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The Congress in Rajasthan Saturday lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against BJP president Amit Shah alleging that he had provoked his party's workers against leaders of the opposition party during his recent visit to Bikaner.&nbsp;

It also filed complaints with the poll panel against Rajasthan Urban Development and Housing Minister Srichand Kriplani and BJP MLA Ramhet Yadav.

The Congress alleged that BJP chief Shah, the minister and the legislator had violated the model code of conduct in the state, where elections are due on December 7.&nbsp;

"Shah during his recent visit to Bikaner had provoked his party workers against Congress leaders.&nbsp;Minister and BJP candidate from Nimbahera (Kriplani) had invoked sentiments of the public by telling people that he will commit suicide if they did not vote him to power," Rajasthan Congress spokesperson Sushil Sharma said.

In an apparent reference to the illegal sand mining in Rajasthan, he said BJP MLA Ramhet Singh Yadav, that party's candidate from Alwar's Kishangarh Bas, made a remark which was in contempt of a Supreme Court order.

&nbsp;In a video, Yadav was seen purportedly seeking votes by telling people that "it is Ramhet Yadav's Sarkar, therefore loaded tractors are plying".&nbsp;

Sharma also said a complaint has been lodged with the EC against Rajasthan Administrative Service officer Rajesh Chauhan.&nbsp;

Rajesh's wife Shobha Chauhan is contesting the elections as a BJP candidate from Sojat and he is violating service rules and also the model code of conduct by working like a BJP worker, he alleged.

"We have lodged a complaint with the election commission against them for violation code of conduct,"&nbsp;Sharma said.

The Congress in Rajasthan Saturday lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against BJP president Amit Shah alleging that he had provoked his party's workers against leaders of the opposition party during his recent visit to Bikaner.

The Congress in Rajasthan Saturday lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against BJP president Amit Shah alleging that he had provoked his party's workers against leaders of the opposition party during his recent visit to Bikaner. It also filed complaints with the poll panel against Rajasthan Urban Development and Housing Minister Srichand Kriplani and BJP MLA Ramhet Yadav. The Congress alleged that BJP chief Shah, the minister and the legislator had violated the model code of conduct in the state, where elections are due on December 7. "Shah during his recent visit to Bikaner had provoked his party workers against Congress leaders. Minister and BJP candidate from Nimbahera (Kriplani) had invoked sentiments of the public by telling people that he will commit suicide if they did not vote him to power," Rajasthan Congress spokesperson Sushil Sharma said. In an apparent reference to the illegal sand mining in Rajasthan, he said BJP MLA Ramhet Singh Yadav, that party's candidate from Alwar's Kishangarh Bas, made a remark which was in contempt of a Supreme Court order. In a video, Yadav was seen purportedly seeking votes by telling people that "it is Ramhet Yadav's Sarkar, therefore loaded tractors are plying". Sharma also said a complaint has been lodged with the EC against Rajasthan Administrative Service officer Rajesh Chauhan. Rajesh's wife Shobha Chauhan is contesting the elections as a BJP candidate from Sojat and he is violating service rules and also the model code of conduct by working like a BJP worker, he alleged. "We have lodged a complaint with the election commission against them for violation code of conduct," Sharma said.

Congress lodges complaint with EC against BJP chief Amit Shah, Rajasthan minister and MLA

BJP president Amit Shah Sunday hit out at Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao for not taking action against AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi in connection with a hate speech.

Akbaruddin, MLA from Chandrayangutta in the dissolved state Assembly, was arrested by Nirmal police in January 2013 for allegedly using inflammatory and derogatory language against a community during his public speeches in Nirmal and Nizamabad in December 2012. He was subsequently released on bail.

Shah also claimed that KCR was afraid of the AIMIM, which he described as a 'Razakars party".

The Razakars were an armed militia of the Hyderabad Nizamate who tried to brutally put down a revolt by peasants opposed to the Nizam's decision to not merge with India following Independence.

Addressing a rally here on Sunday, Shah said: "This is the land (Nirmal) where Akbaruddin Owaisi gave a speech. He insulted Hindu gods. There was also a case against him. But this TRS government failed to take further action."

Taking a swipe at KCR on the issue, Shah added, "I want to ask Chandrasekhar Rao, why are you not taking action? Do it now, otherwise you would lose power to take action (TRS government would be voted out)."

Continuing his tirade, Shah said KCR, as the Telangana CM is popularly known, had no time to visit families of the 60 people who died when a overcrowded state bus plunged into a valley in Kondagattu in the state's Jagtial district in August this year.

"This Chief Minister does not have the time to visit the victims of the Kondagattu (bus) accident. But he has time to eat biryani with Owaisi brothers (AIMIM chief Asaduddin and Akbaruddin)," he said.

Alleging that KCR was "scared" of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen, Shah said, "KCR is scared of this Razakars party (AIMIM). That is why he is not holding (celebrations for) Hyderabad Liberation Day on September17,

Hundreds lost their lives in the crackdown by the Razakars following which the Indian government conducted "police action", codenamed Operation Polo, on September 17, 1948, to merge Hyderabad state into the Indian Union.

Shah also attacked the TRS government over farm distress and claimed that as many as 131 farmers had committed suicide in Gajwel constituency from where KCR is seeking re-election.&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah Sunday hit out at Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao for not taking action against AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi in connection with a hate speech.

BJP president Amit Shah Sunday hit out at Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao for not taking action against AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi in connection with a hate speech. Akbaruddin, MLA from Chandrayangutta in the dissolved state Assembly, was arrested by Nirmal police in January 2013 for allegedly using inflammatory and derogatory language against a community during his public speeches in Nirmal and Nizamabad in December 2012. He was subsequently released on bail. Shah also claimed that KCR was afraid of the AIMIM, which he described as a 'Razakars party". The Razakars were an armed militia of the Hyderabad Nizamate who tried to brutally put down a revolt by peasants opposed to the Nizam's decision to not merge with India following Independence. Addressing a rally here on Sunday, Shah said: "This is the land (Nirmal) where Akbaruddin Owaisi gave a speech. He insulted Hindu gods. There was also a case against him. But this TRS government failed to take further action." Taking a swipe at KCR on the issue, Shah added, "I want to ask Chandrasekhar Rao, why are you not taking action? Do it now, otherwise you would lose power to take action (TRS government would be voted out)." Continuing his tirade, Shah said KCR, as the Telangana CM is popularly known, had no time to visit families of the 60 people who died when a overcrowded state bus plunged into a valley in Kondagattu in the state's Jagtial district in August this year. "This Chief Minister does not have the time to visit the victims of the Kondagattu (bus) accident. But he has time to eat biryani with Owaisi brothers (AIMIM chief Asaduddin and Akbaruddin)," he said. Alleging that KCR was "scared" of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen, Shah said, "KCR is scared of this Razakars party (AIMIM). That is why he is not holding (celebrations for) Hyderabad Liberation Day on September17, Hundreds lost their lives in the crackdown by the Razakars following which the Indian government conducted "police action", codenamed Operation Polo, on September 17, 1948, to merge Hyderabad state into the Indian Union. Shah also attacked the TRS government over farm distress and claimed that as many as 131 farmers had committed suicide in Gajwel constituency from where KCR is seeking re-election.

Telangana polls: KCR afraid of 'Razakars party' AIMIM, says Amit Shah

Thirty-three of the total 200 Rajasthan Assembly constituencies are witnessing a fight between the same candidates of the BJP and the Congress who had contested the 2013 state polls.

Both the parties have changed their candidates on 43 seats this time.&nbsp;

On the remaining 124 seats, the two major parties have decided to field new candidates.

Of the 33 seats, 29 are sitting BJP MLAs and four are Congress MLAs that included former chief minister Ashok Gehlot.&nbsp;

Karanpur seat is witnessing a fight between Mines minister Surendra Pal Singh and former Congress minister Gurmeet Singh, who had lost 2013 election to Surendra Pal Singh with a margin of 3,853 votes, while Hanumagarh seat is being contested by Water Resources minister Ram Pratap and Congress candidate Vinod Chaudhary.&nbsp;

Chaudhary had faced defeat with a big margin of 30,487 votes but the Congress has fielded him again and the seat will witness a direct fight between both the candidates.&nbsp;

Former Congress minister Rajendra Pareek is in the fray in Sikar constituency, which was won by BJP's Ratan lal Jaldhari in 2013 with a margin of 13,015 votes.

The seat in Shekhwati region is all set to witness a triangular contest with Rashtriya Loktantrik Dal's Wahid Chauhan in the race.&nbsp;

Chauhan contested the last polls as Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate and stood third by securing 29.10 per cent votes.&nbsp;

Former speaker and Congress candidate Deependra Singh Shekhaat is in&nbsp;fight with BJP's Jhabar Singh Kharra at Srimadhopur, while Chomu seat is also witnessing a direct fight between BJP MLA Ram Lal Sharma and Congress candidate Bhagwan Sahahi Saini.&nbsp;

The winning margin of Sharma was 44,473 in 2013.

Jaipur's hot seat civil lines is again witnessing the same fight like that of 2013 and the candidates are Social Justice and Empowerment minister Arun Chaturvedi and former Congress MLA Prapta Singh Khachariyawas.&nbsp;

A similar situation is in Malviya Nagar where Health minister Kalicharan Saraf is in a close battle with PCC vice-president Archana Sharma.&nbsp;

Candidates are same but people will vote for the Congress on December 7 because there is high resentment among people against Saraf who is facing corruption charges and people are inclined towards Congress, Sharma said.

People want clean leadership and corruption-free government which is focussed on development and the BJP failed to deliver and therefore the public is against the ruling party, she said.

Jayal seat of Nagaur district is also having repeat candidates and both are women named Manju.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has retained sitting MLA Manju Baghmar while the Congress has again fielded Manju Devi on the seat reserved for SC candidates.&nbsp;

Jodhpur's Sardarpura seat is witnessing contesting between sitting MLA and Gehlot who had defeated BJP's Shambhu Singh Khetasar with a margin of 18,478 votes.&nbsp;

Gehlot had the only advantage of caste factor. Apart from that, there is no charm of him. He did not work for his constituency and also often remained absent in the assembly. The issue in the assembly remains the same and unaddressed and I am confident that the BJP will win the seat this time, BJP candidate Shambhu Singh Khetasar said.

On the other hand, both the BJP and the Congress have changed their candidates in 43 constituencies.&nbsp;

Thirty-four out of these 43 seats were won by the BJP in 2013 but the party dropped them this time and gave tickets to others which made some of such sitting MLAs, including ministers Rajkumar Rinwa (Ratangarh), Hem Singh Bhandana (Thanagaji) rebel.

As many as 2,294 candidates, including 189 women candidates, are contesting on 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan which is going to poll on December 7.&nbsp;

Thirty-three of the total 200 Rajasthan Assembly constituencies are witnessing a fight between the same candidates of the BJP and the Congress who had contested the 2013 state polls.

Thirty-three of the total 200 Rajasthan Assembly constituencies are witnessing a fight between the same candidates of the BJP and the Congress who had contested the 2013 state polls. Both the parties have changed their candidates on 43 seats this time. On the remaining 124 seats, the two major parties have decided to field new candidates. Of the 33 seats, 29 are sitting BJP MLAs and four are Congress MLAs that included former chief minister Ashok Gehlot. Karanpur seat is witnessing a fight between Mines minister Surendra Pal Singh and former Congress minister Gurmeet Singh, who had lost 2013 election to Surendra Pal Singh with a margin of 3,853 votes, while Hanumagarh seat is being contested by Water Resources minister Ram Pratap and Congress candidate Vinod Chaudhary. Chaudhary had faced defeat with a big margin of 30,487 votes but the Congress has fielded him again and the seat will witness a direct fight between both the candidates. Former Congress minister Rajendra Pareek is in the fray in Sikar constituency, which was won by BJP's Ratan lal Jaldhari in 2013 with a margin of 13,015 votes. The seat in Shekhwati region is all set to witness a triangular contest with Rashtriya Loktantrik Dal's Wahid Chauhan in the race. Chauhan contested the last polls as Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate and stood third by securing 29.10 per cent votes. Former speaker and Congress candidate Deependra Singh Shekhaat is in fight with BJP's Jhabar Singh Kharra at Srimadhopur, while Chomu seat is also witnessing a direct fight between BJP MLA Ram Lal Sharma and Congress candidate Bhagwan Sahahi Saini. The winning margin of Sharma was 44,473 in 2013. Jaipur's hot seat civil lines is again witnessing the same fight like that of 2013 and the candidates are Social Justice and Empowerment minister Arun Chaturvedi and former Congress MLA Prapta Singh Khachariyawas. A similar situation is in Malviya Nagar where Health minister Kalicharan Saraf is in a close battle with PCC vice-president Archana Sharma. Candidates are same but people will vote for the Congress on December 7 because there is high resentment among people against Saraf who is facing corruption charges and people are inclined towards Congress, Sharma said. People want clean leadership and corruption-free government which is focussed on development and the BJP failed to deliver and therefore the public is against the ruling party, she said. Jayal seat of Nagaur district is also having repeat candidates and both are women named Manju. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has retained sitting MLA Manju Baghmar while the Congress has again fielded Manju Devi on the seat reserved for SC candidates. Jodhpur's Sardarpura seat is witnessing contesting between sitting MLA and Gehlot who had defeated BJP's Shambhu Singh Khetasar with a margin of 18,478 votes. Gehlot had the only advantage of caste factor. Apart from that, there is no charm of him. He did not work for his constituency and also often remained absent in the assembly. The issue in the assembly remains the same and unaddressed and I am confident that the BJP will win the seat this time, BJP candidate Shambhu Singh Khetasar said. On the other hand, both the BJP and the Congress have changed their candidates in 43 constituencies. Thirty-four out of these 43 seats were won by the BJP in 2013 but the party dropped them this time and gave tickets to others which made some of such sitting MLAs, including ministers Rajkumar Rinwa (Ratangarh), Hem Singh Bhandana (Thanagaji) rebel. As many as 2,294 candidates, including 189 women candidates, are contesting on 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan which is going to poll on December 7.

