Chandramukhi, a transwoman who is contesting Telangana Assembly elections, has been traced after she went missing on earlier this week.

"Chandramukhi had gone missing on Tuesday and after receiving a complaint, we registered a missing case and took up the investigation. Chandramukhi's moments were closely monitored before she went missing; we found her whereabouts and made her come back to the police station," said KS Rao, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Banjara Hills Police Station.

Rao further said that Chandramukhi will be produced in the high court as her mother has filed a writ petition. "However, she is yet to reveal what has exactly happened," he added.

The 30-year-old is contesting the assembly elections from Goshamahal constituency in Hyderabad as Bahujan Left Front candidate.

R Govinda Reddy, the Station House Officer (SHO) at Banjara Hills Police Station, said, "Chadramukhi arrived at the police station during the late hours of Wednesday along with her lawyer. However, she refused to give any statement."

Earlier in the week, the transgender community had approached the police to file a missing complaint after which Chandramukhi turned up at the Banjara Hills Police Station along with her lawyer late on Wednesday. On November 21, Chandramukhi filed nomination to contest polls against Raja Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Telangana Legislative Assembly election is scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Chandramukhi, a transwoman who is contesting Telangana Assembly elections, has been traced after she went missing on earlier this week. "Chandramukhi had gone missing on Tuesday and after receiving a complaint, we registered a missing case and took up the investigation.

Chandramukhi, a transwoman who is contesting Telangana Assembly elections, has been traced after she went missing on earlier this week. "Chandramukhi had gone missing on Tuesday and after receiving a complaint, we registered a missing case and took up the investigation. Chandramukhi's moments were closely monitored before she went missing; we found her whereabouts and made her come back to the police station," said KS Rao, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Banjara Hills Police Station. Rao further said that Chandramukhi will be produced in the high court as her mother has filed a writ petition. "However, she is yet to reveal what has exactly happened," he added. The 30-year-old is contesting the assembly elections from Goshamahal constituency in Hyderabad as Bahujan Left Front candidate. R Govinda Reddy, the Station House Officer (SHO) at Banjara Hills Police Station, said, "Chadramukhi arrived at the police station during the late hours of Wednesday along with her lawyer. However, she refused to give any statement." Earlier in the week, the transgender community had approached the police to file a missing complaint after which Chandramukhi turned up at the Banjara Hills Police Station along with her lawyer late on Wednesday. On November 21, Chandramukhi filed nomination to contest polls against Raja Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Telangana Legislative Assembly election is scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

'Missing' Telangana transwoman candidate Chandramukhi found

"I am a 'sevak', not a 'pilot'": This is how the BJP candidate Yoonus Khan is pitching himself in his electoral fight against Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot for Tonk seat in the state assembly polls.

Khan, Transport and PWD Minister in the Vasundhara Raje government, has been fielded by the BJP in the Muslim-dominated Tonk assembly constituency, replacing the party's sitting MLA Ajit Singh Mehta after the Congress gave ticket to Pilot here.

Khan said the decision to field him was based on strategy and equations and not on his religion.

"Don't weigh this as a Hindu-Muslim fight because if you look at it from that perspective, Muslims are lesser in number in comparison to Hindus. This election is not about caste and religion," said Khan, who is widely considered as one of the most powerful ministers in the Raje government.

Asked about being the lone Muslim candidate of the BJP and if his nomination marked a departure from the party's strategy to not field any candidates from the minority community, he said: "I don't know about elsewhere, but in Rajasthan, Yoonus Khan and (late BJP leader) Ramzan Khan have been fighting polls since the 80s."

Khan said he has been the party's lone Muslim candidate once earlier also.

Asked if Tonk having a large number of Muslims was one of the reasons behind his candidature, the BJP leader said the election here will be on the basis of performance and agenda.

"The election will be on who can serve Tonk better. I have given my vision... As a minister I connected Sawai Madhopur road to a two-lane road. I have given a bypass.

"We will give this district special status and a customised package. We want to bring industry here and that will provide jobs to people. Our first priority is to bring industry and through it create jobs for youths in Tonk," the 54-year-old leader said.

He also vowed to solve the problem of drinking water faced by the residents of Tonk.

Pitching himself as an underdog in the high-stakes electoral battle, Khan took a swipe at his Congress rival and said, "He (Pilot) has come for the first time, I have been a minister for long...I know the workers here."

"For Sachin ji it is a new place, people are new and apart from his dream to become an MLA and chief minister, he does not have any other dream. I am a people's servant. You can make me serve in Deedwana (his earlier constituency) and you can make me work in Tonk," Khan said.

Khan said Pilot was the one who has been switching constituencies, while he has been fighting from the Nagaur district (under which Deedwana falls) and has come here now on the party's instructions.

"I will become MLA and that is my status, but Sachin Pilot ji is a big man, he is a 'Pilot'. I am just a sevak (servant)," Khan said.

While addressing a gathering in Chironj village, Khan again pitched himself as a small worker of the party who is here to serve.

"I am a sevak, not a 'pilot'. Tonk also needs a sevak not a 'pilot',? he said.

In another jibe at the Rajasthan Congress chief's surname, Khan asked the crowd: "Do you have an aeroplane. Do you have a helicopter?... No, then you don't need a pilot."

He acknowledged both he and Pilot were outsiders in Tonk, but there was one difference - "through the power that I had in my pen (as a minister), I have given roads worth Rs 2,000 crore."

On the Congress's charge that Khan's ticket was cut from Deedwana and was finally given one from Tonk because of his religion, he said the opposition party gives statements according to its convenience.

"They cannot say that it is due to a strategy that I have been fielded. The Deedwana seat was also not declared till the last minute," Khan said.

Asked if the contest in Tonk was as keen as the one in Jhalrapatan between Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and the Congress candidate Manvendra Singh, who was earlier with the saffron party, Khan said it was on-sided contest there and "Vasundhara ji will defeat him by about 1.25 lakh votes".

"I am a 'sevak', not a 'pilot'": This is how the BJP candidate Yoonus Khan is pitching himself in his electoral fight against Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot for Tonk seat in the state assembly polls.

"I am a 'sevak', not a 'pilot'": This is how the BJP candidate Yoonus Khan is pitching himself in his electoral fight against Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot for Tonk seat in the state assembly polls. Khan, Transport and PWD Minister in the Vasundhara Raje government, has been fielded by the BJP in the Muslim-dominated Tonk assembly constituency, replacing the party's sitting MLA Ajit Singh Mehta after the Congress gave ticket to Pilot here. Khan said the decision to field him was based on strategy and equations and not on his religion. "Don't weigh this as a Hindu-Muslim fight because if you look at it from that perspective, Muslims are lesser in number in comparison to Hindus. This election is not about caste and religion," said Khan, who is widely considered as one of the most powerful ministers in the Raje government. Asked about being the lone Muslim candidate of the BJP and if his nomination marked a departure from the party's strategy to not field any candidates from the minority community, he said: "I don't know about elsewhere, but in Rajasthan, Yoonus Khan and (late BJP leader) Ramzan Khan have been fighting polls since the 80s." Khan said he has been the party's lone Muslim candidate once earlier also. Asked if Tonk having a large number of Muslims was one of the reasons behind his candidature, the BJP leader said the election here will be on the basis of performance and agenda. "The election will be on who can serve Tonk better. I have given my vision... As a minister I connected Sawai Madhopur road to a two-lane road. I have given a bypass. "We will give this district special status and a customised package. We want to bring industry here and that will provide jobs to people. Our first priority is to bring industry and through it create jobs for youths in Tonk," the 54-year-old leader said. He also vowed to solve the problem of drinking water faced by the residents of Tonk. Pitching himself as an underdog in the high-stakes electoral battle, Khan took a swipe at his Congress rival and said, "He (Pilot) has come for the first time, I have been a minister for long...I know the workers here." "For Sachin ji it is a new place, people are new and apart from his dream to become an MLA and chief minister, he does not have any other dream. I am a people's servant. You can make me serve in Deedwana (his earlier constituency) and you can make me work in Tonk," Khan said. Khan said Pilot was the one who has been switching constituencies, while he has been fighting from the Nagaur district (under which Deedwana falls) and has come here now on the party's instructions. "I will become MLA and that is my status, but Sachin Pilot ji is a big man, he is a 'Pilot'. I am just a sevak (servant)," Khan said. While addressing a gathering in Chironj village, Khan again pitched himself as a small worker of the party who is here to serve. "I am a sevak, not a 'pilot'. Tonk also needs a sevak not a 'pilot',? he said. In another jibe at the Rajasthan Congress chief's surname, Khan asked the crowd: "Do you have an aeroplane. Do you have a helicopter?... No, then you don't need a pilot." He acknowledged both he and Pilot were outsiders in Tonk, but there was one difference - "through the power that I had in my pen (as a minister), I have given roads worth Rs 2,000 crore." On the Congress's charge that Khan's ticket was cut from Deedwana and was finally given one from Tonk because of his religion, he said the opposition party gives statements according to its convenience. "They cannot say that it is due to a strategy that I have been fielded. The Deedwana seat was also not declared till the last minute," Khan said. Asked if the contest in Tonk was as keen as the one in Jhalrapatan between Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and the Congress candidate Manvendra Singh, who was earlier with the saffron party, Khan said it was on-sided contest there and "Vasundhara ji will defeat him by about 1.25 lakh votes".

I am a 'sevak', not a 'pilot': BJP candidate Yoonus Khan's poll pitch in Rajasthan's Tonk

Congress President Rahul Gandhi Thursday charged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has broken every single promise made by him.&nbsp;

Making a strong pitch for farm loan waiver, he said, "...If the Prime Minister of India can forgive three lakh fifty thousand crore of 15 people...The richest people in the country, then he should be ready to forgive the loan of India's farmers".

"We are not asking for any free gift for farmers; we are just saying that whatever you do, you treat everyone fairly. If you are treating the richest people in the country, and you are giving them loan waiver, then you owe that to the farmers of the country", Gandhi said.

The Congress has been accusing the Modi government of indulging in crony capitalism from time to time, a charge which has been vehemently denied by the saffron party.&nbsp;

Addressing a convention on "KG to PG recognised institutions in Telangana for 'Change and Existence" here, he alleged that Modi has broken every single promise of his, including that of being an honest Prime Minister.

Assembly elections are scheduled in Telangana on December 7.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Congress President Rahul Gandhi Thursday charged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has broken every single promise made by him. Making a strong pitch for farm loan waiver, he said, ".

Congress President Rahul Gandhi Thursday charged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has broken every single promise made by him. Making a strong pitch for farm loan waiver, he said, "...If the Prime Minister of India can forgive three lakh fifty thousand crore of 15 people...The richest people in the country, then he should be ready to forgive the loan of India's farmers". "We are not asking for any free gift for farmers; we are just saying that whatever you do, you treat everyone fairly. If you are treating the richest people in the country, and you are giving them loan waiver, then you owe that to the farmers of the country", Gandhi said. The Congress has been accusing the Modi government of indulging in crony capitalism from time to time, a charge which has been vehemently denied by the saffron party. Addressing a convention on "KG to PG recognised institutions in Telangana for 'Change and Existence" here, he alleged that Modi has broken every single promise of his, including that of being an honest Prime Minister. Assembly elections are scheduled in Telangana on December 7.

Assembly elections 2018: Rahul says PM Modi has 'broken' all promises

Hopeful that its 'grand alliance' against the ruling TRS will succeed in Telangana polls, the Congress expects a big jump in its tally by winning at least 75 seats in the 119-member assembly.

The Congress state unit working president Ponnam Prabhakar Goud said there is a direct fight between the Congress and the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and the BJP is nowhere in the picture for December 7 polls.

The Congress, which had won just 22 seats in 2014 state polls, is part of a grand alliance this time along with Telugu Desam Party (TDP), CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS).&nbsp;

"The grand alliance is not an experiment and we are hopeful it will succeed. Our party will win at least 75 seats," Goud told PTI in an interview. 
The 52-year-old leader called this election a "do or die" situation for the Congress, saying its fight is not only against the TRS candidates but also against the "money power of KCR" and communal forces led by the BJP at the Centre.

TRS chief and caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar's party has fielded candidates in 107 seats, while Congress is contesting in 94 seats as part of the grand alliance.&nbsp;

Asserting that the TRS is "scared" of the grand alliance, the Congress leader said, "Instead of talking about their achievements, the TRS is attacking us and our leader Rahul Gandhi."

The TRS is not even giving reasons for advancing polls by eight months, he added.&nbsp;

While the Telangana assembly polls would have otherwise happened along with Lok Sabha elections in 2019, KCR, as the chief minister is popularly known as, dissolved the assembly ahead of time and the state elections, therefore, got clubbed with four other states -- Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram and Rajasthan.

Out of these five states, voting will take place in Rajasthan and Telangana on December 7, while other three states have already voted. Counting of votes for all five states is scheduled for December 11.

Goud, an OBC leader, is contesting from the Karimnagar constituency, which is 160 km from Telangana's capital Hyderabad. In his fight against the TRS and the BJP in the assembly election, Goud is banking heavily on his "good work" done during his term as an MP from 2009 to 2014.

While the TRS has renominated G Kamalakar, who won both the 2009 and 2014 elections, the BJP has fielded B Sanjay Kumar, who lost to the TRS candidate in the last election.

Asked about the TRS's performance in the constituency, the Congress leader said there has not been any development but the incumbent chief minister claims that it has been developed like New York.&nbsp;

"The CM thinks Karimnagar has been developed like New York. I challenge him to go around the constituency and see the plight of roads. There is no development at all. I will withdraw my candidature (if proven wrong)," he said.&nbsp;

The Karimnagar constituency was one of the hotbeds for the separate Telangana statehood agitation.

"TRS won on the basis of the Telangana pride. People voted them after getting attracted to their welfare schemes, but not all promises have been fulfilled," Goud said.&nbsp;

He claimed the TRS activists are now joining the Congress as they are unable to bear the "torture and monarchism" of some TRS leaders. 
Senior TRS leaders, however, rubbished these claims.

In Karimnagar assembly constituency, there are 2,77,236 voters including 1,39,065 men, 1,38,135 women and 36 others.

Hopeful that its 'grand alliance' against the ruling TRS will succeed in Telangana polls, the Congress expects a big jump in its tally by winning at least 75 seats in the 119-member assembly.

Hopeful that its 'grand alliance' against the ruling TRS will succeed in Telangana polls, the Congress expects a big jump in its tally by winning at least 75 seats in the 119-member assembly. The Congress state unit working president Ponnam Prabhakar Goud said there is a direct fight between the Congress and the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and the BJP is nowhere in the picture for December 7 polls. The Congress, which had won just 22 seats in 2014 state polls, is part of a grand alliance this time along with Telugu Desam Party (TDP), CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS). "The grand alliance is not an experiment and we are hopeful it will succeed. Our party will win at least 75 seats," Goud told PTI in an interview. The 52-year-old leader called this election a "do or die" situation for the Congress, saying its fight is not only against the TRS candidates but also against the "money power of KCR" and communal forces led by the BJP at the Centre. TRS chief and caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar's party has fielded candidates in 107 seats, while Congress is contesting in 94 seats as part of the grand alliance. Asserting that the TRS is "scared" of the grand alliance, the Congress leader said, "Instead of talking about their achievements, the TRS is attacking us and our leader Rahul Gandhi." The TRS is not even giving reasons for advancing polls by eight months, he added. While the Telangana assembly polls would have otherwise happened along with Lok Sabha elections in 2019, KCR, as the chief minister is popularly known as, dissolved the assembly ahead of time and the state elections, therefore, got clubbed with four other states -- Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram and Rajasthan. Out of these five states, voting will take place in Rajasthan and Telangana on December 7, while other three states have already voted. Counting of votes for all five states is scheduled for December 11. Goud, an OBC leader, is contesting from the Karimnagar constituency, which is 160 km from Telangana's capital Hyderabad. In his fight against the TRS and the BJP in the assembly election, Goud is banking heavily on his "good work" done during his term as an MP from 2009 to 2014. While the TRS has renominated G Kamalakar, who won both the 2009 and 2014 elections, the BJP has fielded B Sanjay Kumar, who lost to the TRS candidate in the last election. Asked about the TRS's performance in the constituency, the Congress leader said there has not been any development but the incumbent chief minister claims that it has been developed like New York. "The CM thinks Karimnagar has been developed like New York. I challenge him to go around the constituency and see the plight of roads. There is no development at all. I will withdraw my candidature (if proven wrong)," he said. The Karimnagar constituency was one of the hotbeds for the separate Telangana statehood agitation. "TRS won on the basis of the Telangana pride. People voted them after getting attracted to their welfare schemes, but not all promises have been fulfilled," Goud said. He claimed the TRS activists are now joining the Congress as they are unable to bear the "torture and monarchism" of some TRS leaders. Senior TRS leaders, however, rubbished these claims. In Karimnagar assembly constituency, there are 2,77,236 voters including 1,39,065 men, 1,38,135 women and 36 others.

Congress hopeful of winning 75 seats in Telangana: Working state chief Goud

The "kamdar" is in a fight against the "naamdar" in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-assembly-elections-bjp-releases-manifesto-179698">Rajasthan</a>, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Nagaur on Wednesday, making a distinction between the one who works and the dynast in a jibe against Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Driving home the difference between himself and the Congress leader, who he has often referred to as 'naamdar' (dynast), he said he was like the people and was not born with a golden spoon.

"We are not seeking votes for our grandsons or granddaughters but for your welfare and to help fulfil your dreams," the prime minister said at a rally here ahead of elections in the state on December 7.

Hitting out at the Congress, he said those whose four generations have had no connect with the public cannot understand the pain of the common people.

"Our only mantra is 'sabka saath, sabka vikas', inspired by social reformist Jyotiba Phule and B R Ambedkar," the prime minister said.

Asking people to elect the Vasundhara Raje government for another term in the state, he said water is a big problem in the desert state. The Raje government has provided irrigation facilities in 1.5 lakh hectare area, he told the gathering.

