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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-asks-nato-to-send-ships-to-back-it-in-conflict-with-russia-180117">Ukraine asks NATO to send ships to back it in conflict with Russia</a>

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko asked NATO members including Germany Thursday to send naval vessels to the Sea of Azov to back his country in the standoff with Russia.

"Germany is one of our closest allies, and we hope that states within NATO are now ready to relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security," he told Germany's Bild daily.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-defends-lawful-seizure-of-ukrainian-ships-180120">Vladimir Putin defends 'lawful' seizure of Ukrainian ships</a>

President Vladimir Putin insisted Wednesday that Russian forces were in the right to seize three Ukrainian ships last weekend, but President Donald Trump expressed "deep concern" at Moscow's actions against a US ally.

In his first extensive remarks since the confrontation at sea on Sunday, Putin said it had been orchestrated by Kiev as a "provocation".

He said the Ukrainian ships had entered Russian territorial waters and refused to respond to requests to stop from Russian patrol boats.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-studying-new-auto-tariffs-after-general-motors-announces-job-cuts-180128">Trump studying new auto tariffs after General Motors announces job cuts</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that new auto tariffs were "being studied now," asserting they could prevent job cuts such as the US layoffs and plant closures that General Motors Co announced this week.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/more-love-and-respect-for-sidhu-in-pakistan-than-in-india-harsimrat-kaur-180122">More love and respect for Sidhu in Pakistan than in India: Harsimrat Kaur Badal</a>

Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Wednesday took a jibe at Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu and said that he seems to be getting more love and respect from Pakistan than India.

Badal`s statement comes after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during the groundbreaking ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor across the border said that Sidhu can also win elections in his country.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-liverpool-made-to-look-like-butchers-against-psg-says-klopp-180125">Champions League: Liverpool made to look 'like butchers' against PSG, says Klopp</a>

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said his team "looked like butchers" because of the reactions of the Paris Saint-Germain players to challenges during the French team's 2-1 Champions League win on Wednesday.

"We are one of the fairest teams in England but tonight we looked like butchers," Klopp said.&nbsp;

Liverpool -- beaten in each of their past five games away from Anfield in the Champions League -- now face the real prospect of missing out on the knockout stages just six months after reaching the final against Real Madrid.

Ukraine asks NATO to send ships to back it in conflict with Russia Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko asked NATO members including Germany Thursday to send naval vessels to the Sea of Azov to back his country in the standoff with Russia.

Ukraine asks NATO to send ships to back it in conflict with Russia Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko asked NATO members including Germany Thursday to send naval vessels to the Sea of Azov to back his country in the standoff with Russia. "Germany is one of our closest allies, and we hope that states within NATO are now ready to relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security," he told Germany's Bild daily. Vladimir Putin defends 'lawful' seizure of Ukrainian ships President Vladimir Putin insisted Wednesday that Russian forces were in the right to seize three Ukrainian ships last weekend, but President Donald Trump expressed "deep concern" at Moscow's actions against a US ally. In his first extensive remarks since the confrontation at sea on Sunday, Putin said it had been orchestrated by Kiev as a "provocation". He said the Ukrainian ships had entered Russian territorial waters and refused to respond to requests to stop from Russian patrol boats. Trump studying new auto tariffs after General Motors announces job cuts US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that new auto tariffs were "being studied now," asserting they could prevent job cuts such as the US layoffs and plant closures that General Motors Co announced this week. More love and respect for Sidhu in Pakistan than in India: Harsimrat Kaur Badal Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Wednesday took a jibe at Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu and said that he seems to be getting more love and respect from Pakistan than India. Badal`s statement comes after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during the groundbreaking ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor across the border said that Sidhu can also win elections in his country. Champions League: Liverpool made to look 'like butchers' against PSG, says Klopp Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said his team "looked like butchers" because of the reactions of the Paris Saint-Germain players to challenges during the French team's 2-1 Champions League win on Wednesday. "We are one of the fairest teams in England but tonight we looked like butchers," Klopp said. Liverpool -- beaten in each of their past five games away from Anfield in the Champions League -- now face the real prospect of missing out on the knockout stages just six months after reaching the final against Real Madrid.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Wednesday took a jibe at Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu and said that he seems to be getting more love and respect from Pakistan than India.

Badal`s statement comes after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during the groundbreaking ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor across the border said that Sidhu can also win elections in his country.

Reacting to the same, Badal told ANI, "He (Imran Khan) offered him (Navjot Singh Sidhu) to fight elections from Pakistan. He (Sidhu) seems to have more love and respect in Pakistan than what I noticed over here. He has some good relationships over there."

Earlier at the ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor, Imran Khan said, "I heard there was a lot of criticism of Sidhu when he went back after my oath-taking ceremony. I don`t know what he was criticised for. He was just talking about peace and brotherhood. He can come and contest election here in Pakistan`s Punjab. He will win."

Badal further said it was an "emotional and a historic" moment for her to attend the ceremony.

"In last 48 hours, I have seen history and miracles taking place in front of my eye. There is so much joy on both sides (India and Pakistan). If the Berlin wall came down, if North and South Korea could settle their differences, if Germany and France can settle their differences, it`s time that our wall of hatred should come down too," she said.

Several dignitaries and ministers from both the countries attended the Kartarpur Corridor groundbreaking ceremony held in Lahore.

The Kartarpur route along the India-Pakistan border is three kilometres away from Gurdaspur, Punjab. Once opened, it would allow Sikh pilgrims a direct access to the historic gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, where Guru Nanak died in 1539.

Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Wednesday took a jibe at Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu and said that he seems to be getting more love and respect from Pakistan than India.

Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Wednesday took a jibe at Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu and said that he seems to be getting more love and respect from Pakistan than India. Badal`s statement comes after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during the groundbreaking ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor across the border said that Sidhu can also win elections in his country. Reacting to the same, Badal told ANI, "He (Imran Khan) offered him (Navjot Singh Sidhu) to fight elections from Pakistan. He (Sidhu) seems to have more love and respect in Pakistan than what I noticed over here. He has some good relationships over there." Earlier at the ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor, Imran Khan said, "I heard there was a lot of criticism of Sidhu when he went back after my oath-taking ceremony. I don`t know what he was criticised for. He was just talking about peace and brotherhood. He can come and contest election here in Pakistan`s Punjab. He will win." Badal further said it was an "emotional and a historic" moment for her to attend the ceremony. "In last 48 hours, I have seen history and miracles taking place in front of my eye. There is so much joy on both sides (India and Pakistan). If the Berlin wall came down, if North and South Korea could settle their differences, if Germany and France can settle their differences, it`s time that our wall of hatred should come down too," she said. Several dignitaries and ministers from both the countries attended the Kartarpur Corridor groundbreaking ceremony held in Lahore. The Kartarpur route along the India-Pakistan border is three kilometres away from Gurdaspur, Punjab. Once opened, it would allow Sikh pilgrims a direct access to the historic gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, where Guru Nanak died in 1539.

More love and respect for Sidhu in Pakistan than in India: Harsimrat Kaur Badal

Former Joint Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and IPS officer V.V Lakshmi Narayana has announced to soon launch his own political party.

"It has been decided in our volunteers` meeting held on November 26 that my political entry should be done through my own political party, as per their suggestions. The name of the new party, its modalities, date and place of the launch of the party, and other details will soon be announced," read a statement from Narayana.

Narayana had called a meeting of his followers on Monday. He even invited leaders of Lok Satta, Telangana Praja Party, and Aam Aadmi Party.

All of them announced their support to the former IPS officer.

Lok Satta founder Jaya Prakash Narayana had even offered to take the reins of his party. Following which, Lakshmi Narayana said that he would consider the offer.

Narayana is famous in Telugu states as he was the Joint Director of CBI, who investigated and filed charge sheets against YSR Congress Party supremo YS Jaganmohan Reddy in economic offence cases.&nbsp;

Former Joint Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and IPS officer V.V Lakshmi Narayana has announced to soon launch his own political party. "It has been decided in our volunteers` meeting held on November 26 that my political entry should be done through my own political party, as per their suggestions.

Former Joint Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and IPS officer V.V Lakshmi Narayana has announced to soon launch his own political party. "It has been decided in our volunteers` meeting held on November 26 that my political entry should be done through my own political party, as per their suggestions. The name of the new party, its modalities, date and place of the launch of the party, and other details will soon be announced," read a statement from Narayana. Narayana had called a meeting of his followers on Monday. He even invited leaders of Lok Satta, Telangana Praja Party, and Aam Aadmi Party. All of them announced their support to the former IPS officer. Lok Satta founder Jaya Prakash Narayana had even offered to take the reins of his party. Following which, Lakshmi Narayana said that he would consider the offer. Narayana is famous in Telugu states as he was the Joint Director of CBI, who investigated and filed charge sheets against YSR Congress Party supremo YS Jaganmohan Reddy in economic offence cases.

Former CBI Joint Director V.V Lakshmi Narayana to launch own political party

Former President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday expressed dissatisfaction over the current economic growth of the country and stated that India should have been a five to six trillion US dollar economy.

"Today, the Indian economy is worth 2.268 trillion US dollar. I am not satisfied. As a former Finance Minister, I think we should have done much more progress. It should have been five to six trillion US dollar economy," Mukherjee said while addressing a seminar at the Greenwood High International School here.

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Former President Pranab Mukherjee in Bengaluru: Today Indian economy is worth 2.268 trillion US dollar. I am not satisfied. As a former finance minister, I think we should have done much more progress. It should have been five to six trillion US dollar economy. (28.11.2018) <a href="https://t.co/tLrtrK5sYu">pic.twitter.com/tLrtrK5sYu</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067876357559017472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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However, the former President appreciated the country`s achievements in the field of science and technology.

"We are the only country till today out of 184 members of the United Nations, who succeeded in sending its orbiter to Mars in its very first attempt," Mukherjee said."We are the third military power of the world," he said.

Former President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday expressed dissatisfaction over the current economic growth of the country and stated that India should have been a five to six trillion US dollar economy.

Former President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday expressed dissatisfaction over the current economic growth of the country and stated that India should have been a five to six trillion US dollar economy. "Today, the Indian economy is worth 2.268 trillion US dollar. I am not satisfied. As a former Finance Minister, I think we should have done much more progress. It should have been five to six trillion US dollar economy," Mukherjee said while addressing a seminar at the Greenwood High International School here. Former President Pranab Mukherjee in Bengaluru: Today Indian economy is worth 2.268 trillion US dollar. I am not satisfied. As a former finance minister, I think we should have done much more progress. It should have been five to six trillion US dollar economy. (28.11.2018) pic.twitter.com/tLrtrK5sYu — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × However, the former President appreciated the country`s achievements in the field of science and technology. "We are the only country till today out of 184 members of the United Nations, who succeeded in sending its orbiter to Mars in its very first attempt," Mukherjee said."We are the third military power of the world," he said.

India should have been a $5-6 trillion economy by now: Pranab Mukherjee

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-visit-argentina-from-nov-28-dec-2-for-g20-summit-to-meet-chinese-president-twice-179827">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> reached Buenos Aires, Argentina to attend the G20 summit.

PM Modi will have a trilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires on November 30 and December 1.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Buenos Aires, Argentina to attend the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20Summit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20Summit</a>. <a href="https://t.co/9YhletLRay">pic.twitter.com/9YhletLRay</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068144101663506432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Modi will also highlight the risks posed by oil price volatility and raise the issue of combating terror financing and money laundering, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said.

One of the issues that will be discussed is strengthening of the WTO, he told reporters.

