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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cabinet-has-approved-building-of-kartarpur-corridor-urge-pak-government-to-reciprocate-rajnath-singh-178726">Kartarpur Sahib</a> in Pakistan is located across the river Ravi, about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Indian Punjab’s Gurdaspur district.

The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/expect-good-news-says-pakistan-after-india-decides-to-build-kartarpur-corridor-178740"> Kartarpur Sahib </a>has special religious significance. This is the holy place where Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh religion, resided during his last days after travelling wide with his mission. This is also the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Guru Nanak Devji&nbsp;assembled a Sikh community here and spent the final 18 years of life.&nbsp;

The original abode established by Guru Nanak was washed away by floods of the river Ravi and the present gurudwara was established by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

The present gurdwara is built on the site where Guru Nanak died, on&nbsp;September 22, 1539.&nbsp;

The gurudwara is just three kilometres away from the Indian border in the North Eastern city of Narowal in the Pakistani side of Punjab.

The gurudwara is located next to a small village named Kothay Pind on the West bank of the Ravi River.

Sikh devotees often gather near the border fence and offer prayers while looking at Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan. India's Border Security Force (BSF) has specially-constructed a 'Darshan Sthal' (viewing spot) from where the devotees can get a clear view of the gurudwara through binoculars.

The 550th birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru, who breathed his last in Kartarpur, will be being observed in November, 2019.

During cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu’s visit to Pakistan to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa had hinted at the temporary opening of Kartarpur border on the occasion of Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary.

(With inputs from PTI)

Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan is located across the river Ravi, about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Indian Punjab’s Gurdaspur district. The Kartarpur Sahib has special religious significance.

Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan is located across the river Ravi, about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Indian Punjab’s Gurdaspur district. The Kartarpur Sahib has special religious significance. This is the holy place where Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh religion, resided during his last days after travelling wide with his mission. This is also the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Guru Nanak Devji assembled a Sikh community here and spent the final 18 years of life. The original abode established by Guru Nanak was washed away by floods of the river Ravi and the present gurudwara was established by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The present gurdwara is built on the site where Guru Nanak died, on September 22, 1539. The gurudwara is just three kilometres away from the Indian border in the North Eastern city of Narowal in the Pakistani side of Punjab. The gurudwara is located next to a small village named Kothay Pind on the West bank of the Ravi River. Sikh devotees often gather near the border fence and offer prayers while looking at Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan. India's Border Security Force (BSF) has specially-constructed a 'Darshan Sthal' (viewing spot) from where the devotees can get a clear view of the gurudwara through binoculars. The 550th birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru, who breathed his last in Kartarpur, will be being observed in November, 2019. During cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu’s visit to Pakistan to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa had hinted at the temporary opening of Kartarpur border on the occasion of Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary. (With inputs from PTI)

Kartarpur Sahib: Pakistani gurudwara where Guru Nanak spent final 18 years of his life

India's T-18 train to run at 160-200 kmph

Home minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wed-been-taking-up-matter-with-pak-no-official-communication-has-come-government-on-kartarpur-corridor--166325">Rajnath Singh said today that the Cabinet </a>had approved the building of the Kartarpur corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district to International Border(IB) along the Pakistan border.

"The Kartarpur corridor will <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-sahib-corridor-pakistan-says-there-has-been-no-formal-communication-with-india-166652">provide smooth and easy passage</a> to pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib throughout the year," he said while urging the Pakistan government to reciprocate and develop a corridor with suitable facilities in their territory&nbsp;

"Kartarpur corridor project with all modern amenities and facilities to be implemented with central government funding," Rajnath Singh said.

Last month, the Pakistan foreign office had said that Kartarpur border crossing for Sikh pilgrims will remain pending if there are no talks between India and Pakistan.

Kartarpur is situated in Narowal district of Pakistan's Punjab province, close to the India-Pakistan border. It was established by the first Sikh Guru in 1522. The first Gurdwara, Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib was built there, where Guru Nanak Dev is said to have died.&nbsp;Guru Nanak Dev is also said to have spent 18 years of his life there.

Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan is located across the river Ravi, about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab's Gurdaspur district.

Indian cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, who had attended Imran Khan's swearing in ceremony in Islamabad in August, has said that Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa had hinted at opening of the route to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib on the occasion of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

Home minister Rajnath Singh said today that the Cabinet had approved the building of the Kartarpur corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district to International Border(IB) along the Pakistan border.

Home minister Rajnath Singh said today that the Cabinet had approved the building of the Kartarpur corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district to International Border(IB) along the Pakistan border. "The Kartarpur corridor will provide smooth and easy passage to pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib throughout the year," he said while urging the Pakistan government to reciprocate and develop a corridor with suitable facilities in their territory "Kartarpur corridor project with all modern amenities and facilities to be implemented with central government funding," Rajnath Singh said. Last month, the Pakistan foreign office had said that Kartarpur border crossing for Sikh pilgrims will remain pending if there are no talks between India and Pakistan. Kartarpur is situated in Narowal district of Pakistan's Punjab province, close to the India-Pakistan border. It was established by the first Sikh Guru in 1522. The first Gurdwara, Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib was built there, where Guru Nanak Dev is said to have died. Guru Nanak Dev is also said to have spent 18 years of his life there. Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan is located across the river Ravi, about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab's Gurdaspur district. Indian cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, who had attended Imran Khan's swearing in ceremony in Islamabad in August, has said that Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa had hinted at opening of the route to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib on the occasion of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

Cabinet has approved building of Kartarpur corridor, urge Pak government to reciprocate: Rajnath Singh

Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) president and state's caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has said that if the Congress comes to power, the state will go blind.

Talking about providing electricity to Siddipet district, Rao said during a public address, "Telangana state ranked number one in all the sectors. In the next two years, train will come to Siddipet. The TRS has set up a Medical College in Siddipet district. It has announced that 24-hour electricity would be given at free of cost to the farmers. But if the Congress comes in power, the state will become blind."

He further said that food processing units will be set up in each constituency and their responsibilities will be handed over to women unions.

"Passbook for the farmers will be given by the officers at their houses. From next year Rs 10, 000 will be given to the farmers for one acre of land. Crops cultivated by farmers will be bought through women's unions in villages. Food processing units will be set up in each constituency and their responsibilities will be handed over to women unions. We are working without corruption," KCR said.

He also announced that his government will soon come up with a new scheme for the farmers. "The actual problem for farmers is the cost of the crop. A wonderful scheme has been created for it and will be implemented in the coming days," Rao said.

The Telangana Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

The Telangana State Assembly was dissolved prematurely in September on the recommendation of the ruling KCR-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government.

Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) president and state's caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has said that if the Congress comes to power, the state will go blind.

Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) president and state's caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has said that if the Congress comes to power, the state will go blind. Talking about providing electricity to Siddipet district, Rao said during a public address, "Telangana state ranked number one in all the sectors. In the next two years, train will come to Siddipet. The TRS has set up a Medical College in Siddipet district. It has announced that 24-hour electricity would be given at free of cost to the farmers. But if the Congress comes in power, the state will become blind." He further said that food processing units will be set up in each constituency and their responsibilities will be handed over to women unions. "Passbook for the farmers will be given by the officers at their houses. From next year Rs 10, 000 will be given to the farmers for one acre of land. Crops cultivated by farmers will be bought through women's unions in villages. Food processing units will be set up in each constituency and their responsibilities will be handed over to women unions. We are working without corruption," KCR said. He also announced that his government will soon come up with a new scheme for the farmers. "The actual problem for farmers is the cost of the crop. A wonderful scheme has been created for it and will be implemented in the coming days," Rao said. The Telangana Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. The Telangana State Assembly was dissolved prematurely in September on the recommendation of the ruling KCR-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government.

Telangana will become blind if Congress comes to power: KCR

The Election Commission has served notices to five politicians in the state after receiving various complaints against them for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct.

Telangana Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar said that notices have been issued to Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao, Congress leader Revanth Reddy, Telugu Desam Party leader Vanteru Pratap Reddy, and his fellow party leader Revuri Prakash Reddy.

"We have also received a complaint against Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) chief Uttam Kumar Reddy for speaking at a religious meeting. We have also sent a notice to him. We have asked them to file their replies," he said.

He further informed that they have also received a complaint against former MLA and Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) candidate Gangula Kamalakar for threatening a BJP leader and added that they are examining the complaints and will take action accordingly.

Telangana CEO said that around 32,796 polling stations have been created for the convenience of the voters. As many as 48,000 police personnel will be deployed on the polling day for security purposes. Apart from the police force, 279 companies of Central Paramilitary Forces (CPMF) will also be deployed for the polls, Rajat Kumar said.Since the Model Code of Conduct was imposed in the state, Rs 90.72 crore including cash and goods has been seized.

He further informed that they have received around 3583 nominations for the assembly polls.

The Assembly elections in the state are scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. The Telangana Assembly was dissolved prematurely in September on the recommendation of the ruling TRS government.

The Election Commission has served notices to five politicians in the state after receiving various complaints against them for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct.

The Election Commission has served notices to five politicians in the state after receiving various complaints against them for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct. Telangana Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar said that notices have been issued to Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao, Congress leader Revanth Reddy, Telugu Desam Party leader Vanteru Pratap Reddy, and his fellow party leader Revuri Prakash Reddy. "We have also received a complaint against Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) chief Uttam Kumar Reddy for speaking at a religious meeting. We have also sent a notice to him. We have asked them to file their replies," he said. He further informed that they have also received a complaint against former MLA and Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) candidate Gangula Kamalakar for threatening a BJP leader and added that they are examining the complaints and will take action accordingly. Telangana CEO said that around 32,796 polling stations have been created for the convenience of the voters. As many as 48,000 police personnel will be deployed on the polling day for security purposes. Apart from the police force, 279 companies of Central Paramilitary Forces (CPMF) will also be deployed for the polls, Rajat Kumar said.Since the Model Code of Conduct was imposed in the state, Rs 90.72 crore including cash and goods has been seized. He further informed that they have received around 3583 nominations for the assembly polls. The Assembly elections in the state are scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. The Telangana Assembly was dissolved prematurely in September on the recommendation of the ruling TRS government.

Telangana polls: Notice to 5 politicians for violating poll code

The ruling BJP and the Congress in Rajasthan have fielded 11 turncoats for the December 7 Assembly polls, hoping that the "parachute" candidates will shine for them in the elections.

Voices of dissent are being heard from both parties and sidelined party leaders are quick to cross over to get a chance to contest.

The ruling BJP alone has fielded seven defectors, including six from the Congress and one from the BSP.

BJP nominees Mahesh Pratap Singh from Nathdawara, Ram Kishor Saini from Bandikui, Mamta Sharma from Pipalda, Kalpna Singh from Ladpura, Rajendra Bhamu from Jhunjhunu and Ashok Sharma from Rajkhera are the leaders who crossed over to the saffron brigade from the Congress.

Another defector from the BSP, Abhinesh Mehrishi, replaced sitting BJP minister Rajkumar Rinwa from Ratangarh seat.

Not to be left behind, the Congress has given tickets to at least four turncoats to test electoral waters.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who had in August stated that he will make sure that party workers have their say and no parachute candidate gets nominated in the next assembly elections in Rajasthan, seems to have swallowed his own words while finalising the ticket list for bright prospects of the party in the state.

Rajasthan state Congress President Sachin Pilot said the decision was taken by the party high command on case-to-case basis.

