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Modi in Kerala Highlights: CM Pinarayi Vijayan thanks PM for state’s first Vande Bharat train, hopes for more to follow

Pm narendra modi in kerala news: the pm flagged off kerala’s first vande bharat train from thiruvananthapuram to kasaragod — a significant initiative ahead of the 2024 general elections..

PM Narendra Modi in Kerala Highlights (April 25): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Tuesday expressed the state’s gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allocating a Vande Bharat train for the state and dedicating several development projects to the nation. The PM flagged off Kerala’s first Vande Bharat train from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod — a significant initiative ahead of the 2024 general elections. Vijayan said he was placing Kerala’s “gratitude to you for allocating a Vande Bharat train” and expressed hope that more would follow. This is for the first time that the CM, who has been aggressively campaigning for the proposed SilverLine semi-high speed rail corridor project, is making any remark regarding the southern state’s reception of the Vande Bharat.

Meanwhile, PM Modi, who is on a two-day trip to Kerala, has said the Centre lays emphasis on cooperative federalism. “If Kerala develops, India will develop faster,” he added while speaking at an event to inaugurate a host of development projects in Thiruvananthapuram. He also reached out to the youth and church leaders in Kerala as he took on the ruling CPI(M) in the state as well as the main opposition Congress, accusing them of working against the interests of the people. Speaking at the conclave, Yuvam 2023, Modi said: “The way Northeastern states and Goa accepted the BJP , its work and its government, Kerala too will accept it in the coming days,” Modi said, as he asked the youth to stand for change.

Modi said the BJP government at the Centre is working along with the youth and is making development a reality. “While previous governments were known for scams, the BJP government in the past nine years has been creating opportunities for the youth,” he said. Taking a swipe at the ruling CPI(M) and Congress in Kerala, he said, “While one party is working to promote its political interest above the interest of the state, the other is working for the interest of one family. Time has come to defeat these two political ideologies.”

PM Modi in Kerala Highlights: PM Narendra Modi to flag off Kerala's first Vande Bharat Express, Shashi Tharoor to attend; follow this space for all the latest updates.

PM Modi inaugurated Kochi's water metro.

Kerala | PM Modi inaugurated Kochi's water metro. pic.twitter.com/rIUXKVqiJ1 — ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the Centre lays emphasis on cooperative federalism. “If Kerala develops, India will develop faster,” he added while speaking at an event to inaugurate a host of development projects in Thiruvananthapuram.

Elated to be in Thiruvananthapuram! Various development projects are being launched which will significantly benefit people and further Kerala's progress. https://t.co/r5fbyDam37 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 25, 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Kerala is a state of aware and educated people. Hardwork and humility of people here are part of their identity"

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates various development projects in Thiruvananthapuram.

Kerala | PM Narendra Modi inaugurates various development projects in Thiruvananthapuram. pic.twitter.com/5ZpCKFJcVD — ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2023

PM Modi will dedicate Kochin water metro to nation. "A significant enhancement to Kochi's infrastructure! The Kochi Water Metro would be dedicated to the nation. It will ensure seamless connectivity for Kochi," he wrote on Twitter.

A significant enhancement to Kochi's infrastructure! The Kochi Water Metro would be dedicated to the nation. It will ensure seamless connectivity for Kochi. pic.twitter.com/SAvvEz8SFt — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 23, 2023

PM Narendra Modi lays the foundation stone of Digital Science Park in Thiruvananthapuram.

#WATCH | Kerala: PM Narendra Modi lays the foundation stone of Digital Science Park in Thiruvananthapuram. pic.twitter.com/Lfns48pbMf — ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2023

PM Modi interacts with students onboard Vande Bharat Express.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has flagged off Kerala's first Vande Bharat train from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod -- a significant initiative ahead of the 2024 general elections. Modi, who received a rousing welcome on his arrival at Thiruvananthapuram, will also launch the Kochi water metro and lay the foundation stone for a Rs 1,500-crore digital science park.

#WATCH | Kerala: PM Narendra Modi flags off the Thiruvananthapuram Central-Kasaragod Vande Bharat Express train from Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station. pic.twitter.com/zdqdmwNE3g — ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives grand welcome at Thiruvananthapuram.

PM Modi in Thiruvananthapuram. (Courtesy : sources ) pic.twitter.com/mLZqHcfpeZ — Liz Mathew (@MathewLiz) April 25, 2023

Modi will flag off Kerala's first Vande Bharat train shortly

Adipoli Vande Bharat! Flag off in 2 hours by PM @narendramodi Ji. Thiruvananthapuram - Kasaragod pic.twitter.com/N2byc0nYVU — Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) April 25, 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a two-day tour of Kerala, a state where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is looking to expand its base ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

On Tuesday (April 25), Modi is set to flag off Kerala’s first Vande Bharat Express train from state capital Thiruvananthapuram, and also dedicate the first-of-its-kind Kochi Water Metro to the nation. Read more

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor hails Centre's initiative to launch Vande Bharat train in Kerala. About 14 months ago, Tharoor had tweeted about how bringing Vande Bharat trains to the state could address CM Pinarayi Vijayan's concern for speedy train travel to promote development,and alleviate Congress's concerns about land acquisition and environmental impact.

Recalling my tweets of fourteen months ago suggesting #VandeBharat trains for Kerala. Delighted that @AshwiniVaishnaw has done just that. Looking forward to attending @narendramodi ’s flagging off of the first train from Thiruvananthapuram on 25th. Progress must be beyond politics https://t.co/fAOO0qkXsd — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 19, 2023

#WATCH | "On one hand, the BJP Govt is toiling day and night to increase the exports and distribute Kerala's traditional medicines across the world. On the other hand, a few people are playing a different game. They are toiling to smuggle gold..," says PM Modi in Kochi, Kerala. pic.twitter.com/nOY8qcb01z — ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2023

Addressing the youth rally in Kochi following a mega road show, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for a BJP government in the state. “The way Northeastern states and Goa accepted BJP, its work and its government, Kerala too will accept it in the coming days,” the PM said during the youth conclave.

#WATCH | "...In the past years, efforts were not made to provide new opportunities to Kerala's youth. The struggles between two types of ideologies are causing loss to Kerala. One ideology here places its party above Kerala's interests. The other ideology places a family above… pic.twitter.com/DAAbgE1OSW — ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2023

Taking a dig at the Pinarayi Vijayan-led CPI(M) government in Kerala, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that while the focus of the BJP-ruled states is providing jobs to the youth, the Kerala government has not been able to do so.

Speaking about his government’s achievement, PM Modi said: “Previous governments did scams in every sector whereas our BJP govt is creating new opportunities for the youth in every sector. The BJP govt ran Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan and gave new opportunities to the youth. With the mantra of “vocal for local”, we promoted local products. We opened up the space and defence sectors. Through the PLI scheme, the BJP govt increased manufacturing in the country. Through its policies, the BJP govt also increased exports.”

Lauding the youth of Kerala, the Prime Minister said: “I am delighted that when India is walking ahead with the resolution of New India, when India is shouldering global responsibilities, the youth of Kerala has stepped forward to lead India's development journey.”

#WATCH | "Today everyone is saying that the 21st century is India's. India is a country which has an abundant store of youth power. Earlier the thinking was that nothing can change in this country but now the thinking is that this country can change the entire world..," says PM… pic.twitter.com/iPOeewvOAi — ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2023

Following the mega road show in Kochi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a youth conclave in the city. At the meet, the PM said: “Today, our country is starting the journey of Amritkal. This resolution of the youth of Kerala through Yuvam is very important. A mission becomes vibrant when there is energy of the vibrant youth behind it. When it comes to Kerala, it is so grand and beautiful that coming here, the energy increases even more.”

Kerala welcomes PM Modi with flowers and affection! pic.twitter.com/utZAMH4lcX — BJP (@BJP4India) April 24, 2023

Kochi is all set to welcome their beloved leader PM Shri @narendramodi . pic.twitter.com/vW8j8zRoST — BJP (@BJP4India) April 24, 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after landing in Kochi, held a road show in the city. The 1.8 km-long road show is expected to end at the Sacred Heart College ground at Thevara, where the PM would interact with youths at the YUVAM conclave.

#WATCH | Kerala: PM Narendra Modi holds a roadshow in Kochi. PM is on a two-day visit to the state. pic.twitter.com/m1aBLyrPZ9 — ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate to the nation the Kochi water metro, a first-of-its-kind public boat service integrated with a metro rail network, on April 25. The inaugural event will be held in Thiruvananthapuram. The Rs 747-crore project is being implemented by Kochi Metro Rail Corporation Limited. The project is implemented with assistance from German funding agency Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau.