Rajasthan polls: 33 of 200 constituencies witnessing fight between same BJP, Cong candidates

The ruling TRS and the Congress-led grand alliance are trying to woo farmers, youth and those receiving social security pensions to win the Telangana Legislative Assembly polls scheduled for December 7.

The TRS, Congress and the TDP have promised farm loan waivers and monthly unemployment dole besides hike in social security pensions.

The TRS, which has implemented farm loan waiver of Rs one lakh during its rule since 2014, has promised to repeat the scheme.

The investment support to farmers under the "Rythu Bandhu" scheme would be increased to Rs 10,000 per acre per annum from the current Rs 8,000,

TRS president and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao said at an election rally last week.

He also highlighted the free power given to the farm sector.

"The only state in India to give 24-hour free power (to farm sector) is Telangana. Nobody in the country gives. No state gives. We will give more. As long as KCR is in power, will give free power to farming," he said.

The TRS government has also implemented the "Rythu Beema", the Rs 5 lakh insurance scheme for farmers, Rao said.

The party also promised Rs 3,000 per month dole to all eligible unemployed youth.

The TRS is also banking on social security pensions provided to various sections of the society, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities and single women.

It has promised to increase the pension given to different sections.

The major parties&nbsp;the TRS, the Congress and the BJP&nbsp;however, are yet to formally release their election manifestos.

The Congress, which is leading the grand alliance of opposition parties, has also promised loan waiver for farmers of up to Rs two lakh if voted to power.

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president N Uttam Kumar Reddy had alleged that the TRS copied the main points of its manifesto, after ridiculing farm loan waiver and other promises earlier.

The Congress earlier contended that the farm loan waiver implemented by the TRS government did not benefit farmers as it was done in a phased manner.

Focusing on the youth, the Congress has promised financial assistance of Rs 3,000 per month to the unemployed.

It has assured that 20,000 teachers' posts would be filled through the District Selection Committee (DSC).

One lakh jobs in state government departments would be filled up within a year, it said.

The TDP, in its manifesto for the Assembly elections, has also promised up to Rs two lakh farm loan waiver as well as a monthly financial assistance of Rs 3,000 to the unemployed youth.

The manifesto said vacancies in government departments would be filled up every year as per a calender prepared for the purpose.

It has promised free laptop computers to students from intermediate (XI and XII) to university level.

The party has also assured that an additional Rs 5,000 crore would be allocated to the Education budget.

The TDP manifesto said cycles would be distributed for free to girls students from Class VIII to intermediate (XI and XII).

Both the Congress and the TDP have promised hike in social security pensions.

The ruling TRS and the Congress-led grand alliance are trying to woo farmers, youth and those receiving social security pensions to win the Telangana Legislative Assembly polls scheduled for December 7.

The ruling TRS and the Congress-led grand alliance are trying to woo farmers, youth and those receiving social security pensions to win the Telangana Legislative Assembly polls scheduled for December 7. The TRS, Congress and the TDP have promised farm loan waivers and monthly unemployment dole besides hike in social security pensions. The TRS, which has implemented farm loan waiver of Rs one lakh during its rule since 2014, has promised to repeat the scheme. The investment support to farmers under the "Rythu Bandhu" scheme would be increased to Rs 10,000 per acre per annum from the current Rs 8,000, TRS president and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao said at an election rally last week. He also highlighted the free power given to the farm sector. "The only state in India to give 24-hour free power (to farm sector) is Telangana. Nobody in the country gives. No state gives. We will give more. As long as KCR is in power, will give free power to farming," he said. The TRS government has also implemented the "Rythu Beema", the Rs 5 lakh insurance scheme for farmers, Rao said. The party also promised Rs 3,000 per month dole to all eligible unemployed youth. The TRS is also banking on social security pensions provided to various sections of the society, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities and single women. It has promised to increase the pension given to different sections. The major parties the TRS, the Congress and the BJP however, are yet to formally release their election manifestos. The Congress, which is leading the grand alliance of opposition parties, has also promised loan waiver for farmers of up to Rs two lakh if voted to power. Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president N Uttam Kumar Reddy had alleged that the TRS copied the main points of its manifesto, after ridiculing farm loan waiver and other promises earlier. The Congress earlier contended that the farm loan waiver implemented by the TRS government did not benefit farmers as it was done in a phased manner. Focusing on the youth, the Congress has promised financial assistance of Rs 3,000 per month to the unemployed. It has assured that 20,000 teachers' posts would be filled through the District Selection Committee (DSC). One lakh jobs in state government departments would be filled up within a year, it said. The TDP, in its manifesto for the Assembly elections, has also promised up to Rs two lakh farm loan waiver as well as a monthly financial assistance of Rs 3,000 to the unemployed youth. The manifesto said vacancies in government departments would be filled up every year as per a calender prepared for the purpose. It has promised free laptop computers to students from intermediate (XI and XII) to university level. The party has also assured that an additional Rs 5,000 crore would be allocated to the Education budget. The TDP manifesto said cycles would be distributed for free to girls students from Class VIII to intermediate (XI and XII). Both the Congress and the TDP have promised hike in social security pensions.

Telangana polls: Parties bet big on farmers and youth

Thirty-three of the total 200 Rajasthan Assembly constituencies are witnessing a fight between the same candidates of the BJP and the Congress who had contested the 2013 state polls.

Both the parties have changed their candidates on 43 seats this time.&nbsp;

On the remaining 124 seats, the two major parties have decided to field new candidates.

Of the 33 seats, 29 are sitting BJP MLAs and four are Congress MLAs that included former chief minister Ashok Gehlot.&nbsp;

Karanpur seat is witnessing a fight between Mines minister Surendra Pal Singh and former Congress minister Gurmeet Singh, who had lost 2013 election to Surendra Pal Singh with a margin of 3,853 votes, while Hanumagarh seat is being contested by Water Resources minister Ram Pratap and Congress candidate Vinod Chaudhary.&nbsp;

Chaudhary had faced defeat with a big margin of 30,487 votes but the Congress has fielded him again and the seat will witness a direct fight between both the candidates.&nbsp;

Former Congress minister Rajendra Pareek is in the fray in Sikar constituency, which was won by BJP's Ratan lal Jaldhari in 2013 with a margin of 13,015 votes.

The seat in Shekhwati region is all set to witness a triangular contest with Rashtriya Loktantrik Dal's Wahid Chauhan in the race.&nbsp;

Chauhan contested the last polls as Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate and stood third by securing 29.10 per cent votes.&nbsp;

Former speaker and Congress candidate Deependra Singh Shekhaat is in fight with BJP's Jhabar Singh Kharra at Srimadhopur, while Chomu seat is also witnessing a direct fight between BJP MLA Ram Lal Sharma and Congress candidate Bhagwan Sahahi Saini.&nbsp;

The winning margin of Sharma was 44,473 in 2013.

Jaipur's hot seat civil lines is again witnessing the same fight like that of 2013 and the candidates are Social Justice and Empowerment minister Arun Chaturvedi and former Congress MLA Prapta Singh Khachariyawas.&nbsp;

Similar situation is in Malvia Nagar where Health minister Kalicharan Saraf is in a close battle with PCC vice president Archana Sharma.&nbsp;

"Candidates are same but people will vote for the Congress on December 7 because there is high resentment among people against Saraf who is facing corruption charges and people are inclined towards Congress,"Sharma said.

"People want clean leadership and corruption-free government which is focussed on development and the BJP failed to deliver and therefore public is against the ruling party," she said.

Jayal seat of Nagaur district is also having repeat candidates and both are women named Manju.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has retained sitting MLA Manju Baghmar while the Congress has again fielded Manju Devi on the seat reserved for SC candidates.&nbsp;

Jodhpur's Sardarpura seat is witnessing contesting between sitting MLA and Gehlot who had defeated BJP's Shambhu Singh Khetasar with a margin of 18,478 votes.&nbsp;

"Gehlot had the only advantage of caste factor. Apart from that, there is no charm of him. He did not work for his constituency and also often remained absent in the assembly. The issue in the assembly remains the same and unaddressed and I am confident that the BJP will win the seat this time,"&nbsp;BJP candidate Shambhu Singh Khetasar said.

On the other hand, both the BJP and the Congress have changed their candidates in 43 constituencies.&nbsp;

Thirty four out of these 43 seats were won by the BJP in 2013 but the party dropped them this time and gave tickets to others which made some of such sitting MLAs, including ministers Rajkumar Rinwa (Ratangarh), Hem Singh Bhandana (Thanagaji) rebel.

As many as 2,294 candidates, including 189 women candidates, are contesting on 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan which is going to poll on December 7.

Thirty-three of the total 200 Rajasthan Assembly constituencies are witnessing a fight between the same candidates of the BJP and the Congress who had contested the 2013 state polls. Both the parties have changed their candidates on 43 seats this time. On the remaining 124 seats, the two major parties have decided to field new candidates. Of the 33 seats, 29 are sitting BJP MLAs and four are Congress MLAs that included former chief minister Ashok Gehlot. Karanpur seat is witnessing a fight between Mines minister Surendra Pal Singh and former Congress minister Gurmeet Singh, who had lost 2013 election to Surendra Pal Singh with a margin of 3,853 votes, while Hanumagarh seat is being contested by Water Resources minister Ram Pratap and Congress candidate Vinod Chaudhary. Chaudhary had faced defeat with a big margin of 30,487 votes but the Congress has fielded him again and the seat will witness a direct fight between both the candidates. Former Congress minister Rajendra Pareek is in the fray in Sikar constituency, which was won by BJP's Ratan lal Jaldhari in 2013 with a margin of 13,015 votes. The seat in Shekhwati region is all set to witness a triangular contest with Rashtriya Loktantrik Dal's Wahid Chauhan in the race. Chauhan contested the last polls as Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate and stood third by securing 29.10 per cent votes. Former speaker and Congress candidate Deependra Singh Shekhaat is in fight with BJP's Jhabar Singh Kharra at Srimadhopur, while Chomu seat is also witnessing a direct fight between BJP MLA Ram Lal Sharma and Congress candidate Bhagwan Sahahi Saini. The winning margin of Sharma was 44,473 in 2013. Jaipur's hot seat civil lines is again witnessing the same fight like that of 2013 and the candidates are Social Justice and Empowerment minister Arun Chaturvedi and former Congress MLA Prapta Singh Khachariyawas. Similar situation is in Malvia Nagar where Health minister Kalicharan Saraf is in a close battle with PCC vice president Archana Sharma. "Candidates are same but people will vote for the Congress on December 7 because there is high resentment among people against Saraf who is facing corruption charges and people are inclined towards Congress,"Sharma said. "People want clean leadership and corruption-free government which is focussed on development and the BJP failed to deliver and therefore public is against the ruling party," she said. Jayal seat of Nagaur district is also having repeat candidates and both are women named Manju. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has retained sitting MLA Manju Baghmar while the Congress has again fielded Manju Devi on the seat reserved for SC candidates. Jodhpur's Sardarpura seat is witnessing contesting between sitting MLA and Gehlot who had defeated BJP's Shambhu Singh Khetasar with a margin of 18,478 votes. "Gehlot had the only advantage of caste factor. Apart from that, there is no charm of him. He did not work for his constituency and also often remained absent in the assembly. The issue in the assembly remains the same and unaddressed and I am confident that the BJP will win the seat this time," BJP candidate Shambhu Singh Khetasar said. On the other hand, both the BJP and the Congress have changed their candidates in 43 constituencies. Thirty four out of these 43 seats were won by the BJP in 2013 but the party dropped them this time and gave tickets to others which made some of such sitting MLAs, including ministers Rajkumar Rinwa (Ratangarh), Hem Singh Bhandana (Thanagaji) rebel. As many as 2,294 candidates, including 189 women candidates, are contesting on 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan which is going to poll on December 7.

Rajasthan polls: 33 of 200 constituencies witnessing fight between same BJP, Congress candidates

BJP president Amit Shah Sunday accused the Congress of supporting "urban Naxals" and said his party will put Maoists in jail if it is voted to power in Telangana.

"Urban Naxals" is a term used to describe city-based supporters working in alleged front organisations of proscribed Maoist outfits.

Addressing a public meeting in Nirmal district, Shah said, "Recently they (urban Naxals) were arrested in Maharashtra. The BJP government there, led by Devendra Fadnavis, put them behind bars but Rahul Gandhi supported them."

