The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is considering fielding Bollywood actor Madhuri Dixit-Nene from the Pune Lok Sabha constituency in the 2019 general elections, party sources said.

In June this year, BJP chief Amit Shah had met the actor at her residence in Mumbai during his party's 'Sampark for Samarthan' (Contact for Support) programme and briefed her on the achievements of the Narendra Modi government.

A senior state BJP leader told PTI Thursday that her name has been shortlisted for the Pune Lok Sabha seat.

"The party is seriously considering giving candidature to Madhuri Dixit in the 2019 general elections. We think the Pune Lok Sabha constituency will be better for her," he said.

"The party is in the process of finalising the list of probables for several Lok Sabha seats and Dixit's name has been shortlisted for the Pune Lok Sabha constituency...She is being seriously considered for it," the leader said.

The 51-year-old actor has featured in many Bollywood films, including "Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!", "Dil To Pagal Hai", "Saajan" and "Devdas".

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had snatched the Pune Lok Sabha seat from the Congress, with Anil Shirole winning by a margin of over three lakh votes.

On the plans to field the actor, a senior BJP functionary said, "Such tactics were implemented by Narendra Modi in Gujarat when he became the chief minister for the first time. He changed all the candidates in local bodies election and the party reaped benefits of that decision."

"As fresh faces were introduced, there was nothing to criticise them with. It left the opposition shocked and the BJP won maximum seats and retained power," he said.

According to the leader, a similar experiment was also successfully carried out in Delhi local bodies polls in 2017, where all the sitting councillors were denied tickets. The BJP won the seats and retained the control, he said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is considering fielding Bollywood actor Madhuri Dixit-Nene from the Pune Lok Sabha constituency in the 2019 general elections, party sources said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is considering fielding Bollywood actor Madhuri Dixit-Nene from the Pune Lok Sabha constituency in the 2019 general elections, party sources said. In June this year, BJP chief Amit Shah had met the actor at her residence in Mumbai during his party's 'Sampark for Samarthan' (Contact for Support) programme and briefed her on the achievements of the Narendra Modi government. A senior state BJP leader told PTI Thursday that her name has been shortlisted for the Pune Lok Sabha seat. "The party is seriously considering giving candidature to Madhuri Dixit in the 2019 general elections. We think the Pune Lok Sabha constituency will be better for her," he said. "The party is in the process of finalising the list of probables for several Lok Sabha seats and Dixit's name has been shortlisted for the Pune Lok Sabha constituency...She is being seriously considered for it," the leader said. The 51-year-old actor has featured in many Bollywood films, including "Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!", "Dil To Pagal Hai", "Saajan" and "Devdas". In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had snatched the Pune Lok Sabha seat from the Congress, with Anil Shirole winning by a margin of over three lakh votes. On the plans to field the actor, a senior BJP functionary said, "Such tactics were implemented by Narendra Modi in Gujarat when he became the chief minister for the first time. He changed all the candidates in local bodies election and the party reaped benefits of that decision." "As fresh faces were introduced, there was nothing to criticise them with. It left the opposition shocked and the BJP won maximum seats and retained power," he said. According to the leader, a similar experiment was also successfully carried out in Delhi local bodies polls in 2017, where all the sitting councillors were denied tickets. The BJP won the seats and retained the control, he said.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP mulls fielding Madhuri Dixit from Pune seat

PM Modi hits out at Congress over AgustaWestland scam

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/abki-baar-200-paar-madhya-pradesh-cm-shivraj-singh-chouhan-confident-of-victory-in-assembly-polls-179927"> Shivraj Singh Chouhan </a>on Tuesday exuded confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would get a comfortable majority in the just-concluded Assembly elections in the state.

"We will get a good majority. It's not correct to say a number. I don't lie. You will see on (December) 11th (counting day). The BJP will get a comfortable majority," Chouhan, who is here to campaign for his party in the Telangana Assembly polls, said.

Some individuals might have faced anti-incumbency at some places, but not against the government, the chief minister said, asserting that there was no anti-incumbency.

On the concerns raised by the Congress over<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mp-congress-bsp-protestors-claim-evm-tampering-in-satna-180603"> electronic voting machines </a>in MP, Chouhan said, "The speciality of the Congress is that it starts searching for reasons for loss even before the defeat and prepares a prelude to it. The Election Commission is a constitutional body and we all have faith in it."

"Can it happen in today's age that EVMs changed and the power went off?" he asked.

When it was pointed out that the EC had itself said the electricity went off for two hours in a strongroom in Bhopal, Chouhan said the commission was responsible and it would look into it.

On the mob violence in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district in which a police officer was one of the two persons killed in the incident, Chouhan said the BJP was against violence and action would be taken as per the investigation.

Alleging that the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) in Telangana had disappointed people on various fronts, Chouhan said BJP was the alternative. 
Describing the alliance among the Congress, the TDP, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti for the Telangana polls as "opportunistic", he claimed that it was a failure".&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday exuded confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would get a comfortable majority in the just-concluded Assembly elections in the state.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday exuded confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would get a comfortable majority in the just-concluded Assembly elections in the state. "We will get a good majority. It's not correct to say a number. I don't lie. You will see on (December) 11th (counting day). The BJP will get a comfortable majority," Chouhan, who is here to campaign for his party in the Telangana Assembly polls, said. Some individuals might have faced anti-incumbency at some places, but not against the government, the chief minister said, asserting that there was no anti-incumbency. On the concerns raised by the Congress over electronic voting machines in MP, Chouhan said, "The speciality of the Congress is that it starts searching for reasons for loss even before the defeat and prepares a prelude to it. The Election Commission is a constitutional body and we all have faith in it." "Can it happen in today's age that EVMs changed and the power went off?" he asked. When it was pointed out that the EC had itself said the electricity went off for two hours in a strongroom in Bhopal, Chouhan said the commission was responsible and it would look into it. On the mob violence in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district in which a police officer was one of the two persons killed in the incident, Chouhan said the BJP was against violence and action would be taken as per the investigation. Alleging that the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) in Telangana had disappointed people on various fronts, Chouhan said BJP was the alternative. Describing the alliance among the Congress, the TDP, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti for the Telangana polls as "opportunistic", he claimed that it was a failure".

BJP will get comfortable majority in Madhya Pradesh: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah on Monday said that Congress president Rahul Gandhi did not know if he were campaigning for the BJP as he often used Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s name in his speeches.

Addressing an election rally here, Shah said, "Rahul Gandhi uses the name of Modi ji more than the BJP. We don`t understand if he is campaigning for the Congress or for the BJP."

Claiming that BJP will win assembly elections of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, Shah said, "Rahul should stop daydreaming of winning these two states because the BJP government is an immovable foot of Angad (a character in Ramayana). Nobody can oust the BJP from the state," he said.&nbsp;

Continuing his tirade attack against the Congress, Shah even questioned the existence of Congress stating, "Time has come that one needs a telescope to find if Congress exists."

Comparing the work of the Congress and BJP in Rajasthan, Shah said, "During the Congress regime, the total budget for Rajasthan was only Rs 1.9 lakh crore. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the charge in Delhi, the state's budget was raised to more than Rs 2.63 lakh crore."

Shah also raked up the issue of surgical strikes, carried out by India against terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in 2016. He said that the Congress was ashamed of saying 'Bharat Mata ki Jai.'

Shah also praised the efforts of Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.

"She provided free electricity to the state farmers, free health check-up under Bhamashah Yojana, loans under Mudra Bank scheme and gas connections and free mobiles to women," he said.

The 200-member Rajasthan Assembly is scheduled to go to polls on December 7.

The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah on Monday said that Congress president Rahul Gandhi did not know if he were campaigning for the BJP as he often used Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s name in his speeches.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah on Monday said that Congress president Rahul Gandhi did not know if he were campaigning for the BJP as he often used Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s name in his speeches. Addressing an election rally here, Shah said, "Rahul Gandhi uses the name of Modi ji more than the BJP. We don`t understand if he is campaigning for the Congress or for the BJP." Claiming that BJP will win assembly elections of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, Shah said, "Rahul should stop daydreaming of winning these two states because the BJP government is an immovable foot of Angad (a character in Ramayana). Nobody can oust the BJP from the state," he said. Continuing his tirade attack against the Congress, Shah even questioned the existence of Congress stating, "Time has come that one needs a telescope to find if Congress exists." Comparing the work of the Congress and BJP in Rajasthan, Shah said, "During the Congress regime, the total budget for Rajasthan was only Rs 1.9 lakh crore. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the charge in Delhi, the state's budget was raised to more than Rs 2.63 lakh crore." Shah also raked up the issue of surgical strikes, carried out by India against terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in 2016. He said that the Congress was ashamed of saying 'Bharat Mata ki Jai.' Shah also praised the efforts of Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. "She provided free electricity to the state farmers, free health check-up under Bhamashah Yojana, loans under Mudra Bank scheme and gas connections and free mobiles to women," he said. The 200-member Rajasthan Assembly is scheduled to go to polls on December 7. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Rahul doesn't know if he campaigns for BJP or Congress: Amit Shah

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the BJP will be ousted from power at the Centre like the CPI(M) was removed from the state.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government had only changed the names of historical places in the country, Banerjee, a strident critic of the saffron party, said.

"We are not afraid of the red eyes of Delhi. The BJP will be out of power at the Centre soon. We (TMC) drove away from the CPI(M) from Bengal, the BJP will be ousted from power at the Centre by people in the near future. This is is our pledge, our commitment," she said, speaking at a rally here in Paschim Midnapore district.

Banerjee, who is also the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo, has called a mega rally of opposition parties in Kolkata on January 19 next year as part of efforts to stop the BJP from coming back to power in the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

Slamming the saffron party's Hindutva agenda, she said, "I have great respect for the seers of the Ramakrishna Mission. But I do not respect those in the BJP, who only do drama in the name of Hindutva."

In an apparent reference to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's recent statement in poll-bound Rajasthan that Hanuman was a Dalit, Banerjee alleged that the BJP was insulting the Dalits. She, however, did not take any name.

The chief minister accused the BJP of converting institutions like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) into its party offices. "This has never happened before," she said.

Banerjee claimed that the Communist Party of India (Marxist) workers, who used to torment the people of the state during the previous Left Front rule, had now shifted to the BJP and were trying to mislead people.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the BJP will be ousted from power at the Centre like the CPI(M) was removed from the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government had only changed the names of historical places in the country, Banerjee, a strident critic of the saffron party, said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the BJP will be ousted from power at the Centre like the CPI(M) was removed from the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government had only changed the names of historical places in the country, Banerjee, a strident critic of the saffron party, said. "We are not afraid of the red eyes of Delhi. The BJP will be out of power at the Centre soon. We (TMC) drove away from the CPI(M) from Bengal, the BJP will be ousted from power at the Centre by people in the near future. This is is our pledge, our commitment," she said, speaking at a rally here in Paschim Midnapore district. Banerjee, who is also the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo, has called a mega rally of opposition parties in Kolkata on January 19 next year as part of efforts to stop the BJP from coming back to power in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. Slamming the saffron party's Hindutva agenda, she said, "I have great respect for the seers of the Ramakrishna Mission. But I do not respect those in the BJP, who only do drama in the name of Hindutva." In an apparent reference to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's recent statement in poll-bound Rajasthan that Hanuman was a Dalit, Banerjee alleged that the BJP was insulting the Dalits. She, however, did not take any name. The chief minister accused the BJP of converting institutions like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) into its party offices. "This has never happened before," she said. Banerjee claimed that the Communist Party of India (Marxist) workers, who used to torment the people of the state during the previous Left Front rule, had now shifted to the BJP and were trying to mislead people.

BJP will be ousted from power at the Centre like CPI(M) in Bengal: Mamata Banerjee

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday escalated his attack on the Congress party, which he said, is "a university for spreading lies and falsehood."

"The Congress party has become a university for spreading lies and falsehood. When anyone gets admission to do PhD and those who are more proficient in speaking lies get higher marks, they are given a new position and a degree," the Prime Minister said while addressing an election rally here.

Asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will retain power in Rajasthan, Prime Minister Modi said the Congress party was highly mistaken if they believed that they would win the state Assembly polls "on the basis of lies."

"They were thrown out from other states and they will also face the same fate here," the Prime Minister said. He added that the Congress does not believe in the politics of progress and development, and only concentrates on professing caste-based politics.

Sharpening his attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who had accused him of not knowing anything about Hinduism religion, Prime Minister Modi said, "Now, this 'naamdaar' (Rahul) is saying that I don't have knowledge on Hinduism. Will this topic even determine the voting process in Rajasthan?"

"Hinduism and Hindutva are ancient ideologies that are so rich that I can never know the entire thing. Many learned men and intellectuals also don't claim that they know the entire thing. However, the Congress seems to know what the greatest intellectuals don't," he added.

Taking on the Congress for not prioritising cleanliness drives in the country when they were in power at the Centre, Prime Minister Modi asserted that the party never spoke on the topic before in the last 70 years.

Highlighting the works done by BJP government in Rajasthan under the 'Swachch Bharat Abhiyan', Prime Minister Modi said, "I started the Swachch Bharat Abhiyan, which not only cleaned the country but also generated employment. When I came to power, I didn't promise to construct hotels. Instead, I promised to construct toilets. In Rajasthan alone, 80 lakh toilets have been constructed so far."

Lauding the Bishnoi community in Jodhpur for laying down their lives for the protection of the environment, Prime Minister Modi said, "When the people didn't know about climate change ages back, it was this community who really cared for our environment. It is because of them that India today has won the 'Champion of the Earth' award." He also informed that Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje approved 7000 megawatts of solar energy project in the state.

Prime Minister Modi went on to say that while the Congress harboured loan defaulters, the BJP made stringent laws under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, under which Rs 3 lakh crore have been recovered.

The 200-member Rajasthan Assembly is scheduled to go to polls on December 7. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday escalated his attack on the Congress party, which he said, is "a university for spreading lies and falsehood." "The Congress party has become a university for spreading lies and falsehood.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday escalated his attack on the Congress party, which he said, is "a university for spreading lies and falsehood." "The Congress party has become a university for spreading lies and falsehood. When anyone gets admission to do PhD and those who are more proficient in speaking lies get higher marks, they are given a new position and a degree," the Prime Minister said while addressing an election rally here. Asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will retain power in Rajasthan, Prime Minister Modi said the Congress party was highly mistaken if they believed that they would win the state Assembly polls "on the basis of lies." "They were thrown out from other states and they will also face the same fate here," the Prime Minister said. He added that the Congress does not believe in the politics of progress and development, and only concentrates on professing caste-based politics. Sharpening his attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who had accused him of not knowing anything about Hinduism religion, Prime Minister Modi said, "Now, this 'naamdaar' (Rahul) is saying that I don't have knowledge on Hinduism. Will this topic even determine the voting process in Rajasthan?" "Hinduism and Hindutva are ancient ideologies that are so rich that I can never know the entire thing. Many learned men and intellectuals also don't claim that they know the entire thing. However, the Congress seems to know what the greatest intellectuals don't," he added. Taking on the Congress for not prioritising cleanliness drives in the country when they were in power at the Centre, Prime Minister Modi asserted that the party never spoke on the topic before in the last 70 years. Highlighting the works done by BJP government in Rajasthan under the 'Swachch Bharat Abhiyan', Prime Minister Modi said, "I started the Swachch Bharat Abhiyan, which not only cleaned the country but also generated employment. When I came to power, I didn't promise to construct hotels. Instead, I promised to construct toilets. In Rajasthan alone, 80 lakh toilets have been constructed so far." Lauding the Bishnoi community in Jodhpur for laying down their lives for the protection of the environment, Prime Minister Modi said, "When the people didn't know about climate change ages back, it was this community who really cared for our environment. It is because of them that India today has won the 'Champion of the Earth' award." He also informed that Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje approved 7000 megawatts of solar energy project in the state. Prime Minister Modi went on to say that while the Congress harboured loan defaulters, the BJP made stringent laws under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, under which Rs 3 lakh crore have been recovered. The 200-member Rajasthan Assembly is scheduled to go to polls on December 7. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Congress is university for spreading lies and falsehood: PM Narendra Modi

Senior BJP leader Brijmohan Agarwal on Sunday said that the party leadership in Centre will decide upon the chief ministerial candidate for Chattisgarh if the BJP is voted to power again.&nbsp;

"We can't take a decision on this. Central leadership will take a decision. Whatever they decide will be abided by," the minister added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Congress yesterday also exuded confidence, claiming that the party will not look left or right for support, it will form the government in the state independently.&nbsp;

'I am confident of victory. We are getting a clear majority. There is no need to look left or right (for any support or post-poll alliance),' senior Congress leader T S Singh Deo told PTI.&nbsp;

Elections in Chhattisgarh were held in two phase on November 12 and 20. Votes will be counted on December 11.

Senior BJP leader Brijmohan Agarwal on Sunday said that the party leadership in Centre will decide upon the chief ministerial candidate for Chattisgarh if the BJP is voted to power again.

Senior BJP leader Brijmohan Agarwal on Sunday said that the party leadership in Centre will decide upon the chief ministerial candidate for Chattisgarh if the BJP is voted to power again. "We can't take a decision on this. Central leadership will take a decision. Whatever they decide will be abided by," the minister added. Meanwhile, Congress yesterday also exuded confidence, claiming that the party will not look left or right for support, it will form the government in the state independently. 'I am confident of victory. We are getting a clear majority. There is no need to look left or right (for any support or post-poll alliance),' senior Congress leader T S Singh Deo told PTI. Elections in Chhattisgarh were held in two phase on November 12 and 20. Votes will be counted on December 11.

If voted to power, Central leadership will decide CM candidate: BJP in Chhattisgarh

Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday slammed the Central government stating that it has "already found a way to save people like Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi."

Kharge accused the government of not doing anything with the information they had on the offenders a year back, adding that the accused have now managed to flee the country.&nbsp;

"Govt had already found a way to save people like Nirav Modi&amp;Mehul Choksi. When they had information 1 year ago, they didn’t send any agency for probe&amp;allowed them to escape. With govt &amp; Modi ji’s blessings, they took money from banks&amp;ran away," he stated.&nbsp;

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Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress: Govt had already found a way to save people like Nirav Modi&amp;Mehul Choksi. When they had information 1 year ago, they didn’t send any agency for probe&amp;allowed them to escape. With govt &amp; Modi ji’s blessings, they took money from banks&amp;ran away. <a href="https://t.co/lqUHj11Mo5">pic.twitter.com/lqUHj11Mo5</a>
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Last month, the Lok Sabha MP from Karnataka criticised the Prime Minister noting that the PM wants to do to India <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-wants-to-do-to-india-what-hitler-did-to-germany-congress-mallikarjun-kharge-175465">what dictator Adolf Hitler did to Germany</a>.&nbsp;

"The BJP is trying to bring dictatorship in the country. PM Modi wants to do to India what Adolf Hitler did to Germany. The Constitution is in danger and we need to fight the BJP's attempts to destroy it," he claimed.

Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday slammed the Central government stating that it has "already found a way to save people like Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi.

Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday slammed the Central government stating that it has "already found a way to save people like Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi." Kharge accused the government of not doing anything with the information they had on the offenders a year back, adding that the accused have now managed to flee the country. "Govt had already found a way to save people like Nirav Modi&Mehul Choksi. When they had information 1 year ago, they didn’t send any agency for probe&allowed them to escape. With govt & Modi ji’s blessings, they took money from banks&ran away," he stated. Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress: Govt had already found a way to save people like Nirav Modi&Mehul Choksi. When they had information 1 year ago, they didn’t send any agency for probe&allowed them to escape. With govt & Modi ji’s blessings, they took money from banks&ran away. pic.twitter.com/lqUHj11Mo5 — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2018 × Last month, the Lok Sabha MP from Karnataka criticised the Prime Minister noting that the PM wants to do to India what dictator Adolf Hitler did to Germany. "The BJP is trying to bring dictatorship in the country. PM Modi wants to do to India what Adolf Hitler did to Germany. The Constitution is in danger and we need to fight the BJP's attempts to destroy it," he claimed.

Government has found way to save people like Nirav Modi, Choksi: Mallikarjun Kharge

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-polls-amit-shah-accuses-congress-of-supporting-urban-naxals-179396">BJP president Amit Shah</a> Sunday alleged that the caretaker Chief Minister of Telangana, K Chandrasekhar Rao, had burdened the state with crores of rupees by opting for early polls.

Speaking at an election rally at Narayanpet in Mahbubnagar district, he also alleged that both the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and the Congress believed in the "appeasement" of minorities and that AIMIM's Akbaruddin Owaisi had said whoever became the chief minister of the southern state would have to bow before his party.

'Telangana would have saved hundreds of crores of rupees had it opted for the Assembly polls along with the Lok Sabha election in May next year. KCR burdened the state with crores of rupees of election expenditure. Who is responsible for this&nbsp;KCR was doubtful of his victory in May, fearing a (Prime Minister) Modi wave,'&nbsp;Shah said.

He alleged that the Congress, in its manifesto for the December 7 polls, had promised 'free electricity'&nbsp;to mosques and churches but not to temples.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief also alleged that as part of its politics of minority appeasement, the opposition party had promised an educational aid of Rs 20 lakh to the minority students if it came to power in Telangana.

'The Congress also speaks (in its manifesto) about reservations for the minorities in government contracts. It also talks about separate hospitals for the minorities. I want to ask (Congress president) Rahul Gandhi, what would be the fate of the poor people who do not belong to the minority communities,'&nbsp;he said.

Shah reiterated that the saffron party was not in favour of reservations based on religion as it was against the Constitution. 
'The Telangana chief minister has promised a 12-per cent reservation for Muslims. The BJP and its cadre will ensure that a reservation based on religion will not be implemented in Telangana,'&nbsp;he asserted.

Taking a dig at the Asaduddin Owaisi-led<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-trs-aimim-are-one-and-pm-modi-is-their-leader-ghulam-nabi-azad-180341"> All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and the TRS</a>, Shah claimed that due to the fear of the Owaisi brothers, the KCR government no longer celebrated the state's Liberation Day on September 17 and vowed that if the BJP came to power in Telangana, the Hyderabad Liberation Day will be celebrated with fanfare.

'Akbaruddin says whoever becomes the chief minister of Telangana should keep his head at the feet of the Majlis (AIMIM)," he said. 
Referring to KCR's promise of giving two-bedroom houses to backward families, Shah said the TRS chief not only failed to implement the scheme but also deprived the people of the state of the benefits of the Prime Minister Awas Yojana.

He urged the voters to vote for the BJP for the overall development of Narayanpet and Telangana.

At another public meeting at Kalwakurthy, Shah alleged that 4,500 farmers had committed suicide in Telangana in the last four-and-half-years of the TRS rule.

KCR, who claimed to be a messiah of farmers, handcuffed them in Khammam when they asked for a support price for their produce, he charged.

The BJP chief also alleged that KCR had forgotten the promise of providing government jobs and compensation to the kin of the 1,200 people who had lost their lives during the separate Telangana movement.

The 119-member<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trans-woman-contesting-telangana-poll-missing-179936"> Telangana Assembly</a> 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 caretaker Chief Minister of Telangana, K Chandrasekhar Rao, had burdened the state with crores of rupees by opting for early polls.

