<p>Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said today the state government would approach the Supreme Court to stop the release of the controversial film &quot;Padmaavat&quot;.</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters after a programme here, Chouhan said: &quot;We would once again knock on the apex court&#39;s doors.&quot;</p>

<p>He didn&#39;t elaborate.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-cleared-by-the-supreme-court-in-four-states-stays-ban-29917" target="_blank">When Bandit Queen can be released, why not </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-cleared-by-the-supreme-court-in-four-states-stays-ban-29917" target="_blank">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-cleared-by-the-supreme-court-in-four-states-stays-ban-29917" target="_blank">, says Supreme Court</a></p>

<p>In November, after meeting Rajput community leaders, Chouhan had announced that the film would not be allowed to release in the state.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court has stayed the orders/notifications issued by the Rajasthan and Gujarat governments prohibiting the screening of &quot;Padmaavat&quot;, and restrained other state governments from issuing similar orders.&nbsp;</p>


'We would once again knock on the apex court's doors,' Shivraj Singh Chouhan said

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said today the state government would approach the Supreme Court to stop the release of the controversial film "Padmaavat". Speaking to reporters after a programme here, Chouhan said: "We would once again knock on the apex court's doors." He didn't elaborate. Also read: When Bandit Queen can be released, why not Padmaavat, says Supreme Court In November, after meeting Rajput community leaders, Chouhan had announced that the film would not be allowed to release in the state. The Supreme Court has stayed the orders/notifications issued by the Rajasthan and Gujarat governments prohibiting the screening of "Padmaavat", and restrained other state governments from issuing similar orders.

Padmaavat release row: Madhya Pradesh CM says will move Supreme Court

<p>Condemning the recent rape incidents in Haryana, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday said he was mulling capital punishment for the accused raping girls below 12 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While talking to media persons Khattar said, &quot;I am really hurt by the incidents being reported by you lately. We have decided to make strong provisions. If such incidents of rape with girls below 12 are proved true, we will make an act of capital punishment for the accused in this session&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I am really hurt by the incidents being reported by you lately. We have decided to make strong provisions. If such incidents of rape with girls below 12 is proved true, we will make an act of capital punishment for the accused in this session: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Haryana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Haryana</a> CM Manohar Lal Khattar <a href="https://t.co/BM0PL8BUbi">pic.twitter.com/BM0PL8BUbi</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/954675301492994053?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The chief minister also said that all these cases first need to be verified properly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He even urged people to stop sensationalising such issues. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The Haryana CM also said that all the cases need to be verified properly, adding they should not be sensationalised. &quot;Ghatna ko bina verify kiye hue jo sansani phailti hai, wo sansani nahin phailani chahiye&quot;, he said.</p>

<p>A total of nine rape cases have been reported in the state in last one week with three cases reported on Thursday only.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cases were reported from different part of Haryana.</p>


The chief minister said that all these cases first need to be verified properly

Condemning the recent rape incidents in Haryana, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday said he was mulling capital punishment for the accused raping girls below 12 years. While talking to media persons Khattar said, "I am really hurt by the incidents being reported by you lately. We have decided to make strong provisions. If such incidents of rape with girls below 12 are proved true, we will make an act of capital punishment for the accused in this session". I am really hurt by the incidents being reported by you lately. We have decided to make strong provisions. If such incidents of rape with girls below 12 is proved true, we will make an act of capital punishment for the accused in this session: #Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar pic.twitter.com/BM0PL8BUbi — ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2018 × The chief minister also said that all these cases first need to be verified properly. He even urged people to stop sensationalising such issues. The Haryana CM also said that all the cases need to be verified properly, adding they should not be sensationalised. "Ghatna ko bina verify kiye hue jo sansani phailti hai, wo sansani nahin phailani chahiye", he said. A total of nine rape cases have been reported in the state in last one week with three cases reported on Thursday only. The cases were reported from different part of Haryana.

Haryana rape cases: CM Khattar talks of capital punishment if girls below 12 raped

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu along with his wife Sara today visited the 17th century Mughal monument Taj Mahal.</p>

<p>Netanyahu was received by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the Kheria Airport.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A lot issues especially exchange of technology in agriculture, irrigation, water &amp; waste management in urban areas &amp; other sectors were discussed: UP CM Yogi Adityanath on meeting Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu <a href="https://t.co/gA4jfRBRn5">pic.twitter.com/gA4jfRBRn5</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/953264358708015105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>He was accorded a traditional welcome by Braj folk artists on his arrival at the airport, the chief minister&#39;s office said on Twitter.</p>

<p>The dignitaries spent some time at Hotel Amar Vilas before leaving for the monument in golf carts.</p>

<p>In view of the Israeli prime minister&#39;s visit, the Taj Mahal remained closed for over two hours for tourists.</p>

<p>The route from the Kheria Airport to the Taj Mahal was sealed and extra security arrangements were made.</p>

<p>According to officials, the visiting dignitary will have lunch at Hotel Amar Vilas before leaving for New Delhi.</p>

<p>Netanyahu arrived here on Sunday on a six-day visit.</p>

<p>The Israeli prime minister is scheduled to inaugurate the third edition of the geo-political conference, &#39;Raisina Dialogue&#39;, in Delhi later today.</p>


He was accorded a traditional welcome by Braj folk artists on his arrival at the airport

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu along with his wife Sara today visited the 17th century Mughal monument Taj Mahal. Netanyahu was received by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the Kheria Airport. A lot issues especially exchange of technology in agriculture, irrigation, water & waste management in urban areas & other sectors were discussed: UP CM Yogi Adityanath on meeting Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu pic.twitter.com/gA4jfRBRn5 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 16, 2018 × He was accorded a traditional welcome by Braj folk artists on his arrival at the airport, the chief minister's office said on Twitter. The dignitaries spent some time at Hotel Amar Vilas before leaving for the monument in golf carts. In view of the Israeli prime minister's visit, the Taj Mahal remained closed for over two hours for tourists. The route from the Kheria Airport to the Taj Mahal was sealed and extra security arrangements were made. According to officials, the visiting dignitary will have lunch at Hotel Amar Vilas before leaving for New Delhi. Netanyahu arrived here on Sunday on a six-day visit. The Israeli prime minister is scheduled to inaugurate the third edition of the geo-political conference, 'Raisina Dialogue', in Delhi later today.

