As BJP loses key bastions in state polls, a look at party's prospects in 2019 elections

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday reacted over the outcome of the Assembly polls results in the five states stating that "issues in state elections are entirely different."

The minister said that in the year 2003 when the BJP had won all these states, the party lost the Lok Sabha polls in 2004.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
FM Jaitley: I think result was certainly not as expected&amp;it's an opprtunity to pause and analyse, for results were not as per expected. In both Chhattisgarh&amp;MP we were in power for 15 yrs&amp;we have done well. I don't think there was aniti-incumbency but fatigue factor does come in. <a href="https://t.co/EbrVEbm3A4">pic.twitter.com/EbrVEbm3A4</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1072521002448510977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Therefore these results don't reflect automatically. The 2019 elections will be around the performance of Central govt and leadership of PM Modi," Jaitley said.&nbsp;

"The election issue really will be, do we need a tried and tested leadership and govt in place or we want some kind of an unstable non-ideological coalition which is bound to splinter away sooner than later," he said.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
FM Jaitley: Issues in state elections are entirely different, we won all these states in 2003 Dec &amp; lost the general election in 2004. Therefore these results don't reflect automatically. The 2019 elections will be around the performance of Central govt &amp; leadership of PM Modi. <a href="https://t.co/MuYBGjDjs0">pic.twitter.com/MuYBGjDjs0</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1072525527817338882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Jaitley further added that the results have called for the party to "pause and analyse" as the results were not expected.&nbsp;

"In both Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh we were in power for 15 years and we have done well. I don't think there was anti-incumbency but fatigue factor does come in," he said.&nbsp;

The official data by the Election Commission signal a win for the Congress in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/imposing-prohibition-on-liquor-repairing-roads-on-agenda-mnf-chief-after-assembly-poll-win-183258">Mizo National Front swept Mizoram</a> with 26 over 40 assembly seat. KCR's Telangana Rashtra Samiti also registered a landslide victory with 83 seats in its kitty, leading&nbsp;in 7.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday reacted over the outcome of the Assembly polls results in the five states stating that "issues in state elections are entirely different.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday reacted over the outcome of the Assembly polls results in the five states stating that "issues in state elections are entirely different." The minister said that in the year 2003 when the BJP had won all these states, the party lost the Lok Sabha polls in 2004. FM Jaitley: I think result was certainly not as expected&it's an opprtunity to pause and analyse, for results were not as per expected. In both Chhattisgarh&MP we were in power for 15 yrs&we have done well. I don't think there was aniti-incumbency but fatigue factor does come in. pic.twitter.com/EbrVEbm3A4 — ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2018 × "Therefore these results don't reflect automatically. The 2019 elections will be around the performance of Central govt and leadership of PM Modi," Jaitley said. "The election issue really will be, do we need a tried and tested leadership and govt in place or we want some kind of an unstable non-ideological coalition which is bound to splinter away sooner than later," he said. FM Jaitley: Issues in state elections are entirely different, we won all these states in 2003 Dec & lost the general election in 2004. Therefore these results don't reflect automatically. The 2019 elections will be around the performance of Central govt & leadership of PM Modi. pic.twitter.com/MuYBGjDjs0 — ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2018 × Jaitley further added that the results have called for the party to "pause and analyse" as the results were not expected. "In both Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh we were in power for 15 years and we have done well. I don't think there was anti-incumbency but fatigue factor does come in," he said. The official data by the Election Commission signal a win for the Congress in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. The Mizo National Front swept Mizoram with 26 over 40 assembly seat. KCR's Telangana Rashtra Samiti also registered a landslide victory with 83 seats in its kitty, leading in 7.

Results not as expected, it's an opportunity to pause and analyse: Arun Jaitley

A gift to Rahul Gandhi, says Sachin Pilot on Rajasthan trends

WION Fineprint: Results of assembly elections in five states tomorrow

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-will-conduct-rath-yatra-nobody-can-stop-us-amit-shah-182194"> Amit Shah</a> has called a meeting on December 13 of national office bearers to discuss the outcome of assembly poll results of five states and strategy for the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The meeting will take place at 2 pm in the national capital.

On Saturday, a meeting took place between Shah and BJP`s general secretaries, which discussed among other things the exit-polls of just concluded <a href="http://www.wionews.com/assembly-elections">assembly elections</a>, which the saffron party losing many key states.

The results of five states-Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram legislative assembly elections will be announced on December 11.

"The meeting on December 13 will deliberate upon the assembly polls results in view of which the party leaders will also discuss possible strategies for the coming Lok Sabha polls," said the BJP sources.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah has called a meeting on December 13 of national office bearers to discuss the outcome of assembly poll results of five states and strategy for the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah has called a meeting on December 13 of national office bearers to discuss the outcome of assembly poll results of five states and strategy for the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The meeting will take place at 2 pm in the national capital. On Saturday, a meeting took place between Shah and BJP`s general secretaries, which discussed among other things the exit-polls of just concluded assembly elections, which the saffron party losing many key states. The results of five states-Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram legislative assembly elections will be announced on December 11. "The meeting on December 13 will deliberate upon the assembly polls results in view of which the party leaders will also discuss possible strategies for the coming Lok Sabha polls," said the BJP sources.

Amit Shah calls national 'office bearers' meet on December 13

Voting over in Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram

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

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

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

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

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said Saturday Prime Minister Narendra Modi has betrayed the people, claiming that he had not fulfilled promises of providing two crore jobs every year and "depositing" Rs 15 lakh in their bank accounts.

The Congress chief was addressing a rally at Sagar in Madhya Pradesh, where assembly polls will be held on November 28.

"Modiji has betrayed the people on the issue of providing jobs to two crore people every year and depositing Rs 15 lakh cash into their accounts by bringing (back) black money stashed abroad," Gandhi said.

