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

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

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

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

BJP president Amit Shah Sunday alleged that the Congress had "neglected" the "son of Telangana" and former prime minister PV Narasimha Rao after his death and sought the response of Rahul Gandhi, the chief of the opposition party, in the matter.

He also alleged that the Congress had not paid appropriate last respects to Rao, who died in 2004, when the party was in power at the Centre.

Addressing a public meeting here in Siddipet district ahead of the December 7 Telangana Assembly polls, Shah asked Gandhi to explain the "kind of treatment" meted out to Rao after his demise.

"Now Rahul Gandhiji is saying everyone should live with love. I want to ask him, when the son of Telangana and our former prime minister P V Narasimha Rao had died, (why) no 'salami' was given to his mortal remains and why were they sent to Hyderabad.

"I want to ask him (Gandhi), why such a treatment was meted out to the son of Telangana," he said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had accused the Congress in the past also of ignoring the legacy of Rao and humiliating him, which was denied by the opposition party.

During his speech, Shah listed out various welfare schemes launched by the Narendra Modi government in the last four-and-a-half years.

He said the Centre was working for various sections of the society, including the poor, farmers, women, Dalits and tribals.

Crores of toilets and houses were built for the people under the watch of the BJP government, Shah said.

"Our government provided LPG connections to poor women and also ensured electricity. These development works improved the standard of living of over 22 crore families," he added.

Improving the country's security was the biggest work of Prime Minister Modi, the BJP chief said.

"Under the previous UPA government, infiltrators from Pakistan used to enter India but no proper reply was given to them in those 10 years. However, after the Uri terror attack (in 2016), India under Modiji carried out surgical strikes in Pakistan and avenged the killing of our soldiers," he added.

Shah said the respect for India had increased manifold in the world under Modi.

Turning to the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government in the southern state, he claimed that the ruling party had failed to implement several welfare programmes of the Centre, including its ambitious health insurance scheme, because it was "scared" that the prime minister might become more popular in Telangana.

Shah accused TRS chief and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) of not extending any help to the farmers in the state, due to which, he said over 4,000 of them committed suicide in the last four-and-a-half years.

Shah said KCR had failed to fulfil the promises made to the people of Telangana, including the three-acre land parcel scheme for Dalits.

He appealed to the people to vote the saffron party to power in the upcoming polls as the Congress, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the TRS had been elected earlier.

"Give one chance to Modiji and we will transform Telangana into a model state in five years," Shah said.

The 119-member Telangana Assembly will go to the polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah Sunday alleged that the Congress had "neglected" the "son of Telangana" and former prime minister PV Narasimha Rao after his death and sought the response of Rahul Gandhi, the chief of the opposition party, in the matter.

BJP president Amit Shah Sunday alleged that the Congress had "neglected" the "son of Telangana" and former prime minister PV Narasimha Rao after his death and sought the response of Rahul Gandhi, the chief of the opposition party, in the matter. He also alleged that the Congress had not paid appropriate last respects to Rao, who died in 2004, when the party was in power at the Centre. Addressing a public meeting here in Siddipet district ahead of the December 7 Telangana Assembly polls, Shah asked Gandhi to explain the "kind of treatment" meted out to Rao after his demise. "Now Rahul Gandhiji is saying everyone should live with love. I want to ask him, when the son of Telangana and our former prime minister P V Narasimha Rao had died, (why) no 'salami' was given to his mortal remains and why were they sent to Hyderabad. "I want to ask him (Gandhi), why such a treatment was meted out to the son of Telangana," he said. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had accused the Congress in the past also of ignoring the legacy of Rao and humiliating him, which was denied by the opposition party. During his speech, Shah listed out various welfare schemes launched by the Narendra Modi government in the last four-and-a-half years. He said the Centre was working for various sections of the society, including the poor, farmers, women, Dalits and tribals. Crores of toilets and houses were built for the people under the watch of the BJP government, Shah said. "Our government provided LPG connections to poor women and also ensured electricity. These development works improved the standard of living of over 22 crore families," he added. Improving the country's security was the biggest work of Prime Minister Modi, the BJP chief said. "Under the previous UPA government, infiltrators from Pakistan used to enter India but no proper reply was given to them in those 10 years. However, after the Uri terror attack (in 2016), India under Modiji carried out surgical strikes in Pakistan and avenged the killing of our soldiers," he added. Shah said the respect for India had increased manifold in the world under Modi. Turning to the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government in the southern state, he claimed that the ruling party had failed to implement several welfare programmes of the Centre, including its ambitious health insurance scheme, because it was "scared" that the prime minister might become more popular in Telangana. Shah accused TRS chief and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) of not extending any help to the farmers in the state, due to which, he said over 4,000 of them committed suicide in the last four-and-a-half years. Shah said KCR had failed to fulfil the promises made to the people of Telangana, including the three-acre land parcel scheme for Dalits. He appealed to the people to vote the saffron party to power in the upcoming polls as the Congress, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the TRS had been elected earlier. "Give one chance to Modiji and we will transform Telangana into a model state in five years," Shah said. The 119-member Telangana Assembly will go to the polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.

Congress neglected ex-PM and 'son of Telangana' Rao post his death: Amit Shah

The verbal attacks during the ongoing election campaign in Telangana hit a new low Sunday when Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao called his Andhra Pradesh counterpart N Chandrababu Naidu "a mental".

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was speaking at a public meeting at Pargi in Vikarabad district ahead of the December 7 state Assembly polls.

"I say Chandrababu is a mental. Why? Because he had once said goats should be banned in order to save the forests (by preventing grazing). When was the goat born (the species came into existence) and when was he born? Who are you to ban the goat, a creation of nature?" Rao asked.

"He (Naidu) claims that he was instrumental in putting Hyderabad on the world map. What should we do with this man," he said, hitting out at the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo.

"If he is that capable, why did he fail in building Amaravati (the upcoming capital of Andhra Pradesh)? Except graphic representations, no real building has come up there.

"This kind of cheats are coming to you, seeking votes. If we are not careful, we will be cheated," Rao said in a scathing attack on the People's Front alliance of the Congress, TDP, Telangana Jana Samithi and CPI.

He claimed that the power situation in Telangana had improved drastically since 2014, but it would worsen again if his party lost in the upcoming polls. 
The TRS was going to form the government by winning 103 to 106 of the 119 seats in the state, Rao claimed, citing a survey.

At a public meeting at Devarkadra, Rao alleged that Naidu had filed 35 court cases and "written 40 letters", opposing the irrigating projects in Telangana, and now, he was seeking votes in the state.

Hitting out at the Congress, the TRS chief said, "Don't you see the development here? Are you giving a Rs 1,000 pension to people in the states where your party is in power (as in Telangana)?"

Speaking at Narayanpet, the chief minister said democracy in the country had not reached "enough maturity levels" and that people should not vote carelessly.

"Many parties will come and say many things. Please listen to them and think once again before casting the vote, which is going to change our fate," he said.

Rao also addressed public meetings at Tandur, Shadnagar and Ibrahimpatnam Sunday.

The 119-member Telangana Assembly will go to the polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.&nbsp;

The verbal attacks during the ongoing election campaign in Telangana hit a new low Sunday when Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao called his Andhra Pradesh counterpart N Chandrababu Naidu "a mental".

The verbal attacks during the ongoing election campaign in Telangana hit a new low Sunday when Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao called his Andhra Pradesh counterpart N Chandrababu Naidu "a mental". The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was speaking at a public meeting at Pargi in Vikarabad district ahead of the December 7 state Assembly polls. "I say Chandrababu is a mental. Why? Because he had once said goats should be banned in order to save the forests (by preventing grazing). When was the goat born (the species came into existence) and when was he born? Who are you to ban the goat, a creation of nature?" Rao asked. "He (Naidu) claims that he was instrumental in putting Hyderabad on the world map. What should we do with this man," he said, hitting out at the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo. "If he is that capable, why did he fail in building Amaravati (the upcoming capital of Andhra Pradesh)? Except graphic representations, no real building has come up there. "This kind of cheats are coming to you, seeking votes. If we are not careful, we will be cheated," Rao said in a scathing attack on the People's Front alliance of the Congress, TDP, Telangana Jana Samithi and CPI. He claimed that the power situation in Telangana had improved drastically since 2014, but it would worsen again if his party lost in the upcoming polls. The TRS was going to form the government by winning 103 to 106 of the 119 seats in the state, Rao claimed, citing a survey. At a public meeting at Devarkadra, Rao alleged that Naidu had filed 35 court cases and "written 40 letters", opposing the irrigating projects in Telangana, and now, he was seeking votes in the state. Hitting out at the Congress, the TRS chief said, "Don't you see the development here? Are you giving a Rs 1,000 pension to people in the states where your party is in power (as in Telangana)?" Speaking at Narayanpet, the chief minister said democracy in the country had not reached "enough maturity levels" and that people should not vote carelessly. "Many parties will come and say many things. Please listen to them and think once again before casting the vote, which is going to change our fate," he said. Rao also addressed public meetings at Tandur, Shadnagar and Ibrahimpatnam Sunday. The 119-member Telangana Assembly will go to the polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.

KCR calls Chandrababu 'mental', questions his development claims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the Congress Sunday for dragging his parents into a political slugfest, alleging that it was being done at the behest of party chief Rahul Gandhi.

He also justified his own tirade against the Nehru-Gandhi family, pointing out that unlike his parents, they occupied top positions in politics and the government.

Congress leaders have kicked up a controversy recently by first comparing the falling value of the rupee to the advanced age of Modi's mother and then claiming that the father of the prime minister was not someone illustrious.

"What has happened to the Congress party? Naamdar (referring to Rahul Gandhi) is tacitly supporting it, and therefore, its leaders are dragging the name of my father, who passed away 30 years ago," Modi said, addressing a rally here in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh.

"The Congress is running out of steam in this election, so they have started dragging my parents into politics,'' Modi said.

"No Congressman would make such a statement against me or my family without the consent of the party president (Rahul Gandhi). It is the 'naamdar' (dynast) who is making his leaders speak against me," he added.

"My mother sits in her house, performing religious rites, confining herself to a room, and has never visited Madhya Pradesh. She does not even know the 'R' of 'rajneeti' (politics)," Modi said.

"Yesterday, they took the name of my mother and now my father. The Congress chief is behind this....Naamdar alleges that the prime minister takes the names of his family members. Yes, I have to take their names as they were in politics, unlike my family members who sit quietly in their home and do their job," he added.

"Had my parents held any public post, they should also have been criticised," the prime minister said.

"Your family has occupied top positions at the national level. The more you ask me about my performance, the onus is more on your family as well," he added.

The opposition party was left with no issues and was, therefore, indulging in this kind of an abusive rhetoric, Modi said.

"The Congress should compare its 55 years of rule with my four years (at the Centre) and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's 15 years (in the state).

"The Congress is lying so much to people that the people of Madhya Pradesh should wake up and ensure that not a single Congress candidate wins," he added.

The previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had introduced a crop loan waiver scheme in 2008, but of the Rs 6-lakh crore agricultural debt in the country, loans of only Rs 60,000 crore were waived, the prime minister claimed.

Former Union minister Vilas Muttemwar made a controversial statement at a Congress meeting in Rajasthan Saturday.

"Who knew you (Modi) before you became the prime minister? Even now, nobody knows the name of your father, but everyone knows the name of Rahul Gandhi's father," Muttemwar was purportedly heard saying in a video that went viral.

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar had compared the falling value of the rupee to the advanced age of Modi's mother.

In his speech in Vidisha Sunday, Modi also mentioned his cabinet colleague and local MP Sushma Swaraj.

Despite health issues, Swaraj had ensured the development of the constituency, the prime minister said.