Turncoats, who managed to get Congress tickets just after a few hours or days after leaving the BJP, include Harish Meena, Habib-ir-Rehman, Manvendra Singh and Zamindara Party legislator Sona Devi Bawri.

MP from Dausa Harish Meena, who had quit the party a day ago, has been fielded from Deoli-Uniara on a Congress ticket.

Similarly, BJP MLA from Nagaur Habib-ur-Rehman had also quit the BJP a day before the list was declared and has been fielded by Congress from Nagaur seat itself.

Among the parachute candidates who joined Congress include Kanhaiya Lal Jhanwar. He joined the Congress about five hours before the party's list was released and was fielded from Bikaner East.

Also, IPS officer Sawai Singh Godara has been fielded from Khinwsar just a few days after he took voluntary retirement.

Raj Kumar Sharma, who secured ticket from his current seat of Nawalgarh by the Congress, was an independent legislator earlier.

The ruling BJP and the Congress in Rajasthan have fielded 11 turncoats for the December 7 Assembly polls, hoping that the "parachute" candidates will shine for them in the elections.

The ruling BJP and the Congress in Rajasthan have fielded 11 turncoats for the December 7 Assembly polls, hoping that the "parachute" candidates will shine for them in the elections. Voices of dissent are being heard from both parties and sidelined party leaders are quick to cross over to get a chance to contest. The ruling BJP alone has fielded seven defectors, including six from the Congress and one from the BSP. BJP nominees Mahesh Pratap Singh from Nathdawara, Ram Kishor Saini from Bandikui, Mamta Sharma from Pipalda, Kalpna Singh from Ladpura, Rajendra Bhamu from Jhunjhunu and Ashok Sharma from Rajkhera are the leaders who crossed over to the saffron brigade from the Congress. Another defector from the BSP, Abhinesh Mehrishi, replaced sitting BJP minister Rajkumar Rinwa from Ratangarh seat. Not to be left behind, the Congress has given tickets to at least four turncoats to test electoral waters. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who had in August stated that he will make sure that party workers have their say and no parachute candidate gets nominated in the next assembly elections in Rajasthan, seems to have swallowed his own words while finalising the ticket list for bright prospects of the party in the state. Rajasthan state Congress President Sachin Pilot said the decision was taken by the party high command on case-to-case basis. Turncoats, who managed to get Congress tickets just after a few hours or days after leaving the BJP, include Harish Meena, Habib-ir-Rehman, Manvendra Singh and Zamindara Party legislator Sona Devi Bawri. MP from Dausa Harish Meena, who had quit the party a day ago, has been fielded from Deoli-Uniara on a Congress ticket. Similarly, BJP MLA from Nagaur Habib-ur-Rehman had also quit the BJP a day before the list was declared and has been fielded by Congress from Nagaur seat itself. Among the parachute candidates who joined Congress include Kanhaiya Lal Jhanwar. He joined the Congress about five hours before the party's list was released and was fielded from Bikaner East. Also, IPS officer Sawai Singh Godara has been fielded from Khinwsar just a few days after he took voluntary retirement. Raj Kumar Sharma, who secured ticket from his current seat of Nawalgarh by the Congress, was an independent legislator earlier.

BJP, Congress bet on turncoats in Rajasthan

Surrendered Naxals and many tribals who dropped out of schools here in Maharashtra are now realising the importance of education in life and resuming their studies to build a better future. Lack of proper education facilities in this tribal-dominated district in Vidarbha region led many youths to join the Naxal movement. But, some of them realised its futility and surrendered to police to join the national mainstream.

A study centre of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) at Kurkheda taluka here has given these people an opportunity to pursue higher education through its distance learning programme. Around 468 students, including Naxals who surrendered, girls, boys, married women and even mothers, are pursuing various diploma and degree courses from IGNOU’s study centres in Gadchiroli, a senior official of the university said.

IGNOU has been running some study centres in the district since 2013 and the one at Kurkheda was set up about a year ago, he said. A 35-year-old man, who dropped out of Class 12 in the nearby Korshi taluka and joined the Naxal movement at the age of 19, is now pursuing the Bachelor Preparatory Programme after enrolling at the study centre in Kurkheda. The man, who did not wish to be identified, said he surrendered before police in 2014 and now wants to take up social work.

“I had joined the Naxal movement because of the poor financial condition of my family. This is a cause of distress among many tribals. There should be equal opportunities of education and employment for all,” he said. Jayshree Madavi, 43, a resident of Kurkheda, had also discontinued her studies after Class 11. But, her daughter motivated her to study.

Madavi resumed her studies a couple of years back and cleared the Class 12 exam along with her daughter. Both Madavi and her daughter are now pursuing the Bachelor Of Arts (BA) degree course after enrolling at the IGNOU’s study centre. Another local resident Priyanka Zade is also pursuing the BA course along with her sister, while their mother has taken up the Bachelor Preparatory Programme. IGNOU’s local coordinator Gauri Uikey said she has travelled to over 150 villages in Kurkheda, Korshi and Dhanora talukas to motivate young boys and girls as well as adults to pursue higher education. She is also a member of a self-help group which tries to reach out to women in villages and make them aware about educational opportunities for them. Once women enrol for the courses, IGNOU provides them quality study material, Uikey said.

“There are several school dropouts in these villages who could not pursue higher education due to lack of adequate education facilities and other domestic reasons. IGNOU has given them an opportunity to pursue their dream of higher education,” she said. She claimed that around 85 students who pursued courses from the IGNOU’s study centres in Gadchiroli were working in different fields across Maharashtra. Besides, 68 students took up the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree course to work in their villages and serve the society, Uikey said.

P Sivaswaroop, director of the IGNOU’s Nagpur regional centre, which monitors the functioning of its study centres in Gadchiroli, said he was happy that tribal women were showing a keen interest in pursuing higher education. Kurkheda was adopted by the IGNOU’s regional centre in Nagpur under the government’s ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyaan’, he said, adding that they also hold special admission camps for tribals and organise talks on nutrition-related issues. ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’ is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Human Resource Development to involve higher education institutions in the indigenous development of self-sufficient and sustainable village clusters.

Surrendered Naxals and many tribals who dropped out of schools here in Maharashtra are now realising the importance of education in life and resuming their studies to build a better future.

Surrendered Naxals and many tribals who dropped out of schools here in Maharashtra are now realising the importance of education in life and resuming their studies to build a better future. Lack of proper education facilities in this tribal-dominated district in Vidarbha region led many youths to join the Naxal movement. But, some of them realised its futility and surrendered to police to join the national mainstream. A study centre of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) at Kurkheda taluka here has given these people an opportunity to pursue higher education through its distance learning programme. Around 468 students, including Naxals who surrendered, girls, boys, married women and even mothers, are pursuing various diploma and degree courses from IGNOU’s study centres in Gadchiroli, a senior official of the university said. IGNOU has been running some study centres in the district since 2013 and the one at Kurkheda was set up about a year ago, he said. A 35-year-old man, who dropped out of Class 12 in the nearby Korshi taluka and joined the Naxal movement at the age of 19, is now pursuing the Bachelor Preparatory Programme after enrolling at the study centre in Kurkheda. The man, who did not wish to be identified, said he surrendered before police in 2014 and now wants to take up social work. “I had joined the Naxal movement because of the poor financial condition of my family. This is a cause of distress among many tribals. There should be equal opportunities of education and employment for all,” he said. Jayshree Madavi, 43, a resident of Kurkheda, had also discontinued her studies after Class 11. But, her daughter motivated her to study. Madavi resumed her studies a couple of years back and cleared the Class 12 exam along with her daughter. Both Madavi and her daughter are now pursuing the Bachelor Of Arts (BA) degree course after enrolling at the IGNOU’s study centre. Another local resident Priyanka Zade is also pursuing the BA course along with her sister, while their mother has taken up the Bachelor Preparatory Programme. IGNOU’s local coordinator Gauri Uikey said she has travelled to over 150 villages in Kurkheda, Korshi and Dhanora talukas to motivate young boys and girls as well as adults to pursue higher education. She is also a member of a self-help group which tries to reach out to women in villages and make them aware about educational opportunities for them. Once women enrol for the courses, IGNOU provides them quality study material, Uikey said. “There are several school dropouts in these villages who could not pursue higher education due to lack of adequate education facilities and other domestic reasons. IGNOU has given them an opportunity to pursue their dream of higher education,” she said. She claimed that around 85 students who pursued courses from the IGNOU’s study centres in Gadchiroli were working in different fields across Maharashtra. Besides, 68 students took up the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree course to work in their villages and serve the society, Uikey said. P Sivaswaroop, director of the IGNOU’s Nagpur regional centre, which monitors the functioning of its study centres in Gadchiroli, said he was happy that tribal women were showing a keen interest in pursuing higher education. Kurkheda was adopted by the IGNOU’s regional centre in Nagpur under the government’s ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyaan’, he said, adding that they also hold special admission camps for tribals and organise talks on nutrition-related issues. ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’ is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Human Resource Development to involve higher education institutions in the indigenous development of self-sufficient and sustainable village clusters.

Naxals in Maharashtra turn to education for better future

Major political parties in Telangana that ostensibly support the Women’s Reservation Bill, gave a raw deal to women in allotment of assembly seats for the December 7 polls. Telangana has 119 Assembly seats.

The Congress, which issued B-form to 100 candidates, gave only 11 tickets to women (11 per cent) while the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti offered just four seats (four per cent) as against six during the 2014 polls. Justifying the stance towards women candidates, Congress party’s star campaigner Khushbu Sundar said her party was the first to introduce the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Parliament and the ruling NDA government has no will to get it cleared from Lok Sabha. The Bill, which paves way for 33 per cent reservation to women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies, was passed in Rajya Sabha in 2010.

“We may not have given 33 per cent seats to women. But we gave 11 seats whereas TRS gave just four. We made a beginning,” she had told reporters here when asked about distribution of tickets to women.

Former ministers J Geetha Reddy, DK Aruna, Sunitha Laxma Reddy and Sabitha Indra Reddy are among the women candidates contesting in the coming Assembly polls. Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which is part of a grand alliance has given the B-Form to one woman out of the 14 seats it is contesting.

Former Chief Minister of united Andhra Pradesh and founder of TDP NT Rama Rao’s granddaughter Suhasini is contesting from Kukatpally constituency. Telangana Jana Samithi, also a partner in the alliance has given a ticket to one woman.

Bhavani Reddy is contesting from Siddipet constituency. The BJP gave tickets to 14 women across the state while its arch-rival AIMIM which fielded eight candidates in Hyderabad has no woman representation. BJP Telangana unit’s Chief Spokesperson told PTI that the party maintains social equilibrium when it comes to allocation of seats.

The party is contesting in all the seats solely. “We gave 14 seats to women highest among all other parties in the state. We also maintain social equilibrium. We gave 38 seats to Backward Caste, 21 to Scheduled Caste and 12 STs,” he said. The CPM-led Bahujana Left Front (BLF) gave tickets to 10 women candidates including a transgender in the city. TRS leaders were not available for comments. The assembly elections are scheduled to be held in the state on December 7.

Major political parties in Telangana that ostensibly support the Women’s Reservation Bill, gave a raw deal to women in allotment of assembly seats for the December 7 polls.

