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India election 2019: Priyanka Gandhi takes on Modi in debut speech India election: More women candidates, Modi tweets
(about 16 hours later)
India has entered full election mode: voting is due to begin on 11 April, with the final ballot cast more than five weeks later on 19 May. The BBC brings you the latest updates on the twists and turns of the world's largest democracy. India has entered full election mode: voting is due to begin on 11 April, with the final ballot cast more than five weeks later on 19 May. Everyday, the BBC will be bringing you all the latest updates on the twists and turns of the world's largest democracy.
The latest from the campaign trailThe latest from the campaign trail
The big Priyanka Gandhi speech Mamata Banerjee leads the way with women
What is happening?What is happening?
Priyanka Gandhi, the charismatic younger sister of opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, has made her first ever public speech, taking on the prime minister in his home state. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has released her party's list of candidates and 41% are women. And it's a starry list - it has two top regional actresses, Mimi Chakraborty and Nusrat Jahan. Moon Moon Sen, a former actress who won in the 2014 election, will also be contesting again.
"Your vote is a weapon, your awakening is a weapon, your awareness is a weapon, so use it wisely because you are going to choose your future," she told a cheering crowd. The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), which has been in power in the state since 2011, will be putting up women in 17 of its 41 seats.
She did not directly mention Narendra Modi, but the crowd was in no doubt as to who she was talking about when she said: "Those who make big promises... ask them what happened to their promises of creating 20 million jobs, putting money into your bank accounts and that they would look after women's safety." "I am so happy. This is a proud moment for us," Ms Banerjee said, challenging other parties to do the same. The announcement comes days after another regional party said a third of its seats would be reserved for women.
She added that the country's institutions were being destroyed while hatred was being fomented. The firebrand leader from eastern India is seen as a crucial opponent in the alliance against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She has often butted heads with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his party tries to make inroads into West Bengal with a mix of development promises and sectarian rhetoric.
Tuesday's announcement was no different.
"Modi babu must go from power, we want to see him out... I will fight along with all of our friends to defeat Modi," she said.
Why does it matter?Why does it matter?
People have been curious to see exactly what Priyanka Gandhi would be like as a fully fledged politician, and this was her big moment. Female voter turnout has been steadily going up over the last few years, but the fact of the matter is, while seats in India's village councils have been reserved for women since the early 1990s, parliament is still dominated by men.
For many in the Congress, she represents a breath of fresh air, with party workers billing her as the Gandhi that could potentially take on the charismatic prime minister. As women become a more powerful voting block, parties are realising they need to actively target them.
Her speech was short but well received by the crowd. Once she finished, they burst into chants of "long live Priyanka" and "Priyanka Gandhi - second Indira Gandhi" - a reference to her grandmother, a former prime minister of the country. Previously, politicians have wooed women with costly schemes and concessions - some have given free cooking gas to poor households, while others have imposed prohibition as a cure for alcoholism among men.
On social media, responses were mixed. Some said she had "said nothing new", while others said she was a natural speaker who connected with her audience. But it is becoming more and more clear that a party doesn't just need to woo women voters, it needs to represent them.
Hardik Patel: Firebrand Modi challenger joins Congress Narendra Modi channels his inner Bollywood
What is happening? What happened?
Hardik Patel, the firebrand social activist who rose to fame challenging Prime Minister Modi in his home state of Gujarat, made his first public appearance with the opposition Congress party. The Prime Minister has been sending out a blitzkrieg of tweets since Wednesday morning, tagging celebrities, media personalities and even rival politicians, telling them to use their influence to get more people to vote.
Mr Patel was on stage as Congress leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi addressed a large rally in Gujarat to officially flag off the party's election campaign. He tweeted roughly every two minutes, each time tagging a different set of people - each with a personalised message. These ranged from "a high turnout augurs well for our democratic fabric" to "the core of badminton is the court and the core of democracy is the vote".
He announced he was joining Rahul Gandhi's party on Sunday. However, our personal favourite is the one in which he channelled the iconic tagline from the 1990s' Bollywood blockbuster Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gam: "It's all about loving your family."
The 25-year-old commerce graduate, who was not old enough to stand for election under India's rules until this year, first rose to political fame as the face of massive caste protests which rocked Mr Modi's state in 2015. Tagging the two male leads of the film, Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan as well as its director Karan Johar, the tweet finished with "it's all about loving your... democracy".
Patel is known for leading a movement demanding that the Patels - or the Patidar caste - be given better access to jobs and education through the quota system. Priyanka Gandhi gets social
What happened?
Priyanka Gandhi has finally debuted on Twitter, sending two tweets just hours after she made her first speech as a fully-fledged politician in Mr Modi's home state of Gujarat.
"In the simple dignity of Sabarmati, the truth lives on," her first tweet read, followed moments later by another - a photo, and a Mahatma Gandhi.
The calm nature of the Congress politician's tweet was in contrast to her fierier tone earlier in the day.