The "kamdar" is in a fight against the "naamdar" in Rajasthan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Nagaur on Wednesday, making a distinction between the one who works and the dynast in a jibe against Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

The "kamdar" is in a fight against the "naamdar" in Rajasthan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Nagaur on Wednesday, making a distinction between the one who works and the dynast in a jibe against Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Driving home the difference between himself and the Congress leader, who he has often referred to as 'naamdar' (dynast), he said he was like the people and was not born with a golden spoon. "We are not seeking votes for our grandsons or granddaughters but for your welfare and to help fulfil your dreams," the prime minister said at a rally here ahead of elections in the state on December 7. Hitting out at the Congress, he said those whose four generations have had no connect with the public cannot understand the pain of the common people. "Our only mantra is 'sabka saath, sabka vikas', inspired by social reformist Jyotiba Phule and B R Ambedkar," the prime minister said. Asking people to elect the Vasundhara Raje government for another term in the state, he said water is a big problem in the desert state. The Raje government has provided irrigation facilities in 1.5 lakh hectare area, he told the gathering.

'Kamdar' in fight against 'naamdar' in this election: PM Modi attacks Rahul Gandhi in Rajasthan

The stakes are too high for both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the main Opposition Congress in the central Indian state&nbsp;of Madhya Pradesh where polling for the general election to the state Assembly is being held today.

The BJP has remained in power continuously for fifteen years in Madhya Pradesh. After the Congress party’s defeat that brought to an end 10 years of Digvijaya Singh rule in 2003, the BJP has seen three chief ministers in the state – Uma Bharati (8 December 2003 – 22 August 2004), Babulal Gaur (23 August 2004 – 29 November 2005), and Shivraj Singh Chouhan (29 November 2005 till now).

In the Madhya Pradesh Assembly election, while the BJP is not leaving a single stone unturned to return to power for the fourth time in a row, the Congress also is using every tactic to turn the tables on the BJP. In this state, where electoral politics continues to remain highly polarised between the BJP and Congress, the present election is being treated by them not merely as the means to form a government in MP but also as the road to power at the Centre as victory in this election will come as a shot in the arm and pave the way for bigger success in the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

In Madhya Pradesh, there are more than 50 million voters, who have the right to elect their MLAs from among 2,907 candidates in the fray for 230 Assembly seats. In a large number of constituencies, there are anywhere between 10 to 20 candidates pitted against each other, but in 8 constituencies, the total number of candidates is more than 20. The constituencies with maximum contestants, shown in brackets, are Ater, Bhind district (33), Narela, Bhopal district (31), Satna (30), Khurai, Sagar district (27), Rampur Baghelan, Satna district, &nbsp;Deotalab, Rewa district (both 23), Patharia, Damoh district (21) and Sausar, Chhindwara (20).

A large number of candidates in most constituencies notwithstanding, a close analysis of the candidates’ list shows that there is a straight contest between the Congress and the BJP for about 150 of the total 230 seats in the state Assembly. There are a few dozen seats, mostly in districts adjoining Uttar Pradesh, where the contest would be triangular due to the presence of candidates belonging to the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party. People had started looking forward to the third force playing a crucial role in the Madhya Pradesh election keeping in view the highly successful people’s Movement against the caste-based quota system led by “Samanya Pichda Alpsankhyak Kalyan Samaj Sanstha” (popularly called Sapaks Samaj), a citizens’ organisation. This Movement has got divided and fragmented after a group of retired government officers, who joined Sapaks Samaj only a few months ago cobbled up a disparate group and got a party registered by the name of Sapaks Party. It has entered the election arena blowing aloud the “third force” trumpet but on the ground, its presence is hardly visible.

In many constituencies, the BJP has been struck hard by the presence of rebel candidates, who chose to revolt after they were denied tickets. Along with anti-incumbency, BJP is finding itself against the wall on issues like corruption charges, lop-sided development – especially in far-flung rural areas, and poor implementation of welfare schemes, including the ambitious Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana (price difference payment scheme) launched recently by the Madhya Pradesh government to pay the farmers the difference between official minimum support price (MSP) and the price at which they sell their crops. Besides raking up these issues, the Congress Party led by party president Rahul Gandhi, who has addressed several election rallies in the state, has also taken Prime Minister Narendra Modi head on over issues like corruption and the harsh impact of demonetisation. The Prime Minister, during his rallies in the state, also has hit the Congress hard. His reply to the Congress on salvos fired at him on the issue of demonetisation is that the hard step had to be taken to combat the scourge of black money generated due to rampant corruption during the earlier Congress regime.

Media, in general, has refrained from projecting the poll outcome in MP. There has been a lot of talk of Congress frittering away its advantage arising from the anti-incumbent sentiment as a result of inner-party rivalry. Congress leaders have dismissed this charge and their argument is that the regional satraps are doing their best to ensure the victory of Congress candidates in their respective areas of influence. In the past, Congress has always emerged victorious when it has followed this strategy.

Although, there is no wave in Madhya Pradesh,&nbsp;but the undercurrents for change are being felt across the State. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The stakes are too high for both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the main Opposition Congress in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh where polling for the general election to the state Assembly is being held today.

The stakes are too high for both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the main Opposition Congress in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh where polling for the general election to the state Assembly is being held today. The BJP has remained in power continuously for fifteen years in Madhya Pradesh. After the Congress party’s defeat that brought to an end 10 years of Digvijaya Singh rule in 2003, the BJP has seen three chief ministers in the state – Uma Bharati (8 December 2003 – 22 August 2004), Babulal Gaur (23 August 2004 – 29 November 2005), and Shivraj Singh Chouhan (29 November 2005 till now). In the Madhya Pradesh Assembly election, while the BJP is not leaving a single stone unturned to return to power for the fourth time in a row, the Congress also is using every tactic to turn the tables on the BJP. In this state, where electoral politics continues to remain highly polarised between the BJP and Congress, the present election is being treated by them not merely as the means to form a government in MP but also as the road to power at the Centre as victory in this election will come as a shot in the arm and pave the way for bigger success in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. In Madhya Pradesh, there are more than 50 million voters, who have the right to elect their MLAs from among 2,907 candidates in the fray for 230 Assembly seats. In a large number of constituencies, there are anywhere between 10 to 20 candidates pitted against each other, but in 8 constituencies, the total number of candidates is more than 20. The constituencies with maximum contestants, shown in brackets, are Ater, Bhind district (33), Narela, Bhopal district (31), Satna (30), Khurai, Sagar district (27), Rampur Baghelan, Satna district, Deotalab, Rewa district (both 23), Patharia, Damoh district (21) and Sausar, Chhindwara (20). A large number of candidates in most constituencies notwithstanding, a close analysis of the candidates’ list shows that there is a straight contest between the Congress and the BJP for about 150 of the total 230 seats in the state Assembly. There are a few dozen seats, mostly in districts adjoining Uttar Pradesh, where the contest would be triangular due to the presence of candidates belonging to the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party. People had started looking forward to the third force playing a crucial role in the Madhya Pradesh election keeping in view the highly successful people’s Movement against the caste-based quota system led by “Samanya Pichda Alpsankhyak Kalyan Samaj Sanstha” (popularly called Sapaks Samaj), a citizens’ organisation. This Movement has got divided and fragmented after a group of retired government officers, who joined Sapaks Samaj only a few months ago cobbled up a disparate group and got a party registered by the name of Sapaks Party. It has entered the election arena blowing aloud the “third force” trumpet but on the ground, its presence is hardly visible. In many constituencies, the BJP has been struck hard by the presence of rebel candidates, who chose to revolt after they were denied tickets. Along with anti-incumbency, BJP is finding itself against the wall on issues like corruption charges, lop-sided development – especially in far-flung rural areas, and poor implementation of welfare schemes, including the ambitious Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana (price difference payment scheme) launched recently by the Madhya Pradesh government to pay the farmers the difference between official minimum support price (MSP) and the price at which they sell their crops. Besides raking up these issues, the Congress Party led by party president Rahul Gandhi, who has addressed several election rallies in the state, has also taken Prime Minister Narendra Modi head on over issues like corruption and the harsh impact of demonetisation. The Prime Minister, during his rallies in the state, also has hit the Congress hard. His reply to the Congress on salvos fired at him on the issue of demonetisation is that the hard step had to be taken to combat the scourge of black money generated due to rampant corruption during the earlier Congress regime. Media, in general, has refrained from projecting the poll outcome in MP. There has been a lot of talk of Congress frittering away its advantage arising from the anti-incumbent sentiment as a result of inner-party rivalry. Congress leaders have dismissed this charge and their argument is that the regional satraps are doing their best to ensure the victory of Congress candidates in their respective areas of influence. In the past, Congress has always emerged victorious when it has followed this strategy. Although, there is no wave in Madhya Pradesh, but the undercurrents for change are being felt across the State. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Assembly elections 2018: Congress banking on anti-incumbent sentiment in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram went to the polls Wednesday morning.&nbsp;

Amid tight security, polling for Mizoram's 40-member <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mizoram-polls-litmus-test-for-cm-thanhawla-bjp-looks-to-uproot-congress-from-last-bastion-in-northeast-179767">legislative assembly</a>&nbsp;began at 7 am. Madhya Pradesh went to the polls an hour later at 8 am, apart from the Maoist-affected Balaghat district where polling again began at 7 am. Starting an hour earlier will also polling to end before it gets dark.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mizoram-polls-litmus-test-for-cm-thanhawla-bjp-looks-to-uproot-congress-from-last-bastion-in-northeast-179767">Mizoram</a> is one of three states currently under Congress rule, while the BJP has been in power in Madhya&nbsp;Pradesh for the last 15 years. The BJP has never formed a government in Mizoram.

The Congress and the MNF (Mizoram's second party) are contesting all 40 constituencies in the state, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is fighting in 39 seats.

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Voting for 40 constituencies in Mizoram begins. Polling to conclude at 4 pm. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MizoramElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MizoramElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/7wHPcVQLsL">pic.twitter.com/7wHPcVQLsL</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067592238446858240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The battle for power in Madhya Pradesh's 230 seats is mainly between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) are also in the fray.&nbsp;

The BJP has fielded candidates in all 230 seats, while the Congress is contesting 229 seats.

In the last polls, of the 230 seats, the BJP won 165, the Congress 58, the BSP four, and Independents three.&nbsp;

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Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan prays on the banks of Narmada river, in Budhni. Voting in the state is underway. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradeshElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradeshElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/Hh9hjNds8Y">pic.twitter.com/Hh9hjNds8Y</a>
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Congress leader Kamal Nath offers prayers at a Hanuman temple in Chhindwara <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradeshElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradeshElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/tjdOwNrwtJ">pic.twitter.com/tjdOwNrwtJ</a>
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I have full faith in the people of Madhya Pradesh, they are simple and innocent people who have been robbed for a long time by BJP: Kamal Nath, Congress <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradeshElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradeshElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/t7J1mxan9u">pic.twitter.com/t7J1mxan9u</a>
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In the previous election in 2013 in Mizoram, the Congress had fielded 40 candidates while it won 34 seats, whereas Mizo National Front (MNF) secured only five seats after contesting 31 seats.

Mizoram People's Conference (MPC) had contested on eight seats but it managed to bag only one.

The elections are being fought between&nbsp;209 candidates.

The Congress party, which has been in power in Mizoram since 2008, is eyeing a third consecutive term in the state.

Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is contesting from two seats - Serchhip and Champhai South. In Serchhip, Thanhawla will be contesting against Zoram People`s Movement`s (ZPM) chief ministerial candidate Lalduhoma, Mizo National Front (MNF) nominee C Lalramzauva and People`s Representation for Identity and Status of Mizoram (PRISM) party chief Vanlalruata among others.

In the Champhai South, the incumbent Chief Minister would contest against MNF`s T J Lalnuntluanga and ZPM`s C Lalremliana.

Preparations have also been made&nbsp;for 12,026 Bru refugees who are lodged in six relief camps of Tripura to cast their votes at Kanhmun village in Mamit district where 15 temporary polling stations have been set up.

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Mizoram: Visuals from a polling station in Zarkawt, Aizawl. Polling for the 40 constituencies in the state will begin at 7 am. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MizoramElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MizoramElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/BnKJsWf36E">pic.twitter.com/BnKJsWf36E</a>
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An elderly woman after casting her vote at a polling station in Kanhmun <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MizoramElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MizoramElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/95FxeIAyVb">pic.twitter.com/95FxeIAyVb</a>
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The results will be announced on December 11.

(With inputs from agencies)

Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram went to the polls Wednesday morning. Amid tight security, polling for Mizoram's 40-member legislative assembly began at 7 am. Madhya Pradesh went to the polls an hour later at 8 am, apart from the Maoist-affected Balaghat district where polling again began at 7 am.

Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram went to the polls Wednesday morning. Amid tight security, polling for Mizoram's 40-member legislative assembly began at 7 am. Madhya Pradesh went to the polls an hour later at 8 am, apart from the Maoist-affected Balaghat district where polling again began at 7 am. Starting an hour earlier will also polling to end before it gets dark. Mizoram is one of three states currently under Congress rule, while the BJP has been in power in Madhya Pradesh for the last 15 years. The BJP has never formed a government in Mizoram. The Congress and the MNF (Mizoram's second party) are contesting all 40 constituencies in the state, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is fighting in 39 seats. Voting for 40 constituencies in Mizoram begins. Polling to conclude at 4 pm. #MizoramElections pic.twitter.com/7wHPcVQLsL — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × The battle for power in Madhya Pradesh's 230 seats is mainly between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) are also in the fray. The BJP has fielded candidates in all 230 seats, while the Congress is contesting 229 seats. In the last polls, of the 230 seats, the BJP won 165, the Congress 58, the BSP four, and Independents three. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan prays on the banks of Narmada river, in Budhni. Voting in the state is underway. #MadhyaPradeshElections2018 pic.twitter.com/Hh9hjNds8Y — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × Congress leader Kamal Nath offers prayers at a Hanuman temple in Chhindwara #MadhyaPradeshElections2018 pic.twitter.com/tjdOwNrwtJ — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × I have full faith in the people of Madhya Pradesh, they are simple and innocent people who have been robbed for a long time by BJP: Kamal Nath, Congress #MadhyaPradeshElections2018 pic.twitter.com/t7J1mxan9u — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × In the previous election in 2013 in Mizoram, the Congress had fielded 40 candidates while it won 34 seats, whereas Mizo National Front (MNF) secured only five seats after contesting 31 seats. Mizoram People's Conference (MPC) had contested on eight seats but it managed to bag only one. The elections are being fought between 209 candidates. The Congress party, which has been in power in Mizoram since 2008, is eyeing a third consecutive term in the state. Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is contesting from two seats - Serchhip and Champhai South. In Serchhip, Thanhawla will be contesting against Zoram People`s Movement`s (ZPM) chief ministerial candidate Lalduhoma, Mizo National Front (MNF) nominee C Lalramzauva and People`s Representation for Identity and Status of Mizoram (PRISM) party chief Vanlalruata among others. In the Champhai South, the incumbent Chief Minister would contest against MNF`s T J Lalnuntluanga and ZPM`s C Lalremliana. Preparations have also been made for 12,026 Bru refugees who are lodged in six relief camps of Tripura to cast their votes at Kanhmun village in Mamit district where 15 temporary polling stations have been set up. Mizoram: Visuals from a polling station in Zarkawt, Aizawl. Polling for the 40 constituencies in the state will begin at 7 am. #MizoramElections pic.twitter.com/BnKJsWf36E — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × An elderly woman after casting her vote at a polling station in Kanhmun #MizoramElections pic.twitter.com/95FxeIAyVb — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × The results will be announced on December 11. (With inputs from agencies)

Assembly elections 2018: Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram go to the polls

This election campaign has set a new low for political discourse, and it was evident from the following statements for the Prime Minister of the country. Congress MP Raj Babbar had mocked PM’s mother and said that the value of the Rupee has reached her age. Another Congress leader Vilasrao Muttemwar had said: “Nobody knows the name of Modi’s father.”

Earlier, barbs like ‘Maut ka Saudagar’, ‘50 crore ki Girlfriend’, ‘Chor Chowkidar’, ‘Clown Prince’ were among the many vitriolic attacks that had done the rounds from all sides of the political spectrum. In a mature and a progressive democracy, such statements are uncalled for and senior leaders should avoid the temptation to make such derogatory statements. Both sides will enter the assemblies or Parliament and will have to work together. Then why create such bitterness during elections?

From a voter standpoint, we don’t feel it is right and neither do we approve of such statements. As a voter, it is easy for us to judge the events and decide why one is making such a statement. Either, the person making a statement does not have worthy things to talk about or/and have a poor track record of delivery, or the oratory is weak enough to get covered in the media or heard by the voter. Or he lacks the vision for his electorate. 
 
Whatever the reason may be, the statement brings down the decorum of the position one is holding or fighting for and also makes it appear cheap before the listeners. Media headlines will last for a day or a few days, but the wrong impression and a bad precedent created will last for a lifetime. Who has forgotten Mani Shankar Iyer’s “Neech Aadmi” statement or Sonia Gandhi’s “Maut ka Saudagar” jibe. Still the public voted Narendra Modi to power with a massive majority. Why waste time and opportunity to bring down someone with such cheap tactics? Rather, get down to real issues, list your achievements and leave your voters spellbound with your articulation of the vision for their prosperity.

Here is the transcript of what transpired between Senator John McCain and a voter during the US Presidential Campaign

Voter: “I gonna ask you a question. I don’t know, and I can’t even trust Obama. I have read about him… he is… he is not … he is an Arab..

Senator McCain: “No, no, Ma’am. He is a decent, family man, a citizen, that I happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues, that what this campaign is all about. He is not &nbsp;(meaning, he is not an Arab)! &nbsp;Thank you!&nbsp;

And the public responded with a loud applause.

Senator McCain could have used the opportunity to side with the lady for the sake of creating a doubt in the minds of the people about his opponent, more so, when it was an opportunity served on the platter. But he chose not to stoop so low, &nbsp;and this speaks of his ideas and his firmness to not compromise with his conscience. Elections will be won or lost but conscience should never be compromised.

Senator John McCain is no more but he will remain a role model for politicians. Politics is a platform to serve the society, and people who make derogatory statements and vilify with raucous public statements certainly are not there to serve the public but perhaps serve themselves or pump up their ego. Such people should have no place in public life.

Elections must be fought on issues of public interest, on the achievements of the candidate, on his vision for his/her electorate and not deriding or chiding the competitor. People should be able to choose who has the best track record or a great vision for his electorate. Perhaps the lack of which forces the candidates to fall low and make personal attacks.

This reminds me of a quote attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt: Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.&nbsp;

We are looking for great minds in politics!

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-political-discourse-desperately-needs-a-course-correction-2689959">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

This election campaign has set a new low for political discourse, and it was evident from the following statements for the Prime Minister of the country. Congress MP Raj Babbar had mocked PM’s mother and said that the value of the Rupee has reached her age.