Isreali PM Netanyahu, wife visit Taj Mahal, received by Yogi Adityanath

<p>Four policemen were killed and one&nbsp;seriously injured in an IED blast in Sopore in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Baramulla district on Saturday.</p>

<p>The blast took place in the Sapore&#39;s main market. The explosive device was placed near a shop in a lane between the &#39;Chotta Bazaar&#39; and &#39;Bada Bazaar&#39;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The blast was triggered when the police vehicle ran over the IED.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">More <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#visuals</a> from Baramulla where 4 Policemen have lost their lives after an IED blast by terrorists in Sopore <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/BLybHzhaFl">pic.twitter.com/BLybHzhaFl</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/949516297993256965?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Three of the four policemen were identified as ASI Irshad, M Amin and Ghulam Nabi, media reports said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The fourth policeman succumbed to injuries on the way to the hospital.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from Baramulla: 3 Policemen have lost their lives &amp; 2 are seriously injured after an IED blast by terrorists in Sopore <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/k4TCaLRxx2">pic.twitter.com/k4TCaLRxx2</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/949513405609648129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti took to Twitter to condemn the attack. &nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pained to hear that four policeman have been killed in an IED explosion in Sopore. My deepest condolences to their families.</p>
&mdash; Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) <a href="https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti/status/949513543220637696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The area has been cordoned off and a search operation is underway to nab the terrorists.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The blast was triggered when the police vehicle ran over the IED

Four policemen were killed and one seriously injured in an IED blast in Sopore in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Saturday. The blast took place in the Sapore's main market. The explosive device was placed near a shop in a lane between the 'Chotta Bazaar' and 'Bada Bazaar'. The blast was triggered when the police vehicle ran over the IED. More #visuals from Baramulla where 4 Policemen have lost their lives after an IED blast by terrorists in Sopore #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/BLybHzhaFl — ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2018 × Three of the four policemen were identified as ASI Irshad, M Amin and Ghulam Nabi, media reports said. The fourth policeman succumbed to injuries on the way to the hospital. #Visuals from Baramulla: 3 Policemen have lost their lives & 2 are seriously injured after an IED blast by terrorists in Sopore #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/k4TCaLRxx2 — ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2018 × Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti took to Twitter to condemn the attack. Pained to hear that four policeman have been killed in an IED explosion in Sopore. My deepest condolences to their families. — Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) January 6, 2018 × The area has been cordoned off and a search operation is underway to nab the terrorists.

J&K: 4 policemen killed, 1 injured in IED blast in Sapore

<p>Five-time MLA from Seraj, Jairam Thakur is one of BJP&#39;s senior leaders widely known for his humble, clean and non-aggressive style of politics.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Thakur was sworn in as chief minister of Himachal Pradesh on December 27 in a ceremony which was attended by PM Modi, Amit Shah and several other leaders.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The 52-year-old leader emerged as one of the frontrunners for the top post after the defeat of BJP leader Prem Kumar Dhumal in the recently-held Himachal Pradesh assembly elections.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Thakur belongs to Rajput community and was born on January 6, 1965, in Tandi village of Mandi&#39;s Thunag area.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
His parents were farmers and therefore, had limited earnings. He also had five other siblings - two sisters and three brothers.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Thakur&#39;s father Jhethu Ram died on December 25 last year.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
He did his post-graduation from Panjab University, Chandigarh, after which he decided to join politics.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
During his under-graduation days in Vallabh Government College in Mandi, Thakur joined ABVP and won the first election under ABVP flag.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Thakur, a former state unit chief and rural development and panchayati raj minister in a government headed by Dhumal, is considered close to the RSS, where he stayed for three years before joining the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha in 1993.</p>

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<p>Jairam Thakur (Others)</p>
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<p>Thakur contested assembly polls on a BJP ticket in 1993, which he lost but went on to win the 1998 elections from Seraj and every state election after that.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
In 1998, he was given a ticket from Chachiot Vidhan Sabha segment after defeating (This should be just defeated. You first get a ticket and then you defeat someone, no?) Moti Ram Thakur by almost 6,000 votes.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The BJP then formed the government in Shimla under Prem Kumar Dhumal, with the support of the Sukh Ram-led Himachal Vikas Congress. Thakur had been a key member in the development of one of the state&rsquo;s most undeveloped and backward areas, according to his constituents. (We can remove this para)<br />
&nbsp;<br />
He was a Cabinet minister in the BJP government led by Dhumal from 2007 to 2012.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
In 2012, he won against Congress&rsquo;s Tara Thakur by 11,254 votes making it one of his biggest victory margins so far in Himachal Pradesh.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
A soft-spoken man, Thakur&#39;s strength is that he is seen as a leader who has managed to straddle the party&#39;s warring factions in the state.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The BJP ousted the Congress from power by winning 44 out of the 68 seats in the recent assembly polls.</p>


The 52-year-old leader emerged as one of the frontrunners for the top post after the defeat of BJP leader Prem Kumar Dhumal in the 2017 Assembly polls.

Five-time MLA from Seraj, Jairam Thakur is one of BJP's senior leaders widely known for his humble, clean and non-aggressive style of politics. Thakur was sworn in as chief minister of Himachal Pradesh on December 27 in a ceremony which was attended by PM Modi, Amit Shah and several other leaders. The 52-year-old leader emerged as one of the frontrunners for the top post after the defeat of BJP leader Prem Kumar Dhumal in the recently-held Himachal Pradesh assembly elections. Thakur belongs to Rajput community and was born on January 6, 1965, in Tandi village of Mandi's Thunag area. His parents were farmers and therefore, had limited earnings. He also had five other siblings - two sisters and three brothers. Thakur's father Jhethu Ram died on December 25 last year. He did his post-graduation from Panjab University, Chandigarh, after which he decided to join politics. During his under-graduation days in Vallabh Government College in Mandi, Thakur joined ABVP and won the first election under ABVP flag. Thakur, a former state unit chief and rural development and panchayati raj minister in a government headed by Dhumal, is considered close to the RSS, where he stayed for three years before joining the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha in 1993. Jairam Thakur (Others) × Thakur contested assembly polls on a BJP ticket in 1993, which he lost but went on to win the 1998 elections from Seraj and every state election after that. In 1998, he was given a ticket from Chachiot Vidhan Sabha segment after defeating (This should be just defeated. You first get a ticket and then you defeat someone, no?) Moti Ram Thakur by almost 6,000 votes. The BJP then formed the government in Shimla under Prem Kumar Dhumal, with the support of the Sukh Ram-led Himachal Vikas Congress. Thakur had been a key member in the development of one of the state’s most undeveloped and backward areas, according to his constituents. (We can remove this para) He was a Cabinet minister in the BJP government led by Dhumal from 2007 to 2012. In 2012, he won against Congress’s Tara Thakur by 11,254 votes making it one of his biggest victory margins so far in Himachal Pradesh. A soft-spoken man, Thakur's strength is that he is seen as a leader who has managed to straddle the party's warring factions in the state. The BJP ousted the Congress from power by winning 44 out of the 68 seats in the recent assembly polls.