"Your vote is a weapon, your awakening is a weapon, your awareness is a weapon, so use it wisely because you are going to choose your future," she told a cheering crowd in Gujurat, in a speech which left many comparing her to her grandmother, the former prime minister.
Why does this matter?Why does this matter?
Mr Patel's decision to join Congress, a dynastic party hoping to reinvent itself in this year's election, is significant. The opposition hopes that he will be pivotal in swinging the vote in Gujarat, and for good reason. A social media presence is key for any modern politician, as PM Modi's 46.3 million followers will tell you. Used well, it can garner you millions of votes. Used badly, it can destroy a career before it has even got started.
His speeches and fiery oratory have attracted millions of supporters - many of whom have traditionally voted for Mr Modi's ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has ruled Gujarat for more than two decades. How Ms Gandhi will fare remains to be seen. However, it is likely her brother Rahul - the Congress leader who has found himself trending for both positive and negative reasons over the last few hours - will be on hand to give her some advice.
"He brings mass appeal for the Congress, which is something the party has desperately sought in the past 20 years," said Ankur Jain, BBC Gujarati's editor. "They've never had a leader as popular as him in Gujarat." What else you may have missed yesterday
Mr Patel has been seen as a strong threat to the BJP ever since 2015, when caste protests took off in Gujarat. "He became a prominent voice of dissent for shaking up the status quo in Gujarat," our editor explained. Hardik Patel was on stage with Rahul Gandhi
So, should the BJP be worried? Possibly. But remember they still managed to win the state election in 2017. Hardik Patel, the firebrand social activist who rose to fame challenging Prime Minister Modi in his home state of Gujarat, made his first public appearance with the opposition Congress party.
"It was a close call though as the party did lose seats - and Mr Patel is one of the main reasons behind that," notes Ankur Jain. Mr Patel, who was on stage alongside Congress leaders in Gujarat, announced he was joining Rahul Gandhi's party on Sunday.
News from other regions: His decision to join Congress, a dynastic party hoping to reinvent itself in this year's election, is significant. The opposition hopes that he will be pivotal in swinging the vote in Gujarat.
Sharad Pawar bows out
The chief of the Nationalist Congress Party has been very much the dominating force of politics in the western state of Maharashtra for decades.
So when the hugely influential politician said he would not be contesting the polls, shockwaves rippled through the country.
He is stepping aside in favour of a younger member of his family.
It will be interesting to see if this decision will impact the vote share of his party. Correspondents say that people will still be voting in his name, even though he is not the candidate.
Is Lalu truly gone from Bihar's political scene?
Lalu Prasad Yadav, who's serving a prison term after being found guilty of corruption, has without doubt been the most popular politician in Bihar for three decades.
In his absence, political rallies have been a lot less entertaining in recent days.
But if you think this means the politician will be missing in action, then no, because his party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has authorised him to select candidates for the elections.
Senior party leaders can be seen making a beeline for the hospital where he's being treated for a host of illnesses and all indications are that being in jail has not affected his popularity adversely.
In fact, it has enhanced it.
Picture of the day
The campaign highlights so farThe campaign highlights so far
Last week saw... a lot of campaigning, even before the election schedule was unveiled on Sunday.Last week saw... a lot of campaigning, even before the election schedule was unveiled on Sunday.
The announcement revealed there will be seven stages in total, starting in 20 states on 11 April - when 91 seats will be up for grabs - and ending on 19 May.The announcement revealed there will be seven stages in total, starting in 20 states on 11 April - when 91 seats will be up for grabs - and ending on 19 May.
However, no one could have been unaware that an election was coming: the BJP had placed adverts in 150 newspapers across the country extolling its successes over the last five years - all of which had to come to a stop on Monday, due to election rules.However, no one could have been unaware that an election was coming: the BJP had placed adverts in 150 newspapers across the country extolling its successes over the last five years - all of which had to come to a stop on Monday, due to election rules.
How do the Lok Sabha elections work?How do the Lok Sabha elections work?
India's lower house of parliament, the Lok Sabha, has 543 elected seats. Any party or coalition needs a minimum of 272 MPs to form a majority government.India's lower house of parliament, the Lok Sabha, has 543 elected seats. Any party or coalition needs a minimum of 272 MPs to form a majority government.
Some 900 million voters - 86 million more than the last elections in 2014 - are eligible to vote at 930,000 polling stations.Some 900 million voters - 86 million more than the last elections in 2014 - are eligible to vote at 930,000 polling stations.
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be used at all polling stations. The entire process will be overseen by the Election Commission of India.Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be used at all polling stations. The entire process will be overseen by the Election Commission of India.
Who are the main players?Who are the main players?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi who won a landslide victory in 2014 is seeking a second term for both himself and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).Prime Minister Narendra Modi who won a landslide victory in 2014 is seeking a second term for both himself and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
His main challengers are the main opposition Congress party led by Rahul Gandhi, and a consortium of regional parties called the Mahagathbandhan (which translates from the Hindi into massive alliance).His main challengers are the main opposition Congress party led by Rahul Gandhi, and a consortium of regional parties called the Mahagathbandhan (which translates from the Hindi into massive alliance).
