The Telangana government's decision to give <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-cm-kcr-under-fire-for-snapping-at-man-querying-about-12-quota-for-muslims-180499">12 per cent quota to Muslims</a> in the state has no constitutional validity, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said Tuesday, alleging it was aimed at "hijacking" the voters for electoral gains.

Some parties, despite knowing that religion-based reservation was not possible, come out with such decisions only to "hijack the voters", Naqvi, on the campaign trail said, targeting the Telangana Rashtra Samithi government.

"Everybody knows even KCR (as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-grand-alliance-accuses-kcr-of-colluding-with-bjp-to-escape-from-cbi-180664">K Chandrashekar Rao</a> is popularly known) and also the Congress party that on the basis of religion it is not possible to give any type of reservation.

The first thing is Constitution does not allow such reservation," the minority affairs minister told PTI here.

"People need to be aware about such things," he said, reacting to the TRS chief and caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao's promise in this regard.

The Telangana legislature had earlier passed a bill increasing reservation in jobs and education for backward sections of the Muslim community to 12 per cent from the earlier four per cent.

The bill is yet to get the Centre's approval.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday alleged the caretaker Telangana government was betraying the country and insulting the Constitution architect B R Ambedkar by proposing religion-based reservation with 12 per cent quota for Muslim minority while "stealing the rights of Dalits."

The Bharatiya Janata Party would never allow religion-based reservations as it is "unconstitutional," party chief Amit Shah recently said.

On demands by some in the BJP and the RSS for bringing out an ordinance for construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya, Naqvi said "it would have been ideal had there been an amicable settlement. Unfortunately, there is a delay...There is demand from saints and seers and it is natural."

"BJP is in favour of the construction of Ram temple," he said but refused to comment if the Centre would promulgate an Ordinance in this regard.

Naqvi, meanwhile, said in a statement that some people and parties have opened "communal auction centre of votes" where the self-styled "champions of secularism" "bid" for votes.

Some people "mercilessly and shamefully" bid for votes, sometimes in the name of religion and sometimes making people afraid of the BJP. But the nefarious design of these "vote ke saudagar" (traders of votes) have been exposed, he claimed.

He said the Modi government followed the policy of "empowerment without appeasement" and development with dignity.

It has been successful in creating an atmosphere of development with trust among all sections of society without any discrimination during the last four-and-half-years, he said.&nbsp;

The Opposition, especially, the Congress, has been suffering from "bankruptcy of facts. That is the reason the Congress leaders are making personal attacks against Prime Minister," he said.

"Sometimes Rahul Gandhi, some other party and sometimes Owaisis...They are masters of abusing and a competition is going on who is the champion of abusing. But the people of the country will teach these people a lesson," he added.&nbsp;

The Telangana government's decision to give 12 per cent quota to Muslims in the state has no constitutional validity, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said Tuesday, alleging it was aimed at "hijacking" the voters for electoral gains.

The Telangana government's decision to give 12 per cent quota to Muslims in the state has no constitutional validity, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said Tuesday, alleging it was aimed at "hijacking" the voters for electoral gains. Some parties, despite knowing that religion-based reservation was not possible, come out with such decisions only to "hijack the voters", Naqvi, on the campaign trail said, targeting the Telangana Rashtra Samithi government. "Everybody knows even KCR (as K Chandrashekar Rao is popularly known) and also the Congress party that on the basis of religion it is not possible to give any type of reservation. The first thing is Constitution does not allow such reservation," the minority affairs minister told PTI here. "People need to be aware about such things," he said, reacting to the TRS chief and caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao's promise in this regard. The Telangana legislature had earlier passed a bill increasing reservation in jobs and education for backward sections of the Muslim community to 12 per cent from the earlier four per cent. The bill is yet to get the Centre's approval. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday alleged the caretaker Telangana government was betraying the country and insulting the Constitution architect B R Ambedkar by proposing religion-based reservation with 12 per cent quota for Muslim minority while "stealing the rights of Dalits." The Bharatiya Janata Party would never allow religion-based reservations as it is "unconstitutional," party chief Amit Shah recently said. On demands by some in the BJP and the RSS for bringing out an ordinance for construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya, Naqvi said "it would have been ideal had there been an amicable settlement. Unfortunately, there is a delay...There is demand from saints and seers and it is natural." "BJP is in favour of the construction of Ram temple," he said but refused to comment if the Centre would promulgate an Ordinance in this regard. Naqvi, meanwhile, said in a statement that some people and parties have opened "communal auction centre of votes" where the self-styled "champions of secularism" "bid" for votes. Some people "mercilessly and shamefully" bid for votes, sometimes in the name of religion and sometimes making people afraid of the BJP. But the nefarious design of these "vote ke saudagar" (traders of votes) have been exposed, he claimed. He said the Modi government followed the policy of "empowerment without appeasement" and development with dignity. It has been successful in creating an atmosphere of development with trust among all sections of society without any discrimination during the last four-and-half-years, he said. The Opposition, especially, the Congress, has been suffering from "bankruptcy of facts. That is the reason the Congress leaders are making personal attacks against Prime Minister," he said. "Sometimes Rahul Gandhi, some other party and sometimes Owaisis...They are masters of abusing and a competition is going on who is the champion of abusing. But the people of the country will teach these people a lesson," he added.

TRS government's Muslim quota move aimed at 'hijacking' voters: Union Minister  Naqvi

Asserting that the Modi government at the Centre was committed to the development of Telangana, Union Minister Smriti Irani Tuesday alleged that the ruling TRS had 'failed' to take the central schemes to people at the grass root level.

Addressing an election rally at Nizamabad, she said if voted to power, the BJP would provide bicycles at free of cost to girl students from class VII to X, besides scooter at 50 per cent subsidy to young ladies pursuing higher studies.

Highlighting the promises made in the BJP manifesto for December 7 assembly elections in Telangana, the Information and Broadcasting Minister said her party would waive farm loans up to Rs two lakh and provide free borewell to farmers.

She claimed that as many as 20 lakh families in Telangana were given free gas connections under Ujjwala Yojana scheme and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government had sanctioned over two lakh houses to the state.

"The central government has also connected 44 agricultural markets under eNAM (National Agricultural Market) scheme for the benefit of farmers for better price and better market conditions.

Each and every BJP party worker can proudly say that in these 44 markets, farmers of Telangana were able to sell 7.5 lakh tonnes agricultural goods worth Rs 30,000 crore," she said.

The minister also assured that notification for filling two lakh job vacancies in the state government would be issued within three months if BJP was voted to power.

Irani noted that the Modi government has increased working days under the rural employment scheme, MGNREGA to 150 days from the earlier 100 days and also fund to the extent of Rs 55,000 crore was given.

Asserting that the Modi government at the Centre was committed to the development of Telangana, Union Minister Smriti Irani Tuesday alleged that the ruling TRS had 'failed' to take the central schemes to people at the grass root level.

Asserting that the Modi government at the Centre was committed to the development of Telangana, Union Minister Smriti Irani Tuesday alleged that the ruling TRS had 'failed' to take the central schemes to people at the grass root level. Addressing an election rally at Nizamabad, she said if voted to power, the BJP would provide bicycles at free of cost to girl students from class VII to X, besides scooter at 50 per cent subsidy to young ladies pursuing higher studies. Highlighting the promises made in the BJP manifesto for December 7 assembly elections in Telangana, the Information and Broadcasting Minister said her party would waive farm loans up to Rs two lakh and provide free borewell to farmers. She claimed that as many as 20 lakh families in Telangana were given free gas connections under Ujjwala Yojana scheme and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government had sanctioned over two lakh houses to the state. "The central government has also connected 44 agricultural markets under eNAM (National Agricultural Market) scheme for the benefit of farmers for better price and better market conditions. Each and every BJP party worker can proudly say that in these 44 markets, farmers of Telangana were able to sell 7.5 lakh tonnes agricultural goods worth Rs 30,000 crore," she said. The minister also assured that notification for filling two lakh job vacancies in the state government would be issued within three months if BJP was voted to power. Irani noted that the Modi government has increased working days under the rural employment scheme, MGNREGA to 150 days from the earlier 100 days and also fund to the extent of Rs 55,000 crore was given.

BJP committed to Telangana development: Union Minister Smriti Irani

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party will rename Hyderabad to Bhagyanagar if the party is voted to power in Telangana. The comments came during Adityanath's rally in Telangana's Goshamahal constituency.&nbsp;

Adityanath further added that if the people want to see Hyderabad change to Bhagyanagar, they should give BJP a chance.

Earlier on Sunday, the UP CM lashed out at AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, stating that if the saffron party comes to power, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-speaking-against-pm-modi-or-bjp-require-me-to-leave-is-it-not-my-country-owaisi-181036">it will have Owaisi flee Telangana</a>.

"If BJP comes to power, I assure you Owaisi will have to flee from Telangana the same way Nizam was forced to flee from Hyderabad," Adityanath said in Tandur, Vikarabad.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
A Owaisi in Hyderabad: Aap tareekh to jaante nahi, history mein zero hain aap. Agar padhna nahi aata to padhne wale se poocho. Agar padhte to malum hota ki Nizam Hyderabad chhod kar nahi gaye, unko Rajpramukh banaya gaya tha. China se jang hui to yahi Nizam ne apna sona bech diya
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1069272172068188160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Owaisi reacted to Adityanath's remark asking if speaking against the BJP and PM Modi will require him to leave the country.&nbsp;

"Ye mulk aapka hai, mera nahi hai? Kya BJP ke khilaaf bolna, Modi ke khilaaf bolna, uski poliices ko criticise karna, RSS ke khilaaf bolna, Yogi par bolna, to kya mulk se bhaga denge?" he noted.&nbsp;

Telangana is set to go to polls on December 7, votes will be counted on December 11.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party will rename Hyderabad to Bhagyanagar if the party is voted to power in Telangana.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party will rename Hyderabad to Bhagyanagar if the party is voted to power in Telangana. The comments came during Adityanath's rally in Telangana's Goshamahal constituency. Adityanath further added that if the people want to see Hyderabad change to Bhagyanagar, they should give BJP a chance. Earlier on Sunday, the UP CM lashed out at AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, stating that if the saffron party comes to power, it will have Owaisi flee Telangana. "If BJP comes to power, I assure you Owaisi will have to flee from Telangana the same way Nizam was forced to flee from Hyderabad," Adityanath said in Tandur, Vikarabad. A Owaisi in Hyderabad: Aap tareekh to jaante nahi, history mein zero hain aap. Agar padhna nahi aata to padhne wale se poocho. Agar padhte to malum hota ki Nizam Hyderabad chhod kar nahi gaye, unko Rajpramukh banaya gaya tha. China se jang hui to yahi Nizam ne apna sona bech diya — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2018 × Owaisi reacted to Adityanath's remark asking if speaking against the BJP and PM Modi will require him to leave the country. "Ye mulk aapka hai, mera nahi hai? Kya BJP ke khilaaf bolna, Modi ke khilaaf bolna, uski poliices ko criticise karna, RSS ke khilaaf bolna, Yogi par bolna, to kya mulk se bhaga denge?" he noted. Telangana is set to go to polls on December 7, votes will be counted on December 11.

