Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday expressed hope of forming a government in the state with a "stunning majority." His comments came after he finished offering prayers at the Mahakal Temple in Madhya Pradesh on Friday.

"Bharatiya Janata Party will form the government in Madhya Pradesh with a stunning majority," Chouhan told the media.

The incumbent chief minister, on the day of polling in the state, exuded confidence. After casting his vote, Chouhan noted that he has set a target of bagging 200 seats, for which lakhs of volunteers are working day and night.

"I am 100 per cent sure that BJP will come to power for the fourth time and will have an absolute majority. We have set a target of 200 seats this time and lakhs of volunteers are working to achieve this goal," he told news agency ANI.&nbsp;

The state went to polls on November 28, the results will be announced on December 11. As many as 2,899 candidates were in the fray.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday expressed hope of forming a government in the state with a "stunning majority." His comments came after he finished offering prayers at the Mahakal Temple in Madhya Pradesh on Friday.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday expressed hope of forming a government in the state with a "stunning majority." His comments came after he finished offering prayers at the Mahakal Temple in Madhya Pradesh on Friday. "Bharatiya Janata Party will form the government in Madhya Pradesh with a stunning majority," Chouhan told the media. The incumbent chief minister, on the day of polling in the state, exuded confidence. After casting his vote, Chouhan noted that he has set a target of bagging 200 seats, for which lakhs of volunteers are working day and night. "I am 100 per cent sure that BJP will come to power for the fourth time and will have an absolute majority. We have set a target of 200 seats this time and lakhs of volunteers are working to achieve this goal," he told news agency ANI. The state went to polls on November 28, the results will be announced on December 11. As many as 2,899 candidates were in the fray.

BJP will form government in MP with stunning majority: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday said that he might enter national politics but will not enter Telangana politics as he is not greedy for power.&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.

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Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu in Alkapur, Hyderabad: 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. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/n9St1AVrwJ">pic.twitter.com/n9St1AVrwJ</a>
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Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh described the Congress-TDP alliance as "unholy," one which is aimed to stop the BJP and PM Modi.

"The alliance of Congress and TDP is an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-tdp-alliance-is-unholy-rajnath-singh-in-telangana-180599">unholy alliance</a>. These parties have formed this coalition, not for the development of the country rather it is an alliance to stop BJP and Modi," Singh said today in Warangal, Telangana.&nbsp;

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 Saturday said that he might enter national politics but will not enter Telangana politics as he is not greedy for power.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday said that he might enter national politics but will not enter Telangana politics as he is not greedy for power. 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. Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu in Alkapur, Hyderabad: 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. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/n9St1AVrwJ — ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2018 × Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh described the Congress-TDP alliance as "unholy," one which is aimed 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," Singh said today in Warangal, Telangana. The election wave continues to intensify in Telangana which is headed for assembly polls on December 7, votes will be counted on December 11.

Might enter national politics but not Telangana's: Chandrababu Naidu

Telangana grand alliance partners, namely the Congress, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Communist Party of India (CPI) and Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) has accused caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao for colluding with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in order to get rid of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case against him in the ESI housing scam.

The grand alliance alleged that there is a nexus between Rao's Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and the BJP, as when the Nationalist Democratic Alliance (NDA) came to power, Rao's name went missing from the CBI charge sheet in the alleged scam.

TPCC chief Uttam Kumar Reddy said UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, who visited Telangana after four years, expressed displeasure to see a lack of development in the state in a dignified manner.

He went to ask Rao why he did not pressurise Prime Minister Narendra Modi in getting things done to the state of Telangana like Tribal University.

"When Rao, commonly known as KCR was a Labour Minister in the Centre, a big scam took place in the then united Andhra Pradesh. A contract for ESIC constructions was given to V Surya Narayana, who was already an accused of corruption charges. National Building Construction Company was given the contract first, later it was changed to Narayana, with the pressure of the then Labour Ministry," Reddy explained.

"The CBI charge sheet is very clear. That case is still pending. However, the name of KCR was deleted from the charge sheet surprisingly. KCR had gone to Delhi many times in the name of medical tests. In fact, his Delhi visits were not for any medical treatment, but to get rid of his name from that scam. KCR was directly involved in that case; there are documentary statements in that regard," he noted.

He further said that this exposes a direct nexus between Prime Minister Modi and KCR, and asked the BJP and TRS to justify why the Prime Minister had to safeguard KCR.

Meanwhile, TDP Telangana President L Ramana said, "KCR has been speaking nonsense about Sonia Gandhi and Chandrababu Naidu. We had spoken of KCR's misdeeds when he was union labour minister, however, they were not heard as the Telangana agitation was at its peak. The TRS and KCR have looted public money through commissions, and are now spending that money in elections. People are saying that the TRS has already spent Rs 1,000 crores and another Rs 1,000 crores will be spent. Where did all this money come from?"

Continuing their tirade against KCR, the alliance said that in Sahara case, nearly Rs 7000 crores were swindled, a portion of which, they claimed, went to KCR.

"The Congress, TDP, TJS and the CPI are fighting against the misrule of TRS. In order to expose the matters of those cases, we called on this press meet," Ramana said.

Retaliating to the remarks of the grand alliance, Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh said the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-tdp-alliance-is-unholy-rajnath-singh-in-telangana-180599">"unholy" alliance</a> was formed to stop the BJP from gaining power in the state, and not for undertaking developmental activities.

"The alliance of Congress and TDP is an unholy alliance. These parties have formed a coalition, not for the development of the country, but to stop BJP and (Prime Minister) Modi," he had said at a rally in Warangal district.

The Legislative Assembly election in Telangana is scheduled to be held on December 7, while counting of votes will take place on December 11. 
&nbsp;

Telangana grand alliance partners, namely the Congress, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Communist Party of India (CPI) and Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) has accused caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao for colluding with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in order to get rid of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case against him in the ESI housing scam.

Telangana grand alliance partners, namely the Congress, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Communist Party of India (CPI) and Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) has accused caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao for colluding with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in order to get rid of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case against him in the ESI housing scam. The grand alliance alleged that there is a nexus between Rao's Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and the BJP, as when the Nationalist Democratic Alliance (NDA) came to power, Rao's name went missing from the CBI charge sheet in the alleged scam. TPCC chief Uttam Kumar Reddy said UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, who visited Telangana after four years, expressed displeasure to see a lack of development in the state in a dignified manner. He went to ask Rao why he did not pressurise Prime Minister Narendra Modi in getting things done to the state of Telangana like Tribal University. "When Rao, commonly known as KCR was a Labour Minister in the Centre, a big scam took place in the then united Andhra Pradesh. A contract for ESIC constructions was given to V Surya Narayana, who was already an accused of corruption charges. National Building Construction Company was given the contract first, later it was changed to Narayana, with the pressure of the then Labour Ministry," Reddy explained. "The CBI charge sheet is very clear. That case is still pending. However, the name of KCR was deleted from the charge sheet surprisingly. KCR had gone to Delhi many times in the name of medical tests. In fact, his Delhi visits were not for any medical treatment, but to get rid of his name from that scam. KCR was directly involved in that case; there are documentary statements in that regard," he noted. He further said that this exposes a direct nexus between Prime Minister Modi and KCR, and asked the BJP and TRS to justify why the Prime Minister had to safeguard KCR. Meanwhile, TDP Telangana President L Ramana said, "KCR has been speaking nonsense about Sonia Gandhi and Chandrababu Naidu. We had spoken of KCR's misdeeds when he was union labour minister, however, they were not heard as the Telangana agitation was at its peak. The TRS and KCR have looted public money through commissions, and are now spending that money in elections. People are saying that the TRS has already spent Rs 1,000 crores and another Rs 1,000 crores will be spent. Where did all this money come from?" Continuing their tirade against KCR, the alliance said that in Sahara case, nearly Rs 7000 crores were swindled, a portion of which, they claimed, went to KCR. "The Congress, TDP, TJS and the CPI are fighting against the misrule of TRS. In order to expose the matters of those cases, we called on this press meet," Ramana said. Retaliating to the remarks of the grand alliance, Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh said the "unholy" alliance was formed to stop the BJP from gaining power in the state, and not for undertaking developmental activities. "The alliance of Congress and TDP is an unholy alliance. These parties have formed a coalition, not for the development of the country, but to stop BJP and (Prime Minister) Modi," he had said at a rally in Warangal district. The Legislative Assembly election in Telangana is scheduled to be held on December 7, while counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Telangana: Grand Alliance accuses KCR of colluding with BJP to escape from CBI

BJP chief Amit Shah on Saturday reacted to Congress president Rahul Gandhi's remark wherein he accuses PM Modi having used surgical strikes as a "political asset."

Shah, during a rally in Rajasthan's Phalodi, slammed Gandhi stating that the Congress chief has insulted country's soldiers by his comments.&nbsp;

"Rahul Gandhi is insulting country's soldiers in the issue of surgical strikes," Shah stated.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched an attack on the Prime Minister during an event in Udaipur in Rajasthan, stating that PM Modi used surgical strikes as a "political asset."

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Rahul Gandhi in Udaipur, Rajasthan: What the Army would have liked was we'll do it, it's beneficial if nobody knows we did it. But Mr Modi didn't want that. He was fighting an election in UP &amp; he was losing it. So he did it to turn a military asset into a political asset.
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"Mr Narendra Modi actually reached into Army's domain and shaped their surgical strike, he turned their surgical strike into a political asset when it actually was a military decision," Gandhi stated.&nbsp;

"Do you know that like Mr Narendra Modi's surgical strike, Manmohan Singh ji did that 3 times? When Army came to Mr Manmohan Singh and said we need to retaliate against Pak for what they've done they also said we wanted to be secret, for our own purposes," Gandhi added.

Shah and Gandhi have been on a campaigning-spree in poll-bound Rajasthan. The BJP-ruled state is headed for assembly elections on December 7, votes will be counted on December 11.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

BJP chief Amit Shah on Saturday reacted to Congress president Rahul Gandhi's remark wherein he accuses PM Modi having used surgical strikes as a "political asset.

BJP chief Amit Shah on Saturday reacted to Congress president Rahul Gandhi's remark wherein he accuses PM Modi having used surgical strikes as a "political asset." Shah, during a rally in Rajasthan's Phalodi, slammed Gandhi stating that the Congress chief has insulted country's soldiers by his comments. "Rahul Gandhi is insulting country's soldiers in the issue of surgical strikes," Shah stated. Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched an attack on the Prime Minister during an event in Udaipur in Rajasthan, stating that PM Modi used surgical strikes as a "political asset." Rahul Gandhi in Udaipur, Rajasthan: What the Army would have liked was we'll do it, it's beneficial if nobody knows we did it. But Mr Modi didn't want that. He was fighting an election in UP & he was losing it. So he did it to turn a military asset into a political asset. — ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2018 × "Mr Narendra Modi actually reached into Army's domain and shaped their surgical strike, he turned their surgical strike into a political asset when it actually was a military decision," Gandhi stated. "Do you know that like Mr Narendra Modi's surgical strike, Manmohan Singh ji did that 3 times? When Army came to Mr Manmohan Singh and said we need to retaliate against Pak for what they've done they also said we wanted to be secret, for our own purposes," Gandhi added. Shah and Gandhi have been on a campaigning-spree in poll-bound Rajasthan. The BJP-ruled state is headed for assembly elections on December 7, votes will be counted on December 11.

He is insulting country's soldiers: Amit Shah on Rahul Gandhi's 'surgical strikes' jibe on PM Modi

Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday said that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) are one entity and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the undisputed leader of all the three political parties.

"BJP, TRS and AIMIM are in an alliance and are a single party and Modi is their leader who stays in Delhi," said Ghulam Nabi Azad.

"AIMIM supports BJP in Karnataka and Maharashtra by contesting only in minority areas. TRS also supports BJP in Telangana and in the centre. TRS, BJP and AIMIM pretend that they are against each other but actually they are in an alliance," he said.

"Congress party has done an open alliance with Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Communist parties in the Telangana," said Azad.

He expressed confidence that Congress will form the governments in all the five poll-bound states of Mizoram, Madhya-Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Telangana.

"Congress is already running the government in Mizoram and it will get back to the power there again. While in rest of the four states also Congress will defeat the rivals," said Azad.

Azad further alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi who failed in bringing back the black money, sent white money out of the country along with embattled business men Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya.

Azad also slammed Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and said, "Rao is anti-education. out of 216 engineering colleges, he closed 121 as a result only 25 are running in Telangana now."&nbsp;

Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday said that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) are one entity and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the undisputed leader of all the three political parties.

Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday said that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) are one entity and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the undisputed leader of all the three political parties. "BJP, TRS and AIMIM are in an alliance and are a single party and Modi is their leader who stays in Delhi," said Ghulam Nabi Azad. "AIMIM supports BJP in Karnataka and Maharashtra by contesting only in minority areas. TRS also supports BJP in Telangana and in the centre. TRS, BJP and AIMIM pretend that they are against each other but actually they are in an alliance," he said. "Congress party has done an open alliance with Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Communist parties in the Telangana," said Azad. He expressed confidence that Congress will form the governments in all the five poll-bound states of Mizoram, Madhya-Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Telangana. "Congress is already running the government in Mizoram and it will get back to the power there again. While in rest of the four states also Congress will defeat the rivals," said Azad. Azad further alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi who failed in bringing back the black money, sent white money out of the country along with embattled business men Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya. Azad also slammed Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and said, "Rao is anti-education. out of 216 engineering colleges, he closed 121 as a result only 25 are running in Telangana now."

BJP, TRS, AIMIM are one, PM Modi is their leader: Ghulam Nabi Azad

TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao Thursday said he would take efforts for the formation of a non-Congress, non-BJP government at the Centre to realise increase in reservations to Muslims and STs in Telangana.

"I tell one thing to our tribal children, Muslim children. You know that if I take up anything, I will be stubborn. When I started for Telangana, nobody had confidence. But, Telangana came," he pointed out.

"Today, STs reservation, Muslims reservation also.. I will achieve your reservation by getting a non-BJP, non-Congress government installed in Delhi next term by winning all MP seats," Rao said at party campaign rallies.

He criticised the NDA government for not accepting the proposal through the state government and Assembly sent resolutions seeking an increase in reservations.

"Narendra Modi says I will not increase. Is India your 'jagir' (fiefdom)," he said.

Noting that the population of STs and Muslims increased (in the overall population) in Telangana following bifurcation of undivided Andhra Pradesh, he said the reservation is being sought in view of prevailing poverty.

Rao, the Caretaker Chief Minister, has been extensively campaigning for the December seven Assembly polls criss-crossing the state.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, has been highlighting the various welfare schemes of his government, including free power to farm sector, investment support and insurance schemes for the benefit of farmers and the hike in social security pensions.

The TRS is going it alone in the elections.