Prime Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet twice during the G20 summit in Argentina, said a foreign ministry official on November 27 as the two Asian powerhouses seek warmer ties.

Modi will also meet United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Mauricio Macri, the President of Argentina; Chilean President Sebastian Pinera, German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Buenos Aires, Argentina to attend the G20 summit. PM Modi will have a trilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires on November 30 and December 1.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Buenos Aires, Argentina to attend the G20 summit. PM Modi will have a trilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires on November 30 and December 1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Buenos Aires, Argentina to attend the #G20Summit. pic.twitter.com/9YhletLRay — ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2018 × Modi will also highlight the risks posed by oil price volatility and raise the issue of combating terror financing and money laundering, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said. One of the issues that will be discussed is strengthening of the WTO, he told reporters. Prime Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet twice during the G20 summit in Argentina, said a foreign ministry official on November 27 as the two Asian powerhouses seek warmer ties. Modi will also meet United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Mauricio Macri, the President of Argentina; Chilean President Sebastian Pinera, German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

PM Modi arrives at Argentina ahead of G20 summit

Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu Thursday played down his appearance in a photograph with a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/khalistani-leader-gopal-chawla-posts-snap-with-sidhu-180154">pro-Khalistan leader in Pakistan</a> even as the opposition Akali Dal asked if India remained his priority.

He came under a sharp attack from Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal after a picture from the groundbreaking ceremony in Pakistan for the Kartarpur corridor showed him with separatist Gopal Singh Chawla.

Chawla, who is the general secretary of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) and is known to speak for Khalistan had shared the purported picture on his Facebook page.

Sidhu returned home Thursday after attending the groundbreaking ceremony for a visa-free corridor which will allow Sikh pilgrims access from Gurdaspur's Dera Baba Nanak to the shrine in Kartarpur, where Guru Nanak Dev spent his final years.

The minister said he had posed with several people and it was difficult to distinguish them.

''They showered so much love there. Every day ten thousand pictures were clicked, and among them who was Chawla or Cheema I do not know,'' he told reporters in Attari on his return.

Sidhu had received flak for attending the ceremony in his personal capacity, even after being advised against it by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh.

He said the hopes of 12 crore followers of Guru Nanak Dev had turned into reality with the historic decision by India and Pakistan to build the corridor.

The thaw has begun and the ice is melting, he said at the press briefing, where he appeared with Saurabh Madan, the organiser of a Dussehra event in Amritsar where about 60 people were mowed down by a train last month.

I returned after connecting hearts in the two Punjabs, Sidhu said. Gopal Singh Chawla was also seen shaking hands with Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the Kartarpur ceremony.

There was a link between Gopal Chawla and a terrorist attack that took place in Amritsar which is his (Sidhu's) constituency, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal said Thursday, referring to the grenade blast at Nirankari Bhavan which killed three people earlier this month.

If he shakes hands with him or does something with him, then Sidhu has to answer in order to make clear whether the country or something else is his priority, he added.

Badal said Sidhu should know that Pakistan is involved in sending drugs to Punjab.

It is General Bajwa who is behind killing our youth with whom he shakes hands, he said. Badal said apparently referring to an earlier row over the Pakistan army chief hugging the Punjab politician.

Taking a swipe at Congress president, the SAD chief said Rahul Gandhi has a very good opportunity to expand his party in Pakistan by making Sidhu the head of its unit in Pakistan's Punjab. However, Congress MLA Raj Kumar Verka defended Sidhu.

I feel Sukhbir Badal, the Badal family and the BJP are suffering from Sidhu phobia. I think they chant Sidhu's name more than Baba Nanak Dev's, he said.

Verka said Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee chief Gobind Singh Longowal too had clicked a picture with Chawla at the same event, despite knowing his antecedents.

Sidhu does not even know about Chawla, Verka claimed. Verka asked whether Badal would now seek Longowal's resignation as SGPC chief.

Meanwhile, former Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee chief Paramjit Singh Sarna, who also attended the Kartarpur event, claimed that Sidhu had avoided Chawla several times.

But he managed to get a picture clicked with him, Sarna said in Attari.

Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu Thursday played down his appearance in a photograph with a pro-Khalistan leader in Pakistan even as the opposition Akali Dal asked if India remained his priority.

Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu Thursday played down his appearance in a photograph with a pro-Khalistan leader in Pakistan even as the opposition Akali Dal asked if India remained his priority. He came under a sharp attack from Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal after a picture from the groundbreaking ceremony in Pakistan for the Kartarpur corridor showed him with separatist Gopal Singh Chawla. Chawla, who is the general secretary of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) and is known to speak for Khalistan had shared the purported picture on his Facebook page. Sidhu returned home Thursday after attending the groundbreaking ceremony for a visa-free corridor which will allow Sikh pilgrims access from Gurdaspur's Dera Baba Nanak to the shrine in Kartarpur, where Guru Nanak Dev spent his final years. The minister said he had posed with several people and it was difficult to distinguish them. ''They showered so much love there. Every day ten thousand pictures were clicked, and among them who was Chawla or Cheema I do not know,'' he told reporters in Attari on his return. Sidhu had received flak for attending the ceremony in his personal capacity, even after being advised against it by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. He said the hopes of 12 crore followers of Guru Nanak Dev had turned into reality with the historic decision by India and Pakistan to build the corridor. The thaw has begun and the ice is melting, he said at the press briefing, where he appeared with Saurabh Madan, the organiser of a Dussehra event in Amritsar where about 60 people were mowed down by a train last month. I returned after connecting hearts in the two Punjabs, Sidhu said. Gopal Singh Chawla was also seen shaking hands with Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the Kartarpur ceremony. There was a link between Gopal Chawla and a terrorist attack that took place in Amritsar which is his (Sidhu's) constituency, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal said Thursday, referring to the grenade blast at Nirankari Bhavan which killed three people earlier this month. If he shakes hands with him or does something with him, then Sidhu has to answer in order to make clear whether the country or something else is his priority, he added. Badal said Sidhu should know that Pakistan is involved in sending drugs to Punjab. It is General Bajwa who is behind killing our youth with whom he shakes hands, he said. Badal said apparently referring to an earlier row over the Pakistan army chief hugging the Punjab politician. Taking a swipe at Congress president, the SAD chief said Rahul Gandhi has a very good opportunity to expand his party in Pakistan by making Sidhu the head of its unit in Pakistan's Punjab. However, Congress MLA Raj Kumar Verka defended Sidhu. I feel Sukhbir Badal, the Badal family and the BJP are suffering from Sidhu phobia. I think they chant Sidhu's name more than Baba Nanak Dev's, he said. Verka said Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee chief Gobind Singh Longowal too had clicked a picture with Chawla at the same event, despite knowing his antecedents. Sidhu does not even know about Chawla, Verka claimed. Verka asked whether Badal would now seek Longowal's resignation as SGPC chief. Meanwhile, former Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee chief Paramjit Singh Sarna, who also attended the Kartarpur event, claimed that Sidhu had avoided Chawla several times. But he managed to get a picture clicked with him, Sarna said in Attari.

I don't know Chawla: Sidhu on pic with Khalistan leader

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who launched the Hamro Sikkim Party in April, said Thursday his outfit will form a coalition with anyone wanting to work for the betterment of his state.

Bhutia said that the HSP is currently in touch with national as well as regional parties which want progress of Sikkim.

"We are talking to all the parties right now. Whichever parties -- national or regional -- are wanting to work for the betterment of Sikkim, we are ready to form a coalition...," Bhutia told PTI when asked about his party forming a coalition with the Bharatiya Janata Party or any other party in the Lok Sabha polls.

The general elections are scheduled to be held next year in the country. 
Bhaichung had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and the 2016 West Bengal Assembly elections as a Trinamool Congress candidate, but had lost the polls and quit Mamata Banerjee's party in February.

The former Indian football captain had then floated the HSP in April this year.

Meanwhile, the Hamro Sikkim Party Thursday filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking to change the "immigrant" tag of the Sikkimese Nepali community, he told reporters here.

Bhutia said the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has not done anything to change the word from the apex court verdict delivered around 40 years back even as it had promised in its manifesto.

The Sikkimese Nepali community had been tagged as "immigrant" in a Supreme Court judgement. Sikkim has three ethnic communities Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalis.

"We have filed a petition in the Supreme Court today urging it to look into it so that the word of immigrant is not used for the Sikkimese Nepali community..." he said.&nbsp;

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who launched the Hamro Sikkim Party in April, said Thursday his outfit will form a coalition with anyone wanting to work for the betterment of his state.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who launched the Hamro Sikkim Party in April, said Thursday his outfit will form a coalition with anyone wanting to work for the betterment of his state. Bhutia said that the HSP is currently in touch with national as well as regional parties which want progress of Sikkim. "We are talking to all the parties right now. Whichever parties -- national or regional -- are wanting to work for the betterment of Sikkim, we are ready to form a coalition...," Bhutia told PTI when asked about his party forming a coalition with the Bharatiya Janata Party or any other party in the Lok Sabha polls. The general elections are scheduled to be held next year in the country. Bhaichung had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and the 2016 West Bengal Assembly elections as a Trinamool Congress candidate, but had lost the polls and quit Mamata Banerjee's party in February. The former Indian football captain had then floated the HSP in April this year. Meanwhile, the Hamro Sikkim Party Thursday filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking to change the "immigrant" tag of the Sikkimese Nepali community, he told reporters here. Bhutia said the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has not done anything to change the word from the apex court verdict delivered around 40 years back even as it had promised in its manifesto. The Sikkimese Nepali community had been tagged as "immigrant" in a Supreme Court judgement. Sikkim has three ethnic communities Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalis. "We have filed a petition in the Supreme Court today urging it to look into it so that the word of immigrant is not used for the Sikkimese Nepali community..." he said.

Will form coalition with anyone wanting to work for betterment of Sikkim: Bhaichung Bhutia

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/happy-to-meet-pm-modi-there-cant-be-a-military-solution-to-kashmir-imran-khan-at-media-interaction-180244">Happy to meet PM Modi, there can't be a military solution to Kashmir: Pak PM Imran Khan at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/happy-to-meet-pm-modi-there-cant-be-a-military-solution-to-kashmir-imran-khan-at-media-interaction-180244">media</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/happy-to-meet-pm-modi-there-cant-be-a-military-solution-to-kashmir-imran-khan-at-media-interaction-180244"> interaction</a>

A day after laying the stone for the Kartarpur corridor, Pakistan PM Imran Khan interacted with a group Indian journalists and said he would happy to PM Narendra Modi and talk to him while adding that he was "willing to wait for (general) elections to get over in India for a gesture from New Delhi."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/central-asia/china-halts-activities-involved-with-baby-gene-editing-report-180239">China halts activities involved with baby gene editing: Report</a>

China today ordered a halt to activities of people involved in baby gene editing, state-run CCTV channel reported today.

The Chinese government had opened an investigation after a scientist He Jiankui claimed that he altered the genes of twin girls to create the first gene-edited babies.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-temple-row-pm-mahathir-steps-in-180257">Malaysia temple row: PM Mahathir steps in after rioting over </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-temple-row-pm-mahathir-steps-in-180257">relocation</a>

Peace was disturbed in culturally diverse Malaysia for two days this week after rioting over the relocation of the oldest Hindu temple near Kuala Lumpur.

