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<p>Union Minister Nitin Gadkari fainted at an event in Ahmednagar on Friday, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later in the day, the minister informed that his health is now stable and that he lost consciousness owing to lack of oxygen.</p>

<p>"Due lack of oxygen I fainted. Later I got my blood sugar and blood pressure checked and the reports were fine. I am better now and there is nothing to worry," the minister told media.</p>

<p>Gadkari was at a public event in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district on Friday when the incident happened. He reported feeling suffocated as he was wearing heavy robes during the event, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Union Minister Nitin Gadkari after he fainted at an event in Ahmednagar earlier today: Due lack of oxygen I fainted. Later I got my blood sugar and blood pressure checked and the reports were fine. I am better now and there is nothing to worry. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a> <a href="https://t.co/tmvO2xO7nT">pic.twitter.com/tmvO2xO7nT</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070980463177678848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I felt some suffocation during the event. The pandal (at the venue) was air-tight. I was wearing the robes of the convocation ceremony, that is why there was less oxygen. That is also why I fainted. My health is alright. (I have) no problem of blood pressure or sugar (now)," Gadkari told reporters.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">केंद्रीय मंत्री श्री नितीन गडकरी जी का स्वास्थ को लेकर टीवी मीडिया को दिया वक्तव्य। <a href="https://t.co/R2FCDC80rm">pic.twitter.com/R2FCDC80rm</a></p>
— Office Of Nitin Gadkari (@OfficeOfNG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfNG/status/1070974788221440002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gadkari was examined by a team of doctors present at the venue. His blood pressure was checked and he remained on his seat on stage for about 10 minutes, after which he walked to his vehicle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later in the day, the 61-year-old BJP leader took to Twitter and tweeted about the incident.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Had slight medical condition due to low sugar. I have been attended by doctors and i am doing well now. I thank all of you for all the well wishes.</p>
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) <a href="https://twitter.com/nitin_gadkari/status/1070958414174580736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Had slight medical condition due to low sugar. I have been attended by doctors and I am doing well now. I thank all of you for all the well wishes," his tweet read.</p>


Union Minister Nitin Gadkari fainted at an event in Ahmednagar on Friday, news agency ANI reported. Later in the day, the minister informed that his health is now stable and that he lost consciousness owing to lack of oxygen.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari fainted at an event in Ahmednagar on Friday, news agency ANI reported. Later in the day, the minister informed that his health is now stable and that he lost consciousness owing to lack of oxygen. "Due lack of oxygen I fainted. Later I got my blood sugar and blood pressure checked and the reports were fine. I am better now and there is nothing to worry," the minister told media. Gadkari was at a public event in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district on Friday when the incident happened. He reported feeling suffocated as he was wearing heavy robes during the event, news agency PTI reported. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari after he fainted at an event in Ahmednagar earlier today: Due lack of oxygen I fainted. Later I got my blood sugar and blood pressure checked and the reports were fine. I am better now and there is nothing to worry. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/tmvO2xO7nT — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × "I felt some suffocation during the event. The pandal (at the venue) was air-tight. I was wearing the robes of the convocation ceremony, that is why there was less oxygen. That is also why I fainted. My health is alright. (I have) no problem of blood pressure or sugar (now)," Gadkari told reporters. केंद्रीय मंत्री श्री नितीन गडकरी जी का स्वास्थ को लेकर टीवी मीडिया को दिया वक्तव्य। pic.twitter.com/R2FCDC80rm — Office Of Nitin Gadkari (@OfficeOfNG) December 7, 2018 × Gadkari was examined by a team of doctors present at the venue. His blood pressure was checked and he remained on his seat on stage for about 10 minutes, after which he walked to his vehicle. Later in the day, the 61-year-old BJP leader took to Twitter and tweeted about the incident. Had slight medical condition due to low sugar. I have been attended by doctors and i am doing well now. I thank all of you for all the well wishes. — Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) December 7, 2018 × "Had slight medical condition due to low sugar. I have been attended by doctors and I am doing well now. I thank all of you for all the well wishes," his tweet read.

Watch: Nitin Gadkari faints on stage in Maharashtra, attributes it to low oxygen

<p>Ace shuttler Jwala Gutta said she was disappointed as she could not vote in the Telangana Assembly polls after her name was allegedly missing in the voters' list.</p>

<p>"I had checked (name) and then only went today (to vote) and my name was missing. My point is, my father and sister's names have been missing since the time we checked online," the badminton star said in a video message on Twitter on Friday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Surprised to see my name disappear from the voting list after checking online!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/whereismyvote?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#whereismyvote</a></p>
— Gutta Jwala (@Guttajwala) <a href="https://twitter.com/Guttajwala/status/1070868428913868800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>She sought to know why her name was deleted as she has been residing at the same residence for the past 12 years.</p>

<p>If the names are deleted, the concerned persons should definitely be informed, she said.</p>

<p>Gutta said her mother was, however, able to vote.</p>

<p>Her father Kranti Gutta said that Jwala's name was found in the voters' list around one month ago.</p>

<p>He claimed his attempt to enrol online as a voter was not successful.</p>

<p>The concerned polling station is in Banjara Hills in the city, he said.</p>

<p>Jwala Gutta has won several medals, including in the Commonweath Games.</p>


Ace shuttler Jwala Gutta said she was disappointed as she could not vote in the Telangana Assembly polls after her name was allegedly missing in the voters' list.

Ace shuttler Jwala Gutta said she was disappointed as she could not vote in the Telangana Assembly polls after her name was allegedly missing in the voters' list. "I had checked (name) and then only went today (to vote) and my name was missing. My point is, my father and sister's names have been missing since the time we checked online," the badminton star said in a video message on Twitter on Friday. Surprised to see my name disappear from the voting list after checking online!! #whereismyvote — Gutta Jwala (@Guttajwala) December 7, 2018 × She sought to know why her name was deleted as she has been residing at the same residence for the past 12 years. If the names are deleted, the concerned persons should definitely be informed, she said. Gutta said her mother was, however, able to vote. Her father Kranti Gutta said that Jwala's name was found in the voters' list around one month ago. He claimed his attempt to enrol online as a voter was not successful. The concerned polling station is in Banjara Hills in the city, he said. Jwala Gutta has won several medals, including in the Commonweath Games.

My name missing in list, could not vote in Telangana polls: Jwala Gutta

<p>The All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday exuded confidence that his party would be successful in Telangana Assembly polls.</p>

<p>"I am hopeful. I am fully confident that we will be successful in every seat. I hope people of Hyderabad, people of Telangana take this little difficulty, go out of homes and use their vote," he told reporters in Hyderabad.</p>

<p>The AIMIM has fielded candidates in eight assembly segments in Hyderabad out of the total 119 seats in the state. It is supporting TRS in other segments.</p>

<p>Owaisi cast his vote in Rajendranagar Assembly segment in the city on Friday.</p>

<p>The counting of votes would be taken up on December 11.</p>

<p>Assembly polls in Telangana were originally scheduled to be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls next year.</p>

<p>However, the Legislative Assembly was dissolved prematurely on September six following a recommendation made by the TRS government.</p>

<p>The ruling TRS is going alone in the polls and so does the BJP.</p>

<p>The Congress, TDP, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) have formed the 'People's Front' for the election.</p>


The All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday exuded confidence that his party would be successful in Telangana Assembly polls.

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday exuded confidence that his party would be successful in Telangana Assembly polls. "I am hopeful. I am fully confident that we will be successful in every seat. I hope people of Hyderabad, people of Telangana take this little difficulty, go out of homes and use their vote," he told reporters in Hyderabad. The AIMIM has fielded candidates in eight assembly segments in Hyderabad out of the total 119 seats in the state. It is supporting TRS in other segments. Owaisi cast his vote in Rajendranagar Assembly segment in the city on Friday. The counting of votes would be taken up on December 11. Assembly polls in Telangana were originally scheduled to be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls next year. However, the Legislative Assembly was dissolved prematurely on September six following a recommendation made by the TRS government. The ruling TRS is going alone in the polls and so does the BJP. The Congress, TDP, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) have formed the 'People's Front' for the election.

AIMIM confident of winning all contested seats: Owaisi

<p>Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on Friday demanded action against former JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav for body shaming her during an election rally, saying she felt insulted by his comments and the Election Commission must take cognizance.</p>

<p>Yadav made the personal comments, calling Raje fat and asking people to give her rest, while addressing a rally in Alwar on the last day of campaigning in Rajasthan on Wednesday.</p>

<p>"I feel insulted. This is the insult of women," Raje told reporters in Jhalawar, adding that she was "absolutely shocked" and did not expect such a comment from an experienced leader.</p>

<p>Raje, who is fighting for another term in office, said the leader who had close relations with her family could not control his language.</p>

<p>"It is important," the chief minister asserted, "that the Election Commission takes cognizance of this and sets an example so people don't repeat such a thing in future."</p>

<p>A video of Yadav was circulated on social media, with many labelling his comments crass and misogynistic.</p>

<p>Yadav was campaigning for the Loktantrik Janata Dal in Alwar district's Mundwar constituency, one of the five seats where the Congress has entered into an alliance with various parties.</p>

<p>Raje's sharp response to Yadav's remarks came on a day the state is voting for a new assembly. The votes will be counted on December 11.</p>


Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on Friday demanded action against former JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav for body shaming her during an election rally, saying she felt insulted by his comments and the Election Commission must take cognizance.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on Friday demanded action against former JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav for body shaming her during an election rally, saying she felt insulted by his comments and the Election Commission must take cognizance. Yadav made the personal comments, calling Raje fat and asking people to give her rest, while addressing a rally in Alwar on the last day of campaigning in Rajasthan on Wednesday. "I feel insulted. This is the insult of women," Raje told reporters in Jhalawar, adding that she was "absolutely shocked" and did not expect such a comment from an experienced leader. Raje, who is fighting for another term in office, said the leader who had close relations with her family could not control his language. "It is important," the chief minister asserted, "that the Election Commission takes cognizance of this and sets an example so people don't repeat such a thing in future." A video of Yadav was circulated on social media, with many labelling his comments crass and misogynistic. Yadav was campaigning for the Loktantrik Janata Dal in Alwar district's Mundwar constituency, one of the five seats where the Congress has entered into an alliance with various parties. Raje's sharp response to Yadav's remarks came on a day the state is voting for a new assembly. The votes will be counted on December 11.

