Although the first phase of voting in Chhattisgarh was conducted smoothly and saw a significant voter turnout, voters in a village in Dantewada district were seen removing the electoral ink mark from their fingers, fearing their lives.

Naxals in the region near the Indrawati River of Dantewada had threatened to chop off the fingers of villagers if they cast their votes. But despite the threat, a large number of people visited polling booths to exercise their franchise.

Addressing the issue, Dantewada SP Abhishek Pallav said that following the threats of the Naxals, they had to relocate seven booths located near the Indrawati River. However, voters, he said, travelled the extra mile to cast their votes.

"Seven booths near Indrawati River were shifted after the threats of the Naxals. We are planning to set up a camp before the Lok Sabha polls so that the people can take shelter there and cast their votes without the threats from the Naxals," he told ANI.

The first phase of Assembly elections was held in Chhattisgarh on November 12, where 18 seats went to polls, out of which 12 are reserved for the Scheduled Tribes, while one is a Scheduled Caste-reserved seat.

The remaining 72 constituencies in the state will go to polls on November 20.

The result of the assembly polls will be announced on December 11.

Although the first phase of voting in Chhattisgarh was conducted smoothly and saw a significant voter turnout, voters in a village in Dantewada district were seen removing the electoral ink mark from their fingers, fearing their lives.

Although the first phase of voting in Chhattisgarh was conducted smoothly and saw a significant voter turnout, voters in a village in Dantewada district were seen removing the electoral ink mark from their fingers, fearing their lives. Naxals in the region near the Indrawati River of Dantewada had threatened to chop off the fingers of villagers if they cast their votes. But despite the threat, a large number of people visited polling booths to exercise their franchise. Addressing the issue, Dantewada SP Abhishek Pallav said that following the threats of the Naxals, they had to relocate seven booths located near the Indrawati River. However, voters, he said, travelled the extra mile to cast their votes. "Seven booths near Indrawati River were shifted after the threats of the Naxals. We are planning to set up a camp before the Lok Sabha polls so that the people can take shelter there and cast their votes without the threats from the Naxals," he told ANI. The first phase of Assembly elections was held in Chhattisgarh on November 12, where 18 seats went to polls, out of which 12 are reserved for the Scheduled Tribes, while one is a Scheduled Caste-reserved seat. The remaining 72 constituencies in the state will go to polls on November 20. The result of the assembly polls will be announced on December 11.

Chhattisgarh Assembly Election 2018: Amid Naxal threats, voters desperately attempt to remove ink

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Wednesday promised to install a "people's government" in Chhattisgarh and accused the ruling BJP of destroying the state in its 15-year rule.

Addressing a rally for the second phase of polling in the state, Gandhi said it was among the richest in the country in terms of water, forest, mines and minerals.

"But, people have remained poor due to the policies of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government," he charged.

Invoking his family ties with the state, the Congress chief said the relationship was of love and not politics.

He claimed that lands of locals in this part of the tribal-dominated state were taken away to set up industries. But when the units were not set up, the lands were not returned to the people.

"The Congress will install a people's government in the state which will empower farmers, small and medium businesses and provide employment to the youth," Gandhi said.

He said if the Congress came to power in the state, it would enforce the Land Acquisition Act and facilitate loan waiver for farmers, besides providing them bonus and Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops.

Accusing the Raman Singh government of being involved in graft, Gandhi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not uttered a word about corruption in Chhattisgarh. "People of the state have suffered because of this," he alleged.

"I do politics for the rights of poor, farmers and youth. I will not protect 10-15 industrialists at their cost," he said.

Polling for the second phase in 72 seats, out of the total 90-member Assembly, will take place on November 20 and the counting of votes will be held on December 11. PTI T

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Wednesday promised to install a "people's government" in Chhattisgarh and accused the ruling BJP of destroying the state in its 15-year rule.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Wednesday promised to install a "people's government" in Chhattisgarh and accused the ruling BJP of destroying the state in its 15-year rule. Addressing a rally for the second phase of polling in the state, Gandhi said it was among the richest in the country in terms of water, forest, mines and minerals. "But, people have remained poor due to the policies of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government," he charged. Invoking his family ties with the state, the Congress chief said the relationship was of love and not politics. He claimed that lands of locals in this part of the tribal-dominated state were taken away to set up industries. But when the units were not set up, the lands were not returned to the people. "The Congress will install a people's government in the state which will empower farmers, small and medium businesses and provide employment to the youth," Gandhi said. He said if the Congress came to power in the state, it would enforce the Land Acquisition Act and facilitate loan waiver for farmers, besides providing them bonus and Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops. Accusing the Raman Singh government of being involved in graft, Gandhi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not uttered a word about corruption in Chhattisgarh. "People of the state have suffered because of this," he alleged. "I do politics for the rights of poor, farmers and youth. I will not protect 10-15 industrialists at their cost," he said. Polling for the second phase in 72 seats, out of the total 90-member Assembly, will take place on November 20 and the counting of votes will be held on December 11. PTI T

Rahul Gandhi promises 'people's government' in Chhattisgarh

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi asked Tuesday why Prime Minister Narendra Modi was silent on charges of corruption against Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh and his family.

Addressing a rally in Kharsia Assembly constituency in Raigarh district in the poll-bound state, Gandhi claimed the Prime Minister did not speak about corruption anymore.

"In civil supply scam of Rs 36,000 crore, names of Raman Singh and his wife surfaced. Rs 5,000 chit fund scam took place under the protection of the Raman Singh government," he alleged.

"His (Singh's) son Abhishek Singh was named in Panama papers scandal, but no action was taken in any of these cases," the Congress chief alleged.

"Prime minister Modi used to speak about corruption in his speeches earlier, but why he does not speak about the corruption of Raman Singh and his family? Why Raman Singh too is silent over corruption," he asked.

The ruling BJP has denied the allegations of corruption against the chief minister and his family.

Gandhi campaigned for Congress candidate and incumbent MLA from Kharsia, Umesh Patel, Tuesday.

Patel's father Nandkumar Patel, then state Congress chief, was killed in a Naxal attack in Jhiram valley in Bastar's Darbha area on May 25, 2013.

Remembering Nandkumar Patel, Gandhi accused Modi of insulting the martyrdom of Congress leaders who died in the Naxal attack.

He was apparently referring to the prime minister's recent speech in Bastar where he had accused Congress leaders of supporting urban Naxals.

The Congress chief reiterated his allegation that the Modi government took away the Rafale fighter jets contract from the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and gave it to industrialist Anil Ambani.

"Modi ji handed over Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani which was your money," Gandhi claimed.

Both the government as well as Ambani have denied the allegations of grant of undue favour to Ambani's firm in the Rafale deal.

The Congress president promised loan waiver to farmers in the state.

"After the Congress government is formed in the state, we will waive the loans of farmers within ten days," he said.

Gandhi&nbsp;said farmers would get a bonus on paddy procurement, and the bonus pending for two years, which the BJP government had promised but not paid, would be disbursed.

On Monday, polling was held in eighteen constituencies of Naxal-affected districts of Chhattisgarh. Remaining 72 seats will go to polls on November 20.&nbsp;

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi asked Tuesday why Prime Minister Narendra Modi was silent on charges of corruption against Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh and his family.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi asked Tuesday why Prime Minister Narendra Modi was silent on charges of corruption against Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh and his family. Addressing a rally in Kharsia Assembly constituency in Raigarh district in the poll-bound state, Gandhi claimed the Prime Minister did not speak about corruption anymore. "In civil supply scam of Rs 36,000 crore, names of Raman Singh and his wife surfaced. Rs 5,000 chit fund scam took place under the protection of the Raman Singh government," he alleged. "His (Singh's) son Abhishek Singh was named in Panama papers scandal, but no action was taken in any of these cases," the Congress chief alleged. "Prime minister Modi used to speak about corruption in his speeches earlier, but why he does not speak about the corruption of Raman Singh and his family? Why Raman Singh too is silent over corruption," he asked. The ruling BJP has denied the allegations of corruption against the chief minister and his family. Gandhi campaigned for Congress candidate and incumbent MLA from Kharsia, Umesh Patel, Tuesday. Patel's father Nandkumar Patel, then state Congress chief, was killed in a Naxal attack in Jhiram valley in Bastar's Darbha area on May 25, 2013. Remembering Nandkumar Patel, Gandhi accused Modi of insulting the martyrdom of Congress leaders who died in the Naxal attack. He was apparently referring to the prime minister's recent speech in Bastar where he had accused Congress leaders of supporting urban Naxals. The Congress chief reiterated his allegation that the Modi government took away the Rafale fighter jets contract from the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and gave it to industrialist Anil Ambani. "Modi ji handed over Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani which was your money," Gandhi claimed. Both the government as well as Ambani have denied the allegations of grant of undue favour to Ambani's firm in the Rafale deal. The Congress president promised loan waiver to farmers in the state. "After the Congress government is formed in the state, we will waive the loans of farmers within ten days," he said. Gandhi said farmers would get a bonus on paddy procurement, and the bonus pending for two years, which the BJP government had promised but not paid, would be disbursed. On Monday, polling was held in eighteen constituencies of Naxal-affected districts of Chhattisgarh. Remaining 72 seats will go to polls on November 20.

Why is PM mum on corruption chages against Raman Singh: Rahul Gandhi

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation, saying he snatched money from the poor and put it in the pockets of the likes of Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya.

Addressing a rally here ahead of the second phase of polling in the state on November 20, Gandhi said Modi helped "all the thieves of India turn their black money into white".

Gandhi also charged the Modi government with ensuring benefit to Anil Ambani's company through the Rafale aircraft deal.

The Modi-led government "snatched" Rs 30,000 crore from the poor and gave it to the industrialist, Gandhi added.

Hitting out at Rahul and Sonia Gandhi for questioning him on demonetisation, Modi had Monday said in a poll rally he did not need a "certificate of honesty" from the "mother-son duo" who are out on bail.

The Congress president claimed only the poor had to queue up outside banks to exchange notes after the prime minister announced invalidation of the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes on November 8, 2016. Gandhi said no person in "suit-boot" had queued up outside banks then.

"Narendra Modi snatched money from under the pillows of our mothers and sisters and put it in the pockets of likes of Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya, Lalit Modi and Anil Ambani," Gandhi said.

He accused the prime minister of not speaking up about demonetisation for two years till he made a "single line remark" on Monday.

The Modi government wrote off Rs 3.5 lakh crore debt of the rich, Gandhi said. "Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya, Mehul Choksi ran away. Not a single word came from Narendra Modi's mouth," he said.

On the Rafale fighter jet deal, Gandhi reiterated the NDA government "changed the contract to help Anil Ambani get it instead of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)."

"It was your (people's) money, snatched from your pockets and that Rs 30,000 crore of yours Narendra Modi gave to Anil Ambani," Gandhi said.

The Congress president also claimed that the CBI director was removed from his post at 1 am to stop a probe into the Rafale deal.

"If there is an investigation, only two names will come up: Narendra Modi and Anil Ambani. Modi is scared of a probe," he said.

He also accused the BJP-led governments of stealing people's money daily by "outsourcing works through RSS men".

"In Delhi, the 'chowkidar' (Modi) is ensuring theft. And here (in Chhattisgarh), Doctor Sahib (Chief Minister Raman Singh) is ensuring theft. We will end outsourcing once the Congress comes to power," he said.

Gandhi also launched a diatribe against the prime minister for "misleading" people on India's development.

According to Modi, development of the country began only after 2014, when he became the prime minister, Gandhi said.

"He (Modi) doesn't even know that the country is run by the people and not by a single man. He insults you by making such comments," the Congress president said.

The Congress would write off Chhattisgarh farmers' debt within 10 days of coming to power and give free medical treatment and medicines to people of the state, he said.

The prime minister made a "false" promise of generating two crore jobs a year, Gandhi said. A Congress chief minister would work "for 18 out of 24 hours" to generate employment for the state's youth, he added.

"Instead of working for a few industrialists, Congress will work for development of agriculture, education and health in the state," Gandhi said.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation, saying he snatched money from the poor and put it in the pockets of the likes of Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation, saying he snatched money from the poor and put it in the pockets of the likes of Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya. Addressing a rally here ahead of the second phase of polling in the state on November 20, Gandhi said Modi helped "all the thieves of India turn their black money into white". Gandhi also charged the Modi government with ensuring benefit to Anil Ambani's company through the Rafale aircraft deal. The Modi-led government "snatched" Rs 30,000 crore from the poor and gave it to the industrialist, Gandhi added. Hitting out at Rahul and Sonia Gandhi for questioning him on demonetisation, Modi had Monday said in a poll rally he did not need a "certificate of honesty" from the "mother-son duo" who are out on bail. The Congress president claimed only the poor had to queue up outside banks to exchange notes after the prime minister announced invalidation of the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes on November 8, 2016. Gandhi said no person in "suit-boot" had queued up outside banks then. "Narendra Modi snatched money from under the pillows of our mothers and sisters and put it in the pockets of likes of Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya, Lalit Modi and Anil Ambani," Gandhi said. He accused the prime minister of not speaking up about demonetisation for two years till he made a "single line remark" on Monday. The Modi government wrote off Rs 3.5 lakh crore debt of the rich, Gandhi said. "Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya, Mehul Choksi ran away. Not a single word came from Narendra Modi's mouth," he said. On the Rafale fighter jet deal, Gandhi reiterated the NDA government "changed the contract to help Anil Ambani get it instead of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)." "It was your (people's) money, snatched from your pockets and that Rs 30,000 crore of yours Narendra Modi gave to Anil Ambani," Gandhi said. The Congress president also claimed that the CBI director was removed from his post at 1 am to stop a probe into the Rafale deal. "If there is an investigation, only two names will come up: Narendra Modi and Anil Ambani. Modi is scared of a probe," he said. He also accused the BJP-led governments of stealing people's money daily by "outsourcing works through RSS men". "In Delhi, the 'chowkidar' (Modi) is ensuring theft. And here (in Chhattisgarh), Doctor Sahib (Chief Minister Raman Singh) is ensuring theft. We will end outsourcing once the Congress comes to power," he said. Gandhi also launched a diatribe against the prime minister for "misleading" people on India's development. According to Modi, development of the country began only after 2014, when he became the prime minister, Gandhi said. "He (Modi) doesn't even know that the country is run by the people and not by a single man. He insults you by making such comments," the Congress president said. The Congress would write off Chhattisgarh farmers' debt within 10 days of coming to power and give free medical treatment and medicines to people of the state, he said. The prime minister made a "false" promise of generating two crore jobs a year, Gandhi said. A Congress chief minister would work "for 18 out of 24 hours" to generate employment for the state's youth, he added. "Instead of working for a few industrialists, Congress will work for development of agriculture, education and health in the state," Gandhi said.

Note ban hurt poor, benefited rich: Rahul Gandhi in Chhattisgarh

An encounter between security forces and Maoists broke out in Chhattisgarh's Sukma region on Monday wherein two Maoists were killed, news agency ANI reported, adding that two rifles have been recovered.

Earlier in the day, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-polls-3-more-crpf-commandos-injured-5-naxals-killed-in-bijapur-encounter-176850">five Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) jawans were injured</a> in another encounter that broke out between security forces and Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur's Pamed. The security forces gunned down five Naxals, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

IEDs were detected and defused by security forces in Bijapur area and Sukma district on Monday.&nbsp;

Amid Naxal attacks, Chhattisgarh went to polls on Monday in the first phase of the assembly elections.&nbsp;

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Two Maoists killed in an encounter with security forces in Sukma. Two rifles also recovered. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y5EVrBW6su">pic.twitter.com/Y5EVrBW6su</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1061979429629497345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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As many as 18 assembly constituencies, out of a total of 90, went to polls today in the first phase, the remaining 72 seats of Chhattisgarh assembly will go to vote on November 20 as part of a multi-phased voting across five states that also include neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram.