The 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly will go to the polls on November 28 and the results will be announced on December 11. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the Congress Sunday for dragging his parents into a political slugfest, alleging that it was being done at the behest of party chief Rahul Gandhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the Congress Sunday for dragging his parents into a political slugfest, alleging that it was being done at the behest of party chief Rahul Gandhi. He also justified his own tirade against the Nehru-Gandhi family, pointing out that unlike his parents, they occupied top positions in politics and the government. Congress leaders have kicked up a controversy recently by first comparing the falling value of the rupee to the advanced age of Modi's mother and then claiming that the father of the prime minister was not someone illustrious. "What has happened to the Congress party? Naamdar (referring to Rahul Gandhi) is tacitly supporting it, and therefore, its leaders are dragging the name of my father, who passed away 30 years ago," Modi said, addressing a rally here in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. "The Congress is running out of steam in this election, so they have started dragging my parents into politics,'' Modi said. "No Congressman would make such a statement against me or my family without the consent of the party president (Rahul Gandhi). It is the 'naamdar' (dynast) who is making his leaders speak against me," he added. "My mother sits in her house, performing religious rites, confining herself to a room, and has never visited Madhya Pradesh. She does not even know the 'R' of 'rajneeti' (politics)," Modi said. "Yesterday, they took the name of my mother and now my father. The Congress chief is behind this....Naamdar alleges that the prime minister takes the names of his family members. Yes, I have to take their names as they were in politics, unlike my family members who sit quietly in their home and do their job," he added. "Had my parents held any public post, they should also have been criticised," the prime minister said. "Your family has occupied top positions at the national level. The more you ask me about my performance, the onus is more on your family as well," he added. The opposition party was left with no issues and was, therefore, indulging in this kind of an abusive rhetoric, Modi said. "The Congress should compare its 55 years of rule with my four years (at the Centre) and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's 15 years (in the state). "The Congress is lying so much to people that the people of Madhya Pradesh should wake up and ensure that not a single Congress candidate wins," he added. The previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had introduced a crop loan waiver scheme in 2008, but of the Rs 6-lakh crore agricultural debt in the country, loans of only Rs 60,000 crore were waived, the prime minister claimed. Former Union minister Vilas Muttemwar made a controversial statement at a Congress meeting in Rajasthan Saturday. "Who knew you (Modi) before you became the prime minister? Even now, nobody knows the name of your father, but everyone knows the name of Rahul Gandhi's father," Muttemwar was purportedly heard saying in a video that went viral. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar had compared the falling value of the rupee to the advanced age of Modi's mother. In his speech in Vidisha Sunday, Modi also mentioned his cabinet colleague and local MP Sushma Swaraj. Despite health issues, Swaraj had ensured the development of the constituency, the prime minister said. The 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly will go to the polls on November 28 and the results will be announced on December 11.

Congress dragging my parents into politics at Rahul's behest: PM Modi

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath hit out at Rahul Gandhi over the issue of national security Saturday, and hinting at the Congress chief's comments on the Rafale deal, said it was hard to guess whether he was speaking in India or Pakistan.

Speaking at a rally in Indore's Rau area, Adityanath also attacked Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Kamal Nath over a video that has gone viral and made a veiled reference to the origins of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi with an "Italy" jibe.

"The country is setting new records on the security front and has developed its hitting capabilities, due to which we can enter the territories of enemies like China and Pakistan. This is upsetting the Congress," he told the gathering.

Attacking the Congress chief, Adityanath said, "You will be surprised at the fake outlook of the Congress. Do you know what Rahul speaks? Sometimes, we cannot guess from his body language whether he is speaking in India or Pakistan."

Gandhi has been attacking the Centre on the Rafale fighter jets deal and has claimed that the aircraft were being bought for prices much higher than what the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had agreed to.

The Centre, however, has maintained that the Rafale deal was carried out after following proper norms.

Speaking about the video in which Nath is purportedly seen talking about the votes of the Muslim community, Adityanath said, "You can remain happy with Ali, we have Bajrangbali."

In the video, Nath is purportedly heard saying, "If the Muslim community does not record a 90-per cent voting, we will suffer a heavy blow."

The Congress has, however, dubbed the video as a conspiracy of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to divide voters on communal lines.

"We (BJP) do not discriminate on the basis of the beneficiaries' caste and religion in government schemes. This is Ram Rajya, in which there should be no discrimination against any person on any basis," Adityanath said.

He alleged that the Congress had turned Hindi-speaking states like Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand into "Bimaru" ones.

"Bimaru" is an acronym for Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh and has regularly been used by economists and political pundits to signify the "bimar" (Hindi for ailing) socio-economic parameters of these states.

"During the Congress rule, there was terrorism in some of these states and Naxalism in some others. Besides, different types of mafia were also active," Adityanath alleged.

In an apparent reference to Sonia Gandhi's origins, The Uttar Pradesh chief minister, without naming anybody, said, "Some mafias were brought here from Italy by the Congress as dowry."

He also questioned the Congress's pre-poll promise of farm loan waiver, something that has been mentioned by Rahul Gandhi in his election rallies in Madhya Pradesh as well as in other poll-bound states.

"First, the Congress should waive the debts of all farmers in Punjab," Adityanath said.

The 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly will go to the polls on November 28 and the results will be announced on December 11.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath hit out at Rahul Gandhi over the issue of national security Saturday, and hinting at the Congress chief's comments on the Rafale deal, said it was hard to guess whether he was speaking in India or Pakistan.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath hit out at Rahul Gandhi over the issue of national security Saturday, and hinting at the Congress chief's comments on the Rafale deal, said it was hard to guess whether he was speaking in India or Pakistan. Speaking at a rally in Indore's Rau area, Adityanath also attacked Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Kamal Nath over a video that has gone viral and made a veiled reference to the origins of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi with an "Italy" jibe. "The country is setting new records on the security front and has developed its hitting capabilities, due to which we can enter the territories of enemies like China and Pakistan. This is upsetting the Congress," he told the gathering. Attacking the Congress chief, Adityanath said, "You will be surprised at the fake outlook of the Congress. Do you know what Rahul speaks? Sometimes, we cannot guess from his body language whether he is speaking in India or Pakistan." Gandhi has been attacking the Centre on the Rafale fighter jets deal and has claimed that the aircraft were being bought for prices much higher than what the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had agreed to. The Centre, however, has maintained that the Rafale deal was carried out after following proper norms. Speaking about the video in which Nath is purportedly seen talking about the votes of the Muslim community, Adityanath said, "You can remain happy with Ali, we have Bajrangbali." In the video, Nath is purportedly heard saying, "If the Muslim community does not record a 90-per cent voting, we will suffer a heavy blow." The Congress has, however, dubbed the video as a conspiracy of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to divide voters on communal lines. "We (BJP) do not discriminate on the basis of the beneficiaries' caste and religion in government schemes. This is Ram Rajya, in which there should be no discrimination against any person on any basis," Adityanath said. He alleged that the Congress had turned Hindi-speaking states like Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand into "Bimaru" ones. "Bimaru" is an acronym for Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh and has regularly been used by economists and political pundits to signify the "bimar" (Hindi for ailing) socio-economic parameters of these states. "During the Congress rule, there was terrorism in some of these states and Naxalism in some others. Besides, different types of mafia were also active," Adityanath alleged. In an apparent reference to Sonia Gandhi's origins, The Uttar Pradesh chief minister, without naming anybody, said, "Some mafias were brought here from Italy by the Congress as dowry." He also questioned the Congress's pre-poll promise of farm loan waiver, something that has been mentioned by Rahul Gandhi in his election rallies in Madhya Pradesh as well as in other poll-bound states. "First, the Congress should waive the debts of all farmers in Punjab," Adityanath said. The 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly will go to the polls on November 28 and the results will be announced on December 11.

Cannot guess if Rahul is speaking in India or Pakistan: Adityanath in Madhya Pradesh

With only four days left for Madhya Pradesh assembly polls scheduled for November 28, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday launched a high-voltage attack on the Congress.

"The Congress party cannot live without power," he said. Addressing a poll rally in Mhow, Chouhan said, "Congress party has been like a fish, living without water for the past 15 years as they have not been in power since then. Moreover, they have been angry for the last 13 years as the son of a farmer has been the state`s Chief Minister."

Elaborating upon the work that has been done by his government for the welfare and development of the state, he said, "We have left no stone unturned for the development of the state. We make policies for the welfare of small farmers which will benefit them along with the bonus they get."

Lashing out at Rahul Gandhi led-Congress, he claimed that Congress gets angry when his government works for the benefit of the poor and elderly.

He said, "The Congress party gets angry when we work for the poor. The Congress party gets angry when we send elderly on pilgrimage."

Chouhan urged the people to vote for the BJP in the ensuing polls so that the state can develop and progress.

Madhya Pradesh, with 230-member assembly seats, will go to single-phase polls on November 28. The counting of votes will be done on December 11. 
&nbsp;

With only four days left for Madhya Pradesh assembly polls scheduled for November 28, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday launched a high-voltage attack on the Congress.

With only four days left for Madhya Pradesh assembly polls scheduled for November 28, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday launched a high-voltage attack on the Congress. "The Congress party cannot live without power," he said. Addressing a poll rally in Mhow, Chouhan said, "Congress party has been like a fish, living without water for the past 15 years as they have not been in power since then. Moreover, they have been angry for the last 13 years as the son of a farmer has been the state`s Chief Minister." Elaborating upon the work that has been done by his government for the welfare and development of the state, he said, "We have left no stone unturned for the development of the state. We make policies for the welfare of small farmers which will benefit them along with the bonus they get." Lashing out at Rahul Gandhi led-Congress, he claimed that Congress gets angry when his government works for the benefit of the poor and elderly. He said, "The Congress party gets angry when we work for the poor. The Congress party gets angry when we send elderly on pilgrimage." Chouhan urged the people to vote for the BJP in the ensuing polls so that the state can develop and progress. Madhya Pradesh, with 230-member assembly seats, will go to single-phase polls on November 28. The counting of votes will be done on December 11.

Congress can't live without power: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is eyeing "friends" in the Congress, Mizo National Front (MNF) and Zoram People`s Movement (ZPM) for an alliance, if it gets respectable number of seats in the upcoming assembly elections in Mizoram.

Assam Finance Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party`s strategist in the North East Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday told ANI: "If we get a respectable number of seats then we have friends in Congress, Mizo National Front (MNF) and Zoram People`s Movement (ZPM). But first, our aim is to get the respectable number of seats in the upcoming elections."

Mizoram goes to polls on November 28 and counting will be on December 11.

Underling that BJP will be a major factor in forming the government in the state, the leader asserted: "Once the result is announced, any political formation to form a government, they will need BJP."

The leader, who played a crucial role in the Assam Assembly elections in 2016 and Manipur Assembly polls in 2017 in installing the BJP governments there and ousting the Congress regimes, explained that communication and education will be BJP`s top agenda in Mizoram.

He said, "I believe that the first thing which is imperative for Mizoram to develop is the communication network. The railways have not been expanded in the region. If one looks at the national highways, all of them are under construction and state highways do not even exist. It is a sorry state of affairs in the region."

Responding to the allegation that the BJP is practising communal politics, he said: "There is no evidence that BJP is playing religious politics. We vowed for the Indian civilisation, we talk for Indian civilisation."