Vasundhara Raje slams Sharad Yadav for body shaming her, says Election Commission must take cognizance

<p>Selfies of people proudly showing off inked fingers flooded social media as Rajasthan went to polls Friday in 199 out of the 200 Assembly constituencies.</p>

<p>Voters, particularly youngsters, took to platforms like WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook to post their pictures after exercising their franchise.</p>

<p>"Having voted is also a source of pride in the democracy. Therefore, I put a status (on social media about having voted) as soon as I came out of the polling station," a voter Girish Sharma said.</p>

<p>"Have chosen my future, you too show up," read the status of Deepesh Goyal, who voted in Ajmer.</p>

<p>CA students Nikita Sharma and Ankita Sharma also showed excitement after casting their votes in Malvia Nagar constituency in Jaipur.</p>

<p>"Yes we are flaunting this mark of using our democratic right and we are happy after voting," they said.</p>

<p>Engineering student Avi Srivatava only posted a picture of his finger and said the focus was on the ink mark and it was a sign that he had voted.</p>


Selfies of people proudly showing off inked fingers flooded social media as Rajasthan went to polls Friday in 199 out of the 200 Assembly constituencies. Voters, particularly youngsters, took to platforms like WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook to post their pictures after exercising their franchise.

Selfies of people proudly showing off inked fingers flooded social media as Rajasthan went to polls Friday in 199 out of the 200 Assembly constituencies. Voters, particularly youngsters, took to platforms like WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook to post their pictures after exercising their franchise. "Having voted is also a source of pride in the democracy. Therefore, I put a status (on social media about having voted) as soon as I came out of the polling station," a voter Girish Sharma said. "Have chosen my future, you too show up," read the status of Deepesh Goyal, who voted in Ajmer. CA students Nikita Sharma and Ankita Sharma also showed excitement after casting their votes in Malvia Nagar constituency in Jaipur. "Yes we are flaunting this mark of using our democratic right and we are happy after voting," they said. Engineering student Avi Srivatava only posted a picture of his finger and said the focus was on the ink mark and it was a sign that he had voted.

Rajasthan polls: Selfies with inked fingers swamp social media

<p>Her back bent over with age, nonagenarian Rama Devi, with the support of his family members, walked to a polling booth in a village in Rajasthan's Jodhpur and exercised her franchise.</p>

<p>"There must be peace and prosperity in the country," the 96-year-old said as her wrinkled face gleamed with a smile when asked what encouraged her to vote.</p>

<p>In Rajasthan, more than 56 per cent votes were cast till 3pm.</p>

<p>Waiting in a queue to cast his vote in Sanganer Assembly constituency of Jaipur, Mohan Singh said, "I have come with my grandchildren who are minors, but it is good for them to see the polling process. It makes them aware."</p>

<p>It is not just the elders, youths too were excited about casting votes.</p>

<p>"Quality education and employment are the main issue for youngsters. There is a need to improve education infrastructure in the state, because many of us have to go out of the state for higher studies," Utkarsh Agnihotri, a first-time voter, who is preparing for NEET said in Jaipur.</p>

<p>He said all his friends cast their votes soon after the polling started.</p>

<p>In Dholpur, however, the picture was just the opposite. Residents of Chhemar Ka Pura village under Rajakhera Assembly constituency have decided to not cast votes alleging that their long-pending demand of a proper approach road to their village is yet to be met.</p>

<p>"Candidates seek votes, they win but do not address our long-pending demand of a proper approach road to the village. We have largely decided to boycott polling," Gendalal Kushwah, a local, said.</p>

<p>Polling for 199 of the 200 Assembly seats in Rajasthan began at 8am on Friday and is going on at a brisk pace. The election in Ramgarh constituency of Alwar district was put off following the death of Bahujan Samaj Party candidate Laxman Singh.</p>

<p>Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, state Congress chief Sachin Pilot and other leaders were among those who exercised their franchise. The results will be out on December 11, along with those from the other four states which saw Assembly elections in the past few weeks.</p>


Her back bent over with age, nonagenarian Rama Devi, with the support of his family members, walked to a polling booth in a village in Rajasthan's Jodhpur and exercised her franchise.

Her back bent over with age, nonagenarian Rama Devi, with the support of his family members, walked to a polling booth in a village in Rajasthan's Jodhpur and exercised her franchise. "There must be peace and prosperity in the country," the 96-year-old said as her wrinkled face gleamed with a smile when asked what encouraged her to vote. In Rajasthan, more than 56 per cent votes were cast till 3pm. Waiting in a queue to cast his vote in Sanganer Assembly constituency of Jaipur, Mohan Singh said, "I have come with my grandchildren who are minors, but it is good for them to see the polling process. It makes them aware." It is not just the elders, youths too were excited about casting votes. "Quality education and employment are the main issue for youngsters. There is a need to improve education infrastructure in the state, because many of us have to go out of the state for higher studies," Utkarsh Agnihotri, a first-time voter, who is preparing for NEET said in Jaipur. He said all his friends cast their votes soon after the polling started. In Dholpur, however, the picture was just the opposite. Residents of Chhemar Ka Pura village under Rajakhera Assembly constituency have decided to not cast votes alleging that their long-pending demand of a proper approach road to their village is yet to be met. "Candidates seek votes, they win but do not address our long-pending demand of a proper approach road to the village. We have largely decided to boycott polling," Gendalal Kushwah, a local, said. Polling for 199 of the 200 Assembly seats in Rajasthan began at 8am on Friday and is going on at a brisk pace. The election in Ramgarh constituency of Alwar district was put off following the death of Bahujan Samaj Party candidate Laxman Singh. Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, state Congress chief Sachin Pilot and other leaders were among those who exercised their franchise. The results will be out on December 11, along with those from the other four states which saw Assembly elections in the past few weeks.

Young and old queue up in booths in Rajasthan for peace, prosperity and employment

<p>BJP chief Amit Shah on Friday stated that the Rath Yatra will be conducted as planned, adding that the party will "do everything legally and we will conduct three rallies."</p>

<p>Shah noted that the rallies have been postponed and not cancelled and will go to "every part of West Bengal." "Nobody can stop us," he noted.</p>

<p>"We will do everything legally and we will conduct three rallies. The rallies have not been cancelled but postponed. Yatra, as scheduled, will go to every part of West Bengal. I will go to West Bengal tomorrow," the BJP chief said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He attacked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee noting that she is trying to stop the Yatra as she is "scared."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BJP President Amit Shah: We will do everything legally and we will conduct three rallies.The rallies have not been cancelled but postponed. Yatra as scheduled will go to every part of West Bengal.I will go to West Bengal tomorrow. <a href="https://t.co/SRZ9pNworg">pic.twitter.com/SRZ9pNworg</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070962074484965376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Mamata Banerjee is scared of BJP and this is why she has stopped the Rath Yatra. In every sector starting from cattle to coal, mafias are working and TMC ministers are supporting them," Shah added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shah's comments came a day after the Calcutta High Court refused the BJP permission to hold a 'rath yatra' in Coochbehar, following the state government expressing apprehensions of violence.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BJP President Amit Shah: After the Panchayat elections, Mamata Banerjee is scared of BJP &amp; this is why she has stopped the Rath yatra. In every sector starting from cattle to coal, mafias are working &amp; TMC ministers are supporting them. <a href="https://t.co/YFGB7a1dum">pic.twitter.com/YFGB7a1dum</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070954763313926144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>A division bench of the <a href="&quot;http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rath-yatra-bjp-moves-calcutta-high-court-against-refusal-of-permission-182130">Calcutta Calcutta High Court began hearing BJP's plea</a> against refusal of permission for its Rath Yatra earlier today.</p>

<p>The BJP leadership on Friday convened an emergency meeting to discuss the future course of action after uncertainty loomed over the party's Rath Yatra programme.</p>

<p>The BJP had decided to put on hold Shah's proposed rally and the Rath Yatra, saying it will wait for the final order from the high court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, party state president Dilip Ghosh alleged that Banerjee-led West Bengal government has tried to stop the BJP from conducting a rally or a political programme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Whenever we have wanted to take out a rally or conduct a political programme, the state government has tried to stop it either by denying us permission or tried to create procedural hurdles," he alleged.</p>


BJP chief Amit Shah on Friday stated that the Rath Yatra will be conducted as planned, adding that the party will "do everything legally and we will conduct three rallies.

BJP chief Amit Shah on Friday stated that the Rath Yatra will be conducted as planned, adding that the party will "do everything legally and we will conduct three rallies." Shah noted that the rallies have been postponed and not cancelled and will go to "every part of West Bengal." "Nobody can stop us," he noted. "We will do everything legally and we will conduct three rallies. The rallies have not been cancelled but postponed. Yatra, as scheduled, will go to every part of West Bengal. I will go to West Bengal tomorrow," the BJP chief said. He attacked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee noting that she is trying to stop the Yatra as she is "scared." BJP President Amit Shah: We will do everything legally and we will conduct three rallies.The rallies have not been cancelled but postponed. Yatra as scheduled will go to every part of West Bengal.I will go to West Bengal tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/SRZ9pNworg — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × "Mamata Banerjee is scared of BJP and this is why she has stopped the Rath Yatra. In every sector starting from cattle to coal, mafias are working and TMC ministers are supporting them," Shah added. Shah's comments came a day after the Calcutta High Court refused the BJP permission to hold a 'rath yatra' in Coochbehar, following the state government expressing apprehensions of violence. BJP President Amit Shah: After the Panchayat elections, Mamata Banerjee is scared of BJP & this is why she has stopped the Rath yatra. In every sector starting from cattle to coal, mafias are working & TMC ministers are supporting them. pic.twitter.com/YFGB7a1dum — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × A division bench of the Calcutta Calcutta High Court began hearing BJP's plea against refusal of permission for its Rath Yatra earlier today. The BJP leadership on Friday convened an emergency meeting to discuss the future course of action after uncertainty loomed over the party's Rath Yatra programme. The BJP had decided to put on hold Shah's proposed rally and the Rath Yatra, saying it will wait for the final order from the high court. Meanwhile, party state president Dilip Ghosh alleged that Banerjee-led West Bengal government has tried to stop the BJP from conducting a rally or a political programme. "Whenever we have wanted to take out a rally or conduct a political programme, the state government has tried to stop it either by denying us permission or tried to create procedural hurdles," he alleged.

