Former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar on Monday surrendered before a court here to serve the life sentence awarded to him by the Delhi High Court in connection with a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

He surrendered before Metropolitan Magistrate Aditi Garg who directed that Kumar is lodged in Mandoli jail in northeast Delhi.

The court rejected Kumar's petition to be lodged in the high-security Tihar jail, but allowed his plea for security and directed the police to take him to the prison in a separate vehicle.

A lawyer present in the courtroom said the court considered Kumar's plea for security since there was a threat as he was also facing prosecution in another anti-Sikh riots case.

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Lawyer of convict Sajjan Kumar after he surrendered before Delhi's Karkardooma Court in 1984 anti-Sikh riots case: Court has sent him to Mandoli Jail. Court has also ordered that a separate van would be provided for his movement due to security reasons. <a href="https://t.co/OfypwRARkJ">pic.twitter.com/OfypwRARkJ</a>
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While declining his plea to be sent to Tihar jail, the court said he was being sent to Mandoli jail in accordance with the rule.

The HC had set a deadline of December 31 for Kumar to surrender and on December 21 declined his plea to extend the time by a month.

The 73-year former Congress leader has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the conviction and life sentence awarded by the HC.

The high court on December 17 convicted and sentenced Kumar to life imprisonment for the "remainder of his natural life". After his conviction, Kumar resigned from the Congress party.

The case in which Kumar was convicted and sentenced relates to the killing of five Sikhs in Raj Nagar Part-I area in Palam Colony of southwest Delhi on November 1-2, 1984 and burning down of a Gurudwara in Raj Nagar Part-II.

The riots had broken out after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984, by her two Sikh bodyguards.

Earlier in the day, former MLAs Kishan Khokhar and Mahender Yadav, who was also convicted in the same case, surrendered before the court to serve their 10-year jail term.

Besides Kumar, the others convicted in the case were former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar, retired naval officer Captain Bhagmal and Girdhari Lal.

In its judgment, the high court had noted that over 2,700 Sikhs were killed in the national capital during the 1984 riots which were indeed a "carnage of unbelievable proportions".

It also said the riots were a "crime against humanity" perpetrated by those who enjoyed "political patronage" and aided by an "indifferent" law enforcement agency.

The high court had further said there has been a familiar pattern of mass killings since Partition, like in Mumbai in 1993, Gujarat in 2002 and Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh in 2013, and the "common" feature of each was the "targeting of minorities" with the attacks being "spearheaded by the dominant political actors, facilitated by law enforcement agencies".

The high court had set aside the trial court's 2010 verdict which had acquitted Kumar in the case.

Former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar on Monday surrendered before a court here to serve the life sentence awarded to him by the Delhi High Court in connection with a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

Former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar on Monday surrendered before a court here to serve the life sentence awarded to him by the Delhi High Court in connection with a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. He surrendered before Metropolitan Magistrate Aditi Garg who directed that Kumar is lodged in Mandoli jail in northeast Delhi. The court rejected Kumar's petition to be lodged in the high-security Tihar jail, but allowed his plea for security and directed the police to take him to the prison in a separate vehicle. A lawyer present in the courtroom said the court considered Kumar's plea for security since there was a threat as he was also facing prosecution in another anti-Sikh riots case. Lawyer of convict Sajjan Kumar after he surrendered before Delhi's Karkardooma Court in 1984 anti-Sikh riots case: Court has sent him to Mandoli Jail. Court has also ordered that a separate van would be provided for his movement due to security reasons. pic.twitter.com/OfypwRARkJ — ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2018 × While declining his plea to be sent to Tihar jail, the court said he was being sent to Mandoli jail in accordance with the rule. The HC had set a deadline of December 31 for Kumar to surrender and on December 21 declined his plea to extend the time by a month. The 73-year former Congress leader has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the conviction and life sentence awarded by the HC. The high court on December 17 convicted and sentenced Kumar to life imprisonment for the "remainder of his natural life". After his conviction, Kumar resigned from the Congress party. The case in which Kumar was convicted and sentenced relates to the killing of five Sikhs in Raj Nagar Part-I area in Palam Colony of southwest Delhi on November 1-2, 1984 and burning down of a Gurudwara in Raj Nagar Part-II. The riots had broken out after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984, by her two Sikh bodyguards. Earlier in the day, former MLAs Kishan Khokhar and Mahender Yadav, who was also convicted in the same case, surrendered before the court to serve their 10-year jail term. Besides Kumar, the others convicted in the case were former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar, retired naval officer Captain Bhagmal and Girdhari Lal. In its judgment, the high court had noted that over 2,700 Sikhs were killed in the national capital during the 1984 riots which were indeed a "carnage of unbelievable proportions". It also said the riots were a "crime against humanity" perpetrated by those who enjoyed "political patronage" and aided by an "indifferent" law enforcement agency. The high court had further said there has been a familiar pattern of mass killings since Partition, like in Mumbai in 1993, Gujarat in 2002 and Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh in 2013, and the "common" feature of each was the "targeting of minorities" with the attacks being "spearheaded by the dominant political actors, facilitated by law enforcement agencies". The high court had set aside the trial court's 2010 verdict which had acquitted Kumar in the case.

1984 anti-Sikh riots: Sajjan Kumar surrenders in Delhi court, to be lodged in Mandoli jail

The contentious <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-wont-let-triple-talaq-bill-pass-in-rajya-sabha-k-c-venugopal-187198">triple talaq bill</a> seeking to criminalise the practice of instant divorce among Muslims is set to be tabled in the Rajya Sabha Monday, even as the Congress has said it will not allow its passage in the present form.

The ruling BJP has issued a whip in the Upper House asking its members to be present. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will table the bill in the Upper House.&nbsp;

The bill was cleared by the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-passes-triple-talaq-bill-congress-aiadmk-stage-walkout-186851">Lok Sabha</a> -- 245 voting in favour and 11&nbsp;opposing it -- on Thursday amid a walkout by the Opposition.

Prasad had on Friday claimed the bill will find support in the Rajya Sabha, where the BJP-led NDA lacks numbers.&nbsp;

The bill is listed in the Rajya Sabha's legislative agenda for Monday.

All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary K C Venugopal told reporters in Kochi Saturday the party would join hands with others to prevent the bill from getting passed in the House.

He said 10 opposition parties had openly come out against the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018 when it was introduced in the Lok Sabha.

Even the parties which support the government on various issues, including the AIADMK, have opposed the bill, said Venugopal, who is also a Congress floor strategist.

The opposition has questioned the stringent provisions like criminalisation of a civil wrong in the triple talaq bill.

The Opposition has been demanding that the bill be referred to a 'Joint Select Committee' of Parliament for further scrutiny.

On Thursday, the government rejected the Opposition's contention the bill it was aimed at targeting a particular community.

Piloting the bill, Prasad had said there should be no politics on the bill, stressing it was not against any particular community.

Describing the passage of the triple talaq bill in the Lok Sabha as a historic step towards ensuring equality and dignity of Muslim women, BJP chief Amit Shah had demanded an apology from the Congress for "decades of injustice".&nbsp;

The fresh Bill to make the practice of triple talaq among Muslims a penal offence was introduced in Lok Sabha on December 17 to replace an ordinance issued in September.

Under the proposed law, giving instant triple talaq will be illegal and void, and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband.

The fresh bill will supersede an earlier bill passed in the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha.

The earlier bill was approved by the Lower House.

But amid opposition by some parties in the upper house, the government had cleared some amendments, including introduction of a provision of bail, to make it more acceptable.

However, as the bill continued to face resistance in the Rajya Sabha, the government issued an ordinance in September, incorporating the amendments.

An ordinance has a life of six months. But from the day a session begins, it has to be replaced by a bill which should be passed by Parliament within 42 days (six weeks), else it lapses.

The government is at liberty to re-promulgate the ordinance if the bill fails to get through Parliament.

Introducing the bill, the Law Minister had said despite the Supreme Court striking down the practice of talaq-e-biddat (instant triple talaq), terming it unconstitutional, divorces in this form were taking place.

Citing details of instant triple talaq cases, the government had last week informed Lok Sabha that till now 430 incidents of triple talaq have come to the notice of the government through the media.

Of these, 229 were reported before the Supreme Court judgment, while another 201 came to the notice after it.

These cases were reported between the period of January 2017 and September 13, 2018.

The contentious triple talaq bill seeking to criminalise the practice of instant divorce among Muslims is set to be tabled in the Rajya Sabha Monday, even as the Congress has said it will not allow its passage in the present form.

The contentious triple talaq bill seeking to criminalise the practice of instant divorce among Muslims is set to be tabled in the Rajya Sabha Monday, even as the Congress has said it will not allow its passage in the present form. The ruling BJP has issued a whip in the Upper House asking its members to be present. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will table the bill in the Upper House. The bill was cleared by the Lok Sabha -- 245 voting in favour and 11 opposing it -- on Thursday amid a walkout by the Opposition. Prasad had on Friday claimed the bill will find support in the Rajya Sabha, where the BJP-led NDA lacks numbers. The bill is listed in the Rajya Sabha's legislative agenda for Monday. All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary K C Venugopal told reporters in Kochi Saturday the party would join hands with others to prevent the bill from getting passed in the House. He said 10 opposition parties had openly come out against the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018 when it was introduced in the Lok Sabha. Even the parties which support the government on various issues, including the AIADMK, have opposed the bill, said Venugopal, who is also a Congress floor strategist. The opposition has questioned the stringent provisions like criminalisation of a civil wrong in the triple talaq bill. The Opposition has been demanding that the bill be referred to a 'Joint Select Committee' of Parliament for further scrutiny. On Thursday, the government rejected the Opposition's contention the bill it was aimed at targeting a particular community. Piloting the bill, Prasad had said there should be no politics on the bill, stressing it was not against any particular community. Describing the passage of the triple talaq bill in the Lok Sabha as a historic step towards ensuring equality and dignity of Muslim women, BJP chief Amit Shah had demanded an apology from the Congress for "decades of injustice". The fresh Bill to make the practice of triple talaq among Muslims a penal offence was introduced in Lok Sabha on December 17 to replace an ordinance issued in September. Under the proposed law, giving instant triple talaq will be illegal and void, and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband. The fresh bill will supersede an earlier bill passed in the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha. The earlier bill was approved by the Lower House. But amid opposition by some parties in the upper house, the government had cleared some amendments, including introduction of a provision of bail, to make it more acceptable. However, as the bill continued to face resistance in the Rajya Sabha, the government issued an ordinance in September, incorporating the amendments. An ordinance has a life of six months. But from the day a session begins, it has to be replaced by a bill which should be passed by Parliament within 42 days (six weeks), else it lapses. The government is at liberty to re-promulgate the ordinance if the bill fails to get through Parliament. Introducing the bill, the Law Minister had said despite the Supreme Court striking down the practice of talaq-e-biddat (instant triple talaq), terming it unconstitutional, divorces in this form were taking place. Citing details of instant triple talaq cases, the government had last week informed Lok Sabha that till now 430 incidents of triple talaq have come to the notice of the government through the media. Of these, 229 were reported before the Supreme Court judgment, while another 201 came to the notice after it. These cases were reported between the period of January 2017 and September 13, 2018.

Rajya Sabha to discuss Triple Talaq Bill on December 31; BJP, Congress issue whips

The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, commonly known as the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-debate-centre-says-dont-use-a-political-prism-opposition-wants-bill-to-go-to-parliament-panel-186835">Triple Talaq Bill after a heated discussion </a>in the lower house of Parliament.

The bill was passed with 245 votes in favour and 11 against.&nbsp;

During the debate in the Lok Sabha, the Congress and AIADMK staged a walkout as they had called for the bill to be sent to the joint select committee.

While the government reiterated the fresh Bill, which makes the practice of triple talaq among Muslims a penal offence, is about gender equality, the opposition wanted the proposed legislation to be sent to the select committee for detailed deliberations.

Earlier, moving the Bill for passage, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Bill was not against any community, religion or belief, rather it would ensure justice to women. Pointing out that 20 Islamic countries had banned triple talaq, Prasad asked why a secular nation like India could not have this.

The fresh Bill to make the practice of triple talaq among Muslims a penal offence was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 17 to replace an ordinance issued in September.

Under the proposed law, giving instant triple talaq will be illegal and void, and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband. 
The fresh bill will supersede an earlier bill passed in Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;

The earlier bill was approved by the Lower House. But amid opposition by some parties in the upper house, the government had then cleared some amendments, including the introduction of a provision of bail, to make it more acceptable.

However, as the bill continued to face resistance in the Rajya Sabha, the government issued an ordinance in September, incorporating the amendments.

An ordinance has a life of six months. But from the day a session begins, it has to be replaced by a bill which should be passed by Parliament within 42 days (six weeks), else it lapses.

The government is at liberty to re-promulgate the ordinance if the bill fails to get through Parliament.

The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, commonly known as the Triple Talaq Bill after a heated discussion in the lower house of Parliament.

The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, commonly known as the Triple Talaq Bill after a heated discussion in the lower house of Parliament. The bill was passed with 245 votes in favour and 11 against. During the debate in the Lok Sabha, the Congress and AIADMK staged a walkout as they had called for the bill to be sent to the joint select committee. While the government reiterated the fresh Bill, which makes the practice of triple talaq among Muslims a penal offence, is about gender equality, the opposition wanted the proposed legislation to be sent to the select committee for detailed deliberations. Earlier, moving the Bill for passage, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Bill was not against any community, religion or belief, rather it would ensure justice to women. Pointing out that 20 Islamic countries had banned triple talaq, Prasad asked why a secular nation like India could not have this. The fresh Bill to make the practice of triple talaq among Muslims a penal offence was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 17 to replace an ordinance issued in September. Under the proposed law, giving instant triple talaq will be illegal and void, and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband. The fresh bill will supersede an earlier bill passed in Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha. The earlier bill was approved by the Lower House. But amid opposition by some parties in the upper house, the government had then cleared some amendments, including the introduction of a provision of bail, to make it more acceptable. However, as the bill continued to face resistance in the Rajya Sabha, the government issued an ordinance in September, incorporating the amendments. An ordinance has a life of six months. But from the day a session begins, it has to be replaced by a bill which should be passed by Parliament within 42 days (six weeks), else it lapses. The government is at liberty to re-promulgate the ordinance if the bill fails to get through Parliament.