This election campaign has set a new low for political discourse, and it was evident from the following statements for the Prime Minister of the country. Congress MP Raj Babbar had mocked PM’s mother and said that the value of the Rupee has reached her age. Another Congress leader Vilasrao Muttemwar had said: “Nobody knows the name of Modi’s father.” Earlier, barbs like ‘Maut ka Saudagar’, ‘50 crore ki Girlfriend’, ‘Chor Chowkidar’, ‘Clown Prince’ were among the many vitriolic attacks that had done the rounds from all sides of the political spectrum. In a mature and a progressive democracy, such statements are uncalled for and senior leaders should avoid the temptation to make such derogatory statements. Both sides will enter the assemblies or Parliament and will have to work together. Then why create such bitterness during elections? From a voter standpoint, we don’t feel it is right and neither do we approve of such statements. As a voter, it is easy for us to judge the events and decide why one is making such a statement. Either, the person making a statement does not have worthy things to talk about or/and have a poor track record of delivery, or the oratory is weak enough to get covered in the media or heard by the voter. Or he lacks the vision for his electorate. Whatever the reason may be, the statement brings down the decorum of the position one is holding or fighting for and also makes it appear cheap before the listeners. Media headlines will last for a day or a few days, but the wrong impression and a bad precedent created will last for a lifetime. Who has forgotten Mani Shankar Iyer’s “Neech Aadmi” statement or Sonia Gandhi’s “Maut ka Saudagar” jibe. Still the public voted Narendra Modi to power with a massive majority. Why waste time and opportunity to bring down someone with such cheap tactics? Rather, get down to real issues, list your achievements and leave your voters spellbound with your articulation of the vision for their prosperity. Here is the transcript of what transpired between Senator John McCain and a voter during the US Presidential Campaign Voter: “I gonna ask you a question. I don’t know, and I can’t even trust Obama. I have read about him… he is… he is not … he is an Arab.. Senator McCain: “No, no, Ma’am. He is a decent, family man, a citizen, that I happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues, that what this campaign is all about. He is not (meaning, he is not an Arab)! Thank you! And the public responded with a loud applause. Senator McCain could have used the opportunity to side with the lady for the sake of creating a doubt in the minds of the people about his opponent, more so, when it was an opportunity served on the platter. But he chose not to stoop so low, and this speaks of his ideas and his firmness to not compromise with his conscience. Elections will be won or lost but conscience should never be compromised. Senator John McCain is no more but he will remain a role model for politicians. Politics is a platform to serve the society, and people who make derogatory statements and vilify with raucous public statements certainly are not there to serve the public but perhaps serve themselves or pump up their ego. Such people should have no place in public life. Elections must be fought on issues of public interest, on the achievements of the candidate, on his vision for his/her electorate and not deriding or chiding the competitor. People should be able to choose who has the best track record or a great vision for his electorate. Perhaps the lack of which forces the candidates to fall low and make personal attacks. This reminds me of a quote attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt: Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people. We are looking for great minds in politics! (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: Political discourse desperately needs a course correction

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Thursday alleged that the Congress was the mother of “anarchy” and development was not in its DNA.

The Congress is a hurdle in the path of development, good governance and nationalism, whereas BJP governments are establishing “Ram Rajya” by providing electricity, homes, LPG connections, better health care services and toilets, he said at an election rally in Rajasthan where polls will be held on December 7.

The chief minister also alleged that the opposition party gave riots, terrorism, Naxalism to the country and birth to corruption.

“The Congress is the mother of anarchy. Development is not in its DNA. It is least bothered about the honour and pride of the country,” Adityanath said.

Reiterating that the Congress had served “biryani” to terrorists and treated them as their vote bank, he alleged that the party finds and connects with terrorists as well as hold events to honour them.

It was during BJP’s rule that everyday terrorists were gunned down in Jammu and Kashmir, the chief minister said.

One of the BJP’s stars campaigners for the polls, Adityanath was electioneering for the party in the Amer Assembly constituency here.

He alleged that the Congress insults the martyrdom of army jawans and praises Naxalites and Maoists by calling them, revolutionaries.

The Congress is doing divisive and caste-based politics. It pushed several Hindi-speaking states, including Rajasthan, into the BIMARU category in its 55 years of rule, the BJP leader said.

Mocking Congress president Rahul Gandhi, he claimed that even his party leaders do not trust him and they believe that the party cannot form a government under his leadership.

The chief minister said Gandhi should show some mercy on the country considering his failure in past elections.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Thursday alleged that the Congress was the mother of “anarchy” and development was not in its DNA. The Congress is a hurdle in the path of development, good governance and nationalism, whereas BJP governments are establishing “Ram Rajya” by providing electricity, homes, LPG connections, better health care services and toilets, he said at an election rally in Rajasthan where polls will be held on December 7.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Thursday alleged that the Congress was the mother of “anarchy” and development was not in its DNA. The Congress is a hurdle in the path of development, good governance and nationalism, whereas BJP governments are establishing “Ram Rajya” by providing electricity, homes, LPG connections, better health care services and toilets, he said at an election rally in Rajasthan where polls will be held on December 7. The chief minister also alleged that the opposition party gave riots, terrorism, Naxalism to the country and birth to corruption. “The Congress is the mother of anarchy. Development is not in its DNA. It is least bothered about the honour and pride of the country,” Adityanath said. Reiterating that the Congress had served “biryani” to terrorists and treated them as their vote bank, he alleged that the party finds and connects with terrorists as well as hold events to honour them. It was during BJP’s rule that everyday terrorists were gunned down in Jammu and Kashmir, the chief minister said. One of the BJP’s stars campaigners for the polls, Adityanath was electioneering for the party in the Amer Assembly constituency here. He alleged that the Congress insults the martyrdom of army jawans and praises Naxalites and Maoists by calling them, revolutionaries. The Congress is doing divisive and caste-based politics. It pushed several Hindi-speaking states, including Rajasthan, into the BIMARU category in its 55 years of rule, the BJP leader said. Mocking Congress president Rahul Gandhi, he claimed that even his party leaders do not trust him and they believe that the party cannot form a government under his leadership. The chief minister said Gandhi should show some mercy on the country considering his failure in past elections.

Congress ‘mother of anarchy’, development not in its DNA: Yogi Adityanath

Altogether 74.61 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections Wednesday, while that in the northeastern state Mizoram was recorded as 75 per cent.

The turnout till 3 pm was recorded as 50 per cent in MP while 58 per cent in Mizoram.

In the 2013 Assembly election, 72.69 per cent turnout was recorded, an election official said.

The polling Wednesday was marred by complaints of faulty Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVVPAT) machines. Poll officials said 1,145 EVMs and 1,545 VVPATs were replaced after complaints of technical snags.

Polling was held between 8 am and 5 pm in 227 seats, while in three assembly segments - Lanji, Paraswada and Baihar - in the Naxal-affected Balaghat district, the voting time was between 7 am to 3 pm, state Chief Electoral Officer V L Kantha Rao said.

About 2.5 per cent (polling) machines were replaced, Rao said, adding this percentage was around two per cent in other states where elections were held recently.

Three employees died due to "health reasons" while performing poll duty in Dhar, Indore and Guna districts, he said.

At Gadhpura village in Bhind district, a person was injured in violence but it was not poll-related, he said. The incident happened "far from the booth" and was related to enmity between two groups, he added.

Asked about reports that some EVMs were found in a hotel, Rao said, "We have got the information that a sector officer in Shujalpur was staying in a hotel along with ballot machines. On getting information, the officers reached the hotel and seized the machine. The officer concerned was removed (from poll duty) and the polling team was sent along with a new sector officer."

The battle of ballots in Madhya Pradesh is just months ahead of the Lok Sabha polls slated in the first half of 2019.

Altogether 2,899 candidates were in the fray. The state has 5.04 crore, eligible voters.

Also, 3,00,782 government employees, including 45,904 women, were on poll duty and 65,341 polling stations were set up.

75 per cent polling in Mizoram

Around 75 per cent votes were cast in the Mizoram assembly polls on Wednesday but the figure is expected to rise as there were long queues of voters outside polling booths to exercise their franchise, Chief Electoral Officer Ashish Kundra said.

Polling was held in all the 40 assembly seats.

Kundra told reporters that the highest turnout of 81 per cent was reported at Serchhip seat, where Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is one of the contestants.

At Kanhmun village in Mamit district bordering Tripura where Bru refugees lodged in Tripura camps cast their votes, 52 per cent of the 118987 electorates exercised their franchise, he said.

"This is satisfactory considering the circumstances," he said.

The polling in Kanhmun ended at 3 pm, while for the rest of the state the time was 4 pm.

Altogether 74.61 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections Wednesday, while that in the northeastern state Mizoram was recorded as 75 per cent.

Altogether 74.61 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections Wednesday, while that in the northeastern state Mizoram was recorded as 75 per cent. The turnout till 3 pm was recorded as 50 per cent in MP while 58 per cent in Mizoram. In the 2013 Assembly election, 72.69 per cent turnout was recorded, an election official said. The polling Wednesday was marred by complaints of faulty Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVVPAT) machines. Poll officials said 1,145 EVMs and 1,545 VVPATs were replaced after complaints of technical snags. Polling was held between 8 am and 5 pm in 227 seats, while in three assembly segments - Lanji, Paraswada and Baihar - in the Naxal-affected Balaghat district, the voting time was between 7 am to 3 pm, state Chief Electoral Officer V L Kantha Rao said. About 2.5 per cent (polling) machines were replaced, Rao said, adding this percentage was around two per cent in other states where elections were held recently. Three employees died due to "health reasons" while performing poll duty in Dhar, Indore and Guna districts, he said. At Gadhpura village in Bhind district, a person was injured in violence but it was not poll-related, he said. The incident happened "far from the booth" and was related to enmity between two groups, he added. Asked about reports that some EVMs were found in a hotel, Rao said, "We have got the information that a sector officer in Shujalpur was staying in a hotel along with ballot machines. On getting information, the officers reached the hotel and seized the machine. The officer concerned was removed (from poll duty) and the polling team was sent along with a new sector officer." The battle of ballots in Madhya Pradesh is just months ahead of the Lok Sabha polls slated in the first half of 2019. Altogether 2,899 candidates were in the fray. The state has 5.04 crore, eligible voters. Also, 3,00,782 government employees, including 45,904 women, were on poll duty and 65,341 polling stations were set up. 75 per cent polling in Mizoram Around 75 per cent votes were cast in the Mizoram assembly polls on Wednesday but the figure is expected to rise as there were long queues of voters outside polling booths to exercise their franchise, Chief Electoral Officer Ashish Kundra said. Polling was held in all the 40 assembly seats. Kundra told reporters that the highest turnout of 81 per cent was reported at Serchhip seat, where Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is one of the contestants. At Kanhmun village in Mamit district bordering Tripura where Bru refugees lodged in Tripura camps cast their votes, 52 per cent of the 118987 electorates exercised their franchise, he said. "This is satisfactory considering the circumstances," he said. The polling in Kanhmun ended at 3 pm, while for the rest of the state the time was 4 pm.

Assembly Elections 2018: MP registers 74.61% voter turnout, Mizoram 75%

Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla said on Wednesday he is going to "break the jinx" of no party winning the third consecutive term by forming the next Congress government with full majority.

The nine-time MLA also alleged that opposition BJP, which is looking to open its account for the first time in the state, is pumping in huge money, mostly in the minority areas of Chakmas and Brus, to get votes.

"I am going to break the jinx because of our good work. I am coming with full majority," Thanhawla, who was with his wife Lal Riliani, told reporters after casting his vote at Zarkawt-II polling station in the state capital.

Neither the Congress nor its main opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) could ever form the third consecutive government since Mizoram got a full statehood in 1987.

Zarkawt-II falls under Aizawl North-III constituency, from where the chief minister's younger brother and Health minister Lal Thanzara is contesting.

Spending nearly one hour at the polling booth, the couple interacted with some locals gathered in the area. They later had black tea and cookies sitting on a bench inside a garage among a bunch of kids with whom they also shared some lighter moments.

When pointed out to the opposition's main point of campaign to bring in a change due to "anti-incumbency", Thanhawla said: "They can talk anything. They have the right to talk, because ours is a free democratic country. Everybody has the right to express."

The four-time chief minister claimed that the Congress will win 27-37 seats in the ongoing Assembly elections.

On the possibility of the Congress taking support from the BJP, as the saffron party has been said to have suggested in case of a hung Assembly, Thanhawla said, "I am not open to that. By mistake, I thought I would be voting the BJP, but I could not make mistake."

The senior Congress leader also said the BJP is "unlikely to get single seat" this time.

Talking about the sensitive Chakma and Bru voters, Thanhawla said: "Chakma (area), we are winning again. Bru area, I don't know. If money power works... They have been lavished with huge amount of money."

Asked specifically who is putting in money in Chakma and Bru areas, he alleged: "The BJP of course... The leaders were called down somewhere by Himanta Biswa Sarma. They might have been lavished by huge sum of money."

Asked again, whether he meant that Assam Finance Minister and BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma is buying votes with money power, the chief minister said: "I am not saying that, but I do suspect that."

The Congress has been in power in Mizoram since 2008 and is eyeing a third consecutive term. In 2013 Assembly elections, the Congress won 34 seats, while the main opposition party Mizo National Front (MNF) had won five, and Mizoram People's Conference bagged one.

The Congress and the MNF have left no stones unturned to woo voters. On the other side, BJP has launched a spirited campaign to get power in this strategically important Northeastern state sandwiched between Myanmar and Bangladesh. BJP president Amit Shah even declared that Christmas will be celebrated in Mizoram under the BJP rule this December.

Mizoram is being seen by BJP leaders as the "final frontier" in its "Congress-free Northeast" campaign as the saffron party has already secured power in Assam, Tripura, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, besides joining the ruling coalitions in Meghalaya and Nagaland.

While the Congress and MNF are contesting in all the 40 constituencies this time, the BJP is in the fray for 39 seats.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla said on Wednesday he is going to "break the jinx" of no party winning the third consecutive term by forming the next Congress government with full majority.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla said on Wednesday he is going to "break the jinx" of no party winning the third consecutive term by forming the next Congress government with full majority. The nine-time MLA also alleged that opposition BJP, which is looking to open its account for the first time in the state, is pumping in huge money, mostly in the minority areas of Chakmas and Brus, to get votes. "I am going to break the jinx because of our good work. I am coming with full majority," Thanhawla, who was with his wife Lal Riliani, told reporters after casting his vote at Zarkawt-II polling station in the state capital. Neither the Congress nor its main opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) could ever form the third consecutive government since Mizoram got a full statehood in 1987. Zarkawt-II falls under Aizawl North-III constituency, from where the chief minister's younger brother and Health minister Lal Thanzara is contesting. Spending nearly one hour at the polling booth, the couple interacted with some locals gathered in the area. They later had black tea and cookies sitting on a bench inside a garage among a bunch of kids with whom they also shared some lighter moments. When pointed out to the opposition's main point of campaign to bring in a change due to "anti-incumbency", Thanhawla said: "They can talk anything. They have the right to talk, because ours is a free democratic country. Everybody has the right to express." The four-time chief minister claimed that the Congress will win 27-37 seats in the ongoing Assembly elections. On the possibility of the Congress taking support from the BJP, as the saffron party has been said to have suggested in case of a hung Assembly, Thanhawla said, "I am not open to that. By mistake, I thought I would be voting the BJP, but I could not make mistake." The senior Congress leader also said the BJP is "unlikely to get single seat" this time. Talking about the sensitive Chakma and Bru voters, Thanhawla said: "Chakma (area), we are winning again. Bru area, I don't know. If money power works... They have been lavished with huge amount of money." Asked specifically who is putting in money in Chakma and Bru areas, he alleged: "The BJP of course... The leaders were called down somewhere by Himanta Biswa Sarma. They might have been lavished by huge sum of money." Asked again, whether he meant that Assam Finance Minister and BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma is buying votes with money power, the chief minister said: "I am not saying that, but I do suspect that." The Congress has been in power in Mizoram since 2008 and is eyeing a third consecutive term. In 2013 Assembly elections, the Congress won 34 seats, while the main opposition party Mizo National Front (MNF) had won five, and Mizoram People's Conference bagged one. The Congress and the MNF have left no stones unturned to woo voters. On the other side, BJP has launched a spirited campaign to get power in this strategically important Northeastern state sandwiched between Myanmar and Bangladesh. BJP president Amit Shah even declared that Christmas will be celebrated in Mizoram under the BJP rule this December. Mizoram is being seen by BJP leaders as the "final frontier" in its "Congress-free Northeast" campaign as the saffron party has already secured power in Assam, Tripura, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, besides joining the ruling coalitions in Meghalaya and Nagaland. While the Congress and MNF are contesting in all the 40 constituencies this time, the BJP is in the fray for 39 seats.

Will break the jinx by forming govt in Mizoram for third time: CM Thanhawla

Proving that age is just a number and nothing else, a significant number of people falling under the age group of 90 to 100 years, and even above, came to the polling stations to exercise their franchise in the ongoing Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram Assembly polls on Wednesday.

Although a majority of these women were visibly fragile, their determination to contribute to strengthening democracy in the states was motivation enough to come out and cast their votes.

In Mizoram's Kawrthah, a 106-year-old woman arrived to cast her vote in a wheelchair along with a family member.

A number of people belonging to the Bru community including aged women queued up to vote in the Assembly elections. With a pale face and wrinkled skin, an elderly woman posed for the media showing her inked finger.

At present, over 12,000 Brus are living in six relief camps in Tripura. They are voting at Kanhmun village in Mamit district where 15 temporary polling stations have been set up. To safeguard the interest of the Bru community, special polling arrangements have been made across the state. Food and transport facilities are also being provided to those coming to vote.

In Madhya Pradesh's Agar Malwa district, a 101-year-old woman arrived at a polling booth to cast her vote.Guided by the motto of "no voter to be left behind", the Election Commission has made adequate arrangements for differently-abled persons to exercise their franchise. Volunteers have been trained to guide these people to cast their votes.

In Madhya Pradesh's Katni region, the Municipal Corporation has arranged pick-up and drop facilities for differently-abled voters.

Experts working for the upliftment of the disabled in the society believe that special machines for visually impaired and sign-language interpreters for those who cannot hear should be provided by the authorities to help them during the time of polling.