The violence had broken out when a group attacked Indian devotees praying at the Sri Maha Mariamman temple, in Subang Jaya area.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sidhu-was-hugging-the-general-who-is-killing-our-men-union-minister-harsimrat-kaur-badal-180210">Sidhu was hugging the General who is killing our men: Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal</a>

Union minister for food processing industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Thursday took a jibe on at Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu and said, ''Sidhu was hugging the General who is killing our men. He even spent 3 days with him there. Even his photo is out with the terrorist. He has become a Pakistan agent after going there. Rahul Gandhi should clearly state his stand on this.''

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-has-invited-brazils-president-elect-bolsonaro-to-us-john-bolton-180251">Trump has invited Brazil's President-elect Bolsonaro to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-has-invited-brazils-president-elect-bolsonaro-to-us-john-bolton-180251">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-has-invited-brazils-president-elect-bolsonaro-to-us-john-bolton-180251">: John Bolton</a>

US President Donald Trump has invited Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro to the United States, National Security Advisor John Bolton tweeted on Thursday following a meeting with the right-wing former army captain, who takes office in January.

Happy to meet PM Modi, there can't be a military solution to Kashmir: Pak PM Imran Khan at media interaction A day after laying the stone for the Kartarpur corridor, Pakistan PM Imran Khan interacted with a group Indian journalists and said he would happy to PM Narendra Modi and talk to him while adding that he was "willing to wait for (general) elections to get over in India for a gesture from New Delhi.

Happy to meet PM Modi, there can't be a military solution to Kashmir: Pak PM Imran Khan at media interaction A day after laying the stone for the Kartarpur corridor, Pakistan PM Imran Khan interacted with a group Indian journalists and said he would happy to PM Narendra Modi and talk to him while adding that he was "willing to wait for (general) elections to get over in India for a gesture from New Delhi." China halts activities involved with baby gene editing: Report China today ordered a halt to activities of people involved in baby gene editing, state-run CCTV channel reported today. The Chinese government had opened an investigation after a scientist He Jiankui claimed that he altered the genes of twin girls to create the first gene-edited babies. Malaysia temple row: PM Mahathir steps in after rioting over relocation Peace was disturbed in culturally diverse Malaysia for two days this week after rioting over the relocation of the oldest Hindu temple near Kuala Lumpur. The violence had broken out when a group attacked Indian devotees praying at the Sri Maha Mariamman temple, in Subang Jaya area. Sidhu was hugging the General who is killing our men: Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal Union minister for food processing industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Thursday took a jibe on at Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu and said, ''Sidhu was hugging the General who is killing our men. He even spent 3 days with him there. Even his photo is out with the terrorist. He has become a Pakistan agent after going there. Rahul Gandhi should clearly state his stand on this.'' Trump has invited Brazil's President-elect Bolsonaro to US: John Bolton US President Donald Trump has invited Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro to the United States, National Security Advisor John Bolton tweeted on Thursday following a meeting with the right-wing former army captain, who takes office in January.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao of "diluting the Tribal Rights Act to the detriment of forest dwellers.

Addressing an election meeting at Bhoopalpally in the tribal belt of Telangana, he promised reservations in government jobs and admissions to state-run educational institutions for Scheduled Tribe candidates proportionate to their population in the state.

"Prime Minister Modi weakened Adivasi Bill (Tribal Bill) at the centre and KCR diluted it at the state. As soon as we form our government in Telangana we will ensure that you (tribals) get back your land. We have mentioned this in our manifesto also.

"We will give reservations too that will be proportionate to your population," Gandhi told the rally.

The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act was passed in 2006 when the UPA was in power. It is variously referred to as Forest Rights Act, Tribal Rights Act, Tribal Bill, and Tribal Land Act. The law concerns the rights of forest-dwelling communities.

The opposition has been alleging that the Modi dispensation diluted various provisions of the law including the condition of "free informed consent" from gram sabhas for any government plans to remove tribals from forests and for resettlement or rehabilitation packages. It is alleged that the law was diluted to favour mining companies and industrialists.

Gandhi said the previous UPA government brought the law which gave immense benefits to tribals.

The Telangana government has been accused of diluting the Act by outlawing traditional methods of forest land cultivation.

The Congress president said tribals could not reap full benefit of the law in Telangana because of dilution of its provisions.

Gandhi assured that contract workers of Singareni Collieries would be regularised if the Congress-led alliance came to power in Telangana and the cases of employees who lost their jobs for various reasons would be sympathetically examined.

He also slammed the prime minister for his "habit" of privatising public sector undertakings.

Punning on chief minister KCR's initials, Gandhi called him "Khao Commission Rao" who promised that he would "redesign" the state but instead redesigned irrigation projects, which resulted in cost escalation and burdened the people, only to benefit members of his family and contractors.

Taking a jibe at the TRS chief's comment that he will go home and take rest if he loses the polls, Gandhi said, "KCR will definitely take rest in a Rs 300 crore palatial bungalow after the elections. You take rest and the Congress party will fulfil the aspirations and dreams of Telangana with the help of its people."

Addressing another rally at Armoor, he said, if the Congress came to power at the Centre, it would simplify the GST and sympathetically examine taxes on the beedi industry.

He also promised that a corpus fund of Rs 500 crore would be raised to help migrant workers in the Persian Gulf.

Targeting the prime minister over his signature mass outreach programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on All India Radio, Gandhi said, "Modi ji tells you his 'Mann ki Baat' (speaks his mind) every month. But we will listen to your (people's) Mann Ki Baat and run Telangana according to your wishes."

The Congress president said while Modi and KCR always kept the doors of banks open for the rich, the Congress-led government in Telangana will waive agricultural loans of farmers up to Rs 2 lakh and raise the Minimum Support Price for as many as 17 varieties of farm produce.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao of "diluting the Tribal Rights Act to the detriment of forest dwellers.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao of "diluting the Tribal Rights Act to the detriment of forest dwellers. Addressing an election meeting at Bhoopalpally in the tribal belt of Telangana, he promised reservations in government jobs and admissions to state-run educational institutions for Scheduled Tribe candidates proportionate to their population in the state. "Prime Minister Modi weakened Adivasi Bill (Tribal Bill) at the centre and KCR diluted it at the state. As soon as we form our government in Telangana we will ensure that you (tribals) get back your land. We have mentioned this in our manifesto also. "We will give reservations too that will be proportionate to your population," Gandhi told the rally. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act was passed in 2006 when the UPA was in power. It is variously referred to as Forest Rights Act, Tribal Rights Act, Tribal Bill, and Tribal Land Act. The law concerns the rights of forest-dwelling communities. The opposition has been alleging that the Modi dispensation diluted various provisions of the law including the condition of "free informed consent" from gram sabhas for any government plans to remove tribals from forests and for resettlement or rehabilitation packages. It is alleged that the law was diluted to favour mining companies and industrialists. Gandhi said the previous UPA government brought the law which gave immense benefits to tribals. The Telangana government has been accused of diluting the Act by outlawing traditional methods of forest land cultivation. The Congress president said tribals could not reap full benefit of the law in Telangana because of dilution of its provisions. Gandhi assured that contract workers of Singareni Collieries would be regularised if the Congress-led alliance came to power in Telangana and the cases of employees who lost their jobs for various reasons would be sympathetically examined. He also slammed the prime minister for his "habit" of privatising public sector undertakings. Punning on chief minister KCR's initials, Gandhi called him "Khao Commission Rao" who promised that he would "redesign" the state but instead redesigned irrigation projects, which resulted in cost escalation and burdened the people, only to benefit members of his family and contractors. Taking a jibe at the TRS chief's comment that he will go home and take rest if he loses the polls, Gandhi said, "KCR will definitely take rest in a Rs 300 crore palatial bungalow after the elections. You take rest and the Congress party will fulfil the aspirations and dreams of Telangana with the help of its people." Addressing another rally at Armoor, he said, if the Congress came to power at the Centre, it would simplify the GST and sympathetically examine taxes on the beedi industry. He also promised that a corpus fund of Rs 500 crore would be raised to help migrant workers in the Persian Gulf. Targeting the prime minister over his signature mass outreach programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on All India Radio, Gandhi said, "Modi ji tells you his 'Mann ki Baat' (speaks his mind) every month. But we will listen to your (people's) Mann Ki Baat and run Telangana according to your wishes." The Congress president said while Modi and KCR always kept the doors of banks open for the rich, the Congress-led government in Telangana will waive agricultural loans of farmers up to Rs 2 lakh and raise the Minimum Support Price for as many as 17 varieties of farm produce.

Modi, KCR diluted tribal rights law: Rahul Gandhi

Delhi's air quality is expected to "significantly deteriorate" on Sunday due to a decline in temperature which might lead to entrapment of pollutants, a government agency said Thursday.

According to a senior official at the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR), the air quality even after "significant deterioration" is likely to stay in "very poor" level and not reach the "severe" category.

The SAFAR in its daily report said air quality was likely to "deteriorate significantly" on Sunday due to a fall in temperature, which could lead to entrapment of pollutants.

Delhi's air quality remained in the "very poor" category on Thursday due to "unfavourable meteorological conditions" that slowed down the dispersion of pollutants, authorities said.

The overall air quality index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 353, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe".&nbsp;

Delhi's air quality is expected to "significantly deteriorate" on Sunday due to a decline in temperature which might lead to entrapment of pollutants, a government agency said Thursday.

Delhi's air quality is expected to "significantly deteriorate" on Sunday due to a decline in temperature which might lead to entrapment of pollutants, a government agency said Thursday. According to a senior official at the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR), the air quality even after "significant deterioration" is likely to stay in "very poor" level and not reach the "severe" category. The SAFAR in its daily report said air quality was likely to "deteriorate significantly" on Sunday due to a fall in temperature, which could lead to entrapment of pollutants. Delhi's air quality remained in the "very poor" category on Thursday due to "unfavourable meteorological conditions" that slowed down the dispersion of pollutants, authorities said. The overall air quality index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 353, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe".

Delhi's air quality expected to deteriorate significantly on Sunday: SAFAR

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/big-hearted-friend-imran-kept-his-promise-sidhu-at-kartarpur-corridor-ceremony-in-pakistan-180010">Navjot Singh Sidhu </a>returned to India from the groundbreaking ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor and said, '' Today, 72 years of wait is turning into reality and there will be a positive start in the name of Baba Nanak. I always wished for the opening of Ferozpur and Amritsar border, and that dream is coming true because of the miracle of Baba Nanak.''

Sidhu also tweeted, ''As a pilgrim embarks upon the journey, she/he becomes a better human, a better friend and a better neighbour. For 71 years, Crores have prayed to make this pilgrimage to the Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib. Today, at Kartarpur Sahib to thank Baba Nanak for his blessings upon us all!''

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As a pilgrim embarks upon the journey, she/he becomes a better human, a better friend and a better neighbour. For 71 years, Crores have prayed to make this pilgrimage to the Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib. Today, at Kartarpur Sahib to thank Baba Nanak for his blessings upon us all! <a href="https://t.co/kUarRUMLIm">pic.twitter.com/kUarRUMLIm</a>
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sherryontopp/status/1068029673559531520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the corridor linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district.

Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan is located across the river Ravi, about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine. It was established by the Sikh Guru in 1522. The first gurdwara, Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, was built here, where Guru Nanak Dev is said to have died.

The Kartarpur Corridor, which will facilitate the visa-free travel of Sikh pilgrims on both sides, is expected to be completed within six months.

During his speech in Pakistan, Sidhu also said that both the nations should seek a path of brotherhood and live in harmony without any fear with the blessing of Guru Nanak Dev, Also adding that if the borders between both countries opened, it would be possible to transport goods to different parts of Pakistan and even others countries.