Earlier this year, Rao had also met TMC supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and Deve Gowda, among others, to prop up a non-Congress, non-BJP front.

TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao Thursday said he would take efforts for the formation of a non-Congress, non-BJP government at the Centre to realise increase in reservations to Muslims and STs in Telangana.

TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao Thursday said he would take efforts for the formation of a non-Congress, non-BJP government at the Centre to realise increase in reservations to Muslims and STs in Telangana. "I tell one thing to our tribal children, Muslim children. You know that if I take up anything, I will be stubborn. When I started for Telangana, nobody had confidence. But, Telangana came," he pointed out. "Today, STs reservation, Muslims reservation also.. I will achieve your reservation by getting a non-BJP, non-Congress government installed in Delhi next term by winning all MP seats," Rao said at party campaign rallies. He criticised the NDA government for not accepting the proposal through the state government and Assembly sent resolutions seeking an increase in reservations. "Narendra Modi says I will not increase. Is India your 'jagir' (fiefdom)," he said. Noting that the population of STs and Muslims increased (in the overall population) in Telangana following bifurcation of undivided Andhra Pradesh, he said the reservation is being sought in view of prevailing poverty. Rao, the Caretaker Chief Minister, has been extensively campaigning for the December seven Assembly polls criss-crossing the state. KCR, as Rao is popularly known, has been highlighting the various welfare schemes of his government, including free power to farm sector, investment support and insurance schemes for the benefit of farmers and the hike in social security pensions. The TRS is going it alone in the elections. Earlier this year, Rao had also met TMC supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and Deve Gowda, among others, to prop up a non-Congress, non-BJP front.

Will take efforts to form non-Congress, non-BJP government at Centre: KCR

Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have voted and their results will be known on December 11 along with those of Telangana and Rajasthan where polling will take place on December 7.

While it is impossible to predict the results for MP and Chhattisgarh, conversations with voters from various regions in both these states reveal one thing in common- the quest for Badlav or Change. If this feeling, which was shared by millions of voters in the two states, was actually acted upon then the BJP should be bracing for a big setback. In Rajasthan, which has not deviated from the pattern of voting in a new government every five years, the scramble for Congress tickets among MLA aspirants itself shows that the grand old party is in pole position.&nbsp;

From Jaisalmer to Jaipur people are displaying an inclination towards the Congress. They say that while BJP might have taken some good macroeconomic measures it has not done much work on the ground. Large parts of rural Rajasthan are especially antagonistic towards the BJP for failing to keep its promises on providing higher pension, medical services and benefits for farmers. The youth, however, is still in awe of Prime Minister Modi who remains a vote-puller among this section.

For the young Hindu voters in Rajasthan, BJP rule has not meant any harm even though they are forced to concede that Demonetisation has tanked job growth in the state. For the young, Modi’s charisma works because of his thrust on digitalisation as a panacea for several problems that affect the country. Many young voters admit that the present going might be a bit difficult but the future would be better and the suffering caused by the poor implementation of GST and Demonetisation is only temporary.

In Telangana, going to polls for the first time since its formation in 2013, KCR’s Telangana Rashtra Samiti looks confident of returning to power. But in the last few weeks, TRS supremo KCR has betrayed signs of shakiness. The Prajakutami or the grand alliance between the Congress, TDP, TJS, and CPI has thrown up a considerable spanner in TRS’s plans.

Interestingly, both the Opposition and TRS are banking heavily on the loyalty of Muslim voters. AIMIM has not revealed its cards but is widely believed to be in the truck with the TRS which itself is said to share a secret understanding with the BJP. &nbsp;Congress president Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly accused both TRS and AIMIM of aiding the BJP. Speaking at a rally recently in speaking at a rally in the state he lambasted the TRS &nbsp;saying, "TRS is not Telangana Rashtra Samiti, it's Telangana Rashtriya Sangh Parivar. It’s a B team of the BJP and RSS."

Congress and the other opposition parties are desperate to score victories in the five states of Mizoram, Telangana, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh ahead of the 2019 general elections. Touted as the semi-final, the outcome of these elections is going to have a massive impact on the morale of&nbsp;the Congress which is fighting for its political survival.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have voted and their results will be known on December 11 along with those of Telangana and Rajasthan where polling will take place on December 7.

Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have voted and their results will be known on December 11 along with those of Telangana and Rajasthan where polling will take place on December 7. While it is impossible to predict the results for MP and Chhattisgarh, conversations with voters from various regions in both these states reveal one thing in common- the quest for Badlav or Change. If this feeling, which was shared by millions of voters in the two states, was actually acted upon then the BJP should be bracing for a big setback. In Rajasthan, which has not deviated from the pattern of voting in a new government every five years, the scramble for Congress tickets among MLA aspirants itself shows that the grand old party is in pole position. From Jaisalmer to Jaipur people are displaying an inclination towards the Congress. They say that while BJP might have taken some good macroeconomic measures it has not done much work on the ground. Large parts of rural Rajasthan are especially antagonistic towards the BJP for failing to keep its promises on providing higher pension, medical services and benefits for farmers. The youth, however, is still in awe of Prime Minister Modi who remains a vote-puller among this section. For the young Hindu voters in Rajasthan, BJP rule has not meant any harm even though they are forced to concede that Demonetisation has tanked job growth in the state. For the young, Modi’s charisma works because of his thrust on digitalisation as a panacea for several problems that affect the country. Many young voters admit that the present going might be a bit difficult but the future would be better and the suffering caused by the poor implementation of GST and Demonetisation is only temporary. In Telangana, going to polls for the first time since its formation in 2013, KCR’s Telangana Rashtra Samiti looks confident of returning to power. But in the last few weeks, TRS supremo KCR has betrayed signs of shakiness. The Prajakutami or the grand alliance between the Congress, TDP, TJS, and CPI has thrown up a considerable spanner in TRS’s plans. Interestingly, both the Opposition and TRS are banking heavily on the loyalty of Muslim voters. AIMIM has not revealed its cards but is widely believed to be in the truck with the TRS which itself is said to share a secret understanding with the BJP. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly accused both TRS and AIMIM of aiding the BJP. Speaking at a rally recently in speaking at a rally in the state he lambasted the TRS saying, "TRS is not Telangana Rashtra Samiti, it's Telangana Rashtriya Sangh Parivar. It’s a B team of the BJP and RSS." Congress and the other opposition parties are desperate to score victories in the five states of Mizoram, Telangana, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh ahead of the 2019 general elections. Touted as the semi-final, the outcome of these elections is going to have a massive impact on the morale of the Congress which is fighting for its political survival. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Assembly elections 2018: It's all up in the air

TRS leader and Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao lost his cool and asked a man to remain silent when he raised a question on the proposed 12 per cent reservation for Muslims during an election meeting in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district.

During the meeting Thursday, the man asked Rao about the status of the proposed quota which was passed by the State Assembly and sent to the Centre for approval.

"What are you talking? Sit silent. What about 12 per cent? Why are you in hurry? Tere baap ko bolunga na (I will tell your father). Are you doing tamasha," Rao asked.

In his election speeches, Rao had accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of not clearing the proposed reservation for Muslims.

Later, during the course of his speech, Rao dubbed the man a 'sanyasi' and said there was a need to increase reservation for tribals and Muslim minorities.

Reacting to KCRs comments, Congress' Telangana unit tweeted "Drunk with power, KCR acts like a dictator. Mr KCR, you are answerable to the people of Telangana. Arrogance and dictatorship have no space in a democracy!"

The BJP has attacked the TRS on the quota issue while campaigning.&nbsp;

Hitting out at the Telangana Rashtra Samithi during an election rally at Mahabubnagar recently, the prime minister had said, "TRS's talk of (raising) Muslim reservations is vote bank politics which the Congress has been doing for a long time."

Former India cricketer and senior Congress leader Mohammed Azharuddin said KCR should tender an apology and also answer the question about the 12 per cent reservation he promised for Muslims.

"He should tender an apology. He should not have said that," Azharuddin said, reacting to Rao's remarks.

"Why should he make such promises when he knows very well that it cannot be fulfilled," Azharuddin, who is the Congress' Telangana unit working president, said.&nbsp;

TRS leader and Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao lost his cool and asked a man to remain silent when he raised a question on the proposed 12 per cent reservation for Muslims during an election meeting in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district.

TRS leader and Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao lost his cool and asked a man to remain silent when he raised a question on the proposed 12 per cent reservation for Muslims during an election meeting in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district. During the meeting Thursday, the man asked Rao about the status of the proposed quota which was passed by the State Assembly and sent to the Centre for approval. "What are you talking? Sit silent. What about 12 per cent? Why are you in hurry? Tere baap ko bolunga na (I will tell your father). Are you doing tamasha," Rao asked. In his election speeches, Rao had accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of not clearing the proposed reservation for Muslims. Later, during the course of his speech, Rao dubbed the man a 'sanyasi' and said there was a need to increase reservation for tribals and Muslim minorities. Reacting to KCRs comments, Congress' Telangana unit tweeted "Drunk with power, KCR acts like a dictator. Mr KCR, you are answerable to the people of Telangana. Arrogance and dictatorship have no space in a democracy!" The BJP has attacked the TRS on the quota issue while campaigning. Hitting out at the Telangana Rashtra Samithi during an election rally at Mahabubnagar recently, the prime minister had said, "TRS's talk of (raising) Muslim reservations is vote bank politics which the Congress has been doing for a long time." Former India cricketer and senior Congress leader Mohammed Azharuddin said KCR should tender an apology and also answer the question about the 12 per cent reservation he promised for Muslims. "He should tender an apology. He should not have said that," Azharuddin said, reacting to Rao's remarks. "Why should he make such promises when he knows very well that it cannot be fulfilled," Azharuddin, who is the Congress' Telangana unit working president, said.

Telangana CM KCR snaps at man questioning Muslim quota

The BJP accused the Congress Thursday of copying its manifesto for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-polls-in-bjp-vs-congress-fight-a-third-front-takes-shape-180025">Rajasthan Assembly polls</a> scheduled to be held on December 7.

While talking to reporters in Rajasthan, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said most of the public welfare issues in the Congress's manifesto were already raised by the BJP.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-promises-farm-loan-waiver-unemployment-allowance-to-youths-in-rajasthan-180149">Congress in its election manifesto </a>released Thursday made promises like loan waiver to farmers, free education to girls and women, unemployment allowance of up to Rs 3,500 to educated youth and pension to elderly farmers, among others.

"The Congress has released its manifesto four days after the BJP did so. But surprisingly, no mind was applied by the Congress in drafting it, which contained most of the issues mentioned by the BJP in its manifesto," Shekhawat claimed.

He said the Congress has misled the people by producing a "tampered version" of the BJP's announcements ahead of the elections.

Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also slammed the Congress, saying the party was deceiving the people of Rajasthan with the announcements ahead of the elections.&nbsp;

"The Congress has talked about waiving-off loans of farmers. They had made a similar promise in Punjab and Karnataka before election, but did not waive-off loans worth a single penny," Meghwal said in a statement.

While referring to the Right to Health announcement made by the Congress in its election manifesto, the Union Water Resources minister said the scheme was a replica of the BJP's Ayushman Bharat.&nbsp;

Briefing about electioneering in the poll-bound state, he said the BJP will run a 'Kamal Diya' campaign across the state on Friday during which the party workers will contact 51 lakh beneficiaries of various government schemes.&nbsp;

The BJP accused the Congress Thursday of copying its manifesto for the Rajasthan Assembly polls scheduled to be held on December 7. While talking to reporters in Rajasthan, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said most of the public welfare issues in the Congress's manifesto were already raised by the BJP.

The BJP accused the Congress Thursday of copying its manifesto for the Rajasthan Assembly polls scheduled to be held on December 7. While talking to reporters in Rajasthan, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said most of the public welfare issues in the Congress's manifesto were already raised by the BJP. The Congress in its election manifesto released Thursday made promises like loan waiver to farmers, free education to girls and women, unemployment allowance of up to Rs 3,500 to educated youth and pension to elderly farmers, among others. "The Congress has released its manifesto four days after the BJP did so. But surprisingly, no mind was applied by the Congress in drafting it, which contained most of the issues mentioned by the BJP in its manifesto," Shekhawat claimed. He said the Congress has misled the people by producing a "tampered version" of the BJP's announcements ahead of the elections. Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also slammed the Congress, saying the party was deceiving the people of Rajasthan with the announcements ahead of the elections. "The Congress has talked about waiving-off loans of farmers. They had made a similar promise in Punjab and Karnataka before election, but did not waive-off loans worth a single penny," Meghwal said in a statement. While referring to the Right to Health announcement made by the Congress in its election manifesto, the Union Water Resources minister said the scheme was a replica of the BJP's Ayushman Bharat. Briefing about electioneering in the poll-bound state, he said the BJP will run a 'Kamal Diya' campaign across the state on Friday during which the party workers will contact 51 lakh beneficiaries of various government schemes.

BJP accuses Congress of copying manifesto for Rajasthan Assembly polls

In a jolt to the ruling Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh, its MLA Ravela Kishore Babu resigned from the party and assembly membership Friday.

He is likely to join the Jana Sena Party of actor Pawan Kalyan, according to sources close to the legislator.

A first time MLA, Ravela served as social welfare minister in the Chandrababu Naidu Cabinet from June 8, 2014 to April 1, 2017.

He was sacked for non-performance and his controversial behaviour.

He was elected from the Prathipadu Assembly constituency in Guntur district but reportedly never maintained cordial relations with the local party leaders.

He has been staying away from party affairs for some time now.

Babu sent his resignation letter to the Assembly Speakers office Friday evening, party sources said.

He also sent a note, addressed to Chandrababu Naidu, to the TDP state office at Guntur, saying he was resigning from the primary membership of the TDP with effect from November 30.

He, however, did not give any reason.

Reacting to the development, state Civil Supplies minister P Pulla Rao, who represents Guntur district, said it was a hasty decision by Babu.

"I tried speaking to him since yesterday but he was not available," Rao added.&nbsp;

In a jolt to the ruling Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh, its MLA Ravela Kishore Babu resigned from the party and assembly membership Friday. He is likely to join the Jana Sena Party of actor Pawan Kalyan, according to sources close to the legislator.

In a jolt to the ruling Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh, its MLA Ravela Kishore Babu resigned from the party and assembly membership Friday. He is likely to join the Jana Sena Party of actor Pawan Kalyan, according to sources close to the legislator. A first time MLA, Ravela served as social welfare minister in the Chandrababu Naidu Cabinet from June 8, 2014 to April 1, 2017. He was sacked for non-performance and his controversial behaviour. He was elected from the Prathipadu Assembly constituency in Guntur district but reportedly never maintained cordial relations with the local party leaders. He has been staying away from party affairs for some time now. Babu sent his resignation letter to the Assembly Speakers office Friday evening, party sources said. He also sent a note, addressed to Chandrababu Naidu, to the TDP state office at Guntur, saying he was resigning from the primary membership of the TDP with effect from November 30. He, however, did not give any reason. Reacting to the development, state Civil Supplies minister P Pulla Rao, who represents Guntur district, said it was a hasty decision by Babu. "I tried speaking to him since yesterday but he was not available," Rao added.