Major political parties in Telangana that ostensibly support the Women’s Reservation Bill, gave a raw deal to women in allotment of assembly seats for the December 7 polls. Telangana has 119 Assembly seats. The Congress, which issued B-form to 100 candidates, gave only 11 tickets to women (11 per cent) while the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti offered just four seats (four per cent) as against six during the 2014 polls. Justifying the stance towards women candidates, Congress party’s star campaigner Khushbu Sundar said her party was the first to introduce the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Parliament and the ruling NDA government has no will to get it cleared from Lok Sabha. The Bill, which paves way for 33 per cent reservation to women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies, was passed in Rajya Sabha in 2010. “We may not have given 33 per cent seats to women. But we gave 11 seats whereas TRS gave just four. We made a beginning,” she had told reporters here when asked about distribution of tickets to women. Former ministers J Geetha Reddy, DK Aruna, Sunitha Laxma Reddy and Sabitha Indra Reddy are among the women candidates contesting in the coming Assembly polls. Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which is part of a grand alliance has given the B-Form to one woman out of the 14 seats it is contesting. Former Chief Minister of united Andhra Pradesh and founder of TDP NT Rama Rao’s granddaughter Suhasini is contesting from Kukatpally constituency. Telangana Jana Samithi, also a partner in the alliance has given a ticket to one woman. Bhavani Reddy is contesting from Siddipet constituency. The BJP gave tickets to 14 women across the state while its arch-rival AIMIM which fielded eight candidates in Hyderabad has no woman representation. BJP Telangana unit’s Chief Spokesperson told PTI that the party maintains social equilibrium when it comes to allocation of seats. The party is contesting in all the seats solely. “We gave 14 seats to women highest among all other parties in the state. We also maintain social equilibrium. We gave 38 seats to Backward Caste, 21 to Scheduled Caste and 12 STs,” he said. The CPM-led Bahujana Left Front (BLF) gave tickets to 10 women candidates including a transgender in the city. TRS leaders were not available for comments. The assembly elections are scheduled to be held in the state on December 7.

Telangana Assembly elections: Political parties ignore ‘girl power’ in seat allocation

The Election Commission of India has decided to hold polling for Bru refugees residing in Tripura at the inter-state border village of Kanhmun in Mamit district of Mizoram.

The place of voting for 11,232 Bru voters has become the most controversial issue in the run up to the Mizoram Assembly polls, leading to replacement of the Chief Electoral Officer S B Shashank in less than two weeks ahead of the elections to the 40-member House.

Shashank had reportedly facilitated voting by Bru voters in the relief camps in Tripura.

"We have been informed by the Election Commission that the polling for the Brus must be arranged at Kanhmun village inside Mizoram territory. We have started our preparations for that," an official in the CEO office told PTI.

A written order to this effect is likely to be received by the Mizoram CEO Ashish Kundra in a day or two, he said.

Kanhmun is an inter-state border village between Mizoram and Tripura.

The six camps of the Bru refugees are located between two km and 10 km from the inter-state border between Tripura and Mizoram.

"In the last three years, there was no revision of electoral rolls. This time we did that. The Bru refugees are registered in nine Assembly constituencies and we'll place different voting machines accordingly at the special booth in the village," he said.

The highest number of Brus are registered in Mamit district which has Hachhek, Dampa and Mamit constituencies with 14 per cent of the total voters being refugees.

It is followed by Kolasib district with 3.5 per cent of its total voters being Brus. The district has Tuirial, Kolasib and Serlui Assembly seats.In Lunglei district, less than one per cent of the total voters are Bru refugees.

"To smoothly carry out the entire exercise, we'll take help from our counterpart in Tripura," he said.

Accepting the demand of civil society groups, NGOs, student organisations and political parties, the Election Commission on November 15 removed Shashank as Chief Electoral Officer of Mizoram and appointed Ashish Kundra in his place.

They had protested and organised dharnas in front of the CEO's office against Shashank's reported move to facilitate voting by Bru voters in relief camps in Tripura.

They demanded that the Brus, lodged in six relief camps in Tripura after they had fled Mizoram following ethnic clashes in the state in 1997, would have to come to Mizoram to cast their votes as committed by the ECI in 2014.

Meanwhile, the All NGO Coordination Committee has urged political parties to refrain from arranging transport for Bru voters on the polling day on November 28.

According to the final electoral roll published on September 27 this year, Mizoram has 7,68,181 voters.

The Election Commission of India has decided to hold polling for Bru refugees residing in Tripura at the inter-state border village of Kanhmun in Mamit district of Mizoram.

The Election Commission of India has decided to hold polling for Bru refugees residing in Tripura at the inter-state border village of Kanhmun in Mamit district of Mizoram. The place of voting for 11,232 Bru voters has become the most controversial issue in the run up to the Mizoram Assembly polls, leading to replacement of the Chief Electoral Officer S B Shashank in less than two weeks ahead of the elections to the 40-member House. Shashank had reportedly facilitated voting by Bru voters in the relief camps in Tripura. "We have been informed by the Election Commission that the polling for the Brus must be arranged at Kanhmun village inside Mizoram territory. We have started our preparations for that," an official in the CEO office told PTI. A written order to this effect is likely to be received by the Mizoram CEO Ashish Kundra in a day or two, he said. Kanhmun is an inter-state border village between Mizoram and Tripura. The six camps of the Bru refugees are located between two km and 10 km from the inter-state border between Tripura and Mizoram. "In the last three years, there was no revision of electoral rolls. This time we did that. The Bru refugees are registered in nine Assembly constituencies and we'll place different voting machines accordingly at the special booth in the village," he said. The highest number of Brus are registered in Mamit district which has Hachhek, Dampa and Mamit constituencies with 14 per cent of the total voters being refugees. It is followed by Kolasib district with 3.5 per cent of its total voters being Brus. The district has Tuirial, Kolasib and Serlui Assembly seats.In Lunglei district, less than one per cent of the total voters are Bru refugees. "To smoothly carry out the entire exercise, we'll take help from our counterpart in Tripura," he said. Accepting the demand of civil society groups, NGOs, student organisations and political parties, the Election Commission on November 15 removed Shashank as Chief Electoral Officer of Mizoram and appointed Ashish Kundra in his place. They had protested and organised dharnas in front of the CEO's office against Shashank's reported move to facilitate voting by Bru voters in relief camps in Tripura. They demanded that the Brus, lodged in six relief camps in Tripura after they had fled Mizoram following ethnic clashes in the state in 1997, would have to come to Mizoram to cast their votes as committed by the ECI in 2014. Meanwhile, the All NGO Coordination Committee has urged political parties to refrain from arranging transport for Bru voters on the polling day on November 28. According to the final electoral roll published on September 27 this year, Mizoram has 7,68,181 voters.

Mizoram polls: Bru refugees to vote in Mamit district, says official

The BJP Wednesday said the best option in Jammu and Kashmir is to have fresh assembly polls at the earliest and added that the&nbsp;present&nbsp;assembly cannot produce a stable government.

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The best option in such a scenario is to go in for a fresh election at the earliest. This assembly cannot produce a stable government.
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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said on Twitter, soon after the state governor dissolved the assembly amid claims by rival formations on forming a government, the state needs a firm administration to deal with terrorism and not a combination of terror-friendly parties.

Keeping the security scenario of J&amp;K in mind, can it afford horse-trading and instability, the party said in its Twitter handle.

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''The proposed alliance between the INC and the PDP broke up even before it was formed. They have taken contradictory positions on dissolution. One supports it and the other opposes it,'' stated another tweet.

The Jammu and Kashmir assembly was abruptly dissolved by the Governor Wednesday night hours after the PDP staked claim to form a government with the backing of rival National Conference and the Congress followed by another bid from the two-member People's Conference which claimed the support of the BJP and 18 legislators from other parties.

The dissolution was announced by Governor Satyapal Malik in a communique released by the Raj Bhavan.&nbsp;

The BJP Wednesday said the best option in Jammu and Kashmir is to have fresh assembly polls at the earliest and added that the present assembly cannot produce a stable government.

The BJP Wednesday said the best option in Jammu and Kashmir is to have fresh assembly polls at the earliest and added that the present assembly cannot produce a stable government. The best option in such a scenario is to go in for a fresh election at the earliest. This assembly cannot produce a stable government. — BJP (@BJP4India) November 21, 2018 × The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said on Twitter, soon after the state governor dissolved the assembly amid claims by rival formations on forming a government, the state needs a firm administration to deal with terrorism and not a combination of terror-friendly parties. Keeping the security scenario of J&K in mind, can it afford horse-trading and instability, the party said in its Twitter handle. The proposed alliance between the INC and the PDP broke up even before it was formed. They have taken contradictory positions on dissolution. One supports it and the other opposes it. — BJP (@BJP4India) November 21, 2018 × ''The proposed alliance between the INC and the PDP broke up even before it was formed. They have taken contradictory positions on dissolution. One supports it and the other opposes it,'' stated another tweet. The Jammu and Kashmir assembly was abruptly dissolved by the Governor Wednesday night hours after the PDP staked claim to form a government with the backing of rival National Conference and the Congress followed by another bid from the two-member People's Conference which claimed the support of the BJP and 18 legislators from other parties. The dissolution was announced by Governor Satyapal Malik in a communique released by the Raj Bhavan.

Best option in Jammu and Kashmir is to go for fresh polls at earliest: BJP 

The Election Commission has decided to hold polling for Bru refugees in Mizoram's Mamit district, even as the leaders of the tribal community maintained that they fear for their safety in their home state.

The place of voting for 11,232 Bru voters, who are residing in neighbouring Tripura, has been a bone of contention, leading to the replacement of the then chief electoral officer, S B Shashank, less than two weeks ahead of the election to the 40-member House.

Shashank had been accused of facilitating voting by Bru voters in the relief camps of Tripura.

"We have been informed by the Election Commission that the polling for the Brus must be arranged at Kanhmun village inside Mizoram territory. We have started our preparations for that," an official in the CEO office told PTI.

Kanhmun is an interstate border village between Mizoram and Tripura.

A written order to this effect is likely to be received by Mizoram CEO Ashish Kundra in a day or two, the official said.

"In the last three years, there was no revision of electoral rolls. This time we did it. The Bru refugees are registered in nine Assembly seats and we'll place different voting machines accordingly at the special booth in the village," he said.

Kundra had on Tuesday visited Naisingpara -- the largest Bru camp in Tripura -- to meet the refugees and inform them about the EC's decision.

An election official, who accompanied the CEO to Tripura, said the Bru leaders claimed that the voter turnout from the community might be zero if the EC did not change its decision to hold polling in Kahnmun.

"Kundra tried explaining to them that the decision was taken by the Election Commission, but the Bru refugees said they fear for their lives in Mizoram.

They also cited various reasons, including bad-road condition, to justify their demand for polling-booth arrangement in the relief camps," he added.

The six camps of the Bru refugees are located between 2-10 km from the interstate border between Tripura and Mizoram.

The highest number of Brus has been registered in Mamit district, which has Hachhek, Dampa and Mamit seats, with 14 per cent of the total voters being refugees.

It is followed by Kolasib district, with 3.5 per cent of its total voters being Brus. The district has Tuirial, Kolasib and Serlui Assembly seats. In Lunglei district, less than one per cent of the total voters are Bru refugees.

Earlier this month, the Election Commission had removed Shashank as the state chief electoral officer, accepting the demands of civil society groups, NGOs, student organisations and political parties.

The agitators organised dharnas in front of the CEO's office against Shashank's reported move to facilitate voting by Bru voters in the relief camps of Tripura.

They demanded that the Brus, who had fled Mizoram following ethnic clashes in 1997, would have to come to the state to cast their votes as committed by the ECI in 2014.