Navjot Singh Sidhu returned to India from the groundbreaking ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor and said, '' Today, 72 years of wait is turning into reality and there will be a positive start in the name of Baba Nanak.

Navjot Singh Sidhu returned to India from the groundbreaking ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor and said, '' Today, 72 years of wait is turning into reality and there will be a positive start in the name of Baba Nanak. I always wished for the opening of Ferozpur and Amritsar border, and that dream is coming true because of the miracle of Baba Nanak.'' Sidhu also tweeted, ''As a pilgrim embarks upon the journey, she/he becomes a better human, a better friend and a better neighbour. For 71 years, Crores have prayed to make this pilgrimage to the Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib. Today, at Kartarpur Sahib to thank Baba Nanak for his blessings upon us all!'' As a pilgrim embarks upon the journey, she/he becomes a better human, a better friend and a better neighbour. For 71 years, Crores have prayed to make this pilgrimage to the Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib. Today, at Kartarpur Sahib to thank Baba Nanak for his blessings upon us all! pic.twitter.com/kUarRUMLIm — Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) November 29, 2018 × Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the corridor linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district. Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan is located across the river Ravi, about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine. It was established by the Sikh Guru in 1522. The first gurdwara, Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, was built here, where Guru Nanak Dev is said to have died. The Kartarpur Corridor, which will facilitate the visa-free travel of Sikh pilgrims on both sides, is expected to be completed within six months. During his speech in Pakistan, Sidhu also said that both the nations should seek a path of brotherhood and live in harmony without any fear with the blessing of Guru Nanak Dev, Also adding that if the borders between both countries opened, it would be possible to transport goods to different parts of Pakistan and even others countries.

Today, 72 years of wait is turning into reality: Sidhu on Kartarpur Corridor

BJP chief Amit Shah on Thursday hit out at the Congress over illegal migrants from Bangladesh and said his government will try to expel them from the country "one by one".

Addressing a public meeting ahead of the December 7 assembly elections in Rajasthan, he asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi to clarify whether "infiltrators" should be allowed to remain.

The Bharatiya Janata Party president said the Congress cannot develop or secure the country.

"During the 10 years of the previous Congress government's rule at Centre, there was no control on infiltration," he said at the meeting in Karauli district.

"Vote for Vasundhara Raje in 2018 in Rajasthan and for Narendra Modi in 2019. I assure you that BJP government will work to throw out each and every intruder from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and Assam to Gujarat one by one," he added.

He highlighted the surgical strike conducted by the Army in Pakistan-held territory across the Line of Control.

He said the BJP governments at the Centre and in Rajasthan had implemented welfare schemes covering all sections of society.

Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked to make the country proud across the globe.

Congress is daydreaming about coming back to power, he said, asking the party to look at its performance in elections since the BJP came to power at the Centre.

BJP chief Amit Shah on Thursday hit out at the Congress over illegal migrants from Bangladesh and said his government will try to expel them from the country "one by one".

BJP chief Amit Shah on Thursday hit out at the Congress over illegal migrants from Bangladesh and said his government will try to expel them from the country "one by one". Addressing a public meeting ahead of the December 7 assembly elections in Rajasthan, he asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi to clarify whether "infiltrators" should be allowed to remain. The Bharatiya Janata Party president said the Congress cannot develop or secure the country. "During the 10 years of the previous Congress government's rule at Centre, there was no control on infiltration," he said at the meeting in Karauli district. "Vote for Vasundhara Raje in 2018 in Rajasthan and for Narendra Modi in 2019. I assure you that BJP government will work to throw out each and every intruder from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and Assam to Gujarat one by one," he added. He highlighted the surgical strike conducted by the Army in Pakistan-held territory across the Line of Control. He said the BJP governments at the Centre and in Rajasthan had implemented welfare schemes covering all sections of society. Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked to make the country proud across the globe. Congress is daydreaming about coming back to power, he said, asking the party to look at its performance in elections since the BJP came to power at the Centre.

Vote for BJP and we'll throw out every illegal migrant: Amit Shah in Rajasthan

Niti Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar Thursday accepted the challenge of former <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/aircel-maxis-case-cbi-says-it-has-centres-permission-to-prosecute-p-chidambaram-179541">finance minister P Chidambaram</a> for a debate on the revised GDP data which showed economic growth during the current NDA regime was better than that in the UPA rule.

"Hon. @PChidambaram_IN Ji, challenge accepted. Let's discuss &amp; dissect back series data. I gave 3 hrs of detailed interview yesterday &amp; it is somewhat disingenuous of you to say that I asked the media to not ask questions. Do give more coherent reasons for ur difficulty with new data," Kumar said in a tweet.

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Hon. <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PChidambaram_IN</a> Ji,challenge accepted.Let’s discuss &amp; dissect back series data.I gave 3 hrs of detailed interview yesterday &amp; it is somewhat disingenuous of you to say that I asked the media to not ask questions. Do give more coherent reasons for ur difficulty with new data <a href="https://t.co/RxF38JZutx">https://t.co/RxF38JZutx</a>
— Rajiv Kumar 🇮🇳 (@RajivKumar1) <a href="https://twitter.com/RajivKumar1/status/1068022584095105024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He was responding to Chidambaram who sought had a debate with Kumar over the new set of data.

"I wonder if Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar will agree to a debate the data than telling journalists that their questions are "undeserving of an answer," Chidambaram had tweeted.

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I wonder if Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar will agree to a debate the data than telling journalists that their questions are "undeserving of an answer".
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/1067818769060290560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Through more tweets, Kumar also stressed that Niti Aayog uses data extensively for making logical policy recommendations and the data is always based on assessment and quality check by eminent statisticians.

"Therefore, it was logical for @NITIAayog to provide the platform for its release. Pronab Sen would know that MOSPI &amp; Yojana Bhavan worked closely together," he said.

Chidambaram had termed the revision of GDP data as a "hatchet job" by Niti Aayog and said it was time to windup the "utterly worthless body".

"Former Chief Statistician Pronab Sen is absolutely correct. Niti Aayog has nothing to do with tabulation of data," the former finance minister added. 
Kumar, later, told PTI that at one point of time the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) was a department of the erstwhile Planning Commission.

He said Niti Aayog had provided platform to experts and statisticians to examine the GDP back-series) data.

"GDP back-series data is a technical thing, it has a huge macroeconomic impact, so we have done it in a more macroeconomic manner," the vice-chairman said and added he was deeply pained at people who politicised it for no reason at all.

On comments made by the former finance minister, Kumar said: "Chidambaram has done great disfavour to officers of CSO. CSO officials have done amzaningly technically detailed exercise".

In January 2015, the government moved to a new base year of 2011-12 from the earlier 2004-05 for national accounts. The base year of national accounts had been revised earlier in January 2010.

The CSO Wednesday released back-series data with 2011-12 as base year.

The new numbers show India's economic growth rate averaged 6.7 per cent during the Congress-led UPA regime as compared to 7.3 per cent under the present government. Previous numbers had put the average growth rate during the 10-year UPA rule at 7.75 per cent.

Niti Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar Thursday accepted the challenge of former finance minister P Chidambaram for a debate on the revised GDP data which showed economic growth during the current NDA regime was better than that in the UPA rule.

Niti Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar Thursday accepted the challenge of former finance minister P Chidambaram for a debate on the revised GDP data which showed economic growth during the current NDA regime was better than that in the UPA rule. "Hon. @PChidambaram_IN Ji, challenge accepted. Let's discuss & dissect back series data. I gave 3 hrs of detailed interview yesterday & it is somewhat disingenuous of you to say that I asked the media to not ask questions. Do give more coherent reasons for ur difficulty with new data," Kumar said in a tweet. Hon. @PChidambaram_IN Ji,challenge accepted.Let’s discuss & dissect back series data.I gave 3 hrs of detailed interview yesterday & it is somewhat disingenuous of you to say that I asked the media to not ask questions. Do give more coherent reasons for ur difficulty with new data https://t.co/RxF38JZutx — Rajiv Kumar 🇮🇳 (@RajivKumar1) November 29, 2018 × He was responding to Chidambaram who sought had a debate with Kumar over the new set of data. "I wonder if Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar will agree to a debate the data than telling journalists that their questions are "undeserving of an answer," Chidambaram had tweeted. I wonder if Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar will agree to a debate the data than telling journalists that their questions are "undeserving of an answer". — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) November 28, 2018 × Through more tweets, Kumar also stressed that Niti Aayog uses data extensively for making logical policy recommendations and the data is always based on assessment and quality check by eminent statisticians. "Therefore, it was logical for @NITIAayog to provide the platform for its release. Pronab Sen would know that MOSPI & Yojana Bhavan worked closely together," he said. Chidambaram had termed the revision of GDP data as a "hatchet job" by Niti Aayog and said it was time to windup the "utterly worthless body". "Former Chief Statistician Pronab Sen is absolutely correct. Niti Aayog has nothing to do with tabulation of data," the former finance minister added. Kumar, later, told PTI that at one point of time the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) was a department of the erstwhile Planning Commission. He said Niti Aayog had provided platform to experts and statisticians to examine the GDP back-series) data. "GDP back-series data is a technical thing, it has a huge macroeconomic impact, so we have done it in a more macroeconomic manner," the vice-chairman said and added he was deeply pained at people who politicised it for no reason at all. On comments made by the former finance minister, Kumar said: "Chidambaram has done great disfavour to officers of CSO. CSO officials have done amzaningly technically detailed exercise". In January 2015, the government moved to a new base year of 2011-12 from the earlier 2004-05 for national accounts. The base year of national accounts had been revised earlier in January 2010. The CSO Wednesday released back-series data with 2011-12 as base year. The new numbers show India's economic growth rate averaged 6.7 per cent during the Congress-led UPA regime as compared to 7.3 per cent under the present government. Previous numbers had put the average growth rate during the 10-year UPA rule at 7.75 per cent.

Niti Aayog vice-chairman accepts Chidambaram's 'challenge' on revised GDP data

Union minister for food processing industries <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/more-love-and-respect-for-sidhu-in-pakistan-than-in-india-harsimrat-kaur-180122">Harsimrat Kaur Badal </a>on Thursday took a jibe on at Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu and said, ''Sidhu was hugging the General who is killing our men. He even spent 3 days with him there. Even his photo is out with the terrorist. He has become a Pakistan agent after going there. Rahul Gandhi should clearly state his stand on this.''

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Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal: Sidhu was hugging the General who is killing our men. He even spent 3 days with him there. Even his photo is out with the terrorist. He has become a Pakistan agent after going there. Rahul Gandhi should clearly state his stand on this. <a href="https://t.co/rHQfmztsIn">pic.twitter.com/rHQfmztsIn</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068085140843200512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Badal's statement comes after the groundbreaking ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor on Wednesday where Sidhu was in attendance along with the union minister.

Earlier Kaur had said that Sidhu seems to be getting more "love and respect from Pakistan than India"&nbsp;after Pak PM Imran Khan in his speech said&nbsp;that Sidhu can also win elections in Pakistan's Punjab.

Badal further said it was an "emotional and a historic" moment for her to attend the ceremony.

"In last 48 hours, I have seen history and miracles taking place in front of my eye. There is so much joy on both sides (India and Pakistan). If the Berlin wall came down, if North and South Korea could settle their differences, if Germany and France can settle their differences, it`s time that our wall of hatred should come down too," she said.

Union minister for food processing industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Thursday took a jibe on at Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu and said, ''Sidhu was hugging the General who is killing our men.