Lok Sabha passes Triple Talaq Bill; Congress, AIADMK stage walkout

Former Congress leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-anti-sikh-riots-case-sajjan-kumar-moves-supreme-court-against-conviction-185836">Sajjan Kumar</a> is likely to surrender before a court here on December 31 to serve the life imprisonment awarded to him by the Delhi High Court in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

"We will comply with the high court's judgment," his counsel Anil Kumar Sharma told PTI.

The counsel said Kumar's appeal in the Supreme Court challenging the high court verdict is not likely to be taken up for hearing before December 31.

The 73-year-old former Congress leader was sentenced to life for the "remainder of his natural life" by the Delhi High Court on December 17 in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

The case relates to killing of five Sikhs in Raj Nagar part-I area in Palam Colony in South West Delhi on November 1-2, 1984 and burning down of a Gurudwara in Raj Nagar part II. Riots had broken out after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984 by her two Sikh bodyguards.

The high court had on December 21 rejected Kumar's plea seeking extension till January 30 to surrender.

The former Congress leader had sought more time to surrender, saying he had to settle the family affairs related to his children and property and also needs time to file appeal in the Supreme Court against the high court verdict.

Sharma said they have removed the objections in their appeal filed in the apex court but since the court was on vacation till January 1, it was not likely to be taken up for hearing by December 31 and also the chances of mentioning for urgent listing of the appeal was not there.

The Supreme Court will open on January 2 after the winter break.

"We have removed the objections and the appeal in the apex court has been numbered. Presently, there are no benches in the Supreme Court. Even if we mention the matter for urgent hearing, the registrar will decide whether it will be heard by the bench. No time is left now," Kumar's counsel said.

He said they are yet to engage a senior counsel who would represent Kumar before the apex court.

The former Congress leader had on December 22 approached the Supreme Court challenging the high court's judgment.

Senior advocate H S Phoolka, who is representing the riots victims, had earlier said that they had already filed a caveat in the apex court to pre-empt any ex-parte hearing in favour of Kumar.

The high court had set aside the trial court's 2010 verdict which had acquitted Kumar in the case. The six accused, including Kumar who was a Member of Parliament at that time, were sent to be tried in 2010.

The high court had also upheld the conviction and varying sentences awarded by the trial court to the other five -- former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar, retired naval officer Captain Bhagmal, Girdhari Lal and former MLAs Mahender Yadav and Kishan Khokhar.

All six, including Kumar, were directed by the high court to surrender by December 31, and not leave Delhi in the meantime.

Former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar is likely to surrender before a court here on December 31 to serve the life imprisonment awarded to him by the Delhi High Court in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

Former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar is likely to surrender before a court here on December 31 to serve the life imprisonment awarded to him by the Delhi High Court in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. "We will comply with the high court's judgment," his counsel Anil Kumar Sharma told PTI. The counsel said Kumar's appeal in the Supreme Court challenging the high court verdict is not likely to be taken up for hearing before December 31. The 73-year-old former Congress leader was sentenced to life for the "remainder of his natural life" by the Delhi High Court on December 17 in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. The case relates to killing of five Sikhs in Raj Nagar part-I area in Palam Colony in South West Delhi on November 1-2, 1984 and burning down of a Gurudwara in Raj Nagar part II. Riots had broken out after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984 by her two Sikh bodyguards. The high court had on December 21 rejected Kumar's plea seeking extension till January 30 to surrender. The former Congress leader had sought more time to surrender, saying he had to settle the family affairs related to his children and property and also needs time to file appeal in the Supreme Court against the high court verdict. Sharma said they have removed the objections in their appeal filed in the apex court but since the court was on vacation till January 1, it was not likely to be taken up for hearing by December 31 and also the chances of mentioning for urgent listing of the appeal was not there. The Supreme Court will open on January 2 after the winter break. "We have removed the objections and the appeal in the apex court has been numbered. Presently, there are no benches in the Supreme Court. Even if we mention the matter for urgent hearing, the registrar will decide whether it will be heard by the bench. No time is left now," Kumar's counsel said. He said they are yet to engage a senior counsel who would represent Kumar before the apex court. The former Congress leader had on December 22 approached the Supreme Court challenging the high court's judgment. Senior advocate H S Phoolka, who is representing the riots victims, had earlier said that they had already filed a caveat in the apex court to pre-empt any ex-parte hearing in favour of Kumar. The high court had set aside the trial court's 2010 verdict which had acquitted Kumar in the case. The six accused, including Kumar who was a Member of Parliament at that time, were sent to be tried in 2010. The high court had also upheld the conviction and varying sentences awarded by the trial court to the other five -- former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar, retired naval officer Captain Bhagmal, Girdhari Lal and former MLAs Mahender Yadav and Kishan Khokhar. All six, including Kumar, were directed by the high court to surrender by December 31, and not leave Delhi in the meantime.

1984 anti-Sikh riots case: Sajjan Kumar likely to surrender before court on December 31

Rebel SP leader Shivpal Yadav, who recently floated the Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia), has said he was willing to join hands with the Congress to defeat the BJP in the coming <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2019-lok-sabha-elections-instagram-a-new-game-changer-to-woo-young-voters-186133">Lok Sabha elections</a>. 
 
To a question on the possibility of coalitions for the next year’s Lok Sabha polls, he said, “We have our party’s organisation in 75 districts of the state…the party has decided to contest all the seats against the BJP…to defeat the BJP, we can also enter into an alliance with the Congress”. 
 
Yadav was in Bareilly Tuesday night to take part in a programme. 
 
The estranged uncle of Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav stressed that all those talking about forming a morcha to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) should also talk to his party which was ready to deliberate on the issue. 
 
On the controversy over Lord Hanuman, the rebel leader said, “He is a God and those who are out to confine him to a particular caste have a very narrow mindset”. 
 
Yadav also opined that Ram temple should not come upon the land which was under dispute. 
 
“Lot of lands is lying around River Saryu…if the temple is built there, I am also ready to contribute to it,” he said while asserting that the Supreme Court’s verdict in the matter should not be defied. 
 
The Supreme Court is scheduled to take up a batch of petitions for hearing in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-hear-ram-janmabhoomi-babri-masjid-title-dispute-case-on-january-4-186228">Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute case</a> on January 4.

Rebel SP leader Shivpal Yadav, who recently floated the Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia), has said he was willing to join hands with the Congress to defeat the BJP in the coming Lok Sabha elections.

Rebel SP leader Shivpal Yadav, who recently floated the Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia), has said he was willing to join hands with the Congress to defeat the BJP in the coming Lok Sabha elections. To a question on the possibility of coalitions for the next year’s Lok Sabha polls, he said, “We have our party’s organisation in 75 districts of the state…the party has decided to contest all the seats against the BJP…to defeat the BJP, we can also enter into an alliance with the Congress”. Yadav was in Bareilly Tuesday night to take part in a programme. The estranged uncle of Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav stressed that all those talking about forming a morcha to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) should also talk to his party which was ready to deliberate on the issue. On the controversy over Lord Hanuman, the rebel leader said, “He is a God and those who are out to confine him to a particular caste have a very narrow mindset”. Yadav also opined that Ram temple should not come upon the land which was under dispute. “Lot of lands is lying around River Saryu…if the temple is built there, I am also ready to contribute to it,” he said while asserting that the Supreme Court’s verdict in the matter should not be defied. The Supreme Court is scheduled to take up a batch of petitions for hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute case on January 4.

Shivpal Yadav willing to join hands with Congress to defeat BJP in Lok Sabha polls

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Tuesday conducted the first expansion of his Cabinet; 9 MLAs took oath as ministers, including a woman legislator, news agency PTI reported.

As per reports, Chhattisgarh Governor Anandiben Patel administered the oath to new state cabinet ministers in Raipur.

Among the ministers sworn in included Mohammed Akbar, Umesh Patel, Anila Bhediya and Ravindra Chaubey.

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Chhattisgarh Governor Anandiben Patel administered oath to new state cabinet ministers in Raipur. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a> <a href="https://t.co/kjM2Hcf0fU">pic.twitter.com/kjM2Hcf0fU</a>
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Bhagel has ordered officials to bring a proposal in the cabinet to return land which was acquired from tribal farmers in Bastar for a Tata Steel project.

Baghel took oath as Chhattisgarh chief minister on December 17, after the Congress won the state assembly election with a thumping majority.

Two other Congress legislators, T S Singh Deo and Tamradhwaj Sahu, were also sworn in as ministers that day.

The Congress returned to power in the state after 15 years, dislodging the Raman Singh-led BJP government.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Tuesday conducted the first expansion of his Cabinet; 9 MLAs took oath as ministers, including a woman legislator, news agency PTI reported.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Tuesday conducted the first expansion of his Cabinet; 9 MLAs took oath as ministers, including a woman legislator, news agency PTI reported. As per reports, Chhattisgarh Governor Anandiben Patel administered the oath to new state cabinet ministers in Raipur. Among the ministers sworn in included Mohammed Akbar, Umesh Patel, Anila Bhediya and Ravindra Chaubey. Chhattisgarh Governor Anandiben Patel administered oath to new state cabinet ministers in Raipur. #Chhattisgarh pic.twitter.com/kjM2Hcf0fU — ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2018 × Bhagel has ordered officials to bring a proposal in the cabinet to return land which was acquired from tribal farmers in Bastar for a Tata Steel project. Baghel took oath as Chhattisgarh chief minister on December 17, after the Congress won the state assembly election with a thumping majority. Two other Congress legislators, T S Singh Deo and Tamradhwaj Sahu, were also sworn in as ministers that day. The Congress returned to power in the state after 15 years, dislodging the Raman Singh-led BJP government. (With inputs from PTI)

Chhattisgarh: CM Baghel conducts first cabinet expansion, 9 MLAs take oath  

The Congress promised to waive off loans to farmers in the run-up to the recent Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, and won the right to rule those states. Now the party has decided to keep that promise.&nbsp;

The move will make the farmers happy, no doubt. But there is also no doubt that it will leave the economy of the respective states in a mess so profound that there will be difficulty in extrication. It will also impact the banking sector. Worse, the loan waiver will not resolve the fundamental factors which lead to farmer debts.&nbsp;

Had loan write-offs been a solution, then the problem ought to have gone away a long time ago. This is not there first time that governments have decided to waive loans, but every few years of this step the issue returns to loom large on the agricultural sector. This in itself is an indicator that loan waivers are a non-workable solution. But because they have the potential to fetch votes in the short term, political parties merrily indulge in them.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Let’s look at some figures cursorily. The Congress’s promise of loan write-off to farmers could cost the public exchequer around Rs 70,000 crore — close to 48 per cent of Rajasthan's annual Budget. The Ashok Gehlot regime has little leg space to go in for additional borrowings because out of the borrowing capacity of Rs 36,000 crore in the budget, it has already drawn Rs 25,000 crore. &nbsp;

The situation in Madhya Pradesh is no less worrisome. Farm loan waiver here comes with a cost of roughly Rs 50,000 crore. The Congress had proclaimed that it had inherited empty coffers from the previous Bharatiya Janata Party regime. A former BJP Minister is reported to have said every citizen of the state had an average debt burden of Rs 13,853 as of March 31, 2016.&nbsp;

But, having promised the write-off, the Congress regimes in the two states now have to deliver. One possibility to soften the blow is for the mandarins to work out a formula based on cut-off dates and kinds of loans taken — which will enhance the prospect of selective waiver of the loans. That will, of course, lead to resentment among those that are left out, with such annoyance being exploited by political rivals of the Congress. &nbsp;

And yet, the issue really should not be about politics, because no political party has been averse to adopting this quick-fix solution to an issue that demands structural changes. Why are huge loans taken by farmers even as they know it will be difficult for them to repay? And why then are they unable to face the problems they anticipated well in time in most cases? &nbsp;A simple answer would be that at the end of the day, their earnings fall far short of the investments they have made. Depending upon this gap, the farmer either falls into a vicious debt — taking one loan (often at higher rates from a money-lender) to repay another — or in desperation ends his life. On most occasions, the second follows the first.&nbsp;

Most experts agree that the essence of the solution to the problem lies in the following: Reduction in input costs; diversification of crops; increase in non-farm activities and incomes for farmers; effective crop insurances schemes.&nbsp;

In the first case, the cost of fertilisers, seeds, labour, machinery etc is factored. Small land-holders are not in a position to avail of high-end technology, and so they have to essentially depend on economical availability of seeds and fertilisers. The second, crop diversification, is not just essential to spread the risk but also necessary to promote cultivation of cash crops. Non-farm activities would include income generating sources that are available to the farmer near to his place. Informed commentators accept that for the small and marginal farmers, farming alone is not going to take care of his and his family’s costs and rising aspirations. MNREGA has been one supplementer, now that the scheme has been further enhanced. But that too is not enough. More avenues such as poultry, pisciculture, floriculture etc are to be adopted.&nbsp;

And finally, a good crop insurance scheme that does not milk the beneficiary needs to be put in place. Although the Modi government had recently announced an ambitious crop insurance scheme, experts pointed to certain drawbacks in it, and there are reports that the government is considering a tweak to weed out the defects. &nbsp;

But it has to work harder on the other aspects, such as providing the input subsidies directly into the account of the farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer, instead of through the firms. There is also the issue of the e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM), established to empower farmers into getting better prices for their produce. The e-NAM is working well in certain regulated markets, but just limping along in many others. &nbsp;

The political cost of ignoring farmer distress is obvious enough; the economic costs are huge too. Let’s not forget that the agricultural sector employs 53 per cent of the country’s workforce but contributes to only under 18 per cent of its GDP (2015-16). 
 