The Mahagathbandhan has seen some of India's strongest regional parties, including fierce rivals, come together.The Mahagathbandhan has seen some of India's strongest regional parties, including fierce rivals, come together.
This includes the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) led by Dalit icon Mayawati, normally fierce rivals in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, which sends the most number of MPs to parliament.This includes the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) led by Dalit icon Mayawati, normally fierce rivals in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, which sends the most number of MPs to parliament.
The alliance also includes the Trinamool Congress which is in power in the state of West Bengal and Arvind Kejriwal whose Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) rules Delhi.The alliance also includes the Trinamool Congress which is in power in the state of West Bengal and Arvind Kejriwal whose Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) rules Delhi.
The aim of the alliance is to consolidate regional and anti-BJP votes, in order to oust Mr Modi from power.The aim of the alliance is to consolidate regional and anti-BJP votes, in order to oust Mr Modi from power.
Other regional players including Tamil Nadu's DMK and AIADMK and Telangana's TRS in the south are not part of the alliance, but are expected to perform well in their own states, which is likely to make them key to any coalition government.Other regional players including Tamil Nadu's DMK and AIADMK and Telangana's TRS in the south are not part of the alliance, but are expected to perform well in their own states, which is likely to make them key to any coalition government.
When do I vote? The dates at a glanceWhen do I vote? The dates at a glance
11 April: Andhra Pradesh (25), Arunachal Pradesh (2), Assam (5), Bihar (4), Chhattisgarh (1), J&K (2), Maharashtra (7), Manipur (1), Meghalaya (2), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Odisha (4), Sikkim (1), Telangana (17), Tripura (1), Uttar Pradesh (UP) (8), Uttarakhand (5), West Bengal (2), Andaman & Nicobar (1), Lakshadweep (1)11 April: Andhra Pradesh (25), Arunachal Pradesh (2), Assam (5), Bihar (4), Chhattisgarh (1), J&K (2), Maharashtra (7), Manipur (1), Meghalaya (2), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Odisha (4), Sikkim (1), Telangana (17), Tripura (1), Uttar Pradesh (UP) (8), Uttarakhand (5), West Bengal (2), Andaman & Nicobar (1), Lakshadweep (1)
18 April: Assam (5), Bihar (5), Chhattisgarh (3), Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) (2), Karnataka (14), Maharashtra (10), Manipur (1), Odisha (5), Tamil Nadu (39), Tripura (1), UP (8), West Bengal (3), Puducherry (1)18 April: Assam (5), Bihar (5), Chhattisgarh (3), Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) (2), Karnataka (14), Maharashtra (10), Manipur (1), Odisha (5), Tamil Nadu (39), Tripura (1), UP (8), West Bengal (3), Puducherry (1)
23 April: Assam (4), Bihar (5), Chhattisgarh (7), Gujarat (26), Goa (2), J&K (1), Karnataka (14), Kerala (20), Maharashtra (14), Odisha (6), UP (10), West Bengal (5), Dadar and Nagar Haveli (1), Daman and Diu (1)23 April: Assam (4), Bihar (5), Chhattisgarh (7), Gujarat (26), Goa (2), J&K (1), Karnataka (14), Kerala (20), Maharashtra (14), Odisha (6), UP (10), West Bengal (5), Dadar and Nagar Haveli (1), Daman and Diu (1)
29 April: Bihar (5), J&K (1), Jharkhand (3), MP (6), Maharashtra (17), Odisha (6), Rajasthan (13), UP (13), Bengal (8)29 April: Bihar (5), J&K (1), Jharkhand (3), MP (6), Maharashtra (17), Odisha (6), Rajasthan (13), UP (13), Bengal (8)
6 May: Bihar (1), J&K (2), Jharkhand (4), Madhya Pradesh (MP) (7), Rajasthan (12), UP (14), Bengal (7)6 May: Bihar (1), J&K (2), Jharkhand (4), Madhya Pradesh (MP) (7), Rajasthan (12), UP (14), Bengal (7)
12 May: Bihar (8), Haryana (10), Jharkhand (4), MP (8), UP (14), Bengal (8), Delhi (7)12 May: Bihar (8), Haryana (10), Jharkhand (4), MP (8), UP (14), Bengal (8), Delhi (7)
19 May: Bihar (8), Jharkhand (3), MP (8), Punjab (13), Bengal (9), Chandigarh (1), UP (13), Himachal Pradesh (4)19 May: Bihar (8), Jharkhand (3), MP (8), Punjab (13), Bengal (9), Chandigarh (1), UP (13), Himachal Pradesh (4)
23 May: Votes counted23 May: Votes counted
Key: Date: State (number of seats being contested))Key: Date: State (number of seats being contested))
Find out exactly when you are voting by visiting the Election Commission of India's websiteFind out exactly when you are voting by visiting the Election Commission of India's website