Meerut: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched the BJP's campaign in western Uttar Pradesh, saying his government had shown the courage to conduct a surgical strike in all spheres -- land, sky and space.

The contest is between a "a decisive government and an indecisive past", Modi said in his address to a rally in this western Uttar Pradesh town a day after announcing that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite.

On the one side there is a strong 'chowkidar', on the other, a line of tainted people, the prime minister said.

"India has made up its mind who to vote for," he told the rally.

"I will give an account of my work, but at the same time seek an account from my opponents... a 'chowkidar' does no injustice," he said.

Modi began his speech by paying tribute to Choudhary Charan Singh, former prime minister and father of RLD leader Ajit Singh who has aligned with the BSP and the SP in this election.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Prayagraj (PTI): The Allahabad High Court has granted protection to a married couple who expressed fear that they may be killed by the woman's family.

The order was passed by a division bench comprising Justice JJ Munir and Justice Tarun Saxena on March 25.

"No individual can make an 'honour issue' out of a consenting adult marrying a person of their own choice. It is the state's duty to protect the life, limb, and property of such persons even against their own family members," the bench said.

The court was hearing a petition filed by Prachi Agrawal and her partner, who sought relief in connection with an FIR filed under Section 87 of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for kidnapping, and abducting or inducing a woman to compel her marriage.

The couple submitted that they married at an Arya Samaj temple and possessed a marriage registration certificate issued under the Uttar Pradesh Marriage Registration Rules, 2017.

The petitioners alleged that the woman's family members were averse to their marriage and lodged a bogus FIR against them.

The couple further submitted a joint affidavit expressing apprehension of an honour killing by the woman's family.

The court said that a prima facie case was made out and issued notice to the private respondent and granted two weeks to file a counter-affidavit.

Meanwhile, as an interim measure, the court granted the petitioners protection from arrest.

The court also explicitly ordered the woman's family members and relatives not to harm the petitioners, enter their matrimonial home, or establish contact with them directly or through any electronic means.

The bench directed the Aligarh senior superintendent of police to ensure that no harm comes to the couple and posted the matter for hearing on April 8.