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The electoral fate of over 8,500 candidates of five states which went to polls recently is sealed in over 1.74 lakh EVMs which will be opened Tuesday.

These electronic voting machines are now stored in over 670 strongrooms across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram and Telangana.

A total of 1,74,724 EVMs were used at polling stations in the five states.

The maximum 65,367 machines were used in Madhya Pradesh.

A little over 8,500 candidates were in the fray in the five states with 2,907 in Madhya Pradesh.

After voting, the EVMs have been stored in strongrooms.

According to the Election Commission, there is one strongroom earmarked for every assembly seat.

EVMs which were kept as a reserve or had developed snag are kept in a separate facility.

A total of 679 assembly seats in the five states were to go for election, but due to the death of a candidate in Rajasthan, polling was countermanded on one seat.

The strongrooms will be opened Tuesday in the presence of candidates or their representatives from where machines will be taken to counting centres.

The results will set the tone for the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

These five Assembly elections would be crucial for the BJP as it gears up for the Lok Sabha election next year and is in power in three of these states- Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

While the Congress is in power in Mizoram, Telangana Rashtra Samithi ruled Telangana before the Assembly was dissolved.

The BJP is trying for a fourth term in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and to retain power in Rajasthan.

The three states also played a significant role for the BJP in the 2014 general election, when it had won 62 out of the 65 Lok Sabha seats in these three states.

The elections also hold significance for the Congress, which is out to challenge the BJP's rule in the states even while protecting its last bastion in the North-East.

Mizoram is the only remaining state in the North-East, which is not under the rule of BJP-led NDA.

The eight North-East states together have 25 Lok Sabha seats.

The electoral fate of over 8,500 candidates of five states which went to polls recently is sealed in over 1.74 lakh EVMs which will be opened Tuesday. These electronic voting machines are now stored in over 670 strongrooms across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram and Telangana.

The electoral fate of over 8,500 candidates of five states which went to polls recently is sealed in over 1.74 lakh EVMs which will be opened Tuesday. These electronic voting machines are now stored in over 670 strongrooms across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram and Telangana. A total of 1,74,724 EVMs were used at polling stations in the five states. The maximum 65,367 machines were used in Madhya Pradesh. A little over 8,500 candidates were in the fray in the five states with 2,907 in Madhya Pradesh. After voting, the EVMs have been stored in strongrooms. According to the Election Commission, there is one strongroom earmarked for every assembly seat. EVMs which were kept as a reserve or had developed snag are kept in a separate facility. A total of 679 assembly seats in the five states were to go for election, but due to the death of a candidate in Rajasthan, polling was countermanded on one seat. The strongrooms will be opened Tuesday in the presence of candidates or their representatives from where machines will be taken to counting centres. The results will set the tone for the 2019 Lok Sabha election. These five Assembly elections would be crucial for the BJP as it gears up for the Lok Sabha election next year and is in power in three of these states- Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. While the Congress is in power in Mizoram, Telangana Rashtra Samithi ruled Telangana before the Assembly was dissolved. The BJP is trying for a fourth term in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and to retain power in Rajasthan. The three states also played a significant role for the BJP in the 2014 general election, when it had won 62 out of the 65 Lok Sabha seats in these three states. The elections also hold significance for the Congress, which is out to challenge the BJP's rule in the states even while protecting its last bastion in the North-East. Mizoram is the only remaining state in the North-East, which is not under the rule of BJP-led NDA. The eight North-East states together have 25 Lok Sabha seats.

Over 1.74 lakh EVMs store fate of 8,500 candidates of five states

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday said that he will meet TRS chief K Chandrashekhar Rao again tomorrow.&nbsp;

While speaking to the reporters, Owaisi noted that he wants all 8 candidates from his party to win and KCR to become Telangana's chief minister.&nbsp;

"I’ll meet him (K Chandrashekhar Rao) again tomorrow, I want all my 8 candidates to win and we want KCR to become Chief Minister of Telangana," he said.&nbsp;

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AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi: I’ll meet him (K Chandrashekhar Rao) again tomorrow, I want all my 8 candidates to win and we want KCR to become Chief Minister of Telangana <a href="https://t.co/LgVj5Wmuqk">pic.twitter.com/LgVj5Wmuqk</a>
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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trs-will-form-govt-in-telangana-on-its-own-asaduddin-owaisi-182779">On Sunday, Owaisi had said</a> that Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) is going to form the government in the state with a clear majority.

Speaking to ANI, Owaisi said: "The TRS is going to form the government in Telangana on their own strength; all the speculations which are being raised are baseless. We should wait for the result. I don't want to comment on the Congress welcoming the AIMIM to Praja Kutami."

Nearly all the exit polls have predicted incumbent caretaker Chief Minister Rao-led TRS retaining another term with a clear majority.&nbsp;

The counting of votes in five poll-bound states, including Telangana, will take place on December 11.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday said that he will meet TRS chief K Chandrashekhar Rao again tomorrow. While speaking to the reporters, Owaisi noted that he wants all 8 candidates from his party to win and KCR to become Telangana's chief minister.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday said that he will meet TRS chief K Chandrashekhar Rao again tomorrow. While speaking to the reporters, Owaisi noted that he wants all 8 candidates from his party to win and KCR to become Telangana's chief minister. "I’ll meet him (K Chandrashekhar Rao) again tomorrow, I want all my 8 candidates to win and we want KCR to become Chief Minister of Telangana," he said. AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi: I’ll meet him (K Chandrashekhar Rao) again tomorrow, I want all my 8 candidates to win and we want KCR to become Chief Minister of Telangana pic.twitter.com/LgVj5Wmuqk — ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2018 × On Sunday, Owaisi had said that Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) is going to form the government in the state with a clear majority. Speaking to ANI, Owaisi said: "The TRS is going to form the government in Telangana on their own strength; all the speculations which are being raised are baseless. We should wait for the result. I don't want to comment on the Congress welcoming the AIMIM to Praja Kutami." Nearly all the exit polls have predicted incumbent caretaker Chief Minister Rao-led TRS retaining another term with a clear majority. The counting of votes in five poll-bound states, including Telangana, will take place on December 11.

Want all my candidates to win, KCR to become Telangana's chief minister: Owaisi

Fate of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan's bid for his fourth term in office will be known on Tuesday with counting of votes for the state's 230 assembly seats scheduled to begin at 8 am, while the challenger Congress expects to return to power after a 15-year gap.

Exit polls have predicted a close race between the BJP and the Congress, though leaders from both parties have routinely claimed their respective victories.

While Chouhan has called himself the "biggest surveyor" in claiming a win for the BJP, senior Congress leader Kamal Nath said his party would get at least 140 seats to oust the saffron party and form a majority government.

The state went to polls on November 28 with a voter turnout of about 75 per cent. As many as 2,899 candidates are in fray for 230 seats.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer V L Kantha Rao told reporters that counting would begin at 8 AM with the postal ballots at 51 centres across the state.

"EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines) would be taken up for counting at 8.30 AM. Counting of postal ballots would continue simultaneously," he said.

Rao said 15,000 employees have been drafted for the counting process which will be monitored through 1200 CCTV cameras installed at 51 centres across the state.

The CEO said the maximum rounds of counting -- 32 in total -- would take place in the Indore-5 assembly segment due to the highest number of booths there.

The lowest number of counting rounds (15) would be held in Kotma seat in Anuppur district, he added.

Indore-5 seat is currently held by the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) while the Congress represents Kotma constituency.

Rao further said the results of every round would be declared separately before the start of the subsequent rounds.

Though all exit polls predicted a slide in the BJP's fortunes, some of them have gone to the extent of giving a clear majority to the Congress.&nbsp;

In 2013 elections, the BJP had won 165 of total 230 seats, followed by the Congress (58), BSP (4) and Independents 3.

The campaign for the polls was a high-decibel one with star campaigners like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi mounting vitriolic attacks in their respective speeches.

The prime minister had addressed ten public meetings across all regions of the state while BJP president Amit Shah held 26 public meetings and three road shows, said state BJP spokesman Rajnish Agrawal.

Chief Minister Chouhan addressed 158 public meetings between October 31 and November 25.

Before that from July till October, Chouhan travelled to 187 assembly constituencies as part of his public outreach campaign titled "Jan Ashirwad Yatra". 
On the other hand, Rahul Gandhi addressed 22 public rallies and took part in about a dozen road shows.

"State unit Congress president Kamal Nath addressed over 60 public meetings during this period", the state Congress spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta said.

State Congress Campaign Committee chairman Jyotiraditya Scindia addressed 110 public meetings and participated in 12 road shows in 15 days preceding polling.

Scindia had earlier also held "Parivartan" rallies across 45 districts.

The chief minister, in office since 2005, is himself seeking re-election from Budhni in Sehore district. He is pitted against Congress candidate Arun Yadav, a former minister.

Of the 5.04-crore registered voters, 3.78-crores (75.05 per cent) had exercised their franchise.

The BJP fielded candidates for all 230 seats while the Congress fielded 229 nominees and left one seat (Jatara in Tikamgarh district) for its ally Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) of Sharad Yadav.

Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) fielded 227 candidates, while the Samajwadi Party (SP) contested 51 seats.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also fielded 208 candidates in its maiden elections in Madhya Pradesh.

A total of 1,094 candidates contested as independents.

During campaigning, the Congress, which has been out of power since 2003, tried to build a narrative against the BJP by raising issues like agrarian distress, the Vyapam scam and the anti-incumbency factor.

Rahul Gandhi had announced that Congress would waive crop loans of farmers within ten days of coming to power.

The BJP had ruled out anti-incumbency and mainly banked on the "development works" carried out by the chief minister in the last 15 years.&nbsp;

Fate of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan's bid for his fourth term in office will be known on Tuesday with counting of votes for the state's 230 assembly seats scheduled to begin at 8 am, while the challenger Congress expects to return to power after a 15-year gap.

Fate of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan's bid for his fourth term in office will be known on Tuesday with counting of votes for the state's 230 assembly seats scheduled to begin at 8 am, while the challenger Congress expects to return to power after a 15-year gap. Exit polls have predicted a close race between the BJP and the Congress, though leaders from both parties have routinely claimed their respective victories. While Chouhan has called himself the "biggest surveyor" in claiming a win for the BJP, senior Congress leader Kamal Nath said his party would get at least 140 seats to oust the saffron party and form a majority government. The state went to polls on November 28 with a voter turnout of about 75 per cent. As many as 2,899 candidates are in fray for 230 seats. Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer V L Kantha Rao told reporters that counting would begin at 8 AM with the postal ballots at 51 centres across the state. "EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines) would be taken up for counting at 8.30 AM. Counting of postal ballots would continue simultaneously," he said. Rao said 15,000 employees have been drafted for the counting process which will be monitored through 1200 CCTV cameras installed at 51 centres across the state. The CEO said the maximum rounds of counting -- 32 in total -- would take place in the Indore-5 assembly segment due to the highest number of booths there. The lowest number of counting rounds (15) would be held in Kotma seat in Anuppur district, he added. Indore-5 seat is currently held by the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) while the Congress represents Kotma constituency. Rao further said the results of every round would be declared separately before the start of the subsequent rounds. Though all exit polls predicted a slide in the BJP's fortunes, some of them have gone to the extent of giving a clear majority to the Congress. In 2013 elections, the BJP had won 165 of total 230 seats, followed by the Congress (58), BSP (4) and Independents 3. The campaign for the polls was a high-decibel one with star campaigners like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi mounting vitriolic attacks in their respective speeches. The prime minister had addressed ten public meetings across all regions of the state while BJP president Amit Shah held 26 public meetings and three road shows, said state BJP spokesman Rajnish Agrawal. Chief Minister Chouhan addressed 158 public meetings between October 31 and November 25. Before that from July till October, Chouhan travelled to 187 assembly constituencies as part of his public outreach campaign titled "Jan Ashirwad Yatra". On the other hand, Rahul Gandhi addressed 22 public rallies and took part in about a dozen road shows. "State unit Congress president Kamal Nath addressed over 60 public meetings during this period", the state Congress spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta said. State Congress Campaign Committee chairman Jyotiraditya Scindia addressed 110 public meetings and participated in 12 road shows in 15 days preceding polling. Scindia had earlier also held "Parivartan" rallies across 45 districts. The chief minister, in office since 2005, is himself seeking re-election from Budhni in Sehore district. He is pitted against Congress candidate Arun Yadav, a former minister. Of the 5.04-crore registered voters, 3.78-crores (75.05 per cent) had exercised their franchise. The BJP fielded candidates for all 230 seats while the Congress fielded 229 nominees and left one seat (Jatara in Tikamgarh district) for its ally Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) of Sharad Yadav. Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) fielded 227 candidates, while the Samajwadi Party (SP) contested 51 seats. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also fielded 208 candidates in its maiden elections in Madhya Pradesh. A total of 1,094 candidates contested as independents. During campaigning, the Congress, which has been out of power since 2003, tried to build a narrative against the BJP by raising issues like agrarian distress, the Vyapam scam and the anti-incumbency factor. Rahul Gandhi had announced that Congress would waive crop loans of farmers within ten days of coming to power. The BJP had ruled out anti-incumbency and mainly banked on the "development works" carried out by the chief minister in the last 15 years.