Sarma who was with the Congress for many years before shifting loyalty to the BJP before the Assam assembly polls, and helped the BJP make inroads in the North East, hit out at the Congress saying, "As far as Congress president Rahul Gandhi is concerned, today he is promoting leaders like Shashi Tharoor, Kamal Nath, CP Joshi. These leaders are blatantly doing religious politics. Whenever Shashi Tharoor attends public events, he abuses the Hindu religion. Kamal Nath has joined the same rhetoric. CP Joshi too had stated that people belonging to OBC and SC/ST do not know anything about Hinduism. These leaders have the support of Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi."&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is eyeing "friends" in the Congress, Mizo National Front (MNF) and Zoram People`s Movement (ZPM) for an alliance, if it gets respectable number of seats in the upcoming assembly elections in Mizoram.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is eyeing "friends" in the Congress, Mizo National Front (MNF) and Zoram People`s Movement (ZPM) for an alliance, if it gets respectable number of seats in the upcoming assembly elections in Mizoram. Assam Finance Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party`s strategist in the North East Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday told ANI: "If we get a respectable number of seats then we have friends in Congress, Mizo National Front (MNF) and Zoram People`s Movement (ZPM). But first, our aim is to get the respectable number of seats in the upcoming elections." Mizoram goes to polls on November 28 and counting will be on December 11. Underling that BJP will be a major factor in forming the government in the state, the leader asserted: "Once the result is announced, any political formation to form a government, they will need BJP." The leader, who played a crucial role in the Assam Assembly elections in 2016 and Manipur Assembly polls in 2017 in installing the BJP governments there and ousting the Congress regimes, explained that communication and education will be BJP`s top agenda in Mizoram. He said, "I believe that the first thing which is imperative for Mizoram to develop is the communication network. The railways have not been expanded in the region. If one looks at the national highways, all of them are under construction and state highways do not even exist. It is a sorry state of affairs in the region." Responding to the allegation that the BJP is practising communal politics, he said: "There is no evidence that BJP is playing religious politics. We vowed for the Indian civilisation, we talk for Indian civilisation." Sarma who was with the Congress for many years before shifting loyalty to the BJP before the Assam assembly polls, and helped the BJP make inroads in the North East, hit out at the Congress saying, "As far as Congress president Rahul Gandhi is concerned, today he is promoting leaders like Shashi Tharoor, Kamal Nath, CP Joshi. These leaders are blatantly doing religious politics. Whenever Shashi Tharoor attends public events, he abuses the Hindu religion. Kamal Nath has joined the same rhetoric. CP Joshi too had stated that people belonging to OBC and SC/ST do not know anything about Hinduism. These leaders have the support of Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi."

Will reach out to friends in Congress, MNF for alliance: Himanta Biswa Sarma on Mizoram polls

Senior BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma Saturday said that the party had worked together with the ruling Congress, the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) and the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) in Mizoram and there was nothing to hide in those alliances.

BJP and traditional rival Congress had formed a coalition in the Chakma Autonomous District Council in the state and had formed its executive committee.

The party is working with MNF as constituents of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), which is led by it and he is the convener, and also in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC), Sarma told newsmen here.

About ZPM, he said BJP had forged electoral alliance with the party earlier too in the Aizawl Municipal Corporation.

"There was nothing to hide in the alliances with those parties and everything was transparent," he said adding that if there is any alliance in the post-assembly poll scenario that too would be transparent.

The propaganda by certain parties calling BJP an anti-Christian party is "baseless and lies" as is seen in the neighbouring states of Nagaland and Meghalaya, he added.

The election to the 20-member CADC on April 20 had thrown up a fractured mandate with the MNF getting eight seats, the Congress six and the BJP five. The polling for one seat was stayed by the Gauhati High Court.

The coalition formed by BJP and Congress had faced a setback after some Congress members withdrew support to the BJP-led CADC.

Senior BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma Saturday said that the party had worked together with the ruling Congress, the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) and the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) in Mizoram and there was nothing to hide in those alliances.

Senior BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma Saturday said that the party had worked together with the ruling Congress, the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) and the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) in Mizoram and there was nothing to hide in those alliances. BJP and traditional rival Congress had formed a coalition in the Chakma Autonomous District Council in the state and had formed its executive committee. The party is working with MNF as constituents of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), which is led by it and he is the convener, and also in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC), Sarma told newsmen here. About ZPM, he said BJP had forged electoral alliance with the party earlier too in the Aizawl Municipal Corporation. "There was nothing to hide in the alliances with those parties and everything was transparent," he said adding that if there is any alliance in the post-assembly poll scenario that too would be transparent. The propaganda by certain parties calling BJP an anti-Christian party is "baseless and lies" as is seen in the neighbouring states of Nagaland and Meghalaya, he added. The election to the 20-member CADC on April 20 had thrown up a fractured mandate with the MNF getting eight seats, the Congress six and the BJP five. The polling for one seat was stayed by the Gauhati High Court. The coalition formed by BJP and Congress had faced a setback after some Congress members withdrew support to the BJP-led CADC.

BJP had worked with Congress, MNF, ZPM in the past in Mizoram: Himanta Biswa Sarma

While addressing an election rally in the poll-bound Rajasthan, Chief-Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia targeted the Congress party saying that Congress leaders have a problem in eulogizing "Bharat Mata".

Raje said that the Congress leaders only respect United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and no one else.

Further slamming Gandhi, the Rajasthan Chief Minister said that the Congress party worked for eliminating poor but has done nothing to remove poverty.

"For 50 years they reiterated the slogan of `Garibi Hatao` but have done nothing for it rather they eliminated poor," she said.

"You all have no problem in saying Bharat Mata ki Jai but Congress people do have a problem in saying it. It`s because they only consider Sonia Gandhi as their mother and have no regard for Bharat Mata," she said.

She also underscored that the Congress had only created the divide in the society in the name of religion and caste.

"What Congress did was to pitch people against each other in name of religion, caste, and whatnot. Congress did the politics of divide and rule," she said.

Assembly polls in Rajasthan are slated for December 7 and over 2,000 candidates are in the fray.&nbsp;

While addressing an election rally in the poll-bound Rajasthan, Chief-Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia targeted the Congress party saying that Congress leaders have a problem in eulogizing "Bharat Mata".

While addressing an election rally in the poll-bound Rajasthan, Chief-Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia targeted the Congress party saying that Congress leaders have a problem in eulogizing "Bharat Mata". Raje said that the Congress leaders only respect United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and no one else. Further slamming Gandhi, the Rajasthan Chief Minister said that the Congress party worked for eliminating poor but has done nothing to remove poverty. "For 50 years they reiterated the slogan of `Garibi Hatao` but have done nothing for it rather they eliminated poor," she said. "You all have no problem in saying Bharat Mata ki Jai but Congress people do have a problem in saying it. It`s because they only consider Sonia Gandhi as their mother and have no regard for Bharat Mata," she said. She also underscored that the Congress had only created the divide in the society in the name of religion and caste. "What Congress did was to pitch people against each other in name of religion, caste, and whatnot. Congress did the politics of divide and rule," she said. Assembly polls in Rajasthan are slated for December 7 and over 2,000 candidates are in the fray.

Congress leaders have no regard for 'Bharat Mata': Rajasthan CM Raje

When Telangana Chief Minister KC Rao dissolved the state assembly in September this year, the move was not just indicative of reaping political benefits by de-linking the state elections from next year’s Lok Sabha polls. The creator of free Telangana seemed more than certain of getting a second term.

Undoubtedly, the BJP is desperately trying to win the states which are currently not under its rule, a strategy that will help&nbsp;its cause for the next year’s general elections. Not only will it seek to retain Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan during this year’s Assembly polls, but also try to bag Congress-led Mizoram and overturn Rao’s Telangana Rashtra Samiti regime.

But dethroning Rao, who has had his hands gripped on the pulse of his people, can be quite challenging for the saffron party as well as for the Congress, especially when Rao’s report card in the last four years has been impressive.

Chandrashekar Rao earned a Masters degree in English Literature from Osmania University in Hyderabad and started his political journey with the Congress party. He later joined Telugu Desam Party in the year 1983.

Rao went on to become the Union minister for Labour and Employment in the UPA cabinet led by the then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. He held various portfolios in Andhra Pradesh cabinet and served as the deputy speaker of the state assembly in the year 2000-2001.

After nearly a couple of decades in politics, Rao decided to take a firm stand for the cause of the people of Telangana. He instituted the Telangana Rashtra Samiti in the year 2001 and managed to realise his dream of achieving statehood for Telangana after fourteen years in 2014.

In its first four years, as the chief minister of India’s youngest state, KC Rao scripted laudable success stories, steering the state on the path of development and innovation. Telangana is one of the top IT-exporting states and has a number of hydroelectric and solar power plants developing to generate additional power capacity in the state. The chief minister, while taking over the Telangana cabinet four years back, had hoped to turn the state from a power-deficit to a power surplus state.

In his longest-ever Independence Day speech, CM Rao this year reflected on TRS’ performance and his initiatives as the leader of the newly-formed state. He emphasised the wide spectrum of social welfare schemes undertaken by his cabinet that touched the lives of an estimated three crore people.

“Telangana is the only state in the country to implement over 40 types of welfare schemes at the expense of over Rs 40,000 crore per year,” Rao mentioned during his Independence Day address. &nbsp;

Some of the key initiatives of the Rao government would include enhancing the income limit to identify lower income groups and include more and more people in the state-led welfare scheme. Salaries were revised; pension schemes were revisited and given an overhaul to provide more benefits to senior citizens, widows, physically challenged, among others.

&nbsp;In one of his recent rallies, CM Rao promised a further increase in the pension of Rs 1,000 given to various sections to Rs 2,016.

KCR’s vision to make Telangana a role model for other states and turn it into one of the greatest economic engines of the country has been unwavering. His command on the state and native wisdom makes him a leader hard to defeat. His leadership skills have exhibited a fine balance between giving impetus to innovation and development at the same time alleviating those at the lower rungs of his land.

To overthrow Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao’s leadership in the upcoming assembly polls, Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party will have to address and materialise the many aspirations and desires of the people of Telangana. &nbsp;

BJP-led Central government has long been accused of not fulfilling Telangana's demands. State municipal administration minister KT Rao recently alleged that the state has been treated with scant respect. BJP has a mammoth task of appeasing the people of Telangana, winning their trust and assuring that it can, and it will work for its welfare.&nbsp;

Congress, almost convinced of its defeat as an independent electoral contender, has joined the Andhra CM in his 'grand alliance' -- a political arrangement that may look formidable but could crumble with tiniest of internal dissent.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
 
&nbsp;

When Telangana Chief Minister KC Rao dissolved the state assembly in September this year, the move was not just indicative of reaping political benefits by de-linking the state elections from next year’s Lok Sabha polls.

When Telangana Chief Minister KC Rao dissolved the state assembly in September this year, the move was not just indicative of reaping political benefits by de-linking the state elections from next year’s Lok Sabha polls. The creator of free Telangana seemed more than certain of getting a second term. Undoubtedly, the BJP is desperately trying to win the states which are currently not under its rule, a strategy that will help its cause for the next year’s general elections. Not only will it seek to retain Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan during this year’s Assembly polls, but also try to bag Congress-led Mizoram and overturn Rao’s Telangana Rashtra Samiti regime. But dethroning Rao, who has had his hands gripped on the pulse of his people, can be quite challenging for the saffron party as well as for the Congress, especially when Rao’s report card in the last four years has been impressive. Chandrashekar Rao earned a Masters degree in English Literature from Osmania University in Hyderabad and started his political journey with the Congress party. He later joined Telugu Desam Party in the year 1983. Rao went on to become the Union minister for Labour and Employment in the UPA cabinet led by the then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. He held various portfolios in Andhra Pradesh cabinet and served as the deputy speaker of the state assembly in the year 2000-2001. After nearly a couple of decades in politics, Rao decided to take a firm stand for the cause of the people of Telangana. He instituted the Telangana Rashtra Samiti in the year 2001 and managed to realise his dream of achieving statehood for Telangana after fourteen years in 2014. In its first four years, as the chief minister of India’s youngest state, KC Rao scripted laudable success stories, steering the state on the path of development and innovation. Telangana is one of the top IT-exporting states and has a number of hydroelectric and solar power plants developing to generate additional power capacity in the state. The chief minister, while taking over the Telangana cabinet four years back, had hoped to turn the state from a power-deficit to a power surplus state. In his longest-ever Independence Day speech, CM Rao this year reflected on TRS’ performance and his initiatives as the leader of the newly-formed state. He emphasised the wide spectrum of social welfare schemes undertaken by his cabinet that touched the lives of an estimated three crore people. “Telangana is the only state in the country to implement over 40 types of welfare schemes at the expense of over Rs 40,000 crore per year,” Rao mentioned during his Independence Day address. Some of the key initiatives of the Rao government would include enhancing the income limit to identify lower income groups and include more and more people in the state-led welfare scheme. Salaries were revised; pension schemes were revisited and given an overhaul to provide more benefits to senior citizens, widows, physically challenged, among others. In one of his recent rallies, CM Rao promised a further increase in the pension of Rs 1,000 given to various sections to Rs 2,016. KCR’s vision to make Telangana a role model for other states and turn it into one of the greatest economic engines of the country has been unwavering. His command on the state and native wisdom makes him a leader hard to defeat. His leadership skills have exhibited a fine balance between giving impetus to innovation and development at the same time alleviating those at the lower rungs of his land. To overthrow Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao’s leadership in the upcoming assembly polls, Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party will have to address and materialise the many aspirations and desires of the people of Telangana. BJP-led Central government has long been accused of not fulfilling Telangana's demands. State municipal administration minister KT Rao recently alleged that the state has been treated with scant respect. BJP has a mammoth task of appeasing the people of Telangana, winning their trust and assuring that it can, and it will work for its welfare. Congress, almost convinced of its defeat as an independent electoral contender, has joined the Andhra CM in his 'grand alliance' -- a political arrangement that may look formidable but could crumble with tiniest of internal dissent. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Telangana Assembly elections 2018: Why it's difficult to overthrow K C Rao

Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed Congress party on Friday as he said that he feels a deep sense of anguish when he sees the leaders of opposition party "abusing" northeast culture by calling its dress outlandish.&nbsp;

PM Modi was speaking at a campaign rally at Lunglei in poll-bound state Mizoram.