Meanwhile, the NGO Coordination Committee -- an apex body of civil societies and students' organisations -- has urged the political parties to refrain from arranging transport for Bru voters on the polling day on November 28.

The Election Commission has decided to hold polling for Bru refugees in Mizoram's Mamit district, even as the leaders of the tribal community maintained that they fear for their safety in their home state.

The Election Commission has decided to hold polling for Bru refugees in Mizoram's Mamit district, even as the leaders of the tribal community maintained that they fear for their safety in their home state. The place of voting for 11,232 Bru voters, who are residing in neighbouring Tripura, has been a bone of contention, leading to the replacement of the then chief electoral officer, S B Shashank, less than two weeks ahead of the election to the 40-member House. Shashank had been accused of facilitating voting by Bru voters in the relief camps of Tripura. "We have been informed by the Election Commission that the polling for the Brus must be arranged at Kanhmun village inside Mizoram territory. We have started our preparations for that," an official in the CEO office told PTI. Kanhmun is an interstate border village between Mizoram and Tripura. A written order to this effect is likely to be received by Mizoram CEO Ashish Kundra in a day or two, the official said. "In the last three years, there was no revision of electoral rolls. This time we did it. The Bru refugees are registered in nine Assembly seats and we'll place different voting machines accordingly at the special booth in the village," he said. Kundra had on Tuesday visited Naisingpara -- the largest Bru camp in Tripura -- to meet the refugees and inform them about the EC's decision. An election official, who accompanied the CEO to Tripura, said the Bru leaders claimed that the voter turnout from the community might be zero if the EC did not change its decision to hold polling in Kahnmun. "Kundra tried explaining to them that the decision was taken by the Election Commission, but the Bru refugees said they fear for their lives in Mizoram. They also cited various reasons, including bad-road condition, to justify their demand for polling-booth arrangement in the relief camps," he added. The six camps of the Bru refugees are located between 2-10 km from the interstate border between Tripura and Mizoram. The highest number of Brus has been registered in Mamit district, which has Hachhek, Dampa and Mamit seats, with 14 per cent of the total voters being refugees. It is followed by Kolasib district, with 3.5 per cent of its total voters being Brus. The district has Tuirial, Kolasib and Serlui Assembly seats. In Lunglei district, less than one per cent of the total voters are Bru refugees. Earlier this month, the Election Commission had removed Shashank as the state chief electoral officer, accepting the demands of civil society groups, NGOs, student organisations and political parties. The agitators organised dharnas in front of the CEO's office against Shashank's reported move to facilitate voting by Bru voters in the relief camps of Tripura. They demanded that the Brus, who had fled Mizoram following ethnic clashes in 1997, would have to come to the state to cast their votes as committed by the ECI in 2014. Meanwhile, the NGO Coordination Committee -- an apex body of civil societies and students' organisations -- has urged the political parties to refrain from arranging transport for Bru voters on the polling day on November 28.

Bru refugees to vote in Mizoram's Mamit district: Official

Chhattisgarh recorded 71.93 per cent voter turnout in the second and final phase of the Assembly elections, state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Subrat Sahoo said Tuesday evening.

He added that the final turnout percentage may rise.

"An average turnout of 71.93 per cent was recorded in 72 constituencies till 6 pm. The polling was completely peaceful and incident-free. The polling time ended at 5 pm but those voters who were still in line were given tokens and allowed to vote," Sahoo said at a press conference after the polling here Tuesday evening.

During polling, 114 ballot units, 89 control units and 359 VVPATs of EVMs were replaced due to technical snag, he said.

Naxal-affected Assembly constituencies in Kabirdham, Gariaband, Mahasamund, Balod and Balrampur districts witnessed peaceful polling, Sahoo said.

Polling personnel for two polling booths each in Gariaband and Balrampur districts were airlifted to their destinations on helicopters, he said.

The time of polling was from 8 am to 5 pm, but in two polling booths - Amamora (booth no 72) and Modh (no 76) in Bindranavgarh constituency (Gariaband district) - voting was held from 7 am to 3 pm due to Naxal threats, the official said.

"In Amamora and Modh booths, voter turnout was 82 per cent and 82.5 per cent respectively. It shows the faith of the people on democracy in hypersensitive areas," Sahoo said.

In Bindranavagarh constituency, villagers boycotted voting in one booth in Parevapali village after their demand for construction of a road under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna was not fulfilled, he said.

In two polling booths Bagrel in Janjgir Champa seat and Jamunapali booth in Korba district zero voting was reported, he said.

The voter turnout was around 64.8 per cent till 5 pm.

A total of 1,079 candidates, including 119 women, are contesting in 72 constituencies of the state with an electorate of 1,54,00,596.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has removed a presiding officer and a polling staff of different polling booths in Marwahi constituency of Bilaspur district, after receiving complaints against them.

Bilaspur Collector P Dayanand removed presiding officer of Semra polling booth Surendra Kumar Mandavi, and a polling staff of Dhanauli polling station Kamal Kishore Tiwari after getting complaints against them by concerned polling agents, a statement issued by poll officials said.

"An inquiry has been ordered against Mandavi and Tiwari and they have been ousted from the polling duty," it said.

Similarly, two Station House Officers (SHOs)- SS Sori (Gaurela police station) and Amit Patle (Pendra police station) in Bilaspur district were attached to police line for negligence in discharging their duties, Sahoo added.

Chief Minister Raman Singh, his wife Veena Singh and son Abhishek Singh, a BJP MP from Rajnandaon district, voted in the Kawardha constituency.

State ministers, including Brijmohan Agrawal, Rajesh Munat and Premparkash Pandey, besides State Congress chief Bhupesh Baghel and Leader of Opposition TS Singhdeo exercised their franchise in their respective areas.

Around 1.50 lakh security personnel have been deployed across the state to ensure peaceful polling, he said.

In the second phase of polling, extra vigil is being maintained in districts including Gariaband, Dhamtari, Mahasamund, Kabirdham, Jashpur and Balrampur, which are Naxal-affected areas, the official said.

Maximum number of 46 candidates are in Raipur City South constituency and the least number of six candidates are in Bindranavagarh seat. Of the 72 seats, 17 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes and nine for Scheduled Castes.

A total of 19,336 polling booths were set up for the second phase, of which 444 are sensitive booths.

The first phase of polls in 18 seats of eight Naxal-hit districts on November 12 had recorded over 76 per cent voter turnout.

The counting of votes will be held on December 11.

Chhattisgarh recorded 71.93 per cent voter turnout in the second and final phase of the Assembly elections, state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Subrat Sahoo said Tuesday evening.

Chhattisgarh recorded 71.93 per cent voter turnout in the second and final phase of the Assembly elections, state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Subrat Sahoo said Tuesday evening. He added that the final turnout percentage may rise. "An average turnout of 71.93 per cent was recorded in 72 constituencies till 6 pm. The polling was completely peaceful and incident-free. The polling time ended at 5 pm but those voters who were still in line were given tokens and allowed to vote," Sahoo said at a press conference after the polling here Tuesday evening. During polling, 114 ballot units, 89 control units and 359 VVPATs of EVMs were replaced due to technical snag, he said. Naxal-affected Assembly constituencies in Kabirdham, Gariaband, Mahasamund, Balod and Balrampur districts witnessed peaceful polling, Sahoo said. Polling personnel for two polling booths each in Gariaband and Balrampur districts were airlifted to their destinations on helicopters, he said. The time of polling was from 8 am to 5 pm, but in two polling booths - Amamora (booth no 72) and Modh (no 76) in Bindranavgarh constituency (Gariaband district) - voting was held from 7 am to 3 pm due to Naxal threats, the official said. "In Amamora and Modh booths, voter turnout was 82 per cent and 82.5 per cent respectively. It shows the faith of the people on democracy in hypersensitive areas," Sahoo said. In Bindranavagarh constituency, villagers boycotted voting in one booth in Parevapali village after their demand for construction of a road under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna was not fulfilled, he said. In two polling booths Bagrel in Janjgir Champa seat and Jamunapali booth in Korba district zero voting was reported, he said. The voter turnout was around 64.8 per cent till 5 pm. A total of 1,079 candidates, including 119 women, are contesting in 72 constituencies of the state with an electorate of 1,54,00,596. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has removed a presiding officer and a polling staff of different polling booths in Marwahi constituency of Bilaspur district, after receiving complaints against them. Bilaspur Collector P Dayanand removed presiding officer of Semra polling booth Surendra Kumar Mandavi, and a polling staff of Dhanauli polling station Kamal Kishore Tiwari after getting complaints against them by concerned polling agents, a statement issued by poll officials said. "An inquiry has been ordered against Mandavi and Tiwari and they have been ousted from the polling duty," it said. Similarly, two Station House Officers (SHOs)- SS Sori (Gaurela police station) and Amit Patle (Pendra police station) in Bilaspur district were attached to police line for negligence in discharging their duties, Sahoo added. Chief Minister Raman Singh, his wife Veena Singh and son Abhishek Singh, a BJP MP from Rajnandaon district, voted in the Kawardha constituency. State ministers, including Brijmohan Agrawal, Rajesh Munat and Premparkash Pandey, besides State Congress chief Bhupesh Baghel and Leader of Opposition TS Singhdeo exercised their franchise in their respective areas. Around 1.50 lakh security personnel have been deployed across the state to ensure peaceful polling, he said. In the second phase of polling, extra vigil is being maintained in districts including Gariaband, Dhamtari, Mahasamund, Kabirdham, Jashpur and Balrampur, which are Naxal-affected areas, the official said. Maximum number of 46 candidates are in Raipur City South constituency and the least number of six candidates are in Bindranavagarh seat. Of the 72 seats, 17 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes and nine for Scheduled Castes. A total of 19,336 polling booths were set up for the second phase, of which 444 are sensitive booths. The first phase of polls in 18 seats of eight Naxal-hit districts on November 12 had recorded over 76 per cent voter turnout. The counting of votes will be held on December 11.