Will rename Hyderabad to Bhagyanagar if voted to power: Yogi Adityanath in Telangana

With the people of Rajasthan voting for a new Assembly four days from now, the electoral script has been virtually finalised, which can change only if there are last minute dramatic twists. While such a possibility remains in the realm of the unknown, what is known are the developments over the past few weeks in the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party camps. They can provide an indication, even if not decisively, of the state’s political colour over the next five years. &nbsp;

First, Congress. The party is upbeat, not so much because the people have suddenly realised the merits of its governance but because they are angry with the Vasundhara Raje regime for a variety of reasons — though not all of them may be valid. If one studies the Congress’s poll drive, one would discover that it has not identified in concrete terms ‘misgovernance’ of the incumbent BJP regime. Instead, it has tapped on the public perception of dissatisfaction. The Congress has not vigorously attacked the various developmental schemes of either the state or the Modi government, only half-heartedly pointing to lacunae. Perhaps this is because the benefits are all too obvious to ignore. The party’s manifesto too is not marked by any exceptional promises. &nbsp;

The Congress is depending on various other factors, besides anti-incumbency. It believes that the arrival into its camp of Manvendra Singh will dent the BJP’s Rajput vote-bank; it calculates that the departure from the BJP of senior leaders such as Ghanshyam Tewari will adversely impact that party; it thinks that individual players such as Hanuman Beniwal will eat into the BJP’s votes since he is a BJP rebel. On a more positive side, however, it holds that the presence of its two strongest state leaders — Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot — will swing the votes in its favour.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has vigorously campaigned in the State. He has a reputation — to not uphold but establish. Perhaps because he believes that Rajasthan offers him the best chance, compared to Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, to do so, that he has gone all out in this state. Success will power him as a leader of consequence and maybe even ignite his dream of leading a non-BJP coalition in time for the 2019 Lok Sabha election. The opposite outcome will not keep him where he is — which is bad enough — but slide him down further. It can be safely predicted, though, that if the Congress still loses a battle it believes is in its bag, then the blame will be shared by the State’s leaders and Rahul Gandhi will be insulated from taking accountability.&nbsp;

The BJP is from all accounts, locked in a grim contest. Poll surveys and perceptions — or at least what has been publicly stated — have not been a cause of cheer for the party. Even its sympathisers believe that it would be a miracle if the BJP retains the State. Of course, there could be undercurrents of support for the party which has not been mapped. But would that be sufficient to turn the tables on the Congress?&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the party is furiously engaged in what it does best: Booth management at the micro level. Party president Amit Shah has stationed himself in Rajasthan and is directing the campaign by ironing out the weaknesses and promoting the strengths. There is no doubt that many behind-the-scenes calculations are being done in the run-up to the poll and the result thereof. For the moment the BJP’s central leadership has completely backed Vasundhara Raje’s candidature. This was to be expected because changing the captain (even if that captain is problematic) in the midst of a fight is not the most sensible thing to do. Doing so would also have invited serious factionalism at a time when the party needed to fight the ‘enemy’ as one. Besides, the BJP does not have a State leader who can match Vasundhara Raje’s stature.&nbsp;

Realising the delicacy of the situation, the RSS has pumped in its manpower resources to ensure a BJP victory. This is significant for two reasons. The first is that the RSS has considerable hold among the electorate and there is thus the possibility of swinging indecisive votes in the BJP’s favour. The RSS has units that have been for long working among slum-dwellers, traders and the poorer sections of society, and hopes to cash in on that support base. The second issue of significance is that the RSS has shed, for the moment, its wariness towards Vasundhara Raje, and has agreed to back her in the BJP’s larger interests. &nbsp;

Will that be a game-turner for the BJP, or will it prove inadequate to match a resurgent Congress in the state, remains to be seen.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

With the people of Rajasthan voting for a new Assembly four days from now, the electoral script has been virtually finalised, which can change only if there are last minute dramatic twists.

With the people of Rajasthan voting for a new Assembly four days from now, the electoral script has been virtually finalised, which can change only if there are last minute dramatic twists. While such a possibility remains in the realm of the unknown, what is known are the developments over the past few weeks in the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party camps. They can provide an indication, even if not decisively, of the state’s political colour over the next five years. First, Congress. The party is upbeat, not so much because the people have suddenly realised the merits of its governance but because they are angry with the Vasundhara Raje regime for a variety of reasons — though not all of them may be valid. If one studies the Congress’s poll drive, one would discover that it has not identified in concrete terms ‘misgovernance’ of the incumbent BJP regime. Instead, it has tapped on the public perception of dissatisfaction. The Congress has not vigorously attacked the various developmental schemes of either the state or the Modi government, only half-heartedly pointing to lacunae. Perhaps this is because the benefits are all too obvious to ignore. The party’s manifesto too is not marked by any exceptional promises. The Congress is depending on various other factors, besides anti-incumbency. It believes that the arrival into its camp of Manvendra Singh will dent the BJP’s Rajput vote-bank; it calculates that the departure from the BJP of senior leaders such as Ghanshyam Tewari will adversely impact that party; it thinks that individual players such as Hanuman Beniwal will eat into the BJP’s votes since he is a BJP rebel. On a more positive side, however, it holds that the presence of its two strongest state leaders — Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot — will swing the votes in its favour. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has vigorously campaigned in the State. He has a reputation — to not uphold but establish. Perhaps because he believes that Rajasthan offers him the best chance, compared to Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, to do so, that he has gone all out in this state. Success will power him as a leader of consequence and maybe even ignite his dream of leading a non-BJP coalition in time for the 2019 Lok Sabha election. The opposite outcome will not keep him where he is — which is bad enough — but slide him down further. It can be safely predicted, though, that if the Congress still loses a battle it believes is in its bag, then the blame will be shared by the State’s leaders and Rahul Gandhi will be insulated from taking accountability. The BJP is from all accounts, locked in a grim contest. Poll surveys and perceptions — or at least what has been publicly stated — have not been a cause of cheer for the party. Even its sympathisers believe that it would be a miracle if the BJP retains the State. Of course, there could be undercurrents of support for the party which has not been mapped. But would that be sufficient to turn the tables on the Congress? Meanwhile, the party is furiously engaged in what it does best: Booth management at the micro level. Party president Amit Shah has stationed himself in Rajasthan and is directing the campaign by ironing out the weaknesses and promoting the strengths. There is no doubt that many behind-the-scenes calculations are being done in the run-up to the poll and the result thereof. For the moment the BJP’s central leadership has completely backed Vasundhara Raje’s candidature. This was to be expected because changing the captain (even if that captain is problematic) in the midst of a fight is not the most sensible thing to do. Doing so would also have invited serious factionalism at a time when the party needed to fight the ‘enemy’ as one. Besides, the BJP does not have a State leader who can match Vasundhara Raje’s stature. Realising the delicacy of the situation, the RSS has pumped in its manpower resources to ensure a BJP victory. This is significant for two reasons. The first is that the RSS has considerable hold among the electorate and there is thus the possibility of swinging indecisive votes in the BJP’s favour. The RSS has units that have been for long working among slum-dwellers, traders and the poorer sections of society, and hopes to cash in on that support base. The second issue of significance is that the RSS has shed, for the moment, its wariness towards Vasundhara Raje, and has agreed to back her in the BJP’s larger interests. Will that be a game-turner for the BJP, or will it prove inadequate to match a resurgent Congress in the state, remains to be seen. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Rajasthan Assembly elections 2018: Whose script will triumph?

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah on Monday said that Congress president Rahul Gandhi did not know if he were campaigning for the BJP as he often used Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s name in his speeches.

Addressing an election rally here, Shah said, "Rahul Gandhi uses the name of Modi ji more than the BJP. We don`t understand if he is campaigning for the Congress or for the BJP."

Claiming that BJP will win assembly elections of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, Shah said, "Rahul should stop daydreaming of winning these two states because the BJP government is an immovable foot of Angad (a character in Ramayana). Nobody can oust the BJP from the state," he said.&nbsp;

Continuing his tirade attack against the Congress, Shah even questioned the existence of Congress stating, "Time has come that one needs a telescope to find if Congress exists."

Comparing the work of the Congress and BJP in Rajasthan, Shah said, "During the Congress regime, the total budget for Rajasthan was only Rs 1.9 lakh crore. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the charge in Delhi, the state's budget was raised to more than Rs 2.63 lakh crore."

Shah also raked up the issue of surgical strikes, carried out by India against terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in 2016. He said that the Congress was ashamed of saying 'Bharat Mata ki Jai.'

Shah also praised the efforts of Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.

"She provided free electricity to the state farmers, free health check-up under Bhamashah Yojana, loans under Mudra Bank scheme and gas connections and free mobiles to women," he said.

The 200-member Rajasthan Assembly is scheduled to go to polls on December 7.

The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah on Monday said that Congress president Rahul Gandhi did not know if he were campaigning for the BJP as he often used Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s name in his speeches.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah on Monday said that Congress president Rahul Gandhi did not know if he were campaigning for the BJP as he often used Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s name in his speeches. Addressing an election rally here, Shah said, "Rahul Gandhi uses the name of Modi ji more than the BJP. We don`t understand if he is campaigning for the Congress or for the BJP." Claiming that BJP will win assembly elections of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, Shah said, "Rahul should stop daydreaming of winning these two states because the BJP government is an immovable foot of Angad (a character in Ramayana). Nobody can oust the BJP from the state," he said. Continuing his tirade attack against the Congress, Shah even questioned the existence of Congress stating, "Time has come that one needs a telescope to find if Congress exists." Comparing the work of the Congress and BJP in Rajasthan, Shah said, "During the Congress regime, the total budget for Rajasthan was only Rs 1.9 lakh crore. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the charge in Delhi, the state's budget was raised to more than Rs 2.63 lakh crore." Shah also raked up the issue of surgical strikes, carried out by India against terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in 2016. He said that the Congress was ashamed of saying 'Bharat Mata ki Jai.' Shah also praised the efforts of Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. "She provided free electricity to the state farmers, free health check-up under Bhamashah Yojana, loans under Mudra Bank scheme and gas connections and free mobiles to women," he said. The 200-member Rajasthan Assembly is scheduled to go to polls on December 7. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Rahul doesn't know if he campaigns for BJP or Congress: Amit Shah

BJP president Amit Shah Monday asserted all “intruders” would be pulled out of the country if BJP was voted back in 2019, as he appealed to people to return the Vasundhara Raje government in Rajasthan and the Modi government at the Centre.

Addressing a public rally here, he said if the BJP led dispensation is re-elected, “each and every intruder from Kashmir to Kanyakumari would be identified and pulled out of the country”.

Shah criticised Congress national president Rahul Gandhi terming surgical strike to be ‘BJP’s political assets’ saying that martyrdom and sacrifices of the soldiers, pain and plight of their families fail to be visible to “Rahul Baba through his Italian goggles’.

Shah slammed Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party for “worrying and growing restless for the 40 lakhs intruders” the BJP government had identified after assuming power in Assam

It may be recalled that as many as 40 lakh people were left out in the final draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam and the process of filing of claims and objections of these people commenced in September.

‘Are they (intruders) your (Rahul’s and Congress’) cousin and that’s why you are worrying where they would go, what they would eat…?’ Shah asked and alleged Congress perceived its vote bank in intruders as they (Rahul’s and Congress’)don’t worry about the safety and security of the nation.

Shah mocked at Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party for raising questions over Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi fleeing the country and said this was due to stern and strict rules and regulations brought by the Modi government.

Shah charged that the Congress during its ten years of rule gave away huge loans through banks that eventually turned NPA.

“They (people like Mallya and Nirav Modi) did not flee during their reign (Congress) because they (Congress) had their share with them”, Shah alleged. ‘Chor –chor Mosere Bhai’, he added.

Counting the achievements of the Centre and Vasundhara Raje’s state government in Rajasthan, the BJP president said the Modi government, among other things, has given gas connections to about 6 crore mothers, two crore houses, 2.5 crore electricity connections and 8 crore toilets.

BJP president Amit Shah Monday asserted all “intruders” would be pulled out of the country if BJP was voted back in 2019, as he appealed to people to return the Vasundhara Raje government in Rajasthan and the Modi government at the Centre.

BJP president Amit Shah Monday asserted all “intruders” would be pulled out of the country if BJP was voted back in 2019, as he appealed to people to return the Vasundhara Raje government in Rajasthan and the Modi government at the Centre. Addressing a public rally here, he said if the BJP led dispensation is re-elected, “each and every intruder from Kashmir to Kanyakumari would be identified and pulled out of the country”. Shah criticised Congress national president Rahul Gandhi terming surgical strike to be ‘BJP’s political assets’ saying that martyrdom and sacrifices of the soldiers, pain and plight of their families fail to be visible to “Rahul Baba through his Italian goggles’. Shah slammed Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party for “worrying and growing restless for the 40 lakhs intruders” the BJP government had identified after assuming power in Assam It may be recalled that as many as 40 lakh people were left out in the final draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam and the process of filing of claims and objections of these people commenced in September. ‘Are they (intruders) your (Rahul’s and Congress’) cousin and that’s why you are worrying where they would go, what they would eat…?’ Shah asked and alleged Congress perceived its vote bank in intruders as they (Rahul’s and Congress’)don’t worry about the safety and security of the nation. Shah mocked at Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party for raising questions over Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi fleeing the country and said this was due to stern and strict rules and regulations brought by the Modi government. Shah charged that the Congress during its ten years of rule gave away huge loans through banks that eventually turned NPA. “They (people like Mallya and Nirav Modi) did not flee during their reign (Congress) because they (Congress) had their share with them”, Shah alleged. ‘Chor –chor Mosere Bhai’, he added. Counting the achievements of the Centre and Vasundhara Raje’s state government in Rajasthan, the BJP president said the Modi government, among other things, has given gas connections to about 6 crore mothers, two crore houses, 2.5 crore electricity connections and 8 crore toilets.

Intruders from Kashmir to Kanyakumari would be pulled out if BJP voted to power, says Amit Shah

Telangana Rashtra Samiti's chief and state Chief Minister KC Rao on Sunday accused Andhra CM of distorting facts.&nbsp;

According to reports, Rao accused N Chandrababu Naidu of distorting facts over the development of Hyderabad and said that the TDP chief needs a "mental check-up."

"Chandrababu Naidu says he built Hyderabad. Quli Qutub Shah who built the city would commit suicide (if he is alive and hears this). Was Charminar (monument) also built by Naidu? I don't understand," Rao said during an election rally in Telangana.

"Would anybody talk like that? I think he should be examined to check to see whether he is mentally fit," Rao added.