According to KMRL and Kochi Water Metro Limited (KWML) managing director Loknath Behera, the water metro will start sailing with 8 electric-hybrid boats in two routes – High Court-Vypin and Vyttila-Kakkanad. Operations on the first route will begin on April 26 and on the second route on April 26. Once the project is fully operational, the water metro, with 78 boats and 38 terminals, will cover 76 kms in Kochi backwaters, covering six panchayats and three municipalities.

The PM’s Kerala visit assumes political significance as it comes at a time when the BJP has been making all-out attempts to expand its base in the state ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls by highlighting the Modi-led party’s government’s development agenda at the Centre.

The recent formation of a new Christian party by disgruntled leaders of various splinter outfits of the regional Christian party, Kerala Congress, and the new warmth between the Catholic Church and the Sangh Parivar have rekindled the BJP’s electoral hopes in the state, where the party has not been able to expand its footprint despite having made massive efforts in this regard for years. Buoyed by the PM’s visit, the BJP’s Kerala unit has also started a hashtag campaign “Keralamawaitsmodi” on social media.

Also, PM Modi’s meeting with bishops is taking place at a time when a section of the Church has made a promise to support the BJP in the elections if the Union government steps in to raise the prices of natural rubber, which has been a mainstay of farmers’ income in Central Kerala, where a sizeable section of people belong to the Christian community.

Good afternoon and welcome to our Live Blog. As PM Modi touches down in Kerala, we will be covering all the events that the Prime Minister addresses and attends. Stay along with us to not miss out on any newsworthy event.

The Kerala Police Sunday arrested a Kochi native who allegedly wrote a letter threatening a suicide bomb attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his two-day visit to the state starting Monday.

The police identified the accused as M Xavier, a native of Kaloor. Xavier confessed to investigators that he wrote the letter in the name of another person against whom he harboured personal animosity and whose name and phone number were mentioned in it.

Kochi City Police Commissioner K Sethuraman told the media that the threat mentioned in Xavier’s letter was a hoax. “He (Xavier) wanted to trap another person. We arrested Xavier after collecting scientific evidence and conducting a forensic handwriting analysis,” he said.

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PM to visit Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra on 27-28 February

PM to visit Vikram Sarabhai Space centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, and inaugurate three important space infrastructure projects worth about Rs 1800 crore

Projects include ‘PSLV Integration Facility’ at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota; ‘Semi-cryogenics Integrated Engine and stage Test facility’ at ISRO Propulsion Complex at Mahendragiri; and ‘Trisonic Wind Tunnel’ at VSSC

PM to also review progress of Ganganyaan

PM to inaugurate, dedicate to nation and lay the foundation stone of multiple infrastructure projects worth more than Rs 17,300 crore in Tamil Nadu

In a step to establish a transshipment hub for the east coast of the country, PM to lay the foundation stone of Outer Harbor Container Terminal at V.O.Chidambaranar Port

PM to launch India’s first indigenous green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel

PM to address thousands of MSME entrepreneurs working in Automotive sector in Madurai

PM to inaugurate and dedicate to nation multiple infrastructure projects related to rail, road and irrigation worth more than Rs 4900 crore in Maharashtra

PM to release 16th instalment amount of about Rs 21,000 crore under PM-KISAN; and 2nd and 3rd instalments of about Rs 3800 crore under ‘Namo Shetkari MahaSanman Nidhi’

PM to disburse Rs 825 crore of Revolving Fund to 5.5 lakh women SHGs across Maharashtra

PM to initiate the distribution of one crore Ayushman cards across Maharashtra

PM to launch the Modi Awaas Gharkul Yojana

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra on 27-28 February, 2024.

On 27th February, at around 10:45 AM, Prime Minister will visit Vikram Sarabhai Space centre (VSSC) at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. At around 5:15 PM, Prime Minister will participate in the programme ‘Creating the Future – Digital Mobility for Automotive MSME Entrepreneurs’ in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

On 28th February, at around 9:45 AM, Prime Minister will inaugurate, and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth about Rs 17,300 crore at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. At around 4:30 PM, Prime Minister will participate in a public programme in Yavatmal, Maharashtra, and inaugurate and dedicate to nation multiple development projects worth more than Rs 4900 crore at Yavatmal, Maharashtra. He will also release benefits under PM KISAN and other schemes during the programme.

PM in Kerala

Prime Minister’s vision to reform the country’s space sector to realise its full potential, and his commitment to enhance technical and R&D capability in the sector will get a boost as three important space infrastructure projects will be inaugurated during his visit to Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram. The projects include the PSLV Integration Facility (PIF) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota; new ‘Semi-cryogenics Integrated Engine and stage Test facility’ at ISRO Propulsion Complex at Mahendragiri; and ‘Trisonic Wind Tunnel’ at VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram. These three projects providing world-class technical facilities for the space sector have been developed at a cumulative cost of about Rs. 1800 crore.

The PSLV Integration Facility (PIF) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota will help in boosting the frequency of PSLV launches from 6 to 15 per year. This state-of-the-art facility can also cater to the launches of SSLV and other small launch vehicles designed by private space companies.

The new ‘Semi-cryogenics Integrated Engine and stage Test facility’ at IPRC Mahendragiri will enable development of semi cryogenic engines and stages which will increase the payload capability of the present launch vehicles. The facility is equipped with liquid Oxygen and kerosene supply systems to test engines up to 200 tons of thrust.

Wind tunnels are essential for aerodynamic testing for characterisation of rockets and aircraft during flight in the atmospheric regime. The “Trisonic Wind Tunnel” at VSSC being inaugurated is a complex technological system which will serve our future technology development needs.

During his visit, Prime Minister will also review the progress of Gaganyaan Mission and bestow ‘astronaut wings’ to the astronaut-designates. The Gaganyaan Mission is India’s first human space flight program for which extensive preparations are underway at various ISRO centres.

PM in Tamil Nadu

In Madurai, Prime Minister will participate in the programme ‘Creating the Future – Digital Mobility for Automotive MSME Entrepreneurs’, and address thousands of Micro, Small and Medium enterprises (MSMEs) entrepreneurs working in the automotive sector. Prime Minister will also launch two major initiatives designed to support and uplift MSMEs in the Indian automotive industry. The initiatives include the TVS Open Mobility Platform and the TVS Mobility-CII Centre of Excellence. These initiatives will be a step towards realising the Prime Minister’s vision of supporting the growth of MSMEs in the country and helping them to formalise operations, integrate with global value chains and become self-reliant.

In the public programme at Thoothukudi, Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of Outer Harbor Container Terminal at V.O.Chidambaranar Port. This Container Terminal is a step towards transforming V.O.Chidambaranar Port into a transshipment hub for the east coast. The project aims to leverage India’s long coastline and favourable geographic location, and strengthen India’s competitiveness in the global trade arena. The major infrastructure project will also lead to creation of employment generation and economic growth in the region.

Prime Minister will inaugurate various other projects aimed at making the V.O.Chidambaranar Port as the first Green Hydrogen Hub Port of the country. These projects include desalination plant, hydrogen production and bunkering facility etc.

Prime Minister will also launch India’s first indigenous green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel under Harit Nauka initiative. The vessel is manufactured by Cochin Shipyard and underscores a pioneering step for embracing clean energy solutions and aligning with the nation’s net-zero commitments. Also, Prime Minister will also dedicate tourist facilities in 75 lighthouses across ten States/UTs during the programme.

During the programme, Prime Minister will dedicate to nation rail projects for doubling of Vanchi Maniyachchi – Nagercoil rail line including the Vanchi Maniyachchi – Tirunelveli section and Melappalayam – Aralvaymoli section. Developed at the cost of about Rs 1,477 crore, the doubling project will help in reducing travel time for the trains heading towards Chennai from Kanyakumari, Nagercoil & Tirunelveli.

Prime Minister will also dedicate four road projects in Tamil Nadu, developed at a total cost of about Rs 4,586 Crore. These projects include the four-laning of the Jittandahalli-Dharmapuri section of NH-844, two-laning with paved shoulders of the Meensurutti-Chidambaram section of NH-81, four-laning of the Oddanchatram-Madathukulam section of NH-83, and two-laning with paved shoulders of the Nagapattinam-Thanjavur section of NH-83. These projects aim to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, enhance socio-economic growth and facilitate pilgrimage visits in the region.