Modi, during the 2014 Lok Sabha election campaign, had prominently highlighted the issue of black money and had promised to bring it back.&nbsp;

The fear of losing the 2019 general elections has created "hatred" in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mind against the Congress, Gandhi said addressing another rally at Damoh later.

The Congress chief said while Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan speaks with decency, Modi lacks it whenever he attacks the Congress and his family members.

"When you hear Modi's speech, he uses wrong words and speaks with hatred... And also speaks lies. The faith reposed by the people and youths in them has broken. Now, when Modi comes, people say he will speak lies," Gandhi said.

"He (Modi) speaks with hatred about me and my family, but Shivraj uses decent language. Modi doesn't know how to speak decently, but Rahul Gandhi will always maintain decency while speaking," he said.

"Though Chouhan has indulged in corruption, whenever he says anything against us, he speaks with decency," Gandhi added.&nbsp;

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said Saturday Prime Minister Narendra Modi has betrayed the people, claiming that he had not fulfilled promises of providing two crore jobs every year and "depositing" Rs 15 lakh in their bank accounts.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said Saturday Prime Minister Narendra Modi has betrayed the people, claiming that he had not fulfilled promises of providing two crore jobs every year and "depositing" Rs 15 lakh in their bank accounts. The Congress chief was addressing a rally at Sagar in Madhya Pradesh, where assembly polls will be held on November 28. "Modiji has betrayed the people on the issue of providing jobs to two crore people every year and depositing Rs 15 lakh cash into their accounts by bringing (back) black money stashed abroad," Gandhi said. Modi, during the 2014 Lok Sabha election campaign, had prominently highlighted the issue of black money and had promised to bring it back. The fear of losing the 2019 general elections has created "hatred" in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mind against the Congress, Gandhi said addressing another rally at Damoh later. The Congress chief said while Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan speaks with decency, Modi lacks it whenever he attacks the Congress and his family members. "When you hear Modi's speech, he uses wrong words and speaks with hatred... And also speaks lies. The faith reposed by the people and youths in them has broken. Now, when Modi comes, people say he will speak lies," Gandhi said. "He (Modi) speaks with hatred about me and my family, but Shivraj uses decent language. Modi doesn't know how to speak decently, but Rahul Gandhi will always maintain decency while speaking," he said. "Though Chouhan has indulged in corruption, whenever he says anything against us, he speaks with decency," Gandhi added.

Modi 'betrayed' people on promises of jobs, 'depositing' Rs 15 lakh in accounts: Rahul Gandhi

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took offence Friday at what she described as the "sarcastic tone" of a reporter's question about the 2016 surgical strikes carried out by the Army on terror launch pads across the LoC.

During a press conference here, a reporter asked her as to why the NDA government was "tom-tomming" the operation two years later.&nbsp;

"I got hurt by the way...In a very sarcastic tone you asked the question," an upset Sitharaman said. "The word you used....'bin bajaye (tom-tomming)...I understand Hindi...."&nbsp;

During the ongoing campaign for Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, BJP leaders including party president Amit Shah have repeatedly referred to the surgical strikes of September 2016 in which the Indian Army destroyed terrorist launch pads by crossing the Line of Control.

The reporter had asked her whether it was desirable to go public about the operation and if it was in the soldiers' interest and whether the Congress governments had never carried out such operations.

"Every citizen should glorify it. Should we be ashamed of attacking an enemy? They attacked our jawans with the help of terrorists. We targeted their (terrorists') camp," Sitharaman said.

"We should be proud of the soldiers who laid down their lives for our motherland. We should be proud of them. Should we be ashamed of it?" she asked.

"I got hurt by the way... In a very sarcastic tone, you asked the question...He may not have meant it," she said after other reporters tried to mollify her. 
If Congress governments of the past had ever carried out surgical strikes, the party should have glorified them as it is a matter of pride for the country, the minister said.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took offence Friday at what she described as the "sarcastic tone" of a reporter's question about the 2016 surgical strikes carried out by the Army on terror launch pads across the LoC.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took offence Friday at what she described as the "sarcastic tone" of a reporter's question about the 2016 surgical strikes carried out by the Army on terror launch pads across the LoC. During a press conference here, a reporter asked her as to why the NDA government was "tom-tomming" the operation two years later. "I got hurt by the way...In a very sarcastic tone you asked the question," an upset Sitharaman said. "The word you used....'bin bajaye (tom-tomming)...I understand Hindi...." During the ongoing campaign for Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, BJP leaders including party president Amit Shah have repeatedly referred to the surgical strikes of September 2016 in which the Indian Army destroyed terrorist launch pads by crossing the Line of Control. The reporter had asked her whether it was desirable to go public about the operation and if it was in the soldiers' interest and whether the Congress governments had never carried out such operations. "Every citizen should glorify it. Should we be ashamed of attacking an enemy? They attacked our jawans with the help of terrorists. We targeted their (terrorists') camp," Sitharaman said. "We should be proud of the soldiers who laid down their lives for our motherland. We should be proud of them. Should we be ashamed of it?" she asked. "I got hurt by the way... In a very sarcastic tone, you asked the question...He may not have meant it," she said after other reporters tried to mollify her. If Congress governments of the past had ever carried out surgical strikes, the party should have glorified them as it is a matter of pride for the country, the minister said.

'I understand Hindi': Sitharaman upset with reporter's 'sarcastic' query on surgical strike

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Friday launched year-long celebrations of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, and called upon people to set aside their religious and political differences to join his government in making it memorable.

Addressing a large gathering in Sultanpur Lodhi in Kapurthala district, where Nanak Dev spent over 14 years of his early life, Singh exhorted the people to reconnect with his teachings, principles and ideals.

Greeting people on the occasion of 'Gurpurab', he invited people from across the world to participate in the celebrations.

As part of the celebrations, Punjab Governor V P Singh Badnore inaugurated an exhibition, 'From Rabab to Nagara', curated by historian Mohinder Singh, the director of Delhi-based National Institute of Punjab Studies.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and many senior Congress leaders, including Asha Kumari and Sunil Jakhar, were present on the occasion.