TDP MLA resigns from party and assembly membership

Ahead of the Telangana Assembly elections, Income Tax department officials have seized Rs 51 lakh from P Narender Reddy, who is representing the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) party from the Kodangal constituency.

On Wednesday, the IT officials on a tip-off conducted raids on P Narender Reddy`s residence and seized Rs 51 lakh worth unaccounted cash.

Narender Reddy has not shown proper proof for the cash.

It is not yet known if the money which is seized was to be distributed to voters.

Further investigation in the case is currently underway," Rajat Kumar, Telangana`s Chief Electoral Officer told ANI.

Narender Reddy is the brother of Patnam Mahender Reddy, who was the Transport Minister in the state.

The Assembly elections will take place on December 7 in Telangana and results will be announced on December 11.

Ahead of the Telangana Assembly elections, Income Tax department officials have seized Rs 51 lakh from P Narender Reddy, who is representing the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) party from the Kodangal constituency.

Ahead of the Telangana Assembly elections, Income Tax department officials have seized Rs 51 lakh from P Narender Reddy, who is representing the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) party from the Kodangal constituency. On Wednesday, the IT officials on a tip-off conducted raids on P Narender Reddy`s residence and seized Rs 51 lakh worth unaccounted cash. Narender Reddy has not shown proper proof for the cash. It is not yet known if the money which is seized was to be distributed to voters. Further investigation in the case is currently underway," Rajat Kumar, Telangana`s Chief Electoral Officer told ANI. Narender Reddy is the brother of Patnam Mahender Reddy, who was the Transport Minister in the state. The Assembly elections will take place on December 7 in Telangana and results will be announced on December 11.

Assembly elections 2018: IT officials seize Rs 51 lakh cash from TRS leader's residence

In the poll battle for Rajasthan where the ruling BJP is pitted against its arch-rival Congress, the saffron party has got another task at hand - keeping their traditional vote bank of Rajputs intact.

Over the last few years, some Rajput groups have gone to the extent of forming anti-BJP fronts, including some against Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.

However, the BJP leaders are confident that the Rajputs will once again vote for the party.

Rajputs form 12 per cent of Rajasthan's total population and play a decisive role in at least 30 seats of the 200-member assembly. Almost every seat in the state has a sizeable portion of Rajput voters.

In Jodhpur region, there are some seats where the BJP is facing challenge from some Rajput leaders.

In Jodhpur's Arsia constituency, independent Rajput candidate Mahendra Singh Bhati is fighting against the BJP. In Phalodi seat of the district, the BJP has fielded Pabba Ram Bishnoi, but independent Rajput candidate Kumbh Singh Patwat is also in the fray.

The Rajput community is said to have been traditionally voting for the BJP and before that for the erstwhile Jan Sangh.

However, some leaders say, the relationship started getting sour in 2016. What has added to the party's woes was the recent crossing-over to Congress by Manvendra Singh, son of former union minister and BJP leader Jaswant Singh who is a well-regarded face in the Rajput community.

According to political analysts, there have been multiple reasons for this relationship to go wrong - protests over film 'Padmavaat', encounter of gangster Anandpal Singh and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje's reported opposition to appoint the party's Rajput face and Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat as state BJP chief.

When contacted, Shekhawat asserted that the entire community was with the BJP and that there was no anger at all among them.

"Every community is supporting the BJP and every one will come together to elect a government with full majority led by Vasundhara Raje," he said.

Over the last few months, BJP has put in all efforts to win back the Rajput votes, but they are not confident of a sweeping mandate as yet, experts said. The BJP has given ticket to 26 Rajput candidates for the December 7 polls.

Still, some fringe Rajput groups are said to be opposing ruling party candidates in some seats.

In the poll battle for Rajasthan where the ruling BJP is pitted against its arch-rival Congress, the saffron party has got another task at hand - keeping their traditional vote bank of Rajputs intact.

In the poll battle for Rajasthan where the ruling BJP is pitted against its arch-rival Congress, the saffron party has got another task at hand - keeping their traditional vote bank of Rajputs intact. Over the last few years, some Rajput groups have gone to the extent of forming anti-BJP fronts, including some against Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. However, the BJP leaders are confident that the Rajputs will once again vote for the party. Rajputs form 12 per cent of Rajasthan's total population and play a decisive role in at least 30 seats of the 200-member assembly. Almost every seat in the state has a sizeable portion of Rajput voters. In Jodhpur region, there are some seats where the BJP is facing challenge from some Rajput leaders. In Jodhpur's Arsia constituency, independent Rajput candidate Mahendra Singh Bhati is fighting against the BJP. In Phalodi seat of the district, the BJP has fielded Pabba Ram Bishnoi, but independent Rajput candidate Kumbh Singh Patwat is also in the fray. The Rajput community is said to have been traditionally voting for the BJP and before that for the erstwhile Jan Sangh. However, some leaders say, the relationship started getting sour in 2016. What has added to the party's woes was the recent crossing-over to Congress by Manvendra Singh, son of former union minister and BJP leader Jaswant Singh who is a well-regarded face in the Rajput community. According to political analysts, there have been multiple reasons for this relationship to go wrong - protests over film 'Padmavaat', encounter of gangster Anandpal Singh and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje's reported opposition to appoint the party's Rajput face and Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat as state BJP chief. When contacted, Shekhawat asserted that the entire community was with the BJP and that there was no anger at all among them. "Every community is supporting the BJP and every one will come together to elect a government with full majority led by Vasundhara Raje," he said. Over the last few months, BJP has put in all efforts to win back the Rajput votes, but they are not confident of a sweeping mandate as yet, experts said. The BJP has given ticket to 26 Rajput candidates for the December 7 polls. Still, some fringe Rajput groups are said to be opposing ruling party candidates in some seats.

In poll battle for Rajasthan, BJP fights Rajput woes

All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi launched a scathing attack on former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, calling him a 'Ghulam' (slave) of the Congress party.

"I want to tell Ghulam Nabi Azad that there is a difference between him and me in implementing and talking about issues. But your problem is, while your name is Ghulam Nabi, you have been serving as a Ghulam (slave) to the Congress party your entire lifetime," he said on Thursday.

Owaisi, while addressing a rally in Vikarabad district of poll-bound Telangana, further said that during Azad's 45 years in politics, he only fought once for an Assembly seat when he was the chief minister. "After that, he fought and won the parliamentary elections in Maharashtra's Washim. Then he fought three elections and he kept on losing in every election," he added.

The legislative assembly election in Telangana is scheduled to be held on December 7, and the counting of votes will take place on December 11.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi launched a scathing attack on former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, calling him a 'Ghulam' (slave) of the Congress party.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi launched a scathing attack on former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, calling him a 'Ghulam' (slave) of the Congress party. "I want to tell Ghulam Nabi Azad that there is a difference between him and me in implementing and talking about issues. But your problem is, while your name is Ghulam Nabi, you have been serving as a Ghulam (slave) to the Congress party your entire lifetime," he said on Thursday. Owaisi, while addressing a rally in Vikarabad district of poll-bound Telangana, further said that during Azad's 45 years in politics, he only fought once for an Assembly seat when he was the chief minister. "After that, he fought and won the parliamentary elections in Maharashtra's Washim. Then he fought three elections and he kept on losing in every election," he added. The legislative assembly election in Telangana is scheduled to be held on December 7, and the counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Azad a 'Ghulam' of Congress: Asaduddin Owaisi in election rally in Telangana

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu made Nandamuri Suhasini, who is contesting from Kukatpally constituency on a TDP ticket, a 'scapegoat' by fielding her from a 'losing' segment, Telangana caretaker IT and Industries minister K T Rama Rao has alleged.

Speaking at a roadshow at Kukatpally on Thursday, the TRS leader lashed out at Telugu Desam Party and its chief Naidu, questioning as to why Naidu's son and AP Minister N Lokesh was not asked to contest the seat.

Suhasini is the daughter of former Rajya Sabha MP N Hari Krishna and grand-daughter of TDP founder and former Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh NT Rama Rao.

"If Chandrababu Naidu really loves the Nandamuri family, why didn't he appoint Suhasini as a Minister in Andhra Pradesh, like he appointed Lokesh? If Chandrababu Naidu really wants to strengthen TDP in Telangana, he could have made Lokesh contest from Kukatpally. But he did not, because he knows Kukatpally is a losing seat," the TRS leader alleged.

In a dramatic turn of events, Naidu decided to field Suhasini from Kukatpally ignoring senior party leader E Peddireddy, who evinced interest in contesting from the constituency.

Rubbishing K T Rama Rao's remarks, Peddireddy said it was the party's decision to field Suhasini from Kukatpally and people in the constituency are accepting her.

He also said Lokesh is now a minister in the Andhra government and he chose Andhra Pradesh for his political career.

"Lokesh chose AP for his political career. He is a minister there. How will he contest from here. Suhasini belongs to the NTR family. People are accepting her in Kukatpally. KTR was talking in desperation," Peddireddy said.

Naidu wants to make Suhasini a scapegoat and later prevent her brothers (Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao and Nandamuri Kalyan Ram) from entering politics, the TRS leader alleged.

Talking about alliance between the Congress and TDP, Rama Rao said, NTR's soul would be 'troubled' seeing the alliance and sought to know on what basis did they form an alliance.

Justifying the TRS alliance with TDP in the 2009 elections, Rama Rao said they tied up with the TDP only after the latter assured to support separate Telangana statehood.

"Naidu today is asking why he is being criticised. Was he not the one who tried to poach TRS MLAs? Was he not the one who wrote letters to the Centre, creating hurdles in irrigation project works," the TRS leader asked.

The TRS leader the support of the people asking them to vote for the paryt and said, "development in Kukatpally will come to a halt if TRS doesn't come to power."

Elections to the 119-member Telangana assembly are scheduled to be held on December 7.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu made Nandamuri Suhasini, who is contesting from Kukatpally constituency on a TDP ticket, a 'scapegoat' by fielding her from a 'losing' segment, Telangana caretaker IT and Industries minister K T Rama Rao has alleged.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu made Nandamuri Suhasini, who is contesting from Kukatpally constituency on a TDP ticket, a 'scapegoat' by fielding her from a 'losing' segment, Telangana caretaker IT and Industries minister K T Rama Rao has alleged. Speaking at a roadshow at Kukatpally on Thursday, the TRS leader lashed out at Telugu Desam Party and its chief Naidu, questioning as to why Naidu's son and AP Minister N Lokesh was not asked to contest the seat. Suhasini is the daughter of former Rajya Sabha MP N Hari Krishna and grand-daughter of TDP founder and former Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh NT Rama Rao. "If Chandrababu Naidu really loves the Nandamuri family, why didn't he appoint Suhasini as a Minister in Andhra Pradesh, like he appointed Lokesh? If Chandrababu Naidu really wants to strengthen TDP in Telangana, he could have made Lokesh contest from Kukatpally. But he did not, because he knows Kukatpally is a losing seat," the TRS leader alleged. In a dramatic turn of events, Naidu decided to field Suhasini from Kukatpally ignoring senior party leader E Peddireddy, who evinced interest in contesting from the constituency. Rubbishing K T Rama Rao's remarks, Peddireddy said it was the party's decision to field Suhasini from Kukatpally and people in the constituency are accepting her. He also said Lokesh is now a minister in the Andhra government and he chose Andhra Pradesh for his political career. "Lokesh chose AP for his political career. He is a minister there. How will he contest from here. Suhasini belongs to the NTR family. People are accepting her in Kukatpally. KTR was talking in desperation," Peddireddy said. Naidu wants to make Suhasini a scapegoat and later prevent her brothers (Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao and Nandamuri Kalyan Ram) from entering politics, the TRS leader alleged. Talking about alliance between the Congress and TDP, Rama Rao said, NTR's soul would be 'troubled' seeing the alliance and sought to know on what basis did they form an alliance. Justifying the TRS alliance with TDP in the 2009 elections, Rama Rao said they tied up with the TDP only after the latter assured to support separate Telangana statehood. "Naidu today is asking why he is being criticised. Was he not the one who tried to poach TRS MLAs? Was he not the one who wrote letters to the Centre, creating hurdles in irrigation project works," the TRS leader asked. The TRS leader the support of the people asking them to vote for the paryt and said, "development in Kukatpally will come to a halt if TRS doesn't come to power." Elections to the 119-member Telangana assembly are scheduled to be held on December 7.

Chandrababu Naidu has made NTR's grand-daughter a 'scapegoat': KT Rama Rao

By Madhuri Kalal

Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot has said that he is confident about Congress's victory in the upcoming Assembly elections in the state. In an exclusive interview with Zee Hindustan, the veteran Congress leader said the people of Rajasthan were not happy with the working of Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vasundhara Raje.

Asserting that people were angry with Vasundhara, Gehlot said that the incumbent government was involved in scandals and scams. He further alleged that money from mafia was being pumped for the ruling party in the run up to the elections.

Talking about issues that would play a crucial role in deciding the fate of the parties, the former chief minister said that issues concerning education, women and farmers were most important. "18,000 schools were shut down. Urea is being distributed under police supervision, and there is no focus on issues like drought," said Gehlot.

He further rubbished allegations by the BJP that the Congress copied the ruling party's manifesto, saying that it was "obvious for them to say so as they have not fulfilled any of their promises".

When asked about Congress president Rahul Gandhi calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "chor (thief)", the veteran politician accused the BJP of "twisting" the fact and making it an "emotional issue". "In fact, Rahul Gandhi acts when anyone in Congress makes such remarks," he said, citing the example of CP Joshi, who had targeted Prime Minister Modi over the latter's caste.

According to the former Rajasthan chief minister, the fight in the state is between "truth and lies". He added, "The BJP should explain as to where it got all the money for election campaign."

"The real issues are food, clothes and houses. But they (BJP) mislead people. Prime Minister claims that personal attacks are made on him, but they do not refrain from talking about the caste of Lord Hanuman. They just seek sympathy," said the Congress leader, referring to a recent remark by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Gehlot further alleged that the "remote control of the government is with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)".

(Madhuri Kalal is assistant producer with Zee Hindustan)

By Madhuri Kalal Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot has said that he is confident about Congress's victory in the upcoming Assembly elections in the state.