PM in Maharashtra

In a step that will showcase yet another example of commitment of the Prime Minister towards welfare of farmers, the 16th instalment amount of more than Rs 21,000 crores under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), will be released at the public programme in Yavatmal, through direct benefits transfer to beneficiaries. With this release, an amount of more than 3 lakh crore, has been transferred to more than 11 crore farmers’ families.

Prime Minister will also disburse 2nd and 3rd instalments of ‘Namo Shetkari MahaSanman Nidhi’, worth about Rs 3800 crore and benefiting about 88 lakh beneficiary farmers across Maharashtra. The scheme provides an additional amount of Rs 6000 per year to the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana in Maharashtra.

Prime Minister will disburse Rs 825 crore of Revolving Fund to 5.5 lakh women Self Help Groups (SHGs) across Maharashtra. This amount is additional to the Revolving fund provided by the Government of India under National rural livelihood Mission (NRLM). Revolving Fund (RF) is given to SHGs to promote lending of money within SHGs by rotational basis and increase annual income of poor households by promoting women led micro enterprises at village level.

Prime Minister will initiate distribution of one crore Ayushman cards across Maharashtra. This is yet another step to reach out to beneficiaries of welfare schemes so as to realise the Prime Minister’s vision of 100 percent saturation of all government schemes.

Prime Minister will launch the Modi Awaas Gharkul Yojana for OBC category beneficiaries in Maharashtra. The scheme envisages the construction of a total 10 lakh houses from FY 2023-24 to FY 2025-26. Prime Minister will transfer the first instalment of Rs 375 Crore to 2.5 lakh beneficiaries of the Yojana.

Prime Minister will dedicate to nation multiple irrigation projects benefiting Marathwada and Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. These projects are developed at a cumulative cost of more than Rs 2750 crore under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojna (PMKSY) and Baliraja Jal Sanjeevani Yojana (BJSY).

Prime Minister will also inaugurate multiple rail projects worth more than Rs. 1300 crore in Maharashtra. The projects include Wardha-Kalamb broad gauge line (part of Wardha-Yavatmal-Nanded new broad gauge line project) and New Ashti – Amalner broad gauge line (part of Ahmednagar-Beed-Parli new broad gauge line project). The new broad gauge lines will improve connectivity of the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions and boost socio-economic development. Prime Minister will also virtually flag off two train service during the programme. This includes train services connecting Kalamb and Wardha; and train service connecting Amalner and New Ashti. This new train service will help improve rail connectivity and benefit students, traders and daily commuters of the region.

Prime Minister will dedicate to nation several projects for strengthening the road sector in Maharashtra. The projects include four laning of the Warora-Wani section of NH-930; road upgradation projects for important roads connecting Sakoli-Bhandara and Salaikhurd-Tirora. These projects will improve connectivity, reduce travel time and boost socio-economic development in the region. Prime Minister will also inaugurate the statue of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay in Yavatmal city.

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PM Modi’s Kerala Trip in Pics – From Temple Visit to Greeting Cheering Crowds on Streets | Day 1 Highlights

Curated By : News Desk

Last Updated: September 01, 2022, 22:26 IST

Kerala, India

PM Narendra Modi at Sri Adi Shankara Janma Bhoomi Kshetram in Kochi on Thursday. (Image: PIB/PTI Photo)

A major highlight was PM Narendra Modi's visit to Adi Shankara Janma Bhoomi Kshetram, birthplace of saint-philosopher Adi Shankaracharya, in Ernakulam district

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared some snapshots from the first day of his two-day tour to Kerala by thanking the people of state for giving him a warm welcome. Supporters of the prime minister and the BJP braved heavy rains to welcome him to Kochi on Thursday.

(Image: @Narendra Modi/Twitter)

A major highlight was his visit to Adi Shankara Janma Bhoomi Kshetram, the birthplace of saint-philosopher Adi Shankaracharya at Kalady village in Ernakulam district. Wearing a traditional attire of Kerala, Modi spent 45 minutes there and offered prayers.

“I am thankful to the people of Kerala for the affection,” he later tweeted.

Other than inaugurating some major development projects in Kochi, the PM interacted with the state BJP unit and addressed party workers at a public meeting in Nedumbassery. He said the biggest priority of the central government was to provide fundamental facilities to each citizen of the country and build modern infrastructure.

He inaugurated different projects, including that of the Indian Railways and the Kochi Metro, and laid foundation stones for the redevelopment of three railway stations in Kerala. He also inaugurated the 27-km double line of Indian Railways connecting Kuruppanthara-Kottayam Chingavanam sections completed at a cost of Rs 750 crore.

The PM also paid tributes to Puli Thevar, an 18th century Tamil warrior who fought against the British, on his birth anniversary. His valour and determination give inspiration to countless people, the prime minister said.

Modi tweeted, “I pay homage to the brave Puli Thevar on his birth anniversary. His valour and determination give inspiration to countless people. He was at the forefront of resisting imperialism. He always fought for the people.”

Talking about benefits to the youth of Kerala, Modi said the Centre has spent around Rs 1 lakh crore on various projects in the southern state. “The central government is working to open at least one medical college in every district, and it will hugely benefit the youth of Kerala. To develop modern infrastructure, the BJP government is spending around Rs 1 lakh crore on multiple projects in Kerala,” he said.

The PM also dedicated to the nation the newly electrified section between Kollam-Punalur completed at a cost of Rs 76 crore, which will offer a fillip to eco-tourism besides serving as a faster and affordable means of transportation through the picturesque route and flagged off special train services between Kottayam-Ernakulam and Kollam-Punalur. He laid the foundation stone of Kochi Metro Phase 2 project and inaugurated phase 1A, the first stretch from SN Junction to Vadakkekotta. Governor Arif Muhammed Khan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also attended the event.

(With PTI inputs)

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PM Modi’s visit: Traffic curbs in Kochi for two days, check out details

The police have imposed certain traffic restrictions in Kochi city for the next two days in connection with the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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On Monday (April 24) from 2 pm to 8 pm, vehicles coming from West Kochi region to Ernakulam should enter NH via Thoppumpadi, Thevara Ferry, Kundanur, Vytila, Edakochi, Aroor.

Vehicles will not be allowed to enter from West Kochi to Thevara from 2 pm to 8 pm. Vehicles should take a turn from BOT East and proceed via Thevara Ferry, Kundanur and Vyttila. Vehicles will not be allowed to enter from Thevara ferry side to Thevara and vice versa from 2 pm to 8 pm.

Large vehicles going from Ernakulam to West Kochi should go via Kundanur and Aroor. Vehicles will not be allowed to enter from Pallimukku to Thevara from 2 pm to 8 pm. Vehicles should take a U-turn from Pallimukku and proceed to Vyttila via Kadavantra.

Vehicles going from Marine Drive towards Thevara should take a turn from BT H and go via Jos Junction. Service buses going to West Kochi from Ernakulam should make a turn from Pallimukku and go via Kadavanthra, Vyttila, Kundannur and Aroor.

On Tuesday (April 25) from 8 am to 10.30 am, vehicles will not be allowed to enter West Kochi Island area from Thevara. Vehicles should turn around from Thevara junction and go to Thevara side. Vehicles will not be allowed to enter Thevara from West Kochi area. Vehicles should take a turn from BOT East towards Thevara Ferry. Vehicles coming from Thrissur with people attending the PM’s event should be parked at Ernakulathappan Ground, Container Road and Kadavanthra Maveli Road after dropping people at Kadavanthra.

Vehicles coming from Alappuzha, Kottayam and Idukki should drop their passengers at Thevara Ferry Junction and park at the Motor Vehicle Department’s Driving Test Ground on Thevara Ferry Boat Easter Road and on Indira Gandhi Road. PM will inaugurate the Kochi Water Metro project on Augut 25. 

