In an apparent reference to Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijaya Singh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that one of the senior Congress leaders is not being allowed to campaign for the upcoming assembly elections in the state as the party fears that people will recall the failure of their tenure if Singh campaigns.

Earlier, Singh had said that "his party loses votes if he campaigns."

Addressing a rally in Indore on Sunday, the Prime Minister said, "One of the senior Congress leaders is not being allowed to campaign during these elections. The reason is that the Congress fears that if he campaigns, the party will lose as people will recall what the fate of Madhya Pradesh was during the time they were in power."

The Prime Minister also accused the Congress of playing divisive politics and said, "Congress neither has any policy, intention, nor a leader... its leader is confused. Let the naamdar (apparently Congress chief Rahul Gandhi) write down on a piece of paper how many zeroes are there in Rs. 23,000 crore. He will get confused."

He further asserted that these elections are not about who would win or who won`t win but about rejecting the "negative forces who have always focused on the 'divide and rule'&nbsp;approach."

Talking about the development work in Indore city, the Prime Minister announced that as part of the Smart City project, Rs. 23,000 crore will be spent on development of seven cities in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh including Indore over five years. He added, "In last two years, the foreign tourists` influx has increased."

Madhya Pradesh will go to polls on November 28 to elect 230 members of the legislative assembly. The results will be declared on December 11.

The single-phase election in the state is seen as a direct political battle between the BJP and the Congress. While Chouhan is eyeing to secure his fourth consecutive term as chief minister, the Congress is looking to regain power after 2003.

In an apparent reference to Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijaya Singh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that one of the senior Congress leaders is not being allowed to campaign for the upcoming assembly elections in the state as the party fears that people will recall the failure of their tenure if Singh campaigns.

In an apparent reference to Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijaya Singh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that one of the senior Congress leaders is not being allowed to campaign for the upcoming assembly elections in the state as the party fears that people will recall the failure of their tenure if Singh campaigns. Earlier, Singh had said that "his party loses votes if he campaigns." Addressing a rally in Indore on Sunday, the Prime Minister said, "One of the senior Congress leaders is not being allowed to campaign during these elections. The reason is that the Congress fears that if he campaigns, the party will lose as people will recall what the fate of Madhya Pradesh was during the time they were in power." The Prime Minister also accused the Congress of playing divisive politics and said, "Congress neither has any policy, intention, nor a leader... its leader is confused. Let the naamdar (apparently Congress chief Rahul Gandhi) write down on a piece of paper how many zeroes are there in Rs. 23,000 crore. He will get confused." He further asserted that these elections are not about who would win or who won`t win but about rejecting the "negative forces who have always focused on the 'divide and rule' approach." Talking about the development work in Indore city, the Prime Minister announced that as part of the Smart City project, Rs. 23,000 crore will be spent on development of seven cities in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh including Indore over five years. He added, "In last two years, the foreign tourists` influx has increased." Madhya Pradesh will go to polls on November 28 to elect 230 members of the legislative assembly. The results will be declared on December 11. The single-phase election in the state is seen as a direct political battle between the BJP and the Congress. While Chouhan is eyeing to secure his fourth consecutive term as chief minister, the Congress is looking to regain power after 2003.

Congress not allowing senior leader to campaign to hide failure: PM Modi

The opposition is suffering from the "Narendra Modi-phobia", BJP president Amit Shah said today. Addressing a rally in Madhya Pradesh's&nbsp;Narsinghpur ahead of the November 28 assembly election, Shah asked the Congress to give an account of what the four generations of the Nehru-Gandhi family did when they ruled the country.

"The opposition is suffering from Narendra Modi-phobia. They just want to get rid of (PM) Modi from the prime minister's post while we want to get rid of poverty, insecurity and air pollution among others," Shah said.

The BJP chief&nbsp;said the Narendra Modi government launched 129 developmental schemes in four years. "Give an account of what the four generations (of Nehru-Gandhi family) did when they ruled the country," he said.

"In a recent rally, Rahul Gandhi uttered (PM) Modi's name 44 times in his 22-minute speech. I am wondering whether he is campaigning for the BJP or the Congress," Shah said, in remarks laced with sarcasm.

He also lauded the centre for the army's surgical strike on terror launchpads across the border post the Uri attack in 2016.

"When the Uri terror attack took place, the entire country was angry. (PM) Modi ordered surgical strikes and made India the third country in the world after the US and Israel who have avenged killings of its soldiers," he said.

Shah alleged that former prime minister Manmohan Singh had left the Indian economy at ninth position in the world in 2014, which, he said, the BJP raised to sixth position.

"By the time counting of these polls is done, India would have surpassed the UK to become the fifth-largest economy in the world," he added.

The opposition is suffering from the "Narendra Modi-phobia", BJP president Amit Shah said today. Addressing a rally in Madhya Pradesh's Narsinghpur ahead of the November 28 assembly election, Shah asked the Congress to give an account of what the four generations of the Nehru-Gandhi family did when they ruled the country.

The opposition is suffering from the "Narendra Modi-phobia", BJP president Amit Shah said today. Addressing a rally in Madhya Pradesh's Narsinghpur ahead of the November 28 assembly election, Shah asked the Congress to give an account of what the four generations of the Nehru-Gandhi family did when they ruled the country. "The opposition is suffering from Narendra Modi-phobia. They just want to get rid of (PM) Modi from the prime minister's post while we want to get rid of poverty, insecurity and air pollution among others," Shah said. The BJP chief said the Narendra Modi government launched 129 developmental schemes in four years. "Give an account of what the four generations (of Nehru-Gandhi family) did when they ruled the country," he said. "In a recent rally, Rahul Gandhi uttered (PM) Modi's name 44 times in his 22-minute speech. I am wondering whether he is campaigning for the BJP or the Congress," Shah said, in remarks laced with sarcasm. He also lauded the centre for the army's surgical strike on terror launchpads across the border post the Uri attack in 2016. "When the Uri terror attack took place, the entire country was angry. (PM) Modi ordered surgical strikes and made India the third country in the world after the US and Israel who have avenged killings of its soldiers," he said. Shah alleged that former prime minister Manmohan Singh had left the Indian economy at ninth position in the world in 2014, which, he said, the BJP raised to sixth position. "By the time counting of these polls is done, India would have surpassed the UK to become the fifth-largest economy in the world," he added.

Rahul Gandhi has 'Modi-Phobia', named him 44 times in speech: Amit Shah

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje along with Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Prakash Javadekar on Monday flagged off the election campaign of the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the state elections.

"From today onwards the election campaign has finally begun in the state of Rajasthan. It has now initiated legally and formally for the coming general assembly polls. BJP is connected with the people from grass root level. The people of Rajasthan have always favoured development. I am fully assured that BJP will come to power again in the state," Raje told media here.

Raje further stated that the BJP will also bag the Tonk legislative constituency, from where Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) chief Sachin Pilot is contesting.

The assembly elections 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 Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje along with Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Prakash Javadekar on Monday flagged off the election campaign of the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the state elections.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje along with Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Prakash Javadekar on Monday flagged off the election campaign of the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the state elections. "From today onwards the election campaign has finally begun in the state of Rajasthan. It has now initiated legally and formally for the coming general assembly polls. BJP is connected with the people from grass root level. The people of Rajasthan have always favoured development. I am fully assured that BJP will come to power again in the state," Raje told media here. Raje further stated that the BJP will also bag the Tonk legislative constituency, from where Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) chief Sachin Pilot is contesting. The assembly elections 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: CM Raje flags off BJP's election campaign

Amid mounting tension in Kerala over the issue of women's entry into Sabarimala temple, the Congress on Sunday accused the CPI(M)-led state government of creating a 'terror-like atmosphere' in the name of security of the hill shrine.

The Congress levelled the allegation as a three-member party delegation comprising former state ministers Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, Adoor Prakash and V S Sivakumar left for Sabarimala to study the situation there.

"The Sabarimala Sannidhanam has virtually turned into a fortress, where the entry of devotees of Lord Ayyappa are being restricted," Radhakrishnan, who is also a legislator, told reporters here.

Prakash, representing the Konni Assembly constituency, claimed that heavy police deployment at Sabarimala was disrupting the normal flow of devotees.

"The government, using the police force, is creating a terror-like atmosphere in the name of ensuring security of the Lord Ayyappa shrine," he alleged.

Sivakumar, a former Devaswom minister, alleged that the government had not taken any step to provide basic facilities for the huge number of pilgrims visiting the temple.

The MLA from Thiruvananthapuram said devotees face a lot of hardship due to lack of basic facilities at Nilackal, Pamba and Sannidhanam.

Before heading to Sabarimala, the Congress leaders alleged that the state government was not interested in setting up necessary infrastructure and security for the pilgrims and instead was only interested in creating hardships for them.

Amid tight security, thousands of pilgrims paid their obeisance at the Lord Ayyappa shrine on Saturday, which was also the first day of Malayalam month 'Vrischikom'. The temple opened on Friday evening for the two-month annual pilgrimage season even as the stand-off over entry of women of menstruating age into the temple continued.

The temple complex and nearby areas had witnessed protests by devotees when it was opened for monthly pujas for eight days in October and early this month against the LDF government's attempt to implement the apex court verdict allowing women of all age groups to pray at the shrine.

Social activist Trupti Desai, who arrived at Kochi airport Friday en route Sabarimala, was forced to return to Maharashtra after she faced an over 13-hour protest.

Amid mounting tension in Kerala over the issue of women's entry into Sabarimala temple, the Congress on Sunday accused the CPI(M)-led state government of creating a 'terror-like atmosphere' in the name of security of the hill shrine.

Amid mounting tension in Kerala over the issue of women's entry into Sabarimala temple, the Congress on Sunday accused the CPI(M)-led state government of creating a 'terror-like atmosphere' in the name of security of the hill shrine. The Congress levelled the allegation as a three-member party delegation comprising former state ministers Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, Adoor Prakash and V S Sivakumar left for Sabarimala to study the situation there. "The Sabarimala Sannidhanam has virtually turned into a fortress, where the entry of devotees of Lord Ayyappa are being restricted," Radhakrishnan, who is also a legislator, told reporters here. Prakash, representing the Konni Assembly constituency, claimed that heavy police deployment at Sabarimala was disrupting the normal flow of devotees. "The government, using the police force, is creating a terror-like atmosphere in the name of ensuring security of the Lord Ayyappa shrine," he alleged. Sivakumar, a former Devaswom minister, alleged that the government had not taken any step to provide basic facilities for the huge number of pilgrims visiting the temple. The MLA from Thiruvananthapuram said devotees face a lot of hardship due to lack of basic facilities at Nilackal, Pamba and Sannidhanam. Before heading to Sabarimala, the Congress leaders alleged that the state government was not interested in setting up necessary infrastructure and security for the pilgrims and instead was only interested in creating hardships for them. Amid tight security, thousands of pilgrims paid their obeisance at the Lord Ayyappa shrine on Saturday, which was also the first day of Malayalam month 'Vrischikom'. The temple opened on Friday evening for the two-month annual pilgrimage season even as the stand-off over entry of women of menstruating age into the temple continued. The temple complex and nearby areas had witnessed protests by devotees when it was opened for monthly pujas for eight days in October and early this month against the LDF government's attempt to implement the apex court verdict allowing women of all age groups to pray at the shrine. Social activist Trupti Desai, who arrived at Kochi airport Friday en route Sabarimala, was forced to return to Maharashtra after she faced an over 13-hour protest.

CPI(M)-led Kerala govt creating terror-like atmosphere in name of security of Sabarimala temple: Congress

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has courted a controversy over his remarks on rape incidents, with the Congress condemning the statement, saying the state government's "anti-women mindset" was exposed.

At a function in Kalka town of Panchkula district on Friday, Khattar said, "The incidents of rape have not increased... Rapes used to take place in the past and even today as well. (Only) the concern (over such incidents) has increased.

"The biggest concern is that in 80 to 90 per cent of rape and eve-teasing cases, the accused and the victim know each other. In many cases, they know each other for a long time and, on one day, when there is an argument (between them over some issue)... An FIR is lodged, saying: 'He has raped me'," Khattar had said.

Hitting out at the chief minister, Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala termed the statement deplorable.

"Anti-Women Mindset of Khattar Govt Exposed! Haryana CM Khattar ji makes an utterly condemnable remark. Blaming Women for complete failures to control Rapes &amp; Gangrapes? Deplorable!," Surjewala tweeted.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has courted a controversy over his remarks on rape incidents, with the Congress condemning the statement, saying the state government's "anti-women mindset" was exposed.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has courted a controversy over his remarks on rape incidents, with the Congress condemning the statement, saying the state government's "anti-women mindset" was exposed. At a function in Kalka town of Panchkula district on Friday, Khattar said, "The incidents of rape have not increased... Rapes used to take place in the past and even today as well. (Only) the concern (over such incidents) has increased. "The biggest concern is that in 80 to 90 per cent of rape and eve-teasing cases, the accused and the victim know each other. In many cases, they know each other for a long time and, on one day, when there is an argument (between them over some issue)... An FIR is lodged, saying: 'He has raped me'," Khattar had said. Hitting out at the chief minister, Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala termed the statement deplorable. "Anti-Women Mindset of Khattar Govt Exposed! Haryana CM Khattar ji makes an utterly condemnable remark. Blaming Women for complete failures to control Rapes & Gangrapes? Deplorable!," Surjewala tweeted.

Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar’s rape remark sparks controversy, invites Congress's wrath

Hitting out at the Congress and the Nehru-Gandhi family, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday alleged that Dalit leader Sitaram Kesri was not allowed to complete his term as Congress president, and was "thrown out of office" to make way for Sonia Gandhi as the new party chief.

Addressing a rally on the last day of the campaign for the second and final phase of polling for Chhattisgarh Assembly election, Modi said four generations of a family ruled the country and "benefited from being in power", but the country did not benefit from their rule.

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Four generations of Congress ruled the country. What was the fate of people? They only thought about one family but never gave a thought about welfare of people. How can we trust them that they will fulfill aspirations of people now: PM Modi in Mahasamund <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChhattisgarhElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChhattisgarhElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/hPRxErkUmE">pic.twitter.com/hPRxErkUmE</a>
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Everyone knows what the Congress did to Sitaram Kesri Ji when he was the Congress party president. I challenge the Congress to appoint some able leader as their party president, who doesn't belong the family: PM Modi in Mahasamund <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChhattisgarhElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChhattisgarhElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/QDMhINRtWp">pic.twitter.com/QDMhINRtWp</a>
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"The country knows that Sitaram Kesri, a Dalit, was not allowed to complete his five-year-term as Congress president; he was thrown out of office and into the footpath to make way for Sonia Gandhi as the new party chief," Modi said.&nbsp;

"Earlier Delhi had a remote-controlled government. The remote was in hands of a family which was afraid of the BJP," he said, targeting the Congress and the Gandhis.

Modi challenged the Congress to select someone "capable" as their party president who doesn't belong to "that one family".&nbsp;

"Remember the days when four generations of a family ruled the country. What was the fate of people? They only thought about welfare of one family but never gave a thought about welfare of people. How can we trust them that they will fulfil aspirations of people now," Modi said.

The prime minister claimed that Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh also faced a lot of challenges from the then Congress government at the Centre.

"For 10 years, the Centre was ruled by a 'remote-control' government which never paid attention towards Chhattisgarh," Modi alleged.&nbsp;

Hitting out at the Congress and the Nehru-Gandhi family, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday alleged that Dalit leader Sitaram Kesri was not allowed to complete his term as Congress president, and was "thrown out of office" to make way for Sonia Gandhi as the new party chief.

Hitting out at the Congress and the Nehru-Gandhi family, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday alleged that Dalit leader Sitaram Kesri was not allowed to complete his term as Congress president, and was "thrown out of office" to make way for Sonia Gandhi as the new party chief. Addressing a rally on the last day of the campaign for the second and final phase of polling for Chhattisgarh Assembly election, Modi said four generations of a family ruled the country and "benefited from being in power", but the country did not benefit from their rule. Four generations of Congress ruled the country. What was the fate of people? They only thought about one family but never gave a thought about welfare of people. How can we trust them that they will fulfill aspirations of people now: PM Modi in Mahasamund #ChhattisgarhElections pic.twitter.com/hPRxErkUmE — ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2018 × Everyone knows what the Congress did to Sitaram Kesri Ji when he was the Congress party president. I challenge the Congress to appoint some able leader as their party president, who doesn't belong the family: PM Modi in Mahasamund #ChhattisgarhElections pic.twitter.com/QDMhINRtWp — ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2018 × "The country knows that Sitaram Kesri, a Dalit, was not allowed to complete his five-year-term as Congress president; he was thrown out of office and into the footpath to make way for Sonia Gandhi as the new party chief," Modi said. "Earlier Delhi had a remote-controlled government. The remote was in hands of a family which was afraid of the BJP," he said, targeting the Congress and the Gandhis. Modi challenged the Congress to select someone "capable" as their party president who doesn't belong to "that one family". "Remember the days when four generations of a family ruled the country. What was the fate of people? They only thought about welfare of one family but never gave a thought about welfare of people. How can we trust them that they will fulfil aspirations of people now," Modi said. The prime minister claimed that Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh also faced a lot of challenges from the then Congress government at the Centre. "For 10 years, the Centre was ruled by a 'remote-control' government which never paid attention towards Chhattisgarh," Modi alleged.

Sitaram Kesri, a Dalit, wasn't allowed to complete term as Congress chief: Modi

BJP general secretary K Surendran was allegedly taken into preventive custody Saturday night and removed by police from Nilackal, the base camp, as he tried to leave for the Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala.

Surendran, who was carrying the "Irrumudikettu" (bundle containing offerings for the Lord), was told by a police team led by Yatish Chandra, Superintendent of Police, not to proceed to the shrine as it would create law and order problems.

Surendran told the police he had come as a "Ayyappa Bhaktha" (devotee) and should be allowed to pray at the temple.

Chanting "Swamiyae Ayyappa", Surendran and others with him jostled with police and tried to move forward saying there was no question of going back.

Three of his supporters were also with Surendran when he tried to leave for the shrine.

They were removed by police and taken in a jeep.

Surendran later told PTI that he was being taken to the Chittar police station and said he did not know if he was being arrested or detained.

He also said he had taken receipt for performing the 'Neyyabhishekam' (ghee offering) ritual and 'Ganapathy Homam.'

Police had taken Hindu Aikya Vedi President, K P Sasikala, into preventive custody early Saturday from Marakootam near the Sannidhanam (temple complex).

She was later produced before the Thiruvalla magistrate and released on bail.&nbsp;

BJP general secretary K Surendran was allegedly taken into preventive custody Saturday night and removed by police from Nilackal, the base camp, as he tried to leave for the Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala.

BJP general secretary K Surendran was allegedly taken into preventive custody Saturday night and removed by police from Nilackal, the base camp, as he tried to leave for the Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala. Surendran, who was carrying the "Irrumudikettu" (bundle containing offerings for the Lord), was told by a police team led by Yatish Chandra, Superintendent of Police, not to proceed to the shrine as it would create law and order problems. Surendran told the police he had come as a "Ayyappa Bhaktha" (devotee) and should be allowed to pray at the temple. Chanting "Swamiyae Ayyappa", Surendran and others with him jostled with police and tried to move forward saying there was no question of going back. Three of his supporters were also with Surendran when he tried to leave for the shrine. They were removed by police and taken in a jeep. Surendran later told PTI that he was being taken to the Chittar police station and said he did not know if he was being arrested or detained. He also said he had taken receipt for performing the 'Neyyabhishekam' (ghee offering) ritual and 'Ganapathy Homam.' Police had taken Hindu Aikya Vedi President, K P Sasikala, into preventive custody early Saturday from Marakootam near the Sannidhanam (temple complex). She was later produced before the Thiruvalla magistrate and released on bail.

Sabarimala row: BJP leader taken into preventive custody from Nilackal

The Congress Saturday wrote to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and sought CISF security cover for Punjab cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu citing "growing threat perception" to his life.

In a missive to Singh, Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said Sidhu should be provided Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) security cover as he will be travelling extensively outside Punjab to campaign for the party in the ongoing assembly elections.

"Sidhu is a legislator and a senior (Punjab) cabinet minister as also an outspoken critic of Modi government's policies, there seems to be a growing threat perception to his life," Surjewala said in the letter.

"Unfortunately, the extension of protection to Sidhu has been driven not by threat perceptions but by his politics," he said.

In 2014, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Punjab had withdrawn Sidhu's security cover, which was reinstated after protest, the Congress spokesperson said.

"After Sidhu left the BJP, the threatening tone and disparaging remarks by various Akali Dal and BJP leaders, including BJP national president Amit Shah, are also well known," Surjewala claimed.

"Bereft of political differences and rivalries, it is your esteemed office that is charged with the responsibility of providing security cover through the CISF to individuals, who are at a high risk," he said.

Surjewala pointed out the ministry has provided CISF cover to Akali leader and former Punjab minister Bikram Singh Majithia.

"While the state of Punjab has provided him adequate security, Punjab police personnel cannot be assigned the responsibility of (Sidhu's) security in rest of India," he said.

On Friday, Sidhu began campaigning for the Congress in Chhattisgarh, where the second phase of assembly elections will be held on November 20.

The cricketer-turned-politician is among the several star campaigners selected by the party for campaigning in the state.

Sidhu has also been asked to campaign for six days each in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, which go to polls on November 28 and December 7 respectively.

The Congress Saturday wrote to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and sought CISF security cover for Punjab cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu citing "growing threat perception" to his life.

The Congress Saturday wrote to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and sought CISF security cover for Punjab cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu citing "growing threat perception" to his life. In a missive to Singh, Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said Sidhu should be provided Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) security cover as he will be travelling extensively outside Punjab to campaign for the party in the ongoing assembly elections. "Sidhu is a legislator and a senior (Punjab) cabinet minister as also an outspoken critic of Modi government's policies, there seems to be a growing threat perception to his life," Surjewala said in the letter. "Unfortunately, the extension of protection to Sidhu has been driven not by threat perceptions but by his politics," he said. In 2014, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Punjab had withdrawn Sidhu's security cover, which was reinstated after protest, the Congress spokesperson said. "After Sidhu left the BJP, the threatening tone and disparaging remarks by various Akali Dal and BJP leaders, including BJP national president Amit Shah, are also well known," Surjewala claimed. "Bereft of political differences and rivalries, it is your esteemed office that is charged with the responsibility of providing security cover through the CISF to individuals, who are at a high risk," he said. Surjewala pointed out the ministry has provided CISF cover to Akali leader and former Punjab minister Bikram Singh Majithia. "While the state of Punjab has provided him adequate security, Punjab police personnel cannot be assigned the responsibility of (Sidhu's) security in rest of India," he said. On Friday, Sidhu began campaigning for the Congress in Chhattisgarh, where the second phase of assembly elections will be held on November 20. The cricketer-turned-politician is among the several star campaigners selected by the party for campaigning in the state. Sidhu has also been asked to campaign for six days each in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, which go to polls on November 28 and December 7 respectively.

Congress writes to Rajnath Singh, seeks CISF security cover for Sidhu

The Congress demanded Saturday that Goa governor Mridula Sinha summon a special session of the legislative assembly and ask the BJP-led coalition government to prove its majority.

The Congress has been claiming that the state government is in disarray in absence of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar from office on account of medical reasons.

Addressing reporters here, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said the party would raise this issue during the upcoming winter session of Parliament and also before President Ram Nath Kovind.

The Congress had submitted representations to the president and the Goa governor, claiming that the party had requisite number of MLAs to prove majority in the 40-member House.

"Goa is a classic case of fraud being played on the people of Goa by the governor and the BJP at Centre," Surjewala said.

"We will put pressure on the central leadership of the BJP in winter session and also before the president for our demand to summon a special session to prove majority," he said.

Accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Goa of holding the Constitution "captive", Surjewala said the formation of the Cabinet Advisory Committee by the BJP in absence of Parrikar is a "blatant fraud on the Constitution".

The BJP-led state government is supported by the Goa Forward Party, the Maharashtravadi Gomantak Party and three Independent MLAs.&nbsp;

The Congress demanded Saturday that Goa governor Mridula Sinha summon a special session of the legislative assembly and ask the BJP-led coalition government to prove its majority.

The Congress demanded Saturday that Goa governor Mridula Sinha summon a special session of the legislative assembly and ask the BJP-led coalition government to prove its majority. The Congress has been claiming that the state government is in disarray in absence of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar from office on account of medical reasons. Addressing reporters here, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said the party would raise this issue during the upcoming winter session of Parliament and also before President Ram Nath Kovind. The Congress had submitted representations to the president and the Goa governor, claiming that the party had requisite number of MLAs to prove majority in the 40-member House. "Goa is a classic case of fraud being played on the people of Goa by the governor and the BJP at Centre," Surjewala said. "We will put pressure on the central leadership of the BJP in winter session and also before the president for our demand to summon a special session to prove majority," he said. Accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Goa of holding the Constitution "captive", Surjewala said the formation of the Cabinet Advisory Committee by the BJP in absence of Parrikar is a "blatant fraud on the Constitution". The BJP-led state government is supported by the Goa Forward Party, the Maharashtravadi Gomantak Party and three Independent MLAs.

Congress asks Goa governor for special session to prove majority

Former Union minister P Chidambaram Saturday hit back at Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-dares-congress-to-make-a-non-gandhi-party-president-for-at-least-5-years-177780">Narendra Modi for targeting the Congress</a>, reminding him of the party's legacy by listing out the names of its presidents from outside the Nehru-Gandhi family.

He asked the prime minister to now speak on the Rafale aircraft deal, unemployment and suicide of farmers during his rule.

In an election rally in Chhattisgarh on Friday, Modi had asked the Congress to make a Congressman, from outside the Nehru-Gandhi family, president of the party for five years.

In a series of tweets, Chidambaram listed out the names and said the Congress was proud of the humble origins of its post-Independence leaders like Babasaheb Ambedkar, Lal Bahadur Shastri, K Kamaraj and Manmohan Singh and many others besides thousand&nbsp;others during pre-Independence days.

"To jog PM Modi's memory: among the Congress Presidents since 1947 were Acharya Kripalani, Pattabhi Sitaramayya, Purushottamdas Tandon, U N Dhebar, Sanjiva Reddy, Sanjivaiah, Kamaraj, Nijalingappa, C Subramanian, Jagjivan Ram, Shankar Dayal Sharma, D K Barooah, Brahmananda Reddy, P V Narasimha Rao and Sitaram Kesri (sic)," he said.

In a dig at Modi, Chidambaram said he was grateful that the prime minister was "concerned" about who is elected as Congress president and he devotes a lot of time talking about it.

"Will he spend half the time and speak about demonetisation, GST, Rafale, CBI and the RBI?