MP Assembly polls: Counting of votes to begin at 8am; CEO says all arrangements in place

The results of the electoral battle in five states will be declared on Tuesday. According to reports, exit polls for the recently concluded assembly elections have predicted a tight finish between the ruling BJP and the Congress in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and a win for the opposition party in Rajasthan.

Experts bill the 5-state assembly elections as semi-finals before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls -- a major test for the two biggest political parties in the country, the BJP and the Congress.&nbsp;

The exit polls have also predicted a clean-sweep for KC Rao's TRS in Telangana, whereas the Mizo National Front is predicted to have an edge in Mizoram's electoral battle, throwing up a hung assembly.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-exit-polls-say-in-5-state-elections-182303">What exit polls say in 5 state elections</a>

Reports suggest the trends to begin pouring in as early as 8am. By noon, the larger picture of the results in the poll-bound states is likely to emerge.&nbsp;

Tuesday's results are set to test the hold of the incumbent governments in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram and Telangana and examine the potency of the Opposition's challenge.

The BJP holds power in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan at present, however, the exit polls hint at the Congress putting up a tough fight to change the game in its favour in the states with incumbent BJP governments.

These assembly elections are being seen as crucial for the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections as it is in power in three of these states.

The saffron party is trying for a fourth term in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and is seeking to retain power in Rajasthan. The three states also played a significant role for the BJP in the 2014 general elections, when it had won 62 out of the 65 Lok Sabha seats in these three states.

The elections are also significant for Congress, which is out to challenge the BJP's rule in three states and protect its last bastion in the North-East, where Mizoram remains the only state not (rpt) not under the rule of BJP-led NDA. The eight North-East states together have 25 Lok Sabha seats.

In the multi-phase polling, Chhattisgarh voted on November 12 (18 seats) and November 20 (72 seats); Madhya Pradesh (230 seats) and Mizoram (40 seats) on November 28; and Rajasthan (199 seats) and Telangana (119 seats) on December 7.

(With inputs from PTI)

The results of the electoral battle in five states will be declared on Tuesday. According to reports, exit polls for the recently concluded assembly elections have predicted a tight finish between the ruling BJP and the Congress in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and a win for the opposition party in Rajasthan.

The results of the electoral battle in five states will be declared on Tuesday. According to reports, exit polls for the recently concluded assembly elections have predicted a tight finish between the ruling BJP and the Congress in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and a win for the opposition party in Rajasthan. Experts bill the 5-state assembly elections as semi-finals before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls -- a major test for the two biggest political parties in the country, the BJP and the Congress. The exit polls have also predicted a clean-sweep for KC Rao's TRS in Telangana, whereas the Mizo National Front is predicted to have an edge in Mizoram's electoral battle, throwing up a hung assembly. Also read: What exit polls say in 5 state elections Reports suggest the trends to begin pouring in as early as 8am. By noon, the larger picture of the results in the poll-bound states is likely to emerge. Tuesday's results are set to test the hold of the incumbent governments in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram and Telangana and examine the potency of the Opposition's challenge. The BJP holds power in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan at present, however, the exit polls hint at the Congress putting up a tough fight to change the game in its favour in the states with incumbent BJP governments. These assembly elections are being seen as crucial for the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections as it is in power in three of these states. The saffron party is trying for a fourth term in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and is seeking to retain power in Rajasthan. The three states also played a significant role for the BJP in the 2014 general elections, when it had won 62 out of the 65 Lok Sabha seats in these three states. The elections are also significant for Congress, which is out to challenge the BJP's rule in three states and protect its last bastion in the North-East, where Mizoram remains the only state not (rpt) not under the rule of BJP-led NDA. The eight North-East states together have 25 Lok Sabha seats. In the multi-phase polling, Chhattisgarh voted on November 12 (18 seats) and November 20 (72 seats); Madhya Pradesh (230 seats) and Mizoram (40 seats) on November 28; and Rajasthan (199 seats) and Telangana (119 seats) on December 7. (With inputs from PTI)

Billed as semi-finals to 2019 Lok Sabha polls, election results in five states due on Tuesday

With RBI Governor Urjit Patel <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-governor-urjit-patel-resigns-cites-personal-reasons-182915">putting in his papers</a>, his immediate predecessor Raghuram Rajan Monday said "all Indians" should be concerned as strength of institutions is important for growth and development.

Patel, who faced the possibility of an unprecedented action from the government over differences on a variety of issues, resigned from his job, citing personal reasons.

"I think Dr Patel has made a statement and I think this is the ultimate statement that a regulator or a civil servant can make. I think the statement should be respected," Rajan told news channel ET Now.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nda-brings-to-book-an-offender-benefited-during-upa-arun-jaitley-on-uk-court-clearing-mallyas-extradition-182978">Great day for India, says Arun Jaitley</a>

"We should" go into the details as to why there was impasse&nbsp;which forced this ultimate decision, he noted.

"I think&nbsp;this is something that all Indians should be concerned about because strength of our institutions is really important for our growth, sustainable growth and equity in the economy," said Rajan, who completed his three-year term as RBI Governor in September 2016.

With regard to powers of the RBI Board, Rajan said there is "an extreme" change in the nature of the governance of the Reserve Bank of India for the "board to become an operational board, that is to make operational decisions".

During his tenure, Rajan had differences with the government and did not get an extension.

Earlier, the board was an advisory and the professionals from the central bank took decisions, Rajan said, apparently referring to recent appointments of RSS ideologue S&nbsp; 
Gurumurthy and cooperative banking sector expert S K Marathe to the board.

"I think, the move towards giving the board more operational authority would impinge on the professional management to regulate and supervise (the bank)... And if that is to be the case then the board should be composed of professionals, as opposed to the larger public," Rajan opined.

Patel's resignation was being speculated right from the time the government cited a never-before-used provision of the RBI Act to get him to consider its views on relaxing lending norms for segments such as small and medium enterprises, appropriate size of reserves the central bank must maintain and easing norms for weak banks.

Patel, 55, who took over as the 24th Governor of the central bank on September 5, 2016, had the shortest tenure since 1992.&nbsp;

With RBI Governor Urjit Patel putting in his papers, his immediate predecessor Raghuram Rajan Monday said "all Indians" should be concerned as strength of institutions is important for growth and development.

With RBI Governor Urjit Patel putting in his papers, his immediate predecessor Raghuram Rajan Monday said "all Indians" should be concerned as strength of institutions is important for growth and development. Patel, who faced the possibility of an unprecedented action from the government over differences on a variety of issues, resigned from his job, citing personal reasons. "I think Dr Patel has made a statement and I think this is the ultimate statement that a regulator or a civil servant can make. I think the statement should be respected," Rajan told news channel ET Now. Also read: Great day for India, says Arun Jaitley "We should" go into the details as to why there was impasse which forced this ultimate decision, he noted. "I think this is something that all Indians should be concerned about because strength of our institutions is really important for our growth, sustainable growth and equity in the economy," said Rajan, who completed his three-year term as RBI Governor in September 2016. With regard to powers of the RBI Board, Rajan said there is "an extreme" change in the nature of the governance of the Reserve Bank of India for the "board to become an operational board, that is to make operational decisions". During his tenure, Rajan had differences with the government and did not get an extension. Earlier, the board was an advisory and the professionals from the central bank took decisions, Rajan said, apparently referring to recent appointments of RSS ideologue S Gurumurthy and cooperative banking sector expert S K Marathe to the board. "I think, the move towards giving the board more operational authority would impinge on the professional management to regulate and supervise (the bank)... And if that is to be the case then the board should be composed of professionals, as opposed to the larger public," Rajan opined. Patel's resignation was being speculated right from the time the government cited a never-before-used provision of the RBI Act to get him to consider its views on relaxing lending norms for segments such as small and medium enterprises, appropriate size of reserves the central bank must maintain and easing norms for weak banks. Patel, 55, who took over as the 24th Governor of the central bank on September 5, 2016, had the shortest tenure since 1992.

All Indians should be concerned: Raghuram Rajan on Urjit Patel's resignation

RBI Governor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-governor-urjit-patel-may-consider-resigning-after-rift-with-government-report-174513">Urjit Patel has resigned</a>,&nbsp;saying he was doing so for "personal reasons".&nbsp;

"On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position (RBI Governor) effective immediately. It has been my privilege and honour to serve in the Reserve Bank of India in various capacities over the years," Patel said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Support and hard work of RBI staff, officers and management has been proximate driver of Bank’s considerable accomplishments in recent years. I take this opportunity to express gratitude to my colleagues and directors of RBI Central Board and wish them all the best for future," he added.&nbsp;

Pointedly, he made no mention of the finance ministry or the government with which he had been tussling with of late over the issue of the bank's reserve funds.

The government was of the opinion that the bank should hand over a larger share of them to the government.&nbsp;

The government was also keen that the central bank free up credit — by loosening its curbs on the non-banking financial sector — for small and medium enterprises.&nbsp;

The government had wanted to kick-start growth. (A general election is to be held before May next year.)

Patel is the first RBI governor to step down before completing his term since 1990.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The larger battle between the government and Patel had devolved down to one of autonomy. RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya had recently warned that any government that does not respect the central bank's financial autonomy <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/a-govt-that-does-not-respect-rbis-independence-will-incur-wrath-of-markets-rbi-deputy-governor-173752">will have to face the wrath of the markets</a>.&nbsp;

The government however&nbsp;reportedly invoked Section 7 of the RBI act which allows it to issue directions to the central bank. The section has never before been invoked in independent India.&nbsp;

"We will miss him immensely," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a pair of tweeets after Patel announced his departure.&nbsp;

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Dr Urjit Patel is an economist of a very high calibre with a deep and insightful understanding of macro-economic issues. He steered the banking system from chaos to order and ensured discipline. Under his leadership, the RBI brought financial stability.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1072104938908508161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Dr. Urjit Patel is a thorough professional with impeccable integrity. He has been in the Reserve Bank of India for about 6 years as Deputy Governor and Governor. He leaves behind a great legacy. We will miss him immensely.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1072105285303492614?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"He steered the banking system from chaos to order and ensured discipline. Under his leadership, the RBI brought financial stability," Modi added.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also put out a pair of tweets, saying "It was a pleasure for me to deal with him and benefit from his scholarship."&nbsp;

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The Government acknowledges with deep sense of appreciation the services rendered by Dr. Urjit Patel to this country both in his capacity as the Governor and the Deputy Governor of The RBI. It was a pleasure for me to deal with him and benefit from his scholarship. (1/2)
— Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley/status/1072103484642783233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I wish Dr. Patel all the very best and many more years of public service. (2/2)
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He added that "I wish Dr. Patel all the very best and many more years of public service."&nbsp;

&nbsp;

RBI Governor Urjit Patel has resigned, saying he was doing so for "personal reasons". "On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position (RBI Governor) effective immediately.