He said, "In the last four years the BJP Government at the Centre has worked for greater recognition and spread of Indian culture and traditions, far and wide. But I feel a deep sense of anguish when I see the leaders of Congress abuse the same traditions."

"You might remember how a few months back, Congress leaders insulted the traditional attire of northeast. The attire given to me at different places in the northeast, is termed outlandish by them," PM Modi added.

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You might remember how a few months back, Congress leaders insulted the traditional attire of north east. The attire given to me at different places in north east, is termed outlandish by them. They speak a lot when they come here but this is their reality: PM in Lunglei, Mizoram <a href="https://t.co/XDNtVWUz8o">pic.twitter.com/XDNtVWUz8o</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1065854775500161027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"They speak a lot when they come here but this is their reality."&nbsp;

Addressing the gathering he also said that the country has understood Congress's "divide and rule" policy and that is why now they are confined to few states.

PM Modi further said that his government is focused on connectivity and "Transformation through transportation" is their agenda for Mizoram's development.

"India's development is possible when this region is developed. BJP is dedicated to the development of the northeast. We're focussing on connectivity, highway, railway, airway and waterway. 'Transformation through Transportation' our agenda for this region's development," said PM Modi.

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India's development is possible when this region is developed.BJP is dedicated to development of north east.We're focussing on connectivity, highway, railway, airway&amp;waterway. 'Transformation through Transportation' our agenda for this region's development: PM in Lunglei, Mizoram <a href="https://t.co/3E07Sc506y">pic.twitter.com/3E07Sc506y</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1065857766873579520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Election to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly will be held on November 28.&nbsp;

Mizoram is the only state in the northeastern region where the Congress is in power.&nbsp;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A video purportedly showing Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Kamal Nath asking Muslim leaders to ensure as much as 90 per cent voting for his party from Muslim-dominated areas has gone viral ahead of the November 28 Assembly election in the state.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched an attack against the main opposition party over the issue, saying it only cared for Muslim appeasement. The Congress, on the other hand, dubbed it a conspiracy by the saffron party to divide voters on communal lines. In the video, Nath is purportedly heard saying that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP have only one message for the voters — a vote for Narendra Modi means a vote for Hindus — and “agar Musalman ko vote deni hai, to Congress ko vote do (vote for the Congress if you want to vote for Muslims).”

“This is their politics….We will deal with them later…They will try to provoke you, but you will have to bear everything till the day of voting,” the Congress leader purportedly says in the video. “I request you to check the previous voting figures. Those are on the Internet…where there are (areas with) Muslim votes, how much voting took place. If it was 50-60 per cent, then why 60 per cent, why not 90 per cent. A post-mortem of this is very necessary,” he says. “If the Muslim community does not record a 90-per cent voting, we will suffer a heavy blow,” Nath further says in the video.

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“अभी temporary जनेउ पहन रखा है ...निपट लेंगे इनसे बाद में..” 
 
The “fancy dress Hindus” are exposed yet again ..Kamalnath ji promises the Muslim clerics that the Congress will surely deal with the Hindus after the election ..for now the Muslims should stand with the Congress! <a href="https://t.co/sZJmW15h7d">pic.twitter.com/sZJmW15h7d</a>
— Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/sambitswaraj/status/1062598168548909056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Muslim leaders would know how much polling took place in the booths where there were “Muslim votes”, and if it was 60 per cent, what was the reason for that, he is heard saying. Commenting on the video, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said, “It exposes the ‘chaal’ (conduct), ‘charitra’ (character) and ‘chehra’ (face) of the Congress. (Congress chief) Rahul Gandhi had earlier said the Congress was a party of Muslims. Kamal Nath is stating that we must get 90 per cent Muslim votes and this is nothing but polarising politics.” “They are designating booths as Muslim and Hindu…. The Congress only stands for Muslim appeasement and is not bothered about the other communities,” he added.

State BJP spokesperson Rajnish Agrawal said the ruling party had filed a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) as the video was an attempt to polarise voters. State Congress leader and the party’s in-charge for EC affairs, J P Dhanopia, said, “The BJP had made a complaint to the EC about a month ago about the same video. Now they are circulating its second part as part of a conspiracy to polarise the voters on communal lines.”

A video purportedly showing Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Kamal Nath asking Muslim leaders to ensure as much as 90 per cent voting for his party from Muslim-dominated areas has gone viral ahead of the November 28 Assembly election in the state.

A video purportedly showing Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Kamal Nath asking Muslim leaders to ensure as much as 90 per cent voting for his party from Muslim-dominated areas has gone viral ahead of the November 28 Assembly election in the state. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched an attack against the main opposition party over the issue, saying it only cared for Muslim appeasement. The Congress, on the other hand, dubbed it a conspiracy by the saffron party to divide voters on communal lines. In the video, Nath is purportedly heard saying that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP have only one message for the voters — a vote for Narendra Modi means a vote for Hindus — and “agar Musalman ko vote deni hai, to Congress ko vote do (vote for the Congress if you want to vote for Muslims).” “This is their politics….We will deal with them later…They will try to provoke you, but you will have to bear everything till the day of voting,” the Congress leader purportedly says in the video. “I request you to check the previous voting figures. Those are on the Internet…where there are (areas with) Muslim votes, how much voting took place. If it was 50-60 per cent, then why 60 per cent, why not 90 per cent. A post-mortem of this is very necessary,” he says. “If the Muslim community does not record a 90-per cent voting, we will suffer a heavy blow,” Nath further says in the video. “अभी temporary जनेउ पहन रखा है ...निपट लेंगे इनसे बाद में..” The “fancy dress Hindus” are exposed yet again ..Kamalnath ji promises the Muslim clerics that the Congress will surely deal with the Hindus after the election ..for now the Muslims should stand with the Congress! pic.twitter.com/sZJmW15h7d — Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) November 14, 2018 × Muslim leaders would know how much polling took place in the booths where there were “Muslim votes”, and if it was 60 per cent, what was the reason for that, he is heard saying. Commenting on the video, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said, “It exposes the ‘chaal’ (conduct), ‘charitra’ (character) and ‘chehra’ (face) of the Congress. (Congress chief) Rahul Gandhi had earlier said the Congress was a party of Muslims. Kamal Nath is stating that we must get 90 per cent Muslim votes and this is nothing but polarising politics.” “They are designating booths as Muslim and Hindu…. The Congress only stands for Muslim appeasement and is not bothered about the other communities,” he added. State BJP spokesperson Rajnish Agrawal said the ruling party had filed a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) as the video was an attempt to polarise voters. State Congress leader and the party’s in-charge for EC affairs, J P Dhanopia, said, “The BJP had made a complaint to the EC about a month ago about the same video. Now they are circulating its second part as part of a conspiracy to polarise the voters on communal lines.”

MP Assembly polls: Kamal Nath's video seeking 90% voting in Muslim areas goes viral

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

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

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

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

Major political parties in Telangana that ostensibly support the Women’s Reservation Bill, gave a raw deal to women in allotment of assembly seats for the December 7 polls. Telangana has 119 Assembly seats.

The Congress, which issued B-form to 100 candidates, gave only 11 tickets to women (11 per cent) while the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti offered just four seats (four per cent) as against six during the 2014 polls. Justifying the stance towards women candidates, Congress party’s star campaigner Khushbu Sundar said her party was the first to introduce the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Parliament and the ruling NDA government has no will to get it cleared from Lok Sabha. The Bill, which paves way for 33 per cent reservation to women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies, was passed in Rajya Sabha in 2010.

“We may not have given 33 per cent seats to women. But we gave 11 seats whereas TRS gave just four. We made a beginning,” she had told reporters here when asked about distribution of tickets to women.

Former ministers J Geetha Reddy, DK Aruna, Sunitha Laxma Reddy and Sabitha Indra Reddy are among the women candidates contesting in the coming Assembly polls. Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which is part of a grand alliance has given the B-Form to one woman out of the 14 seats it is contesting.

Former Chief Minister of united Andhra Pradesh and founder of TDP NT Rama Rao’s granddaughter Suhasini is contesting from Kukatpally constituency. Telangana Jana Samithi, also a partner in the alliance has given a ticket to one woman.

Bhavani Reddy is contesting from Siddipet constituency. The BJP gave tickets to 14 women across the state while its arch-rival AIMIM which fielded eight candidates in Hyderabad has no woman representation. BJP Telangana unit’s Chief Spokesperson told PTI that the party maintains social equilibrium when it comes to allocation of seats.

The party is contesting in all the seats solely. “We gave 14 seats to women highest among all other parties in the state. We also maintain social equilibrium. We gave 38 seats to Backward Caste, 21 to Scheduled Caste and 12 STs,” he said. The CPM-led Bahujana Left Front (BLF) gave tickets to 10 women candidates including a transgender in the city. TRS leaders were not available for comments. The assembly elections are scheduled to be held in the state on December 7.

Major political parties in Telangana that ostensibly support the Women’s Reservation Bill, gave a raw deal to women in allotment of assembly seats for the December 7 polls.

Major political parties in Telangana that ostensibly support the Women’s Reservation Bill, gave a raw deal to women in allotment of assembly seats for the December 7 polls. Telangana has 119 Assembly seats. The Congress, which issued B-form to 100 candidates, gave only 11 tickets to women (11 per cent) while the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti offered just four seats (four per cent) as against six during the 2014 polls. Justifying the stance towards women candidates, Congress party’s star campaigner Khushbu Sundar said her party was the first to introduce the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Parliament and the ruling NDA government has no will to get it cleared from Lok Sabha. The Bill, which paves way for 33 per cent reservation to women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies, was passed in Rajya Sabha in 2010. “We may not have given 33 per cent seats to women. But we gave 11 seats whereas TRS gave just four. We made a beginning,” she had told reporters here when asked about distribution of tickets to women. Former ministers J Geetha Reddy, DK Aruna, Sunitha Laxma Reddy and Sabitha Indra Reddy are among the women candidates contesting in the coming Assembly polls. Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which is part of a grand alliance has given the B-Form to one woman out of the 14 seats it is contesting. Former Chief Minister of united Andhra Pradesh and founder of TDP NT Rama Rao’s granddaughter Suhasini is contesting from Kukatpally constituency. Telangana Jana Samithi, also a partner in the alliance has given a ticket to one woman. Bhavani Reddy is contesting from Siddipet constituency. The BJP gave tickets to 14 women across the state while its arch-rival AIMIM which fielded eight candidates in Hyderabad has no woman representation. BJP Telangana unit’s Chief Spokesperson told PTI that the party maintains social equilibrium when it comes to allocation of seats. The party is contesting in all the seats solely. “We gave 14 seats to women highest among all other parties in the state. We also maintain social equilibrium. We gave 38 seats to Backward Caste, 21 to Scheduled Caste and 12 STs,” he said. The CPM-led Bahujana Left Front (BLF) gave tickets to 10 women candidates including a transgender in the city. TRS leaders were not available for comments. The assembly elections are scheduled to be held in the state on December 7.

Telangana Assembly elections: Political parties ignore ‘girl power’ in seat allocation

The Election Commission has decided to hold polling for Bru refugees in Mizoram's Mamit district, even as the leaders of the tribal community maintained that they fear for their safety in their home state.