"Will PM Modi speak about farmers' suicides, massive unemployment, lynchings, rape crimes against women and children, anti-Romeo squads, gau rakshak vigilantism and increasing terror attacks?" he said.

At the rally in Ambikapur in north Chhattisgarh, Modi had also attacked Congress president Rahul Gandhi and asked him to give an account on the contributions of the four generations of the Nehru-Gandhi family to the nation.

Former Union minister P Chidambaram Saturday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for targeting the Congress, reminding him of the party's legacy by listing out the names of its presidents from outside the Nehru-Gandhi family.

Former Union minister P Chidambaram Saturday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for targeting the Congress, reminding him of the party's legacy by listing out the names of its presidents from outside the Nehru-Gandhi family. He asked the prime minister to now speak on the Rafale aircraft deal, unemployment and suicide of farmers during his rule. In an election rally in Chhattisgarh on Friday, Modi had asked the Congress to make a Congressman, from outside the Nehru-Gandhi family, president of the party for five years. In a series of tweets, Chidambaram listed out the names and said the Congress was proud of the humble origins of its post-Independence leaders like Babasaheb Ambedkar, Lal Bahadur Shastri, K Kamaraj and Manmohan Singh and many others besides thousand others during pre-Independence days. "To jog PM Modi's memory: among the Congress Presidents since 1947 were Acharya Kripalani, Pattabhi Sitaramayya, Purushottamdas Tandon, U N Dhebar, Sanjiva Reddy, Sanjivaiah, Kamaraj, Nijalingappa, C Subramanian, Jagjivan Ram, Shankar Dayal Sharma, D K Barooah, Brahmananda Reddy, P V Narasimha Rao and Sitaram Kesri (sic)," he said. In a dig at Modi, Chidambaram said he was grateful that the prime minister was "concerned" about who is elected as Congress president and he devotes a lot of time talking about it. "Will he spend half the time and speak about demonetisation, GST, Rafale, CBI and the RBI? "Will PM Modi speak about farmers' suicides, massive unemployment, lynchings, rape crimes against women and children, anti-Romeo squads, gau rakshak vigilantism and increasing terror attacks?" he said. At the rally in Ambikapur in north Chhattisgarh, Modi had also attacked Congress president Rahul Gandhi and asked him to give an account on the contributions of the four generations of the Nehru-Gandhi family to the nation.

Chidambaram responds to PM Modi, lists out Presidents outside Nehru-Gandhi family

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called the Congress party a "manufacturer of lies".

The Prime Minister while addressing an election rally here said, "These elections are not about who would win or who would not win. These elections are about welfare of people of Madhya Pradesh."

"What did the four generations of a party do for our country? However, a tea-seller, did what not in just four years? "he added.

Underlining the initiatives taken by the Madhya Pradesh Government-led by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the past 15 years, the Prime Minister said that the Congress would never speak of the good work Chouhan did during his three tenures.

He said that the Congress party was in power in Madhya Pradesh for so long, but did not do anything for the development of the people. One cannot draw a comparison between the development work done by the Congress party and the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government.

"How can anyone trust Congress? When they were in power in MP and Chhattisgarh, they did not fulfill even what they had promised in their election manifesto," he added.

The 230-member Madhya Pradesh assembly will go to polls on November 28 and the counting will be held on December 11.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called the Congress party a "manufacturer of lies". The Prime Minister while addressing an election rally here said, "These elections are not about who would win or who would not win.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called the Congress party a "manufacturer of lies". The Prime Minister while addressing an election rally here said, "These elections are not about who would win or who would not win. These elections are about welfare of people of Madhya Pradesh." "What did the four generations of a party do for our country? However, a tea-seller, did what not in just four years? "he added. Underlining the initiatives taken by the Madhya Pradesh Government-led by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the past 15 years, the Prime Minister said that the Congress would never speak of the good work Chouhan did during his three tenures. He said that the Congress party was in power in Madhya Pradesh for so long, but did not do anything for the development of the people. One cannot draw a comparison between the development work done by the Congress party and the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. "How can anyone trust Congress? When they were in power in MP and Chhattisgarh, they did not fulfill even what they had promised in their election manifesto," he added. The 230-member Madhya Pradesh assembly will go to polls on November 28 and the counting will be held on December 11.

Congress a manufacturer of lies: PM Modi in Madhya Pradesh

BJP president Amit Shah Friday said the Congress did not care about the nation's security when it "ruled India for 70 years", adding securing the borders was a major achievement of the Modi-led government.

Addressing a poll rally, Shah credited the Modi government with giving impetus to boosting the country's security.

"When the Congress was in power and Manmohan Singh was the prime minister, Pakistani terrorists used to infiltrate, explode bombs and go back," he said.There was anger across the country after the 2016 Uri attack in which 18 Indian soldiers were killed. But this was not the regime of Mauni Baba (Manmohan Singh). Modi ji ordered our jawans to conduct surgical strikes and take revenge," Shah said.

"The Congress did not care about the country's security for 70 years when it was in power, but bothered only about their vote banks. For us, security is more precious than our own lives," he said.

Shah said the difference between the BJP and the Congress is that if one wants to become the prime minister or the president of the Congress, "they have to take birth in the Nehru-Gandhi family while in the BJP, one can rise to the top based on abilities even after being born in a poor family".

"An example of this is Narendra Modi, who was born in a tea seller's family but is now the prime minister. Shivraj Singh (Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan), who took birth in a poor family of farmers, is working from the last 15 years to develop Madhya Pradesh," he said.

"One does not need to have a family to work and go ahead in the BJP. What is needed is the ability and resolve to serve people," he said.

Shah sought to know who was the "senapati" (army chief) of the opposition party in Madhya Pradesh poll arena. There is only a Raja (Digvijay Singh), a maharaja (Jyotiraditya Scindia), and an industrialist (Kamal Nath) and the Congress is fighting polls on their strength," he said.

"Congress had left Madhya Pradesh as one of the most backward states but I can proudly say today that Shivraj Singh has made it into a developed state," he said.

"The 'Maharaja' (Scindia) asks what has Modi done for Madhya Pradesh, but does not know how much has the state changed. This is because he does not step out of his palace in Gwalior," Shah said.

"He (Scindia) does not know what benefits the poor farmers received. I want to ask the Congress president, what did he give Madhya Pradesh for 10 years when the UPA was in power at the Centre," Shah said.

The 13th Finance Commission under the UPA regime gave the state 1,34,190 crore, but the 14th Finance Commission, under the Modi government allocated it Rs 3,44,126 crore, the BJP chief said.

BJP president Amit Shah Friday said the Congress did not care about the nation's security when it "ruled India for 70 years", adding securing the borders was a major achievement of the Modi-led government.

BJP president Amit Shah Friday said the Congress did not care about the nation's security when it "ruled India for 70 years", adding securing the borders was a major achievement of the Modi-led government. Addressing a poll rally, Shah credited the Modi government with giving impetus to boosting the country's security. "When the Congress was in power and Manmohan Singh was the prime minister, Pakistani terrorists used to infiltrate, explode bombs and go back," he said.There was anger across the country after the 2016 Uri attack in which 18 Indian soldiers were killed. But this was not the regime of Mauni Baba (Manmohan Singh). Modi ji ordered our jawans to conduct surgical strikes and take revenge," Shah said. "The Congress did not care about the country's security for 70 years when it was in power, but bothered only about their vote banks. For us, security is more precious than our own lives," he said. Shah said the difference between the BJP and the Congress is that if one wants to become the prime minister or the president of the Congress, "they have to take birth in the Nehru-Gandhi family while in the BJP, one can rise to the top based on abilities even after being born in a poor family". "An example of this is Narendra Modi, who was born in a tea seller's family but is now the prime minister. Shivraj Singh (Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan), who took birth in a poor family of farmers, is working from the last 15 years to develop Madhya Pradesh," he said. "One does not need to have a family to work and go ahead in the BJP. What is needed is the ability and resolve to serve people," he said. Shah sought to know who was the "senapati" (army chief) of the opposition party in Madhya Pradesh poll arena. There is only a Raja (Digvijay Singh), a maharaja (Jyotiraditya Scindia), and an industrialist (Kamal Nath) and the Congress is fighting polls on their strength," he said. "Congress had left Madhya Pradesh as one of the most backward states but I can proudly say today that Shivraj Singh has made it into a developed state," he said. "The 'Maharaja' (Scindia) asks what has Modi done for Madhya Pradesh, but does not know how much has the state changed. This is because he does not step out of his palace in Gwalior," Shah said. "He (Scindia) does not know what benefits the poor farmers received. I want to ask the Congress president, what did he give Madhya Pradesh for 10 years when the UPA was in power at the Centre," Shah said. The 13th Finance Commission under the UPA regime gave the state 1,34,190 crore, but the 14th Finance Commission, under the Modi government allocated it Rs 3,44,126 crore, the BJP chief said.

Congress didn't care for nation's security when it ruled: Amit Shah

We promise to build gaushalas in all panchayats. We promise to start commercial production of gaumutra (cow urine). These are not statements culled out from a political speech of UP’s BJP chief minister Yogi Adityanath. These are not guidelines from the Sangh Pariwar elder to a BJP functionary.&nbsp;

The two statements are part and parcel of the Congress manifesto for the impending state Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh.

The Congress released the manifesto in Bhopal last Saturday. Those present on the occasion included party seniors Kamal Nath, in-charge of the Congress campaign in MP, two-time chief minister of the state Digvijaya Singh, and former Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, one of the lead campaigners and among the party’s top choices for the chief minister.

The Congress, in its manifesto, has also promised to build more cow sanctuaries and provide grants for their upkeep and maintenance. This in a state that boasts of developing the first cow sanctuary, whose foundation was laid by the RSS Kshetra sanghchalak Ashok Soni.

Expounding on the virtues of the manifesto that has strong shades of saffron and could have been mistaken for a BJP manifesto, Rajinder Singh — in charge of the party’s manifesto committee and deputy speaker in the state Assembly — made it clear the Congress wants to shed its pro-Muslim image.&nbsp;

“The BJP used to brand us as Muslim party. Earlier we did not do anything to change the perception. It’s a conscious decision to do away with that tag,” Rajinder Singh told a correspondent.

The party has been out of power in the state for 15 years and is seemingly desperate for homecoming. Surely, the Congress would like to exploit the anti-incumbency sentiments against the BJP’s Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. But the party seems unsure whether its traditional secular tag shall help it romp home and wrest the state from its arch-rival, the BJP, which has vowed for a ‘Congress-mukt’ new India it engineers to construct.

Is it the fear of getting irrelevant that Congress is out to soak up in a hue of saffron, hitherto an exclusive domain of the BJP. Going by the manifesto’s contents, party leaders’ replies and party president Rahul Gandhi’s discovery of Hinduism (he started his MP campaign with a visit to Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain) the answer certainly seems to be in the affirmative.&nbsp;

Though on the face of it, the Congress shall loathe to discard the secular tag completely, but it feels there is a symbiotic relationship in being secular and being a ‘pro-Muslim.’ It’s the latter image it wants to shed for electoral gains, though it remains to be seen how the party shall uncouple the two.

But the more important question is this: Is the Congress well on its way to becoming a BJP? Is the party square with the fact that it ignored majority sentiments all along? Is it also the admittance of a sort of guilt that it didn’t do itself any good electorally by ignoring the majority sentiments thus far? So, was there merit in BJP’s long-standing accusation that Congress politics has always been about minority appeasement?

The Congress manifesto isn’t just about the cows. The manifesto promises to build a religious tourism corridor in the state by invoking Ram and rivers, some of which are considered holy in India. While the BJP bares its teeth in preparation to reclaim Ram’s birthplace in the disputed Ayodhya site for the Hindus, the Congress has found a MP connect with Ram of Ayodhya fame. According to scriptures, Ram left his imprints in the state, a slice of mythology that has not been popularised. The party has promised to develop ‘Ram Path Gaman’, a corridor that traces the route of Ram during exile in Chitrakoot, MP.

In fact, for all its manifest appropriation of Ram and rivers (Ganga and Saryu — UP CM Yogi Adityanath has started Saryu aarti on the same lines as Ganga aarti in Varanasi, along with Saryu Mahotsav) by the BJP, the Congress wants to replicate a similar model around these two symbols of Hindu faith in MP too.

If voted to power, the party manifesto promises to come up with Ma Narmada Nyas Adhinayam and develop a Narmada parikrama (circumambulation) route dotted with resting places for pilgrims every 15 km.

Congress’ dalliance with soft Hindutva since the days of the return of Indira Gandhi to power post- Emergency is an open secret. Rajiv Gandhi pushed that envelope further by opening the gates of the disputed site at Ayodhya.

PV Narasimha Rao was prime minister when the mosque was brought down. After the humiliating 2014 Lok Sabha defeat and a series of setbacks in the Assembly polls, Rahul set out to discover himself anew and found nirvana in wearing a janeu (holy thread) and going on a temple-hopping spree.

There is no gainsaying the fact when Rahul claims “country’s temples are not the sole property of the BJP and the RSS”. But tapping into identity politics by exploiting symbols of religion and faith to appear as a contender in the battle of competing for majoritarianism has its own pitfalls, some of which have blown up in the face of the idea of India, as our constitutional forefathers had envisaged. 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-congress-and-cow-nationalism-2685737">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

 
 
&nbsp;

We promise to build gaushalas in all panchayats. We promise to start commercial production of gaumutra (cow urine). These are not statements culled out from a political speech of UP’s BJP chief minister Yogi Adityanath.