"Rahul baba, are you aware that hundreds of people in Telangana have died due to Naxalism?" he asked.

The BJP chief claimed Maoists were "hiding" in different parts of the state and said his party would look for them and send them to prison.

"They have only two options -- either join the mainstream or get ready to face jail," Shah said.

He also trained his guns at Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief and the state's caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, popularly known as KCR, for demanding reservation for minorities.

The BJP chief said Rao-led Telangana government had forwarded a proposal to the Centre demanding 12 per cent reservation for minorities despite knowing that it is not possible to do so.

"You dont worry. Even if KCR, the Congress, the TDP and Communists come together, I guarantee that till the BJP government is in the Centre, religion-based reservation will not be granted," Shah said.

He accused Rao of failing to provide employment to the family members of those who sacrificed their lives during the Telangana statehood movement.

Shah claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government had extended over 2.30 lakh crore for Telangana's development in the last four and half years, but the funds had not been utilised for the state's development.

"Over 2.30 lakh crore has been given by the central government to Telangana. Had it been any other state, problems would have been solved long back by utilising these funds. He (KCR) is not concerned about the children of Telangana, but only about his son and daughter," he alleged.

The BJP chief told the gathering that he had brought a message from Modi which asked the people to bring the party to power in the December 7 assembly polls so that Telangana can be developed as a model state.

Shah said the polls will decide the future of every child in Telangana and asked people to strengthen the hands of Modi by defeating the TRS and other parties.&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah Sunday accused the Congress of supporting "urban Naxals" and said his party will put Maoists in jail if it is voted to power in Telangana.

BJP president Amit Shah Sunday accused the Congress of supporting "urban Naxals" and said his party will put Maoists in jail if it is voted to power in Telangana. "Urban Naxals" is a term used to describe city-based supporters working in alleged front organisations of proscribed Maoist outfits. Addressing a public meeting in Nirmal district, Shah said, "Recently they (urban Naxals) were arrested in Maharashtra. The BJP government there, led by Devendra Fadnavis, put them behind bars but Rahul Gandhi supported them." "Rahul baba, are you aware that hundreds of people in Telangana have died due to Naxalism?" he asked. The BJP chief claimed Maoists were "hiding" in different parts of the state and said his party would look for them and send them to prison. "They have only two options -- either join the mainstream or get ready to face jail," Shah said. He also trained his guns at Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief and the state's caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, popularly known as KCR, for demanding reservation for minorities. The BJP chief said Rao-led Telangana government had forwarded a proposal to the Centre demanding 12 per cent reservation for minorities despite knowing that it is not possible to do so. "You dont worry. Even if KCR, the Congress, the TDP and Communists come together, I guarantee that till the BJP government is in the Centre, religion-based reservation will not be granted," Shah said. He accused Rao of failing to provide employment to the family members of those who sacrificed their lives during the Telangana statehood movement. Shah claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government had extended over 2.30 lakh crore for Telangana's development in the last four and half years, but the funds had not been utilised for the state's development. "Over 2.30 lakh crore has been given by the central government to Telangana. Had it been any other state, problems would have been solved long back by utilising these funds. He (KCR) is not concerned about the children of Telangana, but only about his son and daughter," he alleged. The BJP chief told the gathering that he had brought a message from Modi which asked the people to bring the party to power in the December 7 assembly polls so that Telangana can be developed as a model state. Shah said the polls will decide the future of every child in Telangana and asked people to strengthen the hands of Modi by defeating the TRS and other parties.

Telangana polls: Amit Shah accuses Congress of supporting 'urban Naxals'

Former TRS leader and Chevella MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy Sunday hinted at the possibility of a "tacit understanding" between the ruling party in Telangana and the BJP behind Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's move to dissolve the assembly before completion of its full term.

The dissolution of the Assembly in September this year had paved the way for early polls in the southern state.

The elections to the 119-member Assembly are scheduled on December 7.

Reddy, who recently crossed over to the Congress, said the decision to hold early elections came as a "shock" to the people.

Addressing reporters, he claimed that factors like the chief minister's "tacit understanding with the Bhartiya Janata Party" or "falling popularity of the ruling

Telangana Rashtra Samiti" might be behind the chief minister's move to dissolve the House.

"It was a matter of shock for all the people as to why the TRS government didn't complete the five years mandate given to them. Why would any government voluntarily dissolve the House and take the risk of being put under President's rule by the Central government?

"There was either a tacit understanding with the BJP or this step was taken out of fear due to the fast declining graph of the TRS in the state," he said. 
Reddy, who had won Chevella seat as a TRS candidate, joined the Congress on November 23 in the presence of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in a public meeting at Medchal.

The chief minister had already dismissed reports that his move to dissolve the House was motivated politically.

His daughter and Nizamabad MP MP K Kavitha has denied that her party had a "covert" understanding with the BJP. She has accused the Congress of spreading such rumours to get minority votes.

Meanwhile, referring to his previous stint in the TRS, Reddy said some of his initiatives were appreciated by the national international bodies such as Unicef, but were not recognised by the KCR-led party.

"I was constantly insulted by various means including removal of my flex boards in the constituency (Chevella)," he said. 
Reddy said the state government is yet to formally apply to the Centre seeking a national status for the Kaleshwaram project though it has been raising the demand.

The CM had laid the foundation stone for the Kaleshwaram irrigation project, taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 80,500 crore, on May 2, 2016. The project aims to take water to the state's drought-hit regions.

Reddy further said the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, which ensures that no state government goes about spending its budget indiscriminately, has been completely neglected by the state.

"The state government debt is to the tune of Rs 2.20 lakh crore. It works out at around Rs 61,000 per person if apportioned to individual citizens in the state," he said.

Responding to a query, Reddy said the TRS took an ambiguous stand on the Triple Talaq Bill that was passed by Parliament recently.

The Congress had last month forged 'Prajakutami' (People's Alliance) with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) of Chandrababu Naidu, the Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) to take on the TRS in upcoming polls.

Former TRS leader and Chevella MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy Sunday hinted at the possibility of a "tacit understanding" between the ruling party in Telangana and the BJP behind Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's move to dissolve the assembly before completion of its full term.

Former TRS leader and Chevella MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy Sunday hinted at the possibility of a "tacit understanding" between the ruling party in Telangana and the BJP behind Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's move to dissolve the assembly before completion of its full term. The dissolution of the Assembly in September this year had paved the way for early polls in the southern state. The elections to the 119-member Assembly are scheduled on December 7. Reddy, who recently crossed over to the Congress, said the decision to hold early elections came as a "shock" to the people. Addressing reporters, he claimed that factors like the chief minister's "tacit understanding with the Bhartiya Janata Party" or "falling popularity of the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti" might be behind the chief minister's move to dissolve the House. "It was a matter of shock for all the people as to why the TRS government didn't complete the five years mandate given to them. Why would any government voluntarily dissolve the House and take the risk of being put under President's rule by the Central government? "There was either a tacit understanding with the BJP or this step was taken out of fear due to the fast declining graph of the TRS in the state," he said. Reddy, who had won Chevella seat as a TRS candidate, joined the Congress on November 23 in the presence of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in a public meeting at Medchal. The chief minister had already dismissed reports that his move to dissolve the House was motivated politically. His daughter and Nizamabad MP MP K Kavitha has denied that her party had a "covert" understanding with the BJP. She has accused the Congress of spreading such rumours to get minority votes. Meanwhile, referring to his previous stint in the TRS, Reddy said some of his initiatives were appreciated by the national international bodies such as Unicef, but were not recognised by the KCR-led party. "I was constantly insulted by various means including removal of my flex boards in the constituency (Chevella)," he said. Reddy said the state government is yet to formally apply to the Centre seeking a national status for the Kaleshwaram project though it has been raising the demand. The CM had laid the foundation stone for the Kaleshwaram irrigation project, taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 80,500 crore, on May 2, 2016. The project aims to take water to the state's drought-hit regions. Reddy further said the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, which ensures that no state government goes about spending its budget indiscriminately, has been completely neglected by the state. "The state government debt is to the tune of Rs 2.20 lakh crore. It works out at around Rs 61,000 per person if apportioned to individual citizens in the state," he said. Responding to a query, Reddy said the TRS took an ambiguous stand on the Triple Talaq Bill that was passed by Parliament recently. The Congress had last month forged 'Prajakutami' (People's Alliance) with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) of Chandrababu Naidu, the Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) to take on the TRS in upcoming polls.

Covert understanding with BJP might be behind KCR's move to dissolve House: TRS leader Reddy

BJP president Amit Shah Sunday alleged that the Congress had "neglected" the "son of Telangana" and former prime minister PV Narasimha Rao after his death and sought the response of Rahul Gandhi, the chief of the opposition party, in the matter.

He also alleged that the Congress had not paid appropriate last respects to Rao, who died in 2004, when the party was in power at the Centre.

Addressing a public meeting here in Siddipet district ahead of the December 7 Telangana Assembly polls, Shah asked Gandhi to explain the "kind of treatment" meted out to Rao after his demise.

"Now Rahul Gandhiji is saying everyone should live with love. I want to ask him, when the son of Telangana and our former prime minister P V Narasimha Rao had died, (why) no 'salami' was given to his mortal remains and why were they sent to Hyderabad.

"I want to ask him (Gandhi), why such a treatment was meted out to the son of Telangana," he said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had accused the Congress in the past also of ignoring the legacy of Rao and humiliating him, which was denied by the opposition party.

During his speech, Shah listed out various welfare schemes launched by the Narendra Modi government in the last four-and-a-half years.

He said the Centre was working for various sections of the society, including the poor, farmers, women, Dalits and tribals.

Crores of toilets and houses were built for the people under the watch of the BJP government, Shah said.

"Our government provided LPG connections to poor women and also ensured electricity. These development works improved the standard of living of over 22 crore families," he added.

Improving the country's security was the biggest work of Prime Minister Modi, the BJP chief said.

"Under the previous UPA government, infiltrators from Pakistan used to enter India but no proper reply was given to them in those 10 years. However, after the Uri terror attack (in 2016), India under Modiji carried out surgical strikes in Pakistan and avenged the killing of our soldiers," he added.

Shah said the respect for India had increased manifold in the world under Modi.

Turning to the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government in the southern state, he claimed that the ruling party had failed to implement several welfare programmes of the Centre, including its ambitious health insurance scheme, because it was "scared" that the prime minister might become more popular in Telangana.

Shah accused TRS chief and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) of not extending any help to the farmers in the state, due to which, he said over 4,000 of them committed suicide in the last four-and-a-half years.

Shah said KCR had failed to fulfil the promises made to the people of Telangana, including the three-acre land parcel scheme for Dalits.

He appealed to the people to vote the saffron party to power in the upcoming polls as the Congress, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the TRS had been elected earlier.

"Give one chance to Modiji and we will transform Telangana into a model state in five years," Shah said.

The 119-member Telangana Assembly will go to the polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah Sunday alleged that the Congress had "neglected" the "son of Telangana" and former prime minister PV Narasimha Rao after his death and sought the response of Rahul Gandhi, the chief of the opposition party, in the matter.

BJP president Amit Shah Sunday alleged that the Congress had "neglected" the "son of Telangana" and former prime minister PV Narasimha Rao after his death and sought the response of Rahul Gandhi, the chief of the opposition party, in the matter. He also alleged that the Congress had not paid appropriate last respects to Rao, who died in 2004, when the party was in power at the Centre. Addressing a public meeting here in Siddipet district ahead of the December 7 Telangana Assembly polls, Shah asked Gandhi to explain the "kind of treatment" meted out to Rao after his demise. "Now Rahul Gandhiji is saying everyone should live with love. I want to ask him, when the son of Telangana and our former prime minister P V Narasimha Rao had died, (why) no 'salami' was given to his mortal remains and why were they sent to Hyderabad. "I want to ask him (Gandhi), why such a treatment was meted out to the son of Telangana," he said. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had accused the Congress in the past also of ignoring the legacy of Rao and humiliating him, which was denied by the opposition party. During his speech, Shah listed out various welfare schemes launched by the Narendra Modi government in the last four-and-a-half years. He said the Centre was working for various sections of the society, including the poor, farmers, women, Dalits and tribals. Crores of toilets and houses were built for the people under the watch of the BJP government, Shah said. "Our government provided LPG connections to poor women and also ensured electricity. These development works improved the standard of living of over 22 crore families," he added. Improving the country's security was the biggest work of Prime Minister Modi, the BJP chief said. "Under the previous UPA government, infiltrators from Pakistan used to enter India but no proper reply was given to them in those 10 years. However, after the Uri terror attack (in 2016), India under Modiji carried out surgical strikes in Pakistan and avenged the killing of our soldiers," he added. Shah said the respect for India had increased manifold in the world under Modi. Turning to the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government in the southern state, he claimed that the ruling party had failed to implement several welfare programmes of the Centre, including its ambitious health insurance scheme, because it was "scared" that the prime minister might become more popular in Telangana. Shah accused TRS chief and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) of not extending any help to the farmers in the state, due to which, he said over 4,000 of them committed suicide in the last four-and-a-half years. Shah said KCR had failed to fulfil the promises made to the people of Telangana, including the three-acre land parcel scheme for Dalits. He appealed to the people to vote the saffron party to power in the upcoming polls as the Congress, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the TRS had been elected earlier. "Give one chance to Modiji and we will transform Telangana into a model state in five years," Shah said. The 119-member Telangana Assembly will go to the polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.