BJP president Amit Shah Sunday alleged that the caretaker Chief Minister of Telangana, K Chandrasekhar Rao, had burdened the state with crores of rupees by opting for early polls. Speaking at an election rally at Narayanpet in Mahbubnagar district, he also alleged that both the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and the Congress believed in the "appeasement" of minorities and that AIMIM's Akbaruddin Owaisi had said whoever became the chief minister of the southern state would have to bow before his party. 'Telangana would have saved hundreds of crores of rupees had it opted for the Assembly polls along with the Lok Sabha election in May next year. KCR burdened the state with crores of rupees of election expenditure. Who is responsible for this KCR was doubtful of his victory in May, fearing a (Prime Minister) Modi wave,' Shah said. He alleged that the Congress, in its manifesto for the December 7 polls, had promised 'free electricity' to mosques and churches but not to temples. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief also alleged that as part of its politics of minority appeasement, the opposition party had promised an educational aid of Rs 20 lakh to the minority students if it came to power in Telangana. 'The Congress also speaks (in its manifesto) about reservations for the minorities in government contracts. It also talks about separate hospitals for the minorities. I want to ask (Congress president) Rahul Gandhi, what would be the fate of the poor people who do not belong to the minority communities,' he said. Shah reiterated that the saffron party was not in favour of reservations based on religion as it was against the Constitution. 'The Telangana chief minister has promised a 12-per cent reservation for Muslims. The BJP and its cadre will ensure that a reservation based on religion will not be implemented in Telangana,' he asserted. Taking a dig at the Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and the TRS, Shah claimed that due to the fear of the Owaisi brothers, the KCR government no longer celebrated the state's Liberation Day on September 17 and vowed that if the BJP came to power in Telangana, the Hyderabad Liberation Day will be celebrated with fanfare. 'Akbaruddin says whoever becomes the chief minister of Telangana should keep his head at the feet of the Majlis (AIMIM)," he said. Referring to KCR's promise of giving two-bedroom houses to backward families, Shah said the TRS chief not only failed to implement the scheme but also deprived the people of the state of the benefits of the Prime Minister Awas Yojana. He urged the voters to vote for the BJP for the overall development of Narayanpet and Telangana. At another public meeting at Kalwakurthy, Shah alleged that 4,500 farmers had committed suicide in Telangana in the last four-and-half-years of the TRS rule. KCR, who claimed to be a messiah of farmers, handcuffed them in Khammam when they asked for a support price for their produce, he charged. The BJP chief also alleged that KCR had forgotten the promise of providing government jobs and compensation to the kin of the 1,200 people who had lost their lives during the separate Telangana movement. The 119-member Telangana Assembly will go to the polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.

KCR burdened Telangana with crore of rupees by opting for early polls: Amit Shah

Poll temperature has shot up in Telangana with the ruling TRS, the Congress and the BJP pulling out all stops to woo voters ahead of the December 7 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mohammed-azharuddin-named-telangana-congress-working-president-days-before-assembly-polls-180445">Assembly elections.</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi who have already addressed campaign meetings are returning to the country's youngest state tomorrow to address public rallies in what is seen as a 'final push'.

Caretaker Chief Minister and Telangana Rashtra Samithi chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-polls-elections-cannot-be-won-on-false-promises-raman-singh-to-chandrasekhar-rao-180767">K Chandrasekhar Rao</a> has been on a vigorous campaign trail in the past few days seeking a second term for the party and has been unsparing in his attack on Modi, Rahul and TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

The TRS is going alone in the poll to the 119-member Assembly, as also is the BJP. Campaigning ends on Wednesday.

The Congress has forged "Prajakutami" (People's Alliance) with the TDP, the Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) headed by professor M Kodandaram, and the CPI.

Both the BJP and the Congress have deployed senior leaders for the 'battle for Telangana'.

BJP president Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari were among those who addressed public meetings in different parts of the state on Sunday.

Union Ministers Sushma Swaraj and Rajnath Singh campaigned for party candidates last week.

For the Congress, Sonia Gandhi addressed a public meeting last week. Chandrababu Naidu is also engaged in an intensive campaign for the People's Alliance.

Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, Kapil Sibal, Jairam Ramesh and Veerappa Moily were among those who had been drafted to guide the party campaign in Telangana.

The Congress has dubbed the TRS as a "stooge" and a "proxy" of the BJP, while the BJP has attacked the Chandrasekhar Rao-led party for promoting "family rule".

'TRS prospects are extremely bright and in fact, things are improving by the day,'&nbsp;KT Rama Rao, TRS leader and son of the caretaker Chief Minister, told PTI.

He credited his party's bright prospects to the state government's 'good governance and solid combination of welfare and development, fruits of which the people have enjoyed in the last four years'.&nbsp;

Poll temperature has shot up in Telangana with the ruling TRS, the Congress and the BJP pulling out all stops to woo voters ahead of the December 7 Assembly elections.

Poll temperature has shot up in Telangana with the ruling TRS, the Congress and the BJP pulling out all stops to woo voters ahead of the December 7 Assembly elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi who have already addressed campaign meetings are returning to the country's youngest state tomorrow to address public rallies in what is seen as a 'final push'. Caretaker Chief Minister and Telangana Rashtra Samithi chief K Chandrasekhar Rao has been on a vigorous campaign trail in the past few days seeking a second term for the party and has been unsparing in his attack on Modi, Rahul and TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. The TRS is going alone in the poll to the 119-member Assembly, as also is the BJP. Campaigning ends on Wednesday. The Congress has forged "Prajakutami" (People's Alliance) with the TDP, the Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) headed by professor M Kodandaram, and the CPI. Both the BJP and the Congress have deployed senior leaders for the 'battle for Telangana'. BJP president Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari were among those who addressed public meetings in different parts of the state on Sunday. Union Ministers Sushma Swaraj and Rajnath Singh campaigned for party candidates last week. For the Congress, Sonia Gandhi addressed a public meeting last week. Chandrababu Naidu is also engaged in an intensive campaign for the People's Alliance. Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, Kapil Sibal, Jairam Ramesh and Veerappa Moily were among those who had been drafted to guide the party campaign in Telangana. The Congress has dubbed the TRS as a "stooge" and a "proxy" of the BJP, while the BJP has attacked the Chandrasekhar Rao-led party for promoting "family rule". 'TRS prospects are extremely bright and in fact, things are improving by the day,' KT Rama Rao, TRS leader and son of the caretaker Chief Minister, told PTI. He credited his party's bright prospects to the state government's 'good governance and solid combination of welfare and development, fruits of which the people have enjoyed in the last four years'.

Poll temperature shoots up in poll-bound Telangana

The Congress Sunday maintained 'friendly contests'&nbsp;in some segments among partners of the People's Alliance would have no bearing on the grouping's electoral prospects, even as negotiations are on with the 'rebels'&nbsp;to see they retire from the contest before the polls begin.

In some constituencies of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-polls-elections-cannot-be-won-on-false-promises-raman-singh-to-chandrasekhar-rao-180767">Telangana</a>, where<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-elections-2018-parties-in-one-upmanship-game-to-woo-voters-in-telangana-180428"> Assembly elections</a> would be held on December 7, Congress and Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) rebels are in the fray in seats which have been allotted to other partners.

'You cannot call them rebels. We (<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-grand-alliance-accuses-kcr-of-colluding-with-bjp-to-escape-from-cbi-180664">the alliance partners</a>) could not convince some of our candidates, so their participation is friendly contest," AICC in-charge of Telangana R C Khuntia told PTI.

The TDP, the TJS led by professor M Kodandaram and CPI are part of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/assembly-elections-2018-its-all-up-in-the-air-180356">Congress-led People's Alliance ('Prajakutami') </a>which has struck a seat-sharing deal among the partners.

However in Wyra and Bellampalli, for example, the two seats allotted to the CPI, Congress rebels &nbsp;Ramulu Naik and G Vinod, who is the son of former Union Minister late G Venkataswamy are in the fray.

'This will not affect our winning possibility. Two-three days before the elections, some decision may be taken to see to they (the rebels) withdraw from the contest. Negotiations are on with them', he said.

Khuntia expressed confidence over the alliance coming to power after the elections to the 119-member Assembly, noting the collective 'strength'&nbsp;of the two parties.

'We will get between 75 and 80 seats', he said.

CPI general secretary Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy said, given the current trend, it looks like a tough contest between the Congress-led alliance and the TRS.

'I hope, ultimately, the opposition front will gain the upper hand. The front has an edge because four parties have come together", Reddy said.

Sources in the alliance said the CPI(M)-led Bahujan Left Front, which has fielded candidates in 109 segments, may split some votes which would have otherwise gone to the People's Alliance.

There is also some 'heartburn' in the Left camp over the CPI(M) and CPI fighting separately. 
'We (BLF) are contesting in 109 seats, out of that we are concentrating on 20 to 25 seats. We are expecting to win at least five seats,' CPI(M) Telangana unit secretary Tammineni Veerabhadram said.

'Through Congress rule, they (CPI) want to achieve Telangana development, it is not possible at all,'&nbsp;Veerabhadram said.

On CPI(M) and CPI choosing different electoral paths in Telangana, CPI(M) politburo member Brinda Karat told PTI, 'In Telangana, BJP is not a factor. It is important to project an alternative policy platform which is what CPI(M) and BLF are doing.'

The Congress Sunday maintained 'friendly contests' in some segments among partners of the People's Alliance would have no bearing on the grouping's electoral prospects, even as negotiations are on with the 'rebels' to see they retire from the contest before the polls begin.

The Congress Sunday maintained 'friendly contests' in some segments among partners of the People's Alliance would have no bearing on the grouping's electoral prospects, even as negotiations are on with the 'rebels' to see they retire from the contest before the polls begin. In some constituencies of Telangana, where Assembly elections would be held on December 7, Congress and Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) rebels are in the fray in seats which have been allotted to other partners. 'You cannot call them rebels. We (the alliance partners) could not convince some of our candidates, so their participation is friendly contest," AICC in-charge of Telangana R C Khuntia told PTI. The TDP, the TJS led by professor M Kodandaram and CPI are part of the Congress-led People's Alliance ('Prajakutami') which has struck a seat-sharing deal among the partners. However in Wyra and Bellampalli, for example, the two seats allotted to the CPI, Congress rebels Ramulu Naik and G Vinod, who is the son of former Union Minister late G Venkataswamy are in the fray. 'This will not affect our winning possibility. Two-three days before the elections, some decision may be taken to see to they (the rebels) withdraw from the contest. Negotiations are on with them', he said. Khuntia expressed confidence over the alliance coming to power after the elections to the 119-member Assembly, noting the collective 'strength' of the two parties. 'We will get between 75 and 80 seats', he said. CPI general secretary Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy said, given the current trend, it looks like a tough contest between the Congress-led alliance and the TRS. 'I hope, ultimately, the opposition front will gain the upper hand. The front has an edge because four parties have come together", Reddy said. Sources in the alliance said the CPI(M)-led Bahujan Left Front, which has fielded candidates in 109 segments, may split some votes which would have otherwise gone to the People's Alliance. There is also some 'heartburn' in the Left camp over the CPI(M) and CPI fighting separately. 'We (BLF) are contesting in 109 seats, out of that we are concentrating on 20 to 25 seats. We are expecting to win at least five seats,' CPI(M) Telangana unit secretary Tammineni Veerabhadram said. 'Through Congress rule, they (CPI) want to achieve Telangana development, it is not possible at all,' Veerabhadram said. On CPI(M) and CPI choosing different electoral paths in Telangana, CPI(M) politburo member Brinda Karat told PTI, 'In Telangana, BJP is not a factor. It is important to project an alternative policy platform which is what CPI(M) and BLF are doing.'

Rebel threat to not hurt opposition alliance prospects: Congress

Amidst speculation of probable post-poll alliance among political parties, senior Congress leader T S Singh Deo has said there was no need to "look left or right" for any support and his party will form the government in Chhattisgarh on its own.

His comments assume significance as there have been reports of post-poll alliances among different political parties, even before the results are announced.

While <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/assembly-elections-2018-voters-counter-maoist-threat-in-chhattisgarh-177306">Chhattisgarh went to polls in two phases</a> on November 12 for 18 seats and on November 20 for 72 seats, the counting of votes is scheduled for December 11 along with the same for four other states including neighbouring Madhya Pradesh.

'I am confident of victory. We are getting a clear majority. There is no need to look left or right (for any support or post-poll alliance),'&nbsp;Singh Deo told PTI.

He was asked whether his party would accept support from former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi in case it lacks numbers to form the government.

