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

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

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

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

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

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

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Congress in Rajasthan Saturday lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against BJP president Amit Shah alleging that he had provoked his party's workers against leaders of the opposition party during his recent visit to Bikaner.&nbsp;

It also filed complaints with the poll panel against Rajasthan Urban Development and Housing Minister Srichand Kriplani and BJP MLA Ramhet Yadav.

The Congress alleged that BJP chief Shah, the minister and the legislator had violated the model code of conduct in the state, where elections are due on December 7.&nbsp;

"Shah during his recent visit to Bikaner had provoked his party workers against Congress leaders.&nbsp;Minister and BJP candidate from Nimbahera (Kriplani) had invoked sentiments of the public by telling people that he will commit suicide if they did not vote him to power," Rajasthan Congress spokesperson Sushil Sharma said.

In an apparent reference to the illegal sand mining in Rajasthan, he said BJP MLA Ramhet Singh Yadav, that party's candidate from Alwar's Kishangarh Bas, made a remark which was in contempt of a Supreme Court order.

&nbsp;In a video, Yadav was seen purportedly seeking votes by telling people that "it is Ramhet Yadav's Sarkar, therefore loaded tractors are plying".&nbsp;

Sharma also said a complaint has been lodged with the EC against Rajasthan Administrative Service officer Rajesh Chauhan.&nbsp;

Rajesh's wife Shobha Chauhan is contesting the elections as a BJP candidate from Sojat and he is violating service rules and also the model code of conduct by working like a BJP worker, he alleged.

"We have lodged a complaint with the election commission against them for violation code of conduct,"&nbsp;Sharma said.

The Congress in Rajasthan Saturday lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against BJP president Amit Shah alleging that he had provoked his party's workers against leaders of the opposition party during his recent visit to Bikaner.

The Congress in Rajasthan Saturday lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against BJP president Amit Shah alleging that he had provoked his party's workers against leaders of the opposition party during his recent visit to Bikaner. It also filed complaints with the poll panel against Rajasthan Urban Development and Housing Minister Srichand Kriplani and BJP MLA Ramhet Yadav. The Congress alleged that BJP chief Shah, the minister and the legislator had violated the model code of conduct in the state, where elections are due on December 7. "Shah during his recent visit to Bikaner had provoked his party workers against Congress leaders. Minister and BJP candidate from Nimbahera (Kriplani) had invoked sentiments of the public by telling people that he will commit suicide if they did not vote him to power," Rajasthan Congress spokesperson Sushil Sharma said. In an apparent reference to the illegal sand mining in Rajasthan, he said BJP MLA Ramhet Singh Yadav, that party's candidate from Alwar's Kishangarh Bas, made a remark which was in contempt of a Supreme Court order. In a video, Yadav was seen purportedly seeking votes by telling people that "it is Ramhet Yadav's Sarkar, therefore loaded tractors are plying". Sharma also said a complaint has been lodged with the EC against Rajasthan Administrative Service officer Rajesh Chauhan. Rajesh's wife Shobha Chauhan is contesting the elections as a BJP candidate from Sojat and he is violating service rules and also the model code of conduct by working like a BJP worker, he alleged. "We have lodged a complaint with the election commission against them for violation code of conduct," Sharma said.

Congress lodges complaint with EC against BJP chief Amit Shah, Rajasthan minister and MLA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-confused-by-who-will-be-cm-party-will-fuse-modi-in-rajasthan-179312">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> alleged Sunday that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-dragging-my-parents-into-politics-at-rahuls-behest-pm-modi-179367">Congress threatened Supreme Court</a> judges with impeachment when they tried to hear the Ayodhya dispute cases earlier this year.

Without naming anyone, Modi claimed that Congress party's Rajya Sabha members, who are also lawyers, had tried to scare away the apex court judges to ensure the hearing in the cases is delayed until after the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

In an unprecedented move, seven opposition parties led by the Congress had moved a notice for the impeachment of then Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra in April this year, accusing him of "misbehaviour" and "misuse" of authority.

Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu rejected the notice, saying the case against the then CJI was based on "suspicion and conjectures".

At the political rally in Rajasthan's Alwar district, Modi said the Congress has no faith in democracy and judiciary. "It does not hold dialogue and stall proceedings in Parliament, but the new game they are playing now is dangerous and this must be debated for a bright future of the country."

"If a Supreme Court judge does not prepare the timetable (for hearing cases) as per their (Congress's) political intentions and wants to hear all to deliver justice on a serious and sensitive issue, such as Ayodhya, then the party's lawyers, who are Rajya Sabha members, start the game of scaring the judges in the name of impeachment," Modi said.

He urged intellectuals to analyse this "dangerous game" of the Congress in the interest of the country.

"They are working to scare judiciary on the ground of their numbers in Rajya Sabha. But we will not let this 'kaala kaarnama' happen in the temple of democracy," he said.

The prime minister said the opposition party has "no courage" to talk about development and hence "they ask about the caste of Modi."

"Will you vote on the basis of the caste of Modi? Will the future of Rajasthan be decided on basis of birthplace of Modi," he asked the crowd gathered at his rally.

Modi's remarks were a reaction to former Union minister CP Joshi's statement when he had questioned the caste of Modi and others during a speech in Rajsamand district's Nathdwara.

Joshi is the Congress candidate from Nathdwara assembly constituency.

"They are deep neck involved in casteism. Casteism and feeling of hate against poor, deprived, underprivileged is in their veins and such statements reflect the basic behaviour and conduct of the Congress. It does not matter who spoke that (Joshi's renmarks) because everyone knows about the 'naamdaar' who make them speak," he said, apparently referring to the Gandhi family.

Modi also targeted the Congress over issues and discrimination faced by Dalits, saying the party "forgot" to give the Bharat Ratna to B R Ambedkar.

Ambedkar was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1990, 34 years after his death.

"Congress has only divided the country. For them, Dalits are a vote bank while our values and traditions are different," Modi claimed, trying to contrast his party's attitude to the community, of whose members have been assaulted and beaten by right-wing activists for allegedly indulging in cow trade, with that of the Congress.

In Rajasthan, Modi praised the BJP's Vasundhara Raje government, saying it has done lot of work.

He also attacked Congress over a recent video in which a Congress candidate is seen stopping a party supporter shouting "Bharat Mata ki jai" and then the supporter starts shouting: "Sonia Gandhi ki jai".

"For us, the country is bigger than the party but Sonia Gandhi is bigger than Bharat Mata for them," he said.

Modi recalled BJP leaders like former vice president the late Bhairo Singh Shkhawat and said he had started election campaign during the 2013 assembly elections in Rajasthan from Alwar.

Chief minister Raje and the party's candidates on all 11 constituencies of Alwar district were present at the rally.

In Lok Sabha bypolls earlier this year, the BJP had faced defeat in Alwar.

In the 2013 assembly election, the BJP won nine out of the 11 seats in Alwar but one of its sitting MLAs, Dharmpal Chaudhary, died in April this year; the party has given ticket to his son Manjit Chaudhary from Mundawar seat.

Located in eastern part of the desert state, Alwar shares border with Haryana and forms a part of Mewat region having a sizable population of Mev (Muslim) community people.

It also touches Jaipur, Bharatpur and Dausa districts.

Alwar's Ramgarh, a constituency represented by Gyan Dev Ahuja, who has been dropped by the BJP this time, was in bad light following the mob lynching of Akbar Khan on suspicion of cow smuggling in July this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged Sunday that the Congress threatened Supreme Court judges with impeachment when they tried to hear the Ayodhya dispute cases earlier this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged Sunday that the Congress threatened Supreme Court judges with impeachment when they tried to hear the Ayodhya dispute cases earlier this year. Without naming anyone, Modi claimed that Congress party's Rajya Sabha members, who are also lawyers, had tried to scare away the apex court judges to ensure the hearing in the cases is delayed until after the 2019 Lok Sabha election. In an unprecedented move, seven opposition parties led by the Congress had moved a notice for the impeachment of then Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra in April this year, accusing him of "misbehaviour" and "misuse" of authority. Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu rejected the notice, saying the case against the then CJI was based on "suspicion and conjectures". At the political rally in Rajasthan's Alwar district, Modi said the Congress has no faith in democracy and judiciary. "It does not hold dialogue and stall proceedings in Parliament, but the new game they are playing now is dangerous and this must be debated for a bright future of the country." "If a Supreme Court judge does not prepare the timetable (for hearing cases) as per their (Congress's) political intentions and wants to hear all to deliver justice on a serious and sensitive issue, such as Ayodhya, then the party's lawyers, who are Rajya Sabha members, start the game of scaring the judges in the name of impeachment," Modi said. He urged intellectuals to analyse this "dangerous game" of the Congress in the interest of the country. "They are working to scare judiciary on the ground of their numbers in Rajya Sabha. But we will not let this 'kaala kaarnama' happen in the temple of democracy," he said. The prime minister said the opposition party has "no courage" to talk about development and hence "they ask about the caste of Modi." "Will you vote on the basis of the caste of Modi? Will the future of Rajasthan be decided on basis of birthplace of Modi," he asked the crowd gathered at his rally. Modi's remarks were a reaction to former Union minister CP Joshi's statement when he had questioned the caste of Modi and others during a speech in Rajsamand district's Nathdwara. Joshi is the Congress candidate from Nathdwara assembly constituency. "They are deep neck involved in casteism. Casteism and feeling of hate against poor, deprived, underprivileged is in their veins and such statements reflect the basic behaviour and conduct of the Congress. It does not matter who spoke that (Joshi's renmarks) because everyone knows about the 'naamdaar' who make them speak," he said, apparently referring to the Gandhi family. Modi also targeted the Congress over issues and discrimination faced by Dalits, saying the party "forgot" to give the Bharat Ratna to B R Ambedkar. Ambedkar was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1990, 34 years after his death. "Congress has only divided the country. For them, Dalits are a vote bank while our values and traditions are different," Modi claimed, trying to contrast his party's attitude to the community, of whose members have been assaulted and beaten by right-wing activists for allegedly indulging in cow trade, with that of the Congress. In Rajasthan, Modi praised the BJP's Vasundhara Raje government, saying it has done lot of work. He also attacked Congress over a recent video in which a Congress candidate is seen stopping a party supporter shouting "Bharat Mata ki jai" and then the supporter starts shouting: "Sonia Gandhi ki jai". "For us, the country is bigger than the party but Sonia Gandhi is bigger than Bharat Mata for them," he said. Modi recalled BJP leaders like former vice president the late Bhairo Singh Shkhawat and said he had started election campaign during the 2013 assembly elections in Rajasthan from Alwar. Chief minister Raje and the party's candidates on all 11 constituencies of Alwar district were present at the rally. In Lok Sabha bypolls earlier this year, the BJP had faced defeat in Alwar. In the 2013 assembly election, the BJP won nine out of the 11 seats in Alwar but one of its sitting MLAs, Dharmpal Chaudhary, died in April this year; the party has given ticket to his son Manjit Chaudhary from Mundawar seat. Located in eastern part of the desert state, Alwar shares border with Haryana and forms a part of Mewat region having a sizable population of Mev (Muslim) community people. It also touches Jaipur, Bharatpur and Dausa districts. Alwar's Ramgarh, a constituency represented by Gyan Dev Ahuja, who has been dropped by the BJP this time, was in bad light following the mob lynching of Akbar Khan on suspicion of cow smuggling in July this year.