Congress neglected ex-PM and 'son of Telangana' Rao post his death: Amit Shah

Arriving here for Sunday's VHP rally for a Ram temple, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray asked the Narendra Modi government to wake up from a "Kumbhakarna-like slumber" and declare the date for its construction.

"I have come here to awaken the Kumbhakarana," he said Saturday, indirectly comparing Modi, or his government, to the Ramayana character known for sleeping for months at a stretch.

"Today's Kumbhakarna has been sleeping for the past four years," he said.

The town turned into a virtual fortress with multiple layers of security and deployment of drones as people began arriving here for Sunday's `Dharam Sabha', being organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad to push for the construction of the Ram temple.

The Sena leader is also urging the government to bring legislation&nbsp;or an ordinance&nbsp;for building the temple on the disputed site in Ayodhya, but he has not linked his own two-day visit to VHP event.

The VHP claimed three lakh people, including seers, will attend its public meeting, which has triggered some apprehension over the safety of the town's Muslim community.

Samajwadi Party and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav said the Army should be deployed in Ayodhya, if needed, to maintain law and order.

All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) Zafaryab Jilani said Muslims in Ayodhya are "terrified"&nbsp;ahead of the VHP meeting.

No untoward incident was reported Saturday and the police assured that strict security arrangements are in place.

Thackeray said his party will support any legislation or ordinance for the Ram Mandir, which Hindutva organisations want to be constructed at the site where the Babri Masjid was demolished in 1992.

"Day, months, years and generations have passed,"&nbsp;the Sena leader said on what he described as his first visit to the town to seek "darshan"&nbsp;of Ram Lalla.

"Mandir wahin baneyange, par date nahin batayenge (You say you will make the temple there, but won't tell the date),"&nbsp;he said.

"First say when you will construct the temple, the rest we will talk later,"&nbsp;he said in what sounded like a dare to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government.

He said bringing a law on the temple's construction may have been difficult during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's term as it was a coalition government then.

But the current government is strong, and the BJP is in power both at the Centre and in the state.

"Bring an ordinance or law, the Shiv Sena will support it,?"&nbsp;he said.

The Sena chief said he did not want to take the credit for the temple's construction, and others were free to do so."But how many years should we wait for the temple".

"Ram temple is a matter concerning faith and the government needs to bring a law before the court verdict," he said, referring to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land case before the Supreme Court.

The apex court has said it will set the dates for the future course of hearings only in January.

Thackeray recalled former prime minister Vajpayee as saying, 'Ab Hindu maat nahi khayega (Hindus will not be defeated now), and added, "Hindus will not sit silent."

''There is no political motive behind my visit to Ayodhya,"&nbsp;he claimed.

The Sena chief was greeted with slogans of "Jai Shri Ram" when he arrived in Ayodhya with his wife Rashmi and son Aditya.

Mahant Nrityagopal Das, the chairman of the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas, was among those who welcomed Thackeray at Lakshman Qila, where the Sena leader made the remarks. A drone monitored the event.

Thackeray went to the banks of the Saryu river in the evening to offer prayers. 
The Sena claimed to have brought several thousand supporters to Ayodhya for Thackeray's events.

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati has slammed the BJP and the Shiv Sena, saying they are raking up the Ram temple issue ahead of the Lok Sabha polls to divert attention from their failures.

"Had their intentions been good they needn't have waited for five years. It's their political tactic, nothing else,"&nbsp;she said in a statement.

Arriving here for Sunday's VHP rally for a Ram temple, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray asked the Narendra Modi government to wake up from a "Kumbhakarna-like slumber" and declare the date for its construction.

Arriving here for Sunday's VHP rally for a Ram temple, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray asked the Narendra Modi government to wake up from a "Kumbhakarna-like slumber" and declare the date for its construction. "I have come here to awaken the Kumbhakarana," he said Saturday, indirectly comparing Modi, or his government, to the Ramayana character known for sleeping for months at a stretch. "Today's Kumbhakarna has been sleeping for the past four years," he said. The town turned into a virtual fortress with multiple layers of security and deployment of drones as people began arriving here for Sunday's `Dharam Sabha', being organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad to push for the construction of the Ram temple. The Sena leader is also urging the government to bring legislation or an ordinance for building the temple on the disputed site in Ayodhya, but he has not linked his own two-day visit to VHP event. The VHP claimed three lakh people, including seers, will attend its public meeting, which has triggered some apprehension over the safety of the town's Muslim community. Samajwadi Party and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav said the Army should be deployed in Ayodhya, if needed, to maintain law and order. All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) Zafaryab Jilani said Muslims in Ayodhya are "terrified" ahead of the VHP meeting. No untoward incident was reported Saturday and the police assured that strict security arrangements are in place. Thackeray said his party will support any legislation or ordinance for the Ram Mandir, which Hindutva organisations want to be constructed at the site where the Babri Masjid was demolished in 1992. "Day, months, years and generations have passed," the Sena leader said on what he described as his first visit to the town to seek "darshan" of Ram Lalla. "Mandir wahin baneyange, par date nahin batayenge (You say you will make the temple there, but won't tell the date)," he said. "First say when you will construct the temple, the rest we will talk later," he said in what sounded like a dare to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government. He said bringing a law on the temple's construction may have been difficult during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's term as it was a coalition government then. But the current government is strong, and the BJP is in power both at the Centre and in the state. "Bring an ordinance or law, the Shiv Sena will support it,?" he said. The Sena chief said he did not want to take the credit for the temple's construction, and others were free to do so."But how many years should we wait for the temple". "Ram temple is a matter concerning faith and the government needs to bring a law before the court verdict," he said, referring to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land case before the Supreme Court. The apex court has said it will set the dates for the future course of hearings only in January. Thackeray recalled former prime minister Vajpayee as saying, 'Ab Hindu maat nahi khayega (Hindus will not be defeated now), and added, "Hindus will not sit silent." ''There is no political motive behind my visit to Ayodhya," he claimed. The Sena chief was greeted with slogans of "Jai Shri Ram" when he arrived in Ayodhya with his wife Rashmi and son Aditya. Mahant Nrityagopal Das, the chairman of the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas, was among those who welcomed Thackeray at Lakshman Qila, where the Sena leader made the remarks. A drone monitored the event. Thackeray went to the banks of the Saryu river in the evening to offer prayers. The Sena claimed to have brought several thousand supporters to Ayodhya for Thackeray's events. Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati has slammed the BJP and the Shiv Sena, saying they are raking up the Ram temple issue ahead of the Lok Sabha polls to divert attention from their failures. "Had their intentions been good they needn't have waited for five years. It's their political tactic, nothing else," she said in a statement.

Ayodhya tense as VHP organises massive 'Dharam Sabha' to push for Ram temple

The verbal attacks during the ongoing election campaign in Telangana hit a new low Sunday when Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao called his Andhra Pradesh counterpart N Chandrababu Naidu "a mental".

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was speaking at a public meeting at Pargi in Vikarabad district ahead of the December 7 state Assembly polls.

"I say Chandrababu is a mental. Why? Because he had once said goats should be banned in order to save the forests (by preventing grazing). When was the goat born (the species came into existence) and when was he born? Who are you to ban the goat, a creation of nature?" Rao asked.

"He (Naidu) claims that he was instrumental in putting Hyderabad on the world map. What should we do with this man," he said, hitting out at the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo.

"If he is that capable, why did he fail in building Amaravati (the upcoming capital of Andhra Pradesh)? Except graphic representations, no real building has come up there.

"This kind of cheats are coming to you, seeking votes. If we are not careful, we will be cheated," Rao said in a scathing attack on the People's Front alliance of the Congress, TDP, Telangana Jana Samithi and CPI.

He claimed that the power situation in Telangana had improved drastically since 2014, but it would worsen again if his party lost in the upcoming polls. 
The TRS was going to form the government by winning 103 to 106 of the 119 seats in the state, Rao claimed, citing a survey.

At a public meeting at Devarkadra, Rao alleged that Naidu had filed 35 court cases and "written 40 letters", opposing the irrigating projects in Telangana, and now, he was seeking votes in the state.

Hitting out at the Congress, the TRS chief said, "Don't you see the development here? Are you giving a Rs 1,000 pension to people in the states where your party is in power (as in Telangana)?"

Speaking at Narayanpet, the chief minister said democracy in the country had not reached "enough maturity levels" and that people should not vote carelessly.

"Many parties will come and say many things. Please listen to them and think once again before casting the vote, which is going to change our fate," he said.

Rao also addressed public meetings at Tandur, Shadnagar and Ibrahimpatnam Sunday.

The 119-member Telangana Assembly will go to the polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.&nbsp;

The verbal attacks during the ongoing election campaign in Telangana hit a new low Sunday when Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao called his Andhra Pradesh counterpart N Chandrababu Naidu "a mental".

The verbal attacks during the ongoing election campaign in Telangana hit a new low Sunday when Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao called his Andhra Pradesh counterpart N Chandrababu Naidu "a mental". The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was speaking at a public meeting at Pargi in Vikarabad district ahead of the December 7 state Assembly polls. "I say Chandrababu is a mental. Why? Because he had once said goats should be banned in order to save the forests (by preventing grazing). When was the goat born (the species came into existence) and when was he born? Who are you to ban the goat, a creation of nature?" Rao asked. "He (Naidu) claims that he was instrumental in putting Hyderabad on the world map. What should we do with this man," he said, hitting out at the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo. "If he is that capable, why did he fail in building Amaravati (the upcoming capital of Andhra Pradesh)? Except graphic representations, no real building has come up there. "This kind of cheats are coming to you, seeking votes. If we are not careful, we will be cheated," Rao said in a scathing attack on the People's Front alliance of the Congress, TDP, Telangana Jana Samithi and CPI. He claimed that the power situation in Telangana had improved drastically since 2014, but it would worsen again if his party lost in the upcoming polls. The TRS was going to form the government by winning 103 to 106 of the 119 seats in the state, Rao claimed, citing a survey. At a public meeting at Devarkadra, Rao alleged that Naidu had filed 35 court cases and "written 40 letters", opposing the irrigating projects in Telangana, and now, he was seeking votes in the state. Hitting out at the Congress, the TRS chief said, "Don't you see the development here? Are you giving a Rs 1,000 pension to people in the states where your party is in power (as in Telangana)?" Speaking at Narayanpet, the chief minister said democracy in the country had not reached "enough maturity levels" and that people should not vote carelessly. "Many parties will come and say many things. Please listen to them and think once again before casting the vote, which is going to change our fate," he said. Rao also addressed public meetings at Tandur, Shadnagar and Ibrahimpatnam Sunday. The 119-member Telangana Assembly will go to the polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.

KCR calls Chandrababu 'mental', questions his development claims

In a bid to check the flow of excess money in electioneering, the Election Commission has lowered the limit of cash transactions by candidates for campaigning purposes from Rs 20,000 to Rs 10,000 per day.

In an instruction sent to all chief electoral officers, the poll panel said that for transactions beyond Rs 10,000, the candidates and parties will have to make payment using cross cheques, drafts or electronic means, including NEFT/RTGS, through the account of the candidate opened for electioneering.

In April, 2011, the EC had set the daily cash limit to Rs 20,000. But now it has been revised keeping in mind the amendments in section 40A(3) of the Income Tax Act in 2017.

The new changes came into being from November 12 and would have a bearing on assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Now, a candidate cannot receive a donation or loan in cash, in excess of Rs 10,000 from a single person or entity during campaigning.

The election watchdog has been pushing for greater transparency in election-related expenditure by parties and candidates.

Like individuals, there should be a ceiling on expenditure made by political parties during polls, according to a 2015 Election Commission draft document based on the 'general agreement' among participants.

At present, while there is a ceiling on campaigning fund for individual candidates in electoral fray, there is no such cap on the money which political parties can spend for electioneering.&nbsp;

In a bid to check the flow of excess money in electioneering, the Election Commission has lowered the limit of cash transactions by candidates for campaigning purposes from Rs 20,000 to Rs 10,000 per day.

In a bid to check the flow of excess money in electioneering, the Election Commission has lowered the limit of cash transactions by candidates for campaigning purposes from Rs 20,000 to Rs 10,000 per day. In an instruction sent to all chief electoral officers, the poll panel said that for transactions beyond Rs 10,000, the candidates and parties will have to make payment using cross cheques, drafts or electronic means, including NEFT/RTGS, through the account of the candidate opened for electioneering. In April, 2011, the EC had set the daily cash limit to Rs 20,000. But now it has been revised keeping in mind the amendments in section 40A(3) of the Income Tax Act in 2017. The new changes came into being from November 12 and would have a bearing on assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Now, a candidate cannot receive a donation or loan in cash, in excess of Rs 10,000 from a single person or entity during campaigning. The election watchdog has been pushing for greater transparency in election-related expenditure by parties and candidates. Like individuals, there should be a ceiling on expenditure made by political parties during polls, according to a 2015 Election Commission draft document based on the 'general agreement' among participants. At present, while there is a ceiling on campaigning fund for individual candidates in electoral fray, there is no such cap on the money which political parties can spend for electioneering.