Manmohan Singh, Badnore and the chief minister laid the foundation stones of 26 development projects worth Rs 150 crore on the occasion.

The projects included upgrade of infrastructure in the historic towns of Sultanpur Lodhi, Dera Baba Nanak and Batala.

The chief minister also announced projects and welfare schemes to the tune of Rs 3,312 crore to help pilgrims and to commemorate the historic occasion.

Guru Nanak Dev was born in 1469. His 549th birth anniversary falls on Friday.

Noting that considerations of caste, creed and inequality are again rampant in the society, he said, "We need to rise above these on the path shown by Guru Sahib. If Punjab has to regain its number one position in the country, we need to maintain 'bhai-chara' (brotherhood) and 'saanjh' (amity) and not get divided on different lines."

"The Punjab government will observe the event as a non-political and bi-partisan affair," the chief minister said.

He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union government for acceding to various requests of the state government with regard to the celebrations.

He hailed the Centre's decision to develop the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor from Punjab's Gurdaspur district to the International Border to facilitate Indian pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur in Pakistan.

He said a long-pending demand of Punjab was on the verge of fulfilment and on November 26, he would join the President to lay the foundation stone of the corridor.

He also thanked the Government of Pakistan for reciprocating on the issue and said his government would also contribute, as may be required, to ensure timely completion of the project.

Addressing the gathering, former prime minister Manmohan Singh expressed gratitude to Amarinder Singh and his government for giving him the opportunity to be part of this special moment.

He expressed hope that all would rise above petty considerations of communalism and hatred to celebrate the event in a befitting manner. 
The former prime minister exhorted the people to participate in the year-long celebrations with full enthusiasm and gaiety, regardless of caste, colour, creed and religion.

Governor Badnore said it was a matter of pride for him to be part of the auspicious occasion. He called for universal brotherhood as the key message of the commemorative events.

Badnore said the Railway Ministry would run special trains on the religious circuit relating to the life of Guru Nanak Dev for the convenience of the pilgrims.

Former Indian cricketer Kapil Dev, who was also present, presented a book, 'We the Sikhs around the world', relating to 100 Gurdwaras across the globe, to Manmohan Singh, Badnore and Amarinder Singh.

Earlier, Manmohan Singh, along with his wife Gursharan Kaur, Badnore and Amarinder Singh paid obeisance at the historic Gurdwara Ber Sahib here. 
Former Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal also paid obeisance at Gurdwara Ber Sahib.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Friday launched year-long celebrations of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, and called upon people to set aside their religious and political differences to join his government in making it memorable.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Friday launched year-long celebrations of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, and called upon people to set aside their religious and political differences to join his government in making it memorable. Addressing a large gathering in Sultanpur Lodhi in Kapurthala district, where Nanak Dev spent over 14 years of his early life, Singh exhorted the people to reconnect with his teachings, principles and ideals. Greeting people on the occasion of 'Gurpurab', he invited people from across the world to participate in the celebrations. As part of the celebrations, Punjab Governor V P Singh Badnore inaugurated an exhibition, 'From Rabab to Nagara', curated by historian Mohinder Singh, the director of Delhi-based National Institute of Punjab Studies. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and many senior Congress leaders, including Asha Kumari and Sunil Jakhar, were present on the occasion. Manmohan Singh, Badnore and the chief minister laid the foundation stones of 26 development projects worth Rs 150 crore on the occasion. The projects included upgrade of infrastructure in the historic towns of Sultanpur Lodhi, Dera Baba Nanak and Batala. The chief minister also announced projects and welfare schemes to the tune of Rs 3,312 crore to help pilgrims and to commemorate the historic occasion. Guru Nanak Dev was born in 1469. His 549th birth anniversary falls on Friday. Noting that considerations of caste, creed and inequality are again rampant in the society, he said, "We need to rise above these on the path shown by Guru Sahib. If Punjab has to regain its number one position in the country, we need to maintain 'bhai-chara' (brotherhood) and 'saanjh' (amity) and not get divided on different lines." "The Punjab government will observe the event as a non-political and bi-partisan affair," the chief minister said. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union government for acceding to various requests of the state government with regard to the celebrations. He hailed the Centre's decision to develop the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor from Punjab's Gurdaspur district to the International Border to facilitate Indian pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur in Pakistan. He said a long-pending demand of Punjab was on the verge of fulfilment and on November 26, he would join the President to lay the foundation stone of the corridor. He also thanked the Government of Pakistan for reciprocating on the issue and said his government would also contribute, as may be required, to ensure timely completion of the project. Addressing the gathering, former prime minister Manmohan Singh expressed gratitude to Amarinder Singh and his government for giving him the opportunity to be part of this special moment. He expressed hope that all would rise above petty considerations of communalism and hatred to celebrate the event in a befitting manner. The former prime minister exhorted the people to participate in the year-long celebrations with full enthusiasm and gaiety, regardless of caste, colour, creed and religion. Governor Badnore said it was a matter of pride for him to be part of the auspicious occasion. He called for universal brotherhood as the key message of the commemorative events. Badnore said the Railway Ministry would run special trains on the religious circuit relating to the life of Guru Nanak Dev for the convenience of the pilgrims. Former Indian cricketer Kapil Dev, who was also present, presented a book, 'We the Sikhs around the world', relating to 100 Gurdwaras across the globe, to Manmohan Singh, Badnore and Amarinder Singh. Earlier, Manmohan Singh, along with his wife Gursharan Kaur, Badnore and Amarinder Singh paid obeisance at the historic Gurdwara Ber Sahib here. Former Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal also paid obeisance at Gurdwara Ber Sahib.

Amarinder launches year-long celebrations of 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev

A total of 189 women candidates, including 50 from the BJP and the Congress, will be contesting the upcoming Rajasthan assembly elections, the highest number in the last 10 years.