'There has been a misrule in the BJP's tenure. Corruption has gone up in all the government departments. Farmers, in particular, are in a lot of distress. That is the reason why people came out in large numbers to vote against the BJP government,'&nbsp;said Singh Deo, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly.

The BJP's Raman Singh has been the CM of the state for past 15 years.

Voter turnout of 76.35 per cent was recorded in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/chhattisgarh-assembly-elections-cm-face-and-congress-dilemma-178560">Chhattisgarh Assembly election</a>, a little less than the 77.4 per cent in the 2013 polls.

Talking about the Congress party's poll manifesto, which is also called as the 'Jan Ghoshana Patra', Singh Deo said feedback from the people living in almost all the districts of the state were taken into account as part of the planning process.

"It took six long months for our teams to visit the whole state and to record feedback in our party's manifesto. We consulted over 80,000 people. We have offered the availability of water, electricity subsidy and good price of farmers produce to address farmers distress in the state apparently due to the government's apathy. There are so many 'pro-people' proposals outlined in the manifesto," Singh Deo said.

Many Congress leaders have termed the Jan Ghoshana Patra as the game changer.

'Farmers and people from rural areas came out in large numbers to vote against the BJP government in the state. It will bring the result,"'another senior Congress leader said.

When asked who would be their CM candidate in case the Congress comes to power in Chhattisgarh, he said winning MLAs will choose their leader and the chief minister would be decided by the party high command in Delhi.

Earlier, talking to PTI, Singh Deo had said the chief minister's face of the Congress will be elected through "Swayamvar" after the poll results are announced.

"There are many good people in the party who have done very good work. So there will be a 'Swayamvar' after the poll victory," he had said.&nbsp;

Amidst speculation of probable post-poll alliance among political parties, senior Congress leader T S Singh Deo has said there was no need to "look left or right" for any support and his party will form the government in Chhattisgarh on its own.

Amidst speculation of probable post-poll alliance among political parties, senior Congress leader T S Singh Deo has said there was no need to "look left or right" for any support and his party will form the government in Chhattisgarh on its own. His comments assume significance as there have been reports of post-poll alliances among different political parties, even before the results are announced. While Chhattisgarh went to polls in two phases on November 12 for 18 seats and on November 20 for 72 seats, the counting of votes is scheduled for December 11 along with the same for four other states including neighbouring Madhya Pradesh. 'I am confident of victory. We are getting a clear majority. There is no need to look left or right (for any support or post-poll alliance),' Singh Deo told PTI. He was asked whether his party would accept support from former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi in case it lacks numbers to form the government. 'There has been a misrule in the BJP's tenure. Corruption has gone up in all the government departments. Farmers, in particular, are in a lot of distress. That is the reason why people came out in large numbers to vote against the BJP government,' said Singh Deo, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly. The BJP's Raman Singh has been the CM of the state for past 15 years. Voter turnout of 76.35 per cent was recorded in the Chhattisgarh Assembly election, a little less than the 77.4 per cent in the 2013 polls. Talking about the Congress party's poll manifesto, which is also called as the 'Jan Ghoshana Patra', Singh Deo said feedback from the people living in almost all the districts of the state were taken into account as part of the planning process. "It took six long months for our teams to visit the whole state and to record feedback in our party's manifesto. We consulted over 80,000 people. We have offered the availability of water, electricity subsidy and good price of farmers produce to address farmers distress in the state apparently due to the government's apathy. There are so many 'pro-people' proposals outlined in the manifesto," Singh Deo said. Many Congress leaders have termed the Jan Ghoshana Patra as the game changer. 'Farmers and people from rural areas came out in large numbers to vote against the BJP government in the state. It will bring the result,"'another senior Congress leader said. When asked who would be their CM candidate in case the Congress comes to power in Chhattisgarh, he said winning MLAs will choose their leader and the chief minister would be decided by the party high command in Delhi. Earlier, talking to PTI, Singh Deo had said the chief minister's face of the Congress will be elected through "Swayamvar" after the poll results are announced. "There are many good people in the party who have done very good work. So there will be a 'Swayamvar' after the poll victory," he had said.

Not looking for any support, will form government in Chhattisgarh on own: Congress

BJP National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya has said that his party was not thinking of bringing an ordinance "as of now" for construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

He, however, asserted that it was only the saffron party that could construct the Ram temple at Ayodhya as "no one else has the guts" to do it.

According to him, the temple issue did "more harm than good" to the BJP as the matter was being used by the opposition "to terrorise minorities and polarise votes".

"We would appeal to the court once again for a verdict on the issue (Ram Mandir). When a matter is in court, we should not be in a hurry and give it enough time to take a decision.

"But if people's aspirations keep increasing, the government will have to take a call on it (whether to bring ordinance or not). As of now, the party is not thinking of bringing in an ordinance on the construction of a temple," Vijayvargiya told PTI in an interview.

The Supreme Court has recently declined an early hearing of petitions in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute case. It had earlier fixed the case for the first week of January before an "appropriate bench", which will decide the schedule of hearing.

When asked about the growing clamour for ordinance by various organisations and political outfits such as Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), RSS and Shiv Sena, he reiterated that they would have to appeal to the court for an early verdict.

Thousands of devotees thronged Ayodhya on November 25 to attend VHP's 'Dharam Sabha' to discuss the Ram Mandir issue, with a senior religious leader asserting the dates for building the temple would be announced early next year.

Last week, NDA-ally Shiv Sena's chief Uddhav Thackeray said the BJP government at the Centre "may not last" if the temple was not constructed in Ayodhya, warning that "emotions of Hindus should not be taken for granted".

Rubbishing opposition claims that the saffron party rakes up Ram Mandir issue for political benefits ahead of elections, Vijayvargiya said, "The BJP has not raised the matter, it was saints and other organisations that did. The party has never gone into polls with Ram Mandir issue. For us, the agenda has always been 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas'," he said.

He alleged that opposition parties have been trying to harm the party's prospects by intimidating minorities with the temple issue.

"During elections, some sections of people raise this issue just to terrorise minorities. The issue doesn't help the BJP, rather it causes damage as minorities en bloc vote against us," he claimed.

Vijayvargiya, who is the BJP in-charge of Bengal, said the saffron party would wish to build the temple, keeping the court's decision and Constitution's provisions in mind.

"Only BJP can construct the Ram Temple, nobody else has guts to construct the Ram temple. We will do it. But we will do it by respecting the court, Constitution and social fabric," he said.

Congress leader C P Joshi had recently said that only his party's prime minister would be able to build a temple at Ayodhya.

Talking about assembly polls in five states, he expressed confidence that BJP would score well in Telangana and form governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram.

When asked whether the election results in five states will have any impact on the Lok Sabha polls, he said state elections and parliamentary elections should not be mixed up as issues in two cases are very different.

"The issues in both polls will be completely different. When assembly elections take place, state leaders are making a pitch. In Lok Sabha polls, the party will pitch national leaders. When (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi will come into play, all other faces will take a backseat."

Vijayvargiya, however, acknowledged that victory in elections always act as a "morale booster".

"Yes it (poll results) will have some impact because winning polls act as morale booster, losing may demoralise workers a bit. But under the leadership of Modiji we would overcome all problems to form the next government again," Vijayvargiya, who hails from poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, said.

Rebutting opinion poll results which stated that the BJP might face a rout in three states in the Hindi heartland, the party's national general secretary said, "These predictions do not reveal people's aspirations, it is done on the basis of small samples that can't be a true reflection of what masses want".

He also claimed that opposition parties won't be able to unite as there were too many contenders for the prime minister's post.

"People want a stable and a strong government. The opposition front has too many prime ministerial aspirants and that won't work in their favour," he added.&nbsp;

BJP National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya has said that his party was not thinking of bringing an ordinance "as of now" for construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

BJP National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya has said that his party was not thinking of bringing an ordinance "as of now" for construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya. He, however, asserted that it was only the saffron party that could construct the Ram temple at Ayodhya as "no one else has the guts" to do it. According to him, the temple issue did "more harm than good" to the BJP as the matter was being used by the opposition "to terrorise minorities and polarise votes". "We would appeal to the court once again for a verdict on the issue (Ram Mandir). When a matter is in court, we should not be in a hurry and give it enough time to take a decision. "But if people's aspirations keep increasing, the government will have to take a call on it (whether to bring ordinance or not). As of now, the party is not thinking of bringing in an ordinance on the construction of a temple," Vijayvargiya told PTI in an interview. The Supreme Court has recently declined an early hearing of petitions in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute case. It had earlier fixed the case for the first week of January before an "appropriate bench", which will decide the schedule of hearing. When asked about the growing clamour for ordinance by various organisations and political outfits such as Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), RSS and Shiv Sena, he reiterated that they would have to appeal to the court for an early verdict. Thousands of devotees thronged Ayodhya on November 25 to attend VHP's 'Dharam Sabha' to discuss the Ram Mandir issue, with a senior religious leader asserting the dates for building the temple would be announced early next year. Last week, NDA-ally Shiv Sena's chief Uddhav Thackeray said the BJP government at the Centre "may not last" if the temple was not constructed in Ayodhya, warning that "emotions of Hindus should not be taken for granted". Rubbishing opposition claims that the saffron party rakes up Ram Mandir issue for political benefits ahead of elections, Vijayvargiya said, "The BJP has not raised the matter, it was saints and other organisations that did. The party has never gone into polls with Ram Mandir issue. For us, the agenda has always been 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas'," he said. He alleged that opposition parties have been trying to harm the party's prospects by intimidating minorities with the temple issue. "During elections, some sections of people raise this issue just to terrorise minorities. The issue doesn't help the BJP, rather it causes damage as minorities en bloc vote against us," he claimed. Vijayvargiya, who is the BJP in-charge of Bengal, said the saffron party would wish to build the temple, keeping the court's decision and Constitution's provisions in mind. "Only BJP can construct the Ram Temple, nobody else has guts to construct the Ram temple. We will do it. But we will do it by respecting the court, Constitution and social fabric," he said. Congress leader C P Joshi had recently said that only his party's prime minister would be able to build a temple at Ayodhya. Talking about assembly polls in five states, he expressed confidence that BJP would score well in Telangana and form governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram. When asked whether the election results in five states will have any impact on the Lok Sabha polls, he said state elections and parliamentary elections should not be mixed up as issues in two cases are very different. "The issues in both polls will be completely different. When assembly elections take place, state leaders are making a pitch. In Lok Sabha polls, the party will pitch national leaders. When (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi will come into play, all other faces will take a backseat." Vijayvargiya, however, acknowledged that victory in elections always act as a "morale booster". "Yes it (poll results) will have some impact because winning polls act as morale booster, losing may demoralise workers a bit. But under the leadership of Modiji we would overcome all problems to form the next government again," Vijayvargiya, who hails from poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, said. Rebutting opinion poll results which stated that the BJP might face a rout in three states in the Hindi heartland, the party's national general secretary said, "These predictions do not reveal people's aspirations, it is done on the basis of small samples that can't be a true reflection of what masses want". He also claimed that opposition parties won't be able to unite as there were too many contenders for the prime minister's post. "People want a stable and a strong government. The opposition front has too many prime ministerial aspirants and that won't work in their favour," he added.

BJP not thinking of Ram Mandir ordinance as of now: Vijayvargiya

Former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Saturday said that the ruling party's jubilation over the GDP growth data is unwarranted.&nbsp;

The senior Congress leader noted that more large companies are bankrupt today than before and many projects are "stranded than ever." "There is a sense of crisis," he stated.&nbsp;

In a series of tweets, the former finance minister said that as expected, the GDP growth in the July-September quarter (Q2) of 2018-19 was a good one per cent lower than in the April-June quarter (Q1).

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The new normal for the Indian economy is 7 per cent and 2018-19 will be a normal year.
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/1068547516176596992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Q1 number was on a very low base in the previous year. It did not signify a bump in growth and did not warrant the jubilation of the BJP three months ago," he said.