The place of voting for 11,232 Bru voters, who are residing in neighbouring Tripura, has been a bone of contention, leading to the replacement of the then chief electoral officer, S B Shashank, less than two weeks ahead of the election to the 40-member House.

Shashank had been accused of facilitating voting by Bru voters in the relief camps of Tripura.

"We have been informed by the Election Commission that the polling for the Brus must be arranged at Kanhmun village inside Mizoram territory. We have started our preparations for that," an official in the CEO office told PTI.

Kanhmun is an interstate border village between Mizoram and Tripura.

A written order to this effect is likely to be received by Mizoram CEO Ashish Kundra in a day or two, the official said.

"In the last three years, there was no revision of electoral rolls. This time we did it. The Bru refugees are registered in nine Assembly seats and we'll place different voting machines accordingly at the special booth in the village," he said.

Kundra had on Tuesday visited Naisingpara -- the largest Bru camp in Tripura -- to meet the refugees and inform them about the EC's decision.

An election official, who accompanied the CEO to Tripura, said the Bru leaders claimed that the voter turnout from the community might be zero if the EC did not change its decision to hold polling in Kahnmun.

"Kundra tried explaining to them that the decision was taken by the Election Commission, but the Bru refugees said they fear for their lives in Mizoram.

They also cited various reasons, including bad-road condition, to justify their demand for polling-booth arrangement in the relief camps," he added.

The six camps of the Bru refugees are located between 2-10 km from the interstate border between Tripura and Mizoram.

The highest number of Brus has been registered in Mamit district, which has Hachhek, Dampa and Mamit seats, with 14 per cent of the total voters being refugees.

It is followed by Kolasib district, with 3.5 per cent of its total voters being Brus. The district has Tuirial, Kolasib and Serlui Assembly seats. In Lunglei district, less than one per cent of the total voters are Bru refugees.

Earlier this month, the Election Commission had removed Shashank as the state chief electoral officer, accepting the demands of civil society groups, NGOs, student organisations and political parties.

The agitators organised dharnas in front of the CEO's office against Shashank's reported move to facilitate voting by Bru voters in the relief camps of Tripura.

They demanded that the Brus, who had fled Mizoram following ethnic clashes in 1997, would have to come to the state to cast their votes as committed by the ECI in 2014.

Meanwhile, the NGO Coordination Committee -- an apex body of civil societies and students' organisations -- has urged the political parties to refrain from arranging transport for Bru voters on the polling day on November 28.

The Election Commission has decided to hold polling for Bru refugees in Mizoram's Mamit district, even as the leaders of the tribal community maintained that they fear for their safety in their home state.

The Election Commission has decided to hold polling for Bru refugees in Mizoram's Mamit district, even as the leaders of the tribal community maintained that they fear for their safety in their home state. The place of voting for 11,232 Bru voters, who are residing in neighbouring Tripura, has been a bone of contention, leading to the replacement of the then chief electoral officer, S B Shashank, less than two weeks ahead of the election to the 40-member House. Shashank had been accused of facilitating voting by Bru voters in the relief camps of Tripura. "We have been informed by the Election Commission that the polling for the Brus must be arranged at Kanhmun village inside Mizoram territory. We have started our preparations for that," an official in the CEO office told PTI. Kanhmun is an interstate border village between Mizoram and Tripura. A written order to this effect is likely to be received by Mizoram CEO Ashish Kundra in a day or two, the official said. "In the last three years, there was no revision of electoral rolls. This time we did it. The Bru refugees are registered in nine Assembly seats and we'll place different voting machines accordingly at the special booth in the village," he said. Kundra had on Tuesday visited Naisingpara -- the largest Bru camp in Tripura -- to meet the refugees and inform them about the EC's decision. An election official, who accompanied the CEO to Tripura, said the Bru leaders claimed that the voter turnout from the community might be zero if the EC did not change its decision to hold polling in Kahnmun. "Kundra tried explaining to them that the decision was taken by the Election Commission, but the Bru refugees said they fear for their lives in Mizoram. They also cited various reasons, including bad-road condition, to justify their demand for polling-booth arrangement in the relief camps," he added. The six camps of the Bru refugees are located between 2-10 km from the interstate border between Tripura and Mizoram. The highest number of Brus has been registered in Mamit district, which has Hachhek, Dampa and Mamit seats, with 14 per cent of the total voters being refugees. It is followed by Kolasib district, with 3.5 per cent of its total voters being Brus. The district has Tuirial, Kolasib and Serlui Assembly seats. In Lunglei district, less than one per cent of the total voters are Bru refugees. Earlier this month, the Election Commission had removed Shashank as the state chief electoral officer, accepting the demands of civil society groups, NGOs, student organisations and political parties. The agitators organised dharnas in front of the CEO's office against Shashank's reported move to facilitate voting by Bru voters in the relief camps of Tripura. They demanded that the Brus, who had fled Mizoram following ethnic clashes in 1997, would have to come to the state to cast their votes as committed by the ECI in 2014. Meanwhile, the NGO Coordination Committee -- an apex body of civil societies and students' organisations -- has urged the political parties to refrain from arranging transport for Bru voters on the polling day on November 28.

Bru refugees to vote in Mizoram's Mamit district: Official

Chhattisgarh recorded 71.93 per cent voter turnout in the second and final phase of the Assembly elections, state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Subrat Sahoo said Tuesday evening.

He added that the final turnout percentage may rise.

"An average turnout of 71.93 per cent was recorded in 72 constituencies till 6 pm. The polling was completely peaceful and incident-free. The polling time ended at 5 pm but those voters who were still in line were given tokens and allowed to vote," Sahoo said at a press conference after the polling here Tuesday evening.

During polling, 114 ballot units, 89 control units and 359 VVPATs of EVMs were replaced due to technical snag, he said.

Naxal-affected Assembly constituencies in Kabirdham, Gariaband, Mahasamund, Balod and Balrampur districts witnessed peaceful polling, Sahoo said.

Polling personnel for two polling booths each in Gariaband and Balrampur districts were airlifted to their destinations on helicopters, he said.

The time of polling was from 8 am to 5 pm, but in two polling booths - Amamora (booth no 72) and Modh (no 76) in Bindranavgarh constituency (Gariaband district) - voting was held from 7 am to 3 pm due to Naxal threats, the official said.

"In Amamora and Modh booths, voter turnout was 82 per cent and 82.5 per cent respectively. It shows the faith of the people on democracy in hypersensitive areas," Sahoo said.

In Bindranavagarh constituency, villagers boycotted voting in one booth in Parevapali village after their demand for construction of a road under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna was not fulfilled, he said.

In two polling booths Bagrel in Janjgir Champa seat and Jamunapali booth in Korba district zero voting was reported, he said.

The voter turnout was around 64.8 per cent till 5 pm.

A total of 1,079 candidates, including 119 women, are contesting in 72 constituencies of the state with an electorate of 1,54,00,596.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has removed a presiding officer and a polling staff of different polling booths in Marwahi constituency of Bilaspur district, after receiving complaints against them.

Bilaspur Collector P Dayanand removed presiding officer of Semra polling booth Surendra Kumar Mandavi, and a polling staff of Dhanauli polling station Kamal Kishore Tiwari after getting complaints against them by concerned polling agents, a statement issued by poll officials said.

"An inquiry has been ordered against Mandavi and Tiwari and they have been ousted from the polling duty," it said.

Similarly, two Station House Officers (SHOs)- SS Sori (Gaurela police station) and Amit Patle (Pendra police station) in Bilaspur district were attached to police line for negligence in discharging their duties, Sahoo added.

Chief Minister Raman Singh, his wife Veena Singh and son Abhishek Singh, a BJP MP from Rajnandaon district, voted in the Kawardha constituency.

State ministers, including Brijmohan Agrawal, Rajesh Munat and Premparkash Pandey, besides State Congress chief Bhupesh Baghel and Leader of Opposition TS Singhdeo exercised their franchise in their respective areas.

Around 1.50 lakh security personnel have been deployed across the state to ensure peaceful polling, he said.

In the second phase of polling, extra vigil is being maintained in districts including Gariaband, Dhamtari, Mahasamund, Kabirdham, Jashpur and Balrampur, which are Naxal-affected areas, the official said.

Maximum number of 46 candidates are in Raipur City South constituency and the least number of six candidates are in Bindranavagarh seat. Of the 72 seats, 17 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes and nine for Scheduled Castes.

A total of 19,336 polling booths were set up for the second phase, of which 444 are sensitive booths.

The first phase of polls in 18 seats of eight Naxal-hit districts on November 12 had recorded over 76 per cent voter turnout.

The counting of votes will be held on December 11.

Chhattisgarh recorded 71.93 per cent voter turnout in the second and final phase of the Assembly elections, state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Subrat Sahoo said Tuesday evening.

Chhattisgarh recorded 71.93 per cent voter turnout in the second and final phase of the Assembly elections, state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Subrat Sahoo said Tuesday evening. He added that the final turnout percentage may rise. "An average turnout of 71.93 per cent was recorded in 72 constituencies till 6 pm. The polling was completely peaceful and incident-free. The polling time ended at 5 pm but those voters who were still in line were given tokens and allowed to vote," Sahoo said at a press conference after the polling here Tuesday evening. During polling, 114 ballot units, 89 control units and 359 VVPATs of EVMs were replaced due to technical snag, he said. Naxal-affected Assembly constituencies in Kabirdham, Gariaband, Mahasamund, Balod and Balrampur districts witnessed peaceful polling, Sahoo said. Polling personnel for two polling booths each in Gariaband and Balrampur districts were airlifted to their destinations on helicopters, he said. The time of polling was from 8 am to 5 pm, but in two polling booths - Amamora (booth no 72) and Modh (no 76) in Bindranavgarh constituency (Gariaband district) - voting was held from 7 am to 3 pm due to Naxal threats, the official said. "In Amamora and Modh booths, voter turnout was 82 per cent and 82.5 per cent respectively. It shows the faith of the people on democracy in hypersensitive areas," Sahoo said. In Bindranavagarh constituency, villagers boycotted voting in one booth in Parevapali village after their demand for construction of a road under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna was not fulfilled, he said. In two polling booths Bagrel in Janjgir Champa seat and Jamunapali booth in Korba district zero voting was reported, he said. The voter turnout was around 64.8 per cent till 5 pm. A total of 1,079 candidates, including 119 women, are contesting in 72 constituencies of the state with an electorate of 1,54,00,596. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has removed a presiding officer and a polling staff of different polling booths in Marwahi constituency of Bilaspur district, after receiving complaints against them. Bilaspur Collector P Dayanand removed presiding officer of Semra polling booth Surendra Kumar Mandavi, and a polling staff of Dhanauli polling station Kamal Kishore Tiwari after getting complaints against them by concerned polling agents, a statement issued by poll officials said. "An inquiry has been ordered against Mandavi and Tiwari and they have been ousted from the polling duty," it said. Similarly, two Station House Officers (SHOs)- SS Sori (Gaurela police station) and Amit Patle (Pendra police station) in Bilaspur district were attached to police line for negligence in discharging their duties, Sahoo added. Chief Minister Raman Singh, his wife Veena Singh and son Abhishek Singh, a BJP MP from Rajnandaon district, voted in the Kawardha constituency. State ministers, including Brijmohan Agrawal, Rajesh Munat and Premparkash Pandey, besides State Congress chief Bhupesh Baghel and Leader of Opposition TS Singhdeo exercised their franchise in their respective areas. Around 1.50 lakh security personnel have been deployed across the state to ensure peaceful polling, he said. In the second phase of polling, extra vigil is being maintained in districts including Gariaband, Dhamtari, Mahasamund, Kabirdham, Jashpur and Balrampur, which are Naxal-affected areas, the official said. Maximum number of 46 candidates are in Raipur City South constituency and the least number of six candidates are in Bindranavagarh seat. Of the 72 seats, 17 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes and nine for Scheduled Castes. A total of 19,336 polling booths were set up for the second phase, of which 444 are sensitive booths. The first phase of polls in 18 seats of eight Naxal-hit districts on November 12 had recorded over 76 per cent voter turnout. The counting of votes will be held on December 11.