After at least 579 candidates withdrawing their nominations for the December 7 elections on Thursday, 2,873 candidates have been left in the fray.

Of the 189 women candidates, 23 are from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and 27 are from the Congress.

The BJP has fielded sitting MLAs Anita Bhadel, Kiran Maheshwari, Anita Singh, Sushil Kanwar, Manju Baghmar, Kamsa, Suryakanta Vyas and chief minister Vasundhara Raje, among others.

Sitting MLA Shakuntala Rawat, former Union minister Girija Vyas, discus thrower and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Krishna Poonia, former MLA Zahida Khan are among the Congress' candidates contesting the elections.

Since Rajasthan's first assembly elections in 1952, which saw only four women contesting, there has been a nearly 50-fold increase in the number of female candidates.

It is also the highest number of women candidates contesting in the last 10 years with 69 in 1998, 118 in 2003, 154 in 2008 and 166 in 2013.

A total of 189 women candidates, including 50 from the BJP and the Congress, will be contesting the upcoming Rajasthan assembly elections, the highest number in the last 10 years.

A total of 189 women candidates, including 50 from the BJP and the Congress, will be contesting the upcoming Rajasthan assembly elections, the highest number in the last 10 years. After at least 579 candidates withdrawing their nominations for the December 7 elections on Thursday, 2,873 candidates have been left in the fray. Of the 189 women candidates, 23 are from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and 27 are from the Congress. The BJP has fielded sitting MLAs Anita Bhadel, Kiran Maheshwari, Anita Singh, Sushil Kanwar, Manju Baghmar, Kamsa, Suryakanta Vyas and chief minister Vasundhara Raje, among others. Sitting MLA Shakuntala Rawat, former Union minister Girija Vyas, discus thrower and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Krishna Poonia, former MLA Zahida Khan are among the Congress' candidates contesting the elections. Since Rajasthan's first assembly elections in 1952, which saw only four women contesting, there has been a nearly 50-fold increase in the number of female candidates. It is also the highest number of women candidates contesting in the last 10 years with 69 in 1998, 118 in 2003, 154 in 2008 and 166 in 2013.

189 women candidates in fray for Rajasthan Assembly polls

Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is among the nine candidates facing criminal cases out of over 200 in the fray for the state Assembly election, according to a report by two civil society organisations.

Mizo National Front (MNF) president and former chief minister Zoramthanga is another bigwig fighting criminal charges, the report of the Mizoram Election Watch (MEW) and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) said.

It is based on affidavits filed to the Election Commission by the aspirants.

The others facing criminal charges are V Malsawmtluanga (Independent), Vl Zahawma Chawngthu (BJP), Rasik Mohan Chakma (MNF), Lalduhpuii (BJP), James Thanghmingmawia (Congress) and R Lalthangliana (MNF).

Out of the nine contestants, only four are facing serious criminal cases, it said.

While the Congress and the MNF are contesting all 40 constituencies this time, the BJP is fighting in 39 seats with an aim to open its account for the first time in Mizoram.

The state goes to poll on November 28.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is among the nine candidates facing criminal cases out of over 200 in the fray for the state Assembly election, according to a report by two civil society organisations.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is among the nine candidates facing criminal cases out of over 200 in the fray for the state Assembly election, according to a report by two civil society organisations. Mizo National Front (MNF) president and former chief minister Zoramthanga is another bigwig fighting criminal charges, the report of the Mizoram Election Watch (MEW) and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) said. It is based on affidavits filed to the Election Commission by the aspirants. The others facing criminal charges are V Malsawmtluanga (Independent), Vl Zahawma Chawngthu (BJP), Rasik Mohan Chakma (MNF), Lalduhpuii (BJP), James Thanghmingmawia (Congress) and R Lalthangliana (MNF). Out of the nine contestants, only four are facing serious criminal cases, it said. While the Congress and the MNF are contesting all 40 constituencies this time, the BJP is fighting in 39 seats with an aim to open its account for the first time in Mizoram. The state goes to poll on November 28.

Mizoram CM Lal Thanhawla among nine candidates facing criminal cases

Both the BJP and the Congress kept the caste arithmetic in mind while announcing their candidates for the Rajasthan assembly polls, fielding same-caste nominees against each other in at least 31 constituencies.

The two parties have fielded 33 candidates each belonging to the Jat community for the December 7 polls.

The ruling BJP has fielded 26 Rajputs and the Congress 15 from the community.

Altogether, over 60 candidates from the Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste categories are in the fray.

Besides giving prominence to Brahmin, Vaishya, Other Backward Classes and SC/STs, the opposition Congress has fielded 15 Muslim candidates against only one by the Bharatiya Janata Party for the 200-seat House.

On the 31 seats where both the Congress and the BJP have fielded candidates belonging to the same caste, there is a direct contest between 15 candidates belonging to the Jat community.

Brahmins are pitted against Brahmins on seven seats, Rajputs fight each other on four, and Gurjars and Yadavs on two seats each.

Parties in Rajasthan have always kept the caste factor in mind while distributing tickets, observers said.

For example, for years, the BJP enjoyed the support of the Rajputs. But observers said even a slight swing in loyalties this time can change the outcome, they said.

The Congress, in any case, will benefit if anti-incumbency comes into play, it is felt.

In last assembly polls, the BJP vote share was 46.05 per cent against the 33.7 per cent polled by the Congress.

In the 2008 assembly election, the BJP vote share was 34.27 per cent against the 36.82 per cent of the Congress, according to the Election Commission data.

Among the prominent Jat leaders, Ram Pratap Kasnia of the BJP is pitted against Hanuman Meel of the Congress in Suratgarh, Ram Pratap of BJP against Vinod Chaudhary of the Congress in Hanumangarh and Ram Singh Kaswan of the BJP against Krishna Punia of the Congress in Sadulpur.

Among the Brahmin contestants, BJP's Gopal Joshi has been fielded against BD Kalla of the Congress in Bikaner West and Abhinesh Mehrishi of the BJP against Bhanwarlal of the Congress in Ratangarh.