"More large companies are bankrupt today than ever before, more projects stranded than ever before, more accounts turned NPA than ever before, more banks have been restrained from lending than ever before. There is a sense of crisis everywhere," Chidambaram noted.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram: More large companies are bankrupt today than ever before,more projects stranded than ever before,more accounts turned NPA than ever before,more banks have been restrained from lending than ever before. There is a sense of crisis everywhere. <a href="https://t.co/vv3cL3TVnB">pic.twitter.com/vv3cL3TVnB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068750425627619328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"The new normal for the Indian economy is 7 per cent and 2018-19 will be a normal year," he said.

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Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram: This government promised a double-digit growth rate. They have not achieved double-digit growth rate in any of the four years. And they will not achieve it in the last year also. <a href="https://t.co/ro0XwptdA9">pic.twitter.com/ro0XwptdA9</a>
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India's economy grew at 7.1 per cent in the July-September quarter, the lowest in three quarters, but still remained ahead of China to retain the tag of the world's fastest-growing major economy, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

India's $2.6 trillion economy, Asia's third largest, grew 6.3 per cent in the July-September quarter of 2017, the data released by the statistics ministry showed.

India had recorded 7.9 per cent mark in the fourth quarter FY16, this time, however, it was lower than expected.

Former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Saturday said that the ruling party's jubilation over the GDP growth data is unwarranted. The senior Congress leader noted that more large companies are bankrupt today than before and many projects are "stranded than ever.

Former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Saturday said that the ruling party's jubilation over the GDP growth data is unwarranted. The senior Congress leader noted that more large companies are bankrupt today than before and many projects are "stranded than ever." "There is a sense of crisis," he stated. In a series of tweets, the former finance minister said that as expected, the GDP growth in the July-September quarter (Q2) of 2018-19 was a good one per cent lower than in the April-June quarter (Q1). The new normal for the Indian economy is 7 per cent and 2018-19 will be a normal year. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) November 30, 2018 × "Q1 number was on a very low base in the previous year. It did not signify a bump in growth and did not warrant the jubilation of the BJP three months ago," he said. "More large companies are bankrupt today than ever before, more projects stranded than ever before, more accounts turned NPA than ever before, more banks have been restrained from lending than ever before. There is a sense of crisis everywhere," Chidambaram noted. Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram: More large companies are bankrupt today than ever before,more projects stranded than ever before,more accounts turned NPA than ever before,more banks have been restrained from lending than ever before. There is a sense of crisis everywhere. pic.twitter.com/vv3cL3TVnB — ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2018 × "The new normal for the Indian economy is 7 per cent and 2018-19 will be a normal year," he said. Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram: This government promised a double-digit growth rate. They have not achieved double-digit growth rate in any of the four years. And they will not achieve it in the last year also. pic.twitter.com/ro0XwptdA9 — ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2018 × India's economy grew at 7.1 per cent in the July-September quarter, the lowest in three quarters, but still remained ahead of China to retain the tag of the world's fastest-growing major economy, news agency PTI reported. India's $2.6 trillion economy, Asia's third largest, grew 6.3 per cent in the July-September quarter of 2017, the data released by the statistics ministry showed. India had recorded 7.9 per cent mark in the fourth quarter FY16, this time, however, it was lower than expected.

No cause for ruling's party's jubilation over growth rate, there's crisis everywhere: Chidambaram

Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have voted and their results will be known on December 11 along with those of Telangana and Rajasthan where polling will take place on December 7.

While it is impossible to predict the results for MP and Chhattisgarh, conversations with voters from various regions in both these states reveal one thing in common- the quest for Badlav or Change. If this feeling, which was shared by millions of voters in the two states, was actually acted upon then the BJP should be bracing for a big setback. In Rajasthan, which has not deviated from the pattern of voting in a new government every five years, the scramble for Congress tickets among MLA aspirants itself shows that the grand old party is in pole position.&nbsp;

From Jaisalmer to Jaipur people are displaying an inclination towards the Congress. They say that while BJP might have taken some good macroeconomic measures it has not done much work on the ground. Large parts of rural Rajasthan are especially antagonistic towards the BJP for failing to keep its promises on providing higher pension, medical services and benefits for farmers. The youth, however, is still in awe of Prime Minister Modi who remains a vote-puller among this section.

For the young Hindu voters in Rajasthan, BJP rule has not meant any harm even though they are forced to concede that Demonetisation has tanked job growth in the state. For the young, Modi’s charisma works because of his thrust on digitalisation as a panacea for several problems that affect the country. Many young voters admit that the present going might be a bit difficult but the future would be better and the suffering caused by the poor implementation of GST and Demonetisation is only temporary.

In Telangana, going to polls for the first time since its formation in 2013, KCR’s Telangana Rashtra Samiti looks confident of returning to power. But in the last few weeks, TRS supremo KCR has betrayed signs of shakiness. The Prajakutami or the grand alliance between the Congress, TDP, TJS, and CPI has thrown up a considerable spanner in TRS’s plans.

Interestingly, both the Opposition and TRS are banking heavily on the loyalty of Muslim voters. AIMIM has not revealed its cards but is widely believed to be in the truck with the TRS which itself is said to share a secret understanding with the BJP. &nbsp;Congress president Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly accused both TRS and AIMIM of aiding the BJP. Speaking at a rally recently in speaking at a rally in the state he lambasted the TRS &nbsp;saying, "TRS is not Telangana Rashtra Samiti, it's Telangana Rashtriya Sangh Parivar. It’s a B team of the BJP and RSS."

Congress and the other opposition parties are desperate to score victories in the five states of Mizoram, Telangana, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh ahead of the 2019 general elections. Touted as the semi-final, the outcome of these elections is going to have a massive impact on the morale of&nbsp;the Congress which is fighting for its political survival.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have voted and their results will be known on December 11 along with those of Telangana and Rajasthan where polling will take place on December 7.

Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have voted and their results will be known on December 11 along with those of Telangana and Rajasthan where polling will take place on December 7. While it is impossible to predict the results for MP and Chhattisgarh, conversations with voters from various regions in both these states reveal one thing in common- the quest for Badlav or Change. If this feeling, which was shared by millions of voters in the two states, was actually acted upon then the BJP should be bracing for a big setback. In Rajasthan, which has not deviated from the pattern of voting in a new government every five years, the scramble for Congress tickets among MLA aspirants itself shows that the grand old party is in pole position. From Jaisalmer to Jaipur people are displaying an inclination towards the Congress. They say that while BJP might have taken some good macroeconomic measures it has not done much work on the ground. Large parts of rural Rajasthan are especially antagonistic towards the BJP for failing to keep its promises on providing higher pension, medical services and benefits for farmers. The youth, however, is still in awe of Prime Minister Modi who remains a vote-puller among this section. For the young Hindu voters in Rajasthan, BJP rule has not meant any harm even though they are forced to concede that Demonetisation has tanked job growth in the state. For the young, Modi’s charisma works because of his thrust on digitalisation as a panacea for several problems that affect the country. Many young voters admit that the present going might be a bit difficult but the future would be better and the suffering caused by the poor implementation of GST and Demonetisation is only temporary. In Telangana, going to polls for the first time since its formation in 2013, KCR’s Telangana Rashtra Samiti looks confident of returning to power. But in the last few weeks, TRS supremo KCR has betrayed signs of shakiness. The Prajakutami or the grand alliance between the Congress, TDP, TJS, and CPI has thrown up a considerable spanner in TRS’s plans. Interestingly, both the Opposition and TRS are banking heavily on the loyalty of Muslim voters. AIMIM has not revealed its cards but is widely believed to be in the truck with the TRS which itself is said to share a secret understanding with the BJP. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly accused both TRS and AIMIM of aiding the BJP. Speaking at a rally recently in speaking at a rally in the state he lambasted the TRS saying, "TRS is not Telangana Rashtra Samiti, it's Telangana Rashtriya Sangh Parivar. It’s a B team of the BJP and RSS." Congress and the other opposition parties are desperate to score victories in the five states of Mizoram, Telangana, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh ahead of the 2019 general elections. Touted as the semi-final, the outcome of these elections is going to have a massive impact on the morale of the Congress which is fighting for its political survival. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Assembly elections 2018: It's all up in the air

The BJP Friday accused the Congress and other opposition parties of misleading farmers on the issue of agrarian distress, asserting that people no longer support those who have had their "eyes shut for 70 years" on the problem and have now decided to side with Narendra Modi.

The BJP's reaction came after thousands of farmers, backed by Left parties and organisations, marched through the streets of Delhi for debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce.

<a href="Delhi: Rahul, Kejriwal join farmers' protest at Jantar Mantar">Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal</a>, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, CPI leader S Sudhakar Reddy and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah were among the political leaders who joined the farmers at Jantar Mantar.

Hitting out at opposition parties, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra asked why their leaders did not take measures to reduce the problem of farmers in the past 70 years when they governed India.

On Kejriwal and Gandhi sharing a stage during the rally at Jantar Mantar, Patra said it was like "drama and confusion together on the dais".

"Remember, if drama and confusion are together, there is only destruction and devastation for democracy. The country rejects drama, corruption and confusion and has done so in 2014. Their coming together through photo-ops will not help, as the country has left their hands and has held the hands of Narendra Modi and BJP," he said.

He said the opposition parties have been exposed before the people for indulging in corruption and "politics of deception".

"They are today talking about farmers. They need to answer why the Congress was sitting with eyes shut for 70 years. Why the Congress did not worry about farmers all this time," he told reporters.

He said it was "unfortunate" that leaders of the Congress and other opposition parties were lowering the level of political discourse in the country. His comments came after following reports that CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury used inappropriate words to describe Prime Minister Modi.

"This shows the frustration of Congress and others. It shows their frustration," Patra said. 
Training his guns on Gandhi, Patra alleged that the Congress chief has one tape-recorder and only has one script. "He does not even prepare his speeches," Patra said.

"He does politics of falsehood and deception... All these parties were in power for so many years, but they did not implement the Swaminathan Committee report, because they were deep in corruption" he alleged.

The final volume of the Swaminathan Committee report on agrarian distress and recommendations was tabled in Parliament in 2016 and is yet to be discussed in the House.

Patra claimed farm loan has been waived twice so far in Rajasthan's history and on both occasions it has been done under BJP rule.

The Congress-ruled Rajasthan for nearly 50 years but did not waived farm loans and now they are doing politics here, Patra alleged.

"You have seen how Mr Rahul Gandhi have misled farmers and people of this country. You have seen how Mr Robert Vadra's (Gandhi's brother-in-law) company took loans which were unaccounted, not secured and not paid in the name of farmers and how they were misused for commercial purposes.

"You have seen how this was totally a commercial venture in the name of farming. This is Rahul Gandhi's way and Prime Minister Modi has rightly said that he does not know anything about farming," Patra alleged.

The BJP leader was referring to a newspaper report published Friday. The report said a firm got a big tax relief after it gave loan to a company that bought land owned by Skylight Hospitality, which is allegedly linked to Vadra.

"He (Gandhi) added to country's NPAs by giving loans through banks to such people, from whom they have benefitted themselves. Rahul Gandhi and Congress party indulged in commercial ventures and corruption ventures from which the country lost," he alleged.

The BJP Friday accused the Congress and other opposition parties of misleading farmers on the issue of agrarian distress, asserting that people no longer support those who have had their "eyes shut for 70 years" on the problem and have now decided to side with Narendra Modi.