Polling concluded on Monday evening with nearly <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-elections-voter-turnout-recorded-at-close-to-60-as-1st-phase-of-polling-ends-176901">70 per cent voter turnout</a>. Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat stated that the polling went peacefully as compared to earlier elections.&nbsp;

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Polling was peaceful. In comparison to earlier elections, this elections have been singular achievement of the people working in fields. Attempts were made to create fear among people but enthusiasm in voters was appreciable: OP Rawat, Chief Election Commissioner <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a> <a href="https://t.co/eUXaT3iD7c">pic.twitter.com/eUXaT3iD7c</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1061985578986717186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Polling was peaceful. In comparison to earlier elections, this election has been singular achievement of the people working in fields. Attempts were made to create fear among people but enthusiasm in voters was appreciable," Rawat told media.&nbsp;

An encounter between security forces and Maoists broke out in Chhattisgarh's Sukma region on Monday wherein two Maoists were killed, news agency ANI reported, adding that two rifles have been recovered.

An encounter between security forces and Maoists broke out in Chhattisgarh's Sukma region on Monday wherein two Maoists were killed, news agency ANI reported, adding that two rifles have been recovered. Earlier in the day, five Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) jawans were injured in another encounter that broke out between security forces and Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur's Pamed. The security forces gunned down five Naxals, news agency ANI reported. IEDs were detected and defused by security forces in Bijapur area and Sukma district on Monday. Amid Naxal attacks, Chhattisgarh went to polls on Monday in the first phase of the assembly elections. Two Maoists killed in an encounter with security forces in Sukma. Two rifles also recovered. #Chhattisgarh pic.twitter.com/Y5EVrBW6su — ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2018 × As many as 18 assembly constituencies, out of a total of 90, went to polls today in the first phase, the remaining 72 seats of Chhattisgarh assembly will go to vote on November 20 as part of a multi-phased voting across five states that also include neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram. Polling concluded on Monday evening with nearly 70 per cent voter turnout. Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat stated that the polling went peacefully as compared to earlier elections. Polling was peaceful. In comparison to earlier elections, this elections have been singular achievement of the people working in fields. Attempts were made to create fear among people but enthusiasm in voters was appreciable: OP Rawat, Chief Election Commissioner #Chhattisgarh pic.twitter.com/eUXaT3iD7c — ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2018 × "Polling was peaceful. In comparison to earlier elections, this election has been singular achievement of the people working in fields. Attempts were made to create fear among people but enthusiasm in voters was appreciable," Rawat told media.

Chhattisgarh poll unrest: Two Maoists killed in encounter with security forces in Sukma region

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/naxals-denote-bomb-in-dantewada-as-polls-get-underway-in-chhattisgarh-176729">Naxals denote bomb in Dantewada as polls get underway in Chhattisgarh</a>

Naxals denoted an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) near Tumakpal camp in Katekalyan block in Dantewada as poll booths opened today in Chhattisgarh for the first phase of voting.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-minister-ananth-kumar-passes-away-at-59-in-bengaluru-176720">Union Minister Ananth Kumar passes away at 59 in Bengaluru</a>

Union Minister Ananth Kumar passed away in the wee hours of Monday in Bengaluru.

The 59-year-old political leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had not been keeping well for the past few months.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-killers-to-be-held-accountable-us-to-saudi-prince-salman-176722">Khashoggi killers to be held accountable: </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-killers-to-be-held-accountable-us-to-saudi-prince-salman-176722">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-killers-to-be-held-accountable-us-to-saudi-prince-salman-176722"> to Saudi Prince Salman</a>

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday the US will hold accountable all those involved in the killing of a dissident Saudi journalist, in a telephone call that also took in the conflict in Yemen.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-erupts-during-gaza-operation-1-israeli-soldier-and-6-palestinians-killed-176719">Clashes erupt during Gaza operation; 1 Israeli soldier and 6 Palestinians killed</a>

An exchange of fire erupted during an Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, killing six Palestinians and an Israeli soldier, officials said, while potentially dashing hopes that a recent agreement would restore calm.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-had-good-conversation-with-trump-in-paris-report-176726">Had </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-had-good-conversation-with-trump-in-paris-report-176726">good</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-had-good-conversation-with-trump-in-paris-report-176726"> conversation with Trump in Paris: Vladimir Putin</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday he had a brief but good conversation with US leader Donald Trump at World War I centenary events in Paris, Russian media reported.

&nbsp;

Naxals denote bomb in Dantewada as polls get underway in Chhattisgarh Naxals denoted an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) near Tumakpal camp in Katekalyan block in Dantewada as poll booths opened today in Chhattisgarh for the first phase of voting.

Naxals denote bomb in Dantewada as polls get underway in Chhattisgarh Naxals denoted an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) near Tumakpal camp in Katekalyan block in Dantewada as poll booths opened today in Chhattisgarh for the first phase of voting. Union Minister Ananth Kumar passes away at 59 in Bengaluru Union Minister Ananth Kumar passed away in the wee hours of Monday in Bengaluru. The 59-year-old political leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had not been keeping well for the past few months. Khashoggi killers to be held accountable: US to Saudi Prince Salman Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday the US will hold accountable all those involved in the killing of a dissident Saudi journalist, in a telephone call that also took in the conflict in Yemen. Clashes erupt during Gaza operation; 1 Israeli soldier and 6 Palestinians killed An exchange of fire erupted during an Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, killing six Palestinians and an Israeli soldier, officials said, while potentially dashing hopes that a recent agreement would restore calm. Had good conversation with Trump in Paris: Vladimir Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday he had a brief but good conversation with US leader Donald Trump at World War I centenary events in Paris, Russian media reported.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Three more Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) jawans were injured and at least five Naxals were killed in an encounter that broke out between security forces and Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur's Pamed area on Monday, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

According to reports, all CoBRA personnel are now out the danger. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-polls-naxal-violence-mars-voting-two-crpf-commandos-injured-176802">Two jawans were injured earlier on Monday</a> in the same encounter.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a>: Three more personnel of Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) are injured and around five Naxals are dead in the encounter that broke out between security forces &amp; Naxals in Bijapur's Pamed area today. All the CoBRA personnel are out danger. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a> <a href="https://t.co/TkhHF0pjpG">https://t.co/TkhHF0pjpG</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1061930060331081729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, security forces, earlier today, defused an IED detected on the road leading to Dwarapara polling booth, under PS Bairamgarh in Bijapur.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, the security forces detected three IEDs (Improvised Explosive Device) near a polling booth in Konta's Banda in Sukma district.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a>: Security forces defused IED detected on the road leading to Dwarapara polling booth, under PS Bairamgarh in Bijapur.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1061928494773481472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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As many as 18 assembly constituencies, out of a total of 90, have gone to polls today in the first phase of the electoral fight marred by Naxal attacks in Chhattisgarh.

The voter turnout in the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly election on Monday was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-assembly-polls-nearly-50-voter-turnout-recorded-till-3pm-176837">recorded at 47.18 per cent till 3 pm</a>. By 2 pm the same was recorded at nearly 38 per cent.

The remaining 72 seats of Chhattisgarh assembly will go to vote on November 20 as part of a multi-phased voting across five states that also include neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram.

Three more Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) jawans were injured and at least five Naxals were killed in an encounter that broke out between security forces and Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur's Pamed area on Monday, news agency ANI reported.

Three more Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) jawans were injured and at least five Naxals were killed in an encounter that broke out between security forces and Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur's Pamed area on Monday, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, all CoBRA personnel are now out the danger. Two jawans were injured earlier on Monday in the same encounter. #UPDATE: Three more personnel of Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) are injured and around five Naxals are dead in the encounter that broke out between security forces & Naxals in Bijapur's Pamed area today. All the CoBRA personnel are out danger. #Chhattisgarh https://t.co/TkhHF0pjpG — ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2018 × Meanwhile, security forces, earlier today, defused an IED detected on the road leading to Dwarapara polling booth, under PS Bairamgarh in Bijapur. Earlier in the day, the security forces detected three IEDs (Improvised Explosive Device) near a polling booth in Konta's Banda in Sukma district. #Chhattisgarh: Security forces defused IED detected on the road leading to Dwarapara polling booth, under PS Bairamgarh in Bijapur. — ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2018 × As many as 18 assembly constituencies, out of a total of 90, have gone to polls today in the first phase of the electoral fight marred by Naxal attacks in Chhattisgarh. The voter turnout in the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly election on Monday was recorded at 47.18 per cent till 3 pm. By 2 pm the same was recorded at nearly 38 per cent. The remaining 72 seats of Chhattisgarh assembly will go to vote on November 20 as part of a multi-phased voting across five states that also include neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram.

Chhattisgarh poll violence: 5 CRPF commandos injured, 5 Naxals killed in Bijapur encounter

The voter turnout in the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly election on Monday was recorded at 56.58 per cent till 4.30pm. By 2pm the same was recorded at nearly 38 per cent, the figure rose to nearly 50 per cent by 3pm.

As many as 18 assembly constituencies, out of a total of 90, have gone to polls today in the first phase of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/naxals-denote-bomb-in-dantewada-as-polls-get-underway-in-chhattisgarh-176729">electoral fight</a> marred by Naxal attacks.

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56.58% voter turnout recorded till 4.30 pm in the first phase of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChhattisgarhAssemblyElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChhattisgarhAssemblyElections2018</a> including 61.47% in Kondagaon; 63.51% in Keshkal; 62% in Kanker; 58% in Bastar; 49% in Dantewada; 60.5% in Khairagarh; 64% in Dongargarh; 65.5% in Khujji. <a href="https://t.co/NFm2aIAEcR">pic.twitter.com/NFm2aIAEcR</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1061942152341659648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Voting in nine seats of Bastar division and one seat in Rajnandgaon district began at 7am and concluded at 3pm, while in the other eight seats, it started at 8am and will culminate at 5pm, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

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47.18% voter turnout recorded till 3 pm in the first phase of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChhattisgarhAssemblyElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChhattisgarhAssemblyElections2018</a>. <a href="https://t.co/dJVvqC53OZ">pic.twitter.com/dJVvqC53OZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1061920491089334272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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As many as 31 electronic voting machines (EVMs) and 51 voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) machines were replaced due to technical snags, an official said.

A thick security blanket comprising over 1.25 lakh police and paramilitary personnel were thrown across the 18 constituencies as they fall under the Naxal-hit areas of Bastar, Kanker, Sukma, Bijapur, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Kondagaon and Rajnandgaon districts.

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After the Nilwaya naxal attack, the challenges have gone up. Naxals had threatened villagers against voting. We assured the villagers of a secure environment, put in place a three level security so that people can vote without fear:CRPF official <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChhattisgarhAssemblyElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChhattisgarhAssemblyElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/gqV7H5Vb4F">pic.twitter.com/gqV7H5Vb4F</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1061910156584386560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, security forces detected three IEDs (Improvised Explosive Device) near a polling booth in Konta's Banda in Sukma district. According to reports, two jawans of Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-polls-naxal-violence-mars-voting-two-crpf-commandos-injured-176802">were injured on Monday</a> in an encounter that broke out between security forces and Naxals in Bijapur's Pamed area.

As many as 190 candidates are in the fray and as many as 4,336 polling booths have been set up where 19,079 polling personnel are deployed in the first of Chhattisgarh assembly polls.

Among the prominent candidates are Chief Minister Raman Singh, state ministers Kedar Kashyap (Narayanpur) and Mahesh Gagda (Bijapur), and BJP Kanker Lok Sabha MP Vikram Usendi (Antagarh).

The remaining 72 seats of Chhattisgarh assembly will go to vote on November 20 as part of a multi-phased voting across five states that also include neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The voter turnout in the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly election on Monday was recorded at 56.58 per cent till 4.30pm. By 2pm the same was recorded at nearly 38 per cent, the figure rose to nearly 50 per cent by 3pm.

The voter turnout in the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly election on Monday was recorded at 56.58 per cent till 4.30pm. By 2pm the same was recorded at nearly 38 per cent, the figure rose to nearly 50 per cent by 3pm. As many as 18 assembly constituencies, out of a total of 90, have gone to polls today in the first phase of the electoral fight marred by Naxal attacks. 56.58% voter turnout recorded till 4.30 pm in the first phase of #ChhattisgarhAssemblyElections2018 including 61.47% in Kondagaon; 63.51% in Keshkal; 62% in Kanker; 58% in Bastar; 49% in Dantewada; 60.5% in Khairagarh; 64% in Dongargarh; 65.5% in Khujji. pic.twitter.com/NFm2aIAEcR — ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2018 × Voting in nine seats of Bastar division and one seat in Rajnandgaon district began at 7am and concluded at 3pm, while in the other eight seats, it started at 8am and will culminate at 5pm, news agency PTI reported. 47.18% voter turnout recorded till 3 pm in the first phase of #ChhattisgarhAssemblyElections2018. pic.twitter.com/dJVvqC53OZ — ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2018 × As many as 31 electronic voting machines (EVMs) and 51 voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) machines were replaced due to technical snags, an official said. A thick security blanket comprising over 1.25 lakh police and paramilitary personnel were thrown across the 18 constituencies as they fall under the Naxal-hit areas of Bastar, Kanker, Sukma, Bijapur, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Kondagaon and Rajnandgaon districts. After the Nilwaya naxal attack, the challenges have gone up. Naxals had threatened villagers against voting. We assured the villagers of a secure environment, put in place a three level security so that people can vote without fear:CRPF official #ChhattisgarhAssemblyElections2018 pic.twitter.com/gqV7H5Vb4F — ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2018 × Meanwhile, security forces detected three IEDs (Improvised Explosive Device) near a polling booth in Konta's Banda in Sukma district. According to reports, two jawans of Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) were injured on Monday in an encounter that broke out between security forces and Naxals in Bijapur's Pamed area. As many as 190 candidates are in the fray and as many as 4,336 polling booths have been set up where 19,079 polling personnel are deployed in the first of Chhattisgarh assembly polls. Among the prominent candidates are Chief Minister Raman Singh, state ministers Kedar Kashyap (Narayanpur) and Mahesh Gagda (Bijapur), and BJP Kanker Lok Sabha MP Vikram Usendi (Antagarh). The remaining 72 seats of Chhattisgarh assembly will go to vote on November 20 as part of a multi-phased voting across five states that also include neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram. (With inputs from agencies)

Chhattisgarh assembly polls: 56.58% voter turnout recorded till 4.30pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday attacked the Congress, targeting its president Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia, saying the party's "politics begins and ends with one family".

Addressing a poll rally here ahead of the second phase polling in the state on November 20, PM Modi also made a strong pitch for development, saying the pace of development under the Congress regime in the state was "far slow" than the one under the BJP-led government.

Singling out the Gandhis, PM Modi said the "mother-son duo" was out on bail and hit out at them for questioning the government's demonetisation move. "They forget it was due to demonetisation that they had to seek bail," PM Modi said, adding "those seeking bail are giving a certificate to PM Modi".

PM Modi asserted the BJP was for development and that it was due to this commitment that the opposition was unable to understand how to compete with the ruling party in elections.