Election Commission lowers daily cash transaction limit of candidates for campaigning purposes

With just three days left for the Mizoram Assembly elections, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla Sunday said the Congress is open to form a post-poll alliance with like-minded parties, excluding the BJP and MNF, if the ruling party falls short of a majority.

He, however, claimed that such a situation will not arise as the Congress will get a full majority on its own.

In Mizoram, support of 21 MLAs is needed to form a government in the 40-member Assembly, which is going to polls on November 28 and the counting will take place on December 11."If like-minded parties come to me and want to support my leadership, then they may (be) welcomed," Thanhawla told PTI during an interview when asked if the Congress is willing to form a post-poll alliance if it does not get a simple majority.

Asked with whom the Congress is comfortable to form an alliance, he said, "I don't know at this moment. But certainly not the BJP, certainly not the MNF. Let the time come."

Refusing to predict a number, the senior Congress leader said his party will get a comfortable majority.

"I am quite confident that I will continue to be in power and I will hold the fort for the Congress (in North East). All indications are there," he added.

Mizoram is significant for the Congress as it remains the only state under the party's rule in the region compared to as many as five just about two years ago, which included Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.

Thanhawla said there is no difference in the campaign this time compared to that in previous two terms as big crowds can be seen in party meetings and "large number" of people are joining the Congress.

When pointed out that senior ministers and political leaders have left the party in the last two months, he said, "I don't see any worker leaving my party at this stage. But unwanted and corrupt people have left. Congress workers are very grateful and they are much inspired because these corrupt people have left the party."

At least five Congress MLAs have resigned from the Assembly and the party in the run-up to the polls and joined either the BJP or the Mizo National Front (MNF).

Those who have resigned include state's Home Minister R Lalzirliana, former Health Minister Lalrinliana Sailo, former Fisheries Minister Buddha Dhan Chakma and MLA Hmingdailova Khiangte. Besides, Mizoram Assembly Speaker Hiphei resigned earlier this month.

&nbsp;Asked about anti-incumbency factor as alleged by the opposition MNF, Thanhawla said, "Not all. Only MNF is feeling anti-incumbency factor. They don't have anything to point fingers at me -- no scandal, no misuse (of funds). How can they say anti-incumbency wind is blowing in Mizoram? It's only their wishful thinking."

On MNF President Zoramthanga's comment that all roads of Mizoram are in "ICU", the chief minister said: "He is a good speaker. His mouth speaks a lot. He has a big mouth. I have seen my roads. I have travelled my roads. So, who is telling lie and who is telling the truth, you can easily differentiate and know. Lies do not have legs. They fall on the waste side."

The Congress has been in power in Mizoram since 2008 and is eyeing a third consecutive term. In the 2013 elections, the Congress had won 34 seats, while the MNF got five and the Mizoram People's Conference one.

The ruling party had improved its tally in 2013 elections from 32 in 2008. This time, both Congress and MNF are contesting all the 40 constituencies this time, while BJP is fighting in 39 seats.

With just three days left for the Mizoram Assembly elections, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla Sunday said the Congress is open to form a post-poll alliance with like-minded parties, excluding the BJP and MNF, if the ruling party falls short of a majority.

With just three days left for the Mizoram Assembly elections, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla Sunday said the Congress is open to form a post-poll alliance with like-minded parties, excluding the BJP and MNF, if the ruling party falls short of a majority. He, however, claimed that such a situation will not arise as the Congress will get a full majority on its own. In Mizoram, support of 21 MLAs is needed to form a government in the 40-member Assembly, which is going to polls on November 28 and the counting will take place on December 11."If like-minded parties come to me and want to support my leadership, then they may (be) welcomed," Thanhawla told PTI during an interview when asked if the Congress is willing to form a post-poll alliance if it does not get a simple majority. Asked with whom the Congress is comfortable to form an alliance, he said, "I don't know at this moment. But certainly not the BJP, certainly not the MNF. Let the time come." Refusing to predict a number, the senior Congress leader said his party will get a comfortable majority. "I am quite confident that I will continue to be in power and I will hold the fort for the Congress (in North East). All indications are there," he added. Mizoram is significant for the Congress as it remains the only state under the party's rule in the region compared to as many as five just about two years ago, which included Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. Thanhawla said there is no difference in the campaign this time compared to that in previous two terms as big crowds can be seen in party meetings and "large number" of people are joining the Congress. When pointed out that senior ministers and political leaders have left the party in the last two months, he said, "I don't see any worker leaving my party at this stage. But unwanted and corrupt people have left. Congress workers are very grateful and they are much inspired because these corrupt people have left the party." At least five Congress MLAs have resigned from the Assembly and the party in the run-up to the polls and joined either the BJP or the Mizo National Front (MNF). Those who have resigned include state's Home Minister R Lalzirliana, former Health Minister Lalrinliana Sailo, former Fisheries Minister Buddha Dhan Chakma and MLA Hmingdailova Khiangte. Besides, Mizoram Assembly Speaker Hiphei resigned earlier this month. Asked about anti-incumbency factor as alleged by the opposition MNF, Thanhawla said, "Not all. Only MNF is feeling anti-incumbency factor. They don't have anything to point fingers at me -- no scandal, no misuse (of funds). How can they say anti-incumbency wind is blowing in Mizoram? It's only their wishful thinking." On MNF President Zoramthanga's comment that all roads of Mizoram are in "ICU", the chief minister said: "He is a good speaker. His mouth speaks a lot. He has a big mouth. I have seen my roads. I have travelled my roads. So, who is telling lie and who is telling the truth, you can easily differentiate and know. Lies do not have legs. They fall on the waste side." The Congress has been in power in Mizoram since 2008 and is eyeing a third consecutive term. In the 2013 elections, the Congress had won 34 seats, while the MNF got five and the Mizoram People's Conference one. The ruling party had improved its tally in 2013 elections from 32 in 2008. This time, both Congress and MNF are contesting all the 40 constituencies this time, while BJP is fighting in 39 seats.

Congress may form post-poll alliance with like-minded parties in Mizoram: CM Lal Thanhawla

Around 60 pilgrims, who breached the security zone near Sabarimala's 'vavarunada' area and started chanting prayers despite prohibitory orders, have been detained by the police.

Due to previous incidents of violence at the hill-top shrine, the police had imposed strict restrictions on the devotees at Sannidhanam.

The protesters were staying back near 'vavarunada' and chanting prayers, even as there was an imposition of Section 144 that prohibits assembly of more than four people at a spot, police said.

The detained protesters are being taken to the Pamba police station, which is around 3.5-km downhill. Hundreds of protesters have been arrested in this first week of the annual two-month-long 'Mandala-Makaravilakku' season of Sabarimala, which commenced on November 17.

Earlier, the protesters detained in similar circumstances were arrested, taken to the Maniyar police camp and were sent to judicial custody by the court subsequently.

The shrine has been witnessing frenzied protest over the decision of the state government to implement the September 28 verdict of the Supreme Court allowing women of all ages to enter Sabarimala.

Around 60 pilgrims, who breached the security zone near Sabarimala's 'vavarunada' area and started chanting prayers despite prohibitory orders, have been detained by the police.

Around 60 pilgrims, who breached the security zone near Sabarimala's 'vavarunada' area and started chanting prayers despite prohibitory orders, have been detained by the police. Due to previous incidents of violence at the hill-top shrine, the police had imposed strict restrictions on the devotees at Sannidhanam. The protesters were staying back near 'vavarunada' and chanting prayers, even as there was an imposition of Section 144 that prohibits assembly of more than four people at a spot, police said. The detained protesters are being taken to the Pamba police station, which is around 3.5-km downhill. Hundreds of protesters have been arrested in this first week of the annual two-month-long 'Mandala-Makaravilakku' season of Sabarimala, which commenced on November 17. Earlier, the protesters detained in similar circumstances were arrested, taken to the Maniyar police camp and were sent to judicial custody by the court subsequently. The shrine has been witnessing frenzied protest over the decision of the state government to implement the September 28 verdict of the Supreme Court allowing women of all ages to enter Sabarimala.

60 Sabarimala pilgrims detained for violating prohibitory orders

Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday tore into Congress party and asserted that it lacks both leadership and policy-making ability.

Invoking the example of an alleged video from the state of Rajasthan, where the sloganeering of Bharat Mata ki Jai was stopped by a Congress leader only to replace it with slogans hailing Sonia Gandhi and other senior leaders, Goyal said,

"The incident uncovered the real face of Congress's dynastic politics. The Congress has become a directionless party which has no leadership and policy but also lack good intentions. They have become a party gripped with dynasty, communalism and obstructive politics. Owing to these factors it has now reduced to governing two states- Mizoram and Punjab and one Union Territory- Pondicherry. However, in these elections, they will also lose Mizoram."

He further stressed and said that the BJP government both in Centre and the state have meticulously worked in coordination to develop Rajasthan.

He said, "As the minister for the railway, I take the example of the railways and want to say that the way in which for last 4.5 year, Rajasthan has developed at a rapid pace is similar to a double engine rail which offers more safety and increases the speed. This has become possible because of the Central government and state government both belonging to the BJP."

Blaming Congress for indulging in divisive politics, Goyal said, "The kind of politics that Congress is indulging into, it has become necessary that Bharatiya Janata Party government is formed with the motto of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'.

"The Union Minister further exuded confidence and said that he sure of the fact that the BJP would again form the government in Rajasthan under the leadership of Vasundhara Raje.

The Assembly elections in the state will take place in a single phase for all 200 seats on December 7 while the counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday tore into Congress party and asserted that it lacks both leadership and policy-making ability. Invoking the example of an alleged video from the state of Rajasthan, where the sloganeering of Bharat Mata ki Jai was stopped by a Congress leader only to replace it with slogans hailing Sonia Gandhi and other senior leaders, Goyal said, "The incident uncovered the real face of Congress's dynastic politics.

Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday tore into Congress party and asserted that it lacks both leadership and policy-making ability. Invoking the example of an alleged video from the state of Rajasthan, where the sloganeering of Bharat Mata ki Jai was stopped by a Congress leader only to replace it with slogans hailing Sonia Gandhi and other senior leaders, Goyal said, "The incident uncovered the real face of Congress's dynastic politics. The Congress has become a directionless party which has no leadership and policy but also lack good intentions. They have become a party gripped with dynasty, communalism and obstructive politics. Owing to these factors it has now reduced to governing two states- Mizoram and Punjab and one Union Territory- Pondicherry. However, in these elections, they will also lose Mizoram." He further stressed and said that the BJP government both in Centre and the state have meticulously worked in coordination to develop Rajasthan. He said, "As the minister for the railway, I take the example of the railways and want to say that the way in which for last 4.5 year, Rajasthan has developed at a rapid pace is similar to a double engine rail which offers more safety and increases the speed. This has become possible because of the Central government and state government both belonging to the BJP." Blaming Congress for indulging in divisive politics, Goyal said, "The kind of politics that Congress is indulging into, it has become necessary that Bharatiya Janata Party government is formed with the motto of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. "The Union Minister further exuded confidence and said that he sure of the fact that the BJP would again form the government in Rajasthan under the leadership of Vasundhara Raje. The Assembly elections in the state will take place in a single phase for all 200 seats on December 7 while the counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Congress directionless, lacks leadership, policy making skills: Piyush Goyal

In pics: Meet the survivors of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks

At least nine people were killed and 25 injured when an overspeeding bus they were travelling in fell from a bridge into a river in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district on Saturday, police said.

The accident took place near Khadri village on the Renuka-Dadahu-Nahan road, about 168 km south of Shimla, at around 4.30 pm.

The private bus was on its way from Renuka Ji to Nahan when the driver lost control, broke the railing of the Jalal bridge and fell 40-feet down into the Jalal river, said senior police official Virender Singh Thakur.

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Four passengers, including three women, died on the spot, while five critically-injured persons succumbed to their injuries in a hospital. Twenty-five people are under treatment in the Nahan medical college and Dadahu sub-divisional hospital, the officer said.

Mr Thakur, who reached the spot and supervised the rescue operation, said prima facie the accident happened due to the negligence of the bus driver. According to eyewitnesses, the bus was overspeeding when it was crossing the bridge.

The process is on to identify the deceased, most of whom are local residents, the officer said, adding that the police had started an investigation.

Another bus, carrying people from Delhi, fell into a gorge in Himachal Pradesh's Solan district today, injuring 21.

At least nine people were killed and 25 injured when an overspeeding bus they were travelling in fell from a bridge into a river in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district on Saturday, police said.

At least nine people were killed and 25 injured when an overspeeding bus they were travelling in fell from a bridge into a river in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district on Saturday, police said. The accident took place near Khadri village on the Renuka-Dadahu-Nahan road, about 168 km south of Shimla, at around 4.30 pm. The private bus was on its way from Renuka Ji to Nahan when the driver lost control, broke the railing of the Jalal bridge and fell 40-feet down into the Jalal river, said senior police official Virender Singh Thakur. Himachal Pradesh: Nine persons died after a private bus fell in a gorge near Dadahu in Sirmaur. Rescue & relief operations underway. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/AEghc2m9IX — ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2018 × Four passengers, including three women, died on the spot, while five critically-injured persons succumbed to their injuries in a hospital. Twenty-five people are under treatment in the Nahan medical college and Dadahu sub-divisional hospital, the officer said. Mr Thakur, who reached the spot and supervised the rescue operation, said prima facie the accident happened due to the negligence of the bus driver. According to eyewitnesses, the bus was overspeeding when it was crossing the bridge. The process is on to identify the deceased, most of whom are local residents, the officer said, adding that the police had started an investigation. Another bus, carrying people from Delhi, fell into a gorge in Himachal Pradesh's Solan district today, injuring 21.