Chhattisgarh assembly polls: 71.93% voting recorded in second phase

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

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

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

Telangana will become blind if Congress comes to power: KCR

In a veiled attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his visits to temples in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said the one "who has been visiting temples in a bid to win elections these days don't know how to sit" there.

Addressing an election rally, Rajnath Singh also accused the Congress of trying to win votes by instigating social, casteist and religious sentiments, instead of focusing on humanity.

"The one who has been visiting temples in a bid to win the elections these days doesn't know how to sit in the temple...at times he sits on knees and sometimes stands up," Singh said.

"Where were they earlier? Such people don't win by visiting temples," he said.

Singh said although the BJP has declared Shivraj Singh Chouhan as its chief ministerial face, the opposition party was yet to announce a CM face.

"But it is a mystery who will be the Congress's CM face. There is a marriage procession, but nobody knows who the groom is," he said.

The minister said the Congress was playing 'Kaun Banega Mukhyamantri' with the people of the state on the lines of TV reality show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'.

Terming MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan as a champion of good governance, Mr Singh said the state has taken a leap in terms of development in the past 15 years.

In a veiled attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his visits to temples in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said the one "who has been visiting temples in a bid to win elections these days don't know how to sit" there.

In a veiled attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his visits to temples in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said the one "who has been visiting temples in a bid to win elections these days don't know how to sit" there. Addressing an election rally, Rajnath Singh also accused the Congress of trying to win votes by instigating social, casteist and religious sentiments, instead of focusing on humanity. "The one who has been visiting temples in a bid to win the elections these days doesn't know how to sit in the temple...at times he sits on knees and sometimes stands up," Singh said. "Where were they earlier? Such people don't win by visiting temples," he said. Singh said although the BJP has declared Shivraj Singh Chouhan as its chief ministerial face, the opposition party was yet to announce a CM face. "But it is a mystery who will be the Congress's CM face. There is a marriage procession, but nobody knows who the groom is," he said. The minister said the Congress was playing 'Kaun Banega Mukhyamantri' with the people of the state on the lines of TV reality show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'. Terming MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan as a champion of good governance, Mr Singh said the state has taken a leap in terms of development in the past 15 years.

Don't win by visiting temples: Rajnath Singh's dig at Rahul Gandhi

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

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

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

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

The second phase of the Chhattisgarh assembly polls recorded nearly 71.93 per cent voter turnout recorded till 6pm on Tuesday. Around 64.8 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 5pm in the state assembly election.&nbsp;

As much as 45.2 per cent voting was recorded till 2:55 pm in the ongoing second phase of polling in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday.&nbsp;

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71.93% voter turnout recorded till 6 PM in the second phase of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChhattisgarhAssemblyElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChhattisgarhAssemblyElections</a>. Voting still underway at the polling booths where voters are in the queue <a href="https://t.co/HhuyrW3e3x">pic.twitter.com/HhuyrW3e3x</a>
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According to the Election Commission of India, the overall polling percentage stood at 23.71 per cent at 12:30 pm. Pathalgaon was on the top of the list with 34.70 per cent turnout followed by Kunkuri and Jashpur with 34.7 per cent and 34.5 per cent voter turnout respectively.

As many as 72 constituencies spread over 19 districts went to polls in the second phase of Chhattisgarh assembly polls today. The voting commenced at 8am and is scheduled to end at 5 pm.

Around 19,300 polling booths have been set up for the second phase of polling. 1,079 candidates including 119 women are in the fray. More than 1,54,00,000 voters are eligible to exercise their voting right in the poll.&nbsp;

The first phase of the state assembly polls was conducted on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-elections-voter-turnout-recorded-at-close-to-60-as-1st-phase-of-polling-ends-176901">November 12 and recorded around 70 per cent voter turnout</a>. As many as 12 constituencies went to polls.&nbsp;

The second phase of the Chhattisgarh assembly polls recorded nearly 71.93 per cent voter turnout recorded till 6pm on Tuesday. Around 64.8 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 5pm in the state assembly election.

The second phase of the Chhattisgarh assembly polls recorded nearly 71.93 per cent voter turnout recorded till 6pm on Tuesday. Around 64.8 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 5pm in the state assembly election. As much as 45.2 per cent voting was recorded till 2:55 pm in the ongoing second phase of polling in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday. 71.93% voter turnout recorded till 6 PM in the second phase of #ChhattisgarhAssemblyElections. Voting still underway at the polling booths where voters are in the queue pic.twitter.com/HhuyrW3e3x — ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2018 × According to the Election Commission of India, the overall polling percentage stood at 23.71 per cent at 12:30 pm. Pathalgaon was on the top of the list with 34.70 per cent turnout followed by Kunkuri and Jashpur with 34.7 per cent and 34.5 per cent voter turnout respectively. As many as 72 constituencies spread over 19 districts went to polls in the second phase of Chhattisgarh assembly polls today. The voting commenced at 8am and is scheduled to end at 5 pm. Around 19,300 polling booths have been set up for the second phase of polling. 1,079 candidates including 119 women are in the fray. More than 1,54,00,000 voters are eligible to exercise their voting right in the poll. The first phase of the state assembly polls was conducted on November 12 and recorded around 70 per cent voter turnout. As many as 12 constituencies went to polls.

Chhattisgarh assembly elections: Over 72% voter turnout recorded in 2nd phase

TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu will not share the stage with Congress leader Sonia Gandhi at her November 23 election rally in Telangana, state AICC in-charge R C Khuntia said Wednesday.

This ends speculation over whether the Andhra Pradesh chief minister would join Gandhi at her public meeting in Medchal after the two parties, along with others, forged an alliance for the upcoming Telangana Assembly polls.

Last month, the Congress forged the alliance, 'Prajakutami' (People's Alliance), with the TDP, the Telangana Jana Samithi and the Communist Party of India to take on the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) in the December 7 elections.

But Naidu would campaign with Congress president Rahul Gandhi at some places during the latter's visit to the state on November 28 and 29 and December 3, Khuntia told PTI.

"Not all but (at) some meetings (Naidu and Rahul Gandhi will share stage)," he said.

Khuntia said the Congress is planning to release its election manifesto on November 23.

TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu will not share the stage with Congress leader Sonia Gandhi at her November 23 election rally in Telangana, state AICC in-charge R C Khuntia said Wednesday.

TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu will not share the stage with Congress leader Sonia Gandhi at her November 23 election rally in Telangana, state AICC in-charge R C Khuntia said Wednesday. This ends speculation over whether the Andhra Pradesh chief minister would join Gandhi at her public meeting in Medchal after the two parties, along with others, forged an alliance for the upcoming Telangana Assembly polls. Last month, the Congress forged the alliance, 'Prajakutami' (People's Alliance), with the TDP, the Telangana Jana Samithi and the Communist Party of India to take on the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) in the December 7 elections. But Naidu would campaign with Congress president Rahul Gandhi at some places during the latter's visit to the state on November 28 and 29 and December 3, Khuntia told PTI. "Not all but (at) some meetings (Naidu and Rahul Gandhi will share stage)," he said. Khuntia said the Congress is planning to release its election manifesto on November 23.

Chandrababu Naidu will not share stage with Sonia at Telangana rally: Congress

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday claimed that the BJP has run the government "comparatively better" than the Congress and blamed the opposition party for a "credibility crisis" in politics after Independence.

Talking to reporters in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, Singh asserted that the country was currently witnessing "acche din" (good days) and it was a matter of perception of how people saw it.

He also defended the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government at the Centre over the Rafale jet deal row.

"Indian economy is the fastest growing economy in the world due to the charismatic work of our prime minister (Narendra Modi). India (people) has accepted that BJP is a political party which runs the government comparatively better than the Congress," Singh told reporters here.

"I said comparatively... No political party is perfect, neither are we, I never made such a claim. All political parties have shortcomings. But this (BJP) is a political party which works better, comparatively," he asserted.

In a stinging attack on the Congress, he accused it of creating a "credibility crisis" in the country, saying there was a difference between the party's words and actions.

"I believe that in the history of independent India, the politics of Congress has created a credibility crisis about country's politicians and politics as a whole. This credibility crisis was created due to the difference between words and deeds (of politicians)," Singh said.

To a question on the Rafale deal controversy, he said, "Rafale is Ra-fail. Dassault CEO has already clarified. One can see the reality of these allegations."

"It was alleged that the contract of Rs 30,000 crore was being allotted to one offset partner (of Dassault). But, the truth is that the contract is meant for all offset partners and not for one," he said.

The government had earlier denied allegations of corruption in the deal.

Asked about the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya, Singh said, "(I think) You are familiar with the development on this issue. I can only say, wait."

On the BJP's promise of bringing "acche din", he said, "Yahi hain acche din, prashna nazariye ka hai (these are the good days, it is a matter of perception)."

Asked about demonetisation, Singh claimed that the government's decision brought transparency into the economy.

"The generation of black money has been stopped. The black money that existed (at the time demonetisation) reached the banks," he said.

The Union minister also claimed that the petrol and diesel prices were going down as the rates depending on crude oil price in the international market.

He refused to comment on the controversies plaguing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), saying the matter was sub-judice.

The state is scheduled to go to polls on November 28 and results will be declared on December 11.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday claimed that the BJP has run the government "comparatively better" than the Congress and blamed the opposition party for a "credibility crisis" in politics after Independence.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday claimed that the BJP has run the government "comparatively better" than the Congress and blamed the opposition party for a "credibility crisis" in politics after Independence. Talking to reporters in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, Singh asserted that the country was currently witnessing "acche din" (good days) and it was a matter of perception of how people saw it. He also defended the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government at the Centre over the Rafale jet deal row. "Indian economy is the fastest growing economy in the world due to the charismatic work of our prime minister (Narendra Modi). India (people) has accepted that BJP is a political party which runs the government comparatively better than the Congress," Singh told reporters here. "I said comparatively... No political party is perfect, neither are we, I never made such a claim. All political parties have shortcomings. But this (BJP) is a political party which works better, comparatively," he asserted. In a stinging attack on the Congress, he accused it of creating a "credibility crisis" in the country, saying there was a difference between the party's words and actions. "I believe that in the history of independent India, the politics of Congress has created a credibility crisis about country's politicians and politics as a whole. This credibility crisis was created due to the difference between words and deeds (of politicians)," Singh said. To a question on the Rafale deal controversy, he said, "Rafale is Ra-fail. Dassault CEO has already clarified. One can see the reality of these allegations." "It was alleged that the contract of Rs 30,000 crore was being allotted to one offset partner (of Dassault). But, the truth is that the contract is meant for all offset partners and not for one," he said. The government had earlier denied allegations of corruption in the deal. Asked about the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya, Singh said, "(I think) You are familiar with the development on this issue. I can only say, wait." On the BJP's promise of bringing "acche din", he said, "Yahi hain acche din, prashna nazariye ka hai (these are the good days, it is a matter of perception)." Asked about demonetisation, Singh claimed that the government's decision brought transparency into the economy. "The generation of black money has been stopped. The black money that existed (at the time demonetisation) reached the banks," he said. The Union minister also claimed that the petrol and diesel prices were going down as the rates depending on crude oil price in the international market. He refused to comment on the controversies plaguing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), saying the matter was sub-judice. The state is scheduled to go to polls on November 28 and results will be declared on December 11.

BJP runs government 'comparatively better' than Congress: Rajnath Singh in Madhya Pradesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asked people to vote intelligently in the November 28 Assembly poll, asking them to ensure that "not even a single Congress candidate" is elected.

Addressing a poll rally in Rewa, PM Modi reminded voters that Madhya Pradesh has a "double-engine" as BJP is in power in the state and the centre.

Targeting the Nehru-Gandhi family, PM Modi said, "History proves that no dynasty prevails after its fourth generation rule in Delhi and Congress will also meet the same fate".

PM Modi urged people to think for a moment before voting about what Congress has done for them compared to 15 years of BJP rule in the state.

Asking people to be active participants in the development process, PM Modi said, "If people work for 10 hours, then I will work for 11 hours for the country's progress".