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Why voters in southern India are more resistant to Modi’s Hindu-centric politics

A boy holds a placard at a rally for Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam party leader and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu state, M. K. Stalin, in the southern Indian city of Chennai, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has wielded near-total control over Indian politics since coming to power ten years ago, with one exception: He has failed to win over the country’s wealthier southern region. Five states across southern India account for roughly 20 percent of the country’s population and 30 percent of its economy. They are the heartbeat of India’s manufacturing and high-tech sectors. (AP video by Shonal Ganguly)

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Giant cutouts of opposition political party leaders tower over supporters during a rally, on the outskirts of the southern Indian city of Chennai, April 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Supporters welcome Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam party candidate Thamizhachi Thangapandian, riding an open-roofed tuk-tuk, during an election roadshow in Chennai, in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, April 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Children watch Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam party candidate Dayanidhi Maran’s election roadshow pass through their residential area in the southern Indian city of Chennai, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Members of a local band stand next to cutouts of Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Tamilisai Soundararajan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, as they wait for her arrival for an election campaign rally, in the southern Indian city of Chennai, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Tamilisai Soundararajan, center, holds up a sword during an election campaign rally in Chennai, in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

A supporter of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party holds a mace, used as a weapon by Hindu god Hanuman, as he shouts slogans during an election campaign rally addressed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the northern Indian city of Meerut, March 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Supporters rest by a large cut out of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu state, M. K. Stalin, following an election rally in the southern Indian city of Chennai, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

M. K. Stalin, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam party leader, speaks on a stage resembling the Indian parliament building during an election campaign rally on the outskirts of the southern Indian city of Chennai, April 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of the southern Indian state of Kerala, speaks during a protest against the federal government in New Delhi, India, Feb. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

A Muslim woman and a boy walk past portraits of elephant-headed Hindu God Ganesha, Jesus Christ and Islam’s holy sites of Mecca and Medina, in the southern Indian city of Chennai, April 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Newly wed Dileep Kumar, right, walks with his bride Narayani outside in the southern Indian city of Chennai, April 15, 2024. Kumar, a computer engineer in Bengaluru, said voters in Tamil Nadu are wary that the ruling party of Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to impose Hindi language on the state. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Flower vendors set up their shops as devotees walk outside Mylapore temple in the southern Indian city of Chennai, April 15, 2024. Southern India is home to some of the country’s most visited temples and has millions of Hindu devotees. What sets it apart, experts say, is that religion hasn’t been weaponized for political gain. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Devotees perform rituals inside Mylapore temple in the southern Indian city of Chennai, April 15, 2024. Southern India is home to some of the country’s most visited temples and has millions of Hindu devotees. What sets it apart, experts say, is that religion hasn’t been weaponized for political gain. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

An elderly man reads a newspaper in an alleyway in the southern Indian city of Chennai, April 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Fishermen transport fish their catch from a boat at a harbor in the southern Indian city of Chennai, April 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

A man walks past as an elderly woman reading reads a newspaper outside a small temple by the street in the southern Indian city of Chennai, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

A mother and daughter enjoy a ride on Marina beach in the southern Indian city of Chennai, April 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

A vendor roasts corn on the cob for people visiting Marina beach in the southern Indian city of Chennai, April 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

FILE- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi displays the Bharatiya Janata Party symbol during an election road show in the southern Indian city of Chennai, India, Tuesday, April 9, 2024. (AP Photo/File)

A man takes a photograph of his son enjoying a ride at Marina beach in the southern Indian city of Chennai, April 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

CHENNAI, India (AP) — Prime Minister Narendra Modi has wielded near-total control over Indian politics since coming to power 10 years ago, with one exception: He has failed to win over the country’s wealthier southern region.

Five states across southern India account for roughly 20% of the country’s population and 30% of its economy. They are the heartbeat of India’s manufacturing and high-tech sectors. They are ethnically diverse and proudly multilingual. They empower women with educational and employment opportunities and have a long history of progressive politics.

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Not one of them is controlled by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party — a stark rejection of its Hindu-nationalist agenda that enjoys wide support in northern India.

The BJP is expected to win India’s election when results are announced in June, delivering Modi another five years as prime minister. But the odds are also high of strong resistance in the south. That would deny Modi his ambition of uniting all of India behind him and limit how far he can push the BJP agenda of promoting one religion and language over others.

“If you conceive of a Hindi-speaking, unified civilization as the reason you exist, then that becomes a significant barrier for you to cross,” data scientist and political analyst Neelakantan R.S. said.

Voters and leaders of India’s southern states have different needs than their counterparts in the north, which is more rural and populous. One thing they want is greater recognition from the Modi government of the key role their region plays in advancing the country’s economy.

They feel their outsized contribution to India’s tax base is betrayed by Modi’s preferential treatment for poorer northern states, which receive a disproportionate amount of government funds for development projects and social welfare programs.

Modi’s injection of religion into politics only exacerbates tensions with many southern voters.

Despite the strong opposition, Modi is campaigning aggressively in the south. His goal is for the BJP to win enough seats in the lower house of parliament to secure a two-thirds majority. That much power could embolden the party to try changing the constitution to serve its Hindu-centric goals, political analyst Kavitha Muralidharan said.

“A super majority is what they need to launch a full-scale, pan-India, Hindutva experiment,” Muralidharan said, referring to the century-old ideology guiding Modi.

MODI’S SOUTHERN STRATEGY

Modi has made some 20 trips this year to five southern states: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. They control roughly a quarter of the 543 seats in the lower house of parliament — and if the BJP can win just a few more than the 29 seats it won from these states in 2019, its super majority is within reach.

But experts are skeptical this will happen because southern voters have deep connections to regional political parties that have dominated for decades and are the BJP’s toughest electoral opponents nationwide.

Modi is heavily focused on the southernmost state, Tamil Nadu, where the BJP did not win any of its 39 seats up for grabs in the 2019 election.

On a recent visit there, Modi wore the region’s traditional white silk garment -- a veshti -- wrapped around his lower body, and he used artificial intelligence software to have his speeches translated in real-time from Hindi to Tamil.

“As the world’s oldest language, Tamil fills us with immense pride,” Modi said recently, making an apparent effort to tamp down rumors that the BJP wants to impose the Hindi language on the state.

Still, Dileep Kumar, a computer engineer in Bengaluru, said voters in Tamil Nadu are wary. “I can’t go and say to a Hindi guy, brother, please quit your Hindi and start talking in Tamil. That’s not going to work, will it?” he said.

One BJP candidate running for parliament in the state’s capital of Chennai believes the party has its best shot in years at gaining support.

“His frequent visits are helping us,” Tamilisai Soundararajan said. “People here were electrified when they saw the prime minister.”

But the incumbent she’s up against is doubtful. Hindu-centric politics won’t resonate in a place with a long history of social justice and equal rights movements, said Thamizhachi Thangapandian, a retired college professor who is a member of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam party, the BJP’s strongest rival in Tamil Nadu.

The beat of drums and firecrackers welcomed Thangapandian as she greeted voters recently riding an open-roofed tuk-tuk through Chennai’s alleyways. The achievements of her party blared through a set of speakers, including a reference to keeping out the “religion crazy” BJP.

Modi routinely mentions on the campaign trail the recent construction of a Hindu temple atop a razed mosque, but the issue doesn’t animate voters in southern India like it does elsewhere.

Southern India is home to some of the country’s most visited temples and has millions of Hindu devotees. What sets it apart, experts say, is that religion hasn’t been weaponized for political gain.

“People are religious here,” said Muralidharan, the political analyst. “But it doesn’t convert into a frenzy.”

The BJP’s religious zealotry makes leaders in the region nervous because of its potential to create a “disturbance to the peace” in a place with a global reputation as a good place to do business, said G Sundarrajan, a robotics entrepreneur in Chennai, where Hyundai and Foxconn (the maker of Apple iPhones) have located factories.

“Investors prefer Tamil Nadu precisely because its peaceful, has a large educated labor force and support from local government,” he said.

Modi tempers his Hindu-nationalist rhetoric while visiting the south, focusing his speeches instead on economics. For example, he has promised to build a high-speed rail line that would run through southern India and to help develop fisheries and auto manufacturing.

TENSION OVER REDISTRIBUTING WEALTH

The economy of southern India is more industrialized than the north, its cities are more urbanized, and its youth are more educated.

Southern Indian cities have also become a magnet for global technology companies seeking to diversify beyond China, including Apple and Google. The vast potential for India’s economy, now the world’s fifth-largest, is a point of pride for Modi.

But political leaders in southern India feel short-changed by Modi.

Tamil Nadu, India’s second-wealthiest state, receives far less in return for every rupee in taxes it pays compared with poorer northern states like Uttar Pradesh or Bihar, which receive government investments equal to two or three times the amount they pay in taxes.

This tension over the redistribution of wealth from south to north existed long before Modi came to power. But the BJP has made it worse.