Jairam Thakur: Soft-spoken man who will now steer Himachal Pradesh

<p>Defying the 29-year-old &#39;Noida jinx&#39;, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the city on Saturday evening, to take stock of the security and other preparations ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s proposed visit to inaugurate Delhi Metro&#39;s Magenta line. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Yogi Adityanath will be in Noida tomorrow also.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Noida-Kalkaji Metro line&nbsp;will be inaugurated jointly by PM Modi and CM Yogi on December 25.</p>

<p>After reviewing the preparations, Yogi met homebuyers and the builders to resolve the ongoing issue of delayed possession of flats.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
There is a superstition that any chief minister who visits Noida, ends up losing his position. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>It took root in June 1988, when then chief minister Vir Bahadur Singh was asked to relinquish office by the Centre. Interestingly, the decision was made within days of his return from Noida.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Likewise, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati also lost her CM&#39;s chair after visiting Noida, in 1997.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Then in 1989, ND Tiwari had to vacate the office and 10 years later in 1999, Kalyan Singh suffered due to the jinx.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If reports are to be believed, no chief minister had stepped into the city in last decade.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


There is a superstition that any chief minister who visits Noida, ends up losing his position

Defying the 29-year-old 'Noida jinx', Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the city on Saturday evening, to take stock of the security and other preparations ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit to inaugurate Delhi Metro's Magenta line. Yogi Adityanath will be in Noida tomorrow also. The Noida-Kalkaji Metro line will be inaugurated jointly by PM Modi and CM Yogi on December 25. After reviewing the preparations, Yogi met homebuyers and the builders to resolve the ongoing issue of delayed possession of flats. There is a superstition that any chief minister who visits Noida, ends up losing his position. It took root in June 1988, when then chief minister Vir Bahadur Singh was asked to relinquish office by the Centre. Interestingly, the decision was made within days of his return from Noida. Likewise, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati also lost her CM's chair after visiting Noida, in 1997. Then in 1989, ND Tiwari had to vacate the office and 10 years later in 1999, Kalyan Singh suffered due to the jinx. If reports are to be believed, no chief minister had stepped into the city in last decade.

Yogi Adityanath defies 'Noida jinx', visits city to check preparations ahead of PM Modi's visit

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jairam Thakur, who is likely to take over as Himachal Pradesh chief minister, said on Tuesday that he will do whatever the party decides and will work for the development of the state.</p>

<p>&quot;Whatever the party will decide I will do. I am very happy that there is going to be BJP government in Himachal Pradesh. I thank all the people of the state for voting for us. We will work for the development of the state. The party will also improve the law and order situation in Himachal Pradesh,&quot; Thakur told.</p>

<p>Thakur won from Seraj constituency by defeating Chet Ram of the Congress.</p>

<p>Thakur was a cabinet minister in the BJP ministry in the hill state. He was Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj.</p>

<p>He was elected to Himachal Pradesh Assembly from Mandi and had won his first election in the year of 1998.</p>

<p>Prem Kumar Dhumal, the original chief ministerial candidate, lost to Congress&#39; Rajinder Rana.</p>

<p>Dhumal won 18,559 votes while Rana bagged 21,492.</p>

<p>The BJP has won 36 seats and was leading in eighty seats, while the Congress won 19 seats and was leading in 21 seats in the 68-member Himachal Pradesh Assembly.&nbsp;</p>


Thakur was a cabinet minister in the BJP ministry in the hill state

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jairam Thakur, who is likely to take over as Himachal Pradesh chief minister, said on Tuesday that he will do whatever the party decides and will work for the development of the state. "Whatever the party will decide I will do. I am very happy that there is going to be BJP government in Himachal Pradesh. I thank all the people of the state for voting for us. We will work for the development of the state. The party will also improve the law and order situation in Himachal Pradesh," Thakur told. Thakur won from Seraj constituency by defeating Chet Ram of the Congress. Thakur was a cabinet minister in the BJP ministry in the hill state. He was Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj. He was elected to Himachal Pradesh Assembly from Mandi and had won his first election in the year of 1998. Prem Kumar Dhumal, the original chief ministerial candidate, lost to Congress' Rajinder Rana. Dhumal won 18,559 votes while Rana bagged 21,492. The BJP has won 36 seats and was leading in eighty seats, while the Congress won 19 seats and was leading in 21 seats in the 68-member Himachal Pradesh Assembly.

BJP leader Jairam Thakur assures Himachal of development

<p>Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attacked the Congress Party for their unparliamentary language, saying the outcomes of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh state polls are a lesson for those who forget political courtesy.</p>

<p>Yogi stated that BJP&#39;s performance in both the states is a victory of Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s policies and economic reforms.</p>

<p>&quot;Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh results are a lesson to those who forget political courtesy and indulge in unparliamentary language. Those raising question mark on the Prime Minister will now have to accept his leadership,&quot; Yogi said.</p>

<p>&quot;We, on behalf of the people of UP congratulate Modiji and Amit Shahji. It&#39;s victory of economic reforms. Modi&#39;s leadership has established country economically. Those who raised questions on Gujarat model should now look at the results. It&#39;s victory of policies of Modiji,&quot; he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yogi reiterated that Congress President Rahul Gandhi showed casteist, divisive and despicable thinking during his campaigning for the state elections, ending up losing Himachal Pradesh, one of the strongholds of the Congress party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chief Minister stressed that change in Congress leadership is a positive sign for the BJP and will help them win other Congress strongholds also.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the elections campaigning, Rahul Gandhi had criticised the prime minister for ignoring the poor people and farmers and implementing policies to benefit only the rich people of this country.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


BJP's performance is a victory of PM Modi's policies and economic reforms.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attacked the Congress Party for their unparliamentary language, saying the outcomes of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh state polls are a lesson for those who forget political courtesy. Yogi stated that BJP's performance in both the states is a victory of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies and economic reforms. "Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh results are a lesson to those who forget political courtesy and indulge in unparliamentary language. Those raising question mark on the Prime Minister will now have to accept his leadership," Yogi said. "We, on behalf of the people of UP congratulate Modiji and Amit Shahji. It's victory of economic reforms. Modi's leadership has established country economically. Those who raised questions on Gujarat model should now look at the results. It's victory of policies of Modiji," he added. Yogi reiterated that Congress President Rahul Gandhi showed casteist, divisive and despicable thinking during his campaigning for the state elections, ending up losing Himachal Pradesh, one of the strongholds of the Congress party. The Chief Minister stressed that change in Congress leadership is a positive sign for the BJP and will help them win other Congress strongholds also. During the elections campaigning, Rahul Gandhi had criticised the prime minister for ignoring the poor people and farmers and implementing policies to benefit only the rich people of this country.

People questioning PM Modi's policies will now have to accept his leadership: UP CM Yogi on election results

<p>Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar on Tuesday attacked Maharashtra&#39;s ruling government over the agrarian crisis in the state, urging farmers not to pay electricity and other dues until the government deposits loan waiver money into their bank accounts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After a state-wide agitation by farmers, the Maharashtra government had announced an agriculture loan waiver of Rs 34,022 crore on June 24.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, on July 9, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that around 36 lakh farmers in the state will have their entire debts waived.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pawar, who was speaking at a rally organised together by the Congress and NCP on his 77th birthday, warned chief minister&nbsp;Fadnavis to restrict himself from blackmailing the opposition leaders.</p>

<p>&quot;The Maharashtra chief minister uses the language of blackmailing the opposition. We respect the mandate of the people who chose you to govern,&quot; asserted Pawar.</p>

<p>The former Union agricultural minister further cautioned the CM saying the people who gave him the mandate can also oust him from power if he continued to use the blackmailing language.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pawar also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for &#39;deliberately&#39; misconstruing a meeting at the residence of suspended Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on December 6 and presenting it as a conspiracy by Pakistan to interfere in the Gujarat polls.</p>


The Maharashtra government had announced an agriculture loan waiver of Rs 34,022 crore on June 24

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar on Tuesday attacked Maharashtra's ruling government over the agrarian crisis in the state, urging farmers not to pay electricity and other dues until the government deposits loan waiver money into their bank accounts. After a state-wide agitation by farmers, the Maharashtra government had announced an agriculture loan waiver of Rs 34,022 crore on June 24. Meanwhile, on July 9, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that around 36 lakh farmers in the state will have their entire debts waived. Pawar, who was speaking at a rally organised together by the Congress and NCP on his 77th birthday, warned chief minister Fadnavis to restrict himself from blackmailing the opposition leaders. "The Maharashtra chief minister uses the language of blackmailing the opposition. We respect the mandate of the people who chose you to govern," asserted Pawar. The former Union agricultural minister further cautioned the CM saying the people who gave him the mandate can also oust him from power if he continued to use the blackmailing language. Pawar also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for 'deliberately' misconstruing a meeting at the residence of suspended Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on December 6 and presenting it as a conspiracy by Pakistan to interfere in the Gujarat polls.