While we are among the world’s top producers of various agricultural commodities, over the years the share of agriculture imports has risen ( from 2.8 per cent in 1990-91 to 4.2 per cent in 2014-15) while that of exports has come down (18.5 per cent in 1990-91 to 12.5 in 2014-15). The need of the hour, therefore, is a holistic and not a populist approach. &nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The Congress promised to waive off loans to farmers in the run-up to the recent Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, and won the right to rule those states.

The Congress promised to waive off loans to farmers in the run-up to the recent Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, and won the right to rule those states. Now the party has decided to keep that promise. The move will make the farmers happy, no doubt. But there is also no doubt that it will leave the economy of the respective states in a mess so profound that there will be difficulty in extrication. It will also impact the banking sector. Worse, the loan waiver will not resolve the fundamental factors which lead to farmer debts. Had loan write-offs been a solution, then the problem ought to have gone away a long time ago. This is not there first time that governments have decided to waive loans, but every few years of this step the issue returns to loom large on the agricultural sector. This in itself is an indicator that loan waivers are a non-workable solution. But because they have the potential to fetch votes in the short term, political parties merrily indulge in them. Let’s look at some figures cursorily. The Congress’s promise of loan write-off to farmers could cost the public exchequer around Rs 70,000 crore — close to 48 per cent of Rajasthan's annual Budget. The Ashok Gehlot regime has little leg space to go in for additional borrowings because out of the borrowing capacity of Rs 36,000 crore in the budget, it has already drawn Rs 25,000 crore. The situation in Madhya Pradesh is no less worrisome. Farm loan waiver here comes with a cost of roughly Rs 50,000 crore. The Congress had proclaimed that it had inherited empty coffers from the previous Bharatiya Janata Party regime. A former BJP Minister is reported to have said every citizen of the state had an average debt burden of Rs 13,853 as of March 31, 2016. But, having promised the write-off, the Congress regimes in the two states now have to deliver. One possibility to soften the blow is for the mandarins to work out a formula based on cut-off dates and kinds of loans taken — which will enhance the prospect of selective waiver of the loans. That will, of course, lead to resentment among those that are left out, with such annoyance being exploited by political rivals of the Congress. And yet, the issue really should not be about politics, because no political party has been averse to adopting this quick-fix solution to an issue that demands structural changes. Why are huge loans taken by farmers even as they know it will be difficult for them to repay? And why then are they unable to face the problems they anticipated well in time in most cases? A simple answer would be that at the end of the day, their earnings fall far short of the investments they have made. Depending upon this gap, the farmer either falls into a vicious debt — taking one loan (often at higher rates from a money-lender) to repay another — or in desperation ends his life. On most occasions, the second follows the first. Most experts agree that the essence of the solution to the problem lies in the following: Reduction in input costs; diversification of crops; increase in non-farm activities and incomes for farmers; effective crop insurances schemes. In the first case, the cost of fertilisers, seeds, labour, machinery etc is factored. Small land-holders are not in a position to avail of high-end technology, and so they have to essentially depend on economical availability of seeds and fertilisers. The second, crop diversification, is not just essential to spread the risk but also necessary to promote cultivation of cash crops. Non-farm activities would include income generating sources that are available to the farmer near to his place. Informed commentators accept that for the small and marginal farmers, farming alone is not going to take care of his and his family’s costs and rising aspirations. MNREGA has been one supplementer, now that the scheme has been further enhanced. But that too is not enough. More avenues such as poultry, pisciculture, floriculture etc are to be adopted. And finally, a good crop insurance scheme that does not milk the beneficiary needs to be put in place. Although the Modi government had recently announced an ambitious crop insurance scheme, experts pointed to certain drawbacks in it, and there are reports that the government is considering a tweak to weed out the defects. But it has to work harder on the other aspects, such as providing the input subsidies directly into the account of the farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer, instead of through the firms. There is also the issue of the e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM), established to empower farmers into getting better prices for their produce. The e-NAM is working well in certain regulated markets, but just limping along in many others. The political cost of ignoring farmer distress is obvious enough; the economic costs are huge too. Let’s not forget that the agricultural sector employs 53 per cent of the country’s workforce but contributes to only under 18 per cent of its GDP (2015-16). While we are among the world’s top producers of various agricultural commodities, over the years the share of agriculture imports has risen ( from 2.8 per cent in 1990-91 to 4.2 per cent in 2014-15) while that of exports has come down (18.5 per cent in 1990-91 to 12.5 in 2014-15). The need of the hour, therefore, is a holistic and not a populist approach. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The economics and politics of loan waivers

Congress President Rahul Gandhi gave the party members a message stating that while hard workers will be rewarded, hardliners will be dealt with strictly.

After multiple meetings with Rajasthan leaders and observers, Rahul Gandhi gave the final nod to team Gehlot in Rajasthan.&nbsp;

As many as 23 MLAs are going to take oath on Monday including an MLA from alliance partner Rashtriya Lokdal.&nbsp;

However, five ministerial berths will reportedly remain vacant. While deciding the Rajasthan cabinet, AICC general secretary in charge of Rajasthan, Avinash Pandey and Congress observer for the state on government formation, KC Venugopal was involved in the process.

"Congress President intends to focus on having a cabinet with a majority being fresh faces. The cabinet can be summarised into a blend of the old guards with new energetic leaders from the state guard this will give governance a good shape," the Congress leader said.

Rahul Gandhi intends to send a message to his party men that any harm to the party will not be ignored. Cabinet has been finalised for Rajasthan and for Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh meetings are underway with the state leaders, stated a source. Karnataka Cabinet Expansion is a clear example of Rahul`s actions, where two ministers, including Ramesh Jarkiholi, were shunned by Congress from the Cabinet.

Jarkiholi was dropped for his alleged hobnobbing with opposition leaders and by missing the Cabinet meetings and party assignments. The message from Gandhi was loud and clear that anti-party activities wouldn't be tolerated, the sources added. The source said Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are likely to follow Rajasthan Formula.&nbsp;

A senior Congress leader involved in the process told ANI, "Rahul Gandhi was of the opinion that those who have tried to harm the party or have ignored the party's agenda must not be let off."

Congress President is also expected to soon finalise the list for cabinet members for Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, According to sources, 10 MLAs are expected to be the part of the cabinet in Chhattisgarh. The cabinet expansion is scheduled for December 25 in Raipur.&nbsp;

Recently Congress has witnessed victory in states of , Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, where the party was out of power for years. It is noteworthy that Lok Sabha elections are only a few months away and will be the real test for the party and party chief Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

Congress President Rahul Gandhi gave the party members a message stating that while hard workers will be rewarded, hardliners will be dealt with strictly. After multiple meetings with Rajasthan leaders and observers, Rahul Gandhi gave the final nod to team Gehlot in Rajasthan.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi gave the party members a message stating that while hard workers will be rewarded, hardliners will be dealt with strictly. After multiple meetings with Rajasthan leaders and observers, Rahul Gandhi gave the final nod to team Gehlot in Rajasthan. As many as 23 MLAs are going to take oath on Monday including an MLA from alliance partner Rashtriya Lokdal. However, five ministerial berths will reportedly remain vacant. While deciding the Rajasthan cabinet, AICC general secretary in charge of Rajasthan, Avinash Pandey and Congress observer for the state on government formation, KC Venugopal was involved in the process. "Congress President intends to focus on having a cabinet with a majority being fresh faces. The cabinet can be summarised into a blend of the old guards with new energetic leaders from the state guard this will give governance a good shape," the Congress leader said. Rahul Gandhi intends to send a message to his party men that any harm to the party will not be ignored. Cabinet has been finalised for Rajasthan and for Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh meetings are underway with the state leaders, stated a source. Karnataka Cabinet Expansion is a clear example of Rahul`s actions, where two ministers, including Ramesh Jarkiholi, were shunned by Congress from the Cabinet. Jarkiholi was dropped for his alleged hobnobbing with opposition leaders and by missing the Cabinet meetings and party assignments. The message from Gandhi was loud and clear that anti-party activities wouldn't be tolerated, the sources added. The source said Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are likely to follow Rajasthan Formula. A senior Congress leader involved in the process told ANI, "Rahul Gandhi was of the opinion that those who have tried to harm the party or have ignored the party's agenda must not be let off." Congress President is also expected to soon finalise the list for cabinet members for Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Meanwhile, According to sources, 10 MLAs are expected to be the part of the cabinet in Chhattisgarh. The cabinet expansion is scheduled for December 25 in Raipur. Recently Congress has witnessed victory in states of , Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, where the party was out of power for years. It is noteworthy that Lok Sabha elections are only a few months away and will be the real test for the party and party chief Rahul Gandhi.

Hard workers will be rewarded and hardliners will be dealt with strictly: Rahul Gandhi to party members

Telangana&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/initiated-talks-to-bring-in-change-in-country-kcr-after-meeting-odisha-cm-naveen-patnaik-186039">Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao</a> Sunday met his Odisha counterpart Naveen Patnaik and emphasised a "dire need" for the unification of regional parties to provide an alternative to the Congress and the BJP ahead of the 2019 general elections.

The meeting between the two leaders assumed significance amid talks about efforts on the formation of a new political front of like-minded, non-BJP and non-Congress parties to take on the national ones in the upcoming polls.

"I can say certainly that there is a dire need for unification of regional parties in the country. We strongly believe that there has to be an alternative to the Congress and the BJP," Rao told reporters after meeting BJD president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here.

Both the chief ministers had a detailed discussion on national issues, including the need for "better friendship among regional parties", Patnaik said.

"This is just the beginning of a dialogue... We will meet again and discuss how to take things forward," Rao said.&nbsp;

After an impressive victory of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) in the state assembly poll, Rao has embarked on a journey to bring together anti-Congress and anti-BJP parties for next year's Lok Sabha polls.

The TRS chief is scheduled to meet West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on Monday.

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi goes to Hyderabad and says the TRS is the "B team" of the Congress, its president Rahul Gandhi claim that the TRS president is the "B team" of the BJP, Rao said, adding, "Let me tell you, we are our own team."

Senior Congress leader and the party in-charge for Telangana,&nbsp; 
Ramachandra Khuntia alleged that Rao's meeting with Patnaik is part of a game plan to weaken the proposed "Mahagathbandhan" (grand alliance) among non-BJP parties.

The Telangana CM has been acting at the behest of the saffron party and the NDA to dilute efforts of like-minded, non-BJP parties for formation of a grand alliance before the general elections, Khuntia claimed.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said Rao's visit will have no impact on the BJP's electoral prospects as "zero added to zero will have no value".&nbsp;

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao Sunday met his Odisha counterpart Naveen Patnaik and emphasised a "dire need" for the unification of regional parties to provide an alternative to the Congress and the BJP ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao Sunday met his Odisha counterpart Naveen Patnaik and emphasised a "dire need" for the unification of regional parties to provide an alternative to the Congress and the BJP ahead of the 2019 general elections. The meeting between the two leaders assumed significance amid talks about efforts on the formation of a new political front of like-minded, non-BJP and non-Congress parties to take on the national ones in the upcoming polls. "I can say certainly that there is a dire need for unification of regional parties in the country. We strongly believe that there has to be an alternative to the Congress and the BJP," Rao told reporters after meeting BJD president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here. Both the chief ministers had a detailed discussion on national issues, including the need for "better friendship among regional parties", Patnaik said. "This is just the beginning of a dialogue... We will meet again and discuss how to take things forward," Rao said. After an impressive victory of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) in the state assembly poll, Rao has embarked on a journey to bring together anti-Congress and anti-BJP parties for next year's Lok Sabha polls. The TRS chief is scheduled to meet West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on Monday. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi goes to Hyderabad and says the TRS is the "B team" of the Congress, its president Rahul Gandhi claim that the TRS president is the "B team" of the BJP, Rao said, adding, "Let me tell you, we are our own team." Senior Congress leader and the party in-charge for Telangana, Ramachandra Khuntia alleged that Rao's meeting with Patnaik is part of a game plan to weaken the proposed "Mahagathbandhan" (grand alliance) among non-BJP parties. The Telangana CM has been acting at the behest of the saffron party and the NDA to dilute efforts of like-minded, non-BJP parties for formation of a grand alliance before the general elections, Khuntia claimed. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said Rao's visit will have no impact on the BJP's electoral prospects as "zero added to zero will have no value".

Regional parties need to provide alternative to BJP, Congress in 2019: KCR

Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday lashed out at the Congress party, saying no agency can snoop on citizens and that misinformation is being spread to hamper the country`s image and security.

This comes amid reports of BJP-led Central government giving a free hand to 10 agencies to intercept information on computers.

The MoS also sought an apology from the Congress party in the connection and asserted that the latest Home ministry notification was an initiative to enable Internet service providers to help in serious cases of uploading of child pornography and jehadi contents.

Taking to his twitter handle Rijiju underlined that his government has implemented the rules framed by the Congress in 2009.

"No agency can snoop on citizens. Rules framed by UPA Government in 2009 have been put by MHA in public domain to prevent misuse by unauthorised persons, agencies or service providers. And to enable ISPs to help in serious cases of uploading of child pornography and jehadi contents," he tweeted.&nbsp;

"Congress should apologise to the nation for terming Orwellian State. Not a single word is added or deleted but MHA has simply notified the rules which were made when P. Chidambaram was the Home Minister," he added.

The issue came to fore after Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad on the floor of the house alleged that "undeclared Emergency has taken final shape" and "all federal agencies have been let loose".

Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday lashed out at the Congress party, saying no agency can snoop on citizens and that misinformation is being spread to hamper the country`s image and security.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday lashed out at the Congress party, saying no agency can snoop on citizens and that misinformation is being spread to hamper the country`s image and security. This comes amid reports of BJP-led Central government giving a free hand to 10 agencies to intercept information on computers. The MoS also sought an apology from the Congress party in the connection and asserted that the latest Home ministry notification was an initiative to enable Internet service providers to help in serious cases of uploading of child pornography and jehadi contents. Taking to his twitter handle Rijiju underlined that his government has implemented the rules framed by the Congress in 2009. "No agency can snoop on citizens. Rules framed by UPA Government in 2009 have been put by MHA in public domain to prevent misuse by unauthorised persons, agencies or service providers. And to enable ISPs to help in serious cases of uploading of child pornography and jehadi contents," he tweeted. "Congress should apologise to the nation for terming Orwellian State. Not a single word is added or deleted but MHA has simply notified the rules which were made when P. Chidambaram was the Home Minister," he added. The issue came to fore after Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad on the floor of the house alleged that "undeclared Emergency has taken final shape" and "all federal agencies have been let loose".

Snooping row: Rijiju tears into Congress, demands apology for hurting India's image

DMK Chief M K Stalin Sunday stood by his remarks about making Congress president Rahul Gandhi the Opposition's prime ministerial candidate and said that some state leaders would take a call on the recommendation at a later date.

"Some people questioned whether I can propose Rahul Gandhi's name as the prime ministerial candidate. What is wrong in that?" he said at an event here.&nbsp;

"If we do not propose (Rahul Gandhi's name), then who will? Did anyone deny it? Some state leaders are planning to decide on it after sorting out differences in their respective states," he said.

Stalin had on December 16 vowed to make Congress chief Rahul Gandhi the country's next prime minister, lauding him for having the ability to defeat the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre.

"In 2018, on the occasion of unveiling Thalaivar Kalaignar statue, I propose, we will install a new prime minister in Delhi. We will build a new India, as the son of Thalaivar Kalaignar, I propose the candidature of Rahul Gandhi from Tamil Nadu," he had said.&nbsp;

The DMK chief reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a 'sadist' as he did not visit Tamil Nadu after cyclone Gaja that left a trail of destruction and claimed more than 50 lives in the state.

"Today, the topic is being widely debated. What's wrong in my comment? I did not say it at a personal level. Not as a leader of the BJP, he's the prime minister now. I am saying he did not even offer condolences to those who lost their lives due to cyclone Gaja," Stalin said.

Reacting to his remarks, BJP Tamil Nadu unit President Tamilisai Soundarrajan said in Chennai that Stalin has become the "saddest Stalin".

"Stalin called Modi sadist in the presence of Congress Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, but it is he who is the saddest," she told reporters.

DMK Chief M K Stalin Sunday stood by his remarks about making Congress president Rahul Gandhi the Opposition's prime ministerial candidate and said that some state leaders would take a call on the recommendation at a later date.

DMK Chief M K Stalin Sunday stood by his remarks about making Congress president Rahul Gandhi the Opposition's prime ministerial candidate and said that some state leaders would take a call on the recommendation at a later date. "Some people questioned whether I can propose Rahul Gandhi's name as the prime ministerial candidate. What is wrong in that?" he said at an event here. "If we do not propose (Rahul Gandhi's name), then who will? Did anyone deny it? Some state leaders are planning to decide on it after sorting out differences in their respective states," he said. Stalin had on December 16 vowed to make Congress chief Rahul Gandhi the country's next prime minister, lauding him for having the ability to defeat the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre. "In 2018, on the occasion of unveiling Thalaivar Kalaignar statue, I propose, we will install a new prime minister in Delhi. We will build a new India, as the son of Thalaivar Kalaignar, I propose the candidature of Rahul Gandhi from Tamil Nadu," he had said. The DMK chief reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a 'sadist' as he did not visit Tamil Nadu after cyclone Gaja that left a trail of destruction and claimed more than 50 lives in the state. "Today, the topic is being widely debated. What's wrong in my comment? I did not say it at a personal level. Not as a leader of the BJP, he's the prime minister now. I am saying he did not even offer condolences to those who lost their lives due to cyclone Gaja," Stalin said. Reacting to his remarks, BJP Tamil Nadu unit President Tamilisai Soundarrajan said in Chennai that Stalin has become the "saddest Stalin". "Stalin called Modi sadist in the presence of Congress Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, but it is he who is the saddest," she told reporters.

Stalin says state leaders planning to take call on Rahul as PM

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Saturday asked the party unit in West Bengal to strengthen its organisation and prepare to fight "on its own" in the coming Lok Sabha polls.

He gave the mantra to the party unit at a meeting with PCC chief Somen Mitra and in-charge of Bengal, Gaurav Gogoi in New Delhi after discussing various organisational aspects pertaining the state unit.

"We have been asked to strengthen our party organisation in the state and prepare ourselves to fight on our strength in Bengal in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls," Mitra said in a statement after the meeting with the party chief.

West Bengal has a total of 42 Lok Sabha seats out of which Congress has four.

According to the West Bengal Congress president, Gandhi asked the party to start mass movements across the state against both BJP and TMC in order to protect the secular fabric of the state.

According to the state party sources, Mitra informed Gandhi about the "misrule" of the TMC and the "threat" of the BJP in the state.

The state Congress unit has also decided to hold a massive rally here in February next year.

"He (Rahul Gandhi) has also been informed about how the TMC is trying to undermine the achievement of Congress and Rahul Gandhi in the victory of the three Hindi heartland states," said a senior Congress leader.

The West Bengal Congress is of the opinion that the party's national president Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi should refrain from attending the proposed opposition rally to be held here by the TMC in January.

The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal has called a rally of opposition parties on January 19 at the Brigade Parade grounds in Kolkata. All opposition parties, including the Congress, have been invited to it.

The Congress' state unit is upbeat after the party's win in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan in the recent assembly polls.

The state Congress leadership has been vocal against the TMC also for not giving credit to Rahul Gandhi for the grand old party's victory in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

It had also ridiculed the TMC, saying its leaders were having "sleepless nights" fearing that their dream of Mamata Banerjee becoming the prime minister might not be fulfilled.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Saturday asked the party unit in West Bengal to strengthen its organisation and prepare to fight "on its own" in the coming Lok Sabha polls.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Saturday asked the party unit in West Bengal to strengthen its organisation and prepare to fight "on its own" in the coming Lok Sabha polls. He gave the mantra to the party unit at a meeting with PCC chief Somen Mitra and in-charge of Bengal, Gaurav Gogoi in New Delhi after discussing various organisational aspects pertaining the state unit. "We have been asked to strengthen our party organisation in the state and prepare ourselves to fight on our strength in Bengal in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls," Mitra said in a statement after the meeting with the party chief. West Bengal has a total of 42 Lok Sabha seats out of which Congress has four. According to the West Bengal Congress president, Gandhi asked the party to start mass movements across the state against both BJP and TMC in order to protect the secular fabric of the state. According to the state party sources, Mitra informed Gandhi about the "misrule" of the TMC and the "threat" of the BJP in the state. The state Congress unit has also decided to hold a massive rally here in February next year. "He (Rahul Gandhi) has also been informed about how the TMC is trying to undermine the achievement of Congress and Rahul Gandhi in the victory of the three Hindi heartland states," said a senior Congress leader. The West Bengal Congress is of the opinion that the party's national president Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi should refrain from attending the proposed opposition rally to be held here by the TMC in January. The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal has called a rally of opposition parties on January 19 at the Brigade Parade grounds in Kolkata. All opposition parties, including the Congress, have been invited to it. The Congress' state unit is upbeat after the party's win in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan in the recent assembly polls. The state Congress leadership has been vocal against the TMC also for not giving credit to Rahul Gandhi for the grand old party's victory in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. It had also ridiculed the TMC, saying its leaders were having "sleepless nights" fearing that their dream of Mamata Banerjee becoming the prime minister might not be fulfilled.

Congress should prepare to fight on its own strength in Bengal: Rahul Gandhi

The US government began a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-government-shuts-down-at-midnight-as-house-adjourns-with-no-deal-185738">Christmas shutdown </a>early Saturday after Congress adjourned without passing a federal spending bill or addressing President Donald Trump's demand for money to build a border wall.

Operations for several key <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/standoff-over-trump-wall-leaves-us-govt-5-days-away-from-shutdown-184833">agencies ceased at </a>12:01 am Saturday (5:01 GMT), despite last-ditch talks that continued on Capitol Hill between White House officials and congressional leaders in both parties.

Trump has dug in on his demand for $5 billion for construction of a wall on the US border with Mexico. Democrats are staunchly opposed, and the absence of an elusive deal means federal funds for dozens of agencies lapsed when the clock struck midnight on Friday.

The shutdown is the third this year and it remained unclear how long it would last. Trump expressed hope late Friday night that it "will not last long," after earlier saying he was ready for just that.

The optics are bad, as 800,000 federal employees will be either furloughed or forced to work without pay in the run-up to the Christmas holiday.

But the prospect of a large portion of government workers going without paychecks was not enough to spur lawmakers or the president to action.

The House of Representatives adjourned just before 7:00 pm &nbsp;Friday, with no moves taken to avert a shutdown, and the Senate closed up shop an hour later.&nbsp;

Both are due back in session at noon Saturday.

About three-quarters of the government, including the military and the Department of Health and Human Services, is fully funded until the end of September 2019, leaving 25 per cent unfunded as of Saturday.&nbsp;

Most NASA employees will be sent home, as will Commerce Department workers and many at the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, Agriculture and State.

National parks will remain open, but most park staff will stay at home.&nbsp;

While most critical security functions will be operational, the effects of the budget wrangling and uncertainty have cast an air of chaos over the capital, which is also reeling from the resignation announcement Thursday by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.

Wall Street ended its worst week in a decade with more bruising losses Friday.

And the inability of Washington to accomplish one of its most basic tasks — keeping the government up and running— has caused deep embarrassment and anxiety.

'Prepared' for shutdown&nbsp;

"It's up to the Democrats whether or not we have a shutdown tonight," Trump said earlier Friday, blaming political opponents for the crisis.

"I hope we don't," the president added, but "we're totally prepared for a very long shutdown."

Senators told reporters that congressional leaders from both parties were negotiating behind the scenes with White House officials including Vice President Mike Pence, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, and incoming chief of staff Mick Mulvaney.

The power trio shuttled from one side of the Capitol to the other, seeking a breakthrough with Republicans and Democrats.&nbsp;

It did not come on Friday.

Should they eventually strike a deal, it could swiftly clear Congress and reach the president's desk, said Senate Republican Bob Corker.&nbsp;

"Now Republicans and Democrats both own the success or failure to fund government."

One focus of discussion was the $1.6 billion in border security funding that was a part of pending Senate legislation, number two Senate Republican John Cornyn told AFP.

But conservatives in the House would likely baulk at that figure.

"There's no agreement," Congressman Mark Meadows, chairman of the House Freedom Caucus of ultra-conservatives, told reporters as he left a closed-door meeting on the Capitol's Senate side.

"There's a whole lot of numbers being thrown around," but a maximum $1.6 billion for border security "is not acceptable."

Cornyn suggested the art of the deal was less about grandstanding and more about a logical compromise to break the impasse.

"The House is at five (billion dollars for border security), the Democrats are at zero," he said. "It doesn't sound like that's rocket science to come up with a figure."

'Hostage'

Trump reversed course Thursday and rejected a measure that had unanimously passed the Senate and was under House consideration.

It would have extended government funding until February 8, but contained no money for a border wall, a pet project Trump has fought for since his presidential campaign.

Democrats painted Trump as the Grinch who stole the year-end deal.

"This #shutdown is brought to you by @POTUS &amp; @HouseGOP," Congresswoman Kathleen Rice tweeted. "Instead of passing the Senate's funding bill, they decided to hold this country hostage."

With lawmakers like Meadows and prominent conservative commentators demanding that the president sticks to his campaign promises, Trump doubled down on his wall.

The House swiftly passed a bill that fulfilled the president's demands. It included $5.7 billion in wall funding and $7.8 billion in disaster relief.

But it stalled at the first hurdle in the Senate.

Trump was scheduled to fly to Florida Friday for his Christmas break, but he postponed the trip to help salvage a deal.

The US government began a Christmas shutdown early Saturday after Congress adjourned without passing a federal spending bill or addressing President Donald Trump's demand for money to build a border wall.