Congress threatened SC judges, who tried to hear Ayodhya cases, with impeachment: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today that the Congress is so confused by its chief ministerial candidates in Rajasthan, that the party itself will fuse.&nbsp;

Modi was speaking at a campaign rally in Alwar. Rajasthan goes to the polls next month on December 7, and the results will be out on December 11.&nbsp;

There has been a fair amount of confusion in Rajasthan over whether&nbsp;

"Aaj kal har gali mohalle mai mukhyamantriyo ko ghuma rahe hain, jaha jaye ye hamara Mukhyamantri, vahaa jaye vo humara Mukhyamantri. Unki puri party Mukhyamantri pe itni confuse hai, neta itna confuse hai, to party fuse hogi nahi to kya hoga," ANI quoted Modi as saying.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Aaj kal har gali mohalle mai mukhyamantriyo ko ghuma rahe hain, jaha jaye ye hamara Mukhyamantri, vahaa jaye vo humara Mukhyamantri. Unki puri party Mukhyamantri pe itni confuse hai, neta itna confuse hai, to party fuse hogi nhi to kya hoga: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Alwar <a href="https://t.co/91PTui4mvq">pic.twitter.com/91PTui4mvq</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1066595771477368832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Modi also mentioned Ayodhya, where the VHP is holding a massive "Dharam Sabha" today which it says as many as 300,000 people may attend.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court is also hearing petitions on the Ram Temple, which the Congress has said should not be heard before the 2019 elections. In Alwar, Modi asked whether it was appropriate for the Congress to drag politics into justice. &nbsp;

"Jab Ayodhya ka case chal raha tha, Congress ke neta Rajya Sabha ke sadasya kehte hain ki 2019 tak case mat chalao kyunki 2019 mein chunaav hai. Desh ke nyayatantra ko is prakaar se rajneeti mein ghaseetna uchit hai kya?" Modi asked.&nbsp;

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Jab Ayodhya ka case chal raha tha, Congress ke neta Rajya Sabha ke sadasya kehte hain ki 2019 tak case mat chalao kyunki 2019 mein chunaav hai. Desh ke nyayatantra ko is prakaar se rajneeti mein ghaseetna uchit hai kya? : Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Alwar <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/Bkolydem2X">pic.twitter.com/Bkolydem2X</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1066597521982742529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Jab SC ka koi judge Ayodhya jaise gambheer samvedansheel maslo mein, desh ko nyaya dilane ki disha mein sabko sunna chahte hain to Congress ke Rajya Sabha ke vakeel SC ke nyaayamurtiyo ke khilaf impeachment la kar ke unko darate dhamkate hain: PM Narendra Modi in Alwar <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rajasthan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rajasthan</a> <a href="https://t.co/YftHIkv2k1">pic.twitter.com/YftHIkv2k1</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1066599818972274688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Congress ke neta meri ma ko gaali de, koi meri jaati ko leke sawal puchhe. Mujhe aascharya nahi hota hai, ye bolne wala koi bhi ho lekin bulwane wala to ‘naamdar’ hi hota hai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Alwar <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/ff5z9QFtj5">pic.twitter.com/ff5z9QFtj5</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1066592691180457984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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And finally he took a potshot at Congress president Rahul Gandhi saying that he was not surprised by what Congress people might say about him — Modi said they abuse his mother, talk about his caste — but that it is the "naamdaar" Rahul who has told them to say it.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today that the Congress is so confused by its chief ministerial candidates in Rajasthan, that the party itself will fuse. Modi was speaking at a campaign rally in Alwar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today that the Congress is so confused by its chief ministerial candidates in Rajasthan, that the party itself will fuse. Modi was speaking at a campaign rally in Alwar. Rajasthan goes to the polls next month on December 7, and the results will be out on December 11. There has been a fair amount of confusion in Rajasthan over whether "Aaj kal har gali mohalle mai mukhyamantriyo ko ghuma rahe hain, jaha jaye ye hamara Mukhyamantri, vahaa jaye vo humara Mukhyamantri. Unki puri party Mukhyamantri pe itni confuse hai, neta itna confuse hai, to party fuse hogi nahi to kya hoga," ANI quoted Modi as saying. Aaj kal har gali mohalle mai mukhyamantriyo ko ghuma rahe hain, jaha jaye ye hamara Mukhyamantri, vahaa jaye vo humara Mukhyamantri. Unki puri party Mukhyamantri pe itni confuse hai, neta itna confuse hai, to party fuse hogi nhi to kya hoga: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Alwar pic.twitter.com/91PTui4mvq — ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2018 × Modi also mentioned Ayodhya, where the VHP is holding a massive "Dharam Sabha" today which it says as many as 300,000 people may attend. The Supreme Court is also hearing petitions on the Ram Temple, which the Congress has said should not be heard before the 2019 elections. In Alwar, Modi asked whether it was appropriate for the Congress to drag politics into justice. "Jab Ayodhya ka case chal raha tha, Congress ke neta Rajya Sabha ke sadasya kehte hain ki 2019 tak case mat chalao kyunki 2019 mein chunaav hai. Desh ke nyayatantra ko is prakaar se rajneeti mein ghaseetna uchit hai kya?" Modi asked. Jab Ayodhya ka case chal raha tha, Congress ke neta Rajya Sabha ke sadasya kehte hain ki 2019 tak case mat chalao kyunki 2019 mein chunaav hai. Desh ke nyayatantra ko is prakaar se rajneeti mein ghaseetna uchit hai kya? : Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Alwar #RajasthanElections pic.twitter.com/Bkolydem2X — ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2018 × Jab SC ka koi judge Ayodhya jaise gambheer samvedansheel maslo mein, desh ko nyaya dilane ki disha mein sabko sunna chahte hain to Congress ke Rajya Sabha ke vakeel SC ke nyaayamurtiyo ke khilaf impeachment la kar ke unko darate dhamkate hain: PM Narendra Modi in Alwar #Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/YftHIkv2k1 — ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2018 × Congress ke neta meri ma ko gaali de, koi meri jaati ko leke sawal puchhe. Mujhe aascharya nahi hota hai, ye bolne wala koi bhi ho lekin bulwane wala to ‘naamdar’ hi hota hai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Alwar #RajasthanElections2018 pic.twitter.com/ff5z9QFtj5 — ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2018 × And finally he took a potshot at Congress president Rahul Gandhi saying that he was not surprised by what Congress people might say about him — Modi said they abuse his mother, talk about his caste — but that it is the "naamdaar" Rahul who has told them to say it.

Congress confused by who will be CM, party will fuse: Modi in Rajasthan

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has accused Sonia Gandhi of ignoring Telangana in her election speech in Medchal on Saturday.

K Kavitha, the daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, said, "Sonia Gandhi visited Telangana and spoke about other states rather than speaking on Telangana state."

The TRS MP from Nizamabad also called Sonia a mouthpiece of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.

"Sonia's worlds seem to be like Chandrababu Naidu's version. Congress party is trying to implement Andhra Pradesh state agenda in Telangana," Kavitha said.

It was under the Manmohan Singh government under Sonia Gandhi-led United Progressive Alliance that Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated in 2014 and Telangana was created with K Chandrasekhar Rao as its chief minister.

Further training guns at the Congress, Kavitha accused the party of practising double standards and said, "Sonia Gandhi claims one thing and speak quite the opposite of that in Telangana. But the TRS will always speak about the Telangana's rights and development."

The southern state will go to polls on December 7 to elect 119 members of the state assembly.

Kavitha urged people to attend the public meeting of Chief Minister Rao on November 26 and make it a grand success.

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has accused Sonia Gandhi of ignoring Telangana in her election speech in Medchal on Saturday. K Kavitha, the daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, said, "Sonia Gandhi visited Telangana and spoke about other states rather than speaking on Telangana state.

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has accused Sonia Gandhi of ignoring Telangana in her election speech in Medchal on Saturday. K Kavitha, the daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, said, "Sonia Gandhi visited Telangana and spoke about other states rather than speaking on Telangana state." The TRS MP from Nizamabad also called Sonia a mouthpiece of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. "Sonia's worlds seem to be like Chandrababu Naidu's version. Congress party is trying to implement Andhra Pradesh state agenda in Telangana," Kavitha said. It was under the Manmohan Singh government under Sonia Gandhi-led United Progressive Alliance that Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated in 2014 and Telangana was created with K Chandrasekhar Rao as its chief minister. Further training guns at the Congress, Kavitha accused the party of practising double standards and said, "Sonia Gandhi claims one thing and speak quite the opposite of that in Telangana. But the TRS will always speak about the Telangana's rights and development." The southern state will go to polls on December 7 to elect 119 members of the state assembly. Kavitha urged people to attend the public meeting of Chief Minister Rao on November 26 and make it a grand success.

TRS MP K Kavitha hits out at Sonia Gandhi, Congress

After 25 years, Ayodhya is back as the main poll agenda for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. VHP, RSS and Shiv Sena have lend muscle to the 'Dharma Sabha' which will take place on Sunday on the banks of Sarayu river in Ayodhya. It will be followed by a holy ceremony (yagna) which will take place between December 1 and 6.&nbsp;

The city is teeming with saffron hue and decked up to welcome thousands of people who will descend in Ayodhya on Sunday, putting pressure on its insufficient civic infrastructure.&nbsp;

Point to be noted, the mobilisation of this scale is taking place in Ayodhya almost after two decades. The elections after 1996 were fought on issues other than Ayodhya. &nbsp;Post demolition, Ayodhya as a political issue was kept at the back burner for the compulsion of coalition politics. Interestingly, it was never the original vision of BJP when it was formed in the year 1980. It was only adopted in 1987 during the Palampur session.