By Madhuri Kalal Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot has said that he is confident about Congress's victory in the upcoming Assembly elections in the state. In an exclusive interview with Zee Hindustan, the veteran Congress leader said the people of Rajasthan were not happy with the working of Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vasundhara Raje. Asserting that people were angry with Vasundhara, Gehlot said that the incumbent government was involved in scandals and scams. He further alleged that money from mafia was being pumped for the ruling party in the run up to the elections. Talking about issues that would play a crucial role in deciding the fate of the parties, the former chief minister said that issues concerning education, women and farmers were most important. "18,000 schools were shut down. Urea is being distributed under police supervision, and there is no focus on issues like drought," said Gehlot. He further rubbished allegations by the BJP that the Congress copied the ruling party's manifesto, saying that it was "obvious for them to say so as they have not fulfilled any of their promises". When asked about Congress president Rahul Gandhi calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "chor (thief)", the veteran politician accused the BJP of "twisting" the fact and making it an "emotional issue". "In fact, Rahul Gandhi acts when anyone in Congress makes such remarks," he said, citing the example of CP Joshi, who had targeted Prime Minister Modi over the latter's caste. According to the former Rajasthan chief minister, the fight in the state is between "truth and lies". He added, "The BJP should explain as to where it got all the money for election campaign." "The real issues are food, clothes and houses. But they (BJP) mislead people. Prime Minister claims that personal attacks are made on him, but they do not refrain from talking about the caste of Lord Hanuman. They just seek sympathy," said the Congress leader, referring to a recent remark by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Gehlot further alleged that the "remote control of the government is with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)". (Madhuri Kalal is assistant producer with Zee Hindustan)

Rajasthan election is a fight about truth and lies: Ashok Gehlot

Former Congress MP Mohammed Azharuddin was on Friday appointed working president of the party in Telangana days ahead of assembly elections in the southern state.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi also cleared some fresh appointments in the Telangana Pradesh Congress, approving the names of two vice presidents - B M Vinod Kumar and Jaffer Javed, eight new general secretaries and four secretaries in the state unit.

"Congress president Rahul Gandhi has approved the appointment of Mohammed Azharuddin, ex-MP, as working president of the Telanagana Pradesh Congress Committee," a statement from AICC general secretary Ashok Gehlot said.

Azharuddin was a former captain of the Indian cricket team. His cricket career came to an abrupt end when he was implicated in the infamous match-fixing scandal in 2000 and was banned by the BCCI for life. However, the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 2012 declared the life ban on him as illegal.

Azharuddin was an MP from Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh in 2009, after he joined the Congress in the same year. He again unsuccessfully contested the 2014 election from Rajasthan's Tonk-Sawai Madhopur constituency in 2014.

The former cricketer, who hails from Hyderabad, is seeking to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Secunderabad constituency in Telangana.

Telangana goes to polls on December 7 and the Congress has forged an alliance with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in the state to oust the K Chandrasekhar Rao-led Government of Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS).

The Congress chief also appointed former Delhi MP Sandeep Dikshit as Secretary of AICC and attached him to the AICC Civic and Social Outreach Congress.

Dikshit is the son of former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit and has been an MP from the Delhi East constituency earlier.

The party chief also appointed Lingaraju as president of Karnataka Pradesh Fishermen Congress.

Among those appointed new general secretaries of Telanagana Pradesh Congress are Jagadeeshwara Rao, Nagesh Mudiraj, T Narsa Reddy, Manavatha Roy, Faheem, Kailash, Laxma Reddy and Krishank.

The new secretaries of TPCC are Durgam Bhaskar, Daruvu Ellanna, Vijay Kumar and Bala Laxmi.

Former Congress MP Mohammed Azharuddin was on Friday appointed working president of the party in Telangana days ahead of assembly elections in the southern state.

Former Congress MP Mohammed Azharuddin was on Friday appointed working president of the party in Telangana days ahead of assembly elections in the southern state. Congress president Rahul Gandhi also cleared some fresh appointments in the Telangana Pradesh Congress, approving the names of two vice presidents - B M Vinod Kumar and Jaffer Javed, eight new general secretaries and four secretaries in the state unit. "Congress president Rahul Gandhi has approved the appointment of Mohammed Azharuddin, ex-MP, as working president of the Telanagana Pradesh Congress Committee," a statement from AICC general secretary Ashok Gehlot said. Azharuddin was a former captain of the Indian cricket team. His cricket career came to an abrupt end when he was implicated in the infamous match-fixing scandal in 2000 and was banned by the BCCI for life. However, the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 2012 declared the life ban on him as illegal. Azharuddin was an MP from Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh in 2009, after he joined the Congress in the same year. He again unsuccessfully contested the 2014 election from Rajasthan's Tonk-Sawai Madhopur constituency in 2014. The former cricketer, who hails from Hyderabad, is seeking to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Secunderabad constituency in Telangana. Telangana goes to polls on December 7 and the Congress has forged an alliance with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in the state to oust the K Chandrasekhar Rao-led Government of Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS). The Congress chief also appointed former Delhi MP Sandeep Dikshit as Secretary of AICC and attached him to the AICC Civic and Social Outreach Congress. Dikshit is the son of former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit and has been an MP from the Delhi East constituency earlier. The party chief also appointed Lingaraju as president of Karnataka Pradesh Fishermen Congress. Among those appointed new general secretaries of Telanagana Pradesh Congress are Jagadeeshwara Rao, Nagesh Mudiraj, T Narsa Reddy, Manavatha Roy, Faheem, Kailash, Laxma Reddy and Krishank. The new secretaries of TPCC are Durgam Bhaskar, Daruvu Ellanna, Vijay Kumar and Bala Laxmi.

Azharuddin named Telangana Congress working president days before Assembly polls

The Election Commission on Friday ordered repoll at Ajasora polling station in Tuichawng Assembly constituency of Mizoram for non-functioning of EVMs on the polling day, an election official said.

The repoll will be conducted on December 4, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer H Lianzela said.

Over 300 voters could not exercise their franchise in the polling station due to persistent EVM snag on November 28, he said.

The Ajasora polling station belongs to the Chakma dominated Assembly constituency in Lawngtlai district of the state.

The Election Commission on Friday ordered repoll at Ajasora polling station in Tuichawng Assembly constituency of Mizoram for non-functioning of EVMs on the polling day, an election official said.

The Election Commission on Friday ordered repoll at Ajasora polling station in Tuichawng Assembly constituency of Mizoram for non-functioning of EVMs on the polling day, an election official said. The repoll will be conducted on December 4, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer H Lianzela said. Over 300 voters could not exercise their franchise in the polling station due to persistent EVM snag on November 28, he said. The Ajasora polling station belongs to the Chakma dominated Assembly constituency in Lawngtlai district of the state.

Election Commission orders repoll in Ajasora polling station in Mizoram

Telangana's Kawal Tiger Reserve is nowadays getting new kind of visitors, not the typical nature-loving tourists, as assembly election candidates of different political parties are thronging this place to woo tribal voters settled deep inside the Jannaram forest here.

The 42nd tiger reserve zone in India, located over 250 km away from the state capital Hyderabad, falls under the Khanapur assembly constituency which has 1.83 lakh electorate and is reserved for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates.

Spread over 893 km, the reserve is one of the richest teak forests in the state and is home to animals like tiger, cheetal, sambar, nilgai, barking deer, chowsingha, and sloth bear, as also various species of birds and reptiles.

"Campaiging is not easy in jungle," said Thodasam Nagorao, who is contesting from little-know Prem Janata Dal party, as he got down from a Safari car that got struck in the forest and he had to walk to reach the Dongapalli village in Jannaram mandal.

He said reaching 'Lambada' tribes is relatively easy in Khanapur as they have come out of the forest area and are doing other works, but the 'Gondus' adivasis continue to stay in secluded areas deep inside the jungle.

After delimitation, Jannaram now falls in Khanapur assembly constituency.

With the election campaign peaking, candidates from different parties including the TRS, BJP and Congress are begun frequently visiting these areas with promises to do better work if they come to power.

But adivasis in Dongapalli and other villages appear to be disenchanted with what they call "false promises" made by the present government.

"We are not getting Rs 4,000 per acre incentive from the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government under the Rythu Bandhu scheme because we don't have title deeds for our forest land," said a tribal woman, Rekha Nayak.

She wants the government to give title deeds for the land parcel she owns to avail benefits like other farmers.

"Our land issues have not been solved yet. But the TRS has done some good work and that we cannot deny," Malyala gram panchayat ex-sarpanch Manik Rao said.

Senior tribal citizens are getting a pension of Rs 1,000 per month and those who have title deeds of forest area are getting Rs 4,000 per acre for two crop seasons under the Rythu Bandhu scheme, he added.

The tribals are keen to come out of the forest life if the government gives them house and the similar land parcels that they own.

Another tribal woman, who makes cane-based products using bamboo from the forests, had a different problem to share.

"We received a free cooking gas cylinder from the government but we are unable to refill as prices have shot up to Rs 1,070 per cyclinder," she said.

As a result, most tribal women have gone back to old ways of using dead wood logs found in the forest for cooking purpose.

A forest department driver D Ashok said, "They have refilled their cylinder only once so far. Normally, the entire village collects the empty cylinders for refilling at a time."

Some need to hire a vehicle and travel 60 km to get the refill and the transportation charges adds to their burden, he said, showing empty cylinders outside a tribal family's house.

According to Ashok, there is no grocery store in the village and adivasis have to travel 6-8 km to buy daily-use items and it becomes more difficult in rainy season to step out of the forest.

Outsiders are not allowed to visit these adivasi settlements without permission in order to check wood felling and smuggling, he added.

As per the state government data, there are more than 26 lakh tribals in Telangana. Besides dominant tribal groups of Lambadas and Gonds, other tribes include Koya, Yerukala and Pradhan.

For this state assembly election scheduled for December 7, a polling booth is being set up in their village for the first time.

"The polling booth will be set up here for the first time," the ex-sarpanch said pointing out at the gram panchayat office in the village.

Two independents and 10 party candidates are trying their luck from Khanapur. These include Ajmeera Rekha from Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), Ashok Satla (BJP), Ramesh Rathod (Congress), Ajmera Hair Naik (BSP) and Thodasam Bhim Rao (CPI-M).

TRS' Ajmeera Rekha defeated Telugu Desam Party's Rathod Ritesh in the 2014 assembly election by a margin of 38,000 votes.

Telangana's Kawal Tiger Reserve is nowadays getting new kind of visitors, not the typical nature-loving tourists, as assembly election candidates of different political parties are thronging this place to woo tribal voters settled deep inside the Jannaram forest here.

Telangana's Kawal Tiger Reserve is nowadays getting new kind of visitors, not the typical nature-loving tourists, as assembly election candidates of different political parties are thronging this place to woo tribal voters settled deep inside the Jannaram forest here. The 42nd tiger reserve zone in India, located over 250 km away from the state capital Hyderabad, falls under the Khanapur assembly constituency which has 1.83 lakh electorate and is reserved for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates. Spread over 893 km, the reserve is one of the richest teak forests in the state and is home to animals like tiger, cheetal, sambar, nilgai, barking deer, chowsingha, and sloth bear, as also various species of birds and reptiles. "Campaiging is not easy in jungle," said Thodasam Nagorao, who is contesting from little-know Prem Janata Dal party, as he got down from a Safari car that got struck in the forest and he had to walk to reach the Dongapalli village in Jannaram mandal. He said reaching 'Lambada' tribes is relatively easy in Khanapur as they have come out of the forest area and are doing other works, but the 'Gondus' adivasis continue to stay in secluded areas deep inside the jungle. After delimitation, Jannaram now falls in Khanapur assembly constituency. With the election campaign peaking, candidates from different parties including the TRS, BJP and Congress are begun frequently visiting these areas with promises to do better work if they come to power. But adivasis in Dongapalli and other villages appear to be disenchanted with what they call "false promises" made by the present government. "We are not getting Rs 4,000 per acre incentive from the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government under the Rythu Bandhu scheme because we don't have title deeds for our forest land," said a tribal woman, Rekha Nayak. She wants the government to give title deeds for the land parcel she owns to avail benefits like other farmers. "Our land issues have not been solved yet. But the TRS has done some good work and that we cannot deny," Malyala gram panchayat ex-sarpanch Manik Rao said. Senior tribal citizens are getting a pension of Rs 1,000 per month and those who have title deeds of forest area are getting Rs 4,000 per acre for two crop seasons under the Rythu Bandhu scheme, he added. The tribals are keen to come out of the forest life if the government gives them house and the similar land parcels that they own. Another tribal woman, who makes cane-based products using bamboo from the forests, had a different problem to share. "We received a free cooking gas cylinder from the government but we are unable to refill as prices have shot up to Rs 1,070 per cyclinder," she said. As a result, most tribal women have gone back to old ways of using dead wood logs found in the forest for cooking purpose. A forest department driver D Ashok said, "They have refilled their cylinder only once so far. Normally, the entire village collects the empty cylinders for refilling at a time." Some need to hire a vehicle and travel 60 km to get the refill and the transportation charges adds to their burden, he said, showing empty cylinders outside a tribal family's house. According to Ashok, there is no grocery store in the village and adivasis have to travel 6-8 km to buy daily-use items and it becomes more difficult in rainy season to step out of the forest. Outsiders are not allowed to visit these adivasi settlements without permission in order to check wood felling and smuggling, he added. As per the state government data, there are more than 26 lakh tribals in Telangana. Besides dominant tribal groups of Lambadas and Gonds, other tribes include Koya, Yerukala and Pradhan. For this state assembly election scheduled for December 7, a polling booth is being set up in their village for the first time. "The polling booth will be set up here for the first time," the ex-sarpanch said pointing out at the gram panchayat office in the village. Two independents and 10 party candidates are trying their luck from Khanapur. These include Ajmeera Rekha from Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), Ashok Satla (BJP), Ramesh Rathod (Congress), Ajmera Hair Naik (BSP) and Thodasam Bhim Rao (CPI-M). TRS' Ajmeera Rekha defeated Telugu Desam Party's Rathod Ritesh in the 2014 assembly election by a margin of 38,000 votes.

Telangana polls: Leaders throng Kawal Tiger Reserve to woo tribal voters

Fighting the most keenly observed contest in Rajasthan polls, Congress candidate Manvendra Singh said on Friday that it was an "uphill task" to beat Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje in her political fortress of Jhalrapatan, but he was here to "fight and win" the election.

With a battle cry of "Jhalawar azaad hoga (Jhalawar will be free)", Singh said he is determined to live up to the challenge of taking on his formidable opponent.

"I am here to fight and win the election and not to contest for the sake of contesting," the son of former BJP leader Jaswant Singh said.

Manvendra Singh, who crossed over from the BJP to the Congress just weeks before joining the electoral fray, said when he was asked to fight against the chief minister, it took him just a second to accept the challenge.

Asked if he was viewing it as a "David and Goliath" battle, Singh answered in the negative.

