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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nasas-insight-lands-on-mars-to-peer-into-planets-deep-interior-179634">NASA's InSight spacecraft lands on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nasas-insight-lands-on-mars-to-peer-into-planets-deep-interior-179634">Mars,</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nasas-insight-lands-on-mars-to-peer-into-planets-deep-interior-179634"> will study planet's deep interior</a>

NASA's InSight spacecraft, the first robotic lander designed to study the deep interior of a distant world, touched down safely on the surface of Mars on Monday with instruments to detect planetary seismic rumblings never measured anywhere but Earth.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-advice-to-pm-he-should-exercise-due-restraint-on-use-of-language-manmohan-singh-179639">My advice to PM Modi is, exercise due restraint on language: Manmohan Singh</a>

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Monday attacked Prime Minister Narendra suggesting that PM Modi must exercise due restraint and not use the "type of language which has now become common practice," news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The former PM added that the prime minister of a country must set an example for others.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-expects-to-raise-china-tariffs-likely-to-be-placed-on-laptops-and-iphones-179635">Trump says he is going to raise tariffs further on China imports</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Monday he expected to move ahead with raising tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports to 25 per cent from the current 10 per cent and repeated his threat to slap tariffs on all remaining imports from China.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal four days ahead of his high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Argentina, Trump said it was "highly unlikely" he would accept China's request to hold off on the increase, which is due to take effect on January 1.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/there-were-children-says-migrant-mother-tear-gassed-at-us-border-179650">'There were children,' says migrant mother tear-gassed at US border</a>

A migrant mother photographed running with her daughters from tear gas at the US-Mexico border said she never expected the US Border Patrol to fire gas canisters at children and families.

Three tear gas canisters shot from the US side landed around Maria Meza and her children, who range in age from toddlers to teenagers, she said in an interview at a Tijuana migrant shelter.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/aamir-khan-on-thugs-of-hindostan-failure-we-went-wrong-and-i-take-full-responsibility-for-it-179641">Aamir Khan takes 'full responsibility' for Thugs Of Hindostan debacle</a>

t takes courage to accept failure on a public platform. On Monday, Aamir Khan admitted that his last release 'Thugs Of Hindostan' had failed to live up to the expectations and took full resp[onsibility for the film's failure.&nbsp;

“I take full responsibility for 'Thugs....' not working with the audience. I think we went wrong but I would like to take full responsibility of that. You can be sure we tried our level best."

NASA's InSight spacecraft lands on Mars, will study planet's deep interior NASA's InSight spacecraft, the first robotic lander designed to study the deep interior of a distant world, touched down safely on the surface of Mars on Monday with instruments to detect planetary seismic rumblings never measured anywhere but Earth.

NASA's InSight spacecraft lands on Mars, will study planet's deep interior NASA's InSight spacecraft, the first robotic lander designed to study the deep interior of a distant world, touched down safely on the surface of Mars on Monday with instruments to detect planetary seismic rumblings never measured anywhere but Earth. My advice to PM Modi is, exercise due restraint on language: Manmohan Singh Former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Monday attacked Prime Minister Narendra suggesting that PM Modi must exercise due restraint and not use the "type of language which has now become common practice," news agency ANI reported. The former PM added that the prime minister of a country must set an example for others. Trump says he is going to raise tariffs further on China imports US President Donald Trump said on Monday he expected to move ahead with raising tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports to 25 per cent from the current 10 per cent and repeated his threat to slap tariffs on all remaining imports from China. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal four days ahead of his high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Argentina, Trump said it was "highly unlikely" he would accept China's request to hold off on the increase, which is due to take effect on January 1. 'There were children,' says migrant mother tear-gassed at US border A migrant mother photographed running with her daughters from tear gas at the US-Mexico border said she never expected the US Border Patrol to fire gas canisters at children and families. Three tear gas canisters shot from the US side landed around Maria Meza and her children, who range in age from toddlers to teenagers, she said in an interview at a Tijuana migrant shelter. Aamir Khan takes 'full responsibility' for Thugs Of Hindostan debacle t takes courage to accept failure on a public platform. On Monday, Aamir Khan admitted that his last release 'Thugs Of Hindostan' had failed to live up to the expectations and took full resp[onsibility for the film's failure. “I take full responsibility for 'Thugs....' not working with the audience. I think we went wrong but I would like to take full responsibility of that. You can be sure we tried our level best."

News brief: Big stories of the day

Senior party leader and Union minister Jual Oram Tuesday said Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will be the BJP’s chief ministerial candidate in Odisha.

He was speaking to reporters here after former Odisha-cadre IAS officer Aparajita Sarangi joined the saffron party in the presence of party president Amit Shah in Delhi Tuesday.&nbsp;

The announcement came amid rumours in the political circle that the BJP would project Sarangi as its chief ministerial candidate for the state assembly elections next year.

“Dharmendra Pradhan will be the chief ministerial candidate of the BJP in Odisha. We will fight the forthcoming Assembly and Lok Sabha elections under his leadership. Our aim is to unseat Naveen Patnaik from power and put an end to the rule of the non-Odia bureaucrats in the state,” Oram said.

Asked about Sarangi’s joining the BJP, the Union tribal affairs minister said she has joined the party as a primary member.&nbsp;

On speculations of the resignation of two senior party leaders – Rourkela MLA Dilip Ray and party’s national executive member Bijay Mohapatra – from the BJP, Oram said it will be a “major loss” for the party if they quit.&nbsp;

However, the BJP will try its best to compensate the loss if it happens, he added. Ray had recently hinted at his resignation from the party as he alleged the central government had not taken steps for the development of Rourkela city.

“I do not think Ray will quit the party on the issue of development, rather due to political reasons,” Oram said.

Senior party leader and Union minister Jual Oram Tuesday said Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will be the BJP’s chief ministerial candidate in Odisha.

Senior party leader and Union minister Jual Oram Tuesday said Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will be the BJP’s chief ministerial candidate in Odisha. He was speaking to reporters here after former Odisha-cadre IAS officer Aparajita Sarangi joined the saffron party in the presence of party president Amit Shah in Delhi Tuesday. The announcement came amid rumours in the political circle that the BJP would project Sarangi as its chief ministerial candidate for the state assembly elections next year. “Dharmendra Pradhan will be the chief ministerial candidate of the BJP in Odisha. We will fight the forthcoming Assembly and Lok Sabha elections under his leadership. Our aim is to unseat Naveen Patnaik from power and put an end to the rule of the non-Odia bureaucrats in the state,” Oram said. Asked about Sarangi’s joining the BJP, the Union tribal affairs minister said she has joined the party as a primary member. On speculations of the resignation of two senior party leaders – Rourkela MLA Dilip Ray and party’s national executive member Bijay Mohapatra – from the BJP, Oram said it will be a “major loss” for the party if they quit. However, the BJP will try its best to compensate the loss if it happens, he added. Ray had recently hinted at his resignation from the party as he alleged the central government had not taken steps for the development of Rourkela city. “I do not think Ray will quit the party on the issue of development, rather due to political reasons,” Oram said.

Dharmendra Pradhan to be BJP’s chief ministerial candidate in Odisha: Senior BJP leader 

Neha Krishna of Indian origin won the coveted Washington State Ms Asia pageant held on November 18 in Seattle Washington.

Born in Pink City of India, Jaipur, Krishna’s humble upbringing never stopped her from realizing her mammoth dreams. She pursued design from MS University in Gujarat and went on to earn her MBA in Human Resource Management from Symbiosis University. It was after she got married and moved to the US when she decided to fan her dreams of contesting beauty pageants, and there was no looking back.

Krishna previously held positions in the human resource department of major technology giants such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Facebook. She now works as an engineering campus recruiter for Google.&nbsp;

For Krishna, hard work is the mantra, she believes in taking no shortcuts and living by the values of determination, grit and grace.&nbsp;

She plans to work alongside women representatives of other minority groups in the United States to bring awareness to the unique challenges that women of these segments face on a day to day basis.

In conversation with WION, Krishna got candid and shared her life's journey to the glorious day when she was awarded the coveted crown.&nbsp;

WION: Take us through your journey to winning this crown

Krishna: It was not easy, I come from a middle-class family in Jaipur. My father works with the United Nations and they had different plans for me. They weren’t very supportive of my desire to join the world of glamour or contest pageants, but you know it – if you have the will, the path will construct itself.

I got married, moved to the US. It wasn’t easy as you would know the work permit issues and US immigration policies. I kept at it, worked in some of the biggest tech companies, kept building contacts and in the end, my determination and hard work got me where I am today. 
&nbsp;

WION: How would you use this win for the betterment of the society?

Krishna: The title puts me in a place of responsibility. Wearing a crown helps you make a change. I want to use my crown and title to influence and impact things positively on a large scale. I’m passionate about a few pressing issues at this time which includes education for one and all and better mental health plans. We need a sound education system and solid health care programs to create a strong nation.

It is important for me to give back to my home country- India. I want be a brand ambassador for Indian culture and help build strong ties back home. 
&nbsp;

WION: Your thoughts on politics of colour

Krishna: No matter how much we say "everyone is equal," our policies, our history and our daily social interactions betray us. My goal as a crown holder is to work on minimizing this division. The only way forward is to build inclusion and diversity in all we do. Race is a conversation point and deeply rooted in our system. My hope is we look for similarities amongst us than differences. 
&nbsp;

WION: What’s next Neha Krishna?

Krishna: I am married to a very ambitious man, it keeps me driven, the only reason why I happily juggle my profession a recruiter and give wings to my passion. I would love to get more opportunities, act model, contest pageants. It is a dream to win titles like Mrs India in my very own motherland. 
&nbsp;

WION: Share your fitness mantra

Krishna: I eat everything, I burn all that out. Another thing, when you are happy from within it reflects from on your face. You have to constantly try and make yourself happy, create happiness. 
&nbsp;

WION: Your message to women

Krishna: Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it or that you can’t have it all. With determination, grit and hard work, you will achieve it all. Chin up and dream big! 
&nbsp;

(Neha Krishna is this year’s title holder of Washington State Miss Asia. She gets an entry to contest Miss Asia America next year in October.)

Neha Krishna of Indian origin won the coveted Washington State Ms Asia pageant held on November 18 in Seattle Washington. Born in Pink City of India, Jaipur, Krishna’s humble upbringing never stopped her from realizing her mammoth dreams.

Neha Krishna of Indian origin won the coveted Washington State Ms Asia pageant held on November 18 in Seattle Washington. Born in Pink City of India, Jaipur, Krishna’s humble upbringing never stopped her from realizing her mammoth dreams. She pursued design from MS University in Gujarat and went on to earn her MBA in Human Resource Management from Symbiosis University. It was after she got married and moved to the US when she decided to fan her dreams of contesting beauty pageants, and there was no looking back. Krishna previously held positions in the human resource department of major technology giants such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Facebook. She now works as an engineering campus recruiter for Google. For Krishna, hard work is the mantra, she believes in taking no shortcuts and living by the values of determination, grit and grace. She plans to work alongside women representatives of other minority groups in the United States to bring awareness to the unique challenges that women of these segments face on a day to day basis. In conversation with WION, Krishna got candid and shared her life's journey to the glorious day when she was awarded the coveted crown. WION: Take us through your journey to winning this crown Krishna: It was not easy, I come from a middle-class family in Jaipur. My father works with the United Nations and they had different plans for me. They weren’t very supportive of my desire to join the world of glamour or contest pageants, but you know it – if you have the will, the path will construct itself. I got married, moved to the US. It wasn’t easy as you would know the work permit issues and US immigration policies. I kept at it, worked in some of the biggest tech companies, kept building contacts and in the end, my determination and hard work got me where I am today. WION: How would you use this win for the betterment of the society? Krishna: The title puts me in a place of responsibility. Wearing a crown helps you make a change. I want to use my crown and title to influence and impact things positively on a large scale. I’m passionate about a few pressing issues at this time which includes education for one and all and better mental health plans. We need a sound education system and solid health care programs to create a strong nation. It is important for me to give back to my home country- India. I want be a brand ambassador for Indian culture and help build strong ties back home. WION: Your thoughts on politics of colour Krishna: No matter how much we say "everyone is equal," our policies, our history and our daily social interactions betray us. My goal as a crown holder is to work on minimizing this division. The only way forward is to build inclusion and diversity in all we do. Race is a conversation point and deeply rooted in our system. My hope is we look for similarities amongst us than differences. WION: What’s next Neha Krishna? Krishna: I am married to a very ambitious man, it keeps me driven, the only reason why I happily juggle my profession a recruiter and give wings to my passion. I would love to get more opportunities, act model, contest pageants. It is a dream to win titles like Mrs India in my very own motherland. WION: Share your fitness mantra Krishna: I eat everything, I burn all that out. Another thing, when you are happy from within it reflects from on your face. You have to constantly try and make yourself happy, create happiness. WION: Your message to women Krishna: Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it or that you can’t have it all. With determination, grit and hard work, you will achieve it all. Chin up and dream big! (Neha Krishna is this year’s title holder of Washington State Miss Asia. She gets an entry to contest Miss Asia America next year in October.)

Determination, hard work key to success: Neha Krishna, winner of US beauty pageant to WION

The government will look into common service centres’ (CSCs) appeal that they be allowed to carry out Aadhaar-related work such as enrolment and updating services, IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said Tuesday. 
Advertising

“I can only tell you that IT Secretary and I will together look for some way out on Aadhaar…We will certainly do something…so that you all continue to be connected with the public, training, Aadhaar security, Aadhaar updating…,” Prasad said addressing Village Level Entrepreneurs at an event here.

Prasad said some discussions are taking place over the matter but did not disclose any details.

Village-level Entrepreneurs or VLEs, who run CSCs, have been asking the government to allow them to restart Aadhaar enrolment and updating services, after the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) stopped Aadhaar work through such centres nearly a year back.

The VLEs have been unhappy with the decision, contending that they had invested money in purchasing equipment and in training manpower for Aadhaar-related work.