We promise to build gaushalas in all panchayats. We promise to start commercial production of gaumutra (cow urine). These are not statements culled out from a political speech of UP’s BJP chief minister Yogi Adityanath. These are not guidelines from the Sangh Pariwar elder to a BJP functionary. The two statements are part and parcel of the Congress manifesto for the impending state Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh. The Congress released the manifesto in Bhopal last Saturday. Those present on the occasion included party seniors Kamal Nath, in-charge of the Congress campaign in MP, two-time chief minister of the state Digvijaya Singh, and former Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, one of the lead campaigners and among the party’s top choices for the chief minister. The Congress, in its manifesto, has also promised to build more cow sanctuaries and provide grants for their upkeep and maintenance. This in a state that boasts of developing the first cow sanctuary, whose foundation was laid by the RSS Kshetra sanghchalak Ashok Soni. Expounding on the virtues of the manifesto that has strong shades of saffron and could have been mistaken for a BJP manifesto, Rajinder Singh — in charge of the party’s manifesto committee and deputy speaker in the state Assembly — made it clear the Congress wants to shed its pro-Muslim image. “The BJP used to brand us as Muslim party. Earlier we did not do anything to change the perception. It’s a conscious decision to do away with that tag,” Rajinder Singh told a correspondent. The party has been out of power in the state for 15 years and is seemingly desperate for homecoming. Surely, the Congress would like to exploit the anti-incumbency sentiments against the BJP’s Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. But the party seems unsure whether its traditional secular tag shall help it romp home and wrest the state from its arch-rival, the BJP, which has vowed for a ‘Congress-mukt’ new India it engineers to construct. Is it the fear of getting irrelevant that Congress is out to soak up in a hue of saffron, hitherto an exclusive domain of the BJP. Going by the manifesto’s contents, party leaders’ replies and party president Rahul Gandhi’s discovery of Hinduism (he started his MP campaign with a visit to Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain) the answer certainly seems to be in the affirmative. Though on the face of it, the Congress shall loathe to discard the secular tag completely, but it feels there is a symbiotic relationship in being secular and being a ‘pro-Muslim.’ It’s the latter image it wants to shed for electoral gains, though it remains to be seen how the party shall uncouple the two. But the more important question is this: Is the Congress well on its way to becoming a BJP? Is the party square with the fact that it ignored majority sentiments all along? Is it also the admittance of a sort of guilt that it didn’t do itself any good electorally by ignoring the majority sentiments thus far? So, was there merit in BJP’s long-standing accusation that Congress politics has always been about minority appeasement? The Congress manifesto isn’t just about the cows. The manifesto promises to build a religious tourism corridor in the state by invoking Ram and rivers, some of which are considered holy in India. While the BJP bares its teeth in preparation to reclaim Ram’s birthplace in the disputed Ayodhya site for the Hindus, the Congress has found a MP connect with Ram of Ayodhya fame. According to scriptures, Ram left his imprints in the state, a slice of mythology that has not been popularised. The party has promised to develop ‘Ram Path Gaman’, a corridor that traces the route of Ram during exile in Chitrakoot, MP. In fact, for all its manifest appropriation of Ram and rivers (Ganga and Saryu — UP CM Yogi Adityanath has started Saryu aarti on the same lines as Ganga aarti in Varanasi, along with Saryu Mahotsav) by the BJP, the Congress wants to replicate a similar model around these two symbols of Hindu faith in MP too. If voted to power, the party manifesto promises to come up with Ma Narmada Nyas Adhinayam and develop a Narmada parikrama (circumambulation) route dotted with resting places for pilgrims every 15 km. Congress’ dalliance with soft Hindutva since the days of the return of Indira Gandhi to power post- Emergency is an open secret. Rajiv Gandhi pushed that envelope further by opening the gates of the disputed site at Ayodhya. PV Narasimha Rao was prime minister when the mosque was brought down. After the humiliating 2014 Lok Sabha defeat and a series of setbacks in the Assembly polls, Rahul set out to discover himself anew and found nirvana in wearing a janeu (holy thread) and going on a temple-hopping spree. There is no gainsaying the fact when Rahul claims “country’s temples are not the sole property of the BJP and the RSS”. But tapping into identity politics by exploiting symbols of religion and faith to appear as a contender in the battle of competing for majoritarianism has its own pitfalls, some of which have blown up in the face of the idea of India, as our constitutional forefathers had envisaged. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Assembly elections 2018: Congress and cow nationalism

Hitting back at Rahul Gandhi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Tuesday said the Congress President's failed politics is compelling him to resort to 'falsehood' and 'petty hair-splitting' to make the sensitive Rafale purchase defence deal controversial.

Jaitley also said that it was the Congress-led UPA which delayed the purchase of the Rafale aircraft which was necessary to improve the combat ability of Indian Air Force.

He was responding to allegations made by Gandhi that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has admitted to "theft" in the Rafale deal before the Supreme Court and to changes in the contract without asking the Air Force.

In a series of tweets, Jaitley said that 'falsehood' cannot be a substitute for "failed politics" of Gandhi.

"UPA delayed the Rafale purchase, much required for improving the combat ability of Indian Air force. Is Rahul Gandhi's failed politics compelling him to render India's sensitive defence requirements controversial?" Jaitley questioned.

The Centre on Monday disclosed to the Supreme Court the pricing details for the 36 Rafale jets that were negotiated on "better terms" and said it "completely followed" the Defence Procurement Procedure laid out in 2013 and secured the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval before the deal that has whipped up a political storm was inked with France.

Jaitley, in a tweet, said, "Falsehood is not a substitute for Rahul Gandhi's failed politics. Realising that the Modi government bought the Rafale at a price cheaper than what UPA was negotiating the disrupters are now reporting to petty hair-splitting".

Earlier in the day, Gandhi in a tweet said "Modiji has admitted to his theft in the Supreme Court. In the affidavit, he admitted to changes in the contract without asking the Air Force and put Rs 30,000 crore in Ambani's pocket.&nbsp;

Hitting back at Rahul Gandhi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Tuesday said the Congress President's failed politics is compelling him to resort to 'falsehood' and 'petty hair-splitting' to make the sensitive Rafale purchase defence deal controversial.

Hitting back at Rahul Gandhi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Tuesday said the Congress President's failed politics is compelling him to resort to 'falsehood' and 'petty hair-splitting' to make the sensitive Rafale purchase defence deal controversial. Jaitley also said that it was the Congress-led UPA which delayed the purchase of the Rafale aircraft which was necessary to improve the combat ability of Indian Air Force. He was responding to allegations made by Gandhi that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has admitted to "theft" in the Rafale deal before the Supreme Court and to changes in the contract without asking the Air Force. In a series of tweets, Jaitley said that 'falsehood' cannot be a substitute for "failed politics" of Gandhi. "UPA delayed the Rafale purchase, much required for improving the combat ability of Indian Air force. Is Rahul Gandhi's failed politics compelling him to render India's sensitive defence requirements controversial?" Jaitley questioned. The Centre on Monday disclosed to the Supreme Court the pricing details for the 36 Rafale jets that were negotiated on "better terms" and said it "completely followed" the Defence Procurement Procedure laid out in 2013 and secured the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval before the deal that has whipped up a political storm was inked with France. Jaitley, in a tweet, said, "Falsehood is not a substitute for Rahul Gandhi's failed politics. Realising that the Modi government bought the Rafale at a price cheaper than what UPA was negotiating the disrupters are now reporting to petty hair-splitting". Earlier in the day, Gandhi in a tweet said "Modiji has admitted to his theft in the Supreme Court. In the affidavit, he admitted to changes in the contract without asking the Air Force and put Rs 30,000 crore in Ambani's pocket.

Failed politics compelling Rahul to make Rafale deal controversial: Jaitley

The Congress has said in its election manifesto that, should it come to power in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mayawati-says-bsp-will-fight-mp-elections-alone-chhattisgarh-she-ties-ajit-jogi-166885">Madhya Pradesh</a>, RSS shakhas will not be allowed to be held in government buildings and on the premises.&nbsp;

It added that the earlier order allowing government employees to attend RSS shakhas would also be rescinded.&nbsp;

The manifesto was released Saturday in the presence of state Congress president Kamal Nath, state campaign committee chief Jyotiraditya Scindia, and former chief minister Digvijaya Singh.

But the manifesto, while frowning on RSS shakhas, is heavy in Hindutva content.&nbsp;

The manifesto promises an "adhyatmik vibhag" (spiritual department) in the state, plans to promote the Sanskrit language, it speaks of developing the "Ram path" — a mythical route taken by Lord Ram during his 14-year exile — and the commercial production of "gaumutra" (cow urine) and "kanda" (cow dung cakes).

As the Congress had promised, the manifesto talks of setting up "gaushalas" (cowsheds) in every village panchayat and making arrangements for the upkeep of injured cows.

The manifesto&nbsp;also lists out a host of measures for the conservation of the Narmada river which is considered holy by the Hindus.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh goes to the polls on November 28. The results will be out on December 11.&nbsp;

The BJP has been in power in MP for the last 15 years.&nbsp;

The Congress has said in its election manifesto that, should it come to power in Madhya Pradesh, RSS shakhas will not be allowed to be held in government buildings and on the premises.

The Congress has said in its election manifesto that, should it come to power in Madhya Pradesh, RSS shakhas will not be allowed to be held in government buildings and on the premises. It added that the earlier order allowing government employees to attend RSS shakhas would also be rescinded. The manifesto was released Saturday in the presence of state Congress president Kamal Nath, state campaign committee chief Jyotiraditya Scindia, and former chief minister Digvijaya Singh. But the manifesto, while frowning on RSS shakhas, is heavy in Hindutva content. The manifesto promises an "adhyatmik vibhag" (spiritual department) in the state, plans to promote the Sanskrit language, it speaks of developing the "Ram path" — a mythical route taken by Lord Ram during his 14-year exile — and the commercial production of "gaumutra" (cow urine) and "kanda" (cow dung cakes). As the Congress had promised, the manifesto talks of setting up "gaushalas" (cowsheds) in every village panchayat and making arrangements for the upkeep of injured cows. The manifesto also lists out a host of measures for the conservation of the Narmada river which is considered holy by the Hindus. Madhya Pradesh goes to the polls on November 28. The results will be out on December 11. The BJP has been in power in MP for the last 15 years.

MP elections: Cong says no RSS shakhas in govt buildings but manifesto heavy in Hindutva content

The Congress Sunday said the party led 'grand alliance' in Telangana would emerge victorious in the December 7 assembly polls by winning 80 seats and form the next government.

Addressing a press conference here, Rajiv Shukla, the Congress party's national spokesperson, attacked caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao over going back on his promise to make a Scheduled Caste leader as Chief Minister after formation of a separate Telangana state.

Rao had also not fulfilled his promise to provide one lakh overnment jobs,two BHK houses, farmers' issues, education and the health sector, among others, he said.

"There are some fake surveys (on TRS victory)...Our survey says the Congress led alliance will get 80 seats. Definitely Congress will form the government in Telangana," he said.

Shukla said people have realised that the chief minister has made false promises and now wanted a change.

The Congress leader alleged that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and KCR (as Rao is popularly known as) were masters in cheating people by making false promises.

"Their big promises are visible only on hoardings, in newspapers and television channels.

There is a nexus and understanding between Modi and KCR and their thinking is same and they have a similar mindset, Shukla charged.

The Congress, TDP, Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) and CPI announced the formation of a pre poll grand alliance and discussions on seat sharing are on between them, but are yet to be finalised.

"Ticket finalisation and release of manifesto will be done very soon," Shukla said to a query.

Shukla claimed that when he was Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs (in the UPA government), KCR had told him that he would merge TRS with Congress and make a Dalit the Chief Minister.

But after Telangana came into being, he did not fulfill both the promises.

The credit for creating a separate Telangana state goes to Sonia Gandhi, (former Prime Minister) Manmohan Singh and the Congress government, he said.

Shukla also slammed KCR, stating that he and his party TRS had supported BJP on the elections to the post of President, Vice-President and even NDA's demonetisation and GST move. PTI VVKAPR

The Congress Sunday said the party led 'grand alliance' in Telangana would emerge victorious in the December 7 assembly polls by winning 80 seats and form the next government.

The Congress Sunday said the party led 'grand alliance' in Telangana would emerge victorious in the December 7 assembly polls by winning 80 seats and form the next government. Addressing a press conference here, Rajiv Shukla, the Congress party's national spokesperson, attacked caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao over going back on his promise to make a Scheduled Caste leader as Chief Minister after formation of a separate Telangana state. Rao had also not fulfilled his promise to provide one lakh overnment jobs,two BHK houses, farmers' issues, education and the health sector, among others, he said. "There are some fake surveys (on TRS victory)...Our survey says the Congress led alliance will get 80 seats. Definitely Congress will form the government in Telangana," he said. Shukla said people have realised that the chief minister has made false promises and now wanted a change. The Congress leader alleged that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and KCR (as Rao is popularly known as) were masters in cheating people by making false promises. "Their big promises are visible only on hoardings, in newspapers and television channels. There is a nexus and understanding between Modi and KCR and their thinking is same and they have a similar mindset, Shukla charged. The Congress, TDP, Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) and CPI announced the formation of a pre poll grand alliance and discussions on seat sharing are on between them, but are yet to be finalised. "Ticket finalisation and release of manifesto will be done very soon," Shukla said to a query. Shukla claimed that when he was Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs (in the UPA government), KCR had told him that he would merge TRS with Congress and make a Dalit the Chief Minister. But after Telangana came into being, he did not fulfill both the promises. The credit for creating a separate Telangana state goes to Sonia Gandhi, (former Prime Minister) Manmohan Singh and the Congress government, he said. Shukla also slammed KCR, stating that he and his party TRS had supported BJP on the elections to the post of President, Vice-President and even NDA's demonetisation and GST move. PTI VVKAPR

'Grand alliance' will win December 7 Telangana assembly polls: Congress

The process for the Telangana Assembly elections is commencing Monday with the issue of notification for the polls in which the TRS bidding to retain power and the Congress-led alliance are already appearing headed for a no-holds-barred contest.