"On one side you have Congress and TDP which ruled the state for 58 years and on the other side there is TRS which fought for Telangana and achieved it," he stated.

Meanwhile, Andhra Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party chief N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday asked if he ever stopped KC Rao from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/never-stopped-kcr-from-fulfilling-his-poll-promises-chandrababu-naidu-180905">fulfilling his poll promises</a> in Telangana.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Naidu claimed to have no interest in Telangana's politics.

Speaking at an event in Hyderabad, the Telugu Desam Party chief said that his aim is to protect the democracy "which is in danger" and not to become the Prime Minister.&nbsp;

"I may enter national politics but won't enter Telangana politics. I'm not greedy for power. I am not thinking of becoming the Prime Minister. My aim is to protect the democracy which is in danger," Naidu noted.&nbsp;

Telangana Rashtra Samiti's chief and state Chief Minister KC Rao on Sunday accused Andhra CM of distorting facts. According to reports, Rao accused N Chandrababu Naidu of distorting facts over the development of Hyderabad and said that the TDP chief needs a "mental check-up.

Telangana Rashtra Samiti's chief and state Chief Minister KC Rao on Sunday accused Andhra CM of distorting facts. According to reports, Rao accused N Chandrababu Naidu of distorting facts over the development of Hyderabad and said that the TDP chief needs a "mental check-up." "Chandrababu Naidu says he built Hyderabad. Quli Qutub Shah who built the city would commit suicide (if he is alive and hears this). Was Charminar (monument) also built by Naidu? I don't understand," Rao said during an election rally in Telangana. "Would anybody talk like that? I think he should be examined to check to see whether he is mentally fit," Rao added. "On one side you have Congress and TDP which ruled the state for 58 years and on the other side there is TRS which fought for Telangana and achieved it," he stated. Meanwhile, Andhra Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party chief N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday asked if he ever stopped KC Rao from fulfilling his poll promises in Telangana. Earlier this week, Naidu claimed to have no interest in Telangana's politics. Speaking at an event in Hyderabad, the Telugu Desam Party chief said that his aim is to protect the democracy "which is in danger" and not to become the Prime Minister. "I may enter national politics but won't enter Telangana politics. I'm not greedy for power. I am not thinking of becoming the Prime Minister. My aim is to protect the democracy which is in danger," Naidu noted.

Chandrababu Naidu needs a mental check-up: KC Rao

Enhancement of retirement age of government servants by three years to 61 and unemployment allowance to youth are among the promises made in the Telangana Rashtra Samithi manifesto released Sunday for the December 7 assembly elections.

The manifesto which was released by party chief K Chandrasekhar Rao also promised enhancement of all types of "Aasara" pensions from Rs 1000 to Rs 2016.

For differently abled persons, it would be doubled from Rs 1500 to Rs 3016 even as the age eligibility for old age pension would be reduced from 65 to 57 years.

"The retirement age of the government employees will be enhanced from the present 58 to 61.

Parallelly, the unemployed youth will be provided with ample opportunities by increasing the recruitment age limit by three more years... The unemployment youth will also be given Rs 3016 allowance," it said.

"While continuing the construction of double bedroom houses as per the existing norms, those poor people who own a plot and are desirous of constructing a house on their own will be provided financial assistance, ranging from Rs 5 lakhs to Rs 6 lakhs," the manifesto said.

The investment support of Rs 8,000 per acre for agriculture to farmers under Rythu Bandhu would be increased to Rs 10,000 per acre and up to R,s one lakh farm loan would be waived. 
 
The health profile of every individual, as well as that of state, would be developed, it added.&nbsp;

Enhancement of retirement age of government servants by three years to 61 and unemployment allowance to youth are among the promises made in the Telangana Rashtra Samithi manifesto released Sunday for the December 7 assembly elections.

Enhancement of retirement age of government servants by three years to 61 and unemployment allowance to youth are among the promises made in the Telangana Rashtra Samithi manifesto released Sunday for the December 7 assembly elections. The manifesto which was released by party chief K Chandrasekhar Rao also promised enhancement of all types of "Aasara" pensions from Rs 1000 to Rs 2016. For differently abled persons, it would be doubled from Rs 1500 to Rs 3016 even as the age eligibility for old age pension would be reduced from 65 to 57 years. "The retirement age of the government employees will be enhanced from the present 58 to 61. Parallelly, the unemployed youth will be provided with ample opportunities by increasing the recruitment age limit by three more years... The unemployment youth will also be given Rs 3016 allowance," it said. "While continuing the construction of double bedroom houses as per the existing norms, those poor people who own a plot and are desirous of constructing a house on their own will be provided financial assistance, ranging from Rs 5 lakhs to Rs 6 lakhs," the manifesto said. The investment support of Rs 8,000 per acre for agriculture to farmers under Rythu Bandhu would be increased to Rs 10,000 per acre and up to R,s one lakh farm loan would be waived. The health profile of every individual, as well as that of state, would be developed, it added.

Enhancement of retirement age, unemployment allowance on TRS poll manifesto

AIMIM chief, Asaduddin Owaisi, on Sunday launched an attack on BJP asking if those who speak against the saffron party or its leadership will be asked to leave the country.&nbsp;

Owaisi's comments came as a reaction to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's remark wherein he stated that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/owaisi-will-flee-from-telangana-like-nizam-was-forced-to-flee-from-hyderabad-yogi-adityanath-180978">Owaisi will have to flee the state if BJP comes to power in Telangana</a>.&nbsp;

Speaking at a rally in Malakpet, Hyderabad, the Telangana MP asked if it was not his nation and if speaking against PM Modi, the BJP or any of its affiliates will require him to leave the country.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
A Owaisi in Hyderabad: Aap tareekh to jaante nahi, history mein zero hain aap. Agar padhna nahi aata to padhne wale se poocho. Agar padhte to malum hota ki Nizam Hyderabad chhod kar nahi gaye, unko Rajpramukh banaya gaya tha. China se jang hui to yahi Nizam ne apna sona bech diya
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1069272172068188160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Owaisi slammed Yogi Adityanath for saying that the Nizam was made to flee the land. The AIMIM chief added that the Nizam did not leave Hyderabad but was appointed as the Rajpramukh or governor.

"Aap tareekh to jaante nahi, history mein zero hain aap. Agar padhna nahi aata to padhne wale se poocho. Agar padhte to malum hota ki Nizam Hyderabad chhod kar nahi gaye, unko Rajpramukh banaya gaya tha. China se jang hui to yahi Nizam ne apna sona bech diya," he noted.&nbsp;

Yogi Adityanath made the statement on Asaduddin Owaisi at a public gathering in Tandur, Vikarabad ahead of the December 7 assembly elections in Telangana.&nbsp;

"If BJP comes to power, I assure you Owaisi will have to flee from Telangana the same way Nizam was forced to flee from Hyderabad," Adityanath had said.

&nbsp;

AIMIM chief, Asaduddin Owaisi, on Sunday launched an attack on BJP asking if those who speak against the saffron party or its leadership will be asked to leave the country.

AIMIM chief, Asaduddin Owaisi, on Sunday launched an attack on BJP asking if those who speak against the saffron party or its leadership will be asked to leave the country. Owaisi's comments came as a reaction to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's remark wherein he stated that Owaisi will have to flee the state if BJP comes to power in Telangana. Speaking at a rally in Malakpet, Hyderabad, the Telangana MP asked if it was not his nation and if speaking against PM Modi, the BJP or any of its affiliates will require him to leave the country. A Owaisi in Hyderabad: Aap tareekh to jaante nahi, history mein zero hain aap. Agar padhna nahi aata to padhne wale se poocho. Agar padhte to malum hota ki Nizam Hyderabad chhod kar nahi gaye, unko Rajpramukh banaya gaya tha. China se jang hui to yahi Nizam ne apna sona bech diya — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2018 × Owaisi slammed Yogi Adityanath for saying that the Nizam was made to flee the land. The AIMIM chief added that the Nizam did not leave Hyderabad but was appointed as the Rajpramukh or governor. "Aap tareekh to jaante nahi, history mein zero hain aap. Agar padhna nahi aata to padhne wale se poocho. Agar padhte to malum hota ki Nizam Hyderabad chhod kar nahi gaye, unko Rajpramukh banaya gaya tha. China se jang hui to yahi Nizam ne apna sona bech diya," he noted. Yogi Adityanath made the statement on Asaduddin Owaisi at a public gathering in Tandur, Vikarabad ahead of the December 7 assembly elections in Telangana. "If BJP comes to power, I assure you Owaisi will have to flee from Telangana the same way Nizam was forced to flee from Hyderabad," Adityanath had said.

History mein zero hain aap: Asaduddin Owaisi responds to Yogi Adityanath

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

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

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

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

Senior BJP leader Brijmohan Agarwal on Sunday said that the party leadership in Centre will decide upon the chief ministerial candidate for Chattisgarh if the BJP is voted to power again.&nbsp;

"We can't take a decision on this. Central leadership will take a decision. Whatever they decide will be abided by," the minister added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Congress yesterday also exuded confidence, claiming that the party will not look left or right for support, it will form the government in the state independently.&nbsp;

'I am confident of victory. We are getting a clear majority. There is no need to look left or right (for any support or post-poll alliance),' senior Congress leader T S Singh Deo told PTI.&nbsp;

Elections in Chhattisgarh were held in two phase on November 12 and 20. Votes will be counted on December 11.

Senior BJP leader Brijmohan Agarwal on Sunday said that the party leadership in Centre will decide upon the chief ministerial candidate for Chattisgarh if the BJP is voted to power again.

Senior BJP leader Brijmohan Agarwal on Sunday said that the party leadership in Centre will decide upon the chief ministerial candidate for Chattisgarh if the BJP is voted to power again. "We can't take a decision on this. Central leadership will take a decision. Whatever they decide will be abided by," the minister added. Meanwhile, Congress yesterday also exuded confidence, claiming that the party will not look left or right for support, it will form the government in the state independently. 'I am confident of victory. We are getting a clear majority. There is no need to look left or right (for any support or post-poll alliance),' senior Congress leader T S Singh Deo told PTI. Elections in Chhattisgarh were held in two phase on November 12 and 20. Votes will be counted on December 11.

If voted to power, Central leadership will decide CM candidate: BJP in Chhattisgarh

Sunil Arora took charge as the new Chief Election Commissioner of India on Sunday. Arora was appointed to office by President Ram Nath Kovind earlier this week, he succeeds OP Rawat who demitted office on Saturday.&nbsp;

A notification issued by the Law Ministry said the 62-year-old former bureaucrat would take over his new position Sunday.

Under Arora's leadership, the Election Commission will hold the 2019 general election.&nbsp;

A former bureaucrat, Sunil Arora was appointed as the election commissioner in August last year. He had been the information and broadcasting secretary, and secretary in the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">Delhi: Sunil Arora takes charge as the new Chief Election Commissioner of India <a href="https://t.co/7ruBbg5MN5">pic.twitter.com/7ruBbg5MN5</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1069102058396098560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


A 1980-batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre, Mr Arora had worked in ministries such as finance, textiles and also at the Planning Commission.

A Chief Election Commissioner or an EC can have a tenure of six years or hold office till the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. The convention is to appoint the senior-most election commissioner as chief election commissioner.

(With inputs from PTI)

Sunil Arora took charge as the new Chief Election Commissioner of India on Sunday. Arora was appointed to office by President Ram Nath Kovind earlier this week, he succeeds OP Rawat who demitted office on Saturday.

Sunil Arora took charge as the new Chief Election Commissioner of India on Sunday. Arora was appointed to office by President Ram Nath Kovind earlier this week, he succeeds OP Rawat who demitted office on Saturday. A notification issued by the Law Ministry said the 62-year-old former bureaucrat would take over his new position Sunday. Under Arora's leadership, the Election Commission will hold the 2019 general election. A former bureaucrat, Sunil Arora was appointed as the election commissioner in August last year. He had been the information and broadcasting secretary, and secretary in the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Delhi: Sunil Arora takes charge as the new Chief Election Commissioner of India pic.twitter.com/7ruBbg5MN5 — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2018 A 1980-batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre, Mr Arora had worked in ministries such as finance, textiles and also at the Planning Commission. A Chief Election Commissioner or an EC can have a tenure of six years or hold office till the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. The convention is to appoint the senior-most election commissioner as chief election commissioner. (With inputs from PTI)

Sunil Arora takes charge as new Chief Election Commissioner of India 

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

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

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

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

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday filed a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) on Saturday against Congress leader Raj Babbar.

According to reports, the complaint has been filed as Babbar allegedly made derogatory comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah.

The BJP also accused Raj Babbar of violating the Model Code of Conduct for the elections.&nbsp;

According to news agency ANI, Babbar, during a rally in Udaipur on Friday, reportedly said that two people from Gujarat were running a "gang" in Delhi.&nbsp;

Raj Babbar had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/he-doesnt-have-real-issues-to-talk-about-pm-modi-on-babbars-remark-for-his-mother-179136">previously compared the rupee&nbsp;slide</a> with the age of PM Modi's mother.