Both the BJP and the Congress kept the caste arithmetic in mind while announcing their candidates for the Rajasthan assembly polls, fielding same-caste nominees against each other in at least 31 constituencies.

Both the BJP and the Congress kept the caste arithmetic in mind while announcing their candidates for the Rajasthan assembly polls, fielding same-caste nominees against each other in at least 31 constituencies. The two parties have fielded 33 candidates each belonging to the Jat community for the December 7 polls. The ruling BJP has fielded 26 Rajputs and the Congress 15 from the community. Altogether, over 60 candidates from the Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste categories are in the fray. Besides giving prominence to Brahmin, Vaishya, Other Backward Classes and SC/STs, the opposition Congress has fielded 15 Muslim candidates against only one by the Bharatiya Janata Party for the 200-seat House. On the 31 seats where both the Congress and the BJP have fielded candidates belonging to the same caste, there is a direct contest between 15 candidates belonging to the Jat community. Brahmins are pitted against Brahmins on seven seats, Rajputs fight each other on four, and Gurjars and Yadavs on two seats each. Parties in Rajasthan have always kept the caste factor in mind while distributing tickets, observers said. For example, for years, the BJP enjoyed the support of the Rajputs. But observers said even a slight swing in loyalties this time can change the outcome, they said. The Congress, in any case, will benefit if anti-incumbency comes into play, it is felt. In last assembly polls, the BJP vote share was 46.05 per cent against the 33.7 per cent polled by the Congress. In the 2008 assembly election, the BJP vote share was 34.27 per cent against the 36.82 per cent of the Congress, according to the Election Commission data. Among the prominent Jat leaders, Ram Pratap Kasnia of the BJP is pitted against Hanuman Meel of the Congress in Suratgarh, Ram Pratap of BJP against Vinod Chaudhary of the Congress in Hanumangarh and Ram Singh Kaswan of the BJP against Krishna Punia of the Congress in Sadulpur. Among the Brahmin contestants, BJP's Gopal Joshi has been fielded against BD Kalla of the Congress in Bikaner West and Abhinesh Mehrishi of the BJP against Bhanwarlal of the Congress in Ratangarh.

Caste major factor in Rajasthan polls

At a time when candidates shower booze and cash on voters in order to swing them in their&nbsp;favour, an&nbsp;independent candidate in Telangana has adopted a unique approach to woo the voters.

The 45-year-old Akula Hanmandloo, who is contesting as an independent candidate for Korutla assembly seat in Telangana, is giving a copy of a resignation letter and a slipper to voters even as he pleads with folded hands and says, ''This is copy of my resignation letter and a slipper. If you elect me I will do any work ( public work ) you wish. In case I don't do it you can send this letter to Telangana Assembly Speaker and along with that you can hit me with this slipper.''

Akula Hanmandloo has real estate business and has some agricultural land in and around Korutla town in Karimnagar district of Telangana.&nbsp;

A father of three children, Hanmandloo says he, like many voters, is vexed with empty and false promises of political leaders who, he says, say a lot before elections.&nbsp;

''Election after election people continue to suffer because the leaders who promise everything before elections are not to be seen or heard till the next elections. I want to set an example. I want to bring in change if I am elected,'' says Hanmandloo while speaking to Zee Media.

For Hanmandloo, this is not his first tryst with elections. Fifteen years back he unsuccessfully contested as corporator in local municipal elections in Korutla. His present campaigning is attracting a lot of attention in Korutla assembly constituency which has little more than two lakh voters. ''We have seen vote for note ( money ). But this is different. He is giving us a slipper and a resignation letter. What we expect from any candidate is honesty and sincerity and zeal to do development,'' opines Eligeti Krishna, a voter and resident of Korutla town.

Along with door to door campaign, Hanmandloo is also using social media to spread the message. He has a dedicated Facebook page wherein one can connect with him on this issue.

Hanmandloo is pitted against Congress' Narsing Rao and Telangana Rashtra Samithi's Vidyasagar Rao -- both heavyweights in the area.&nbsp;

''I dream of Rama Rajya wherein people are happy and prosperous and if I win I will live up to my promise,'' assures Hanmandloo.

The Assembly Elections for 119 seats for Telangana will be held on December 7.

At a time when candidates shower booze and cash on voters in order to swing them in their favour, an independent candidate in Telangana has adopted a unique approach to woo the voters.

At a time when candidates shower booze and cash on voters in order to swing them in their favour, an independent candidate in Telangana has adopted a unique approach to woo the voters. The 45-year-old Akula Hanmandloo, who is contesting as an independent candidate for Korutla assembly seat in Telangana, is giving a copy of a resignation letter and a slipper to voters even as he pleads with folded hands and says, ''This is copy of my resignation letter and a slipper. If you elect me I will do any work ( public work ) you wish. In case I don't do it you can send this letter to Telangana Assembly Speaker and along with that you can hit me with this slipper.'' Akula Hanmandloo has real estate business and has some agricultural land in and around Korutla town in Karimnagar district of Telangana. A father of three children, Hanmandloo says he, like many voters, is vexed with empty and false promises of political leaders who, he says, say a lot before elections. ''Election after election people continue to suffer because the leaders who promise everything before elections are not to be seen or heard till the next elections. I want to set an example. I want to bring in change if I am elected,'' says Hanmandloo while speaking to Zee Media. For Hanmandloo, this is not his first tryst with elections. Fifteen years back he unsuccessfully contested as corporator in local municipal elections in Korutla. His present campaigning is attracting a lot of attention in Korutla assembly constituency which has little more than two lakh voters. ''We have seen vote for note ( money ). But this is different. He is giving us a slipper and a resignation letter. What we expect from any candidate is honesty and sincerity and zeal to do development,'' opines Eligeti Krishna, a voter and resident of Korutla town. Along with door to door campaign, Hanmandloo is also using social media to spread the message. He has a dedicated Facebook page wherein one can connect with him on this issue. Hanmandloo is pitted against Congress' Narsing Rao and Telangana Rashtra Samithi's Vidyasagar Rao -- both heavyweights in the area. ''I dream of Rama Rajya wherein people are happy and prosperous and if I win I will live up to my promise,'' assures Hanmandloo. The Assembly Elections for 119 seats for Telangana will be held on December 7.