9 dead, 51 injured as bus falls into river in Himachal Pradesh

Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao did not implement several schemes of the Central government because they believed it will make PM Narendra Modi more popular in the state, said BJP President Amit Shah in public rally at Siddipet in Telangana.&nbsp;

Telangana goes to polls on December 7.

KCR government hasn’t been able to fulfil any of its election promises, Shah said.&nbsp;

''Instead of giving employment to 1.60 lakh people, more than 2 lakh seats are lying vacant,'' the BJP leader said.&nbsp;

Earlier addressing a rally in Warangal, the BJP chief said Telangana CM has proposed 12 per cent reservation for the minorities which isn't possible without taking away reservation quotas of SCs, STs or OBCs. BJP is against any reservation on the basis of religion and will not allow anyone else to make this happen, Shah further said.

Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao did not implement several schemes of the Central government because they believed it will make PM Narendra Modi more popular in the state, said BJP President Amit Shah in public rally at Siddipet in Telangana.

Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao did not implement several schemes of the Central government because they believed it will make PM Narendra Modi more popular in the state, said BJP President Amit Shah in public rally at Siddipet in Telangana. Telangana goes to polls on December 7. KCR government hasn’t been able to fulfil any of its election promises, Shah said. ''Instead of giving employment to 1.60 lakh people, more than 2 lakh seats are lying vacant,'' the BJP leader said. Earlier addressing a rally in Warangal, the BJP chief said Telangana CM has proposed 12 per cent reservation for the minorities which isn't possible without taking away reservation quotas of SCs, STs or OBCs. BJP is against any reservation on the basis of religion and will not allow anyone else to make this happen, Shah further said.

Telangana govt didn't implement Centre's schemes lest it make Modi popular: Amit Shah

Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the Congress Sunday for dragging his parents into a political slugfest, alleging that it was being done at the behest of party chief Rahul Gandhi.

He also justified his own tirade against the Nehru-Gandhi family, pointing out that unlike his parents, they occupied top positions in politics and the government.

Congress leaders have kicked up a controversy recently by first comparing the falling value of the rupee to the advanced age of Modi's mother and then claiming that the father of the prime minister was not someone illustrious.

"What has happened to the Congress party? Naamdar (referring to Rahul Gandhi) is tacitly supporting it, and therefore, its leaders are dragging the name of my father, who passed away 30 years ago," Modi said, addressing a rally here in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh.

"The Congress is running out of steam in this election, so they have started dragging my parents into politics,'' Modi said.

"No Congressman would make such a statement against me or my family without the consent of the party president (Rahul Gandhi). It is the 'naamdar' (dynast) who is making his leaders speak against me," he added.

"My mother sits in her house, performing religious rites, confining herself to a room, and has never visited Madhya Pradesh. She does not even know the 'R' of 'rajneeti' (politics)," Modi said.

"Yesterday, they took the name of my mother and now my father. The Congress chief is behind this....Naamdar alleges that the prime minister takes the names of his family members. Yes, I have to take their names as they were in politics, unlike my family members who sit quietly in their home and do their job," he added.

"Had my parents held any public post, they should also have been criticised," the prime minister said.

"Your family has occupied top positions at the national level. The more you ask me about my performance, the onus is more on your family as well," he added.

The opposition party was left with no issues and was, therefore, indulging in this kind of an abusive rhetoric, Modi said.

"The Congress should compare its 55 years of rule with my four years (at the Centre) and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's 15 years (in the state).

"The Congress is lying so much to people that the people of Madhya Pradesh should wake up and ensure that not a single Congress candidate wins," he added.

The previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had introduced a crop loan waiver scheme in 2008, but of the Rs 6-lakh crore agricultural debt in the country, loans of only Rs 60,000 crore were waived, the prime minister claimed.

Former Union minister Vilas Muttemwar made a controversial statement at a Congress meeting in Rajasthan Saturday.

"Who knew you (Modi) before you became the prime minister? Even now, nobody knows the name of your father, but everyone knows the name of Rahul Gandhi's father," Muttemwar was purportedly heard saying in a video that went viral.

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar had compared the falling value of the rupee to the advanced age of Modi's mother.

In his speech in Vidisha Sunday, Modi also mentioned his cabinet colleague and local MP Sushma Swaraj.

Despite health issues, Swaraj had ensured the development of the constituency, the prime minister said.

The 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly will go to the polls on November 28 and the results will be announced on December 11. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the Congress Sunday for dragging his parents into a political slugfest, alleging that it was being done at the behest of party chief Rahul Gandhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the Congress Sunday for dragging his parents into a political slugfest, alleging that it was being done at the behest of party chief Rahul Gandhi. He also justified his own tirade against the Nehru-Gandhi family, pointing out that unlike his parents, they occupied top positions in politics and the government. Congress leaders have kicked up a controversy recently by first comparing the falling value of the rupee to the advanced age of Modi's mother and then claiming that the father of the prime minister was not someone illustrious. "What has happened to the Congress party? Naamdar (referring to Rahul Gandhi) is tacitly supporting it, and therefore, its leaders are dragging the name of my father, who passed away 30 years ago," Modi said, addressing a rally here in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. "The Congress is running out of steam in this election, so they have started dragging my parents into politics,'' Modi said. "No Congressman would make such a statement against me or my family without the consent of the party president (Rahul Gandhi). It is the 'naamdar' (dynast) who is making his leaders speak against me," he added. "My mother sits in her house, performing religious rites, confining herself to a room, and has never visited Madhya Pradesh. She does not even know the 'R' of 'rajneeti' (politics)," Modi said. "Yesterday, they took the name of my mother and now my father. The Congress chief is behind this....Naamdar alleges that the prime minister takes the names of his family members. Yes, I have to take their names as they were in politics, unlike my family members who sit quietly in their home and do their job," he added. "Had my parents held any public post, they should also have been criticised," the prime minister said. "Your family has occupied top positions at the national level. The more you ask me about my performance, the onus is more on your family as well," he added. The opposition party was left with no issues and was, therefore, indulging in this kind of an abusive rhetoric, Modi said. "The Congress should compare its 55 years of rule with my four years (at the Centre) and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's 15 years (in the state). "The Congress is lying so much to people that the people of Madhya Pradesh should wake up and ensure that not a single Congress candidate wins," he added. The previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had introduced a crop loan waiver scheme in 2008, but of the Rs 6-lakh crore agricultural debt in the country, loans of only Rs 60,000 crore were waived, the prime minister claimed. Former Union minister Vilas Muttemwar made a controversial statement at a Congress meeting in Rajasthan Saturday. "Who knew you (Modi) before you became the prime minister? Even now, nobody knows the name of your father, but everyone knows the name of Rahul Gandhi's father," Muttemwar was purportedly heard saying in a video that went viral. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar had compared the falling value of the rupee to the advanced age of Modi's mother. In his speech in Vidisha Sunday, Modi also mentioned his cabinet colleague and local MP Sushma Swaraj. Despite health issues, Swaraj had ensured the development of the constituency, the prime minister said. The 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly will go to the polls on November 28 and the results will be announced on December 11.

Congress dragging my parents into politics at Rahul's behest: PM Modi

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-confused-by-who-will-be-cm-party-will-fuse-modi-in-rajasthan-179312">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> alleged Sunday that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-dragging-my-parents-into-politics-at-rahuls-behest-pm-modi-179367">Congress threatened Supreme Court</a> judges with impeachment when they tried to hear the Ayodhya dispute cases earlier this year.

Without naming anyone, Modi claimed that Congress party's Rajya Sabha members, who are also lawyers, had tried to scare away the apex court judges to ensure the hearing in the cases is delayed until after the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

In an unprecedented move, seven opposition parties led by the Congress had moved a notice for the impeachment of then Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra in April this year, accusing him of "misbehaviour" and "misuse" of authority.

Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu rejected the notice, saying the case against the then CJI was based on "suspicion and conjectures".

At the political rally in Rajasthan's Alwar district, Modi said the Congress has no faith in democracy and judiciary. "It does not hold dialogue and stall proceedings in Parliament, but the new game they are playing now is dangerous and this must be debated for a bright future of the country."

"If a Supreme Court judge does not prepare the timetable (for hearing cases) as per their (Congress's) political intentions and wants to hear all to deliver justice on a serious and sensitive issue, such as Ayodhya, then the party's lawyers, who are Rajya Sabha members, start the game of scaring the judges in the name of impeachment," Modi said.

He urged intellectuals to analyse this "dangerous game" of the Congress in the interest of the country.

"They are working to scare judiciary on the ground of their numbers in Rajya Sabha. But we will not let this 'kaala kaarnama' happen in the temple of democracy," he said.

The prime minister said the opposition party has "no courage" to talk about development and hence "they ask about the caste of Modi."

"Will you vote on the basis of the caste of Modi? Will the future of Rajasthan be decided on basis of birthplace of Modi," he asked the crowd gathered at his rally.

Modi's remarks were a reaction to former Union minister CP Joshi's statement when he had questioned the caste of Modi and others during a speech in Rajsamand district's Nathdwara.

Joshi is the Congress candidate from Nathdwara assembly constituency.

"They are deep neck involved in casteism. Casteism and feeling of hate against poor, deprived, underprivileged is in their veins and such statements reflect the basic behaviour and conduct of the Congress. It does not matter who spoke that (Joshi's renmarks) because everyone knows about the 'naamdaar' who make them speak," he said, apparently referring to the Gandhi family.

Modi also targeted the Congress over issues and discrimination faced by Dalits, saying the party "forgot" to give the Bharat Ratna to B R Ambedkar.

Ambedkar was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1990, 34 years after his death.

"Congress has only divided the country. For them, Dalits are a vote bank while our values and traditions are different," Modi claimed, trying to contrast his party's attitude to the community, of whose members have been assaulted and beaten by right-wing activists for allegedly indulging in cow trade, with that of the Congress.

In Rajasthan, Modi praised the BJP's Vasundhara Raje government, saying it has done lot of work.

He also attacked Congress over a recent video in which a Congress candidate is seen stopping a party supporter shouting "Bharat Mata ki jai" and then the supporter starts shouting: "Sonia Gandhi ki jai".

"For us, the country is bigger than the party but Sonia Gandhi is bigger than Bharat Mata for them," he said.

Modi recalled BJP leaders like former vice president the late Bhairo Singh Shkhawat and said he had started election campaign during the 2013 assembly elections in Rajasthan from Alwar.

Chief minister Raje and the party's candidates on all 11 constituencies of Alwar district were present at the rally.

In Lok Sabha bypolls earlier this year, the BJP had faced defeat in Alwar.

In the 2013 assembly election, the BJP won nine out of the 11 seats in Alwar but one of its sitting MLAs, Dharmpal Chaudhary, died in April this year; the party has given ticket to his son Manjit Chaudhary from Mundawar seat.

Located in eastern part of the desert state, Alwar shares border with Haryana and forms a part of Mewat region having a sizable population of Mev (Muslim) community people.

It also touches Jaipur, Bharatpur and Dausa districts.