Chhattisgarh assembly polls: 71.93% voting recorded in second phase

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the state assembly Wednesday evening even as former chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and People's Conference chairman Sajjad Lone staked rival claims to form a government in the state.&nbsp;

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Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik has passed an order dissolving the state Legislative Assembly. <a href="https://t.co/TirFfZfTCs">pic.twitter.com/TirFfZfTCs</a>
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''You might have gathered from media reports that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pdp-nc-congress-join-hands-in-jammu-kashmir-will-try-and-form-government-178613">Congress and NC have decided to extend support to our party</a> to form the government in the state. National Conference has a strength of 15 and the Congress 12. That takes our collective strength to 56,'' Mufti wrote to Malik.&nbsp;

The PDP has 29 MLAs in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly — the halfway mark in the 87-member house is 44.&nbsp;

Mufti wrote that she was tweeting her letter since the fax would not go through to the Raj Bhavan. She added that she had tried to reach Malik on the phone but that he was "not available".&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Have been trying to send this letter to Rajbhavan. Strangely the fax is not received. Tried to contact HE Governor on phone. Not available. Hope you see it <a href="https://twitter.com/jandkgovernor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jandkgovernor</a> <a href="https://t.co/wpsMx6HTa8">pic.twitter.com/wpsMx6HTa8</a>
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) <a href="https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti/status/1065255025297911808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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J&amp;K Raj Bhavan needs a new fax machine urgently.
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&nbsp;

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Former J&amp;K CM and President of PDP Mehbooba Mufti writes to J&amp;K Governor Satya Pal Malik to stake the claim for forming govt in the state. The letter reads, "You might have gathered from media reports that Congress and NC have decided to extend support to our party to form govt." <a href="https://t.co/F7coNfKO44">pic.twitter.com/F7coNfKO44</a>
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JKNC has been pressing for assembly dissolution for 5 months now. It can’t be a coincidence that within minutes of Mehbooba Mufti Sahiba letter staking claim the order to dissolve the assembly suddenly appears.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/1065268875514789895?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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News reports meanwhile said Lone wrote in his letter to the governor that he was staking his claim after having spoken to the governor over the phone.&nbsp;

Lone's People Conference has 2 MLAs in the J&amp;K house including himself. He said in his letter that he had the support of the BJP's 26 MLAs and 18 other lawmakers. (It is not known who the other 18 MLAs are.)&nbsp;

Wednesday was a day of hectic developments in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

After senior PDP leader Muzaffar Hussain Baig said Tuesday that he was willing to join the Third Front — led by Lone and backed by the BJP — the PDP, the National Conference, and the Congress announced Wednesday that they&nbsp;were coming together in a grand alliance and would stake their claim to form a government in the state.&nbsp;

The alliance was also expected to have stopped the PDP from splintering. (If the other 18 MLAs did exist, that is one area they may have come from.) A number of the party's senior leaders had been rebelling against the party leadership and were thought to have joined the Third Front.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The dissolution of the assembly by Governor Malik now means the state will head to the polls within six months.&nbsp;

Malik had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday and BJP President Amit Shah on Tuesday. News reports earlier on Wednesday said the Jammu and Kashmir chief secretary had been summoned to Delhi and was likely to meet officials in PM Modi's office.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir has been under Governor's Rule since June 19 when the BJP walked out of its alliance with the PDP in the state. Governor's Rule would have come to an end next month on December 19, after which the state would have come under President's Rule.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the state assembly Wednesday evening even as former chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and People's Conference chairman Sajjad Lone staked rival claims to form a government in the state.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the state assembly Wednesday evening even as former chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and People's Conference chairman Sajjad Lone staked rival claims to form a government in the state. Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik has passed an order dissolving the state Legislative Assembly. pic.twitter.com/TirFfZfTCs — ANI (@ANI) November 21, 2018 × ''You might have gathered from media reports that Congress and NC have decided to extend support to our party to form the government in the state. National Conference has a strength of 15 and the Congress 12. That takes our collective strength to 56,'' Mufti wrote to Malik. The PDP has 29 MLAs in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly — the halfway mark in the 87-member house is 44. Mufti wrote that she was tweeting her letter since the fax would not go through to the Raj Bhavan. She added that she had tried to reach Malik on the phone but that he was "not available". Have been trying to send this letter to Rajbhavan. Strangely the fax is not received. Tried to contact HE Governor on phone. Not available. Hope you see it @jandkgovernor pic.twitter.com/wpsMx6HTa8 — Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) November 21, 2018 × J&K Raj Bhavan needs a new fax machine urgently. — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) November 21, 2018 × Former J&K CM and President of PDP Mehbooba Mufti writes to J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik to stake the claim for forming govt in the state. The letter reads, "You might have gathered from media reports that Congress and NC have decided to extend support to our party to form govt." pic.twitter.com/F7coNfKO44 — ANI (@ANI) November 21, 2018 × JKNC has been pressing for assembly dissolution for 5 months now. It can’t be a coincidence that within minutes of Mehbooba Mufti Sahiba letter staking claim the order to dissolve the assembly suddenly appears. — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) November 21, 2018 × News reports meanwhile said Lone wrote in his letter to the governor that he was staking his claim after having spoken to the governor over the phone. Lone's People Conference has 2 MLAs in the J&K house including himself. He said in his letter that he had the support of the BJP's 26 MLAs and 18 other lawmakers. (It is not known who the other 18 MLAs are.) Wednesday was a day of hectic developments in Jammu and Kashmir. After senior PDP leader Muzaffar Hussain Baig said Tuesday that he was willing to join the Third Front — led by Lone and backed by the BJP — the PDP, the National Conference, and the Congress announced Wednesday that they were coming together in a grand alliance and would stake their claim to form a government in the state. The alliance was also expected to have stopped the PDP from splintering. (If the other 18 MLAs did exist, that is one area they may have come from.) A number of the party's senior leaders had been rebelling against the party leadership and were thought to have joined the Third Front. The dissolution of the assembly by Governor Malik now means the state will head to the polls within six months. Malik had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday and BJP President Amit Shah on Tuesday. News reports earlier on Wednesday said the Jammu and Kashmir chief secretary had been summoned to Delhi and was likely to meet officials in PM Modi's office. Jammu and Kashmir has been under Governor's Rule since June 19 when the BJP walked out of its alliance with the PDP in the state. Governor's Rule would have come to an end next month on December 19, after which the state would have come under President's Rule.

J&K Governor dissolves assembly as Mehbooba Mufti, Sajjad Lone stake rival claims to form govt

An American tourist was killed by arrows shot by protected tribesmen living in one of the world's most isolated regions tucked in India's Andaman islands, police said Wednesday.

John Chau, 27, had taken a boat ride with local fishermen before venturing alone in a canoe to the remote North Sentinel Island where the indigenous people live cut off completely from the outside world.

As soon as he set foot on the island, Chau found himself facing a flurry of arrows, official sources told AFP.

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Contact with several tribes on the islands, set deep in the Indian Ocean, is illegal in a bid to protect their indigenous way of life and shield them from diseases.

Police have registered a case of murder and seven accused persons have been arrested.

"The investigation in this matter is on," senior police officer Deepak Yadav said in a press release.

Chau had made several trips to the Andaman islands recently before finally managing to make it to the remote stretch by offering money to local fishermen.

"He tried to reach the Sentinel island on 14 November but could not make it. Two days later he went well prepared. He left the dingy midway and took a canoe all by himself to the island," sources said.

"He was attacked by arrows but he continued walking. The fishermen saw the tribals tying a rope around his neck and dragging his body.

"They were scared and fled but returned next morning to find his body on the sea shore."

A police source meanwhile told Reuters Chau was a preacher who had visited the Andaman and Nicobar islands in the past. Police have learned he had a strong desire to meet the Sentinelese and preach on the island, the source added.

Reuters was unable to confirm if Chau planned to preach on the island, and was not immediately able to trace contact details for his family or a representative.&nbsp;

The Andamans are also home to the 400-strong Jarawa tribe who activists say are at threat from outsiders, who often bribe local authorities to spend a day out with them.

But tribes such as the Sentinelese shun all contact with the outside world and are known to be hostile to any encroachers.

The North Sentinel island is out of bounds even to the Indian navy in a bid to protect its reclusive inhabitants who number only about 150.

An American tourist was killed by arrows shot by protected tribesmen living in one of the world's most isolated regions tucked in India's Andaman islands, police said Wednesday.

An American tourist was killed by arrows shot by protected tribesmen living in one of the world's most isolated regions tucked in India's Andaman islands, police said Wednesday. John Chau, 27, had taken a boat ride with local fishermen before venturing alone in a canoe to the remote North Sentinel Island where the indigenous people live cut off completely from the outside world. As soon as he set foot on the island, Chau found himself facing a flurry of arrows, official sources told AFP. × Contact with several tribes on the islands, set deep in the Indian Ocean, is illegal in a bid to protect their indigenous way of life and shield them from diseases. Police have registered a case of murder and seven accused persons have been arrested. "The investigation in this matter is on," senior police officer Deepak Yadav said in a press release. Chau had made several trips to the Andaman islands recently before finally managing to make it to the remote stretch by offering money to local fishermen. "He tried to reach the Sentinel island on 14 November but could not make it. Two days later he went well prepared. He left the dingy midway and took a canoe all by himself to the island," sources said. "He was attacked by arrows but he continued walking. The fishermen saw the tribals tying a rope around his neck and dragging his body. "They were scared and fled but returned next morning to find his body on the sea shore." A police source meanwhile told Reuters Chau was a preacher who had visited the Andaman and Nicobar islands in the past. Police have learned he had a strong desire to meet the Sentinelese and preach on the island, the source added. Reuters was unable to confirm if Chau planned to preach on the island, and was not immediately able to trace contact details for his family or a representative. The Andamans are also home to the 400-strong Jarawa tribe who activists say are at threat from outsiders, who often bribe local authorities to spend a day out with them. But tribes such as the Sentinelese shun all contact with the outside world and are known to be hostile to any encroachers. The North Sentinel island is out of bounds even to the Indian navy in a bid to protect its reclusive inhabitants who number only about 150.

Tribesmen shoot American dead with arrows on Andaman island

The Odisha Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution seeking 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative assemblies and Parliament.

The resolution, moved by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, was passed by a voice vote after a debate in the House on Tuesday night.

The members of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD), opposition Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supported the resolution. 
While moving the resolution, Patnaik had termed the proposal as "historic".

The resolution was passed ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament, which begins on December 11. The Women's Reservation Bill is pending in the parliament.

Currently, the 147-member state assembly has 12 women MLAs.

Government chief whip Amar Prasad Satpathy said Odisha is ahead of the rest of the states as far as women empowerment is concerned.

The BJD's women lawmakers, including Pramila Mallick and Raseswari Panigrahi, lauded Partnaik's initiative.

Participating in the debate, BJP legislature party leader K V Singdeo, MLAs Pradip Purohit and Rabi Naik expressed doubts over the motive of the state government behind bringing the resolution.

Congress chief whip Taraprasad Bahinipati said it was a political strategy of the ruling BJD to move such a resolution ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The move is aimed at influencing women voters, he said, adding that the Congress has no objection if women get 33 per cent reservation in state assemblies and parliament.

Earlier, Patnaik had said Odisha must show its commitment and resolve to the entire country that it is the land where women are truly empowered and truly involved in nation-building.

"No household, no society, no state, no country has ever moved forward without empowering its women," he said.&nbsp;

The Odisha Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution seeking 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative assemblies and Parliament. The resolution, moved by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, was passed by a voice vote after a debate in the House on Tuesday night.

The Odisha Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution seeking 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative assemblies and Parliament. The resolution, moved by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, was passed by a voice vote after a debate in the House on Tuesday night. The members of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD), opposition Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supported the resolution. While moving the resolution, Patnaik had termed the proposal as "historic". The resolution was passed ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament, which begins on December 11. The Women's Reservation Bill is pending in the parliament. Currently, the 147-member state assembly has 12 women MLAs. Government chief whip Amar Prasad Satpathy said Odisha is ahead of the rest of the states as far as women empowerment is concerned. The BJD's women lawmakers, including Pramila Mallick and Raseswari Panigrahi, lauded Partnaik's initiative. Participating in the debate, BJP legislature party leader K V Singdeo, MLAs Pradip Purohit and Rabi Naik expressed doubts over the motive of the state government behind bringing the resolution. Congress chief whip Taraprasad Bahinipati said it was a political strategy of the ruling BJD to move such a resolution ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The move is aimed at influencing women voters, he said, adding that the Congress has no objection if women get 33 per cent reservation in state assemblies and parliament. Earlier, Patnaik had said Odisha must show its commitment and resolve to the entire country that it is the land where women are truly empowered and truly involved in nation-building. "No household, no society, no state, no country has ever moved forward without empowering its women," he said.

Odisha passes resolution seeking 33% reservation for women

Telangana Rashtra Samithi president and caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao has said that if the Congress comes to power, the state will go blind.