The BJP Friday accused the Congress and other opposition parties of misleading farmers on the issue of agrarian distress, asserting that people no longer support those who have had their "eyes shut for 70 years" on the problem and have now decided to side with Narendra Modi. The BJP's reaction came after thousands of farmers, backed by Left parties and organisations, marched through the streets of Delhi for debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, CPI leader S Sudhakar Reddy and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah were among the political leaders who joined the farmers at Jantar Mantar. Hitting out at opposition parties, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra asked why their leaders did not take measures to reduce the problem of farmers in the past 70 years when they governed India. On Kejriwal and Gandhi sharing a stage during the rally at Jantar Mantar, Patra said it was like "drama and confusion together on the dais". "Remember, if drama and confusion are together, there is only destruction and devastation for democracy. The country rejects drama, corruption and confusion and has done so in 2014. Their coming together through photo-ops will not help, as the country has left their hands and has held the hands of Narendra Modi and BJP," he said. He said the opposition parties have been exposed before the people for indulging in corruption and "politics of deception". "They are today talking about farmers. They need to answer why the Congress was sitting with eyes shut for 70 years. Why the Congress did not worry about farmers all this time," he told reporters. He said it was "unfortunate" that leaders of the Congress and other opposition parties were lowering the level of political discourse in the country. His comments came after following reports that CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury used inappropriate words to describe Prime Minister Modi. "This shows the frustration of Congress and others. It shows their frustration," Patra said. Training his guns on Gandhi, Patra alleged that the Congress chief has one tape-recorder and only has one script. "He does not even prepare his speeches," Patra said. "He does politics of falsehood and deception... All these parties were in power for so many years, but they did not implement the Swaminathan Committee report, because they were deep in corruption" he alleged. The final volume of the Swaminathan Committee report on agrarian distress and recommendations was tabled in Parliament in 2016 and is yet to be discussed in the House. Patra claimed farm loan has been waived twice so far in Rajasthan's history and on both occasions it has been done under BJP rule. The Congress-ruled Rajasthan for nearly 50 years but did not waived farm loans and now they are doing politics here, Patra alleged. "You have seen how Mr Rahul Gandhi have misled farmers and people of this country. You have seen how Mr Robert Vadra's (Gandhi's brother-in-law) company took loans which were unaccounted, not secured and not paid in the name of farmers and how they were misused for commercial purposes. "You have seen how this was totally a commercial venture in the name of farming. This is Rahul Gandhi's way and Prime Minister Modi has rightly said that he does not know anything about farming," Patra alleged. The BJP leader was referring to a newspaper report published Friday. The report said a firm got a big tax relief after it gave loan to a company that bought land owned by Skylight Hospitality, which is allegedly linked to Vadra. "He (Gandhi) added to country's NPAs by giving loans through banks to such people, from whom they have benefitted themselves. Rahul Gandhi and Congress party indulged in commercial ventures and corruption ventures from which the country lost," he alleged.

People don't trust Congress, other Opposition parties on agrarian distress issue: BJP

The BJP accused the Congress Thursday of copying its manifesto for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-polls-in-bjp-vs-congress-fight-a-third-front-takes-shape-180025">Rajasthan Assembly polls</a> scheduled to be held on December 7.

While talking to reporters in Rajasthan, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said most of the public welfare issues in the Congress's manifesto were already raised by the BJP.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-promises-farm-loan-waiver-unemployment-allowance-to-youths-in-rajasthan-180149">Congress in its election manifesto </a>released Thursday made promises like loan waiver to farmers, free education to girls and women, unemployment allowance of up to Rs 3,500 to educated youth and pension to elderly farmers, among others.

"The Congress has released its manifesto four days after the BJP did so. But surprisingly, no mind was applied by the Congress in drafting it, which contained most of the issues mentioned by the BJP in its manifesto," Shekhawat claimed.

He said the Congress has misled the people by producing a "tampered version" of the BJP's announcements ahead of the elections.

Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also slammed the Congress, saying the party was deceiving the people of Rajasthan with the announcements ahead of the elections.&nbsp;

"The Congress has talked about waiving-off loans of farmers. They had made a similar promise in Punjab and Karnataka before election, but did not waive-off loans worth a single penny," Meghwal said in a statement.

While referring to the Right to Health announcement made by the Congress in its election manifesto, the Union Water Resources minister said the scheme was a replica of the BJP's Ayushman Bharat.&nbsp;

Briefing about electioneering in the poll-bound state, he said the BJP will run a 'Kamal Diya' campaign across the state on Friday during which the party workers will contact 51 lakh beneficiaries of various government schemes.&nbsp;

The BJP accused the Congress Thursday of copying its manifesto for the Rajasthan Assembly polls scheduled to be held on December 7. While talking to reporters in Rajasthan, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said most of the public welfare issues in the Congress's manifesto were already raised by the BJP.

The BJP accused the Congress Thursday of copying its manifesto for the Rajasthan Assembly polls scheduled to be held on December 7. While talking to reporters in Rajasthan, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said most of the public welfare issues in the Congress's manifesto were already raised by the BJP. The Congress in its election manifesto released Thursday made promises like loan waiver to farmers, free education to girls and women, unemployment allowance of up to Rs 3,500 to educated youth and pension to elderly farmers, among others. "The Congress has released its manifesto four days after the BJP did so. But surprisingly, no mind was applied by the Congress in drafting it, which contained most of the issues mentioned by the BJP in its manifesto," Shekhawat claimed. He said the Congress has misled the people by producing a "tampered version" of the BJP's announcements ahead of the elections. Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also slammed the Congress, saying the party was deceiving the people of Rajasthan with the announcements ahead of the elections. "The Congress has talked about waiving-off loans of farmers. They had made a similar promise in Punjab and Karnataka before election, but did not waive-off loans worth a single penny," Meghwal said in a statement. While referring to the Right to Health announcement made by the Congress in its election manifesto, the Union Water Resources minister said the scheme was a replica of the BJP's Ayushman Bharat. Briefing about electioneering in the poll-bound state, he said the BJP will run a 'Kamal Diya' campaign across the state on Friday during which the party workers will contact 51 lakh beneficiaries of various government schemes.

BJP accuses Congress of copying manifesto for Rajasthan Assembly polls

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

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

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

Modi, KCR diluted tribal rights law: Rahul Gandhi

The stakes are too high for both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the main Opposition Congress in the central Indian state&nbsp;of Madhya Pradesh where polling for the general election to the state Assembly is being held today.

The BJP has remained in power continuously for fifteen years in Madhya Pradesh. After the Congress party’s defeat that brought to an end 10 years of Digvijaya Singh rule in 2003, the BJP has seen three chief ministers in the state – Uma Bharati (8 December 2003 – 22 August 2004), Babulal Gaur (23 August 2004 – 29 November 2005), and Shivraj Singh Chouhan (29 November 2005 till now).

In the Madhya Pradesh Assembly election, while the BJP is not leaving a single stone unturned to return to power for the fourth time in a row, the Congress also is using every tactic to turn the tables on the BJP. In this state, where electoral politics continues to remain highly polarised between the BJP and Congress, the present election is being treated by them not merely as the means to form a government in MP but also as the road to power at the Centre as victory in this election will come as a shot in the arm and pave the way for bigger success in the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

In Madhya Pradesh, there are more than 50 million voters, who have the right to elect their MLAs from among 2,907 candidates in the fray for 230 Assembly seats. In a large number of constituencies, there are anywhere between 10 to 20 candidates pitted against each other, but in 8 constituencies, the total number of candidates is more than 20. The constituencies with maximum contestants, shown in brackets, are Ater, Bhind district (33), Narela, Bhopal district (31), Satna (30), Khurai, Sagar district (27), Rampur Baghelan, Satna district, &nbsp;Deotalab, Rewa district (both 23), Patharia, Damoh district (21) and Sausar, Chhindwara (20).

A large number of candidates in most constituencies notwithstanding, a close analysis of the candidates’ list shows that there is a straight contest between the Congress and the BJP for about 150 of the total 230 seats in the state Assembly. There are a few dozen seats, mostly in districts adjoining Uttar Pradesh, where the contest would be triangular due to the presence of candidates belonging to the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party. People had started looking forward to the third force playing a crucial role in the Madhya Pradesh election keeping in view the highly successful people’s Movement against the caste-based quota system led by “Samanya Pichda Alpsankhyak Kalyan Samaj Sanstha” (popularly called Sapaks Samaj), a citizens’ organisation. This Movement has got divided and fragmented after a group of retired government officers, who joined Sapaks Samaj only a few months ago cobbled up a disparate group and got a party registered by the name of Sapaks Party. It has entered the election arena blowing aloud the “third force” trumpet but on the ground, its presence is hardly visible.

In many constituencies, the BJP has been struck hard by the presence of rebel candidates, who chose to revolt after they were denied tickets. Along with anti-incumbency, BJP is finding itself against the wall on issues like corruption charges, lop-sided development – especially in far-flung rural areas, and poor implementation of welfare schemes, including the ambitious Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana (price difference payment scheme) launched recently by the Madhya Pradesh government to pay the farmers the difference between official minimum support price (MSP) and the price at which they sell their crops. Besides raking up these issues, the Congress Party led by party president Rahul Gandhi, who has addressed several election rallies in the state, has also taken Prime Minister Narendra Modi head on over issues like corruption and the harsh impact of demonetisation. The Prime Minister, during his rallies in the state, also has hit the Congress hard. His reply to the Congress on salvos fired at him on the issue of demonetisation is that the hard step had to be taken to combat the scourge of black money generated due to rampant corruption during the earlier Congress regime.

Media, in general, has refrained from projecting the poll outcome in MP. There has been a lot of talk of Congress frittering away its advantage arising from the anti-incumbent sentiment as a result of inner-party rivalry. Congress leaders have dismissed this charge and their argument is that the regional satraps are doing their best to ensure the victory of Congress candidates in their respective areas of influence. In the past, Congress has always emerged victorious when it has followed this strategy.

Although, there is no wave in Madhya Pradesh,&nbsp;but the undercurrents for change are being felt across the State. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The stakes are too high for both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the main Opposition Congress in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh where polling for the general election to the state Assembly is being held today.

The stakes are too high for both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the main Opposition Congress in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh where polling for the general election to the state Assembly is being held today. The BJP has remained in power continuously for fifteen years in Madhya Pradesh. After the Congress party’s defeat that brought to an end 10 years of Digvijaya Singh rule in 2003, the BJP has seen three chief ministers in the state – Uma Bharati (8 December 2003 – 22 August 2004), Babulal Gaur (23 August 2004 – 29 November 2005), and Shivraj Singh Chouhan (29 November 2005 till now). In the Madhya Pradesh Assembly election, while the BJP is not leaving a single stone unturned to return to power for the fourth time in a row, the Congress also is using every tactic to turn the tables on the BJP. In this state, where electoral politics continues to remain highly polarised between the BJP and Congress, the present election is being treated by them not merely as the means to form a government in MP but also as the road to power at the Centre as victory in this election will come as a shot in the arm and pave the way for bigger success in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. In Madhya Pradesh, there are more than 50 million voters, who have the right to elect their MLAs from among 2,907 candidates in the fray for 230 Assembly seats. In a large number of constituencies, there are anywhere between 10 to 20 candidates pitted against each other, but in 8 constituencies, the total number of candidates is more than 20. The constituencies with maximum contestants, shown in brackets, are Ater, Bhind district (33), Narela, Bhopal district (31), Satna (30), Khurai, Sagar district (27), Rampur Baghelan, Satna district, Deotalab, Rewa district (both 23), Patharia, Damoh district (21) and Sausar, Chhindwara (20). A large number of candidates in most constituencies notwithstanding, a close analysis of the candidates’ list shows that there is a straight contest between the Congress and the BJP for about 150 of the total 230 seats in the state Assembly. There are a few dozen seats, mostly in districts adjoining Uttar Pradesh, where the contest would be triangular due to the presence of candidates belonging to the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party. People had started looking forward to the third force playing a crucial role in the Madhya Pradesh election keeping in view the highly successful people’s Movement against the caste-based quota system led by “Samanya Pichda Alpsankhyak Kalyan Samaj Sanstha” (popularly called Sapaks Samaj), a citizens’ organisation. This Movement has got divided and fragmented after a group of retired government officers, who joined Sapaks Samaj only a few months ago cobbled up a disparate group and got a party registered by the name of Sapaks Party. It has entered the election arena blowing aloud the “third force” trumpet but on the ground, its presence is hardly visible. In many constituencies, the BJP has been struck hard by the presence of rebel candidates, who chose to revolt after they were denied tickets. Along with anti-incumbency, BJP is finding itself against the wall on issues like corruption charges, lop-sided development – especially in far-flung rural areas, and poor implementation of welfare schemes, including the ambitious Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana (price difference payment scheme) launched recently by the Madhya Pradesh government to pay the farmers the difference between official minimum support price (MSP) and the price at which they sell their crops. Besides raking up these issues, the Congress Party led by party president Rahul Gandhi, who has addressed several election rallies in the state, has also taken Prime Minister Narendra Modi head on over issues like corruption and the harsh impact of demonetisation. The Prime Minister, during his rallies in the state, also has hit the Congress hard. His reply to the Congress on salvos fired at him on the issue of demonetisation is that the hard step had to be taken to combat the scourge of black money generated due to rampant corruption during the earlier Congress regime. Media, in general, has refrained from projecting the poll outcome in MP. There has been a lot of talk of Congress frittering away its advantage arising from the anti-incumbent sentiment as a result of inner-party rivalry. Congress leaders have dismissed this charge and their argument is that the regional satraps are doing their best to ensure the victory of Congress candidates in their respective areas of influence. In the past, Congress has always emerged victorious when it has followed this strategy. Although, there is no wave in Madhya Pradesh, but the undercurrents for change are being felt across the State. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Assembly elections 2018: Congress banking on anti-incumbent sentiment in Madhya Pradesh

After Mamata Banerjee, another Opposition's warrior has stepped up&nbsp;efforts to unite anti-BJP forces ahead of Lok Sabha elections 2019.