The Prime Minister retorted, "When one doesn't have real issues to talk about, he resorts to abusing somebody else's mother."

Rajasthan is slated to go to polls on Friday. The result for the 200-member Rajasthan assembly will be announced on December 11.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday filed a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) on Saturday against Congress leader Raj Babbar. According to reports, the complaint has been filed as Babbar allegedly made derogatory comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday filed a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) on Saturday against Congress leader Raj Babbar. According to reports, the complaint has been filed as Babbar allegedly made derogatory comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah. The BJP also accused Raj Babbar of violating the Model Code of Conduct for the elections. According to news agency ANI, Babbar, during a rally in Udaipur on Friday, reportedly said that two people from Gujarat were running a "gang" in Delhi. Raj Babbar had previously compared the rupee slide with the age of PM Modi's mother. The Prime Minister retorted, "When one doesn't have real issues to talk about, he resorts to abusing somebody else's mother." Rajasthan is slated to go to polls on Friday. The result for the 200-member Rajasthan assembly will be announced on December 11.

Rajasthan: BJP files plaint against Raj Babbar with EC for derogatory comments against PM Modi

Former Union Minister and Congress leader Jitin Prasad on Saturday said that Congress party will reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products if it comes to power in Telangana.&nbsp;

Outlining that he has previously served as petroleum minister in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, Prasad while addressing the media said, "The crude oil prices internationally have reached the rock bottom during the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government but the petroleum prices have reached highest ever since Independence in the BJP government. During the Congress government, the petrol prices were lower as compared to the present prices in the country. Congress ensured that the upstream companies of oil and the Finance Ministry reduced the burden on the common man and did not let oil prices go beyond a certain point. But the central government doesn't believe in all that. The state government in Telangana has earned huge money by collecting VAT prices on petrol."

He also attacked the state government for charging high VAT on petroleum products and said that Congress will reduce the same, "The state government under Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) is charging the highest VAT charges on petroleum. The VAT charges in Karnataka, where &nbsp;Congress is in power are very less compared to Telangana. The burden should be reduced on common man but it has been increased by the TRS government."

He also alleged that caretaker Chief Minister of Telangana, K Chandrashekar Rao is anti-farmer and has not done enough to improve literacy rates of the state.&nbsp;

Former Union Minister and Congress leader Jitin Prasad on Saturday said that Congress party will reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products if it comes to power in Telangana.

Former Union Minister and Congress leader Jitin Prasad on Saturday said that Congress party will reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products if it comes to power in Telangana. Outlining that he has previously served as petroleum minister in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, Prasad while addressing the media said, "The crude oil prices internationally have reached the rock bottom during the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government but the petroleum prices have reached highest ever since Independence in the BJP government. During the Congress government, the petrol prices were lower as compared to the present prices in the country. Congress ensured that the upstream companies of oil and the Finance Ministry reduced the burden on the common man and did not let oil prices go beyond a certain point. But the central government doesn't believe in all that. The state government in Telangana has earned huge money by collecting VAT prices on petrol." He also attacked the state government for charging high VAT on petroleum products and said that Congress will reduce the same, "The state government under Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) is charging the highest VAT charges on petroleum. The VAT charges in Karnataka, where Congress is in power are very less compared to Telangana. The burden should be reduced on common man but it has been increased by the TRS government." He also alleged that caretaker Chief Minister of Telangana, K Chandrashekar Rao is anti-farmer and has not done enough to improve literacy rates of the state.

Congress will reduce VAT if voted to power in Telangana: Jitin Prasad

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday launched a scathing attack on Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi and said that AIMIM chief will have to flee from Telangana if the BJP comes to power in the state.

"If BJP comes to power, I assure you Owaisi will have to flee from Telangana the same way Nizam was forced to flee from Hyderabad," Adityanath said.

Yogi Adityanath made the statement on Asaduddin Owaisi at a public gathering in Tandur, Vikarabad ahead of the December 7 assembly elections in Telangana.&nbsp;

"Who are those who try to strike relations with ISIS or other terrorist outfits&amp;play with national security? You'll have to decide if this nation will be run by youth committed to national security or by Congress, TDP and TRS supporting terrorism and Naxalism," Yogi Adityanath added.

Talking about public welfare initiatives of the Central government, Chief Minister Yogi said, "You have seen the Central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is working for the development of all without any discrimination of religion, region or language."

"Two crore people were given affordable houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) but the people of the state could not get the benefit of the same as the state government did not provide the utilisation certificate of the funds received under this scheme after the first time. Four crore poor people were provided with free electricity, 8 crore people were given free LPG connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana," he added.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister also attacked the Congress, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) for indulging in politics of dynasty and said that similarly, Owaisi is also indulging in the politics of minority appeasement only. Telangana Assembly elections are on December 7 while the counting of votes will take place on December 11.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday launched a scathing attack on Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi and said that AIMIM chief will have to flee from Telangana if the BJP comes to power in the state.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday launched a scathing attack on Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi and said that AIMIM chief will have to flee from Telangana if the BJP comes to power in the state. "If BJP comes to power, I assure you Owaisi will have to flee from Telangana the same way Nizam was forced to flee from Hyderabad," Adityanath said. Yogi Adityanath made the statement on Asaduddin Owaisi at a public gathering in Tandur, Vikarabad ahead of the December 7 assembly elections in Telangana. "Who are those who try to strike relations with ISIS or other terrorist outfits&play with national security? You'll have to decide if this nation will be run by youth committed to national security or by Congress, TDP and TRS supporting terrorism and Naxalism," Yogi Adityanath added. Talking about public welfare initiatives of the Central government, Chief Minister Yogi said, "You have seen the Central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is working for the development of all without any discrimination of religion, region or language." "Two crore people were given affordable houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) but the people of the state could not get the benefit of the same as the state government did not provide the utilisation certificate of the funds received under this scheme after the first time. Four crore poor people were provided with free electricity, 8 crore people were given free LPG connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana," he added. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister also attacked the Congress, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) for indulging in politics of dynasty and said that similarly, Owaisi is also indulging in the politics of minority appeasement only. Telangana Assembly elections are on December 7 while the counting of votes will take place on December 11. (With inputs from ANI)

Owaisi will flee Telangana like Nizam was forced out of Hyderabad: Yogi

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-election-is-a-fight-about-about-truth-and-lies-ashok-gehlot-180448">Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot </a>Sunday accused BJP of mixing politics with caste and other issues.

'There is huge resentment among people against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-leaders-have-no-regard-for-bharat-mata-rajasthan-cm-raje-179065">Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje</a>. Asking about mother and father of anyone can be an issue of criticism, but it cannot be an issue of doing politics,'&nbsp;Gehlot told reporters here.

'BJP is not doing politics based on issues. It has mixed other issues including castes,'&nbsp;he said.

Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gehlot alleged he was the first prime minister who is not doing politics on the issues maintaining the dignity of his post. "He should do politics on national and international issues", the Chief Minister said.

He said that elections are like festivals and should be celebrated with brotherhood and good feeling.

&nbsp;Gehlot said Congress president Rahul Gandhi has also said that the party doesn't have a fight with anyone, but it is a fight of ideology, policies and programmes.

They talk about Rahul Gandhi, Pandit Nehru, but Prime Minister Modi and Vasundhara will have to take 100 births to become Nehru,' he said.

On <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/demonetisation-a-massive-draconian-monetary-shock-former-chief-economic-adviser-arvind-subramanian-180150">demonetisation</a>, Gehlot said it was a black chapter and prime minister "shattered" the country's economy.

He also accused Vasundhara Raje government of closing down various public welfare schemes of the previous Congress government.

The Congress government had not&nbsp;closed down public welfare schemes of Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Vasundhara Raje governments, he said.

Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot Sunday accused BJP of mixing politics with caste and other issues. 'There is huge resentment among people against Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.

Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot Sunday accused BJP of mixing politics with caste and other issues. 'There is huge resentment among people against Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. Asking about mother and father of anyone can be an issue of criticism, but it cannot be an issue of doing politics,' Gehlot told reporters here. 'BJP is not doing politics based on issues. It has mixed other issues including castes,' he said. Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gehlot alleged he was the first prime minister who is not doing politics on the issues maintaining the dignity of his post. "He should do politics on national and international issues", the Chief Minister said. He said that elections are like festivals and should be celebrated with brotherhood and good feeling. Gehlot said Congress president Rahul Gandhi has also said that the party doesn't have a fight with anyone, but it is a fight of ideology, policies and programmes. They talk about Rahul Gandhi, Pandit Nehru, but Prime Minister Modi and Vasundhara will have to take 100 births to become Nehru,' he said. On demonetisation, Gehlot said it was a black chapter and prime minister "shattered" the country's economy. He also accused Vasundhara Raje government of closing down various public welfare schemes of the previous Congress government. The Congress government had not closed down public welfare schemes of Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Vasundhara Raje governments, he said.

BJP not doing issue based politics: Ashok Gehlot

Pitted against the BJP chief minister Vasundhara Raje in a high-stakes contest, the Congress candidate Manvendra Singh is asking voters in the Jhalrapatan constituency whether they want their vote to go in favour of an outgoing government or for the incoming one.

The Congress leader, who switched over from the BJP just weeks before being fielded against the chief minister, is putting this poser in all his election meetings throughout the day while asserting that there was a 'wave'&nbsp;in favour of the grand-old party across the state leaving no doubt about who would form the government.

'Apna mat kisko doge&nbsp;Avavaldhi ko ya Javavaldhi ko (You will give your vote to the incoming government or the outgoing government),&nbsp;he asked the crowd in Daulatpura village during his campaign trail.

Dubbed as an 'outsider'&nbsp;and a 'turncoat' by his opponents, Singh is looking to counter these charges with an extensive outreach campaign for which he sets off in the morning and till late evening goes from village to village to interact with the people of the constituency and seek votes.

Dressed in his trademark dhoti, kurta and a colourful bandhej safa, Singh greets people along the way, obliges selfie seekers, and tells people to vote in large numbers.

His electoral pitch to voters remains the same as he reaches out to village elders, youth and even children.

In Devchi village here, he highlighted the lack of roads and drainage system, saying if villages in a 'VIP constituency'&nbsp;were in such a state then what would be the condition of other places.

'Even before polling, people know what the result would be. There is a wave that the incoming government will be of the Congress. There is no dispute on that. The only point of debate is how many seats it will get.

'Some say 130, some say 140, while some even say over 150. So when there is no doubt about this, the question to you is whether your vote will be in favour of the incoming government or the outgoing government," he asked voters in Devchi village.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/rajasthan-assembly-elections-with-his-brahmin-remark-has-cp-joshi-cut-the-nose-to-spite-the-face-179448">There are 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan and election for 199 seats would be held on December 7 </a>as the polling for one seat has to be postponed due to death of a BSP candidate. Votes would be counted on December 11.

Raje formed the state government with a massive majority in the 2013 assembly elections, in which the BJP had won a record 163 seats and the Congress could get just 21. The BSP had got three seats, while independents and candidates of other parties won 13.

With the Congress making an all-out effort to return to power in Rajasthan, Singh said the government that will come this time will be for the villages and for the welfare of the farmers.

Another common theme of his campaign meetings is highlighting the key farmers-related promises made by the Congress in its manifesto such as loan waiver for them and pension for elderly farmers for the first time.

In Rampuria village, he repeated his pitch to voters and also welcomed a BJP worker into the Congress fold.

Often, Singh also tries to connect with village elders and farmers and tells them to take care of the December 7 voting.

'This time it will be the Congress' 'hand' that will win from here,'&nbsp;said Gangaram, a farmer, referring to the party's poll symbol.

Another farmer at one of Singh's meeting, Jujhar Singh, said it was time for a change as development has lagged behind in the village.

While support for Singh in villages seems to be growing, it appears to be an uphill task for him in the city where people swear by the rapid development undertaken by Raje to give the town amenities such hospitals, schools and infrastructure.

Rampal Yadav, an auto-driver, when asked about the much-talked-about electoral battle here, said it was just a hype and in reality, it was a one-sided contest in favour of Raje.

Echoing his views, a restaurant owner said the credit for all the development in the city goes to Raje and she will win comfortably.

Manvendra Singh's wife, Chitra Singh, has also been working hard in the city, campaigning for her husband from morning to evening in a bid to win supporters.

Rajput vote is crucial for both candidates and they have been trying to woo the community with outreach efforts.

Singh also addressed a Rajput community meeting on Friday where Rajput leaders called for unity and support for him.

Chitra Singh also exhorted the gathering to unite and said the Rajput community needed to learn from other communities when it comes to acting unitedly.

The result may be difficult to guess, but Singh is making an all-out effort in what is being seen as a prestige battle.