Union minister for food processing industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Thursday took a jibe on at Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu and said, ''Sidhu was hugging the General who is killing our men. He even spent 3 days with him there. Even his photo is out with the terrorist. He has become a Pakistan agent after going there. Rahul Gandhi should clearly state his stand on this.'' Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal: Sidhu was hugging the General who is killing our men. He even spent 3 days with him there. Even his photo is out with the terrorist. He has become a Pakistan agent after going there. Rahul Gandhi should clearly state his stand on this. pic.twitter.com/rHQfmztsIn — ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2018 × Badal's statement comes after the groundbreaking ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor on Wednesday where Sidhu was in attendance along with the union minister. Earlier Kaur had said that Sidhu seems to be getting more "love and respect from Pakistan than India" after Pak PM Imran Khan in his speech said that Sidhu can also win elections in Pakistan's Punjab. Badal further said it was an "emotional and a historic" moment for her to attend the ceremony. "In last 48 hours, I have seen history and miracles taking place in front of my eye. There is so much joy on both sides (India and Pakistan). If the Berlin wall came down, if North and South Korea could settle their differences, if Germany and France can settle their differences, it`s time that our wall of hatred should come down too," she said.

Sidhu was hugging the General who is killing our men: Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal

Pitted against the BJP's lone Muslim candidate in the state assembly polls, Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot has a poser for the saffron party - Will Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath come to Tonk to seek votes for Yoonus Khan.

On his campaign trail covering nine panchayats and the city throughout the day on Wednesday, Pilot accused the BJP of playing politics of caste and religion.

In his campaign speeches one after another in Tonk, Pilot is pitching his electoral contest with Khan as a battle of ideologies and not of individuals.

The state Congress president, who is fighting his debut assembly election and that too from a seat outside his regular parliamentary constituency, is drawing massive crowds at meetings in urban as well as rural areas and is convoy is forced to stop every now and then by people wishing to garland him and those raising slogans in his support.

The city is also abuzz with talk of a CM probable contesting from this town, who his supporters feel could usher in major development works in the city which lags behind in infrastructure and facilities.

"Be it Yoonus Khan or Chenghiz Khan, it doesn't matter. Pilot will win the polls," said Jagdish from Mor Bhatiyan village where Pilot rode a bullock cart in a show of people's affection towards him.

Another supporter at the gathering, Meghraj, said Pilot's win was a foregone conclusion and he would also be the chief minister of Rajasthan.

During his campaign on Wednesday, people in villages welcomed Pilot in novel ways - from making him ride a bullock cart and a rath to weighing him with fruits. Pilot happily obliged and also asked the people of Tonk at all his meetings to ensure that his victory margin is the biggest in the state.

Beginning his day's campaign with Ariyali gram panchayat, Pilot moved from one panchayat to another and at all meetings launched a scathing attack on the Vasundhra Raje government.

"There is a BJP government at the Centre and in the state. People had hoped for development. But it makes me very sad that for the first time (in the state) farmers had to commit suicide. This is a blot on our society," he said at Ariyali.

"Are you getting urea? Prices are skyrocketing, petrol and diesel prices are also touching record heights. How much does a gas cylinder cost now? It costs Rs 1,000," he said.

At all his election meetings, Pilot flayed the government over issues like unemployment, corruption, and farmer suicides.

Another common theme of his speeches is a poser: Whether Yogi Adityanath, known for his speeches with Hindutva overtones, will come to Tonk to ask for votes for Khan or not?

"He is going to various parts of the state, will he come here?" Pilot said, adding that the BJP was indulging in politics of religion and caste.

Speaking in Hamirpur panchayat in Tonk, Pilot said that after he filed his nomination papers and the BJP fielded Yoonus Khan, he was asked what would he do.

"I said I will sit back and see that whether Yogi Adityanath will come to Tonk to ask for votes for him (Khan) or not," he said to a rapturous applause.

Pilot's swipe came as the BJP's move to field Khan, who is the party's lone Muslim candidate in the state, was seen as an attempt to cut into the votes of Muslims which are about 55,000 in number.

Pilot, in his various speeches, also said the time was up for the people who were ruling from forts and palaces and it was time for the children of farmers in Rajasthan.

Another key feature of his speeches that struck a chord with the people present in his election meetings was Pilot's promise that a Congress government will ensure that surplus water from Bisalpur dam will be brought to Tonk.

In his speeches, he said that when elections come, the BJP starts talking of "mandir and masjid".

"They want to play the card of caste, community and religion, which I think is bringing down the narrative of our political debate. They are resorting to things which they know best - that is to take up divisive issues," Pilot said during his campaign.

He asserted that there was no problem in managing his campaign here and in the rest of the state, as the people of Tonk were leading his campaign.

Late evening, Pilot moved to the city for various campaign programmes - he met Bairwa community members and visited a Muslim-dominated locality and was welcomed with rose-petal shower from roofs of houses at both places.

As he wrapped up his day, Pilot reiterated his promise to transform the district and give it a complete makeover.

Pitted against the BJP's lone Muslim candidate in the state assembly polls, Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot has a poser for the saffron party - Will Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath come to Tonk to seek votes for Yoonus Khan.

Pitted against the BJP's lone Muslim candidate in the state assembly polls, Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot has a poser for the saffron party - Will Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath come to Tonk to seek votes for Yoonus Khan. On his campaign trail covering nine panchayats and the city throughout the day on Wednesday, Pilot accused the BJP of playing politics of caste and religion. In his campaign speeches one after another in Tonk, Pilot is pitching his electoral contest with Khan as a battle of ideologies and not of individuals. The state Congress president, who is fighting his debut assembly election and that too from a seat outside his regular parliamentary constituency, is drawing massive crowds at meetings in urban as well as rural areas and is convoy is forced to stop every now and then by people wishing to garland him and those raising slogans in his support. The city is also abuzz with talk of a CM probable contesting from this town, who his supporters feel could usher in major development works in the city which lags behind in infrastructure and facilities. "Be it Yoonus Khan or Chenghiz Khan, it doesn't matter. Pilot will win the polls," said Jagdish from Mor Bhatiyan village where Pilot rode a bullock cart in a show of people's affection towards him. Another supporter at the gathering, Meghraj, said Pilot's win was a foregone conclusion and he would also be the chief minister of Rajasthan. During his campaign on Wednesday, people in villages welcomed Pilot in novel ways - from making him ride a bullock cart and a rath to weighing him with fruits. Pilot happily obliged and also asked the people of Tonk at all his meetings to ensure that his victory margin is the biggest in the state. Beginning his day's campaign with Ariyali gram panchayat, Pilot moved from one panchayat to another and at all meetings launched a scathing attack on the Vasundhra Raje government. "There is a BJP government at the Centre and in the state. People had hoped for development. But it makes me very sad that for the first time (in the state) farmers had to commit suicide. This is a blot on our society," he said at Ariyali. "Are you getting urea? Prices are skyrocketing, petrol and diesel prices are also touching record heights. How much does a gas cylinder cost now? It costs Rs 1,000," he said. At all his election meetings, Pilot flayed the government over issues like unemployment, corruption, and farmer suicides. Another common theme of his speeches is a poser: Whether Yogi Adityanath, known for his speeches with Hindutva overtones, will come to Tonk to ask for votes for Khan or not? "He is going to various parts of the state, will he come here?" Pilot said, adding that the BJP was indulging in politics of religion and caste. Speaking in Hamirpur panchayat in Tonk, Pilot said that after he filed his nomination papers and the BJP fielded Yoonus Khan, he was asked what would he do. "I said I will sit back and see that whether Yogi Adityanath will come to Tonk to ask for votes for him (Khan) or not," he said to a rapturous applause. Pilot's swipe came as the BJP's move to field Khan, who is the party's lone Muslim candidate in the state, was seen as an attempt to cut into the votes of Muslims which are about 55,000 in number. Pilot, in his various speeches, also said the time was up for the people who were ruling from forts and palaces and it was time for the children of farmers in Rajasthan. Another key feature of his speeches that struck a chord with the people present in his election meetings was Pilot's promise that a Congress government will ensure that surplus water from Bisalpur dam will be brought to Tonk. In his speeches, he said that when elections come, the BJP starts talking of "mandir and masjid". "They want to play the card of caste, community and religion, which I think is bringing down the narrative of our political debate. They are resorting to things which they know best - that is to take up divisive issues," Pilot said during his campaign. He asserted that there was no problem in managing his campaign here and in the rest of the state, as the people of Tonk were leading his campaign. Late evening, Pilot moved to the city for various campaign programmes - he met Bairwa community members and visited a Muslim-dominated locality and was welcomed with rose-petal shower from roofs of houses at both places. As he wrapped up his day, Pilot reiterated his promise to transform the district and give it a complete makeover.

'Will Yogi come to Tonk to campaign for Khan?' asks Sachin Pilot

Justifying the move to join hands with the Congress, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu Thursday said they had no ideological differences with the Rahul Gandhi-led party.

Naidu, who shared the dais with Gandhi in a couple of meetings Wednesday as part of a poll campaign for People's Front candidates in the state, said there was a democratic compulsion for non-BJP parties to come on a single platform.

"Politically, we (TDP and Congress) are different. The Telugu Desam Party, from the beginning has been fighting against the Congress and that is a reality. Ideologically we do not have any differences. Ideologically, we have differences with the BJP," he told reporters in Hyderabad.

"But today there is a democratic compulsion. That's why there is a necessity to fight against the BJP to save the Constitution and also save institutions," he said when asked about the decades-old differences with Congress.

The Congress had roped in the TDP, CPI and M Kodandaram-led Telangana Jana Samithi to form the People's Front to take on the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti in the December 7 Assembly polls.

He said the BJP had no chance of winning any of the five states which were under various stages of the election process.

According to him, the BJP could manage to win only four or five Lok Sabha bypolls in the last 20-odd ones.

"(Prime Minister Narendra) Modi disappointed the nation. People trusted him so much and they also had so much faith in him. But he disappointed the nation. Everybody is living under pressure and tension. It is very bad for the nation that they are misusing institutions like CBI, ED and Income Tax," he claimed.

On the proposed meeting of non-BJP parties on December 10, Naidu said there would not be any formal invitation to any party.

On being asked who would lead the anti-BJP coalition, he said, "Who is Narendra Modi? Till 2014 he was just a chief minister. He was able to lead (his party to a win). Now there are efficient people and able administrators. They will lead. We will bring a consensus on that. I am not in the race for prime ministership... I've told many times. I am not expecting any position or any incentive out of this initiative."

He said the People's Front was going to win and form government in Telangana.

Justifying the move to join hands with the Congress, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu Thursday said they had no ideological differences with the Rahul Gandhi-led party.