"It is an uphill task no doubt. I am not belittling the challenge. It is an uphill task and I don't see myself as David at all. Besides the three Vidhan Sabha victories, she (Raje) has been MP from here for five times," Singh said.

"She has an advantage of 30 years and I have to cover that handicap of 30 years in 15 days. So it is a challenge... But it is a challenge I am living up to," said Singh, who had contested and won from Sheo assembly seat in 2013.

Rejecting his rivals' claims of being seen as an outsider here, Singh said he has been accepted "very wholeheartedly, very warmly" by the people of Jhalrapatan. 
It doesn't take people more than a day or two to know whether one belongs to them or not, Singh said.

On the kind of feedback he was getting after campaigning extensively in the Jhalrapatan constituency, Singh said: "I am being realistic. I am not pinning my hopes on a miracle, but it is not impossible. I am getting very positive feedback from the people and from the Congress workers who have been toiling on this seat for many years."

Despite the "very positive" feedback, Singh said, he keeps putting himself through a reality check and every time he gets a positive report, he keeps questioning that report to figure out where all it could go wrong.

Asked if the treatment meted out to his father by the BJP will have a bearing on the election, he said: "I don't think the BJP as such is answerable for this as Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi told me, it is some individual in Rajasthan and a couple of people in Delhi that are responsible for it."

He asserted that it will have a bearing on this election as it was a topic of discussion, not by him but by other speakers in some of the meetings.

On whether he would be in the running for the chief minister's post if he succeeds in the giant-killing act of defeating Raje, Singh said, "No, not at all."

What has made the Singh-Raje battle the most talked about is the tension between the two leaders that is well known.

Singh, 54, quit the BJP in September and joined the Congress in October after being sidelined within the ruling party, reportedly because of Raje's feud with his father Jaswant Singh, who was denied a BJP ticket in the last Lok Sabha polls.

Asked if it was also a "prestige battle" for him, Singh said, "I don't personally (take it as a prestige battle) and I don't link it to any kind of revenge that people talk about. I am just looking at it as an electoral contest and it should remain that way."

The contest should remain clean and fair, he added.

On Raje's statement that the Congress could not find a constituency for him and therefore fielded him against her from here, Singh said he didn't ask for a constituency.

"I was very clear from the time I joined the Congress party that I wasn't interested in a Vidhan Sabha election and I didn't ask for a seat for myself. So I think she is off the mark when she says that," he asserted.

He said the main issue in this constituency, on which he was taking on Raje, was farmers' distress.

"I was surprised by the distress among the farmers. Within the MLA constituency, there have been two farmer suicides in the last year or so," he said.

There is a seething anger about the garlic crop and how badly it has been handled in terms of the minimum support price issue, Singh said.

To resolve the MSP issue, the government came up with some kind of token system and those who have got a token would have their crop picked up, while others had their produce rotting in their house, he alleged.

Singh said the decision to switch to the Congress from the BJP evolved over a period of time and it was cemented by two factors - his friendship and fondness for Rahul Gandhi and a senior member of the BJP family telling him that wherever former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee would be, he would be blessing him.

Fighting the most keenly observed contest in Rajasthan polls, Congress candidate Manvendra Singh said on Friday that it was an "uphill task" to beat Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje in her political fortress of Jhalrapatan, but he was here to "fight and win" the election.

Fighting the most keenly observed contest in Rajasthan polls, Congress candidate Manvendra Singh said on Friday that it was an "uphill task" to beat Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje in her political fortress of Jhalrapatan, but he was here to "fight and win" the election. With a battle cry of "Jhalawar azaad hoga (Jhalawar will be free)", Singh said he is determined to live up to the challenge of taking on his formidable opponent. "I am here to fight and win the election and not to contest for the sake of contesting," the son of former BJP leader Jaswant Singh said. Manvendra Singh, who crossed over from the BJP to the Congress just weeks before joining the electoral fray, said when he was asked to fight against the chief minister, it took him just a second to accept the challenge. Asked if he was viewing it as a "David and Goliath" battle, Singh answered in the negative. "It is an uphill task no doubt. I am not belittling the challenge. It is an uphill task and I don't see myself as David at all. Besides the three Vidhan Sabha victories, she (Raje) has been MP from here for five times," Singh said. "She has an advantage of 30 years and I have to cover that handicap of 30 years in 15 days. So it is a challenge... But it is a challenge I am living up to," said Singh, who had contested and won from Sheo assembly seat in 2013. Rejecting his rivals' claims of being seen as an outsider here, Singh said he has been accepted "very wholeheartedly, very warmly" by the people of Jhalrapatan. It doesn't take people more than a day or two to know whether one belongs to them or not, Singh said. On the kind of feedback he was getting after campaigning extensively in the Jhalrapatan constituency, Singh said: "I am being realistic. I am not pinning my hopes on a miracle, but it is not impossible. I am getting very positive feedback from the people and from the Congress workers who have been toiling on this seat for many years." Despite the "very positive" feedback, Singh said, he keeps putting himself through a reality check and every time he gets a positive report, he keeps questioning that report to figure out where all it could go wrong. Asked if the treatment meted out to his father by the BJP will have a bearing on the election, he said: "I don't think the BJP as such is answerable for this as Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi told me, it is some individual in Rajasthan and a couple of people in Delhi that are responsible for it." He asserted that it will have a bearing on this election as it was a topic of discussion, not by him but by other speakers in some of the meetings. On whether he would be in the running for the chief minister's post if he succeeds in the giant-killing act of defeating Raje, Singh said, "No, not at all." What has made the Singh-Raje battle the most talked about is the tension between the two leaders that is well known. Singh, 54, quit the BJP in September and joined the Congress in October after being sidelined within the ruling party, reportedly because of Raje's feud with his father Jaswant Singh, who was denied a BJP ticket in the last Lok Sabha polls. Asked if it was also a "prestige battle" for him, Singh said, "I don't personally (take it as a prestige battle) and I don't link it to any kind of revenge that people talk about. I am just looking at it as an electoral contest and it should remain that way." The contest should remain clean and fair, he added. On Raje's statement that the Congress could not find a constituency for him and therefore fielded him against her from here, Singh said he didn't ask for a constituency. "I was very clear from the time I joined the Congress party that I wasn't interested in a Vidhan Sabha election and I didn't ask for a seat for myself. So I think she is off the mark when she says that," he asserted. He said the main issue in this constituency, on which he was taking on Raje, was farmers' distress. "I was surprised by the distress among the farmers. Within the MLA constituency, there have been two farmer suicides in the last year or so," he said. There is a seething anger about the garlic crop and how badly it has been handled in terms of the minimum support price issue, Singh said. To resolve the MSP issue, the government came up with some kind of token system and those who have got a token would have their crop picked up, while others had their produce rotting in their house, he alleged. Singh said the decision to switch to the Congress from the BJP evolved over a period of time and it was cemented by two factors - his friendship and fondness for Rahul Gandhi and a senior member of the BJP family telling him that wherever former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee would be, he would be blessing him.

Uphill task to beat Raje, but I'm here to win: Manvendra Singh

BJP chief Amit Shah targeted Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday for raising the issue of bank loans and non-performing assets (NPA) in poll rallies, saying those were the results of the misdeeds of the previous Congress-led government.

"The loans given through corrupt practices during the Congress government have turned into NPA. These are not loans given by the Narendra Modi government. These are the results of the misdeeds of the Congress government," he said, addressing an election rally at Kuchaman city of Nagaur district.

Referring to a report carried by the Indian Express newspaper on its front page, Shah alleged that the Nehru-Gandhi family's son-in-law had received commissions after a loan of thousands of crores of rupees was sanctioned to a big company.

"A company got a loan of thousands of crores and its commission reached the Nehru family's son-in-law within a few months, with which he bought 150 hectares of land in Bikaner at a throwaway price. I want to ask Rahul Gandhi if he can answer now," he said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief also said fugitive jeweller Nirav Modi and liquor baron Vijay Mallya were given loans during the days of the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

"They did not fly away abroad (during the Congress rule) as they had no fear of the Congress. They believed that they had a partnership. Those who are being guarded, why will they run away? After the Modi government came to power, they had a fear of being jailed," he said.

Shah added that the BJP government would work towards getting each penny held by the fugitives back to the country.

The 200-member Rajasthan Assembly will go to the polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.

BJP chief Amit Shah targeted Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday for raising the issue of bank loans and non-performing assets (NPA) in poll rallies, saying those were the results of the misdeeds of the previous Congress-led government.

BJP chief Amit Shah targeted Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday for raising the issue of bank loans and non-performing assets (NPA) in poll rallies, saying those were the results of the misdeeds of the previous Congress-led government. "The loans given through corrupt practices during the Congress government have turned into NPA. These are not loans given by the Narendra Modi government. These are the results of the misdeeds of the Congress government," he said, addressing an election rally at Kuchaman city of Nagaur district. Referring to a report carried by the Indian Express newspaper on its front page, Shah alleged that the Nehru-Gandhi family's son-in-law had received commissions after a loan of thousands of crores of rupees was sanctioned to a big company. "A company got a loan of thousands of crores and its commission reached the Nehru family's son-in-law within a few months, with which he bought 150 hectares of land in Bikaner at a throwaway price. I want to ask Rahul Gandhi if he can answer now," he said. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief also said fugitive jeweller Nirav Modi and liquor baron Vijay Mallya were given loans during the days of the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. "They did not fly away abroad (during the Congress rule) as they had no fear of the Congress. They believed that they had a partnership. Those who are being guarded, why will they run away? After the Modi government came to power, they had a fear of being jailed," he said. Shah added that the BJP government would work towards getting each penny held by the fugitives back to the country. The 200-member Rajasthan Assembly will go to the polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.

NPAs result of previous Congress-led government's misdeeds: Amit Shah in Rajasthan

Major parties appear to be engaged in a game of one-upmanship in poll-bound Telangana to woo the electorate with farmers and unemployed youth being among key sections getting extra weightage.

The ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) led by caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, has promised farm loan waiver of up to Rs one lakh, if the party returns to a second term in office.

The Congress, leading the "Prajakutami" (People's Alliance) that comprises TDP, Telangana Jana Samiti and CPI, and the BJP, going it alone in the December 7 elections, have said they would waive farm loans up to Rs two lakh.

The Congress has promised a dole of Rs 3,000 per month for the unemployed youth, while the TRS and BJP are quoting a figure of Rs 3,016 and Rs 3,116, respectively.

All parties have sought to reach out to various sections of society in the "battle for Telangana".

The BJP has promised <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-promises-free-distribution-of-cows-to-1-lakh-people-every-year-in-manifesto-for-telangana-polls-180214">free distribution of one lakh cows</a> for people every year and enactment of a legislation to prevent forcible religious conversions and steps to send back Rohingyas and those who have illegally entered from Bangladesh.

The Congress has promised free power supply to all temples, mosques, churches and other places of worship, and judicial powers to the Wakf Board, if it came to power.

Major parties appear to be engaged in a game of one-upmanship in poll-bound Telangana to woo the electorate with farmers and unemployed youth being among key sections getting extra weightage.

Major parties appear to be engaged in a game of one-upmanship in poll-bound Telangana to woo the electorate with farmers and unemployed youth being among key sections getting extra weightage. The ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) led by caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, has promised farm loan waiver of up to Rs one lakh, if the party returns to a second term in office. The Congress, leading the "Prajakutami" (People's Alliance) that comprises TDP, Telangana Jana Samiti and CPI, and the BJP, going it alone in the December 7 elections, have said they would waive farm loans up to Rs two lakh. The Congress has promised a dole of Rs 3,000 per month for the unemployed youth, while the TRS and BJP are quoting a figure of Rs 3,016 and Rs 3,116, respectively. All parties have sought to reach out to various sections of society in the "battle for Telangana". The BJP has promised free distribution of one lakh cows for people every year and enactment of a legislation to prevent forcible religious conversions and steps to send back Rohingyas and those who have illegally entered from Bangladesh. The Congress has promised free power supply to all temples, mosques, churches and other places of worship, and judicial powers to the Wakf Board, if it came to power.

Assembly elections 2018: Parties in one-upmanship game to woo voters in Telangana

Weak farm prices are threatening to hurt PM Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party as it faces a critical test in three state elections dominated by rural voters in the Hindi-speaking belt that is its traditional stronghold.

On a visit last week to the most crucial of the three states, Madhya Pradesh, which voted on Wednesday, Reuters spoke to 134 rural voters along a 400 km (250 miles) corridor - 89, or about two-thirds, said they would vote for the opposition Congress party rather than the ruling BJP.

"Diesel and fertiliser prices have shot up but paddy and wheat prices rose only marginally," said Prem Naryan Meena, a 60-year-old wheat farmer in Gudari Ghat village on the outskirts of Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal. "Our net realisation has been falling every year."

Meena says he will vote Congress for the first time in his life because the BJP has failed to lift farmers' earnings as promised. He voted BJP in the last state and general elections.

The latest survey from pollster C Voter puts Congress marginally ahead in both Madhya Pradesh and the second of the Hindi-speaking states, Chhattisgarh, where voting has been completed. Congress has an 8.2 percentage-point lead in the third state, Rajasthan, according to the survey. All three results are expected on December 11.

"WE CAN'T EAT ROADS"

The BJP currently controls all three states, and if it loses more than one it could prompt a re-think of its strategy heading into next year's general election, which is due to be held by May.

Political strategists say that could mean trying to find quick ways to bolster incomes in the countryside through additional subsidies. It could also mean forcefully playing the "Hindus-first" card, which they say could appeal to the majority population but risk creating communal conflict.

Investors are also likely to take fright if the pro-business BJP suffers major losses. It would create major policy uncertainty by raising the prospects that Modi could either lose next year's election or be faced with forming a much less powerful coalition government.

The BJP's message still can resonate in rural areas on the back of some of the government's development initiatives. These include a push for access to electricity, provision of better sanitation, subsidies for cooking systems run off liquefied petroleum gas, and better roads.

But that is not enough for many farmers struggling with low crop prices.

"Government says they are working to double farmers' income, but instead of rising, crop prices are falling. We sold soybean at 5,000 rupees (per 100 kg) in 2014 and now we are getting 2,900 rupees," said 30-year-old farmer Anil Verma, from the Sehore district, 50 km from Bhopal.

And while voters acknowledge the improved roads, some such as Ramnaryan Gour, a taxi driver in Bhopal, do not see it as enough of a reason to support the BJP.

"We can't eat roads. Our income should go up, which is not happening," said Gaur, who plans to vote for Congress.

PARALYSED TRADING

The government points to initiatives such as improved irrigation, crop insurance and electronic trading platforms for farmers to sell produce as evidence it has helped rural Indians, who make up around 70 per cent of the 1.3 billion population.

But the low farm prices can also be at least partially blamed on government policies.

