New Delhi: Two days after the Election Commission announced dates for Lok Sabha elections, the Congress party kick-started its campaign for the polls and conducted a brainstorming session, to give a final shape to the party's election strategy. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress in-charge for eastern Uttar Pradesh is speaking at an an election rally in Gujarat. Now, Congress President Rahul Gandhi is speaking at the rally. Launching a sharp attack on PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi said that inspite of his schemes, young people are struggling to find jobs. He also accused the government of not waiving off farmers' loans despite their tall promises. Recounting demonetisation, Mr Gandhi said the step broke the backbone and entrepreneurial spirit of Gujarat. He also repeated his Rafale accusations against the government.
The national election will be held in seven rounds from 11 April and the results will be announced on May 23, the Election Commission said on Sunday. Voting will be held across India on April 11, April 19, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19.
The Congress Working Committee (CWC) has chosen Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home turf Gujarat for its high profile strategy meeting today.
Patidar quota agitation leader Hardik Patel also joined the Congress today in the presence of its chief Rahul Gandhi.
Meanwhile, the BJP has already kicked off its campaign, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi across most states.
Here are the LIVE Updates from Election Campaigning:
Mar 12, 2019 14:44 (IST)
Congress Working Committee meeting at Sardar Patel Smarak in Ahmedabad concludes.
Mar 12, 2019 14:40 (IST)
Trinamool Congress leaders hold a meeting at West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee's residence to decide the list of candidates for Lok Sabha polls.
Mar 12, 2019 14:38 (IST)
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Chief Mayawati tells news agency ANI: "It has been reiterated once again that Bahujan Samaj Party will not have any alliance with Congress party in any state, to contest the upcoming elections."
Mar 12, 2019 14:26 (IST)
The meeting of Central Election Committee of Congress party will be held on March 14 at the residence of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi in Delhi, according to news agency ANI.
Mar 12, 2019 14:25 (IST)
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis says: "Sujay Vikhe Patil's name has been forwarded by state unit to Central Parliamentary board for Lok Sabha candidature and we are sure that the recommended name will be accepted by the Central Parliamentary board."
Mar 12, 2019 14:02 (IST)
"I have taken this decision against my father's wishes. I don't know how much my parents will support this decision, but I'll try my best to make my family proud by working under the guidance of the BJP. The chief minister and other BJP MLAs were supportive and helped me take the decision," says son of senior Congress leader Sujay Vikhe Patil, who joined the BJP today.
Mar 12, 2019 13:31 (IST)
Sujay Vikhe Patil joins BJP in Maharashtra in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, reports news agency ANI. He is son of Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Assembly.
Mar 12, 2019 13:30 (IST)
Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, on Twitter, says: "On the anniversary of Gandhi Ji's historic Dandi March, the Congress Working Committee in Ahmedabad resolved to defeat the RSS/ BJP ideology of fascism, hatred, anger and divisiveness. No sacrifice is too great in this endeavour; no effort too little; this battle will be won."
Mar 12, 2019 12:46 (IST)
Patidar leader Hardik Patel reaches Sardar Patel Smarak where Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting is underway.