Making a strong pitch on behalf of these centres, CSC Chief Dinesh Tyagi said that Aadhaar had helped people in rural India get an identity, and that the 12 digit identifier should be allowed to remain the ‘aadhaar’ or foundation for CSCs as well.

“Aadhaar should remain the basis for CSCs and help people in rural India to get an identity. If CSCs can do anything on Aadhaar, update or enrolment, they will do a good job…When we are providing other services for the masses, then CSCs can also do Aadhaar-related work,” Tyagi said.

CSCs act as access points for the delivery of digital services and there are nearly three lakh such centres operating across the country today.

Apart from delivering essential government and public utility services, CSCs also deliver a range of social welfare schemes, financial services, education and skill development courses, healthcare, agriculture services and digital literacy.

The government will look into common service centres’ (CSCs) appeal that they be allowed to carry out Aadhaar-related work such as enrolment and updating services, IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said Tuesday.

The government will look into common service centres’ (CSCs) appeal that they be allowed to carry out Aadhaar-related work such as enrolment and updating services, IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said Tuesday. Advertising “I can only tell you that IT Secretary and I will together look for some way out on Aadhaar…We will certainly do something…so that you all continue to be connected with the public, training, Aadhaar security, Aadhaar updating…,” Prasad said addressing Village Level Entrepreneurs at an event here. Prasad said some discussions are taking place over the matter but did not disclose any details. Village-level Entrepreneurs or VLEs, who run CSCs, have been asking the government to allow them to restart Aadhaar enrolment and updating services, after the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) stopped Aadhaar work through such centres nearly a year back. The VLEs have been unhappy with the decision, contending that they had invested money in purchasing equipment and in training manpower for Aadhaar-related work. Making a strong pitch on behalf of these centres, CSC Chief Dinesh Tyagi said that Aadhaar had helped people in rural India get an identity, and that the 12 digit identifier should be allowed to remain the ‘aadhaar’ or foundation for CSCs as well. “Aadhaar should remain the basis for CSCs and help people in rural India to get an identity. If CSCs can do anything on Aadhaar, update or enrolment, they will do a good job…When we are providing other services for the masses, then CSCs can also do Aadhaar-related work,” Tyagi said. CSCs act as access points for the delivery of digital services and there are nearly three lakh such centres operating across the country today. Apart from delivering essential government and public utility services, CSCs also deliver a range of social welfare schemes, financial services, education and skill development courses, healthcare, agriculture services and digital literacy.

Ravi Shankar Prasad to CSCs: Will find way out on Aadhaar work issue

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-invite-indian-pm-narendra-modi-for-saarc-summit-179764">Pakistan to invite PM Narendra Modi for SAARC summit</a>

SAARC Summits are usually held biennially hosted by a member state in alphabetical order. The member state hosting the summit assumes the Chair of the Association

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kartarpur-corridor-will-erase-enmity-increase-people-to-people-contact-navjot-singh-sidhu-179739">In Pakistan, Sidhu says Kartarpur corridor will erase enmity</a>

Sidhu, who is in Pakistan to attend the break ground ceremony of the Pakistan side of Kartarpur corridor, addressed the media persons in Lahore.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/few-people-in-power-are-out-to-destroy-me-says-mithali-raj-179751">'Few people in power are out to destroy me,' says Mithali Raj</a>

Mithali alleged that Edulji, who had backed her axing, "used her position against me".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-theresa-may-opposition-leader-jeremy-corbyn-agree-to-tv-debate-over-brexit-179790">UK PM Theresa May, opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn agree to TV debate over Brexit</a>

This would be the first time May has been willing to go up against the Labour leader in a live television debate&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-assured-full-security-to-our-nationals-cpec-following-terror-attack-on-consulate-china-179755">Pakistan assured full security to our nationals, CPEC following </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-assured-full-security-to-our-nationals-cpec-following-terror-attack-on-consulate-china-179755">terror</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-assured-full-security-to-our-nationals-cpec-following-terror-attack-on-consulate-china-179755"> attack on Consulate: China</a>

China said Pakistan has assured that it will provide full security to its citizens following the recent terrorist attack on its Consulate in Karachi&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Pakistan to invite PM Narendra Modi for SAARC summit SAARC Summits are usually held biennially hosted by a member state in alphabetical order. The member state hosting the summit assumes the Chair of the Association In Pakistan, Sidhu says Kartarpur corridor will erase enmity Sidhu, who is in Pakistan to attend the break ground ceremony of the Pakistan side of Kartarpur corridor, addressed the media persons in Lahore.

Pakistan to invite PM Narendra Modi for SAARC summit SAARC Summits are usually held biennially hosted by a member state in alphabetical order. The member state hosting the summit assumes the Chair of the Association In Pakistan, Sidhu says Kartarpur corridor will erase enmity Sidhu, who is in Pakistan to attend the break ground ceremony of the Pakistan side of Kartarpur corridor, addressed the media persons in Lahore. 'Few people in power are out to destroy me,' says Mithali Raj Mithali alleged that Edulji, who had backed her axing, "used her position against me". UK PM Theresa May, opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn agree to TV debate over Brexit This would be the first time May has been willing to go up against the Labour leader in a live television debate Pakistan assured full security to our nationals, CPEC following terror attack on Consulate: China China said Pakistan has assured that it will provide full security to its citizens following the recent terrorist attack on its Consulate in Karachi

Chief Electoral Officer, Madhya Pradesh, VL Kantha Rao on Monday announced that 65,000 polling booths will be set up for the assembly elections, including 2000 booths that would be entirely women-operated.

"3 Lakh government employees including 45,000 women have been deployed on polling duty. 65,000 polling booths are being made in the state. Around 2,000 entirely women-only polling booths would be functional. 160 polling booths will be fully operated by differently-abled personnel," he informed.

Rao also announced that the silence period for Madhya Pradesh had begun, prohibiting all forms of campaigning in the state. "With only 48 hours remaining from the end of polling, the silence period has begun for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections and all campaigning is prohibited now onwards. Any advertisement on print, electronic media or social media is prohibited. Campaigning through phone calls or messaging services is also prohibited."

Rao further informed that special arrangements have been made for visually impaired people to help them cast their vote.

"Apart from the 3 lakh employees from the state, 12,000 Central Government Employees will be working as micro-observers at a different place. For the convenience of visually impaired voters, the commission has issued Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) with Braille inscription".

Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections will take place on November 28 to elect members of the 230 constituencies in the state.

The result of the polls will declare on December 11. The election will be considered as a direct political battle between the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) and the Congress.

While the incumbent Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan government will try to win the post for the consecutive fourth term, the Congress will fight for winning the state after 2003.

In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP won 166 seats in the House in 2013 and elected Chouhan as the Chief Minister.

The Congress and BSP bagged 58 and 4 seats respectively. Three Independent MLAs also won the polls. The tenure of 230-member House expires on January 7, 2019. (ANI)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Chief Electoral Officer, Madhya Pradesh, VL Kantha Rao on Monday announced that 65,000 polling booths will be set up for the assembly elections, including 2000 booths that would be entirely women-operated.

Chief Electoral Officer, Madhya Pradesh, VL Kantha Rao on Monday announced that 65,000 polling booths will be set up for the assembly elections, including 2000 booths that would be entirely women-operated. "3 Lakh government employees including 45,000 women have been deployed on polling duty. 65,000 polling booths are being made in the state. Around 2,000 entirely women-only polling booths would be functional. 160 polling booths will be fully operated by differently-abled personnel," he informed. Rao also announced that the silence period for Madhya Pradesh had begun, prohibiting all forms of campaigning in the state. "With only 48 hours remaining from the end of polling, the silence period has begun for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections and all campaigning is prohibited now onwards. Any advertisement on print, electronic media or social media is prohibited. Campaigning through phone calls or messaging services is also prohibited." Rao further informed that special arrangements have been made for visually impaired people to help them cast their vote. "Apart from the 3 lakh employees from the state, 12,000 Central Government Employees will be working as micro-observers at a different place. For the convenience of visually impaired voters, the commission has issued Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) with Braille inscription". Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections will take place on November 28 to elect members of the 230 constituencies in the state. The result of the polls will declare on December 11. The election will be considered as a direct political battle between the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) and the Congress. While the incumbent Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan government will try to win the post for the consecutive fourth term, the Congress will fight for winning the state after 2003. In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP won 166 seats in the House in 2013 and elected Chouhan as the Chief Minister. The Congress and BSP bagged 58 and 4 seats respectively. Three Independent MLAs also won the polls. The tenure of 230-member House expires on January 7, 2019. (ANI)

MP polls: EC to set up 65,000 polling booths, 2000 to be women-operated

Campaigning for the December 7 Rajasthan Assembly polls intensified Monday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BSP chief Mayawati addressing a total of 17 public meetings in the state.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders attacked the Congress with PM Modi leading from the front, slamming the opposition party over its stand on terrorism, Naxalism and tribal development among others, while Gandhi said farm loans would be waived if the Congress formed the government in the state and asked his party workers not to use any bad word against the prime minister and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.

While the prime minister was in Bhilwara, Dungarpur and Kota, Gandhi visited the Ajmer dargah and Pushkar, before addressing rallies at Pokhran (in Jaisalmer district), Jalore and Jodhpur. 
Adityanath addressed five rallies in Nagaur, Sikar, Churu, Bikaner and Jaisalmer districts.

Rajnath Singh took part in two rallies at Dholpur and as many in Jaipur district, while Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati addressed rallies at Jhunjhunu and Jaipur.

Both Gandhi and Adityanath addressed meetings in support of the candidates of their respective parties in the Pokhran constituency, whereas Mayawati and Rajnath Singh held separate rallies in the Amber constituency in Jaipur.

Highlighting the importance of every single vote, both PM Modi and Gandhi exuded confidence that their respective parties will form the government in the state after December 7.

At the Kota rally, the prime minister said, "Your votes will empower PM Modi. Your votes will bring changes in the country."

"Broadband network reached one lakh villages, 2.5 to 3 lakh kms of optical-fibre line was laid, 12 crore LPG connections, better roads were given in four-and-a-half years of the BJP government at the Centre. Your one vote has provided speed to the country. It has the power to change the country and shape its future," he said.

PM Modi alleged that the Congress had no issues and therefore, was making casteist remarks. Rajnath Singh and Adityanath also targeted Gandhi.

At Ratangarh, Adityanath said the Congress chief was the guarantee of defeat for his party's candidates.

"No Congress candidate wants Rahul Gandhi in his constituency because Gandhi means defeat," he said.

On the other hand, the Congress president said farm loans would be waived within 10 days if his party formed the government in the state.

He also said PM Modi and Raje were left with no issues as they had made false promises and broke people's trust, adding that now they were spreading hatred and anger.

Gandhi, who visited the Ajmer dargah and the Pushkar lake before addressing the rallies, said the Congress government would restart the free medicines scheme and put public money in improving the infrastructure in hospitals, schools and disbursing loans to the youth.

He also cornered the prime minister on the issues of the Rafale deal, demonetisation, favouring top industrialists and the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

State Congress chief Sachin Pilot, who is contesting the upcoming polls from Tonk, and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, the party's candidate from Jodhpur's Sardarpura constituency, accompanied Gandhi at the rallies.

Mayawati, on the other hand, termed both the BJP and Congress "anti-Dalit and anti-poor" and alleged that the two parties wanted to abolish reservation in government jobs. She addressed two rallies in Jhunjhunu and in Jaipur district.

The 200-member Rajasthan Assembly will go to the polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.&nbsp;

Campaigning for the December 7 Rajasthan Assembly polls intensified Monday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BSP chief Mayawati addressing a total of 17 public meetings in the state.

Campaigning for the December 7 Rajasthan Assembly polls intensified Monday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BSP chief Mayawati addressing a total of 17 public meetings in the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders attacked the Congress with PM Modi leading from the front, slamming the opposition party over its stand on terrorism, Naxalism and tribal development among others, while Gandhi said farm loans would be waived if the Congress formed the government in the state and asked his party workers not to use any bad word against the prime minister and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. While the prime minister was in Bhilwara, Dungarpur and Kota, Gandhi visited the Ajmer dargah and Pushkar, before addressing rallies at Pokhran (in Jaisalmer district), Jalore and Jodhpur. Adityanath addressed five rallies in Nagaur, Sikar, Churu, Bikaner and Jaisalmer districts. Rajnath Singh took part in two rallies at Dholpur and as many in Jaipur district, while Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati addressed rallies at Jhunjhunu and Jaipur. Both Gandhi and Adityanath addressed meetings in support of the candidates of their respective parties in the Pokhran constituency, whereas Mayawati and Rajnath Singh held separate rallies in the Amber constituency in Jaipur. Highlighting the importance of every single vote, both PM Modi and Gandhi exuded confidence that their respective parties will form the government in the state after December 7. At the Kota rally, the prime minister said, "Your votes will empower PM Modi. Your votes will bring changes in the country." "Broadband network reached one lakh villages, 2.5 to 3 lakh kms of optical-fibre line was laid, 12 crore LPG connections, better roads were given in four-and-a-half years of the BJP government at the Centre. Your one vote has provided speed to the country. It has the power to change the country and shape its future," he said. PM Modi alleged that the Congress had no issues and therefore, was making casteist remarks. Rajnath Singh and Adityanath also targeted Gandhi. At Ratangarh, Adityanath said the Congress chief was the guarantee of defeat for his party's candidates. "No Congress candidate wants Rahul Gandhi in his constituency because Gandhi means defeat," he said. On the other hand, the Congress president said farm loans would be waived within 10 days if his party formed the government in the state. He also said PM Modi and Raje were left with no issues as they had made false promises and broke people's trust, adding that now they were spreading hatred and anger. Gandhi, who visited the Ajmer dargah and the Pushkar lake before addressing the rallies, said the Congress government would restart the free medicines scheme and put public money in improving the infrastructure in hospitals, schools and disbursing loans to the youth. He also cornered the prime minister on the issues of the Rafale deal, demonetisation, favouring top industrialists and the Goods and Services Tax (GST). State Congress chief Sachin Pilot, who is contesting the upcoming polls from Tonk, and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, the party's candidate from Jodhpur's Sardarpura constituency, accompanied Gandhi at the rallies. Mayawati, on the other hand, termed both the BJP and Congress "anti-Dalit and anti-poor" and alleged that the two parties wanted to abolish reservation in government jobs. She addressed two rallies in Jhunjhunu and in Jaipur district. The 200-member Rajasthan Assembly will go to the polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.