He also targeted the Congress president, saying when Congress released its 36-point manifesto for Chhattisgarh polls, Naamdaar (Rahul Gandhi) was referred to as Sir 150 times which shows he is more important for them (Congress) than Chhattisgarh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday attacked the Congress, targeting its president Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia, saying the party's "politics begins and ends with one family".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday attacked the Congress, targeting its president Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia, saying the party's "politics begins and ends with one family". Addressing a poll rally here ahead of the second phase polling in the state on November 20, PM Modi also made a strong pitch for development, saying the pace of development under the Congress regime in the state was "far slow" than the one under the BJP-led government. Singling out the Gandhis, PM Modi said the "mother-son duo" was out on bail and hit out at them for questioning the government's demonetisation move. "They forget it was due to demonetisation that they had to seek bail," PM Modi said, adding "those seeking bail are giving a certificate to PM Modi". PM Modi asserted the BJP was for development and that it was due to this commitment that the opposition was unable to understand how to compete with the ruling party in elections. He also targeted the Congress president, saying when Congress released its 36-point manifesto for Chhattisgarh polls, Naamdaar (Rahul Gandhi) was referred to as Sir 150 times which shows he is more important for them (Congress) than Chhattisgarh.

Congress politics begins and ends with one family: PM Modi in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh

Two jawans of Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) were injured on Monday in an encounter that broke out between security forces and Naxals in Bijapur's Pamed area.

Eighteen out of 90 Assembly constituencies, including 12 ‘red zone’ seats, are up for polls in the first phase today.

The remaining 72 seats of Chhattisgarh assembly will go to vote on November 20 as part of a multi-phased voting across five states that also include neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram.

Polling in 18 assembly constituencies in the first phase of the Chhattisgarh elections began on a slow note with about 25.15 per cent of the electorate casting their votes in the first few hours, a poll official said.

Earlier in the morning, an improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated in Dantewada district by Maoists, who had called for a boycott of the polls, the police said.

Meanwhile, a thick security blanket, comprising over 1.25 lakh police and paramilitary personnel, was thrown across the 18 constituencies as they fall under the Maoist-hit areas of Bastar, Kanker, Sukma, Bijapur, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Kondagaon and Rajnandgaon districts.

Sukma's Superintendent of Police Abhishek Meena said voters from interiors areas in the district were coming out to exercise their right to vote, defying the Maoists to call for the election boycott.

In 'Bhejji 2' and Gorkha polling booths, zero voting was recorded in the 2013 polls, but this time 11 and 20 voters respectively had voted in the initial hours, he said.

In 'Bhejji 1' polling station, where last time only one vote was cast, 72 people had voted so far this time, the officer said.

In the first phase, 190 candidates were in the fray and as many as 4,336 polling booths had been set up and 19,079 polling personnel were deployed there.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two jawans of Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) were injured on Monday in an encounter that broke out between security forces and Naxals in Bijapur's Pamed area.

Two jawans of Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) were injured on Monday in an encounter that broke out between security forces and Naxals in Bijapur's Pamed area. Eighteen out of 90 Assembly constituencies, including 12 ‘red zone’ seats, are up for polls in the first phase today. The remaining 72 seats of Chhattisgarh assembly will go to vote on November 20 as part of a multi-phased voting across five states that also include neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram. Polling in 18 assembly constituencies in the first phase of the Chhattisgarh elections began on a slow note with about 25.15 per cent of the electorate casting their votes in the first few hours, a poll official said. Earlier in the morning, an improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated in Dantewada district by Maoists, who had called for a boycott of the polls, the police said. Meanwhile, a thick security blanket, comprising over 1.25 lakh police and paramilitary personnel, was thrown across the 18 constituencies as they fall under the Maoist-hit areas of Bastar, Kanker, Sukma, Bijapur, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Kondagaon and Rajnandgaon districts. Sukma's Superintendent of Police Abhishek Meena said voters from interiors areas in the district were coming out to exercise their right to vote, defying the Maoists to call for the election boycott. In 'Bhejji 2' and Gorkha polling booths, zero voting was recorded in the 2013 polls, but this time 11 and 20 voters respectively had voted in the initial hours, he said. In 'Bhejji 1' polling station, where last time only one vote was cast, 72 people had voted so far this time, the officer said. In the first phase, 190 candidates were in the fray and as many as 4,336 polling booths had been set up and 19,079 polling personnel were deployed there. (With inputs from agencies)

Chhattisgarh polls: Naxal violence mars voting; two CRPF commandos injured

The elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram to be held in November and December is all ready to set the stage for the political battle for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The polls in the states being held five months before the 2019 general elections hold strategic importance as it sends 83 members to the Lok Sabha. The elections will also act as a litmus test for the parties and their alliances.

The elections will commence from Chhattisgarh which has been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-one-ultra-killed-in-encounter-between-security-forces-and-maoists-176612">reeling from the conflict</a> between the Maoists and the state.

The 90 seat state will hold elections in two phases. While the South Chhattisgarh’s 18 seats will go to polls on November 12, the remaining 72 seats of the North Chhattisgarh will hold elections on November 20.

The BJP came to power in Chhattisgarh in 2003 and has since then been ruling over the state under the leadership of Raman Singh.

The party, which ruled over the state for 15 years, is facing serious anti-incumbency. In the last elections held in 2013, BJP had gained a marginal victory by winning over 49 seats while the Congress got hold over 39 seats. BJP had got 41.04 per cent votes while the Congress received 40.29 per cent.

The party may also have to face the consequence as it failed to fulfil the electoral promise of the last election where it had assured a Minimum Support Price of Rs 2100 for paddy cultivation.

Chief Minister of the state Raman Singh has been urging the voters to not to compare the status of the state with the developments that have taken place since 2013 but to compare it with the Congress regime in 2003.

BJP, however, has an edge over the major opponent Congress as the BSP refused to form an alliance with the latter.

The state which has majorly seen a political battle between two parties is set to witness the entry of a new party in the state.

Mayawati’s BSP has decided to fight the elections in the state along with Ajit Jogi’s Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (JCC) refusing to form an alliance with the Congress.

Madhya Pradesh with 230 seats will go to polls on November 28. The state has been led by BJP for the past three terms. BJP ended the ten years of Congress rule in 2003 under the leadership of Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The party held a landslide victory in the state in 2013 by winning over 45 per cent of the votes which accounted for 165 seats. The Congress won 58 seats by gaining control over 36.38 per cent vote. The BJP has good control over the Hindu votes in the state and has assured to create a separate ministry for cow protection in its electoral promise.&nbsp;

The Congress is also adopting measures to picture itself as a party of Hindus. Besides Rahul Gandhi’s continuing temple visits, the Congress has also promised to develop the route taken by Lord Rama on his way to exile as Ram Van Gaman Path and build a gaushala on every panchayat.

Along with Madhya Pradesh, northeastern state Mizoram will also go to polls on November 28. Mizoram is one of the three states which is currently being ruled by Congress. In the last election, the Congress won 34 out of the 40 seats in the state, while the BJP, which has never been able to form a government in the state, could not win a single seat. The state is being ruled by Congress leader Lal Thanhawla since 2008. The major opposition party Mizo National Front (MNF) won five seats. MNF is hoping to win the elections due to the anti-incumbency factor present in the state.

The BJP is also working to change its anti-Christian image. They are planning to field a Mizo Christian candidate. The party has also said that it was ready to form an alliance with any regional party.

Rajasthan and Telangana will go to polls on December 7.

The 200 seats state Rajasthan will go to polls on December 20. Currently ruled by BJP leader Vasundhara Raje, BJP had won 163 seats out of the 200 in the last elections. The Congress, on the other hand, could manage only 21 seats. &nbsp;BJP's winning mandate in 2013 was the highest in Rajasthan’s election history. The incumbent government hopes to break the twenty-year-old tradition of the state, which has never allowed any existing government to repeat its victory in the consecutive election. The assembly elections in Rajasthan have always replaced the existing power. In the bypolls held in the state this year the BJP was defeated by Congress in three regions. Following this, the BJP launched damage control measures in the state. It changed its state unit president to MLA Kirodi Lal Meena who is known to have a popular hold over the large Scheduled Tribe community in east Rajasthan.

&nbsp;Telangana which was carved out of Andhra Pradesh in 2014 will go to polls as TRS chief and state chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao dissolved the assembly this year. &nbsp;In the first assembly of the state, KCR’s Rashtra Samiti had won 63 seats, Congress-21, BJP-5 while the Telugu Desam Party had won 15 seats. The Congress which is accusing the TRS of betraying the people has formed an alliance with TDP and CPI for the upcoming polls in the state. While according to some reports, there seems to exist a possible rift between Congress and TDP. 
&nbsp;

The elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram to be held in November and December is all ready to set the stage for the political battle for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

The elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram to be held in November and December is all ready to set the stage for the political battle for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The polls in the states being held five months before the 2019 general elections hold strategic importance as it sends 83 members to the Lok Sabha. The elections will also act as a litmus test for the parties and their alliances. The elections will commence from Chhattisgarh which has been reeling from the conflict between the Maoists and the state. The 90 seat state will hold elections in two phases. While the South Chhattisgarh’s 18 seats will go to polls on November 12, the remaining 72 seats of the North Chhattisgarh will hold elections on November 20. The BJP came to power in Chhattisgarh in 2003 and has since then been ruling over the state under the leadership of Raman Singh. The party, which ruled over the state for 15 years, is facing serious anti-incumbency. In the last elections held in 2013, BJP had gained a marginal victory by winning over 49 seats while the Congress got hold over 39 seats. BJP had got 41.04 per cent votes while the Congress received 40.29 per cent. The party may also have to face the consequence as it failed to fulfil the electoral promise of the last election where it had assured a Minimum Support Price of Rs 2100 for paddy cultivation. Chief Minister of the state Raman Singh has been urging the voters to not to compare the status of the state with the developments that have taken place since 2013 but to compare it with the Congress regime in 2003. BJP, however, has an edge over the major opponent Congress as the BSP refused to form an alliance with the latter. The state which has majorly seen a political battle between two parties is set to witness the entry of a new party in the state. Mayawati’s BSP has decided to fight the elections in the state along with Ajit Jogi’s Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (JCC) refusing to form an alliance with the Congress. Madhya Pradesh with 230 seats will go to polls on November 28. The state has been led by BJP for the past three terms. BJP ended the ten years of Congress rule in 2003 under the leadership of Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The party held a landslide victory in the state in 2013 by winning over 45 per cent of the votes which accounted for 165 seats. The Congress won 58 seats by gaining control over 36.38 per cent vote. The BJP has good control over the Hindu votes in the state and has assured to create a separate ministry for cow protection in its electoral promise. The Congress is also adopting measures to picture itself as a party of Hindus. Besides Rahul Gandhi’s continuing temple visits, the Congress has also promised to develop the route taken by Lord Rama on his way to exile as Ram Van Gaman Path and build a gaushala on every panchayat. Along with Madhya Pradesh, northeastern state Mizoram will also go to polls on November 28. Mizoram is one of the three states which is currently being ruled by Congress. In the last election, the Congress won 34 out of the 40 seats in the state, while the BJP, which has never been able to form a government in the state, could not win a single seat. The state is being ruled by Congress leader Lal Thanhawla since 2008. The major opposition party Mizo National Front (MNF) won five seats. MNF is hoping to win the elections due to the anti-incumbency factor present in the state. The BJP is also working to change its anti-Christian image. They are planning to field a Mizo Christian candidate. The party has also said that it was ready to form an alliance with any regional party. Rajasthan and Telangana will go to polls on December 7. The 200 seats state Rajasthan will go to polls on December 20. Currently ruled by BJP leader Vasundhara Raje, BJP had won 163 seats out of the 200 in the last elections. The Congress, on the other hand, could manage only 21 seats. BJP's winning mandate in 2013 was the highest in Rajasthan’s election history. The incumbent government hopes to break the twenty-year-old tradition of the state, which has never allowed any existing government to repeat its victory in the consecutive election. The assembly elections in Rajasthan have always replaced the existing power. In the bypolls held in the state this year the BJP was defeated by Congress in three regions. Following this, the BJP launched damage control measures in the state. It changed its state unit president to MLA Kirodi Lal Meena who is known to have a popular hold over the large Scheduled Tribe community in east Rajasthan. Telangana which was carved out of Andhra Pradesh in 2014 will go to polls as TRS chief and state chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao dissolved the assembly this year. In the first assembly of the state, KCR’s Rashtra Samiti had won 63 seats, Congress-21, BJP-5 while the Telugu Desam Party had won 15 seats. The Congress which is accusing the TRS of betraying the people has formed an alliance with TDP and CPI for the upcoming polls in the state. While according to some reports, there seems to exist a possible rift between Congress and TDP.

Assembly elections 2018: Litmus test for parties, alliances before 2019 elections

Chhattisgarh's Congress vice president Ghanaram Sahu resigned from the party on Sunday, a day ahead of the first phase of polling in the state.

In his resignation letter addressed to the state's party president Bhupesh Baghel, Sahu has alleged that he was mentally harassed by Baghel due to personal grudges.

The first phase of elections comprises 18 seats distributed in eight Naxal-affected districts of the state.

Of these, 12 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes, while one is Scheduled Caste reserved seat.The polling for remaining 72 seats will take place on November 20.

The counting of votes will take place on December 11. A total of 1,291 candidates are in the fray for the two-phased state polls.&nbsp;

Chhattisgarh's Congress vice president Ghanaram Sahu resigned from the party on Sunday, a day ahead of the first phase of polling in the state. In his resignation letter addressed to the state's party president Bhupesh Baghel, Sahu has alleged that he was mentally harassed by Baghel due to personal grudges.

Chhattisgarh's Congress vice president Ghanaram Sahu resigned from the party on Sunday, a day ahead of the first phase of polling in the state. In his resignation letter addressed to the state's party president Bhupesh Baghel, Sahu has alleged that he was mentally harassed by Baghel due to personal grudges. The first phase of elections comprises 18 seats distributed in eight Naxal-affected districts of the state. Of these, 12 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes, while one is Scheduled Caste reserved seat.The polling for remaining 72 seats will take place on November 20. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. A total of 1,291 candidates are in the fray for the two-phased state polls.

Ahead of polls, Chhattisgarh's Congress VP Ghanaram Sahu resigns

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Sunday promised a corruption-free administration, prohibition and a loan waiver for farmers if elected to power in Chhattisgarh.

Releasing its manifesto here for the state polls, which the AAP is contesting for the first time, the Arvind Kejriwal-led party announced a slew of measures for different sections of the society.

The Delhi-based party has fielded candidates in all the 90 assembly seats in the BJP-ruled state.

The AAP manifesto comes on the eve of the first phase of polling Monday covering 18 assembly seats spread across over half a dozen Naxal-affected districts.

The second and final phase of voting, covering the remaining 72 seats, will be held on November 20.

In its 36-point manifesto, the fledgling outfit has promised Rs 2,600 minimum support price (MSP) for each quintal of paddy, a loan waiver for farmers, jobs to youths and a ban on sale of liquor in the state.

"After the AAP government is formed in the state, the priority will be to make it corruption-free and prosperous," Delhi Cabinet Minister and Chhattisgarh AAP in-charge

Gopal Rai said while releasing the manifesto at a press conference.

The journey for a prosperous Chhattisgarh can not be undertaken until corruption is eradicated, he said.

Apart from the main manifesto, all the AAP candidates have released similar documents in their respective areas, incorporating measures based on the situation prevailing in their region, he said.