Alwar's Ramgarh, a constituency represented by Gyan Dev Ahuja, who has been dropped by the BJP this time, was in bad light following the mob lynching of Akbar Khan on suspicion of cow smuggling in July this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged Sunday that the Congress threatened Supreme Court judges with impeachment when they tried to hear the Ayodhya dispute cases earlier this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged Sunday that the Congress threatened Supreme Court judges with impeachment when they tried to hear the Ayodhya dispute cases earlier this year. Without naming anyone, Modi claimed that Congress party's Rajya Sabha members, who are also lawyers, had tried to scare away the apex court judges to ensure the hearing in the cases is delayed until after the 2019 Lok Sabha election. In an unprecedented move, seven opposition parties led by the Congress had moved a notice for the impeachment of then Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra in April this year, accusing him of "misbehaviour" and "misuse" of authority. Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu rejected the notice, saying the case against the then CJI was based on "suspicion and conjectures". At the political rally in Rajasthan's Alwar district, Modi said the Congress has no faith in democracy and judiciary. "It does not hold dialogue and stall proceedings in Parliament, but the new game they are playing now is dangerous and this must be debated for a bright future of the country." "If a Supreme Court judge does not prepare the timetable (for hearing cases) as per their (Congress's) political intentions and wants to hear all to deliver justice on a serious and sensitive issue, such as Ayodhya, then the party's lawyers, who are Rajya Sabha members, start the game of scaring the judges in the name of impeachment," Modi said. He urged intellectuals to analyse this "dangerous game" of the Congress in the interest of the country. "They are working to scare judiciary on the ground of their numbers in Rajya Sabha. But we will not let this 'kaala kaarnama' happen in the temple of democracy," he said. The prime minister said the opposition party has "no courage" to talk about development and hence "they ask about the caste of Modi." "Will you vote on the basis of the caste of Modi? Will the future of Rajasthan be decided on basis of birthplace of Modi," he asked the crowd gathered at his rally. Modi's remarks were a reaction to former Union minister CP Joshi's statement when he had questioned the caste of Modi and others during a speech in Rajsamand district's Nathdwara. Joshi is the Congress candidate from Nathdwara assembly constituency. "They are deep neck involved in casteism. Casteism and feeling of hate against poor, deprived, underprivileged is in their veins and such statements reflect the basic behaviour and conduct of the Congress. It does not matter who spoke that (Joshi's renmarks) because everyone knows about the 'naamdaar' who make them speak," he said, apparently referring to the Gandhi family. Modi also targeted the Congress over issues and discrimination faced by Dalits, saying the party "forgot" to give the Bharat Ratna to B R Ambedkar. Ambedkar was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1990, 34 years after his death. "Congress has only divided the country. For them, Dalits are a vote bank while our values and traditions are different," Modi claimed, trying to contrast his party's attitude to the community, of whose members have been assaulted and beaten by right-wing activists for allegedly indulging in cow trade, with that of the Congress. In Rajasthan, Modi praised the BJP's Vasundhara Raje government, saying it has done lot of work. He also attacked Congress over a recent video in which a Congress candidate is seen stopping a party supporter shouting "Bharat Mata ki jai" and then the supporter starts shouting: "Sonia Gandhi ki jai". "For us, the country is bigger than the party but Sonia Gandhi is bigger than Bharat Mata for them," he said. Modi recalled BJP leaders like former vice president the late Bhairo Singh Shkhawat and said he had started election campaign during the 2013 assembly elections in Rajasthan from Alwar. Chief minister Raje and the party's candidates on all 11 constituencies of Alwar district were present at the rally. In Lok Sabha bypolls earlier this year, the BJP had faced defeat in Alwar. In the 2013 assembly election, the BJP won nine out of the 11 seats in Alwar but one of its sitting MLAs, Dharmpal Chaudhary, died in April this year; the party has given ticket to his son Manjit Chaudhary from Mundawar seat. Located in eastern part of the desert state, Alwar shares border with Haryana and forms a part of Mewat region having a sizable population of Mev (Muslim) community people. It also touches Jaipur, Bharatpur and Dausa districts. Alwar's Ramgarh, a constituency represented by Gyan Dev Ahuja, who has been dropped by the BJP this time, was in bad light following the mob lynching of Akbar Khan on suspicion of cow smuggling in July this year.

Congress threatened SC judges, who tried to hear Ayodhya cases, with impeachment: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the 50th edition of his monthly radio programme, Mann ki Baat today.

Prime Minister's address can be heard by tuning in to the All India Radio broadcast at 11am. The broadcast can also be streamed live on YouTube channels of the Prime Minsiter's Office, Information and Broadcasting Ministry.&nbsp;

During his last radio address, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/on-49th-edition-of-man-ki-baat-pm-modi-urges-nation-to-run-for-unity-173961">which was aired on October 28</a> -- the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, the Prime Minister urged the country to "Run for Unity."

PM Modi also recalled the contribution of Sardar Patel in uniting the country. He said the leader ensured "the merger of all princely states with the Dominion of India".

Further hailing the victory of the athletes in Asian Para Games PM Modi said, "India created a new record in these games by winning 72 medals. I was privileged to meet the talented para-athletes who participated in Asian Para Games held in Jakarta. Their spirit to overcome all adversaries is exemplary and inspiring."

He also praised the country's soldier saying that "our soldiers showed the world that they are second to none when it comes to war."

PM Modi's monthly radio address started months after him taking over as the Prime Minister. The very first edition went on air in October 2014.

Toll-free telephone lines were introduced in September to enable more people, especially the differently abled, to connect with the broadcast.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the 50th edition of his monthly radio programme, Mann ki Baat today. Prime Minister's address can be heard by tuning in to the All India Radio broadcast at 11am.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the 50th edition of his monthly radio programme, Mann ki Baat today. Prime Minister's address can be heard by tuning in to the All India Radio broadcast at 11am. The broadcast can also be streamed live on YouTube channels of the Prime Minsiter's Office, Information and Broadcasting Ministry. During his last radio address, which was aired on October 28 -- the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, the Prime Minister urged the country to "Run for Unity." PM Modi also recalled the contribution of Sardar Patel in uniting the country. He said the leader ensured "the merger of all princely states with the Dominion of India". Further hailing the victory of the athletes in Asian Para Games PM Modi said, "India created a new record in these games by winning 72 medals. I was privileged to meet the talented para-athletes who participated in Asian Para Games held in Jakarta. Their spirit to overcome all adversaries is exemplary and inspiring." He also praised the country's soldier saying that "our soldiers showed the world that they are second to none when it comes to war." PM Modi's monthly radio address started months after him taking over as the Prime Minister. The very first edition went on air in October 2014. Toll-free telephone lines were introduced in September to enable more people, especially the differently abled, to connect with the broadcast.

PM Modi to deliver 50th episode of his Mann ki Baat radio programme today

Uttar Pradesh Principal Secretary (Information) Avanish Awasthi on Saturday said that the state government will install a 221-metre bronze <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lord-rams-statue-should-be-taller-than-statue-of-unity-azam-khan-175363">statue of Lord Ram</a> in Ayodhya.&nbsp;

Awasthi added that while the statue will be 151 metres tall, the overhead umbrella of the statue will be 20 metres and its the pedestal would be 50 metres, making it a 221-metre statue, the tallest in the world beating the newly inaugurated Statue of Unity in Gujarat.&nbsp;

The minister informed that a museum would be housed at the pedestal of the statue. As many as five firms have been shortlisted for the construction of the mammoth statue.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the presentation by the construction firms on Saturday. &nbsp;

On October 31, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/statue-of-unity-worlds-tallest-unveiled-by-pm-modi-as-tribute-to-sardar-vallabhbhai-patel-174548">Statue of Unity in Gujarat</a> which currently stands as the tallest statue in the world.

At 182-metre, the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel stands in Gujarat on a river island facing the Sardar Sarovar Dam on river Narmada.

Meanwhile, according to reports, the government of Maharashtra is also planning to install a Shivaji statue in Mumbai which is said to be ready by the year 2021. The statue is reported to be 212 metres tall, surpassing the total height of the Statue of Unity.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Principal Secretary (Information) Avanish Awasthi on Saturday said that the state government will install a 221-metre bronze statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya.

Uttar Pradesh Principal Secretary (Information) Avanish Awasthi on Saturday said that the state government will install a 221-metre bronze statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya. Awasthi added that while the statue will be 151 metres tall, the overhead umbrella of the statue will be 20 metres and its the pedestal would be 50 metres, making it a 221-metre statue, the tallest in the world beating the newly inaugurated Statue of Unity in Gujarat. The minister informed that a museum would be housed at the pedestal of the statue. As many as five firms have been shortlisted for the construction of the mammoth statue. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the presentation by the construction firms on Saturday. On October 31, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Statue of Unity in Gujarat which currently stands as the tallest statue in the world. At 182-metre, the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel stands in Gujarat on a river island facing the Sardar Sarovar Dam on river Narmada. Meanwhile, according to reports, the government of Maharashtra is also planning to install a Shivaji statue in Mumbai which is said to be ready by the year 2021. The statue is reported to be 212 metres tall, surpassing the total height of the Statue of Unity.

Ram statue in Ayodhya to be tallest in the world: UP government

The special investigation team (SIT) probing the killing of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gauri-lankesh-and-that-piece-by-her-ex-husband-22818">journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh</a> has named an organised criminal syndicate inspired by the Sanatan Sanstha in its additional chargesheet filed before a court here.

In the 9,235-page chargesheet submitted before the Principal Civil and Sessions Court here Friday evening, it was also stated that the killing of Lankesh was plotted for almost five years.

A network, inspired by the literature of the Goa-based Sanatan Sanstha, had targeted Lankesh, it said.

"Sanatan Sanstha members were involved. We have named them. We have also mentioned one of its allied organisations," a top officer in the SIT told PTI here Saturday.

However, the SIT in a press release stated, "The investigation so far has revealed that all the 18 accused were active members of an organised crime syndicate. This syndicate was formed in 2010-11 under the leadership of Dr Virendra Tawade alias Bade Bhai Sahab. One former editor of the Sanatan Prabhat provided the financial support to this syndicate.

"The members of this organisation targeted persons who they identified to be inimical to their ideology and belief. The members strictly followed the guidelines and principles mentioned in the 'Kshatra Dharma Sadhana', a book published by the Sanatan Sanstha."

Reacting to the chargesheet, the Sanatan Sanstha dismissed its alleged links with the killing of Lankesh, saying none of the accused was its members.

"None of the accused is a member of the Sanatan Sanstha. So far, the SIT has not said this officially. If it has mentioned our name in the supplementary chargesheet, we will fight it legally. So far, we have not got the copy (of the chargesheet)," Chetan Rajhans, the outfit's head of communications, told PTI over phone.

"...Other than this, if any organisation indulges in maligning the name of the organisation without proof, it will face legal consequences," he said.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, who holds the Home portfolio, said the government would soon take a call on banning organisations involved in the killing of Lankesh.

"No discussion has taken place regarding the organisations involved in the case, but we will take a decision on that shortly," he told reporters.

The Congress leader also refused to divulge information about the progress made in the investigation.

"The killer and the killed had no personal or any other enmity. Why was she killed? Because she believed in a certain ideology and wrote and spoke about that. So, it must be an ideology and it must be an organisation," Special Public Prosecutor S Balan told PTI.

The SIT has also sought permission to investigate the case further. 
The first chargesheet in the sensational case was filed in May, eight months after 55-year-old Lankesh, known for her left-leaning and strong anti-Hindutva views, was shot dead in front of her house here on September 5 last year.

As the killing triggered a national outrage and widespread condemnation, the then Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government had constituted the SIT to probe it. 
So far, 18 people have been named as accused in the case, including shooter Parashuram Waghmare and alleged masterminds Amol Kale, Sujith Kumar alias Praveen and Amit Degwekar, SIT sources said.

The gang also allegedly had links with the killings of three other rationalists -- M M Kalburgi, Narendra Dabholkar and Govind Pansare -- they added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The special investigation team (SIT) probing the killing of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh has named an organised criminal syndicate inspired by the Sanatan Sanstha in its additional chargesheet filed before a court here.

The special investigation team (SIT) probing the killing of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh has named an organised criminal syndicate inspired by the Sanatan Sanstha in its additional chargesheet filed before a court here. In the 9,235-page chargesheet submitted before the Principal Civil and Sessions Court here Friday evening, it was also stated that the killing of Lankesh was plotted for almost five years. A network, inspired by the literature of the Goa-based Sanatan Sanstha, had targeted Lankesh, it said. "Sanatan Sanstha members were involved. We have named them. We have also mentioned one of its allied organisations," a top officer in the SIT told PTI here Saturday. However, the SIT in a press release stated, "The investigation so far has revealed that all the 18 accused were active members of an organised crime syndicate. This syndicate was formed in 2010-11 under the leadership of Dr Virendra Tawade alias Bade Bhai Sahab. One former editor of the Sanatan Prabhat provided the financial support to this syndicate. "The members of this organisation targeted persons who they identified to be inimical to their ideology and belief. The members strictly followed the guidelines and principles mentioned in the 'Kshatra Dharma Sadhana', a book published by the Sanatan Sanstha." Reacting to the chargesheet, the Sanatan Sanstha dismissed its alleged links with the killing of Lankesh, saying none of the accused was its members. "None of the accused is a member of the Sanatan Sanstha. So far, the SIT has not said this officially. If it has mentioned our name in the supplementary chargesheet, we will fight it legally. So far, we have not got the copy (of the chargesheet)," Chetan Rajhans, the outfit's head of communications, told PTI over phone. "...Other than this, if any organisation indulges in maligning the name of the organisation without proof, it will face legal consequences," he said. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, who holds the Home portfolio, said the government would soon take a call on banning organisations involved in the killing of Lankesh. "No discussion has taken place regarding the organisations involved in the case, but we will take a decision on that shortly," he told reporters. The Congress leader also refused to divulge information about the progress made in the investigation. "The killer and the killed had no personal or any other enmity. Why was she killed? Because she believed in a certain ideology and wrote and spoke about that. So, it must be an ideology and it must be an organisation," Special Public Prosecutor S Balan told PTI. The SIT has also sought permission to investigate the case further. The first chargesheet in the sensational case was filed in May, eight months after 55-year-old Lankesh, known for her left-leaning and strong anti-Hindutva views, was shot dead in front of her house here on September 5 last year. As the killing triggered a national outrage and widespread condemnation, the then Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government had constituted the SIT to probe it. So far, 18 people have been named as accused in the case, including shooter Parashuram Waghmare and alleged masterminds Amol Kale, Sujith Kumar alias Praveen and Amit Degwekar, SIT sources said. The gang also allegedly had links with the killings of three other rationalists -- M M Kalburgi, Narendra Dabholkar and Govind Pansare -- they added.