Campaigning for polls gathers steam in Rajasthan

Going all out to woo farmers and the youth in poll-bound Rajasthan, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Monday promised to waive farm loans within 10 days if his party was voted to power in the state and said the Congress chief minister would work 18 hours a day to help youngsters get jobs.

Speaking at election rallies in different parts of the state, he also described the Congress workers as "sher" (tiger) and "babbar sher" (lion) and said they had to fight at the polling booth, but gently, unlike the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers.

Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, Gandhi, who began his day by visiting the Ajmer dargah, the Pushkar lake and the Brahma temple, said the two leaders had become arrogant after winning elections, did not hear the voice of the people, made false promises and broke people's trust, adding that now they were left with nothing and therefore, spreading hatred and anger.

"You (people) are going to make the Congress party's government in the state. Within 10 days of government formation, the Congress will waive farm loans in the state. You can call and ask any farmer in Punjab and Karnataka, where I made the same promise and our governments fulfilled that," he said, addressing the first rally in Jaisalmer's Pokhran area.

Gandhi asserted that he and other Congress leaders like Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot will speak the truth and make promises only if they could fulfil those.

"The bond between you and me should be that of transparency. Many things can be done by being truthful," he said.

"The chief minister of the Congress will work for 18 hours a day and will be engaged in getting the youth jobs. We will put public money in improving the facilities in government hospitals, schools and setting up universities. The vacant posts will be filled and the youth will be given loans to start their own business, factories," he said, while alleging that the Modi government only worked for the top 15 industrialists in the country.

Gandhi said the free medicines scheme introduced by the previous Congress government in the state will be restarted after his party formed the government.

He also attacked the prime minister over the Rafale deal, demonetisation, GST and other issues.

Gandhi said when demonetisation destroyed the informal sector, those who had to stand in queues in front of banks were farmers, labourers, small-scale businessmen etc., but those who had black money got it changed to white in the air-conditioned chambers of the banks with the help of Modi.

He said Modi was left with nothing to speak and thus, he was lying, but the people had understood him well.

Gandhi also accused the prime minister of insulting the youth, farmers, labourers of the country as well as their parents and grandparents with his statement from the Red Fort that the "elephant was sleeping".

"He meant that the country was sleeping before he became the prime minister. This is an insult to your parents and grandparents, who put their efforts and labour and contributed in taking the country to the present stage," he said in Jodhpur.

Targeting Raje, Gandhi said in an advertisement, she had talked about a school in Bharatpur and said it had fans, furniture, drinking water, playground etc., but when journalists went there, they found that the school had nothing -- no fan, no drinking water.

The Congress chief told the party workers not to speak ill about the prime minister or the chief minister.

"You are the soldiers of the Congress and not RSS or BJP workers. Fight with manners. Do not use any bad word for anyone, be it the PM or the CM. It is their work to abuse, not ours. We will speak good of them," he said.

"You hear their speeches and compare with ours. Listen to the way Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot are addressing them. They are addressing them as Modiji, Vasundharaji with manners. On the other hand, they are spreading hatred and anger," Gandhi said.

In Jalore, the Congress chief said the December 7 Assembly election was a fight for the future of the people of Rajasthan.

"This is the fight for your future. You will not get false promises from this stage," he said.

"They (BJP) took people's money and gave it to the top 15 industrialists, which should have gone to hospitals, schools, for employment etc. Tell me one thing, why all these names are Modi -- Neerav Modi, Lalit Modi, Narendra Modi -- all are one. Wherever you see, they are the same names. Someone took Rs 10,000 crore, someone Rs 35,000 crore and one gave Rs 30,000 crore to his friend," Gandhi alleged. He also raised questions on the bullet train project.

Gandhi also accused the BJP of practising divisive politics by alleging that Modi had created two India -- one for the rich and the other for the poor -- and added that the Congress wanted one India.

Gandhi began his election meetings after offering prayers at the Ajmer dargah, the Pushkar lake and the Brahma temple.

He presented a "chadar", along with state Congress chief Pilot and former chief minister Gehlot, at the dargah, where the traditional "khadim" of his family made him perform the "ziyarat".

Gandhi was honoured by the president of the Anjuman committee, Moin Chisty. The Nazim of the Dargah committee, Shakil Ahmed, also honoured the Congress chief.

Gandhi then visited the Pushkar sarovar and the Brahma temple and offered prayers there.

Going all out to woo farmers and the youth in poll-bound Rajasthan, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Monday promised to waive farm loans within 10 days if his party was voted to power in the state and said the Congress chief minister would work 18 hours a day to help youngsters get jobs.

Going all out to woo farmers and the youth in poll-bound Rajasthan, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Monday promised to waive farm loans within 10 days if his party was voted to power in the state and said the Congress chief minister would work 18 hours a day to help youngsters get jobs. Speaking at election rallies in different parts of the state, he also described the Congress workers as "sher" (tiger) and "babbar sher" (lion) and said they had to fight at the polling booth, but gently, unlike the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers. Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, Gandhi, who began his day by visiting the Ajmer dargah, the Pushkar lake and the Brahma temple, said the two leaders had become arrogant after winning elections, did not hear the voice of the people, made false promises and broke people's trust, adding that now they were left with nothing and therefore, spreading hatred and anger. "You (people) are going to make the Congress party's government in the state. Within 10 days of government formation, the Congress will waive farm loans in the state. You can call and ask any farmer in Punjab and Karnataka, where I made the same promise and our governments fulfilled that," he said, addressing the first rally in Jaisalmer's Pokhran area. Gandhi asserted that he and other Congress leaders like Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot will speak the truth and make promises only if they could fulfil those. "The bond between you and me should be that of transparency. Many things can be done by being truthful," he said. "The chief minister of the Congress will work for 18 hours a day and will be engaged in getting the youth jobs. We will put public money in improving the facilities in government hospitals, schools and setting up universities. The vacant posts will be filled and the youth will be given loans to start their own business, factories," he said, while alleging that the Modi government only worked for the top 15 industrialists in the country. Gandhi said the free medicines scheme introduced by the previous Congress government in the state will be restarted after his party formed the government. He also attacked the prime minister over the Rafale deal, demonetisation, GST and other issues. Gandhi said when demonetisation destroyed the informal sector, those who had to stand in queues in front of banks were farmers, labourers, small-scale businessmen etc., but those who had black money got it changed to white in the air-conditioned chambers of the banks with the help of Modi. He said Modi was left with nothing to speak and thus, he was lying, but the people had understood him well. Gandhi also accused the prime minister of insulting the youth, farmers, labourers of the country as well as their parents and grandparents with his statement from the Red Fort that the "elephant was sleeping". "He meant that the country was sleeping before he became the prime minister. This is an insult to your parents and grandparents, who put their efforts and labour and contributed in taking the country to the present stage," he said in Jodhpur. Targeting Raje, Gandhi said in an advertisement, she had talked about a school in Bharatpur and said it had fans, furniture, drinking water, playground etc., but when journalists went there, they found that the school had nothing -- no fan, no drinking water. The Congress chief told the party workers not to speak ill about the prime minister or the chief minister. "You are the soldiers of the Congress and not RSS or BJP workers. Fight with manners. Do not use any bad word for anyone, be it the PM or the CM. It is their work to abuse, not ours. We will speak good of them," he said. "You hear their speeches and compare with ours. Listen to the way Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot are addressing them. They are addressing them as Modiji, Vasundharaji with manners. On the other hand, they are spreading hatred and anger," Gandhi said. In Jalore, the Congress chief said the December 7 Assembly election was a fight for the future of the people of Rajasthan. "This is the fight for your future. You will not get false promises from this stage," he said. "They (BJP) took people's money and gave it to the top 15 industrialists, which should have gone to hospitals, schools, for employment etc. Tell me one thing, why all these names are Modi -- Neerav Modi, Lalit Modi, Narendra Modi -- all are one. Wherever you see, they are the same names. Someone took Rs 10,000 crore, someone Rs 35,000 crore and one gave Rs 30,000 crore to his friend," Gandhi alleged. He also raised questions on the bullet train project. Gandhi also accused the BJP of practising divisive politics by alleging that Modi had created two India -- one for the rich and the other for the poor -- and added that the Congress wanted one India. Gandhi began his election meetings after offering prayers at the Ajmer dargah, the Pushkar lake and the Brahma temple. He presented a "chadar", along with state Congress chief Pilot and former chief minister Gehlot, at the dargah, where the traditional "khadim" of his family made him perform the "ziyarat". Gandhi was honoured by the president of the Anjuman committee, Moin Chisty. The Nazim of the Dargah committee, Shakil Ahmed, also honoured the Congress chief. Gandhi then visited the Pushkar sarovar and the Brahma temple and offered prayers there.

Rahul promises farm loan waiver, jobs to youth in Rajasthan

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday lashed out at Rahul Gandhi-led Congress, saying that the day the Congress announces their chief ministerial candidate for Rajasthan, it will have a breakdown.

"Kyunki jis din neta ke naam ki ghosna kar denge yahan par Congress party khand khand ho jayegi," Singh stated during a rally in poll-bound Rajasthan's Dholpur.&nbsp;

He further added that the Congress is not able to muster the courage to announce the name of their leader or the chief ministerial candidate.&nbsp;

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Kyunki jis din neta ke naam ki ghosna kar denge yahan par Congress party khand khand ho jayegi. Sahas nahi juta pa rahe hai ki woh apne neta ya mukhya mantri ki ghosna kar de. Yani baarat to unhone nikal di lekin dulhe ka koi pata nahi hai: Home Minister Rajnath Singh (26.11) <a href="https://t.co/ABFSPW9wSF">pic.twitter.com/ABFSPW9wSF</a>
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"The Congress has entered into the electoral battle, but they can't answer if you ask them about their leader," he said.

The Congress has many chief ministerial aspirants in Rajasthan, former CM Ashok Gehlot and young leader Sachin Pilot are in the fight for the top office. The BJP was quick to announce Vasundhara Raje as its leader and chief ministerial candidate for the state much ahead of this year's election season.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-runs-government-comparatively-better-than-congress-rajnath-singh-in-madhya-pradesh-178639">Last week, Rajnath Singh claimed</a> that the BJP has run the government "comparatively better" than the Congress and blamed the opposition party for a "credibility crisis" in politics after Independence.

Talking to reporters in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, Singh asserted that the country was currently witnessing "acche din" (good days) and it was a matter of perception of how people saw it.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday lashed out at Rahul Gandhi-led Congress, saying that the day the Congress announces their chief ministerial candidate for Rajasthan, it will have a breakdown.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday lashed out at Rahul Gandhi-led Congress, saying that the day the Congress announces their chief ministerial candidate for Rajasthan, it will have a breakdown. "Kyunki jis din neta ke naam ki ghosna kar denge yahan par Congress party khand khand ho jayegi," Singh stated during a rally in poll-bound Rajasthan's Dholpur. He further added that the Congress is not able to muster the courage to announce the name of their leader or the chief ministerial candidate. Kyunki jis din neta ke naam ki ghosna kar denge yahan par Congress party khand khand ho jayegi. Sahas nahi juta pa rahe hai ki woh apne neta ya mukhya mantri ki ghosna kar de. Yani baarat to unhone nikal di lekin dulhe ka koi pata nahi hai: Home Minister Rajnath Singh (26.11) pic.twitter.com/ABFSPW9wSF — ANI (@ANI) November 26, 2018 × "The Congress has entered into the electoral battle, but they can't answer if you ask them about their leader," he said. The Congress has many chief ministerial aspirants in Rajasthan, former CM Ashok Gehlot and young leader Sachin Pilot are in the fight for the top office. The BJP was quick to announce Vasundhara Raje as its leader and chief ministerial candidate for the state much ahead of this year's election season. Last week, Rajnath Singh claimed that the BJP has run the government "comparatively better" than the Congress and blamed the opposition party for a "credibility crisis" in politics after Independence. Talking to reporters in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, Singh asserted that the country was currently witnessing "acche din" (good days) and it was a matter of perception of how people saw it.

Congress will have a breakdown once it announces CM candidate for Rajasthan: Rajnath Singh 

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its manifesto for poll-bound state Rajasthan. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley released the script of party's agenda for the state if it comes to power this December. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar and incumbent Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje were also present on the occasion.&nbsp;

The party leaders said that the BJP had met 95 per cent of the promises it had made in 2013.&nbsp;

"The overall completion is 95 per cent," Raje said.

She also highlighted several points of the 2018 manifesto, saying 50 lakh jobs will be created in private sector in next five years in Rajasthan and every year, 30,000 jobs will be given in the government sector, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The chief minister also said up to Rs 5,000 per month will be given as unemployment allowance to eligible youths above the age of 21 years.

The saffron party in its manifesto for Madhya Pradesh promised 10 lakh jobs per year to youths and welfare of all sections of society, among the other major promises made for the November 28.