The much-talked-about differences between the two leaders have made the Singh-Raje battle even more interesting.

Pitted against the BJP chief minister Vasundhara Raje in a high-stakes contest, the Congress candidate Manvendra Singh is asking voters in the Jhalrapatan constituency whether they want their vote to go in favour of an outgoing government or for the incoming one.

Pitted against the BJP chief minister Vasundhara Raje in a high-stakes contest, the Congress candidate Manvendra Singh is asking voters in the Jhalrapatan constituency whether they want their vote to go in favour of an outgoing government or for the incoming one. The Congress leader, who switched over from the BJP just weeks before being fielded against the chief minister, is putting this poser in all his election meetings throughout the day while asserting that there was a 'wave' in favour of the grand-old party across the state leaving no doubt about who would form the government. 'Apna mat kisko doge Avavaldhi ko ya Javavaldhi ko (You will give your vote to the incoming government or the outgoing government), he asked the crowd in Daulatpura village during his campaign trail. Dubbed as an 'outsider' and a 'turncoat' by his opponents, Singh is looking to counter these charges with an extensive outreach campaign for which he sets off in the morning and till late evening goes from village to village to interact with the people of the constituency and seek votes. Dressed in his trademark dhoti, kurta and a colourful bandhej safa, Singh greets people along the way, obliges selfie seekers, and tells people to vote in large numbers. His electoral pitch to voters remains the same as he reaches out to village elders, youth and even children. In Devchi village here, he highlighted the lack of roads and drainage system, saying if villages in a 'VIP constituency' were in such a state then what would be the condition of other places. 'Even before polling, people know what the result would be. There is a wave that the incoming government will be of the Congress. There is no dispute on that. The only point of debate is how many seats it will get. 'Some say 130, some say 140, while some even say over 150. So when there is no doubt about this, the question to you is whether your vote will be in favour of the incoming government or the outgoing government," he asked voters in Devchi village. There are 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan and election for 199 seats would be held on December 7 as the polling for one seat has to be postponed due to death of a BSP candidate. Votes would be counted on December 11. Raje formed the state government with a massive majority in the 2013 assembly elections, in which the BJP had won a record 163 seats and the Congress could get just 21. The BSP had got three seats, while independents and candidates of other parties won 13. With the Congress making an all-out effort to return to power in Rajasthan, Singh said the government that will come this time will be for the villages and for the welfare of the farmers. Another common theme of his campaign meetings is highlighting the key farmers-related promises made by the Congress in its manifesto such as loan waiver for them and pension for elderly farmers for the first time. In Rampuria village, he repeated his pitch to voters and also welcomed a BJP worker into the Congress fold. Often, Singh also tries to connect with village elders and farmers and tells them to take care of the December 7 voting. 'This time it will be the Congress' 'hand' that will win from here,' said Gangaram, a farmer, referring to the party's poll symbol. Another farmer at one of Singh's meeting, Jujhar Singh, said it was time for a change as development has lagged behind in the village. While support for Singh in villages seems to be growing, it appears to be an uphill task for him in the city where people swear by the rapid development undertaken by Raje to give the town amenities such hospitals, schools and infrastructure. Rampal Yadav, an auto-driver, when asked about the much-talked-about electoral battle here, said it was just a hype and in reality, it was a one-sided contest in favour of Raje. Echoing his views, a restaurant owner said the credit for all the development in the city goes to Raje and she will win comfortably. Manvendra Singh's wife, Chitra Singh, has also been working hard in the city, campaigning for her husband from morning to evening in a bid to win supporters. Rajput vote is crucial for both candidates and they have been trying to woo the community with outreach efforts. Singh also addressed a Rajput community meeting on Friday where Rajput leaders called for unity and support for him. Chitra Singh also exhorted the gathering to unite and said the Rajput community needed to learn from other communities when it comes to acting unitedly. The result may be difficult to guess, but Singh is making an all-out effort in what is being seen as a prestige battle. The much-talked-about differences between the two leaders have made the Singh-Raje battle even more interesting.

Will you vote for incoming government or outgoing: Congress' Manvendra Singh in Rajasthan

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-polls-amit-shah-accuses-congress-of-supporting-urban-naxals-179396">BJP president Amit Shah</a> Sunday alleged that the caretaker Chief Minister of Telangana, K Chandrasekhar Rao, had burdened the state with crores of rupees by opting for early polls.

Speaking at an election rally at Narayanpet in Mahbubnagar district, he also alleged that both the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and the Congress believed in the "appeasement" of minorities and that AIMIM's Akbaruddin Owaisi had said whoever became the chief minister of the southern state would have to bow before his party.

'Telangana would have saved hundreds of crores of rupees had it opted for the Assembly polls along with the Lok Sabha election in May next year. KCR burdened the state with crores of rupees of election expenditure. Who is responsible for this&nbsp;KCR was doubtful of his victory in May, fearing a (Prime Minister) Modi wave,'&nbsp;Shah said.

He alleged that the Congress, in its manifesto for the December 7 polls, had promised 'free electricity'&nbsp;to mosques and churches but not to temples.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief also alleged that as part of its politics of minority appeasement, the opposition party had promised an educational aid of Rs 20 lakh to the minority students if it came to power in Telangana.

'The Congress also speaks (in its manifesto) about reservations for the minorities in government contracts. It also talks about separate hospitals for the minorities. I want to ask (Congress president) Rahul Gandhi, what would be the fate of the poor people who do not belong to the minority communities,'&nbsp;he said.

Shah reiterated that the saffron party was not in favour of reservations based on religion as it was against the Constitution. 
'The Telangana chief minister has promised a 12-per cent reservation for Muslims. The BJP and its cadre will ensure that a reservation based on religion will not be implemented in Telangana,'&nbsp;he asserted.

Taking a dig at the Asaduddin Owaisi-led<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-trs-aimim-are-one-and-pm-modi-is-their-leader-ghulam-nabi-azad-180341"> All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and the TRS</a>, Shah claimed that due to the fear of the Owaisi brothers, the KCR government no longer celebrated the state's Liberation Day on September 17 and vowed that if the BJP came to power in Telangana, the Hyderabad Liberation Day will be celebrated with fanfare.

'Akbaruddin says whoever becomes the chief minister of Telangana should keep his head at the feet of the Majlis (AIMIM)," he said. 
Referring to KCR's promise of giving two-bedroom houses to backward families, Shah said the TRS chief not only failed to implement the scheme but also deprived the people of the state of the benefits of the Prime Minister Awas Yojana.

He urged the voters to vote for the BJP for the overall development of Narayanpet and Telangana.

At another public meeting at Kalwakurthy, Shah alleged that 4,500 farmers had committed suicide in Telangana in the last four-and-half-years of the TRS rule.

KCR, who claimed to be a messiah of farmers, handcuffed them in Khammam when they asked for a support price for their produce, he charged.

The BJP chief also alleged that KCR had forgotten the promise of providing government jobs and compensation to the kin of the 1,200 people who had lost their lives during the separate Telangana movement.

The 119-member<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trans-woman-contesting-telangana-poll-missing-179936"> Telangana Assembly</a> 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 caretaker Chief Minister of Telangana, K Chandrasekhar Rao, had burdened the state with crores of rupees by opting for early polls.

BJP president Amit Shah Sunday alleged that the caretaker Chief Minister of Telangana, K Chandrasekhar Rao, had burdened the state with crores of rupees by opting for early polls. Speaking at an election rally at Narayanpet in Mahbubnagar district, he also alleged that both the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and the Congress believed in the "appeasement" of minorities and that AIMIM's Akbaruddin Owaisi had said whoever became the chief minister of the southern state would have to bow before his party. 'Telangana would have saved hundreds of crores of rupees had it opted for the Assembly polls along with the Lok Sabha election in May next year. KCR burdened the state with crores of rupees of election expenditure. Who is responsible for this KCR was doubtful of his victory in May, fearing a (Prime Minister) Modi wave,' Shah said. He alleged that the Congress, in its manifesto for the December 7 polls, had promised 'free electricity' to mosques and churches but not to temples. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief also alleged that as part of its politics of minority appeasement, the opposition party had promised an educational aid of Rs 20 lakh to the minority students if it came to power in Telangana. 'The Congress also speaks (in its manifesto) about reservations for the minorities in government contracts. It also talks about separate hospitals for the minorities. I want to ask (Congress president) Rahul Gandhi, what would be the fate of the poor people who do not belong to the minority communities,' he said. Shah reiterated that the saffron party was not in favour of reservations based on religion as it was against the Constitution. 'The Telangana chief minister has promised a 12-per cent reservation for Muslims. The BJP and its cadre will ensure that a reservation based on religion will not be implemented in Telangana,' he asserted. Taking a dig at the Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and the TRS, Shah claimed that due to the fear of the Owaisi brothers, the KCR government no longer celebrated the state's Liberation Day on September 17 and vowed that if the BJP came to power in Telangana, the Hyderabad Liberation Day will be celebrated with fanfare. 'Akbaruddin says whoever becomes the chief minister of Telangana should keep his head at the feet of the Majlis (AIMIM)," he said. Referring to KCR's promise of giving two-bedroom houses to backward families, Shah said the TRS chief not only failed to implement the scheme but also deprived the people of the state of the benefits of the Prime Minister Awas Yojana. He urged the voters to vote for the BJP for the overall development of Narayanpet and Telangana. At another public meeting at Kalwakurthy, Shah alleged that 4,500 farmers had committed suicide in Telangana in the last four-and-half-years of the TRS rule. KCR, who claimed to be a messiah of farmers, handcuffed them in Khammam when they asked for a support price for their produce, he charged. The BJP chief also alleged that KCR had forgotten the promise of providing government jobs and compensation to the kin of the 1,200 people who had lost their lives during the separate Telangana movement. The 119-member Telangana Assembly will go to the polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.

KCR burdened Telangana with crore of rupees by opting for early polls: Amit Shah

Poll temperature has shot up in Telangana with the ruling TRS, the Congress and the BJP pulling out all stops to woo voters ahead of the December 7 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mohammed-azharuddin-named-telangana-congress-working-president-days-before-assembly-polls-180445">Assembly elections.</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi who have already addressed campaign meetings are returning to the country's youngest state tomorrow to address public rallies in what is seen as a 'final push'.

Caretaker Chief Minister and Telangana Rashtra Samithi chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-polls-elections-cannot-be-won-on-false-promises-raman-singh-to-chandrasekhar-rao-180767">K Chandrasekhar Rao</a> has been on a vigorous campaign trail in the past few days seeking a second term for the party and has been unsparing in his attack on Modi, Rahul and TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

The TRS is going alone in the poll to the 119-member Assembly, as also is the BJP. Campaigning ends on Wednesday.

The Congress has forged "Prajakutami" (People's Alliance) with the TDP, the Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) headed by professor M Kodandaram, and the CPI.

Both the BJP and the Congress have deployed senior leaders for the 'battle for Telangana'.

BJP president Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari were among those who addressed public meetings in different parts of the state on Sunday.

Union Ministers Sushma Swaraj and Rajnath Singh campaigned for party candidates last week.

For the Congress, Sonia Gandhi addressed a public meeting last week. Chandrababu Naidu is also engaged in an intensive campaign for the People's Alliance.

Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, Kapil Sibal, Jairam Ramesh and Veerappa Moily were among those who had been drafted to guide the party campaign in Telangana.

The Congress has dubbed the TRS as a "stooge" and a "proxy" of the BJP, while the BJP has attacked the Chandrasekhar Rao-led party for promoting "family rule".

'TRS prospects are extremely bright and in fact, things are improving by the day,'&nbsp;KT Rama Rao, TRS leader and son of the caretaker Chief Minister, told PTI.

He credited his party's bright prospects to the state government's 'good governance and solid combination of welfare and development, fruits of which the people have enjoyed in the last four years'.&nbsp;

Poll temperature has shot up in Telangana with the ruling TRS, the Congress and the BJP pulling out all stops to woo voters ahead of the December 7 Assembly elections.

Poll temperature has shot up in Telangana with the ruling TRS, the Congress and the BJP pulling out all stops to woo voters ahead of the December 7 Assembly elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi who have already addressed campaign meetings are returning to the country's youngest state tomorrow to address public rallies in what is seen as a 'final push'. Caretaker Chief Minister and Telangana Rashtra Samithi chief K Chandrasekhar Rao has been on a vigorous campaign trail in the past few days seeking a second term for the party and has been unsparing in his attack on Modi, Rahul and TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. The TRS is going alone in the poll to the 119-member Assembly, as also is the BJP. Campaigning ends on Wednesday. The Congress has forged "Prajakutami" (People's Alliance) with the TDP, the Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) headed by professor M Kodandaram, and the CPI. Both the BJP and the Congress have deployed senior leaders for the 'battle for Telangana'. BJP president Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari were among those who addressed public meetings in different parts of the state on Sunday. Union Ministers Sushma Swaraj and Rajnath Singh campaigned for party candidates last week. For the Congress, Sonia Gandhi addressed a public meeting last week. Chandrababu Naidu is also engaged in an intensive campaign for the People's Alliance. Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, Kapil Sibal, Jairam Ramesh and Veerappa Moily were among those who had been drafted to guide the party campaign in Telangana. The Congress has dubbed the TRS as a "stooge" and a "proxy" of the BJP, while the BJP has attacked the Chandrasekhar Rao-led party for promoting "family rule". 'TRS prospects are extremely bright and in fact, things are improving by the day,' KT Rama Rao, TRS leader and son of the caretaker Chief Minister, told PTI. He credited his party's bright prospects to the state government's 'good governance and solid combination of welfare and development, fruits of which the people have enjoyed in the last four years'.