Meet the Telangana candidate who seeks votes with slipper and resignation letter

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suspended-security-assistance-as-pak-failed-to-act-on-militant-safe-havens-white-house-178294">Suspended security assistance to Pak for failure to address militant safe havens: US</a>

The Trump administration has suspended security assistance to Pakistan because it failed to address the problem of militant safe havens inside its territory, the White House has said.

"The (Trump) Administration has been clear to Pakistani leaders that it expects them to constructively address the problem of militant safe havens in Pakistan," an official from the National Security Council, the White House, told PTI.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-victims-after-shots-fired-at-chicago-hospital-police-178282">Four killed, including </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-victims-after-shots-fired-at-chicago-hospital-police-178282">gunman</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-victims-after-shots-fired-at-chicago-hospital-police-178282"> and police officer, in shooting at Chicago hospital</a>

Four people were killed and two others critically wounded in a shooting at a Chicago hospital on Monday, and among the dead was the gunman who started shooting in the parking lot and then burst into the medical facility and opened fire, according to local media.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-elections-polling-begins-in-second-phase-amid-heavy-security-178297">Chhattisgarh elections: Polling begins in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-elections-polling-begins-in-second-phase-amid-heavy-security-178297">second</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-elections-polling-begins-in-second-phase-amid-heavy-security-178297"> phase amid heavy security</a>

Polling booths opened today in 72 assembly constituencies in Chhattisgarh today in the second phase of elections amid heavy security.

The state had gone to the polls for the first phase on November 12th in the 18 Naxal-affected seats which saw 70 per cent electorates exercising their franchise.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/encounter-underway-in-jks-shopian-district-2-terrorists-trapped-178291">Two terrorists reportedly killed in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/encounter-underway-in-jks-shopian-district-2-terrorists-trapped-178291">encounter</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/encounter-underway-in-jks-shopian-district-2-terrorists-trapped-178291"> in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian</a>

Two terrorists were reportedly killed in an encounter that broke out between terrorists and security forces at Nadigam village of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir in the wee hours of Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-remains-a-critical-partner-to-us-south-asia-strategy-pentagon-178292">Pakistan remains a critical partner to US' South Asia strategy: Pentagon</a>

Pakistan remains a critical partner to America's South Asia strategy, the Pentagon said on Monday, a day after President Donald Trump said that Islamabad was not doing "a damn thing" for the US.

Suspended security assistance to Pak for failure to address militant safe havens: US The Trump administration has suspended security assistance to Pakistan because it failed to address the problem of militant safe havens inside its territory, the White House has said.

Suspended security assistance to Pak for failure to address militant safe havens: US The Trump administration has suspended security assistance to Pakistan because it failed to address the problem of militant safe havens inside its territory, the White House has said. "The (Trump) Administration has been clear to Pakistani leaders that it expects them to constructively address the problem of militant safe havens in Pakistan," an official from the National Security Council, the White House, told PTI. Four killed, including gunman and police officer, in shooting at Chicago hospital Four people were killed and two others critically wounded in a shooting at a Chicago hospital on Monday, and among the dead was the gunman who started shooting in the parking lot and then burst into the medical facility and opened fire, according to local media. Chhattisgarh elections: Polling begins in second phase amid heavy security Polling booths opened today in 72 assembly constituencies in Chhattisgarh today in the second phase of elections amid heavy security. The state had gone to the polls for the first phase on November 12th in the 18 Naxal-affected seats which saw 70 per cent electorates exercising their franchise. Two terrorists reportedly killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian Two terrorists were reportedly killed in an encounter that broke out between terrorists and security forces at Nadigam village of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir in the wee hours of Tuesday. Pakistan remains a critical partner to US' South Asia strategy: Pentagon Pakistan remains a critical partner to America's South Asia strategy, the Pentagon said on Monday, a day after President Donald Trump said that Islamabad was not doing "a damn thing" for the US.

News brief: Big stories of the day

With less than a month to go for the Rajasthan assembly elections, the demand for campaign materials is soaring high across the state as political parties try to outdo each other in the public's eye.

Political parties are ordering personalized election promotional cutouts, hoardings, banners, stickers and many other campaign materials.

Other than the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), many other political parties such as the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are also ordering such promotional materials.

Banners made of cloth, as well as paper, are being ordered in bulk, while statues of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah, Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje, Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot are also in high demand.

A number of shopkeepers are complaining that due to the Goods and Services Tax, there is some downtrend in the market but they are hoping sales will escalate as the election date inches closer.

The assembly elections will take place in a single phase for all 200 seats on December 7. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

With less than a month to go for the Rajasthan assembly elections, the demand for campaign materials is soaring high across the state as political parties try to outdo each other in the public's eye.

With less than a month to go for the Rajasthan assembly elections, the demand for campaign materials is soaring high across the state as political parties try to outdo each other in the public's eye. Political parties are ordering personalized election promotional cutouts, hoardings, banners, stickers and many other campaign materials. Other than the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), many other political parties such as the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are also ordering such promotional materials. Banners made of cloth, as well as paper, are being ordered in bulk, while statues of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah, Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje, Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot are also in high demand. A number of shopkeepers are complaining that due to the Goods and Services Tax, there is some downtrend in the market but they are hoping sales will escalate as the election date inches closer. The assembly elections will take place in a single phase for all 200 seats on December 7. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Rajasthan: Campaign materials on high demand as election-day closes in

The Election Commission Monday issued notification for the December 7 election to the Telangana LegislativeAssembly.