After coming to power, the Modi administration tried to bring down food inflation by raising crop procurement prices much less than its predecessor, cutting import taxes on various farm commodities and restricting overseas sales of some crops. These policies, along with a supply glut overseas, hurt crop prices in India.

Then the government in 2016 scrapped high-value currency notes as it sought to crack down on the black economy. That paralysed trading of farm commodities and dragged prices down further.

The national government has more recently been trying to support rural incomes by steeply raising minimum support prices for summer-sown crops – prices at which the government says it is prepared to buy the crops from the farmers. But farmers have been selling crops at as much as a 30 percent discount to these prices when they have a big supply glut because a lack of storage and transport capacity means the government system does not function effectively.

And the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh has been on the back foot since six farmers protesting against lower prices in mid-2017 were shot and killed by police in Mandsaur district. The incident angered farmers and prompted Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to offer them concessions.

The state rolled out a programme that promised to pay farmers the difference between the actual crop sale price and the government mandated price.

But it did not work as traders profited from the scheme and the difference between market prices and support prices widened further, according to Deviprasad Mandloi, who grows black lentils in Sehore.

Growers of garlic, onion and tomatoes – all big crops in the state - have been hit particularly hard as prices have plunged.

"In garlic we are not recovering half of the production cost," said Deepak Yogi, showing a reporter garlic bags stored in a cattle shed in Sehore.

Garlic prices have fallen to 9 rupees a kg, from nearly 100 rupees a kg in January 2017.

If the farmers' sentiments are reflected across Madhya Pradesh, which has been held by the BJP for the past three terms, or 15 years, then it will be a major defeat for Modi.

Congress has been trying to tap into farmers' discontent with promises to waive farm loans.

After winning all three state elections in late 2013, the BJP won 62 out of 65 seats - 27 out of 29 in Madhya Pradesh - that those states sent to the 545-member lower house in the 2014 general election.

A poor performance by the BJP in the three "will be indicative of slipping ground in strongholds," said Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, a biographer of Modi. It would also make Congress more credible and put it in a stronger position to negotiate alliances with smaller regional parties, he said.

The expectation in financial markets is that the BJP will win at least two of the three states.

If the BJP loses all three "then there would be a sell-off in the market," said Sanjay Mookim, India equity strategist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, adding that there would be concerns that an unstable coalition government may result.

Weak farm prices are threatening to hurt PM Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party as it faces a critical test in three state elections dominated by rural voters in the Hindi-speaking belt that is its traditional stronghold.

Weak farm prices are threatening to hurt PM Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party as it faces a critical test in three state elections dominated by rural voters in the Hindi-speaking belt that is its traditional stronghold. On a visit last week to the most crucial of the three states, Madhya Pradesh, which voted on Wednesday, Reuters spoke to 134 rural voters along a 400 km (250 miles) corridor - 89, or about two-thirds, said they would vote for the opposition Congress party rather than the ruling BJP. "Diesel and fertiliser prices have shot up but paddy and wheat prices rose only marginally," said Prem Naryan Meena, a 60-year-old wheat farmer in Gudari Ghat village on the outskirts of Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal. "Our net realisation has been falling every year." Meena says he will vote Congress for the first time in his life because the BJP has failed to lift farmers' earnings as promised. He voted BJP in the last state and general elections. The latest survey from pollster C Voter puts Congress marginally ahead in both Madhya Pradesh and the second of the Hindi-speaking states, Chhattisgarh, where voting has been completed. Congress has an 8.2 percentage-point lead in the third state, Rajasthan, according to the survey. All three results are expected on December 11. "WE CAN'T EAT ROADS" The BJP currently controls all three states, and if it loses more than one it could prompt a re-think of its strategy heading into next year's general election, which is due to be held by May. Political strategists say that could mean trying to find quick ways to bolster incomes in the countryside through additional subsidies. It could also mean forcefully playing the "Hindus-first" card, which they say could appeal to the majority population but risk creating communal conflict. Investors are also likely to take fright if the pro-business BJP suffers major losses. It would create major policy uncertainty by raising the prospects that Modi could either lose next year's election or be faced with forming a much less powerful coalition government. The BJP's message still can resonate in rural areas on the back of some of the government's development initiatives. These include a push for access to electricity, provision of better sanitation, subsidies for cooking systems run off liquefied petroleum gas, and better roads. But that is not enough for many farmers struggling with low crop prices. "Government says they are working to double farmers' income, but instead of rising, crop prices are falling. We sold soybean at 5,000 rupees (per 100 kg) in 2014 and now we are getting 2,900 rupees," said 30-year-old farmer Anil Verma, from the Sehore district, 50 km from Bhopal. And while voters acknowledge the improved roads, some such as Ramnaryan Gour, a taxi driver in Bhopal, do not see it as enough of a reason to support the BJP. "We can't eat roads. Our income should go up, which is not happening," said Gaur, who plans to vote for Congress. PARALYSED TRADING The government points to initiatives such as improved irrigation, crop insurance and electronic trading platforms for farmers to sell produce as evidence it has helped rural Indians, who make up around 70 per cent of the 1.3 billion population. But the low farm prices can also be at least partially blamed on government policies. After coming to power, the Modi administration tried to bring down food inflation by raising crop procurement prices much less than its predecessor, cutting import taxes on various farm commodities and restricting overseas sales of some crops. These policies, along with a supply glut overseas, hurt crop prices in India. Then the government in 2016 scrapped high-value currency notes as it sought to crack down on the black economy. That paralysed trading of farm commodities and dragged prices down further. The national government has more recently been trying to support rural incomes by steeply raising minimum support prices for summer-sown crops – prices at which the government says it is prepared to buy the crops from the farmers. But farmers have been selling crops at as much as a 30 percent discount to these prices when they have a big supply glut because a lack of storage and transport capacity means the government system does not function effectively. And the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh has been on the back foot since six farmers protesting against lower prices in mid-2017 were shot and killed by police in Mandsaur district. The incident angered farmers and prompted Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to offer them concessions. The state rolled out a programme that promised to pay farmers the difference between the actual crop sale price and the government mandated price. But it did not work as traders profited from the scheme and the difference between market prices and support prices widened further, according to Deviprasad Mandloi, who grows black lentils in Sehore. Growers of garlic, onion and tomatoes – all big crops in the state - have been hit particularly hard as prices have plunged. "In garlic we are not recovering half of the production cost," said Deepak Yogi, showing a reporter garlic bags stored in a cattle shed in Sehore. Garlic prices have fallen to 9 rupees a kg, from nearly 100 rupees a kg in January 2017. If the farmers' sentiments are reflected across Madhya Pradesh, which has been held by the BJP for the past three terms, or 15 years, then it will be a major defeat for Modi. Congress has been trying to tap into farmers' discontent with promises to waive farm loans. After winning all three state elections in late 2013, the BJP won 62 out of 65 seats - 27 out of 29 in Madhya Pradesh - that those states sent to the 545-member lower house in the 2014 general election. A poor performance by the BJP in the three "will be indicative of slipping ground in strongholds," said Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, a biographer of Modi. It would also make Congress more credible and put it in a stronger position to negotiate alliances with smaller regional parties, he said. The expectation in financial markets is that the BJP will win at least two of the three states. If the BJP loses all three "then there would be a sell-off in the market," said Sanjay Mookim, India equity strategist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, adding that there would be concerns that an unstable coalition government may result.

Assembly elections 2018: Angry farmers could upset Modi in major state elections test

The Congress on Thursday announced farm loan waiver, allowance to educated unemployed youths, and Accountability Bill among a slew of promises in its manifesto to win the Rajasthan assembly polls, scheduled for December 7.

Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) president Sachin Pilot and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot released the manifesto in the presence of other party leaders.

"Our manifesto is not just a document, but a commitment," said Pilot.

With a view to empowering girls in a holistic manner, the Congress leader said, "Our government, if formed, will bear the entire education expenses of girls.

We will finance their entire education," he added.

Pilot said that unemployed educated youths would get Rs 3,500 as monthly allowance.

"We will also give jobs to them and easy loans so that they set up their own businesses too," he said.

Moreover, students will get free travel facilities to appear in the examination, he added.

"The Congress will waive off farmers` loan once the party forms the government in the state. Farm equipment will be freed from the Goods and Services Tax (GST)," he said, adding that old farmers would get pension.

He also promised to set up the `Gauchar Bhumi Board` which will ensure that cows are provided with adequate fodder.

"If the Congress is voted to power, we will make college and university curriculum industry-friendly. We will also form a board for the workers of unorganised sector so that they are taken care of in a better manner," he said.

Pilot also said the Congress, if voted to power, will bring the Accountability Bill within 30 days of coming to power.

The former union minister also said it was the people`s thought which was embodied in the manifesto, and not that of the Congress.

"The BJP should apologise to the people of the state for not fulfilling its promises. The BJP, which kept the people jobless for five years, is now talking about allowance to them. We ascertained the views and suggestions of 2 lakh people on different digital platforms (to create the manifesto)," he added.

The Congress on Thursday announced farm loan waiver, allowance to educated unemployed youths, and Accountability Bill among a slew of promises in its manifesto to win the Rajasthan assembly polls, scheduled for December 7.

The Congress on Thursday announced farm loan waiver, allowance to educated unemployed youths, and Accountability Bill among a slew of promises in its manifesto to win the Rajasthan assembly polls, scheduled for December 7. Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) president Sachin Pilot and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot released the manifesto in the presence of other party leaders. "Our manifesto is not just a document, but a commitment," said Pilot. With a view to empowering girls in a holistic manner, the Congress leader said, "Our government, if formed, will bear the entire education expenses of girls. We will finance their entire education," he added. Pilot said that unemployed educated youths would get Rs 3,500 as monthly allowance. "We will also give jobs to them and easy loans so that they set up their own businesses too," he said. Moreover, students will get free travel facilities to appear in the examination, he added. "The Congress will waive off farmers` loan once the party forms the government in the state. Farm equipment will be freed from the Goods and Services Tax (GST)," he said, adding that old farmers would get pension. He also promised to set up the `Gauchar Bhumi Board` which will ensure that cows are provided with adequate fodder. "If the Congress is voted to power, we will make college and university curriculum industry-friendly. We will also form a board for the workers of unorganised sector so that they are taken care of in a better manner," he said. Pilot also said the Congress, if voted to power, will bring the Accountability Bill within 30 days of coming to power. The former union minister also said it was the people`s thought which was embodied in the manifesto, and not that of the Congress. "The BJP should apologise to the people of the state for not fulfilling its promises. The BJP, which kept the people jobless for five years, is now talking about allowance to them. We ascertained the views and suggestions of 2 lakh people on different digital platforms (to create the manifesto)," he added.

Congress promises farm loan waiver, unemployment allowance to youths in Rajasthan

There has been a flurry of activity to cobble up an anti-BJP ‘Mahagathbandhan’ (grand alliance ). The exercise is not unprecedented either in its intention or scope. Only that this time around it’s the regional players who are taking the lead in firming up such a pan-India coalition of ‘like-minded’ parties. These regional players like Telugu Desam Party’s Chandrababu Naidu or Trinamool Congress’s Mamata Banerjee are not averse to taking Congress on board, not as a dominant partner but as an entity willing to subsume its ambitions under the overarching goals of the alliance.

Naidu’s recent meeting with TMC supremo did not stand out for the distance that Naidu had to cover to reach Kolkata. What stood out were the words from Mamata after the meeting that hinted at the underlying resolve of regional players not to allow national partners to have an overwhelming presence in the 'Mahagathbandhan'. On the question of who shall be the prime ministerial face of such a grand alliance, Mamata quipped that “everybody is the face of ‘Mahagathbandhan'.’”&nbsp;

It is hard to construe whether Mamata made this remark keeping Congress president Rahul Gandhi in mind. But it shall be vain to think otherwise. That also does not mean Mamata herself covets the post. The probability might be high but she is only making sure the post of the Prime Minister remains open in the event of the 'Mahagathbandhan' managing to halt the Modi juggernaut in 2019.&nbsp;

Mamata has revealed the blueprint for the coalition. Rewind to Karnataka Assembly verdict when Congress struck up a post-poll alliance with Janata Dal (Secular). To keep BJP at bay, Rahul offered the CM post to JD(S)’s HD Kumaraswamy despite the Congress having won twice as many seats as the JD(S). Mamata’s oblique reference to the Congress at the opposition show of unity then was unambiguous. The “regional fronts and regional partners have a very important role to play,” she had then remarked.&nbsp;

Even Naidu endorsed Mamata’s line in Kolkata when he said they were all senior politicians, ‘more senior than Modi.’ His no-nonsense remark indicates Rahul’s perceived lower standing in the political hierarchy the 'Mahagathbandhan' was trying to construct. It also shows a mirror to the Congress’s present numerical strength in the Lok Sabha. One thing is clear: The alliance partners shall prefer to choose the joint opposition PM face by consensus rather than allow a single party’s writ to run through. And that there could be several contenders to choose from.

The Congress’s 2014 drubbing at the hands of Modi’s BJP had brought it almost down to its knees. The Congress could garner just 44 seats in the Lok Sabha, barely ahead of strong regional players like the AIADMK (37 seats) and TMC (34 seats).&nbsp;

Rahul is trying hard to put the electoral failures behind him but his real leadership test shall be in the three Hindi-belt states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan where the grand old party is pitted against arch-rival BJP. If shall be a tour de force for him if he manages to wrest these states from the BJP, which is carrying the baggage of anti-incumbency.

But for now, he certainly seemed to have missed the bus of a possible electoral alliance with Mayawati’s Bahujan Samaj Party in Chhattisgarh and MP. This may prove crucial to the poll outcome. Mayawati was among the first leaders Naidu met before he called on Rahul and Mamata for talks on grand alliance.

The emerging template of 'Mahagathbandhan' already includes signatures of parties such as TDP, DMK, TC, SP, BSP, NCP and NC. Most of these parties have either had a pronounced anti-Congressism in-built into their DNA or are breakaway factions of the Congress who now are strong players in their respective states and only want to expand bases in other states, where the Congress will have to accommodate them.&nbsp;

Rahul’s twin challenge is not only to resurrect the Congress but also to prove that his anti-BJP credentials were not vacuous chest-thumping. If he loses to BJP in these three states, he stands to forfeit his ground to regional players in the 'Mahagathbandhan'. A sweep in these three states will only lift his acceptability quotient that much. His stocks among opposition parties might soar. To be counted as a serious contender, Rahul will have to bounce back in the crucial Hindi belt states in which the Congress has presence – a feat unlikely without the strategic support of regional outfits. It shall be a tightrope walk in terms of numbers and alliances.

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-rahul-gandhi-and-the-price-of-mahagathbandhan-2690340">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

There has been a flurry of activity to cobble up an anti-BJP ‘Mahagathbandhan’ (grand alliance ). The exercise is not unprecedented either in its intention or scope.