We will conduct Rath Yatra, nobody can stop us: Amit Shah

<p>The voter turnout for the assembly elections till 1 pm was recorded as 49.15&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-polls-crucial-test-for-bjp-to-gain-foothold-in-the-state-181950">Telangana</a>&nbsp;and 41.53&nbsp;per cent in Rajasthan.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Voter turnout recorded till 1 PM in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections2018</a> is 41.53%</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070948445446463488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Voter turnout recorded till 1 PM in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TelanganaElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TelanganaElections2018</a> is 49.15%</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070952818599583744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The turnout till 11 am was&nbsp;23.4 per cent in Telangana and 21.89 per cent in Rajasthan.</p>

<p>While nearly 9 per cent&nbsp;voters had cast their votes in Telangana by 9 am and&nbsp;6.11 per cent in Rajasthan.</p>

<p>Telangana and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-set-for-polling-in-a-bipolar-contest-between-bjp-and-congress-181969">Rajasthan</a> are undergoing elections today to elect their&nbsp;legislative assembly members.</p>

<p>While the polling in Telangana started at 7 am, voting in Rajasthan began at 8 am.</p>

<p>The polling in Telangana will end at 5 pm&nbsp;while in 13 constituencies classified as Left Wing Extremist-affected, polling ends an hour before at 4 pm.</p>

<p>Election Commission is using Voters Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in Telangana for the first time.</p>

<p>Telangana leaders Kadiyam Srihari, Harihs Rao, Pocharama Srinivas Reddy, Jupally Krishna Rao and Jagadish Reddy were among those who cast their vote.</p>

<p>Former Union Minister Chiranjeevi and cine actors Nagarjuna cast their vote in Jubilee Hills in the city.</p>

<p>Legislative Assembly elections are being held for the first time in Telangana after its formation as the 2014 Assembly polls were held in undivided Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p><img alt="Caretaker CM of Telangana" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9b750858-32a1-4bb5-a276-c7907a9ac6d1" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/telanganaa.JPG" /></p>

<p><img alt="Sania Mirza" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4086a8a3-0853-4b6c-9a3b-5ba20b4b69c6" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/sania.JPG" /></p>

<p><img alt="Asaduddin Owaisi casts his vote at polling booth." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cb4e6f19-b6a2-47e6-9de1-f99e998899f0" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tel.JPG" /></p>

<p><img alt="Actor" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc2db723-f4d4-4acb-9549-57980a1206f0" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/telangana.JPG" /></p>

<p>In Rajasthan 199 out of 200 assembly seats are contesting for the legislative assembly. Polling has been cancelled in&nbsp;Alwar district’s Ramgarh constituency following the death of a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate Laxman Singh.</p>

<p><img alt="Vasundhara Raje " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="90f20b61-be94-42ce-944a-bbdcafa03105" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/raja%203.JPG" /></p>

<p><img alt="Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="508ceaa3-6c53-4c9f-a596-ce40e5781be1" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Raja.JPG" /></p>

<p><img alt="Ashok Gehlot" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f95e18b1-65c3-4865-b7ef-71987e250cda" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ashok%20Gehlot.JPG" /></p>

<p>A total of 2, 274 candidates in the fray in Rajasthan. As many as 4,74,79,402 people are eligible to&nbsp;cast their vote at 51,667 polling stations across the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With 32,815 polling stations across Telangana, around 1,821 candidates including a transgender are in the fray in the election.</p>

<p>The Congress-led alliance is challenging the ruling TRS in Telangana with the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest. In Rajasthan, BJP will try to retain its&nbsp;power in the state assembly.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jalore: Voting is yet to begin in polling booth no. 253 and 254 in Ahor following EVM malfunction. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections2018</a></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rajasthan: EVM is being replaced at polling booth no. 172 in Bikaner's Kisamidesar following a technical issue. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/0JnXXALwuE">pic.twitter.com/0JnXXALwuE</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070905553436602375?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Counting of votes will take place on&nbsp;December 11.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The voter turnout for the assembly elections till 1 pm was recorded as 49.15 per cent in Telangana and 41.53 per cent in Rajasthan. Voter turnout recorded till 1 PM in #RajasthanElections2018 is 41.

The voter turnout for the assembly elections till 1 pm was recorded as 49.15 per cent in Telangana and 41.53 per cent in Rajasthan. Voter turnout recorded till 1 PM in #RajasthanElections2018 is 41.53% — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × Voter turnout recorded till 1 PM in #TelanganaElections2018 is 49.15% — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × The turnout till 11 am was 23.4 per cent in Telangana and 21.89 per cent in Rajasthan. While nearly 9 per cent voters had cast their votes in Telangana by 9 am and 6.11 per cent in Rajasthan. Telangana and Rajasthan are undergoing elections today to elect their legislative assembly members. While the polling in Telangana started at 7 am, voting in Rajasthan began at 8 am. The polling in Telangana will end at 5 pm while in 13 constituencies classified as Left Wing Extremist-affected, polling ends an hour before at 4 pm. Election Commission is using Voters Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in Telangana for the first time. Telangana leaders Kadiyam Srihari, Harihs Rao, Pocharama Srinivas Reddy, Jupally Krishna Rao and Jagadish Reddy were among those who cast their vote. Former Union Minister Chiranjeevi and cine actors Nagarjuna cast their vote in Jubilee Hills in the city. Legislative Assembly elections are being held for the first time in Telangana after its formation as the 2014 Assembly polls were held in undivided Andhra Pradesh. In Rajasthan 199 out of 200 assembly seats are contesting for the legislative assembly. Polling has been cancelled in Alwar district’s Ramgarh constituency following the death of a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate Laxman Singh. A total of 2, 274 candidates in the fray in Rajasthan. As many as 4,74,79,402 people are eligible to cast their vote at 51,667 polling stations across the state. With 32,815 polling stations across Telangana, around 1,821 candidates including a transgender are in the fray in the election. The Congress-led alliance is challenging the ruling TRS in Telangana with the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest. In Rajasthan, BJP will try to retain its power in the state assembly. Jalore: Voting is yet to begin in polling booth no. 253 and 254 in Ahor following EVM malfunction. #RajasthanElections2018 — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × Rajasthan: EVM is being replaced at polling booth no. 172 in Bikaner's Kisamidesar following a technical issue. #RajasthanElections2018 pic.twitter.com/0JnXXALwuE — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × Counting of votes will take place on December 11. (With inputs from agencies)

Assembly elections 2018: Telangana registers 49% voter turnout, Rajasthan 41% till 1pm

<p>The Supreme Court Friday dismissed a PIL raising allegations against Finance Minister Arun Jaitley relating to capital reserve of the Reserve Bank of India.</p>

<p>The apex court also imposes a cost of Rs 50,000 on advocate M L Sharma, who had filed the public interest litigation (PIL).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We find no reason whatsoever to entertain this PIL," a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justcie S K Kaul said.</p>

<p>Sharma had accused the Finance Minister of "plundering" the capital reserve of the RBI.</p>

<p>The bench also directed the apex court registry not to allow Sharma to file any PIL till he deposits Rs 50,000.</p>

<p>The top court imposed the cost as the advocate continued with the argument after dismissal of the PIL.</p>

<p>The Chief Justice warned him not to continue with the submissions, saying cost will be imposed if he was unable to satisfy the court.</p>

<p>The apex court expressed displeasure that the advocate made the finance minister as the main party in the PIL.</p>

<p>The bench said, "What is this PIL? You cannot go on with such misadventure. What exactly is this? You are saying the finance minister is plundering the capital reserve of the RBI. You are not bringing honour to this institution. Why do we permit you to go ahead with this PIL."&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Supreme Court Friday dismissed a PIL raising allegations against Finance Minister Arun Jaitley relating to capital reserve of the Reserve Bank of India. The apex court also imposes a cost of Rs 50,000 on advocate M L Sharma, who had filed the public interest litigation (PIL).

The Supreme Court Friday dismissed a PIL raising allegations against Finance Minister Arun Jaitley relating to capital reserve of the Reserve Bank of India. The apex court also imposes a cost of Rs 50,000 on advocate M L Sharma, who had filed the public interest litigation (PIL). "We find no reason whatsoever to entertain this PIL," a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justcie S K Kaul said. Sharma had accused the Finance Minister of "plundering" the capital reserve of the RBI. The bench also directed the apex court registry not to allow Sharma to file any PIL till he deposits Rs 50,000. The top court imposed the cost as the advocate continued with the argument after dismissal of the PIL. The Chief Justice warned him not to continue with the submissions, saying cost will be imposed if he was unable to satisfy the court. The apex court expressed displeasure that the advocate made the finance minister as the main party in the PIL. The bench said, "What is this PIL? You cannot go on with such misadventure. What exactly is this? You are saying the finance minister is plundering the capital reserve of the RBI. You are not bringing honour to this institution. Why do we permit you to go ahead with this PIL."

Supreme Court dismisses PIL against FM Arun Jaitley

<p>Indian tech ministry officials met with senior WhatsApp executives this week to ask the Facebook Inc unit to start tracing the origins of misinformation spread through its messaging platform, a senior government official said on Friday.</p>

<p>WhatsApp has been working to curb the circulation of what technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad termed "sinister" content in India, the firm's biggest market where it boasts over 220 million users.</p>

<p>Such misinformation has led to the lynching of over 30 people since January last year, according to data portal IndiaSpend, prompting Prasad to call on WhatsApp to trace its origins.</p>

<p>WhatsApp has previously declined to trace the origin of messages, citing security issues.</p>

<p>"We have been asking them for traceability," said the official at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, declining to be identified as the meeting was private. "They (WhatsApp) are non-committal on it but we are forcing this issue."</p>

<p>WhatsApp was represented by Director &amp; Associate General Counsel Brian Hennessy and one other executive and said it was working on measures to prevent the spread of misinformation, according to the official.</p>

<p>"WhatsApp regularly engages with the Government of India to discuss our commitment to maintaining a private and safe platform for people to communicate with one another," the firm said in a statement. "We look forward to continued discussions on how we can work together towards these common goals."</p>

<p>WhatsApp maintains that building traceability into its messaging service would undermine its private nature and end-to-end encryption, creating the potential for misuse. It has also said it will not weaken the privacy protection it provides.</p>

<p>The firm has since launched print, radio and television advertising campaigns to educate users on the dangers of misinformation. It is also conducted roadshows in partnership with mobile phone network provider Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd.</p>

<p>WhatsApp has held digital literacy training for community leaders and law enforcement as well as introduced features on its app such as limits on message forwarding and labels for forwarded messages.</p>


Indian tech ministry officials met with senior WhatsApp executives this week to ask the Facebook Inc unit to start tracing the origins of misinformation spread through its messaging platform, a senior government official said on Friday.