Voting enthusiasm also soared among the young minds, many of whom voted for the first time. In both the states, youngsters, including women, came out in large numbers.

A first-time woman voter standing outside a polling booth in Bhopal said that she is voting in the name of development.

"I am voting not only to contribute to democracy but also for the development of the region. It will be unfortunate for women that even after the smooth process of elections they are not exercising their franchise. Please vote to bring change in the society."

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's younger son Kunal Chouhan also voted for the first time in Budani assembly constituency earlier in the morning and urged youngsters to do the same.

Around five crore eligible voters will decide the fate of 2,899 candidates contesting for 230 seats of Madhya Pradesh Assembly. In Mizoram as many as 209 candidates are contesting for the 40-member Legislative Assembly. Results would be declared on December 11.

Proving that age is just a number and nothing else, a significant number of people falling under the age group of 90 to 100 years, and even above, came to the polling stations to exercise their franchise in the ongoing Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram Assembly polls on Wednesday.

Proving that age is just a number and nothing else, a significant number of people falling under the age group of 90 to 100 years, and even above, came to the polling stations to exercise their franchise in the ongoing Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram Assembly polls on Wednesday. Although a majority of these women were visibly fragile, their determination to contribute to strengthening democracy in the states was motivation enough to come out and cast their votes. In Mizoram's Kawrthah, a 106-year-old woman arrived to cast her vote in a wheelchair along with a family member. A number of people belonging to the Bru community including aged women queued up to vote in the Assembly elections. With a pale face and wrinkled skin, an elderly woman posed for the media showing her inked finger. At present, over 12,000 Brus are living in six relief camps in Tripura. They are voting at Kanhmun village in Mamit district where 15 temporary polling stations have been set up. To safeguard the interest of the Bru community, special polling arrangements have been made across the state. Food and transport facilities are also being provided to those coming to vote. In Madhya Pradesh's Agar Malwa district, a 101-year-old woman arrived at a polling booth to cast her vote.Guided by the motto of "no voter to be left behind", the Election Commission has made adequate arrangements for differently-abled persons to exercise their franchise. Volunteers have been trained to guide these people to cast their votes. In Madhya Pradesh's Katni region, the Municipal Corporation has arranged pick-up and drop facilities for differently-abled voters. Experts working for the upliftment of the disabled in the society believe that special machines for visually impaired and sign-language interpreters for those who cannot hear should be provided by the authorities to help them during the time of polling. Voting enthusiasm also soared among the young minds, many of whom voted for the first time. In both the states, youngsters, including women, came out in large numbers. A first-time woman voter standing outside a polling booth in Bhopal said that she is voting in the name of development. "I am voting not only to contribute to democracy but also for the development of the region. It will be unfortunate for women that even after the smooth process of elections they are not exercising their franchise. Please vote to bring change in the society." Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's younger son Kunal Chouhan also voted for the first time in Budani assembly constituency earlier in the morning and urged youngsters to do the same. Around five crore eligible voters will decide the fate of 2,899 candidates contesting for 230 seats of Madhya Pradesh Assembly. In Mizoram as many as 209 candidates are contesting for the 40-member Legislative Assembly. Results would be declared on December 11.

People defy age to cast vote in Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh polls

As the BJP and the Congress slug it out in the battle for Rajasthan, a Third Front of seven parties is taking shape with its chief ministerial face and firebrand farmer leader Amra Ram asserting that it's time to end the state's two-party system of "divide, loot and rule".

'Comrade' Ram, as the CPM state secretary is called by his party colleagues, is confident that the mega alliance will put up a tough fight and said that it would not be surprising if they become a king-maker like the JDS in Karnataka.

Speaking from Godiyawas village in Danta Ramgarh during his campaign tour, the 63-year-old Left leader said there was a cycle in Rajasthan of the Congress and the BJP "looting" the state for alternate five years.

This time the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will definitely lose but the Congress will not be able to win, he claimed.

The seven-party alliance called the Loktantrik Morcha, whose chief ministerial face is Ram, has got Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist), Marxist Communist Party of India (United), Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Lok Dal and Janata Dal (Secular).

Asserting that the representation by Left parties in the Rajasthan Assembly will touch a record high in these elections, Ram said, "It will not be a surprise that like in Karnataka, the two main parties are left high and dry and a third force heads the government."

Ram, who is also the vice president of All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), had led a massive farmers' agitation against the state government last year and was in jail for several days.

"In the last five years, the BJP government has worked against everybody - farmers, workers and backwards. It did not fulfil even a single poll promise," Ram said.

When asked about the reason for being so upbeat even though his party drew a blank in the last election, he said the CPM has worked on making the government concede to the common man's demands in past five years - be it the issue of electricity rates, waiving farmers loans, fixing prices for farmers' produce, crop insurance scheme or the irrigation related issues.

Before the CPI got divided to form CPM, the party had a representation from five seats, he said, talking about the Left's past electoral performance in Rajasthan. In 2008, the CPM had won three seats.

Slamming the Congress for "peddling soft-Hindutva", Ram accused the party of staying silent and not playing the role of the largest opposition party inside the assembly.

He also took on the BJP saying it makes a fool of the people by talking about Hindutva and remembers Ram temple only during elections. The issue is neither of temple, nor the cow, the real issue is of people's lives, he added.

"Rajasthan is also number-1 in killing of innocent people by lynch mobs and there are several instances of atrocities on dalits - on all these issues the CPI(M) has played the role of the chief opposition party on the streets," Ram said.

He asserted that earlier whoever won from Left parties did so on their own credentials, but this time there was support for the party as a whole.

The CPM is fighting on 28 seats, while the CPI is fighting on 20 seats in the upcoming polls.

The alliance assumes significance as the constituent parties have influence in some pocket boroughs.

In 2008 elections, the Congress had stopped four short of majority, but later six legislators of Mayawati's BSP had defected to join the Ashok Gehlot government.

Ram, who has won from here once and thrice from the nearby constituency of Dhod that was later reserved, exuded confidence that the non-BJP, non-Congress front of the Loktantrik Morcha will do well.

"Our slogan will be 'takht badal do, taj badal do, beimanon ka raj badal do (change the throne, change the crown, change the rule of the corrupt)'," he said with a smile on his face.

Ram is pitted against Congress's Virendra Singh and the BJP's Harish Chandra Kumawat.

Rajasthan will be voting for its 200-member assembly on December 7 and counting will take place on December 11.

As the BJP and the Congress slug it out in the battle for Rajasthan, a Third Front of seven parties is taking shape with its chief ministerial face and firebrand farmer leader Amra Ram asserting that it's time to end the state's two-party system of "divide, loot and rule".

As the BJP and the Congress slug it out in the battle for Rajasthan, a Third Front of seven parties is taking shape with its chief ministerial face and firebrand farmer leader Amra Ram asserting that it's time to end the state's two-party system of "divide, loot and rule". 'Comrade' Ram, as the CPM state secretary is called by his party colleagues, is confident that the mega alliance will put up a tough fight and said that it would not be surprising if they become a king-maker like the JDS in Karnataka. Speaking from Godiyawas village in Danta Ramgarh during his campaign tour, the 63-year-old Left leader said there was a cycle in Rajasthan of the Congress and the BJP "looting" the state for alternate five years. This time the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will definitely lose but the Congress will not be able to win, he claimed. The seven-party alliance called the Loktantrik Morcha, whose chief ministerial face is Ram, has got Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist), Marxist Communist Party of India (United), Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Lok Dal and Janata Dal (Secular). Asserting that the representation by Left parties in the Rajasthan Assembly will touch a record high in these elections, Ram said, "It will not be a surprise that like in Karnataka, the two main parties are left high and dry and a third force heads the government." Ram, who is also the vice president of All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), had led a massive farmers' agitation against the state government last year and was in jail for several days. "In the last five years, the BJP government has worked against everybody - farmers, workers and backwards. It did not fulfil even a single poll promise," Ram said. When asked about the reason for being so upbeat even though his party drew a blank in the last election, he said the CPM has worked on making the government concede to the common man's demands in past five years - be it the issue of electricity rates, waiving farmers loans, fixing prices for farmers' produce, crop insurance scheme or the irrigation related issues. Before the CPI got divided to form CPM, the party had a representation from five seats, he said, talking about the Left's past electoral performance in Rajasthan. In 2008, the CPM had won three seats. Slamming the Congress for "peddling soft-Hindutva", Ram accused the party of staying silent and not playing the role of the largest opposition party inside the assembly. He also took on the BJP saying it makes a fool of the people by talking about Hindutva and remembers Ram temple only during elections. The issue is neither of temple, nor the cow, the real issue is of people's lives, he added. "Rajasthan is also number-1 in killing of innocent people by lynch mobs and there are several instances of atrocities on dalits - on all these issues the CPI(M) has played the role of the chief opposition party on the streets," Ram said. He asserted that earlier whoever won from Left parties did so on their own credentials, but this time there was support for the party as a whole. The CPM is fighting on 28 seats, while the CPI is fighting on 20 seats in the upcoming polls. The alliance assumes significance as the constituent parties have influence in some pocket boroughs. In 2008 elections, the Congress had stopped four short of majority, but later six legislators of Mayawati's BSP had defected to join the Ashok Gehlot government. Ram, who has won from here once and thrice from the nearby constituency of Dhod that was later reserved, exuded confidence that the non-BJP, non-Congress front of the Loktantrik Morcha will do well. "Our slogan will be 'takht badal do, taj badal do, beimanon ka raj badal do (change the throne, change the crown, change the rule of the corrupt)'," he said with a smile on his face. Ram is pitted against Congress's Virendra Singh and the BJP's Harish Chandra Kumawat. Rajasthan will be voting for its 200-member assembly on December 7 and counting will take place on December 11.

Rajasthan polls: In BJP vs Congress fight, a Third Front takes shape

The voter turnout in Madhya Pradesh till 3 pm was recorded as 50 per cent, while that in the northeastern state was recorded as 58 per cent in Mizoram.

The turnout till 1 pm was recorded as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-election-2018-madhya-pradesh-registers-21-voter-turnout-mizoram-29-till-11-am-179928">27 per cent in MP while 49 per cent in Mizoram.</a>

The two states are undergoing polls to elect their legislative members.

Mizoram, one of the four states where the Congress is in power at present besides Punjab and the union territory of Puducherry and part of a coalition in Karnataka, is the last remaining bastion for Congress in the northeast.

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Office of Chief Electoral Officer: 58% voter turnout recorded till 3 pm in Mizoram. <a href="https://t.co/RBTlRG4vlR">pic.twitter.com/RBTlRG4vlR</a>
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The campaign has been high decibel, often marked by bitter personal attacks, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi leading the charge of their parties.

In Madhya Pradesh, the contest is mainly between the BJP and Congress through the Bahujan Samaj Party and Samajwadi Party are also in the fray.

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Apart from Modi`s appeal, the BJP is banking on the image of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and its organisational structure. Party President Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and union ministers Rajnath Singh, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley campaigned in the state.&nbsp;

The voter turnout in Madhya Pradesh till 3 pm was recorded as 50 per cent, while that in the northeastern state was recorded as 58 per cent in Mizoram. The turnout till 1 pm was recorded as 27 per cent in MP while 49 per cent in Mizoram.

The voter turnout in Madhya Pradesh till 3 pm was recorded as 50 per cent, while that in the northeastern state was recorded as 58 per cent in Mizoram. The turnout till 1 pm was recorded as 27 per cent in MP while 49 per cent in Mizoram. The two states are undergoing polls to elect their legislative members. Mizoram, one of the four states where the Congress is in power at present besides Punjab and the union territory of Puducherry and part of a coalition in Karnataka, is the last remaining bastion for Congress in the northeast. Office of Chief Electoral Officer: 58% voter turnout recorded till 3 pm in Mizoram. pic.twitter.com/RBTlRG4vlR — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × The campaign has been high decibel, often marked by bitter personal attacks, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi leading the charge of their parties. In Madhya Pradesh, the contest is mainly between the BJP and Congress through the Bahujan Samaj Party and Samajwadi Party are also in the fray. Office of Chief Electoral Officer: 50% voter turnout recorded till 3 pm in Madhya Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/EygrEhDZxa — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × Apart from Modi`s appeal, the BJP is banking on the image of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and its organisational structure. Party President Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and union ministers Rajnath Singh, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley campaigned in the state.

Assembly polls: Madhya Pradesh registers 50% voter turnout, Mizoram 58% till 3 pm

With poll campaign at its peak in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/from-strong-to-sticky-wicket-why-retaining-power-in-telangana-wont-be-a-cakewalk-for-kcr-179734">Telangana</a>, voters in caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao's home turf Gajwel seem to be divided between the talks of development by the ruling party and Opposition's allegations of an "unreachable" head of the government.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kcr-walking-congress-path-thinks-he-can-win-elections-without-doing-any-work-modi-in-telanagana-179719">KCR</a>, as Rao is popularly known as, is seeking re-election from Gajwel in Siddipet district, after winning in 2014 with a margin of nearly 20,000 votes. 
While KCR's supporters go at length to talk about his government's development agenda, many others in the constituency allege they are not able to reach him when in need.

"Development is clearly visible. We have got better roads, regular power supply and more importantly tap water in each house. A lot has been done under the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/telangana-assembly-elections-2018-why-its-difficult-to-overthrow-k-c-rao-178990"> KCR rule</a>. The only minus point is our leader is inaccessible to people," said a guava seller in Pragnapur.

He said there is a feeling that the chief minister does not spend "enough time" in his constituency and villagers have to communicate through his representatives to get any work done.

A Vinay, an under-graduate Commerce student in the newly-build kindergarten to post-graduate government campus, said he is not a voter yet, but feels the Congress candidate's availability in the area is much more.

"Our chief minister does not meet us and we feel a distance is growing despite some good work," he added.

At the same time, Ganesh Lagishetty, a tea seller on the Gajwel-Pragnapur road, argued it does not matter whether the chief minister is in the area or not. 
"What matters is development and that is happening," he said.

Earlier, water was supplied through tankers and now each house has got tap water facility, while overall infrastructure in the area has improved, he added.&nbsp;

A section of Muslim community also appeared happy with the welfare schemes, especially a hike in the government remuneration to 'imams' in mosques, but some are upset over non-implementation of 12 per cent reservation to minorities.

"Many 'imams' are poor and don't have own house to live and have no other source of income. It is a big relief that the TRS government has raised our salary from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000," said Mohammud Kumail Ashraf, an imam in one of the biggest mosques in the constituency.

Admitting that KCR maintains distance with people, Ashraf hoped that the TRS government would keep its reservation promise if elected again.&nbsp;

Samiyuddin, who sells fruits in front of the newly-built 'Integrated Market' that would be opened formally after the election, said he believes KCR will come to power again as many feel that the welfare schemes could be stalled if another party wins.

B Ashok, a political science lecturer in a private college, said, "There is 50:50 chance. The youth are disappointed as the TRS government did not provide jobs promised in 2014 polls."&nbsp;

Vinay Kumar, a farmer who grows corn and cotton in five acres in Remangooda village, is happy that he has got 45 per cent subsidy to buy a tractor that costs Rs 10 lakh, canal water for irrigation and Rs 4,000 per acre incentive under the Rythu Bandhu scheme for both kharif and rabi seasons.

Promising to cast his vote only for KCR, 60-year-old shepherd Illaya Poushalaya said no government had ever given 21 goats at a subsidised rate.&nbsp;

A confident KCR and his party members are heavily relying on the development work and welfare projects undertaken by the government.

In Gajwel, KCR is up against Vanteru Pratap Reddy, a local strongman who has defected to the Congress from the TDP and has been campaigning ever since the Assembly was dissolved on September 6, months before he was announced as a candidate.

Akula Vijaya from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and S Srinivas from the Bahujan Left Front (BLF) are also in the fray.

Meanwhile, Reddy allegedly attempted to set himself on fire on Monday after a search was conducted at his house in Kompally following a complaint that cash meant for distribution to voters was hidden there.

On the other side, the man tasked with ensuring TRS' win in the constituency is KCR's nephew and one of his most trusted confidantes T Harish Rao, who was also irrigation minister in the last government.

Asked if KCR's 'inaccessible' nature will dent his chances of winning the assembly polls, Harish Rao said: "Our opponents in Gajwel have no issue to raise and therefore asking people if chief minister meets people or not. If they claim to be more connected with people, why have they not build roads and given water, power, pension and other basic facilities in their 60 years of regime?"

"What development work have they done by being connected with people and what has not been done by KCR by not being accessible. Let people decide and vote," he said.

Asserting that that KCR will get a sweeping majority of over one lakh votes, he said it would be interesting to see if opponents will be able to save their deposits or not.

In 2014, the TRS chief had won the seat by a margin of 19,366 votes against Reddy, who had contested on a TDP ticket.

It would be interesting to see if vote transfer takes place from TDP to Congress on Reddy's personal charisma. In the last election, Congress polled 17.46 per cent votes, while Reddy got 34.48 per cent. KCR's vote share was 44.42 per cent.

With poll campaign at its peak in Telangana, voters in caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao's home turf Gajwel seem to be divided between the talks of development by the ruling party and Opposition's allegations of an "unreachable" head of the government.