The Dharma Sabha is being organised to exert pressure on the Central government to swiftly resolve the Ayodhya issue. This has happened because the Supreme Court has not displayed urgency on the matter as desired by a section of the civil society and political parties like BJP and Shiv Sena. In fact, the judiciary has always treated the issue as a land suit. Unfortunately, it has the potential to bring the judiciary and the executive face-to-face on the issue of law and governance.

The original poster boys of the Ayodhya movement today are long gone. LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi are on sidelines, Uma Bharti does have hold in the current dispensation, Sadhvi Ritambhara is not in politics, Kalyan Singh has been retired as a governor and Vinay Katiyar does not enjoy that weight in politics any more.

Advani’s politics after the demolition was constrained by the compulsion of a coalition. The fact they required help from smaller parties to form the government, the mandir agenda was brushed under the carpet; it lasted from 1996 until 2014. PM Modi’s big victory changed the game for BJP.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Over a period of time, BJP found it difficult to explain it to its core voters the reason behind its inability to construct the temple. It is this compulsion that has led to the mobilisation in Ayodhya. It is for this reason that BJP is questioning the Supreme Court on the issue of Sabarimala and Ayodhya. It is for this reason, BJP is trying to pitch this political narrative as a war against people versus the elitist institution. And, it is for this reason that right before the Lok Sabha elections, the saffron party wants its electoral campaign to have decisive Ayodhya colour, just in case the economic chest thumping fails.

Ayodhya, for this very reason, is back on agenda for BJP. The only issue which is worrisome is the law and order. Despite assurances given by the Kalyan Singh government, the mosque was brought down. Subsequently, BJP governments were dismissed by a presidential order. BJP is in no position to allow such a mischief, but in case anything of this order happens, the game will be wide open to political parties with hard secretarian views.

An issue which is being treated both as a land suit and a matter of faith has once again acquired the ability to mutate the DNA of a republic which is invested in constitutional morality.

If legal lines are crossed again, India will mirror ugly realities of Pakistan which it has not been able to deal with ever since partition because of rapid break down of civilian institutions and religion acquiring primacy over culture, politics and economy.&nbsp;

The most unfortunate part is that the principal Opposition party is in no position to take any position on Ayodhya. Rajiv Gandhi got the locks opened and the mosque fell when PV Narasimha Rao held the charge as the prime minister.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi is far more focussed on his image makeover by temple hopping, leaving a vacuum in cultural space to be consumed by BJP-RSS alike. Today, there is no stopping BJP because Congress cannot take a position on temple dispute. BJP has changed the goalposts of debate on religion and state, on which Congress failed as a neutral gatekeeper.

After 25 years, Ayodhya is back as the main poll agenda for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. VHP, RSS and Shiv Sena have lend muscle to the 'Dharma Sabha' which will take place on Sunday on the banks of Sarayu river in Ayodhya.

After 25 years, Ayodhya is back as the main poll agenda for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. VHP, RSS and Shiv Sena have lend muscle to the 'Dharma Sabha' which will take place on Sunday on the banks of Sarayu river in Ayodhya. It will be followed by a holy ceremony (yagna) which will take place between December 1 and 6. The city is teeming with saffron hue and decked up to welcome thousands of people who will descend in Ayodhya on Sunday, putting pressure on its insufficient civic infrastructure. Point to be noted, the mobilisation of this scale is taking place in Ayodhya almost after two decades. The elections after 1996 were fought on issues other than Ayodhya. Post demolition, Ayodhya as a political issue was kept at the back burner for the compulsion of coalition politics. Interestingly, it was never the original vision of BJP when it was formed in the year 1980. It was only adopted in 1987 during the Palampur session. The Dharma Sabha is being organised to exert pressure on the Central government to swiftly resolve the Ayodhya issue. This has happened because the Supreme Court has not displayed urgency on the matter as desired by a section of the civil society and political parties like BJP and Shiv Sena. In fact, the judiciary has always treated the issue as a land suit. Unfortunately, it has the potential to bring the judiciary and the executive face-to-face on the issue of law and governance. The original poster boys of the Ayodhya movement today are long gone. LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi are on sidelines, Uma Bharti does have hold in the current dispensation, Sadhvi Ritambhara is not in politics, Kalyan Singh has been retired as a governor and Vinay Katiyar does not enjoy that weight in politics any more. Advani’s politics after the demolition was constrained by the compulsion of a coalition. The fact they required help from smaller parties to form the government, the mandir agenda was brushed under the carpet; it lasted from 1996 until 2014. PM Modi’s big victory changed the game for BJP. Over a period of time, BJP found it difficult to explain it to its core voters the reason behind its inability to construct the temple. It is this compulsion that has led to the mobilisation in Ayodhya. It is for this reason that BJP is questioning the Supreme Court on the issue of Sabarimala and Ayodhya. It is for this reason, BJP is trying to pitch this political narrative as a war against people versus the elitist institution. And, it is for this reason that right before the Lok Sabha elections, the saffron party wants its electoral campaign to have decisive Ayodhya colour, just in case the economic chest thumping fails. Ayodhya, for this very reason, is back on agenda for BJP. The only issue which is worrisome is the law and order. Despite assurances given by the Kalyan Singh government, the mosque was brought down. Subsequently, BJP governments were dismissed by a presidential order. BJP is in no position to allow such a mischief, but in case anything of this order happens, the game will be wide open to political parties with hard secretarian views. An issue which is being treated both as a land suit and a matter of faith has once again acquired the ability to mutate the DNA of a republic which is invested in constitutional morality. If legal lines are crossed again, India will mirror ugly realities of Pakistan which it has not been able to deal with ever since partition because of rapid break down of civilian institutions and religion acquiring primacy over culture, politics and economy. The most unfortunate part is that the principal Opposition party is in no position to take any position on Ayodhya. Rajiv Gandhi got the locks opened and the mosque fell when PV Narasimha Rao held the charge as the prime minister. Rahul Gandhi is far more focussed on his image makeover by temple hopping, leaving a vacuum in cultural space to be consumed by BJP-RSS alike. Today, there is no stopping BJP because Congress cannot take a position on temple dispute. BJP has changed the goalposts of debate on religion and state, on which Congress failed as a neutral gatekeeper.

As Congress lacks a stand on Ayodhya dispute, BJP pitches a political narrative on it

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

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

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

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the Congress today, days after its leader Raj Babbar compared the rupee's slide with the age of his mother, saying those who did not have issues to talk about, resort to abusing someone else's mother.

Hitting out at the Congress on Mr Babbar's remarks, he said, "When one doesn't have real issues to talk about, he resorts to abusing somebody else's mother."

The Congress leader had kicked up a row in Indore on Thursday when he compared the falling value of rupee against US dollar with the age of the prime minister's mother.

Addressing a rally Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur, PM Modi, in an apparent dig at UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, said 125 crore people of the country were the "high-command" of his government, which was "not remote-controlled by a madam".

PM Modi claimed that "coffers of banks were emptied for the rich during the madam's government". "However, our government opened doors of banks for the needy youth," he said.

The prime minister asked why Congress was abusing Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who people fondly refer to as "maama".

Unlike Shivraj Chouhan, who is called 'maama' out of people's appreciation, Congress on the other hand "should worry about your own 'Maamas'. Ottavio Quattrocchai 'maama' and Warren Anderson 'maama' who were sent to America in a special airplane," he said, referring to the Bofors scandal and the 1984 Bhopal Gas tragedy.

He said the Congress was voted out of power in Madhya Pradesh 15 years ago because it indulged in dynastic politics and the politics of divisiveness.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the Congress today, days after its leader Raj Babbar compared the rupee's slide with the age of his mother, saying those who did not have issues to talk about, resort to abusing someone else's mother.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the Congress today, days after its leader Raj Babbar compared the rupee's slide with the age of his mother, saying those who did not have issues to talk about, resort to abusing someone else's mother. Hitting out at the Congress on Mr Babbar's remarks, he said, "When one doesn't have real issues to talk about, he resorts to abusing somebody else's mother." The Congress leader had kicked up a row in Indore on Thursday when he compared the falling value of rupee against US dollar with the age of the prime minister's mother. Addressing a rally Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur, PM Modi, in an apparent dig at UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, said 125 crore people of the country were the "high-command" of his government, which was "not remote-controlled by a madam". PM Modi claimed that "coffers of banks were emptied for the rich during the madam's government". "However, our government opened doors of banks for the needy youth," he said. The prime minister asked why Congress was abusing Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who people fondly refer to as "maama". Unlike Shivraj Chouhan, who is called 'maama' out of people's appreciation, Congress on the other hand "should worry about your own 'Maamas'. Ottavio Quattrocchai 'maama' and Warren Anderson 'maama' who were sent to America in a special airplane," he said, referring to the Bofors scandal and the 1984 Bhopal Gas tragedy. He said the Congress was voted out of power in Madhya Pradesh 15 years ago because it indulged in dynastic politics and the politics of divisiveness.

He doesn't have real issues to talk about: PM Modi on Babbar's remark for his mother

Days after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-mehbooba-mufti-writes-to-governor-stakes-claim-to-form-government-178644">dissolution of the Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir</a>, the Congress demanded&nbsp;that elections be held in the state as early as possible to "restore" democracy, as it termed the Governor's rule in the state as "Modi rule".

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala termed the Governor's rule in the state as a "de facto Modi rule".

"The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-did-not-act-on-bjps-behest-nobody-gave-me-list-of-mlas-says-jk-governor-satya-pal-malik-after-dissolving-assembly-178721"> Governor's (Satya Pal Malik)</a> rule in Kashmir is (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi rule. It is BJP rule," he told reporters here.

"BJP, in collusion with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ran the show in J&amp;K and Ladakh from behind the curtain. It is all the more important today that democracy is restored there," Surjewala said.

"Only elections can pave the way for formation of people's government in J&amp;K," he said, adding, "So Modi-ji and the Governor should get elections held as soon as possible."

"This is our direct and clear demand," Surjewala said.

The Governor abruptly dissolved the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Wednesday night, hours after the PDP staked claim to form a government with the backing of rival NC and the Congress.

This was followed by another bid from the two-member People's Conference which claimed the support of the BJP and 18 legislators from other parties.

Besides slamming the move, Surjewala also targeted the Modi government for "pushing J&amp;K and Ladakh into deep violence".

Neither the Pakistan-exported terrorism stopped nor did violence cease, Surjewala alleged.