According to the notification, nominations would be accepted from November 12 to 19 while the date for scrutiny of papers has been fixed on November 20.

The last date for withdrawing nominations is November 22. 
Polls are scheduled to be held on December 7 and counting would be held on December 11.

According to an earlier communication from the Chief Electoral officer's office, the total number of voters in Telangana have gone down by nearly nine lakh to 2.73 crore for the Assembly polls.

There would be more than 32,574 polling stations in the state and few more may be set up depending on the number of voters.

The 119-member Assembly was dissolved on September 6 on the recommendation of the K Chandrasekhar Rao-led government, more than eight months ahead of the expiry of its term.

The Election Commission on Friday imposed a near month-long ban on holding exit polls beginning November 12 in the five poll-bound states including Telangana.

Caretaker Chief Minister and TRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao handed over B-Forms to party's contesting candidates Sunday after a brainstorming session with them.

He is expected to file his nomination from Gajwel constituency in Medak district on November 14.

"Honourable KCR garu giving away the B-form to the MLAs of my parliament constituency. We seek the blessings of T-people for the success of all our mlas,"TRS MP and CM's daughter Kavitha tweeted.

The TRS has already announced its candidates for 107 segments, including 105 at one go within minutes of the Assembly dissolution, giving it a jump-start to the campaign and stunning the opposition.

The main opposition Congress forged an electoral pact with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) headed by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) founded by retired Osmania University Political Science Professor Kodandaram and the Communist Party of India.

However the "Grand Alliance" is yet to announce the list of the contesting candidates.

BJP had so far announced 66 nominees in two tranches.

The Election Commission Monday issued notification for the December 7 election to the Telangana LegislativeAssembly. According to the notification, nominations would be accepted from November 12 to 19 while the date for scrutiny of papers has been fixed on November 20.

The Election Commission Monday issued notification for the December 7 election to the Telangana LegislativeAssembly. According to the notification, nominations would be accepted from November 12 to 19 while the date for scrutiny of papers has been fixed on November 20. The last date for withdrawing nominations is November 22. Polls are scheduled to be held on December 7 and counting would be held on December 11. According to an earlier communication from the Chief Electoral officer's office, the total number of voters in Telangana have gone down by nearly nine lakh to 2.73 crore for the Assembly polls. There would be more than 32,574 polling stations in the state and few more may be set up depending on the number of voters. The 119-member Assembly was dissolved on September 6 on the recommendation of the K Chandrasekhar Rao-led government, more than eight months ahead of the expiry of its term. The Election Commission on Friday imposed a near month-long ban on holding exit polls beginning November 12 in the five poll-bound states including Telangana. Caretaker Chief Minister and TRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao handed over B-Forms to party's contesting candidates Sunday after a brainstorming session with them. He is expected to file his nomination from Gajwel constituency in Medak district on November 14. "Honourable KCR garu giving away the B-form to the MLAs of my parliament constituency. We seek the blessings of T-people for the success of all our mlas,"TRS MP and CM's daughter Kavitha tweeted. The TRS has already announced its candidates for 107 segments, including 105 at one go within minutes of the Assembly dissolution, giving it a jump-start to the campaign and stunning the opposition. The main opposition Congress forged an electoral pact with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) headed by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) founded by retired Osmania University Political Science Professor Kodandaram and the Communist Party of India. However the "Grand Alliance" is yet to announce the list of the contesting candidates. BJP had so far announced 66 nominees in two tranches.

Notification issued for Telangana Assembly election

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday released the first list of 131 candidates for the upcoming assembly polls in Rajasthan. The names were announced by Union Minister and party leader JP Nadda after a meeting of the BJP central election committee.

As per the list, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje will contest from Jhalrapatan assembly constituency from where she has been contesting since 2003. Kailash Meghwal, the speaker in the outgoing Rajasthan assembly has been shifted from Bhilwara district`s Shahpura constituency to Jhunjhun`s Pilani constituency.&nbsp;

The BJP has fielded 25 new faces and 85 sitting MLAs for the assembly polls. Apart from this, 12 female candidates, 32 young candidates, 17 candidates from Schedule Caste category, 19 from Schedule Tribe category have also made it to the first list.&nbsp;

Other ministers who got the tickets are Gulab Chand Kataria, Gajendra Singh Khimsar, Vasudev Devnani, Anita Bhadel, Kiran Maheshwari, Arun Chaturvedi, Ram Pratap, Krishnendra Kaur Deepa, and Rajendra Rathore.&nbsp;

The assembly polls in the state are slated to take place on December 7 in a single phase for all 200 seats, which are at stake in the state. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. In last assembly polls, the BJP had won 163 of the 200 assembly seats in the state.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday released the first list of 131 candidates for the upcoming assembly polls in Rajasthan. The names were announced by Union Minister and party leader JP Nadda after a meeting of the BJP central election committee.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday released the first list of 131 candidates for the upcoming assembly polls in Rajasthan. The names were announced by Union Minister and party leader JP Nadda after a meeting of the BJP central election committee. As per the list, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje will contest from Jhalrapatan assembly constituency from where she has been contesting since 2003. Kailash Meghwal, the speaker in the outgoing Rajasthan assembly has been shifted from Bhilwara district`s Shahpura constituency to Jhunjhun`s Pilani constituency. The BJP has fielded 25 new faces and 85 sitting MLAs for the assembly polls. Apart from this, 12 female candidates, 32 young candidates, 17 candidates from Schedule Caste category, 19 from Schedule Tribe category have also made it to the first list. Other ministers who got the tickets are Gulab Chand Kataria, Gajendra Singh Khimsar, Vasudev Devnani, Anita Bhadel, Kiran Maheshwari, Arun Chaturvedi, Ram Pratap, Krishnendra Kaur Deepa, and Rajendra Rathore. The assembly polls in the state are slated to take place on December 7 in a single phase for all 200 seats, which are at stake in the state. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. In last assembly polls, the BJP had won 163 of the 200 assembly seats in the state.