With poll campaign at its peak in Telangana, voters in caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao's home turf Gajwel seem to be divided between the talks of development by the ruling party and Opposition's allegations of an "unreachable" head of the government. KCR, as Rao is popularly known as, is seeking re-election from Gajwel in Siddipet district, after winning in 2014 with a margin of nearly 20,000 votes. While KCR's supporters go at length to talk about his government's development agenda, many others in the constituency allege they are not able to reach him when in need. "Development is clearly visible. We have got better roads, regular power supply and more importantly tap water in each house. A lot has been done under the KCR rule. The only minus point is our leader is inaccessible to people," said a guava seller in Pragnapur. He said there is a feeling that the chief minister does not spend "enough time" in his constituency and villagers have to communicate through his representatives to get any work done. A Vinay, an under-graduate Commerce student in the newly-build kindergarten to post-graduate government campus, said he is not a voter yet, but feels the Congress candidate's availability in the area is much more. "Our chief minister does not meet us and we feel a distance is growing despite some good work," he added. At the same time, Ganesh Lagishetty, a tea seller on the Gajwel-Pragnapur road, argued it does not matter whether the chief minister is in the area or not. "What matters is development and that is happening," he said. Earlier, water was supplied through tankers and now each house has got tap water facility, while overall infrastructure in the area has improved, he added. A section of Muslim community also appeared happy with the welfare schemes, especially a hike in the government remuneration to 'imams' in mosques, but some are upset over non-implementation of 12 per cent reservation to minorities. "Many 'imams' are poor and don't have own house to live and have no other source of income. It is a big relief that the TRS government has raised our salary from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000," said Mohammud Kumail Ashraf, an imam in one of the biggest mosques in the constituency. Admitting that KCR maintains distance with people, Ashraf hoped that the TRS government would keep its reservation promise if elected again. Samiyuddin, who sells fruits in front of the newly-built 'Integrated Market' that would be opened formally after the election, said he believes KCR will come to power again as many feel that the welfare schemes could be stalled if another party wins. B Ashok, a political science lecturer in a private college, said, "There is 50:50 chance. The youth are disappointed as the TRS government did not provide jobs promised in 2014 polls." Vinay Kumar, a farmer who grows corn and cotton in five acres in Remangooda village, is happy that he has got 45 per cent subsidy to buy a tractor that costs Rs 10 lakh, canal water for irrigation and Rs 4,000 per acre incentive under the Rythu Bandhu scheme for both kharif and rabi seasons. Promising to cast his vote only for KCR, 60-year-old shepherd Illaya Poushalaya said no government had ever given 21 goats at a subsidised rate. A confident KCR and his party members are heavily relying on the development work and welfare projects undertaken by the government. In Gajwel, KCR is up against Vanteru Pratap Reddy, a local strongman who has defected to the Congress from the TDP and has been campaigning ever since the Assembly was dissolved on September 6, months before he was announced as a candidate. Akula Vijaya from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and S Srinivas from the Bahujan Left Front (BLF) are also in the fray. Meanwhile, Reddy allegedly attempted to set himself on fire on Monday after a search was conducted at his house in Kompally following a complaint that cash meant for distribution to voters was hidden there. On the other side, the man tasked with ensuring TRS' win in the constituency is KCR's nephew and one of his most trusted confidantes T Harish Rao, who was also irrigation minister in the last government. Asked if KCR's 'inaccessible' nature will dent his chances of winning the assembly polls, Harish Rao said: "Our opponents in Gajwel have no issue to raise and therefore asking people if chief minister meets people or not. If they claim to be more connected with people, why have they not build roads and given water, power, pension and other basic facilities in their 60 years of regime?" "What development work have they done by being connected with people and what has not been done by KCR by not being accessible. Let people decide and vote," he said. Asserting that that KCR will get a sweeping majority of over one lakh votes, he said it would be interesting to see if opponents will be able to save their deposits or not. In 2014, the TRS chief had won the seat by a margin of 19,366 votes against Reddy, who had contested on a TDP ticket. It would be interesting to see if vote transfer takes place from TDP to Congress on Reddy's personal charisma. In the last election, Congress polled 17.46 per cent votes, while Reddy got 34.48 per cent. KCR's vote share was 44.42 per cent.

Assembly elections 2018: In KCR's home turf Gajewal, it's development vs 'unreachable' CM

As the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) makes a determined bid to retain power in Telangana, party leader K T Rama Rao expressed confidence people will cast "decisive votes" in its favour in the upcoming assembly polls, asserting that his father and interim chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao is enough to neutralise any anti-incumbency sentiment against the party.

Claiming that people in the country's newest state that took birth in 2014 are aware of the TRS government's developmental work, Rao said the party is banking on his father and his vision to come to power again, hoping to get 100 seats in the 119-member house.

Popularly known as KTR, the 42-year-old is contesting for the third time from Sircilla constituency, 140 km from Hyderabad, in the December 7 assembly polls. He won with over 53,000 votes against a Congress candidate in the 2014 assembly elections.

In an exclusive interview to PTI, Rao said, "People realise that this is the election where KCR (as the chief minister is popularly known as) gets elected as chief minister. For that to happen, they have to vote for MLAs. Whatever anti-incumbency or dissatisfaction that could be against incumbent MLAs, that will be eclipsed by KCR."

He said the Opposition has been pointing out "blemishes" in the TRS (Telangana Rashtra Samiti) manifesto, but the people have to decide finally.

"You can look at the moon and point out the brightness it exudes. You can also point out the small blemishes the moon has. So, the Opposition always has to point out the blemishes in our manifesto and those promises that our party has not fulfilled," Rao added.

Exuding confidence that people will cast "decisive votes", Rao who is one of the most popular faces in the state and a potential successor of K Chandrashekar Rao, said let people judge TRS' performance and cast their vote.

He said the party has laid a strong foundation in the state, but admitted there were some issues in implementing all its promises.

"There are going to be issues. But we already have a foot in the elections and we are going on polls on December 7. Let them (Opposition) give their agenda and we will give ours. Let people decide. We believe we played a strong foundation," he said.

Asked if the TRS was depending on KCR's image to retain power, Rao said, "We are banking on good governance by KCR. We are banking on pro-poor policies of TRS. We are banking on a combination of welfare and development which never been seen in any state."

On former finance minister P Chidambaram's allegation that Telangana chief minister has failed to deliver the goods and left behind Rs 2.20 lakh crore debt on the people, Rao said, "Mr Chidambaram being a learned man should not mislead people. We do not need Chidambaram's certificate. We don't need Congress party's certificate. We need certificate from the people."

The state debt-to-GDP ratio is 22 per cent that is lower than the country's average and than that of many other states, he added.

Rao also rejected suggestions that there is a power tussle within the family and said his father will be the chief minister for the next 10-15 years.

On the party's promise of offering 1 lakh government jobs, the TRS leader said, "We have filled 38,000 posts. Let me remind you, this is the highest number any government has filled in the past. The previous government has filled on an average 9,000 jobs annually."

He further said the 'Rythu Bandhu Scheme' was a revolutionary scheme lauded by the UN as well as renowned farm scientist M S Swaminathan and chief economic advisor Arvind Subramanian but the Opposition was finding "loopholes".

"I pity their intellectual bankruptcy. ...These jokers (Congress and TDP) who ruled us for 70 years could not conceive a programme like this," he said.

The TRS leader further said the party has turned a power-deficit state into a power-surplus state, irrigation projects are near 90 per cent completion and the state government has brought 38 lakh hectares under irrigation.

Stating that farmers' suicides are declining rapidly in the state, Rao said, "Union Minister of State for Agriculture Purshottam Rupala has said it on record on the floor of Parliament that 1,500 or 1,600, subject to correction, farmers suicides have come down by 54 per cent last year to 645. We also want to see a situation in Telangana that there are zero farmers' suicides."

Asked about the Opposition's allegation that the TRS was becoming a party of Reddy community as half of the candidates fielded by it belong to that caste, Rao said these are baseless allegations.

"We do not divide communities in Telangana based on caste, creed or religion," he added.

As the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) makes a determined bid to retain power in Telangana, party leader K T Rama Rao expressed confidence people will cast "decisive votes" in its favour in the upcoming assembly polls, asserting that his father and interim chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao is enough to neutralise any anti-incumbency sentiment against the party.

As the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) makes a determined bid to retain power in Telangana, party leader K T Rama Rao expressed confidence people will cast "decisive votes" in its favour in the upcoming assembly polls, asserting that his father and interim chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao is enough to neutralise any anti-incumbency sentiment against the party. Claiming that people in the country's newest state that took birth in 2014 are aware of the TRS government's developmental work, Rao said the party is banking on his father and his vision to come to power again, hoping to get 100 seats in the 119-member house. Popularly known as KTR, the 42-year-old is contesting for the third time from Sircilla constituency, 140 km from Hyderabad, in the December 7 assembly polls. He won with over 53,000 votes against a Congress candidate in the 2014 assembly elections. In an exclusive interview to PTI, Rao said, "People realise that this is the election where KCR (as the chief minister is popularly known as) gets elected as chief minister. For that to happen, they have to vote for MLAs. Whatever anti-incumbency or dissatisfaction that could be against incumbent MLAs, that will be eclipsed by KCR." He said the Opposition has been pointing out "blemishes" in the TRS (Telangana Rashtra Samiti) manifesto, but the people have to decide finally. "You can look at the moon and point out the brightness it exudes. You can also point out the small blemishes the moon has. So, the Opposition always has to point out the blemishes in our manifesto and those promises that our party has not fulfilled," Rao added. Exuding confidence that people will cast "decisive votes", Rao who is one of the most popular faces in the state and a potential successor of K Chandrashekar Rao, said let people judge TRS' performance and cast their vote. He said the party has laid a strong foundation in the state, but admitted there were some issues in implementing all its promises. "There are going to be issues. But we already have a foot in the elections and we are going on polls on December 7. Let them (Opposition) give their agenda and we will give ours. Let people decide. We believe we played a strong foundation," he said. Asked if the TRS was depending on KCR's image to retain power, Rao said, "We are banking on good governance by KCR. We are banking on pro-poor policies of TRS. We are banking on a combination of welfare and development which never been seen in any state." On former finance minister P Chidambaram's allegation that Telangana chief minister has failed to deliver the goods and left behind Rs 2.20 lakh crore debt on the people, Rao said, "Mr Chidambaram being a learned man should not mislead people. We do not need Chidambaram's certificate. We don't need Congress party's certificate. We need certificate from the people." The state debt-to-GDP ratio is 22 per cent that is lower than the country's average and than that of many other states, he added. Rao also rejected suggestions that there is a power tussle within the family and said his father will be the chief minister for the next 10-15 years. On the party's promise of offering 1 lakh government jobs, the TRS leader said, "We have filled 38,000 posts. Let me remind you, this is the highest number any government has filled in the past. The previous government has filled on an average 9,000 jobs annually." He further said the 'Rythu Bandhu Scheme' was a revolutionary scheme lauded by the UN as well as renowned farm scientist M S Swaminathan and chief economic advisor Arvind Subramanian but the Opposition was finding "loopholes". "I pity their intellectual bankruptcy. ...These jokers (Congress and TDP) who ruled us for 70 years could not conceive a programme like this," he said. The TRS leader further said the party has turned a power-deficit state into a power-surplus state, irrigation projects are near 90 per cent completion and the state government has brought 38 lakh hectares under irrigation. Stating that farmers' suicides are declining rapidly in the state, Rao said, "Union Minister of State for Agriculture Purshottam Rupala has said it on record on the floor of Parliament that 1,500 or 1,600, subject to correction, farmers suicides have come down by 54 per cent last year to 645. We also want to see a situation in Telangana that there are zero farmers' suicides." Asked about the Opposition's allegation that the TRS was becoming a party of Reddy community as half of the candidates fielded by it belong to that caste, Rao said these are baseless allegations. "We do not divide communities in Telangana based on caste, creed or religion," he added.

People will cast 'decisive' vote in favour of TRS to retain power in Telangana, says KCR's son

The voter turnout in Madhya Pradesh till 1 pm was recorded as 27 per cent, while that in the northeastern state was recorded as 49 per cent in Mizoram.

The turnout&nbsp;till&nbsp;11 am was recorded as 21 per cent in MP while 29 per cent in Mizoram.

The two states are undergoing<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-elections-2018-polling-begins-in-mizoram-179865"> polls</a> to elect their legislative members.

Amid tight security, polling for Mizoram's 40-member&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mizoram-polls-litmus-test-for-cm-thanhawla-bjp-looks-to-uproot-congress-from-last-bastion-in-northeast-179767">legislative assembly</a>&nbsp;began at 7 am, while Madhya Pradesh went to the polls an hour later at 8 am.

However,&nbsp;Maoist-affected Balaghat district in MP went to poll at 7 am.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mizoram-polls-litmus-test-for-cm-thanhawla-bjp-looks-to-uproot-congress-from-last-bastion-in-northeast-179767">Mizoram</a>&nbsp;is one of three states currently under Congress rule, while the BJP has been in power in Madhya&nbsp;Pradesh for the last 15 years. The BJP has never formed a government in Mizoram.

The Congress and the MNF (Mizoram's second party) are contesting all 40 constituencies in the state, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is fighting in 39 seats.

The battle for power in Madhya Pradesh's 230 seats is mainly between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) are also in the fray.&nbsp;

The BJP has fielded candidates in all 230 seats, while the Congress is contesting 229 seats.

Congress leader&nbsp;Jyotiraditya Scindia said that he had written to the Election Commission&nbsp;demanding an extension of voting in Madhya Pradesh after several complaints of EVM malfunctioning were reported in the polling booth.&nbsp;

Shivraj Singh Chauhan who had been ruling the state for the past three terms expressed his confidence over winning the elections for the fourth time.

He said, "We’re 100 per cent certain that BJP will forma government with an absolute majority. We have set a target of 200 seats and our lakhs of volunteers are working to make it a reality".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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We’re 100% certain that BJP will form government with an absolute majority. We have set a target of 200 seats and our lakhs of volunteers are working to make it a reality: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan after casting his vote in Budhni <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradeshElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradeshElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/RNQMYXBFQs">pic.twitter.com/RNQMYXBFQs</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067627947014664192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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While Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said, "I&nbsp;assure you that on 11th December Congress will form the government with the blessings of the people".&nbsp;

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I assure you that on 11th December Congress will form the government with the blessings of the people: Jyotiraditya Scindia after casting his vote at a polling booth in Gwalior <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradeshElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradeshElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/AeswowBZTU">pic.twitter.com/AeswowBZTU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067652700542767104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The election day also witnessed an unfortunate death of one election commission in Guna while two others in Indore.&nbsp;

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One Election Commission official in Guna, and two in Indore have passed away due to cardiac arrest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradeshElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradeshElections</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067644614021181440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Update?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Update</a> Election Commission announces Rs 10 lakh each compensation for the kin of the EC officials who passed away while on election duty <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradeshElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradeshElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/7Qv1XJvwIS">https://t.co/7Qv1XJvwIS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067658619846578176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The voter turnout in Madhya Pradesh till 1 pm was recorded as 27 per cent, while that in the northeastern state was recorded as 49 per cent in Mizoram. The turnout till 11 am was recorded as 21 per cent in MP while 29 per cent in Mizoram.

The voter turnout in Madhya Pradesh till 1 pm was recorded as 27 per cent, while that in the northeastern state was recorded as 49 per cent in Mizoram. The turnout till 11 am was recorded as 21 per cent in MP while 29 per cent in Mizoram. The two states are undergoing polls to elect their legislative members. Amid tight security, polling for Mizoram's 40-member legislative assembly began at 7 am, while Madhya Pradesh went to the polls an hour later at 8 am. However, Maoist-affected Balaghat district in MP went to poll at 7 am. Mizoram is one of three states currently under Congress rule, while the BJP has been in power in Madhya Pradesh for the last 15 years. The BJP has never formed a government in Mizoram. The Congress and the MNF (Mizoram's second party) are contesting all 40 constituencies in the state, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is fighting in 39 seats. The battle for power in Madhya Pradesh's 230 seats is mainly between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) are also in the fray. The BJP has fielded candidates in all 230 seats, while the Congress is contesting 229 seats. Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said that he had written to the Election Commission demanding an extension of voting in Madhya Pradesh after several complaints of EVM malfunctioning were reported in the polling booth. Shivraj Singh Chauhan who had been ruling the state for the past three terms expressed his confidence over winning the elections for the fourth time. He said, "We’re 100 per cent certain that BJP will forma government with an absolute majority. We have set a target of 200 seats and our lakhs of volunteers are working to make it a reality". We’re 100% certain that BJP will form government with an absolute majority. We have set a target of 200 seats and our lakhs of volunteers are working to make it a reality: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan after casting his vote in Budhni #MadhyaPradeshElections pic.twitter.com/RNQMYXBFQs — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × While Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said, "I assure you that on 11th December Congress will form the government with the blessings of the people". I assure you that on 11th December Congress will form the government with the blessings of the people: Jyotiraditya Scindia after casting his vote at a polling booth in Gwalior #MadhyaPradeshElections pic.twitter.com/AeswowBZTU — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × The election day also witnessed an unfortunate death of one election commission in Guna while two others in Indore. One Election Commission official in Guna, and two in Indore have passed away due to cardiac arrest #MadhyaPradeshElections — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × #Update Election Commission announces Rs 10 lakh each compensation for the kin of the EC officials who passed away while on election duty #MadhyaPradeshElections https://t.co/7Qv1XJvwIS — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 ×

Assembly election 2018: Madhya Pradesh registers 27% voter turnout, Mizoram 49% till 1 pm

Incumbent Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, accompanied by wife Sadhna Singh and his sons Kartikey and Kunal, cast their votes at a polling station in Budhni while expressing confidence in the party's victory in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-elections-2018-polling-begins-in-mizoram-179865">ongoing assembly polls</a>.

Speaking exclusively to ANI, Chouhan said 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 absolute majority. We have set a target of 200 seats this time and lakhs of volunteers are working to achieve this goal.

Speaking about his Congress opponent Arun Yadav, Chouhan said that the party has done a "lot of injustice" to him.

"They (Congress) first removed him from the post of state unit president and then gave him a ticket from Budhni," he claimed.

Voting for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/assembly-elections-2018-congress-banking-on-anti-incumbent-sentiment-in-madhya-pradesh-179899">230 assembly seats</a> has commenced in Madhya Pradesh today. In the view of polling, Chouhan and his wife, Sadhna, urged all people to cast their votes in favour of the BJP if they want to continue seeing development in the state.

"I appeal to people that this vote is not only a vote but a vote for development. Your one vote can change the future of Madhya Pradesh. Your one vote can uplift the poor, women, girls in the society. Your one vote can improve the lives of farmers. Your one vote can provide free medical treatments to the needy. I request you all to vote for us," said Chouhan.

While Chouhan's younger son, Kunal, refused to comment on any political aspect, he urged the youth to exercise their franchise in order to make their state developed.

Kartikey Chouhan, the elder son of the incumbent chief minister, also reiterated that the BJP will defeat all rival political quarters and win over 200 seats in the elections this time. "Last time, we three came for casting votes and won the elections. But this time, we four have come and I am confident that BJP will win for the fourth time," he added.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pro-incumbency-at-work-in-madhya-pradesh-says-shivraj-singh-chouhan-179768">In Madhya Pradesh</a>, voting, which began at 8am, will conclude at 5pm. However, the timing for polling in Baihar, Lanji and Parswada assembly constituencies of Balaghat district has been set from 7am to 3pm.