Don't pay electricity, other dues till government gives loan waiver money: Sharad Pawar to farmers

<p>Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Friday said the &#39;Gujarat model&#39;, as claimed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), does not exist and is a deception.</p>

<p>Speaking at a press conference here, &quot;The truth has come out in this Assembly election that there is no such thing as the Gujarat model, the Gujarat model is a deception model. I have come here today to the people of Gujarat on the day before voting to advice them to not get deceived by the BJP&quot;.</p>

<p>He added BJP leaders say that they fight elections on the basis of development, &quot;therefore, I decided that we should come see the `Gujarat model`&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;We made the metro in 2.5 years and an elevator road in Uttar Pradesh. Pension was given to 55 lakh poor, but when we talked of development, BJP talked about caste and religion. They divided the people of Uttar Pradesh,&quot; Akhilesh said.</p>

<p>He further stated the Samajwadi Party provided electricity for 24 hours in the state, then the BJP said they will provide the same for &#39;25&#39; hours. &quot;Can somebody tell me are there 25 hours in a day? The BJP campaigns were based on lies,&quot; Akhilesh added.</p>

<p>The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister reached Ahmedabad on the day before the first round of Gujarat Assembly elections.</p>

<p>The two-phase Gujarat Assembly elections will take place on December 9 and 14, while the results will be out on December 18.</p>


'The truth has come out in this Assembly election that there is no such thing as the Gujarat model, the Gujarat model is a deception model. I have come here today to the people of Gujarat on the day before voting to advice them to not get deceived by the BJP,' said Akhilesh Yadav

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Friday said the 'Gujarat model', as claimed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), does not exist and is a deception. Speaking at a press conference here, "The truth has come out in this Assembly election that there is no such thing as the Gujarat model, the Gujarat model is a deception model. I have come here today to the people of Gujarat on the day before voting to advice them to not get deceived by the BJP". He added BJP leaders say that they fight elections on the basis of development, "therefore, I decided that we should come see the `Gujarat model`". "We made the metro in 2.5 years and an elevator road in Uttar Pradesh. Pension was given to 55 lakh poor, but when we talked of development, BJP talked about caste and religion. They divided the people of Uttar Pradesh," Akhilesh said. He further stated the Samajwadi Party provided electricity for 24 hours in the state, then the BJP said they will provide the same for '25' hours. "Can somebody tell me are there 25 hours in a day? The BJP campaigns were based on lies," Akhilesh added. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister reached Ahmedabad on the day before the first round of Gujarat Assembly elections. The two-phase Gujarat Assembly elections will take place on December 9 and 14, while the results will be out on December 18.

'Gujarat model' deceptive, claims Akhilesh

<p>Hindu seers and priests today made elaborate arrangements for sacred purifying rituals at the sprawling chief minister&#39;s bungalow in Lucknow which will be the new home for hardline Hindutva mascot Yogi Adityanath.</p>

<p>The five-time MP from Gorakhpur, who was sworn in as the 21st chief minister of Uttar Pradesh yesterday, stayed at the VVIP Guest House overnight and has decided not to enter the bungalow without conducting prayers and purification rituals like &quot;Yagna&quot;.</p>

<p>Even before dawn broke, seven priests from Gorakhpur and Allahabad trooped into the chief minister&#39;s official residence for conducting prayers. Adityanath, 44, was not present during the prayers.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Uttar Pradesh: Purifying rituals performed outside Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath&#39;s residence at 5 Kalidas Marg, Lucknow <a href="https://t.co/O9OJY6TUnr">pic.twitter.com/O9OJY6TUnr</a></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pooja done for 2.5 hrs for purification &amp; destroying &#39;dosh&#39; present here: Narayan Mishra, Priest of Gorakhnath Temple at CM&#39;s residence <a href="https://t.co/D6RZoaZ7dX">pic.twitter.com/D6RZoaZ7dX</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/843808424567570434">March 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We performed greh pravesh pooja &amp; prayed for betterment of state :Rohit Mishra,Priest from Gorakhnath Temple at CM&#39;s residence in Lucknow <a href="https://t.co/yLejjfxVRf">pic.twitter.com/yLejjfxVRf</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/843806724448436225">March 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The controversial mascot of hardline Hindutva is expected to enter the bungalow only at an auspicious time which is being finalised.</p>

<p>&quot;Aditya Nath Yogi, Chief Minister&quot;&nbsp;says the new nameplate in Hindi outside the 5, Kalidas road bungalow, which was occupied by Akhilesh Yadav for five years before his Samajwadi Party (SP)&nbsp;was trounced by the &quot;saffron tsunami&quot; in the state Assembly elections.</p>

<p>Akhilesh&#39;s father Mulayam Singh Yadav, now SP patron, and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati were among the earlier occupants.</p>

<p>At the main gate, a priest put up the &quot;swastika&quot;&nbsp;sign above the chief minister&#39;s name plate by dipping marigold flower in sandal and haldi paste.</p>

<p>The &quot;swastika&quot;&nbsp;symbol is considered lucky and auspicious and has special significance in &quot;grih pravesh&quot; (house warming) as per the Hindu traditions.</p>

<p>The priest then wrote &quot;Om&quot; and &quot;Shub Laabh&quot; on the imposing gates of the bungalow. &quot;This is a usual ritual worship of Lakshmi-Ganesh before &#39;grih pravesh&#39;,&quot; said one of the priests.</p>

<p>The gates freshly painted in white were decorated with marigold garlands, while the lush green lawns inside the compound embroidered by beds of season flowers in their full bloom, were being given final touches for the new occupant.</p>

<p>Inside the bungalow, the priests made elaborate preparations for &quot;yagna&quot; and &quot;havan&quot;, rituals done in front of sacred fire amid chanting of vedic mantras to purify the place and ward off evil spirits, for the &quot;mahant&quot; of Gorakhnath Mutt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


The new chief minister is expected to enter the bungalow only at an auspicious time, which is still being finalised