Rajasthan assembly polls 2018: BJP releases first list of 131 candidates

The Congress Party on Thursday released the fifth list of 14 candidates for the ensuing Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh. The party has fielded former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Sartaj Singh from Hoshangabad constituency.

Apart from Singh, Satyanarayan Patidar will be contesting from Neemuch, Vinay Kumar Saxena from Jabalpur North and Babu Jandel from Sheopur.

The Congress had released the fourth list on Wednesday naming 29 candidates including the brother-in-law of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Sanjay Singh Masani.

The first list was released on November 3, which contained the name of 155 candidates, including 21 women, 21 Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates and 34 Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates.

The Congress Party on Thursday released the fifth list of 14 candidates for the ensuing Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh. The party has fielded former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Sartaj Singh from Hoshangabad constituency.

The Congress Party on Thursday released the fifth list of 14 candidates for the ensuing Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh. The party has fielded former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Sartaj Singh from Hoshangabad constituency. Apart from Singh, Satyanarayan Patidar will be contesting from Neemuch, Vinay Kumar Saxena from Jabalpur North and Babu Jandel from Sheopur. The Congress had released the fourth list on Wednesday naming 29 candidates including the brother-in-law of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Sanjay Singh Masani. The first list was released on November 3, which contained the name of 155 candidates, including 21 women, 21 Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates and 34 Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates.

14 candidates in Congress' fifth list for Madhya Pradesh polls

With assembly and general elections a few months away, politics and politicking are taking a centre stage in India. The past few days have been significant in subtle ways. &nbsp;

First of all, a staunch supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, Yoga guru and FMCG tycoon Ramdev has said that he is not going to support any political party in the coming elections.&nbsp;

Ramdev’s statement reflects the growing public resentment against the central government for rising fuel prices and inflation. Petrol and diesel prices are at more than Rs 80 and Rs 70 in most states in India and it is having a cascading effect on the prices of essential commodities, which in turn is causing severe hardship to people who are already reeling under an economic slump. &nbsp;

Secondly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat both appear to be operating in tandem in softening the hard Hindutva edges that people associate with the present government. Bhagwat emphasised that RSS doesn't support a ‘mukt’ Bharat, referring obliquely to BJP’s promise of a ‘Congress-mukt Bharat’. Bhagwat, in fact, said that the RSS welcomes even those who oppose the outfit. 
 
PM Modi too did his own outreach towards minorities by meeting the spiritual head of the influential Bohra Muslims in Indore. &nbsp;At this meeting, Modi praised the Bohras for their patriotism subtly indicating that all are welcome in the BJP irrespective of religion.&nbsp;

Finally, as elections draw nearer in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Congress and BJP are gearing up and fine-tuning election campaign strategies.

In Madhya Pradesh, traditional infighting between Congress factions is yet to cease and the public, though, wanting a change from the BJP, remains wary of this factionalism. Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched the Congress’s election campaign from capital Bhopal.

The Kailash Mansarovar-returned Gandhi scion led a roadshow of thousands of supporters through the winding streets of old Bhopal and even stopped at a famous tea shop. But most noteworthy was the positioning of Gandhi and Congress&nbsp;posters and cutouts in the city showed Rahul in a Janeu&nbsp;offering holy water on a Shivling against the backdrop of Kailash mountain, considered sacred for millions of Hindus.

Projecting Rahul Gandhi as a devout 'Shiv-bhakt' might be expedient for the Congress but it is also alienating some of its supporters who are neither Hindu nor supporters of overt religiosity in politics.&nbsp;

However it seems the Congress has made up its mind- it would do anything, even emulate the BJP to win back its former stronghold.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

As elections draw nearer in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Congress and BJP are gearing up and fine-tuning election campaign strategies.

With assembly and general elections a few months away, politics and politicking are taking a centre stage in India. The past few days have been significant in subtle ways. First of all, a staunch supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, Yoga guru and FMCG tycoon Ramdev has said that he is not going to support any political party in the coming elections. Ramdev’s statement reflects the growing public resentment against the central government for rising fuel prices and inflation. Petrol and diesel prices are at more than Rs 80 and Rs 70 in most states in India and it is having a cascading effect on the prices of essential commodities, which in turn is causing severe hardship to people who are already reeling under an economic slump. Secondly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat both appear to be operating in tandem in softening the hard Hindutva edges that people associate with the present government. Bhagwat emphasised that RSS doesn't support a ‘mukt’ Bharat, referring obliquely to BJP’s promise of a ‘Congress-mukt Bharat’. Bhagwat, in fact, said that the RSS welcomes even those who oppose the outfit. PM Modi too did his own outreach towards minorities by meeting the spiritual head of the influential Bohra Muslims in Indore. At this meeting, Modi praised the Bohras for their patriotism subtly indicating that all are welcome in the BJP irrespective of religion. Finally, as elections draw nearer in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Congress and BJP are gearing up and fine-tuning election campaign strategies. In Madhya Pradesh, traditional infighting between Congress factions is yet to cease and the public, though, wanting a change from the BJP, remains wary of this factionalism. Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched the Congress’s election campaign from capital Bhopal. The Kailash Mansarovar-returned Gandhi scion led a roadshow of thousands of supporters through the winding streets of old Bhopal and even stopped at a famous tea shop. But most noteworthy was the positioning of Gandhi and Congress posters and cutouts in the city showed Rahul in a Janeu offering holy water on a Shivling against the backdrop of Kailash mountain, considered sacred for millions of Hindus. Projecting Rahul Gandhi as a devout 'Shiv-bhakt' might be expedient for the Congress but it is also alienating some of its supporters who are neither Hindu nor supporters of overt religiosity in politics. However it seems the Congress has made up its mind- it would do anything, even emulate the BJP to win back its former stronghold. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Politicking begins in full earnest ahead of elections