RBI Governor Urjit Patel has resigned, saying he was doing so for "personal reasons". "On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position (RBI Governor) effective immediately. It has been my privilege and honour to serve in the Reserve Bank of India in various capacities over the years," Patel said in a statement. "Support and hard work of RBI staff, officers and management has been proximate driver of Bank’s considerable accomplishments in recent years. I take this opportunity to express gratitude to my colleagues and directors of RBI Central Board and wish them all the best for future," he added. Pointedly, he made no mention of the finance ministry or the government with which he had been tussling with of late over the issue of the bank's reserve funds. The government was of the opinion that the bank should hand over a larger share of them to the government. The government was also keen that the central bank free up credit — by loosening its curbs on the non-banking financial sector — for small and medium enterprises. The government had wanted to kick-start growth. (A general election is to be held before May next year.) Patel is the first RBI governor to step down before completing his term since 1990. The larger battle between the government and Patel had devolved down to one of autonomy. RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya had recently warned that any government that does not respect the central bank's financial autonomy will have to face the wrath of the markets. The government however reportedly invoked Section 7 of the RBI act which allows it to issue directions to the central bank. The section has never before been invoked in independent India. "We will miss him immensely," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a pair of tweeets after Patel announced his departure. Dr Urjit Patel is an economist of a very high calibre with a deep and insightful understanding of macro-economic issues. He steered the banking system from chaos to order and ensured discipline. Under his leadership, the RBI brought financial stability. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 10, 2018 × Dr. Urjit Patel is a thorough professional with impeccable integrity. He has been in the Reserve Bank of India for about 6 years as Deputy Governor and Governor. He leaves behind a great legacy. We will miss him immensely. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 10, 2018 × "He steered the banking system from chaos to order and ensured discipline. Under his leadership, the RBI brought financial stability," Modi added. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also put out a pair of tweets, saying "It was a pleasure for me to deal with him and benefit from his scholarship." The Government acknowledges with deep sense of appreciation the services rendered by Dr. Urjit Patel to this country both in his capacity as the Governor and the Deputy Governor of The RBI. It was a pleasure for me to deal with him and benefit from his scholarship. (1/2) — Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) December 10, 2018 × I wish Dr. Patel all the very best and many more years of public service. (2/2) — Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) December 10, 2018 × He added that "I wish Dr. Patel all the very best and many more years of public service."

RBI Governor Urjit Patel resigns, says it's for 'personal reasons'

Market benchmark Sensex buckled under heavy selling pressure Monday, plummeting 714 points as investors panicked over exit polls suggesting the Congress giving a tough fight to the ruling BJP in state elections as also the bruised rupee and weak global cues further dampened sentiment.

The BSE Sensex cracked below the 35,000 mark, plunging 713.53 points, or 2 per cent, to close at 34,959.72.

Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty fell 205.25 points, or 1.92 per cent, to 10,488.45.

Exit polls for the recently concluded assembly elections have predicted a tight finish between the ruling BJP and the Congress in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and a win for the opposition party in Rajasthan, impacting trading pattern on the domestic bourses in a big way.

Besides,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/rupee-falls-59-paise-to-7140-against-us-dollar-182799">a weakening rupee,</a> which hit 71.44 per dollar intra-day, and fresh foreign fund outflows further pulled the key indices.

All sectoral indices on the BSE and NSE ended in the red, led by realty, banking, metal, pharma, pharma and financial stocks.

Kotak Bank shares cracked over 6 per cent after the bank said it had moved the Bombay High Court against RBI's decision with respect to the bank reducing promoter holding using preference shares.

In August, Uday Kotak, the founder and promoter of Kotak Mahindra Bank, has pared down his stake in the bank to 19.70 per cent from about 30 per cent following the issuance of preference shares.

Within a few days, the Reserve Bank said the stake dilution by Kotak does not meet its regulatory norms on the same, something the private sector lender contested.

Other top losers include&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/six-of-top-10-companies-lose-rs-54916-crore-in-m-cap-182615">Reliance Industries</a>, Asian Paints, Tata Motors, Adani Ports, Bharti Airtel, Sun Pharma, L&amp;T, PowerGrid, HDFC, Axis Bank and Bajaj Auto, falling up to 4 per cent.

Coal India and Maruti were the only two gainers on the 30-share index, rising up to 0.79 per cent.

Multiple factors impacted the market sentiment as the bears held complete control of the market from opening till the closing bell, said Joseph Thomas, Head Research, Emkay Wealth Management.

This was the biggest one-day fall in the last two months for both indices, falling up to 2 per cent, he said.&nbsp;

On a net basis, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth Rs 817.40 crore Friday, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were net buyers to the tune of Rs 242.56 crore, provisional data available with BSE showed.

Brent crude oil futures was trading at 0.31 per cent down at USD 61.48 per barrel.

Elsewhere in Asia, Korea's Kospi fell 1.06 per cent, Japan's Nikkei dropped 2.12 per cent, Hong Kong's Hang Seng shed 1.19 per cent and the Shanghai Composite Index tumbled 0.82 per cent.

In Europe, Frankfurt's DAX shed 0.67 per cent and Paris' CAC 40 fell 0.47 per cent in early deals. London's FTSE too slipped 0.41 per cent.

Market benchmark Sensex buckled under heavy selling pressure Monday, plummeting 714 points as investors panicked over exit polls suggesting the Congress giving a tough fight to the ruling BJP in state elections as also the bruised rupee and weak global cues further dampened sentiment.

Market benchmark Sensex buckled under heavy selling pressure Monday, plummeting 714 points as investors panicked over exit polls suggesting the Congress giving a tough fight to the ruling BJP in state elections as also the bruised rupee and weak global cues further dampened sentiment. The BSE Sensex cracked below the 35,000 mark, plunging 713.53 points, or 2 per cent, to close at 34,959.72. Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty fell 205.25 points, or 1.92 per cent, to 10,488.45. Exit polls for the recently concluded assembly elections have predicted a tight finish between the ruling BJP and the Congress in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and a win for the opposition party in Rajasthan, impacting trading pattern on the domestic bourses in a big way. Besides, a weakening rupee, which hit 71.44 per dollar intra-day, and fresh foreign fund outflows further pulled the key indices. All sectoral indices on the BSE and NSE ended in the red, led by realty, banking, metal, pharma, pharma and financial stocks. Kotak Bank shares cracked over 6 per cent after the bank said it had moved the Bombay High Court against RBI's decision with respect to the bank reducing promoter holding using preference shares. In August, Uday Kotak, the founder and promoter of Kotak Mahindra Bank, has pared down his stake in the bank to 19.70 per cent from about 30 per cent following the issuance of preference shares. Within a few days, the Reserve Bank said the stake dilution by Kotak does not meet its regulatory norms on the same, something the private sector lender contested. Other top losers include Reliance Industries, Asian Paints, Tata Motors, Adani Ports, Bharti Airtel, Sun Pharma, L&T, PowerGrid, HDFC, Axis Bank and Bajaj Auto, falling up to 4 per cent. Coal India and Maruti were the only two gainers on the 30-share index, rising up to 0.79 per cent. Multiple factors impacted the market sentiment as the bears held complete control of the market from opening till the closing bell, said Joseph Thomas, Head Research, Emkay Wealth Management. This was the biggest one-day fall in the last two months for both indices, falling up to 2 per cent, he said. On a net basis, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth Rs 817.40 crore Friday, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were net buyers to the tune of Rs 242.56 crore, provisional data available with BSE showed. Brent crude oil futures was trading at 0.31 per cent down at USD 61.48 per barrel. Elsewhere in Asia, Korea's Kospi fell 1.06 per cent, Japan's Nikkei dropped 2.12 per cent, Hong Kong's Hang Seng shed 1.19 per cent and the Shanghai Composite Index tumbled 0.82 per cent. In Europe, Frankfurt's DAX shed 0.67 per cent and Paris' CAC 40 fell 0.47 per cent in early deals. London's FTSE too slipped 0.41 per cent.

Sensex falls 714 points ahead of assembly election results

Counting of votes for the 40-member Mizoram Assembly will begin from 8 am on Tuesday amid elaborate security arrangements, state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ashish Kundra said.

The election was held on November 28 and its result will decide whether Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla of the Congress will be able to return for a third consecutive term in office. Mizoram is the last bastion of the Congress in the northeast.

Counting will begin at 13 counting centres in the eight district headquarters, Kundra said Monday.

DIG (Northern Range) Lalbiakthanga Khiangte had earlier said there would be a three-layer security cordon manned by eight companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), the state armed police and unarmed police personnel during the counting.

In the 2013 elections, the Congress had won 34 seats, while its main opposition, the Mizo National Front (MNF), got five and the Mizoram People's Conference bagged one seat.

The Congress and the MNF have ruled Mizoram since 1987. The BJP also has set its eyes on the state this time as all other northeastern states are now ruled either by the saffron party or others supported by it. Sikkim's ruling SDF is also friendly with the BJP.

No party in the state has so far been able to form governments thrice in a row since 1987 when Mizoram became a full-fledged state.

The Congress and the MNF fielded 40 candidates each while the BJP contested in 39 seats. The Zoram Peoples Movement (ZPM), an alliance formed by two political parties and four groups, also contested in 35 seats.&nbsp;

Counting of votes for the 40-member Mizoram Assembly will begin from 8 am on Tuesday amid elaborate security arrangements, state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ashish Kundra said.

Counting of votes for the 40-member Mizoram Assembly will begin from 8 am on Tuesday amid elaborate security arrangements, state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ashish Kundra said. The election was held on November 28 and its result will decide whether Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla of the Congress will be able to return for a third consecutive term in office. Mizoram is the last bastion of the Congress in the northeast. Counting will begin at 13 counting centres in the eight district headquarters, Kundra said Monday. DIG (Northern Range) Lalbiakthanga Khiangte had earlier said there would be a three-layer security cordon manned by eight companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), the state armed police and unarmed police personnel during the counting. In the 2013 elections, the Congress had won 34 seats, while its main opposition, the Mizo National Front (MNF), got five and the Mizoram People's Conference bagged one seat. The Congress and the MNF have ruled Mizoram since 1987. The BJP also has set its eyes on the state this time as all other northeastern states are now ruled either by the saffron party or others supported by it. Sikkim's ruling SDF is also friendly with the BJP. No party in the state has so far been able to form governments thrice in a row since 1987 when Mizoram became a full-fledged state. The Congress and the MNF fielded 40 candidates each while the BJP contested in 39 seats. The Zoram Peoples Movement (ZPM), an alliance formed by two political parties and four groups, also contested in 35 seats.

Mizoram Assembly polls: Counting to begin amid elaborate security arrangements on Tuesday

RSS ideologue and an independent director on RBI board S Gurumurthy Monday described the resignation of Urjit Patel as a setback to the convergence that the central bank and the government were reaching on contentious issues.

He termed Patel's resignation as "shock" and said he will be missed.