Targeting the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress, Rai sought to know what the two national parties have done for the state, which has a large tribal population.

"What Ajit Jogi had done when he was (Congress) chief minister for three years (2000-2003) and what the BJP has done during its 15-year long rule?" the AAP leader asked.

"Instead of releasing its report card (of works done till now), the BJP released its manifesto on Saturday as if it was seeking a chance for the first time to form its government in the state," Rai said.

The ruling party had made a slew of promises to farmers ahead of every election, but it did not fulfil them, he said.

All these years, farmers did not get good returns on their produce and once again the BJP has made "false" promises to cultivators (in its manifesto), Rai said.

Besides providing remunerative price to paddy growers, the AAP will generate jobs for the youths of the state if elected to power, he said.

The youths of the state will be given priority in jobs in private as well as government sectors and the contract system of employment will be abolished, Rai added.

Agriculture-based industries will be set up in the state, he added.

The manifesto also promised a compensation of Rs 20,000 per acre in event of crop loss and introduction of new farm technologies.

Besides, it promised to bring Chhattisgarh Jan Lokpal Bill, an anti-graft legislation covering the Chief Minister, ministers, MLAs and all government officers.

The AAP wants to make Chhattisgarh an alcohol-free state. Liquor will be banned for people barring for some special communities, Rai said.

The party has projected its Bhanupratappur assembly seat candidate Komal Hupendi as its chief ministerial candidate.&nbsp;

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Sunday promised a corruption-free administration, prohibition and a loan waiver for farmers if elected to power in Chhattisgarh. Releasing its manifesto here for the state polls, which the AAP is contesting for the first time, the Arvind Kejriwal-led party announced a slew of measures for different sections of the society.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Sunday promised a corruption-free administration, prohibition and a loan waiver for farmers if elected to power in Chhattisgarh. Releasing its manifesto here for the state polls, which the AAP is contesting for the first time, the Arvind Kejriwal-led party announced a slew of measures for different sections of the society. The Delhi-based party has fielded candidates in all the 90 assembly seats in the BJP-ruled state. The AAP manifesto comes on the eve of the first phase of polling Monday covering 18 assembly seats spread across over half a dozen Naxal-affected districts. The second and final phase of voting, covering the remaining 72 seats, will be held on November 20. In its 36-point manifesto, the fledgling outfit has promised Rs 2,600 minimum support price (MSP) for each quintal of paddy, a loan waiver for farmers, jobs to youths and a ban on sale of liquor in the state. "After the AAP government is formed in the state, the priority will be to make it corruption-free and prosperous," Delhi Cabinet Minister and Chhattisgarh AAP in-charge Gopal Rai said while releasing the manifesto at a press conference. The journey for a prosperous Chhattisgarh can not be undertaken until corruption is eradicated, he said. Apart from the main manifesto, all the AAP candidates have released similar documents in their respective areas, incorporating measures based on the situation prevailing in their region, he said. Targeting the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress, Rai sought to know what the two national parties have done for the state, which has a large tribal population. "What Ajit Jogi had done when he was (Congress) chief minister for three years (2000-2003) and what the BJP has done during its 15-year long rule?" the AAP leader asked. "Instead of releasing its report card (of works done till now), the BJP released its manifesto on Saturday as if it was seeking a chance for the first time to form its government in the state," Rai said. The ruling party had made a slew of promises to farmers ahead of every election, but it did not fulfil them, he said. All these years, farmers did not get good returns on their produce and once again the BJP has made "false" promises to cultivators (in its manifesto), Rai said. Besides providing remunerative price to paddy growers, the AAP will generate jobs for the youths of the state if elected to power, he said. The youths of the state will be given priority in jobs in private as well as government sectors and the contract system of employment will be abolished, Rai added. Agriculture-based industries will be set up in the state, he added. The manifesto also promised a compensation of Rs 20,000 per acre in event of crop loss and introduction of new farm technologies. Besides, it promised to bring Chhattisgarh Jan Lokpal Bill, an anti-graft legislation covering the Chief Minister, ministers, MLAs and all government officers. The AAP wants to make Chhattisgarh an alcohol-free state. Liquor will be banned for people barring for some special communities, Rai said. The party has projected its Bhanupratappur assembly seat candidate Komal Hupendi as its chief ministerial candidate.

AAP promises farm loan waiver, prohibition in Chhattisgarh

The Bhartiya Janata Party on Saturday&nbsp;released election&nbsp;manifesto for Chhattisgarh where election is scheduled to he held on November 12 and 20.

The manifesto, released by&nbsp;BJP President Amit Shah&nbsp;in the presence of chief minister Raman Singh,&nbsp;promises to build a film city in the state and journalist welfare board.&nbsp;In addition. &nbsp;Shah has also assured that the BJP government will provide loans up to 2 lakh without interest to women for starting their business.&nbsp;

The manifesto also promised free books and uniform to students till 12th standard.

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छत्तीसगढ़ फिल्म सिटी का निर्माण किया जाएगा, 12वीं तक सभी छात्र-छात्राओं को मुफ्त किताबें और वर्दी दी जाएगी : श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/drramansingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@drramansingh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJPCGSankalpPatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJPCGSankalpPatra</a> 
 
लाइव देखें <a href="https://t.co/jtwD1yPhm4">https://t.co/jtwD1yPhm4</a> || <a href="https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT">https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT</a> <a href="https://t.co/8VFTVTGUfW">pic.twitter.com/8VFTVTGUfW</a>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1061155039325052929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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पत्रकार कल्याण बोर्ड का गठन किया जाएगा, महिलाओं को अपने व्यापार शुरू करने के लिए 2 लाख रुपये तक ब्याज मुक्त ऋण: श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/drramansingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@drramansingh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJPCGSankalpPatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJPCGSankalpPatra</a> <a href="https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT">https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT</a> <a href="https://t.co/A9jrllaOLJ">pic.twitter.com/A9jrllaOLJ</a>
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Addressing the event, Amit Shah said, "Raman Singh has taken concrete steps to change Chhattisgarh in the past 15 years. He has been successful at his attempts at developing the state." &nbsp;

Shah further said that the BJP's most successful achievement in the state has been its&nbsp;crackdown on naxals. He said Raman Singh has almost finished Naxalism in Chhattisgarh.

"BJP government in Chhattisgarh and its 15 years of governance sets a perfect example of a welfare state in the country, "&nbsp;Shah added.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/drramansingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@drramansingh</a> जी ने 15 साल में छत्तीसगढ़ को बदलने का भरसक प्रयास किया है, सफल प्रयास किया है। हमारी सबसे बड़ी उपलब्धि नक्सलवाद पर नकेल कसने की है, रमन सिंह जी ने नक्सलवाद को करीब करीब खत्म कर दिया है: श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> <a href="https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT">https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJPCGSankalpPatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJPCGSankalpPatra</a> <a href="https://t.co/2EOcwa4gQj">pic.twitter.com/2EOcwa4gQj</a>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1061148861232644096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He said Chhattisgarh is the first state to provide short-term loans at zero interest and the first to bring in its own law for skill development.

Hitting out the Congress, Shah&nbsp;said the party which sees a revolution in Naxalism can never do any good for the state.

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जिस पार्टी को नक्सलवाद में क्रांति दिखाई देती हो वो छत्तीसगढ़ का भला नहीं कर सकती: श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJPCGSankalpPatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJPCGSankalpPatra</a> 
 
लाइव देखें <a href="https://t.co/jtwD1yPhm4">https://t.co/jtwD1yPhm4</a> || <a href="https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT">https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT</a>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1061153256766763008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Congress ruled for almost 55 years in the country but the Modi government at the centre and the BJP government at the state is delivering development to every citizen of the state, " Amit Shah said.

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कांग्रेस ने करीब-करीब 55 साल शासन किया है लेकिन देश के अंतिम व्यक्ति तक विकास पहुँचाने का काम केंद्र की मोदी सरकार और राज्य में भाजपा सरकारें कर रही है : श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> <a href="https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT">https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJPCGSankalpPatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJPCGSankalpPatra</a> <a href="https://t.co/KXKe8ghJxd">pic.twitter.com/KXKe8ghJxd</a>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1061153087182667778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He further praised the BJP government in the state&nbsp;and said providing 24-hour electricity, clean water, roads, education, health has been his government's big achievement.

&nbsp;

The Bhartiya Janata Party on Saturday released election manifesto for Chhattisgarh where election is scheduled to he held on November 12 and 20. The manifesto, released by BJP President Amit Shah in the presence of chief minister Raman Singh, promises to build a film city in the state and journalist welfare board.

The Bhartiya Janata Party on Saturday released election manifesto for Chhattisgarh where election is scheduled to he held on November 12 and 20. The manifesto, released by BJP President Amit Shah in the presence of chief minister Raman Singh, promises to build a film city in the state and journalist welfare board. In addition. Shah has also assured that the BJP government will provide loans up to 2 lakh without interest to women for starting their business. The manifesto also promised free books and uniform to students till 12th standard. छत्तीसगढ़ फिल्म सिटी का निर्माण किया जाएगा, 12वीं तक सभी छात्र-छात्राओं को मुफ्त किताबें और वर्दी दी जाएगी : श्री @drramansingh #BJPCGSankalpPatra लाइव देखें https://t.co/jtwD1yPhm4 || https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT pic.twitter.com/8VFTVTGUfW — BJP (@BJP4India) November 10, 2018 × पत्रकार कल्याण बोर्ड का गठन किया जाएगा, महिलाओं को अपने व्यापार शुरू करने के लिए 2 लाख रुपये तक ब्याज मुक्त ऋण: श्री @drramansingh #BJPCGSankalpPatra https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT pic.twitter.com/A9jrllaOLJ — BJP (@BJP4India) November 10, 2018 × Addressing the event, Amit Shah said, "Raman Singh has taken concrete steps to change Chhattisgarh in the past 15 years. He has been successful at his attempts at developing the state." Shah further said that the BJP's most successful achievement in the state has been its crackdown on naxals. He said Raman Singh has almost finished Naxalism in Chhattisgarh. "BJP government in Chhattisgarh and its 15 years of governance sets a perfect example of a welfare state in the country, " Shah added. .@drramansingh जी ने 15 साल में छत्तीसगढ़ को बदलने का भरसक प्रयास किया है, सफल प्रयास किया है। हमारी सबसे बड़ी उपलब्धि नक्सलवाद पर नकेल कसने की है, रमन सिंह जी ने नक्सलवाद को करीब करीब खत्म कर दिया है: श्री @AmitShah https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT #BJPCGSankalpPatra pic.twitter.com/2EOcwa4gQj — BJP (@BJP4India) November 10, 2018 × He said Chhattisgarh is the first state to provide short-term loans at zero interest and the first to bring in its own law for skill development. Hitting out the Congress, Shah said the party which sees a revolution in Naxalism can never do any good for the state. जिस पार्टी को नक्सलवाद में क्रांति दिखाई देती हो वो छत्तीसगढ़ का भला नहीं कर सकती: श्री @AmitShah #BJPCGSankalpPatra लाइव देखें https://t.co/jtwD1yPhm4 || https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT — BJP (@BJP4India) November 10, 2018 × "Congress ruled for almost 55 years in the country but the Modi government at the centre and the BJP government at the state is delivering development to every citizen of the state, " Amit Shah said. कांग्रेस ने करीब-करीब 55 साल शासन किया है लेकिन देश के अंतिम व्यक्ति तक विकास पहुँचाने का काम केंद्र की मोदी सरकार और राज्य में भाजपा सरकारें कर रही है : श्री @AmitShah https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT #BJPCGSankalpPatra pic.twitter.com/KXKe8ghJxd — BJP (@BJP4India) November 10, 2018 × He further praised the BJP government in the state and said providing 24-hour electricity, clean water, roads, education, health has been his government's big achievement.

BJP promises interest-free loan to women in Chhattisgarh election manifesto

Congress president on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh and said that the BJP leader did not act against his son despite his name appeared in Panama papers.&nbsp;

Addressing an election rally at Kanker in Chhattisgarh, he said that CM should explain to the people of Chhattisgarh why no action was taken against his son, whose name appeared in Panama papers.&nbsp;

In Pakistan, prime minister was jailed because his name appeared in Panama papers, he said.&nbsp;

Speaking about the PDS Scam and the alleged mention of ‘CM Madam’ and ‘Dr Sahab’ in a diary, Rahul said he asked Raman Singh who is this CM Madam and Dr Sahab whose names had been found in the diary in connection with the scam but the CM didn’t answer.&nbsp;

Rs 36,000 crore belonging to the people of Chhattisgarh was looted, the Congress leader alleged.

Coming down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said Modi says he's fighting against corruption but when he comes to Chhattisgarh he doesn't tell the people that the state's chief minister is corrupt.&nbsp;

''Your Rs 5000 core disappeared in chit-fund scam, 310 FIRs were registered but no action was taken because CM was involved, Gandhi alleged.&nbsp;

Congress president on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh and said that the BJP leader did not act against his son despite his name appeared in Panama papers.

Congress president on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh and said that the BJP leader did not act against his son despite his name appeared in Panama papers. Addressing an election rally at Kanker in Chhattisgarh, he said that CM should explain to the people of Chhattisgarh why no action was taken against his son, whose name appeared in Panama papers. In Pakistan, prime minister was jailed because his name appeared in Panama papers, he said. Speaking about the PDS Scam and the alleged mention of ‘CM Madam’ and ‘Dr Sahab’ in a diary, Rahul said he asked Raman Singh who is this CM Madam and Dr Sahab whose names had been found in the diary in connection with the scam but the CM didn’t answer. Rs 36,000 crore belonging to the people of Chhattisgarh was looted, the Congress leader alleged. Coming down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said Modi says he's fighting against corruption but when he comes to Chhattisgarh he doesn't tell the people that the state's chief minister is corrupt. ''Your Rs 5000 core disappeared in chit-fund scam, 310 FIRs were registered but no action was taken because CM was involved, Gandhi alleged.

Modi says he's fighting corruption but is mum on corrupt Raman Singh: Rahul Gandhi 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday accused the Congress of backing ‘urban Maoists’ who he said have ruined the lives of poor Adivasi youth.

Addressing his first election rally for the state Assembly polls scheduled later this month, Modi also said Congress makes “fun” of adivasis (tribals). “I don’t know why Congress makes fun of adivasis. Once I had gone for a rally in North-East India and wore a traditional adivasi headgear but Congress leaders made fun of it. This was an insult of adivasi culture,” he said.

Mr. Modi said he will not rest till he fulfils late Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s dreams for a prosperous Chhattisgarh, adding the Congress-led government did not do enough to develop the Naxal-infested Bastar region citing the Maoist menace as an excuse. “The urban Maoists who live in air conditioned homes in the cities, look clean and whose children study abroad, remote control the adivasi children in the Naxal dominated areas,” Mr Modi said.

“I want to ask the Congress why it supports the urban Maoists when the government takes action against them and come to Bastar and speak against Naxalism,” he said.

Describing Naxals as “monsters with evil mindset”, the Prime Minister said earlier governments did not do enough for the development of Bastar region. “Will you forgive such people? These people will not win Chhattisgarh. I appeal to you to ensure that BJP wins all seats in the Bastar region. If anyone else wins, it will be a blot on Bastar’s dreams,” he added.

Modi said no other Prime Minister visited Bastar as often as he did. “I have not come empty handed but given you some scheme and development programme. We are working hard to eradicate unemployment, poverty and hunger from the region. Previously there were resources but nothing happened,” he said.