Poll temperature shoots up in poll-bound Telangana

The Congress Sunday maintained 'friendly contests'&nbsp;in some segments among partners of the People's Alliance would have no bearing on the grouping's electoral prospects, even as negotiations are on with the 'rebels'&nbsp;to see they retire from the contest before the polls begin.

In some constituencies of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-polls-elections-cannot-be-won-on-false-promises-raman-singh-to-chandrasekhar-rao-180767">Telangana</a>, where<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-elections-2018-parties-in-one-upmanship-game-to-woo-voters-in-telangana-180428"> Assembly elections</a> would be held on December 7, Congress and Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) rebels are in the fray in seats which have been allotted to other partners.

'You cannot call them rebels. We (<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-grand-alliance-accuses-kcr-of-colluding-with-bjp-to-escape-from-cbi-180664">the alliance partners</a>) could not convince some of our candidates, so their participation is friendly contest," AICC in-charge of Telangana R C Khuntia told PTI.

The TDP, the TJS led by professor M Kodandaram and CPI are part of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/assembly-elections-2018-its-all-up-in-the-air-180356">Congress-led People's Alliance ('Prajakutami') </a>which has struck a seat-sharing deal among the partners.

However in Wyra and Bellampalli, for example, the two seats allotted to the CPI, Congress rebels &nbsp;Ramulu Naik and G Vinod, who is the son of former Union Minister late G Venkataswamy are in the fray.

'This will not affect our winning possibility. Two-three days before the elections, some decision may be taken to see to they (the rebels) withdraw from the contest. Negotiations are on with them', he said.

Khuntia expressed confidence over the alliance coming to power after the elections to the 119-member Assembly, noting the collective 'strength'&nbsp;of the two parties.

'We will get between 75 and 80 seats', he said.

CPI general secretary Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy said, given the current trend, it looks like a tough contest between the Congress-led alliance and the TRS.

'I hope, ultimately, the opposition front will gain the upper hand. The front has an edge because four parties have come together", Reddy said.

Sources in the alliance said the CPI(M)-led Bahujan Left Front, which has fielded candidates in 109 segments, may split some votes which would have otherwise gone to the People's Alliance.

There is also some 'heartburn' in the Left camp over the CPI(M) and CPI fighting separately. 
'We (BLF) are contesting in 109 seats, out of that we are concentrating on 20 to 25 seats. We are expecting to win at least five seats,' CPI(M) Telangana unit secretary Tammineni Veerabhadram said.

'Through Congress rule, they (CPI) want to achieve Telangana development, it is not possible at all,'&nbsp;Veerabhadram said.

On CPI(M) and CPI choosing different electoral paths in Telangana, CPI(M) politburo member Brinda Karat told PTI, 'In Telangana, BJP is not a factor. It is important to project an alternative policy platform which is what CPI(M) and BLF are doing.'

The Congress Sunday maintained 'friendly contests' in some segments among partners of the People's Alliance would have no bearing on the grouping's electoral prospects, even as negotiations are on with the 'rebels' to see they retire from the contest before the polls begin.

The Congress Sunday maintained 'friendly contests' in some segments among partners of the People's Alliance would have no bearing on the grouping's electoral prospects, even as negotiations are on with the 'rebels' to see they retire from the contest before the polls begin. In some constituencies of Telangana, where Assembly elections would be held on December 7, Congress and Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) rebels are in the fray in seats which have been allotted to other partners. 'You cannot call them rebels. We (the alliance partners) could not convince some of our candidates, so their participation is friendly contest," AICC in-charge of Telangana R C Khuntia told PTI. The TDP, the TJS led by professor M Kodandaram and CPI are part of the Congress-led People's Alliance ('Prajakutami') which has struck a seat-sharing deal among the partners. However in Wyra and Bellampalli, for example, the two seats allotted to the CPI, Congress rebels Ramulu Naik and G Vinod, who is the son of former Union Minister late G Venkataswamy are in the fray. 'This will not affect our winning possibility. Two-three days before the elections, some decision may be taken to see to they (the rebels) withdraw from the contest. Negotiations are on with them', he said. Khuntia expressed confidence over the alliance coming to power after the elections to the 119-member Assembly, noting the collective 'strength' of the two parties. 'We will get between 75 and 80 seats', he said. CPI general secretary Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy said, given the current trend, it looks like a tough contest between the Congress-led alliance and the TRS. 'I hope, ultimately, the opposition front will gain the upper hand. The front has an edge because four parties have come together", Reddy said. Sources in the alliance said the CPI(M)-led Bahujan Left Front, which has fielded candidates in 109 segments, may split some votes which would have otherwise gone to the People's Alliance. There is also some 'heartburn' in the Left camp over the CPI(M) and CPI fighting separately. 'We (BLF) are contesting in 109 seats, out of that we are concentrating on 20 to 25 seats. We are expecting to win at least five seats,' CPI(M) Telangana unit secretary Tammineni Veerabhadram said. 'Through Congress rule, they (CPI) want to achieve Telangana development, it is not possible at all,' Veerabhadram said. On CPI(M) and CPI choosing different electoral paths in Telangana, CPI(M) politburo member Brinda Karat told PTI, 'In Telangana, BJP is not a factor. It is important to project an alternative policy platform which is what CPI(M) and BLF are doing.'

Rebel threat to not hurt opposition alliance prospects: Congress

Senior TRS leader K Kavitha, daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, Sunday decried alleged attempts by national parties to stop the growth of regional parties, warning this is not good for cooperative federalism.

Kavitha, a Lok Sabha MP from Nizamabad, also rejected criticism that Rao is 'unreachable', alleging it is a myth&nbsp;and a propaganda by the Opposition to hoodwink people for electoral gains.

The chief minister, popularly called KCR, advanced the assembly poll by eight months hoping to retain power with a thumping majority with<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-polls-elections-cannot-be-won-on-false-promises-raman-singh-to-chandrasekhar-rao-180767"> Telangana Rashtra Samithi </a>(TRS) leaders saying it is an attempt to "teach" the Opposition BJP and Congress a lesson for allegedly trying to work against the interest of the state to stop the rise of the regional party.

Voting for the keenly fought elections to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/telangana-assembly-elections-2018-why-its-difficult-to-overthrow-k-c-rao-178990">119-member assembly</a> is scheduled to be held on December 7. The ruling TRS won 63 seats in 2014 riding on the wave of the Telangana movement.&nbsp;

Kavitha said the party is confident of winning 100 seats and will form the government without the support of other parties, adding it is not a political rhetoric.

'Whenever regional parties are coming up forcefully, national parties try to stop them. We have not just won elections but made inroads into villages.

That's why national parties are here, trying their best,&nbsp;Kavitha said in an exclusive interview to the PTI.&nbsp;

Stopping the growth of regional parties is not good for cooperative federalism, she warned.

Asked what forced the TRS to advance the polls, Kavitha said, 'The primary reason was that the Opposition was trying to stop our progress by putting hurdles in our key projects. Unfortunately, national parties started working against the interest of Telangana. We wanted to teach them a lesson.'

Defending her father's style of functioning, Kavitha said, "Every chief minister has his style of working. One CM may meet public on a daily basis and the other wants a centralised power. You cannot dictate how a CM's style should be. When he should wake up and sleep. If his policies are good and people are getting more than what they want then the CM's job is done.

'My chief minister is inaccessible is a myth and propaganda of the Opposition, which is trying to project him differently. But people are laughing at them. How we would have implemented welfare schemes without listening to people's problems. '

The Telangana government tops in the country for its spending on welfare schemes. About Rs 40,000 crore has been set aside for the welfare scheme out of the total state budget of Rs 1.74 lakh crore in this fiscal, she claimed.&nbsp;

Kavitha, who is fiercely campaigning to retain the party's strong cadre base in her constituency, said this was not for the first time that her father had taken sudden decisions like advancing the polls and that he had done like this in the past during the Telangana movement.

The TRS chief broke away from the UPA alliance when the promise of a separate state was not fulfilled. 'He resigned within 24 hours and went to the people. That is his style and that is how he got Telangana,'&nbsp;she added.

The KCR's style of 'going back to the people and proving a point is not new'&nbsp;and that's how he works, she said.

She further said the Opposition started the propaganda&nbsp;that the TRS chief was inaccessible and his party is corrupt and so on.&nbsp;

"This nonsense and noise was too much. In fact, Congress filed cases to stop the mega Kaleshwaram irrigation project. The polls were advanced to put an end to this," she explained.

Ruling out the possibility of a humiliating defeat at the hands of Congress-led Maha Kutami that included the Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP, Kavitha said, 'There is no risk of losing. People have benefited from our schemes. We are only seeking their mandate to come back to power again. If people think we don't deserve, let it be that way.'

The election battle has intensified in the TRS bastion of Nizamabad as political heavyweights including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi have campaigned here in a bid to hit the base support of the TRS.

Senior TRS leader K Kavitha, daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, Sunday decried alleged attempts by national parties to stop the growth of regional parties, warning this is not good for cooperative federalism.

Senior TRS leader K Kavitha, daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, Sunday decried alleged attempts by national parties to stop the growth of regional parties, warning this is not good for cooperative federalism. Kavitha, a Lok Sabha MP from Nizamabad, also rejected criticism that Rao is 'unreachable', alleging it is a myth and a propaganda by the Opposition to hoodwink people for electoral gains. The chief minister, popularly called KCR, advanced the assembly poll by eight months hoping to retain power with a thumping majority with Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leaders saying it is an attempt to "teach" the Opposition BJP and Congress a lesson for allegedly trying to work against the interest of the state to stop the rise of the regional party. Voting for the keenly fought elections to the 119-member assembly is scheduled to be held on December 7. The ruling TRS won 63 seats in 2014 riding on the wave of the Telangana movement. Kavitha said the party is confident of winning 100 seats and will form the government without the support of other parties, adding it is not a political rhetoric. 'Whenever regional parties are coming up forcefully, national parties try to stop them. We have not just won elections but made inroads into villages. That's why national parties are here, trying their best, Kavitha said in an exclusive interview to the PTI. Stopping the growth of regional parties is not good for cooperative federalism, she warned. Asked what forced the TRS to advance the polls, Kavitha said, 'The primary reason was that the Opposition was trying to stop our progress by putting hurdles in our key projects. Unfortunately, national parties started working against the interest of Telangana. We wanted to teach them a lesson.' Defending her father's style of functioning, Kavitha said, "Every chief minister has his style of working. One CM may meet public on a daily basis and the other wants a centralised power. You cannot dictate how a CM's style should be. When he should wake up and sleep. If his policies are good and people are getting more than what they want then the CM's job is done. 'My chief minister is inaccessible is a myth and propaganda of the Opposition, which is trying to project him differently. But people are laughing at them. How we would have implemented welfare schemes without listening to people's problems. ' The Telangana government tops in the country for its spending on welfare schemes. About Rs 40,000 crore has been set aside for the welfare scheme out of the total state budget of Rs 1.74 lakh crore in this fiscal, she claimed. Kavitha, who is fiercely campaigning to retain the party's strong cadre base in her constituency, said this was not for the first time that her father had taken sudden decisions like advancing the polls and that he had done like this in the past during the Telangana movement. The TRS chief broke away from the UPA alliance when the promise of a separate state was not fulfilled. 'He resigned within 24 hours and went to the people. That is his style and that is how he got Telangana,' she added. The KCR's style of 'going back to the people and proving a point is not new' and that's how he works, she said. She further said the Opposition started the propaganda that the TRS chief was inaccessible and his party is corrupt and so on. "This nonsense and noise was too much. In fact, Congress filed cases to stop the mega Kaleshwaram irrigation project. The polls were advanced to put an end to this," she explained. Ruling out the possibility of a humiliating defeat at the hands of Congress-led Maha Kutami that included the Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP, Kavitha said, 'There is no risk of losing. People have benefited from our schemes. We are only seeking their mandate to come back to power again. If people think we don't deserve, let it be that way.' The election battle has intensified in the TRS bastion of Nizamabad as political heavyweights including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi have campaigned here in a bid to hit the base support of the TRS.