There has been a flurry of activity to cobble up an anti-BJP ‘Mahagathbandhan’ (grand alliance ). The exercise is not unprecedented either in its intention or scope. Only that this time around it’s the regional players who are taking the lead in firming up such a pan-India coalition of ‘like-minded’ parties. These regional players like Telugu Desam Party’s Chandrababu Naidu or Trinamool Congress’s Mamata Banerjee are not averse to taking Congress on board, not as a dominant partner but as an entity willing to subsume its ambitions under the overarching goals of the alliance. Naidu’s recent meeting with TMC supremo did not stand out for the distance that Naidu had to cover to reach Kolkata. What stood out were the words from Mamata after the meeting that hinted at the underlying resolve of regional players not to allow national partners to have an overwhelming presence in the 'Mahagathbandhan'. On the question of who shall be the prime ministerial face of such a grand alliance, Mamata quipped that “everybody is the face of ‘Mahagathbandhan'.’” It is hard to construe whether Mamata made this remark keeping Congress president Rahul Gandhi in mind. But it shall be vain to think otherwise. That also does not mean Mamata herself covets the post. The probability might be high but she is only making sure the post of the Prime Minister remains open in the event of the 'Mahagathbandhan' managing to halt the Modi juggernaut in 2019. Mamata has revealed the blueprint for the coalition. Rewind to Karnataka Assembly verdict when Congress struck up a post-poll alliance with Janata Dal (Secular). To keep BJP at bay, Rahul offered the CM post to JD(S)’s HD Kumaraswamy despite the Congress having won twice as many seats as the JD(S). Mamata’s oblique reference to the Congress at the opposition show of unity then was unambiguous. The “regional fronts and regional partners have a very important role to play,” she had then remarked. Even Naidu endorsed Mamata’s line in Kolkata when he said they were all senior politicians, ‘more senior than Modi.’ His no-nonsense remark indicates Rahul’s perceived lower standing in the political hierarchy the 'Mahagathbandhan' was trying to construct. It also shows a mirror to the Congress’s present numerical strength in the Lok Sabha. One thing is clear: The alliance partners shall prefer to choose the joint opposition PM face by consensus rather than allow a single party’s writ to run through. And that there could be several contenders to choose from. The Congress’s 2014 drubbing at the hands of Modi’s BJP had brought it almost down to its knees. The Congress could garner just 44 seats in the Lok Sabha, barely ahead of strong regional players like the AIADMK (37 seats) and TMC (34 seats). Rahul is trying hard to put the electoral failures behind him but his real leadership test shall be in the three Hindi-belt states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan where the grand old party is pitted against arch-rival BJP. If shall be a tour de force for him if he manages to wrest these states from the BJP, which is carrying the baggage of anti-incumbency. But for now, he certainly seemed to have missed the bus of a possible electoral alliance with Mayawati’s Bahujan Samaj Party in Chhattisgarh and MP. This may prove crucial to the poll outcome. Mayawati was among the first leaders Naidu met before he called on Rahul and Mamata for talks on grand alliance. The emerging template of 'Mahagathbandhan' already includes signatures of parties such as TDP, DMK, TC, SP, BSP, NCP and NC. Most of these parties have either had a pronounced anti-Congressism in-built into their DNA or are breakaway factions of the Congress who now are strong players in their respective states and only want to expand bases in other states, where the Congress will have to accommodate them. Rahul’s twin challenge is not only to resurrect the Congress but also to prove that his anti-BJP credentials were not vacuous chest-thumping. If he loses to BJP in these three states, he stands to forfeit his ground to regional players in the 'Mahagathbandhan'. A sweep in these three states will only lift his acceptability quotient that much. His stocks among opposition parties might soar. To be counted as a serious contender, Rahul will have to bounce back in the crucial Hindi belt states in which the Congress has presence – a feat unlikely without the strategic support of regional outfits. It shall be a tightrope walk in terms of numbers and alliances. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Assembly elections 2018: It's a tightrope walk for Congress president Rahul Gandhi

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao of "diluting the Tribal Rights Act to the detriment of forest dwellers.

Addressing an election meeting at Bhoopalpally in the tribal belt of Telangana, he promised reservations in government jobs and admissions to state-run educational institutions for Scheduled Tribe candidates proportionate to their population in the state.

"Prime Minister Modi weakened Adivasi Bill (Tribal Bill) at the centre and KCR diluted it at the state. As soon as we form our government in Telangana we will ensure that you (tribals) get back your land. We have mentioned this in our manifesto also.

"We will give reservations too that will be proportionate to your population," Gandhi told the rally.

The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act was passed in 2006 when the UPA was in power. It is variously referred to as Forest Rights Act, Tribal Rights Act, Tribal Bill, and Tribal Land Act. The law concerns the rights of forest-dwelling communities.

The opposition has been alleging that the Modi dispensation diluted various provisions of the law including the condition of "free informed consent" from gram sabhas for any government plans to remove tribals from forests and for resettlement or rehabilitation packages. It is alleged that the law was diluted to favour mining companies and industrialists.

Gandhi said the previous UPA government brought the law which gave immense benefits to tribals.

The Telangana government has been accused of diluting the Act by outlawing traditional methods of forest land cultivation.

The Congress president said tribals could not reap full benefit of the law in Telangana because of dilution of its provisions.

Gandhi assured that contract workers of Singareni Collieries would be regularised if the Congress-led alliance came to power in Telangana and the cases of employees who lost their jobs for various reasons would be sympathetically examined.

He also slammed the prime minister for his "habit" of privatising public sector undertakings.

Punning on chief minister KCR's initials, Gandhi called him "Khao Commission Rao" who promised that he would "redesign" the state but instead redesigned irrigation projects, which resulted in cost escalation and burdened the people, only to benefit members of his family and contractors.

Taking a jibe at the TRS chief's comment that he will go home and take rest if he loses the polls, Gandhi said, "KCR will definitely take rest in a Rs 300 crore palatial bungalow after the elections. You take rest and the Congress party will fulfil the aspirations and dreams of Telangana with the help of its people."

Addressing another rally at Armoor, he said, if the Congress came to power at the Centre, it would simplify the GST and sympathetically examine taxes on the beedi industry.

He also promised that a corpus fund of Rs 500 crore would be raised to help migrant workers in the Persian Gulf.

Targeting the prime minister over his signature mass outreach programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on All India Radio, Gandhi said, "Modi ji tells you his 'Mann ki Baat' (speaks his mind) every month. But we will listen to your (people's) Mann Ki Baat and run Telangana according to your wishes."

The Congress president said while Modi and KCR always kept the doors of banks open for the rich, the Congress-led government in Telangana will waive agricultural loans of farmers up to Rs 2 lakh and raise the Minimum Support Price for as many as 17 varieties of farm produce.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao of "diluting the Tribal Rights Act to the detriment of forest dwellers.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao of "diluting the Tribal Rights Act to the detriment of forest dwellers. Addressing an election meeting at Bhoopalpally in the tribal belt of Telangana, he promised reservations in government jobs and admissions to state-run educational institutions for Scheduled Tribe candidates proportionate to their population in the state. "Prime Minister Modi weakened Adivasi Bill (Tribal Bill) at the centre and KCR diluted it at the state. As soon as we form our government in Telangana we will ensure that you (tribals) get back your land. We have mentioned this in our manifesto also. "We will give reservations too that will be proportionate to your population," Gandhi told the rally. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act was passed in 2006 when the UPA was in power. It is variously referred to as Forest Rights Act, Tribal Rights Act, Tribal Bill, and Tribal Land Act. The law concerns the rights of forest-dwelling communities. The opposition has been alleging that the Modi dispensation diluted various provisions of the law including the condition of "free informed consent" from gram sabhas for any government plans to remove tribals from forests and for resettlement or rehabilitation packages. It is alleged that the law was diluted to favour mining companies and industrialists. Gandhi said the previous UPA government brought the law which gave immense benefits to tribals. The Telangana government has been accused of diluting the Act by outlawing traditional methods of forest land cultivation. The Congress president said tribals could not reap full benefit of the law in Telangana because of dilution of its provisions. Gandhi assured that contract workers of Singareni Collieries would be regularised if the Congress-led alliance came to power in Telangana and the cases of employees who lost their jobs for various reasons would be sympathetically examined. He also slammed the prime minister for his "habit" of privatising public sector undertakings. Punning on chief minister KCR's initials, Gandhi called him "Khao Commission Rao" who promised that he would "redesign" the state but instead redesigned irrigation projects, which resulted in cost escalation and burdened the people, only to benefit members of his family and contractors. Taking a jibe at the TRS chief's comment that he will go home and take rest if he loses the polls, Gandhi said, "KCR will definitely take rest in a Rs 300 crore palatial bungalow after the elections. You take rest and the Congress party will fulfil the aspirations and dreams of Telangana with the help of its people." Addressing another rally at Armoor, he said, if the Congress came to power at the Centre, it would simplify the GST and sympathetically examine taxes on the beedi industry. He also promised that a corpus fund of Rs 500 crore would be raised to help migrant workers in the Persian Gulf. Targeting the prime minister over his signature mass outreach programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on All India Radio, Gandhi said, "Modi ji tells you his 'Mann ki Baat' (speaks his mind) every month. But we will listen to your (people's) Mann Ki Baat and run Telangana according to your wishes." The Congress president said while Modi and KCR always kept the doors of banks open for the rich, the Congress-led government in Telangana will waive agricultural loans of farmers up to Rs 2 lakh and raise the Minimum Support Price for as many as 17 varieties of farm produce.

Modi, KCR diluted tribal rights law: Rahul Gandhi

BJP chief Amit Shah on Thursday hit out at the Congress over illegal migrants from Bangladesh and said his government will try to expel them from the country "one by one".

Addressing a public meeting ahead of the December 7 assembly elections in Rajasthan, he asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi to clarify whether "infiltrators" should be allowed to remain.

The Bharatiya Janata Party president said the Congress cannot develop or secure the country.

"During the 10 years of the previous Congress government's rule at Centre, there was no control on infiltration," he said at the meeting in Karauli district.

"Vote for Vasundhara Raje in 2018 in Rajasthan and for Narendra Modi in 2019. I assure you that BJP government will work to throw out each and every intruder from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and Assam to Gujarat one by one," he added.

He highlighted the surgical strike conducted by the Army in Pakistan-held territory across the Line of Control.

He said the BJP governments at the Centre and in Rajasthan had implemented welfare schemes covering all sections of society.

Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked to make the country proud across the globe.

Congress is daydreaming about coming back to power, he said, asking the party to look at its performance in elections since the BJP came to power at the Centre.

BJP chief Amit Shah on Thursday hit out at the Congress over illegal migrants from Bangladesh and said his government will try to expel them from the country "one by one".

BJP chief Amit Shah on Thursday hit out at the Congress over illegal migrants from Bangladesh and said his government will try to expel them from the country "one by one". Addressing a public meeting ahead of the December 7 assembly elections in Rajasthan, he asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi to clarify whether "infiltrators" should be allowed to remain. The Bharatiya Janata Party president said the Congress cannot develop or secure the country. "During the 10 years of the previous Congress government's rule at Centre, there was no control on infiltration," he said at the meeting in Karauli district. "Vote for Vasundhara Raje in 2018 in Rajasthan and for Narendra Modi in 2019. I assure you that BJP government will work to throw out each and every intruder from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and Assam to Gujarat one by one," he added. He highlighted the surgical strike conducted by the Army in Pakistan-held territory across the Line of Control. He said the BJP governments at the Centre and in Rajasthan had implemented welfare schemes covering all sections of society. Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked to make the country proud across the globe. Congress is daydreaming about coming back to power, he said, asking the party to look at its performance in elections since the BJP came to power at the Centre.

Vote for BJP and we'll throw out every illegal migrant: Amit Shah in Rajasthan

Pitted against the BJP's lone Muslim candidate in the state assembly polls, Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot has a poser for the saffron party - Will Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath come to Tonk to seek votes for Yoonus Khan.

On his campaign trail covering nine panchayats and the city throughout the day on Wednesday, Pilot accused the BJP of playing politics of caste and religion.

In his campaign speeches one after another in Tonk, Pilot is pitching his electoral contest with Khan as a battle of ideologies and not of individuals.

The state Congress president, who is fighting his debut assembly election and that too from a seat outside his regular parliamentary constituency, is drawing massive crowds at meetings in urban as well as rural areas and is convoy is forced to stop every now and then by people wishing to garland him and those raising slogans in his support.

The city is also abuzz with talk of a CM probable contesting from this town, who his supporters feel could usher in major development works in the city which lags behind in infrastructure and facilities.

"Be it Yoonus Khan or Chenghiz Khan, it doesn't matter. Pilot will win the polls," said Jagdish from Mor Bhatiyan village where Pilot rode a bullock cart in a show of people's affection towards him.

Another supporter at the gathering, Meghraj, said Pilot's win was a foregone conclusion and he would also be the chief minister of Rajasthan.

During his campaign on Wednesday, people in villages welcomed Pilot in novel ways - from making him ride a bullock cart and a rath to weighing him with fruits. Pilot happily obliged and also asked the people of Tonk at all his meetings to ensure that his victory margin is the biggest in the state.

Beginning his day's campaign with Ariyali gram panchayat, Pilot moved from one panchayat to another and at all meetings launched a scathing attack on the Vasundhra Raje government.

"There is a BJP government at the Centre and in the state. People had hoped for development. But it makes me very sad that for the first time (in the state) farmers had to commit suicide. This is a blot on our society," he said at Ariyali.

"Are you getting urea? Prices are skyrocketing, petrol and diesel prices are also touching record heights. How much does a gas cylinder cost now? It costs Rs 1,000," he said.

At all his election meetings, Pilot flayed the government over issues like unemployment, corruption, and farmer suicides.

Another common theme of his speeches is a poser: Whether Yogi Adityanath, known for his speeches with Hindutva overtones, will come to Tonk to ask for votes for Khan or not?

"He is going to various parts of the state, will he come here?" Pilot said, adding that the BJP was indulging in politics of religion and caste.

Speaking in Hamirpur panchayat in Tonk, Pilot said that after he filed his nomination papers and the BJP fielded Yoonus Khan, he was asked what would he do.

"I said I will sit back and see that whether Yogi Adityanath will come to Tonk to ask for votes for him (Khan) or not," he said to a rapturous applause.

Pilot's swipe came as the BJP's move to field Khan, who is the party's lone Muslim candidate in the state, was seen as an attempt to cut into the votes of Muslims which are about 55,000 in number.

Pilot, in his various speeches, also said the time was up for the people who were ruling from forts and palaces and it was time for the children of farmers in Rajasthan.