Hindu seers and priests today made elaborate arrangements for sacred purifying rituals at the sprawling chief minister's bungalow in Lucknow which will be the new home for hardline Hindutva mascot Yogi Adityanath. The five-time MP from Gorakhpur, who was sworn in as the 21st chief minister of Uttar Pradesh yesterday, stayed at the VVIP Guest House overnight and has decided not to enter the bungalow without conducting prayers and purification rituals like "Yagna". Even before dawn broke, seven priests from Gorakhpur and Allahabad trooped into the chief minister's official residence for conducting prayers. Adityanath, 44, was not present during the prayers. Uttar Pradesh: Purifying rituals performed outside Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's residence at 5 Kalidas Marg, Lucknow pic.twitter.com/O9OJY6TUnr — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 20, 2017 × Pooja done for 2.5 hrs for purification & destroying 'dosh' present here: Narayan Mishra, Priest of Gorakhnath Temple at CM's residence pic.twitter.com/D6RZoaZ7dX — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 20, 2017 × We performed greh pravesh pooja & prayed for betterment of state :Rohit Mishra,Priest from Gorakhnath Temple at CM's residence in Lucknow pic.twitter.com/yLejjfxVRf — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 20, 2017 × The controversial mascot of hardline Hindutva is expected to enter the bungalow only at an auspicious time which is being finalised. "Aditya Nath Yogi, Chief Minister" says the new nameplate in Hindi outside the 5, Kalidas road bungalow, which was occupied by Akhilesh Yadav for five years before his Samajwadi Party (SP) was trounced by the "saffron tsunami" in the state Assembly elections. Akhilesh's father Mulayam Singh Yadav, now SP patron, and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati were among the earlier occupants. At the main gate, a priest put up the "swastika" sign above the chief minister's name plate by dipping marigold flower in sandal and haldi paste. The "swastika" symbol is considered lucky and auspicious and has special significance in "grih pravesh" (house warming) as per the Hindu traditions. The priest then wrote "Om" and "Shub Laabh" on the imposing gates of the bungalow. "This is a usual ritual worship of Lakshmi-Ganesh before 'grih pravesh'," said one of the priests. The gates freshly painted in white were decorated with marigold garlands, while the lush green lawns inside the compound embroidered by beds of season flowers in their full bloom, were being given final touches for the new occupant. Inside the bungalow, the priests made elaborate preparations for "yagna" and "havan", rituals done in front of sacred fire amid chanting of vedic mantras to purify the place and ward off evil spirits, for the "mahant" of Gorakhnath Mutt. (PTI)

Priests, seers purify CM's bungalow for Adityanath

<p>Yogi Adityanath, a firebrand lawmaker from Gorakhpur,&nbsp;took&nbsp;today oath as the 32nd chief minister of India&#39;s most populous state of Uttar Pradesh&nbsp;in the state capital Lucknow.</p>

<p>In his first interaction with media persons after taking over, Adityanath said his government will follow the &#39;<em>sabka</em><em> </em><em>saath</em><em> </em><em>sabka</em><em> </em><em>vikas</em>&#39; (With all, development for all) agenda in serving the people.</p>

<p>The Uttar Pradesh chief minister said his government would work for all sections of the society without any discrimination.</p>

<p>&quot;Our Government will work for the welfare of the people. We will work for all the sections of the society without any discrimination. Special efforts will be made for the welfare of the poor, Dalits and backward classes,&quot; Yogi Adityanath said in his address to the media.</p>

<p>He also said the government would work towards bettering the law and order situation and tackle the unemployment problem.</p>

<p>&quot;The people have borne a heavy loss due to the deteriorated situation of law and order and corruption. Our Government will work for the welfare of the people,&quot; he said.&nbsp;&quot;We will surely work to improve job crisis&quot;.<br />
<br />
He said that in the last 15 years, Uttar Pradesh had been left behind in all respects, and vowed to take the state on the&nbsp;path of growth and development.</p>

<p>Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Dinesh Sharma said that all the promises including waiving off farmers&rsquo; loan would be fulfilled. &quot;Don&rsquo;t worry. All the promises which were made during elections rally will be fulfilled,&quot; he said when asked whether farmers&rsquo; loans would be waived off.</p>

<p>Adityanath, deputy chief ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma, and a 43-member Cabinet were sworn-in by Governor Ram Naik&nbsp;at the&nbsp;Kanshiram Smriti Upvan.<br />
<br />
The Muslim face of the Cabinet, former cricketer Mohsin Raza, was sworn in as the Minister of State.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FLASH?src=hash">#FLASH</a>: Yogi Adityanath takes oath as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister <a href="https://t.co/IA6U6kYUPX">pic.twitter.com/IA6U6kYUPX</a></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Yogi Adityanath becomes Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, leaders congratulate him at the ceremony. <a href="https://t.co/BgLvQJs4Nd">pic.twitter.com/BgLvQJs4Nd</a></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Keshav Prasad Maurya takes oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. <a href="https://t.co/buO161ZPCg">pic.twitter.com/buO161ZPCg</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/843384794096447488">March 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Lucknow: Dinesh Sharma takes oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh <a href="https://t.co/10H64qmGfL">pic.twitter.com/10H64qmGfL</a></p>
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<p><br />
Yogi Adityanath was chosen as the next chief minister of Uttar Pradesh on Saturday ending days of speculation.</p>

<p>The swearing-in ceremony was attended by the top brass of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party president Amit Shah, Union ministers Rajnath Singh,&nbsp;Nitin Gadkari,&nbsp;Uma Bharti, and senior party leader LK Advani.</p>

<p>Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav was also invited for the ceremony and could be seen interacting with PM Modi.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash">#WATCH</a> PM Narendra Modi and Mulayam Singh Yadav interact post swearing-in ceremony of Yogi Adityanath as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister <a href="https://t.co/8NfGbtzfRO">pic.twitter.com/8NfGbtzfRO</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/843421317428891651">March 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu were also present on the occasion.</p>

<p>The party&#39;s state president Keshav Prasad Maurya and Lucknow mayor Dinesh Sharma were chosen as the deputy chief ministers.</p>

<p>The decision was made after a high-power meeting at Lok Bhawan in Lucknow. The meeting was attended by Union minister Venkaiah Naidu and BJP vice-president Om Mathur.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Adityanath is known to be&nbsp;a Hindu hardliner, with his incendiary comments often creating controversies.</p>

<p>The five-time MP has compared Pakistan to Satan and Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan to Hafiz Saeed, the alleged mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.</p>

<p>In 2002, he formed a right-wing outfit named Hindu Yuva Vahini. The group has been known for enforcing cow protection and love jihad (inter-religious marriages) campaigns.</p>

<p>Born on June 5, 1972, Adityanath was the youngest member of the 12th Lok Sabha at 26.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The 44-year-old has also been accused of converting Christians to Hinduism in 2005.</p>

<p>Most recently, he lauded US President Trump&#39;s travel ban that aimed to halt immigrants from a handful of Muslim-majority countries from entering America, saying India needed similar action to check terrorism.</p>

<p>Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya was instrumental in the BJP securing over 300 seats in these elections as he helped the saffron party get the non-Yadav OBC votes. And like Modi, he worked at several tea stalls when he was a young boy.</p>

<p>Maurya&#39;s colleague Dinesh Sharma, the national vice-president of the BJP, is believed to be close to Modi. Sharma, also the mayor of Lucknow, played a key role in boosting the party&#39;s membership from 10 million to 110 million before this year&#39;s elections.</p>