Stopping growth of regional parties not good for cooperative federalism: TRS leader Kavitha 

Amidst speculation of probable post-poll alliance among political parties, senior Congress leader T S Singh Deo has said there was no need to "look left or right" for any support and his party will form the government in Chhattisgarh on its own.

His comments assume significance as there have been reports of post-poll alliances among different political parties, even before the results are announced.

While <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/assembly-elections-2018-voters-counter-maoist-threat-in-chhattisgarh-177306">Chhattisgarh went to polls in two phases</a> on November 12 for 18 seats and on November 20 for 72 seats, the counting of votes is scheduled for December 11 along with the same for four other states including neighbouring Madhya Pradesh.

'I am confident of victory. We are getting a clear majority. There is no need to look left or right (for any support or post-poll alliance),'&nbsp;Singh Deo told PTI.

He was asked whether his party would accept support from former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi in case it lacks numbers to form the government.

'There has been a misrule in the BJP's tenure. Corruption has gone up in all the government departments. Farmers, in particular, are in a lot of distress. That is the reason why people came out in large numbers to vote against the BJP government,'&nbsp;said Singh Deo, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly.

The BJP's Raman Singh has been the CM of the state for past 15 years.

Voter turnout of 76.35 per cent was recorded in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/chhattisgarh-assembly-elections-cm-face-and-congress-dilemma-178560">Chhattisgarh Assembly election</a>, a little less than the 77.4 per cent in the 2013 polls.

Talking about the Congress party's poll manifesto, which is also called as the 'Jan Ghoshana Patra', Singh Deo said feedback from the people living in almost all the districts of the state were taken into account as part of the planning process.

"It took six long months for our teams to visit the whole state and to record feedback in our party's manifesto. We consulted over 80,000 people. We have offered the availability of water, electricity subsidy and good price of farmers produce to address farmers distress in the state apparently due to the government's apathy. There are so many 'pro-people' proposals outlined in the manifesto," Singh Deo said.

Many Congress leaders have termed the Jan Ghoshana Patra as the game changer.

'Farmers and people from rural areas came out in large numbers to vote against the BJP government in the state. It will bring the result,"'another senior Congress leader said.

When asked who would be their CM candidate in case the Congress comes to power in Chhattisgarh, he said winning MLAs will choose their leader and the chief minister would be decided by the party high command in Delhi.

Earlier, talking to PTI, Singh Deo had said the chief minister's face of the Congress will be elected through "Swayamvar" after the poll results are announced.

"There are many good people in the party who have done very good work. So there will be a 'Swayamvar' after the poll victory," he had said.&nbsp;

Amidst speculation of probable post-poll alliance among political parties, senior Congress leader T S Singh Deo has said there was no need to "look left or right" for any support and his party will form the government in Chhattisgarh on its own.

Amidst speculation of probable post-poll alliance among political parties, senior Congress leader T S Singh Deo has said there was no need to "look left or right" for any support and his party will form the government in Chhattisgarh on its own. His comments assume significance as there have been reports of post-poll alliances among different political parties, even before the results are announced. While Chhattisgarh went to polls in two phases on November 12 for 18 seats and on November 20 for 72 seats, the counting of votes is scheduled for December 11 along with the same for four other states including neighbouring Madhya Pradesh. 'I am confident of victory. We are getting a clear majority. There is no need to look left or right (for any support or post-poll alliance),' Singh Deo told PTI. He was asked whether his party would accept support from former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi in case it lacks numbers to form the government. 'There has been a misrule in the BJP's tenure. Corruption has gone up in all the government departments. Farmers, in particular, are in a lot of distress. That is the reason why people came out in large numbers to vote against the BJP government,' said Singh Deo, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly. The BJP's Raman Singh has been the CM of the state for past 15 years. Voter turnout of 76.35 per cent was recorded in the Chhattisgarh Assembly election, a little less than the 77.4 per cent in the 2013 polls. Talking about the Congress party's poll manifesto, which is also called as the 'Jan Ghoshana Patra', Singh Deo said feedback from the people living in almost all the districts of the state were taken into account as part of the planning process. "It took six long months for our teams to visit the whole state and to record feedback in our party's manifesto. We consulted over 80,000 people. We have offered the availability of water, electricity subsidy and good price of farmers produce to address farmers distress in the state apparently due to the government's apathy. There are so many 'pro-people' proposals outlined in the manifesto," Singh Deo said. Many Congress leaders have termed the Jan Ghoshana Patra as the game changer. 'Farmers and people from rural areas came out in large numbers to vote against the BJP government in the state. It will bring the result,"'another senior Congress leader said. When asked who would be their CM candidate in case the Congress comes to power in Chhattisgarh, he said winning MLAs will choose their leader and the chief minister would be decided by the party high command in Delhi. Earlier, talking to PTI, Singh Deo had said the chief minister's face of the Congress will be elected through "Swayamvar" after the poll results are announced. "There are many good people in the party who have done very good work. So there will be a 'Swayamvar' after the poll victory," he had said.

Not looking for any support, will form government in Chhattisgarh on own: Congress

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday said that he never stopped Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao from fulfilling his poll promises.

In a tweet, the Telugu Desam Party chief asked Telangana CM if he had ever obstructed Rao from fulfilling his poll promises.&nbsp;

"Did I prevent you from giving three acres of land to dalits? Did I prevent you from making a dalit the chief minister (for Telangana)? Did I prevent the development of Telangana? KCR should say where I stopped (the development)?" Naidu tweeted.

The Congress, TDP, CPI and Prof Kodandaram-led Telangana Jana Samithi have formed an alliance for the December 7 Assembly polls. The 'grand alliance' has been named 'Mahakutami' by Naidu.

Naidu on Saturday clarified having <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/might-enter-national-politics-but-not-telanganas-chandrababu-naidu-180667">no interest in entering Telangana's politics</a>.&nbsp;

Speaking at an event in Hyderabad, the Telugu Desam Party chief said that his aim is to protect the democracy "which is in danger" and not to become the Prime Minister.&nbsp;

"I may enter national politics but won't enter Telangana politics. I'm not greedy for power. I am not thinking of becoming the Prime Minister. My aim is to protect the democracy which is in danger," Naidu noted.

The election wave continues to intensify in Telangana which is headed for assembly polls on December 7, votes will be counted on December 11.&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday said that he never stopped Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao from fulfilling his poll promises.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday said that he never stopped Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao from fulfilling his poll promises. In a tweet, the Telugu Desam Party chief asked Telangana CM if he had ever obstructed Rao from fulfilling his poll promises. "Did I prevent you from giving three acres of land to dalits? Did I prevent you from making a dalit the chief minister (for Telangana)? Did I prevent the development of Telangana? KCR should say where I stopped (the development)?" Naidu tweeted. The Congress, TDP, CPI and Prof Kodandaram-led Telangana Jana Samithi have formed an alliance for the December 7 Assembly polls. The 'grand alliance' has been named 'Mahakutami' by Naidu. Naidu on Saturday clarified having no interest in entering Telangana's politics. Speaking at an event in Hyderabad, the Telugu Desam Party chief said that his aim is to protect the democracy "which is in danger" and not to become the Prime Minister. "I may enter national politics but won't enter Telangana politics. I'm not greedy for power. I am not thinking of becoming the Prime Minister. My aim is to protect the democracy which is in danger," Naidu noted. The election wave continues to intensify in Telangana which is headed for assembly polls on December 7, votes will be counted on December 11.

Never stopped KCR from fulfilling his poll promises: Chandrababu Naidu

Telangana Congress Friday questioned the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi on why it "failed" to mount pressure on the NDA-led Centre to realise the assurances given to the newly-formed state in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.&nbsp;

Congress state unit president Uttam Kumar Reddy said the assurances include setting up a rail coach factory, steel factory and tribal university in the state.

Taking exception to TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao's allegation that TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu was opposed to irrigation and other development projects in Telangana, the Congress leader asked whether Naidu came in the way of the TRS implementing its election promises like distribution of double bedroom houses for poor.

Reddy also accused the TRS chief of graft during the latter's tenure as labour minister at the Centre.&nbsp;

The Congress had roped in the TDP, CPI and M Kodandaram-led Telangana Jana Samithi to form the People's Front to take on the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) in the December 7 Assembly polls.

Telangana Congress Friday questioned the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi on why it "failed" to mount pressure on the NDA-led Centre to realise the assurances given to the newly-formed state in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.

Telangana Congress Friday questioned the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi on why it "failed" to mount pressure on the NDA-led Centre to realise the assurances given to the newly-formed state in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. Congress state unit president Uttam Kumar Reddy said the assurances include setting up a rail coach factory, steel factory and tribal university in the state. Taking exception to TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao's allegation that TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu was opposed to irrigation and other development projects in Telangana, the Congress leader asked whether Naidu came in the way of the TRS implementing its election promises like distribution of double bedroom houses for poor. Reddy also accused the TRS chief of graft during the latter's tenure as labour minister at the Centre. The Congress had roped in the TDP, CPI and M Kodandaram-led Telangana Jana Samithi to form the People's Front to take on the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) in the December 7 Assembly polls.

TRS failed to put pressure on NDA to realise assurances given to Telangana: Congress

Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Saturday Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted to create two Indias — one for the rich and the other for the poor.&nbsp;

Addressing a rally in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, Gandhi said one part is for farmers, labourers and small shopkeepers, while the other is for industrialists like Anil Ambani, Mehul Choksi, Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya.

“Modi wants to create two Hindustans, which is not acceptable to us. There will be one flag and one country,” he said. Gandhi said nobody could insult the farmers of the country, no matter if he was the prime minister of the country or the president of the US.

“The BJP leaders are talking about several issues, but there are only two issues. One is employment and the other is of the betterment of farmers,” he said. Gandhi reiterated that the Congress government would waive farmers’ loans within 10 days of coming to power in Rajasthan.

The Congress chief recalled that when Modi was contesting the 2014 general election, he had talked about employment, corruption and farmers. But, he claimed, the prime minister was not talking about such issues in 2018.

“Neither youths got employment, nor farmers got any help.”

Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Saturday Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted to create two Indias — one for the rich and the other for the poor. Addressing a rally in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, Gandhi said one part is for farmers, labourers and small shopkeepers, while the other is for industrialists like Anil Ambani, Mehul Choksi, Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Saturday Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted to create two Indias — one for the rich and the other for the poor. Addressing a rally in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, Gandhi said one part is for farmers, labourers and small shopkeepers, while the other is for industrialists like Anil Ambani, Mehul Choksi, Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya. “Modi wants to create two Hindustans, which is not acceptable to us. There will be one flag and one country,” he said. Gandhi said nobody could insult the farmers of the country, no matter if he was the prime minister of the country or the president of the US. “The BJP leaders are talking about several issues, but there are only two issues. One is employment and the other is of the betterment of farmers,” he said. Gandhi reiterated that the Congress government would waive farmers’ loans within 10 days of coming to power in Rajasthan. The Congress chief recalled that when Modi was contesting the 2014 general election, he had talked about employment, corruption and farmers. But, he claimed, the prime minister was not talking about such issues in 2018. “Neither youths got employment, nor farmers got any help.”

Modi wants to create two Indias- one for rich, other for poor, says Rahul Gandhi

Few Congress and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) workers on Friday protested outside the strong room in Satna after a viral video showed an unknown person taking a carton inside the highly protected area.

The workers claimed that Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government was trying to tamper the EVMs.

As part of the protest, the supporters even deflated the vehicles of the district administration. BSP's Pushkar Singh and Congress'&nbsp;Siddharth Kushwaha held the protest demanding an action against the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led Madhya Pradesh government.

However, the district administration has denied all the charges and stated that the EVMs were under the supervision of security personnel.

The people of Madhya Pradesh went for voting on November 28, and the results will be announced on December 11.

 
&nbsp;

Few Congress and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) workers on Friday protested outside the strong room in Satna after a viral video showed an unknown person taking a carton inside the highly protected area.

Few Congress and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) workers on Friday protested outside the strong room in Satna after a viral video showed an unknown person taking a carton inside the highly protected area. The workers claimed that Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government was trying to tamper the EVMs. As part of the protest, the supporters even deflated the vehicles of the district administration. BSP's Pushkar Singh and Congress' Siddharth Kushwaha held the protest demanding an action against the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led Madhya Pradesh government. However, the district administration has denied all the charges and stated that the EVMs were under the supervision of security personnel. The people of Madhya Pradesh went for voting on November 28, and the results will be announced on December 11.

MP: Congress, BSP protestors claim EVM tampering in Satna

Alleging that the TRS government in Telangana has failed to fulfill its promises, Chhattishgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh Saturday reminded TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao that elections cannot be won on false assurances.

Addressing an election rally in support of BJP's Khairatabad assembly constituency candidate Chintala Ramachandra Reddy here, he said he had interacted with people in some villages and towns and found they were not provided with two Bedroom Hall Kitchen houses as promised and there were no proper arrangements to purchase the crop of farmers.