"Neither ceasefire violation by Pakistani Army stopped nor was the prime minister with 56-inch chest able to stop Pakistan from exporting extremists," the Congress leader added. 
&nbsp;

Days after the dissolution of the Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress demanded that elections be held in the state as early as possible to "restore" democracy, as it termed the Governor's rule in the state as "Modi rule".

Days after the dissolution of the Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress demanded that elections be held in the state as early as possible to "restore" democracy, as it termed the Governor's rule in the state as "Modi rule". Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala termed the Governor's rule in the state as a "de facto Modi rule". "The Governor's (Satya Pal Malik) rule in Kashmir is (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi rule. It is BJP rule," he told reporters here. "BJP, in collusion with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ran the show in J&K and Ladakh from behind the curtain. It is all the more important today that democracy is restored there," Surjewala said. "Only elections can pave the way for formation of people's government in J&K," he said, adding, "So Modi-ji and the Governor should get elections held as soon as possible." "This is our direct and clear demand," Surjewala said. The Governor abruptly dissolved the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Wednesday night, hours after the PDP staked claim to form a government with the backing of rival NC and the Congress. This was followed by another bid from the two-member People's Conference which claimed the support of the BJP and 18 legislators from other parties. Besides slamming the move, Surjewala also targeted the Modi government for "pushing J&K and Ladakh into deep violence". Neither the Pakistan-exported terrorism stopped nor did violence cease, Surjewala alleged. "Neither ceasefire violation by Pakistani Army stopped nor was the prime minister with 56-inch chest able to stop Pakistan from exporting extremists," the Congress leader added.

Governor rule in J&K 'de facto' Modi rule, says Congress as it seeks fresh polls soon

Taking a dig at the Congress for not declaring its chief ministerial face for the November 28 Madhya Pradesh assembly polls, BJP chief Amit Shah on Friday said the opposition party was an army without a commander in the state.

Shah also slammed former prime minister Manmohan Singh over his recent criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and claimed that the latter had enhanced the country's prestige in the world.

"In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP is contesting the election under the leadership of Shivraj Singh Chouhan. But who is the chief ministerial face of the Congress?... It is an army without a commander," the BJP chief said at an election rally in Seoni district's Lakhnadon.

"Who is the commander of the (Congress) army? A king, an emperor and a tired industrialist...Rahul (Gandhi) should tell which of these is the commander of the army," Shah said, in an apparent reference to Congress leaders Digvijaya Singh, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Kamal Nath respectively.

Targeting Manmohan Singh, he claimed that the former prime minister visited more foreign countries than Modi, but the latter's visits get noticed as he is warmly welcomed by the Indian diaspora abroad.

"I heard Kamal Nath was saying that Modiji goes abroad quite often. Even I felt that he goes very often. But then I thought I must check the record of the prime minister's visits abroad and I found that he has visited fewer countries than Singh," Shah said.

"A journalist then informed me that when Singh used to go abroad, he used to carry two typed speeches in English and sometimes he used to read in Malaysia the speech meant to be read in Thailand and the one meant for Malaysia in Thailand. Neither the people of that country nor the people here would get to know about it," he added.

The BJP president said when Modi visited countries like the US, China, Japan, France, Sri Lanka and Bhutan, among others, he was welcomed amidst chants of 'Modi, Modi'.

"This is neither to welcome Modi, nor a BJP leader, but it is meant for the people of Madhya Pradesh and the country's 125 crore people. Modi has raised the country's prestige in the world," Shah said.&nbsp;

Taking a dig at the Congress for not declaring its chief ministerial face for the November 28 Madhya Pradesh assembly polls, BJP chief Amit Shah on Friday said the opposition party was an army without a commander in the state.

Taking a dig at the Congress for not declaring its chief ministerial face for the November 28 Madhya Pradesh assembly polls, BJP chief Amit Shah on Friday said the opposition party was an army without a commander in the state. Shah also slammed former prime minister Manmohan Singh over his recent criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and claimed that the latter had enhanced the country's prestige in the world. "In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP is contesting the election under the leadership of Shivraj Singh Chouhan. But who is the chief ministerial face of the Congress?... It is an army without a commander," the BJP chief said at an election rally in Seoni district's Lakhnadon. "Who is the commander of the (Congress) army? A king, an emperor and a tired industrialist...Rahul (Gandhi) should tell which of these is the commander of the army," Shah said, in an apparent reference to Congress leaders Digvijaya Singh, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Kamal Nath respectively. Targeting Manmohan Singh, he claimed that the former prime minister visited more foreign countries than Modi, but the latter's visits get noticed as he is warmly welcomed by the Indian diaspora abroad. "I heard Kamal Nath was saying that Modiji goes abroad quite often. Even I felt that he goes very often. But then I thought I must check the record of the prime minister's visits abroad and I found that he has visited fewer countries than Singh," Shah said. "A journalist then informed me that when Singh used to go abroad, he used to carry two typed speeches in English and sometimes he used to read in Malaysia the speech meant to be read in Thailand and the one meant for Malaysia in Thailand. Neither the people of that country nor the people here would get to know about it," he added. The BJP president said when Modi visited countries like the US, China, Japan, France, Sri Lanka and Bhutan, among others, he was welcomed amidst chants of 'Modi, Modi'. "This is neither to welcome Modi, nor a BJP leader, but it is meant for the people of Madhya Pradesh and the country's 125 crore people. Modi has raised the country's prestige in the world," Shah said.

Congress is an army without commander in MP: BJP chief Amit Shah

Congress leader Raj Babbar's remark comparing the rupee's falling value against the US dollar with the age of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mother kicked up a controversy on Friday, with the BJP demanding an apology from the opposition party's president Rahul Gandhi.

Babbar made the controversial remark while addressing a rally in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh's Indore city on Thursday. Madhya Pradesh goes to polls on November 28 and results will be declared on December 11.

"(Before becoming the prime minister) Modi used to say that compared to the (US) dollar, the value of the rupee has fallen to a level where it is almost the same as the age of the then Prime Minister (Manmohan Singh)," Babbar, the Uttar Pradesh Congress chief, said.

"Mr Prime Minister, at that time, you had not taken his (Manmohan Singh) name out of respect. Although our tradition does not allow this, we wish to say that now the value of the rupee has fallen to the age of your respected mother," he added.

Modi's mother, Hiraba, is a nonagenarian.

The rupee has seen a continued fall against the US dollar this year, hovering a little over the 70-mark on Friday.

The BJP condemned Babbar's remark.

The party's national spokesperson Sambit Patra said it was not proper to use unparliamentary words or drag any person's mother into politics.

"But the Congress' attitude against the Prime Minister's mother has been improper from the beginning and such language was used even against the Prime Minister," Patra claimed.

"Rahul Gandhi should apologise and he should clarify whether he endorses such controversial statements," he said.&nbsp;

Congress leader Raj Babbar's remark comparing the rupee's falling value against the US dollar with the age of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mother kicked up a controversy on Friday, with the BJP demanding an apology from the opposition party's president Rahul Gandhi.

Congress leader Raj Babbar's remark comparing the rupee's falling value against the US dollar with the age of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mother kicked up a controversy on Friday, with the BJP demanding an apology from the opposition party's president Rahul Gandhi. Babbar made the controversial remark while addressing a rally in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh's Indore city on Thursday. Madhya Pradesh goes to polls on November 28 and results will be declared on December 11. "(Before becoming the prime minister) Modi used to say that compared to the (US) dollar, the value of the rupee has fallen to a level where it is almost the same as the age of the then Prime Minister (Manmohan Singh)," Babbar, the Uttar Pradesh Congress chief, said. "Mr Prime Minister, at that time, you had not taken his (Manmohan Singh) name out of respect. Although our tradition does not allow this, we wish to say that now the value of the rupee has fallen to the age of your respected mother," he added. Modi's mother, Hiraba, is a nonagenarian. The rupee has seen a continued fall against the US dollar this year, hovering a little over the 70-mark on Friday. The BJP condemned Babbar's remark. The party's national spokesperson Sambit Patra said it was not proper to use unparliamentary words or drag any person's mother into politics. "But the Congress' attitude against the Prime Minister's mother has been improper from the beginning and such language was used even against the Prime Minister," Patra claimed. "Rahul Gandhi should apologise and he should clarify whether he endorses such controversial statements," he said.

Babbar compares rupee's falling value with age of Modi's mother, BJP demands apology

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP are afflicted with a "disease" that has caused "communal madness" and prompted them to block enhanced job quotas for Muslims in Telangana, TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao said Friday, as poll-time rhetoric got shriller and nastier.

Rao, the caretaker chief minister, slammed the Centre for keeping on hold a decision on raising reservations for Muslims and Scheduled Tribes from 4 to 12 per cent and 6 to 10 per cent in state government jobs and educational institutions despite the state assembly passing a resolution.

"Narendra Modi and the BJP have a disease...In everything they see, they see Hindu-Muslim (divide). They don't see anything else and so they did not do it (raise the quotas)...They have kept it pending," he told an election rally at Narsampet.

Addressing another election meeting in Mahabubabad, the TRS president repeated his charge and accused the Centre of "religious madness".

"Narendra Modi government has a disease. That is minorities (versus) Hindus...They are in that state of 'mataparamaina pichi' (communal madness)). It is because of this they blocked reservations for STs and Muslims," he said.

Rao said he will ensure that the demand for raising the quotas was accepted if people elected TRS candidates from all the 17 Lok Sabha seats of Telangana next year.

"Not only the Assembly elections...With kindness, help us win all 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana. Only if we win can we make Delhi bend its neck.&nbsp;We will get our ST reservation, we will get our Muslim reservation," he said.

The TRS leader claimed both the BJP and the Congress wanted to exercise complete control over the states.

"It doesn't matter which of the two parties forms the government at the Centre. Their attitude is the same. Both Congress and the BJP want to concentrate all powers over states into their hands. This is their culture," he said.

Rao once again batted for a non-Congress, non-BJP "federal front" government at the Centre to end that culture.

The TRS chief, who has been assailing the Congress-led opposition coalition that includes Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's TDP, asked people at his Narasampet rally whether Telangana needed Naidu. He has been accusing Naidu of stalling the development of&nbsp;Telangana when it was part of undivided Andhra Pradesh.

He hit out at the Congress for merging the Telangana region with Andhra against the wishes of the people of Telangana. He also accused the Congress government of suppressing the agitation for a separate Telangana in 1969.