Modi said he wanted to serve the people of Chhattisgarh and fulfil Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s dreams of a prosperous state. “I will not rest till I fulfil his dreams. Chhattisgarh is now 18 years old. There are different dreams and aspirations of 18-year-olds now,” he said.

Congress speaks of Dalits, deprived sections and tribals but the party considers them as vote banks and not as human beings, he said.

“Do you want a government which works or one which stops development works,” he said.

Modi said his government has never discriminated among people. “Previous governments did that. Our government works for the development of all,” he said.

Elections to the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly will be held in two phases on November 12 and November 20.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday accused the Congress of backing ‘urban Maoists’ who he said have ruined the lives of poor Adivasi youth. Addressing his first election rally for the state Assembly polls scheduled later this month, Modi also said Congress makes “fun” of adivasis (tribals).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday accused the Congress of backing ‘urban Maoists’ who he said have ruined the lives of poor Adivasi youth. Addressing his first election rally for the state Assembly polls scheduled later this month, Modi also said Congress makes “fun” of adivasis (tribals). “I don’t know why Congress makes fun of adivasis. Once I had gone for a rally in North-East India and wore a traditional adivasi headgear but Congress leaders made fun of it. This was an insult of adivasi culture,” he said. Mr. Modi said he will not rest till he fulfils late Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s dreams for a prosperous Chhattisgarh, adding the Congress-led government did not do enough to develop the Naxal-infested Bastar region citing the Maoist menace as an excuse. “The urban Maoists who live in air conditioned homes in the cities, look clean and whose children study abroad, remote control the adivasi children in the Naxal dominated areas,” Mr Modi said. “I want to ask the Congress why it supports the urban Maoists when the government takes action against them and come to Bastar and speak against Naxalism,” he said. Describing Naxals as “monsters with evil mindset”, the Prime Minister said earlier governments did not do enough for the development of Bastar region. “Will you forgive such people? These people will not win Chhattisgarh. I appeal to you to ensure that BJP wins all seats in the Bastar region. If anyone else wins, it will be a blot on Bastar’s dreams,” he added. Modi said no other Prime Minister visited Bastar as often as he did. “I have not come empty handed but given you some scheme and development programme. We are working hard to eradicate unemployment, poverty and hunger from the region. Previously there were resources but nothing happened,” he said. Modi said he wanted to serve the people of Chhattisgarh and fulfil Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s dreams of a prosperous state. “I will not rest till I fulfil his dreams. Chhattisgarh is now 18 years old. There are different dreams and aspirations of 18-year-olds now,” he said. Congress speaks of Dalits, deprived sections and tribals but the party considers them as vote banks and not as human beings, he said. “Do you want a government which works or one which stops development works,” he said. Modi said his government has never discriminated among people. “Previous governments did that. Our government works for the development of all,” he said. Elections to the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly will be held in two phases on November 12 and November 20.

Chhattisgarh assembly polls 2018: PM accuses Congress of supporting 'urban Naxals'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hit out at the Congress saying that the party supports the urban Maoists "who&nbsp;have ruined the lives of poor Adivasi youth".

"The urban Maoists who live in air-conditioned homes in the cities, look clean and whose children study abroad, remote control the adivasi children in the Naxal dominated areas. I want to ask the Congress why it supports the urban Maoists when the government takes action against them and come to Bastar and speak against Naxalism," PM Modi said.

Addressing his first election rally in poll-bound&nbsp;Chhattisgarh, PM Modi also said he will not rest until he fulfils late Atal Bihari Vajpayee's dreams for a prosperous Chhattisgarh.

PM Modi said the Congress-led government did not do enough to develop the Naxal-infested Bastar region citing the Maoist menace.

"For 10 years, Congress was at the Centre, but they never paid attention to the needs of Chhattisgarh and blocked all development for the state. They never thought of the region's progress," PM Modi said.

"Will you forgive such people? These people will not win Chhattisgarh. I appeal to you to ensure that BJP wins all seats in the Bastar region. If anyone else wins, it will be a blot on Bastar's dreams," he added.

"I don't know why Congress makes fun of adivasis . Once I had gone for a rally to the Northeast of our country and there had worn a traditional adivasi headgear but Congress leaders made fun of that hat, it was an insult of adivasi culture" PM Modi said.

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I urge the people of Bastar to teach a fitting lesson to the Congress leaders, who on one hand try to shield the urban Maoists, and in Chhattisgarh, they speak about freeing the state from Maoists: PM Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChhattisgarhElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChhattisgarhElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/a7r5wjxKXN">pic.twitter.com/a7r5wjxKXN</a>
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"I urge the people of Bastar to teach a fitting lesson to the Congress leaders, who on one hand try to shield the urban Maoists, and in Chhattisgarh, they speak about freeing the state from Maoists", PM Modi said.

He further targetted the Congress party over the recent death of a cameraman in the state.

"A brave and innocent cameraman from DD, Achutyanand Sahu was killed by Maoists. Recently our valiant jawans were also martyred in an encounter with Maoists and for Congress party these Maoists are revolutionaries? What sort of vocabulary is this?".

Chhattisgarh will go to polls on November 12 and November 20. 
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hit out at the Congress saying that the party supports the urban Maoists "who have ruined the lives of poor Adivasi youth".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hit out at the Congress saying that the party supports the urban Maoists "who have ruined the lives of poor Adivasi youth". "The urban Maoists who live in air-conditioned homes in the cities, look clean and whose children study abroad, remote control the adivasi children in the Naxal dominated areas. I want to ask the Congress why it supports the urban Maoists when the government takes action against them and come to Bastar and speak against Naxalism," PM Modi said. Addressing his first election rally in poll-bound Chhattisgarh, PM Modi also said he will not rest until he fulfils late Atal Bihari Vajpayee's dreams for a prosperous Chhattisgarh. PM Modi said the Congress-led government did not do enough to develop the Naxal-infested Bastar region citing the Maoist menace. "For 10 years, Congress was at the Centre, but they never paid attention to the needs of Chhattisgarh and blocked all development for the state. They never thought of the region's progress," PM Modi said. "Will you forgive such people? These people will not win Chhattisgarh. I appeal to you to ensure that BJP wins all seats in the Bastar region. If anyone else wins, it will be a blot on Bastar's dreams," he added. "I don't know why Congress makes fun of adivasis . Once I had gone for a rally to the Northeast of our country and there had worn a traditional adivasi headgear but Congress leaders made fun of that hat, it was an insult of adivasi culture" PM Modi said. I urge the people of Bastar to teach a fitting lesson to the Congress leaders, who on one hand try to shield the urban Maoists, and in Chhattisgarh, they speak about freeing the state from Maoists: PM Modi #ChhattisgarhElections2018 pic.twitter.com/a7r5wjxKXN — ANI (@ANI) November 9, 2018 × "I urge the people of Bastar to teach a fitting lesson to the Congress leaders, who on one hand try to shield the urban Maoists, and in Chhattisgarh, they speak about freeing the state from Maoists", PM Modi said. He further targetted the Congress party over the recent death of a cameraman in the state. "A brave and innocent cameraman from DD, Achutyanand Sahu was killed by Maoists. Recently our valiant jawans were also martyred in an encounter with Maoists and for Congress party these Maoists are revolutionaries? What sort of vocabulary is this?". Chhattisgarh will go to polls on November 12 and November 20.

Chhattisgarh polls: Congress supports urban Maoists, says PM Modi

In a last attempt to woo voters ahead of the first phase of polling in Chhattisgarh, the ruling BJP will release its "game changer" manifesto on Saturday with a special focus on farmers and youth, state Agriculture Minister Brijmohan Agrawal said.&nbsp;

The "Sanklap Patar' will be released by BJP president Amit Shah here, Agrawal, who heads the BJP's manifesto drafting committee, said on Friday.&nbsp;

Saturday is the last day of campaigning for the first phase of polling for 18 assembly seats in Chhattisgarh on Monday. The second phase, for the remaining 72 constituencies, will be held on November 20.&nbsp;

"It will be a game changer. The manifesto will put forth the vision for a new Chhattisgarh, which will be among the most developed states of the country by 2025," Agrawal said,

Though he declined to share details of the manifesto, he said it would focus on farmers and youth and has been drafted with guidance from the party's central leadership, including Shah.&nbsp;

"In the last one decade or so, the state has emerged as the rice bowl of the country and farmers' incomes have jumped manifold. Our aim is that this should continue in the future as well,"&nbsp;he said.

Questioned on the delay in releasing the manifesto, Agrawal said the party had reached out to the people with various teams travelling to different parts of the state to seek suggestions.&nbsp;

"It is the BJP's document of its commitments to the people," he said.

In the last 15 years of the BJP government, the party has set up an ecosystem in the state, where social justice and development are complementary to each other, he said.

The party will work with the same agenda in the future as well, he added.&nbsp;

In a last attempt to woo voters ahead of the first phase of polling in Chhattisgarh, the ruling BJP will release its "game changer" manifesto on Saturday with a special focus on farmers and youth, state Agriculture Minister Brijmohan Agrawal said.

In a last attempt to woo voters ahead of the first phase of polling in Chhattisgarh, the ruling BJP will release its "game changer" manifesto on Saturday with a special focus on farmers and youth, state Agriculture Minister Brijmohan Agrawal said. The "Sanklap Patar' will be released by BJP president Amit Shah here, Agrawal, who heads the BJP's manifesto drafting committee, said on Friday. Saturday is the last day of campaigning for the first phase of polling for 18 assembly seats in Chhattisgarh on Monday. The second phase, for the remaining 72 constituencies, will be held on November 20. "It will be a game changer. The manifesto will put forth the vision for a new Chhattisgarh, which will be among the most developed states of the country by 2025," Agrawal said, Though he declined to share details of the manifesto, he said it would focus on farmers and youth and has been drafted with guidance from the party's central leadership, including Shah. "In the last one decade or so, the state has emerged as the rice bowl of the country and farmers' incomes have jumped manifold. Our aim is that this should continue in the future as well," he said. Questioned on the delay in releasing the manifesto, Agrawal said the party had reached out to the people with various teams travelling to different parts of the state to seek suggestions. "It is the BJP's document of its commitments to the people," he said. In the last 15 years of the BJP government, the party has set up an ecosystem in the state, where social justice and development are complementary to each other, he said. The party will work with the same agenda in the future as well, he added.

BJP to release manifesto for Chhattisgarh on Saturday, focus on farmers and youth

Four civilians and a CISF jawan were killed when suspected Naxals detonated a bus with an improvised explosive device (IED) in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district on Thursday, four days ahead of the first phase of elections in the state, police said.

Two personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) were also injured in the explosion, the third Naxal attack in 15 days in the poll-bound state.

The attack comes before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit on Friday to Jagdalpur district, about 100 km from Dantewada, to campaign for the BJP.

The IED explosion took place in a hilly area in Bacheli, about 450 km from here, when the CISF personnel were returning to their camp in Akashnagar after purchasing groceries from the market, Dantewada Superintendent of Police Abhishek Pallava told PTI.

The Naxals triggered a powerful IED blast near curve no.6 on the hills, killing a CISF jawan, the bus' driver, conductor, cleaner and another person who is yet to be identified, Pallava said.

The private bus, which was targeted, was allotted to the CISF team deployed in the Bailadila mining area of the National Mining Development Corporation in Dantewada for election duty.

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1 CISF jawan&amp;4 civilians lost their lives&amp;2 injured in the attack today. Morale of the forces will not be affected due to such attacks. The upcoming assembly elections will be conducted peacefully:V Sinha, IG Bastar: Visuals from the site of naxal attack near Bacheli,Chhattisgarh <a href="https://t.co/XLLvGZY8bt">pic.twitter.com/XLLvGZY8bt</a>
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Reinforcements were rushed to the spot and the injured personnel and bodies of the deceased shifted to a local hospital, Pallava said. 
Security forces have launched a combing operation in the area to trace the ultras, he added.

On October 30, three police personnel and a cameraman of national broadcaster Doordarshan were killed in a Maoist attack in Dantewada's Aranpur area.

Before that, on October 27, four Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed and two others injured after Maoists blew up their bulletproof bunker vehicle in Bijapur district.&nbsp;

Naxalites have asked voters to boycott the upcoming state Assembly polls, being held over two phases on November 12 and November 20.

The first phase is to be held in 18 Naxal affected constituencies of Bastar region, that falls in the southern part of the central Indian state.

The remaining 72 constituencies will go to the polls on November 20 and the votes will be counted on December 11.

Four civilians and a CISF jawan were killed when suspected Naxals detonated a bus with an improvised explosive device (IED) in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district on Thursday, four days ahead of the first phase of elections in the state, police said.

Four civilians and a CISF jawan were killed when suspected Naxals detonated a bus with an improvised explosive device (IED) in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district on Thursday, four days ahead of the first phase of elections in the state, police said. Two personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) were also injured in the explosion, the third Naxal attack in 15 days in the poll-bound state. The attack comes before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit on Friday to Jagdalpur district, about 100 km from Dantewada, to campaign for the BJP. The IED explosion took place in a hilly area in Bacheli, about 450 km from here, when the CISF personnel were returning to their camp in Akashnagar after purchasing groceries from the market, Dantewada Superintendent of Police Abhishek Pallava told PTI. The Naxals triggered a powerful IED blast near curve no.6 on the hills, killing a CISF jawan, the bus' driver, conductor, cleaner and another person who is yet to be identified, Pallava said. The private bus, which was targeted, was allotted to the CISF team deployed in the Bailadila mining area of the National Mining Development Corporation in Dantewada for election duty. 1 CISF jawan&4 civilians lost their lives&2 injured in the attack today. Morale of the forces will not be affected due to such attacks. The upcoming assembly elections will be conducted peacefully:V Sinha, IG Bastar: Visuals from the site of naxal attack near Bacheli,Chhattisgarh pic.twitter.com/XLLvGZY8bt — ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2018 × Reinforcements were rushed to the spot and the injured personnel and bodies of the deceased shifted to a local hospital, Pallava said. Security forces have launched a combing operation in the area to trace the ultras, he added. On October 30, three police personnel and a cameraman of national broadcaster Doordarshan were killed in a Maoist attack in Dantewada's Aranpur area. Before that, on October 27, four Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed and two others injured after Maoists blew up their bulletproof bunker vehicle in Bijapur district. Naxalites have asked voters to boycott the upcoming state Assembly polls, being held over two phases on November 12 and November 20. The first phase is to be held in 18 Naxal affected constituencies of Bastar region, that falls in the southern part of the central Indian state. The remaining 72 constituencies will go to the polls on November 20 and the votes will be counted on December 11.

Four civilians, one CISF jawan killed in IED blast in Chhattisgarh

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is leaving no stone unturned to make sure that every eligible citizen casts their vote in the upcoming Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, even if the number of electors is in single digits.

One such case has come to the fore in Bharatpur-Sonhat Assembly constituency. In polling booth number 143 in Sherandandh village of the constituency, there are only four voters, out of which three are from the same family.

District Election Officer NK Dugga said the polling party will reach there a day before polls and set a tent for voters.

To reach Sherandandh, a forest village, the ECI team will have to go an extra mile through rocky mountains for five to six kilometres and cross a river. The village, which is dependent on Panchayat Chandha, is situated around 15 km from the main road.

Due to the unavailability of proper roads, the election officials will be reaching the booth a day before the voting.