Justifying the move to join hands with the Congress, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu Thursday said they had no ideological differences with the Rahul Gandhi-led party. Naidu, who shared the dais with Gandhi in a couple of meetings Wednesday as part of a poll campaign for People's Front candidates in the state, said there was a democratic compulsion for non-BJP parties to come on a single platform. "Politically, we (TDP and Congress) are different. The Telugu Desam Party, from the beginning has been fighting against the Congress and that is a reality. Ideologically we do not have any differences. Ideologically, we have differences with the BJP," he told reporters in Hyderabad. "But today there is a democratic compulsion. That's why there is a necessity to fight against the BJP to save the Constitution and also save institutions," he said when asked about the decades-old differences with Congress. The Congress had roped in the TDP, CPI and M Kodandaram-led Telangana Jana Samithi to form the People's Front to take on the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti in the December 7 Assembly polls. He said the BJP had no chance of winning any of the five states which were under various stages of the election process. According to him, the BJP could manage to win only four or five Lok Sabha bypolls in the last 20-odd ones. "(Prime Minister Narendra) Modi disappointed the nation. People trusted him so much and they also had so much faith in him. But he disappointed the nation. Everybody is living under pressure and tension. It is very bad for the nation that they are misusing institutions like CBI, ED and Income Tax," he claimed. On the proposed meeting of non-BJP parties on December 10, Naidu said there would not be any formal invitation to any party. On being asked who would lead the anti-BJP coalition, he said, "Who is Narendra Modi? Till 2014 he was just a chief minister. He was able to lead (his party to a win). Now there are efficient people and able administrators. They will lead. We will bring a consensus on that. I am not in the race for prime ministership... I've told many times. I am not expecting any position or any incentive out of this initiative." He said the People's Front was going to win and form government in Telangana.

No ideological differences with Congress: Chandrababu Naidu

Farm loan waiver up to Rs two lakh, free laptops to degree students, regulation of liquor sale and free distribution of cows to one lakh people every year are some of the main promises in the BJP's manifesto for the December 7 Telangana Assembly polls.

The manifesto, released on Thursday by state BJP president K Laxman, also promised a legislation to prevent "forcible religious conversions" made by offering money and other inducements.

Steps would be take to send back Rohingyas and those who "illegally entered" from Bangladesh, it said.

It also promised free distribution of quality seeds and free bore or well or a pumpset to every farmer.

Alongside free laptops to degree students, the manifesto said girl students from seventh standard to 10th standard will get free cycles. Girl students of degree and above courses will get 'scooties' (two-wheelers) with 50 per cent subsidy.

It also promised free houses to all eligible poor by 2022. Financial assistance of Rs 5,000 per month would be paid towards rent till the construction of such houses, it said.

In addition to implementation of the NDA government's 'Ayushman Bharat' health scheme, the manifesto promised steps to set up generic medicine centres in every mandal (administrative unit).

The unemployed youth will get unemployment dole of Rs 3,116 per month.

For welfare of women, the manifesto promised provision of Rs one lakh and one 'tola' (about 12 grams) gold to poor women at the time of marriage under 'Sowbhagya Laxmi' scheme.

The manifesto also promised subsidy to senior citizens for visiting Kailash Mansarovar, Kashi and Puri.

Cows would be distributed free of cost every year at the time of festivals and other celebrations, the manifesto said.

The party promised allocation of Rs 100 crore to a 'linguistic board' proposed to be set up for the welfare of speakers of Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Bengali, Oriya and Hindi speaking living in the state.

It also assured doing away with the surcharge currently being collected (by state-run Road Transport Corporation) for bus travel during festivals.

Asserting that BJP would not see liquor sales as a source of revenue, the party promised regulation of sale of liquor. Restrictions would be imposed on the timings for its sale.

For law and order, surveillance cameras would be installed at vital places in large numbers across the state.

The backward classes corporation would be allocated Rs 5,000 crore annually, the manifesto said.

For the welfare of minorities, the manifesto promised effective implementation of central schemes, including 'Seekho aur Kamao', 'Naya Manzil', 'Pado Pardesh' and 'Naya Roshni'.

The lands of Waqf board would be protected. Computer training and skill development would also be offered in Madrassas, it promised.

Farm loan waiver up to Rs two lakh, free laptops to degree students, regulation of liquor sale and free distribution of cows to one lakh people every year are some of the main promises in the BJP's manifesto for the December 7 Telangana Assembly polls.

Farm loan waiver up to Rs two lakh, free laptops to degree students, regulation of liquor sale and free distribution of cows to one lakh people every year are some of the main promises in the BJP's manifesto for the December 7 Telangana Assembly polls. The manifesto, released on Thursday by state BJP president K Laxman, also promised a legislation to prevent "forcible religious conversions" made by offering money and other inducements. Steps would be take to send back Rohingyas and those who "illegally entered" from Bangladesh, it said. It also promised free distribution of quality seeds and free bore or well or a pumpset to every farmer. Alongside free laptops to degree students, the manifesto said girl students from seventh standard to 10th standard will get free cycles. Girl students of degree and above courses will get 'scooties' (two-wheelers) with 50 per cent subsidy. It also promised free houses to all eligible poor by 2022. Financial assistance of Rs 5,000 per month would be paid towards rent till the construction of such houses, it said. In addition to implementation of the NDA government's 'Ayushman Bharat' health scheme, the manifesto promised steps to set up generic medicine centres in every mandal (administrative unit). The unemployed youth will get unemployment dole of Rs 3,116 per month. For welfare of women, the manifesto promised provision of Rs one lakh and one 'tola' (about 12 grams) gold to poor women at the time of marriage under 'Sowbhagya Laxmi' scheme. The manifesto also promised subsidy to senior citizens for visiting Kailash Mansarovar, Kashi and Puri. Cows would be distributed free of cost every year at the time of festivals and other celebrations, the manifesto said. The party promised allocation of Rs 100 crore to a 'linguistic board' proposed to be set up for the welfare of speakers of Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Bengali, Oriya and Hindi speaking living in the state. It also assured doing away with the surcharge currently being collected (by state-run Road Transport Corporation) for bus travel during festivals. Asserting that BJP would not see liquor sales as a source of revenue, the party promised regulation of sale of liquor. Restrictions would be imposed on the timings for its sale. For law and order, surveillance cameras would be installed at vital places in large numbers across the state. The backward classes corporation would be allocated Rs 5,000 crore annually, the manifesto said. For the welfare of minorities, the manifesto promised effective implementation of central schemes, including 'Seekho aur Kamao', 'Naya Manzil', 'Pado Pardesh' and 'Naya Roshni'. The lands of Waqf board would be protected. Computer training and skill development would also be offered in Madrassas, it promised.

BJP promises free distribution of cows to 1 lakh people every year in manifesto for Telangana polls

Former Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly Sumitra Singh on Thursday joined the Congress.

She joined the Congress in the presence of AICC general secretary Avinash Pande, state Congress chief Sachin Pilot, former chief minister of the state Ashok Gehlot at the Congress state headquarters in Jaipur.

Singh, who has been the member of the legislative assembly for nine terms, was the Speaker during the first tenure of Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.

Former Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly Sumitra Singh on Thursday joined the Congress. She joined the Congress in the presence of AICC general secretary Avinash Pande, state Congress chief Sachin Pilot, former chief minister of the state Ashok Gehlot at the Congress state headquarters in Jaipur.

Former Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly Sumitra Singh on Thursday joined the Congress. She joined the Congress in the presence of AICC general secretary Avinash Pande, state Congress chief Sachin Pilot, former chief minister of the state Ashok Gehlot at the Congress state headquarters in Jaipur. Singh, who has been the member of the legislative assembly for nine terms, was the Speaker during the first tenure of Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.

Former Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Sumitra Singh joins Congress

Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Thursday claimed that his party will win more than 132 seats out of the total 230 in the state Assembly.

A record 75 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the state elections held on Wednesday, an increase of around two per cent against the last polls held in 2013.

"We are going to win more than 132 seats and wrest power from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state after 15 years," Singh told reporters in state capital Bhopal.

"In the 2013 Assembly polls, there were around three per cent bogus voters. This time around, we got the electoral list pruned before the elections," he said.

The Congress workers have put their "body, heart and soul" to win this poll, the former chief minister said.

"In fact, this time the workers put in every effort to ensure the Congress wins the polls. This election was fought between the public and the government," he said.

In the run up to the elections, Singh had toured almost the entire state in a bid to thaw differences within the Congress.

The counting of votes will be held on December 11.

Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Thursday claimed that his party will win more than 132 seats out of the total 230 in the state Assembly. A record 75 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the state elections held on Wednesday, an increase of around two per cent against the last polls held in 2013.

Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Thursday claimed that his party will win more than 132 seats out of the total 230 in the state Assembly. A record 75 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the state elections held on Wednesday, an increase of around two per cent against the last polls held in 2013. "We are going to win more than 132 seats and wrest power from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state after 15 years," Singh told reporters in state capital Bhopal. "In the 2013 Assembly polls, there were around three per cent bogus voters. This time around, we got the electoral list pruned before the elections," he said. The Congress workers have put their "body, heart and soul" to win this poll, the former chief minister said. "In fact, this time the workers put in every effort to ensure the Congress wins the polls. This election was fought between the public and the government," he said. In the run up to the elections, Singh had toured almost the entire state in a bid to thaw differences within the Congress. The counting of votes will be held on December 11.

Congress will win over 132 seats in Madhya Pradesh: Digvijay Singh

Chandramukhi, a transwoman who is contesting Telangana Assembly elections, has been traced after she went missing on earlier this week.

"Chandramukhi had gone missing on Tuesday and after receiving a complaint, we registered a missing case and took up the investigation. Chandramukhi's moments were closely monitored before she went missing; we found her whereabouts and made her come back to the police station," said KS Rao, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Banjara Hills Police Station.

Rao further said that Chandramukhi will be produced in the high court as her mother has filed a writ petition. "However, she is yet to reveal what has exactly happened," he added.

The 30-year-old is contesting the assembly elections from Goshamahal constituency in Hyderabad as Bahujan Left Front candidate.

R Govinda Reddy, the Station House Officer (SHO) at Banjara Hills Police Station, said, "Chadramukhi arrived at the police station during the late hours of Wednesday along with her lawyer. However, she refused to give any statement."

Earlier in the week, the transgender community had approached the police to file a missing complaint after which Chandramukhi turned up at the Banjara Hills Police Station along with her lawyer late on Wednesday. On November 21, Chandramukhi filed nomination to contest polls against Raja Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Telangana Legislative Assembly election is scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Chandramukhi, a transwoman who is contesting Telangana Assembly elections, has been traced after she went missing on earlier this week. "Chandramukhi had gone missing on Tuesday and after receiving a complaint, we registered a missing case and took up the investigation.

Chandramukhi, a transwoman who is contesting Telangana Assembly elections, has been traced after she went missing on earlier this week. "Chandramukhi had gone missing on Tuesday and after receiving a complaint, we registered a missing case and took up the investigation. Chandramukhi's moments were closely monitored before she went missing; we found her whereabouts and made her come back to the police station," said KS Rao, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Banjara Hills Police Station. Rao further said that Chandramukhi will be produced in the high court as her mother has filed a writ petition. "However, she is yet to reveal what has exactly happened," he added. The 30-year-old is contesting the assembly elections from Goshamahal constituency in Hyderabad as Bahujan Left Front candidate. R Govinda Reddy, the Station House Officer (SHO) at Banjara Hills Police Station, said, "Chadramukhi arrived at the police station during the late hours of Wednesday along with her lawyer. However, she refused to give any statement." Earlier in the week, the transgender community had approached the police to file a missing complaint after which Chandramukhi turned up at the Banjara Hills Police Station along with her lawyer late on Wednesday. On November 21, Chandramukhi filed nomination to contest polls against Raja Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Telangana Legislative Assembly election is scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

'Missing' Telangana transwoman candidate Chandramukhi found

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/arun-jaitley-defends-revised-gdp-numbers-for-upa-era-says-cso-credible-organistaion-180175">Finance Minister Arun Jaitley</a> on Thursday said that there was a dire need for India to have an integrated health policy to provide maximum benefits to the patient population across the country.