The US government began a Christmas shutdown early Saturday after Congress adjourned without passing a federal spending bill or addressing President Donald Trump's demand for money to build a border wall. Operations for several key agencies ceased at 12:01 am Saturday (5:01 GMT), despite last-ditch talks that continued on Capitol Hill between White House officials and congressional leaders in both parties. Trump has dug in on his demand for $5 billion for construction of a wall on the US border with Mexico. Democrats are staunchly opposed, and the absence of an elusive deal means federal funds for dozens of agencies lapsed when the clock struck midnight on Friday. The shutdown is the third this year and it remained unclear how long it would last. Trump expressed hope late Friday night that it "will not last long," after earlier saying he was ready for just that. The optics are bad, as 800,000 federal employees will be either furloughed or forced to work without pay in the run-up to the Christmas holiday. But the prospect of a large portion of government workers going without paychecks was not enough to spur lawmakers or the president to action. The House of Representatives adjourned just before 7:00 pm Friday, with no moves taken to avert a shutdown, and the Senate closed up shop an hour later. Both are due back in session at noon Saturday. About three-quarters of the government, including the military and the Department of Health and Human Services, is fully funded until the end of September 2019, leaving 25 per cent unfunded as of Saturday. Most NASA employees will be sent home, as will Commerce Department workers and many at the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, Agriculture and State. National parks will remain open, but most park staff will stay at home. While most critical security functions will be operational, the effects of the budget wrangling and uncertainty have cast an air of chaos over the capital, which is also reeling from the resignation announcement Thursday by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. Wall Street ended its worst week in a decade with more bruising losses Friday. And the inability of Washington to accomplish one of its most basic tasks — keeping the government up and running— has caused deep embarrassment and anxiety. 'Prepared' for shutdown "It's up to the Democrats whether or not we have a shutdown tonight," Trump said earlier Friday, blaming political opponents for the crisis. "I hope we don't," the president added, but "we're totally prepared for a very long shutdown." Senators told reporters that congressional leaders from both parties were negotiating behind the scenes with White House officials including Vice President Mike Pence, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, and incoming chief of staff Mick Mulvaney. The power trio shuttled from one side of the Capitol to the other, seeking a breakthrough with Republicans and Democrats. It did not come on Friday. Should they eventually strike a deal, it could swiftly clear Congress and reach the president's desk, said Senate Republican Bob Corker. "Now Republicans and Democrats both own the success or failure to fund government." One focus of discussion was the $1.6 billion in border security funding that was a part of pending Senate legislation, number two Senate Republican John Cornyn told AFP. But conservatives in the House would likely baulk at that figure. "There's no agreement," Congressman Mark Meadows, chairman of the House Freedom Caucus of ultra-conservatives, told reporters as he left a closed-door meeting on the Capitol's Senate side. "There's a whole lot of numbers being thrown around," but a maximum $1.6 billion for border security "is not acceptable." Cornyn suggested the art of the deal was less about grandstanding and more about a logical compromise to break the impasse. "The House is at five (billion dollars for border security), the Democrats are at zero," he said. "It doesn't sound like that's rocket science to come up with a figure." 'Hostage' Trump reversed course Thursday and rejected a measure that had unanimously passed the Senate and was under House consideration. It would have extended government funding until February 8, but contained no money for a border wall, a pet project Trump has fought for since his presidential campaign. Democrats painted Trump as the Grinch who stole the year-end deal. "This #shutdown is brought to you by @POTUS & @HouseGOP," Congresswoman Kathleen Rice tweeted. "Instead of passing the Senate's funding bill, they decided to hold this country hostage." With lawmakers like Meadows and prominent conservative commentators demanding that the president sticks to his campaign promises, Trump doubled down on his wall. The House swiftly passed a bill that fulfilled the president's demands. It included $5.7 billion in wall funding and $7.8 billion in disaster relief. But it stalled at the first hurdle in the Senate. Trump was scheduled to fly to Florida Friday for his Christmas break, but he postponed the trip to help salvage a deal.

US government partially shuts as Congress, Trump fail to reach deal

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday said the relationship between the government and the RBI is like that of "husband-wife" and the difference of opinions must be resolved in a manner that the two institutions work in harmony.

The comments came against the backdrop of Urjit Patel resigning as RBI Governor earlier this month amid a tussle between the central bank and the finance ministry on matters ranging from the appropriate size of reserves the central bank must hold to the easing of lending norms for sectors such as small and medium enterprises.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the launch of his six-volume series of books titled 'Changing India' here, Singh, who is also a former RBI governor, said one has to respect the autonomy and the independence of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

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"At the same time, I would say the relation between government and RBI is like husband-wife relationship. There will be hiccups, there will be difference of opinion, but ultimately these must be harmonised in a manner that these two great institutions can work in harmony," Singh said.

Following the resignation of Patel, the government appointed former Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das, who spearheaded normalisation of economy post demonetisation of November 2016, as new RBI Governor.

"Whosoever is Governor of RBI, I wish him well," Singh said.

The former PM and Rajya Sabha member further said "we need" a strong and independent RBI which has to work in close cooperation with the central government.

"I do hope and pray that the government and the RBI find a way to work together," he added.

On questions related to farm loan waivers announced by the new governments in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Singh said "we have to honour" the commitment that is part of the election manifesto which went to poll.

"I haven't studied the impact but since the commitment has been made so we have to honour it," he said and added the loan waiver was a commitment made to people of the two states and what has been promised has to be delivered.&nbsp;

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday said the relationship between the government and the RBI is like that of "husband-wife" and the difference of opinions must be resolved in a manner that the two institutions work in harmony.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday said the relationship between the government and the RBI is like that of "husband-wife" and the difference of opinions must be resolved in a manner that the two institutions work in harmony. The comments came against the backdrop of Urjit Patel resigning as RBI Governor earlier this month amid a tussle between the central bank and the finance ministry on matters ranging from the appropriate size of reserves the central bank must hold to the easing of lending norms for sectors such as small and medium enterprises. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the launch of his six-volume series of books titled 'Changing India' here, Singh, who is also a former RBI governor, said one has to respect the autonomy and the independence of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Former PM Manmohan Singh: The strong, independent Reserve Bank of India has to work in close cooperation with the central govt. So I do hope & pray that Reserve Bank & the Govt of India would find ways and means to work in harmony with each other. pic.twitter.com/uiRvw4xFWQ — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2018 × "At the same time, I would say the relation between government and RBI is like husband-wife relationship. There will be hiccups, there will be difference of opinion, but ultimately these must be harmonised in a manner that these two great institutions can work in harmony," Singh said. Following the resignation of Patel, the government appointed former Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das, who spearheaded normalisation of economy post demonetisation of November 2016, as new RBI Governor. "Whosoever is Governor of RBI, I wish him well," Singh said. The former PM and Rajya Sabha member further said "we need" a strong and independent RBI which has to work in close cooperation with the central government. "I do hope and pray that the government and the RBI find a way to work together," he added. On questions related to farm loan waivers announced by the new governments in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Singh said "we have to honour" the commitment that is part of the election manifesto which went to poll. "I haven't studied the impact but since the commitment has been made so we have to honour it," he said and added the loan waiver was a commitment made to people of the two states and what has been promised has to be delivered.

Govt-RBI relationship like that of husband-wife: Ex-PM Manmohan Singh 

Hours after becoming the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kamal-nath-sworn-in-as-madhya-pradesh-chief-minister-184795">Kamal Nath</a> pitched for jobs for locals on Monday.&nbsp;

The Madhya Pradesh CM said that "people from other states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh come here &amp; local people don't get jobs."

Speaking to reporters, the newly-appointed chief minister said, "Our schemes of providing incentives of investment will only be imposed after 70% people from Madhya Pradesh get employment."&nbsp;

He further added that he has signed a file for ensuring that jobs remain with the locals.

The veteran politician also said that waiving off farm loans was a promise made before MP elections and he has fulfilled it. He then said employment was another promise made and he will strive to provide people of Madhya Pradesh with jobs.

Asked about arrangements of funds for farm loan-waiver and other schemes, Kamal Nath said, "New resources would be developed to arrange funds. The BJP has admitted the truth that they have left the state's treasury in a bad shape."

To a question about banning RSS shakhas in government buildings which were promised in the Congress manifesto, he said, "We have talked about following similar rules enacted by the Centre and the Gujarat government."

The Congress won 114 assembly seats and secured the support of seven more MLAs - SP (1) and BSP (2) and four independents - to cross the majority mark of 116 in the 230-member Assembly.

Nath, who did not contest the November 28 assembly elections, was sworn in as the 18th Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh on December 17.

Governor Anandiben Patel administered the oath of office to the 72-year-old Congress veteran who was at the forefront in steering the party to a win in the assembly polls.

(With inputs from PTI)

Hours after becoming the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Kamal Nath pitched for jobs for locals on Monday. The Madhya Pradesh CM said that "people from other states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh come here & local people don't get jobs.

Hours after becoming the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Kamal Nath pitched for jobs for locals on Monday. The Madhya Pradesh CM said that "people from other states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh come here & local people don't get jobs." Speaking to reporters, the newly-appointed chief minister said, "Our schemes of providing incentives of investment will only be imposed after 70% people from Madhya Pradesh get employment." He further added that he has signed a file for ensuring that jobs remain with the locals. The veteran politician also said that waiving off farm loans was a promise made before MP elections and he has fulfilled it. He then said employment was another promise made and he will strive to provide people of Madhya Pradesh with jobs. Asked about arrangements of funds for farm loan-waiver and other schemes, Kamal Nath said, "New resources would be developed to arrange funds. The BJP has admitted the truth that they have left the state's treasury in a bad shape." To a question about banning RSS shakhas in government buildings which were promised in the Congress manifesto, he said, "We have talked about following similar rules enacted by the Centre and the Gujarat government." The Congress won 114 assembly seats and secured the support of seven more MLAs - SP (1) and BSP (2) and four independents - to cross the majority mark of 116 in the 230-member Assembly. Nath, who did not contest the November 28 assembly elections, was sworn in as the 18th Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh on December 17. Governor Anandiben Patel administered the oath of office to the 72-year-old Congress veteran who was at the forefront in steering the party to a win in the assembly polls. (With inputs from PTI)

Kamal Nath pitches for 70% jobs to Madhya Pradesh residents, says UP and Bihar people take away locals' job

Madhya Pradesh <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-fulfill-all-promise-made-by-congress-kamal-nath-183909">chief minister-elect Kamal Nath</a> said on Friday that ensuring safety of women will be among his top priorities, also strengthening of farm sector and job creations.

He also assured that the promise of farm loan waiver made by the Congress will be fulfilled.

"Our priority will be to strengthen the agriculture sector to ramp up farm-based economy in Madhya Pradesh," he told reporters at his residence in Bhopal.&nbsp;

"My government will provide a safe environment to women and shore up employment avenues for the youth," he added.

"We are going to waive farmers' loans as promised," Nath said, adding, "I thank the people from the bottom of my heart for voting for the Congress. I assure them I will never let them down."

Kamal Nath will take oath as chief minister of Madhya Pradesh on December 17 at Lal Parade ground in Bhopal.

The announcement of Nath's name as the new chief minister was made by the party observer for the state AK Antony on Thursday after being elected "unanimously" as the new Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader at meeting of the newly-elected MLAs.

Madhya Pradesh chief minister-elect Kamal Nath said on Friday that ensuring safety of women will be among his top priorities, also strengthening of farm sector and job creations.

Madhya Pradesh chief minister-elect Kamal Nath said on Friday that ensuring safety of women will be among his top priorities, also strengthening of farm sector and job creations. He also assured that the promise of farm loan waiver made by the Congress will be fulfilled. "Our priority will be to strengthen the agriculture sector to ramp up farm-based economy in Madhya Pradesh," he told reporters at his residence in Bhopal. "My government will provide a safe environment to women and shore up employment avenues for the youth," he added. "We are going to waive farmers' loans as promised," Nath said, adding, "I thank the people from the bottom of my heart for voting for the Congress. I assure them I will never let them down." Kamal Nath will take oath as chief minister of Madhya Pradesh on December 17 at Lal Parade ground in Bhopal. The announcement of Nath's name as the new chief minister was made by the party observer for the state AK Antony on Thursday after being elected "unanimously" as the new Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader at meeting of the newly-elected MLAs.

Kamal Nath lists out priorities as Madhya Pradesh chief minister ahead of swearing-in

&nbsp;Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel here on Friday said that he will accept whatever responsibility his party`s leadership will accord him with. Baghel is a frontrunner in the race for chief ministership in Chhattisgarh.

Baghel has been Chhattisgarh president of the Congress for the last five years and took Raman Singh-led BJP government head-on in the recently concluded elections.

Speaking to ANI, Baghel said, "After the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-is-time-for-change-rahul-gandhi-after-poll-results-183326">elections results</a>, the observer came here (Chhattisgarh) and had a meeting with all MLAs (Member of Legislative Assembly). It was mutually decided that the final decision will be taken by Congress high command.

"Whatever responsibility leadership will give, we will follow," Baghel added.

Along with Baghel, other contenders for the post are Leader of the opposition in previous state Assembly TS Singh Deo, Congress OBC wing`s chief Tamradhwaj Singh and former Union minister Chandras Mahant.

On December 11, the Congress party rose to power in the state after thrashing BJP and winning 68 seats

&nbsp;

Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel here on Friday said that he will accept whatever responsibility his party`s leadership will accord him with. Baghel is a frontrunner in the race for chief ministership in Chhattisgarh.

Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel here on Friday said that he will accept whatever responsibility his party`s leadership will accord him with. Baghel is a frontrunner in the race for chief ministership in Chhattisgarh. Baghel has been Chhattisgarh president of the Congress for the last five years and took Raman Singh-led BJP government head-on in the recently concluded elections. Speaking to ANI, Baghel said, "After the elections results, the observer came here (Chhattisgarh) and had a meeting with all MLAs (Member of Legislative Assembly). It was mutually decided that the final decision will be taken by Congress high command. "Whatever responsibility leadership will give, we will follow," Baghel added. Along with Baghel, other contenders for the post are Leader of the opposition in previous state Assembly TS Singh Deo, Congress OBC wing`s chief Tamradhwaj Singh and former Union minister Chandras Mahant. On December 11, the Congress party rose to power in the state after thrashing BJP and winning 68 seats

Chhattisgarh: Will do as party says, Bhupesh Baghel

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti Friday said her People's Democratic Party (PDP) had an alliance with the BJP knowing it will be 'suicidal'.

When her party entered into a tie-up with the BJP to form government in J&amp;K, it was expected that prime minister Narendra Modi will reach out to Pakistan, she said.

"We knew it (alliance with the BJP) was suicidal for the party. Yet we put everything at stake. For a party which is seen as one that encourages talks with separatists, we thought Modi will rise to the occasion and since (former PM Atal Bihari) Vajpayee did not have that kind of a mandate, we thought he will reach out to Pakistan, to the people of J&amp;K and start what Vajpayee had left," she said.

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M Mufti: My father had a great vision. He wanted the political process started by Vajpayee ji to be taken forward by Modi ji. We thought though it'll damage us politically we'll be able to take Kashmiris out of the mess they're in. That was the real purpose, we staked everything. <a href="https://t.co/EsRXtkAz87">pic.twitter.com/EsRXtkAz87</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073551009614577667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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When Vajpayee ji was the prime minister and her father was chief minister of J&amp;K, the message which went out was both the Centre and the state government were on the same page and the 2002-2005 period became the "golden period", she said.