Rao said Congress leaders were silent when "injustice" was being done to Telangana region in undivided Andhra Pradesh and were trying to bring Naidu back to Telangana now.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP are afflicted with a "disease" that has caused "communal madness" and prompted them to block enhanced job quotas for Muslims in Telangana, TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao said Friday, as poll-time rhetoric got shriller and nastier.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP are afflicted with a "disease" that has caused "communal madness" and prompted them to block enhanced job quotas for Muslims in Telangana, TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao said Friday, as poll-time rhetoric got shriller and nastier. Rao, the caretaker chief minister, slammed the Centre for keeping on hold a decision on raising reservations for Muslims and Scheduled Tribes from 4 to 12 per cent and 6 to 10 per cent in state government jobs and educational institutions despite the state assembly passing a resolution. "Narendra Modi and the BJP have a disease...In everything they see, they see Hindu-Muslim (divide). They don't see anything else and so they did not do it (raise the quotas)...They have kept it pending," he told an election rally at Narsampet. Addressing another election meeting in Mahabubabad, the TRS president repeated his charge and accused the Centre of "religious madness". "Narendra Modi government has a disease. That is minorities (versus) Hindus...They are in that state of 'mataparamaina pichi' (communal madness)). It is because of this they blocked reservations for STs and Muslims," he said. Rao said he will ensure that the demand for raising the quotas was accepted if people elected TRS candidates from all the 17 Lok Sabha seats of Telangana next year. "Not only the Assembly elections...With kindness, help us win all 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana. Only if we win can we make Delhi bend its neck. We will get our ST reservation, we will get our Muslim reservation," he said. The TRS leader claimed both the BJP and the Congress wanted to exercise complete control over the states. "It doesn't matter which of the two parties forms the government at the Centre. Their attitude is the same. Both Congress and the BJP want to concentrate all powers over states into their hands. This is their culture," he said. Rao once again batted for a non-Congress, non-BJP "federal front" government at the Centre to end that culture. The TRS chief, who has been assailing the Congress-led opposition coalition that includes Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's TDP, asked people at his Narasampet rally whether Telangana needed Naidu. He has been accusing Naidu of stalling the development of Telangana when it was part of undivided Andhra Pradesh. He hit out at the Congress for merging the Telangana region with Andhra against the wishes of the people of Telangana. He also accused the Congress government of suppressing the agitation for a separate Telangana in 1969. Rao said Congress leaders were silent when "injustice" was being done to Telangana region in undivided Andhra Pradesh and were trying to bring Naidu back to Telangana now.

Modi has the 'disease' that causes 'communal madness': Rao

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

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

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

Caste major factor in Rajasthan polls

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday said Indians have realised that there is no substance in what Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks, adding the latter is mum on the issues he spoke about before the 2014 elections.

Addressing a campaign rally in Madhya Pradesh for the November 28 upcoming&nbsp;Assembly polls, Gandhi said Modi's speeches used to be about corruption, farmers and unemployment.

"Today, he doesn't say anything on these issues. People of the country have realised that there is no substance in what Modi speaks. All his assurances are false," Gandhi said.

"Before 2014, Narendra Modi promised loan waiver, bonus and better price for farmers' produce; I want to ask him why were the assurances not fulfilled," he said.

When the Congress forms the next government in Madhya Pradesh, the chief minister will work for 18 hours a day to provide employment to youth, Gandhi said.

"Unemployment and farm crisis are rampant in all the poll-bound states," he said, adding the government has told Parliament that only 450 youth get jobs per day in India, as against 50,000 in China in the same period.

Gandhi promised loan waiver to farmers "within 10 days of coming to power" in Madhya Pradesh and making the state an "agriculture hub" of the country.

The Congress leader said the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in the state destroyed the education sector with Vyapam, the entrance examination, admission and recruitment scam unearthed in Madhya Pradesh in 2013.

On the Rafale deal, Gandhi said Modi gave Rs 30,000 crore benefit to industrialist Anil Ambani by taking away the contract from the state-owned aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

"Even BJP leaders Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie have said due processes were not followed in the Rafale deal. The CBI director was about to start a probe into the Rafale scam but he was removed from his post at 2 am," Gandhi said.

"If a probe is carried out, only two names, that of Modi and Anil Ambani, would figure in it," he said.

Gandhi said,"Modi speaks of surgical strikes. The fighter aircraft used in the strikes were manufactured at HAL, while Ambani doesn't have any experience of making aircraft".

"Ambani has a debt of Rs 45,000 crore and is yet to repay the money given to him by public sector banks, he said.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday said Indians have realised that there is no substance in what Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks, adding the latter is mum on the issues he spoke about before the 2014 elections.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday said Indians have realised that there is no substance in what Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks, adding the latter is mum on the issues he spoke about before the 2014 elections. Addressing a campaign rally in Madhya Pradesh for the November 28 upcoming Assembly polls, Gandhi said Modi's speeches used to be about corruption, farmers and unemployment. "Today, he doesn't say anything on these issues. People of the country have realised that there is no substance in what Modi speaks. All his assurances are false," Gandhi said. "Before 2014, Narendra Modi promised loan waiver, bonus and better price for farmers' produce; I want to ask him why were the assurances not fulfilled," he said. When the Congress forms the next government in Madhya Pradesh, the chief minister will work for 18 hours a day to provide employment to youth, Gandhi said. "Unemployment and farm crisis are rampant in all the poll-bound states," he said, adding the government has told Parliament that only 450 youth get jobs per day in India, as against 50,000 in China in the same period. Gandhi promised loan waiver to farmers "within 10 days of coming to power" in Madhya Pradesh and making the state an "agriculture hub" of the country. The Congress leader said the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in the state destroyed the education sector with Vyapam, the entrance examination, admission and recruitment scam unearthed in Madhya Pradesh in 2013. On the Rafale deal, Gandhi said Modi gave Rs 30,000 crore benefit to industrialist Anil Ambani by taking away the contract from the state-owned aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). "Even BJP leaders Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie have said due processes were not followed in the Rafale deal. The CBI director was about to start a probe into the Rafale scam but he was removed from his post at 2 am," Gandhi said. "If a probe is carried out, only two names, that of Modi and Anil Ambani, would figure in it," he said. Gandhi said,"Modi speaks of surgical strikes. The fighter aircraft used in the strikes were manufactured at HAL, while Ambani doesn't have any experience of making aircraft". "Ambani has a debt of Rs 45,000 crore and is yet to repay the money given to him by public sector banks, he said.

No substance in what Modi speaks, says Rahul Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed Congress party on Friday as he said that he feels a deep sense of anguish when he sees the leaders of opposition party "abusing" northeast culture by calling its dress outlandish.&nbsp;

PM Modi was speaking at a campaign rally at Lunglei in poll-bound state Mizoram.

He said, "In the last four years the BJP Government at the Centre has worked for greater recognition and spread of Indian culture and traditions, far and wide. But I feel a deep sense of anguish when I see the leaders of Congress abuse the same traditions."

"You might remember how a few months back, Congress leaders insulted the traditional attire of northeast. The attire given to me at different places in the northeast, is termed outlandish by them," PM Modi added.

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You might remember how a few months back, Congress leaders insulted the traditional attire of north east. The attire given to me at different places in north east, is termed outlandish by them. They speak a lot when they come here but this is their reality: PM in Lunglei, Mizoram <a href="https://t.co/XDNtVWUz8o">pic.twitter.com/XDNtVWUz8o</a>
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"They speak a lot when they come here but this is their reality."&nbsp;

Addressing the gathering he also said that the country has understood Congress's "divide and rule" policy and that is why now they are confined to few states.

PM Modi further said that his government is focused on connectivity and "Transformation through transportation" is their agenda for Mizoram's development.

"India's development is possible when this region is developed. BJP is dedicated to the development of the northeast. We're focussing on connectivity, highway, railway, airway and waterway. 'Transformation through Transportation' our agenda for this region's development," said PM Modi.

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India's development is possible when this region is developed.BJP is dedicated to development of north east.We're focussing on connectivity, highway, railway, airway&amp;waterway. 'Transformation through Transportation' our agenda for this region's development: PM in Lunglei, Mizoram <a href="https://t.co/3E07Sc506y">pic.twitter.com/3E07Sc506y</a>
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Election to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly will be held on November 28.&nbsp;

Mizoram is the only state in the northeastern region where the Congress is in power.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed Congress party on Friday as he said that he feels a deep sense of anguish when he sees the leaders of opposition party "abusing" northeast culture by calling its dress outlandish.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed Congress party on Friday as he said that he feels a deep sense of anguish when he sees the leaders of opposition party "abusing" northeast culture by calling its dress outlandish. PM Modi was speaking at a campaign rally at Lunglei in poll-bound state Mizoram. He said, "In the last four years the BJP Government at the Centre has worked for greater recognition and spread of Indian culture and traditions, far and wide. But I feel a deep sense of anguish when I see the leaders of Congress abuse the same traditions." "You might remember how a few months back, Congress leaders insulted the traditional attire of northeast. The attire given to me at different places in the northeast, is termed outlandish by them," PM Modi added. You might remember how a few months back, Congress leaders insulted the traditional attire of north east. The attire given to me at different places in north east, is termed outlandish by them. They speak a lot when they come here but this is their reality: PM in Lunglei, Mizoram pic.twitter.com/XDNtVWUz8o — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2018 × "They speak a lot when they come here but this is their reality." Addressing the gathering he also said that the country has understood Congress's "divide and rule" policy and that is why now they are confined to few states. PM Modi further said that his government is focused on connectivity and "Transformation through transportation" is their agenda for Mizoram's development. "India's development is possible when this region is developed. BJP is dedicated to the development of the northeast. We're focussing on connectivity, highway, railway, airway and waterway. 'Transformation through Transportation' our agenda for this region's development," said PM Modi. India's development is possible when this region is developed.BJP is dedicated to development of north east.We're focussing on connectivity, highway, railway, airway&waterway. 'Transformation through Transportation' our agenda for this region's development: PM in Lunglei, Mizoram pic.twitter.com/3E07Sc506y — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2018 × Election to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly will be held on November 28. Mizoram is the only state in the northeastern region where the Congress is in power.

Congress leaders insulted traditional attire of northeast, says PM Modi in Mizoram poll rally

WION Gravitas: J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik defends decision to dissolve assembly

Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) chief and Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Wednesday said that “both Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress are brothers who cannot be believed”.