In Chhattisgarh, voting will be held in two phases. In the first phase, voting will be held in 18 constituencies in the southern part of the state on November 12, while the second phase of elections will be held on November 20.

Counting of votes for both the phases will take place on December 11.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is leaving no stone unturned to make sure that every eligible citizen casts their vote in the upcoming Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, even if the number of electors is in single digits.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is leaving no stone unturned to make sure that every eligible citizen casts their vote in the upcoming Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, even if the number of electors is in single digits. One such case has come to the fore in Bharatpur-Sonhat Assembly constituency. In polling booth number 143 in Sherandandh village of the constituency, there are only four voters, out of which three are from the same family. District Election Officer NK Dugga said the polling party will reach there a day before polls and set a tent for voters. To reach Sherandandh, a forest village, the ECI team will have to go an extra mile through rocky mountains for five to six kilometres and cross a river. The village, which is dependent on Panchayat Chandha, is situated around 15 km from the main road. Due to the unavailability of proper roads, the election officials will be reaching the booth a day before the voting. In Chhattisgarh, voting will be held in two phases. In the first phase, voting will be held in 18 constituencies in the southern part of the state on November 12, while the second phase of elections will be held on November 20. Counting of votes for both the phases will take place on December 11.

This Chhattisgarh village has only 4 voters

With just over a week for the first phase of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-lacks-leadership-strategy-and-principle-amit-shah-in-chhattisgarh-rally-175481">Chhattisgarh assembly elections</a>, the battlefield has been set and the political parties have also blown the election bugle.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-polls-amit-shah-asks-rahul-gandhi-to-clear-stand-on-raj-babbars-naxalism-remark-175450">incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party</a> (BJP), which is ruling the state for the last 15 years, is seeking to win its fourth electoral term, while the Congress will aim to dethrone the Chief Minister Raman Singh-led government and win the polls.

In the Chhattisgarh assembly polls, there are two phases of voting.

In the first phase, voting will be held in 18 constituencies in the southern part of the state.

On a closer look, 18 out of 12 seats are located in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-polls-naxals-will-shun-violence-if-bsp-regains-power-says-mayawati-175427">Naxal-affected </a>Bastar division and six are located in Rajnandgaon district.

As many as 192 candidates are in the fray in the first phase of the state assembly elections.

The first phase of the assembly elections assumes plenty of significance as both the arch-rival parties, BJP and Congress, are going all out to woo the people for votes while engaging in a political mudslinging amongst each other.

Let us now chronicle the journey as to why the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections is so special.

It is well known that the Bastar division, on the one hand, is very popular in Chhattisgarh due to its beauty, while on the other hand, the region has suffered from decades-long Naxal violence.

In the previous assembly elections held in 2013, the BJP, although retained power in the state, it, however, lost its mark in the Bastar division and the Congress gained the upper hand in the region.

Out of a total of 12 seats, the Congress grabbed eight seats while the BJP mustered only four seats in its account.

In the past five years, the Raman Singh-led government has stated that it has undertaken plenty of development work in Bastar.

In fact, there are many assembly constituencies in Bastar division, where tickets have been given to the old faces of the party.

The same situation also persists in Rajanandgaon district. The BJP has decided to field new faces in the region, which has six constituencies.But the most anticipated electoral battle will be witnessed in Rajnandgaon seat where incumbent state chief minister Raman Singh is pitted against former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s niece Karuna Shukla, who was also a part of the BJP for over 30 years, before switching to Congress in 2014. While Singh has won thrice from Rajnandgaon, it is to be seen whether the three-time chief minister will continue his winning spree or whether Shukla will play party pooper, if she emerges victorious.

The BJP government has claimed to take strict steps in tackling Naxalism. However, local residents of Bastar are still struggling with the decades-long problem. This factor could harm BJP`s prospects in winning a record fourth term in the assembly polls.

There is a saying in Chhattisgarhi language that if a niece or nephew wins, celebrations will happen in the same house. In Dantewada seat of Bastar division, seven candidates from different parties are not only from the same family but are each other`s relatives, who will be contesting against each other in the first phase of the assembly polls.

BJP candidate Bhima Mandavi is the brother-in-law of Congress candidate Devti Karma.

Also, Communist Party of India (CPI) candidate Nandaram Sori and Devti share a brother-sister relationship. Devti also shares an interesting connection, as she is the aunt of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Ballu Bhawani. Independent candidate Jaya Kashyap is Devti`s niece.

Lastly, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate Keshav Netam and Sundaru Kunjam share a nephew-uncle relationship with Bhawani.

Amid constant threats by Naxalites to boycott polls, there is an atmosphere of fear in Bastar Division. For instance, in Konta seat, many candidates have refrained from filing their nomination forms. In 2008 assembly elections, only four candidates were in the fray.

In this year`s and 2013 polls, six candidates each will contest from this seat.

In Chitrakoot, where the number of candidates was 22 in 2013 polls, the number has fallen down to just 10 in this year`s assembly elections. In Jagdalpur seat, where 38 candidates had tried their luck in the previous elections, this time only 26 of them are in the fray.

Other constituencies such as Kanker, Kesh Kal, Bastar and Narayanpur will also see less participation of candidates in the upcoming polls.

The Antagarh seat is a bright spot in the Naxal-affected Bastar division, where the number of candidates has seen an increase.

In the 2008 assembly elections, only six candidates were in the fray and the number increased to eight in 2013.

Now, 15 candidates will try their luck in this year`s assembly elections.

The second phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections is slated to be held on November 20. Counting of votes for both the phases will take place on December 11.&nbsp;

With just over a week for the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections, the battlefield has been set and the political parties have also blown the election bugle.

With just over a week for the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections, the battlefield has been set and the political parties have also blown the election bugle. The incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is ruling the state for the last 15 years, is seeking to win its fourth electoral term, while the Congress will aim to dethrone the Chief Minister Raman Singh-led government and win the polls. In the Chhattisgarh assembly polls, there are two phases of voting. In the first phase, voting will be held in 18 constituencies in the southern part of the state. On a closer look, 18 out of 12 seats are located in Naxal-affected Bastar division and six are located in Rajnandgaon district. As many as 192 candidates are in the fray in the first phase of the state assembly elections. The first phase of the assembly elections assumes plenty of significance as both the arch-rival parties, BJP and Congress, are going all out to woo the people for votes while engaging in a political mudslinging amongst each other. Let us now chronicle the journey as to why the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections is so special. It is well known that the Bastar division, on the one hand, is very popular in Chhattisgarh due to its beauty, while on the other hand, the region has suffered from decades-long Naxal violence. In the previous assembly elections held in 2013, the BJP, although retained power in the state, it, however, lost its mark in the Bastar division and the Congress gained the upper hand in the region. Out of a total of 12 seats, the Congress grabbed eight seats while the BJP mustered only four seats in its account. In the past five years, the Raman Singh-led government has stated that it has undertaken plenty of development work in Bastar. In fact, there are many assembly constituencies in Bastar division, where tickets have been given to the old faces of the party. The same situation also persists in Rajanandgaon district. The BJP has decided to field new faces in the region, which has six constituencies.But the most anticipated electoral battle will be witnessed in Rajnandgaon seat where incumbent state chief minister Raman Singh is pitted against former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s niece Karuna Shukla, who was also a part of the BJP for over 30 years, before switching to Congress in 2014. While Singh has won thrice from Rajnandgaon, it is to be seen whether the three-time chief minister will continue his winning spree or whether Shukla will play party pooper, if she emerges victorious. The BJP government has claimed to take strict steps in tackling Naxalism. However, local residents of Bastar are still struggling with the decades-long problem. This factor could harm BJP`s prospects in winning a record fourth term in the assembly polls. There is a saying in Chhattisgarhi language that if a niece or nephew wins, celebrations will happen in the same house. In Dantewada seat of Bastar division, seven candidates from different parties are not only from the same family but are each other`s relatives, who will be contesting against each other in the first phase of the assembly polls. BJP candidate Bhima Mandavi is the brother-in-law of Congress candidate Devti Karma. Also, Communist Party of India (CPI) candidate Nandaram Sori and Devti share a brother-sister relationship. Devti also shares an interesting connection, as she is the aunt of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Ballu Bhawani. Independent candidate Jaya Kashyap is Devti`s niece. Lastly, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate Keshav Netam and Sundaru Kunjam share a nephew-uncle relationship with Bhawani. Amid constant threats by Naxalites to boycott polls, there is an atmosphere of fear in Bastar Division. For instance, in Konta seat, many candidates have refrained from filing their nomination forms. In 2008 assembly elections, only four candidates were in the fray. In this year`s and 2013 polls, six candidates each will contest from this seat. In Chitrakoot, where the number of candidates was 22 in 2013 polls, the number has fallen down to just 10 in this year`s assembly elections. In Jagdalpur seat, where 38 candidates had tried their luck in the previous elections, this time only 26 of them are in the fray. Other constituencies such as Kanker, Kesh Kal, Bastar and Narayanpur will also see less participation of candidates in the upcoming polls. The Antagarh seat is a bright spot in the Naxal-affected Bastar division, where the number of candidates has seen an increase. In the 2008 assembly elections, only six candidates were in the fray and the number increased to eight in 2013. Now, 15 candidates will try their luck in this year`s assembly elections. The second phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections is slated to be held on November 20. Counting of votes for both the phases will take place on December 11.

Know why first phase of Chhattisgarh polls is special

After remaining in power for 15-years, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is confronted with double anti-incumbency in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, whereas the major opposition Congress, which was ready to forge an alliance with both the BSP and Samajwadi Party in the midst of the hype generated recently over the prospects of a grand alliance to take on the BJP in the 2019 parliamentary election, has been left alone in the two central Indian states now in the grip of poll fever.

The Congress received the first blow when shortly after announcing an alliance with Janata Congress of Ajit Jogi in Chhattisgarh in the second fortnight of September, BSP Supremo Mayawati went ahead and ruled out any kind of alliance with the Congress party in MP.&nbsp;

The Samajwadi Party also has chosen to maintain distance from the Congress party in MP.

Recently the caste factor has got precipitated due to the amendment in the SC/ST Atrocities Act at the initiative of the Modi government at the Centre and with the full support of all the political parties. This amendment was brought to undo the Supreme Court of India order directing that no one booked under the Atrocities Act should be arrested without a preliminary enquiry.&nbsp;

The violent protests by Dalits after the apex court order and the massive Bharat Band (strike) against the amendment in the Atrocities Act indicate the magnitude of the caste divide. Obviously, therefore, driven by the motive of retaining their respective vote banks among the Dalits and the backward communities, the BSP and Samajwadi Party have chosen to go alone in MP.

For the last many years, the ruling BJP has been working concertedly to expand its base in the tribal areas of MP and Chhattisgarh by building a network of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram schools and colleges. The Vivekananda Kendra functionaries have also been in the overdrive mode in the tribal areas in recent years. This has brought dividends and in successive elections, there’s been a remarkable upward swing in BJP’s electoral fortunes in the tribal belt.

In the 2018 MP Assembly election, there are multiple dimensions when it comes to the battle for the Assembly seats reserved for the STs. Besides the BJP and Congress, now there is also a tribal group attracting huge crowds under the banner of Jai Adivasi Yuva Shakti (JAYS) in western MP.&nbsp;

After talks for seat sharing between the Congress and JAYS have failed, the Gondwana Gantantra Party, having strong roots in the tribal areas, and Samajwadi Party have decided to go together in MP and Chhattisgarh. &nbsp;

In MP, both the ruling BJP and Congress should be ready for a backlash due to seething anger against the quota system and the Atrocities Act.&nbsp;

The State is witnessing a crusade against the government provision for reservation in promotion for SCs and STs by an organisation called SAPAKS formed by State government officers and employees belonging to the general, backward and minority communities.

SAPAKS Samaj, another body formed by citizens to extend support to the aggrieved government employees, is also spearheading a State-wide movement since 2016 to build public awareness against the pitfalls of reservation on caste lines and the Atrocities Act.&nbsp;

A large section of SAPAKS Samaj is backing the newly floated Anarakshit Samaj Party in this election, which is for reservation only on an economic basis. &nbsp;In the meanwhile, galvanised by a huge SAPAKS rally in Bhopal, a faction within SAPAKS Samaj that has floated a political party, also by the name of “Sapaks”, has repeatedly kept on announcing that it would be fielding candidates in all the 230 Assembly constituencies of MP even before its registration by the Election Commission of India.&nbsp;

Notwithstanding the confusion created by Sapaks Party, there is every indication that a vast majority of the youth would be voting with vengeance on the issue of reservation and the Atrocities Act in Madhya Pradesh. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

After remaining in power for 15-years, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is confronted with double anti-incumbency in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, whereas the major opposition Congress, which was ready to forge an alliance with both the BSP and Samajwadi Party in the midst of the hype generated recently over the prospects of a grand alliance to take on the BJP in the 2019 parliamentary election, has been left alone in the two central Indian states now in the grip of poll fever.

After remaining in power for 15-years, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is confronted with double anti-incumbency in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, whereas the major opposition Congress, which was ready to forge an alliance with both the BSP and Samajwadi Party in the midst of the hype generated recently over the prospects of a grand alliance to take on the BJP in the 2019 parliamentary election, has been left alone in the two central Indian states now in the grip of poll fever. The Congress received the first blow when shortly after announcing an alliance with Janata Congress of Ajit Jogi in Chhattisgarh in the second fortnight of September, BSP Supremo Mayawati went ahead and ruled out any kind of alliance with the Congress party in MP. The Samajwadi Party also has chosen to maintain distance from the Congress party in MP. Recently the caste factor has got precipitated due to the amendment in the SC/ST Atrocities Act at the initiative of the Modi government at the Centre and with the full support of all the political parties. This amendment was brought to undo the Supreme Court of India order directing that no one booked under the Atrocities Act should be arrested without a preliminary enquiry. The violent protests by Dalits after the apex court order and the massive Bharat Band (strike) against the amendment in the Atrocities Act indicate the magnitude of the caste divide. Obviously, therefore, driven by the motive of retaining their respective vote banks among the Dalits and the backward communities, the BSP and Samajwadi Party have chosen to go alone in MP. For the last many years, the ruling BJP has been working concertedly to expand its base in the tribal areas of MP and Chhattisgarh by building a network of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram schools and colleges. The Vivekananda Kendra functionaries have also been in the overdrive mode in the tribal areas in recent years. This has brought dividends and in successive elections, there’s been a remarkable upward swing in BJP’s electoral fortunes in the tribal belt. In the 2018 MP Assembly election, there are multiple dimensions when it comes to the battle for the Assembly seats reserved for the STs. Besides the BJP and Congress, now there is also a tribal group attracting huge crowds under the banner of Jai Adivasi Yuva Shakti (JAYS) in western MP. After talks for seat sharing between the Congress and JAYS have failed, the Gondwana Gantantra Party, having strong roots in the tribal areas, and Samajwadi Party have decided to go together in MP and Chhattisgarh. In MP, both the ruling BJP and Congress should be ready for a backlash due to seething anger against the quota system and the Atrocities Act. The State is witnessing a crusade against the government provision for reservation in promotion for SCs and STs by an organisation called SAPAKS formed by State government officers and employees belonging to the general, backward and minority communities. SAPAKS Samaj, another body formed by citizens to extend support to the aggrieved government employees, is also spearheading a State-wide movement since 2016 to build public awareness against the pitfalls of reservation on caste lines and the Atrocities Act. A large section of SAPAKS Samaj is backing the newly floated Anarakshit Samaj Party in this election, which is for reservation only on an economic basis. In the meanwhile, galvanised by a huge SAPAKS rally in Bhopal, a faction within SAPAKS Samaj that has floated a political party, also by the name of “Sapaks”, has repeatedly kept on announcing that it would be fielding candidates in all the 230 Assembly constituencies of MP even before its registration by the Election Commission of India. Notwithstanding the confusion created by Sapaks Party, there is every indication that a vast majority of the youth would be voting with vengeance on the issue of reservation and the Atrocities Act in Madhya Pradesh. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Anti-incumbency stares BJP in the face in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh

The Congress on Thursday released its fifth and final list of 19 candidates for this month's Chhattisgarh Assembly election.