"Surprised at the news that RBI governor has resigned," he said in a tweet.&nbsp;

The November 19 board meeting of the RBI was held in "such cordial atmosphere" that the resignation comes as a "shock", Gurumurthy said.&nbsp;

He further stressed that all directors on the board said media had created a wrong perception, while inside it was totally different.&nbsp;

That makes the development even more surprising, the swadeshi ideologue said.

"I enjoyed several hours of personal discussions with him where we found large areas of agreement as well as mutually understandable disagreement. His resignation is indeed setback to the effects of the convergence of views that was taking place. We will miss him," he said in another tweet.

Patel, who faced the possibility of an unprecedented action from the government over differences on a variety of issues, Monday resigned from his job citing personal reasons.&nbsp;

RSS ideologue and an independent director on RBI board S Gurumurthy Monday described the resignation of Urjit Patel as a setback to the convergence that the central bank and the government were reaching on contentious issues.

RSS ideologue and an independent director on RBI board S Gurumurthy Monday described the resignation of Urjit Patel as a setback to the convergence that the central bank and the government were reaching on contentious issues. He termed Patel's resignation as "shock" and said he will be missed. "Surprised at the news that RBI governor has resigned," he said in a tweet. The November 19 board meeting of the RBI was held in "such cordial atmosphere" that the resignation comes as a "shock", Gurumurthy said. He further stressed that all directors on the board said media had created a wrong perception, while inside it was totally different. That makes the development even more surprising, the swadeshi ideologue said. "I enjoyed several hours of personal discussions with him where we found large areas of agreement as well as mutually understandable disagreement. His resignation is indeed setback to the effects of the convergence of views that was taking place. We will miss him," he said in another tweet. Patel, who faced the possibility of an unprecedented action from the government over differences on a variety of issues, Monday resigned from his job citing personal reasons.

'Surprised', says RBI Independent Director Gurumurthy on Patel's resignation

The Reserve Bank Monday denied speculation about deputy governor Viral Acharya also quitting his job, terming them as incorrect and baseless rumours.

"Reports of deputy governor Acharya also having quit are baseless and incorrect," an RBI spokesperson told PTI.

Within minutes of Governor Urjit Patel announcing his decision to quit, there have been reports of Acharya also following suit.

Acharya had made the October 26 speech on the need to preserve the autonomy of RBI, which got the soured central bank-government relationship out into the public domain.

In the over 90-minute long speech, Acharya, who is in charge of the monetary policy department, warned of the wrath of the markets if the autonomy of a central bank is compromised. Acharya had explicitly said he had the backing of Governor Patel for making the speech.&nbsp;

The Reserve Bank Monday denied speculation about deputy governor Viral Acharya also quitting his job, terming them as incorrect and baseless rumours. "Reports of deputy governor Acharya also having quit are baseless and incorrect," an RBI spokesperson told PTI.

The Reserve Bank Monday denied speculation about deputy governor Viral Acharya also quitting his job, terming them as incorrect and baseless rumours. "Reports of deputy governor Acharya also having quit are baseless and incorrect," an RBI spokesperson told PTI. Within minutes of Governor Urjit Patel announcing his decision to quit, there have been reports of Acharya also following suit. Acharya had made the October 26 speech on the need to preserve the autonomy of RBI, which got the soured central bank-government relationship out into the public domain. In the over 90-minute long speech, Acharya, who is in charge of the monetary policy department, warned of the wrath of the markets if the autonomy of a central bank is compromised. Acharya had explicitly said he had the backing of Governor Patel for making the speech.

RBI says no basis to reports about Acharya quitting

'Fugitive' liquor baron Vijay Mallya on Monday said that he regrets being in the current situation where he has to deal with legal work, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

On being asked if he regrets going to the United Kingdom, Mallya said that he regrets "being in a situation where I’m reading legal papers and paying legal fees."

He added that he could have done something more productive with his time. &nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VijayMallya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VijayMallya</a> on if he regrets going to UK: The end of the day that’s what the courts are for, that’s how lawyers thrive. Do I regret being in a situation where I’m reading legal papers and paying legal fees? Yes, I do. I could have done something more productive with my time. <a href="https://t.co/TQlF29Ekxz">pic.twitter.com/TQlF29Ekxz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1072134549587390464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"At the end of the day, that’s what the courts are for, that’s how lawyers thrive. Do I regret being in a situation where I’m reading legal papers and paying legal fees? Yes, I do. I could have done something more productive with my time," Mallya said.&nbsp;

UK's Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/legal-team-will-take-proper-steps-over-whatever-judgement-is-pronounced-mallya-182872">ordered liquor baron Vijay Mallya's extradition to India</a>.

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Vijay Mallya on UK court orders his extradition to India: My legal team will review the judgement in detail and consider various options and then I will decide going forward. There is nothing to be shocked about <a href="https://t.co/Znyy0cPqGN">pic.twitter.com/Znyy0cPqGN</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1072146073152565249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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According to reports, Mallya has 14 days to appeal his extradition in High Court. He will be extradited within a month if he loses appeal. Mallya has an option to move the European Court of Justice.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) welcomed the UK court's verdict.&nbsp;

Union Minister Arun Jaitley called it a "great day for India" signalling that "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nda-brings-to-book-an-offender-benefited-during-upa-arun-jaitley-on-uk-court-clearing-mallyas-extradition-182978">no one who cheats India will go scot free</a>."

'Fugitive' liquor baron Vijay Mallya on Monday said that he regrets being in the current situation where he has to deal with legal work, news agency ANI reported.

'Fugitive' liquor baron Vijay Mallya on Monday said that he regrets being in the current situation where he has to deal with legal work, news agency ANI reported. On being asked if he regrets going to the United Kingdom, Mallya said that he regrets "being in a situation where I’m reading legal papers and paying legal fees." He added that he could have done something more productive with his time. #VijayMallya on if he regrets going to UK: The end of the day that’s what the courts are for, that’s how lawyers thrive. Do I regret being in a situation where I’m reading legal papers and paying legal fees? Yes, I do. I could have done something more productive with my time. pic.twitter.com/TQlF29Ekxz — ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2018 × "At the end of the day, that’s what the courts are for, that’s how lawyers thrive. Do I regret being in a situation where I’m reading legal papers and paying legal fees? Yes, I do. I could have done something more productive with my time," Mallya said. UK's Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday ordered liquor baron Vijay Mallya's extradition to India. Vijay Mallya on UK court orders his extradition to India: My legal team will review the judgement in detail and consider various options and then I will decide going forward. There is nothing to be shocked about pic.twitter.com/Znyy0cPqGN — ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2018 × According to reports, Mallya has 14 days to appeal his extradition in High Court. He will be extradited within a month if he loses appeal. Mallya has an option to move the European Court of Justice. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) welcomed the UK court's verdict. Union Minister Arun Jaitley called it a "great day for India" signalling that "no one who cheats India will go scot free."

Regret being here, could have done something more productive with my time: Mallya

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday welcomes UK court's order of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/legal-team-will-take-proper-steps-over-whatever-judgement-is-pronounced-mallya-182872">clearing liquor baron Vijay Mallya's extradition to India</a>. Describing the move as a "victory for ethics and probity," Jaitley said that it is a signal that "no one can cheat India."

"It's a victory for ethics &amp; probity. It's also a signal to all that nobody can cheat India, it's people, economy and go hide somewhere in the world, and India will never be able to get at him," he noted.

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Arun Jaitley on Vijay Mallya to be extradited to India: Great Day for India. No one who cheats India will go scot free. The judgement of UK’s Court is welcomed. An offender benefited during the UPA. The NDA brings him to book. (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/HaZfgka82r">pic.twitter.com/HaZfgka82r</a>
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"Great Day for India. No one who cheats India will go scot free. The judgement of UK’s Court is welcomed. An offender benefited during the UPA. The NDA brings him to book," Jaitley stated.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Arun Jaitley says on UK court orders extradition of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VijayMallya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VijayMallya</a> to India, "It's a victory for ethics &amp; probity. It's also a signal to all that nobody can cheat India, it's people, economy &amp; go hide somewhere in the world, &amp; India will never be able to get at him" <a href="https://t.co/dhKvKlFU4l">pic.twitter.com/dhKvKlFU4l</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1072131824846077952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Jaitley lashed out at the Congress calling it the "culprit" for giving loans to Mallya.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley says on UK court orders extradition of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VijayMallya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VijayMallya</a> to India, "This judgement should also give a lot of room to Congress party &amp; its President to seriously introspect. He should introspect for every falsehood that he has spoken on this topic" <a href="https://t.co/WGbuCGB0gl">pic.twitter.com/WGbuCGB0gl</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1072134210519994374?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"You created a situation in which ppl like these could prosper and we've succeeded now in getting him back. It's a proud moment for India," he said.

"This judgement should also give a lot of room to Congress party and its President to seriously introspect. He should introspect for every falsehood that he has spoken on this topic," Jaitley added.&nbsp;

UK's Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday ordered liquor baron Vijay Mallya's extradition to India.

According to reports, Mallya has 14 days to appeal his extradition in High Court. He will be extradited within a month if he loses appeal. Mallya has an option to move the European Court of Justice.

&nbsp;

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday welcomes UK court's order of clearing liquor baron Vijay Mallya's extradition to India. Describing the move as a "victory for ethics and probity," Jaitley said that it is a signal that "no one can cheat India.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday welcomes UK court's order of clearing liquor baron Vijay Mallya's extradition to India. Describing the move as a "victory for ethics and probity," Jaitley said that it is a signal that "no one can cheat India." "It's a victory for ethics & probity. It's also a signal to all that nobody can cheat India, it's people, economy and go hide somewhere in the world, and India will never be able to get at him," he noted. Arun Jaitley on Vijay Mallya to be extradited to India: Great Day for India. No one who cheats India will go scot free. The judgement of UK’s Court is welcomed. An offender benefited during the UPA. The NDA brings him to book. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/HaZfgka82r — ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2018 × "Great Day for India. No one who cheats India will go scot free. The judgement of UK’s Court is welcomed. An offender benefited during the UPA. The NDA brings him to book," Jaitley stated. #WATCH: Arun Jaitley says on UK court orders extradition of #VijayMallya to India, "It's a victory for ethics & probity. It's also a signal to all that nobody can cheat India, it's people, economy & go hide somewhere in the world, & India will never be able to get at him" pic.twitter.com/dhKvKlFU4l — ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2018 × Jaitley lashed out at the Congress calling it the "culprit" for giving loans to Mallya. #WATCH: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley says on UK court orders extradition of #VijayMallya to India, "This judgement should also give a lot of room to Congress party & its President to seriously introspect. He should introspect for every falsehood that he has spoken on this topic" pic.twitter.com/WGbuCGB0gl — ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2018 × "You created a situation in which ppl like these could prosper and we've succeeded now in getting him back. It's a proud moment for India," he said. "This judgement should also give a lot of room to Congress party and its President to seriously introspect. He should introspect for every falsehood that he has spoken on this topic," Jaitley added. UK's Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday ordered liquor baron Vijay Mallya's extradition to India. According to reports, Mallya has 14 days to appeal his extradition in High Court. He will be extradited within a month if he loses appeal. Mallya has an option to move the European Court of Justice.