Talking about providing electricity to Siddipet district, Mr Rao claimed during an election rally that "Telangana ranked number one in all the sectors. In the next two years, the train will come to Siddipet. TRS has also set up a Medical College in Siddipet district. It has announced that 24-hour electricity would be given free of cost to farmers. But if the Congress comes in power, the state will become blind."

He further said that food processing units will be set up in each constituency and their responsibilities will be handed over to women unions.

"Passbook for farmers will be given to them directly by the officers at their homes. From next year Rs. 10,000 will be given to the farmers for one acre of land. Crops cultivated by farmers will be bought through women's unions in villages. Food processing units will be set up in each constituency and their responsibilities will be handed over to women unions. We are working without corruption," Mr Rao said.

He also announced that his government will soon come up with a new scheme for farmers. "The actual problem for farmers is the cost of the crop. A wonderful scheme has been created for it and will be implemented in the coming days," Mr Rao said.

The Telangana Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

The Telangana State Assembly was dissolved prematurely in September on the recommendation of the ruling KCR-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government.

Telangana Rashtra Samithi president and caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao has said that if the Congress comes to power, the state will go blind. Talking about providing electricity to Siddipet district, Mr Rao claimed during an election rally that "Telangana ranked number one in all the sectors.

Telangana Rashtra Samithi president and caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao has said that if the Congress comes to power, the state will go blind. Talking about providing electricity to Siddipet district, Mr Rao claimed during an election rally that "Telangana ranked number one in all the sectors. In the next two years, the train will come to Siddipet. TRS has also set up a Medical College in Siddipet district. It has announced that 24-hour electricity would be given free of cost to farmers. But if the Congress comes in power, the state will become blind." He further said that food processing units will be set up in each constituency and their responsibilities will be handed over to women unions. "Passbook for farmers will be given to them directly by the officers at their homes. From next year Rs. 10,000 will be given to the farmers for one acre of land. Crops cultivated by farmers will be bought through women's unions in villages. Food processing units will be set up in each constituency and their responsibilities will be handed over to women unions. We are working without corruption," Mr Rao said. He also announced that his government will soon come up with a new scheme for farmers. "The actual problem for farmers is the cost of the crop. A wonderful scheme has been created for it and will be implemented in the coming days," Mr Rao said. The Telangana Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. The Telangana State Assembly was dissolved prematurely in September on the recommendation of the ruling KCR-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government.

In a veiled attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his visits to temples in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said the one "who has been visiting temples in a bid to win elections these days don't know how to sit" there.

Addressing an election rally, Rajnath Singh also accused the Congress of trying to win votes by instigating social, casteist and religious sentiments, instead of focusing on humanity.

"The one who has been visiting temples in a bid to win the elections these days doesn't know how to sit in the temple...at times he sits on knees and sometimes stands up," Singh said.

"Where were they earlier? Such people don't win by visiting temples," he said.

Singh said although the BJP has declared Shivraj Singh Chouhan as its chief ministerial face, the opposition party was yet to announce a CM face.

"But it is a mystery who will be the Congress's CM face. There is a marriage procession, but nobody knows who the groom is," he said.

The minister said the Congress was playing 'Kaun Banega Mukhyamantri' with the people of the state on the lines of TV reality show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'.

Terming MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan as a champion of good governance, Mr Singh said the state has taken a leap in terms of development in the past 15 years.

In a veiled attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his visits to temples in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said the one "who has been visiting temples in a bid to win elections these days don't know how to sit" there.

In a veiled attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his visits to temples in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said the one "who has been visiting temples in a bid to win elections these days don't know how to sit" there. Addressing an election rally, Rajnath Singh also accused the Congress of trying to win votes by instigating social, casteist and religious sentiments, instead of focusing on humanity. "The one who has been visiting temples in a bid to win the elections these days doesn't know how to sit in the temple...at times he sits on knees and sometimes stands up," Singh said. "Where were they earlier? Such people don't win by visiting temples," he said. Singh said although the BJP has declared Shivraj Singh Chouhan as its chief ministerial face, the opposition party was yet to announce a CM face. "But it is a mystery who will be the Congress's CM face. There is a marriage procession, but nobody knows who the groom is," he said. The minister said the Congress was playing 'Kaun Banega Mukhyamantri' with the people of the state on the lines of TV reality show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'. Terming MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan as a champion of good governance, Mr Singh said the state has taken a leap in terms of development in the past 15 years.

Don't win by visiting temples: Rajnath Singh's dig at Rahul Gandhi

The Congress on Tuesday accused the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh of failing to address the grievances of the farmers and released what it called a "chargesheet" listing the alleged irregularities under the rule of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

BJP national vice-president Prabhat Jha dismissed the Congress' allegations, claiming it was an attempt to grab headlines and mislead the people.

Speaking to reporters in Bhopal, AICC media and communication chief Randeep Singh Surjewala alleged farmers from 24 villages of the chief minister's home district, Sehore, have petitioned the president seeking permission for euthanasia. He claimed four farmers committed suicide in the state every day due to farm distress.

Mr Surjewala released a "chargesheet" against the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. He said all the major wrongs of the 15-year-long BJP rule in the state were listed in the "charge sheet", which included poor health services, incidents of rape, firing at farmers, Vyapam scam, alleged theft of children's scholarship, kidnapping of girls, human trafficking and "mafia raj".

Mr Surjewala alleged the MP government was announcing "false figures" on growth, agricultural produce and irrigation potential among others.

He further charged the state government with large-scale irregularities in the implementation of Bhavantar Yojana (a mechanism to give a model price to farmers for produce) and crop insurance scheme among others.

The Congress on Tuesday accused the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh of failing to address the grievances of the farmers and released what it called a "chargesheet" listing the alleged irregularities under the rule of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

The Congress on Tuesday accused the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh of failing to address the grievances of the farmers and released what it called a "chargesheet" listing the alleged irregularities under the rule of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. BJP national vice-president Prabhat Jha dismissed the Congress' allegations, claiming it was an attempt to grab headlines and mislead the people. Speaking to reporters in Bhopal, AICC media and communication chief Randeep Singh Surjewala alleged farmers from 24 villages of the chief minister's home district, Sehore, have petitioned the president seeking permission for euthanasia. He claimed four farmers committed suicide in the state every day due to farm distress. Mr Surjewala released a "chargesheet" against the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. He said all the major wrongs of the 15-year-long BJP rule in the state were listed in the "charge sheet", which included poor health services, incidents of rape, firing at farmers, Vyapam scam, alleged theft of children's scholarship, kidnapping of girls, human trafficking and "mafia raj". Mr Surjewala alleged the MP government was announcing "false figures" on growth, agricultural produce and irrigation potential among others. He further charged the state government with large-scale irregularities in the implementation of Bhavantar Yojana (a mechanism to give a model price to farmers for produce) and crop insurance scheme among others.

BJP hits back at Congress 'chargesheet' against Madhya Pradesh government

In an exclusive conversation with WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, European Union's ambassador to India Tomasz Kozlowski welcomed New Delhi's role in global governance and said it is in favour of India's efforts to develop Chabahar port to connect with Afghanistan. But on India's data localisation plans, the ambassador said it may be a burden for the free flow of business data. Here is the full interview.

WION: How do you characterize New Delhi-Brussel ties and why is India an important ally for Brussels?

Kozlowski: The European union perceives India as an extremely important partner for the European Union. First of all, India enjoys very high economic growth, India is growing, it has a huge economic potential for bilateral, mutually beneficial cooperation for the future, that is why we have a well-established cooperation partnership.

The second rationale is India is an important international partner -- very much respected and very influential. We are looking for partners all around the world with whom we share the same approach on global governance. India and EU are promoting rules based on the international order to multilateral approach. That is why we think we can make an impact on shaping or reshaping global political and economic governance.

WION: How do you see the current economic environment in India, especially the ease of doing business?&nbsp;

Kozlowski: According to the European economic community in India, and we have 6,000 EU companies, EU is the largest trading partner. Europe is one of the largest foreign investors in India and provider of technology.

According to our business community, the business environment has improved substantially in the last few years. Of course, the situation might be better in the future. The fact the business environment is better is reflected in the 'ease of doing business' ranking in which India stands 77th.&nbsp;

WION: The India-EU Free trade agreement has been stuck for 10 years with no progress, any comments?&nbsp;

Kozlowski: Concerning EU India trade ties, EU is the largest trading partner for India. we have here the presence of European companies. EU is fully committed to having a comprehensive, economically meaningful, mutually beneficial agreement and we are in the process of discussing, very actively, the way forward for a possible FTA.

WION: Connectivity is the new geopolitical currency. Your reaction to India connecting EU through Chabahar?

Kozlowski: &nbsp;EU is in favour and support of all connectivity initiatives between India and EU. A few months ago, EU approved its own strategy on connectivity. We are in favour of India's efforts to rebuild or develop Chabahar port as an entry point to Afghanistan, further to central Asia and even to Europe. We are very much in favour.

WION: Your take on the privacy debate in India and EU? Any comments on India's data localisation plans?

Kozlowski: Privacy is an important right for the citizens of India and for the European Union. EU approved its own regulations which are known as GDPR. As I understand, India is working on its own privacy law.

With respect to data location, we don't share India's sentiment to such a solution. We think such steps may be a burden for the free flow of business data between India and its partners. &nbsp;

WION: Your reaction to the Brexit development that is taking place and Brexit's impact on India-EU ties?

Kozlowski: Brexit is a very unfortunate development but we respect the decision taken by the British people which are now followed by the British government.

From the point of view of EU, we are prepared for signing an agreement with the UK in coming days on the Brexit and it will not impact EU-India relations. We are committed to honouring all our agreement in developing cooperation.

In an exclusive conversation with WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, European Union's ambassador to India Tomasz Kozlowski welcomed New Delhi's role in global governance and said it is in favour of India's efforts to develop Chabahar port to connect with Afghanistan.

In an exclusive conversation with WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, European Union's ambassador to India Tomasz Kozlowski welcomed New Delhi's role in global governance and said it is in favour of India's efforts to develop Chabahar port to connect with Afghanistan. But on India's data localisation plans, the ambassador said it may be a burden for the free flow of business data. Here is the full interview. WION: How do you characterize New Delhi-Brussel ties and why is India an important ally for Brussels? Kozlowski: The European union perceives India as an extremely important partner for the European Union. First of all, India enjoys very high economic growth, India is growing, it has a huge economic potential for bilateral, mutually beneficial cooperation for the future, that is why we have a well-established cooperation partnership. The second rationale is India is an important international partner -- very much respected and very influential. We are looking for partners all around the world with whom we share the same approach on global governance. India and EU are promoting rules based on the international order to multilateral approach. That is why we think we can make an impact on shaping or reshaping global political and economic governance. WION: How do you see the current economic environment in India, especially the ease of doing business? Kozlowski: According to the European economic community in India, and we have 6,000 EU companies, EU is the largest trading partner. Europe is one of the largest foreign investors in India and provider of technology. According to our business community, the business environment has improved substantially in the last few years. Of course, the situation might be better in the future. The fact the business environment is better is reflected in the 'ease of doing business' ranking in which India stands 77th. WION: The India-EU Free trade agreement has been stuck for 10 years with no progress, any comments? Kozlowski: Concerning EU India trade ties, EU is the largest trading partner for India. we have here the presence of European companies. EU is fully committed to having a comprehensive, economically meaningful, mutually beneficial agreement and we are in the process of discussing, very actively, the way forward for a possible FTA. WION: Connectivity is the new geopolitical currency. Your reaction to India connecting EU through Chabahar? Kozlowski: EU is in favour and support of all connectivity initiatives between India and EU. A few months ago, EU approved its own strategy on connectivity. We are in favour of India's efforts to rebuild or develop Chabahar port as an entry point to Afghanistan, further to central Asia and even to Europe. We are very much in favour. WION: Your take on the privacy debate in India and EU? Any comments on India's data localisation plans? Kozlowski: Privacy is an important right for the citizens of India and for the European Union. EU approved its own regulations which are known as GDPR. As I understand, India is working on its own privacy law. With respect to data location, we don't share India's sentiment to such a solution. We think such steps may be a burden for the free flow of business data between India and its partners. WION: Your reaction to the Brexit development that is taking place and Brexit's impact on India-EU ties? Kozlowski: Brexit is a very unfortunate development but we respect the decision taken by the British people which are now followed by the British government. From the point of view of EU, we are prepared for signing an agreement with the UK in coming days on the Brexit and it will not impact EU-India relations. We are committed to honouring all our agreement in developing cooperation.