The PDP ensured a crowd of 30,000 when the prime minister was invited to the Kashmir valley but he did not rise to the occasion, she said, speaking at an event organised by the Observer Research Foundation.

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M Mufti on India-Pak relations after a new Pak PM: People keep saying Imran Khan is a proxy for Army. If he is that, that is better because Army and he will be on the same page &amp; if he is saying that stop, let's have a dialogue, let's go for reconciliation, that's all the better. <a href="https://t.co/XDcYBPCzZ5">pic.twitter.com/XDcYBPCzZ5</a>
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"PM Modi had the mandate which Vajpayee ji did not. While forging an alliance with the BJP, we had thought if he (Modi) could solve Kashmir's woes, we did not mind if that meant an end of PDP. We took disillusionment (of people) on us for this purpose," Mufti said.

Asked if she would be open to an alliance with the Congress and the National Conference, she said, "We had never thought we would ally with the BJP. Now, an alliance with the Congress and NC depends on the need of the hour."

She said countries in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) are being held hostage to the dispute between India and Pakistan.

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M Mufti: So I see a chance but we may have to wait because of domestic politics. Kashmir&amp;India aren't made an issue in Pak during election but in India, unfortunately, politics is such that tougher your stance towards Pak&amp;Kashmir, more votes you expect to get. That's the problem. <a href="https://t.co/OYZBOU6m1a">pic.twitter.com/OYZBOU6m1a</a>
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The countries in the regional grouping should come together and make Jammu and Kashmir a model of cooperation, the PDP chief said.

"SAARC countries are being held hostage due to the animosity between India and Pakistan. Why can't all the SAARC countries come together and make Jammu and Kashmir a model for co-operation of SAARC countries," she said.

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Mehbooba Mufti: I hope that the manner in which the decision over Rafale deal has been welcomed and no fingers have been pointed at it, similarly when the decision over Babri Masjid comes, it will be similarly awaited and people will not start pointing fingers at Supreme Court. <a href="https://t.co/wVjiFkCKYx">pic.twitter.com/wVjiFkCKYx</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073572563983454208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Let's have a SAARC office of all countries in Jammu and Kashmir. Let's have a handicraft university of SAARC countries in Kashmir because there is no better place for handicraft than Kashmir," she said.

The need today is to make borders irrelevant, she said.

Jammu and Kashmir was placed under the governor's rule after the PDP-BJP alliance fell apart in June. Last month, governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the state assembly.&nbsp;

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti Friday said her People's Democratic Party (PDP) had an alliance with the BJP knowing it will be 'suicidal'.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti Friday said her People's Democratic Party (PDP) had an alliance with the BJP knowing it will be 'suicidal'. When her party entered into a tie-up with the BJP to form government in J&K, it was expected that prime minister Narendra Modi will reach out to Pakistan, she said. "We knew it (alliance with the BJP) was suicidal for the party. Yet we put everything at stake. For a party which is seen as one that encourages talks with separatists, we thought Modi will rise to the occasion and since (former PM Atal Bihari) Vajpayee did not have that kind of a mandate, we thought he will reach out to Pakistan, to the people of J&K and start what Vajpayee had left," she said. M Mufti: My father had a great vision. He wanted the political process started by Vajpayee ji to be taken forward by Modi ji. We thought though it'll damage us politically we'll be able to take Kashmiris out of the mess they're in. That was the real purpose, we staked everything. pic.twitter.com/EsRXtkAz87 — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × When Vajpayee ji was the prime minister and her father was chief minister of J&K, the message which went out was both the Centre and the state government were on the same page and the 2002-2005 period became the "golden period", she said. The PDP ensured a crowd of 30,000 when the prime minister was invited to the Kashmir valley but he did not rise to the occasion, she said, speaking at an event organised by the Observer Research Foundation. M Mufti on India-Pak relations after a new Pak PM: People keep saying Imran Khan is a proxy for Army. If he is that, that is better because Army and he will be on the same page & if he is saying that stop, let's have a dialogue, let's go for reconciliation, that's all the better. pic.twitter.com/XDcYBPCzZ5 — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × "PM Modi had the mandate which Vajpayee ji did not. While forging an alliance with the BJP, we had thought if he (Modi) could solve Kashmir's woes, we did not mind if that meant an end of PDP. We took disillusionment (of people) on us for this purpose," Mufti said. Asked if she would be open to an alliance with the Congress and the National Conference, she said, "We had never thought we would ally with the BJP. Now, an alliance with the Congress and NC depends on the need of the hour." She said countries in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) are being held hostage to the dispute between India and Pakistan. M Mufti: So I see a chance but we may have to wait because of domestic politics. Kashmir&India aren't made an issue in Pak during election but in India, unfortunately, politics is such that tougher your stance towards Pak&Kashmir, more votes you expect to get. That's the problem. pic.twitter.com/OYZBOU6m1a — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × The countries in the regional grouping should come together and make Jammu and Kashmir a model of cooperation, the PDP chief said. "SAARC countries are being held hostage due to the animosity between India and Pakistan. Why can't all the SAARC countries come together and make Jammu and Kashmir a model for co-operation of SAARC countries," she said. Mehbooba Mufti: I hope that the manner in which the decision over Rafale deal has been welcomed and no fingers have been pointed at it, similarly when the decision over Babri Masjid comes, it will be similarly awaited and people will not start pointing fingers at Supreme Court. pic.twitter.com/wVjiFkCKYx — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × "Let's have a SAARC office of all countries in Jammu and Kashmir. Let's have a handicraft university of SAARC countries in Kashmir because there is no better place for handicraft than Kashmir," she said. The need today is to make borders irrelevant, she said. Jammu and Kashmir was placed under the governor's rule after the PDP-BJP alliance fell apart in June. Last month, governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the state assembly.

Had alliance with BJP knowing it will be suicidal: Mehbooba Mufti

In a shot in the arm for the Congress, the Samajwadi Party Wednesday announced its support to Rahul Gandhi’s party to form the government in Madhya Pradesh. The announcement by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav came less than an hour after Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati made a similar offer to the Congress for government formation in the Hindi heartland state of Madhya Pradesh.

“The SP supports the Congress to form government in MP,” Yadav tweeted in Hindi.&nbsp;

The Congress, which was locked in a tantalising see-saw battle with the BJP in Madhya Pradesh, has emerged as the single-largest party with 114 seats after the vote count ended on Wednesday morning, according to the State Election Commission Office.&nbsp;

The party is, however, two short of the simple majority mark, 116 seats, in the 230-member Assembly. The BJP was close behind with 109 seats. The Bahujan Samaj Party won two seats and the Samajwadi Party one. Independents bagged four seats.

In a shot in the arm for the Congress, the Samajwadi Party Wednesday announced its support to Rahul Gandhi’s party to form the government in Madhya Pradesh. The announcement by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav came less than an hour after Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati made a similar offer to the Congress for government formation in the Hindi heartland state of Madhya Pradesh.

In a shot in the arm for the Congress, the Samajwadi Party Wednesday announced its support to Rahul Gandhi’s party to form the government in Madhya Pradesh. The announcement by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav came less than an hour after Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati made a similar offer to the Congress for government formation in the Hindi heartland state of Madhya Pradesh. “The SP supports the Congress to form government in MP,” Yadav tweeted in Hindi. The Congress, which was locked in a tantalising see-saw battle with the BJP in Madhya Pradesh, has emerged as the single-largest party with 114 seats after the vote count ended on Wednesday morning, according to the State Election Commission Office. The party is, however, two short of the simple majority mark, 116 seats, in the 230-member Assembly. The BJP was close behind with 109 seats. The Bahujan Samaj Party won two seats and the Samajwadi Party one. Independents bagged four seats.

After BSP, Samajwadi Party offers support to Congress in Madhya Pradesh

WION Gravitas: Know how assembly poll results shape 2019 Lok Sabha battle

The Congress has the support of 121 MLAs in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, party spokesperson Narendra Saluja claimed Wednesday.

The Congress won 114 seats in the state polls but was two short of the simple majority mark of 116 in the 230-member Assembly.

"With the support of BSP's two, SP's one and four independent candidates, the Congress' tally is 121 in the 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly,"

Saluja told reporters at the Raj Bhawan after Congress leaders met Governor Anandiben Patel.

Senior Congress leaders, including Kamal Nath, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Digvijay Singh, Arun Yadav and Vivek Tankha, met the governor to stake claim to form the government in the state.

"The Congress has emerged as the single largest party with majority support. The BSP, the SP and Independents have assured their support in favour of the Congress," Nath, the state Congress chief, said in a letter to the governor.

He further requested the governor in the letter to call the Congress to form the government in the state.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which ruled the state for 15 years, got 109 seats in the elections.

However, it edged ahead of the Congress in the vote share by a slender margin, bagging 41 per cent of the total votes polled, while the Congress got 40.9 per cent.

BJP's Shivraj Singh Chouhan was the state's longest-serving chief minister since 2005.

The Congress has the support of 121 MLAs in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, party spokesperson Narendra Saluja claimed Wednesday. The Congress won 114 seats in the state polls but was two short of the simple majority mark of 116 in the 230-member Assembly.

The Congress has the support of 121 MLAs in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, party spokesperson Narendra Saluja claimed Wednesday. The Congress won 114 seats in the state polls but was two short of the simple majority mark of 116 in the 230-member Assembly. "With the support of BSP's two, SP's one and four independent candidates, the Congress' tally is 121 in the 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly," Saluja told reporters at the Raj Bhawan after Congress leaders met Governor Anandiben Patel. Senior Congress leaders, including Kamal Nath, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Digvijay Singh, Arun Yadav and Vivek Tankha, met the governor to stake claim to form the government in the state. "The Congress has emerged as the single largest party with majority support. The BSP, the SP and Independents have assured their support in favour of the Congress," Nath, the state Congress chief, said in a letter to the governor. He further requested the governor in the letter to call the Congress to form the government in the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which ruled the state for 15 years, got 109 seats in the elections. However, it edged ahead of the Congress in the vote share by a slender margin, bagging 41 per cent of the total votes polled, while the Congress got 40.9 per cent. BJP's Shivraj Singh Chouhan was the state's longest-serving chief minister since 2005.

Congress claims support of 121 MLAs in Madhya Pradesh

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-election-results-no-party-gets-clear-mandate-in-madhya-pradesh-polls-183370">Congress </a>has emerged as the single-largest party in Rajasthan, winning 99 seats, while the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/modis-bjp-faces-losses-in-key-states-ahead-of-2019-elections-know-2019-poll-projection-for-bjp-183351">BJP got 73</a>, the State Election Commission Office said Wednesday.

The Bahujan Samaj Party won 6 seats, CPI(M) 2, Independents 13 and other parties got 6, according to the state Election Commission's website.

The Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), an ally of the Congress, won one seat.&nbsp;

Together, they have 100 seats — which is the required number to form the government in the state.

Voting was held in 199 of the 200 seats in the state on December 7.&nbsp;

Election to Alwar's Ramgarh constituency was countermanded due to the death of the BSP candidate. The votes were counted on Tuesday.

In 2013, the BJP won 163 seats and the Congress 21.

The focus in Rajasthan is now on who would be the Congress choice for chief minister between two-time CM Ashok Gehlot and the party's state unit president Sachin Pilot.

The newly elected Congress legislators will meet Wednesday to discuss this.The All India Congress Committee has sent K C Venugopal as an observer.

Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje submitted her resignation to Governor Kalyan Singh on Tuesday.

The Congress has emerged as the single-largest party in Rajasthan, winning 99 seats, while the BJP got 73, the State Election Commission Office said Wednesday. The Bahujan Samaj Party won 6 seats, CPI(M) 2, Independents 13 and other parties got 6, according to the state Election Commission's website.

The Congress has emerged as the single-largest party in Rajasthan, winning 99 seats, while the BJP got 73, the State Election Commission Office said Wednesday. The Bahujan Samaj Party won 6 seats, CPI(M) 2, Independents 13 and other parties got 6, according to the state Election Commission's website. The Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), an ally of the Congress, won one seat. Together, they have 100 seats — which is the required number to form the government in the state. Voting was held in 199 of the 200 seats in the state on December 7. Election to Alwar's Ramgarh constituency was countermanded due to the death of the BSP candidate. The votes were counted on Tuesday. In 2013, the BJP won 163 seats and the Congress 21. The focus in Rajasthan is now on who would be the Congress choice for chief minister between two-time CM Ashok Gehlot and the party's state unit president Sachin Pilot. The newly elected Congress legislators will meet Wednesday to discuss this.The All India Congress Committee has sent K C Venugopal as an observer. Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje submitted her resignation to Governor Kalyan Singh on Tuesday.

Rajasthan election results: Congress emerges single-largest party with 99 seats

Congress will stake <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/assembly-elections-results-2018-incoming-congress-regime-has-a-lesson-to-learn-from-bjp-183271">claim to form the government in Rajasthan on Wednesday </a>evening after the party president decides on the new chief minister, Pradesh Congress Committee president Sachin Pilot said.

"We have full majority and will stake claim to form government in the evening. We will take along all non-BJP parties and elected members who are against BJP and are willing to support us," Pilot told reporters at the Pradesh Congress Committee before the Congress Legislative Party meeting.

Asked about the choice of the chief minister, Pilot said the party's newly elected MLAs will debate the question, and the party president will take a decision after that.

The chief minister would be declared in the second CLP meeting in the evening and thereafter the party leaders will meet Governor Kalyan Singh to stake claim on the government.

The Congress emerged as the single-largest party in Rajasthan in Tuesday's vote count, winning 99 seats. It's ally Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) won one seat for a total of 100 seats -- the required number to form government.

The BJP got 73 seats, and the Bahujan Samaj Party won 6 seats. BSP leader Mayawati on Wednesday pledged support for the Congress. The CPI(M) got two seats, Independents won 13 and other parties got 6, according to the state Election Commission.