Indian tech ministry officials met with senior WhatsApp executives this week to ask the Facebook Inc unit to start tracing the origins of misinformation spread through its messaging platform, a senior government official said on Friday. WhatsApp has been working to curb the circulation of what technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad termed "sinister" content in India, the firm's biggest market where it boasts over 220 million users. Such misinformation has led to the lynching of over 30 people since January last year, according to data portal IndiaSpend, prompting Prasad to call on WhatsApp to trace its origins. WhatsApp has previously declined to trace the origin of messages, citing security issues. "We have been asking them for traceability," said the official at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, declining to be identified as the meeting was private. "They (WhatsApp) are non-committal on it but we are forcing this issue." WhatsApp was represented by Director & Associate General Counsel Brian Hennessy and one other executive and said it was working on measures to prevent the spread of misinformation, according to the official. "WhatsApp regularly engages with the Government of India to discuss our commitment to maintaining a private and safe platform for people to communicate with one another," the firm said in a statement. "We look forward to continued discussions on how we can work together towards these common goals." WhatsApp maintains that building traceability into its messaging service would undermine its private nature and end-to-end encryption, creating the potential for misuse. It has also said it will not weaken the privacy protection it provides. The firm has since launched print, radio and television advertising campaigns to educate users on the dangers of misinformation. It is also conducted roadshows in partnership with mobile phone network provider Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. WhatsApp has held digital literacy training for community leaders and law enforcement as well as introduced features on its app such as limits on message forwarding and labels for forwarded messages.

Government meets with WhatsApp over tracing of fake news - source

<p>Even as a division bench of the Calcutta Calcutta High Court began hearing BJP's&nbsp;plea against refusal of permission for its Rath Yatra, party president Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.</p>

<p>Shah said Mamata is scared that with this rally foundation for a complete change will be laid down in the state. Hence, she is trying to stop all these yatras, he said.</p>

<p>Democratic process has been suppressed in West Bengal, with the misuse of power, he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>There is no democracy in West Bengal, he said and added&nbsp;BJP sought permission for the rally multiple times.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Granting leave to the BJP to file the appeal, a division bench comprising Justices B Somadder and A Mukherjee began hearing at 12.30 pm on Friday.</p>

<p>The bench directed BJP's lawyers to serve a copy of the appeal to the West Bengal government and other respondents before the matter is taken up for hearing.</p>

<p>Earlier, West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh said that his party has full faith in the judiciary and hoped it would be able to kick-start the Rath Yatra from today.</p>

<p>A single bench of the high court on Thursday said it cannot grant permission at this stage for the BJP rally in Coochbehar, scheduled to be flagged off by party president Amit Shah on Friday after the West Bengal government refused to allow the event on the grounds that it might cause communal tension.</p>

<p>The court directed that superintendents of police of all districts in West Bengal will file a report by December 21 to it on the holding of 'rath yatra' rallies by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), after hearing all district presidents of the party.</p>

<p>Directing that the rally stands deferred till the next date of hearing on January 9, Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty observed that the prayer of BJP for permission to hold the Rath Yatra cannot be granted at this stage.&nbsp;</p>


Even as a division bench of the Calcutta Calcutta High Court began hearing BJP's plea against refusal of permission for its Rath Yatra, party president Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Even as a division bench of the Calcutta Calcutta High Court began hearing BJP's plea against refusal of permission for its Rath Yatra, party president Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Shah said Mamata is scared that with this rally foundation for a complete change will be laid down in the state. Hence, she is trying to stop all these yatras, he said. Democratic process has been suppressed in West Bengal, with the misuse of power, he said. There is no democracy in West Bengal, he said and added BJP sought permission for the rally multiple times. Granting leave to the BJP to file the appeal, a division bench comprising Justices B Somadder and A Mukherjee began hearing at 12.30 pm on Friday. The bench directed BJP's lawyers to serve a copy of the appeal to the West Bengal government and other respondents before the matter is taken up for hearing. Earlier, West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh said that his party has full faith in the judiciary and hoped it would be able to kick-start the Rath Yatra from today. A single bench of the high court on Thursday said it cannot grant permission at this stage for the BJP rally in Coochbehar, scheduled to be flagged off by party president Amit Shah on Friday after the West Bengal government refused to allow the event on the grounds that it might cause communal tension. The court directed that superintendents of police of all districts in West Bengal will file a report by December 21 to it on the holding of 'rath yatra' rallies by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), after hearing all district presidents of the party. Directing that the rally stands deferred till the next date of hearing on January 9, Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty observed that the prayer of BJP for permission to hold the Rath Yatra cannot be granted at this stage.

Rath Yatra: Amit Shah attacks Mamata as hearing gets underway in Kolkata HC

<p>A Delhi Court on Friday said it would hear on January 30 the chief secretary assault case in which Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia have been named as accused.</p>

<p>Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal was told by the counsel for Kejriwal, Sisodia and other AAP leaders that they have not been provided with complete documents annexed with the charge sheet filed by the Delhi Police.</p>

<p>The court asked the counsel for AAP leaders and police to complete the process of scrutiny of documents by January 30.</p>

<p>The criminal case relates to the alleged assault on the then Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash during a meeting at Kejriwal's official residence on February 19.</p>

<p>Prakash was recently transferred and posted as additional secretary in the Department of Telecommunications.</p>

<p>Kejriwal and Sisodia had earlier approached the Delhi High Court challenging the trial court's order permitting two other advocates to conduct the prosecution on behalf of a Delhi Police officer, instead of a regular public prosecutor attached to the court concerned.</p>

<p>The high court has sought response of the Delhi government, the police and Prakash on the plea.</p>

<p>The ACMM, in an October 22 order, had said let the Delhi Police Commissioner assign the prosecution of this case to some officer not below the rank of Additional Commissioner of Police.</p>

<p>Prakash had told the trial court that the Delhi Police had nominated three well-reputed and experienced counsels for appointment as Special Public Prosecutors and their consents had also been obtained.</p>

<p>Despite recommendation by the officers of the Home Department, the request of the Delhi Police was rejected by the Delhi Home Minister on grounds that the case did not disclose any special features, he had said.</p>

<p>The plea was opposed by the Delhi Police in the trial court claiming that the complainant (Prakash) has not shown any "actual bias" but only an unfounded apprehension of bias and the other cases of similar accused persons have been conducted by regular prosecutors and no bias has been reported.</p>

<p>On October 25, Kejriwal, Sisodia and nine other AAP MLAs were granted bail by the trial court in the assault case.</p>

<p>The other two MLAs, Amanatullah Khan and Prakash Jarwal, who are also accused, were earlier arrested in the case and granted bail by the high court.</p>

<p>The alleged assault had triggered a bitter tussle between the Delhi government and its bureaucrats.&nbsp;</p>


A Delhi Court on Friday said it would hear on January 30 the chief secretary assault case in which Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia have been named as accused.

A Delhi Court on Friday said it would hear on January 30 the chief secretary assault case in which Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia have been named as accused. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal was told by the counsel for Kejriwal, Sisodia and other AAP leaders that they have not been provided with complete documents annexed with the charge sheet filed by the Delhi Police. The court asked the counsel for AAP leaders and police to complete the process of scrutiny of documents by January 30. The criminal case relates to the alleged assault on the then Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash during a meeting at Kejriwal's official residence on February 19. Prakash was recently transferred and posted as additional secretary in the Department of Telecommunications. Kejriwal and Sisodia had earlier approached the Delhi High Court challenging the trial court's order permitting two other advocates to conduct the prosecution on behalf of a Delhi Police officer, instead of a regular public prosecutor attached to the court concerned. The high court has sought response of the Delhi government, the police and Prakash on the plea. The ACMM, in an October 22 order, had said let the Delhi Police Commissioner assign the prosecution of this case to some officer not below the rank of Additional Commissioner of Police. Prakash had told the trial court that the Delhi Police had nominated three well-reputed and experienced counsels for appointment as Special Public Prosecutors and their consents had also been obtained. Despite recommendation by the officers of the Home Department, the request of the Delhi Police was rejected by the Delhi Home Minister on grounds that the case did not disclose any special features, he had said. The plea was opposed by the Delhi Police in the trial court claiming that the complainant (Prakash) has not shown any "actual bias" but only an unfounded apprehension of bias and the other cases of similar accused persons have been conducted by regular prosecutors and no bias has been reported. On October 25, Kejriwal, Sisodia and nine other AAP MLAs were granted bail by the trial court in the assault case. The other two MLAs, Amanatullah Khan and Prakash Jarwal, who are also accused, were earlier arrested in the case and granted bail by the high court. The alleged assault had triggered a bitter tussle between the Delhi government and its bureaucrats.

Delhi court to hear chief secretary assault case on January 30

<p>Adding a dash of glamour to the Poll process in Telangana, Telugu film bigwigs turned up in good numbers to cast their ballot Friday.</p>

<p>Actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi, popular Telugu hero Nagarjuna and director of 'Baahubali' S S Rajamouli were among the early voters in the election to the 119-member Telangana Assembly.</p>

<p>Another leading Telugu film star "Junior" NTR, grandson of TDP founder N T Rama Rao, also queued up to vote.</p>

<p>Film personalities cast their votes in polling stations mainly in the posh Jubilee Hills locality of Hyderabad.</p>

<p>Junior NTR's sister N Suhasini is the TDP candidate in Kukatpalle Assembly constituency here.</p>

<p>Counting of votes would be taken up on December 11.</p>

<p>Assembly polls in Telangana were originally scheduled to be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls next year.</p>

<p>However, the Legislative Assembly was dissolved prematurely on September 6 following a recommendation made by the TRS government.</p>

<p>The ruling TRS is going alone in the polls and so is the BJP.</p>

<p>The Congress, TDP, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) have formed the 'People's Front' for the election.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Adding a dash of glamour to the Poll process in Telangana, Telugu film bigwigs turned up in good numbers to cast their ballot Friday. Actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi, popular Telugu hero Nagarjuna and director of 'Baahubali' S S Rajamouli were among the early voters in the election to the 119-member Telangana Assembly.

Adding a dash of glamour to the Poll process in Telangana, Telugu film bigwigs turned up in good numbers to cast their ballot Friday. Actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi, popular Telugu hero Nagarjuna and director of 'Baahubali' S S Rajamouli were among the early voters in the election to the 119-member Telangana Assembly. Another leading Telugu film star "Junior" NTR, grandson of TDP founder N T Rama Rao, also queued up to vote. Film personalities cast their votes in polling stations mainly in the posh Jubilee Hills locality of Hyderabad. Junior NTR's sister N Suhasini is the TDP candidate in Kukatpalle Assembly constituency here. Counting of votes would be taken up on December 11. Assembly polls in Telangana were originally scheduled to be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls next year. However, the Legislative Assembly was dissolved prematurely on September 6 following a recommendation made by the TRS government. The ruling TRS is going alone in the polls and so is the BJP. The Congress, TDP, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) have formed the 'People's Front' for the election.