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Jaipur: BJP releases party manifesto for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZA0x4ZmepO">pic.twitter.com/ZA0x4ZmepO</a>
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For Chhattisgarh, the party, in its manifesto, promised to build a film city in the state and journalist welfare board. BJP chief Amit Shah also assured that the BJP government will provide loans up to 2 lakh without interest to women for starting their business in Chattisgarh.&nbsp;

Rajasthan is set to go to polls on December, the votes will counted on December 11.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje is set to challenge&nbsp;anti-incumbency, she is BJP's chief ministerial candidate this term as well. Congress, on the other hand, &nbsp;has many chief ministerial aspirants in Rajasthan, former CM Ashok Gehlot and young leader Sachin Pilot are in the fight for the top office.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its manifesto for poll-bound state Rajasthan. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley released the script of party's agenda for the state if it comes to power this December.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its manifesto for poll-bound state Rajasthan. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley released the script of party's agenda for the state if it comes to power this December. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar and incumbent Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje were also present on the occasion. The party leaders said that the BJP had met 95 per cent of the promises it had made in 2013. "The overall completion is 95 per cent," Raje said. She also highlighted several points of the 2018 manifesto, saying 50 lakh jobs will be created in private sector in next five years in Rajasthan and every year, 30,000 jobs will be given in the government sector, news agency PTI reported. The chief minister also said up to Rs 5,000 per month will be given as unemployment allowance to eligible youths above the age of 21 years. The saffron party in its manifesto for Madhya Pradesh promised 10 lakh jobs per year to youths and welfare of all sections of society, among the other major promises made for the November 28. Jaipur: BJP releases party manifesto for #RajasthanElections2018 pic.twitter.com/ZA0x4ZmepO — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2018 × For Chhattisgarh, the party, in its manifesto, promised to build a film city in the state and journalist welfare board. BJP chief Amit Shah also assured that the BJP government will provide loans up to 2 lakh without interest to women for starting their business in Chattisgarh. Rajasthan is set to go to polls on December, the votes will counted on December 11. Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje is set to challenge anti-incumbency, she is BJP's chief ministerial candidate this term as well. Congress, on the other hand, has many chief ministerial aspirants in Rajasthan, former CM Ashok Gehlot and young leader Sachin Pilot are in the fight for the top office.

Rajasthan polls: BJP releases manifesto, promises 50 lakh jobs in private sector

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday that Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao was walking the Congress path and that he thinks he can win the elections without doing any work.&nbsp;

Modi was speaking at an election rally in Telanagana. The state goes to the polls on December 7.&nbsp;

"The Chief Minister of this state is walking on Congress' path. He thinks that if Congress can win elections without doing anything, he too can do it. But he must know that youth of the state are aware of the ground realities," Modi said.&nbsp;

Modi added that KCR says he will turn Nizamabad into London "but look at the condition of this region".&nbsp;

He then said that "the region lacks development"&nbsp;

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Those who believe in development, in forming a new Telangana,a new India, are placing their trust in BJP to take nation forward.Telangana was formed after several yrs' struggle&amp;sacrifices of youth.State govt doesn't have right to destroy that sacrifice: PM in Nizamabad <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Telangana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Telangana</a> <a href="https://t.co/DOUYMfd9r1">pic.twitter.com/DOUYMfd9r1</a>
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The Chief Minister of this state is walking on Congress' path. He thinks that if Congress can win elections without doing anything, he too can do it. But he must know that youth of the state are aware of the ground realities: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Nizamabad <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Telangana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Telangana</a> <a href="https://t.co/FKJauKqDXX">pic.twitter.com/FKJauKqDXX</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067314785056894976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Modi went on to say that KCR learnt his politics from the Congress.&nbsp;

"He learnt from them and destroyed Telangana," Modi said. Adding that if the Congress now comes to power, "they’ll do 100 times more destruction".&nbsp;

And he accused both the Congress and KCR's TRS (Telangana Rashtra Samithi) of believing in dynastic politics.&nbsp;

"They are two sides of same coin. Both parties appease the minority, both parties believe in vote-bank politics, none of them have internal democracy," Modi said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday that Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao was walking the Congress path and that he thinks he can win the elections without doing any work.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday that Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao was walking the Congress path and that he thinks he can win the elections without doing any work. Modi was speaking at an election rally in Telanagana. The state goes to the polls on December 7. "The Chief Minister of this state is walking on Congress' path. He thinks that if Congress can win elections without doing anything, he too can do it. But he must know that youth of the state are aware of the ground realities," Modi said. Modi added that KCR says he will turn Nizamabad into London "but look at the condition of this region". He then said that "the region lacks development" Those who believe in development, in forming a new Telangana,a new India, are placing their trust in BJP to take nation forward.Telangana was formed after several yrs' struggle&sacrifices of youth.State govt doesn't have right to destroy that sacrifice: PM in Nizamabad #Telangana pic.twitter.com/DOUYMfd9r1 — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2018 × The Chief Minister of this state is walking on Congress' path. He thinks that if Congress can win elections without doing anything, he too can do it. But he must know that youth of the state are aware of the ground realities: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Nizamabad #Telangana pic.twitter.com/FKJauKqDXX — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2018 × Modi went on to say that KCR learnt his politics from the Congress. "He learnt from them and destroyed Telangana," Modi said. Adding that if the Congress now comes to power, "they’ll do 100 times more destruction". And he accused both the Congress and KCR's TRS (Telangana Rashtra Samithi) of believing in dynastic politics. "They are two sides of same coin. Both parties appease the minority, both parties believe in vote-bank politics, none of them have internal democracy," Modi said.

KCR walking Congress path, thinks he can win elections without doing any work: Modi in Telanagana 

Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-have-replied-to-terrorists-naxals-in-their-own-language-pm-modi-at-rajasthan-poll-rally-179564">Narendra Modi </a>Monday accused the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/from-strong-to-sticky-wicket-why-retaining-power-in-telangana-wont-be-a-cakewalk-for-kcr-179734">TRS </a>and Congress of perpetuating family rule and said the two parties were playing a "friendly match" in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/chandrababu-naidu-oppositions-trump-card-to-unite-anti-bjp-forces-179678">Telangana elections</a>.

Reaffirming the BJP's commitment to inclusive growth, Modi, addressing his first election rally in the state, said vote bank politics has harmed development like "termites".

"The chief minister of Telangana and his family think they can get away with doing no work like the Congress.... They have adopted the style of the Congress which ruled for 50-52 years without doing anything. But that cannot happen now," he told an election rally in Nizamabad, as he took the poll battle to caretaker CM K Chandrasekhar Rao's turf.

Nizamabad is represented by Rao's daughter K Kavitha in the Lok Sabha.

Recalling that Rao had served as a minister in the UPA government, Modi said the TRS chief did his "apprenticeship" under the Congress.

"Congress and TRS are two faces of the same coin. Both parties are competing against each other on who tells more lies.

"TRS and Congress are family-ruled parties playing a friendly match in Telangana polls," he said, adding it was a "big joke" that UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi assailed the TRS for being a "family party" at an election rally last week.

The prime minister said Rao's decision to go for early elections could give people an opportunity to "get rid of him before time".

He said Rao did not join Ayushman Bharat scheme under which the Centre would bear medical expenses of the poor to the extent of Rs five lakh a year because of his feeling of insecurity.

"This chief minister feels so insecure...He trusts astrologers, does puja, ties nimbu-mirchi (to ward of evil). So when we introduced Ayushman Bharat Yojana, he decided not to join it. He feared people will reject him if Modicare comes into force. He did injustice to the poor people of the state," Modi said.

Amid reports that the Congress was preparing a manifesto that would envisage separate schools and hospitals for Muslims, Modi said the only Mantra that the BJP followed was "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" and was against vote bank politics.

"BJP has just one Mantra- Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. We believe in inclusive growth. Vote bank politics has damaged development like a termite," he said.

Development, he said, was a casualty wherever vote bank politics and politics of casteism, communalism and nepotism have flourished. 
He said those who believe in development, building new India and new Telangana trust BJP most.

Accusing the TRS government of not keeping its promises made to youth, farmers, Dalits, tribals and backward classes, Modi asked the voters to teach the party a lesson.

Modi said the chief minister had once asserted he would transform Nizamabad into a smart city like London but the place was still grappling with shortage of water, electricity and proper roads.

"The CM once said he would reach water of the Godavari river to each household or else will not seek votes. Has it happened? The man who cannot provide people with even water doesn't deserve to be given power," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday accused the TRS and Congress of perpetuating family rule and said the two parties were playing a "friendly match" in Telangana elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday accused the TRS and Congress of perpetuating family rule and said the two parties were playing a "friendly match" in Telangana elections. Reaffirming the BJP's commitment to inclusive growth, Modi, addressing his first election rally in the state, said vote bank politics has harmed development like "termites". "The chief minister of Telangana and his family think they can get away with doing no work like the Congress.... They have adopted the style of the Congress which ruled for 50-52 years without doing anything. But that cannot happen now," he told an election rally in Nizamabad, as he took the poll battle to caretaker CM K Chandrasekhar Rao's turf. Nizamabad is represented by Rao's daughter K Kavitha in the Lok Sabha. Recalling that Rao had served as a minister in the UPA government, Modi said the TRS chief did his "apprenticeship" under the Congress. "Congress and TRS are two faces of the same coin. Both parties are competing against each other on who tells more lies. "TRS and Congress are family-ruled parties playing a friendly match in Telangana polls," he said, adding it was a "big joke" that UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi assailed the TRS for being a "family party" at an election rally last week. The prime minister said Rao's decision to go for early elections could give people an opportunity to "get rid of him before time". He said Rao did not join Ayushman Bharat scheme under which the Centre would bear medical expenses of the poor to the extent of Rs five lakh a year because of his feeling of insecurity. "This chief minister feels so insecure...He trusts astrologers, does puja, ties nimbu-mirchi (to ward of evil). So when we introduced Ayushman Bharat Yojana, he decided not to join it. He feared people will reject him if Modicare comes into force. He did injustice to the poor people of the state," Modi said. Amid reports that the Congress was preparing a manifesto that would envisage separate schools and hospitals for Muslims, Modi said the only Mantra that the BJP followed was "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" and was against vote bank politics. "BJP has just one Mantra- Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. We believe in inclusive growth. Vote bank politics has damaged development like a termite," he said. Development, he said, was a casualty wherever vote bank politics and politics of casteism, communalism and nepotism have flourished. He said those who believe in development, building new India and new Telangana trust BJP most. Accusing the TRS government of not keeping its promises made to youth, farmers, Dalits, tribals and backward classes, Modi asked the voters to teach the party a lesson. Modi said the chief minister had once asserted he would transform Nizamabad into a smart city like London but the place was still grappling with shortage of water, electricity and proper roads. "The CM once said he would reach water of the Godavari river to each household or else will not seek votes. Has it happened? The man who cannot provide people with even water doesn't deserve to be given power," he said.

TRS, Congress two sides of same coin, are family-ruled parties: PM Modi at Telangana rally

Seeking to ensure a united fight to dislodge the ruling BJP from Rajasthan, the state Congress chief Sachin Pilot said on Tuesday that his party's MLAs will decide on the chief minister post and asserted that securing a "thumping" mandate was far more important than a decision on who will head the government.

Pilot said he as well as senior party leader Ashok Gehlot have got enough from the Congress in the past and it was now for the party to decide what role they should have.

There have been persisting talks about both Pilot and Gehlot being in race to be the party's chief ministerial face, even as both the leaders have repeatedly rejected any such friction.

In an interview to PTI here, Pilot said it was the party's stated policy for the last 70 years to not declare a CM face in the state and the priority was to ensure that Congress candidates win the elections to thwart the BJP's use of "money and muscle power".

Asked if a post-poll decision on the CM post may leave either Gehlot or him dissatisfied, Pilot said: "I don't think so. We have both received a lot from the party."

"He (Gehlot) has been chief minister twice already and he has got an important position in the party. I am (state) party president and I have been a minister. Both of us have got enough from the party and now it is time that the party decides what role they have in mind (for us)," the 41-year-old leader said.

Utimately, the MLAs in the Congress party will take a call as to who will head the government, he said.

"But, far more important than that is that we must get a good, clear, thumping majority, a resounding majority, because the message must go across the country that people - farmers, young people, women, backwards, tribals, everybody - will not take this kind of arrogant government and will make it accountable," Pilot said.

Forming the government is far more important than who will head it, he said.

"It is a decision that we have left to the party and it is nothing new for 70 years we have always had the same policy. I don't know why this time it has become so talked about. Every time we fight elections without announcing a CM face, and whenever we win, we elect a leader," Pilot said.

The Congress has kept open the issue of its leadership in Rajasthan. It has fielded both Pilot and Gehlot in the December 7 assembly polls.

While Gehlot, 67, is a sitting MLA from Sardarpura, Pilot is contesting the state poll for the first time from Tonk. Pilot has been a former MP from Dausa and then from Ajmer.

Pilot said the people of Rajasthan were looking at the Congress with hope as it had been "the people's voice" on the streets of Rajasthan in the last five years.

The Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee chief attacked the Vasundhara Raje government, alleging that it was "very arrogant", corrupt, and had betrayed the trust of the state's people.

"People have the confidence that the Congress party will not only just win the elections...To be able to form a government of the people, where people feel stakeholders in the collective governance structures and that is something that is very positive," he said.

Pilot alleged that there was anger against the Vasundhara government because of "non-delivery" after promising 611 things.

On the Vasundhara Raje versus Manvendra Singh contest in Jhalrapatan, he said he had taken out a 'Kisaan Nyaya Yatra' in that area some time back and there the "resentment" against Raje and her government was palpable.

"That area is really dissatisfied. Vasundhara ji's tenure is marked with very few successes and multiple failures. People want a change. Manvendra Singh ji is a good strong candidate. It will be an interesting election and I am hopeful that the Congress party will win," Pilot said.

Asked if he was satisfied with the Congress's progress under his tenure as RPCC chief, Pilot said he was "reasonably satisfied" with where the party was today.

He said five years ago when the party had lost the election and was reduced to 21 out of 200 MLAs, it looked a very "daunting task".

"I was given the challenge and the opportunity. I say this because it was challenging times when Modi ji had become PM and Vasundhara ji had become CM and Congress was down and out.

"Also, an opportunity because that is the time you can actually work, without attracting much attention, at the grassroots level, connect with workers, start focussing on panchayat elections, zila parishad elections, nagar palika elections, and those really form the bedrock from where you can launch for the Vidhan Sabha and Lok Sabha elections," he said.

Pilot also hailed the state Congress leaders for their cooperation in rebuilding the party "brick by brick".

However, he cautioned against complacency saying that they are within "striking distance" of winning and have to stay focussed on the booth management and polling. "Till the last vote is cast, we cannot take our eyes off the target," he asserted.