Addressing a public meeting at Devarakonda, Rao, who is commonly known as KCR also announced that he will enter into the national politics after the Telangana polls. He also accused TPCC president Uttam Kumar Reddy and senior leader Jana Reddy of cheating the people of Nalgonda district and added, “Around 85 tribal areas are converted into Gram Panchayat which benefited the people of Lambada community in the district. No one can stop the victory of TRS in Devarakonda.” At another public meeting in Jadcherla, Rao credited his government for completing all the pending projects in the Mahabubnagar district and criticised Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.

He said, “All the pending projects in the district are about to complete in few months. &nbsp;Chandrababu Naidu was the Chief Minister for other state and had written a letter to the central government to stop Palamuru Ethipothala project in the district, why Naidu had not developed the district in nine years and how can TDP contest here now without any guilt”. He also made an announcement of implementing a new health scheme and said, “A new health scheme same as Kantivelugu will be implemented by the ENT department and blood samples of public will be collected in the state by which the Telangana health status can be known to the government.”

Claiming that the TRS government has implemented many schemes which are not implemented anywhere in the world, he also promised to provide water for 20 lakhs acre of land in the Mahabubnagar district. The Telangana Legislative Assembly Elections are scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) chief and Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Wednesday said that “both Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress are brothers who cannot be believed”.

Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) chief and Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Wednesday said that “both Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress are brothers who cannot be believed”. Addressing a public meeting at Devarakonda, Rao, who is commonly known as KCR also announced that he will enter into the national politics after the Telangana polls. He also accused TPCC president Uttam Kumar Reddy and senior leader Jana Reddy of cheating the people of Nalgonda district and added, “Around 85 tribal areas are converted into Gram Panchayat which benefited the people of Lambada community in the district. No one can stop the victory of TRS in Devarakonda.” At another public meeting in Jadcherla, Rao credited his government for completing all the pending projects in the Mahabubnagar district and criticised Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. He said, “All the pending projects in the district are about to complete in few months. Chandrababu Naidu was the Chief Minister for other state and had written a letter to the central government to stop Palamuru Ethipothala project in the district, why Naidu had not developed the district in nine years and how can TDP contest here now without any guilt”. He also made an announcement of implementing a new health scheme and said, “A new health scheme same as Kantivelugu will be implemented by the ENT department and blood samples of public will be collected in the state by which the Telangana health status can be known to the government.” Claiming that the TRS government has implemented many schemes which are not implemented anywhere in the world, he also promised to provide water for 20 lakhs acre of land in the Mahabubnagar district. The Telangana Legislative Assembly Elections are scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

BJP, Congress are brothers who can’t be believed: KCR

Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) president Sachin Pilot on Wednesday subdued the speculations on Congress chief ministerial candidate and asserted that the party will decide on the name of the chief ministerial candidate for Rajasthan after the electoral victory.

He said, “Chief Minister will be elected from Congress party only. People of Rajasthan have already made their mind. Our party has a policy that we fight elections unitedly. After the victory, the legislators along with Congress party will decide on who would be the Chief Minister. We have never declared Chief Minister ahead of elections and won’t do now as well.” Pilot further criticised the Vasundhara Raje-led Rajasthan government and claimed that people of the state are disappointed with her governance.

“The election is very important for the people of Rajasthan. They have to make choice for their future. People of Rajasthan are upset with the governance of Vasundhara Raje. People want change now, they will vote for Congress for sure,” he said.

Elaborating on the priorities of the Congress party and the agendas that it has set for polls, Pilot said, “We are fighting the election with all positive agendas. The main agenda is to solve the crisis of agriculture. To resolve the problems of farmers is our main aim. Corruption is at the peak in Rajasthan. We have to fight against the corruption. The government is announcing MSP which is very little. Farmers are not getting proper fertilizers. We have to do something to restart everything.”

Pilot is contesting Assembly poll from Tonk constituency of the state and filed his nomination on November 19. The assembly elections in the state will take place in a single phase for all 200 seats on December 7. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) president Sachin Pilot on Wednesday subdued the speculations on Congress chief ministerial candidate and asserted that the party will decide on the name of the chief ministerial candidate for Rajasthan after the electoral victory.

Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) president Sachin Pilot on Wednesday subdued the speculations on Congress chief ministerial candidate and asserted that the party will decide on the name of the chief ministerial candidate for Rajasthan after the electoral victory. He said, “Chief Minister will be elected from Congress party only. People of Rajasthan have already made their mind. Our party has a policy that we fight elections unitedly. After the victory, the legislators along with Congress party will decide on who would be the Chief Minister. We have never declared Chief Minister ahead of elections and won’t do now as well.” Pilot further criticised the Vasundhara Raje-led Rajasthan government and claimed that people of the state are disappointed with her governance. “The election is very important for the people of Rajasthan. They have to make choice for their future. People of Rajasthan are upset with the governance of Vasundhara Raje. People want change now, they will vote for Congress for sure,” he said. Elaborating on the priorities of the Congress party and the agendas that it has set for polls, Pilot said, “We are fighting the election with all positive agendas. The main agenda is to solve the crisis of agriculture. To resolve the problems of farmers is our main aim. Corruption is at the peak in Rajasthan. We have to fight against the corruption. The government is announcing MSP which is very little. Farmers are not getting proper fertilizers. We have to do something to restart everything.” Pilot is contesting Assembly poll from Tonk constituency of the state and filed his nomination on November 19. The assembly elections in the state will take place in a single phase for all 200 seats on December 7. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Congress chief ministerial candidate for Rajasthan to be finalised post elections: Sachin Pilot

Telangana Rashtra Samithi president and caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao has said that if the Congress comes to power, the state will go blind.

Talking about providing electricity to Siddipet district, Mr Rao claimed during an election rally that "Telangana ranked number one in all the sectors. In the next two years, the train will come to Siddipet. TRS has also set up a Medical College in Siddipet district. It has announced that 24-hour electricity would be given free of cost to farmers. But if the Congress comes in power, the state will become blind."

He further said that food processing units will be set up in each constituency and their responsibilities will be handed over to women unions.

"Passbook for farmers will be given to them directly by the officers at their homes. From next year Rs. 10,000 will be given to the farmers for one acre of land. Crops cultivated by farmers will be bought through women's unions in villages. Food processing units will be set up in each constituency and their responsibilities will be handed over to women unions. We are working without corruption," Mr Rao said.

He also announced that his government will soon come up with a new scheme for farmers. "The actual problem for farmers is the cost of the crop. A wonderful scheme has been created for it and will be implemented in the coming days," Mr Rao said.

The Telangana Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

The Telangana State Assembly was dissolved prematurely in September on the recommendation of the ruling KCR-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government.

Telangana Rashtra Samithi president and caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao has said that if the Congress comes to power, the state will go blind. Talking about providing electricity to Siddipet district, Mr Rao claimed during an election rally that "Telangana ranked number one in all the sectors.

Telangana Rashtra Samithi president and caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao has said that if the Congress comes to power, the state will go blind. Talking about providing electricity to Siddipet district, Mr Rao claimed during an election rally that "Telangana ranked number one in all the sectors. In the next two years, the train will come to Siddipet. TRS has also set up a Medical College in Siddipet district. It has announced that 24-hour electricity would be given free of cost to farmers. But if the Congress comes in power, the state will become blind." He further said that food processing units will be set up in each constituency and their responsibilities will be handed over to women unions. "Passbook for farmers will be given to them directly by the officers at their homes. From next year Rs. 10,000 will be given to the farmers for one acre of land. Crops cultivated by farmers will be bought through women's unions in villages. Food processing units will be set up in each constituency and their responsibilities will be handed over to women unions. We are working without corruption," Mr Rao said. He also announced that his government will soon come up with a new scheme for farmers. "The actual problem for farmers is the cost of the crop. A wonderful scheme has been created for it and will be implemented in the coming days," Mr Rao said. The Telangana Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. The Telangana State Assembly was dissolved prematurely in September on the recommendation of the ruling KCR-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government.

Telangana will become blind if Congress comes to power: KCR

The Congress on Tuesday accused the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh of failing to address the grievances of the farmers and released what it called a "chargesheet" listing the alleged irregularities under the rule of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

BJP national vice-president Prabhat Jha dismissed the Congress' allegations, claiming it was an attempt to grab headlines and mislead the people.

Speaking to reporters in Bhopal, AICC media and communication chief Randeep Singh Surjewala alleged farmers from 24 villages of the chief minister's home district, Sehore, have petitioned the president seeking permission for euthanasia. He claimed four farmers committed suicide in the state every day due to farm distress.

Mr Surjewala released a "chargesheet" against the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. He said all the major wrongs of the 15-year-long BJP rule in the state were listed in the "charge sheet", which included poor health services, incidents of rape, firing at farmers, Vyapam scam, alleged theft of children's scholarship, kidnapping of girls, human trafficking and "mafia raj".

Mr Surjewala alleged the MP government was announcing "false figures" on growth, agricultural produce and irrigation potential among others.

He further charged the state government with large-scale irregularities in the implementation of Bhavantar Yojana (a mechanism to give a model price to farmers for produce) and crop insurance scheme among others.

The Congress on Tuesday accused the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh of failing to address the grievances of the farmers and released what it called a "chargesheet" listing the alleged irregularities under the rule of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

The Congress on Tuesday accused the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh of failing to address the grievances of the farmers and released what it called a "chargesheet" listing the alleged irregularities under the rule of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. BJP national vice-president Prabhat Jha dismissed the Congress' allegations, claiming it was an attempt to grab headlines and mislead the people. Speaking to reporters in Bhopal, AICC media and communication chief Randeep Singh Surjewala alleged farmers from 24 villages of the chief minister's home district, Sehore, have petitioned the president seeking permission for euthanasia. He claimed four farmers committed suicide in the state every day due to farm distress. Mr Surjewala released a "chargesheet" against the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. He said all the major wrongs of the 15-year-long BJP rule in the state were listed in the "charge sheet", which included poor health services, incidents of rape, firing at farmers, Vyapam scam, alleged theft of children's scholarship, kidnapping of girls, human trafficking and "mafia raj". Mr Surjewala alleged the MP government was announcing "false figures" on growth, agricultural produce and irrigation potential among others. He further charged the state government with large-scale irregularities in the implementation of Bhavantar Yojana (a mechanism to give a model price to farmers for produce) and crop insurance scheme among others.