The 119-member assembly was dissolved on September 6 on the recommendation of the K Chandrasekhar Rao-led TRS government, more than eight months ahead of the expiry of its term, paving the way for early elections.

The gazette notification for the polls would be issued on November 12 and the last date for filing of nominations is November 19, according to the schedule released by the Election Commission. Elections will be held in a single phase on December 7.

The TRS (Telangana Rashtra Samiti) has already announced its candidates for 107 segments, including 105 at one go within minutes of the assembly dissolution, giving itself a jump-start to the campaign and stunning the opposition.

It is going it alone in the poll, as also the BJP.

The main opposition Congress forged an electoral pact with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) headed by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) founded by retired Osmania University Political Science Professor Prof. Kodandaram and the Communist Party of India.

The Congress last week said it would leave 25 seats for its alliance partners - 14 to the TDP, eight to the TJS and three seats to the CPI.

TJS is in talks with the Congress, pushing for giving it the constituencies of its choice, while the CPI is demanding that it be given five segments.

In the 2014 assembly election, the TRS bagged 63 seats with a vote-share of 34 per cent and the Congress 21 seats with 25 per cent vote-share.

The TDP had fought the poll than in alliance with the BJP. TDP won 15 seats with 14.5 per cent vote-share and the BJP five with seven per cent vote-share.

The process for the Telangana Assembly elections is commencing Monday with the issue of notification for the polls in which the TRS bidding to retain power and the Congress-led alliance are already appearing headed for a no-holds-barred contest.

The process for the Telangana Assembly elections is commencing Monday with the issue of notification for the polls in which the TRS bidding to retain power and the Congress-led alliance are already appearing headed for a no-holds-barred contest. The 119-member assembly was dissolved on September 6 on the recommendation of the K Chandrasekhar Rao-led TRS government, more than eight months ahead of the expiry of its term, paving the way for early elections. The gazette notification for the polls would be issued on November 12 and the last date for filing of nominations is November 19, according to the schedule released by the Election Commission. Elections will be held in a single phase on December 7. The TRS (Telangana Rashtra Samiti) has already announced its candidates for 107 segments, including 105 at one go within minutes of the assembly dissolution, giving itself a jump-start to the campaign and stunning the opposition. It is going it alone in the poll, as also the BJP. The main opposition Congress forged an electoral pact with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) headed by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) founded by retired Osmania University Political Science Professor Prof. Kodandaram and the Communist Party of India. The Congress last week said it would leave 25 seats for its alliance partners - 14 to the TDP, eight to the TJS and three seats to the CPI. TJS is in talks with the Congress, pushing for giving it the constituencies of its choice, while the CPI is demanding that it be given five segments. In the 2014 assembly election, the TRS bagged 63 seats with a vote-share of 34 per cent and the Congress 21 seats with 25 per cent vote-share. The TDP had fought the poll than in alliance with the BJP. TDP won 15 seats with 14.5 per cent vote-share and the BJP five with seven per cent vote-share.

Telangana Assembly poll battle starts tomorrow

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday released party`s manifesto for Chhattisgarh assembly elections.

In the manifesto, named as "People`s Manifesto", the Congress has promised immediate loan waivers within 10 days of being voted to power.

The party has also promised better healthcare facilities and a safer society for women in Chhattisgarh.

Addressing the media after releasing the manifesto, the Congress president said, "This is not Congress` Manifesto, it`s People`s Manifesto. Whatever we have mentioned in the manifesto is what people want from us. This manifesto is Congress party`s commitment. I appeal to people to give an opportunity this time to the Congress; we will surely fulfil all the commitments promised to you. Whoever becomes the Chief Minister of the Congress party in Chhattisgarh is going to be accountable to deliver this document. That is the philosophy we are following."

The assembly elections in the state will be held in two phases on November 12 and November 20. Counting of votes will be on December 11.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday released party`s manifesto for Chhattisgarh assembly elections. In the manifesto, named as "People`s Manifesto", the Congress has promised immediate loan waivers within 10 days of being voted to power.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday released party`s manifesto for Chhattisgarh assembly elections. In the manifesto, named as "People`s Manifesto", the Congress has promised immediate loan waivers within 10 days of being voted to power. The party has also promised better healthcare facilities and a safer society for women in Chhattisgarh. Addressing the media after releasing the manifesto, the Congress president said, "This is not Congress` Manifesto, it`s People`s Manifesto. Whatever we have mentioned in the manifesto is what people want from us. This manifesto is Congress party`s commitment. I appeal to people to give an opportunity this time to the Congress; we will surely fulfil all the commitments promised to you. Whoever becomes the Chief Minister of the Congress party in Chhattisgarh is going to be accountable to deliver this document. That is the philosophy we are following." The assembly elections in the state will be held in two phases on November 12 and November 20. Counting of votes will be on December 11.

Congress releases 'People's Manifesto' for Chhattisgarh polls

Nitin Chaturvedi, son of senior Congress leader and former MP Satyavrat Chaturvedi, filed nomination as a Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate Thursday from Rajnagar in Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh.

Assembly elections will be held in the BJP-ruled state on November 28.

Nitin Chaturvedi filed his papers in the presence of his father and a group of supporters.

Satyavrata Chaturvedi, a former Congress national spokesperson, said he himself was still with the Congress.

"I am still a Congress member. Congress has been repeating the same mistake (of ignoring his son) for 15 years. Doing injustice is sin, and tolerating injustice is equally sinful. So my son took the decision to go to the people's court," he said.

"It was Nitin's own decision to contest on SP ticket. He is adult and a father of two children, so he can take decision on his own. I will help him as much as I can," Satyavrata Chaturvedi added.

Nitin Chaturvedi alleged that the Congress has ignored its ground-level workers.

The party has fielded Vikram Singh Natiraja, a three-time MLA, from this seat.

Defending the decision to give ticket to Natiraja, Congress spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi cited his record.

"Natiraja is a three-time MLA from here. He won two consecutive elections, in 2008 and 2013, on Congress ticket. He was elected as MLA on SP's ticket in 2003. How can Congress ignore ground reports," he said. 
&nbsp;

Nitin Chaturvedi, son of senior Congress leader and former MP Satyavrat Chaturvedi, filed nomination as a Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate Thursday from Rajnagar in Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh.

Nitin Chaturvedi, son of senior Congress leader and former MP Satyavrat Chaturvedi, filed nomination as a Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate Thursday from Rajnagar in Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh. Assembly elections will be held in the BJP-ruled state on November 28. Nitin Chaturvedi filed his papers in the presence of his father and a group of supporters. Satyavrata Chaturvedi, a former Congress national spokesperson, said he himself was still with the Congress. "I am still a Congress member. Congress has been repeating the same mistake (of ignoring his son) for 15 years. Doing injustice is sin, and tolerating injustice is equally sinful. So my son took the decision to go to the people's court," he said. "It was Nitin's own decision to contest on SP ticket. He is adult and a father of two children, so he can take decision on his own. I will help him as much as I can," Satyavrata Chaturvedi added. Nitin Chaturvedi alleged that the Congress has ignored its ground-level workers. The party has fielded Vikram Singh Natiraja, a three-time MLA, from this seat. Defending the decision to give ticket to Natiraja, Congress spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi cited his record. "Natiraja is a three-time MLA from here. He won two consecutive elections, in 2008 and 2013, on Congress ticket. He was elected as MLA on SP's ticket in 2003. How can Congress ignore ground reports," he said.

MP polls: Congress leader Satyavrat Chaturvedi's son to contest on SP ticket

What's in a name? A lot, if the name to bank upon is Atal Bihari Vajpayee in this assembly constituency of Chhattisgarh where Chief Minister Raman Singh of the BJP is pitted against Congress candidate Karuna Shukla, niece of the late former prime minister.

Both the parties are trying their best to garner votes in Vajpayee's name. While the ruling party leaders say the BJP and Vajpayee are "synonymous", Shukla alleged the chief minister was showing his "double standards" by claiming to follow the ideology of the BJP stalwart when the state government was "miles apart" from the former prime minister's teachings.

"BJP has changed its 'chaal, charitra aur chehra' (ways, character and face). It is no more a party envisaged by Atal ji and (Lal Krishna) Advani ji and people of the state know this," Shukla told PTI on her campaign trail.

"There is no question of denying that I am Atal ji's niece. His teachings and courage are in my blood. I am guided by his principles. People in Rajnandgaon know that I will implement the model of good governance in the corruption-riddled state if the Congress wins election," said Shukla, a former BJP central office-bearer who quit the party in 2013 after over three decades of association.

She joined the Congress in February 2014 and unsuccessfully fought the Lok Sabha elections from the state's Bilaspur seat on the party ticket. As a BJP leader, she had won the Lok Sabha elections from Janjgir in 2004, but lost in 2009 from Korba.

The Congress has now fielded her from Rajnandgaon, the chief minister's home turf.

"Raman Singh calls me his sister. He claims that he is following the ideology of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. As far as I know this (state) government is miles apart from Atal ji's teaching. It is his (CM's) double standard," Shukla alleged.

Both Shukla and Singh are seeking votes in the name of Vajpayee and his good-governance principles.

Shukla also accused Singh of ignoring his home constituency, alleging that no development has taken place in the area in the past five years.

"It is a sorry state of affairs in Rajnandgaon where people face scarcity of water and access to other necessities. Corruption is rampant in the administration. People will root out this corrupt government this time from the state," she said.

She exuded confidence that the Congress will form a government in the state after winning the elections. Singh has been the state's chief minister for nearly 15 years with his party managing to keep the Congress away from the government for three consecutive assembly elections.

The Congress was in power in the state only during the first assembly, after the state was carved out of Madhya Pradesh.

Rejecting Shukla's allegations, the BJP leaders said the people of Rajnandgaon are seeing development done by the chief minister Raman Singh and his government and that the BJP will win the seat with record margin this time.

"Karuna ji had left BJP to join Congress. People know this very well. She will not present any challenge for Raman Singh who will win the polls with the record margin of votes,"said Sanjay Shrivastava, a senior BJP leader of the state.

The BJP has projected the election in Singh's home constituency as a fight between a local and an outsider.

Shrivastava said Shukla is an outsider and voters know this.

"How can they expect somebody who is not from their area to work from them. People in Rajnandgaon have full faith in Raman Singh and it will be proved after the voting on November 12,"&nbsp;Shrivastava said.

He said the BJP and Atal ji are synonymous with each other and there is no denying this fact.

"BJP is seeking votes by citing its good governance and development model which people of the state have been witnessing. All leaders of the party including Atal Ji and their legacy is certainly part of the part campaign," another senior BJP leader said.

The chief minister's son Abhishek Singh is the sitting MP from Rajnandgaon Lok Sabha constituency. The six assembly seats under Rajnandgaon district, including the one from which the chief minister is fighting, will go to polls on November 12.

Voting will take place for a total of 18 seats on the date, while the remaining 72 seats will go to polls in the second phase on November 20. The counting for all 90 seats will take place on December 11, along with the same for the four other states -- neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan and Mizoram.

In the 2013 elections, the BJP lifted 49 seats while the Congress got 39.

Singh had defeated his Congress rival in 2013 from nearly 36,000 votes, but some poll pundits attributed his victory to urban areas as they saw the Congress having done better among rural voters.

Another key factor in the state elections this time is former chief minister Ajit Jogi's Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (JCC), who has joined hands with Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party.

First Jogi was being seen as giving a direct fight to Singh from Rajnandgaon constituency, but later he nominated a local corporator. Pundits say Jogi himself could have given Singh a good fight given a strong presence of voters from his caste base of Mahars and Satnamis.

What's in a name? A lot, if the name to bank upon is Atal Bihari Vajpayee in this assembly constituency of Chhattisgarh where Chief Minister Raman Singh of the BJP is pitted against Congress candidate Karuna Shukla, niece of the late former prime minister.