Around five crore eligible voters will decide the fate of 2,899 candidates contesting for 230 seats of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made in order to ensure free, fair and peaceful polls. Around one lakh 80 thousand security personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order in the region.

Incumbent Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, accompanied by wife Sadhna Singh and his sons Kartikey and Kunal, cast their votes at a polling station in Budhni while expressing confidence in the party's victory in the ongoing assembly polls.

Incumbent Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, accompanied by wife Sadhna Singh and his sons Kartikey and Kunal, cast their votes at a polling station in Budhni while expressing confidence in the party's victory in the ongoing assembly polls. Speaking exclusively to ANI, Chouhan said 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 absolute majority. We have set a target of 200 seats this time and lakhs of volunteers are working to achieve this goal. Speaking about his Congress opponent Arun Yadav, Chouhan said that the party has done a "lot of injustice" to him. "They (Congress) first removed him from the post of state unit president and then gave him a ticket from Budhni," he claimed. Voting for 230 assembly seats has commenced in Madhya Pradesh today. In the view of polling, Chouhan and his wife, Sadhna, urged all people to cast their votes in favour of the BJP if they want to continue seeing development in the state. "I appeal to people that this vote is not only a vote but a vote for development. Your one vote can change the future of Madhya Pradesh. Your one vote can uplift the poor, women, girls in the society. Your one vote can improve the lives of farmers. Your one vote can provide free medical treatments to the needy. I request you all to vote for us," said Chouhan. While Chouhan's younger son, Kunal, refused to comment on any political aspect, he urged the youth to exercise their franchise in order to make their state developed. Kartikey Chouhan, the elder son of the incumbent chief minister, also reiterated that the BJP will defeat all rival political quarters and win over 200 seats in the elections this time. "Last time, we three came for casting votes and won the elections. But this time, we four have come and I am confident that BJP will win for the fourth time," he added. In Madhya Pradesh, voting, which began at 8am, will conclude at 5pm. However, the timing for polling in Baihar, Lanji and Parswada assembly constituencies of Balaghat district has been set from 7am to 3pm. Around five crore eligible voters will decide the fate of 2,899 candidates contesting for 230 seats of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly. Elaborate security arrangements have been made in order to ensure free, fair and peaceful polls. Around one lakh 80 thousand security personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order in the region.

'Abki baar 200 paar': Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan confident of victory in Assembly polls

Chandramukhi, a 30-year-old trans-woman activist, contesting the Telangana Assembly election from the Goshamahal constituency in Hyderabad on Bahujan Left Front ticket, went missing from her home since Tuesday morning.

Speaking to ANI over the phone, Banjarahills ACP KS Rao said that the transgender community on Tuesday night approached the police complaining of Chandramukhi`s missing since morning.

The police have registered a case and investigations are underway.

"We have formed a special team to search Chandramukhi. We are monitoring the CCTV. There is no suspicion on anyone," the police said.

On November 21, Chandramukhi filed nomination from Goshamahal constituency.

Chandramukhi`s opponent is sitting legislator Raja Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Telangana Legislative Assembly election is scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies.

The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Chandramukhi, a 30-year-old trans-woman activist, contesting the Telangana Assembly election from the Goshamahal constituency in Hyderabad on Bahujan Left Front ticket, went missing from her home since Tuesday morning.

Chandramukhi, a 30-year-old trans-woman activist, contesting the Telangana Assembly election from the Goshamahal constituency in Hyderabad on Bahujan Left Front ticket, went missing from her home since Tuesday morning. Speaking to ANI over the phone, Banjarahills ACP KS Rao said that the transgender community on Tuesday night approached the police complaining of Chandramukhi`s missing since morning. The police have registered a case and investigations are underway. "We have formed a special team to search Chandramukhi. We are monitoring the CCTV. There is no suspicion on anyone," the police said. On November 21, Chandramukhi filed nomination from Goshamahal constituency. Chandramukhi`s opponent is sitting legislator Raja Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Telangana Legislative Assembly election is scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

India assembly elections 2018: Trans-woman contesting Telangana poll missing

As the voting kick-started in Madhya Pradesh, multiple instances of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) malfunctioning have been reported, thus temporarily stalling the polling process.

In Mohana booth number 55, the EVM has stopped working and no voter has been able to cast vote since morning, while in Ujjain, two EVMs were replaced due to errors. In Alirajpur, a total of 11 VVPAT machines were replaced and polling was resumed. In Burhanpur, five VVPATs and two EVMs were replaced after being found defective.

Meanwhile, in Bhopal Central region, two EVMs were reported to be faulty, following which a team of the Election Commission was sent to replace machines.

Campaign material was seized from a person said to be a BJP polling agent from a booth in Saint Mary's, Bhopal, as it was within 200 metres of a polling booth. The police have arrested one person with regards to the case.

Amid tight security, Madhya Pradesh is voting for a new assembly today. The voting is being underway at 65,341 polling booths, which have been set up for the single-phase elections to 230 seats of the state Assembly. As many as 2,000 booths will entirely be operated by women staff. Special arrangements have been made for visually impaired people to help them cast their votes.

A total of 5,04,95,251 voters including 1389 third gender will cast their votes to decide the fortune of as many as 2,907 candidates, who are in the fray. The State Election Commission has made elaborate security arrangements to ensure that polling takes place in a free and fair manner.

The result of the poll will be declared on December 11.

As the voting kick-started in Madhya Pradesh, multiple instances of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) malfunctioning have been reported, thus temporarily stalling the polling process.

As the voting kick-started in Madhya Pradesh, multiple instances of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) malfunctioning have been reported, thus temporarily stalling the polling process. In Mohana booth number 55, the EVM has stopped working and no voter has been able to cast vote since morning, while in Ujjain, two EVMs were replaced due to errors. In Alirajpur, a total of 11 VVPAT machines were replaced and polling was resumed. In Burhanpur, five VVPATs and two EVMs were replaced after being found defective. Meanwhile, in Bhopal Central region, two EVMs were reported to be faulty, following which a team of the Election Commission was sent to replace machines. Campaign material was seized from a person said to be a BJP polling agent from a booth in Saint Mary's, Bhopal, as it was within 200 metres of a polling booth. The police have arrested one person with regards to the case. Amid tight security, Madhya Pradesh is voting for a new assembly today. The voting is being underway at 65,341 polling booths, which have been set up for the single-phase elections to 230 seats of the state Assembly. As many as 2,000 booths will entirely be operated by women staff. Special arrangements have been made for visually impaired people to help them cast their votes. A total of 5,04,95,251 voters including 1389 third gender will cast their votes to decide the fortune of as many as 2,907 candidates, who are in the fray. The State Election Commission has made elaborate security arrangements to ensure that polling takes place in a free and fair manner. The result of the poll will be declared on December 11.

Faulty EVMs, VVPATs halt polling in few constituencies in Madhya Pradesh

The people of Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram are all set to cast their votes in the state Vidhan Sabha polls.

The election machinery is ready and all prepared for the elections in both states.&nbsp;

Chief Electoral Officer, Madhya Pradesh, VL Kantha Rao on Monday announced that 65,000 polling booths will be set up for the assembly elections, including 2000 booths that would be entirely women-operated.

"3 Lakh government employees including 45,000 women have been deployed on polling duty. 65,000 polling booths are being made in the state. Around 2,000 entirely women-only polling booths would be functional. 160 polling booths will be fully operated by differently-abled personnel," he informed.

1.80 lakh security personnel and 3,00,782 government employees have been deployed on poll duty at 65,367 booths set up across the state.

Madhya Pradesh has a 230-member Assembly and total 2,907 candidates are in the fray for the contest.

The BJP is contesting on all the 230 seats, while the Congress has fielded 229 candidates.

In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP won 166 seats in the House in 2013 and elected Chouhan as the Chief Minister. The Congress and BSP bagged 58 and 4 seats respectively. Three Independent MLAs also won the polls.

The tenure of 230-member House expires on January 7, 2019.

Meanwhile, all arrangements are in place in Mizoram for the voting.

The Congress and the main opposition, the MNF, have fielded 40 candidates each, while the BJP is contesting in 39 seats.

(With inputs from agencies)

The people of Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram are all set to cast their votes in the state Vidhan Sabha polls. The election machinery is ready and all prepared for the elections in both states.

The people of Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram are all set to cast their votes in the state Vidhan Sabha polls. The election machinery is ready and all prepared for the elections in both states. Chief Electoral Officer, Madhya Pradesh, VL Kantha Rao on Monday announced that 65,000 polling booths will be set up for the assembly elections, including 2000 booths that would be entirely women-operated. "3 Lakh government employees including 45,000 women have been deployed on polling duty. 65,000 polling booths are being made in the state. Around 2,000 entirely women-only polling booths would be functional. 160 polling booths will be fully operated by differently-abled personnel," he informed. 1.80 lakh security personnel and 3,00,782 government employees have been deployed on poll duty at 65,367 booths set up across the state. Madhya Pradesh has a 230-member Assembly and total 2,907 candidates are in the fray for the contest. The BJP is contesting on all the 230 seats, while the Congress has fielded 229 candidates. In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP won 166 seats in the House in 2013 and elected Chouhan as the Chief Minister. The Congress and BSP bagged 58 and 4 seats respectively. Three Independent MLAs also won the polls. The tenure of 230-member House expires on January 7, 2019. Meanwhile, all arrangements are in place in Mizoram for the voting. The Congress and the main opposition, the MNF, have fielded 40 candidates each, while the BJP is contesting in 39 seats. (With inputs from agencies)

Security tightened ahead of voting in Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram

After Mamata Banerjee, another Opposition's warrior has stepped up&nbsp;efforts to unite anti-BJP forces ahead of Lok Sabha elections 2019.

Over the past few weeks, Naidu met several opposition leaders and gave some brazen statements against the ruling party. He said that it's the responsibility of opposition leaders to defeat the BJP in 2019 Lok Sabha elections and save the democracy.

Most importantly, Naidu dropped his 'non-Congress Third Front' plank and met party president Rahul Gandhi. Both the leaders stressed on the need for Opposition unity to save the nation. They maintained it's a democratic compulsion for the TDP and Congress to come together setting aside their differences.

Furthermore, Naidu also met West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, his son and chief minister of Karnataka HD Kumaraswamy and DMK chief MK Stalin to put up united face against the BJP.

Asserting that the nation is under threat, the TDP chief has convened a meeting of the Opposition leaders in December to discuss future strategies to defeat the BJP in 2019 elections.

Naidu had pulled out of the NDA in March this year over the Centre's refusal to grant special status to Andhra Pradesh.

A few days ago, Mamata Banerjee was running from pillar to post to unite the opposition, but now Chandrababu Naidu is racing ahead of her. However, they both are in sync with each other to achieve their common goal - demolishing BJP.

The two interlocutors - Naidu and Mamata, have been trying to stitch an anti-BJP alliance for quite some time now. They have made communalism, attack on institutions like RBI, CBI and economic crisis under the NDA-rule as main grounds to garner the support of the Opposition parties.&nbsp;

The 'Third Front' could be a definite possibility in 2019 Lok Sabha elections and several state elections prove it quite clearly. In Uttar Pradesh bypolls, Samajwadi Party, backed by the BSP, defeated the BJP in Phulpur and Gorakhpur constituency. &nbsp;

In 2018 Karnataka Assembly elections, the Saffron party met a similar fate when Congress and JD(S) formed a coalition government in the state despite BJP emerging as the single largest party.&nbsp;

Moreover, in the recent Karnataka bypolls, the ruling coalition - JDS-Congress stunned BJP by winning both the Assembly seats and two of the three Lok Sabha seats. This came as a morale booster for the Opposition in the run-up to 2019 Assembly elections.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in another significant development, PDP, with the support of Congress and National Conference, has staked claim to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir. This is an important realignment of political forces in the state wherein NC and PDP have set aside their rivalry to take on the BJP.

It seems there is no competition among the opposition leaders for declaring the face of Opposition (at least for now). Acting wisely, Naidu has chosen to go along with Mamata Banerjee on this, and after a round of talks both the leaders announced - "Everyone will be the face of Mahagathbandhan."

Senior Opposition leaders like Sharad Pawar, Farooq Abdullah have authorised Naidu to speak to various state leaders to bring all anti-BJP forces together. The TDP chief has reportedly assured them of convincing Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati to become part of the 'Grand Secular Alliance' against the saffron party.

Currently, there is no credible alternative leader to lead the pack of anti-BJP forces. With major Opposition parties singing in chorus against the BJP, 'Third Front' is no more a distant dream.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

After Mamata Banerjee, another Opposition's warrior has stepped up efforts to unite anti-BJP forces ahead of Lok Sabha elections 2019. Over the past few weeks, Naidu met several opposition leaders and gave some brazen statements against the ruling party.

After Mamata Banerjee, another Opposition's warrior has stepped up efforts to unite anti-BJP forces ahead of Lok Sabha elections 2019. Over the past few weeks, Naidu met several opposition leaders and gave some brazen statements against the ruling party. He said that it's the responsibility of opposition leaders to defeat the BJP in 2019 Lok Sabha elections and save the democracy. Most importantly, Naidu dropped his 'non-Congress Third Front' plank and met party president Rahul Gandhi. Both the leaders stressed on the need for Opposition unity to save the nation. They maintained it's a democratic compulsion for the TDP and Congress to come together setting aside their differences. Furthermore, Naidu also met West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, his son and chief minister of Karnataka HD Kumaraswamy and DMK chief MK Stalin to put up united face against the BJP. Asserting that the nation is under threat, the TDP chief has convened a meeting of the Opposition leaders in December to discuss future strategies to defeat the BJP in 2019 elections. Naidu had pulled out of the NDA in March this year over the Centre's refusal to grant special status to Andhra Pradesh. A few days ago, Mamata Banerjee was running from pillar to post to unite the opposition, but now Chandrababu Naidu is racing ahead of her. However, they both are in sync with each other to achieve their common goal - demolishing BJP. The two interlocutors - Naidu and Mamata, have been trying to stitch an anti-BJP alliance for quite some time now. They have made communalism, attack on institutions like RBI, CBI and economic crisis under the NDA-rule as main grounds to garner the support of the Opposition parties. The 'Third Front' could be a definite possibility in 2019 Lok Sabha elections and several state elections prove it quite clearly. In Uttar Pradesh bypolls, Samajwadi Party, backed by the BSP, defeated the BJP in Phulpur and Gorakhpur constituency. In 2018 Karnataka Assembly elections, the Saffron party met a similar fate when Congress and JD(S) formed a coalition government in the state despite BJP emerging as the single largest party. Moreover, in the recent Karnataka bypolls, the ruling coalition - JDS-Congress stunned BJP by winning both the Assembly seats and two of the three Lok Sabha seats. This came as a morale booster for the Opposition in the run-up to 2019 Assembly elections. Meanwhile, in another significant development, PDP, with the support of Congress and National Conference, has staked claim to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir. This is an important realignment of political forces in the state wherein NC and PDP have set aside their rivalry to take on the BJP. It seems there is no competition among the opposition leaders for declaring the face of Opposition (at least for now). Acting wisely, Naidu has chosen to go along with Mamata Banerjee on this, and after a round of talks both the leaders announced - "Everyone will be the face of Mahagathbandhan." Senior Opposition leaders like Sharad Pawar, Farooq Abdullah have authorised Naidu to speak to various state leaders to bring all anti-BJP forces together. The TDP chief has reportedly assured them of convincing Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati to become part of the 'Grand Secular Alliance' against the saffron party. Currently, there is no credible alternative leader to lead the pack of anti-BJP forces. With major Opposition parties singing in chorus against the BJP, 'Third Front' is no more a distant dream. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Chandrababu Naidu - Opposition's trump card to unite anti-BJP forces

Chief Electoral Officer, Madhya Pradesh, VL Kantha Rao on Monday announced that 65,000 polling booths will be set up for the assembly elections, including 2000 booths that would be entirely women-operated.

"3 Lakh government employees including 45,000 women have been deployed on polling duty. 65,000 polling booths are being made in the state. Around 2,000 entirely women-only polling booths would be functional. 160 polling booths will be fully operated by differently-abled personnel," he informed.

Rao also announced that the silence period for Madhya Pradesh had begun, prohibiting all forms of campaigning in the state. "With only 48 hours remaining from the end of polling, the silence period has begun for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections and all campaigning is prohibited now onwards. Any advertisement on print, electronic media or social media is prohibited. Campaigning through phone calls or messaging services is also prohibited."

Rao further informed that special arrangements have been made for visually impaired people to help them cast their vote.

"Apart from the 3 lakh employees from the state, 12,000 Central Government Employees will be working as micro-observers at a different place. For the convenience of visually impaired voters, the commission has issued Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) with Braille inscription".

Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections will take place on November 28 to elect members of the 230 constituencies in the state.

The result of the polls will declare on December 11. The election will be considered as a direct political battle between the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) and the Congress.

While the incumbent Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan government will try to win the post for the consecutive fourth term, the Congress will fight for winning the state after 2003.

In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP won 166 seats in the House in 2013 and elected Chouhan as the Chief Minister.

The Congress and BSP bagged 58 and 4 seats respectively. Three Independent MLAs also won the polls. The tenure of 230-member House expires on January 7, 2019. (ANI)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Chief Electoral Officer, Madhya Pradesh, VL Kantha Rao on Monday announced that 65,000 polling booths will be set up for the assembly elections, including 2000 booths that would be entirely women-operated.

Chief Electoral Officer, Madhya Pradesh, VL Kantha Rao on Monday announced that 65,000 polling booths will be set up for the assembly elections, including 2000 booths that would be entirely women-operated. "3 Lakh government employees including 45,000 women have been deployed on polling duty. 65,000 polling booths are being made in the state. Around 2,000 entirely women-only polling booths would be functional. 160 polling booths will be fully operated by differently-abled personnel," he informed. Rao also announced that the silence period for Madhya Pradesh had begun, prohibiting all forms of campaigning in the state. "With only 48 hours remaining from the end of polling, the silence period has begun for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections and all campaigning is prohibited now onwards. Any advertisement on print, electronic media or social media is prohibited. Campaigning through phone calls or messaging services is also prohibited." Rao further informed that special arrangements have been made for visually impaired people to help them cast their vote. "Apart from the 3 lakh employees from the state, 12,000 Central Government Employees will be working as micro-observers at a different place. For the convenience of visually impaired voters, the commission has issued Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) with Braille inscription". Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections will take place on November 28 to elect members of the 230 constituencies in the state. The result of the polls will declare on December 11. The election will be considered as a direct political battle between the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) and the Congress. While the incumbent Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan government will try to win the post for the consecutive fourth term, the Congress will fight for winning the state after 2003. In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP won 166 seats in the House in 2013 and elected Chouhan as the Chief Minister. The Congress and BSP bagged 58 and 4 seats respectively. Three Independent MLAs also won the polls. The tenure of 230-member House expires on January 7, 2019. (ANI)

MP polls: EC to set up 65,000 polling booths, 2000 to be women-operated

Campaigning for the December 7 Rajasthan Assembly polls intensified Monday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BSP chief Mayawati addressing a total of 17 public meetings in the state.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders attacked the Congress with PM Modi leading from the front, slamming the opposition party over its stand on terrorism, Naxalism and tribal development among others, while Gandhi said farm loans would be waived if the Congress formed the government in the state and asked his party workers not to use any bad word against the prime minister and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.