PM Modi credited Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan with developing the state. "He is in power for the last 15 years but effectively got only four and a half years as, during rest of the period, the state always fought with the Centre for its rights in the UPA-led regime at the Centre, he said.

"In 55 years (of Congress rule), only 30 MW green energy was generated (in the state) while in our 15-year rule, 4,000 MW renewable energy is being generated," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asked people to vote intelligently in the November 28 Assembly poll, asking them to ensure that "not even a single Congress candidate" is elected.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asked people to vote intelligently in the November 28 Assembly poll, asking them to ensure that "not even a single Congress candidate" is elected. Addressing a poll rally in Rewa, PM Modi reminded voters that Madhya Pradesh has a "double-engine" as BJP is in power in the state and the centre. Targeting the Nehru-Gandhi family, PM Modi said, "History proves that no dynasty prevails after its fourth generation rule in Delhi and Congress will also meet the same fate". PM Modi urged people to think for a moment before voting about what Congress has done for them compared to 15 years of BJP rule in the state. Asking people to be active participants in the development process, PM Modi said, "If people work for 10 hours, then I will work for 11 hours for the country's progress". PM Modi credited Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan with developing the state. "He is in power for the last 15 years but effectively got only four and a half years as, during rest of the period, the state always fought with the Centre for its rights in the UPA-led regime at the Centre, he said. "In 55 years (of Congress rule), only 30 MW green energy was generated (in the state) while in our 15-year rule, 4,000 MW renewable energy is being generated," he said.

Make sure no Congress candidate is elected: PM Narendra Modi to Madhya Pradesh voters

As curtains came down on the Chhattisgarh Assembly polls with the second and last phase of polling on Tuesday, the opposition Congress must be diligently mulling over the party’s chances of wresting the state from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after three successive routs.&nbsp;

The results in the assembly elections to the three Hindi belt states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh shall clearly impact the morale of the Congress to take on Modi’s BJP in the Lok Sabha elections due next year.

While the BJP is confident the performance of its chief ministers shall yet again deliver the goods for the party in their respective states, the Congress party under Rahul Gandhi has strategically refrained from projecting any chief minister face.&nbsp;

The strategy has an equal chance of success, as it has of failure. Anti-incumbency conflated with factors imported from the central government may upset BJP’s plans. &nbsp;

Despite anti-incumbency, more pronounced in Rajasthan and MP, Chhattisgarh, for instance, witnessed its own unique electoral arithmetic that may hurt the Congress as it would hurt the ruling BJP under Raman Singh, pledging to lead his party to a fourth successive victory in the state.&nbsp;

Despite a heavy turnout of voters (over 70 per cent – consistent since the newly-carved state went to polls for the first time in 2003) the Ajit Jogi-Mayawati electoral pact has the potential to upset Raman Singh’s dream run.

The former district collector turned leader, Ajit Jogi, is emerging as a force to reckon with in the state. With Mayawati by his side, he dreams of becoming the chief minister again.&nbsp;

He was the first chief minister of Chhattisgarh for three years after it came into being in 2000. The BSP traces its links with the state to 1984 when party’s founder Kanshi Ram had unsuccessfully contested the rural Janjgir Lok Sabha seat in undivided Madhya Pradesh. He had polled a paltry 32,000 votes.

With a four per cent vote share, the BSP tie-up may catapult Jogi into the role of a kingmaker if not the king, particularly considering that Chhattisgarh elections are closely fought contests. &nbsp;

The Congress has not projected any CM face. To top it all, the party has been plagued by infighting. Senior leaders like Ghanaram Sahu, state vice-president, ditched the party on the eve of the first phase of polling, delivering a second big blow to the Congress in quick succession.&nbsp;

Only a few days ago, party’s working president Ram Dayal Uike quit Congress to join hands with the BJP. With a raft of electoral debacles behind him, Rahul Gandhi shall be desperate to make a clean sweep when he has the chance. But, the infighting certainly makes his job of steering the party to victory a difficult proposition.

The Congress may be looking upbeat in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh. The incumbent CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s popularity has been hit by a combination of factors, most notably a three-term anti-incumbency. Against this backdrop, the Congress has made a veteran like Kamal Nath its state unit chief in the election year. It has also picked up Jyotiraditya Scindia to lead the campaign. And all this under the distant, sulking but observant eyes of the former CM Digvijay Singh.&nbsp;

The formidable line up of Congress leaders is a double-edged sword. Who shall be CM in case the party won the elections? The closest answer could be one of the three named above. Of these, two are Lok Sabha MPs and former ministers but have never been CM, a post that carries its own significance and could extend a halo around a leader of substance.&nbsp;

The third contender, who has been twice chief minister could be waiting in the wings, biding his time for party’s weak moment depending upon how the verdict shapes up.

Confronted with too many leaders, the Congress realizes picking one against the other could throw a spanner in its works, at a time when opinion polls have predicted a modest to heavy gain for the party in the state.&nbsp;

The ruling BJP is happy to exploit this Congress dilemma. PM Modi in one of his campaign rallies recently took a swipe against the Congress saying that Congress has three CM candidates and over a dozen are in the queue.&nbsp;

The Congress’s reply to the critics is on expected lines — the party does not believe in projecting chief ministers. But the fact is this is not a uniform rule, something which Rahul himself broke as party vice-president. Campaigning for the Punjab elections last year, he declared Capt Amarinder Singh as the party’s CM choice at least two months before the polls.&nbsp;

The Congress also failed to hitch its ride with the BSP in MP after Chhattisgarh. Though the party leaders downplay any suggestions it would impact poll prospects negatively, but it is nobody’s guess that in case of a hung assembly every seat counts. The party is betting on Rahul Gandhi just as Modi has been BJP’s mascot in one state election after another, pulling off some improbable victories.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-cm-face-and-congress-dilemma-2687621">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

As curtains came down on the Chhattisgarh Assembly polls with the second and last phase of polling on Tuesday, the opposition Congress must be diligently mulling over the party’s chances of wresting the state from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after three successive routs.

As curtains came down on the Chhattisgarh Assembly polls with the second and last phase of polling on Tuesday, the opposition Congress must be diligently mulling over the party’s chances of wresting the state from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after three successive routs. The results in the assembly elections to the three Hindi belt states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh shall clearly impact the morale of the Congress to take on Modi’s BJP in the Lok Sabha elections due next year. While the BJP is confident the performance of its chief ministers shall yet again deliver the goods for the party in their respective states, the Congress party under Rahul Gandhi has strategically refrained from projecting any chief minister face. The strategy has an equal chance of success, as it has of failure. Anti-incumbency conflated with factors imported from the central government may upset BJP’s plans. Despite anti-incumbency, more pronounced in Rajasthan and MP, Chhattisgarh, for instance, witnessed its own unique electoral arithmetic that may hurt the Congress as it would hurt the ruling BJP under Raman Singh, pledging to lead his party to a fourth successive victory in the state. Despite a heavy turnout of voters (over 70 per cent – consistent since the newly-carved state went to polls for the first time in 2003) the Ajit Jogi-Mayawati electoral pact has the potential to upset Raman Singh’s dream run. The former district collector turned leader, Ajit Jogi, is emerging as a force to reckon with in the state. With Mayawati by his side, he dreams of becoming the chief minister again. He was the first chief minister of Chhattisgarh for three years after it came into being in 2000. The BSP traces its links with the state to 1984 when party’s founder Kanshi Ram had unsuccessfully contested the rural Janjgir Lok Sabha seat in undivided Madhya Pradesh. He had polled a paltry 32,000 votes. With a four per cent vote share, the BSP tie-up may catapult Jogi into the role of a kingmaker if not the king, particularly considering that Chhattisgarh elections are closely fought contests. The Congress has not projected any CM face. To top it all, the party has been plagued by infighting. Senior leaders like Ghanaram Sahu, state vice-president, ditched the party on the eve of the first phase of polling, delivering a second big blow to the Congress in quick succession. Only a few days ago, party’s working president Ram Dayal Uike quit Congress to join hands with the BJP. With a raft of electoral debacles behind him, Rahul Gandhi shall be desperate to make a clean sweep when he has the chance. But, the infighting certainly makes his job of steering the party to victory a difficult proposition. The Congress may be looking upbeat in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh. The incumbent CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s popularity has been hit by a combination of factors, most notably a three-term anti-incumbency. Against this backdrop, the Congress has made a veteran like Kamal Nath its state unit chief in the election year. It has also picked up Jyotiraditya Scindia to lead the campaign. And all this under the distant, sulking but observant eyes of the former CM Digvijay Singh. The formidable line up of Congress leaders is a double-edged sword. Who shall be CM in case the party won the elections? The closest answer could be one of the three named above. Of these, two are Lok Sabha MPs and former ministers but have never been CM, a post that carries its own significance and could extend a halo around a leader of substance. The third contender, who has been twice chief minister could be waiting in the wings, biding his time for party’s weak moment depending upon how the verdict shapes up. Confronted with too many leaders, the Congress realizes picking one against the other could throw a spanner in its works, at a time when opinion polls have predicted a modest to heavy gain for the party in the state. The ruling BJP is happy to exploit this Congress dilemma. PM Modi in one of his campaign rallies recently took a swipe against the Congress saying that Congress has three CM candidates and over a dozen are in the queue. The Congress’s reply to the critics is on expected lines — the party does not believe in projecting chief ministers. But the fact is this is not a uniform rule, something which Rahul himself broke as party vice-president. Campaigning for the Punjab elections last year, he declared Capt Amarinder Singh as the party’s CM choice at least two months before the polls. The Congress also failed to hitch its ride with the BSP in MP after Chhattisgarh. Though the party leaders downplay any suggestions it would impact poll prospects negatively, but it is nobody’s guess that in case of a hung assembly every seat counts. The party is betting on Rahul Gandhi just as Modi has been BJP’s mascot in one state election after another, pulling off some improbable victories. (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)

Chhattisgarh Assembly elections: CM face and Congress dilemma

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

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

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

BSP supremo Mayawati Tuesday accused the Congress of conspiring against her party by offering it less seats leading to the alliance between the two parties for the Madhya Pradesh polls not taking off.

The state is scheduled to go to polls on November 28 and results will be declared on December 11.

"The Congress is on weak ground in Madhya Pradesh. That is why it had proposed an alliance with the BSP in the state. (But) under a planned strategy and conspiracy, the Congress wanted to finish off the BSP and offered (it) very low number of seats (in the alliance)," Mayawati said Tuesday.

She added that the Bahujan Samaj Party had a strong base in Uttar Pradesh, MP and several other states, and after being offered less seats (by the Congress), her party decided to go it alone in MP.

She did not specify the number of seats the Congress had offered the BSP for MP polls.

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister was addressing a rally at the BHEL Dussehra Maidan here.

She said a desperate and nervous Congress was now accusing the BSP for the failure to cement an alliance between the two parties.

Attacking the Narendra Modi government, Mayawati claimed people, as well as traders, were unhappy with the way GST and demonetisation were implemented without prior preparation.

She said the two exercises had affected the country's economy, and further poor fiscal policies of the Centre had led to a spike in poverty, unemployment and inflation.

She also lashed out at the Centre for skyrocketing fuel prices.

The BSP supremo accused both the BJP and Congress of ignoring the poor and making policies benefiting capitalists.

She said that reservations, which were given to people due to the efforts of B R Ambedkar, was being gradually eliminated by parties having a "casteist" mentality.

She accused the Congress and the BJP of being responsible for the Mandal Commission report not being implemented.

She pointed out that Ambedkar was bestowed Bharat Ratna (posthumously in 1990) by the government of Prime Minister VP Singh and not by the Congress.

Earlier in the day, Mayawati addressed another election rally in Balaghat.&nbsp;

BSP supremo Mayawati Tuesday accused the Congress of conspiring against her party by offering it less seats leading to the alliance between the two parties for the Madhya Pradesh polls not taking off.