Seeking to ensure a united fight to dislodge the ruling BJP from Rajasthan, the state Congress chief Sachin Pilot said on Tuesday that his party's MLAs will decide on the chief minister post and asserted that securing a "thumping" mandate was far more important than a decision on who will head the government.

Seeking to ensure a united fight to dislodge the ruling BJP from Rajasthan, the state Congress chief Sachin Pilot said on Tuesday that his party's MLAs will decide on the chief minister post and asserted that securing a "thumping" mandate was far more important than a decision on who will head the government. Pilot said he as well as senior party leader Ashok Gehlot have got enough from the Congress in the past and it was now for the party to decide what role they should have. There have been persisting talks about both Pilot and Gehlot being in race to be the party's chief ministerial face, even as both the leaders have repeatedly rejected any such friction. In an interview to PTI here, Pilot said it was the party's stated policy for the last 70 years to not declare a CM face in the state and the priority was to ensure that Congress candidates win the elections to thwart the BJP's use of "money and muscle power". Asked if a post-poll decision on the CM post may leave either Gehlot or him dissatisfied, Pilot said: "I don't think so. We have both received a lot from the party." "He (Gehlot) has been chief minister twice already and he has got an important position in the party. I am (state) party president and I have been a minister. Both of us have got enough from the party and now it is time that the party decides what role they have in mind (for us)," the 41-year-old leader said. Utimately, the MLAs in the Congress party will take a call as to who will head the government, he said. "But, far more important than that is that we must get a good, clear, thumping majority, a resounding majority, because the message must go across the country that people - farmers, young people, women, backwards, tribals, everybody - will not take this kind of arrogant government and will make it accountable," Pilot said. Forming the government is far more important than who will head it, he said. "It is a decision that we have left to the party and it is nothing new for 70 years we have always had the same policy. I don't know why this time it has become so talked about. Every time we fight elections without announcing a CM face, and whenever we win, we elect a leader," Pilot said. The Congress has kept open the issue of its leadership in Rajasthan. It has fielded both Pilot and Gehlot in the December 7 assembly polls. While Gehlot, 67, is a sitting MLA from Sardarpura, Pilot is contesting the state poll for the first time from Tonk. Pilot has been a former MP from Dausa and then from Ajmer. Pilot said the people of Rajasthan were looking at the Congress with hope as it had been "the people's voice" on the streets of Rajasthan in the last five years. The Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee chief attacked the Vasundhara Raje government, alleging that it was "very arrogant", corrupt, and had betrayed the trust of the state's people. "People have the confidence that the Congress party will not only just win the elections...To be able to form a government of the people, where people feel stakeholders in the collective governance structures and that is something that is very positive," he said. Pilot alleged that there was anger against the Vasundhara government because of "non-delivery" after promising 611 things. On the Vasundhara Raje versus Manvendra Singh contest in Jhalrapatan, he said he had taken out a 'Kisaan Nyaya Yatra' in that area some time back and there the "resentment" against Raje and her government was palpable. "That area is really dissatisfied. Vasundhara ji's tenure is marked with very few successes and multiple failures. People want a change. Manvendra Singh ji is a good strong candidate. It will be an interesting election and I am hopeful that the Congress party will win," Pilot said. Asked if he was satisfied with the Congress's progress under his tenure as RPCC chief, Pilot said he was "reasonably satisfied" with where the party was today. He said five years ago when the party had lost the election and was reduced to 21 out of 200 MLAs, it looked a very "daunting task". "I was given the challenge and the opportunity. I say this because it was challenging times when Modi ji had become PM and Vasundhara ji had become CM and Congress was down and out. "Also, an opportunity because that is the time you can actually work, without attracting much attention, at the grassroots level, connect with workers, start focussing on panchayat elections, zila parishad elections, nagar palika elections, and those really form the bedrock from where you can launch for the Vidhan Sabha and Lok Sabha elections," he said. Pilot also hailed the state Congress leaders for their cooperation in rebuilding the party "brick by brick". However, he cautioned against complacency saying that they are within "striking distance" of winning and have to stay focussed on the booth management and polling. "Till the last vote is cast, we cannot take our eyes off the target," he asserted.

Getting thumping mandate in Rajasthan far more important than who will be CM: Sachin Pilot

On the eve of Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, the longest-serving chief minister of the state is unfazed by talk of anti-incumbency.

In an interview to PTI on Tuesday, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said pro-incumbency and not ant-incumbency, is at play in the central Indian state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and BJP chief Amit Shah were among the leaders who addressed poll rallies in the state, where voting for all the 230 Assembly seats is scheduled Wednesday.

"What is at work here is pro-incumbency and not anti-incumbency," said the 59-year-old BJP leader, whose party has been in power in the state since 2003.

Chouhan exuded confidence that his party will win the election with a "comfortable majority".

"The difference this time around, compared to the 2008 and 2013 polls is that we drew more crowds, especially the poor, in our public meetings," he said.

Asked if demonetisation and GST will adversely affect the BJP in the state polls, Chouhan said they wont "come in way" of the party's victory. The two initiatives will prove to be a boon for the country in the long run, he said.

Calling Modi as "God's blessing to India", Chouhan said Gandhi has lowered the "standard" of campaigning. "Nobody doubts Modi jis honesty in the country. He is an honest and upright person," he added.

"Rahul wrongly targeted my son in the Panama Papers leaks and levelled baseless allegations against me," Chouhan said.

"He also called Modi ji a chor (thief) in the Rafale deal. He has stooped too low. This is unbecoming of a leader," he said, adding Gandhi has no political understanding."

The prime minister is the pride of the country and there should be decency while referring to him, Chouhan said.

The Congress chief raised Parliament (level) issues in Madhya Pradesh, he said. Nobody knows about them in rural parts of the state, he added.

Chouhan termed as a "bundle of lies" the claim by Randeep Singh Surjewala, in-charge of the AICC communications department, that a whopping 90 per cent residents of his native village Jait in his Budhni constituency are living below the poverty line.

"The Congress has lowered the standard of campaigning in Madhya Pradesh and this is very disturbing and unacceptable in a democracy," Chouhan said.

"The Congress even dragged Modi ji's parents in the elections. This is very bad and highly condemnable," he added.

He said the Congress' poll campaign portrayed Madhya Pradesh in a bad light, especially with regard to women.

Madhya Pradesh was the first state to bring in a law providing for capital punishment to those who rape girls below 12 years, he said. After this, trial courts awarded the death penalty to 15 rapists, he said, adding the High Court upheld the death sentence of a rapist.

Chouhan said his government's decision to launch a slew of welfare schemes has paid off. "We pulled Madhya Pradesh out of the 'BIMARU' tag by making it a developed state," he added.

The acronym BIMARU was coined to refer to the economic condition of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. In recent years, these states have reported progress on many human development indicators.

On the eve of Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, the longest-serving chief minister of the state is unfazed by talk of anti-incumbency. In an interview to PTI on Tuesday, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said pro-incumbency and not ant-incumbency, is at play in the central Indian state.

On the eve of Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, the longest-serving chief minister of the state is unfazed by talk of anti-incumbency. In an interview to PTI on Tuesday, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said pro-incumbency and not ant-incumbency, is at play in the central Indian state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and BJP chief Amit Shah were among the leaders who addressed poll rallies in the state, where voting for all the 230 Assembly seats is scheduled Wednesday. "What is at work here is pro-incumbency and not anti-incumbency," said the 59-year-old BJP leader, whose party has been in power in the state since 2003. Chouhan exuded confidence that his party will win the election with a "comfortable majority". "The difference this time around, compared to the 2008 and 2013 polls is that we drew more crowds, especially the poor, in our public meetings," he said. Asked if demonetisation and GST will adversely affect the BJP in the state polls, Chouhan said they wont "come in way" of the party's victory. The two initiatives will prove to be a boon for the country in the long run, he said. Calling Modi as "God's blessing to India", Chouhan said Gandhi has lowered the "standard" of campaigning. "Nobody doubts Modi jis honesty in the country. He is an honest and upright person," he added. "Rahul wrongly targeted my son in the Panama Papers leaks and levelled baseless allegations against me," Chouhan said. "He also called Modi ji a chor (thief) in the Rafale deal. He has stooped too low. This is unbecoming of a leader," he said, adding Gandhi has no political understanding." The prime minister is the pride of the country and there should be decency while referring to him, Chouhan said. The Congress chief raised Parliament (level) issues in Madhya Pradesh, he said. Nobody knows about them in rural parts of the state, he added. Chouhan termed as a "bundle of lies" the claim by Randeep Singh Surjewala, in-charge of the AICC communications department, that a whopping 90 per cent residents of his native village Jait in his Budhni constituency are living below the poverty line. "The Congress has lowered the standard of campaigning in Madhya Pradesh and this is very disturbing and unacceptable in a democracy," Chouhan said. "The Congress even dragged Modi ji's parents in the elections. This is very bad and highly condemnable," he added. He said the Congress' poll campaign portrayed Madhya Pradesh in a bad light, especially with regard to women. Madhya Pradesh was the first state to bring in a law providing for capital punishment to those who rape girls below 12 years, he said. After this, trial courts awarded the death penalty to 15 rapists, he said, adding the High Court upheld the death sentence of a rapist. Chouhan said his government's decision to launch a slew of welfare schemes has paid off. "We pulled Madhya Pradesh out of the 'BIMARU' tag by making it a developed state," he added. The acronym BIMARU was coined to refer to the economic condition of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. In recent years, these states have reported progress on many human development indicators.

Pro-incumbency at work in Madhya Pradesh, says Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Polling in Mizoram will be held on Wednesday with over 7.70 lakh voters expected to exercise their franchise in the state where Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is seeking a third consecutive term and the BJP looking to uproot the Congress in its last bastion in the Northeast.

The Congress and the Mizoram National Party (MNF) have ruled Mizoram since 1987 when it became a full-fledged state. Interestingly, no party has been able to form government thrice since that year.

Elections to the 40-member assembly in Mizoram, which has a population of about 10 lakh, is significant for the BJP that considers it to be the 'final frontier' in the region.

In the 2013 elections, the Congress had won 34 seats, while its main opposition, the Mizo National Front (MNF), got five and the Mizoram People's Conference bagged one seat.

The Congress and the MNF have fielded 40 candidates each, while the BJP is contesting in 39 seats. The Zoram Peoples Movement (ZPM), an alliance formed by two political parties and four groups, is contesting in 35 seats.

A total of 209 candidates are in fray for the November 28 polls and the fate of the candidates would be decided by 7,70,395 voters, which include 3,94,897 women.

Electronic voting machines (EVMs) will be used in the polling that would begin at 7am and end at 4pm.

Ahead of elections, the state witnessed intense protests by civil society groups over the place of voting for 12,026 Bru voters. The issue led to replacement of Chief Electoral Officer SB Shashank in less than two weeks before the polls.

Ashish Kundra, who replaced Shashank, said on Monday that the Election Commission has made extensive preparations for the Brus lodged in six relief camps of Tripura to cast their votes at Kanhmun village in Mamit district where 15 temporary polling stations have been set up. The village is located on the state's border with Tripura.

"The people of Kanhmun village have even erected a welcome gate at the border expressing heartiest welcome to Bru voters," Kundra said.

Campaigning in the state saw paradigm shift this election season with political parties making extensive use of social media platforms like Facebook and Whatsapp to woo young voters.

The ruling Congress banked heavily for the elections on its flagship New Land Use Policy (NLUP), which brought the party to power for two consecutive terms.

The campaign had reached its peak in the final week with the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Other prominent leaders who campaigned in the state included Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, DoNER Minister Jitendra Singh, National People's Party (NPP) leader and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.

Polling in Mizoram will be held on Wednesday with over 7.70 lakh voters expected to exercise their franchise in the state where Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is seeking a third consecutive term and the BJP looking to uproot the Congress in its last bastion in the Northeast.

Polling in Mizoram will be held on Wednesday with over 7.70 lakh voters expected to exercise their franchise in the state where Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is seeking a third consecutive term and the BJP looking to uproot the Congress in its last bastion in the Northeast. The Congress and the Mizoram National Party (MNF) have ruled Mizoram since 1987 when it became a full-fledged state. Interestingly, no party has been able to form government thrice since that year. Elections to the 40-member assembly in Mizoram, which has a population of about 10 lakh, is significant for the BJP that considers it to be the 'final frontier' in the region. In the 2013 elections, the Congress had won 34 seats, while its main opposition, the Mizo National Front (MNF), got five and the Mizoram People's Conference bagged one seat. The Congress and the MNF have fielded 40 candidates each, while the BJP is contesting in 39 seats. The Zoram Peoples Movement (ZPM), an alliance formed by two political parties and four groups, is contesting in 35 seats. A total of 209 candidates are in fray for the November 28 polls and the fate of the candidates would be decided by 7,70,395 voters, which include 3,94,897 women. Electronic voting machines (EVMs) will be used in the polling that would begin at 7am and end at 4pm. Ahead of elections, the state witnessed intense protests by civil society groups over the place of voting for 12,026 Bru voters. The issue led to replacement of Chief Electoral Officer SB Shashank in less than two weeks before the polls. Ashish Kundra, who replaced Shashank, said on Monday that the Election Commission has made extensive preparations for the Brus lodged in six relief camps of Tripura to cast their votes at Kanhmun village in Mamit district where 15 temporary polling stations have been set up. The village is located on the state's border with Tripura. "The people of Kanhmun village have even erected a welcome gate at the border expressing heartiest welcome to Bru voters," Kundra said. Campaigning in the state saw paradigm shift this election season with political parties making extensive use of social media platforms like Facebook and Whatsapp to woo young voters. The ruling Congress banked heavily for the elections on its flagship New Land Use Policy (NLUP), which brought the party to power for two consecutive terms. The campaign had reached its peak in the final week with the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Other prominent leaders who campaigned in the state included Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, DoNER Minister Jitendra Singh, National People's Party (NPP) leader and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.