Great day for India: Arun Jaitley on Mallya's extradition

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-growth-very-solid-government-should-heed-rbis-message-imf-182761">India's growth very solid, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-growth-very-solid-government-should-heed-rbis-message-imf-182761">government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-growth-very-solid-government-should-heed-rbis-message-imf-182761"> should heed RBI's message: IMF</a>

It is important for the Indian government to heed the RBI's message on financial stability, IMF's Chief Economist Maurice Obstfeld said, amid reports of friction between the central bank and the finance ministry.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-bumrah-strikes-again-to-dismiss-skipper-paine-australia-1887-after-86-overs-182780">IND vs AUS: Bumrah strikes again to dismiss skipper Paine, Australia 188/7 after 86 overs</a>

Jasprit Bumrah struck again to dismiss settled Australian skipper Tim Paine at 41, with India now being just three wickets away from winning the first Test match.&nbsp;

Paine was sent back minutes after the teams resumed after lunch.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/i-cant-breathe-were-khashoggis-final-words-report-182759">'I can't breathe' were Khashoggi's final words: Report</a>

Jamal Khashoggi's final words were "I can't breathe," CNN said Sunday, citing a source who has read the transcript of an audio tape of the final moments before the journalist's murder.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-acting-pm-nikol-pashinyan-wins-in-snap-parliamentary-elections-182767">Armenia acting PM Nikol Pashinyan wins in snap parliamentary elections</a>

The electoral bloc of Armenia's acting prime minister Nikol Pashinyan won a landslide victory in Sunday's snap parliamentary elections, which were triggered by the reformist leader seeking to cement his political authority in the post-Soviet country.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-through-london-in-support-of-brexit-ahead-of-crucial-vote-182758">Thousands protest through London in support of Brexit ahead of crucial</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-through-london-in-support-of-brexit-ahead-of-crucial-vote-182758"> vote</a>

Ahead of a crucial vote on Britain's divorce deal with the European Union (EU), thousands of protesters marched through London in support of Brexit on Sunday amid tight security measures in place by Scotland Yard.

India's growth very solid, government should heed RBI's message: IMF It is important for the Indian government to heed the RBI's message on financial stability, IMF's Chief Economist Maurice Obstfeld said, amid reports of friction between the central bank and the finance ministry.

India's growth very solid, government should heed RBI's message: IMF It is important for the Indian government to heed the RBI's message on financial stability, IMF's Chief Economist Maurice Obstfeld said, amid reports of friction between the central bank and the finance ministry. IND vs AUS: Bumrah strikes again to dismiss skipper Paine, Australia 188/7 after 86 overs Jasprit Bumrah struck again to dismiss settled Australian skipper Tim Paine at 41, with India now being just three wickets away from winning the first Test match. Paine was sent back minutes after the teams resumed after lunch. 'I can't breathe' were Khashoggi's final words: Report Jamal Khashoggi's final words were "I can't breathe," CNN said Sunday, citing a source who has read the transcript of an audio tape of the final moments before the journalist's murder. Armenia acting PM Nikol Pashinyan wins in snap parliamentary elections The electoral bloc of Armenia's acting prime minister Nikol Pashinyan won a landslide victory in Sunday's snap parliamentary elections, which were triggered by the reformist leader seeking to cement his political authority in the post-Soviet country. Thousands protest through London in support of Brexit ahead of crucial vote Ahead of a crucial vote on Britain's divorce deal with the European Union (EU), thousands of protesters marched through London in support of Brexit on Sunday amid tight security measures in place by Scotland Yard.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Embattled <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/embattled-liquor-tycoon-vijay-mallyas-extradition-case-edges-towards-ruling-182588">liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya</a> is expected to appear in a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-extradition-case-cbi-joint-director-leaves-for-uk-to-attend-hearing-182706">London court</a> today to find out whether he will be extradited to his homeland, where he is accused of fraud.&nbsp;

Mallya, chairman of the UB Group drinks conglomerate and chief executive of the Force India Formula One team, will discover his fate at Westminster Magistrates' Court.&nbsp;

Mallya faces a case of loan default to the tune of Rs 9,000 crore besides allegations of money laundering and diversion of loan funds for purposes other than they were meant for. He is in self-imposed exile in London.

He left for the United Kingdom in March 2016 taking advantage of the dilution in the CBI lookout notice against him.

Indian agencies are seeking to extradite him. The case will be heard by Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Monday.

Mallya has contested his extradition on the grounds that the case against him is "politically motivated" and the loans he has been accused of defrauding on were sought to keep his now-defunct airline afloat.&nbsp;

"I did not borrow a single rupee. The borrower was Kingfisher Airlines. Money was lost due to a genuine and sad business failure. Being held as guarantor is not fraud," he said in his recent Twitter post on the issue.&nbsp;

"I have offered to repay 100 per cent of the principal amount to them. Please take it," he had tweeted earlier.

(With inputs from PTI)

Embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya is expected to appear in a London court today to find out whether he will be extradited to his homeland, where he is accused of fraud.

Embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya is expected to appear in a London court today to find out whether he will be extradited to his homeland, where he is accused of fraud. Mallya, chairman of the UB Group drinks conglomerate and chief executive of the Force India Formula One team, will discover his fate at Westminster Magistrates' Court. Mallya faces a case of loan default to the tune of Rs 9,000 crore besides allegations of money laundering and diversion of loan funds for purposes other than they were meant for. He is in self-imposed exile in London. He left for the United Kingdom in March 2016 taking advantage of the dilution in the CBI lookout notice against him. Indian agencies are seeking to extradite him. The case will be heard by Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Monday. Mallya has contested his extradition on the grounds that the case against him is "politically motivated" and the loans he has been accused of defrauding on were sought to keep his now-defunct airline afloat. "I did not borrow a single rupee. The borrower was Kingfisher Airlines. Money was lost due to a genuine and sad business failure. Being held as guarantor is not fraud," he said in his recent Twitter post on the issue. "I have offered to repay 100 per cent of the principal amount to them. Please take it," he had tweeted earlier. (With inputs from PTI)

CBI, ED teams in UK as London court to pronounce verdict on Vijay Mallya’s extradition

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday claimed that K Chandrashekar Rao's Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) is going to form the government in Telangana with a clear majority.

Speaking to ANI, Owaisi said: "The TRS is going to form the government in Telangana on their own strength; all the speculations which are being raised are baseless. We should wait for the result. I don't want to comment on the Congress welcoming the AIMIM to Praja Kutami."Nearly all the exit polls have predicted incumbent caretaker Chief Minister Rao-led TRS retaining another term with a clear majority.&nbsp;

For Telangana's 119 seats, Times Now-CNX projected a clean sweep for the ruling the TRS with 66 seats. It gave 37 to Congress and 7 to BJP while others were given 9.&nbsp;

Republic TV-Jan Ki Baat gave TRS 50-65 seats and 38-52 to Congress, 4-7 to BJP and 8-14 to others. The majority mark is 60. Telangana Legislative Assembly election was held on December 7. The results will be announced on December 11.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday claimed that K Chandrashekar Rao's Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) is going to form the government in Telangana with a clear majority.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday claimed that K Chandrashekar Rao's Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) is going to form the government in Telangana with a clear majority. Speaking to ANI, Owaisi said: "The TRS is going to form the government in Telangana on their own strength; all the speculations which are being raised are baseless. We should wait for the result. I don't want to comment on the Congress welcoming the AIMIM to Praja Kutami."Nearly all the exit polls have predicted incumbent caretaker Chief Minister Rao-led TRS retaining another term with a clear majority. For Telangana's 119 seats, Times Now-CNX projected a clean sweep for the ruling the TRS with 66 seats. It gave 37 to Congress and 7 to BJP while others were given 9. Republic TV-Jan Ki Baat gave TRS 50-65 seats and 38-52 to Congress, 4-7 to BJP and 8-14 to others. The majority mark is 60. Telangana Legislative Assembly election was held on December 7. The results will be announced on December 11.

TRS will form govt in Telangana on its own: Asaduddin Owaisi

As always, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslameen president or "sadr" <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-speaking-against-pm-modi-or-bjp-require-me-to-leave-is-it-not-my-country-owaisi-181036">Asaduddin Owaisi</a> is in the news and much in demand with only a few hours to go before the counting of votes in Telangana. Though Owaisi has been extending unflinching support to the Telangana Rashtra Samithi, he's also being courted by the Indian National Congress just in case the "Mahakutami" (Grand Alliance) falls short of the numbers.

Since Monday morning, the buzz on the grapevine had been that caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao had invited Owaisi or "Sadr Saab" as he is called for lunch.&nbsp;

At around noon, Owaisi tweeted, "I'll be meeting Telangana's caretaker &amp; next CM of Telangana, KCR Sahab @ Telangana CMO at 1.30 pm today. Inshallah he'll form government on his own strength, and Majlis will stand by him. This is our first step towards a larger goal of nation building.....''

Known for his punctuality, the local and national media lay in wait for Owaisi near Pragathi Bhavan, KCR's home-cum-office. All cameras were up and ready, on the lookout for Owaisi's SUV.&nbsp;

However, at around 1.40 pm, a two-wheeler zoomed past Pragathi Bhavan's gates and for a few seconds, none of the journalists gathered there were able to tell that it was Owaisi himself on his two-wheeler — a Triumph 925 cc.&nbsp;

No one had imagined that Owaisi would turn up on his motorcycle.&nbsp;

After three hours, at around 4.45 pm, Asaduddin rode out of Pragathi Bhavan.&nbsp;

This time he could not escape the assembled media. He got down from his motorcycle and spoke to them.&nbsp;

He was of course asked about his entry and exit on his Triumph, to which Asad answered in inimitable Hyderabad style... "Hyderabad ka mausam achcha hai... hamari gaadi (his motorcycle ) aur car (the TRS' symbol is a car) aage bhi speed se saath jaayenge."

After which he zoomed off on his motorcycle.&nbsp;

The results of the Telangana elections, along with those of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Mizoram, will be declared tomorrow.&nbsp;

As always, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslameen president or "sadr" Asaduddin Owaisi is in the news and much in demand with only a few hours to go before the counting of votes in Telangana.

As always, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslameen president or "sadr" Asaduddin Owaisi is in the news and much in demand with only a few hours to go before the counting of votes in Telangana. Though Owaisi has been extending unflinching support to the Telangana Rashtra Samithi, he's also being courted by the Indian National Congress just in case the "Mahakutami" (Grand Alliance) falls short of the numbers. Since Monday morning, the buzz on the grapevine had been that caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao had invited Owaisi or "Sadr Saab" as he is called for lunch. At around noon, Owaisi tweeted, "I'll be meeting Telangana's caretaker & next CM of Telangana, KCR Sahab @ Telangana CMO at 1.30 pm today. Inshallah he'll form government on his own strength, and Majlis will stand by him. This is our first step towards a larger goal of nation building.....'' Known for his punctuality, the local and national media lay in wait for Owaisi near Pragathi Bhavan, KCR's home-cum-office. All cameras were up and ready, on the lookout for Owaisi's SUV. However, at around 1.40 pm, a two-wheeler zoomed past Pragathi Bhavan's gates and for a few seconds, none of the journalists gathered there were able to tell that it was Owaisi himself on his two-wheeler — a Triumph 925 cc. No one had imagined that Owaisi would turn up on his motorcycle. After three hours, at around 4.45 pm, Asaduddin rode out of Pragathi Bhavan. This time he could not escape the assembled media. He got down from his motorcycle and spoke to them. He was of course asked about his entry and exit on his Triumph, to which Asad answered in inimitable Hyderabad style... "Hyderabad ka mausam achcha hai... hamari gaadi (his motorcycle ) aur car (the TRS' symbol is a car) aage bhi speed se saath jaayenge." After which he zoomed off on his motorcycle. The results of the Telangana elections, along with those of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Mizoram, will be declared tomorrow.

Asaduddin Owaisi comes to lunch at KCR's home on his Triumph motorcycle

American Walter K Andersen, the author of the book on the RSS "The Brotherhood in Saffron" has been a keen South Asia watcher for decades. He has worked extensively for the US government at various levels from the days Henry Kissinger. He is in India once again witnessing the state elections and the big general elections in 2019.