Jaitley, who was speaking at the Confederation of Indian Industry Health Tech Summit here, said, "All the state and central health schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and schemes need to be merged together so that their benefit reaches the patient population of the country in a consolidated manner."

"This will surely be implemented by the states which is centrally coordinated. It will also not result in the rise of turf between the states and the Central governments. Such a scheme will essentially measure that if patients of one state are better than the patients of another state pertaining to the facilities and health infrastructure," he added.

"The fundamental principle is you need resources and to invest in the social sector you need more resources. The idea is to strengthen the states with more revenue," the Union Finance Minister," added, while elaborated upon the idea by citing the example of Goods and Services Tax (GST) implemented by the Centre in 2016.

"When we implemented GST, we created an institution comprised of Central Finance Minister and all Finance Ministers of the states. We sat together to decide on a common tax system and end up merging Central and state taxes by virtue of a federal body which was coordinating it. It was India`s first experiment in implementing the first common tax regime by creating the first federal institution," he said.

He further said, "When my government assumed office in 2014, only 3.8 crore people out of 130 crore filed tax returns. At the end of 5-year tenure, the figures will be doubled. The quantum has also jumped. The first year of GST added 74 per cent of the more revenue and slowly the revenue will keep increasing. Every state today gets 42 per cent of the Central revenue and 50 per cent share of GST and taxes and then we have Central sector schemes like Ayushman Bharat Yojana from where they get additional revenue."

Jaitley also touched upon the importance of Swachch Bharat Abhiyan in marking a sea change in the dignity of the lives of the rural population, especially women. "A preventive health programme like Swachch Bharat in India has been successful after the figure of 39 per cent rural sanitation going up to 92 per cent," he said.

"The mission became successful because it partly became a women`s movement in villages. We were giving Rs 12,000 for every toilet established in the rural home. Once the percentage of the programme reaches 98 per cent we don`t have to invest too much money into it," he said.

Jaitley said the Central government has made efforts to establish institutions of excellence pertaining to health care across India and the private players are also investing in health care in Tier II cities," he added.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday said that there was a dire need for India to have an integrated health policy to provide maximum benefits to the patient population across the country.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday said that there was a dire need for India to have an integrated health policy to provide maximum benefits to the patient population across the country. Jaitley, who was speaking at the Confederation of Indian Industry Health Tech Summit here, said, "All the state and central health schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and schemes need to be merged together so that their benefit reaches the patient population of the country in a consolidated manner." "This will surely be implemented by the states which is centrally coordinated. It will also not result in the rise of turf between the states and the Central governments. Such a scheme will essentially measure that if patients of one state are better than the patients of another state pertaining to the facilities and health infrastructure," he added. "The fundamental principle is you need resources and to invest in the social sector you need more resources. The idea is to strengthen the states with more revenue," the Union Finance Minister," added, while elaborated upon the idea by citing the example of Goods and Services Tax (GST) implemented by the Centre in 2016. "When we implemented GST, we created an institution comprised of Central Finance Minister and all Finance Ministers of the states. We sat together to decide on a common tax system and end up merging Central and state taxes by virtue of a federal body which was coordinating it. It was India`s first experiment in implementing the first common tax regime by creating the first federal institution," he said. He further said, "When my government assumed office in 2014, only 3.8 crore people out of 130 crore filed tax returns. At the end of 5-year tenure, the figures will be doubled. The quantum has also jumped. The first year of GST added 74 per cent of the more revenue and slowly the revenue will keep increasing. Every state today gets 42 per cent of the Central revenue and 50 per cent share of GST and taxes and then we have Central sector schemes like Ayushman Bharat Yojana from where they get additional revenue." Jaitley also touched upon the importance of Swachch Bharat Abhiyan in marking a sea change in the dignity of the lives of the rural population, especially women. "A preventive health programme like Swachch Bharat in India has been successful after the figure of 39 per cent rural sanitation going up to 92 per cent," he said. "The mission became successful because it partly became a women`s movement in villages. We were giving Rs 12,000 for every toilet established in the rural home. Once the percentage of the programme reaches 98 per cent we don`t have to invest too much money into it," he said. Jaitley said the Central government has made efforts to establish institutions of excellence pertaining to health care across India and the private players are also investing in health care in Tier II cities," he added.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley bats for one nation, one health policy

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-launches-hysis-and-30-other-satellites-180142">earth observation satellite </a>Hyper Spectral Imaging Satellite (HysIS) on Thursday at around 10 am.

The satellite was launched by Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in its 45th flight PSLV-C43 along with 30 co-passenger satellites from the First Launch Pad (FLP) of Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR Sriharikota.

The primary mission of the HysIS is to study the earth's surface in visible, near infrared and shortwave infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Besides this, the satellite is also designed to contribute to agriculture, forestry, geological environments, coastal zones and inland waters.

A media report also cited an ISRO offcial as saying that the earth observation satellite will help in monitoring air pollution from industries. 
 
With the launch of HysIS India has crossed the milestone of lifting and putting into orbit over 250 foreign satellites. India has till date put into orbit 269 foreign satellites.

Satellites of eight different countries including Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Columbia, Finland, Netherlands, Spain, USA were launched&nbsp;along&nbsp;with the HysIS.&nbsp;

One of the important features of the launch is that the satellite was put in two different orbits, one at a higher altitude and the others in a lower one.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched an earth observation satellite Hyper Spectral Imaging Satellite (HysIS) on Thursday at around 10 am. The satellite was launched by Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in its 45th flight PSLV-C43 along with 30 co-passenger satellites from the First Launch Pad (FLP) of Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR Sriharikota.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched an earth observation satellite Hyper Spectral Imaging Satellite (HysIS) on Thursday at around 10 am. The satellite was launched by Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in its 45th flight PSLV-C43 along with 30 co-passenger satellites from the First Launch Pad (FLP) of Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR Sriharikota. The primary mission of the HysIS is to study the earth's surface in visible, near infrared and shortwave infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Besides this, the satellite is also designed to contribute to agriculture, forestry, geological environments, coastal zones and inland waters. A media report also cited an ISRO offcial as saying that the earth observation satellite will help in monitoring air pollution from industries. With the launch of HysIS India has crossed the milestone of lifting and putting into orbit over 250 foreign satellites. India has till date put into orbit 269 foreign satellites. Satellites of eight different countries including Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Columbia, Finland, Netherlands, Spain, USA were launched along with the HysIS. One of the important features of the launch is that the satellite was put in two different orbits, one at a higher altitude and the others in a lower one. (With inputs from agencies)

ISRO achieves a new milestone with the launch of HysIS 

Marking its second launch for the month, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=isro">Indian Space Research Organisation</a> (ISRO) set off an earth observation satellite Hyper Spectral Imaging Satellite (HysIS) on Thursday at around 10 am.

The satellite was launched by Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in its 45th flight PSLV-C43 along with 30 co-passenger satellites&nbsp;from the First Launch Pad (FLP) of Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR Sriharikota.

Satellites of eight different countries including Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Columbia, Finland, Netherlands, Spain, USA were launched&nbsp;along&nbsp;with the HysIS.&nbsp;

After its launch, the HysIS was successfully injected&nbsp;into sun-synchronous polar orbit by&nbsp;PSLV-C43, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Watch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Watch</a> ISRO launches HysIS and 30 other satellites on PSLV-C43 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZtI295a4cy">pic.twitter.com/ZtI295a4cy</a>
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PSLV is a four-stage launch vehicle with alternating solid and liquid stages. PSLV-C43 is the Core Alone version of PSLV which is the lightest version of PSLV.

HysIS will help in monitoring pollution from industries, a media report quoted an ISRO official as saying. Besides this, the satellite is also designed to contribute in agriculture, forestry, geological environments, coastal zones and inland waters.

With a mass of about 380 kg, the HysIS is the lightest version of the launch vehicle.

The earth observation satellite is the primary satellite of the PSLV-C43 mission.

The primary goal of HysIS, whose mission life is five years, is to study the earth's surface invisible near infrared and shortwave infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

The space agency had launched its latest communication satellite GSAT-29 on board GSLV MkIII-D2 on November 14. 
&nbsp;

Marking its second launch for the month, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) set off an earth observation satellite Hyper Spectral Imaging Satellite (HysIS) on Thursday at around 10 am.

Marking its second launch for the month, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) set off an earth observation satellite Hyper Spectral Imaging Satellite (HysIS) on Thursday at around 10 am. The satellite was launched by Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in its 45th flight PSLV-C43 along with 30 co-passenger satellites from the First Launch Pad (FLP) of Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR Sriharikota. Satellites of eight different countries including Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Columbia, Finland, Netherlands, Spain, USA were launched along with the HysIS. After its launch, the HysIS was successfully injected into sun-synchronous polar orbit by PSLV-C43, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre. #Watch ISRO launches HysIS and 30 other satellites on PSLV-C43 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. #AndhraPradesh pic.twitter.com/ZtI295a4cy — ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2018 × PSLV is a four-stage launch vehicle with alternating solid and liquid stages. PSLV-C43 is the Core Alone version of PSLV which is the lightest version of PSLV. HysIS will help in monitoring pollution from industries, a media report quoted an ISRO official as saying. Besides this, the satellite is also designed to contribute in agriculture, forestry, geological environments, coastal zones and inland waters. With a mass of about 380 kg, the HysIS is the lightest version of the launch vehicle. The earth observation satellite is the primary satellite of the PSLV-C43 mission. The primary goal of HysIS, whose mission life is five years, is to study the earth's surface invisible near infrared and shortwave infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The space agency had launched its latest communication satellite GSAT-29 on board GSLV MkIII-D2 on November 14.

Watch: ISRO launches earth-observation satellite HysIS, will help monitor pollution

Days after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-mother-of-anarchy-development-not-in-its-dna-yogi-adityanath-180080">Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath </a>courted a controversy by claiming that Lord Hanuman was a Dalit, a legal notice was served to him by Rajasthan Sarv Brahmin Mahasabha president Suresh Mishra.&nbsp;

Mishra has alleged that the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister called Lord Hanuman a Dalit merely for political benefit.

During a poll rally in Malakheda of Rajasthan`s Alwar district on Tuesday, Adityanath said: "Bajrang Bali was a tribal, a forest dweller, a Dalit and was deprived. He worked to connect all Indian communities together, from north to south and east to west." He added that those who are Ram Bhakts would vote for the BJP while those who worship Ravana would vote for the Congress.

The statement drew strong criticism from the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defended Adityanath. Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Thursday alleged that the Chief Minister was playing politics over god.

"Tomorrow they will speak about Lord Ram, Krishna in the same manner. I don`t think caste, gods and our respect for gods should be mixed up," Sibal told ANI.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Majeed Memon also opined that the remark was made with a view to attract Dalit votes. "It is purely with a view to attract Dalit votes. This kind of a statement dividing the society between Dalits and non-Dalits, Brahmins and non-Brahmins is not desirable and this does not fetch you votes. This would only cause damage to your reputation," Memon said.

BJP MP Udit Raj, on the other hand, said caste is being directly addressed because it influences election and voting pattern the most. "Yogi Adityanath Ji kept his point straight while some have double standards in politics," he said.

The 200-member Rajasthan Assembly is scheduled to go to polls on December 7 and counting of votes will take place on December 11.&nbsp;

Days after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath courted a controversy by claiming that Lord Hanuman was a Dalit, a legal notice was served to him by Rajasthan Sarv Brahmin Mahasabha president Suresh Mishra.

