score brownie points without being aware of the facts that his party-led UPA government did not even bother to appoint a judge for more than three months after announcing the inquiry commission,” said party leaders.

“The behaviour of Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and Law Minister Kapil Sibal gives rise to the suspicion that the Congress party had struck a deal with the BJP on the issue. Besides, the deal for the interim Budget was a part of the hidden deal which became public when the Congress voted with the BJP in the Delhi assembly on February 14 to defeat the AAP government’s Jan Lokpal Bill,” alleged AAP leaders.

AAP leaders said it was due to the investigative journalism by Ashish Khetan, who is now AAP candidate from the New Delhi constituency that the matter came to light. The added the least the Congress and its central government could have done was to have got the matter investigated and it “failed miserably” in doing so.

When Rahul Gandhi tore the copy of Ordinance he actually tore the institution of Prime Minister of India. — ShivrajSingh Chouhan

Crores of Bharat Swabhiman Karyakartas are delighted that as per their demand #BJPManifesto promises to bring back black money to India — Swami Ramdev

9 scams in 10 years! This is hilarious :) —Rajeev Chandrasekhar

Peep deep in ur conscience 2 decide whether u hv 2 promote Hindutva of Sawarkar an atheist/Hinduism of Bapu killed by promoter of Hindutva. — Digvijaya singh

Met with Kashmiri Pandits from South Kashmir in Jammu yesterday to request their support #2014 ….. Assured them of my continued efforts to improve the security environment in the valley so they can consider returning to their homes — Omar Abdullah

.....I heard some top editors exchanged msgs and decided to telecast BJP manifesto in violation of EC directions.... — Arvind Kejriwal