EU envoy welcomes India's move to develop Chabahar

Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Wednesday said his troops are combat-hardened and ready to defend the country as he asked India to place its "stock in peace and progress" through dialogue.

General Bajwa, who visited the Line of Control (LoC) and interacted with troops for the second time within a month, said that "lately there has been an&nbsp;increase in Indian ceasefire violations and rhetoric of provocative statements by their military leadership", according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the army.

"We are a professional and combat-hardened Army ready to defend our motherland. It would be better if they realise this and place their stock in peace &amp; progress through dialogue," General Bajwa said.

He was also briefed about the situation along LoC, the ceasefire violations and response by Pakistan Army.

On October 25, General Bajwa visited Sarpir and Pandu Sectors at the Line of Control where he interacted with the Pakistani troops.

The ties between India and Pakistan remains strained after the terror attacks by Pakistan-based terror groups in 2016 and India's surgical strikes inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

After assuming power in August, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggesting a meeting between the two countries' foreign ministers on the margins of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in September.

India accepted the proposal but, within hours of its acceptance, terrorists killed three policemen in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting New Delhi to cancel the foreign ministers' meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA.

Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Wednesday said his troops are combat-hardened and ready to defend the country as he asked India to place its "stock in peace and progress" through dialogue.

Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Wednesday said his troops are combat-hardened and ready to defend the country as he asked India to place its "stock in peace and progress" through dialogue. General Bajwa, who visited the Line of Control (LoC) and interacted with troops for the second time within a month, said that "lately there has been an increase in Indian ceasefire violations and rhetoric of provocative statements by their military leadership", according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the army. "We are a professional and combat-hardened Army ready to defend our motherland. It would be better if they realise this and place their stock in peace & progress through dialogue," General Bajwa said. He was also briefed about the situation along LoC, the ceasefire violations and response by Pakistan Army. On October 25, General Bajwa visited Sarpir and Pandu Sectors at the Line of Control where he interacted with the Pakistani troops. The ties between India and Pakistan remains strained after the terror attacks by Pakistan-based terror groups in 2016 and India's surgical strikes inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. After assuming power in August, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggesting a meeting between the two countries' foreign ministers on the margins of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in September. India accepted the proposal but, within hours of its acceptance, terrorists killed three policemen in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting New Delhi to cancel the foreign ministers' meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA.

Pak Army Chief asks India to place its 'stock in peace and progress' through dialogue

Senior Congress leader M I Shanavas, passed away early Wednesday at a private hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu after a prolonged illness. 
He was 67.

The Member of Parliament who represented the Wayanad constituency twice in the Lok Sabha breathed his last at around 1 am. He had undergone a liver transplant on Nov 2.

His mortal remains are expected to be brought to Kochi in the afternoon.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan along with senior Congress leader and former chief minister Oommen Chandy and opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala expressed their condolences over Shanavas' demise.

The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) working president is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.

Senior Congress leader M I Shanavas, passed away early Wednesday at a private hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu after a prolonged illness. He was 67. The Member of Parliament who represented the Wayanad constituency twice in the Lok Sabha breathed his last at around 1 am.

Senior Congress leader M I Shanavas, passed away early Wednesday at a private hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu after a prolonged illness. He was 67. The Member of Parliament who represented the Wayanad constituency twice in the Lok Sabha breathed his last at around 1 am. He had undergone a liver transplant on Nov 2. His mortal remains are expected to be brought to Kochi in the afternoon. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan along with senior Congress leader and former chief minister Oommen Chandy and opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala expressed their condolences over Shanavas' demise. The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) working president is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.

MI Shanavas, Congress Kerala working president, dies at 67 after prolonged illness

The second phase of the Chhattisgarh assembly polls recorded nearly 71.93 per cent voter turnout recorded till 6pm on Tuesday. Around 64.8 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 5pm in the state assembly election.&nbsp;

As much as 45.2 per cent voting was recorded till 2:55 pm in the ongoing second phase of polling in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday.&nbsp;

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71.93% voter turnout recorded till 6 PM in the second phase of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChhattisgarhAssemblyElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChhattisgarhAssemblyElections</a>. Voting still underway at the polling booths where voters are in the queue <a href="https://t.co/HhuyrW3e3x">pic.twitter.com/HhuyrW3e3x</a>
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According to the Election Commission of India, the overall polling percentage stood at 23.71 per cent at 12:30 pm. Pathalgaon was on the top of the list with 34.70 per cent turnout followed by Kunkuri and Jashpur with 34.7 per cent and 34.5 per cent voter turnout respectively.

As many as 72 constituencies spread over 19 districts went to polls in the second phase of Chhattisgarh assembly polls today. The voting commenced at 8am and is scheduled to end at 5 pm.

Around 19,300 polling booths have been set up for the second phase of polling. 1,079 candidates including 119 women are in the fray. More than 1,54,00,000 voters are eligible to exercise their voting right in the poll.&nbsp;

The first phase of the state assembly polls was conducted on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-elections-voter-turnout-recorded-at-close-to-60-as-1st-phase-of-polling-ends-176901">November 12 and recorded around 70 per cent voter turnout</a>. As many as 12 constituencies went to polls.&nbsp;

The second phase of the Chhattisgarh assembly polls recorded nearly 71.93 per cent voter turnout recorded till 6pm on Tuesday. Around 64.8 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 5pm in the state assembly election.

The second phase of the Chhattisgarh assembly polls recorded nearly 71.93 per cent voter turnout recorded till 6pm on Tuesday. Around 64.8 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 5pm in the state assembly election. As much as 45.2 per cent voting was recorded till 2:55 pm in the ongoing second phase of polling in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday. 71.93% voter turnout recorded till 6 PM in the second phase of #ChhattisgarhAssemblyElections. Voting still underway at the polling booths where voters are in the queue pic.twitter.com/HhuyrW3e3x — ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2018 × According to the Election Commission of India, the overall polling percentage stood at 23.71 per cent at 12:30 pm. Pathalgaon was on the top of the list with 34.70 per cent turnout followed by Kunkuri and Jashpur with 34.7 per cent and 34.5 per cent voter turnout respectively. As many as 72 constituencies spread over 19 districts went to polls in the second phase of Chhattisgarh assembly polls today. The voting commenced at 8am and is scheduled to end at 5 pm. Around 19,300 polling booths have been set up for the second phase of polling. 1,079 candidates including 119 women are in the fray. More than 1,54,00,000 voters are eligible to exercise their voting right in the poll. The first phase of the state assembly polls was conducted on November 12 and recorded around 70 per cent voter turnout. As many as 12 constituencies went to polls.

Chhattisgarh assembly elections: Over 72% voter turnout recorded in 2nd phase

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday accused the government of making a "careful, well-thought-out calibrated effort" to weaken democracy and lamented that the credibility of institutions like Parliament and the CBI was being "systematically denigrated".

Singh levelled <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-govt-refusal-to-order-a-jpc-probe-on-rafale-deal-means-there-is-something-wrong-manmohan-singh-178583">the allegation</a> at a news conference in Indore ahead of the Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh on November 28.

The BJP rejected Singh's charge while the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) did not react.

The BJP alleged that Singh's Congress-led government in its 10-year rule had always put pressure on institutions like the CBI while the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi "respects" institutions and does not interfere in their functioning.

"Nobody is harming or weakening any institution. It is our government that is giving them independence to express their views and in economic policy. Singh should know that there are always difference of opinion and there are multiple options in research allocation," BJP spokesperson Gopal Krishna Agarwal said in New Delhi.

In a veiled reference to developments in the RBI and CBI, Singh said the Modi government is trying to prevail over big institutions, adding this was detrimental to democracy and the law of the land.

"The country has witnessed credibility of institutions like Parliament and CBI systematically denigrated. There is a careful, well-thought-out and calibrated effort to weaken democracy," he said.

"The rule of law is under attack. History shall never forgive our present generation if the situation is not changed," he added.

Alleging that the relationship between the RBI and the Finance Ministry has hit a low, the former Union finance minister said there is a need for "harmony and coordination".

"The RBI governor and finance minister have a delicate relationship. Both have to work together. Even though the job of running the country rests with the government, specific responsibility is given to the RBI governor by the RBI Act. There is a need to recognise inter-dependence of the two entities and work in harmony," he said.

"I am happy with the efforts being made to bring reconciliation. Both need to work in harmony with each other."

Singh termed demonetisation as "organised loot and legalised plunder". "This is a done act and can't be reverted. It is up to the people to get rid of the government which brought them on this disastrous path," he said.

The note ban and the "flawed" Goods and Services Tax (GST) of the NDA government have caused a "great damage" to the unorganised sector, Singh said. "The note ban failed to achieve its goal."

Singh also alleged that corruption was peaking in the Modi government.

Asked about his 2014 comments that Modi as prime minister would be a disaster to the country, he said he did not want to comment on his earlier remarks. "I used harsh words which I should not have. Now people will make the decision," he added.

Singh accused Modi of misusing the prime minister's post. "It does not befit the PM to abuse political opponents," he said, adding Modi was using "unparliamentary words" against the opposition.

On the controversial Rafale deal, he said it needs a thorough investigation through a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe. "Modi is not going in for the constitution of the JPC, which gives an impression that something is amiss", he said, adding this has given rise to a "great deal of suspicion" in the minds of people.

On steps needed to improve the economy, Singh said infrastructure investment should increase and national savings rate should be encouraged.

"In our (Congress-led regime) time, the national saving rate was 35 to 36 per cent. Now it is 28 per cent," he said. If the GDP rate needs to grow to 10 per cent, the national savings rate and infrastructure investment needs to grow, he added.

Asked if the Congress will be able to revive itself, Singh said the party faced problems since the 2014 elections.

"The reason was the ability of the opposition to mislead the media and the general public about the so-called corruption and we were not able to carry the conviction to convey our point of view," he said.

Singh denied Modi's claim that the UPA government led by him was a "remote-controlled" one.

"The success of my government was because the party and government were on one page. There was no difference of opinion," he said.

The BJP promised to bring back money stashed in banks abroad but this turned out to be a hollow claim, he said.

The Modi government's "Make in India" programme has proved to be just a jumla (stunt), he said.

The BJP-led government promised to generate two crore jobs annually but this has turned out to a gimmick, he said.

