NEW DELHI: The campaigning for the assembly elections of West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry picked up pace a day after the second phase of polling on Thursday.
Here's a look at the top developments of the day:
We cleared ordinance for Jallikatu: PM Modi
In a rally in Madurai, PM Modi on Friday drew upon his government's support for Jallikattu.
"In the 2016 Tamil Nadu Congress manifesto, there was a call for ban on Jallikattu. Congress & DMK should be ashamed of themselves. People sought a solution & wanted Jallikatu to continue. Our govt then cleared ordinance by AIADMK, which allowed it to take place," said PM Modi.
"Over 60 lakh water connections provided in Madurai since its launch," said PM Modi.
"DMK & Congress will neither guarantee safety nor dignity. DMK tried to make peace-loving Madurai, into mafia because of complications in DMK's first family. They've not understood the ethos of Madurai, no wonder, leaders keep insulting women again and again," the PM said.
Will completely stop cross-border infiltration: Amit Shah in Bengal
Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday said that the BJP, after forming governmentt in Bengal, will completely stop "stop cross-border infiltration."
At a rally in Sitalkuchi, the home minister said Mamata Banerjee has always ignored North Bengal and promised the party will spend Rs 2,000 crore annually on development of North Bengal.
"Mamata govt runs on 3T model -- Tolabaji (extortion), Tanashahi (dictatorship), Tushtikaran (appeasement)," said Amit Shah.
I know I will win: Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Friday tried to downplay her chances of losing to Suvendu Adhikari, saying "I know I will win."
"But along with me, at least 200 candidates have to win so that we can make our government. That is why cast your vote for TMC candidates, said Mamata.
Mamata also said she wants to "control" his home minister first and then think of controlling her.
EC suspends four poll officials in Assam, orders repoll
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday suspended four poll officials in Assam’s Karimganj who hitched a ride with a polled EVM in the vehicle of a BJP candidate yesterday.
The poll panel has also ordered repolling in the booth.
"Presiding officer was issued show-cause notice for violation of transport protocol. PO and 3 other officials placed under suspension. Although EVM's seals were found intact it has been decided to do a re-poll at No 149- Indira MV School of LAC 1 Ratabari(SC)," EC said in a statement today.