Mizoram polls litmus test for CM Thanhawla, BJP looks to uproot Congress from last bastion in Northeast

The Supreme Court slammed the Bihar government Monday, giving it 24 hours to amend its FIR in the Muzaffarpur shelter home case.&nbsp;

The court told the state government that children had allegedly been sodomised at the Muzaffarpur shelter home but that Section 377 had not been invoked against the accused.&nbsp;

“What are you (Bihar government) doing? It’s shameful. If the child is sodomised, you say it’s nothing? How can you do this? It’s inhuman. We were told that matter will be looked with great seriousness, this is seriousness? Every time I read this file it’s tragic.”

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Supreme Court says, “What are you (Bihar govt) doing? It’s shameful. If the child is sodomised you say it’s nothing? How can you do this? It’s inhuman. We were told that matter will be looked with great seriousness, this is seriousness? Every time I read this file it’s tragic.” <a href="https://t.co/jRTxusLQfK">https://t.co/jRTxusLQfK</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067294207478501376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Supreme Court says, 'if we find that there were offences under section 377 IPC and POCSO Act and you did not register FIR, we will pass an order against the government.' <a href="https://t.co/2t0NdYY7Bc">https://t.co/2t0NdYY7Bc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067292555493158912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The court had asked the Bihar government why charges under Section 377 had not been filed in the case, to which the government replied that the matter was under investigation.&nbsp;

The court then said that if it found that offences chargeable under Section 377, the court would pass an order against the government since an FIR had not been filed under Section 377.

The court also slammed the Bihar government for not taking action against all the 14 shelter homes in the state where children were allegedly subjected to sexual abuse.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court also noted that the FIR filed by the Bihar government made no mention of the TISS report on the sexual and physical abuse of the girls and boys at the state's shelter homes.

The Supreme Court slammed the Bihar government Monday, giving it 24 hours to amend its FIR in the Muzaffarpur shelter home case. The court told the state government that children had allegedly been sodomised at the Muzaffarpur shelter home but that Section 377 had not been invoked against the accused.

The Supreme Court slammed the Bihar government Monday, giving it 24 hours to amend its FIR in the Muzaffarpur shelter home case. The court told the state government that children had allegedly been sodomised at the Muzaffarpur shelter home but that Section 377 had not been invoked against the accused. “What are you (Bihar government) doing? It’s shameful. If the child is sodomised, you say it’s nothing? How can you do this? It’s inhuman. We were told that matter will be looked with great seriousness, this is seriousness? Every time I read this file it’s tragic.” Supreme Court says, “What are you (Bihar govt) doing? It’s shameful. If the child is sodomised you say it’s nothing? How can you do this? It’s inhuman. We were told that matter will be looked with great seriousness, this is seriousness? Every time I read this file it’s tragic.” https://t.co/jRTxusLQfK — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2018 × Supreme Court says, 'if we find that there were offences under section 377 IPC and POCSO Act and you did not register FIR, we will pass an order against the government.' https://t.co/2t0NdYY7Bc — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2018 × The court had asked the Bihar government why charges under Section 377 had not been filed in the case, to which the government replied that the matter was under investigation. The court then said that if it found that offences chargeable under Section 377, the court would pass an order against the government since an FIR had not been filed under Section 377. The court also slammed the Bihar government for not taking action against all the 14 shelter homes in the state where children were allegedly subjected to sexual abuse. The Supreme Court also noted that the FIR filed by the Bihar government made no mention of the TISS report on the sexual and physical abuse of the girls and boys at the state's shelter homes.

Children are sodomised and you say it's nothing: SC slams Bihar govt

A rights organisation has urged Indian police to call off efforts <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-tourist-killed-by-isolated-tribe-in-andaman-and-nicobars-north-sentinel-island-7-arrested-178559">to recover the body of an American missionary</a> believed to have been killed by an isolated tribe on a remote island due to the risk of introducing them to diseases.

John Allen Chau, 26, is believed to have been killed last week after travelling to North Sentinel - part of the Indian archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar in the Bay of Bengal - to try to convert the tribe to Christianity.

Indian police are working with anthropologists and psychologists to see if a plan can be forged to recover the body of Chau, an officer said on Monday.

But Survival International, a body that campaigns for the rights of indigenous tribals, said the attempts were dangerous for the Indian officials as well as the Sentinelese, who face being "wiped out" if any outside diseases were introduced.

"The risk of a deadly epidemic of flu, measles or other outside disease is very real, and increases with every such contact," they said.

The Sentinelese, generally considered the last pre-Neolithic tribe in the world, have violently resisted any contact with outsiders. The Indian government has for years placed the island off-limits to visitors to protect the tribe.

"We are in constant touch with anthropologists and psychologists," said Dependra Pathak, director general of police in the Andaman and Nicobar islands.

"If they suggest any methodology to interact without disturbing them then we can draw (up a) strategy," he said. "At this stage we don't have any plan to confront our Sentinelese."

A group of anthropologists, journalists and activists said in a joint statement that continuing with the efforts to recover Chau's body could lead to further violence and "completely unwarranted loss of life".

"The rights and the desires of the Sentinelese need to be respected and nothing is to be achieved by escalating the conflict and tension, and worse, to creating a situation where more harm is caused," they said.

Chau, who described himself in social media posts as an adventurer and explorer, made several trips to the island by canoe on Nov. 15.

He told fishermen who took him to the island a day later he would not be returning, Pathak said previously.

Seven people who helped Chau reach the island have been arrested.

Separately, Andaman and Nicobar authorities issued a statement on Monday reiterating that the island remained off limits to foreigners as well as Indians after some media reported relaxations of restrictions for visitors.

A rights organisation has urged Indian police to call off efforts to recover the body of an American missionary believed to have been killed by an isolated tribe on a remote island due to the risk of introducing them to diseases.

A rights organisation has urged Indian police to call off efforts to recover the body of an American missionary believed to have been killed by an isolated tribe on a remote island due to the risk of introducing them to diseases. John Allen Chau, 26, is believed to have been killed last week after travelling to North Sentinel - part of the Indian archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar in the Bay of Bengal - to try to convert the tribe to Christianity. Indian police are working with anthropologists and psychologists to see if a plan can be forged to recover the body of Chau, an officer said on Monday. But Survival International, a body that campaigns for the rights of indigenous tribals, said the attempts were dangerous for the Indian officials as well as the Sentinelese, who face being "wiped out" if any outside diseases were introduced. "The risk of a deadly epidemic of flu, measles or other outside disease is very real, and increases with every such contact," they said. The Sentinelese, generally considered the last pre-Neolithic tribe in the world, have violently resisted any contact with outsiders. The Indian government has for years placed the island off-limits to visitors to protect the tribe. "We are in constant touch with anthropologists and psychologists," said Dependra Pathak, director general of police in the Andaman and Nicobar islands. "If they suggest any methodology to interact without disturbing them then we can draw (up a) strategy," he said. "At this stage we don't have any plan to confront our Sentinelese." A group of anthropologists, journalists and activists said in a joint statement that continuing with the efforts to recover Chau's body could lead to further violence and "completely unwarranted loss of life". "The rights and the desires of the Sentinelese need to be respected and nothing is to be achieved by escalating the conflict and tension, and worse, to creating a situation where more harm is caused," they said. Chau, who described himself in social media posts as an adventurer and explorer, made several trips to the island by canoe on Nov. 15. He told fishermen who took him to the island a day later he would not be returning, Pathak said previously. Seven people who helped Chau reach the island have been arrested. Separately, Andaman and Nicobar authorities issued a statement on Monday reiterating that the island remained off limits to foreigners as well as Indians after some media reported relaxations of restrictions for visitors.

Rights group says call off hunt for Chau, disease may 'wipe out' Sentinelese

Rehana Fathima, the activist who had recently tried to enter Kerala's Sabarimala temple, has been arrested by Kerala Police.&nbsp;

ANI reported that Fathima was arrested on the charge of allegedly hurting religious sentiments via a Facebook post.&nbsp;

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Kerala: Woman activist Rehana Fathima has been arrested by Pathanamthitta Police. The arrest was made on charges of allegedly hurting religious sentiment through a Facebook post. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/WMWoGkGIl1">pic.twitter.com/WMWoGkGIl1</a>
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News reports meanwhile said that a case had been filed against Fathima on October 30 by the Sabarimala Samrakshana Samithi, a group that fights to uphold the temple's "traditions". &nbsp;

It is unclear what exactly Fathima's Facebook post had said.&nbsp;

Rehana, and a woman journalist from Hyderabad accompanying her, had finally not been able to enter Sabarimala. They had been stopped from entering by male devotees protesting the Supreme Court order allowing all women to visit Sabarimala.&nbsp;

Until the Supreme Court order overturning the social ban, Sabarimala has not allowed girls and women between the ages of 10 and 50 to visit the hill shrine in Kerala's Periyar reserve.&nbsp;

Rehana Fathima, the activist who had recently tried to enter Kerala's Sabarimala temple, has been arrested by Kerala Police. ANI reported that Fathima was arrested on the charge of allegedly hurting religious sentiments via a Facebook post.

Rehana Fathima, the activist who had recently tried to enter Kerala's Sabarimala temple, has been arrested by Kerala Police. ANI reported that Fathima was arrested on the charge of allegedly hurting religious sentiments via a Facebook post. Kerala: Woman activist Rehana Fathima has been arrested by Pathanamthitta Police. The arrest was made on charges of allegedly hurting religious sentiment through a Facebook post. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/WMWoGkGIl1 — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2018 × News reports meanwhile said that a case had been filed against Fathima on October 30 by the Sabarimala Samrakshana Samithi, a group that fights to uphold the temple's "traditions". It is unclear what exactly Fathima's Facebook post had said. Rehana, and a woman journalist from Hyderabad accompanying her, had finally not been able to enter Sabarimala. They had been stopped from entering by male devotees protesting the Supreme Court order allowing all women to visit Sabarimala. Until the Supreme Court order overturning the social ban, Sabarimala has not allowed girls and women between the ages of 10 and 50 to visit the hill shrine in Kerala's Periyar reserve.

Rehmana Fathima who tried to enter Sabarimala arrested for hurting religious sentiments

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Monday attacked Prime Minister Narendra suggesting that PM Modi must exercise due restraint and not use the "type of language which has now become common practice," news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The former PM added that the prime minister of a country must set an example for others.&nbsp;

"He is the prime minister for all the citizens of our country and his conduct must be worthy and consistent with that obligation that he/she has as prime minister," Singh stated at an event in Delhi.&nbsp;

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The prime minister of a country must set an example. He is the prime minister for all the citizens of our country and his conduct must be worthy and consistent with that obligation that he/she has as prime minister: Former PM Manmohan Singh (26.11) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/Q32ut8k4Lz">pic.twitter.com/Q32ut8k4Lz</a>
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"My advice to PM is that he should exercise due restraint becoming of the office of PM," he said, adding that, "When he goes to states which are ruled by parties other than his, I think, has an obligation not to use the type of language which has now become a common practice," the former PM said.&nbsp;<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HKfCnSDuNKU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

On November 21, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-govt-making-calibrated-effort-to-weaken-democracy-manmohan-singh-178643">Manmohan Singh accused the government</a> of making a "careful, well-thought-out calibrated effort" to weaken democracy and lamented that the credibility of institutions like Parliament and the CBI was being "systematically denigrated".

Singh levelled the allegation at a news conference in Indore ahead of the Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh on November 28, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The BJP rejected Singh's charge while the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) did not react. 
&nbsp;

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Monday attacked Prime Minister Narendra suggesting that PM Modi must exercise due restraint and not use the "type of language which has now become common practice," news agency ANI reported.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Monday attacked Prime Minister Narendra suggesting that PM Modi must exercise due restraint and not use the "type of language which has now become common practice," news agency ANI reported. The former PM added that the prime minister of a country must set an example for others. "He is the prime minister for all the citizens of our country and his conduct must be worthy and consistent with that obligation that he/she has as prime minister," Singh stated at an event in Delhi. The prime minister of a country must set an example. He is the prime minister for all the citizens of our country and his conduct must be worthy and consistent with that obligation that he/she has as prime minister: Former PM Manmohan Singh (26.11) #Delhi pic.twitter.com/Q32ut8k4Lz — ANI (@ANI) November 26, 2018 × "My advice to PM is that he should exercise due restraint becoming of the office of PM," he said, adding that, "When he goes to states which are ruled by parties other than his, I think, has an obligation not to use the type of language which has now become a common practice," the former PM said. On November 21, Manmohan Singh accused the government of making a "careful, well-thought-out calibrated effort" to weaken democracy and lamented that the credibility of institutions like Parliament and the CBI was being "systematically denigrated". Singh levelled the allegation at a news conference in Indore ahead of the Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh on November 28, news agency PTI reported. The BJP rejected Singh's charge while the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) did not react.

My advice to PM Modi is, exercise due restraint on language: Manmohan Singh

Makkal Needhi Maiam president and actor Kamal Haasan Tuesday appealed to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to "rise above politics" and extend support to the people affected by Cyclone Gaja in Tamil Nadu.

Haasan wrote to the chief minister, saying Cyclone Gaja has caused "widespread damage and destruction to life and property" in the Cauvery delta and coastal districts of Tamil Nadu.

He said his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), has urged the Kerala government and its people to come forward and assist in a way they deem fit to help Tamil Nadu "stand up on its feet again."

"Damage to crops, standing trees and boats is so extensive that the very source of life of our farmers and fishermen has been uprooted," the actor said in a letter to chief minister an veteran communist leader Vijayan.

"We urge you to rise above politics and other affiliations to demonstrate a true spirit of human kindness. Being humane is the fulcrum of humanity," the MNM chief said.

He said that "human benevolence shines brighter" during such times, adding that the damage caused by the cyclone will take years to overcome.

"However, we can begin now and start the process to rehabilitate and restore a sense of normalcy to our fellow brethren," Haasan, known to share a good rapport with Vijayan, said in the letter.