<p>Adityanath&#39;s appointment removed the shroud of uncertainty about the identity of the state&#39;s next chief minister.</p>

<p>Besides Adityanath, Union minister Manoj Sinha, BJP leader Shrikant Sharma and Maurya were in the reckoning to be the head of India&#39;s northern state.</p>

<p>Till a few hours ago, it was Manoj Sinha who was believed to be in the inside lane of the chief ministerial race. But minutes before the Lok Bhawan meeting at 4 pm yesterday (March 18), there were strong indications that Adityanath had stolen a march over Sinha.</p>

<p>&quot;This is a watershed moment in the history of BJP,&quot; Venkaiah Naidu, Federal Information &amp; Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu told reporters after BJP officials met in Uttar Pradesh&#39;s capital Lucknow on Saturday.</p>

<p>&quot;The mandate is for development, good governance and against caste politics.&quot;</p>

<p>The BJP swept to power in UP, winning&nbsp;312 seats in a 403-member house, while its allies Apna Dal (Soneylal) and Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party got nine and four seats respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from agencies)</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The chief minister said his government would work for all sections of the society and would tackle the law and order problem in the state

Yogi Adityanath, a firebrand lawmaker from Gorakhpur, took today oath as the 32nd chief minister of India's most populous state of Uttar Pradesh in the state capital Lucknow. In his first interaction with media persons after taking over, Adityanath said his government will follow the 'sabka saath sabka vikas' (With all, development for all) agenda in serving the people. The Uttar Pradesh chief minister said his government would work for all sections of the society without any discrimination. "Our Government will work for the welfare of the people. We will work for all the sections of the society without any discrimination. Special efforts will be made for the welfare of the poor, Dalits and backward classes," Yogi Adityanath said in his address to the media. He also said the government would work towards bettering the law and order situation and tackle the unemployment problem. "The people have borne a heavy loss due to the deteriorated situation of law and order and corruption. Our Government will work for the welfare of the people," he said. "We will surely work to improve job crisis". He said that in the last 15 years, Uttar Pradesh had been left behind in all respects, and vowed to take the state on the path of growth and development. Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Dinesh Sharma said that all the promises including waiving off farmers’ loan would be fulfilled. "Don’t worry. All the promises which were made during elections rally will be fulfilled," he said when asked whether farmers’ loans would be waived off. Adityanath, deputy chief ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma, and a 43-member Cabinet were sworn-in by Governor Ram Naik at the Kanshiram Smriti Upvan. The Muslim face of the Cabinet, former cricketer Mohsin Raza, was sworn in as the Minister of State. #FLASH: Yogi Adityanath takes oath as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister pic.twitter.com/IA6U6kYUPX — ANI (@ANI_news) March 19, 2017 × Yogi Adityanath becomes Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, leaders congratulate him at the ceremony. pic.twitter.com/BgLvQJs4Nd — ANI (@ANI_news) March 19, 2017 × Keshav Prasad Maurya takes oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/buO161ZPCg — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 19, 2017 × Lucknow: Dinesh Sharma takes oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh pic.twitter.com/10H64qmGfL — ANI (@ANI_news) March 19, 2017 × Yogi Adityanath was chosen as the next chief minister of Uttar Pradesh on Saturday ending days of speculation. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by the top brass of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party president Amit Shah, Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Uma Bharti, and senior party leader LK Advani. Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav was also invited for the ceremony and could be seen interacting with PM Modi. #WATCH PM Narendra Modi and Mulayam Singh Yadav interact post swearing-in ceremony of Yogi Adityanath as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister pic.twitter.com/8NfGbtzfRO — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 19, 2017 × Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu were also present on the occasion. The party's state president Keshav Prasad Maurya and Lucknow mayor Dinesh Sharma were chosen as the deputy chief ministers. The decision was made after a high-power meeting at Lok Bhawan in Lucknow. The meeting was attended by Union minister Venkaiah Naidu and BJP vice-president Om Mathur. Adityanath is known to be a Hindu hardliner, with his incendiary comments often creating controversies. The five-time MP has compared Pakistan to Satan and Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan to Hafiz Saeed, the alleged mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. In 2002, he formed a right-wing outfit named Hindu Yuva Vahini. The group has been known for enforcing cow protection and love jihad (inter-religious marriages) campaigns. Born on June 5, 1972, Adityanath was the youngest member of the 12th Lok Sabha at 26. The 44-year-old has also been accused of converting Christians to Hinduism in 2005. Most recently, he lauded US President Trump's travel ban that aimed to halt immigrants from a handful of Muslim-majority countries from entering America, saying India needed similar action to check terrorism. Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya was instrumental in the BJP securing over 300 seats in these elections as he helped the saffron party get the non-Yadav OBC votes. And like Modi, he worked at several tea stalls when he was a young boy. Maurya's colleague Dinesh Sharma, the national vice-president of the BJP, is believed to be close to Modi. Sharma, also the mayor of Lucknow, played a key role in boosting the party's membership from 10 million to 110 million before this year's elections. Adityanath's appointment removed the shroud of uncertainty about the identity of the state's next chief minister. Besides Adityanath, Union minister Manoj Sinha, BJP leader Shrikant Sharma and Maurya were in the reckoning to be the head of India's northern state. Till a few hours ago, it was Manoj Sinha who was believed to be in the inside lane of the chief ministerial race. But minutes before the Lok Bhawan meeting at 4 pm yesterday (March 18), there were strong indications that Adityanath had stolen a march over Sinha. "This is a watershed moment in the history of BJP," Venkaiah Naidu, Federal Information & Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu told reporters after BJP officials met in Uttar Pradesh's capital Lucknow on Saturday. "The mandate is for development, good governance and against caste politics." The BJP swept to power in UP, winning 312 seats in a 403-member house, while its allies Apna Dal (Soneylal) and Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party got nine and four seats respectively. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Yogi Adityanath sworn in as Uttar Pradesh chief minister, promises inclusive development

<p>The chief minister of India&#39;s Northeastern state of Nagaland,&nbsp;T R Zeliang, has rejected the demand for his government&#39;s resignation following the death of two persons in anti-Urban Local Body poll agitation in Dimapur and appealed to the people to stop violence and not fall prey to rumour mongers.</p>

<p>Curfew remains imposed in the city of Dimapur after clash between police and mob over local body elections.</p>

<p>&quot;Making unreasonable and unconstitutional demands such as asking the entire Cabinet to tender resignation when the ministry has undisputed, unquestionable majority and support of the entire Assembly, is simply unacceptable and non-negotiable,&quot; the chief minister&#39;s office said in a statement.</p>

<p>Violent mobs on Thursday went on a rampage in the state&#39;s capital Kohima to vent their anger against ongoing elections to urban local bodies, vandalising and setting government offices&nbsp;and vehicles on fire, prompting the deployment of five columns of the army to bring the situation under control.</p>

<p>Activists of several tribal groups vandalised the State Election Commission and deputy commissioner&#39;s office and set ablaze the Kohima Municipal Council building.</p>