BJP hits back at Congress 'chargesheet' against Madhya Pradesh government

Congress-Mehbooba Mufti-Omar Abdullah alliance for J&K government

After the emergence of the third front in Jammu and Kashmir, three political parties have come together to form a government in the state.&nbsp;

The development came a day after senior PDP leader Muzzafar Hussain Baig showed his willingness to join the Third Front, currently led by Sajjad Gani Lone of the People's Conference.

The coming together of the National Conference, the People's Democratic Party and the Congress, in what is seen as a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-pulls-out-of-alliance-with-pdp-in-kashmir-145468">grand alliance</a>, was announced by senior PDP leader Altaf Bukhari at his residence.&nbsp;

"All the three parties decided to join hands to defend the special status of the state, keeping in view the political situation and special status of the state," Altaf, who is seen as a front-runner for the chief ministerial chair, told WION in an exclusive chat.

He told WION that a formal announcement about the formation of the government would be made soon. "We have 60 MLAs to keep the communal forces away from the state and an alliance has been agreed," he said.&nbsp;

The alliance will also save the PDP from breaking as some of its senior members had rebelled against the party over a number of issues and were part of the Third Front which was emerging stronger by the day.&nbsp;

Backed by the BJP, the Third Front was emerging as an alternative to the traditional political parties which have ruled Kashmir for decades. But they don't have the numbers to prove their majority in the state assembly which is currently in suspended animation.

J&amp;K Governor Satya Pal Malik had earlier said that he wouldn't dissolve the assembly but there were no signs of any government formation.&nbsp;

Sources have told WION that several informal talks were held between the political parties over the joining of hands, adding that the aim of government formation was also to stop J&amp;K from slipping into the hands of Governor's Rule.

"Congress MLAs have submitted their written consent to the party for the formation of government," a source in the PDP told WION.&nbsp;

The National Conference has called for a core group meeting tomorrow with top leaders from the three regions of the Himalayan state. The Congress' J&amp;K-in-charge Ghulam Ahmad Mir has flown to Delhi to meet the party's top leadership over the issue while other members have been called on the 23rd to deliberate further.&nbsp;

After the emergence of the third front in Jammu and Kashmir, three political parties have come together to form a government in the state. The development came a day after senior PDP leader Muzzafar Hussain Baig showed his willingness to join the Third Front, currently led by Sajjad Gani Lone of the People's Conference.

After the emergence of the third front in Jammu and Kashmir, three political parties have come together to form a government in the state. The development came a day after senior PDP leader Muzzafar Hussain Baig showed his willingness to join the Third Front, currently led by Sajjad Gani Lone of the People's Conference. The coming together of the National Conference, the People's Democratic Party and the Congress, in what is seen as a grand alliance, was announced by senior PDP leader Altaf Bukhari at his residence. "All the three parties decided to join hands to defend the special status of the state, keeping in view the political situation and special status of the state," Altaf, who is seen as a front-runner for the chief ministerial chair, told WION in an exclusive chat. He told WION that a formal announcement about the formation of the government would be made soon. "We have 60 MLAs to keep the communal forces away from the state and an alliance has been agreed," he said. The alliance will also save the PDP from breaking as some of its senior members had rebelled against the party over a number of issues and were part of the Third Front which was emerging stronger by the day. Backed by the BJP, the Third Front was emerging as an alternative to the traditional political parties which have ruled Kashmir for decades. But they don't have the numbers to prove their majority in the state assembly which is currently in suspended animation. J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik had earlier said that he wouldn't dissolve the assembly but there were no signs of any government formation. Sources have told WION that several informal talks were held between the political parties over the joining of hands, adding that the aim of government formation was also to stop J&K from slipping into the hands of Governor's Rule. "Congress MLAs have submitted their written consent to the party for the formation of government," a source in the PDP told WION. The National Conference has called for a core group meeting tomorrow with top leaders from the three regions of the Himalayan state. The Congress' J&K-in-charge Ghulam Ahmad Mir has flown to Delhi to meet the party's top leadership over the issue while other members have been called on the 23rd to deliberate further.

PDP, NC, Congress join hands in Jammu & Kashmir, will try and form government

The Congress, the People's Democratic Party, and the National Conference are in talks to form a coalition and the next government in Jammu &amp; Kashmir, news reports said Wednesday.&nbsp;

Top sources told WION that the idea was to form a government, then dissolve the house in a couple of months and go in for fresh elections.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir has been under Governor's Rule since June 19 when the BJP pulled out of a coalition government with the PDP. Governor's Rule comes to an end next month on December 19.&nbsp;

The fast-paced developments in Kashmir were spurred after senior PDP leader Muzaffar Baig said yesterday that he was ready to join the third front. 
&nbsp; 
There are currently multiple meetings underway both in Jammu and Srinagar.

Senior PDP leader Altaf Bukhari meanwhile has met with Omar Abdullah to discuss a&nbsp;plan of action.&nbsp;

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Who ever said “may you live in interesting times” knew what they were talking about.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/1065200799859519488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Abdullah meanwhile tweeted Wednesday that "Whoever said 'may you live in interesting times' knew what they were talking about'.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ANI quoted Bukhari as saying "my leadership has confirmed it to us that the three parties (Congress, PDP and NC) have agreed to make a coalition to defend the special identity of the state politically and legally. Very soon you will get a good news."&nbsp;&nbsp;

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My leadership has confirmed it to us that the three parties (Congress, PDP &amp; NC) have agreed to make a coalition to defend the special identity of the state politically and legally. Very soon you will get a good news: Altaf Bukhari, PDP <a href="https://t.co/5tHEdBoOGJ">pic.twitter.com/5tHEdBoOGJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1065190457527975937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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News reports Wednesday said Bukhari was emerging as the chief ministerial face of the grand coalition.&nbsp;

The reports added that the leaders of the three parties would meet with Governor Satyapal Malik on Thursday.&nbsp;

The PDP has 29 MLAs in the 87-member Jammu and Kashmir assembly, the Congress has 12 and the National Conference has 15, putting them well ahead of the halfway mark of 44.&nbsp;

The news reports Wednesday added that should the grand coalition come into effect, it could also serve as a template for the possible BJP vs The Rest battle in the 2019 elections.&nbsp;

The Congress, the People's Democratic Party, and the National Conference are in talks to form a coalition and the next government in Jammu & Kashmir, news reports said Wednesday.

The Congress, the People's Democratic Party, and the National Conference are in talks to form a coalition and the next government in Jammu & Kashmir, news reports said Wednesday. Top sources told WION that the idea was to form a government, then dissolve the house in a couple of months and go in for fresh elections. Jammu and Kashmir has been under Governor's Rule since June 19 when the BJP pulled out of a coalition government with the PDP. Governor's Rule comes to an end next month on December 19. The fast-paced developments in Kashmir were spurred after senior PDP leader Muzaffar Baig said yesterday that he was ready to join the third front. There are currently multiple meetings underway both in Jammu and Srinagar. Senior PDP leader Altaf Bukhari meanwhile has met with Omar Abdullah to discuss a plan of action. Who ever said “may you live in interesting times” knew what they were talking about. — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) November 21, 2018 × Abdullah meanwhile tweeted Wednesday that "Whoever said 'may you live in interesting times' knew what they were talking about'. ANI quoted Bukhari as saying "my leadership has confirmed it to us that the three parties (Congress, PDP and NC) have agreed to make a coalition to defend the special identity of the state politically and legally. Very soon you will get a good news." My leadership has confirmed it to us that the three parties (Congress, PDP & NC) have agreed to make a coalition to defend the special identity of the state politically and legally. Very soon you will get a good news: Altaf Bukhari, PDP pic.twitter.com/5tHEdBoOGJ — ANI (@ANI) November 21, 2018 × News reports Wednesday said Bukhari was emerging as the chief ministerial face of the grand coalition. The reports added that the leaders of the three parties would meet with Governor Satyapal Malik on Thursday. The PDP has 29 MLAs in the 87-member Jammu and Kashmir assembly, the Congress has 12 and the National Conference has 15, putting them well ahead of the halfway mark of 44. The news reports Wednesday added that should the grand coalition come into effect, it could also serve as a template for the possible BJP vs The Rest battle in the 2019 elections.

Congress, PDP and NC to align, form next government in Jammu & Kashmir

With the conclusion of the second and final phase of polling in BJP ruled Chhattisgarh on Tuesday (20 November), all eyes are now on the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, also under BJP rule for last 15 years, where polling will be held on November 28 .

The contest is triangular in Chhattisgarh between the ruling BJP, Congress and the BSP-JCC alliance.&nbsp;

In Madhya Pradesh also the main battle is between the BJP and the Congress. The BSP and Samajwadi Party are also in the fray and would be angling for about a dozen seats, mainly constituencies in districts bordering Uttar Pradesh. There are also small pockets where the Aam Aadmi Party candidates have positioned themselves among the top three contenders.

The huge people’s movement against reservation, which has been built in the state since 2016 by Samanya Pichda Alpsankhyaalyan Samaj (Sapaks Samaj), had received a shot in the arm by the massive public response to the call for Bharat Bandh against the amendment to the SC/ST Atrocities Act on September 6 this year.&nbsp;

This had given an indication of the emergence of a third force in MP politics but its punch and edge got dissipated within no time. A major reason for this is the vertical split in Sapaks Samaj and the controversy over the registration of a political party by the name of “Sapaks Party” by the Election Commission. A Division bench, headed by the Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh high court, heard a writ petition in this matter on Monday (19 November) and reserved for order its verdict in this matter. Also there were about two dozen newly registered and untested political parties, lacking the basic leadership but claiming to represent those opposed to the reservation on caste lines. 
 
They suddenly popped up like mushroom but nothing has been heard of them after a futile bid by popular Kathavachak Devkinandan Thakur to bring them under a single umbrella by ensuring all parties opposed to the Atrocities Act unite and settle for “single banner and same election symbol” in every constituency.

In Madhya Pradesh, the state BJP unit will be taking its poll campaign to another level on Wednesday (November 21) by lighting lotus shaped “diyas” (lamps), symbolising BJP’s election symbol, in homes across the state. This has a religious connotation as the BJP has named its novel form of the campaign as Kamal Diwali. It will be observed with the same enthusiasm as Diwali, the festival of lights.

Kamal Diwali will be a demonstration of BJP’s reach and support base prior to polling, now only a week away. It will also help in ensuring the BJP workers at the booth level are in the alert mode to help mobilise votes on D-day. BJP’s target is to reach out and cover at least 60000 villages through Kamal Diwali.

Not to be left behind will be the Congress party. Its workers will be going from booth-to-booth and door-to-door to present cotton wicks to the voters to light the “Badlav ki Baati” (lamps for change).