Over the past few weeks, Naidu met several opposition leaders and gave some brazen statements against the ruling party. He said that it's the responsibility of opposition leaders to defeat the BJP in 2019 Lok Sabha elections and save the democracy.

Most importantly, Naidu dropped his 'non-Congress Third Front' plank and met party president Rahul Gandhi. Both the leaders stressed on the need for Opposition unity to save the nation. They maintained it's a democratic compulsion for the TDP and Congress to come together setting aside their differences.

Furthermore, Naidu also met West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, his son and chief minister of Karnataka HD Kumaraswamy and DMK chief MK Stalin to put up united face against the BJP.

Asserting that the nation is under threat, the TDP chief has convened a meeting of the Opposition leaders in December to discuss future strategies to defeat the BJP in 2019 elections.

Naidu had pulled out of the NDA in March this year over the Centre's refusal to grant special status to Andhra Pradesh.

A few days ago, Mamata Banerjee was running from pillar to post to unite the opposition, but now Chandrababu Naidu is racing ahead of her. However, they both are in sync with each other to achieve their common goal - demolishing BJP.

The two interlocutors - Naidu and Mamata, have been trying to stitch an anti-BJP alliance for quite some time now. They have made communalism, attack on institutions like RBI, CBI and economic crisis under the NDA-rule as main grounds to garner the support of the Opposition parties.&nbsp;

The 'Third Front' could be a definite possibility in 2019 Lok Sabha elections and several state elections prove it quite clearly. In Uttar Pradesh bypolls, Samajwadi Party, backed by the BSP, defeated the BJP in Phulpur and Gorakhpur constituency. &nbsp;

In 2018 Karnataka Assembly elections, the Saffron party met a similar fate when Congress and JD(S) formed a coalition government in the state despite BJP emerging as the single largest party.&nbsp;

Moreover, in the recent Karnataka bypolls, the ruling coalition - JDS-Congress stunned BJP by winning both the Assembly seats and two of the three Lok Sabha seats. This came as a morale booster for the Opposition in the run-up to 2019 Assembly elections.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in another significant development, PDP, with the support of Congress and National Conference, has staked claim to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir. This is an important realignment of political forces in the state wherein NC and PDP have set aside their rivalry to take on the BJP.

It seems there is no competition among the opposition leaders for declaring the face of Opposition (at least for now). Acting wisely, Naidu has chosen to go along with Mamata Banerjee on this, and after a round of talks both the leaders announced - "Everyone will be the face of Mahagathbandhan."

Senior Opposition leaders like Sharad Pawar, Farooq Abdullah have authorised Naidu to speak to various state leaders to bring all anti-BJP forces together. The TDP chief has reportedly assured them of convincing Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati to become part of the 'Grand Secular Alliance' against the saffron party.

Currently, there is no credible alternative leader to lead the pack of anti-BJP forces. With major Opposition parties singing in chorus against the BJP, 'Third Front' is no more a distant dream.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

After Mamata Banerjee, another Opposition's warrior has stepped up efforts to unite anti-BJP forces ahead of Lok Sabha elections 2019. Over the past few weeks, Naidu met several opposition leaders and gave some brazen statements against the ruling party.

After Mamata Banerjee, another Opposition's warrior has stepped up efforts to unite anti-BJP forces ahead of Lok Sabha elections 2019. Over the past few weeks, Naidu met several opposition leaders and gave some brazen statements against the ruling party. He said that it's the responsibility of opposition leaders to defeat the BJP in 2019 Lok Sabha elections and save the democracy. Most importantly, Naidu dropped his 'non-Congress Third Front' plank and met party president Rahul Gandhi. Both the leaders stressed on the need for Opposition unity to save the nation. They maintained it's a democratic compulsion for the TDP and Congress to come together setting aside their differences. Furthermore, Naidu also met West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, his son and chief minister of Karnataka HD Kumaraswamy and DMK chief MK Stalin to put up united face against the BJP. Asserting that the nation is under threat, the TDP chief has convened a meeting of the Opposition leaders in December to discuss future strategies to defeat the BJP in 2019 elections. Naidu had pulled out of the NDA in March this year over the Centre's refusal to grant special status to Andhra Pradesh. A few days ago, Mamata Banerjee was running from pillar to post to unite the opposition, but now Chandrababu Naidu is racing ahead of her. However, they both are in sync with each other to achieve their common goal - demolishing BJP. The two interlocutors - Naidu and Mamata, have been trying to stitch an anti-BJP alliance for quite some time now. They have made communalism, attack on institutions like RBI, CBI and economic crisis under the NDA-rule as main grounds to garner the support of the Opposition parties. The 'Third Front' could be a definite possibility in 2019 Lok Sabha elections and several state elections prove it quite clearly. In Uttar Pradesh bypolls, Samajwadi Party, backed by the BSP, defeated the BJP in Phulpur and Gorakhpur constituency. In 2018 Karnataka Assembly elections, the Saffron party met a similar fate when Congress and JD(S) formed a coalition government in the state despite BJP emerging as the single largest party. Moreover, in the recent Karnataka bypolls, the ruling coalition - JDS-Congress stunned BJP by winning both the Assembly seats and two of the three Lok Sabha seats. This came as a morale booster for the Opposition in the run-up to 2019 Assembly elections. Meanwhile, in another significant development, PDP, with the support of Congress and National Conference, has staked claim to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir. This is an important realignment of political forces in the state wherein NC and PDP have set aside their rivalry to take on the BJP. It seems there is no competition among the opposition leaders for declaring the face of Opposition (at least for now). Acting wisely, Naidu has chosen to go along with Mamata Banerjee on this, and after a round of talks both the leaders announced - "Everyone will be the face of Mahagathbandhan." Senior Opposition leaders like Sharad Pawar, Farooq Abdullah have authorised Naidu to speak to various state leaders to bring all anti-BJP forces together. The TDP chief has reportedly assured them of convincing Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati to become part of the 'Grand Secular Alliance' against the saffron party. Currently, there is no credible alternative leader to lead the pack of anti-BJP forces. With major Opposition parties singing in chorus against the BJP, 'Third Front' is no more a distant dream. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Chandrababu Naidu - Opposition's trump card to unite anti-BJP forces

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

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

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

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

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday lashed out at Rahul Gandhi-led Congress, saying that the day the Congress announces their chief ministerial candidate for Rajasthan, it will have a breakdown.

"Kyunki jis din neta ke naam ki ghosna kar denge yahan par Congress party khand khand ho jayegi," Singh stated during a rally in poll-bound Rajasthan's Dholpur.&nbsp;

He further added that the Congress is not able to muster the courage to announce the name of their leader or the chief ministerial candidate.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Kyunki jis din neta ke naam ki ghosna kar denge yahan par Congress party khand khand ho jayegi. Sahas nahi juta pa rahe hai ki woh apne neta ya mukhya mantri ki ghosna kar de. Yani baarat to unhone nikal di lekin dulhe ka koi pata nahi hai: Home Minister Rajnath Singh (26.11) <a href="https://t.co/ABFSPW9wSF">pic.twitter.com/ABFSPW9wSF</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067169372681236482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"The Congress has entered into the electoral battle, but they can't answer if you ask them about their leader," he said.

The Congress has many chief ministerial aspirants in Rajasthan, former CM Ashok Gehlot and young leader Sachin Pilot are in the fight for the top office. The BJP was quick to announce Vasundhara Raje as its leader and chief ministerial candidate for the state much ahead of this year's election season.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-runs-government-comparatively-better-than-congress-rajnath-singh-in-madhya-pradesh-178639">Last week, Rajnath Singh claimed</a> that the BJP has run the government "comparatively better" than the Congress and blamed the opposition party for a "credibility crisis" in politics after Independence.

Talking to reporters in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, Singh asserted that the country was currently witnessing "acche din" (good days) and it was a matter of perception of how people saw it.

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

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

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

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its manifesto for poll-bound state Rajasthan. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley released the script of party's agenda for the state if it comes to power this December. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar and incumbent Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje were also present on the occasion.&nbsp;

The party leaders said that the BJP had met 95 per cent of the promises it had made in 2013.&nbsp;

"The overall completion is 95 per cent," Raje said.

She also highlighted several points of the 2018 manifesto, saying 50 lakh jobs will be created in private sector in next five years in Rajasthan and every year, 30,000 jobs will be given in the government sector, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The chief minister also said up to Rs 5,000 per month will be given as unemployment allowance to eligible youths above the age of 21 years.

The saffron party in its manifesto for Madhya Pradesh promised 10 lakh jobs per year to youths and welfare of all sections of society, among the other major promises made for the November 28.

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Jaipur: BJP releases party manifesto for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZA0x4ZmepO">pic.twitter.com/ZA0x4ZmepO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067306986902048773?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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For Chhattisgarh, the party, in its manifesto, promised to build a film city in the state and journalist welfare board. BJP chief Amit Shah also assured that the BJP government will provide loans up to 2 lakh without interest to women for starting their business in Chattisgarh.&nbsp;

Rajasthan is set to go to polls on December, the votes will counted on December 11.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje is set to challenge&nbsp;anti-incumbency, she is BJP's chief ministerial candidate this term as well. Congress, on the other hand, &nbsp;has many chief ministerial aspirants in Rajasthan, former CM Ashok Gehlot and young leader Sachin Pilot are in the fight for the top office.&nbsp;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BJP president Amit Shah in an exclusive interview with WION Editor-in-chief Sudhir Chaudhary defended the Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik and said there is no reason to doubt the intentions of the honourable governor. Accusing the Opposition of lying over the Rafale deal, Shah challenged the Congress president Rahul Gandhi to specify his source of information on the issue.

Shah also discussed CBI row, 2019 elections and other issues. Edited excerpts.&nbsp; &nbsp;

WION: Amid the campaign for the assembly elections, a new issue has emerged. What do you have to say about it? Do you think that dissolving the J&amp;K assembly was the only option?

Amit Shah: I don't think it's a problem. It's a solution. We do not have any reason to doubt the intentions of the honourable governor. Those crying foul also wanted the same. He has taken a political stand and cannot take it back.

WION: You have given an opportunity to the opposition parties in the state to come together. It's never been seen before that the three opposition parties come together to stake claim to form a govt.

Amit Shah: These three parties made claims of horse trading in the last week. These parties can tell you more about the same. I am only picking up from reports in the media. The administration and governor will know the details. From what I am gathering, preparations were on for the last three days. Based on that if someone stakes a claim which is not backed by any official letter either from the Congress or the NC- which to are presented before the media and not before the governor- I don't think that the people of the nation can be fooled by such things.