Congress will stake claim to form the government in Rajasthan on Wednesday evening after the party president decides on the new chief minister, Pradesh Congress Committee president Sachin Pilot said.

Congress will stake claim to form the government in Rajasthan on Wednesday evening after the party president decides on the new chief minister, Pradesh Congress Committee president Sachin Pilot said. "We have full majority and will stake claim to form government in the evening. We will take along all non-BJP parties and elected members who are against BJP and are willing to support us," Pilot told reporters at the Pradesh Congress Committee before the Congress Legislative Party meeting. Asked about the choice of the chief minister, Pilot said the party's newly elected MLAs will debate the question, and the party president will take a decision after that. The chief minister would be declared in the second CLP meeting in the evening and thereafter the party leaders will meet Governor Kalyan Singh to stake claim on the government. The Congress emerged as the single-largest party in Rajasthan in Tuesday's vote count, winning 99 seats. It's ally Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) won one seat for a total of 100 seats -- the required number to form government. The BJP got 73 seats, and the Bahujan Samaj Party won 6 seats. BSP leader Mayawati on Wednesday pledged support for the Congress. The CPI(M) got two seats, Independents won 13 and other parties got 6, according to the state Election Commission.

Rajasthan polls 2018: Congress to stake claim on govt in state, says Sachin Pilot

The Congress party is in a tight spot after Zee News brought to light a video that shows 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans were raised at an election rally addressed by senior party leader Navjot Singh Sidhu. However, party leaders remained defiant and instead accused Zee News of playing a 'fake video'. DNA spoke to Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary.

Congress says Zee News has shown a fake video and no 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogan was raised. Is it a correct allegation? 
I outright deny the allegation that the video is fake. It is 100 per cent authentic. To prove this, we have at least seven other feeds that were being recorded live and every feed has the same slogan at the same time. It has become fashionable now that when a leader of Congress is caught red-handed, the party comes to his defence by terming the video to be a fake. This is nothing but yet another Congress tactic to get out of the situation. Zee News completely stands by its video.

Sidhu has also threatened and claimed "nani yaad dila denge". How do you respond? 
I strongly object to the language used by Navjot Singh Sidhu. The Congress always claims that the party believes in freedom of expression and in democratic values. They are the oldest party of the country, but when one of its prominent leaders uses such foul language, it is clearly an attempt to muzzle the voice of the media for not toeing their party line. It shows that the Congress and its leaders' arrogance is at its zenith.

Even the Editors Guild of India has not spoken on the issue. What is the next course of action? 
Zee News always believes in the democratic system of the country. We believe in the legal system so will take all the steps within the legal framework to seek justice. We have sent our written complaint to News Broadcasters Associations and another to the Editors Guild of India. We have also sent a complaint to the Election Commission of India. If need be, we will move the court. So, we are registering our protest against the stance taken by the Congress, but in a democratic way. It is disheartening that the Editors Guild has not taken cognizance, but I hope that a large part of the media will support our campaign. I also believe that this is not just our fight, it must be seen as the fight of the entire media fraternity.

Is Sidhu doing this on his own or does he have his party's backing? 
In such a large set-up like Congress, a leader like Sidhu can't do it alone. You must have seen that when he went to Pakistan, his own Chief Minister Amarinder Singh didn't want him to go. But after returning from Pakistan, Sidhu stated clearly that his captain is not Amrinder, but Rahul Gandhi. Rahul disagreed then, but this has the full top brass' approval for his actions.

(This article was originally published on DNA. <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/india/interview-congress-is-attempting-to-muzzle-voice-of-media-says-sudhir-chaudhary-2692988">Read the original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The Congress party is in a tight spot after Zee News brought to light a video that shows 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans were raised at an election rally addressed by senior party leader Navjot Singh Sidhu.

The Congress party is in a tight spot after Zee News brought to light a video that shows 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans were raised at an election rally addressed by senior party leader Navjot Singh Sidhu. However, party leaders remained defiant and instead accused Zee News of playing a 'fake video'. DNA spoke to Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary. Congress says Zee News has shown a fake video and no 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogan was raised. Is it a correct allegation? I outright deny the allegation that the video is fake. It is 100 per cent authentic. To prove this, we have at least seven other feeds that were being recorded live and every feed has the same slogan at the same time. It has become fashionable now that when a leader of Congress is caught red-handed, the party comes to his defence by terming the video to be a fake. This is nothing but yet another Congress tactic to get out of the situation. Zee News completely stands by its video. Sidhu has also threatened and claimed "nani yaad dila denge". How do you respond? I strongly object to the language used by Navjot Singh Sidhu. The Congress always claims that the party believes in freedom of expression and in democratic values. They are the oldest party of the country, but when one of its prominent leaders uses such foul language, it is clearly an attempt to muzzle the voice of the media for not toeing their party line. It shows that the Congress and its leaders' arrogance is at its zenith. Even the Editors Guild of India has not spoken on the issue. What is the next course of action? Zee News always believes in the democratic system of the country. We believe in the legal system so will take all the steps within the legal framework to seek justice. We have sent our written complaint to News Broadcasters Associations and another to the Editors Guild of India. We have also sent a complaint to the Election Commission of India. If need be, we will move the court. So, we are registering our protest against the stance taken by the Congress, but in a democratic way. It is disheartening that the Editors Guild has not taken cognizance, but I hope that a large part of the media will support our campaign. I also believe that this is not just our fight, it must be seen as the fight of the entire media fraternity. Is Sidhu doing this on his own or does he have his party's backing? In such a large set-up like Congress, a leader like Sidhu can't do it alone. You must have seen that when he went to Pakistan, his own Chief Minister Amarinder Singh didn't want him to go. But after returning from Pakistan, Sidhu stated clearly that his captain is not Amrinder, but Rahul Gandhi. Rahul disagreed then, but this has the full top brass' approval for his actions. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

'Congress is attempting to muzzle voice of media', says Sudhir Chaudhary

The extradition of Christian Michel has rattled the Congress, the BJP claimed on Thursday, alleging that the opposition party's "extended hand" is defending the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper deal to protect "the family" from the fallout of the investigation.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said all three lawyers, including Youth Congress functionary Aijo K Joseph, who appeared for Michel in a court had links with the Congress.

He also dismissed the party's decision to expel Joseph as a charade and drama.

Joseph appeared as Michel's lawyer on Wednesday, prompting the BJP to attack the opposition party which sacked him within hours.

Patra said the Congress may have expelled him but he remains a lawyer for the accused as "10 Janpath", the residence of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, wants its own people to be in touch with Michel.

Besides Joseph, one of the lawyers defending Michel is a member of the Congress' youth wing while the father of another is a party member, Patra claimed at a press conference.

"Isn't this too much of a coincidence? Isn't the extended hand of the Congress was working to protect the family?" he asked, adding that it is a clever move by the party to ensure that Michel is protected.

He said the Congress had earlier also acted against its leaders like Mani Shankar Aiyar and Sandeep Dikshit but "promoted" them later.

The Congress suspended Aiyar in December last year for his "neech" jibe against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The suspension was revoked in August this year.

It has, however, never taken any disciplinary action against Dikshit and Patra did not specify what he was referring to.&nbsp;

The BJP has used the extradition of Michel to India to hit out at the Congress as it has often alleged that some leaders of the opposition party were involved in corruption in the VVIP chopper deal.&nbsp;

The Gandhi family is having sleepless nights following the extradition, Patra said.

"Entire Congress party is out to defend him (Michel)," Patra told reporters, claiming that the opposition party has sent out the message that it was standing like a rock with the accused.

Patra said Joseph had claimed that he had taken up Michel's case after "somebody" told him so. The BJP leader asked who the "somebody" was and claimed that in the Congress, only two persons are "somebody" and others are nobodies.

To a question about lawyer kin of some top BJP leaders appearing for those accused of corruption, Patra said they did not only recuse themselves but also returned the fee paid to them.

It showed the clean conscience of BJP leaders while the Congress is "married to corruption", he said.&nbsp;

Michel, the alleged middleman in the politically-sensitive Rs 3,600 crore UPA era deal, was brought to India from Dubai Tuesday night following his extradition.&nbsp;

The extradition of Christian Michel has rattled the Congress, the BJP claimed on Thursday, alleging that the opposition party's "extended hand" is defending the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper deal to protect "the family" from the fallout of the investigation.

The extradition of Christian Michel has rattled the Congress, the BJP claimed on Thursday, alleging that the opposition party's "extended hand" is defending the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper deal to protect "the family" from the fallout of the investigation. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said all three lawyers, including Youth Congress functionary Aijo K Joseph, who appeared for Michel in a court had links with the Congress. He also dismissed the party's decision to expel Joseph as a charade and drama. Joseph appeared as Michel's lawyer on Wednesday, prompting the BJP to attack the opposition party which sacked him within hours. Patra said the Congress may have expelled him but he remains a lawyer for the accused as "10 Janpath", the residence of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, wants its own people to be in touch with Michel. Besides Joseph, one of the lawyers defending Michel is a member of the Congress' youth wing while the father of another is a party member, Patra claimed at a press conference. "Isn't this too much of a coincidence? Isn't the extended hand of the Congress was working to protect the family?" he asked, adding that it is a clever move by the party to ensure that Michel is protected. He said the Congress had earlier also acted against its leaders like Mani Shankar Aiyar and Sandeep Dikshit but "promoted" them later. The Congress suspended Aiyar in December last year for his "neech" jibe against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The suspension was revoked in August this year. It has, however, never taken any disciplinary action against Dikshit and Patra did not specify what he was referring to. The BJP has used the extradition of Michel to India to hit out at the Congress as it has often alleged that some leaders of the opposition party were involved in corruption in the VVIP chopper deal. The Gandhi family is having sleepless nights following the extradition, Patra said. "Entire Congress party is out to defend him (Michel)," Patra told reporters, claiming that the opposition party has sent out the message that it was standing like a rock with the accused. Patra said Joseph had claimed that he had taken up Michel's case after "somebody" told him so. The BJP leader asked who the "somebody" was and claimed that in the Congress, only two persons are "somebody" and others are nobodies. To a question about lawyer kin of some top BJP leaders appearing for those accused of corruption, Patra said they did not only recuse themselves but also returned the fee paid to them. It showed the clean conscience of BJP leaders while the Congress is "married to corruption", he said. Michel, the alleged middleman in the politically-sensitive Rs 3,600 crore UPA era deal, was brought to India from Dubai Tuesday night following his extradition.

Gandhi family is having sleepless nights following Michel's extradition: BJP

The Indian Youth Congress on Wednesday expelled its leader and lawyer Aljo K Joseph from the party after he appeared for Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the graft-tainted Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case.

"Aljo K Joseph appeared in his personal capacity. He did not consult the Youth Congress before appearing in the case. IYC does NOT endorse such actions. IYC has removed Aljo Joseph from IYC’s Legal Department and expelled him from the party with immediate effect," Amrish Ranjan Pandey, spokesperson of the Indian Youth Congress said in a statement.

"BJP is blowing this out of proportion and making an issue out of a non-issue," Amrish added.
<img alt="Aljo K Joseph" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ff4c3b1e-a3ea-47b5-a5fc-843794fa5738" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/47396890_3046706982012456_1129050673376133120_n.jpg" />
Earlier today, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attacked the Congress after it revealed that Joseph was a member of Indian Youth Congress's legal department.

"Meet the Congressman who is going to defend AgustaWestland 'middleman' Christian Michel... Does it get more obvious than that?," BJP's IT department chief Amit Malviya tweeted.

The Indian Youth Congress on Wednesday expelled its leader and lawyer Aljo K Joseph from the party after he appeared for Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the graft-tainted Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case.

The Indian Youth Congress on Wednesday expelled its leader and lawyer Aljo K Joseph from the party after he appeared for Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the graft-tainted Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case. "Aljo K Joseph appeared in his personal capacity. He did not consult the Youth Congress before appearing in the case. IYC does NOT endorse such actions. IYC has removed Aljo Joseph from IYC’s Legal Department and expelled him from the party with immediate effect," Amrish Ranjan Pandey, spokesperson of the Indian Youth Congress said in a statement. "BJP is blowing this out of proportion and making an issue out of a non-issue," Amrish added. Earlier today, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attacked the Congress after it revealed that Joseph was a member of Indian Youth Congress's legal department. "Meet the Congressman who is going to defend AgustaWestland 'middleman' Christian Michel... Does it get more obvious than that?," BJP's IT department chief Amit Malviya tweeted.

Aljo K Joseph, lawyer for Christian Michel, expelled from Youth Congress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday attacked Rahul Gandhi and said that Congress president always "forgets what he says, as he delivers his speeches with the help of notes provided by his aides".

Addressing an election rally in Hyderabad, Modi said "Naamdaar (Rahul) always fails to remember what he had said earlier. He also fails to recall where he has said a particular thing and in which context. He is handed over the chit and he reads from it."

"The Congress party is tolerating Rahul Gandhi till he attains some talent. The party has no internal democracy and four generations of one family have ruled the Congress," added Modi.

Taking aim at the Congress for calling BJP B team of TRS, &nbsp;Modi said before elections in Karnataka, Congress was repeatedly said that JD(S) is BJP's B team, but we all know what happened after elections, the same thing could happen in Telangana. Congress and TRS are basically two sides of the same coin, &nbsp;Modis said.

''What we are seeing in Telangana is dynastic politics. Out of all the parties, which are contesting these elections, only one party, the BJP values democratic ideals, Modi added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday attacked Rahul Gandhi and said that Congress president always "forgets what he says, as he delivers his speeches with the help of notes provided by his aides".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday attacked Rahul Gandhi and said that Congress president always "forgets what he says, as he delivers his speeches with the help of notes provided by his aides". Addressing an election rally in Hyderabad, Modi said "Naamdaar (Rahul) always fails to remember what he had said earlier. He also fails to recall where he has said a particular thing and in which context. He is handed over the chit and he reads from it." "The Congress party is tolerating Rahul Gandhi till he attains some talent. The party has no internal democracy and four generations of one family have ruled the Congress," added Modi. Taking aim at the Congress for calling BJP B team of TRS, Modi said before elections in Karnataka, Congress was repeatedly said that JD(S) is BJP's B team, but we all know what happened after elections, the same thing could happen in Telangana. Congress and TRS are basically two sides of the same coin, Modis said. ''What we are seeing in Telangana is dynastic politics. Out of all the parties, which are contesting these elections, only one party, the BJP values democratic ideals, Modi added.