He spoke exclusively to WION on the rise of the BJP &amp; RSS, PM Modi and his relations with President Trump and other big issues connected with the ruling party.

WION: How do you view PM Modi's tenure now that his government is set to face the electorate again next year?

Walter K Andersen: That is a complicated question because there are layers of success. India is now the fastest growing economy in the world today and that has been the status for the last four and a half years. The country has also received the largest foreign direct investment (FDI), I think it was $61 billion last year, which more than China. Also, infrastructure work has been going on but that has a delayed reaction, infrastructure work and FDI results do not show immediately.

The failure has been on the issue of jobs which has had a political impact but then no one could really do it because the number is quite high, in millions. He came into office with the expectation that he will be able to create a lot of jobs for many young people, but he has been able to help the poor... there are a large number of poor people. The health scheme is the perfect example, the gas cylinder scheme too.

WION: Also, the BJP is now in 19 states across India which seems to have fueled it.

Walter K Andersen: Yes, the Opposition wasn't able to put up candidates which captured the imagination of the people. There has been a blowback in the three states which have gone to the polls in which the BJP seems to be running neck-and-neck but they have been in power for quite a few years.

Rajasthan is an example which tends to go back and forth, so if they lose Rajasthan it won't be unusual. They have dominated Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh for quite some time, so it remains to be seen how much the anti-incumbency factor works against the BJP.

WION: As far as PM Modi the statesman is concerned, how does the West view him?

Walter K Andersen: Don't forget he could not visit the US for over a dozen years due to the Godhra riots but once it was clear he was going to be prime minister in 2014, the US ambassador at the time Nancy Powell went to visit him with flowers and there was a sense that maybe he wouldn't get a good reception but in fact he has. PM Modi has been able to turnaround his preception.

PM Modi invited Obama and they seemed to get along beautifully with each other. I understand he invited President Trump for the Republic Day celebrations but for some reason, it didn't work out but I won't be surprised if President Trump is not invited for the big event later.

WION: How do you view PM Modi's relations with President Trump?

Walter K Andersen: PM Modi worked at getting along, he did his homework on what President Trump was like, the prime minister is a very good politician. He is also a good actor, he has done it from when he was a child. If you watch him on the stage, he has a stage presence, he seems to be someone who was born for the stage.

He is also very good at private conversation, I have met him and he looks at you as if you are the most important person, unlike other prominent people who look over your shoulder. He remembers who you are and the circumstances in which you met him earlier which is very effective.

WION: And about your book "The Brotherhood In Saffron", how has that been viewed in India?

Walter K Andersen: Actually, PM Modi read it and said it is outdated, he didn't say write another one (laughs). It was of course written in 1988, at that time Congress was still the dominant party, the BJP was relatively a small party, but some things haven't changed.

The things that have changed is India's largest labour union, India's largest student group and India's largest party - the ruling party - and you can just go down the list and you can see how the RSS has penetrated in all parts of society.

WION: The rise of the RSS has been quite meteoric in the last few years.

Walter K Andersen: Yes, the growth was driven by the economic reforms of the 90s and as the Indian economy grew, urbanisation began to take place and that seems to have worked to the benefit of the Sangh including the BJP.

WION: How do you view the effect of the RSS on the party and then the country?

Walter K Andersen: Obviously, it has some influence. During the elections their cadre worked for the party. In the recent state elections, the RSS cadres went all out in Rajasthan and they used their polling network and the grassroots connect to find out how was the party faring and they got word that they have problems, so in the last few weeks they activated the cadre to attend the local meetings. In fact, the RSS is the best polling agency in India. They really go to the local level - the shakhas and they collect local information and pass it to the party.

WION: How do you think that affects the party?

Walter K Andersen: There is a common feeling that the BJP and the RSS sit down together but that is incorrect. Both are separate organizations and they have differences. Right now the big issue is the Ram Temple at Ayodhya.

WION: The view of the party and RSS it seems differs...

Walter K Andersen: Yes, the RSS and some of the affiliates like the VHP want the construction of the Ram Temple to start tomorrow but within the party, they think we need legislation and there are other views. The other big issue is on development.

The RSS has a much more older, protective view on the Indian economy. It is much less enthusiastic about FDI. The affiliates too the Mazdoor Sangh, the Swadeshi Jagran Manch were organised in the late 90s to oppose FDI and it still does.

WION: Is that good for the country?

Walter K Andersen: It certainly hasn't harmed the country, it has generated debate which one does not often see in political parties. It allows them to think. PM Modi sides with globalisation because he thinks it creates more jobs. He comes from a small enterprise background, his father ran a tea shop, so he understands you have to keep a ledger of inputs and outputs... so he understands as a young person the frustrations involved in moving up the ranks.

WION: In foreign affairs, what do you think has been PM Modi's greatest achievement?

Walter K Andersen: Ironically, I think it is getting India more involved in the international community and in relations with China. It now wants to improve its relations with India. PM Modi too wants to improve relations with China, he has been there several times. He has said some very complimentary things about China but he is a nationalist and the Chinese recognise it.

The RSS wants him to protect India's security and PM Modi has done it at Doklam, he has been able to do it and both sides declared victory which is the best thing - a win-win situation.

WION: And finally, how do you see Amit Shah and PM Modi working together?

Walter K Andersen: It is a remarkable pair. I haven't seen anything like it in Indian politics. There is an example of this in the late 19th century in Germany with Bismark who would organise things and the Emperor who was the public figure. A man like Amit Shah is all organization, he works the ground... he has no doubt built the most effective political organisation which is the BJP.

Amit Shah has worked at the booth level and has people who give feedback and analysis, so planning and execution helps the party and PM Modi and Amit Shah get along well too. They are two very self-possessed individuals, not insulted easily, a lot of people feel insulted, in that sense he is much like our President but then if you feel insulted, you should never be in politics.

I would like to have either one of them on my side in a battle, they are tough guys.

WION: But for the BJP the question is what next?

Walter K Andersen: Yes that is true, there does not seem to be a successor. It is true for Amit Shah as well. He has deputies but none that I know who is waiting to step in... the party needs both PM Modi and Amit Shah.

American Walter K Andersen, the author of the book on the RSS "The Brotherhood in Saffron" has been a keen South Asia watcher for decades. He has worked extensively for the US government at various levels from the days Henry Kissinger.

American Walter K Andersen, the author of the book on the RSS "The Brotherhood in Saffron" has been a keen South Asia watcher for decades. He has worked extensively for the US government at various levels from the days Henry Kissinger. He is in India once again witnessing the state elections and the big general elections in 2019. He spoke exclusively to WION on the rise of the BJP & RSS, PM Modi and his relations with President Trump and other big issues connected with the ruling party. WION: How do you view PM Modi's tenure now that his government is set to face the electorate again next year? Walter K Andersen: That is a complicated question because there are layers of success. India is now the fastest growing economy in the world today and that has been the status for the last four and a half years. The country has also received the largest foreign direct investment (FDI), I think it was $61 billion last year, which more than China. Also, infrastructure work has been going on but that has a delayed reaction, infrastructure work and FDI results do not show immediately. The failure has been on the issue of jobs which has had a political impact but then no one could really do it because the number is quite high, in millions. He came into office with the expectation that he will be able to create a lot of jobs for many young people, but he has been able to help the poor... there are a large number of poor people. The health scheme is the perfect example, the gas cylinder scheme too. WION: Also, the BJP is now in 19 states across India which seems to have fueled it. Walter K Andersen: Yes, the Opposition wasn't able to put up candidates which captured the imagination of the people. There has been a blowback in the three states which have gone to the polls in which the BJP seems to be running neck-and-neck but they have been in power for quite a few years. Rajasthan is an example which tends to go back and forth, so if they lose Rajasthan it won't be unusual. They have dominated Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh for quite some time, so it remains to be seen how much the anti-incumbency factor works against the BJP. WION: As far as PM Modi the statesman is concerned, how does the West view him? Walter K Andersen: Don't forget he could not visit the US for over a dozen years due to the Godhra riots but once it was clear he was going to be prime minister in 2014, the US ambassador at the time Nancy Powell went to visit him with flowers and there was a sense that maybe he wouldn't get a good reception but in fact he has. PM Modi has been able to turnaround his preception. PM Modi invited Obama and they seemed to get along beautifully with each other. I understand he invited President Trump for the Republic Day celebrations but for some reason, it didn't work out but I won't be surprised if President Trump is not invited for the big event later. WION: How do you view PM Modi's relations with President Trump? Walter K Andersen: PM Modi worked at getting along, he did his homework on what President Trump was like, the prime minister is a very good politician. He is also a good actor, he has done it from when he was a child. If you watch him on the stage, he has a stage presence, he seems to be someone who was born for the stage. He is also very good at private conversation, I have met him and he looks at you as if you are the most important person, unlike other prominent people who look over your shoulder. He remembers who you are and the circumstances in which you met him earlier which is very effective. WION: And about your book "The Brotherhood In Saffron", how has that been viewed in India? Walter K Andersen: Actually, PM Modi read it and said it is outdated, he didn't say write another one (laughs). It was of course written in 1988, at that time Congress was still the dominant party, the BJP was relatively a small party, but some things haven't changed. The things that have changed is India's largest labour union, India's largest student group and India's largest party - the ruling party - and you can just go down the list and you can see how the RSS has penetrated in all parts of society. WION: The rise of the RSS has been quite meteoric in the last few years. Walter K Andersen: Yes, the growth was driven by the economic reforms of the 90s and as the Indian economy grew, urbanisation began to take place and that seems to have worked to the benefit of the Sangh including the BJP. WION: How do you view the effect of the RSS on the party and then the country? Walter K Andersen: Obviously, it has some influence. During the elections their cadre worked for the party. In the recent state elections, the RSS cadres went all out in Rajasthan and they used their polling network and the grassroots connect to find out how was the party faring and they got word that they have problems, so in the last few weeks they activated the cadre to attend the local meetings. In fact, the RSS is the best polling agency in India. They really go to the local level - the shakhas and they collect local information and pass it to the party. WION: How do you think that affects the party? Walter K Andersen: There is a common feeling that the BJP and the RSS sit down together but that is incorrect. Both are separate organizations and they have differences. Right now the big issue is the Ram Temple at Ayodhya. WION: The view of the party and RSS it seems differs... Walter K Andersen: Yes, the RSS and some of the affiliates like the VHP want the construction of the Ram Temple to start tomorrow but within the party, they think we need legislation and there are other views. The other big issue is on development. The RSS has a much more older, protective view on the Indian economy. It is much less enthusiastic about FDI. The affiliates too the Mazdoor Sangh, the Swadeshi Jagran Manch were organised in the late 90s to oppose FDI and it still does. WION: Is that good for the country? Walter K Andersen: It certainly hasn't harmed the country, it has generated debate which one does not often see in political parties. It allows them to think. PM Modi sides with globalisation because he thinks it creates more jobs. He comes from a small enterprise background, his father ran a tea shop, so he understands you have to keep a ledger of inputs and outputs... so he understands as a young person the frustrations involved in moving up the ranks. WION: In foreign affairs, what do you think has been PM Modi's greatest achievement? Walter K Andersen: Ironically, I think it is getting India more involved in the international community and in relations with China. It now wants to improve its relations with India. PM Modi too wants to improve relations with China, he has been there several times. He has said some very complimentary things about China but he is a nationalist and the Chinese recognise it. The RSS wants him to protect India's security and PM Modi has done it at Doklam, he has been able to do it and both sides declared victory which is the best thing - a win-win situation. WION: And finally, how do you see Amit Shah and PM Modi working together? Walter K Andersen: It is a remarkable pair. I haven't seen anything like it in Indian politics. There is an example of this in the late 19th century in Germany with Bismark who would organise things and the Emperor who was the public figure. A man like Amit Shah is all organization, he works the ground... he has no doubt built the most effective political organisation which is the BJP. Amit Shah has worked at the booth level and has people who give feedback and analysis, so planning and execution helps the party and PM Modi and Amit Shah get along well too. They are two very self-possessed individuals, not insulted easily, a lot of people feel insulted, in that sense he is much like our President but then if you feel insulted, you should never be in politics. I would like to have either one of them on my side in a battle, they are tough guys. WION: But for the BJP the question is what next? Walter K Andersen: Yes that is true, there does not seem to be a successor. It is true for Amit Shah as well. He has deputies but none that I know who is waiting to step in... the party needs both PM Modi and Amit Shah.