He also rubbished Modi's claim that the UPA government discriminated against Madhya Pradesh. "Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan should stand a witness to it," he said.

"Vyapam (an entrance examination, admission and recruitment scam unearthed in Madhya Pradesh in 2013) marred the future of the state's youth, while Narmada river has been plundered by the sand mafia," Singh added.&nbsp;

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday accused the government of making a "careful, well-thought-out calibrated effort" to weaken democracy and lamented that the credibility of institutions like Parliament and the CBI was being "systematically denigrated".

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday accused the government of making a "careful, well-thought-out calibrated effort" to weaken democracy and lamented that the credibility of institutions like Parliament and the CBI was being "systematically denigrated". Singh levelled the allegation at a news conference in Indore ahead of the Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh on November 28. The BJP rejected Singh's charge while the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) did not react. The BJP alleged that Singh's Congress-led government in its 10-year rule had always put pressure on institutions like the CBI while the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi "respects" institutions and does not interfere in their functioning. "Nobody is harming or weakening any institution. It is our government that is giving them independence to express their views and in economic policy. Singh should know that there are always difference of opinion and there are multiple options in research allocation," BJP spokesperson Gopal Krishna Agarwal said in New Delhi. In a veiled reference to developments in the RBI and CBI, Singh said the Modi government is trying to prevail over big institutions, adding this was detrimental to democracy and the law of the land. "The country has witnessed credibility of institutions like Parliament and CBI systematically denigrated. There is a careful, well-thought-out and calibrated effort to weaken democracy," he said. "The rule of law is under attack. History shall never forgive our present generation if the situation is not changed," he added. Alleging that the relationship between the RBI and the Finance Ministry has hit a low, the former Union finance minister said there is a need for "harmony and coordination". "The RBI governor and finance minister have a delicate relationship. Both have to work together. Even though the job of running the country rests with the government, specific responsibility is given to the RBI governor by the RBI Act. There is a need to recognise inter-dependence of the two entities and work in harmony," he said. "I am happy with the efforts being made to bring reconciliation. Both need to work in harmony with each other." Singh termed demonetisation as "organised loot and legalised plunder". "This is a done act and can't be reverted. It is up to the people to get rid of the government which brought them on this disastrous path," he said. The note ban and the "flawed" Goods and Services Tax (GST) of the NDA government have caused a "great damage" to the unorganised sector, Singh said. "The note ban failed to achieve its goal." Singh also alleged that corruption was peaking in the Modi government. Asked about his 2014 comments that Modi as prime minister would be a disaster to the country, he said he did not want to comment on his earlier remarks. "I used harsh words which I should not have. Now people will make the decision," he added. Singh accused Modi of misusing the prime minister's post. "It does not befit the PM to abuse political opponents," he said, adding Modi was using "unparliamentary words" against the opposition. On the controversial Rafale deal, he said it needs a thorough investigation through a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe. "Modi is not going in for the constitution of the JPC, which gives an impression that something is amiss", he said, adding this has given rise to a "great deal of suspicion" in the minds of people. On steps needed to improve the economy, Singh said infrastructure investment should increase and national savings rate should be encouraged. "In our (Congress-led regime) time, the national saving rate was 35 to 36 per cent. Now it is 28 per cent," he said. If the GDP rate needs to grow to 10 per cent, the national savings rate and infrastructure investment needs to grow, he added. Asked if the Congress will be able to revive itself, Singh said the party faced problems since the 2014 elections. "The reason was the ability of the opposition to mislead the media and the general public about the so-called corruption and we were not able to carry the conviction to convey our point of view," he said. Singh denied Modi's claim that the UPA government led by him was a "remote-controlled" one. "The success of my government was because the party and government were on one page. There was no difference of opinion," he said. The BJP promised to bring back money stashed in banks abroad but this turned out to be a hollow claim, he said. The Modi government's "Make in India" programme has proved to be just a jumla (stunt), he said. The BJP-led government promised to generate two crore jobs annually but this has turned out to a gimmick, he said. He also rubbished Modi's claim that the UPA government discriminated against Madhya Pradesh. "Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan should stand a witness to it," he said. "Vyapam (an entrance examination, admission and recruitment scam unearthed in Madhya Pradesh in 2013) marred the future of the state's youth, while Narmada river has been plundered by the sand mafia," Singh added.

Modi govt making 'calibrated effort' to weaken democracy: Manmohan Singh

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suicide-bomber-targets-clerics-in-afghan-capital-50-killed-178470">Kabul suicide attack: Death toll rises to 50 as bomber targets clerics at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suicide-bomber-targets-clerics-in-afghan-capital-50-killed-178470">religious</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suicide-bomber-targets-clerics-in-afghan-capital-50-killed-178470"> event</a>

A suicide bomber blew himself up in a banqueting hall where Islamic religious scholars had gathered in the Afghan capital Kabul on Tuesday, killing more than 50 people, three government officials said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-hasnt-altered-its-unfair-market-distorting-trade-practices-says-ustr-ahead-of-trump-xi-meet-178468">China hasn't altered its unfair, market-distorting trade practices, says USTR ahead of Trump, Xi meet</a>

The Trump administration on Tuesday said that China has failed to alter its "unfair" practices at the heart of the US-China trade conflict, adding to tensions ahead of a high-stakes meeting later this month between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/wont-take-anything-for-granted-says-kohli-ahead-of-t20-match-against-australia-178471">Won't take anything for granted, says Kohli ahead of T20 match against Australia</a>

Ahead of the crucial T20 match, India captain Virat Kohli insisted Australia have the quality to upset the odds in their Twenty20 series and said his team will be focusing on the "little things" to come out on top.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/congressional-committee-to-investigate-ivanka-trumps-private-email-use-for-work-178467">Congressional committee to investigate Ivanka Trump's private email use for work</a>

A Congressional committee will investigate Ivanka Trump, US President Donald Trump's daughter and a White House adviser, following reports that she repeatedly used a personal email account for government work, a House Democrat said on Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/donald-trump-stands-by-saudi-prince-despite-journalist-khashoggis-murder-178466">Donald Trump stands by Saudi prince despite journalist Khashoggi's murder</a>

Defying intense pressure from US lawmakers to impose tougher sanctions on Saudi Arabia, Trump also said he would not cancel military contracts with the kingdom, claiming it would be a "foolish" move that would only benefit Russia and China.

Kabul suicide attack: Death toll rises to 50 as bomber targets clerics at religious event A suicide bomber blew himself up in a banqueting hall where Islamic religious scholars had gathered in the Afghan capital Kabul on Tuesday, killing more than 50 people, three government officials said.

Kabul suicide attack: Death toll rises to 50 as bomber targets clerics at religious event A suicide bomber blew himself up in a banqueting hall where Islamic religious scholars had gathered in the Afghan capital Kabul on Tuesday, killing more than 50 people, three government officials said. China hasn't altered its unfair, market-distorting trade practices, says USTR ahead of Trump, Xi meet The Trump administration on Tuesday said that China has failed to alter its "unfair" practices at the heart of the US-China trade conflict, adding to tensions ahead of a high-stakes meeting later this month between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Won't take anything for granted, says Kohli ahead of T20 match against Australia Ahead of the crucial T20 match, India captain Virat Kohli insisted Australia have the quality to upset the odds in their Twenty20 series and said his team will be focusing on the "little things" to come out on top. Congressional committee to investigate Ivanka Trump's private email use for work A Congressional committee will investigate Ivanka Trump, US President Donald Trump's daughter and a White House adviser, following reports that she repeatedly used a personal email account for government work, a House Democrat said on Tuesday. Donald Trump stands by Saudi prince despite journalist Khashoggi's murder Defying intense pressure from US lawmakers to impose tougher sanctions on Saudi Arabia, Trump also said he would not cancel military contracts with the kingdom, claiming it would be a "foolish" move that would only benefit Russia and China.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The death toll in Cuttack bus accident that took place on Tuesday near Jagatpur has increased to 12.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who visited the accident spot to take stock of the situation, said, "The bus which met with an accident was coming from Talcher and plunged off the bridge on Mahanadi River in Cuttack. So far, 12 people have lost their lives."

The minister further said that many people were also injured in the accident and have been shifted to the hospital. Pradhan also visited the hospital to meet the injured people. "The administration is working on rescue and relief operation," he said.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of those who were killed in the mishap.

Expressing sorrow over the loss of lives in the accident, Patnaik said that free treatment would be provided to those who sustained injuries in the incident.

The bus carrying around 30 passengers fell off the Mahanadi Bridge after it hit a buffalo.

The death toll in Cuttack bus accident that took place on Tuesday near Jagatpur has increased to 12. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who visited the accident spot to take stock of the situation, said, "The bus which met with an accident was coming from Talcher and plunged off the bridge on Mahanadi River in Cuttack.

The death toll in Cuttack bus accident that took place on Tuesday near Jagatpur has increased to 12. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who visited the accident spot to take stock of the situation, said, "The bus which met with an accident was coming from Talcher and plunged off the bridge on Mahanadi River in Cuttack. So far, 12 people have lost their lives." The minister further said that many people were also injured in the accident and have been shifted to the hospital. Pradhan also visited the hospital to meet the injured people. "The administration is working on rescue and relief operation," he said. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of those who were killed in the mishap. Expressing sorrow over the loss of lives in the accident, Patnaik said that free treatment would be provided to those who sustained injuries in the incident. The bus carrying around 30 passengers fell off the Mahanadi Bridge after it hit a buffalo.

Cuttack bus mishap: Death toll rises to 12

TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu will not share the stage with Congress leader Sonia Gandhi at her November 23 election rally in Telangana, state AICC in-charge R C Khuntia said Wednesday.

This ends speculation over whether the Andhra Pradesh chief minister would join Gandhi at her public meeting in Medchal after the two parties, along with others, forged an alliance for the upcoming Telangana Assembly polls.

Last month, the Congress forged the alliance, 'Prajakutami' (People's Alliance), with the TDP, the Telangana Jana Samithi and the Communist Party of India to take on the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) in the December 7 elections.

But Naidu would campaign with Congress president Rahul Gandhi at some places during the latter's visit to the state on November 28 and 29 and December 3, Khuntia told PTI.

"Not all but (at) some meetings (Naidu and Rahul Gandhi will share stage)," he said.

Khuntia said the Congress is planning to release its election manifesto on November 23.

TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu will not share the stage with Congress leader Sonia Gandhi at her November 23 election rally in Telangana, state AICC in-charge R C Khuntia said Wednesday.

TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu will not share the stage with Congress leader Sonia Gandhi at her November 23 election rally in Telangana, state AICC in-charge R C Khuntia said Wednesday. This ends speculation over whether the Andhra Pradesh chief minister would join Gandhi at her public meeting in Medchal after the two parties, along with others, forged an alliance for the upcoming Telangana Assembly polls. Last month, the Congress forged the alliance, 'Prajakutami' (People's Alliance), with the TDP, the Telangana Jana Samithi and the Communist Party of India to take on the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) in the December 7 elections. But Naidu would campaign with Congress president Rahul Gandhi at some places during the latter's visit to the state on November 28 and 29 and December 3, Khuntia told PTI. "Not all but (at) some meetings (Naidu and Rahul Gandhi will share stage)," he said. Khuntia said the Congress is planning to release its election manifesto on November 23.

Chandrababu Naidu will not share stage with Sonia at Telangana rally: Congress

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News brief: Big stories of the day

Cuttack bus mishap: Death toll rises to 12

Chandrababu Naidu will not share stage with Sonia at Telangana rally: Congress