Mumbai:The Shiv Sena on Tuesday said the BJP should now be prepared to face questions from people over its 2014 poll promises of peace in the Kashmir Valley and construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's radio programme, it said till now he was putting forth his 'Mann Ki Baat', but on May 23, people's "mann ki baat" will be out.

Lok Sabha polls will be held in seven phases from April 11 till May 19, and counting of votes will be done on May 23, according to the Election Commission.

"History says people cannot be fooled for long. Even people have questions, the answers to which they seek through ballot boxes," the Sena asked in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.

The BJP secured a big win in 2014, riding on the promises of peace in the Kashmir Valley and construction of Ram temple, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party noted.

"However, both the issues have remained unresolved in 2019 as well. They should be ready with answers when people ask questions over it," said the Sena, a constituent of the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra.

It said doubts were also there in the minds of people over the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in polls.

"Why the insistence over EVMs when all other countries have stopped using them due to their faulty nature and the fact that these machines could be controlled with money power?" it asked.

Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, it said they were busy with inaugurations, announcements and giving green signal to projects till the last minute before the announcement of Lok Sabha poll dates on Sunday.

"The model code of conduct has come into effect and is now applicable to all except the prime minister and chief ministers of various states," it said in sarcastic remarks.

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Noida (PTI): Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate Medha Roopam has warned outsourcing agencies and contractors of strict action, including blacklisting and licence cancellation, in case of any unruly behaviour by them or their workers.

The warning comes in the wake of a large-scale protest by thousands of factory workers, including women, in Noida that turned violent on Monday.

Chairing a meeting with outsourcing agencies and contractors of various industrial units on Tuesday, Roopam stressed the need for 100 per cent compliance with government guidelines to maintain industrial peace in the district.

"All contractors must ensure 100 per cent adherence to government guidelines. If any unruly behaviour is exhibited by an agency, or by any of its employees or workers, the agency itself shall be held jointly responsible and in such instances, the agency may be blacklisted, and proceedings for the cancellation of its licence may be initiated," the DM said.

Referring to the revised minimum wage rates prescribed by the state government, the district magistrate said unskilled workers will receive Rs 13,690 per month, semi-skilled workers Rs 15,059, and skilled workers Rs 16,868.

She directed contractors to ensure full compliance with these wage standards and to transfer wages directly into workers' bank accounts.

Emphasising the interdependence of stakeholders, Roopam said industry, workers and employers are mutually complementary.

"The smooth operation of industries safeguards employment opportunities, while the stability of employers simultaneously ensures the future of the workforce," she said.

She cautioned that any disruption in industrial activity would adversely impact all stakeholders as well as the overall development of the state.

The district magistrate also appealed to the public not to pay heed to rumours or misleading information and urged all stakeholders to work with mutual cooperation and trust.

She assured that the state government remains committed to protecting the interests of both workers and employers, and that the administration stands ready to act promptly to resolve any issues.