WION: On the issue of the Rafale deal, the entire opposition, including Rahul Gandhi, has made a huge deal out of it. Some say that it will prove to be what BOFORS became for Rajiv Gandhi. So is this issue being created only for the media, or does it have some truth?

Amit Shah: The Opposition does not have a solid issue hence they have created a fake issue out of this. They are lying. Not an extra penny has been spent and we have put our case in front of the Supreme Court. If the Congress has so much information what's stopping them from going to Supreme Court. Can the Congress President specify his source of information on Rafale? Are political parties the source of this information? Is this how one leads public life? He probably doesn't know that the papers given to him aren't accurate.

WION: What was the govt wary of when it came to the CBI that Alok Verma was asked to leave in the middle of the night?

Amit Shah: Two senior CBI officials accused each other of corruption. Who will investigate this now? Naturally a neutral agency. The CVC is probing the matter and till then officials in question have been sent on leave.

WION: What do you have to say to Rahul Gandhi's allegation that Alok Verma could have filed an FIR in the Rafale case and that is why the govt panicked?

Amit Shah: I don't know who scripts these allegations that Rahul Gandhi makes. If they tell me I would train that person. When Alok Verma was sent on a leave, two PILs were already filed in the top court. It had issued a notice after which a plea could not be registered. Somebody must tell this to Rahul Gandhi.

WION: There is a strong feeling that BJP may do something to create a wave in its favour. It could be the issue of Ram Temple or a war with Pakistan or any other issue which might evoke strong sentiments in favour of BJP. How true is that?

Amit Shah: See, we don't need a war to win an election. There is already a wave in our favour. We have given gas connections to over 5.5 crore poor households, 8 crore toilets have been built for the poor, 2 crore poor families have been given houses, 2 crore houses have been electrified. We are providing subsidised crops to farmers. The centre and state together are providing medical facilities worth Rs 5 lakh to every household. Can you believe the amount of work that this govt has done? A household had to bear smoke while cooking, that has been replaced with gas cylinders. A sixteen-year-old girl who had to relieve herself in the open now has a toilet. Can you imagine the boost in her confidence? A pregnant lady is vaccinated to protect her child and herself from diseases. There were 19000 villages where electricity poles hadn't reached even after 70 years of independence and now those villages are lit with power. We have made education, health and employment accessible. We plan to electrify all homes by 2022. All homes have a bank account. Our borders are more secure. We brought in one rank one pension. The growth rate has increased. Our economy has improved. Inflation has come down, so has the deficit. Foreign reserves are at a peak. The atmosphere of fear and insecurity is no longer there. No concrete allegations have been made against our govt. Do you think that the people of the nation do not know this? We ruled 6 states, now we rule 19. This is because of the faith of the people in our govt. &nbsp;Under the leadership of Modiji, we have worked to boost India's image globally.

WION: What if you come to power in 2019? People think that if you come to power again, there will be bolder decisions. There could be new leaders. Have you thought of an overhaul?

Amit Shah: We have only thought of coming back to power with more seats than we currently have. Our manifesto for the general elections will have all the details of our plans. There is a lot of discussions pending on the issue without which we must not make any claims.

BJP president Amit Shah in an exclusive interview with WION Editor-in-chief Sudhir Chaudhary defended the Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik and said there is no reason to doubt the intentions of the honourable governor.

BJP president Amit Shah in an exclusive interview with WION Editor-in-chief Sudhir Chaudhary defended the Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik and said there is no reason to doubt the intentions of the honourable governor. Accusing the Opposition of lying over the Rafale deal, Shah challenged the Congress president Rahul Gandhi to specify his source of information on the issue. Shah also discussed CBI row, 2019 elections and other issues. Edited excerpts. WION: Amid the campaign for the assembly elections, a new issue has emerged. What do you have to say about it? Do you think that dissolving the J&K assembly was the only option? Amit Shah: I don't think it's a problem. It's a solution. We do not have any reason to doubt the intentions of the honourable governor. Those crying foul also wanted the same. He has taken a political stand and cannot take it back. WION: You have given an opportunity to the opposition parties in the state to come together. It's never been seen before that the three opposition parties come together to stake claim to form a govt. Amit Shah: These three parties made claims of horse trading in the last week. These parties can tell you more about the same. I am only picking up from reports in the media. The administration and governor will know the details. From what I am gathering, preparations were on for the last three days. Based on that if someone stakes a claim which is not backed by any official letter either from the Congress or the NC- which to are presented before the media and not before the governor- I don't think that the people of the nation can be fooled by such things. WION: On the issue of the Rafale deal, the entire opposition, including Rahul Gandhi, has made a huge deal out of it. Some say that it will prove to be what BOFORS became for Rajiv Gandhi. So is this issue being created only for the media, or does it have some truth? Amit Shah: The Opposition does not have a solid issue hence they have created a fake issue out of this. They are lying. Not an extra penny has been spent and we have put our case in front of the Supreme Court. If the Congress has so much information what's stopping them from going to Supreme Court. Can the Congress President specify his source of information on Rafale? Are political parties the source of this information? Is this how one leads public life? He probably doesn't know that the papers given to him aren't accurate. WION: What was the govt wary of when it came to the CBI that Alok Verma was asked to leave in the middle of the night? Amit Shah: Two senior CBI officials accused each other of corruption. Who will investigate this now? Naturally a neutral agency. The CVC is probing the matter and till then officials in question have been sent on leave. WION: What do you have to say to Rahul Gandhi's allegation that Alok Verma could have filed an FIR in the Rafale case and that is why the govt panicked? Amit Shah: I don't know who scripts these allegations that Rahul Gandhi makes. If they tell me I would train that person. When Alok Verma was sent on a leave, two PILs were already filed in the top court. It had issued a notice after which a plea could not be registered. Somebody must tell this to Rahul Gandhi. WION: There is a strong feeling that BJP may do something to create a wave in its favour. It could be the issue of Ram Temple or a war with Pakistan or any other issue which might evoke strong sentiments in favour of BJP. How true is that? Amit Shah: See, we don't need a war to win an election. There is already a wave in our favour. We have given gas connections to over 5.5 crore poor households, 8 crore toilets have been built for the poor, 2 crore poor families have been given houses, 2 crore houses have been electrified. We are providing subsidised crops to farmers. The centre and state together are providing medical facilities worth Rs 5 lakh to every household. Can you believe the amount of work that this govt has done? A household had to bear smoke while cooking, that has been replaced with gas cylinders. A sixteen-year-old girl who had to relieve herself in the open now has a toilet. Can you imagine the boost in her confidence? A pregnant lady is vaccinated to protect her child and herself from diseases. There were 19000 villages where electricity poles hadn't reached even after 70 years of independence and now those villages are lit with power. We have made education, health and employment accessible. We plan to electrify all homes by 2022. All homes have a bank account. Our borders are more secure. We brought in one rank one pension. The growth rate has increased. Our economy has improved. Inflation has come down, so has the deficit. Foreign reserves are at a peak. The atmosphere of fear and insecurity is no longer there. No concrete allegations have been made against our govt. Do you think that the people of the nation do not know this? We ruled 6 states, now we rule 19. This is because of the faith of the people in our govt. Under the leadership of Modiji, we have worked to boost India's image globally. WION: What if you come to power in 2019? People think that if you come to power again, there will be bolder decisions. There could be new leaders. Have you thought of an overhaul? Amit Shah: We have only thought of coming back to power with more seats than we currently have. Our manifesto for the general elections will have all the details of our plans. There is a lot of discussions pending on the issue without which we must not make any claims.

Opposition has created a 'fake issue' out of Rafale deal: BJP president Amit Shah to WION

BJP president Amit Shah said on Monday his party believed that a grand Ram temple should be built in Ayodhya soon and accused the Congress of putting 
Hurdles in its construction.

He said the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute case is pending before the Supreme Court and it remains to be seen what happens there.

"All people wish that a Ram Temple should be built in Ayodhya soon. We also want that a grand Ram Temple should be build soon," Shah said.

The BJP chief was talking to reporters on the sidelines of his roadshow here on the last day of campaigning for the November 28 assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh.

He alleged that the Congress was putting hurdles in the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya.

To a query on whether the Centre plans to bring an ordinance or enact a law to clear the way for construction of the temple, Shah said, "The Supreme Court has posted the hearing on Ram temple to January. Let's see what happens."

The Supreme Court last month had said that an "appropriate bench" will decide in the first week of January the schedule of hearing of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case.

To another query, Shah expressed confidence the BJP would sweep the Madhya Pradesh assembly polls for the fourth consecutive time.

BJP president Amit Shah said on Monday his party believed that a grand Ram temple should be built in Ayodhya soon and accused the Congress of putting Hurdles in its construction.

BJP president Amit Shah said on Monday his party believed that a grand Ram temple should be built in Ayodhya soon and accused the Congress of putting Hurdles in its construction. He said the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute case is pending before the Supreme Court and it remains to be seen what happens there. "All people wish that a Ram Temple should be built in Ayodhya soon. We also want that a grand Ram Temple should be build soon," Shah said. The BJP chief was talking to reporters on the sidelines of his roadshow here on the last day of campaigning for the November 28 assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh. He alleged that the Congress was putting hurdles in the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya. To a query on whether the Centre plans to bring an ordinance or enact a law to clear the way for construction of the temple, Shah said, "The Supreme Court has posted the hearing on Ram temple to January. Let's see what happens." The Supreme Court last month had said that an "appropriate bench" will decide in the first week of January the schedule of hearing of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case. To another query, Shah expressed confidence the BJP would sweep the Madhya Pradesh assembly polls for the fourth consecutive time.

BJP believes a grand Ram temple should be built in Ayodhya: Amit Shah

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The Congress was in power when the Mumbai attacks took place but questioned the BJP government’s surgical strikes in Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here on Monday, hitting out at the opposition party on the issues of terrorism and Naxalism.

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A week after American national John Allen Chau, 26, was reportedly killed by an arrow by north Sentinelese tribesmen in Andaman islands, police officials are working with anthropologists and psychologists to retrieve his body.

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Japanese car firm Mitsubishi Motors today sacked Carlos Ghosn, 64, as chairman over alleged financial misconduct at the Japanese-based car company.

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A Chinese university said on Monday it will immediately launch an investigation after an associate professor released videos on YouTube claiming to have edited the genes of twins born earlier this month and defending the ethics of his work.

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At least 15 people were killed and ten others wounded in the central Somalia town of Galkayo on Monday when Shabaab militants attacked a Sufi religious centre, officials said.

Congress calls Naxals revolutionaries, issues them certificates: PM Modi at poll rally in Rajasthan The Congress was in power when the Mumbai attacks took place but questioned the BJP government’s surgical strikes in Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here on Monday, hitting out at the opposition party on the issues of terrorism and Naxalism.

Congress calls Naxals revolutionaries, issues them certificates: PM Modi at poll rally in Rajasthan The Congress was in power when the Mumbai attacks took place but questioned the BJP government’s surgical strikes in Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here on Monday, hitting out at the opposition party on the issues of terrorism and Naxalism. In touch with anthropologists, psychologists to contract Sentinelese tribesman to retrieve American nationals body, says police A week after American national John Allen Chau, 26, was reportedly killed by an arrow by north Sentinelese tribesmen in Andaman islands, police officials are working with anthropologists and psychologists to retrieve his body. Mitsubishi sacks Carlos Ghosn over alleged financial misconduct Japanese car firm Mitsubishi Motors today sacked Carlos Ghosn, 64, as chairman over alleged financial misconduct at the Japanese-based car company. "During today's board meeting, it was decided that he is dismissed as chairman," the company said in a statement. Chinese university to investigate after academic claims to have edited twins’ genes A Chinese university said on Monday it will immediately launch an investigation after an associate professor released videos on YouTube claiming to have edited the genes of twins born earlier this month and defending the ethics of his work. Video: At least 15 dead, 10 wounded after Shabaab militants attacked Sufi religious centre in Somalia At least 15 people were killed and ten others wounded in the central Somalia town of Galkayo on Monday when Shabaab militants attacked a Sufi religious centre, officials said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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