BSP supremo Mayawati Tuesday accused the Congress of conspiring against her party by offering it less seats leading to the alliance between the two parties for the Madhya Pradesh polls not taking off. The state is scheduled to go to polls on November 28 and results will be declared on December 11. "The Congress is on weak ground in Madhya Pradesh. That is why it had proposed an alliance with the BSP in the state. (But) under a planned strategy and conspiracy, the Congress wanted to finish off the BSP and offered (it) very low number of seats (in the alliance)," Mayawati said Tuesday. She added that the Bahujan Samaj Party had a strong base in Uttar Pradesh, MP and several other states, and after being offered less seats (by the Congress), her party decided to go it alone in MP. She did not specify the number of seats the Congress had offered the BSP for MP polls. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister was addressing a rally at the BHEL Dussehra Maidan here. She said a desperate and nervous Congress was now accusing the BSP for the failure to cement an alliance between the two parties. Attacking the Narendra Modi government, Mayawati claimed people, as well as traders, were unhappy with the way GST and demonetisation were implemented without prior preparation. She said the two exercises had affected the country's economy, and further poor fiscal policies of the Centre had led to a spike in poverty, unemployment and inflation. She also lashed out at the Centre for skyrocketing fuel prices. The BSP supremo accused both the BJP and Congress of ignoring the poor and making policies benefiting capitalists. She said that reservations, which were given to people due to the efforts of B R Ambedkar, was being gradually eliminated by parties having a "casteist" mentality. She accused the Congress and the BJP of being responsible for the Mandal Commission report not being implemented. She pointed out that Ambedkar was bestowed Bharat Ratna (posthumously in 1990) by the government of Prime Minister VP Singh and not by the Congress. Earlier in the day, Mayawati addressed another election rally in Balaghat.

Madhya Pradesh: Congress offered less seats to BSP, Mayawati on failed alliance bid

A total of 74.17 per cent of the over 1.85 crore electors cast their votes in the Chhattisgarh assembly polls, which is less by nearly three per cent as compared to the last elections, the Election Commission said Tuesday.

In the second phase of polling held Tuesday in 72 assembly seats, the voter turnout was recorded at 71.93 per cent till 6 PM. The first phase the poll percentage was 76.42.

Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha told a press conference here that while the overall voting percentage in 2013 elections was 77.42, it has recorded at 74.17 per cent Tuesday.

Since the final figures are still awaited, the actual voter turnout could be more.

Sinha said Tuesday's elections were peaceful and incident-free as elaborate security arrangements were made.

He added that a number of old voters, including those over 100 years of age, also exercised their franchise and the Commission had made arrangements for them.

A total of 13 cases were reported where people had boycott polls over a variety of reasons including jobs, road construction and removal of encroachments.

The Commission also said, at the 19,336 polling stations being used in the second phase of Chhattisgarh polls, a total of 25,640 ballot units, 19,336 control units and 19,336 paper trail machines were used.

Only 47 ballot units, 37 control units and 131 paper trail machines needed replacement during the polls.

Given sufficient reserves available, these replacements were handled swiftly by the local polling personnel, the EC said.

Voters above 100 years of age used their voting rights in Balodabazar, Lundra, including a 113-year-old woman in Chirmiri and a 100-year-old couple in Jashpur, the poll panel said.

Two voters clicked the picture of EVM and paper trail machine while casting their votes which went viral on social media. An FIR has been registered against them for the charge of violation of the secrecy of voting.

In another incident, a sector officer as removed as he carried a reserve EVM to his house for a lunch break. Though no mala fide intention was found, he was replaced by another officer and the EVM deposited in the strong room.

Some people had complained that the official had taken the machine home, Sinha said.

A total of 74.17 per cent of the over 1.85 crore electors cast their votes in the Chhattisgarh assembly polls, which is less by nearly three per cent as compared to the last elections, the Election Commission said Tuesday.

A total of 74.17 per cent of the over 1.85 crore electors cast their votes in the Chhattisgarh assembly polls, which is less by nearly three per cent as compared to the last elections, the Election Commission said Tuesday. In the second phase of polling held Tuesday in 72 assembly seats, the voter turnout was recorded at 71.93 per cent till 6 PM. The first phase the poll percentage was 76.42. Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha told a press conference here that while the overall voting percentage in 2013 elections was 77.42, it has recorded at 74.17 per cent Tuesday. Since the final figures are still awaited, the actual voter turnout could be more. Sinha said Tuesday's elections were peaceful and incident-free as elaborate security arrangements were made. He added that a number of old voters, including those over 100 years of age, also exercised their franchise and the Commission had made arrangements for them. A total of 13 cases were reported where people had boycott polls over a variety of reasons including jobs, road construction and removal of encroachments. The Commission also said, at the 19,336 polling stations being used in the second phase of Chhattisgarh polls, a total of 25,640 ballot units, 19,336 control units and 19,336 paper trail machines were used. Only 47 ballot units, 37 control units and 131 paper trail machines needed replacement during the polls. Given sufficient reserves available, these replacements were handled swiftly by the local polling personnel, the EC said. Voters above 100 years of age used their voting rights in Balodabazar, Lundra, including a 113-year-old woman in Chirmiri and a 100-year-old couple in Jashpur, the poll panel said. Two voters clicked the picture of EVM and paper trail machine while casting their votes which went viral on social media. An FIR has been registered against them for the charge of violation of the secrecy of voting. In another incident, a sector officer as removed as he carried a reserve EVM to his house for a lunch break. Though no mala fide intention was found, he was replaced by another officer and the EVM deposited in the strong room. Some people had complained that the official had taken the machine home, Sinha said.

Assembly elections: Polling percentage in Chhattisgarh dips as compared to 2013

TRS president and Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao Tuesday said the pension of Rs 1,000 given to various sections of people would be increased to Rs 2,016 if the party was voted to power in the December 7 assembly elections.

"I am appealing to all who get pensions, our government will come to power definitely. After that, Rs 2,016 will be given as pension to all, be they women, beedi workers, elderly people, widows," he said while addressing an election rally here.

The pension given to people with disabilities would be increased to Rs 3,016 from Rs 1,500, he said.

Unemployed persons, based on eligibility, would get a monthly assistance of Rs 3,000, he added.

Other welfare measures such as investment support scheme for farmers and insurance scheme for them were promised by the Chief Minister.

TRS president and Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao Tuesday said the pension of Rs 1,000 given to various sections of people would be increased to Rs 2,016 if the party was voted to power in the December 7 assembly elections.

TRS president and Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao Tuesday said the pension of Rs 1,000 given to various sections of people would be increased to Rs 2,016 if the party was voted to power in the December 7 assembly elections. "I am appealing to all who get pensions, our government will come to power definitely. After that, Rs 2,016 will be given as pension to all, be they women, beedi workers, elderly people, widows," he said while addressing an election rally here. The pension given to people with disabilities would be increased to Rs 3,016 from Rs 1,500, he said. Unemployed persons, based on eligibility, would get a monthly assistance of Rs 3,000, he added. Other welfare measures such as investment support scheme for farmers and insurance scheme for them were promised by the Chief Minister.

Telangana CM promises hike in pension if voted to power

In a setback to the Telangana Rashtra Samithi ahead of the December seven Telangana Assembly polls, the party's Lok Sabha member, Konda Vishweshwar Reddy quit the party Tuesday.

In a letter to the TRS president and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, Reddy, who was elected from the Chevella constituency, said he was disappointed with the party at various levels.

He was forced into a position of contemplating leaving the party despite the fact that today TRS enjoys significant goodwill in the "social circles that we are in," Reddy said in the letter, shared with the media.

"I thought long and hard about this step before deciding to take this major decision and analysed the scenario by listing my disappointments at various levels," he said.

Reddy listed disappointments at five levels -- personal, injustice to karyakarthas (those) who worked for Telangana statehood, constituency, state and party -- in the letter.

"I fought for the party in 2014 when the party needed me. However, the party has induced people who were against Telangana and our ideology into the cabinet and given them more power and prominence.

I feel people who were fighting for Telangana and share a common ideology including me are no longer needed in the party," Reddy said.

He said he feels that the best possible path for him is to resign from the party as he is unable to acquiesce with the current scenario.

Reddy said he would also resign from the Lok Sabha. Reddy is a first time MP.

In a setback to the Telangana Rashtra Samithi ahead of the December seven Telangana Assembly polls, the party's Lok Sabha member, Konda Vishweshwar Reddy quit the party Tuesday.

In a setback to the Telangana Rashtra Samithi ahead of the December seven Telangana Assembly polls, the party's Lok Sabha member, Konda Vishweshwar Reddy quit the party Tuesday. In a letter to the TRS president and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, Reddy, who was elected from the Chevella constituency, said he was disappointed with the party at various levels. He was forced into a position of contemplating leaving the party despite the fact that today TRS enjoys significant goodwill in the "social circles that we are in," Reddy said in the letter, shared with the media. "I thought long and hard about this step before deciding to take this major decision and analysed the scenario by listing my disappointments at various levels," he said. Reddy listed disappointments at five levels -- personal, injustice to karyakarthas (those) who worked for Telangana statehood, constituency, state and party -- in the letter. "I fought for the party in 2014 when the party needed me. However, the party has induced people who were against Telangana and our ideology into the cabinet and given them more power and prominence. I feel people who were fighting for Telangana and share a common ideology including me are no longer needed in the party," Reddy said. He said he feels that the best possible path for him is to resign from the party as he is unable to acquiesce with the current scenario. Reddy said he would also resign from the Lok Sabha. Reddy is a first time MP.

Telangana: Lok Sabha MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy quits TRS

Chhattisgarh reported around 64.8 per cent voter turnout till 5pm in the second phase of the state assembly election that went underway on Tuesday.&nbsp;

As much as 45.2 per cent voting was recorded till 2:55 pm in the ongoing second phase of polling in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday.&nbsp;

According to the Election Commission of India, the overall polling percentage stood at 23.71 per cent at 12:30 pm. Pathalgaon was on the top of the list with 34.70 per cent turnout followed by Kunkuri and Jashpur with 34.7 per cent and 34.5 per cent voter turnout respectively.

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64.8 % voter turnout recorded till 5 PM in the second phase of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChhattisgarhAssemblyElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChhattisgarhAssemblyElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/3MlWJZbQCX">pic.twitter.com/3MlWJZbQCX</a>
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As many as 72 constituencies spread over 19 districts went to polls in the second phase of Chhattisgarh assembly polls today. The voting commenced at 8am and is scheduled to end at 5 pm.

Around 19,300 polling booths have been set up for the second phase of polling. 1,079 candidates including 119 women are in the fray. More than 1,54,00,000 voters are eligible to exercise their voting right in the poll.&nbsp;

The first phase of the state assembly polls was conducted on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-elections-voter-turnout-recorded-at-close-to-60-as-1st-phase-of-polling-ends-176901">November 12 and recorded around 70 per cent</a> voter turnout. As many as 12 constituencies went to polls.&nbsp;

 
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Chhattisgarh reported around 64.8 per cent voter turnout till 5pm in the second phase of the state assembly election that went underway on Tuesday. As much as 45.

Chhattisgarh reported around 64.8 per cent voter turnout till 5pm in the second phase of the state assembly election that went underway on Tuesday. As much as 45.2 per cent voting was recorded till 2:55 pm in the ongoing second phase of polling in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday. According to the Election Commission of India, the overall polling percentage stood at 23.71 per cent at 12:30 pm. Pathalgaon was on the top of the list with 34.70 per cent turnout followed by Kunkuri and Jashpur with 34.7 per cent and 34.5 per cent voter turnout respectively. 64.8 % voter turnout recorded till 5 PM in the second phase of #ChhattisgarhAssemblyElections pic.twitter.com/3MlWJZbQCX — ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2018 × As many as 72 constituencies spread over 19 districts went to polls in the second phase of Chhattisgarh assembly polls today. The voting commenced at 8am and is scheduled to end at 5 pm. Around 19,300 polling booths have been set up for the second phase of polling. 1,079 candidates including 119 women are in the fray. More than 1,54,00,000 voters are eligible to exercise their voting right in the poll. The first phase of the state assembly polls was conducted on November 12 and recorded around 70 per cent voter turnout. As many as 12 constituencies went to polls.

Chhattisgarh assembly polls: Over 60% voter turnout recorded till 5pm 