Days after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath courted a controversy by claiming that Lord Hanuman was a Dalit, a legal notice was served to him by Rajasthan Sarv Brahmin Mahasabha president Suresh Mishra. Mishra has alleged that the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister called Lord Hanuman a Dalit merely for political benefit. During a poll rally in Malakheda of Rajasthan`s Alwar district on Tuesday, Adityanath said: "Bajrang Bali was a tribal, a forest dweller, a Dalit and was deprived. He worked to connect all Indian communities together, from north to south and east to west." He added that those who are Ram Bhakts would vote for the BJP while those who worship Ravana would vote for the Congress. The statement drew strong criticism from the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defended Adityanath. Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Thursday alleged that the Chief Minister was playing politics over god. "Tomorrow they will speak about Lord Ram, Krishna in the same manner. I don`t think caste, gods and our respect for gods should be mixed up," Sibal told ANI. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Majeed Memon also opined that the remark was made with a view to attract Dalit votes. "It is purely with a view to attract Dalit votes. This kind of a statement dividing the society between Dalits and non-Dalits, Brahmins and non-Brahmins is not desirable and this does not fetch you votes. This would only cause damage to your reputation," Memon said. BJP MP Udit Raj, on the other hand, said caste is being directly addressed because it influences election and voting pattern the most. "Yogi Adityanath Ji kept his point straight while some have double standards in politics," he said. The 200-member Rajasthan Assembly is scheduled to go to polls on December 7 and counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Yogi Adityanath faces criticism for calling Hanuman 'Dalit', gets legal notice

The Supreme Court told the Uttar Pradesh <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-taj-mahal-goes-authorities-will-not-get-a-second-chance-says-supreme-court-162141">government on Thursday</a> that the vision document on the Taj Mahal, being prepared by the Delhi School of Planning and Architecture, should be made public.

"There is nothing secret about it," a bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur said.&nbsp;

The Delhi School of Planning and Architecture told the court that it is in the process of preparing a vision document for the protection and the preservation of the Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh's Agra town and will complete it in a few days.&nbsp;

It said the document would be submitted to the state government.&nbsp;

Additional Solicitor General A N S Nadkarni, appearing for the Centre, told the bench that the first draft of the Heritage Plan for Taj Mahal, which is to be submitted to the UNESCO, will be finalised within eight weeks.

In an earlier observation, the Supreme COurt had said there will be no “second chance” to preserve the Taj Mahal. It had asked the authorities to take a larger perspective on issues of pollution and green cover to prepare a vision document on protecting the monument.

The bench had said the authorities would have to look into several issues to protect the Taj Mahal and had sought to know about the green cover, the number of industries operating in the area and the hotels and restaurants there.&nbsp;

Besides looking into issue of protection of Taj Mahal, they were also considering a larger comprehensive plan to deal with all these issues.

The bench, which has been monitoring development in the TTZ area to protect the Taj Mahal had asked the petitioner to give his suggestions to the expert body.

The top court had earlier slammed the Centre, Uttar Pradesh government and TTZ authority for their failure to restore the pristine glory of Taj Mahal.

The Supreme Court told the Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday that the vision document on the Taj Mahal, being prepared by the Delhi School of Planning and Architecture, should be made public.

The Supreme Court told the Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday that the vision document on the Taj Mahal, being prepared by the Delhi School of Planning and Architecture, should be made public. "There is nothing secret about it," a bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur said. The Delhi School of Planning and Architecture told the court that it is in the process of preparing a vision document for the protection and the preservation of the Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh's Agra town and will complete it in a few days. It said the document would be submitted to the state government. Additional Solicitor General A N S Nadkarni, appearing for the Centre, told the bench that the first draft of the Heritage Plan for Taj Mahal, which is to be submitted to the UNESCO, will be finalised within eight weeks. In an earlier observation, the Supreme COurt had said there will be no “second chance” to preserve the Taj Mahal. It had asked the authorities to take a larger perspective on issues of pollution and green cover to prepare a vision document on protecting the monument. The bench had said the authorities would have to look into several issues to protect the Taj Mahal and had sought to know about the green cover, the number of industries operating in the area and the hotels and restaurants there. Besides looking into issue of protection of Taj Mahal, they were also considering a larger comprehensive plan to deal with all these issues. The bench, which has been monitoring development in the TTZ area to protect the Taj Mahal had asked the petitioner to give his suggestions to the expert body. The top court had earlier slammed the Centre, Uttar Pradesh government and TTZ authority for their failure to restore the pristine glory of Taj Mahal.

Nothing secret about vision document on Taj Mahal, Supreme Court tells UP govt

"I am a 'sevak', not a 'pilot'": This is how the BJP candidate Yoonus Khan is pitching himself in his electoral fight against Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot for Tonk seat in the state assembly polls.

Khan, Transport and PWD Minister in the Vasundhara Raje government, has been fielded by the BJP in the Muslim-dominated Tonk assembly constituency, replacing the party's sitting MLA Ajit Singh Mehta after the Congress gave ticket to Pilot here.

Khan said the decision to field him was based on strategy and equations and not on his religion.

"Don't weigh this as a Hindu-Muslim fight because if you look at it from that perspective, Muslims are lesser in number in comparison to Hindus. This election is not about caste and religion," said Khan, who is widely considered as one of the most powerful ministers in the Raje government.

Asked about being the lone Muslim candidate of the BJP and if his nomination marked a departure from the party's strategy to not field any candidates from the minority community, he said: "I don't know about elsewhere, but in Rajasthan, Yoonus Khan and (late BJP leader) Ramzan Khan have been fighting polls since the 80s."

Khan said he has been the party's lone Muslim candidate once earlier also.

Asked if Tonk having a large number of Muslims was one of the reasons behind his candidature, the BJP leader said the election here will be on the basis of performance and agenda.

"The election will be on who can serve Tonk better. I have given my vision... As a minister I connected Sawai Madhopur road to a two-lane road. I have given a bypass.

"We will give this district special status and a customised package. We want to bring industry here and that will provide jobs to people. Our first priority is to bring industry and through it create jobs for youths in Tonk," the 54-year-old leader said.

He also vowed to solve the problem of drinking water faced by the residents of Tonk.

Pitching himself as an underdog in the high-stakes electoral battle, Khan took a swipe at his Congress rival and said, "He (Pilot) has come for the first time, I have been a minister for long...I know the workers here."

"For Sachin ji it is a new place, people are new and apart from his dream to become an MLA and chief minister, he does not have any other dream. I am a people's servant. You can make me serve in Deedwana (his earlier constituency) and you can make me work in Tonk," Khan said.

Khan said Pilot was the one who has been switching constituencies, while he has been fighting from the Nagaur district (under which Deedwana falls) and has come here now on the party's instructions.

"I will become MLA and that is my status, but Sachin Pilot ji is a big man, he is a 'Pilot'. I am just a sevak (servant)," Khan said.

While addressing a gathering in Chironj village, Khan again pitched himself as a small worker of the party who is here to serve.

"I am a sevak, not a 'pilot'. Tonk also needs a sevak not a 'pilot',? he said.

In another jibe at the Rajasthan Congress chief's surname, Khan asked the crowd: "Do you have an aeroplane. Do you have a helicopter?... No, then you don't need a pilot."

He acknowledged both he and Pilot were outsiders in Tonk, but there was one difference - "through the power that I had in my pen (as a minister), I have given roads worth Rs 2,000 crore."

On the Congress's charge that Khan's ticket was cut from Deedwana and was finally given one from Tonk because of his religion, he said the opposition party gives statements according to its convenience.

"They cannot say that it is due to a strategy that I have been fielded. The Deedwana seat was also not declared till the last minute," Khan said.

Asked if the contest in Tonk was as keen as the one in Jhalrapatan between Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and the Congress candidate Manvendra Singh, who was earlier with the saffron party, Khan said it was on-sided contest there and "Vasundhara ji will defeat him by about 1.25 lakh votes".

"I am a 'sevak', not a 'pilot'": This is how the BJP candidate Yoonus Khan is pitching himself in his electoral fight against Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot for Tonk seat in the state assembly polls.

"I am a 'sevak', not a 'pilot'": This is how the BJP candidate Yoonus Khan is pitching himself in his electoral fight against Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot for Tonk seat in the state assembly polls. Khan, Transport and PWD Minister in the Vasundhara Raje government, has been fielded by the BJP in the Muslim-dominated Tonk assembly constituency, replacing the party's sitting MLA Ajit Singh Mehta after the Congress gave ticket to Pilot here. Khan said the decision to field him was based on strategy and equations and not on his religion. "Don't weigh this as a Hindu-Muslim fight because if you look at it from that perspective, Muslims are lesser in number in comparison to Hindus. This election is not about caste and religion," said Khan, who is widely considered as one of the most powerful ministers in the Raje government. Asked about being the lone Muslim candidate of the BJP and if his nomination marked a departure from the party's strategy to not field any candidates from the minority community, he said: "I don't know about elsewhere, but in Rajasthan, Yoonus Khan and (late BJP leader) Ramzan Khan have been fighting polls since the 80s." Khan said he has been the party's lone Muslim candidate once earlier also. Asked if Tonk having a large number of Muslims was one of the reasons behind his candidature, the BJP leader said the election here will be on the basis of performance and agenda. "The election will be on who can serve Tonk better. I have given my vision... As a minister I connected Sawai Madhopur road to a two-lane road. I have given a bypass. "We will give this district special status and a customised package. We want to bring industry here and that will provide jobs to people. Our first priority is to bring industry and through it create jobs for youths in Tonk," the 54-year-old leader said. He also vowed to solve the problem of drinking water faced by the residents of Tonk. Pitching himself as an underdog in the high-stakes electoral battle, Khan took a swipe at his Congress rival and said, "He (Pilot) has come for the first time, I have been a minister for long...I know the workers here." "For Sachin ji it is a new place, people are new and apart from his dream to become an MLA and chief minister, he does not have any other dream. I am a people's servant. You can make me serve in Deedwana (his earlier constituency) and you can make me work in Tonk," Khan said. Khan said Pilot was the one who has been switching constituencies, while he has been fighting from the Nagaur district (under which Deedwana falls) and has come here now on the party's instructions. "I will become MLA and that is my status, but Sachin Pilot ji is a big man, he is a 'Pilot'. I am just a sevak (servant)," Khan said. While addressing a gathering in Chironj village, Khan again pitched himself as a small worker of the party who is here to serve. "I am a sevak, not a 'pilot'. Tonk also needs a sevak not a 'pilot',? he said. In another jibe at the Rajasthan Congress chief's surname, Khan asked the crowd: "Do you have an aeroplane. Do you have a helicopter?... No, then you don't need a pilot." He acknowledged both he and Pilot were outsiders in Tonk, but there was one difference - "through the power that I had in my pen (as a minister), I have given roads worth Rs 2,000 crore." On the Congress's charge that Khan's ticket was cut from Deedwana and was finally given one from Tonk because of his religion, he said the opposition party gives statements according to its convenience. "They cannot say that it is due to a strategy that I have been fielded. The Deedwana seat was also not declared till the last minute," Khan said. Asked if the contest in Tonk was as keen as the one in Jhalrapatan between Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and the Congress candidate Manvendra Singh, who was earlier with the saffron party, Khan said it was on-sided contest there and "Vasundhara ji will defeat him by about 1.25 lakh votes".

I am a 'sevak', not a 'pilot': BJP candidate Yoonus Khan's poll pitch in Rajasthan's Tonk

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I am a 'sevak', not a 'pilot': BJP candidate Yoonus Khan's poll pitch in Rajasthan's Tonk