Southern leaders believe Modi’s priorities lie in the north, where he derives the bulk of his support. They worry that the BJP government will snatch away even more decision-making power from states if their majority grows, said Muralidharan.

Southern leaders have protested against the Modi government for holding up development funding, for misusing federal agencies to target political opponents in the region, and for not sending enough emergency relief after natural disasters.

And they believe their fight against the BJP and Modi is existential.

“In southern India, the threat of being reduced to a vassal state is a serious problem,” said Neelakantan, the political analyst.

Pathi reported from New Delhi.

Spanish bishops protest government ‘obsession’ with Church abuse

Modi pursues christian votes in southern india, the hindu-nationalist bjp has been historically weak in southern india, especially in kerala where it has never won a seat..

J.P. Nadda, the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, an election road show in Kottayam in Kerala. Sipa US / Alamy

Church leaders in India have faced charges of politicisation amid the campaign for Christian votes in general election.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited the small southern state of Kerala five times this year as his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) pursues a third general election victory .

In April he suggested that he and Pope Francis had discussed a papal visit to India next year, as he insisted that in an interview the party would take “all communities, including Christians, on board”.

The Hindu-nationalist BJP has been historically weak in southern India, especially in Kerala where it has never won a seat, even in the consecutive election victories in 2014 and 2019 for the National Democratic Alliance coalition the party leads.

The National Democratic Alliance won 15.64 per cent of votes in the 2019 election, an increase of 2.78 per cent on the 2014 poll.  It won 14.96 per cent of votes in the 2016 assembly elections, but that fell to 11.03 per cent in 2021 when it lost its sole seat.

BJP politicians including Modi have appealed to Christian voters in the state, with a large number of rallies and public visits to bishops and other Church leaders.

By tradition, Kerala is where St Thomas the Apostle began his mission to India in 52AD, and 22 per cent of India’s Christian population lives there, divided between Catholic and Orthodox Churches as well as Protestant denominations. 

It is known as “God’s own country” for the relative harmony between its Hindu, Muslim and Christian populations. In a 2011 census, they respectively made up 54.73 per cent, 26.6 per cent and 18.4 per cent of its population.

Some local BJP leaders joined the Palm Sunday processions this year, while on Good Friday the party’s vice president for Kerala A.N. Radhakrishnan attempted to carry a cross to the top of Malayattoor Hill near Angamaly as part of a Syro-Malabar pilgrimage.

From 21 December to 31 January party leaders conducted its Sneha Yatra (“Love Journey”) outreach programme to appeal to Christian leaders. K. Surendran, its president in Kerala, met the former major archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church , Cardinal George Allencherry.

“We are carrying Prime Minister Modi’s Christmas and New Year messages to churches, headquarters of various denominations and all Christian homes in Kerala,” Surendran said.

Suresh Gopi, a popular actor who is standing for the BJP in the city of Thrissur, placed a golden crown on the head of a Marian statue in the city’s Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes during a ceremony.

Christian votes have been deemed key to results in several Kerala constituencies. Despite its Hindu-nationalist position, the BJP has enjoyed success in other historic Christian centres such as western Goa.

V.D. Satheesan, leader of the opposition Indian National Congress in Kerala’s legislative assembly, has dismissed the BJP’s efforts as a “gimmick”. He said bishops were not endorsing the party by receiving its leaders, because they could not practically refuse visits from the party of government. 

Christians have in the past been wary of the BJP’s polarising policies , and typically voted for the Congress in parliamentary elections while supporting either the Left Democratic Front – led by the Communist Party of India-Marxist and Communist Party of India – or the Congress-led United Democratic Front in assembly elections.

However, the party’s prospects improved last year when Anil K. Antony, son of the veteran Christian politician A.K. Antony, joined the BJP to contest the Pathanamthitta constituency this year.

Modi has also pursued Christian votes outside Kerala, with public gestures such as a Christmas party at his New Delhi residence attended by most senior bishops and heads of Churches. The attendees were criticised in some corners for not refusing the invitation in protest at the persecution of Christians in India.

“On one hand they decry the anti-Christian policies of the federal government, but on other, they try to appease the rulers,” said the human rights activist John Dayal.

Outside of Kerala, Hindu nationalist groups have continued to target the Church . The BJP-aligned Legal Rights Protection Forum accused Archbishop George Anthonysamy of Madras-Maylapore, in Tamil Nadu state, of breaking electoral law by mentioning the suffering of religious minorities in an editorial. 

The forum said this was an attempt “to influence voters on religious lines”, but the archbishop insisted he had appealed “to people to vote as citizens”, not for any particular party.

The political analyst George Gonsalves, based in the Kerala city of Kochi, said that some Church leaders were “gravitating” towards the BJP due to their “vested interests”.  

The federal government’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act has blocked foreign funds for many charitable and religious organisations, leaving Church authorities short of funds and dependant on government patronage. Some bishops are implicated in legal action over the misappropriation of property and clergy sexual transgressions .

Gonsalves said that two bishops were prepared to support the BJP to gain a seat from Kerala if the federal government doubled the procurement price of rubber, to their financial benefit.

The screening in one diocese of the controversial film Kerala Story , which promotes the “love jihad” conspiracy theory and was dubbed “BJP propaganda”, suggested support for the BHP’s anti-Muslim rhetoric.

However, the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council has denied aligning with any party. Gonsalves said Christian support for the BJP was weakened by its conduct in Manipur, where a BJP-led government has failed to stop ethnic violence that has badly affected tribal Christians. He also said that Christian voters were conscious that the party’s anti-Muslim rhetoric could be turned against them .

In a campaign speech last month, Modi equated the Muslim community with “infiltrators” and described them as “those who have more children”. He promoted a conspiracy theory about Muslims stealing Hindu wealth.  

Nearly 20,000 citizens wrote to the Election Commission of India demanding that it sanction Modi. Congress called for it to disqualify Modi’s candidature and bar him from campaigning.

Modi was unrepentant. “I presented the truth before the nation that the Congress has hatched a deep conspiracy to snatch your property and distribute it among their special favourites,” he said. 

Commentators suggested that his inflammatory statement was a response to low turnout in early polling in the BJP’s heartlands.

Catholic news Indian elections The Catholic Church in India Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Bharatiya Janata Party kerala flooding

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PM Narendra Modi blesses newlyweds during visit to Guruvayur Temple in Kerala’s Thrissur

Pm narendra modi attended the wedding ceremony of the daughter of actor-turned-politician suresh gopi in kerala..

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Kerala. As part of his visit, he offered prayers at the famous Lord Krishna temple in Guruvayur and attended the wedding ceremony of the daughter of actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi. A video of PM Modi blessing the newlyweds inside the temple has been doing the rounds of social media.

Read| "I cherish this warmth," says PM Modi as people in large numbers gather to welcome him in Kerala's Guruvayur

“#WATCH | Kerala: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur district and blesses a newly wedded couple in the temple,” wrote news agency ANI while sharing the video on X. The video opens to show PM Modi in traditional ‘mundu’ (dhoti), kurta and a white shawl. As the video progresses, he can be seen greeting people inside the temple with folded hands. Towards the end of the video, he can be seen giving varmala to the couple. Once the couple exchange varmala, they can be seen seeking PM Modi’s blessings.

Watch PM Narendra Modi blessing the newlyweds here:

The video, since being shared on January 17, has accumulated over 1.4 lakh views, and the numbers are still increasing. The video has also received numerous likes and retweets. A few even flocked to the comments section of the video to share their thoughts.

Take a look at how X users reacted to this video of PM Narendra Modi here:

“Wish you both happy married lives,” posted an individual.

Another added, “Lucky couple.”

“Best wishes to the newly married couple. Congratulations to Mrs & Mr Suresh Gopi for your daughter’s marriage,” expressed a third.

A fourth wrote, “What a lovely gesture by Modi ji.”

PM Modi’s visit to Kerala

PM Modi arrived at Cochin International Airport from Andhra Pradesh around 6:30 pm on January 16. Kerala’s Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan received him on the tarmac. He then started his roadshow at 7:35 pm in an open jeep. BJP State President K Surendran accompanied him during the roadshow.

The Prime Minister will also offer his prayers at the Triprayar Sree Rama temple in Thrissur district. He had last visited Thrissur on January 3, when he held a roadshow and addressed a women’s conclave.