<p>The Regional Transport office and that of the Excise Department were also set ablaze by violent mobs demanding the resignation of chief minister T R Zeliang and his entire cabinet for going ahead with the ULB polls despite opposition from powerful tribal groups that are against 33 per cent reservation for women in the municipal bodies, sources said.</p>

<p>A curfew came into effect from 9:30 pm on Thursday and would continue till further order, a notification said.</p>

<p>The statement said the MLA of Northern Angami Constituency Neiphrezo Keditsu was forced to tender his resignation as the chairman of Nagaland State Mineral Development Corporation on moral ground as one of the two persons killed in Dimapur happens to be from his own village.</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


Violent mobs on Thursday went on a rampage in the state's capital Kohima to vent their anger against ongoing elections to urban local bodies

The chief minister of India's Northeastern state of Nagaland, T R Zeliang, has rejected the demand for his government's resignation following the death of two persons in anti-Urban Local Body poll agitation in Dimapur and appealed to the people to stop violence and not fall prey to rumour mongers. Curfew remains imposed in the city of Dimapur after clash between police and mob over local body elections. "Making unreasonable and unconstitutional demands such as asking the entire Cabinet to tender resignation when the ministry has undisputed, unquestionable majority and support of the entire Assembly, is simply unacceptable and non-negotiable," the chief minister's office said in a statement. Violent mobs on Thursday went on a rampage in the state's capital Kohima to vent their anger against ongoing elections to urban local bodies, vandalising and setting government offices and vehicles on fire, prompting the deployment of five columns of the army to bring the situation under control. Activists of several tribal groups vandalised the State Election Commission and deputy commissioner's office and set ablaze the Kohima Municipal Council building. The Regional Transport office and that of the Excise Department were also set ablaze by violent mobs demanding the resignation of chief minister T R Zeliang and his entire cabinet for going ahead with the ULB polls despite opposition from powerful tribal groups that are against 33 per cent reservation for women in the municipal bodies, sources said. A curfew came into effect from 9:30 pm on Thursday and would continue till further order, a notification said. The statement said the MLA of Northern Angami Constituency Neiphrezo Keditsu was forced to tender his resignation as the chairman of Nagaland State Mineral Development Corporation on moral ground as one of the two persons killed in Dimapur happens to be from his own village. (PTI)

India: Nagaland chief minister rejects resignation demand, Army deployed as violence escalates

<p>A day after suspending Pema Khandu, the People&#39;&#39;s&nbsp;Party of Arunachal (PPA) is likely to elect Takam Pario as the new chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh.</p>

<p>Takam Pario, public health engineering department (PHED) minister, is likely to be the next Arunachal Pradesh CM, said PPA President Kahfa Bengia.</p>

<p>In fast-paced developments, the PPA, late on Thursday night, temporarily suspended Khandu, deputy chief minister Chowna Mein, and five other MLAs from the party for alleged anti-party activities.</p>

<p>The five other MLAs are Jambey Tashi (Lumla), Passang Dorjee Sona (Mechuka), Chow Tewa Mein (Chowkham), Zingnu Namchom (Namsai), and Kamlung Mossang (Miao).</p>

<p>PPA President Kahfa Bengia&nbsp;stated in an order that by virtue of the power vested in him by the party&#39;s constitution and the resolution adopted in the state executive committee meeting on December 20, the MLAs&#39; primary membership of the party has been suspended with immediate effect pending initiation of disciplinary proceedings.</p>

<p>Bengia said he was prima facie satisfied with the proof of their indulgence in gross &quot;anti-party&quot; activities.</p>

<p>The order further stated that with the suspension, Khandu had ceased to be the leader of the PPA legislature party.</p>

<p>He directed party MLAs and PPA functionaries not to attend any meeting called by Khandu and said any members failing to comply with the order would face disciplinary action by the party.</p>

<p>(This report first appeared in DNA)</p>


The current chief minister, Pema Khandu, was suspended by how own party late Thursday night

A day after suspending Pema Khandu, the People''s Party of Arunachal (PPA) is likely to elect Takam Pario as the new chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh. Takam Pario, public health engineering department (PHED) minister, is likely to be the next Arunachal Pradesh CM, said PPA President Kahfa Bengia. In fast-paced developments, the PPA, late on Thursday night, temporarily suspended Khandu, deputy chief minister Chowna Mein, and five other MLAs from the party for alleged anti-party activities. The five other MLAs are Jambey Tashi (Lumla), Passang Dorjee Sona (Mechuka), Chow Tewa Mein (Chowkham), Zingnu Namchom (Namsai), and Kamlung Mossang (Miao). PPA President Kahfa Bengia stated in an order that by virtue of the power vested in him by the party's constitution and the resolution adopted in the state executive committee meeting on December 20, the MLAs' primary membership of the party has been suspended with immediate effect pending initiation of disciplinary proceedings. Bengia said he was prima facie satisfied with the proof of their indulgence in gross "anti-party" activities. The order further stated that with the suspension, Khandu had ceased to be the leader of the PPA legislature party. He directed party MLAs and PPA functionaries not to attend any meeting called by Khandu and said any members failing to comply with the order would face disciplinary action by the party. (This report first appeared in DNA)

India: Takam Pario likely to be next Arunachal chief minister

Amid speculations that the chief of India&#39;s ruling party, Amit Shah may be asked to take over the reins in India&#39;s western Gujarat state, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) central leadership today made it clear that a member of legislative assembly (MLA) would be assigned job, adding two observers are being sent to the state to hold talks with the legislators.<br />
<br />
The BJP central leadership during a parliamentary party meeting decided to send senior leaders - Nitin Gadkari and Saroj Pandey - as observers to the state.<br />
<br />
Talking to the media after the meeting, union minister M Venkaiah Naidu said a meeting of the Gujarat legislators would be called in which a decision regarding the new chief ministerial candidate would be taken.<br />
<br />
&quot;Central leadership Nitin Gadkari and Saroj Pandey will attend the meeting. They will hold talks with the MLAs and others there and together they will decide the chief minister,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
Naidu also made it clear that there was no question of appointing the BJP president as the Gujarat chief minister.<br />
<br />
&quot;Amit Shah will be part of the meeting and will consult everyone about selecting the (next) leader.&nbsp;There is no question of Amit Shah, he is the national president,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
The union minister praised Anandiben Patel for her decision to step down as the Gujarat chief minister citing age.<br />
<br />
Stating this decision would send a good message to the party workers, Naidu also informed that Anandiben would today submit her resignation to the governor of the state.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&quot;The parliamentary board has accepted her wish after discussion. The parliamentary board has praised her for her leadership over all these years in different posts,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
(ANI)&nbsp;

A meeting of legislators would be called in western state of Gujarat to identify Anandiben's successor, said union minister M Venkaih Naidu