What's in a name? A lot, if the name to bank upon is Atal Bihari Vajpayee in this assembly constituency of Chhattisgarh where Chief Minister Raman Singh of the BJP is pitted against Congress candidate Karuna Shukla, niece of the late former prime minister. Both the parties are trying their best to garner votes in Vajpayee's name. While the ruling party leaders say the BJP and Vajpayee are "synonymous", Shukla alleged the chief minister was showing his "double standards" by claiming to follow the ideology of the BJP stalwart when the state government was "miles apart" from the former prime minister's teachings. "BJP has changed its 'chaal, charitra aur chehra' (ways, character and face). It is no more a party envisaged by Atal ji and (Lal Krishna) Advani ji and people of the state know this," Shukla told PTI on her campaign trail. "There is no question of denying that I am Atal ji's niece. His teachings and courage are in my blood. I am guided by his principles. People in Rajnandgaon know that I will implement the model of good governance in the corruption-riddled state if the Congress wins election," said Shukla, a former BJP central office-bearer who quit the party in 2013 after over three decades of association. She joined the Congress in February 2014 and unsuccessfully fought the Lok Sabha elections from the state's Bilaspur seat on the party ticket. As a BJP leader, she had won the Lok Sabha elections from Janjgir in 2004, but lost in 2009 from Korba. The Congress has now fielded her from Rajnandgaon, the chief minister's home turf. "Raman Singh calls me his sister. He claims that he is following the ideology of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. As far as I know this (state) government is miles apart from Atal ji's teaching. It is his (CM's) double standard," Shukla alleged. Both Shukla and Singh are seeking votes in the name of Vajpayee and his good-governance principles. Shukla also accused Singh of ignoring his home constituency, alleging that no development has taken place in the area in the past five years. "It is a sorry state of affairs in Rajnandgaon where people face scarcity of water and access to other necessities. Corruption is rampant in the administration. People will root out this corrupt government this time from the state," she said. She exuded confidence that the Congress will form a government in the state after winning the elections. Singh has been the state's chief minister for nearly 15 years with his party managing to keep the Congress away from the government for three consecutive assembly elections. The Congress was in power in the state only during the first assembly, after the state was carved out of Madhya Pradesh. Rejecting Shukla's allegations, the BJP leaders said the people of Rajnandgaon are seeing development done by the chief minister Raman Singh and his government and that the BJP will win the seat with record margin this time. "Karuna ji had left BJP to join Congress. People know this very well. She will not present any challenge for Raman Singh who will win the polls with the record margin of votes,"said Sanjay Shrivastava, a senior BJP leader of the state. The BJP has projected the election in Singh's home constituency as a fight between a local and an outsider. Shrivastava said Shukla is an outsider and voters know this. "How can they expect somebody who is not from their area to work from them. People in Rajnandgaon have full faith in Raman Singh and it will be proved after the voting on November 12," Shrivastava said. He said the BJP and Atal ji are synonymous with each other and there is no denying this fact. "BJP is seeking votes by citing its good governance and development model which people of the state have been witnessing. All leaders of the party including Atal Ji and their legacy is certainly part of the part campaign," another senior BJP leader said. The chief minister's son Abhishek Singh is the sitting MP from Rajnandgaon Lok Sabha constituency. The six assembly seats under Rajnandgaon district, including the one from which the chief minister is fighting, will go to polls on November 12. Voting will take place for a total of 18 seats on the date, while the remaining 72 seats will go to polls in the second phase on November 20. The counting for all 90 seats will take place on December 11, along with the same for the four other states -- neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan and Mizoram. In the 2013 elections, the BJP lifted 49 seats while the Congress got 39. Singh had defeated his Congress rival in 2013 from nearly 36,000 votes, but some poll pundits attributed his victory to urban areas as they saw the Congress having done better among rural voters. Another key factor in the state elections this time is former chief minister Ajit Jogi's Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (JCC), who has joined hands with Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party. First Jogi was being seen as giving a direct fight to Singh from Rajnandgaon constituency, but later he nominated a local corporator. Pundits say Jogi himself could have given Singh a good fight given a strong presence of voters from his caste base of Mahars and Satnamis.

In Raman Singh's home turf, both BJP and Congress seek votes in Vajpayee's name

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/14-candidates-in-congress-fifth-list-for-madhya-pradesh-polls-176271">Congress</a> on Thursday night released its sixth and final list for the November 28 Assembly polls in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh, nominating its OBC face Arun Yadav against Chief Minister Shivraj Singh in Budhni seat in Sehore district.

The BJP also announced its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mp-assembly-polls-bjp-releases-fourth-list-of-candidates-176311">fourth and final list</a> of seven candidates for the polls.&nbsp;

The Congress left one seat, Jatara, for its ally Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD).

With an apparent objective to tie down Chouhan in his bastion Budhni, the opposition party picked up former Union Minister and former MP Congress chief Yadav as his opponent.

Yadav community accounts for a large number of votes, nearly twice that of Kirars, an OBC community to which Chouhan belongs, a source in Sehore district said.

Chouhan has been elected from Budhni thrice in a row.

Yadav will file his nomination papers on Friday, party sources said.

The Congress left a seat in Jatara, reserved for SC candidate, for LJD in the party's final list. The LJD might field Vikram Choudhary from Jatara, sources said.

"With the final list out, we have declared candidates for 229 out of 230 seats," MP Congress spokesman Pankaj Chaturvedi said.

Budhni, over 60 km from here, is Chouhan's home turf from where he was first elected as MLA in 1990. This would be the fifth time he will be contesting from the seat, which is close to his ancestral village of Jait in Sehore.

In 2013, Chouhan had defeated Congress's Mahendra Singh Chauhan by 84,000 votes from Budhni.

Besides Yadav, the Congress, in the final list, announced candidates for Indore-1 (Sanjay Shukla in place of earlier announced Preeti Agnihotri), Indore-2 (Mohan Singh Sengar), Indore-5 (Satyanarayan Patel), Manpur-ST (Gyanwati Singh) and Ratlam Rural-ST (Thavar Lal Bhuria).

The BJP, in a surprise move in its final list, nominated a woman candidate, Fatima Rasul Siddaki, against Congress's sitting MLA Arif Aqueel from Bhopal North.

Other seats for which it announced candidates were: Pawai (Prahlad Lodhi), Panna (Brijendra Singh), Lakhnadoun-ST (Vijay Uike), Seoni-Malwa (Prem Shankar Verma in place of former minister Sartaj Singh, who quit BJP at the last moment to join Congress in protest), Mahidpur (Bahadur Singh Chauhan) and Garoth (Devilal Dhakar).

With this, BJP has announced its candidates for all 230 seats in the state, party spokesperson Sarvesh Tiwari said.&nbsp;

The Congress on Thursday night released its sixth and final list for the November 28 Assembly polls in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh, nominating its OBC face Arun Yadav against Chief Minister Shivraj Singh in Budhni seat in Sehore district.

The Congress on Thursday night released its sixth and final list for the November 28 Assembly polls in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh, nominating its OBC face Arun Yadav against Chief Minister Shivraj Singh in Budhni seat in Sehore district. The BJP also announced its fourth and final list of seven candidates for the polls. The Congress left one seat, Jatara, for its ally Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD). With an apparent objective to tie down Chouhan in his bastion Budhni, the opposition party picked up former Union Minister and former MP Congress chief Yadav as his opponent. Yadav community accounts for a large number of votes, nearly twice that of Kirars, an OBC community to which Chouhan belongs, a source in Sehore district said. Chouhan has been elected from Budhni thrice in a row. Yadav will file his nomination papers on Friday, party sources said. The Congress left a seat in Jatara, reserved for SC candidate, for LJD in the party's final list. The LJD might field Vikram Choudhary from Jatara, sources said. "With the final list out, we have declared candidates for 229 out of 230 seats," MP Congress spokesman Pankaj Chaturvedi said. Budhni, over 60 km from here, is Chouhan's home turf from where he was first elected as MLA in 1990. This would be the fifth time he will be contesting from the seat, which is close to his ancestral village of Jait in Sehore. In 2013, Chouhan had defeated Congress's Mahendra Singh Chauhan by 84,000 votes from Budhni. Besides Yadav, the Congress, in the final list, announced candidates for Indore-1 (Sanjay Shukla in place of earlier announced Preeti Agnihotri), Indore-2 (Mohan Singh Sengar), Indore-5 (Satyanarayan Patel), Manpur-ST (Gyanwati Singh) and Ratlam Rural-ST (Thavar Lal Bhuria). The BJP, in a surprise move in its final list, nominated a woman candidate, Fatima Rasul Siddaki, against Congress's sitting MLA Arif Aqueel from Bhopal North. Other seats for which it announced candidates were: Pawai (Prahlad Lodhi), Panna (Brijendra Singh), Lakhnadoun-ST (Vijay Uike), Seoni-Malwa (Prem Shankar Verma in place of former minister Sartaj Singh, who quit BJP at the last moment to join Congress in protest), Mahidpur (Bahadur Singh Chauhan) and Garoth (Devilal Dhakar). With this, BJP has announced its candidates for all 230 seats in the state, party spokesperson Sarvesh Tiwari said.

Madhya Pradesh polls: Congress, BJP final lists out; Arun Yadav to take on CM

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday released the fourth list of seven candidates for the upcoming state Assembly elections.

The party has fielded Prahlad Lodhi for its constituency in Pawai, Prem Shankar Verma from Seoni-Malwa, Bahadur Singh Chauhan from Mahidpur and Devilal Dhakar from the Garoth constituency.

The BJP has also fielded Brijendra Singh from Panna replacing Kusum Mehdele, who represents the constituency at present.

The list also consists of one Scheduled Tribe from the Lakhnadon constituency for which it has fielded Vijay Uike and the only woman candidate in the list is Fatima Rasul Siddaki for the Bhopal Uttar constituency.

In the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mp-assembly-polls-bjp-releases-third-list-of-32-candidates-176196"> third list released</a>, the party included general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya`s son Akash Vijayvargiya from the Indore-3 constituency and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Babulal Gaur`s daughter-in-law Krishna Gour from Govindpura constituency.

The state is slated to go to polls on November 28 for 230 constituencies. Counting of votes will take place on December 11.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday released the fourth list of seven candidates for the upcoming state Assembly elections. The party has fielded Prahlad Lodhi for its constituency in Pawai, Prem Shankar Verma from Seoni-Malwa, Bahadur Singh Chauhan from Mahidpur and Devilal Dhakar from the Garoth constituency.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday released the fourth list of seven candidates for the upcoming state Assembly elections. The party has fielded Prahlad Lodhi for its constituency in Pawai, Prem Shankar Verma from Seoni-Malwa, Bahadur Singh Chauhan from Mahidpur and Devilal Dhakar from the Garoth constituency. The BJP has also fielded Brijendra Singh from Panna replacing Kusum Mehdele, who represents the constituency at present. The list also consists of one Scheduled Tribe from the Lakhnadon constituency for which it has fielded Vijay Uike and the only woman candidate in the list is Fatima Rasul Siddaki for the Bhopal Uttar constituency. In the third list released, the party included general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya`s son Akash Vijayvargiya from the Indore-3 constituency and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Babulal Gaur`s daughter-in-law Krishna Gour from Govindpura constituency. The state is slated to go to polls on November 28 for 230 constituencies. Counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Madhya Pradesh assembly polls: BJP releases fourth list of candidates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Congress Party on Thursday released the fifth list of 14 candidates for the ensuing Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh. The party has fielded former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Sartaj Singh from Hoshangabad constituency.

Apart from Singh, Satyanarayan Patidar will be contesting from Neemuch, Vinay Kumar Saxena from Jabalpur North and Babu Jandel from Sheopur.

The Congress had released the fourth list on Wednesday naming 29 candidates including the brother-in-law of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Sanjay Singh Masani.

The first list was released on November 3, which contained the name of 155 candidates, including 21 women, 21 Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates and 34 Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates.

The Congress Party on Thursday released the fifth list of 14 candidates for the ensuing Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh. The party has fielded former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Sartaj Singh from Hoshangabad constituency.

The Congress Party on Thursday released the fifth list of 14 candidates for the ensuing Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh. The party has fielded former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Sartaj Singh from Hoshangabad constituency. Apart from Singh, Satyanarayan Patidar will be contesting from Neemuch, Vinay Kumar Saxena from Jabalpur North and Babu Jandel from Sheopur. The Congress had released the fourth list on Wednesday naming 29 candidates including the brother-in-law of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Sanjay Singh Masani. The first list was released on November 3, which contained the name of 155 candidates, including 21 women, 21 Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates and 34 Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates.

14 candidates in Congress' fifth list for Madhya Pradesh polls

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's brother-in-law Sanjay Singh Masani who deserted the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and joined the Congress the other day was declared the party candidate for the Waraseoni constituency on Wednesday.

During his maiden visit to the state Congress headquarters in his new avatar on Sunday, Masani had heaped praises on Madhya Pradesh Congress unit President Kamal Nath and said that Chouhan's 13-year rule is coming to an end.&nbsp;

With barely two days left for the filing of nominations, BJP was struggling with the ticket distribution exercise. Till Thursday morning, the ruling party was still to announce it's nominees for 38 of the total 230 constituencies in Madhya Pradesh.

The state BJP unit has been rocked by a fierce battle for tickets. The prestigious Govindpura constituency in the state capital, which has been represented by former chief minister Babulal Gaur for a record ten terms, is under sharp focus this time. Initially, Gaur was not ready to digest the party's idea of dropping him but with some advice from the 'right quarters', he has agreed to settle for the status of a star campaigner in this election. Gaur's daughter-in-law and former Bhopal Mayor Krishna Gaur also has been pitching for this seat but she has encountered roadblocks as the grassroot party workers began demanding their piece of the cake.&nbsp;

Even the main opposition Congress party has been coping with endless pulls and pressures on the ticket distribution front. The rivalry among the top state Congress leaders had spilled into the open the other day when party seniors Digvijaya Singh and Jyotiraditya Scindia were engaged in a heated argument over the choice of candidates.