Party MLA Gurmukh Singh Hora, Lok Sabha MP Tamradhwaj Sahu and popular Chhattisgarhi singer Mamta Chandrakar feature in the list.

The party has thus announced candidates for all the 90 seats in the state.

Chhattisgarh will go to the polls in two phases - on November 12 and November 20 - and the results will be announced on December 11.

The opposition party had earlier nominated Pratima Chandrakar from the Durg Rural seat, but now she has been replaced by Tamradhwaj Sahu, the Congress MP from Durg.

Renu Jogi, the MLA from Kota and the wife of former chief minister Ajit Jogi, has been denied a ticket this time. Former police officer Vibhor Singh will be the Congress candidate from Kota.

The party has fielded new faces to take on four prominent state ministers of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Shailesh Pandey of the Congress will face minister Amar Agrawal in Bilaspur. Kanhaiya Agrawal will take on minister Brijmohan Agrawal in the Raipur City South constituency.

Laxmikanta Sahu, a woman Congress leader, has been fielded against minister Ajay Chandrakar in Kurud, while Gurdayal Singh Banjare will take on minister Dayaldas Baghel in Nawagarh.

The other new faces in the Congress's list are - Mamta Chandrakar (Pandariya), Rajendra Shukla (Bilha), Anil Kumar Chandra (Jaijaipur), Sangeeta Sinha (Sanjari Balod), Kunwar Singh Nishad (Gundardehi), Prakash Nayak (Raigarh), Ashish Chhabra (Bemetara) and Chakradhar Prasad Sidar (Lailunga-ST).

Anita Sharma, wife of Congress leader Yogendra Sharma, who was killed in a Naxal attack in the Jhiram Valley in May 2013, has been fielded again from Dharsiwa. She had lost to the BJP's Devji Bhai Patel in the 2013 Assembly polls.

Congress MLA from Dhamtari, Gurmukh Singh Hora, has been renominated from the same seat.

Other candidates in the list are Devendra Bahadur Singh (Basna), Kuldeep Juneja (Raipur City North) and Badruddin Qureshi (Vaishali Nagar).

The Congress is seeking to oust the BJP, which has been ruling the state since 2003.

In the 2013 polls, the BJP had won 49 seats, the Congress 39 and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and an Independent candidate had won a seat each.

Former Congress leader Ajit Jogi's Janta Congress Chhattisgarh (J) has formed an alliance with the Mayawati-led BSP and the Communist Party of India (CPI) this time.

The Congress on Thursday released its fifth and final list of 19 candidates for this month's Chhattisgarh Assembly election. Party MLA Gurmukh Singh Hora, Lok Sabha MP Tamradhwaj Sahu and popular Chhattisgarhi singer Mamta Chandrakar feature in the list.

The Congress on Thursday released its fifth and final list of 19 candidates for this month's Chhattisgarh Assembly election. Party MLA Gurmukh Singh Hora, Lok Sabha MP Tamradhwaj Sahu and popular Chhattisgarhi singer Mamta Chandrakar feature in the list. The party has thus announced candidates for all the 90 seats in the state. Chhattisgarh will go to the polls in two phases - on November 12 and November 20 - and the results will be announced on December 11. The opposition party had earlier nominated Pratima Chandrakar from the Durg Rural seat, but now she has been replaced by Tamradhwaj Sahu, the Congress MP from Durg. Renu Jogi, the MLA from Kota and the wife of former chief minister Ajit Jogi, has been denied a ticket this time. Former police officer Vibhor Singh will be the Congress candidate from Kota. The party has fielded new faces to take on four prominent state ministers of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Shailesh Pandey of the Congress will face minister Amar Agrawal in Bilaspur. Kanhaiya Agrawal will take on minister Brijmohan Agrawal in the Raipur City South constituency. Laxmikanta Sahu, a woman Congress leader, has been fielded against minister Ajay Chandrakar in Kurud, while Gurdayal Singh Banjare will take on minister Dayaldas Baghel in Nawagarh. The other new faces in the Congress's list are - Mamta Chandrakar (Pandariya), Rajendra Shukla (Bilha), Anil Kumar Chandra (Jaijaipur), Sangeeta Sinha (Sanjari Balod), Kunwar Singh Nishad (Gundardehi), Prakash Nayak (Raigarh), Ashish Chhabra (Bemetara) and Chakradhar Prasad Sidar (Lailunga-ST). Anita Sharma, wife of Congress leader Yogendra Sharma, who was killed in a Naxal attack in the Jhiram Valley in May 2013, has been fielded again from Dharsiwa. She had lost to the BJP's Devji Bhai Patel in the 2013 Assembly polls. Congress MLA from Dhamtari, Gurmukh Singh Hora, has been renominated from the same seat. Other candidates in the list are Devendra Bahadur Singh (Basna), Kuldeep Juneja (Raipur City North) and Badruddin Qureshi (Vaishali Nagar). The Congress is seeking to oust the BJP, which has been ruling the state since 2003. In the 2013 polls, the BJP had won 49 seats, the Congress 39 and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and an Independent candidate had won a seat each. Former Congress leader Ajit Jogi's Janta Congress Chhattisgarh (J) has formed an alliance with the Mayawati-led BSP and the Communist Party of India (CPI) this time.

Congress releases final list of 19 candidates for Chhattisgarh polls

With assembly elections in the state inching closer, the political battle has intensified, not only among political rivals but within the parties as well.

On Thursday, Congress party workers created ruckus at the district party office in Bilaspur and protested against an alleged anomaly in ticket distribution for the upcoming assembly polls.&nbsp;

In a similar incident, the party office in Raipur witnessed the wrath of aggrieved workers, who vented out their anger against ticket allocation for one seat.

At the Bilaspur party office, Congress workers raised slogans against one of the party candidate who was given a ticket for one of the constituencies of the district. Slogans were also raised against senior party leader and Chhattisgarh Congress in-charge PL Punia.

Some protestors also broke chairs and ransacked the office of the Congress district president, while a large group staged a sit-in outside the district party office.

Following the ruckus, district Congress President Vijay Kesharwani said, "If party workers have a grievance over ticket distribution, they have a right to raise an objection and we will be taking their concerns to the party leaders. There is some resentment among party workers but we want to assure that all will fight together to defeat Bharatiya Janata Party."

District party functionary Narendra Bolar added, "From last 15 years we are out of power but have been struggling for the party. We believe that workers who have been dedicatedly working for all these years must be considered for the candidature of the party. There is some angst among some workers and we will be bringing their concerns to the notice state leadership of the party."Later in the day, ruckus ensued at the Congress office in Raipur following arguments over the Raipur South seat.

Speaking about the incident in Raipur, party leader R Tiwari said, "It is Congress workers` sentiments for the seat as they have the right to speak. They had a discussion with state in-charge PL Punia. There may be some resentment on any issue among party workers but their voice will be heard."

Chhattisgarh will go to the polls in two phases- first on November 12 and second on November 20. The high stakes political battle will conclude on December 11 with the counting of votes.

In the 2013 polls, BJP had won 49 seats, Congress bagged 39, while Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and an Independent candidate had won a seat each.

With assembly elections in the state inching closer, the political battle has intensified, not only among political rivals but within the parties as well. On Thursday, Congress party workers created ruckus at the district party office in Bilaspur and protested against an alleged anomaly in ticket distribution for the upcoming assembly polls.

With assembly elections in the state inching closer, the political battle has intensified, not only among political rivals but within the parties as well. On Thursday, Congress party workers created ruckus at the district party office in Bilaspur and protested against an alleged anomaly in ticket distribution for the upcoming assembly polls. In a similar incident, the party office in Raipur witnessed the wrath of aggrieved workers, who vented out their anger against ticket allocation for one seat. At the Bilaspur party office, Congress workers raised slogans against one of the party candidate who was given a ticket for one of the constituencies of the district. Slogans were also raised against senior party leader and Chhattisgarh Congress in-charge PL Punia. Some protestors also broke chairs and ransacked the office of the Congress district president, while a large group staged a sit-in outside the district party office. Following the ruckus, district Congress President Vijay Kesharwani said, "If party workers have a grievance over ticket distribution, they have a right to raise an objection and we will be taking their concerns to the party leaders. There is some resentment among party workers but we want to assure that all will fight together to defeat Bharatiya Janata Party." District party functionary Narendra Bolar added, "From last 15 years we are out of power but have been struggling for the party. We believe that workers who have been dedicatedly working for all these years must be considered for the candidature of the party. There is some angst among some workers and we will be bringing their concerns to the notice state leadership of the party."Later in the day, ruckus ensued at the Congress office in Raipur following arguments over the Raipur South seat. Speaking about the incident in Raipur, party leader R Tiwari said, "It is Congress workers` sentiments for the seat as they have the right to speak. They had a discussion with state in-charge PL Punia. There may be some resentment on any issue among party workers but their voice will be heard." Chhattisgarh will go to the polls in two phases- first on November 12 and second on November 20. The high stakes political battle will conclude on December 11 with the counting of votes. In the 2013 polls, BJP had won 49 seats, Congress bagged 39, while Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and an Independent candidate had won a seat each.

Chhattisgarh: Congress workers create ruckus over ticket distribution

Video journalist dies in Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh

A Doordarshan cameraman has been killed in a Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh's Bastar.&nbsp;The attack took place in Aranpur in Dantewada district.&nbsp;

The cameraman&nbsp;was identified as Achutyanand Sahu.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> A Doordarshan cameraman has been killed in an attack by Naxals in Dantewada's Aranpur <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a> <a href="https://t.co/N2y4ed00xI">https://t.co/N2y4ed00xI</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1057167668342648832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Two security personnel were also killed in the attack, and two injured.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Today our patrolling party was ambushed by Naxals in Aranpur. Two of our personnel were martyred, and a DD cameraman was also injured and later succumbed. Two more personnel injured," DIG P Sundarraj said.&nbsp;

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Today our patrolling party was ambushed by Naxals in Aranpur. Two of our personnel were martyred, and a DD cameraman was also injured and later succumbed. Two more personnel injured: DIG P Sundarraj <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZgZMF6xdRJ">pic.twitter.com/ZgZMF6xdRJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1057174913289719808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Dantewada Naxal attack: Two security personnel who were injured brought to hospital. Two security personnel and a DD cameraman lost their lives in the attack. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZiqbwiNbNs">pic.twitter.com/ZiqbwiNbNs</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1057178317009362945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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While a number of security personnel have fallen to Naxal attacks over the years, the insurgents are generally not known to attack journalists.&nbsp;

Chhattisgarh however will be going to the polls in November of this year.&nbsp;The Doordarshan crew were in the state to report on the upcoming elections. It is likely that they were accompanying the police patrol party.&nbsp;

The government meanwhile said they would "look after"&nbsp;Sahu's family, and that they salute "those mediapersons who go for coverage in such dangerous situations".&nbsp;

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Dantewada Naxal attack: Two security personnel who were injured brought to hospital. Two security personnel and a DD cameraman lost their lives in the attack. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZiqbwiNbNs">pic.twitter.com/ZiqbwiNbNs</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1057178317009362945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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(This is a developing story. Further details are awaited.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A Doordarshan cameraman has been killed in a Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh's Bastar. The attack took place in Aranpur in Dantewada district. The cameraman was identified as Achutyanand Sahu.

A Doordarshan cameraman has been killed in a Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh's Bastar. The attack took place in Aranpur in Dantewada district. The cameraman was identified as Achutyanand Sahu. #UPDATE A Doordarshan cameraman has been killed in an attack by Naxals in Dantewada's Aranpur #Chhattisgarh https://t.co/N2y4ed00xI — ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2018 × Two security personnel were also killed in the attack, and two injured. "Today our patrolling party was ambushed by Naxals in Aranpur. Two of our personnel were martyred, and a DD cameraman was also injured and later succumbed. Two more personnel injured," DIG P Sundarraj said. Today our patrolling party was ambushed by Naxals in Aranpur. Two of our personnel were martyred, and a DD cameraman was also injured and later succumbed. Two more personnel injured: DIG P Sundarraj #Chhattisgarh pic.twitter.com/ZgZMF6xdRJ — ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2018 × Dantewada Naxal attack: Two security personnel who were injured brought to hospital. Two security personnel and a DD cameraman lost their lives in the attack. #Chhattisgarh pic.twitter.com/ZiqbwiNbNs — ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2018 × While a number of security personnel have fallen to Naxal attacks over the years, the insurgents are generally not known to attack journalists. Chhattisgarh however will be going to the polls in November of this year. The Doordarshan crew were in the state to report on the upcoming elections. It is likely that they were accompanying the police patrol party. The government meanwhile said they would "look after" Sahu's family, and that they salute "those mediapersons who go for coverage in such dangerous situations". Dantewada Naxal attack: Two security personnel who were injured brought to hospital. Two security personnel and a DD cameraman lost their lives in the attack. #Chhattisgarh pic.twitter.com/ZiqbwiNbNs — ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2018 × (This is a developing story. Further details are awaited.)

Doordarshan cameraman killed in Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh's Bastar

The Congress released late Sunday evening a list of 17 candidates for the second phase of polling in the Chhattisgarh assembly election.

With the latest list, the party has so far announced candidates for 72 constituencies out of 90 which are going to the two-phased polls next month.

The party has renominated its five sitting MLAs in this fourth list.

According to a party statement, incumbent legislators Motilal Dewangan (Janjgir-Champa seat), Janak Ram Verma (Balodabazar) and Anila Bhedia (Dondi Lohara- ST) have been retained from their respective seats.

Chintamani Maharaj who is an MLA from Lundra constituency will contest from Samri (ST) seat while the sitting MLA from Samri, Pritam Ram, has been fielded from Lundra (ST).

The other contestants featured in the list are Gulaab Singh Kamro (Bharatpur-Sonhat-ST), Ambika Singh Dev (Baikunthpur), Purushottam Kanwar (Katghora), Mohit Kerketta (Pali-Tanakhar-ST), Rashmi Singh (Takhatpur), Rajendra Kumar Sahu (Beltara), Gorelal Berman (Pamgarh-SC), Kismat Lal Nand (Saraipali-ST), Dwarikadheesh Yadav (Khallari), Vinod Chandrakar (Mahasamund), Chandradev Prasad Rai (Bilaigarh) and Lakshmi Dhruv (Sihawa-ST).

This time the Congress is seeking to oust the BJP, which has been ruling the state since 2003, from power. The assembly election in the state will be held in two phases.

A total of 18 assembly seats in the eight Naxal-hit districts will go to polls in the first phase of polling on November 12. The second phase of polling for the remaining seats 72 will be held on November 20 and results will be out on December 11.