Watch: PM Modi, Amit Shah a remarkable pair in Indian politics, says India watcher Andersen

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday told an all-party meet that the government was ready to discuss all issues of national importance in the Winter session of Parliament as the Congress asserted that the opposition will press for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the Rafale jet deal.

NDA ally Shiv Sena also pitched for a law on construction of a Ram temple at Ayodhya during the meeting, attended by floor leaders of various political parties from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and convened by the government a day ahead of the Winter session.&nbsp;

Asserting that government is always receptive to the issues raised by parties, the Prime Minister said the government and the opposition have to cooperate with each other so that Parliament functions smoothly which is in public interest.

Briefing reporters on the nearly two-hour long meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said all parties were in favour of a productive session and the government is always ready to discuss any issue as permitted under rules.

Shiv Sena representative in the meeting Chandrakant Khaire said his party would not allow parliament to function if the government does not bring a bill for the construction of Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

The Sena has 18 members in Lok Sabha and three in Rajya Sabha. However, when asked about Sena's demand, Tomar did not give a specific reply and said temple issue was not on the agenda of the all-party meet.&nbsp;

After the meeting, Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said, the opposition will press for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to probe the Rafale jet deal and raise several issues, including the misuse of probe agencies and autonomy for RBI, in the winter session.

He said the opposition will once again press for the formation of a JPC to look into the Rs 58,000 crore Rafale jet deal in which it has alleged corruption. Azad told reporters that the issue of alleged misuse of probe agencies by the government to settle political scores will also be raised.

Congress, TDP and TMC have alleged in the recent past that probe agencies including CBI and ED are being used by the government to settle a political score.&nbsp;

The opposition, he said, will take up the issue of autonomy of the Reserve Bank of India in the session.

Amid a tussle between the government and the RBI, opposition parties have accused the NDA regime of trying to damage every institution in the country by interfering in their autonomy and alleged the central bank was being forced to "open bank funding" to defaulting corporates.&nbsp;

Significantly, RBI Governor Urjit Patel quit, within hours after the all-party meeting.&nbsp;

At the meeting, Azad along with Aam Admi Party's Sanjay Singh raised the issue of the sanctity of the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). Azad said he told the meeting that the government has to settle the EVM issue in a bid to establish the credibility of the electronic process.

The AAP leader also alleged that the sanctity of polls was "under question" in view of "manipulation" of the EVMs.&nbsp;

"I demanded paper ballots for the coming elections as there are reports about EVMs being found at highways and the house of a political leader," Singh said.

A statement from the parliamentary affairs ministry said the Prime Minister "encouraged" parties to strive to create a "constructive atmosphere" in the Winter session and to collectively address issues related to the welfare of people.&nbsp;

"It is a prime responsibility for all of us to contribute to the service of the nation and its people by ensuring smooth functioning of Parliament," the statement said quoting the Prime Minister.&nbsp;

"There was a consensus across party lines on ensuring smooth functioning of the Parliament without disruptions and deadlocks to be resolved through constructive discussions in both the Houses," the statement said.

At the meeting, the Trinamool Congress urged the government not to rush through bills without examination in Parliament and raised issues such as the breakdown of institutions, chaos in the economy, fuel price hike and the lack of jobs.&nbsp;

Sources in TMC said that many present in the meeting suggested to the government to keep Parliament proceedings suspended between December 24 to January 1, which they claimed has been a tradition.&nbsp;

In the original schedule, Parliament will have sittings on December 24, 26 as well as on January 1. However, according to sources, the government will take a final call after considering the issue based on precedents of not having sittings&nbsp;on these dates.&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party's Ram Gopal Yadav also alleged that farmers are being "robbed" in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh and added that Dalits and backward classes are not getting the benefits of reservation in the state.&nbsp;

"The government says that Parliament should function. We also want it to function and find solutions to these issues. But if these issues are not allowed to be raised and discussed, then the Samajwadi Party would not allow the House to run," Yadav said

Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu had also convened a meeting of floor leaders of parties in the upper house for smooth conduct of proceedings.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday told an all-party meet that the government was ready to discuss all issues of national importance in the Winter session of Parliament as the Congress asserted that the opposition will press for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the Rafale jet deal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday told an all-party meet that the government was ready to discuss all issues of national importance in the Winter session of Parliament as the Congress asserted that the opposition will press for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the Rafale jet deal. NDA ally Shiv Sena also pitched for a law on construction of a Ram temple at Ayodhya during the meeting, attended by floor leaders of various political parties from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and convened by the government a day ahead of the Winter session. Asserting that government is always receptive to the issues raised by parties, the Prime Minister said the government and the opposition have to cooperate with each other so that Parliament functions smoothly which is in public interest. Briefing reporters on the nearly two-hour long meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said all parties were in favour of a productive session and the government is always ready to discuss any issue as permitted under rules. Shiv Sena representative in the meeting Chandrakant Khaire said his party would not allow parliament to function if the government does not bring a bill for the construction of Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya. The Sena has 18 members in Lok Sabha and three in Rajya Sabha. However, when asked about Sena's demand, Tomar did not give a specific reply and said temple issue was not on the agenda of the all-party meet. After the meeting, Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said, the opposition will press for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to probe the Rafale jet deal and raise several issues, including the misuse of probe agencies and autonomy for RBI, in the winter session. He said the opposition will once again press for the formation of a JPC to look into the Rs 58,000 crore Rafale jet deal in which it has alleged corruption. Azad told reporters that the issue of alleged misuse of probe agencies by the government to settle political scores will also be raised. Congress, TDP and TMC have alleged in the recent past that probe agencies including CBI and ED are being used by the government to settle a political score. The opposition, he said, will take up the issue of autonomy of the Reserve Bank of India in the session. Amid a tussle between the government and the RBI, opposition parties have accused the NDA regime of trying to damage every institution in the country by interfering in their autonomy and alleged the central bank was being forced to "open bank funding" to defaulting corporates. Significantly, RBI Governor Urjit Patel quit, within hours after the all-party meeting. At the meeting, Azad along with Aam Admi Party's Sanjay Singh raised the issue of the sanctity of the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). Azad said he told the meeting that the government has to settle the EVM issue in a bid to establish the credibility of the electronic process. The AAP leader also alleged that the sanctity of polls was "under question" in view of "manipulation" of the EVMs. "I demanded paper ballots for the coming elections as there are reports about EVMs being found at highways and the house of a political leader," Singh said. A statement from the parliamentary affairs ministry said the Prime Minister "encouraged" parties to strive to create a "constructive atmosphere" in the Winter session and to collectively address issues related to the welfare of people. "It is a prime responsibility for all of us to contribute to the service of the nation and its people by ensuring smooth functioning of Parliament," the statement said quoting the Prime Minister. "There was a consensus across party lines on ensuring smooth functioning of the Parliament without disruptions and deadlocks to be resolved through constructive discussions in both the Houses," the statement said. At the meeting, the Trinamool Congress urged the government not to rush through bills without examination in Parliament and raised issues such as the breakdown of institutions, chaos in the economy, fuel price hike and the lack of jobs. Sources in TMC said that many present in the meeting suggested to the government to keep Parliament proceedings suspended between December 24 to January 1, which they claimed has been a tradition. In the original schedule, Parliament will have sittings on December 24, 26 as well as on January 1. However, according to sources, the government will take a final call after considering the issue based on precedents of not having sittings on these dates. Samajwadi Party's Ram Gopal Yadav also alleged that farmers are being "robbed" in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh and added that Dalits and backward classes are not getting the benefits of reservation in the state. "The government says that Parliament should function. We also want it to function and find solutions to these issues. But if these issues are not allowed to be raised and discussed, then the Samajwadi Party would not allow the House to run," Yadav said Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu had also convened a meeting of floor leaders of parties in the upper house for smooth conduct of proceedings.

All-party meet: PM says government ready to discuss important national issues

Delhi's air quality worsened further and slipped to 'severe' category Monday as heavy stagnant air prevented dispersion of pollutants, according to authorities.

The Central Pollution Control Board or CPCB recorded an overall air quality index (AQI) of 403, which falls in a 'severe' category.

Neighbouring Ghaziabad, Noida and Faridabad also recorded 'severe' air quality. Noida's air quality was worst at an AQI of 452, CPCB data showed. 
An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor' and 401 and 500 'severe'.

Nineteen areas in Delhi recorded 'severe' air quality and ten areas recorded 'very poor' air quality, according to the CPCB.

Under the 'severe' category, even healthy people find it harder to breathe and doctors advise physical activity be kept at a minimum. Authorities said they are closely monitoring the situation.

The overall PM2.5 level&nbsp;fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres&nbsp;was recorded at 257 and the PM10 level at 445, it said.

The Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) said the overall air quality of Delhi will further deteriorate over the next two days.

"Values are likely to remain in the same range until tomorrow which is likely to decline by Wednesday. Calm surface winds are not allowing pollutants to disperse," it said.

"Winds are calm and dispersion is low. Western disturbances influence may impact Delhi's air quality by introducing the moisture and making air heavy. The expected fall in temperature and moderate fog is likely to increase pollution overcoming two days is expected to the upper level of very poor," the SAFAR said.

The SAFAR said that the air quality might improve Wednesday if sufficient amount of rainfall occurs, which is expected.

"However, marginal shower often deteriorates air quality because high moisture content overshadows the wash-out effect. In all probability, the AQI will remain within the limit of very poor and will not touch 'severe'," it said.

"Levels of gaseous pollutants, NOx and CO are forecast to be enhanced&nbsp;up to the moderate range&nbsp;after a long time due to a fall in boundary layer height and reduced vertical mixing," the SAFAR said.&nbsp;

Delhi's air quality worsened further and slipped to 'severe' category Monday as heavy stagnant air prevented dispersion of pollutants, according to authorities. The Central Pollution Control Board or CPCB recorded an overall air quality index (AQI) of 403, which falls in a 'severe' category.

Delhi's air quality worsened further and slipped to 'severe' category Monday as heavy stagnant air prevented dispersion of pollutants, according to authorities. The Central Pollution Control Board or CPCB recorded an overall air quality index (AQI) of 403, which falls in a 'severe' category. Neighbouring Ghaziabad, Noida and Faridabad also recorded 'severe' air quality. Noida's air quality was worst at an AQI of 452, CPCB data showed. An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor' and 401 and 500 'severe'. Nineteen areas in Delhi recorded 'severe' air quality and ten areas recorded 'very poor' air quality, according to the CPCB. Under the 'severe' category, even healthy people find it harder to breathe and doctors advise physical activity be kept at a minimum. Authorities said they are closely monitoring the situation. The overall PM2.5 level fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres was recorded at 257 and the PM10 level at 445, it said. The Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) said the overall air quality of Delhi will further deteriorate over the next two days. "Values are likely to remain in the same range until tomorrow which is likely to decline by Wednesday. Calm surface winds are not allowing pollutants to disperse," it said. "Winds are calm and dispersion is low. Western disturbances influence may impact Delhi's air quality by introducing the moisture and making air heavy. The expected fall in temperature and moderate fog is likely to increase pollution overcoming two days is expected to the upper level of very poor," the SAFAR said. The SAFAR said that the air quality might improve Wednesday if sufficient amount of rainfall occurs, which is expected. "However, marginal shower often deteriorates air quality because high moisture content overshadows the wash-out effect. In all probability, the AQI will remain within the limit of very poor and will not touch 'severe'," it said. "Levels of gaseous pollutants, NOx and CO are forecast to be enhanced up to the moderate range after a long time due to a fall in boundary layer height and reduced vertical mixing," the SAFAR said.