While the prime minister was in Bhilwara, Dungarpur and Kota, Gandhi visited the Ajmer dargah and Pushkar, before addressing rallies at Pokhran (in Jaisalmer district), Jalore and Jodhpur. 
Adityanath addressed five rallies in Nagaur, Sikar, Churu, Bikaner and Jaisalmer districts.

Rajnath Singh took part in two rallies at Dholpur and as many in Jaipur district, while Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati addressed rallies at Jhunjhunu and Jaipur.

Both Gandhi and Adityanath addressed meetings in support of the candidates of their respective parties in the Pokhran constituency, whereas Mayawati and Rajnath Singh held separate rallies in the Amber constituency in Jaipur.

Highlighting the importance of every single vote, both PM Modi and Gandhi exuded confidence that their respective parties will form the government in the state after December 7.

At the Kota rally, the prime minister said, "Your votes will empower PM Modi. Your votes will bring changes in the country."

"Broadband network reached one lakh villages, 2.5 to 3 lakh kms of optical-fibre line was laid, 12 crore LPG connections, better roads were given in four-and-a-half years of the BJP government at the Centre. Your one vote has provided speed to the country. It has the power to change the country and shape its future," he said.

PM Modi alleged that the Congress had no issues and therefore, was making casteist remarks. Rajnath Singh and Adityanath also targeted Gandhi.

At Ratangarh, Adityanath said the Congress chief was the guarantee of defeat for his party's candidates.

"No Congress candidate wants Rahul Gandhi in his constituency because Gandhi means defeat," he said.

On the other hand, the Congress president said farm loans would be waived within 10 days if his party formed the government in the state.

He also said PM Modi and Raje were left with no issues as they had made false promises and broke people's trust, adding that now they were spreading hatred and anger.

Gandhi, who visited the Ajmer dargah and the Pushkar lake before addressing the rallies, said the Congress government would restart the free medicines scheme and put public money in improving the infrastructure in hospitals, schools and disbursing loans to the youth.

He also cornered the prime minister on the issues of the Rafale deal, demonetisation, favouring top industrialists and the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

State Congress chief Sachin Pilot, who is contesting the upcoming polls from Tonk, and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, the party's candidate from Jodhpur's Sardarpura constituency, accompanied Gandhi at the rallies.

Mayawati, on the other hand, termed both the BJP and Congress "anti-Dalit and anti-poor" and alleged that the two parties wanted to abolish reservation in government jobs. She addressed two rallies in Jhunjhunu and in Jaipur district.

The 200-member Rajasthan Assembly will go to the polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.&nbsp;

Campaigning for the December 7 Rajasthan Assembly polls intensified Monday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BSP chief Mayawati addressing a total of 17 public meetings in the state.

Campaigning for the December 7 Rajasthan Assembly polls intensified Monday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BSP chief Mayawati addressing a total of 17 public meetings in the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders attacked the Congress with PM Modi leading from the front, slamming the opposition party over its stand on terrorism, Naxalism and tribal development among others, while Gandhi said farm loans would be waived if the Congress formed the government in the state and asked his party workers not to use any bad word against the prime minister and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. While the prime minister was in Bhilwara, Dungarpur and Kota, Gandhi visited the Ajmer dargah and Pushkar, before addressing rallies at Pokhran (in Jaisalmer district), Jalore and Jodhpur. Adityanath addressed five rallies in Nagaur, Sikar, Churu, Bikaner and Jaisalmer districts. Rajnath Singh took part in two rallies at Dholpur and as many in Jaipur district, while Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati addressed rallies at Jhunjhunu and Jaipur. Both Gandhi and Adityanath addressed meetings in support of the candidates of their respective parties in the Pokhran constituency, whereas Mayawati and Rajnath Singh held separate rallies in the Amber constituency in Jaipur. Highlighting the importance of every single vote, both PM Modi and Gandhi exuded confidence that their respective parties will form the government in the state after December 7. At the Kota rally, the prime minister said, "Your votes will empower PM Modi. Your votes will bring changes in the country." "Broadband network reached one lakh villages, 2.5 to 3 lakh kms of optical-fibre line was laid, 12 crore LPG connections, better roads were given in four-and-a-half years of the BJP government at the Centre. Your one vote has provided speed to the country. It has the power to change the country and shape its future," he said. PM Modi alleged that the Congress had no issues and therefore, was making casteist remarks. Rajnath Singh and Adityanath also targeted Gandhi. At Ratangarh, Adityanath said the Congress chief was the guarantee of defeat for his party's candidates. "No Congress candidate wants Rahul Gandhi in his constituency because Gandhi means defeat," he said. On the other hand, the Congress president said farm loans would be waived within 10 days if his party formed the government in the state. He also said PM Modi and Raje were left with no issues as they had made false promises and broke people's trust, adding that now they were spreading hatred and anger. Gandhi, who visited the Ajmer dargah and the Pushkar lake before addressing the rallies, said the Congress government would restart the free medicines scheme and put public money in improving the infrastructure in hospitals, schools and disbursing loans to the youth. He also cornered the prime minister on the issues of the Rafale deal, demonetisation, favouring top industrialists and the Goods and Services Tax (GST). State Congress chief Sachin Pilot, who is contesting the upcoming polls from Tonk, and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, the party's candidate from Jodhpur's Sardarpura constituency, accompanied Gandhi at the rallies. Mayawati, on the other hand, termed both the BJP and Congress "anti-Dalit and anti-poor" and alleged that the two parties wanted to abolish reservation in government jobs. She addressed two rallies in Jhunjhunu and in Jaipur district. The 200-member Rajasthan Assembly will go to the polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.

Campaigning for polls gathers steam in Rajasthan

Going all out to woo farmers and the youth in poll-bound Rajasthan, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Monday promised to waive farm loans within 10 days if his party was voted to power in the state and said the Congress chief minister would work 18 hours a day to help youngsters get jobs.

Speaking at election rallies in different parts of the state, he also described the Congress workers as "sher" (tiger) and "babbar sher" (lion) and said they had to fight at the polling booth, but gently, unlike the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers.

Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, Gandhi, who began his day by visiting the Ajmer dargah, the Pushkar lake and the Brahma temple, said the two leaders had become arrogant after winning elections, did not hear the voice of the people, made false promises and broke people's trust, adding that now they were left with nothing and therefore, spreading hatred and anger.

"You (people) are going to make the Congress party's government in the state. Within 10 days of government formation, the Congress will waive farm loans in the state. You can call and ask any farmer in Punjab and Karnataka, where I made the same promise and our governments fulfilled that," he said, addressing the first rally in Jaisalmer's Pokhran area.

Gandhi asserted that he and other Congress leaders like Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot will speak the truth and make promises only if they could fulfil those.

"The bond between you and me should be that of transparency. Many things can be done by being truthful," he said.

"The chief minister of the Congress will work for 18 hours a day and will be engaged in getting the youth jobs. We will put public money in improving the facilities in government hospitals, schools and setting up universities. The vacant posts will be filled and the youth will be given loans to start their own business, factories," he said, while alleging that the Modi government only worked for the top 15 industrialists in the country.

Gandhi said the free medicines scheme introduced by the previous Congress government in the state will be restarted after his party formed the government.

He also attacked the prime minister over the Rafale deal, demonetisation, GST and other issues.

Gandhi said when demonetisation destroyed the informal sector, those who had to stand in queues in front of banks were farmers, labourers, small-scale businessmen etc., but those who had black money got it changed to white in the air-conditioned chambers of the banks with the help of Modi.

He said Modi was left with nothing to speak and thus, he was lying, but the people had understood him well.

Gandhi also accused the prime minister of insulting the youth, farmers, labourers of the country as well as their parents and grandparents with his statement from the Red Fort that the "elephant was sleeping".

"He meant that the country was sleeping before he became the prime minister. This is an insult to your parents and grandparents, who put their efforts and labour and contributed in taking the country to the present stage," he said in Jodhpur.

Targeting Raje, Gandhi said in an advertisement, she had talked about a school in Bharatpur and said it had fans, furniture, drinking water, playground etc., but when journalists went there, they found that the school had nothing -- no fan, no drinking water.

The Congress chief told the party workers not to speak ill about the prime minister or the chief minister.

"You are the soldiers of the Congress and not RSS or BJP workers. Fight with manners. Do not use any bad word for anyone, be it the PM or the CM. It is their work to abuse, not ours. We will speak good of them," he said.

"You hear their speeches and compare with ours. Listen to the way Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot are addressing them. They are addressing them as Modiji, Vasundharaji with manners. On the other hand, they are spreading hatred and anger," Gandhi said.

In Jalore, the Congress chief said the December 7 Assembly election was a fight for the future of the people of Rajasthan.

"This is the fight for your future. You will not get false promises from this stage," he said.

"They (BJP) took people's money and gave it to the top 15 industrialists, which should have gone to hospitals, schools, for employment etc. Tell me one thing, why all these names are Modi -- Neerav Modi, Lalit Modi, Narendra Modi -- all are one. Wherever you see, they are the same names. Someone took Rs 10,000 crore, someone Rs 35,000 crore and one gave Rs 30,000 crore to his friend," Gandhi alleged. He also raised questions on the bullet train project.

Gandhi also accused the BJP of practising divisive politics by alleging that Modi had created two India -- one for the rich and the other for the poor -- and added that the Congress wanted one India.

Gandhi began his election meetings after offering prayers at the Ajmer dargah, the Pushkar lake and the Brahma temple.

He presented a "chadar", along with state Congress chief Pilot and former chief minister Gehlot, at the dargah, where the traditional "khadim" of his family made him perform the "ziyarat".

Gandhi was honoured by the president of the Anjuman committee, Moin Chisty. The Nazim of the Dargah committee, Shakil Ahmed, also honoured the Congress chief.

Gandhi then visited the Pushkar sarovar and the Brahma temple and offered prayers there.

Going all out to woo farmers and the youth in poll-bound Rajasthan, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Monday promised to waive farm loans within 10 days if his party was voted to power in the state and said the Congress chief minister would work 18 hours a day to help youngsters get jobs.

Going all out to woo farmers and the youth in poll-bound Rajasthan, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Monday promised to waive farm loans within 10 days if his party was voted to power in the state and said the Congress chief minister would work 18 hours a day to help youngsters get jobs. Speaking at election rallies in different parts of the state, he also described the Congress workers as "sher" (tiger) and "babbar sher" (lion) and said they had to fight at the polling booth, but gently, unlike the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers. Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, Gandhi, who began his day by visiting the Ajmer dargah, the Pushkar lake and the Brahma temple, said the two leaders had become arrogant after winning elections, did not hear the voice of the people, made false promises and broke people's trust, adding that now they were left with nothing and therefore, spreading hatred and anger. "You (people) are going to make the Congress party's government in the state. Within 10 days of government formation, the Congress will waive farm loans in the state. You can call and ask any farmer in Punjab and Karnataka, where I made the same promise and our governments fulfilled that," he said, addressing the first rally in Jaisalmer's Pokhran area. Gandhi asserted that he and other Congress leaders like Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot will speak the truth and make promises only if they could fulfil those. "The bond between you and me should be that of transparency. Many things can be done by being truthful," he said. "The chief minister of the Congress will work for 18 hours a day and will be engaged in getting the youth jobs. We will put public money in improving the facilities in government hospitals, schools and setting up universities. The vacant posts will be filled and the youth will be given loans to start their own business, factories," he said, while alleging that the Modi government only worked for the top 15 industrialists in the country. Gandhi said the free medicines scheme introduced by the previous Congress government in the state will be restarted after his party formed the government. He also attacked the prime minister over the Rafale deal, demonetisation, GST and other issues. Gandhi said when demonetisation destroyed the informal sector, those who had to stand in queues in front of banks were farmers, labourers, small-scale businessmen etc., but those who had black money got it changed to white in the air-conditioned chambers of the banks with the help of Modi. He said Modi was left with nothing to speak and thus, he was lying, but the people had understood him well. Gandhi also accused the prime minister of insulting the youth, farmers, labourers of the country as well as their parents and grandparents with his statement from the Red Fort that the "elephant was sleeping". "He meant that the country was sleeping before he became the prime minister. This is an insult to your parents and grandparents, who put their efforts and labour and contributed in taking the country to the present stage," he said in Jodhpur. Targeting Raje, Gandhi said in an advertisement, she had talked about a school in Bharatpur and said it had fans, furniture, drinking water, playground etc., but when journalists went there, they found that the school had nothing -- no fan, no drinking water. The Congress chief told the party workers not to speak ill about the prime minister or the chief minister. "You are the soldiers of the Congress and not RSS or BJP workers. Fight with manners. Do not use any bad word for anyone, be it the PM or the CM. It is their work to abuse, not ours. We will speak good of them," he said. "You hear their speeches and compare with ours. Listen to the way Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot are addressing them. They are addressing them as Modiji, Vasundharaji with manners. On the other hand, they are spreading hatred and anger," Gandhi said. In Jalore, the Congress chief said the December 7 Assembly election was a fight for the future of the people of Rajasthan. "This is the fight for your future. You will not get false promises from this stage," he said. "They (BJP) took people's money and gave it to the top 15 industrialists, which should have gone to hospitals, schools, for employment etc. Tell me one thing, why all these names are Modi -- Neerav Modi, Lalit Modi, Narendra Modi -- all are one. Wherever you see, they are the same names. Someone took Rs 10,000 crore, someone Rs 35,000 crore and one gave Rs 30,000 crore to his friend," Gandhi alleged. He also raised questions on the bullet train project. Gandhi also accused the BJP of practising divisive politics by alleging that Modi had created two India -- one for the rich and the other for the poor -- and added that the Congress wanted one India. Gandhi began his election meetings after offering prayers at the Ajmer dargah, the Pushkar lake and the Brahma temple. He presented a "chadar", along with state Congress chief Pilot and former chief minister Gehlot, at the dargah, where the traditional "khadim" of his family made him perform the "ziyarat". Gandhi was honoured by the president of the Anjuman committee, Moin Chisty. The Nazim of the Dargah committee, Shakil Ahmed, also honoured the Congress chief. Gandhi then visited the Pushkar sarovar and the Brahma temple and offered prayers there.

Rahul promises farm loan waiver, jobs to youth in Rajasthan

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday lashed out at Rahul Gandhi-led Congress, saying that the day the Congress announces their chief ministerial candidate for Rajasthan, it will have a breakdown.

"Kyunki jis din neta ke naam ki ghosna kar denge yahan par Congress party khand khand ho jayegi," Singh stated during a rally in poll-bound Rajasthan's Dholpur.&nbsp;

He further added that the Congress is not able to muster the courage to announce the name of their leader or the chief ministerial candidate.&nbsp;

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Kyunki jis din neta ke naam ki ghosna kar denge yahan par Congress party khand khand ho jayegi. Sahas nahi juta pa rahe hai ki woh apne neta ya mukhya mantri ki ghosna kar de. Yani baarat to unhone nikal di lekin dulhe ka koi pata nahi hai: Home Minister Rajnath Singh (26.11) <a href="https://t.co/ABFSPW9wSF">pic.twitter.com/ABFSPW9wSF</a>
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"The Congress has entered into the electoral battle, but they can't answer if you ask them about their leader," he said.

The Congress has many chief ministerial aspirants in Rajasthan, former CM Ashok Gehlot and young leader Sachin Pilot are in the fight for the top office. The BJP was quick to announce Vasundhara Raje as its leader and chief ministerial candidate for the state much ahead of this year's election season.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-runs-government-comparatively-better-than-congress-rajnath-singh-in-madhya-pradesh-178639">Last week, Rajnath Singh claimed</a> that the BJP has run the government "comparatively better" than the Congress and blamed the opposition party for a "credibility crisis" in politics after Independence.

Talking to reporters in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, Singh asserted that the country was currently witnessing "acche din" (good days) and it was a matter of perception of how people saw it.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday lashed out at Rahul Gandhi-led Congress, saying that the day the Congress announces their chief ministerial candidate for Rajasthan, it will have a breakdown.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday lashed out at Rahul Gandhi-led Congress, saying that the day the Congress announces their chief ministerial candidate for Rajasthan, it will have a breakdown. "Kyunki jis din neta ke naam ki ghosna kar denge yahan par Congress party khand khand ho jayegi," Singh stated during a rally in poll-bound Rajasthan's Dholpur. He further added that the Congress is not able to muster the courage to announce the name of their leader or the chief ministerial candidate. Kyunki jis din neta ke naam ki ghosna kar denge yahan par Congress party khand khand ho jayegi. Sahas nahi juta pa rahe hai ki woh apne neta ya mukhya mantri ki ghosna kar de. Yani baarat to unhone nikal di lekin dulhe ka koi pata nahi hai: Home Minister Rajnath Singh (26.11) pic.twitter.com/ABFSPW9wSF — ANI (@ANI) November 26, 2018 × "The Congress has entered into the electoral battle, but they can't answer if you ask them about their leader," he said. The Congress has many chief ministerial aspirants in Rajasthan, former CM Ashok Gehlot and young leader Sachin Pilot are in the fight for the top office. The BJP was quick to announce Vasundhara Raje as its leader and chief ministerial candidate for the state much ahead of this year's election season. Last week, Rajnath Singh claimed that the BJP has run the government "comparatively better" than the Congress and blamed the opposition party for a "credibility crisis" in politics after Independence. Talking to reporters in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, Singh asserted that the country was currently witnessing "acche din" (good days) and it was a matter of perception of how people saw it.