In the final run-up to elections, leaders from both sides – BJP and Congress – are following the no-holds-barred approach when it comes to lashing out at each other.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was at his piercing best at his election rallies at Jhabua and Rewa, two far corners of Madhya Pradesh, on Tuesday. Targeting the Congress and holding it responsible for spreading corruption, the Prime Minister said that he was forced to go ahead with demonetisation to strike at the termite of corruption. Taking a dig at the Nehru-Gandhi family, he cited the example of the Moghuls and the ruling class in ancient and pre-history days and said four generations down the line their rule fell into decay.

From the Congress side, while former Congress president Arun Yadav is locked in a bitter fight with State Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Budhni, State Congress President Kamal Nath, along with party satraps Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ajay Singh, Digvijaya Singh and Suresh Pachouri are holding the fort, countering every attack from the BJP side by throwing shot for shot and galvanising support for their party candidates in their respective areas of influence.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

 
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With the conclusion of the second and final phase of polling in BJP ruled Chhattisgarh on Tuesday (20 November), all eyes are now on the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, also under BJP rule for last 15 years, where polling will be held on November 28 .

With the conclusion of the second and final phase of polling in BJP ruled Chhattisgarh on Tuesday (20 November), all eyes are now on the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, also under BJP rule for last 15 years, where polling will be held on November 28 . The contest is triangular in Chhattisgarh between the ruling BJP, Congress and the BSP-JCC alliance. In Madhya Pradesh also the main battle is between the BJP and the Congress. The BSP and Samajwadi Party are also in the fray and would be angling for about a dozen seats, mainly constituencies in districts bordering Uttar Pradesh. There are also small pockets where the Aam Aadmi Party candidates have positioned themselves among the top three contenders. The huge people’s movement against reservation, which has been built in the state since 2016 by Samanya Pichda Alpsankhyaalyan Samaj (Sapaks Samaj), had received a shot in the arm by the massive public response to the call for Bharat Bandh against the amendment to the SC/ST Atrocities Act on September 6 this year. This had given an indication of the emergence of a third force in MP politics but its punch and edge got dissipated within no time. A major reason for this is the vertical split in Sapaks Samaj and the controversy over the registration of a political party by the name of “Sapaks Party” by the Election Commission. A Division bench, headed by the Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh high court, heard a writ petition in this matter on Monday (19 November) and reserved for order its verdict in this matter. Also there were about two dozen newly registered and untested political parties, lacking the basic leadership but claiming to represent those opposed to the reservation on caste lines. They suddenly popped up like mushroom but nothing has been heard of them after a futile bid by popular Kathavachak Devkinandan Thakur to bring them under a single umbrella by ensuring all parties opposed to the Atrocities Act unite and settle for “single banner and same election symbol” in every constituency. In Madhya Pradesh, the state BJP unit will be taking its poll campaign to another level on Wednesday (November 21) by lighting lotus shaped “diyas” (lamps), symbolising BJP’s election symbol, in homes across the state. This has a religious connotation as the BJP has named its novel form of the campaign as Kamal Diwali. It will be observed with the same enthusiasm as Diwali, the festival of lights. Kamal Diwali will be a demonstration of BJP’s reach and support base prior to polling, now only a week away. It will also help in ensuring the BJP workers at the booth level are in the alert mode to help mobilise votes on D-day. BJP’s target is to reach out and cover at least 60000 villages through Kamal Diwali. Not to be left behind will be the Congress party. Its workers will be going from booth-to-booth and door-to-door to present cotton wicks to the voters to light the “Badlav ki Baati” (lamps for change). In the final run-up to elections, leaders from both sides – BJP and Congress – are following the no-holds-barred approach when it comes to lashing out at each other. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was at his piercing best at his election rallies at Jhabua and Rewa, two far corners of Madhya Pradesh, on Tuesday. Targeting the Congress and holding it responsible for spreading corruption, the Prime Minister said that he was forced to go ahead with demonetisation to strike at the termite of corruption. Taking a dig at the Nehru-Gandhi family, he cited the example of the Moghuls and the ruling class in ancient and pre-history days and said four generations down the line their rule fell into decay. From the Congress side, while former Congress president Arun Yadav is locked in a bitter fight with State Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Budhni, State Congress President Kamal Nath, along with party satraps Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ajay Singh, Digvijaya Singh and Suresh Pachouri are holding the fort, countering every attack from the BJP side by throwing shot for shot and galvanising support for their party candidates in their respective areas of influence. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

In final run-up to MP elections, war of words intensifies between Congress and BJP

The BJP has fielded 23 women out of its 200 candidates, while the Congress has given tickets to 27 out of its 195 candidates for the Rajasthan Assembly election.

The number of Bharatiya Janata Party women candidates are two less compared to the 2013 Assembly election, while the Congress had fielded four more this time.

The Congress has given tickets to three Muslim women, and the BJP chose four women from the erstwhile royal families.

The women from the erstwhile royal families include Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, sitting MLAs Siddhi Kumari, Krishnendra Kaur Deepa and Kalpna Devi, who is the wife of former Congress MP Ijyaraj Singh.&nbsp;

Among the Congress' women candidates, Divya Maderna is the daughter of former minister Mahipal Maderna, who is facing trial in the Bhanwari Devi murder case, while the husbands of Safia and Gulnaz had contested the 2013 assembly election as Congress candidates.&nbsp;

The BJP has fielded 23 women out of its 200 candidates, while the Congress has given tickets to 27 out of its 195 candidates for the Rajasthan Assembly election.

The BJP has fielded 23 women out of its 200 candidates, while the Congress has given tickets to 27 out of its 195 candidates for the Rajasthan Assembly election. The number of Bharatiya Janata Party women candidates are two less compared to the 2013 Assembly election, while the Congress had fielded four more this time. The Congress has given tickets to three Muslim women, and the BJP chose four women from the erstwhile royal families. The women from the erstwhile royal families include Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, sitting MLAs Siddhi Kumari, Krishnendra Kaur Deepa and Kalpna Devi, who is the wife of former Congress MP Ijyaraj Singh. Among the Congress' women candidates, Divya Maderna is the daughter of former minister Mahipal Maderna, who is facing trial in the Bhanwari Devi murder case, while the husbands of Safia and Gulnaz had contested the 2013 assembly election as Congress candidates.

Women candidates in Rajasthan polls: Congress 27, BJP 23

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday accused the Narendra Modi-led government of interfering in the functioning of important institutions like the Election Commission and the CBI.

Addressing an election rally in poll-bound Mizoram's capital Aizawl, Gandhi said being an RSS man is sufficient qualification to be governor or vice chancellor.&nbsp;

He also reiterated his allegations of corruption in the Rafale deal and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has robbed public money and used it to buy publicity.

The government has denied the opposition party's allegations on the fighter jet deal with France.

"The Modi government is interfering in the functioning of the Planning Commission, RBI, CBI and Election Commission. Four judges of the Supreme Court said they could not do their jobs due to government interference," Gandhi said.

In January, four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court -- Justices J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, M B Lokur and Kurian Joseph -- called a press conference to say the situation in the top court was "not in order". Gogoi is now chief justice.

"To be governor or VC of a university, being an RSS man is sufficient qualification," Gandhi, who had addressed a rally in Champhai in the state earlier in the day, said while hitting out at the ruling BJP's ideological mentor.&nbsp;

The Congress president also attacked the opposition MNF for allegedly working with the BJP in the Mizoram elections.

Lauding his party government in the state for the past 10 years, he said the per capita income of Mizoram is higher than the national average.

"This happened due to united efforts of the people, churches and civil societies," he added. 
Elections to the 40-member Mizoram assembly will be held on November 28.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday accused the Narendra Modi-led government of interfering in the functioning of important institutions like the Election Commission and the CBI.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday accused the Narendra Modi-led government of interfering in the functioning of important institutions like the Election Commission and the CBI. Addressing an election rally in poll-bound Mizoram's capital Aizawl, Gandhi said being an RSS man is sufficient qualification to be governor or vice chancellor. He also reiterated his allegations of corruption in the Rafale deal and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has robbed public money and used it to buy publicity. The government has denied the opposition party's allegations on the fighter jet deal with France. "The Modi government is interfering in the functioning of the Planning Commission, RBI, CBI and Election Commission. Four judges of the Supreme Court said they could not do their jobs due to government interference," Gandhi said. In January, four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court -- Justices J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, M B Lokur and Kurian Joseph -- called a press conference to say the situation in the top court was "not in order". Gogoi is now chief justice. "To be governor or VC of a university, being an RSS man is sufficient qualification," Gandhi, who had addressed a rally in Champhai in the state earlier in the day, said while hitting out at the ruling BJP's ideological mentor. The Congress president also attacked the opposition MNF for allegedly working with the BJP in the Mizoram elections. Lauding his party government in the state for the past 10 years, he said the per capita income of Mizoram is higher than the national average. "This happened due to united efforts of the people, churches and civil societies," he added. Elections to the 40-member Mizoram assembly will be held on November 28.

Government interfering in functioning of important institutions like EC, CBI: Rahul Gandhi

The Congress party has released its fourth list of six candidates for the upcoming Telangana assembly elections, to be held on December 7.

The decision was announced by General Secretary of the Congress`s Central Election Commission, Mukul Wasnik on Sunday. So far, the party has announced the names of 94 candidates out of 119 seats in the state.

Earlier on Sunday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released the sixth list of six candidates for the upcoming polls in the state. The counting of votes for the high-stakes elections will take place on December 11.

The Telangana State Assembly was dissolved prematurely in September on the recommendation of the ruling K Chandrasekhar Rao-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government.&nbsp;

The Congress party has released its fourth list of six candidates for the upcoming Telangana assembly elections, to be held on December 7. The decision was announced by General Secretary of the Congress`s Central Election Commission, Mukul Wasnik on Sunday.

The Congress party has released its fourth list of six candidates for the upcoming Telangana assembly elections, to be held on December 7. The decision was announced by General Secretary of the Congress`s Central Election Commission, Mukul Wasnik on Sunday. So far, the party has announced the names of 94 candidates out of 119 seats in the state. Earlier on Sunday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released the sixth list of six candidates for the upcoming polls in the state. The counting of votes for the high-stakes elections will take place on December 11. The Telangana State Assembly was dissolved prematurely in September on the recommendation of the ruling K Chandrasekhar Rao-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government.

Congress releases fourth list of 6 candidates for Telangana polls

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