Assembly elections 2018: Film personalities add glitz to Telangana polls

<p>In the wake of the assembly elections in Rajasthan and Telangana on Friday, PM Modi urged the people of the two states to come out in large numbers and cast their votes.</p>

<p>In a tweet in Hindi and Telugu, PM Modi asked the people to exercise their votes and participate in "Mahaparv" of democracy.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">राजस्थान में आज मतदान का दिन है। राज्य के सभी मतदाताओं से मेरा आग्रह है कि वे पूरे उत्साह के साथ लोकतंत्र के महापर्व में अवश्य भाग लें और भारी संख्या में मतदान करें।</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1070868387193122816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="te">ఇవాళ ఎన్నికల రోజు! తెలంగాణలో ఉన్న నా సోదర సోదరీమణులందరూ పెద్ద సంఖ్యలో వచ్చి ఓటు వెయ్యమని కోరుతున్నాను.... ప్రత్యేకించి నా యువ మిత్రులందరూ తమ ఓటు హక్కును వినియోగించుకొని ప్రజాస్వామ్యాన్ని మరింత సుసంపన్నం చేయమని ప్రార్థిస్తున్నాను...</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1070868270285246464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Five states including Rajasthan and Telangana went to polls in November and December to elect the members of the legislative assembly.</p>

<p>The results of elections in the five states will be declared on December 11.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Telangana,&nbsp;the Congress-led alliance is challenging the ruling TRS with the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest. In Rajasthan, BJP will try to retain its&nbsp;power in the state assembly.</p>

<p>On voting days, the PM usually takes to Twitter urging people to exercise their franchise.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In the wake of the assembly elections in Rajasthan and Telangana on Friday, PM Modi urged the people of the two states to come out in large numbers and cast their votes.

In the wake of the assembly elections in Rajasthan and Telangana on Friday, PM Modi urged the people of the two states to come out in large numbers and cast their votes. In a tweet in Hindi and Telugu, PM Modi asked the people to exercise their votes and participate in "Mahaparv" of democracy. राजस्थान में आज मतदान का दिन है। राज्य के सभी मतदाताओं से मेरा आग्रह है कि वे पूरे उत्साह के साथ लोकतंत्र के महापर्व में अवश्य भाग लें और भारी संख्या में मतदान करें। — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 7, 2018 × ఇవాళ ఎన్నికల రోజు! తెలంగాణలో ఉన్న నా సోదర సోదరీమణులందరూ పెద్ద సంఖ్యలో వచ్చి ఓటు వెయ్యమని కోరుతున్నాను.... ప్రత్యేకించి నా యువ మిత్రులందరూ తమ ఓటు హక్కును వినియోగించుకొని ప్రజాస్వామ్యాన్ని మరింత సుసంపన్నం చేయమని ప్రార్థిస్తున్నాను... — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 7, 2018 × Five states including Rajasthan and Telangana went to polls in November and December to elect the members of the legislative assembly. The results of elections in the five states will be declared on December 11. In Telangana, the Congress-led alliance is challenging the ruling TRS with the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest. In Rajasthan, BJP will try to retain its power in the state assembly. On voting days, the PM usually takes to Twitter urging people to exercise their franchise. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi asks Rajasthan, Telangana voters to exercise franchise in large numbers

<p>Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya Thursday said the BJP accorded the highest priority to an agreement between parties for building the Ram temple in Ayodhya.</p>

<p>He also hit out at ally Shiv Sena for the remarks of his chief,saying no one can confine Ram Lalla in jail, he said in a telephonic interview with PTI.</p>

<p>Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, during his two-day visit to Ayodhya last month, had said that when he visited the place where Lord Ram was seated, it looked like he was going to a jail.</p>

<p>"...I am a product of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. No one can confine Ram Lalla in jail, and no one can stop the construction of the temple. The allegations levelled by (Uddhav) Thackeray ji are devoid of truth. Ram Lalla is 'anaadi anant' (eternal and unending), and it is impossible to confine him in jail," he said.</p>

<p>"The BJP is in favour of the Ram temple's construction as per a judgement of the Supreme Court or through mutual agreement (among parties). And if both the options are exhausted, then the legislative route must be explored. The BJP accords highest priority to an agreement for paving the way for construction of the temple," Maurya said.</p>

<p>Maurya said the demolition of the disputed structure was not a subject of debate. He said the struggle of the karsewaks has been etched in golden letters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The people of the country know that it was the VHP, which struggled and fought for Ram Janmabhoomi," he said.</p>

<p>Asked if the UP government had any plans for the family members of karsewaks who had died in firing in 1990, the BJP leader said, "Every devotee of Lord Ram and I stand firmly with the families of the karsewaks, who were sprayed with bullets in November 1990 during the SP regime. However, there is no such proposal under the consideration of the (state) government."</p>

<p>He said if there was no road in the village of a deceased karsewak, they would be built.</p>

<p>Maurya said Lord Ram devotees did not have any animosity with the Muslims. "In fact, it is the rival political parties which practice Muslim appeasement and vitiate the peaceful atmosphere," he said.</p>

<p>He claimed that people of the country have identified those opposing the construction of Ram temple and said for the BJP, the temple was not linked with elections and was a matter of faith and devotion.</p>

<p>The deputy chief minister said a mosque, mausoleum, memorial and monument in the name of Mughal emperor Babur was impossible. "The so-called supporter of Babri mosque must know that no one can remove Ram Lalla from his current place," he said.</p>


Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya Thursday said the BJP accorded the highest priority to an agreement between parties for building the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya Thursday said the BJP accorded the highest priority to an agreement between parties for building the Ram temple in Ayodhya. He also hit out at ally Shiv Sena for the remarks of his chief,saying no one can confine Ram Lalla in jail, he said in a telephonic interview with PTI. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, during his two-day visit to Ayodhya last month, had said that when he visited the place where Lord Ram was seated, it looked like he was going to a jail. "...I am a product of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. No one can confine Ram Lalla in jail, and no one can stop the construction of the temple. The allegations levelled by (Uddhav) Thackeray ji are devoid of truth. Ram Lalla is 'anaadi anant' (eternal and unending), and it is impossible to confine him in jail," he said. "The BJP is in favour of the Ram temple's construction as per a judgement of the Supreme Court or through mutual agreement (among parties). And if both the options are exhausted, then the legislative route must be explored. The BJP accords highest priority to an agreement for paving the way for construction of the temple," Maurya said. Maurya said the demolition of the disputed structure was not a subject of debate. He said the struggle of the karsewaks has been etched in golden letters. "The people of the country know that it was the VHP, which struggled and fought for Ram Janmabhoomi," he said. Asked if the UP government had any plans for the family members of karsewaks who had died in firing in 1990, the BJP leader said, "Every devotee of Lord Ram and I stand firmly with the families of the karsewaks, who were sprayed with bullets in November 1990 during the SP regime. However, there is no such proposal under the consideration of the (state) government." He said if there was no road in the village of a deceased karsewak, they would be built. Maurya said Lord Ram devotees did not have any animosity with the Muslims. "In fact, it is the rival political parties which practice Muslim appeasement and vitiate the peaceful atmosphere," he said. He claimed that people of the country have identified those opposing the construction of Ram temple and said for the BJP, the temple was not linked with elections and was a matter of faith and devotion. The deputy chief minister said a mosque, mausoleum, memorial and monument in the name of Mughal emperor Babur was impossible. "The so-called supporter of Babri mosque must know that no one can remove Ram Lalla from his current place," he said.

BJP accords highest priority to agreement between parties for building Ram temple: Keshav Maurya

<p>Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi on Thursday came down heavily on the Central government on the issue of CBI power struggle&nbsp;and said that difference between the two warring officers did not emerge overnight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court also questioned the government's hasty act&nbsp;to divest the CBI Director Alok Verma of his powers.</p>

<p>''Why the government acted hastily to divest the CBI Director Alok Verma of his powers without consulting the Selection Committee?'' the CJI&nbsp;asked&nbsp;Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Central Vigilance Commission.</p>

<p>Gogoi was hearing Alok Verma's plea against government's decision to send him on leave.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gogoi told CVC&nbsp;that the government has to be fair and added that what was the difficulty in consulting the selection committee before divesting Alok Verma of his power?&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">CBI case in SC: CJI Gogoi says( to Solicitor General Tushar Mehta) 'Government has to be fair, what was the difficulty in consulting the selection committee before divesting Alok Verma of his power? Essence of every government action should be to adopt the best course' <a href="https://t.co/qryGIsSZpN">https://t.co/qryGIsSZpN</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070558738610880513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The essence of every government action should be to adopt the best course, the CJI added.</p>

<p>Responding to CJI, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that CVC had come to the conclusion that an extraordinary situation had arisen and that extraordinary situations sometimes need extraordinary remedies.</p>

<p>''Extraordinary situation arose, CVC order was passed impartially. Two senior most officers were fighting and investigating cases against each other, instead of probing serious cases.CVC's inaction would have been the dereliction of duty,'' CVC told the CJI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>CBI's top officers, instead of investigating cases, were investigating cases against each other, CVC told SC.</p>


Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi on Thursday came down heavily on the Central government on the issue of CBI power struggle and said that difference between the two warring officers did not emerge overnight.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi on Thursday came down heavily on the Central government on the issue of CBI power struggle and said that difference between the two warring officers did not emerge overnight. The court also questioned the government's hasty act to divest the CBI Director Alok Verma of his powers. ''Why the government acted hastily to divest the CBI Director Alok Verma of his powers without consulting the Selection Committee?'' the CJI asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Central Vigilance Commission. Gogoi was hearing Alok Verma's plea against government's decision to send him on leave. Gogoi told CVC that the government has to be fair and added that what was the difficulty in consulting the selection committee before divesting Alok Verma of his power? CBI case in SC: CJI Gogoi says( to Solicitor General Tushar Mehta) 'Government has to be fair, what was the difficulty in consulting the selection committee before divesting Alok Verma of his power? Essence of every government action should be to adopt the best course' https://t.co/qryGIsSZpN — ANI (@ANI) December 6, 2018 × The essence of every government action should be to adopt the best course, the CJI added. Responding to CJI, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that CVC had come to the conclusion that an extraordinary situation had arisen and that extraordinary situations sometimes need extraordinary remedies. ''Extraordinary situation arose, CVC order was passed impartially. Two senior most officers were fighting and investigating cases against each other, instead of probing serious cases.CVC's inaction would have been the dereliction of duty,'' CVC told the CJI. CBI's top officers, instead of investigating cases, were investigating cases against each other, CVC told SC.