Also Read| PM Modi offers prayers at two temples in Kerala

Arfa Javaid is a journalist working with the Hindustan Times' Delhi team. She covers trending topics, human interest stories, and viral content online. ...view detail

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Narendra Modi Kerala Visit

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• PM Modi to visit Kerala and Karnataka --> PM Modi to visit Kerala and Karnataka --> PM Modi to visit Kerala and Karnataka

PM Modi to visit Kerala and Karnataka

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Karnataka and Kerala on 1-2 September. At 5:15 PM on 1st September, Prime Minister will visit Sri Adi Shankara Janma Bhoomi Kshetram, the holy birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya, at Kalady village near Cochin Airport. Thereafter, at around 6 PM, Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone and dedicate to the nation various projects of Kochi Metro and Indian Railways worth over Rs. 4500 crores. At 9:30 AM on 2nd September, Prime Minister will commission the first indegenous aircraft carrier as INS Vikrant at Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi. Thereafter at 1:30 PM, Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of projects worth around Rs 3800 crores in Mangaluru.

PM in Kochi

Prime Minister has been a strong proponent of Aatmanirbharta, especially in strategic sectors. In what will mark a significant step towards self-reliance in the defence sector, Prime Minister will commission the first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier as INS Vikrant. Designed by Indian Navy's in-house Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, a Public Sector Shipyard under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Vikrant has been built with with state of the art automation features and is the largest ship ever built in maritime history of India.

The Indigenous Aircraft Carrier is named after her illustrious predecessor, India’s first Aircraft Carrier which had played a vital role in the 1971 war. It has a large number of indigenous equipment and machinery, involving major industrial houses in the country as well as over 100 MSMEs. With the commissioning of Vikrant, India will have two operational Aircraft Carriers, which will bolster the maritime security of the nation.

During the event, the Prime Minister will also unveil the new Naval Ensign (Nishaan), doing away with the colonial past and befitting the rich Indian maritime heritage.

Prime Minister will inaugurate the Phase I extension of the Kochi Metro Rail Project from Petta to SN junction. The total cost of the project is over Rs 700 crores. Kochi Metro Rail project will be one of the most sustainable metro projects in the country with nearly 55% of its energy needs being met by solar power. Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the Phase –II stretch of the Kochi Metro rail project from JLN stadium to Infopark, having a length of 11.2 kms and covering 11 stations. The total estimated cost of this project is around Rs. 1,950 crores. The proposed Phase II corridor of Kochi Metro Rail Project is aimed at catering to the growing transportation needs of Kochi City and is planned in such a way that it connects the District Headquarters, Special Economic Zone and IT Hub of the city with the existing metro rail network. On completion, the combined Phase I and Phase II metro network will link the major residential and commercial hubs in the city with major transit hubs such as railway stations and bus stands, thus reinforcing the concept of multi-modal integration and last mile connectivity.

Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation the doubling of Kuruppanthara-Kottayam-Chingavanam rail section, completed at a cost of nearly Rs.750 Crore. With this, the entire stretch from Thiruvananthapuram to Mangaluru is fully doubled now, promising faster and seamless connectivity. Significantly, lakhs of devotees bound for Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Shrine can conveniently alight at Kottayam or Chengannur railway station in the doubled section and proceed by road to Pamba. Prime Minister will also dedicate to the nation the newly electrified rail section between Kollam – Punalur.

Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for the redevelopment of three Railway stations in Kerala – Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Kollam. The total estimated cost of these station redevelopment projects is around Rs. 1050 crores. These railway stations will be equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and world-class facilities such as dedicated arrival/departure corridors, sky-walks, solar panels, sewage treatment plants, energy-efficient lighting, rain-water harvesting and intermodal transport facilities.

PM in Mangaluru

Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of mechanization and industrialisation projects worth around Rs 3800 crores in Mangaluru.

Prime Minister will inaugurate the project worth over Rs 280 crore for mechanisation of Berth No. 14 for handling containers and other cargo, undertaken by the New Mangalore Port Authority. The mechanized terminal will increase efficiency and reduce turnaround time, pre-berthing delay and dwell time in the Port by around 35%, thus giving a boost to the business environment. Phase I of the project has been successfully completed, thereby adding over 4.2 MTPA to the handling capacity, which would further increase to over 6 MTPA by 2025.

Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of five projects worth around Rs 1000 crore, undertaken by the Port. The integrated LPG and Bulk Liquid POL Facility, equipped with state of the art cryogenic LPG storage tank terminal, will be capable of unloading full load VLGC (very large gas carriers) of 45,000 tonnes in a highly efficient manner. The facility will bolster Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana in the region while reinforcing the port’s status as one of the top LPG importing ports in the country. Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of projects for construction of storage tanks and edible oil refinery, construction of bitumen storage and allied facilities and construction of bitumen & edible oil storage and allied facilities. These projects will improve the turnaround time of bitumen and edible oil vessels and reduce the overall freight cost for trade. Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for development of Fishing Harbour at Kulai, which will facilitate safe handling of fish catch and enable better prices in the global market. This work will be undertaken under the umbrella of the Sagarmala Programme, and will result in significant socio-economic benefits for the fishermen community.

Prime Minister will also inaugurate two projects undertaken by Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited viz BS VI Upgradation Project and Sea Water Desalination Plant. The BS VI Upgradation Project, worth around Rs 1830 crores, will facilitate production of ultra-pure environment friendly BS-VI grade fuel (with sulphur content less than 10 PPM). The Sea Water Desalination Plant, set up at a cost of around Rs. 680 crores, will help reduce dependency on fresh water and ensure regular supply of hydrocarbons and petrochemicals throughout the year. Having a capacity of 30 Million Litres per Day (MLD), the Plant converts seawater into water required for the refinery processes.

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MSME jobs in India cross 19 crores: Govt data, showcasing Prime Minister @narendramodi 's commitment to endless employment opportunities for the past 10 years. Congratulations! 👏🏻 https://t.co/55nDEAAyxf — Sneha Yadav (@snehyadav31) May 11, 2024

PM @narendramodi in his rally paused his speech for a while as soon as he spotted a group of physically challenged women and insisted that they should be seated properly for which he urged the organisers and the crowd to help them. https://t.co/0eky1S3dx7 pic.twitter.com/0H4pVNIWQ0 — दिनेश चावला (मोदी का परिवार) (@iDineshChawlaa) May 11, 2024

PM @narendramodi Ji touching feet of Padma awardee Purnamasi Jani अपनो और बड़ो के सामने झुकना अच्छा होता है ये साहेब को हीरा बा ने सिखाया है तभी तो साहेब ने अपनी सेवा से और झुक कर सबको अपना बनाया है @narendramodi #AbkiBaar400Baar @narendramodi_in pic.twitter.com/iVVS82tYaF — Nishant🇮🇳 (@iNishant4) May 11, 2024

According to Ministry of Commerce, India's exports have surged to as many as, 115countries, out of the total 238 destinations, during 2023-24, despite global uncertainties. Under the vision & guidance of @narendramodi we are on right track of progress & development in all areas. pic.twitter.com/wn6eVG6eqI — Rukmani Varma 🇮🇳 (Modi Ka Parivar) (@pointponder) May 11, 2024

Our PM @narendramodi Ji and his talented team keep inspiring us to work tirelessly for growth of our nation and uplifting the lives of our people. #IAmWithModi https://t.co/GD0nPbWf8B — Nitin Yadav (@MidcityB53034) May 11, 2024

#ModiHaiToMumkinHai Russian firms buy $4 billion worth of India-made defence equipment and armaments, among other imports and Indian securities. Pay in Indian rupee. Kudos @narendramodi ji & Team👏🏻 https://t.co/3wIBpf1mZf … — तनय ( Modi Ka Parivar ) (@TanayRssSanghi) May 11, 2024

#PadmaAwards2024 It is goosebumps moments to watch recipients of award winners under @narendramodi govt. Story behind every recipient shows how many unsung heroes in our country are doing noble cause. Thankyou @rashtrapatibhvn @PMOIndia for recognising deserving unsung heroes.🙏 https://t.co/bWcr8WbgJq — Satish Mendon (@skmendon) May 10, 2024

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Congress spoke of Ram temple purification a day after President Murmu's visit: PM Modi at a rally in Odisha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed a senior Congress leader for suggesting the purification of Ayodhya’s Ram temple once the INDIA bloc comes to power and said that Nana Patole made the remarks a day after President Droupadi Murmu's visit . PM Modi called the remarks ‘an insult to the President, tribals, women and the country as a whole’ and that the Congress has ‘no right to remain in politics’.