Congress and TRS are two sides of the same coin: PM Modi

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy on Tuesday alleged that there could be Congress party`s hand in the Bulandshahr violence, which left two people, including a senior police officer, dead on Monday.

"This incident occurred because of some miscreants, we will find out whether they were Congressmen who are trying to give a bad name to Uttar Pradesh chief Minister Adirtyanath Yogi government or something else," Dr Subramanian Swamy told.

Responding to the Congress party`s allegations that "Uttar Pradesh is burning and Yogi is busy in campaigning", Swamy said, "Wasn`t India burning during 1984 anti-Sikh riots? In fact, nothing has brought us as bad a name as the genocide of 1984. What about thousands of innocent people who were put in jail without any trial during the emergency?"

Violent protests erupted in Uttar Pradesh`s Bulandshahr district on Monday, over reports of a cattle carcass lying in the fields.

The angry mob threw stones and torched vehicles outside a police station. Inspector Subodh Verma and a local youth, identified as Sumit, died in the clashes.

"Two people have been taken to custody. A Special Investigation Team has been formed to investigate why the violence happened and why the police personnel left Inspector Subodh Kumar alone," Prashant Kumar, ADG Meerut Zone, told.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy on Tuesday alleged that there could be Congress party`s hand in the Bulandshahr violence, which left two people, including a senior police officer, dead on Monday.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy on Tuesday alleged that there could be Congress party`s hand in the Bulandshahr violence, which left two people, including a senior police officer, dead on Monday. "This incident occurred because of some miscreants, we will find out whether they were Congressmen who are trying to give a bad name to Uttar Pradesh chief Minister Adirtyanath Yogi government or something else," Dr Subramanian Swamy told. Responding to the Congress party`s allegations that "Uttar Pradesh is burning and Yogi is busy in campaigning", Swamy said, "Wasn`t India burning during 1984 anti-Sikh riots? In fact, nothing has brought us as bad a name as the genocide of 1984. What about thousands of innocent people who were put in jail without any trial during the emergency?" Violent protests erupted in Uttar Pradesh`s Bulandshahr district on Monday, over reports of a cattle carcass lying in the fields. The angry mob threw stones and torched vehicles outside a police station. Inspector Subodh Verma and a local youth, identified as Sumit, died in the clashes. "Two people have been taken to custody. A Special Investigation Team has been formed to investigate why the violence happened and why the police personnel left Inspector Subodh Kumar alone," Prashant Kumar, ADG Meerut Zone, told.

Subramanian Swamy suspects Congress hand in Bulandshahr violence

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

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

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

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

Three Punjab ministers Saturday called for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/navjot-singh-sidhu-repeats-thief-slur-against-pm-modi-180763">Navjot Singh Sidhu</a>'s resignation from the state cabinet over his jibe at Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, a fallout of the controversial politician's recent trip to Kartarpur in Pakistan.

The row over the trip escalated in the state even as Sidhu backtracked on his claim that Congress president Rahul Gandhi was involved in his decision to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kartarpur corridor.

"Get your facts right before you distort them, Rahul Gandhi Ji never asked me to go to Pakistan. The whole world knows I went to Pakistan on Prime Minister Imran Khan's personal invite," Sidhu tweeted.

A day earlier in Hyderabad, Sidhu had mocked Capt Amarinder Singh, when reporters asked him about going to Pakistan despite his disapproval.

"Rahul Gandhi is my captain. It is he who sent me to Pakistan. Rahul Gandhi is the captain of the captain (Amarinder Singh) also," Sidhu had then said.

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If he doesn't recognize Capt sahab as his captain then he should resign. Ofcourse,Rahul ji is our India captain but Punjab captain is Amarinder Singh. Sidhu sahab is an extraordinary person and has a long career ahead,he must choose words carefully:TR Bajwa,Punjab Minister (1.11) <a href="https://t.co/eVIFcku3ue">pic.twitter.com/eVIFcku3ue</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1069074796107976704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Reacting to this, the Punjab ministers said if Sidhu, who holds the local bodies and tourism portfolios, didn't consider Amarinder Singh to be his captain, he should quit the chief minister's team.

Sidhu was attacked over his Hyderabad remark by Rural Development and Panchayat minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Revenue and Rehabilitation minister Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria and Sports Minister Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi. Sodhi said other ministers too are backing Amarinder Singh on this.

"Among the ministers I spoke with are Aruna Chaudhary and Sadhu Singh Dharamsot. We are all solidly behind Capt Amarinder Singh," Sodhi said.

Sources said the issue is likely to be raised in the state cabinet meeting on Monday

"If he does not consider Capt Amarinder as his captain then he should resign on moral grounds from the cabinet and do whatever work is assigned to him by Rahul Gandhi," Bajwa said.

He said Sidhu should apologise to the chief minister.

"He will have to accept Captain sahib as his leader in Punjab," Bajwa said.

"My advice to the younger brother is to speak less and concentrate on work," he added. Sarkaria said Sidhu's language while referring to the chief minister was "objectionable."

"Rahul Gandhi is our leader, he is our party's national president. In Punjab, the government is headed by Capt Amarinder Singh, who is our captain in the state and we all work like a team under his leadership,"&nbsp;he said.

"If Sidhu or anyone else has a problem with this and cannot work under his leadership, he must resign," the minister said. Sodhi called the ex-cricketer's jibe "distasteful".

"While Rahul ji heads our party, Capt Amarinder is the captain of Punjab government. It is Captain sahib who helped bring back Congress to power in Punjab,"&nbsp;he said.

"If Mr Sidhu thinks that Amarinder ji is not the captain in the state, or if anybody else doesn't accept him as the captain of the team, they can follow their own course," Sodhi told PTI.

Congress MLA Raj Kumar Verka said, "The party does not agree with Navjot Singh Sidhu's statement, which is objectionable."

Sidhu's wife and former BJP MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhu asserted that everyone in the Congress is Rahul Gandhi's soldier.

"We are individual soldiers of the Indian National Congress. We are not the soldiers of the CM sahib or the ministers here," she said Saturday.

Even while taking a dig at Amarinder Singh in Hyderabad, Sidhu had said he is a "father figure"&nbsp;for him.

The Kartarpur corridor will connect the shrine in Pakistan to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Gurdaspur, across the border between the two countries.

The planned corridor will give visa-free access to Indian pilgrims to the place where Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, spent the last years of his life.

Sidhu's visit to Pakistan had riled Amarinder Singh, who said he tried to dissuade Sidhu, following a grenade attack in Amritsar that left three people dead.

Since his return from Kartarpur, Sidhu has been criticised for lavishing praise on Imran Khan, who too showered special attention on him.

He was also targeted over a photograph which showed him posing with Gopal Singh Chawla, the Pakistan Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee head who is considered pro-Khalistan.

But Sidhu claimed "tens of thousands"&nbsp;of people wanted to take pictures with him in Kartarpur and he didn't know Chawla.&nbsp;

Three Punjab ministers Saturday called for Navjot Singh Sidhu's resignation from the state cabinet over his jibe at Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, a fallout of the controversial politician's recent trip to Kartarpur in Pakistan.

Three Punjab ministers Saturday called for Navjot Singh Sidhu's resignation from the state cabinet over his jibe at Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, a fallout of the controversial politician's recent trip to Kartarpur in Pakistan. The row over the trip escalated in the state even as Sidhu backtracked on his claim that Congress president Rahul Gandhi was involved in his decision to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kartarpur corridor. "Get your facts right before you distort them, Rahul Gandhi Ji never asked me to go to Pakistan. The whole world knows I went to Pakistan on Prime Minister Imran Khan's personal invite," Sidhu tweeted. A day earlier in Hyderabad, Sidhu had mocked Capt Amarinder Singh, when reporters asked him about going to Pakistan despite his disapproval. "Rahul Gandhi is my captain. It is he who sent me to Pakistan. Rahul Gandhi is the captain of the captain (Amarinder Singh) also," Sidhu had then said. If he doesn't recognize Capt sahab as his captain then he should resign. Ofcourse,Rahul ji is our India captain but Punjab captain is Amarinder Singh. Sidhu sahab is an extraordinary person and has a long career ahead,he must choose words carefully:TR Bajwa,Punjab Minister (1.11) pic.twitter.com/eVIFcku3ue — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2018 × Reacting to this, the Punjab ministers said if Sidhu, who holds the local bodies and tourism portfolios, didn't consider Amarinder Singh to be his captain, he should quit the chief minister's team. Sidhu was attacked over his Hyderabad remark by Rural Development and Panchayat minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Revenue and Rehabilitation minister Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria and Sports Minister Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi. Sodhi said other ministers too are backing Amarinder Singh on this. "Among the ministers I spoke with are Aruna Chaudhary and Sadhu Singh Dharamsot. We are all solidly behind Capt Amarinder Singh," Sodhi said. Sources said the issue is likely to be raised in the state cabinet meeting on Monday "If he does not consider Capt Amarinder as his captain then he should resign on moral grounds from the cabinet and do whatever work is assigned to him by Rahul Gandhi," Bajwa said. He said Sidhu should apologise to the chief minister. "He will have to accept Captain sahib as his leader in Punjab," Bajwa said. "My advice to the younger brother is to speak less and concentrate on work," he added. Sarkaria said Sidhu's language while referring to the chief minister was "objectionable." "Rahul Gandhi is our leader, he is our party's national president. In Punjab, the government is headed by Capt Amarinder Singh, who is our captain in the state and we all work like a team under his leadership," he said. "If Sidhu or anyone else has a problem with this and cannot work under his leadership, he must resign," the minister said. Sodhi called the ex-cricketer's jibe "distasteful". "While Rahul ji heads our party, Capt Amarinder is the captain of Punjab government. It is Captain sahib who helped bring back Congress to power in Punjab," he said. "If Mr Sidhu thinks that Amarinder ji is not the captain in the state, or if anybody else doesn't accept him as the captain of the team, they can follow their own course," Sodhi told PTI. Congress MLA Raj Kumar Verka said, "The party does not agree with Navjot Singh Sidhu's statement, which is objectionable." Sidhu's wife and former BJP MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhu asserted that everyone in the Congress is Rahul Gandhi's soldier. "We are individual soldiers of the Indian National Congress. We are not the soldiers of the CM sahib or the ministers here," she said Saturday. Even while taking a dig at Amarinder Singh in Hyderabad, Sidhu had said he is a "father figure" for him. The Kartarpur corridor will connect the shrine in Pakistan to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Gurdaspur, across the border between the two countries. The planned corridor will give visa-free access to Indian pilgrims to the place where Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, spent the last years of his life. Sidhu's visit to Pakistan had riled Amarinder Singh, who said he tried to dissuade Sidhu, following a grenade attack in Amritsar that left three people dead. Since his return from Kartarpur, Sidhu has been criticised for lavishing praise on Imran Khan, who too showered special attention on him. He was also targeted over a photograph which showed him posing with Gopal Singh Chawla, the Pakistan Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee head who is considered pro-Khalistan. But Sidhu claimed "tens of thousands" of people wanted to take pictures with him in Kartarpur and he didn't know Chawla.

Sidhu's resignation called for after he says 'Rahul Gandhi is captain' of CM Amarinder Singh

Congress party on Saturday alleged that Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leader and Cabinet Minister KT Rama Rao, son of caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, increased his assets by 424 per cent since 2014.

"In 2014 KT Rama Rao and his spouses disclosed their total assets at Rs 7,98,79,449 but in 2018 they disclosed their total assets at Rs 41,82,94,428, which means a 424 per cent increase in his assets in the last four years," said Madhu Yashki Goud, secretary of All India Congress Committee (AICC), while speaking to ANI.

Goud said that in 2016 Rao went on a tour to Singapore and Malaysia to meet investors and bring a huge amount of investment to Telangana to create more jobs. "However, he was not only accompanied by a higher official, but also a controversial businessman Teja Raju who is the son of Satyam Computers founder Rama Linga Raju, who has tainted a past," said Goud.

Goud alleged that KT Rao personally took Teja Raju and toured with him across Singapore and Malaysia and the money which was made in Telangana was parked in two countries and was re-routed back to Teja Raju's company.

The Legislative Assembly elections in Telangana are due on December 7. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. (ANI)&nbsp;

Congress party on Saturday alleged that Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leader and Cabinet Minister KT Rama Rao, son of caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, increased his assets by 424 per cent since 2014.

Congress party on Saturday alleged that Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leader and Cabinet Minister KT Rama Rao, son of caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, increased his assets by 424 per cent since 2014. "In 2014 KT Rama Rao and his spouses disclosed their total assets at Rs 7,98,79,449 but in 2018 they disclosed their total assets at Rs 41,82,94,428, which means a 424 per cent increase in his assets in the last four years," said Madhu Yashki Goud, secretary of All India Congress Committee (AICC), while speaking to ANI. Goud said that in 2016 Rao went on a tour to Singapore and Malaysia to meet investors and bring a huge amount of investment to Telangana to create more jobs. "However, he was not only accompanied by a higher official, but also a controversial businessman Teja Raju who is the son of Satyam Computers founder Rama Linga Raju, who has tainted a past," said Goud. Goud alleged that KT Rao personally took Teja Raju and toured with him across Singapore and Malaysia and the money which was made in Telangana was parked in two countries and was re-routed back to Teja Raju's company. The Legislative Assembly elections in Telangana are due on December 7. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. (ANI)

Telangana Minister KT Rao increased his assets by 424%: Congress

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