For stability Congress is the right choice: VP
New Delhi, May 3
In a determined effort to dismantle Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s stability plank, former Prime Minister V.P. Singh today claimed that the Congress- run governments had been more credible and stable and asked the secular groups to join hands to stop the NDA from returning to power.

Deploy BSF in Ferozepore & Patiala, says EC
SAD apprehends rigging
Chandigarh, May 3
Responding to the apprehension of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) about a large-scale "vandalisation and criminalisation" of the May 10 Lok Sabha poll, the Election Commission has directed the Punjab police to deploy the Border Security Force on active duty in Patiala and Ferozepore.

 Haryana page: Deploy CRPF at polling booths, Cong urges EC

EC team ends probe in Chapra
Patna/New Delhi, May 3
The Election Commission’s team today wrapped up its probe into charges of large-scale rigging and violence in Bihar’s Chapra Lok Sabha constituency, where RJD chief Laloo Prasad Yadav crossed swords with Union Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy, amidst indications that the poll watchdog would take a decision this week on the Opposition demand for countermanding the poll there.

Goons, netas to descend on western UP
Muzaffarnagar, May 3
The real battle for Delhi will begin in Baghpat and 17 other Lok Sabha constituencies in western Uttar Pradesh tomorrow.

3rd phase campaign din ends
New Delhi, May 3
The campaigning for the third phase of polling for 83 parliamentary seats in seven states ended today amidst exit poll predictions of a hung Parliament.
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A BJP worker helps Deputy Prime Minister L. K. Advani wear a traditional turban during an election meeting at Najafgarh, located on the outskirts of Delhi, on Monday. — PTI photo

Defacing rocks with impunity Sundernagar, May 3 Although the Election Commission of India has issued directions regarding the prevention of defacement of property to various political parties and the contesting candidates, this has no impact on campaigns as the provision is being violated in Mandi. A rock in the Sundernagar forest area along National Highway 21, has been defaced by a political party in violation of the Forest Conservation Act. — Photo by Mahesh Chander Sharma