Amid speculations that the chief of India's ruling party, Amit Shah may be asked to take over the reins in India's western Gujarat state, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) central leadership today made it clear that a member of legislative assembly (MLA) would be assigned job, adding two observers are being sent to the state to hold talks with the legislators. The BJP central leadership during a parliamentary party meeting decided to send senior leaders - Nitin Gadkari and Saroj Pandey - as observers to the state. Talking to the media after the meeting, union minister M Venkaiah Naidu said a meeting of the Gujarat legislators would be called in which a decision regarding the new chief ministerial candidate would be taken. "Central leadership Nitin Gadkari and Saroj Pandey will attend the meeting. They will hold talks with the MLAs and others there and together they will decide the chief minister," he said. Naidu also made it clear that there was no question of appointing the BJP president as the Gujarat chief minister. "Amit Shah will be part of the meeting and will consult everyone about selecting the (next) leader. There is no question of Amit Shah, he is the national president," he said. The union minister praised Anandiben Patel for her decision to step down as the Gujarat chief minister citing age. Stating this decision would send a good message to the party workers, Naidu also informed that Anandiben would today submit her resignation to the governor of the state. "The parliamentary board has accepted her wish after discussion. The parliamentary board has praised her for her leadership over all these years in different posts," he said. (ANI)

'National president' Amit Shah not in Gujarat CM race, clarifies India's ruling party

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal washed dishes today at Golden Temple in north India&#39;s Punjab state as a mark of &#39;repentance&#39; after his party received flak for depicting the image of the reverred Sikh shrine with the party symbol, a broom, in their election manifesto.<br />
<br />
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), or the common man party, created controversy when they superimposed a broom&#39;s image on the cover of their youth manifesto for 2017 local elections alongside a picture of Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as Golden Temple.<br />
<br />
AAP spokesperson Ashish Khetan added fuel to the fire when he compared the party manifesto to the Guru Granth Sahib, the prime Sikh religious scripture.<br />
<br />
Party chief Arvind Kejriwal offered voluntary service at the holy shrine to make up for the mistake.<br />
<br />
&quot;We made some mistakes while drafting our youth manifesto due to our ignorance. I have come here to apologise for them. We offered sewa (voluntary service offered by devotees in Gurudwaras) which gave us immense pleasure. Then we prayed before God,&quot; he said in Amritsar city.<br />
<br />
In its youth manifesto, AAP promised to free the region of corruption and end the widespread drug menace in Punjab.<br />
<br />
A three-way political contest is shaping up between the AAP, the ruling Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party alliance, which has ruled Punjab since 2007, and opposition Congress party.<br />
<br />
(Reuters)

His party had created controversy by printing a broom's image with a photo of Golden Temple, the most revered Sikh shrine

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal washed dishes today at Golden Temple in north India's Punjab state as a mark of 'repentance' after his party received flak for depicting the image of the reverred Sikh shrine with the party symbol, a broom, in their election manifesto. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), or the common man party, created controversy when they superimposed a broom's image on the cover of their youth manifesto for 2017 local elections alongside a picture of Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as Golden Temple. AAP spokesperson Ashish Khetan added fuel to the fire when he compared the party manifesto to the Guru Granth Sahib, the prime Sikh religious scripture. Party chief Arvind Kejriwal offered voluntary service at the holy shrine to make up for the mistake. "We made some mistakes while drafting our youth manifesto due to our ignorance. I have come here to apologise for them. We offered sewa (voluntary service offered by devotees in Gurudwaras) which gave us immense pleasure. Then we prayed before God," he said in Amritsar city. In its youth manifesto, AAP promised to free the region of corruption and end the widespread drug menace in Punjab. A three-way political contest is shaping up between the AAP, the ruling Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party alliance, which has ruled Punjab since 2007, and opposition Congress party. (Reuters)

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal washes utensils in Golden Temple

In a statement issued late last night, the chief minister of India&#39;s northern state Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, urged India&#39;s ruling government to reach out to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. And to resolve the issues confronting the state through reconciliatory efforts to help end the violence that has left a trail of death and destruction in its wake.<br />
<br />
?Indian home minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Mehbooba Mufti and assured her of all assistance from the government at the centre.<br />
<br />
The pain of the Kashmiris has reached such a level that the hope of peace is certain to gain substantial local support if tangible confidence-building measures are taken to address the issues concerning the state and its people, the chief minister said.<br />
<br />
Mehbooba said the people of Jammu and Kashmir, irrespective of their age, gender, status or political affiliation, have been suffering the terrible consequences of the violence and turmoil that has wracked the state for more than two decades.<br />
<br />
They now want peace and stability to take root and even within the prevailing circumstances, there lies an opportunity to work on peace efforts should substantial steps be taken in the right direction.<br />
<br />
Seeking the people&#39;s cooperation in her peace effort, Mehbooba said the government is responsive to the people&#39;s needs and concerned about their problems, and is working judiciously and in a transparent manner to fulfil their expectations and aspirations.<br />
<br />
Flagging the problem of unemployment as a matter of grave concern, she said every section of society, including individuals, institutions, and organisations, have to be brought together in a spirit of creative enterprise. And that that would widen the economic and employment space in state, and in turn help channelise the youth&#39;s energies productively.<br />
<br />
Reacting to the deaths of civilians in the firing by security forces yesterday, Mufti asked that they follow standard operating procedure for crowd control and avoid the disproportionate use of force.<br />
<br />
&quot;Disproportionate use of force for crowd control results in loss of precious lives and grave injuries which should be avoided at all costs,&quot; she said.<br />
<br />
Urging for calm, Mehbooba sought the people&#39;s cooperation in restoring normalcy to the Valley.<br />
<br />
Violence only brings misery to the people and tragedy upon the victims&#39; families, she said.<br />
<br />
(PTI)

Say violence only brings misery to the people and tragedy upon the victims' families

In a statement issued late last night, the chief minister of India's northern state Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, urged India's ruling government to reach out to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. And to resolve the issues confronting the state through reconciliatory efforts to help end the violence that has left a trail of death and destruction in its wake. ?Indian home minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Mehbooba Mufti and assured her of all assistance from the government at the centre. The pain of the Kashmiris has reached such a level that the hope of peace is certain to gain substantial local support if tangible confidence-building measures are taken to address the issues concerning the state and its people, the chief minister said. Mehbooba said the people of Jammu and Kashmir, irrespective of their age, gender, status or political affiliation, have been suffering the terrible consequences of the violence and turmoil that has wracked the state for more than two decades. They now want peace and stability to take root and even within the prevailing circumstances, there lies an opportunity to work on peace efforts should substantial steps be taken in the right direction. Seeking the people's cooperation in her peace effort, Mehbooba said the government is responsive to the people's needs and concerned about their problems, and is working judiciously and in a transparent manner to fulfil their expectations and aspirations. Flagging the problem of unemployment as a matter of grave concern, she said every section of society, including individuals, institutions, and organisations, have to be brought together in a spirit of creative enterprise. And that that would widen the economic and employment space in state, and in turn help channelise the youth's energies productively. Reacting to the deaths of civilians in the firing by security forces yesterday, Mufti asked that they follow standard operating procedure for crowd control and avoid the disproportionate use of force. "Disproportionate use of force for crowd control results in loss of precious lives and grave injuries which should be avoided at all costs," she said. Urging for calm, Mehbooba sought the people's cooperation in restoring normalcy to the Valley. Violence only brings misery to the people and tragedy upon the victims' families, she said. (PTI)

Chief minister urges Indian government to reach out to Kashmiris

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