The Congress had announced the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-releases-first-list-of-12-candidate-for-first-phase-of-chhattisgarh-polls-172186">candidates for the first phase polling</a> in two lists on October 18 and 22. On October 27, it had released another list of 37 candidates for the second phase of poll.&nbsp;

In the first phase polling, the Congress has fielded former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's niece Karuna Shukla from Rajnandgaon Assembly constituency against Chief Minister Raman Singh.

The Congress released late Sunday evening a list of 17 candidates for the second phase of polling in the Chhattisgarh assembly election. With the latest list, the party has so far announced candidates for 72 constituencies out of 90 which are going to the two-phased polls next month.

The Congress released late Sunday evening a list of 17 candidates for the second phase of polling in the Chhattisgarh assembly election. With the latest list, the party has so far announced candidates for 72 constituencies out of 90 which are going to the two-phased polls next month. The party has renominated its five sitting MLAs in this fourth list. According to a party statement, incumbent legislators Motilal Dewangan (Janjgir-Champa seat), Janak Ram Verma (Balodabazar) and Anila Bhedia (Dondi Lohara- ST) have been retained from their respective seats. Chintamani Maharaj who is an MLA from Lundra constituency will contest from Samri (ST) seat while the sitting MLA from Samri, Pritam Ram, has been fielded from Lundra (ST). The other contestants featured in the list are Gulaab Singh Kamro (Bharatpur-Sonhat-ST), Ambika Singh Dev (Baikunthpur), Purushottam Kanwar (Katghora), Mohit Kerketta (Pali-Tanakhar-ST), Rashmi Singh (Takhatpur), Rajendra Kumar Sahu (Beltara), Gorelal Berman (Pamgarh-SC), Kismat Lal Nand (Saraipali-ST), Dwarikadheesh Yadav (Khallari), Vinod Chandrakar (Mahasamund), Chandradev Prasad Rai (Bilaigarh) and Lakshmi Dhruv (Sihawa-ST). This time the Congress is seeking to oust the BJP, which has been ruling the state since 2003, from power. The assembly election in the state will be held in two phases. A total of 18 assembly seats in the eight Naxal-hit districts will go to polls in the first phase of polling on November 12. The second phase of polling for the remaining seats 72 will be held on November 20 and results will be out on December 11. The Congress had announced the candidates for the first phase polling in two lists on October 18 and 22. On October 27, it had released another list of 37 candidates for the second phase of poll. In the first phase polling, the Congress has fielded former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's niece Karuna Shukla from Rajnandgaon Assembly constituency against Chief Minister Raman Singh.

Congress releases list of 17 candidates for Chhattisgarh assembly polls

Four Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans lost their lives in an encounter with Naxals in the poll-bound district&nbsp;Bijapur of Chhattisgarh on Saturday.

Two jawans sustained injuries&nbsp;after Naxals blew up the anti-landmine vehicle.

The incident occurred around 4 pm near Murdanda camp of the CRPF under Awapalli police station, when its 168th battalion was out on "area domination" operation, Bijapur Superintendent of Police Mohit Garg was quoted as saying by PTI.

When the MPV carrying six personnel was around one km away from the camp, ultras triggered a powerful landmine blast, he said.

Reinforcement was rushed to the spot immediately and the injured personnel were being evacuated. Security officials are not retrieving the bodies from the site.

The attack took place on a day when Chief Minister Raman Singh launched the ruling BJP's campaign for the first phase of polls on November 12 in neighbouring Sukma district.

The first phase of election will cover 18 constituencies in eight Naxal-affected districts - Bastar, Kanker, Sukma, Bijapur, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Kondagaon and Rajnandgaon.

Naxals had recently put up posters in parts of Bastar region calling for boycott of the polls.

(With inputs from news agencies)

Four Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans lost their lives in an encounter with Naxals in the poll-bound district Bijapur of Chhattisgarh on Saturday. Two jawans sustained injuries after Naxals blew up the anti-landmine vehicle.

Four Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans lost their lives in an encounter with Naxals in the poll-bound district Bijapur of Chhattisgarh on Saturday. Two jawans sustained injuries after Naxals blew up the anti-landmine vehicle. The incident occurred around 4 pm near Murdanda camp of the CRPF under Awapalli police station, when its 168th battalion was out on "area domination" operation, Bijapur Superintendent of Police Mohit Garg was quoted as saying by PTI. When the MPV carrying six personnel was around one km away from the camp, ultras triggered a powerful landmine blast, he said. Reinforcement was rushed to the spot immediately and the injured personnel were being evacuated. Security officials are not retrieving the bodies from the site. The attack took place on a day when Chief Minister Raman Singh launched the ruling BJP's campaign for the first phase of polls on November 12 in neighbouring Sukma district. The first phase of election will cover 18 constituencies in eight Naxal-affected districts - Bastar, Kanker, Sukma, Bijapur, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Kondagaon and Rajnandgaon. Naxals had recently put up posters in parts of Bastar region calling for boycott of the polls. (With inputs from news agencies)

Chhattisgarh: 4 CRPF personnel killed, 2 injured as Naxals blow up anti-landmine vehicle

Releasing its first list of 77 candidates for assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, the BJP Saturday fielded Chief Minister Raman Singh from his traditional Rajnandgaon seat and dropped 14 incumbent MLAs in its bid to capture power in the state for a fourth straight term.

After a meeting of the BJP's Central Election Committee, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and its president Amit Shah, the party also announced the names of 38 candidates for the election to the 119-member Telangana Assembly.

Names of 13 candidates, all Christians, have been also been declared for the polls to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly, Union minister J P Nadda said.

Chhattisgarh, along with Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, is ruled by the BJP out of the five poll-bound states. Chhattisgarh has 90 assembly seats and will be the first to go to the polls in two phases on November 12 and 20.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded Ramdayal Uike, the working president of the Chhattisgarh Congress who joined the saffron party recently, from Pali-Tanakhar seat, and former IAS officer O P Chaudhary, who quit the service to join the party, from Kharsia, a Congress stronghold.

Among the candidates announced so far, 14 are women, 25 are less than 40 years of age, 10 candidates belong to the Scheduled Castes and 29 STs.

The first phase of polling covers 18 seats spread across eight Naxal-affected districts of Bastar, Bijapur, Dantewada, Sukma, Kondagaon, Kanker, Narayanpur and Rajnandgaon. Out of these 18 seats, the BJP Saturday named candidates for 17 assembly segments.

The BJP had won 49 seats in the previous assembly polls in 2013 in the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly.

A two minute-silence was held for the victims of the Amritsar train accident during the Central Election Committee meeting, Nadda said.

He said party leaders also expressed satisfaction at the performance of the party in local body polls in Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Releasing its first list of 77 candidates for assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, the BJP Saturday fielded Chief Minister Raman Singh from his traditional Rajnandgaon seat and dropped 14 incumbent MLAs in its bid to capture power in the state for a fourth straight term.

Releasing its first list of 77 candidates for assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, the BJP Saturday fielded Chief Minister Raman Singh from his traditional Rajnandgaon seat and dropped 14 incumbent MLAs in its bid to capture power in the state for a fourth straight term. After a meeting of the BJP's Central Election Committee, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and its president Amit Shah, the party also announced the names of 38 candidates for the election to the 119-member Telangana Assembly. Names of 13 candidates, all Christians, have been also been declared for the polls to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly, Union minister J P Nadda said. Chhattisgarh, along with Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, is ruled by the BJP out of the five poll-bound states. Chhattisgarh has 90 assembly seats and will be the first to go to the polls in two phases on November 12 and 20. The Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded Ramdayal Uike, the working president of the Chhattisgarh Congress who joined the saffron party recently, from Pali-Tanakhar seat, and former IAS officer O P Chaudhary, who quit the service to join the party, from Kharsia, a Congress stronghold. Among the candidates announced so far, 14 are women, 25 are less than 40 years of age, 10 candidates belong to the Scheduled Castes and 29 STs. The first phase of polling covers 18 seats spread across eight Naxal-affected districts of Bastar, Bijapur, Dantewada, Sukma, Kondagaon, Kanker, Narayanpur and Rajnandgaon. Out of these 18 seats, the BJP Saturday named candidates for 17 assembly segments. The BJP had won 49 seats in the previous assembly polls in 2013 in the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly. A two minute-silence was held for the victims of the Amritsar train accident during the Central Election Committee meeting, Nadda said. He said party leaders also expressed satisfaction at the performance of the party in local body polls in Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir.

BJP announces first list of 77 candidates for Chhattisgarh polls

The BJP Saturday released its first list of 77 candidates for the Chhattisgarh Assembly polls, fielding Chief Minister Raman Singh from the Rajnandgaon seat.

Among the 77 candidates announced out of a total of 90 Assembly segments, 14 are women candidates and 14 sitting MLAs have been replaced with new names, Union minister J P Nadda said.

The list was finalised at the BJP's central election committee meeting that was chaired by party president Amit Shah and attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi among others.

Among those fielded by the BJP include former IAS officer O P Chaudhary and tribal leader Ramdayal Uike, who recently left the Congress and joined the BJP.

Chhattisgarh will go to polls in two phases on November 12 and November 20. The votes will be counted on December 11.

The BJP also released a list of 38 candidates for the Telangana Assembly polls. There are a total of 119 Assembly candidates in the state.

The party also released a list of 13 candidates for the Assembly polls in Mizoram.

The BJP Saturday released its first list of 77 candidates for the Chhattisgarh Assembly polls, fielding Chief Minister Raman Singh from the Rajnandgaon seat. Among the 77 candidates announced out of a total of 90 Assembly segments, 14 are women candidates and 14 sitting MLAs have been replaced with new names, Union minister J P Nadda said.

The BJP Saturday released its first list of 77 candidates for the Chhattisgarh Assembly polls, fielding Chief Minister Raman Singh from the Rajnandgaon seat. Among the 77 candidates announced out of a total of 90 Assembly segments, 14 are women candidates and 14 sitting MLAs have been replaced with new names, Union minister J P Nadda said. The list was finalised at the BJP's central election committee meeting that was chaired by party president Amit Shah and attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi among others. Among those fielded by the BJP include former IAS officer O P Chaudhary and tribal leader Ramdayal Uike, who recently left the Congress and joined the BJP. Chhattisgarh will go to polls in two phases on November 12 and November 20. The votes will be counted on December 11. The BJP also released a list of 38 candidates for the Telangana Assembly polls. There are a total of 119 Assembly candidates in the state. The party also released a list of 13 candidates for the Assembly polls in Mizoram.

The Congress on Thursday released its first list of 12 candidates for the first phase of assembly elections in Chhattisgarh on November 12.

Seven sitting MLAs figure in the party's list for these 12 seats which lie in the Naxal-affected Bastar region.

Shankar Dhruwa, MLA of Kanker, has been denied the ticket this time.

The Central Election Committee of the party announced the names of 12 candidates in Delhi, Chhattisgarh Congress's communication wing head Shailesh Nitin Trivedi said.

Sitting MLAs who have been renominated from their seats are -- Kawasi Lakhma from Konta seat (reserved for Scheduled Tribe), Devti Karma from Dantewada (ST), Mohan Lal Markam from Kondagaon (ST), Santram Netam from Keshkal (ST), Manoj Singh Mandavi from Bhanupratppur (ST), Deepak Baij from Chitrakot (ST) and Lakheshwar Baghel from Bastar (ST).

Devti Karma is the wife of late Mahendra Karma, a former Leader of Opposition, who was a guiding force behind the Salwa Judum, a movement of anti-Naxal vigilante groups.

Mahendra Karma was among 29 people, including then state Congress chief Nandkumar Patel and former Union minister Vidyacharan Shukla, who were killed in the Naxal attack in Darbha area of Bastar district on May 25, 2013.

Former IAS officer Sishupal Sori, a member of the All India Adivasi Congress, has been fielded from Kanker seat, in place of the sitting MLA Shankar Dhruwa.

Chandan Kashyap has been fielded from Narayanpur (ST) and Anoop Nag from Antagarh seat (ST).

Vikram Shah Mandavi has been fielded from Bijapur (ST) and Rekhchand Jain from Jagdalpur, the only unreserved seat in the Bastar division.

In the 2013 Assembly polls, Vikram Shah Mandavi had lost to the BJP's Mahesh Gagda, the current state forest minister.

Rekhchand Jain had lost to BJP's Santosh Bafna in 2008 polls. Bafna is the currently the BJP MLA from Jagdalpur.

Elections to the 90-member Assembly will be held in two phases: November 12 and November 20.

The first phase of polling covers 18 seats spread across eight Naxal-affected districts -- Bastar, Bijapur, Dantewada, Sukma, Kondagaon, Kanker, Narayanpur and Rajnandgaon.

The Congress is yet to declare candidates for the six seats in Rajnandgaon district.

The party's candidates for 72 seats in the second phase will be announced later.

The Congress is out of power in the state for 15 years.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is yet to come out with the list of its candidates. Party sources said it is expected to be released on October 20.

The Congress on Thursday released its first list of 12 candidates for the first phase of assembly elections in Chhattisgarh on November 12. Seven sitting MLAs figure in the party's list for these 12 seats which lie in the Naxal-affected Bastar region.

The Congress on Thursday released its first list of 12 candidates for the first phase of assembly elections in Chhattisgarh on November 12. Seven sitting MLAs figure in the party's list for these 12 seats which lie in the Naxal-affected Bastar region. Shankar Dhruwa, MLA of Kanker, has been denied the ticket this time. The Central Election Committee of the party announced the names of 12 candidates in Delhi, Chhattisgarh Congress's communication wing head Shailesh Nitin Trivedi said. Sitting MLAs who have been renominated from their seats are -- Kawasi Lakhma from Konta seat (reserved for Scheduled Tribe), Devti Karma from Dantewada (ST), Mohan Lal Markam from Kondagaon (ST), Santram Netam from Keshkal (ST), Manoj Singh Mandavi from Bhanupratppur (ST), Deepak Baij from Chitrakot (ST) and Lakheshwar Baghel from Bastar (ST). Devti Karma is the wife of late Mahendra Karma, a former Leader of Opposition, who was a guiding force behind the Salwa Judum, a movement of anti-Naxal vigilante groups. Mahendra Karma was among 29 people, including then state Congress chief Nandkumar Patel and former Union minister Vidyacharan Shukla, who were killed in the Naxal attack in Darbha area of Bastar district on May 25, 2013. Former IAS officer Sishupal Sori, a member of the All India Adivasi Congress, has been fielded from Kanker seat, in place of the sitting MLA Shankar Dhruwa. Chandan Kashyap has been fielded from Narayanpur (ST) and Anoop Nag from Antagarh seat (ST). Vikram Shah Mandavi has been fielded from Bijapur (ST) and Rekhchand Jain from Jagdalpur, the only unreserved seat in the Bastar division. In the 2013 Assembly polls, Vikram Shah Mandavi had lost to the BJP's Mahesh Gagda, the current state forest minister. Rekhchand Jain had lost to BJP's Santosh Bafna in 2008 polls. Bafna is the currently the BJP MLA from Jagdalpur. Elections to the 90-member Assembly will be held in two phases: November 12 and November 20. The first phase of polling covers 18 seats spread across eight Naxal-affected districts -- Bastar, Bijapur, Dantewada, Sukma, Kondagaon, Kanker, Narayanpur and Rajnandgaon. The Congress is yet to declare candidates for the six seats in Rajnandgaon district. The party's candidates for 72 seats in the second phase will be announced later. The Congress is out of power in the state for 15 years. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is yet to come out with the list of its candidates. Party sources said it is expected to be released on October 20.

Congress releases first list of 12 candidate for first phase of Chhattisgarh polls

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