Gauri Lankesh killing was plotted for almost 5 years: SIT charge sheet

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-will-hold-us-bound-refugees-while-claims-processed-trump-179220">All migrants at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-will-hold-us-bound-refugees-while-claims-processed-trump-179220">border</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-will-hold-us-bound-refugees-while-claims-processed-trump-179220"> to be held in Mexico while they're assessed: Trump</a>

Asylum seekers hoping to enter the US via its southern border will have to wait in Mexico while they are assessed, President Donald Trump announced Saturday, appearing to confirm a report about a bilateral deal published by The Washington Post.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uks-may-pens-open-letter-to-britons-lauding-brexit-deal-179221">'A deal for a brighter future': Theresa May writes </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uks-may-pens-open-letter-to-britons-lauding-brexit-deal-179221">open</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uks-may-pens-open-letter-to-britons-lauding-brexit-deal-179221"> letter to Britons on Brexit deal</a>

British Prime Minister Theresa May wrote a "letter to the nation" Sunday vowing to campaign with "heart and soul" for her Brexit deal once EU leaders sign off on it this weekend.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-on-champs-elysees-as-french-protesters-rage-against-taxes-179223">'Shame' on you, Macron tells French fuel hike protesters</a>

Anti-government protesters clashed with French police on the Champs-Elysees in Paris on Saturday, leaving the area cloaked in tear gas and smoke from fires on a fresh day of demonstrations against President Emmanuel Macron.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-4-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-with-security-forces-in-shopians-kapran-batagund-179227">J&amp;K: 4 terrorists killed in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-4-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-with-security-forces-in-shopians-kapran-batagund-179227">encounter</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-4-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-with-security-forces-in-shopians-kapran-batagund-179227"> with security forces in Shopian's </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-4-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-with-security-forces-in-shopians-kapran-batagund-179227">Kapran</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-4-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-with-security-forces-in-shopians-kapran-batagund-179227"> Batagund</a>

An encounter between security forces and terrorists broke out in Kapran Batagund area of Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Sunday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lord-ram-statue-in-ayodhya-to-be-tallest-in-world-up-government-179232">Ram statue in Ayodhya to be tallest in the world: UP government</a>

Uttar Pradesh Principal Secretary (Information) Avanish Awasthi on Saturday said that the state government will install a 221-metre bronze statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

All migrants at border to be held in Mexico while they're assessed: Trump Asylum seekers hoping to enter the US via its southern border will have to wait in Mexico while they are assessed, President Donald Trump announced Saturday, appearing to confirm a report about a bilateral deal published by The Washington Post.

All migrants at border to be held in Mexico while they're assessed: Trump Asylum seekers hoping to enter the US via its southern border will have to wait in Mexico while they are assessed, President Donald Trump announced Saturday, appearing to confirm a report about a bilateral deal published by The Washington Post. 'A deal for a brighter future': Theresa May writes open letter to Britons on Brexit deal British Prime Minister Theresa May wrote a "letter to the nation" Sunday vowing to campaign with "heart and soul" for her Brexit deal once EU leaders sign off on it this weekend. 'Shame' on you, Macron tells French fuel hike protesters Anti-government protesters clashed with French police on the Champs-Elysees in Paris on Saturday, leaving the area cloaked in tear gas and smoke from fires on a fresh day of demonstrations against President Emmanuel Macron. J&K: 4 terrorists killed in encounter with security forces in Shopian's Kapran Batagund An encounter between security forces and terrorists broke out in Kapran Batagund area of Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Sunday. Ram statue in Ayodhya to be tallest in the world: UP government Uttar Pradesh Principal Secretary (Information) Avanish Awasthi on Saturday said that the state government will install a 221-metre bronze statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The deadly 2008 terror attack in Mumbai was a result of "misinterpretation of religion", feels a relative of encounter specialist Vijay Salaskar, who was killed while fighting terrorists that day.

The slain police inspector's family members still feel his loss and not a day goes by when they don't remember him, Salaskar's niece Mansi said Sunday.

Salaskar, then Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad chief Hemant Karkare, and IPS officer Ashok Kamte were killed outside the Cama Hospital in south Mumbai after terrorist Ajmal Kasab and his partner Ismail opened fire at their police van during the terror attack on November 26, 2008.

Remembering her uncle ten years after the incident, Mansi said, "I strongly believe religion is being misinterpreted and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack was the result of it. What my family and I witnessed very closely is terrorism in the name of religion and faith."

She was speaking at an interfaith dialogue, organised by the Jewish community in India and Rotary Club of Bombay Queen City Foundation, on the eve of 10th anniversary of the attack.

Describing Salaskar as a pillar of unconditional strength and love for the close-knit family, she said, "My uncle attained martyrdom in the terror attack... I don't know how to describe the agony and anger we have lived with over the years."

"The plight of 26/11 has left a void in our lives. Ten years later also we feel the loss and pain. He is present in our everyday conversation... Not a day goes by when we don't miss him," she added.

Nearly 166 people were killed in the attack carried out by 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in 2008.

Nine of the attackers were killed by the police while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was captured and hanged after he was awarded death sentence by a court.&nbsp;

The deadly 2008 terror attack in Mumbai was a result of "misinterpretation of religion", feels a relative of encounter specialist Vijay Salaskar, who was killed while fighting terrorists that day.

The deadly 2008 terror attack in Mumbai was a result of "misinterpretation of religion", feels a relative of encounter specialist Vijay Salaskar, who was killed while fighting terrorists that day. The slain police inspector's family members still feel his loss and not a day goes by when they don't remember him, Salaskar's niece Mansi said Sunday. Salaskar, then Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad chief Hemant Karkare, and IPS officer Ashok Kamte were killed outside the Cama Hospital in south Mumbai after terrorist Ajmal Kasab and his partner Ismail opened fire at their police van during the terror attack on November 26, 2008. Remembering her uncle ten years after the incident, Mansi said, "I strongly believe religion is being misinterpreted and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack was the result of it. What my family and I witnessed very closely is terrorism in the name of religion and faith." She was speaking at an interfaith dialogue, organised by the Jewish community in India and Rotary Club of Bombay Queen City Foundation, on the eve of 10th anniversary of the attack. Describing Salaskar as a pillar of unconditional strength and love for the close-knit family, she said, "My uncle attained martyrdom in the terror attack... I don't know how to describe the agony and anger we have lived with over the years." "The plight of 26/11 has left a void in our lives. Ten years later also we feel the loss and pain. He is present in our everyday conversation... Not a day goes by when we don't miss him," she added. Nearly 166 people were killed in the attack carried out by 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in 2008. Nine of the attackers were killed by the police while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was captured and hanged after he was awarded death sentence by a court.

26/11 terror attacks: Religion being misinterpreted, says kin of slain cop

For the select policemen involved in the covert operation to shift 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab from Mumbai to Pune, the phrase "Parcel reached Fox" signalled that the van carrying him had reached the jail where he was to be hanged the next day.

A senior police official involved in carrying out the operation said this was one of the seven code words/phrases used during the exercise, of which only the then home minister R R Patil and a few top police officials were aware of.

The code "Parcel reached Fox" was the last code exchanged between two senior officials involved in the operation to transport Kasab, he told PTI.

The hand-picked team was tasked with shifting Kasab from the high security 'Anda Cell' of Arthur Road prison in Central Mumbai to Yerwada Central Prison in Pune, he said.

The lone terrorist captured alive during the 26/11 attacks was covered in a 'burqa' while being taken out of his cell on the night of November 20, 2012, and put in a police vehicle, the officer recalled.

"It was a big responsibility to transport him to Yerwada prison to be hanged. A death warrant was served to him seven days before the execution," he said.

The 'Force One' commando team of police, carrying advanced weapons, accompanied Kasab's vehicle. A State Reserve Police Force team trailing the vehicle a little behind, so as not to arouse suspicions, when it was on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

Except for two handsets, mobile phones of all officers and other police personnel involved in the operation were switched off and packed in a bag, the official said.

"During the entire three-hour-long journey, Kasab did not utter a single word," he said. His demeanour did not change even when he was handed over to the Yerwada prison authorities at around 3 am, the official said.

By the time their mobile phones were switched on again the next day, November 21, the world knew that Kasab was executed, he said.

For the select policemen involved in the covert operation to shift 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab from Mumbai to Pune, the phrase "Parcel reached Fox" signalled that the van carrying him had reached the jail where he was to be hanged the next day.

For the select policemen involved in the covert operation to shift 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab from Mumbai to Pune, the phrase "Parcel reached Fox" signalled that the van carrying him had reached the jail where he was to be hanged the next day. A senior police official involved in carrying out the operation said this was one of the seven code words/phrases used during the exercise, of which only the then home minister R R Patil and a few top police officials were aware of. The code "Parcel reached Fox" was the last code exchanged between two senior officials involved in the operation to transport Kasab, he told PTI. The hand-picked team was tasked with shifting Kasab from the high security 'Anda Cell' of Arthur Road prison in Central Mumbai to Yerwada Central Prison in Pune, he said. The lone terrorist captured alive during the 26/11 attacks was covered in a 'burqa' while being taken out of his cell on the night of November 20, 2012, and put in a police vehicle, the officer recalled. "It was a big responsibility to transport him to Yerwada prison to be hanged. A death warrant was served to him seven days before the execution," he said. The 'Force One' commando team of police, carrying advanced weapons, accompanied Kasab's vehicle. A State Reserve Police Force team trailing the vehicle a little behind, so as not to arouse suspicions, when it was on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Except for two handsets, mobile phones of all officers and other police personnel involved in the operation were switched off and packed in a bag, the official said. "During the entire three-hour-long journey, Kasab did not utter a single word," he said. His demeanour did not change even when he was handed over to the Yerwada prison authorities at around 3 am, the official said. By the time their mobile phones were switched on again the next day, November 21, the world knew that Kasab was executed, he said.

2008 Mumbai terror attacks: How the secret operation to shift Kasab for hanging unfolded

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/europe/27-european-union-leaders-approve-brexit-deal-with-britain-eu-council-president-donald-tusk-179318">27 European Union leaders approve </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/europe/27-european-union-leaders-approve-brexit-deal-with-britain-eu-council-president-donald-tusk-179318">Brexit</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/europe/27-european-union-leaders-approve-brexit-deal-with-britain-eu-council-president-donald-tusk-179318"> deal with Britain: EU Council President Donald Tusk</a>

The leaders of the 27 other European Union members states on Sunday approved the terms of a historic Brexit deal with Britain, at a special summit in Brussels.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-need-generous-aid-from-india-to-overcome-difficulties-we-are-facing-maldives-foreign-minister-to-wion-179361">We need generous aid from India to overcome difficulties: Maldives foreign minister to WION&nbsp;</a>

An exclusive conversation with WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal, the new Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid spoke at length about the expectation of the new Maldives government from India, Maldives-China Free Trade agreement, Indo-Pacific concept among other things.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/africa/death-toll-from-uganda-boat-cruise-accident-jumps-to-29-179336">Death</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/africa/death-toll-from-uganda-boat-cruise-accident-jumps-to-29-179336"> toll from Uganda boat cruise accident jumps to 29</a>

At least 29 people died when a cruise boat capsized in poor weather on Saturday in Lake Victoria, Uganda, the deputy police spokesman said on Sunday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-follow-detention-of-ultra-right-pakistani-cleric-179278">Pakistan: 5 injured in clashes following Tehreek-e-Labbaik cleric detention</a>

Pakistan on Saturday detained scores of protesters in a continuing crackdown against followers of a hardline Islamic cleric who led three days of protests over blasphemy laws and whose arrest overnight triggered violent clashes with police.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/around-100-syrians-struggle-to-breathe-after-toxic-attack-179329">Around 100 Syrians struggle to breathe after 'toxic' attack</a>

A day after&nbsp;nine civilians&nbsp;were<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/9-civillians-killed-in-shelling-exchange-in-syrias-aleppo-city-official-media-allege-toxic-gas-attack-179235">&nbsp;killed</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;a planned buffer zone around Syria's last major rebel bastion, around 100 Syrians were hospitalised on Sunday as they complained of breathing difficulties.

27 European Union leaders approve Brexit deal with Britain: EU Council President Donald Tusk The leaders of the 27 other European Union members states on Sunday approved the terms of a historic Brexit deal with Britain, at a special summit in Brussels.

27 European Union leaders approve Brexit deal with Britain: EU Council President Donald Tusk The leaders of the 27 other European Union members states on Sunday approved the terms of a historic Brexit deal with Britain, at a special summit in Brussels. We need generous aid from India to overcome difficulties: Maldives foreign minister to WION An exclusive conversation with WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the new Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid spoke at length about the expectation of the new Maldives government from India, Maldives-China Free Trade agreement, Indo-Pacific concept among other things. Death toll from Uganda boat cruise accident jumps to 29 At least 29 people died when a cruise boat capsized in poor weather on Saturday in Lake Victoria, Uganda, the deputy police spokesman said on Sunday. Pakistan: 5 injured in clashes following Tehreek-e-Labbaik cleric detention Pakistan on Saturday detained scores of protesters in a continuing crackdown against followers of a hardline Islamic cleric who led three days of protests over blasphemy laws and whose arrest overnight triggered violent clashes with police. Around 100 Syrians struggle to breathe after 'toxic' attack A day after nine civilians were killed in a planned buffer zone around Syria's last major rebel bastion, around 100 Syrians were hospitalised on Sunday as they complained of breathing difficulties.

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