Another key feature of his speeches that struck a chord with the people present in his election meetings was Pilot's promise that a Congress government will ensure that surplus water from Bisalpur dam will be brought to Tonk.

In his speeches, he said that when elections come, the BJP starts talking of "mandir and masjid".

"They want to play the card of caste, community and religion, which I think is bringing down the narrative of our political debate. They are resorting to things which they know best - that is to take up divisive issues," Pilot said during his campaign.

He asserted that there was no problem in managing his campaign here and in the rest of the state, as the people of Tonk were leading his campaign.

Late evening, Pilot moved to the city for various campaign programmes - he met Bairwa community members and visited a Muslim-dominated locality and was welcomed with rose-petal shower from roofs of houses at both places.

As he wrapped up his day, Pilot reiterated his promise to transform the district and give it a complete makeover.

Pitted against the BJP's lone Muslim candidate in the state assembly polls, Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot has a poser for the saffron party - Will Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath come to Tonk to seek votes for Yoonus Khan.

Pitted against the BJP's lone Muslim candidate in the state assembly polls, Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot has a poser for the saffron party - Will Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath come to Tonk to seek votes for Yoonus Khan. On his campaign trail covering nine panchayats and the city throughout the day on Wednesday, Pilot accused the BJP of playing politics of caste and religion. In his campaign speeches one after another in Tonk, Pilot is pitching his electoral contest with Khan as a battle of ideologies and not of individuals. The state Congress president, who is fighting his debut assembly election and that too from a seat outside his regular parliamentary constituency, is drawing massive crowds at meetings in urban as well as rural areas and is convoy is forced to stop every now and then by people wishing to garland him and those raising slogans in his support. The city is also abuzz with talk of a CM probable contesting from this town, who his supporters feel could usher in major development works in the city which lags behind in infrastructure and facilities. "Be it Yoonus Khan or Chenghiz Khan, it doesn't matter. Pilot will win the polls," said Jagdish from Mor Bhatiyan village where Pilot rode a bullock cart in a show of people's affection towards him. Another supporter at the gathering, Meghraj, said Pilot's win was a foregone conclusion and he would also be the chief minister of Rajasthan. During his campaign on Wednesday, people in villages welcomed Pilot in novel ways - from making him ride a bullock cart and a rath to weighing him with fruits. Pilot happily obliged and also asked the people of Tonk at all his meetings to ensure that his victory margin is the biggest in the state. Beginning his day's campaign with Ariyali gram panchayat, Pilot moved from one panchayat to another and at all meetings launched a scathing attack on the Vasundhra Raje government. "There is a BJP government at the Centre and in the state. People had hoped for development. But it makes me very sad that for the first time (in the state) farmers had to commit suicide. This is a blot on our society," he said at Ariyali. "Are you getting urea? Prices are skyrocketing, petrol and diesel prices are also touching record heights. How much does a gas cylinder cost now? It costs Rs 1,000," he said. At all his election meetings, Pilot flayed the government over issues like unemployment, corruption, and farmer suicides. Another common theme of his speeches is a poser: Whether Yogi Adityanath, known for his speeches with Hindutva overtones, will come to Tonk to ask for votes for Khan or not? "He is going to various parts of the state, will he come here?" Pilot said, adding that the BJP was indulging in politics of religion and caste. Speaking in Hamirpur panchayat in Tonk, Pilot said that after he filed his nomination papers and the BJP fielded Yoonus Khan, he was asked what would he do. "I said I will sit back and see that whether Yogi Adityanath will come to Tonk to ask for votes for him (Khan) or not," he said to a rapturous applause. Pilot's swipe came as the BJP's move to field Khan, who is the party's lone Muslim candidate in the state, was seen as an attempt to cut into the votes of Muslims which are about 55,000 in number. Pilot, in his various speeches, also said the time was up for the people who were ruling from forts and palaces and it was time for the children of farmers in Rajasthan. Another key feature of his speeches that struck a chord with the people present in his election meetings was Pilot's promise that a Congress government will ensure that surplus water from Bisalpur dam will be brought to Tonk. In his speeches, he said that when elections come, the BJP starts talking of "mandir and masjid". "They want to play the card of caste, community and religion, which I think is bringing down the narrative of our political debate. They are resorting to things which they know best - that is to take up divisive issues," Pilot said during his campaign. He asserted that there was no problem in managing his campaign here and in the rest of the state, as the people of Tonk were leading his campaign. Late evening, Pilot moved to the city for various campaign programmes - he met Bairwa community members and visited a Muslim-dominated locality and was welcomed with rose-petal shower from roofs of houses at both places. As he wrapped up his day, Pilot reiterated his promise to transform the district and give it a complete makeover.

'Will Yogi come to Tonk to campaign for Khan?' asks Sachin Pilot

Justifying the move to join hands with the Congress, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu Thursday said they had no ideological differences with the Rahul Gandhi-led party.

Naidu, who shared the dais with Gandhi in a couple of meetings Wednesday as part of a poll campaign for People's Front candidates in the state, said there was a democratic compulsion for non-BJP parties to come on a single platform.

"Politically, we (TDP and Congress) are different. The Telugu Desam Party, from the beginning has been fighting against the Congress and that is a reality. Ideologically we do not have any differences. Ideologically, we have differences with the BJP," he told reporters in Hyderabad.

"But today there is a democratic compulsion. That's why there is a necessity to fight against the BJP to save the Constitution and also save institutions," he said when asked about the decades-old differences with Congress.

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 in the December 7 Assembly polls.

He said the BJP had no chance of winning any of the five states which were under various stages of the election process.

According to him, the BJP could manage to win only four or five Lok Sabha bypolls in the last 20-odd ones.

"(Prime Minister Narendra) Modi disappointed the nation. People trusted him so much and they also had so much faith in him. But he disappointed the nation. Everybody is living under pressure and tension. It is very bad for the nation that they are misusing institutions like CBI, ED and Income Tax," he claimed.

On the proposed meeting of non-BJP parties on December 10, Naidu said there would not be any formal invitation to any party.

On being asked who would lead the anti-BJP coalition, he said, "Who is Narendra Modi? Till 2014 he was just a chief minister. He was able to lead (his party to a win). Now there are efficient people and able administrators. They will lead. We will bring a consensus on that. I am not in the race for prime ministership... I've told many times. I am not expecting any position or any incentive out of this initiative."

He said the People's Front was going to win and form government in Telangana.

Justifying the move to join hands with the Congress, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu Thursday said they had no ideological differences with the Rahul Gandhi-led party.

Justifying the move to join hands with the Congress, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu Thursday said they had no ideological differences with the Rahul Gandhi-led party. Naidu, who shared the dais with Gandhi in a couple of meetings Wednesday as part of a poll campaign for People's Front candidates in the state, said there was a democratic compulsion for non-BJP parties to come on a single platform. "Politically, we (TDP and Congress) are different. The Telugu Desam Party, from the beginning has been fighting against the Congress and that is a reality. Ideologically we do not have any differences. Ideologically, we have differences with the BJP," he told reporters in Hyderabad. "But today there is a democratic compulsion. That's why there is a necessity to fight against the BJP to save the Constitution and also save institutions," he said when asked about the decades-old differences with Congress. 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 in the December 7 Assembly polls. He said the BJP had no chance of winning any of the five states which were under various stages of the election process. According to him, the BJP could manage to win only four or five Lok Sabha bypolls in the last 20-odd ones. "(Prime Minister Narendra) Modi disappointed the nation. People trusted him so much and they also had so much faith in him. But he disappointed the nation. Everybody is living under pressure and tension. It is very bad for the nation that they are misusing institutions like CBI, ED and Income Tax," he claimed. On the proposed meeting of non-BJP parties on December 10, Naidu said there would not be any formal invitation to any party. On being asked who would lead the anti-BJP coalition, he said, "Who is Narendra Modi? Till 2014 he was just a chief minister. He was able to lead (his party to a win). Now there are efficient people and able administrators. They will lead. We will bring a consensus on that. I am not in the race for prime ministership... I've told many times. I am not expecting any position or any incentive out of this initiative." He said the People's Front was going to win and form government in Telangana.

No ideological differences with Congress: Chandrababu Naidu

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 are some of the main promises in the BJP's manifesto for the December 7 Telangana Assembly polls.

The manifesto, released on Thursday by state BJP president K Laxman, also promised a legislation to prevent "forcible religious conversions" made by offering money and other inducements.

Steps would be take to send back Rohingyas and those who "illegally entered" from Bangladesh, it said.

It also promised free distribution of quality seeds and free bore or well or a pumpset to every farmer.

Alongside free laptops to degree students, the manifesto said girl students from 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.

In addition to implementation of the NDA government's 'Ayushman Bharat' health scheme, the manifesto promised steps to set up generic medicine centres in every mandal (administrative unit).

The unemployed youth will get unemployment dole of Rs 3,116 per month.

For welfare of women, the manifesto promised provision of Rs one lakh and one 'tola' (about 12 grams) gold to poor women at the time of marriage under 'Sowbhagya Laxmi' scheme.

The manifesto also promised subsidy to senior citizens for visiting Kailash Mansarovar, Kashi and Puri.

Cows would be distributed free of cost every year at the time of festivals and other celebrations, the manifesto said.

The party promised allocation of Rs 100 crore to a 'linguistic board' proposed to be set up for the welfare of speakers of Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Bengali, Oriya and Hindi speaking living in the state.

It also assured doing away with the surcharge currently being collected (by state-run Road Transport Corporation) for bus travel during festivals.

Asserting that BJP would not see liquor sales as a source of revenue, the party promised regulation of sale of liquor. Restrictions would be imposed on the timings for its sale.

For law and order, surveillance cameras would be installed at vital places in large numbers across the state.

The backward classes corporation would be allocated Rs 5,000 crore annually, the manifesto said.

For the welfare of minorities, the manifesto promised effective implementation of central schemes, including 'Seekho aur Kamao', 'Naya Manzil', 'Pado Pardesh' and 'Naya Roshni'.

The lands of Waqf board would be protected. Computer training and skill development would also be offered in Madrassas, it promised.

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 are some of the main promises in the BJP's manifesto for the December 7 Telangana Assembly polls.

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 are some of the main promises in the BJP's manifesto for the December 7 Telangana Assembly polls. The manifesto, released on Thursday by state BJP president K Laxman, also promised a legislation to prevent "forcible religious conversions" made by offering money and other inducements. Steps would be take to send back Rohingyas and those who "illegally entered" from Bangladesh, it said. It also promised free distribution of quality seeds and free bore or well or a pumpset to every farmer. Alongside free laptops to degree students, the manifesto said girl students from 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. In addition to implementation of the NDA government's 'Ayushman Bharat' health scheme, the manifesto promised steps to set up generic medicine centres in every mandal (administrative unit). The unemployed youth will get unemployment dole of Rs 3,116 per month. For welfare of women, the manifesto promised provision of Rs one lakh and one 'tola' (about 12 grams) gold to poor women at the time of marriage under 'Sowbhagya Laxmi' scheme. The manifesto also promised subsidy to senior citizens for visiting Kailash Mansarovar, Kashi and Puri. Cows would be distributed free of cost every year at the time of festivals and other celebrations, the manifesto said. The party promised allocation of Rs 100 crore to a 'linguistic board' proposed to be set up for the welfare of speakers of Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Bengali, Oriya and Hindi speaking living in the state. It also assured doing away with the surcharge currently being collected (by state-run Road Transport Corporation) for bus travel during festivals. Asserting that BJP would not see liquor sales as a source of revenue, the party promised regulation of sale of liquor. Restrictions would be imposed on the timings for its sale. For law and order, surveillance cameras would be installed at vital places in large numbers across the state. The backward classes corporation would be allocated Rs 5,000 crore annually, the manifesto said. For the welfare of minorities, the manifesto promised effective implementation of central schemes, including 'Seekho aur Kamao', 'Naya Manzil', 'Pado Pardesh' and 'Naya Roshni'. The lands of Waqf board would be protected. Computer training and skill development would also be offered in Madrassas, it promised.

BJP promises free distribution of cows to 1 lakh people every year in manifesto for Telangana polls

Former Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly Sumitra Singh on Thursday joined the Congress.

She joined the Congress in the presence of AICC general secretary Avinash Pande, state Congress chief Sachin Pilot, former chief minister of the state Ashok Gehlot at the Congress state headquarters in Jaipur.

Singh, who has been the member of the legislative assembly for nine terms, was the Speaker during the first tenure of Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.

Former Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly Sumitra Singh on Thursday joined the Congress. She joined the Congress in the presence of AICC general secretary Avinash Pande, state Congress chief Sachin Pilot, former chief minister of the state Ashok Gehlot at the Congress state headquarters in Jaipur.

Former Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly Sumitra Singh on Thursday joined the Congress. She joined the Congress in the presence of AICC general secretary Avinash Pande, state Congress chief Sachin Pilot, former chief minister of the state Ashok Gehlot at the Congress state headquarters in Jaipur. Singh, who has been the member of the legislative assembly for nine terms, was the Speaker during the first tenure of Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.

Former Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Sumitra Singh joins Congress

Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Thursday claimed that his party will win more than 132 seats out of the total 230 in the state Assembly.

A record 75 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the state elections held on Wednesday, an increase of around two per cent against the last polls held in 2013.

"We are going to win more than 132 seats and wrest power from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state after 15 years," Singh told reporters in state capital Bhopal.

"In the 2013 Assembly polls, there were around three per cent bogus voters. This time around, we got the electoral list pruned before the elections," he said.

The Congress workers have put their "body, heart and soul" to win this poll, the former chief minister said.

"In fact, this time the workers put in every effort to ensure the Congress wins the polls. This election was fought between the public and the government," he said.

In the run up to the elections, Singh had toured almost the entire state in a bid to thaw differences within the Congress.

The counting of votes will be held on December 11.

Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Thursday claimed that his party will win more than 132 seats out of the total 230 in the state Assembly. A record 75 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the state elections held on Wednesday, an increase of around two per cent against the last polls held in 2013.

Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Thursday claimed that his party will win more than 132 seats out of the total 230 in the state Assembly. A record 75 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the state elections held on Wednesday, an increase of around two per cent against the last polls held in 2013. "We are going to win more than 132 seats and wrest power from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state after 15 years," Singh told reporters in state capital Bhopal. "In the 2013 Assembly polls, there were around three per cent bogus voters. This time around, we got the electoral list pruned before the elections," he said. The Congress workers have put their "body, heart and soul" to win this poll, the former chief minister said. "In fact, this time the workers put in every effort to ensure the Congress wins the polls. This election was fought between the public and the government," he said. In the run up to the elections, Singh had toured almost the entire state in a bid to thaw differences within the Congress. The counting of votes will be held on December 11.

Congress will win over 132 seats in Madhya Pradesh: Digvijay Singh