Delhi air quality worsens, to further deteriorate in next two days

With the opening of the Kartarpur corridor, the chorus is growing on the opening of Sharada Peeth, an important temple across the Line of Control in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, which has been out of bounds since the partition.

Bhushan Lal looks out of his window from his house in the old city of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Lal is among a small minority of Kashmiri Pandits who never left the valley when Pakistan-backed terrorists targeted their community.

Lal, like many others, dreams to go for pilgrimage to Sharada Peeth which is an important temple across the Line of Control in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Sharada Peeth is back in focus after the opening of Kartarpur corridor for Sikh pilgrims. &nbsp;

His hopes have gained momentum after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been quoted by newspapers as saying that his government "can consider other proposals including opening up travel for the Sharada Peeth in Kashmir."

"This is a very good step, it actually means a lot for us. What Sidhu did for Sikhs, we are demanding the same for us. We have been trying this for a long time, even Mufti Syed, tried to open the route. If this happens, I will go with my entire family," Lal said while preparing to leave for his daily work.

Since the partition of India, the temple has been out of bounds for Indian pilgrims. Lal has met several political leaders to press for the reopening of the ancient temple, but all in vain.&nbsp;

Now former chief minister of J&amp;K Mehbooba Mufti has raised the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi by writing a letter to consider the opening of a Kartarpur-type corridor for the Kashmiri Pandits.&nbsp;

Sharada Peeth translates to "the seat of Sharada," the Kashmiri name for the Hindu goddess Saraswati. The temple is located in a small village about 160 kilometres from Muzaffarabad along the Neelam River in the village of Sharda.&nbsp;

Away from Srinagar, almost 70 kilometres to the north in Bandipora district, four Kashmiri Pandit families take care of a small Shardada temple. The bells don't ring regularly here. Locals believe the place to be a temporary resting place of goddess Sharada when she came from Pakistan occupied Kashmir.&nbsp;

Here these families also echo the same wish. Moti Lal Bhat is 86-year-old now, his wish is to visit the original Sharada temple has faded with time. Bhat says the local temple is sacred for not only the Hindu community but also to the local Muslim population.&nbsp;

"I am old now, I don't know if I will be able to go there but those after me should get an opportunity to visit the sacred temple," Bhat says while sitting in corner of a room having walls made of mud.&nbsp;

Save Sharada Committee has been pushing long for their demand to open the route through Muzaffarabad, so far it has fallen on deaf ears. 
&nbsp;

With the opening of the Kartarpur corridor, the chorus is growing on the opening of Sharada Peeth, an important temple across the Line of Control in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, which has been out of bounds since the partition.

With the opening of the Kartarpur corridor, the chorus is growing on the opening of Sharada Peeth, an important temple across the Line of Control in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, which has been out of bounds since the partition. Bhushan Lal looks out of his window from his house in the old city of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Lal is among a small minority of Kashmiri Pandits who never left the valley when Pakistan-backed terrorists targeted their community. Lal, like many others, dreams to go for pilgrimage to Sharada Peeth which is an important temple across the Line of Control in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Sharada Peeth is back in focus after the opening of Kartarpur corridor for Sikh pilgrims. His hopes have gained momentum after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been quoted by newspapers as saying that his government "can consider other proposals including opening up travel for the Sharada Peeth in Kashmir." "This is a very good step, it actually means a lot for us. What Sidhu did for Sikhs, we are demanding the same for us. We have been trying this for a long time, even Mufti Syed, tried to open the route. If this happens, I will go with my entire family," Lal said while preparing to leave for his daily work. Since the partition of India, the temple has been out of bounds for Indian pilgrims. Lal has met several political leaders to press for the reopening of the ancient temple, but all in vain. Now former chief minister of J&K Mehbooba Mufti has raised the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi by writing a letter to consider the opening of a Kartarpur-type corridor for the Kashmiri Pandits. Sharada Peeth translates to "the seat of Sharada," the Kashmiri name for the Hindu goddess Saraswati. The temple is located in a small village about 160 kilometres from Muzaffarabad along the Neelam River in the village of Sharda. Away from Srinagar, almost 70 kilometres to the north in Bandipora district, four Kashmiri Pandit families take care of a small Shardada temple. The bells don't ring regularly here. Locals believe the place to be a temporary resting place of goddess Sharada when she came from Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Here these families also echo the same wish. Moti Lal Bhat is 86-year-old now, his wish is to visit the original Sharada temple has faded with time. Bhat says the local temple is sacred for not only the Hindu community but also to the local Muslim population. "I am old now, I don't know if I will be able to go there but those after me should get an opportunity to visit the sacred temple," Bhat says while sitting in corner of a room having walls made of mud. Save Sharada Committee has been pushing long for their demand to open the route through Muzaffarabad, so far it has fallen on deaf ears.

Ground report: Now, Kashmiri Pandits demand Kartarpur-type corridor to 'Sharada Peeth'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-dismisses-pil-against-fm-arun-jaitley-182167">Finance Minister Arun Jaitley</a>&nbsp;on Monday appreciated the service rendered by RBI Governor Urjit Patel saying it was a pleasure to deal with him and has benefitted from his scholarship.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-governor-urjit-patel-resigns-cites-personal-reasons-182915">Patel on&nbsp; Monday resigned as RBI Governor</a>, nearly 9 months ahead of his three-year tenure was to come to an end.

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Finance Minister Arun Jaitley: Govt acknowledges with deep sense of appreciation the services rendered by Dr Urjit Patel to this country, both in his capacity as Governor &amp; Deputy Governor of RBI. I wish Dr Patel all the very best and many more years of public service. (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/o7W5OwG9Ah">pic.twitter.com/o7W5OwG9Ah</a>
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"The Government acknowledges with a deep sense of appreciation the services rendered by Dr Urjit Patel to this country both in his capacity as the Governor and the Deputy Governor of the RBI. It was a pleasure for me to deal with him and benefit from his scholarship," Jaitley tweeted.

"I wish Dr Patel all the very best and many more years of public service," he said.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday appreciated the service rendered by RBI Governor Urjit Patel saying it was a pleasure to deal with him and has benefitted from his scholarship.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday appreciated the service rendered by RBI Governor Urjit Patel saying it was a pleasure to deal with him and has benefitted from his scholarship. Patel on Monday resigned as RBI Governor, nearly 9 months ahead of his three-year tenure was to come to an end. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley: Govt acknowledges with deep sense of appreciation the services rendered by Dr Urjit Patel to this country, both in his capacity as Governor & Deputy Governor of RBI. I wish Dr Patel all the very best and many more years of public service. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/o7W5OwG9Ah — ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2018 × "The Government acknowledges with a deep sense of appreciation the services rendered by Dr Urjit Patel to this country both in his capacity as the Governor and the Deputy Governor of the RBI. It was a pleasure for me to deal with him and benefit from his scholarship," Jaitley tweeted. "I wish Dr Patel all the very best and many more years of public service," he said.

Government appreciates Urjit Patel's service as RBI Governor: Jaitley

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-governor-urjit-patel-resigns-cites-personal-reasons-182915">RBI Governor Urjit Patel resigns, says it's for 'personal reasons'</a>

RBI Governor Urjit Patel has resigned, saying he was doing so for "personal reasons".&nbsp;

"On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position (RBI Governor) effective immediately. It has been my privilege and honour to serve in the Reserve Bank of India in various capacities over the years," Patel said in a statement.&nbsp;

Pointedly, he did not mention the finance ministry or the government in his statement.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/legal-team-will-take-proper-steps-over-whatever-judgement-is-pronounced-mallya-182872">UK court orders Vijay Mallya's extradition to India, CBI says 'we welcome the verdict'</a>

UK's Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday ordered liquor baron Vijay Mallya's extradition to India.

According to reports, Mallya has 14 days to appeal his extradition in the High Court.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-will-continue-to-lend-full-support-to-people-of-kashmir-imran-khan-182917">Pakistan will continue to lend full support to people of Kashmir: Imran Khan</a>

Pakistan would continue to lend full diplomatic, political and moral support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Monday.&nbsp;

Khan's remarks came in a message on the Human Rights Day which is observed every year on December 10.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/had-bitter-experience-tried-putting-forth-my-words-while-in-nda-rlsp-chief-upendra-kushwaha-quits-as-union-minister-pulls-out-from-nda-182866">'Bihar is still where it was,' RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha says after pulling out of NDA</a>

RLSP Chief Upendra Kushwaha quit as union minister on Monday and stated that his party will no longer be a part of the National Democratic Alliance.&nbsp;

The minister stated that he has had a "bitter experience" with the BJP, adding that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar "has done injustice to people of all fronts".&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eu-insists-will-not-renegotiate-brexit-deal-182934">EU says it will not renegotiate Brexit deal</a>

The EU has already offered Britain the "best and only possible" Brexit divorce deal and will not renegotiate it, the European Commission warned Monday on the eve of a vote in the British parliament.

"Our position has not changed and as far as we're concerned the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union on the 29th of March 2019," spokeswoman Mina Andreeva told reporters.

RBI Governor Urjit Patel resigns, says it's for 'personal reasons' RBI Governor Urjit Patel has resigned, saying he was doing so for "personal reasons". "On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position (RBI Governor) effective immediately.

RBI Governor Urjit Patel resigns, says it's for 'personal reasons' RBI Governor Urjit Patel has resigned, saying he was doing so for "personal reasons". "On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position (RBI Governor) effective immediately. It has been my privilege and honour to serve in the Reserve Bank of India in various capacities over the years," Patel said in a statement. Pointedly, he did not mention the finance ministry or the government in his statement. UK court orders Vijay Mallya's extradition to India, CBI says 'we welcome the verdict' UK's Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday ordered liquor baron Vijay Mallya's extradition to India. According to reports, Mallya has 14 days to appeal his extradition in the High Court. Pakistan will continue to lend full support to people of Kashmir: Imran Khan Pakistan would continue to lend full diplomatic, political and moral support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Monday. Khan's remarks came in a message on the Human Rights Day which is observed every year on December 10. 'Bihar is still where it was,' RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha says after pulling out of NDA RLSP Chief Upendra Kushwaha quit as union minister on Monday and stated that his party will no longer be a part of the National Democratic Alliance. The minister stated that he has had a "bitter experience" with the BJP, adding that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar "has done injustice to people of all fronts". EU says it will not renegotiate Brexit deal The EU has already offered Britain the "best and only possible" Brexit divorce deal and will not renegotiate it, the European Commission warned Monday on the eve of a vote in the British parliament. "Our position has not changed and as far as we're concerned the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union on the 29th of March 2019," spokeswoman Mina Andreeva told reporters.

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All-party meet: PM says government ready to discuss important national issues

Delhi air quality worsens, to further deteriorate in next two days

Ground report: Now, Kashmiri Pandits demand Kartarpur-type corridor to 'Sharada Peeth'

Government appreciates Urjit Patel's service as RBI Governor: Jaitley

News brief: Big stories of the day