CBI vs CBI: SC asks govt why Alok Verma was divested of powers without consulting Selection Committee

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi has topped the list of most followed leaders on the photo-sharing app Instagram, a recent study by Twiplomacy revealed on December 4.</p>

<p>With over 15 million followers, PM Modi has ranked the list defeating world leaders like Donald Trump, Joko Widodo, Pope Francis, Queen Rania.</p>

<p>While Joko Widodo has 14 million followers, Donald&nbsp;Trump has 10.9 million, Pope Francis 5.7 million and Queen Rania 4.9 million.</p>

<p>The report published in Twiplomacy states that only Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping do not have personal accounts on Instagram.</p>

<p>It, however, added that the Russian government maintains the official @PhotoGovernment channel and the Chinese State Council Information Office seems to have reserved the @ChinaSCIO account.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report also said that all leaders of the G7 and all but two of the G20 leaders have personal profiles on the platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the report, the picture of newly married Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma with PM Modi is the most liked picture posted by any world leader.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc7lp2cAV4H/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Met @virat.kohli and @anushkasharma. Congratulated them on their wedding.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/narendramodi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Narendra Modi</a> (@narendramodi) on <time datetime="2017-12-20T16:39:30+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Dec 20, 2017 at 8:39am PST</time></p>
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<p>And the picture of PM Modi standing in Davaheadhed of the World Economic Forum 2018 is the second most liked picture.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BeQvwsUAIkQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">In #Switzerland to take part in the @worldeconomicforum in Davos, where I will meet world leaders, captains of industry and experts. I would talk about the various economic opportunities India has to offer.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/narendramodi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Narendra Modi</a> (@narendramodi) on <time datetime="2018-01-22T18:23:15+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 22, 2018 at 10:23am PST</time></p>
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<p>In July this year, PM Modi was ranked third most followed leader on social networking site Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He, however, lost around three lakh followers after the social networking site launched a crackdown for fake accounts.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi has topped the list of most followed leaders on the photo-sharing app Instagram, a recent study by Twiplomacy revealed on December 4.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has topped the list of most followed leaders on the photo-sharing app Instagram, a recent study by Twiplomacy revealed on December 4. With over 15 million followers, PM Modi has ranked the list defeating world leaders like Donald Trump, Joko Widodo, Pope Francis, Queen Rania. While Joko Widodo has 14 million followers, Donald Trump has 10.9 million, Pope Francis 5.7 million and Queen Rania 4.9 million. The report published in Twiplomacy states that only Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping do not have personal accounts on Instagram. It, however, added that the Russian government maintains the official @PhotoGovernment channel and the Chinese State Council Information Office seems to have reserved the @ChinaSCIO account. The report also said that all leaders of the G7 and all but two of the G20 leaders have personal profiles on the platform. According to the report, the picture of newly married Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma with PM Modi is the most liked picture posted by any world leader. View this post on Instagram Met @virat.kohli and @anushkasharma. Congratulated them on their wedding. A post shared by Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) on Dec 20, 2017 at 8:39am PST × And the picture of PM Modi standing in Davaheadhed of the World Economic Forum 2018 is the second most liked picture. View this post on Instagram In #Switzerland to take part in the @worldeconomicforum in Davos, where I will meet world leaders, captains of industry and experts. I would talk about the various economic opportunities India has to offer. A post shared by Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) on Jan 22, 2018 at 10:23am PST × In July this year, PM Modi was ranked third most followed leader on social networking site Twitter. He, however, lost around three lakh followers after the social networking site launched a crackdown for fake accounts.

PM Modi tops list of most followed leaders on Instagram

<p>The family members of inspector Subodh Singh, who died after being attacked by a mob protesting over alleged cow slaughter in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bulandshahr-violence-yogi-adityanath-to-meet-deceased-cops-family-181620">Bulandshahr</a>, met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his residence.</p>

<p>UP Director General of Police (DGP) OP Singh was also present on the occasion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to news agency ANI, Singh ordered a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bulandshahr-violence-4-arrested-raids-on-say-police-181347">high-level investigation</a> into the incident and assured the police officer's family of justice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Subodh, who was posted at the Syana Police Station, died in the violence after a mob went on a rampage and clashed with police over an illegal cattle slaughter incident in the area.</p>

<p>Shrey Pratap Singh, son of Police inspector Subodh, said that they met the chief minister who assured them justice.&nbsp;</p>


The family members of inspector Subodh Singh, who died after being attacked by a mob protesting over alleged cow slaughter in Bulandshahr, met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his residence.

The family members of inspector Subodh Singh, who died after being attacked by a mob protesting over alleged cow slaughter in Bulandshahr, met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his residence. UP Director General of Police (DGP) OP Singh was also present on the occasion. According to news agency ANI, Singh ordered a high-level investigation into the incident and assured the police officer's family of justice. Subodh, who was posted at the Syana Police Station, died in the violence after a mob went on a rampage and clashed with police over an illegal cattle slaughter incident in the area. Shrey Pratap Singh, son of Police inspector Subodh, said that they met the chief minister who assured them justice.

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath meets Bulandshahr cop's family

<p>The Maharashtra government told the Bombay High Court Thursday that it had demolished fugitive jeweller Nirav Modi’s illegal bungalow built along the beach at Alibaug in adjoining Raigad district.</p>

<p>Government counsel advocate P B Kakade also told a bench of Chief Justice Naresh Patil and Justice M S Karnik that it had served demolition notices to another 58 private properties in the area constructed in violation of the state’s rules and coastal zone norms.</p>

<p>He made the submissions in compliance with a previous order of the bench whereby, it had directed the government to submit details of all actions taken, and pending litigation concerning the illegal private constructions along the beaches in Alibaug, a coastal town popular with weekend tourists.</p>

<p>The state filed an affidavit in the court stating Modi’s illegal bungalow was demolished on December 5.</p>

<p>It also said 58 other properties were served with the demolition notice on December 4, and their owners asked to raze all illegal structures within a week’s time.</p>

<p>In the affidavit, the state submitted that the owners of around 61 such illegal private structures had managed to get stay orders on demolition from local civil courts.</p>

<p>However, it was planning to initiate legal action to get the stay orders lifted, the government submitted.</p>

<p>The bench took note of the state’s submissions and scheduled the matter for further hearing on December 20.</p>

<p>The bench was hearing a petition filed by an activist, Surendra Dhavale.</p>

<p>The plea had sought that the court direct the authorities to demolish all unauthorised constructions “within the low and high tide areas” in several villages in Alibaug.</p>

<p>As per the petition, such constructions had been carried out in violation of the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority rules and the state’s land laws.</p>

<p>As per the plea, there are around 175 such private residences in CRZ areas in villages such as Varsoli, Sasvane, Kolgaon and Dokvade, among others, belonging to several “wealthy persons, including Modi, and several businessmen and film actors”.</p>

<p>Nirav Modi, a key accused in the USD 2 billion Punjab National Bank fraud case, has fled the country.</p>


The Maharashtra government told the Bombay High Court Thursday that it had demolished fugitive jeweller Nirav Modi’s illegal bungalow built along the beach at Alibaug in adjoining Raigad district.

The Maharashtra government told the Bombay High Court Thursday that it had demolished fugitive jeweller Nirav Modi’s illegal bungalow built along the beach at Alibaug in adjoining Raigad district. Government counsel advocate P B Kakade also told a bench of Chief Justice Naresh Patil and Justice M S Karnik that it had served demolition notices to another 58 private properties in the area constructed in violation of the state’s rules and coastal zone norms. He made the submissions in compliance with a previous order of the bench whereby, it had directed the government to submit details of all actions taken, and pending litigation concerning the illegal private constructions along the beaches in Alibaug, a coastal town popular with weekend tourists. The state filed an affidavit in the court stating Modi’s illegal bungalow was demolished on December 5. It also said 58 other properties were served with the demolition notice on December 4, and their owners asked to raze all illegal structures within a week’s time. In the affidavit, the state submitted that the owners of around 61 such illegal private structures had managed to get stay orders on demolition from local civil courts. However, it was planning to initiate legal action to get the stay orders lifted, the government submitted. The bench took note of the state’s submissions and scheduled the matter for further hearing on December 20. The bench was hearing a petition filed by an activist, Surendra Dhavale. The plea had sought that the court direct the authorities to demolish all unauthorised constructions “within the low and high tide areas” in several villages in Alibaug. As per the petition, such constructions had been carried out in violation of the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority rules and the state’s land laws. As per the plea, there are around 175 such private residences in CRZ areas in villages such as Varsoli, Sasvane, Kolgaon and Dokvade, among others, belonging to several “wealthy persons, including Modi, and several businessmen and film actors”. Nirav Modi, a key accused in the USD 2 billion Punjab National Bank fraud case, has fled the country.

Nirav Modi’s illegal bungalow in Alibaug razed, government informs Bombay high court

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>After a high-voltage campaign that saw war of words among contending parties, Rajasthan and Telangana are set for assembly polls on Friday.</p>

<p>In <strong>Telangana</strong>&nbsp;the Congress-led alliance challenging the ruling TRS, and the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest.</p>

<p>More than 1.50 lakh polling officials including reserve staff are in the process of giving final touches Thursday to make the election to the 119-member House a smooth affair.</p>

<p>Over 2.80 crore electorate are eligible to exercise their franchise in the State, which has a total of 32,815 polling stations across.</p>

<p>Polling will start at 7 am and end at 5 pm, while in 13 constituencies which were classified as Left Wing Extremist-affected, polling ends one hour before (4 pm).</p>

<p>As many as 446 flying squads are in operation in the state to swing into action if any irregularity is reported during the elections and 448 static surveillance teams would also keep a watch on the situation and would wait in wings to take action, Kumar said.</p>

<p>Besides, 224 video-surveillance teams and 133 video-viewing teams have been pressed into service.</p>

<p>There are 126 assistant expenditure observers and 123 accounting teams.</p>

<p>For the first time, Election Commission is using Voters Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in Telangana.</p>

<p>As many as 1,821 candidates including a transgender are in the fray in the election.</p>

<p>Counting of votes would be taken up on December 11.</p>

<p><strong>Rajasthan</strong></p>

<p>Rajasthan, the land of deserts, is all geared up for the poll to the 199 assembly seats out of 200 with a major battle in the show between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress.</p>

<p>The tug of war with a total of 2, 274 candidates in the fray will begin at 8 am and continue till 5 pm. Elections will take place at 51,667 polling stations where 4,74,79,402 people are eligible to cast vote. Alwar constituency polling has been countermanded following the death of a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate.</p>

<p>The fight is to win a target of at least 101 seats to achieve majority mark in the intense polling between the two national parties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2013 assembly elections, BJP won the mandate with 163 seats while Congress was reduced to 21 seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Contrast it to 2008 elections, when the Congress won 96 seats, a gain of 40 seats over 2003 polls and the BJP plummeted to 78, down by 42 seats from the previous assembly polls.</p>


After a high-voltage campaign that saw war of words among contending parties, Rajasthan and Telangana are set for assembly polls on Friday. In Telangana the Congress-led alliance challenging the ruling TRS, and the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest.