Cyclone Gaja crossed the Tamil Nadu coast between Nagapattinam and Vedaranyam on November 16, and left a trail of destruction, besides claiming 63 lives.&nbsp;

Makkal Needhi Maiam president and actor Kamal Haasan Tuesday appealed to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to "rise above politics" and extend support to the people affected by Cyclone Gaja in Tamil Nadu.

Makkal Needhi Maiam president and actor Kamal Haasan Tuesday appealed to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to "rise above politics" and extend support to the people affected by Cyclone Gaja in Tamil Nadu. Haasan wrote to the chief minister, saying Cyclone Gaja has caused "widespread damage and destruction to life and property" in the Cauvery delta and coastal districts of Tamil Nadu. He said his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), has urged the Kerala government and its people to come forward and assist in a way they deem fit to help Tamil Nadu "stand up on its feet again." "Damage to crops, standing trees and boats is so extensive that the very source of life of our farmers and fishermen has been uprooted," the actor said in a letter to chief minister an veteran communist leader Vijayan. "We urge you to rise above politics and other affiliations to demonstrate a true spirit of human kindness. Being humane is the fulcrum of humanity," the MNM chief said. He said that "human benevolence shines brighter" during such times, adding that the damage caused by the cyclone will take years to overcome. "However, we can begin now and start the process to rehabilitate and restore a sense of normalcy to our fellow brethren," Haasan, known to share a good rapport with Vijayan, said in the letter. Cyclone Gaja crossed the Tamil Nadu coast between Nagapattinam and Vedaranyam on November 16, and left a trail of destruction, besides claiming 63 lives.

'Rise above politics': Kamal Hassan to Kerala CM on Cyclone Gaja aftermath

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday stated that the Maratha community will be given independent reservation without disturbing the 52 per cent reservation, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

He added that the Maharashtra government is committed to the cause.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, the Maharashtra assembly was adjourned twice over the issue of tabling in the House of the State Backward Class Commission's report recommending quota for the Maratha community, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The Opposition Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have been demanding since last week that the report be tabled in the Legislature.

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Without disturbing the 52% reservation, Maratha community will be given independent reservation. Our govt is committed to this: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis in the state assembly
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Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil, who heads the Cabinet sub-committee on the Maratha quota issue, had told reporters on Monday that the government will introduce a bill on Thursday to provide reservation to Marathas under the Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC) category before the end of the Legislature's winter session.&nbsp;

The state Legislature's winter session concludes on Friday.

The Cabinet sub-committee was formed last week to study the State Backward Class Commission's report on reservation for Marathas and take a decision on it.

The Maratha community had held protests across the state earlier this year demanding quota in jobs and educational institutions.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday stated that the Maratha community will be given independent reservation without disturbing the 52 per cent reservation, news agency ANI reported.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday stated that the Maratha community will be given independent reservation without disturbing the 52 per cent reservation, news agency ANI reported. He added that the Maharashtra government is committed to the cause. Earlier in the day, the Maharashtra assembly was adjourned twice over the issue of tabling in the House of the State Backward Class Commission's report recommending quota for the Maratha community, news agency PTI reported. The Opposition Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have been demanding since last week that the report be tabled in the Legislature. Without disturbing the 52% reservation, Maratha community will be given independent reservation. Our govt is committed to this: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis in the state assembly — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2018 × Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil, who heads the Cabinet sub-committee on the Maratha quota issue, had told reporters on Monday that the government will introduce a bill on Thursday to provide reservation to Marathas under the Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC) category before the end of the Legislature's winter session. The state Legislature's winter session concludes on Friday. The Cabinet sub-committee was formed last week to study the State Backward Class Commission's report on reservation for Marathas and take a decision on it. The Maratha community had held protests across the state earlier this year demanding quota in jobs and educational institutions. (With inputs from agencies)

Maratha community will be given independent reservation, our govt is committed to this: Devendra Fadnavis

The TMC is mulling construction of 10 sun temples in Asansol area of south Bengal <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-tmc-supremo-mamata-banerjee-plans-to-take-on-bjp-in-west-bengal-171678">to peddle its "soft Hindutva" brand</a> and take the wind out of the BJP's sails in the state ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and Mayor of Asansol Municipal Corporation, Jitendra Kumar Tiwari is at the forefront of construction of the temples in his area which is likely to be completed before next year's 'Chhath' puja.

In addition to increasing outreach among the majority community members, the TMC's efforts also appear to be guided by its endeavour to further endear itself with the migrant Hindi speaking population from Bihar and Jharkhand in the region which has five Lok Sabha constituencies

"In this area of Durgapur-Asansol, there is a huge Hindi speaking population. Every year, we witness large number of devotees during Chhath Puja. In order to cater to them, we have decided to build 10 sun temples in the area," Tiwari, who is also the chairman of Chhath Puja Coordination Committee, told PTI.

The designs of the temples would be ready by December and the construction will cost around Rs 2 crore, Tiwari, who is also a TMC MLA from the West Burdwan district, said. 
"We have already started mobilizing funds from the locals for the construction of the temples. We have formed temple committees in different areas to raise funds. The Asansol Municipal Corporation will provide infrastructure support such as roads and electricity," he said.

Asansol-Durgapur belt has been one of the most politically and communally volatile regions in the state since 2014 Lok Sabha polls, which witnessed a surprising victory of BJP's Babul Supriyo.

Earlier, in March-April of this year, Asansol in West Burdwan district witnessed communal riots over Ram Navami celebrations.

The TMC's temple building exercise is being seen as its bid to check the saffron party's growth, which has made steady inroads in the region since Supriyo's victory. 
The decision to construct the temples comes at a time when the BJP has registered phenomenal growth in Bengal politics by championing the cause of Hindus and labelling TMC as a party more "keen on appeasing Muslims".

The BJP, which has fixed a target to win 22 seats in Bengal, is also set to start its three 'rath yatras' in Bengal from December 7 covering all the 42 Lok Sabha seats of the state.&nbsp;

However, a senior TMC leader and MP, on the condition of anonymity said, the party and the state government works for every caste and religion.

"We are aware that 10 sun temples are coming up in Asansol. The allegations of TMC practising soft Hindutva are completely baseless. We respect each and every religion. We don't believe in communal politics of BJP," the TMC leader told PTI.

Although, TMC sources admitted that the temples would endear the party to the Hindi speaking migrants in the region as Chhath festival -- to worship sun god -- is close to their hearts.

The Asansol-Durgapur belt and parts of Birbhum and Purulia, which share its border with Jharkhand, is known as the Hindi heartland of Bengal due to presence of considerable Hindi speaking population.

A majority of the population in the area are migrant labourers from Bihar and Jharkhand who work in factories there.

Despite Tiwari maintaining that the temples had nothing to do with elections or politics, TMC insiders said the initiative would have a "positive" impact on the 2019 polls.

"BJP has been trying to increase its footprint in the area by trying to pitch themselves as champions of Hindutva and saviours of Hindus. So, we want to reach out to the masses of the area, especially Hindi speaking people, with the message that we respect all religions," said a senior TMC leader.

The construction of temples in the areas will send out a strong message to the majority population in the adjoining districts and also tribal areas, which comprises nearly 5-6 Lok Sabha seats that the BJP is eyeing in next Lok Sabha polls, said another TMC leader.

However, the opposition Congress and CPI(M) alleged that the TMC was "peddling soft hindutva" to nullify Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) "pro-Hindu" agenda.

From organising 'purohit sammelan' (congregation of Hindu priests) to Haunuman Jayanti, Ram Navami celebrations and more recently providing Rs 10,000 each to 28,000 Durga puja pandals across the state, the TMC has been charting a course of "soft Hindutva" to take the wind out of BJP's sails, said CPI(M) central committee member Sujan Chakraborty.

State Congress president Somen Mitra went on to blame TMC's communal politics as the main reason for the rise of the BJP and its mentor the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Bengal.&nbsp;

However, the BJP said that it was due to the "fear psychosis" of the saffron party, that the TMC was forced to shift its stance from "Muslim appeasement to temple construction".

"It is really good to see that the TMC has changed its political strategy from minority appeasement to construction of temples due to the fear of BJP. The TMC is doing it with an eye on next year's Lok Sabha polls," local MP and Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries, Babul Supriyo said.

BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha said if the TMC was so keen on building temples, then it should come out with a clear stand on the issue of construction of Ram Temple in Ayodha.&nbsp;

The TMC is mulling construction of 10 sun temples in Asansol area of south Bengal to peddle its "soft Hindutva" brand and take the wind out of the BJP's sails in the state ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

The TMC is mulling construction of 10 sun temples in Asansol area of south Bengal to peddle its "soft Hindutva" brand and take the wind out of the BJP's sails in the state ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and Mayor of Asansol Municipal Corporation, Jitendra Kumar Tiwari is at the forefront of construction of the temples in his area which is likely to be completed before next year's 'Chhath' puja. In addition to increasing outreach among the majority community members, the TMC's efforts also appear to be guided by its endeavour to further endear itself with the migrant Hindi speaking population from Bihar and Jharkhand in the region which has five Lok Sabha constituencies "In this area of Durgapur-Asansol, there is a huge Hindi speaking population. Every year, we witness large number of devotees during Chhath Puja. In order to cater to them, we have decided to build 10 sun temples in the area," Tiwari, who is also the chairman of Chhath Puja Coordination Committee, told PTI. The designs of the temples would be ready by December and the construction will cost around Rs 2 crore, Tiwari, who is also a TMC MLA from the West Burdwan district, said. "We have already started mobilizing funds from the locals for the construction of the temples. We have formed temple committees in different areas to raise funds. The Asansol Municipal Corporation will provide infrastructure support such as roads and electricity," he said. Asansol-Durgapur belt has been one of the most politically and communally volatile regions in the state since 2014 Lok Sabha polls, which witnessed a surprising victory of BJP's Babul Supriyo. Earlier, in March-April of this year, Asansol in West Burdwan district witnessed communal riots over Ram Navami celebrations. The TMC's temple building exercise is being seen as its bid to check the saffron party's growth, which has made steady inroads in the region since Supriyo's victory. The decision to construct the temples comes at a time when the BJP has registered phenomenal growth in Bengal politics by championing the cause of Hindus and labelling TMC as a party more "keen on appeasing Muslims". The BJP, which has fixed a target to win 22 seats in Bengal, is also set to start its three 'rath yatras' in Bengal from December 7 covering all the 42 Lok Sabha seats of the state. However, a senior TMC leader and MP, on the condition of anonymity said, the party and the state government works for every caste and religion. "We are aware that 10 sun temples are coming up in Asansol. The allegations of TMC practising soft Hindutva are completely baseless. We respect each and every religion. We don't believe in communal politics of BJP," the TMC leader told PTI. Although, TMC sources admitted that the temples would endear the party to the Hindi speaking migrants in the region as Chhath festival -- to worship sun god -- is close to their hearts. The Asansol-Durgapur belt and parts of Birbhum and Purulia, which share its border with Jharkhand, is known as the Hindi heartland of Bengal due to presence of considerable Hindi speaking population. A majority of the population in the area are migrant labourers from Bihar and Jharkhand who work in factories there. Despite Tiwari maintaining that the temples had nothing to do with elections or politics, TMC insiders said the initiative would have a "positive" impact on the 2019 polls. "BJP has been trying to increase its footprint in the area by trying to pitch themselves as champions of Hindutva and saviours of Hindus. So, we want to reach out to the masses of the area, especially Hindi speaking people, with the message that we respect all religions," said a senior TMC leader. The construction of temples in the areas will send out a strong message to the majority population in the adjoining districts and also tribal areas, which comprises nearly 5-6 Lok Sabha seats that the BJP is eyeing in next Lok Sabha polls, said another TMC leader. However, the opposition Congress and CPI(M) alleged that the TMC was "peddling soft hindutva" to nullify Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) "pro-Hindu" agenda. From organising 'purohit sammelan' (congregation of Hindu priests) to Haunuman Jayanti, Ram Navami celebrations and more recently providing Rs 10,000 each to 28,000 Durga puja pandals across the state, the TMC has been charting a course of "soft Hindutva" to take the wind out of BJP's sails, said CPI(M) central committee member Sujan Chakraborty. State Congress president Somen Mitra went on to blame TMC's communal politics as the main reason for the rise of the BJP and its mentor the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Bengal. However, the BJP said that it was due to the "fear psychosis" of the saffron party, that the TMC was forced to shift its stance from "Muslim appeasement to temple construction". "It is really good to see that the TMC has changed its political strategy from minority appeasement to construction of temples due to the fear of BJP. The TMC is doing it with an eye on next year's Lok Sabha polls," local MP and Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries, Babul Supriyo said. BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha said if the TMC was so keen on building temples, then it should come out with a clear stand on the issue of construction of Ram Temple in Ayodha.

To counter BJP's Hindutva, Mamata's TMC mulls building 10 temples in Bengal

Voting for the fourth phase of the Jammu and Kashmir panchayat elections is underway at over 2,600 polling stations in the state, officials said Tuesday.&nbsp;

Polling for the fourth of the nine-phased elections is being held at 2,618 polling stations, including 639 in the Kashmir division and 1,979 in the Jammu division, they said.&nbsp;

The officials said polling started at 8 am and would end at 2 pm.

They said 777 polling stations -- 571 in the Kashmir division and 206 in the Jammu division -- have been categorised as hypersensitive.

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Voter turnout till 10 am for the fourth phase of Panchayat elections in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>. <a href="https://t.co/3IeQqxk804">pic.twitter.com/3IeQqxk804</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067313821281333249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Of the total, 5,470 candidates are in the fray for 339 sarpanch seats and 1,749 panch seats in this phase, the officials said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: Voting is underway for the fourth phase of Panchayat elections in the state. Visuals from a polling station in Noorkhan Bijhama in Baramulla district. <a href="https://t.co/L7ojYNlgyo">pic.twitter.com/L7ojYNlgyo</a>
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They said 99 sarpanchs and 969 panchs have been elected unopposed in the fourth phase.

In total 4,72,160 people have the right to exercise their franchise for sarpanch seats and 3,32,502 for panch seats, the officials said.