"Over 4,500 farmers have committed suicide in the state and farmers are not getting Minimum Support Price for their crops. The poor haven't got two BHK houses and there is no development of the rural and urban areas," he alleged.

There was a need to undertake developmental works, Singh said.

"I can only say to Chief Minister (Rao), who just kept on making promises... Four years have passed since he made the promises and the state has been left backwards."

Singh said the election was an opportunity to 'teach a lesson to TRS' and take the message across to him that elections cannot be won on false promises, he said.

He appealed to the people to support BJP and elect the party in Telangana.

Raman Singh claimed that the BJP would again emerge victorious in Chhattisgarh for the fourth consecutive term, where Assembly elections were held recently.

He also attacked the Congress, saying that under the leadership of party chief Rahul Gandhi, the party has lost 18 of the 19 elections held in the country, "which was the result of his election campaigns."

Singh said he got an opportunity to take a backward state like Chhattisgarh on the developmental path and maintained that people who have seen the state in the last 15 years now say that it is now on par with developed states.

He said there is a need to defeat Congress and its allies in the coming elections and also the TRS, which has allied with 'communal forces'.

He urged people to elect Reddy with a double majority as against last time's vote margin, saying that he has been doing service-oriented works in the constituency.

Alleging that the TRS government in Telangana has failed to fulfill its promises, Chhattishgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh Saturday reminded TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao that elections cannot be won on false assurances.

Alleging that the TRS government in Telangana has failed to fulfill its promises, Chhattishgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh Saturday reminded TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao that elections cannot be won on false assurances. Addressing an election rally in support of BJP's Khairatabad assembly constituency candidate Chintala Ramachandra Reddy here, he said he had interacted with people in some villages and towns and found they were not provided with two Bedroom Hall Kitchen houses as promised and there were no proper arrangements to purchase the crop of farmers. "Over 4,500 farmers have committed suicide in the state and farmers are not getting Minimum Support Price for their crops. The poor haven't got two BHK houses and there is no development of the rural and urban areas," he alleged. There was a need to undertake developmental works, Singh said. "I can only say to Chief Minister (Rao), who just kept on making promises... Four years have passed since he made the promises and the state has been left backwards." Singh said the election was an opportunity to 'teach a lesson to TRS' and take the message across to him that elections cannot be won on false promises, he said. He appealed to the people to support BJP and elect the party in Telangana. Raman Singh claimed that the BJP would again emerge victorious in Chhattisgarh for the fourth consecutive term, where Assembly elections were held recently. He also attacked the Congress, saying that under the leadership of party chief Rahul Gandhi, the party has lost 18 of the 19 elections held in the country, "which was the result of his election campaigns." Singh said he got an opportunity to take a backward state like Chhattisgarh on the developmental path and maintained that people who have seen the state in the last 15 years now say that it is now on par with developed states. He said there is a need to defeat Congress and its allies in the coming elections and also the TRS, which has allied with 'communal forces'. He urged people to elect Reddy with a double majority as against last time's vote margin, saying that he has been doing service-oriented works in the constituency.

Telangana polls: Elections cannot be won on false promises; Raman Singh to Chandrasekhar Rao

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that the Congress-TDP alliance in Telangana is "unholy."&nbsp;Singh's comments came during his address in Warangal.&nbsp;

The minister added that the alliance is not formed for the development of the nation but to stop the BJP and PM Modi. &nbsp;

"The alliance of Congress and TDP is an unholy alliance. These parties have formed this coalition, not for the development of the country rather it is an alliance to stop BJP and Modi," he stated.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The alliance of Congress and TDP is an unholy alliance. These parties have formed this coalition, not for the development of the country rather it is an alliance to stop BJP and Modi: Home Minister Rajnath Singh in Warangal, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Telangana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Telangana</a>. (30.11.18) <a href="https://t.co/593o4Hz9Kr">pic.twitter.com/593o4Hz9Kr</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068638635287871488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-tdp-alliance-is-unholy-rajnath-singh-in-telangana-180599">released its manifesto for poll-bound Telangana</a>, promising farm loan waiver up to Rs two lakh, free laptops to degree students, regulation of liquor sale and free distribution of cows to one lakh people every year.

Alongside free laptops to degree students, the manifesto said girl students from the seventh standard to 10th standard will get free cycles. Girl students of degree and above courses will get 'scooties' (two-wheelers) with 50 per cent subsidy.

It also promised free houses to all eligible poor by 2022. Financial assistance of Rs 5,000 per month would be paid towards rent till the construction of such houses, it said.

Telangana will go to polls on December 7, votes will be counted on December 11.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that the Congress-TDP alliance in Telangana is "unholy." Singh's comments came during his address in Warangal. The minister added that the alliance is not formed for the development of the nation but to stop the BJP and PM Modi.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that the Congress-TDP alliance in Telangana is "unholy." Singh's comments came during his address in Warangal. The minister added that the alliance is not formed for the development of the nation but to stop the BJP and PM Modi. "The alliance of Congress and TDP is an unholy alliance. These parties have formed this coalition, not for the development of the country rather it is an alliance to stop BJP and Modi," he stated. The alliance of Congress and TDP is an unholy alliance. These parties have formed this coalition, not for the development of the country rather it is an alliance to stop BJP and Modi: Home Minister Rajnath Singh in Warangal, #Telangana. (30.11.18) pic.twitter.com/593o4Hz9Kr — ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2018 × Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday released its manifesto for poll-bound Telangana, promising farm loan waiver up to Rs two lakh, free laptops to degree students, regulation of liquor sale and free distribution of cows to one lakh people every year. Alongside free laptops to degree students, the manifesto said girl students from the seventh standard to 10th standard will get free cycles. Girl students of degree and above courses will get 'scooties' (two-wheelers) with 50 per cent subsidy. It also promised free houses to all eligible poor by 2022. Financial assistance of Rs 5,000 per month would be paid towards rent till the construction of such houses, it said. Telangana will go to polls on December 7, votes will be counted on December 11.

Congress-TDP alliance is unholy: Rajnath Singh in Telangana 

Accusing the NDA government of harassing political rivals through agencies like the CBI and the Income Tax department, TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday said he joined hands with Congress president Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders to work in national interest.

Speaking during a roadshow in the city, Naidu criticised the NDA government for demonetisation, "faulty implementation" of GST and price rise and alleged that there was a feeling of insecurity.

"Today, the government led by Narendra Modiji in the country is indulging in attacking political rivals. They are harassing rivals as per will.

"If anyone questions, (they) send Enforcement Directorate, CBI, Income Tax. Attacks on media. Attacks on political leaders. By carrying out attacks on business organisations, creating fear, (they) wish to see that nobody speaks," the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister said.

Therefore, he said, he spoke to all political parties in the country, including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, in spite of differences between the TDP and the Congress for over 30 years, to work together in national interest.

"The country should be protected. Democracy should be safeguarded. Then only we will have future. If you don't have the freedom to speak, I am asking, what is the value of democracy," he said.

Naidu, who was speaking in Rajendranagar assembly segment here as part of his roadshow in the city in support of TDP candidates, accused the NDA government at the Centre and the TRS government in Telangana of letting down people.

"One thing is common between big Modi and small Modi. That is magic trick with words. He (Modi) speaks well. Our KCR also speaks very well," he said.

Rao kept mum on NDA government over "attacks" on minorities, SCs and STs in the country, Naidu alleged.

He said that the international airport, Cyberabad (the IT hub in Hyderabad), Outer Ring Road, Krishna river water and other major development projects in Hyderabad became a reality at his initiative.

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister claimed that the TRS government did not implement its election promises, including double bedroom houses for poor.

Naidu's Telugu Desam Party is part of the 'People's Front' also comprising Congress, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS).

Asserting that a Congress nominee would be the chief minister if the Front wins the December seven elections, he said the TDP would fully cooperate in the endeavour.

Telangana Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on December 7 and the results would be declared on December 11.&nbsp;

Accusing the NDA government of harassing political rivals through agencies like the CBI and the Income Tax department, TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday said he joined hands with Congress president Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders to work in national interest.

Accusing the NDA government of harassing political rivals through agencies like the CBI and the Income Tax department, TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday said he joined hands with Congress president Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders to work in national interest. Speaking during a roadshow in the city, Naidu criticised the NDA government for demonetisation, "faulty implementation" of GST and price rise and alleged that there was a feeling of insecurity. "Today, the government led by Narendra Modiji in the country is indulging in attacking political rivals. They are harassing rivals as per will. "If anyone questions, (they) send Enforcement Directorate, CBI, Income Tax. Attacks on media. Attacks on political leaders. By carrying out attacks on business organisations, creating fear, (they) wish to see that nobody speaks," the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister said. Therefore, he said, he spoke to all political parties in the country, including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, in spite of differences between the TDP and the Congress for over 30 years, to work together in national interest. "The country should be protected. Democracy should be safeguarded. Then only we will have future. If you don't have the freedom to speak, I am asking, what is the value of democracy," he said. Naidu, who was speaking in Rajendranagar assembly segment here as part of his roadshow in the city in support of TDP candidates, accused the NDA government at the Centre and the TRS government in Telangana of letting down people. "One thing is common between big Modi and small Modi. That is magic trick with words. He (Modi) speaks well. Our KCR also speaks very well," he said. Rao kept mum on NDA government over "attacks" on minorities, SCs and STs in the country, Naidu alleged. He said that the international airport, Cyberabad (the IT hub in Hyderabad), Outer Ring Road, Krishna river water and other major development projects in Hyderabad became a reality at his initiative. The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister claimed that the TRS government did not implement its election promises, including double bedroom houses for poor. Naidu's Telugu Desam Party is part of the 'People's Front' also comprising Congress, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS). Asserting that a Congress nominee would be the chief minister if the Front wins the December seven elections, he said the TDP would fully cooperate in the endeavour. Telangana Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on December 7 and the results would be declared on December 11.

TDP chief accuses NDA government of using CBI, IT to harass rivals, create fear

Going beyond the slur used by Congress President Rahul Gandhi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Punjab minister Navjot Sidhu Saturday said even the ''watchman’s dog''&nbsp;was into stealing.

Addressing an election rally at Khairthal in Alwar district, Sidhu alleged corruption in the Modi government’s deal with France to purchase 36 Rafale military aircraft, a charge repeatedly denied by the Centre.

He claimed the plane worth Rs 500 crore was being bought for Rs 1,600 crore.

The crowd chanted, ''chowkidar chor hai (the watchman is a thief).''

The slogan was given by Gandhi who had earlier mocked Modi’s claim that he will act like ''watchman'' against graft in the country.

''Even the watchman’s dog is involved,'' Sidhu then said. He claimed the BJP government’s 'Make in India' slogan had not yielded results, saying the government had a deal on Rafale with France and on the bullet train with Japan.

He claimed the Sardar Patel statue recently installed in Gujarat was “bought from China”.

''Will the people of the country fry pakodas?'' he said. Sidhu said he will quit politics if his allegations are proved false.

''You have broken the back of farmers. You do not belong to the poor farmers but to Ambani and Adani. You have become puppet of the industrialists,'' Sidhu charged, targeting Modi.

He also lashed out at Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. ''The maharani is sitting in the fort and ruling the state,'' he said.

He said women are not safe in the state which records a high number of rapes.

Assembly polls will be held in Rajasthan on December 7.

Going beyond the slur used by Congress President Rahul Gandhi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Punjab minister Navjot Sidhu Saturday said even the ''watchman’s dog'' was into stealing.

Going beyond the slur used by Congress President Rahul Gandhi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Punjab minister Navjot Sidhu Saturday said even the ''watchman’s dog'' was into stealing. Addressing an election rally at Khairthal in Alwar district, Sidhu alleged corruption in the Modi government’s deal with France to purchase 36 Rafale military aircraft, a charge repeatedly denied by the Centre. He claimed the plane worth Rs 500 crore was being bought for Rs 1,600 crore. The crowd chanted, ''chowkidar chor hai (the watchman is a thief).'' The slogan was given by Gandhi who had earlier mocked Modi’s claim that he will act like ''watchman'' against graft in the country. ''Even the watchman’s dog is involved,'' Sidhu then said. He claimed the BJP government’s 'Make in India' slogan had not yielded results, saying the government had a deal on Rafale with France and on the bullet train with Japan. He claimed the Sardar Patel statue recently installed in Gujarat was “bought from China”. ''Will the people of the country fry pakodas?'' he said. Sidhu said he will quit politics if his allegations are proved false. ''You have broken the back of farmers. You do not belong to the poor farmers but to Ambani and Adani. You have become puppet of the industrialists,'' Sidhu charged, targeting Modi. He also lashed out at Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. ''The maharani is sitting in the fort and ruling the state,'' he said. He said women are not safe in the state which records a high number of rapes. Assembly polls will be held in Rajasthan on December 7.

Navjot Singh Sidhu repeats thief slur against PM Modi