Till now the Congress has declared 212 of the 230 candidates in Madhya Pradesh. On Thursday, the penultimate day for filing nomination papers, the Congress party is expected to clear the names for the remaining constituencies.&nbsp;

In the final run-up for elections, what came as a shot in the arm for the newly floated Sapaks Party, was the letter from the Election Commission announcing it's registration on 6 November. Only two days before this, without registration and election symbol, this party had entered into an alliance with another lesser known outfit - Sampurn Samaj Party. This alliance lasted only for a day and even before the EC issued its order, Sapaks Party released its first list of candidates and declared that they would be contesting on a common symbol. Eyebrows are being raised in knowledgeable circles and it is being asked whether or not Sapaks Party had been tipped by some EC insider to walk out of the alliance as its registration had been okayed.&nbsp;

Sapaks Party has been formed by a group of retired officers, mainly led by promotee IAS officers. This party is entering the election on the anti-reservation and the Atrocities Act issue with the tacit support of state government employees, who are also working under the banner of SAPAK to oppose the government provision for reservation in promotion for SCs and STs.&nbsp;

Sapaks Party is projecting itself as a third force in MP's electoral politics. Its claim notwithstanding, the Samajwadi Party, and Bahujan Samaj Party are also in the fray. 
 
Then there are many other untested parties - all shouting from rooftops against reservation and the Atrocities Act. The Sarv Samaj Kalyan Party that has the blessings of renowned kathavachak Devkinandan Thakur completes the full circle. These parties will make the elections in the state rather interesting. 
 
The million dollar question is: Will this election go on caste lines and once more underscore the primacy of vote bank politics or whether the anti-reservation plank would be driving the voters in hordes.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
 
&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's brother-in-law Sanjay Singh Masani who deserted the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and joined the Congress the other day was declared the party candidate for the Waraseoni constituency on Wednesday.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's brother-in-law Sanjay Singh Masani who deserted the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and joined the Congress the other day was declared the party candidate for the Waraseoni constituency on Wednesday. During his maiden visit to the state Congress headquarters in his new avatar on Sunday, Masani had heaped praises on Madhya Pradesh Congress unit President Kamal Nath and said that Chouhan's 13-year rule is coming to an end. With barely two days left for the filing of nominations, BJP was struggling with the ticket distribution exercise. Till Thursday morning, the ruling party was still to announce it's nominees for 38 of the total 230 constituencies in Madhya Pradesh. The state BJP unit has been rocked by a fierce battle for tickets. The prestigious Govindpura constituency in the state capital, which has been represented by former chief minister Babulal Gaur for a record ten terms, is under sharp focus this time. Initially, Gaur was not ready to digest the party's idea of dropping him but with some advice from the 'right quarters', he has agreed to settle for the status of a star campaigner in this election. Gaur's daughter-in-law and former Bhopal Mayor Krishna Gaur also has been pitching for this seat but she has encountered roadblocks as the grassroot party workers began demanding their piece of the cake. Even the main opposition Congress party has been coping with endless pulls and pressures on the ticket distribution front. The rivalry among the top state Congress leaders had spilled into the open the other day when party seniors Digvijaya Singh and Jyotiraditya Scindia were engaged in a heated argument over the choice of candidates. Till now the Congress has declared 212 of the 230 candidates in Madhya Pradesh. On Thursday, the penultimate day for filing nomination papers, the Congress party is expected to clear the names for the remaining constituencies. In the final run-up for elections, what came as a shot in the arm for the newly floated Sapaks Party, was the letter from the Election Commission announcing it's registration on 6 November. Only two days before this, without registration and election symbol, this party had entered into an alliance with another lesser known outfit - Sampurn Samaj Party. This alliance lasted only for a day and even before the EC issued its order, Sapaks Party released its first list of candidates and declared that they would be contesting on a common symbol. Eyebrows are being raised in knowledgeable circles and it is being asked whether or not Sapaks Party had been tipped by some EC insider to walk out of the alliance as its registration had been okayed. Sapaks Party has been formed by a group of retired officers, mainly led by promotee IAS officers. This party is entering the election on the anti-reservation and the Atrocities Act issue with the tacit support of state government employees, who are also working under the banner of SAPAK to oppose the government provision for reservation in promotion for SCs and STs. Sapaks Party is projecting itself as a third force in MP's electoral politics. Its claim notwithstanding, the Samajwadi Party, and Bahujan Samaj Party are also in the fray. Then there are many other untested parties - all shouting from rooftops against reservation and the Atrocities Act. The Sarv Samaj Kalyan Party that has the blessings of renowned kathavachak Devkinandan Thakur completes the full circle. These parties will make the elections in the state rather interesting. The million dollar question is: Will this election go on caste lines and once more underscore the primacy of vote bank politics or whether the anti-reservation plank would be driving the voters in hordes. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Assembly elections 2018: Ticket tangle and third force in Madhya Pradesh

For 'Shiv Bhakt' Rahul Gandhi, Diwali, the festival of lights could not have been better. Because it seems, that at least in Karnataka, the BJP wave is over.&nbsp;

Less than six months after the Congress-JD(S) post-poll alliance dashed BJP’s plans of forming a government in the southern state, the alliance has done even better in the bypolls. &nbsp;Out of five seats (3 Lok Sabha and 2 Assembly), the BJP could win only one; BJP managed to retain Shimoga where B S Yeddyurappa’s son B Y Raghavendra defeated the JD(S) candidate with a margin of just over fifty thousand votes. &nbsp;

The&nbsp;victories in Karnataka are a big morale booster for the Congress, ahead of straight contests with the BJP in three important states in the Hindi belt later this month. &nbsp;

The margin of victories in all the four seats won by the Congress-JD(S) speak volumes about the disenchantment that Karnataka’s voters have displayed with the BJP. Even in Bellary, a supposedly impregnable fortress of the BJP, the Congress’s V S Ugrappa scored a ferocious win by defeating mining baron B Sriramalu’s sister J. Shantha by nearly 2.5 lakh votes. In the three other seats as well the alliance partners’ margins are massive. In Mandya, the JD(S) won by over three lakh votes, in Ramnagara Assembly seat by over a lakh, and Congress retained Jamkhandi by polling almost twice the number of votes garnered by BJP. &nbsp;

The BJP’s reaction to the crushing defeats in these bypolls has been muted. The party’s string of spokespersons have so far refrained from even tweeting on the election results. They seem to have been stunned into silence by the shockingly large margins, however, at least in Mandya Lok Sabha seat, the BJP’s vote has doubled from nearly 87,000 to 2.44 lakhs.

Therefore while JD(S)-Congress combine has a lot to celebrate today, it needs to deliver on the promise of loan waiver if it wants to retain the support of the farmers who remain crucial to any election in Karnataka. &nbsp;

Message for Opposition

Even though the Congress-BSP alliance failed to materialise in MP, Chhattisgarh, the Congress and other opposition parties must heed to the key message that the Karnataka voter has delivered: Only a united opposition can defeat the BJP.&nbsp;

However, there is perhaps a more significant message for Rahul Gandhi, the Congress president and his core team. Like in Karnataka, the Congress needs to overcome infighting if it is serious about regaining power in the states. One reason why the BSP-Congress alliance could not be formed in Madhya Pradesh, for instance, is because the state Congress unit is riven with petty factionalism. &nbsp;

With less than two weeks to go before polling, and according to many surveys the Congress still not in a winning position, it would do the grand old party a lot of good if it sent out a clear message of unity among its state leadership and cadres. &nbsp;

Similarly, for states like Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, the opposition parties need to quickly crystalise their alliances so that their respective rank and file get enough time to prepare on the ground. In UP especially, which has 80 Lok Sabha seats, Mayawati’s BSP and Akhilesh &nbsp;Yadav’s SP have been bitter adversaries. Though they formed strategic tie-ups that succeeded in dislodging BJP from Gorakhpur, and Phulpur Lok Sabha seats, the absence of a visible unity since then has again started the rumour mills of BSP having come to a secret understanding with the BJP.&nbsp;

Similarly, Akhilesh’s problems have been compounded by&nbsp;launch of&nbsp;a new party by his uncle and influential leader, Shivpal Yadav. If the opposition is indeed serious about taking on the BJP in 2019, it first needs to set its own house in order, that is the biggest takeaway of Karnataka bypolls.&nbsp; 
 
 
&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

For 'Shiv Bhakt' Rahul Gandhi, Diwali, the festival of lights could not have been better. Because it seems, that at least in Karnataka, the BJP wave is over. Less than six months after the Congress-JD(S) post-poll alliance dashed BJP’s plans of forming a government in the southern state, the alliance has done even better in the bypolls.

For 'Shiv Bhakt' Rahul Gandhi, Diwali, the festival of lights could not have been better. Because it seems, that at least in Karnataka, the BJP wave is over. Less than six months after the Congress-JD(S) post-poll alliance dashed BJP’s plans of forming a government in the southern state, the alliance has done even better in the bypolls. Out of five seats (3 Lok Sabha and 2 Assembly), the BJP could win only one; BJP managed to retain Shimoga where B S Yeddyurappa’s son B Y Raghavendra defeated the JD(S) candidate with a margin of just over fifty thousand votes. The victories in Karnataka are a big morale booster for the Congress, ahead of straight contests with the BJP in three important states in the Hindi belt later this month. The margin of victories in all the four seats won by the Congress-JD(S) speak volumes about the disenchantment that Karnataka’s voters have displayed with the BJP. Even in Bellary, a supposedly impregnable fortress of the BJP, the Congress’s V S Ugrappa scored a ferocious win by defeating mining baron B Sriramalu’s sister J. Shantha by nearly 2.5 lakh votes. In the three other seats as well the alliance partners’ margins are massive. In Mandya, the JD(S) won by over three lakh votes, in Ramnagara Assembly seat by over a lakh, and Congress retained Jamkhandi by polling almost twice the number of votes garnered by BJP. The BJP’s reaction to the crushing defeats in these bypolls has been muted. The party’s string of spokespersons have so far refrained from even tweeting on the election results. They seem to have been stunned into silence by the shockingly large margins, however, at least in Mandya Lok Sabha seat, the BJP’s vote has doubled from nearly 87,000 to 2.44 lakhs. Therefore while JD(S)-Congress combine has a lot to celebrate today, it needs to deliver on the promise of loan waiver if it wants to retain the support of the farmers who remain crucial to any election in Karnataka. Message for Opposition Even though the Congress-BSP alliance failed to materialise in MP, Chhattisgarh, the Congress and other opposition parties must heed to the key message that the Karnataka voter has delivered: Only a united opposition can defeat the BJP. However, there is perhaps a more significant message for Rahul Gandhi, the Congress president and his core team. Like in Karnataka, the Congress needs to overcome infighting if it is serious about regaining power in the states. One reason why the BSP-Congress alliance could not be formed in Madhya Pradesh, for instance, is because the state Congress unit is riven with petty factionalism. With less than two weeks to go before polling, and according to many surveys the Congress still not in a winning position, it would do the grand old party a lot of good if it sent out a clear message of unity among its state leadership and cadres. Similarly, for states like Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, the opposition parties need to quickly crystalise their alliances so that their respective rank and file get enough time to prepare on the ground. In UP especially, which has 80 Lok Sabha seats, Mayawati’s BSP and Akhilesh Yadav’s SP have been bitter adversaries. Though they formed strategic tie-ups that succeeded in dislodging BJP from Gorakhpur, and Phulpur Lok Sabha seats, the absence of a visible unity since then has again started the rumour mills of BSP having come to a secret understanding with the BJP. Similarly, Akhilesh’s problems have been compounded by launch of a new party by his uncle and influential leader, Shivpal Yadav. If the opposition is indeed serious about taking on the BJP in 2019, it first needs to set its own house in order, that is the biggest takeaway of Karnataka bypolls. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Karnataka bypolls: United opposition is the way forward

The US midterm elections on Tuesday will bring a range of fresh faces to Washington, from the vice president's brother to the youngest-ever woman in Congress.

Here is a look at some of the most prominent of the new legislators:

Young left-wing star&nbsp;

At 29, staunch left-winger Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the youngest woman ever elected to Congress and one of the youngest members ever.

Until recently making ends meet as a bartender, Ocasio-Cortez scored an upset in a Democratic primary in New York City to defeat 10-term member Joe Crowley, one of the most powerful members of the party.

She easily won Tuesday against a Republican in the heavily Democratic and ethnically diverse district straddling Queens and The Bronx.

A supporter of leftist Senator Bernie Sanders -- who won his own re-election bid Tuesday -- Ocasio-Cortez has quickly become a national voice with her calls for a universal health care system, tuition-free public universities and the abolition of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which has executed President Donald Trump's campaign to deport undocumented immigrants.

Face of change in Boston&nbsp;

Ayanna Pressley, 44, on Tuesday became the first African American woman elected to Congress from Massachusetts, representing much of the same area as John F. Kennedy.

In a story with parallels to Ocasio-Cortez, Pressley defeated a 10-term male incumbent, Mike Capuano, in the Democratic primary for a left-leaning district that includes much of Boston and Harvard University.

Like Ocasio-Cortez, Pressley cast her election as part of a need for better representation in the era of the #MeToo movement.

When she won the primary, she denounced President Donald Trump as "a racist, misogynistic, truly empathy-bankrupt man."

Vice presidential brother&nbsp;

Politics has become a family affair for Vice President Mike Pence, with his brother Greg elected to his former congressional seat in Indiana.

The vice president took to Twitter to congratulate his brother, who easily won the solidly Republican and heavily white district in the Midwestern state.

The elder Pence has little political experience but touted his family ties and his business record.

Pence headed a chain of fuel suppliers and convenience stores under the name Tobacco Road -- which went bankrupt after facing claims worth $100 million.

First Muslim women&nbsp;

For the first time, the US Congress will have Muslim women -- and two of them.

Ilhan Omar, a Somali refugee, won a House seat in a heavily Democratic district in Minneapolis, where she will succeed Keith Ellison, himself the first Muslim elected to Congress.