After a high-voltage campaign that saw war of words among contending parties, Rajasthan and Telangana are set for assembly polls on Friday. In Telangana the Congress-led alliance challenging the ruling TRS, and the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest. More than 1.50 lakh polling officials including reserve staff are in the process of giving final touches Thursday to make the election to the 119-member House a smooth affair. Over 2.80 crore electorate are eligible to exercise their franchise in the State, which has a total of 32,815 polling stations across. Polling will start at 7 am and end at 5 pm, while in 13 constituencies which were classified as Left Wing Extremist-affected, polling ends one hour before (4 pm). As many as 446 flying squads are in operation in the state to swing into action if any irregularity is reported during the elections and 448 static surveillance teams would also keep a watch on the situation and would wait in wings to take action, Kumar said. Besides, 224 video-surveillance teams and 133 video-viewing teams have been pressed into service. There are 126 assistant expenditure observers and 123 accounting teams. For the first time, Election Commission is using Voters Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in Telangana. As many as 1,821 candidates including a transgender are in the fray in the election. Counting of votes would be taken up on December 11. Rajasthan Rajasthan, the land of deserts, is all geared up for the poll to the 199 assembly seats out of 200 with a major battle in the show between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress. The tug of war with a total of 2, 274 candidates in the fray will begin at 8 am and continue till 5 pm. Elections will take place at 51,667 polling stations where 4,74,79,402 people are eligible to cast vote. Alwar constituency polling has been countermanded following the death of a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate. The fight is to win a target of at least 101 seats to achieve majority mark in the intense polling between the two national parties. In 2013 assembly elections, BJP won the mandate with 163 seats while Congress was reduced to 21 seats. Contrast it to 2008 elections, when the Congress won 96 seats, a gain of 40 seats over 2003 polls and the BJP plummeted to 78, down by 42 seats from the previous assembly polls.

Rajasthan, Telangana set for date with democracy

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Thursday asserted that there is nothing wrong with the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) observing the anniversary of demolition of Babri mosque, while adding that the same must be done peacefully.</p>

<p>Speaking to ANI on 26th anniversary of the demolition of the Babri mosque, Swamy said, "Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has a right to observe the day as they have led the movement.</p>

<p>"Babri Masjid was an eyesore for everybody. After all, there was a temple and it is Ram Janamabhoomi. Babar comes here and his commander breaks the temple and builds a mosque on top of it. So many people have been protesting. Maybe 4000-5000 people have been killed. If VHP wants to observe the day, its fine but it should be peaceful."</p>

<p>The VHP will observe a `Shaurya Diwas` today, days after it organised a Dharam Sabha in Ayodhya on November 25 to seek support for construction of a grand Ram temple.</p>

<p>Also on December 18, the VHP will celebrate Gita Jayanti. This day marks the day Lord Krishna `revealed` Bhagavad Gita to Arjun (one of the Pandavas).</p>

<p>All this comes at a time when political parties and other organisations in favour of construction of Ram Temple have raised the pitch over the sensitive issue, demanding an early construction of the temple.</p>

<p>Notably, after the Supreme Court refused an early hearing, many outfits have urged the government to bring in an ordinance to facilitate construction of Ram temple at the site.</p>

<p>Thousands of security personnel have dotted the roads and bylanes of the holy city to avoid any untoward incident from taking place.</p>

<p>Reportedly, over 2,500 police personnel, besides Rapid Action Force and paramilitary CRPF, have been deployed as part of multi-layered security including in and around the disputed site and several parts of Hanumangarhi area of the temple town.</p>

<p>The Babri mosque was demolished on December 6, 1992 by `karsevaks`.</p>


Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Thursday asserted that there is nothing wrong with the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) observing the anniversary of demolition of Babri mosque, while adding that the same must be done peacefully.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Thursday asserted that there is nothing wrong with the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) observing the anniversary of demolition of Babri mosque, while adding that the same must be done peacefully. Speaking to ANI on 26th anniversary of the demolition of the Babri mosque, Swamy said, "Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has a right to observe the day as they have led the movement. "Babri Masjid was an eyesore for everybody. After all, there was a temple and it is Ram Janamabhoomi. Babar comes here and his commander breaks the temple and builds a mosque on top of it. So many people have been protesting. Maybe 4000-5000 people have been killed. If VHP wants to observe the day, its fine but it should be peaceful." The VHP will observe a `Shaurya Diwas` today, days after it organised a Dharam Sabha in Ayodhya on November 25 to seek support for construction of a grand Ram temple. Also on December 18, the VHP will celebrate Gita Jayanti. This day marks the day Lord Krishna `revealed` Bhagavad Gita to Arjun (one of the Pandavas). All this comes at a time when political parties and other organisations in favour of construction of Ram Temple have raised the pitch over the sensitive issue, demanding an early construction of the temple. Notably, after the Supreme Court refused an early hearing, many outfits have urged the government to bring in an ordinance to facilitate construction of Ram temple at the site. Thousands of security personnel have dotted the roads and bylanes of the holy city to avoid any untoward incident from taking place. Reportedly, over 2,500 police personnel, besides Rapid Action Force and paramilitary CRPF, have been deployed as part of multi-layered security including in and around the disputed site and several parts of Hanumangarhi area of the temple town. The Babri mosque was demolished on December 6, 1992 by `karsevaks`.

Subramanian Swamy backs VHP observing Babri Demolition Anniversary

<p>Even as the OPEC or Organisation of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-not-in-a-position-to-tell-us-what-to-do-says-saudi-arabia-on-oil-price-cut-181971">Petroleum Exporting Countries meet happens</a> in Vienna, Saudi Arabia's energy minister Khalid al-Falih said India's prime minister Narendra Modi was&nbsp;"vocal" about the increase in oil prices and raised it with Riyadh many times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters ahead of the OPEC meeting, Khalid al-Falih said: "We also take views of Prime Minister Modi, who is equally vocal. We just met him in Buenos Aires. Privately he made those points. He does care for Indian consumers."</p>

<p>He also disclosed that PM Modi had met him three&nbsp;times in India at "various energy events in India. And he was very vocal".</p>

<p>The Saudi energy minister assured the nervous energy market that the Kingdom will ensure&nbsp;affordable oil prices, adding, "consumer in the&nbsp;US, just like a consumer in France, just like a consumer in India, wants affordable energy".</p>

<p>Unstable oil prices has been a key issue which&nbsp;India has been raising during its meeting with oil producing countries especially Saudi Arabia. It was one of the main&nbsp;issues India raised at the recently concluded 13th G20 Summit in Argentina.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, OPEC has agreed to cut prices but has been waiting for non-member Russia's nod to decide on the volume of the intended cut.</p>

<p>The comments by Saudi energy minister comes a&nbsp;week after PM Modi met Saudi Arabia's crown prince&nbsp;Mohammad Bin Salman on the sidelines of the G20 summit.</p>

<p>During the bilateral meeting, according to the foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale, "the PM, in particular, stressed upon the importance of having stable energy prices".</p>

<p>India views the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a "valuable partner"&nbsp;and the relationship has expanded beyond issues related to the Indian community to&nbsp;economy, energy and security.</p>

<p>PM Modi visited Saudi Arabia in 2016 during which King Salman honoured him with ‘Sash of King Abdulaziz’, the highest civilian decoration awarded by the Kingdom.</p>


Even as the OPEC or Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries meet happens in Vienna, Saudi Arabia's energy minister Khalid al-Falih said India's prime minister Narendra Modi was "vocal" about the increase in oil prices and raised it with Riyadh many times.

Even as the OPEC or Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries meet happens in Vienna, Saudi Arabia's energy minister Khalid al-Falih said India's prime minister Narendra Modi was "vocal" about the increase in oil prices and raised it with Riyadh many times. Speaking to reporters ahead of the OPEC meeting, Khalid al-Falih said: "We also take views of Prime Minister Modi, who is equally vocal. We just met him in Buenos Aires. Privately he made those points. He does care for Indian consumers." He also disclosed that PM Modi had met him three times in India at "various energy events in India. And he was very vocal". The Saudi energy minister assured the nervous energy market that the Kingdom will ensure affordable oil prices, adding, "consumer in the US, just like a consumer in France, just like a consumer in India, wants affordable energy". Unstable oil prices has been a key issue which India has been raising during its meeting with oil producing countries especially Saudi Arabia. It was one of the main issues India raised at the recently concluded 13th G20 Summit in Argentina. Meanwhile, OPEC has agreed to cut prices but has been waiting for non-member Russia's nod to decide on the volume of the intended cut. The comments by Saudi energy minister comes a week after PM Modi met Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammad Bin Salman on the sidelines of the G20 summit. During the bilateral meeting, according to the foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale, "the PM, in particular, stressed upon the importance of having stable energy prices". India views the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a "valuable partner" and the relationship has expanded beyond issues related to the Indian community to economy, energy and security. PM Modi visited Saudi Arabia in 2016 during which King Salman honoured him with ‘Sash of King Abdulaziz’, the highest civilian decoration awarded by the Kingdom.

We also take views of PM Modi, he cares about Indian consumers: Saudi energy minister on oil price cut

<p>The value of health gains from climate action would be approximately double the cost of mitigation policies at the global level, and the benefit-to-cost ratio is even higher in countries such as China and India, said a report from the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP24) in Katowice, Poland. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Meeting the targets of the Paris climate agreement would be expected to save over one million lives a year from air pollution alone by 2050, according to the most recent assessment.</p>

<p>The same analysis shows that the value of the health gains would be approximately twice the cost of the policies. The largest gains would be expected in China and India, which would generate even larger net benefits by pursuing the 1.5 °C target rather than the 2.0 °C target ($ 0.27–2.31 trillion in China and $ 3.28–8.4&nbsp;trillion in India).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The health gains of meeting the 2.0 °C target would also significantly offset the costs in other regions, such as the European Union (7–84%) and the USA (10–41%) (39), the report said.</p>

<p>A WHO report released on December 5 at COP24 highlighted why health considerations are critical to the advancement of climate action and outlines key recommendations for policymakers.</p>

<p>Exposure to air pollution causes 7 million deaths worldwide every year and costs an estimated US$ 5.11 trillion in welfare losses globally.</p>

<p>In the 15 countries that emit the most greenhouse gas emissions, the health impacts of air pollution are estimated to cost more than 4% of their GDP. Actions to meet the Paris goals would cost around 1% of global GDP, the report published on the World Health Organisation (WHO) website stated.</p>

<p>Switching to low-carbon energy sources will not only improve air quality but provide additional opportunities for immediate health benefits. For example, introducing active transport options such as cycling will help increase physical activity that can help prevent diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart disease, the report further said.</p>


The value of health gains from climate action would be approximately double the cost of mitigation policies at the global level, and the benefit-to-cost ratio is even higher in countries such as China and India, said a report from the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP24) in Katowice, Poland.