In the first phase, held on November 17, 74.1 per cent polling was recorded across the state, including 64.5 per cent in the Kashmir division and 79.4 per cent in the Jammu division.&nbsp;

On November 20, the second phase was held. Overall 71.1 per cent polling was recorded in the state, with 80.4 per cent in the Jammu division and 52.2 per cent in the Kashmir division.

In the third phase, the state recorded a 75.2 per cent polling. The Kashmir division recorded 55.7 per cent and the Jammu division 83.0 per cent.&nbsp;

The officials said all arrangements, including those related to security, have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the polls.

Voting for the fourth phase of the Jammu and Kashmir panchayat elections is underway at over 2,600 polling stations in the state, officials said Tuesday. Polling for the fourth of the nine-phased elections is being held at 2,618 polling stations, including 639 in the Kashmir division and 1,979 in the Jammu division, they said.

Voting for the fourth phase of the Jammu and Kashmir panchayat elections is underway at over 2,600 polling stations in the state, officials said Tuesday. Polling for the fourth of the nine-phased elections is being held at 2,618 polling stations, including 639 in the Kashmir division and 1,979 in the Jammu division, they said. The officials said polling started at 8 am and would end at 2 pm. They said 777 polling stations -- 571 in the Kashmir division and 206 in the Jammu division -- have been categorised as hypersensitive. Voter turnout till 10 am for the fourth phase of Panchayat elections in #JammuAndKashmir. pic.twitter.com/3IeQqxk804 — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2018 × Of the total, 5,470 candidates are in the fray for 339 sarpanch seats and 1,749 panch seats in this phase, the officials said. #JammuAndKashmir: Voting is underway for the fourth phase of Panchayat elections in the state. Visuals from a polling station in Noorkhan Bijhama in Baramulla district. pic.twitter.com/L7ojYNlgyo — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2018 × They said 99 sarpanchs and 969 panchs have been elected unopposed in the fourth phase. In total 4,72,160 people have the right to exercise their franchise for sarpanch seats and 3,32,502 for panch seats, the officials said. In the first phase, held on November 17, 74.1 per cent polling was recorded across the state, including 64.5 per cent in the Kashmir division and 79.4 per cent in the Jammu division. On November 20, the second phase was held. Overall 71.1 per cent polling was recorded in the state, with 80.4 per cent in the Jammu division and 52.2 per cent in the Kashmir division. In the third phase, the state recorded a 75.2 per cent polling. The Kashmir division recorded 55.7 per cent and the Jammu division 83.0 per cent. The officials said all arrangements, including those related to security, have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the polls.

Voting underway for fourth-phase of JK panchayat polls

Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Monday hit out at the Congress party for not conferring former prime minister Atal Bihar Vajpayee with the Bharat Ratna.

Former PM Vajpayee was presented the country's highest civilian award at his residence in 2015, few months after the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government came to power.

"Vajpayee ji told me that when he made his 1st speech, Nehru went to him and said Atal you will be the PM of this nation one day. He coming from an RSS background realised that this nation can't be built by one, but by all. Those who built this in the past can`t be forgotten. The point I have against Congress is that they should have given him the Bharat Ratna when he was in alive and in good health," Abdullah said at a book launch event in the capital.

Abdullah also accused PM Narendra Modi of not maintaining the dignity of the Prime Minister's Office and credited former prime ministers Rajiv and Indira Gandhi for where the country stands today.

"I think it is the quality of the people in the government. It is nothing else. The quality goes down to the level of forgetting what Nehru contributed to this country, what Indira Gandhi gave to this country. She gave her life. Rajiv Gandhi and other Prime Ministers- did they not give their entire time to build this nation? If we are sitting here, it is because of them. But what is he talking about? That his father and mother were abused? Is that the level of the Prime Minister? I have never used my father and my mother in my language. As Prime Minister of this nation, he has to think in a bigger way," he stated.

On Sunday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had approached the Election Commission to lodge a complaint against former Union Minister and Congress leader Vilasrao Muttemwar for his remark on Prime Minister Modi's father, and Congress leader Raj Babbar's comparison of the Indian Rupee's devaluation to Prime Minister Modi's 96-year-old mother.

Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Monday hit out at the Congress party for not conferring former prime minister Atal Bihar Vajpayee with the Bharat Ratna.

Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Monday hit out at the Congress party for not conferring former prime minister Atal Bihar Vajpayee with the Bharat Ratna. Former PM Vajpayee was presented the country's highest civilian award at his residence in 2015, few months after the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government came to power. "Vajpayee ji told me that when he made his 1st speech, Nehru went to him and said Atal you will be the PM of this nation one day. He coming from an RSS background realised that this nation can't be built by one, but by all. Those who built this in the past can`t be forgotten. The point I have against Congress is that they should have given him the Bharat Ratna when he was in alive and in good health," Abdullah said at a book launch event in the capital. Abdullah also accused PM Narendra Modi of not maintaining the dignity of the Prime Minister's Office and credited former prime ministers Rajiv and Indira Gandhi for where the country stands today. "I think it is the quality of the people in the government. It is nothing else. The quality goes down to the level of forgetting what Nehru contributed to this country, what Indira Gandhi gave to this country. She gave her life. Rajiv Gandhi and other Prime Ministers- did they not give their entire time to build this nation? If we are sitting here, it is because of them. But what is he talking about? That his father and mother were abused? Is that the level of the Prime Minister? I have never used my father and my mother in my language. As Prime Minister of this nation, he has to think in a bigger way," he stated. On Sunday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had approached the Election Commission to lodge a complaint against former Union Minister and Congress leader Vilasrao Muttemwar for his remark on Prime Minister Modi's father, and Congress leader Raj Babbar's comparison of the Indian Rupee's devaluation to Prime Minister Modi's 96-year-old mother.

Congress should've given Bharat Ratna to former PM Vajpayee: Farooq Abdullah

Two terrorists were killed on Tuesday in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Redwani area of Kulgam.&nbsp;

While one jawan has been killed, two others have sustained injuries in the exchange of fire.

The killed terrorists have been identified as Ajaz Ahmad Makroo, a&nbsp;resident of Qaimoh, and Waris Ahmad Malik who was a resident of Arwani. Both were affiliated to Lashkar-e-Taiba and were wanted for a series of terror crimes., news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The encounter took place early in the morning on Tuesday, a day after least seven Maoists and two policemen were killed in an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nine-maoists-two-policemen-killed-in-encounter-in-chhattisgarhs-sukma-179482">encounter in south Chhattisgarh's Sukma</a> near Saklar village.

Another encounter between security forces and terrorists broke out in Kapran Batagund area of Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Sunday.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UDPATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UDPATE</a> Kulgam encounter: One jawan of Rashtriya Rifles died in action, two jawans of 163 Bn CRPF injured. Two terrorists neutralised, their identities and affiliations are being ascertained. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/Hwhr4B5nfx">https://t.co/Hwhr4B5nfx</a>
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According to reports, as many as six terrorists were killed along with a security personnel named Naik Nazir. The security forces recovered weapons and warlike stores, news agency ANI reported.

Four out of six terrorists belonged to Hizbul Mujahideen, rest were from Lashkar-e-Taiba. Both the district commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar were killed, SSP Shopian Sandeep Chaudhary told media.&nbsp;

Two terrorists were killed on Tuesday in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Redwani area of Kulgam. While one jawan has been killed, two others have sustained injuries in the exchange of fire.

Two terrorists were killed on Tuesday in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Redwani area of Kulgam. While one jawan has been killed, two others have sustained injuries in the exchange of fire. The killed terrorists have been identified as Ajaz Ahmad Makroo, a resident of Qaimoh, and Waris Ahmad Malik who was a resident of Arwani. Both were affiliated to Lashkar-e-Taiba and were wanted for a series of terror crimes., news agency ANI reported. The encounter took place early in the morning on Tuesday, a day after least seven Maoists and two policemen were killed in an encounter in south Chhattisgarh's Sukma near Saklar village. Another encounter between security forces and terrorists broke out in Kapran Batagund area of Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Sunday. #UDPATE Kulgam encounter: One jawan of Rashtriya Rifles died in action, two jawans of 163 Bn CRPF injured. Two terrorists neutralised, their identities and affiliations are being ascertained. #JammuAndKashmir https://t.co/Hwhr4B5nfx — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2018 × According to reports, as many as six terrorists were killed along with a security personnel named Naik Nazir. The security forces recovered weapons and warlike stores, news agency ANI reported. Four out of six terrorists belonged to Hizbul Mujahideen, rest were from Lashkar-e-Taiba. Both the district commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar were killed, SSP Shopian Sandeep Chaudhary told media.

J&K: 2 terrorists, 1 jawan killed in encounter in Kulgam

As Aamir Khan turned 55 today, Bollywood celebrities from Kareena Kapoor Khan to Ayushmann Khurrana took social media to share their heart-warming wishes for the actor. 
 
Kareena Kapoor Khan who recently made her Instagram debut wished him by sharing a picture of Aamir in which he is sleeping. She captioned the post, "My fav co-star has to be @_aamirkhan`s... pillow!".&nbsp;

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<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9tLSlzJ6oE/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9tLSlzJ6oE/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">My fav co-star has to be @_aamirkhan's... pillow! ❤️🤭</a>

<p style="color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kareenakapoorkhan/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Kareena Kapoor Khan</a> (@kareenakapoorkhan) on <time datetime="2020-03-14T07:35:46+00:00" style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Mar 14, 2020 at 12:35am PDT</time>
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Aamir received birthday greetings from Ajay Devgn on Twitter as he called the actor his lucky mascot.

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Aamir you are Kajol &amp; my lucky mascot. Happy returns of today😊<a href="https://twitter.com/aamir_khan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aamir_khan</a>
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajaydevgn/status/1238697224013406208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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'Tanhaji' actor tweeted, "Aamir you are Kajol &amp; my lucky mascot. Happy returns of today @aamir_khan."Juhi Chawla showered birthday wishes on the 'PK' actor on Twitter, and wrote, Happy Happy Birthday .... !!! where`s the party tonight ...???? ... 100 trees for you.

Ayushmann shared a selfie with Aamir. "Happy birthday @_aamirkhan sir. Met him in Chandigarh on 1st March'', he wrote.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="ayushmann" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5ad61441-cfdd-489f-8531-f9a22b986ab9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%2846%29.jpg" /> 
 
The legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar also shared a picture along with the actor and he captioned the post as, "Happy birthday to my dear friend Aamir Singh Chaddha."

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Happy birthday to my dear friend Aamir Singh Chaddha. 🙂 <a href="https://t.co/86fJldMJT4">pic.twitter.com/86fJldMJT4</a>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1238701284334522374?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Madhuri Dixit also shared a post and captioned, ''Here's to the man who is not only wise but also kind and thoughtful. On your special day, I wish you lots of happiness. May you enjoy this fantastic day to the fullest. Happy birthday,&nbsp;@aamir_khan, have a fabulous one''.&nbsp;

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Here's to the man who is not only wise but also kind and thoughtful. On your special day, I wish you lots of happiness. May you enjoy this fantastic day to the fullest. Happy birthday <a href="https://twitter.com/aamir_khan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aamir_khan</a>, have a fabulous one. <a href="https://t.co/ovXsl68g2i">pic.twitter.com/ovXsl68g2i</a>
— Madhuri Dixit Nene (@MadhuriDixit) <a href="https://twitter.com/MadhuriDixit/status/1238699633288687616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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On the work front, the actor is busy shooting his upcoming movie 'Laal Singh Chaddha'. The film is a remake of Tom Hanks-starrer 'Forrest Gump' and is helmed by director Advait Chandan.

As Aamir Khan turned 55 today, Bollywood celebrities from Kareena Kapoor Khan to Ayushmann Khurrana took social media to share their heart-warming wishes for the actor.

As Aamir Khan turned 55 today, Bollywood celebrities from Kareena Kapoor Khan to Ayushmann Khurrana took social media to share their heart-warming wishes for the actor. Kareena Kapoor Khan who recently made her Instagram debut wished him by sharing a picture of Aamir in which he is sleeping. She captioned the post, "My fav co-star has to be @_aamirkhan`s... pillow!". View this post on Instagram My fav co-star has to be @_aamirkhan's... pillow! ❤️🤭 A post shared by Kareena Kapoor Khan (@kareenakapoorkhan) on Mar 14, 2020 at 12:35am PDT × Aamir received birthday greetings from Ajay Devgn on Twitter as he called the actor his lucky mascot. Aamir you are Kajol & my lucky mascot. Happy returns of today😊@aamir_khan — Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) March 14, 2020 × 'Tanhaji' actor tweeted, "Aamir you are Kajol & my lucky mascot. Happy returns of today @aamir_khan."Juhi Chawla showered birthday wishes on the 'PK' actor on Twitter, and wrote, Happy Happy Birthday .... !!! where`s the party tonight ...???? ... 100 trees for you. Ayushmann shared a selfie with Aamir. "Happy birthday @_aamirkhan sir. Met him in Chandigarh on 1st March'', he wrote. The legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar also shared a picture along with the actor and he captioned the post as, "Happy birthday to my dear friend Aamir Singh Chaddha." Happy birthday to my dear friend Aamir Singh Chaddha. 🙂 pic.twitter.com/86fJldMJT4 — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 14, 2020 × Madhuri Dixit also shared a post and captioned, ''Here's to the man who is not only wise but also kind and thoughtful. On your special day, I wish you lots of happiness. May you enjoy this fantastic day to the fullest. Happy birthday, @aamir_khan, have a fabulous one''. Here's to the man who is not only wise but also kind and thoughtful. On your special day, I wish you lots of happiness. May you enjoy this fantastic day to the fullest. Happy birthday @aamir_khan, have a fabulous one. pic.twitter.com/ovXsl68g2i — Madhuri Dixit Nene (@MadhuriDixit) March 14, 2020 × On the work front, the actor is busy shooting his upcoming movie 'Laal Singh Chaddha'. The film is a remake of Tom Hanks-starrer 'Forrest Gump' and is helmed by director Advait Chandan.

J&K: Terrorist killed in encounter with security forces in Pulwama

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