Rashida Tlaib, a social worker born in Detroit to Palestinian immigrant parents, won a House seat in a district where she ran unopposed by a Republican candidate.&nbsp;

Tlaib has vehemently opposed Trump -- even heckling the then-candidate during a 2016 campaign appearance in Detroit.&nbsp;

"I didn't run because my election would be historic. I ran because of injustices and because of my boys, who are questioning their identity and whether they belong," Tlaib told ABC News in August.

First Native American woman&nbsp;

Kansas Democrat Sharice Davids became the first Native American woman elected to Congress, defeating Republican incumbent Kevin Yoder.

Davids, 38, is an attorney by training and a former mixed martial arts fighter. She is also openly lesbian, in a state that is traditionally conservative.

Davids -- who was raised by a single mother Army veteran -- won a district that includes Kansas City and its southern suburbs.

She wore a T-shirt in her campaign advertisements that read, "Strong, Resilient, Indigenous."

The US midterm elections on Tuesday will bring a range of fresh faces to Washington, from the vice president's brother to the youngest-ever woman in Congress. Here is a look at some of the most prominent of the new legislators: Young left-wing star At 29, staunch left-winger Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the youngest woman ever elected to Congress and one of the youngest members ever.

The US midterm elections on Tuesday will bring a range of fresh faces to Washington, from the vice president's brother to the youngest-ever woman in Congress. Here is a look at some of the most prominent of the new legislators: Young left-wing star At 29, staunch left-winger Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the youngest woman ever elected to Congress and one of the youngest members ever. Until recently making ends meet as a bartender, Ocasio-Cortez scored an upset in a Democratic primary in New York City to defeat 10-term member Joe Crowley, one of the most powerful members of the party. She easily won Tuesday against a Republican in the heavily Democratic and ethnically diverse district straddling Queens and The Bronx. A supporter of leftist Senator Bernie Sanders -- who won his own re-election bid Tuesday -- Ocasio-Cortez has quickly become a national voice with her calls for a universal health care system, tuition-free public universities and the abolition of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which has executed President Donald Trump's campaign to deport undocumented immigrants. Face of change in Boston Ayanna Pressley, 44, on Tuesday became the first African American woman elected to Congress from Massachusetts, representing much of the same area as John F. Kennedy. In a story with parallels to Ocasio-Cortez, Pressley defeated a 10-term male incumbent, Mike Capuano, in the Democratic primary for a left-leaning district that includes much of Boston and Harvard University. Like Ocasio-Cortez, Pressley cast her election as part of a need for better representation in the era of the #MeToo movement. When she won the primary, she denounced President Donald Trump as "a racist, misogynistic, truly empathy-bankrupt man." Vice presidential brother Politics has become a family affair for Vice President Mike Pence, with his brother Greg elected to his former congressional seat in Indiana. The vice president took to Twitter to congratulate his brother, who easily won the solidly Republican and heavily white district in the Midwestern state. The elder Pence has little political experience but touted his family ties and his business record. Pence headed a chain of fuel suppliers and convenience stores under the name Tobacco Road -- which went bankrupt after facing claims worth $100 million. First Muslim women For the first time, the US Congress will have Muslim women -- and two of them. Ilhan Omar, a Somali refugee, won a House seat in a heavily Democratic district in Minneapolis, where she will succeed Keith Ellison, himself the first Muslim elected to Congress. Rashida Tlaib, a social worker born in Detroit to Palestinian immigrant parents, won a House seat in a district where she ran unopposed by a Republican candidate. Tlaib has vehemently opposed Trump -- even heckling the then-candidate during a 2016 campaign appearance in Detroit. "I didn't run because my election would be historic. I ran because of injustices and because of my boys, who are questioning their identity and whether they belong," Tlaib told ABC News in August. First Native American woman Kansas Democrat Sharice Davids became the first Native American woman elected to Congress, defeating Republican incumbent Kevin Yoder. Davids, 38, is an attorney by training and a former mixed martial arts fighter. She is also openly lesbian, in a state that is traditionally conservative. Davids -- who was raised by a single mother Army veteran -- won a district that includes Kansas City and its southern suburbs. She wore a T-shirt in her campaign advertisements that read, "Strong, Resilient, Indigenous."

Young progressives, VP brother to enter US Congress

A case has been registered against Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) candidate Narayan Tripathi on Tuesday for alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct in the poll-bound state of Madhya Pradesh.

Tripathi had gone to file his nomination carrying a fee of Rs 10,000 in the form of Re 1 coins in a metal pot covered with a piece of red cloth, which, he claimed ,to have collected from the public as their blessings.

The metal pot in which Tripathi was carrying the coins looked similar to an urn used to carry the funeral ash, which allegedly has a religious implication.

Satna Returning Officer and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Maihar HK Dhurve considered the gesture as a violation of the Model Code of Conduct and registered a case against Tripathi under Section 125 A of the Representation of the People Act.

However, Tripathi said that an issue is being unnecessarily blown out of proportion by the Congress. "Congress is creating an issue out of this. I have not flouted any code of conduct," he claimed.

Tripathi carried his nomination fee in a total of 12 metal pots.

A case has been registered against Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) candidate Narayan Tripathi on Tuesday for alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct in the poll-bound state of Madhya Pradesh.

A case has been registered against Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) candidate Narayan Tripathi on Tuesday for alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct in the poll-bound state of Madhya Pradesh. Tripathi had gone to file his nomination carrying a fee of Rs 10,000 in the form of Re 1 coins in a metal pot covered with a piece of red cloth, which, he claimed ,to have collected from the public as their blessings. The metal pot in which Tripathi was carrying the coins looked similar to an urn used to carry the funeral ash, which allegedly has a religious implication. Satna Returning Officer and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Maihar HK Dhurve considered the gesture as a violation of the Model Code of Conduct and registered a case against Tripathi under Section 125 A of the Representation of the People Act. However, Tripathi said that an issue is being unnecessarily blown out of proportion by the Congress. "Congress is creating an issue out of this. I have not flouted any code of conduct," he claimed. Tripathi carried his nomination fee in a total of 12 metal pots.

MP Polls: BJP candidate carries coins in metal pot, case registered

The Congress has issued its third list of 13 candidates for the November 28 assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, which mainly comprises new faces.

The party has dropped Pandhurna Member of Legislative Assembly or MLA Jatan Uikey and replaced him with Neelesh Uikey.

Loyalists of Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath and Guna Member of Parliament or MP Jyotiraditya Scindia also found place on the list.

Both Scindia and Nath, the sitting lawmaker from Chhindwara seat, are believed to be the top contenders for the chief minister's post from the Congress.

With the latest list issued Monday night, the Congress has so far announced 184 nominees for the total 230 assembly constituencies.

The announcement for the remaining 46 candidates is awaited as only three days are left for filing nominations.

The Congress has been out of power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003. The incumbent Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) government is seeking a fourth straight term.

Among the 13 candidates, the Congress has fielded former state minister Deepak Saxena, a close confidante of Kamal Nath, from Chhindwara seat.

Another prominent nominee is Mahendra Singh Sisodiya, a loyalist of state Congress campaign committee chief Jyotiraditya Scindia, who has been re-nominated from Bamori in Guna district.

The Congress seems to have reposed faith in the first-timers in its latest list.

Among the new nominees are Sunil Uikey from Junnardeo and Sujit Choudhary from Chourai assembly seat in Chhindwara district.

The Congress has also fielded Manoj Choudhary, a first-timer, from Hatpipalya in Dewas district.

Other candidates who would be contesting the polls as first-time Congress nominees are Shrikant Chaturvedi (Maihar) and Ramshankar Payasi (Rampur Baghelan) in Satna district.

Babita Saket who switched over to the Congress from BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) was allotted ticket from Mangavan seat in Rewa district.

The Congress has fielded Tilak Raj Singh and Sammati Prakash Saini from Manpur in Umaria district and Panagar in Jabalpur district respectively.

Jaipal Singh Jajji, who had lost the 2013 polls from Ashok Nagar seat, has been nominated from the same seat.

Arif Masood, who had lost from Bhopal Central constituency last time, has also been given a ticket.

The Congress announced its first list of 155 candidates on November 3 in which it re-nominated 46 lawmakers. A day after, it announced the second list of 16 candidates.

In the 230-member house, the Congress has 57 Members of Legislative Assembly.

The Congress has issued its third list of 13 candidates for the November 28 assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, which mainly comprises new faces. The party has dropped Pandhurna Member of Legislative Assembly or MLA Jatan Uikey and replaced him with Neelesh Uikey.

The Congress has issued its third list of 13 candidates for the November 28 assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, which mainly comprises new faces. The party has dropped Pandhurna Member of Legislative Assembly or MLA Jatan Uikey and replaced him with Neelesh Uikey. Loyalists of Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath and Guna Member of Parliament or MP Jyotiraditya Scindia also found place on the list. Both Scindia and Nath, the sitting lawmaker from Chhindwara seat, are believed to be the top contenders for the chief minister's post from the Congress. With the latest list issued Monday night, the Congress has so far announced 184 nominees for the total 230 assembly constituencies. The announcement for the remaining 46 candidates is awaited as only three days are left for filing nominations. The Congress has been out of power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003. The incumbent Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) government is seeking a fourth straight term. Among the 13 candidates, the Congress has fielded former state minister Deepak Saxena, a close confidante of Kamal Nath, from Chhindwara seat. Another prominent nominee is Mahendra Singh Sisodiya, a loyalist of state Congress campaign committee chief Jyotiraditya Scindia, who has been re-nominated from Bamori in Guna district. The Congress seems to have reposed faith in the first-timers in its latest list. Among the new nominees are Sunil Uikey from Junnardeo and Sujit Choudhary from Chourai assembly seat in Chhindwara district. The Congress has also fielded Manoj Choudhary, a first-timer, from Hatpipalya in Dewas district. Other candidates who would be contesting the polls as first-time Congress nominees are Shrikant Chaturvedi (Maihar) and Ramshankar Payasi (Rampur Baghelan) in Satna district. Babita Saket who switched over to the Congress from BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) was allotted ticket from Mangavan seat in Rewa district. The Congress has fielded Tilak Raj Singh and Sammati Prakash Saini from Manpur in Umaria district and Panagar in Jabalpur district respectively. Jaipal Singh Jajji, who had lost the 2013 polls from Ashok Nagar seat, has been nominated from the same seat. Arif Masood, who had lost from Bhopal Central constituency last time, has also been given a ticket. The Congress announced its first list of 155 candidates on November 3 in which it re-nominated 46 lawmakers. A day after, it announced the second list of 16 candidates. In the 230-member house, the Congress has 57 Members of Legislative Assembly.

New faces dominate Congress' third list of candidates for Madhya Pradesh

Congress on Wednesday released its fourth list of candidates for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh assembly elections. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's brother-in-law Sanjay Singh, who recently joined hands with the Rahul Gandhi-led party, has been given a ticket from Waraseoni, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Congress, earlier in the day, released its third of candidates for poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. The list included a flurry of new faces and included 13 candidates.&nbsp;

The party has dropped Pandhurna Member of Legislative Assembly or MLA Jatan Uikey and replaced him with Neelesh Uikey, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

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Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chauhan's brother in law Sanjay Singh to contest from Waraseoni on a Congress ticket <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/assemblyelections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#assemblyelections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/Z5ZgKLelHx">https://t.co/Z5ZgKLelHx</a>
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Loyalists of Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath and Guna Member of Parliament or MP Jyotiraditya Scindia also found place on the list.

Both Scindia and Nath, the sitting lawmaker from Chhindwara seat, are believed to be the top contenders for the chief minister's post from the Congress.

With the latest list issued Monday night, the Congress has so far announced 184 nominees for the total 230 assembly constituencies.

The announcement for the remaining 46 candidates is awaited, only three days are left for filing nominations.

The BJP-ruled state has a total of 230 assembly seats, the Congress has 57 MLAs in Madhya Pradesh.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Congress on Wednesday released its fourth list of candidates for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh assembly elections. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's brother-in-law Sanjay Singh, who recently joined hands with the Rahul Gandhi-led party, has been given a ticket from Waraseoni, news agency ANI reported.

Congress on Wednesday released its fourth list of candidates for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh assembly elections. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's brother-in-law Sanjay Singh, who recently joined hands with the Rahul Gandhi-led party, has been given a ticket from Waraseoni, news agency ANI reported. Congress, earlier in the day, released its third of candidates for poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. The list included a flurry of new faces and included 13 candidates. The party has dropped Pandhurna Member of Legislative Assembly or MLA Jatan Uikey and replaced him with Neelesh Uikey, news agency PTI reported. Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chauhan's brother in law Sanjay Singh to contest from Waraseoni on a Congress ticket #assemblyelections2018 https://t.co/Z5ZgKLelHx — ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2018 × Loyalists of Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath and Guna Member of Parliament or MP Jyotiraditya Scindia also found place on the list. Both Scindia and Nath, the sitting lawmaker from Chhindwara seat, are believed to be the top contenders for the chief minister's post from the Congress. With the latest list issued Monday night, the Congress has so far announced 184 nominees for the total 230 assembly constituencies. The announcement for the remaining 46 candidates is awaited, only three days are left for filing nominations. The BJP-ruled state has a total of 230 assembly seats, the Congress has 57 MLAs in Madhya Pradesh. (With inputs from agencies)

Madhya Pradesh polls: Congress releases fourth list, CM Chouhan's brother-in-law to contest from Waraseoni

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