The value of health gains from climate action would be approximately double the cost of mitigation policies at the global level, and the benefit-to-cost ratio is even higher in countries such as China and India, said a report from the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP24) in Katowice, Poland. Meeting the targets of the Paris climate agreement would be expected to save over one million lives a year from air pollution alone by 2050, according to the most recent assessment. The same analysis shows that the value of the health gains would be approximately twice the cost of the policies. The largest gains would be expected in China and India, which would generate even larger net benefits by pursuing the 1.5 °C target rather than the 2.0 °C target ($ 0.27–2.31 trillion in China and $ 3.28–8.4 trillion in India). The health gains of meeting the 2.0 °C target would also significantly offset the costs in other regions, such as the European Union (7–84%) and the USA (10–41%) (39), the report said. A WHO report released on December 5 at COP24 highlighted why health considerations are critical to the advancement of climate action and outlines key recommendations for policymakers. Exposure to air pollution causes 7 million deaths worldwide every year and costs an estimated US$ 5.11 trillion in welfare losses globally. In the 15 countries that emit the most greenhouse gas emissions, the health impacts of air pollution are estimated to cost more than 4% of their GDP. Actions to meet the Paris goals would cost around 1% of global GDP, the report published on the World Health Organisation (WHO) website stated. Switching to low-carbon energy sources will not only improve air quality but provide additional opportunities for immediate health benefits. For example, introducing active transport options such as cycling will help increase physical activity that can help prevent diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart disease, the report further said.

India will gain upto 8.4 trillion by meeting 1.5 °C target climate action: WHO

<p>Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi to discuss the arrangements for the upcoming Kumbh Mela festival to be held in Prayagraj (earlier Allahabad).</p>

<p>The 45-day festival will start on January 15, 2019. Millions of Hindu devotees attend the mela with the belief that taking a dip in the waters of the holy river will cleanse them of their sins.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chief Minister also discussed the preparations for upcoming 'Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas' which will be held in Varanasi in January with the Indian diaspora and will provide them with the opportunity to participate in 'Kumbha Snan' and also attend the Republic Day parade in the National Capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Organised by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in association with the Uttar Pradesh government, the theme of the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is "Role of Indian Diaspora in building a New India".</p>


Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi to discuss the arrangements for the upcoming Kumbh Mela festival to be held in Prayagraj (earlier Allahabad).

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi to discuss the arrangements for the upcoming Kumbh Mela festival to be held in Prayagraj (earlier Allahabad). The 45-day festival will start on January 15, 2019. Millions of Hindu devotees attend the mela with the belief that taking a dip in the waters of the holy river will cleanse them of their sins. The Chief Minister also discussed the preparations for upcoming 'Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas' which will be held in Varanasi in January with the Indian diaspora and will provide them with the opportunity to participate in 'Kumbha Snan' and also attend the Republic Day parade in the National Capital. Organised by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in association with the Uttar Pradesh government, the theme of the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is "Role of Indian Diaspora in building a New India".

Yogi Adityanath meets PM Modi to discuss arrangements for 'Kumbh Mela'

<p>Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday claimed that he has no intentions to rule Telangana and said that a Congress candidate will become the Chief Minister of Telangana if the grand alliance comes to power in the state after the forthcoming elections.</p>

<p>All set to go for polls in Friday, Telangana has 119 Assembly seats, and 1,821 candidates are in fray. The Telangana Rashtra Samithi is facing the grand alliance of the Congress, Telugu Desam Party, Communist Party of India and the Telangana Jana Samithi.</p>

<p>"Chandrashekar Rao is making false propaganda that I will take hold in Telangana. I am not here for that. Only Congress candidate will become the Chief Minister," Naidu said while addressing a rally here along with Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Kodada town of Telangana's Khammam district.</p>

<p>"I appeal to all to show exit to TRS in the polling to be held on December 7. Make KCR former Chief Minister. Let us defeat TRS and KCR in the elections with huge margins. TDP joined hands with Congress for the sake of nation and democracy," he added.</p>

<p>Naidu later went on to add that KCR in Telangana and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Centre are 'dictators.</p>

<p>"They must be eliminated from power," he said and added, "KCR is so afraid of defeat. That's why he is losing cool and temper. He is scolding one and all. There is no response to KCR meetings, but for our meetings, people are coming in huge numbers. KCR and Modi have colluded. Both are dictators. KCR is 'small Modi'. KCR shakes hand with All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen in the morning and with BJP in the night".</p>

<p>Talking about Prime Minister Modi, Naidu said, "Modi is a dictator. His policies are anti-people. Demonetisation, Goods and Services Tax are failures, caused people to suffer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asaduddin Owaisi is indirectly supporting BJP. Congress president also criticised KCR and said, "During KCR's regime, more than 4000 farmers committed suicides. 35 lakhs youth are jobless. You supported only the rich contractors, but not the poor and the needy. KCR changed the names of projects, redesigned them, and escalated project costs. You have stolen 40,000 crores from people and gave to the contractors.</p>

<p>He added, "Telangana people have given KCR a new name - KCR means 'Khao Commission Rao'. His son's income increased 400 times. When Telangana was formed, it was a surplus state. But now the state is in 2.5 lakh crore debt."</p>


Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday claimed that he has no intentions to rule Telangana and said that a Congress candidate will become the Chief Minister of Telangana if the grand alliance comes to power in the state after the forthcoming elections.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday claimed that he has no intentions to rule Telangana and said that a Congress candidate will become the Chief Minister of Telangana if the grand alliance comes to power in the state after the forthcoming elections. All set to go for polls in Friday, Telangana has 119 Assembly seats, and 1,821 candidates are in fray. The Telangana Rashtra Samithi is facing the grand alliance of the Congress, Telugu Desam Party, Communist Party of India and the Telangana Jana Samithi. "Chandrashekar Rao is making false propaganda that I will take hold in Telangana. I am not here for that. Only Congress candidate will become the Chief Minister," Naidu said while addressing a rally here along with Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Kodada town of Telangana's Khammam district. "I appeal to all to show exit to TRS in the polling to be held on December 7. Make KCR former Chief Minister. Let us defeat TRS and KCR in the elections with huge margins. TDP joined hands with Congress for the sake of nation and democracy," he added. Naidu later went on to add that KCR in Telangana and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Centre are 'dictators. "They must be eliminated from power," he said and added, "KCR is so afraid of defeat. That's why he is losing cool and temper. He is scolding one and all. There is no response to KCR meetings, but for our meetings, people are coming in huge numbers. KCR and Modi have colluded. Both are dictators. KCR is 'small Modi'. KCR shakes hand with All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen in the morning and with BJP in the night". Talking about Prime Minister Modi, Naidu said, "Modi is a dictator. His policies are anti-people. Demonetisation, Goods and Services Tax are failures, caused people to suffer. Asaduddin Owaisi is indirectly supporting BJP. Congress president also criticised KCR and said, "During KCR's regime, more than 4000 farmers committed suicides. 35 lakhs youth are jobless. You supported only the rich contractors, but not the poor and the needy. KCR changed the names of projects, redesigned them, and escalated project costs. You have stolen 40,000 crores from people and gave to the contractors. He added, "Telangana people have given KCR a new name - KCR means 'Khao Commission Rao'. His son's income increased 400 times. When Telangana was formed, it was a surplus state. But now the state is in 2.5 lakh crore debt."

Telangana polls: Congress candidate to be CM, says Naidu

<p>With just a day left before Rajasthan goes to assembly polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a scathing attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Dausa said that he was born with a "golden spoon in his mouth" and thus he will never understand the essence of `Bharat Mata ki jai`.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi, giving a different touch to a campaign, began the Dausa rally by playing a traditional drum.</p>

<p>He said, "Naamdaar issues a fatwa saying that I should not say Bharat Mata ki jai. When we say it we remember our soldiers who are guarding our borders, the soldiers who are in Siachen braving minus 40 degree Celsius temperature. Chanting Bharat Mata ki jai fills us with an intense passion but Naamdar is born with golden spoon in his mouth and will never understand it".</p>

<p>He accused the Congress president of being a "confused" person who doesn`t know what he is doing and for what purpose.</p>

<p>"The Congress president is a confused man. He always remains in confusion and he doesn`t even know in which state he is working in the elections and for whom," said the Prime Minister."</p>

<p>He failed to differentiate between his leader Kumbha Ram and Kumbhakaran of Ramayan as he referred him as Kumbhakaran. How will he take decisions? The people of Rajasthan cannot hand over their state in hands of such confused leadership," said Prime Minister Modi.</p>

<p>Congress party doesn`t have strong leadership, no vision and no will, he said adding, "It is really unfortunate that Mahatama Gandhi want self-dependence based on Khadi but this fake Gandhi family erased the existence of that Khadi. Did you ever hear any Congress government say anything about Khadi?"</p>

<p>"Today, Khadi jacket has become popular; people call it Modi jacket and they (Congress) don`t like it. They say how did Khadi of Gandhi become Modi jacket?" he added.</p>

<p>The state will go for polls on December 7, while the counting will take place on December 11.&nbsp;</p>


With just a day left before Rajasthan goes to assembly polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a scathing attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Dausa said that he was born with a "golden spoon in his mouth" and thus he will never understand the essence of `Bharat Mata ki jai`.

With just a day left before Rajasthan goes to assembly polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a scathing attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Dausa said that he was born with a "golden spoon in his mouth" and thus he will never understand the essence of `Bharat Mata ki jai`. Prime Minister Modi, giving a different touch to a campaign, began the Dausa rally by playing a traditional drum. He said, "Naamdaar issues a fatwa saying that I should not say Bharat Mata ki jai. When we say it we remember our soldiers who are guarding our borders, the soldiers who are in Siachen braving minus 40 degree Celsius temperature. Chanting Bharat Mata ki jai fills us with an intense passion but Naamdar is born with golden spoon in his mouth and will never understand it". He accused the Congress president of being a "confused" person who doesn`t know what he is doing and for what purpose. "The Congress president is a confused man. He always remains in confusion and he doesn`t even know in which state he is working in the elections and for whom," said the Prime Minister." He failed to differentiate between his leader Kumbha Ram and Kumbhakaran of Ramayan as he referred him as Kumbhakaran. How will he take decisions? The people of Rajasthan cannot hand over their state in hands of such confused leadership," said Prime Minister Modi. Congress party doesn`t have strong leadership, no vision and no will, he said adding, "It is really unfortunate that Mahatama Gandhi want self-dependence based on Khadi but this fake Gandhi family erased the existence of that Khadi. Did you ever hear any Congress government say anything about Khadi?" "Today, Khadi jacket has become popular; people call it Modi jacket and they (Congress) don`t like it. They say how did Khadi of Gandhi become Modi jacket?" he added. The state will go for polls on December 7, while the counting will take place on December 11.

'Naamdar' is born with a golden spoon in his mouth: PM Modi

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