'Learn something from Indira Gandhi': Priyanka Gandhi calls out PM Modi in Maharashtra rally

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's election speeches, calling them "hollow talk" during a rally in Nandurbar, Maharashtra. She urged the Prime Minister to learn qualities like courage and determination from former PM Indira Gandhi. She attacked PM Modi by saying that he "comes on the stage and starts crying, says that I was abused. Modi ji, have courage. This is public life. Learn something from Indira Gandhi, who divided Pakistan into two parts. Learn from Indira ji, what courage, determination and bravery is."

Lok Sabha Election: Some leaders regularly go on holiday to Thailand, Bangkok, on the other side is Narendra Modi who has not taken leave even on Diwali day for the last 23 years, says Amit Shah

Union home minister Amit Shah said, "On the one hand, there is the Congress and its allies who are involved in corruption and scams of Rs 12 lakh crores. On the other hand, there is Narendra Modi, who has not been accused of corruption of even 25 paise despite being the Chief Minister for 23 years or Prime Minister for 10 years... As soon as the heat increases, some leaders regularly go on holiday to Thailand, Bangkok. On the other side is Narendra Modi who has not taken leave even on Diwali day for the last 23 years. On Diwali, he celebrates with the soldiers who protect the country on the borders..."

Lok Sabha Election: No one can win elections on the basis of narrative, says Devendra Fadnavis

"No one can win elections on the basis of narrative. When I speak, I talk about development and vision, but the opposition only talks about fake narratives and does not talk about their vision for the country...We are definitely going to win the Baramati seat," he said.

Lok Sabha Election: 4% Muslim reservation is a robbery on ST, SC, OBC reservations, says Amit Shah

"The biggest thing which is harmful for the entire country and especially for ST, SC, OBC is that they have introduced 4% Muslim reservation in Telangana. This 4% Muslim reservation is a robbery on ST, SC, OBC reservations. We definitely say that whenever the BJP govt comes to power, we will end Muslim reservations from here. I want to say about Congress's breaking of promises, they had said that we would waive off the loan of Rs 2 lakh of farmers on Sonia Gandhi's birthday, we all believed that if their government is formed they will do it but there was a problem in that, they would do it on which birthday of Sonia Gandhi, they did not say. So many days have passed since the government was formed, but the loan of even Rs 2 of the farmers have not been waived off...", he said.

Lok Sabha Election: Mamata Banerjee addresses rally in Hooghly

She said that she would not visit Raj Bhavan till C V Ananda Bose remains Bengal governor.

Lok Sabha Election: Rahul Gandhi addresses a rally in Andhra

"Former CM Rajasekhara Reddy's foot march was inspiration to my Bharta Jodo Yatra", he said.

Lok Sabha Election: 4th June is the expiry date of the BJD govt!, says PM Modi

"On 10th June, the BJP CM will take oath in Bhubhaneswar.We will give you a CM who was born in Odisha, and who knows and values the tradition of this land", he said.

Lok Sabha Election: During the G20 event in Delhi, I took Odisha's pride to Bharat Mandapam, says PM Modi

"The global leaders stood in front of the Wheel of Konark Sun Temple and got their pictures clicked...Today, many leaders have a picture of the Konark Wheel in their homes.To honour the Paika Rebellion, the BJP govt released a postal coin", he said.

Lok Sabha Election: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting in Bolangir, Odisha.

"The countdown to bid adieu to BJD has begun in Odisha! The entire Odisha is saying in unison, 'Double-engine govt for Odisha'," he said.

Lok Sabha Election: PM Modi's claim that Congress promised 'religion-based reservations to Muslims' false, says P Chidambaram

"I am sorry to point out that the Hon'ble Prime Minister has uttered a falsehood in Hyderabad yesterday.The Hon'ble PM said that Congress has promised 'religion-based reservations to the Muslims' (The Hindu).On which page of the Congress' Manifesto 2024 is there such a promise? Will the BJP scan that page and put it on the social media platforms? The statement of the Hon'ble PM is absolutely false", he said.

Lok Sabha Election: For the first time, there will be a double-engine govt in Odisha, says PM Modi

"India has made up their mind that NDA will cross 400 (in Lok Sabha). The people of Congress must note that the country has now decided that on June 4 they won't get the seats that are needed to be the opposition, they will be limited below 50 seats," he said.

Lok Sabha Election: I am indebted to the people of Odisha, says PM Modi

"I assure you that I will repay this debt of your love and blessings by working as hard as I can and serving the country. Along with this, I will repay by working hard day and night to make Odisha a developed state in the country", he said.

Lok Sabha Election: PM Modi expresses gratitude towards the people of Odisha

"Today I am fortunate that upon coming to Kandhamal, I have received such blessings that I cannot forget throughout my life. This blessing is a living example of the kind of change that is taking place in the entire country," he said.

Lok Sabha Election: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting in Kandhamal, Odisha.

"26 years ago, Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government did the Pokhran test", he said.

Lok Sabha Election: CM Nayab Saini starts har booth har ghar campaign

Chief minister of Haryana Nayab Saini starts the har booth har ghar campaign from booth no 132 of Rajeev Colony of Panchkula Assembly. This campaign will be run across the state on May 11 and May 12.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live: BJD in Odisha detached from ground realities, oblivious to people's grievances: PM Modi

Accusing the Biju Janata Dal of being "oblivious to people's grievances" and detached from the ground realities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Odisha will support the BJP in "record numbers" in the Assembly and Lok Sabha polls in the state. "While our Government has done extensive work, BJD is totally detached from the ground realities and is oblivious to people's grievances. They have totally misunderstood the great culture and ethos of Odisha. No wonder Bhubaneswar and Odisha will support the BJP in record numbers," PM Modi said in a series of posts on X.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live: Why Lalu is both right and wrong about Muslim reservation

Lalu Prasad has intensified the Muslim reservation debate that was triggered by PM Modi’s allegation that Congress aims to slice up the OBC quota for its minority vote bank. Prasad says Muslims should get reservation but then adds a caveat. The Constitution does not endorse reservation in jobs and education along religious lines. However, some govts have interpreted its provisions to extend reservation benefits to certain Muslim communities

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live: 'Eye on vote bank, Didi didn’t arrest Sandeshkhali key accused': Union minister Amit Shah

Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday said tormentors of Sandeshkhali will be “straightened out by hanging them upside down” and thrown behind the bars. He, however, steered clear of any mention of the recent controversy over the videos that have gone viral.Addressing a rally at Rampurhat in Birbhum — a stronghold of Trinamool Congress’ (TMC) Anubrata Mondal — Shah came down heavily on alleged illegal sand mining and cross-border cattle smuggling, and said the culture of cut money and syndicates in Bengal will soon come to an end.“For years, women in Sandeshkhali were tortured. Mamata ji could have arrested him (local strongman Sheikh Shahjahan), but she didn’t... to protect her vote bank. The court ordered CBI to investigate and when the agency arrested him, she alleged that the cases against Shahjahan are fake,” Shah said, claiming that victims were chosen on the basis of their religious identity.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Highlights: PM Modi offers prayers at Ayodhya Ram Temple, holds roadshow

Lok Sabha 2024 Election Highlights: With just two days left for the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ayodhya and offered his prayers at the Ram Temple, where the 'pran pratishtha' of Ram Lalla idol was held in January. After that, he held a roadshow and greeted people who lined up to catch a glimpse of him. Besides Ayodhya, he addressed poll rallies in Uttar Pradesh's Etawah and Dhaurehra towns. Meanwhile, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi headed to Telangana today for addressing poll rallies. The third phase of the Lok Sabha polls, slated for May 7, will span across 10 states and two union territories, presenting a total of 94 constituencies for electoral contention. Follow indiatoday.in for live updates.

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Pm's veiled dig at rahul gandhi, akhilesh yadav: appeasement a must for 'shehzade'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a veiled jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and said the 'shehzade' (princes) were making it compulsory to do appeasement politics for the existence of their parties. READ MORE HERE

Prayed for well-being of 140 crore Indians at Ram Temple: PM Modi

Sharing a video of his visit to Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he prayed to Ram Lalla for the well-being of 140 crore people.

At Ayodhya, prayed to Prabhu Shri Ram for the well being of my fellow 140 crore Indians. pic.twitter.com/ulwNmktZ2e — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 5, 2024

Vikramaditya Singh's dig at Kangana Ranaut: 'Have made arrangements to send imported leader back...'

Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh, who is contesting from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi Lok Sabha seat, exuded confidence that the party will win all four seats in the state, including Mandi. Calling her BJP opponent and actor Kangana Ranaut an "imported leader", Singh said all arrangements were made to send her back to Mumbai once she loses the election.

VIDEO | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Here’s what Congress candidate from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi Vikramaditya Singh ( @VikramadityaINC ) said while addressing a public rally in Kasauli earlier today. “We are contesting (these elections) on the front foot. We are working day and… pic.twitter.com/fDxBzvlTKf — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 5, 2024

See PM Modi's tweet and video on mega roadshow in Ayodhya

"The hearts of the people of Ayodhya are also as big as Lord Ram. Congratulations to the public who came to give blessings at the roadshow!" PM Narendra Modi tweeted.

अयोध्यावासियों का हृदय भी प्रभु श्री राम जैसा विशाल है। रोड शो में आशीर्वाद देने आई जनता-जनार्दन का अभिनंदन! https://t.co/jPzllnXTA5 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 5, 2024

He also offered prayers at the Ram Temple.

Lok Sabha polls: Campaign ends for third phase in UP

Campaigning for the third phase of the Lok Sabha election in Uttar Pradesh ended on Sunday at 6 pm after days of hectic roadshows and rallies by rival political leaders for the 10 constituencies which will go to polls on May 7.

Sambhal, Hathras (SC), Agra (SC), Fatehpur Sikri, Firozabad, Mainpuri, Etah, Budaun, Aonla and Bareilly will go to polls in the current phase.

(with PTI inputs)

Asaduddin Owaisi holds door-to-door campaign in Hyderabad

AIMIM chief and party's candidate for Hyderabad, Asaduddin Owaisi, held a door-to-door campaign in the Bahadurpura constituency area of the city, news agency PTI reported.

VIDEO | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi ( @asadowaisi ) held a door-to-door campaign in the Bahadurpura constituency area of Hyderabad, Telangana earlier today. #LSPolls2024WithPTI #LokSabhaElections2024 (Full video available on PTI Videos -… pic.twitter.com/ioyZvajJqp — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 5, 2024

Watch: PM Modi holds roadshow in Ayodhya, Yogi Adityanath present

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a roadshow in Ayodhya soon after offering his prayers at the Ram Temple. He greeted people who had lined up to catch a glimpse of him.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was also present at the roadshow.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow underway in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. CM Yogi Adityanath is also present. #LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/SYWpmszZzh — ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2024

Manoj Tiwari's daughter Rhiti joins BJP, says 'JP Nadda saw something in me'

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari's daughter, Rhiti Tiwari, joined the party and believed that such a development was on the cards after 10 to 15 years. She credited party chief JP Nadda for seeing the potential in her. READ MORE HERE

PM Modi offers prayers at Ram Temple in Ayodhya

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya on Sunday. This is PM Modi's first visit to Ayodhya after the Ram Lalla idol's consecration on January 22.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. This is PM Modi's first visit to Ayodhya after the Ram Lalla idol's consecration on January 22, 2024. pic.twitter.com/IqaynZOnil — ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2024

'Dakshin se saaf, Uttar mein half': Sachin Pilot's dig at BJP's 400-seat target

Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Sunday took a jibe at BJP-led NDA's target of winning 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections and asserted that the party will be wiped out in the south while it will win half seats in the north.

"The people like our manifesto. Our alliance will win more than anticipated seats in Uttar Pradesh. BJP can say 500 or 600 seats, but the reality is different. The people want change. I have said it earlier, 'Dakshin se Saaf, Uttar mein Half'," he told reporters in Agra.

On Rahul Gandhi contesting elections from Raebareli, Pilot said, "Rahul Gandhi will win the elections. His candidature from Raebareli will have a positive impact in North India and Uttar Pradesh. It will benefit the Congress party and the alliance."

#WATCH | Agra, UP: Congress leader Sachin Pilot says, "... The people like our manifesto... Our alliance will win more than anticipated seats in Uttar Pradesh. BJP can say 500 or 600 seats, but the reality is different. The people want change. I have said it earlier, 'Dakshin se… pic.twitter.com/E9mihq1wip — ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2024

Assam Minister holds bike rally for ally BJP candidate for Guwahati

Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) President and Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora held a bike rally in support of BJP candidate for Guwahati Lok Sabha seat, Bijuli Kalita Medhi, news agency ANI reported.

#WATCH | Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) President and Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora held a bike rally in support of BJP Candidate For Guwahati Lok Sabha seat Bijuli Kalita Medhi. pic.twitter.com/1ePNe1SjMK — ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2024

Visuals: PM Modi's Ayodhya roadshow set to begin

#WATCH | Visuals from Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya. PM Narendra Modi will shortly hold a roadshow here. PM Modi will also visit the Ram temple. pic.twitter.com/4bEGAXpIwF — ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2024

Opposition using objectionable remarks against PM shows their nervousness: Chirag Paswan

Chirag Paswan, LJP chief and party candidate from Bihar's Hajipur, said the Opposition parties using derogatory language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi was inappropriate.

"Even the strongest opposition can be done using dignified words. This is just nervousness that these parties and leaders are showing. I challenge any educated person to come and tell me why they should form the government again. What have they done?" Paswan told ANI.

#WATCH | LJP National President and party candidate from Bihar's Hajipur, Chirag Paswan says, "The kind of objectionable remarks being used against the Prime Minister is very inappropriate... Even the strongest opposition can be done using dignified words. This is just… pic.twitter.com/Wzp0gbHLNr — ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2024

'Poonch attack BJP's pre-poll stunt': Big charge by Congress's Charanjit Channi

Former Punjab Chief Minister and Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi claimed that the terror attack on an Indian Air Force (IAF) convoy in Jammu and Kashmir was nothing but BJP's stunt to win the Lok Sabha elections. READ MORE HERE

Congress's Radhika Khera quits party days after 'male chauvinism' charge against colleague

Chhattisgarh Congress leader Radhika Khera quit the party after she said she faced criticism within the party over her visit to Ayodhya and the Ram Temple there. She earlier levelled 'male chauvinism' allegations against a colleague. READ MORE HERE

PM Modi's rallies in Maharashtra this year doubled from 2019, here's why

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held nine rallies in Maharashtra during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Given the political changes in the past five years, the Prime Minister has upped the BJP's campaign, already holding 12 rallies so far. READ MORE HERE

There's a 'Mahagathbandhan' storm in Bihar: Tejashwi Yadav

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday claimed there was a wave in favour of the 'Mahagathbandhan' or the Opposition alliance in Bihar. He exuded confidence that the INDIA bloc would win the Lok Sabha elections and the BJP would be "completely wiped out".

"There is a storm of RJD and 'Mahagathbandhan' in Bihar. This time, the INDIA bloc government is going to be formed. We are winning all five seats here in the third phase of elections, BJP will be completely wiped out," he told ANI.

#WATCH | Araria: Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav says, "There is a storm of RJD and 'Mahagathbandhan' in Bihar. This time the INDIA alliance government is going to be formed. We are winning all five seats here in the third phase of elections, BJP… pic.twitter.com/aVe3jFlnl8 — ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2024

Elections 2024 News: 13,713 polling booths in Delhi for Lok Sabha polls

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will set up a total of 13,713 polling booths at 2,538 places, which will be manned by more than 30,000 staff members, for the May 25 elections for the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital. A single nodal officer will be deployed for all the 12 zones, which cover 250 wards in the city.

After surveying the booths, about half a dozen teams will report about the facilities to the MCD officials, in an effort to ensure hassle-free voting on the day of the polls.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission is concerned over people leaving the city before the election as it falls on the weekend, with May 23 also being a holiday due to Buddha Purnima.

The trade association has also contacted owners of hotels and restaurants as well as cinema halls in Delhi, to offer discounts to voters.

( Inputs by Ram Kinkar Singh )  

Lok Sabha election 2024: Congress MLA joins BJP in Madhya Pradesh

Nirmala Sapre, the lone Congress MLA from the eight Assembly constituencies of Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district, has joined the BJP.  The MLA from the Bina Assembly constituency, Sapre joined the state's ruling party during an election-related event of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav in Rahatgarh.

"The Congress does not have an agenda for the future. It has no hope for development in the future."

The development came just three days ahead of the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections, during which the Sagar seat will go to the polls.

(Inputs by Shiva Purohit)