Congress will have a breakdown once it announces CM candidate for Rajasthan: Rajnath Singh 

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its manifesto for poll-bound state Rajasthan. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley released the script of party's agenda for the state if it comes to power this December. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar and incumbent Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje were also present on the occasion.&nbsp;

The party leaders said that the BJP had met 95 per cent of the promises it had made in 2013.&nbsp;

"The overall completion is 95 per cent," Raje said.

She also highlighted several points of the 2018 manifesto, saying 50 lakh jobs will be created in private sector in next five years in Rajasthan and every year, 30,000 jobs will be given in the government sector, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The chief minister also said up to Rs 5,000 per month will be given as unemployment allowance to eligible youths above the age of 21 years.

The saffron party in its manifesto for Madhya Pradesh promised 10 lakh jobs per year to youths and welfare of all sections of society, among the other major promises made for the November 28.

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Jaipur: BJP releases party manifesto for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZA0x4ZmepO">pic.twitter.com/ZA0x4ZmepO</a>
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For Chhattisgarh, the party, in its manifesto, promised to build a film city in the state and journalist welfare board. BJP chief Amit Shah also assured that the BJP government will provide loans up to 2 lakh without interest to women for starting their business in Chattisgarh.&nbsp;

Rajasthan is set to go to polls on December, the votes will counted on December 11.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje is set to challenge&nbsp;anti-incumbency, she is BJP's chief ministerial candidate this term as well. Congress, on the other hand, &nbsp;has many chief ministerial aspirants in Rajasthan, former CM Ashok Gehlot and young leader Sachin Pilot are in the fight for the top office.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its manifesto for poll-bound state Rajasthan. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley released the script of party's agenda for the state if it comes to power this December.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its manifesto for poll-bound state Rajasthan. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley released the script of party's agenda for the state if it comes to power this December. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar and incumbent Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje were also present on the occasion. The party leaders said that the BJP had met 95 per cent of the promises it had made in 2013. "The overall completion is 95 per cent," Raje said. She also highlighted several points of the 2018 manifesto, saying 50 lakh jobs will be created in private sector in next five years in Rajasthan and every year, 30,000 jobs will be given in the government sector, news agency PTI reported. The chief minister also said up to Rs 5,000 per month will be given as unemployment allowance to eligible youths above the age of 21 years. The saffron party in its manifesto for Madhya Pradesh promised 10 lakh jobs per year to youths and welfare of all sections of society, among the other major promises made for the November 28. Jaipur: BJP releases party manifesto for #RajasthanElections2018 pic.twitter.com/ZA0x4ZmepO — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2018 × For Chhattisgarh, the party, in its manifesto, promised to build a film city in the state and journalist welfare board. BJP chief Amit Shah also assured that the BJP government will provide loans up to 2 lakh without interest to women for starting their business in Chattisgarh. Rajasthan is set to go to polls on December, the votes will counted on December 11. Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje is set to challenge anti-incumbency, she is BJP's chief ministerial candidate this term as well. Congress, on the other hand, has many chief ministerial aspirants in Rajasthan, former CM Ashok Gehlot and young leader Sachin Pilot are in the fight for the top office.

Rajasthan polls: BJP releases manifesto, promises 50 lakh jobs in private sector

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday that Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao was walking the Congress path and that he thinks he can win the elections without doing any work.&nbsp;

Modi was speaking at an election rally in Telanagana. The state goes to the polls on December 7.&nbsp;

"The Chief Minister of this state is walking on Congress' path. He thinks that if Congress can win elections without doing anything, he too can do it. But he must know that youth of the state are aware of the ground realities," Modi said.&nbsp;

Modi added that KCR says he will turn Nizamabad into London "but look at the condition of this region".&nbsp;

He then said that "the region lacks development"&nbsp;

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Those who believe in development, in forming a new Telangana,a new India, are placing their trust in BJP to take nation forward.Telangana was formed after several yrs' struggle&amp;sacrifices of youth.State govt doesn't have right to destroy that sacrifice: PM in Nizamabad <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Telangana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Telangana</a> <a href="https://t.co/DOUYMfd9r1">pic.twitter.com/DOUYMfd9r1</a>
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The Chief Minister of this state is walking on Congress' path. He thinks that if Congress can win elections without doing anything, he too can do it. But he must know that youth of the state are aware of the ground realities: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Nizamabad <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Telangana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Telangana</a> <a href="https://t.co/FKJauKqDXX">pic.twitter.com/FKJauKqDXX</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067314785056894976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Modi went on to say that KCR learnt his politics from the Congress.&nbsp;

"He learnt from them and destroyed Telangana," Modi said. Adding that if the Congress now comes to power, "they’ll do 100 times more destruction".&nbsp;

And he accused both the Congress and KCR's TRS (Telangana Rashtra Samithi) of believing in dynastic politics.&nbsp;

"They are two sides of same coin. Both parties appease the minority, both parties believe in vote-bank politics, none of them have internal democracy," Modi said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday that Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao was walking the Congress path and that he thinks he can win the elections without doing any work.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday that Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao was walking the Congress path and that he thinks he can win the elections without doing any work. Modi was speaking at an election rally in Telanagana. The state goes to the polls on December 7. "The Chief Minister of this state is walking on Congress' path. He thinks that if Congress can win elections without doing anything, he too can do it. But he must know that youth of the state are aware of the ground realities," Modi said. Modi added that KCR says he will turn Nizamabad into London "but look at the condition of this region". He then said that "the region lacks development" Those who believe in development, in forming a new Telangana,a new India, are placing their trust in BJP to take nation forward.Telangana was formed after several yrs' struggle&sacrifices of youth.State govt doesn't have right to destroy that sacrifice: PM in Nizamabad #Telangana pic.twitter.com/DOUYMfd9r1 — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2018 × The Chief Minister of this state is walking on Congress' path. He thinks that if Congress can win elections without doing anything, he too can do it. But he must know that youth of the state are aware of the ground realities: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Nizamabad #Telangana pic.twitter.com/FKJauKqDXX — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2018 × Modi went on to say that KCR learnt his politics from the Congress. "He learnt from them and destroyed Telangana," Modi said. Adding that if the Congress now comes to power, "they’ll do 100 times more destruction". And he accused both the Congress and KCR's TRS (Telangana Rashtra Samithi) of believing in dynastic politics. "They are two sides of same coin. Both parties appease the minority, both parties believe in vote-bank politics, none of them have internal democracy," Modi said.

KCR walking Congress path, thinks he can win elections without doing any work: Modi in Telanagana 

Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-have-replied-to-terrorists-naxals-in-their-own-language-pm-modi-at-rajasthan-poll-rally-179564">Narendra Modi </a>Monday accused the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/from-strong-to-sticky-wicket-why-retaining-power-in-telangana-wont-be-a-cakewalk-for-kcr-179734">TRS </a>and Congress of perpetuating family rule and said the two parties were playing a "friendly match" in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/chandrababu-naidu-oppositions-trump-card-to-unite-anti-bjp-forces-179678">Telangana elections</a>.

Reaffirming the BJP's commitment to inclusive growth, Modi, addressing his first election rally in the state, said vote bank politics has harmed development like "termites".

"The chief minister of Telangana and his family think they can get away with doing no work like the Congress.... They have adopted the style of the Congress which ruled for 50-52 years without doing anything. But that cannot happen now," he told an election rally in Nizamabad, as he took the poll battle to caretaker CM K Chandrasekhar Rao's turf.

Nizamabad is represented by Rao's daughter K Kavitha in the Lok Sabha.

Recalling that Rao had served as a minister in the UPA government, Modi said the TRS chief did his "apprenticeship" under the Congress.

"Congress and TRS are two faces of the same coin. Both parties are competing against each other on who tells more lies.

"TRS and Congress are family-ruled parties playing a friendly match in Telangana polls," he said, adding it was a "big joke" that UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi assailed the TRS for being a "family party" at an election rally last week.

The prime minister said Rao's decision to go for early elections could give people an opportunity to "get rid of him before time".

He said Rao did not join Ayushman Bharat scheme under which the Centre would bear medical expenses of the poor to the extent of Rs five lakh a year because of his feeling of insecurity.

"This chief minister feels so insecure...He trusts astrologers, does puja, ties nimbu-mirchi (to ward of evil). So when we introduced Ayushman Bharat Yojana, he decided not to join it. He feared people will reject him if Modicare comes into force. He did injustice to the poor people of the state," Modi said.

Amid reports that the Congress was preparing a manifesto that would envisage separate schools and hospitals for Muslims, Modi said the only Mantra that the BJP followed was "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" and was against vote bank politics.

"BJP has just one Mantra- Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. We believe in inclusive growth. Vote bank politics has damaged development like a termite," he said.

Development, he said, was a casualty wherever vote bank politics and politics of casteism, communalism and nepotism have flourished. 
He said those who believe in development, building new India and new Telangana trust BJP most.

Accusing the TRS government of not keeping its promises made to youth, farmers, Dalits, tribals and backward classes, Modi asked the voters to teach the party a lesson.

Modi said the chief minister had once asserted he would transform Nizamabad into a smart city like London but the place was still grappling with shortage of water, electricity and proper roads.

"The CM once said he would reach water of the Godavari river to each household or else will not seek votes. Has it happened? The man who cannot provide people with even water doesn't deserve to be given power," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday accused the TRS and Congress of perpetuating family rule and said the two parties were playing a "friendly match" in Telangana elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday accused the TRS and Congress of perpetuating family rule and said the two parties were playing a "friendly match" in Telangana elections. Reaffirming the BJP's commitment to inclusive growth, Modi, addressing his first election rally in the state, said vote bank politics has harmed development like "termites". "The chief minister of Telangana and his family think they can get away with doing no work like the Congress.... They have adopted the style of the Congress which ruled for 50-52 years without doing anything. But that cannot happen now," he told an election rally in Nizamabad, as he took the poll battle to caretaker CM K Chandrasekhar Rao's turf. Nizamabad is represented by Rao's daughter K Kavitha in the Lok Sabha. Recalling that Rao had served as a minister in the UPA government, Modi said the TRS chief did his "apprenticeship" under the Congress. "Congress and TRS are two faces of the same coin. Both parties are competing against each other on who tells more lies. "TRS and Congress are family-ruled parties playing a friendly match in Telangana polls," he said, adding it was a "big joke" that UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi assailed the TRS for being a "family party" at an election rally last week. The prime minister said Rao's decision to go for early elections could give people an opportunity to "get rid of him before time". He said Rao did not join Ayushman Bharat scheme under which the Centre would bear medical expenses of the poor to the extent of Rs five lakh a year because of his feeling of insecurity. "This chief minister feels so insecure...He trusts astrologers, does puja, ties nimbu-mirchi (to ward of evil). So when we introduced Ayushman Bharat Yojana, he decided not to join it. He feared people will reject him if Modicare comes into force. He did injustice to the poor people of the state," Modi said. Amid reports that the Congress was preparing a manifesto that would envisage separate schools and hospitals for Muslims, Modi said the only Mantra that the BJP followed was "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" and was against vote bank politics. "BJP has just one Mantra- Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. We believe in inclusive growth. Vote bank politics has damaged development like a termite," he said. Development, he said, was a casualty wherever vote bank politics and politics of casteism, communalism and nepotism have flourished. He said those who believe in development, building new India and new Telangana trust BJP most. Accusing the TRS government of not keeping its promises made to youth, farmers, Dalits, tribals and backward classes, Modi asked the voters to teach the party a lesson. Modi said the chief minister had once asserted he would transform Nizamabad into a smart city like London but the place was still grappling with shortage of water, electricity and proper roads. "The CM once said he would reach water of the Godavari river to each household or else will not seek votes. Has it happened? The man who cannot provide people with even water doesn't deserve to be given power," he said.

TRS, Congress two sides of same coin, are family-ruled parties: PM Modi at Telangana rally

Seeking to ensure a united fight to dislodge the ruling BJP from Rajasthan, the state Congress chief Sachin Pilot said on Tuesday that his party's MLAs will decide on the chief minister post and asserted that securing a "thumping" mandate was far more important than a decision on who will head the government.

Pilot said he as well as senior party leader Ashok Gehlot have got enough from the Congress in the past and it was now for the party to decide what role they should have.

There have been persisting talks about both Pilot and Gehlot being in race to be the party's chief ministerial face, even as both the leaders have repeatedly rejected any such friction.

In an interview to PTI here, Pilot said it was the party's stated policy for the last 70 years to not declare a CM face in the state and the priority was to ensure that Congress candidates win the elections to thwart the BJP's use of "money and muscle power".

Asked if a post-poll decision on the CM post may leave either Gehlot or him dissatisfied, Pilot said: "I don't think so. We have both received a lot from the party."

"He (Gehlot) has been chief minister twice already and he has got an important position in the party. I am (state) party president and I have been a minister. Both of us have got enough from the party and now it is time that the party decides what role they have in mind (for us)," the 41-year-old leader said.

Utimately, the MLAs in the Congress party will take a call as to who will head the government, he said.

"But, far more important than that is that we must get a good, clear, thumping majority, a resounding majority, because the message must go across the country that people - farmers, young people, women, backwards, tribals, everybody - will not take this kind of arrogant government and will make it accountable," Pilot said.

Forming the government is far more important than who will head it, he said.

"It is a decision that we have left to the party and it is nothing new for 70 years we have always had the same policy. I don't know why this time it has become so talked about. Every time we fight elections without announcing a CM face, and whenever we win, we elect a leader," Pilot said.

The Congress has kept open the issue of its leadership in Rajasthan. It has fielded both Pilot and Gehlot in the December 7 assembly polls.

While Gehlot, 67, is a sitting MLA from Sardarpura, Pilot is contesting the state poll for the first time from Tonk. Pilot has been a former MP from Dausa and then from Ajmer.

Pilot said the people of Rajasthan were looking at the Congress with hope as it had been "the people's voice" on the streets of Rajasthan in the last five years.

The Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee chief attacked the Vasundhara Raje government, alleging that it was "very arrogant", corrupt, and had betrayed the trust of the state's people.

"People have the confidence that the Congress party will not only just win the elections...To be able to form a government of the people, where people feel stakeholders in the collective governance structures and that is something that is very positive," he said.

Pilot alleged that there was anger against the Vasundhara government because of "non-delivery" after promising 611 things.

On the Vasundhara Raje versus Manvendra Singh contest in Jhalrapatan, he said he had taken out a 'Kisaan Nyaya Yatra' in that area some time back and there the "resentment" against Raje and her government was palpable.

"That area is really dissatisfied. Vasundhara ji's tenure is marked with very few successes and multiple failures. People want a change. Manvendra Singh ji is a good strong candidate. It will be an interesting election and I am hopeful that the Congress party will win," Pilot said.

Asked if he was satisfied with the Congress's progress under his tenure as RPCC chief, Pilot said he was "reasonably satisfied" with where the party was today.

He said five years ago when the party had lost the election and was reduced to 21 out of 200 MLAs, it looked a very "daunting task".

"I was given the challenge and the opportunity. I say this because it was challenging times when Modi ji had become PM and Vasundhara ji had become CM and Congress was down and out.

"Also, an opportunity because that is the time you can actually work, without attracting much attention, at the grassroots level, connect with workers, start focussing on panchayat elections, zila parishad elections, nagar palika elections, and those really form the bedrock from where you can launch for the Vidhan Sabha and Lok Sabha elections," he said.

Pilot also hailed the state Congress leaders for their cooperation in rebuilding the party "brick by brick".

However, he cautioned against complacency saying that they are within "striking distance" of winning and have to stay focussed on the booth management and polling. "Till the last vote is cast, we cannot take our eyes off the target," he asserted.

Seeking to ensure a united fight to dislodge the ruling BJP from Rajasthan, the state Congress chief Sachin Pilot said on Tuesday that his party's MLAs will decide on the chief minister post and asserted that securing a "thumping" mandate was far more important than a decision on who will head the government.

Seeking to ensure a united fight to dislodge the ruling BJP from Rajasthan, the state Congress chief Sachin Pilot said on Tuesday that his party's MLAs will decide on the chief minister post and asserted that securing a "thumping" mandate was far more important than a decision on who will head the government. Pilot said he as well as senior party leader Ashok Gehlot have got enough from the Congress in the past and it was now for the party to decide what role they should have. There have been persisting talks about both Pilot and Gehlot being in race to be the party's chief ministerial face, even as both the leaders have repeatedly rejected any such friction. In an interview to PTI here, Pilot said it was the party's stated policy for the last 70 years to not declare a CM face in the state and the priority was to ensure that Congress candidates win the elections to thwart the BJP's use of "money and muscle power". Asked if a post-poll decision on the CM post may leave either Gehlot or him dissatisfied, Pilot said: "I don't think so. We have both received a lot from the party." "He (Gehlot) has been chief minister twice already and he has got an important position in the party. I am (state) party president and I have been a minister. Both of us have got enough from the party and now it is time that the party decides what role they have in mind (for us)," the 41-year-old leader said. Utimately, the MLAs in the Congress party will take a call as to who will head the government, he said. "But, far more important than that is that we must get a good, clear, thumping majority, a resounding majority, because the message must go across the country that people - farmers, young people, women, backwards, tribals, everybody - will not take this kind of arrogant government and will make it accountable," Pilot said. Forming the government is far more important than who will head it, he said. "It is a decision that we have left to the party and it is nothing new for 70 years we have always had the same policy. I don't know why this time it has become so talked about. Every time we fight elections without announcing a CM face, and whenever we win, we elect a leader," Pilot said. The Congress has kept open the issue of its leadership in Rajasthan. It has fielded both Pilot and Gehlot in the December 7 assembly polls. While Gehlot, 67, is a sitting MLA from Sardarpura, Pilot is contesting the state poll for the first time from Tonk. Pilot has been a former MP from Dausa and then from Ajmer. Pilot said the people of Rajasthan were looking at the Congress with hope as it had been "the people's voice" on the streets of Rajasthan in the last five years. The Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee chief attacked the Vasundhara Raje government, alleging that it was "very arrogant", corrupt, and had betrayed the trust of the state's people. "People have the confidence that the Congress party will not only just win the elections...To be able to form a government of the people, where people feel stakeholders in the collective governance structures and that is something that is very positive," he said. Pilot alleged that there was anger against the Vasundhara government because of "non-delivery" after promising 611 things. On the Vasundhara Raje versus Manvendra Singh contest in Jhalrapatan, he said he had taken out a 'Kisaan Nyaya Yatra' in that area some time back and there the "resentment" against Raje and her government was palpable. "That area is really dissatisfied. Vasundhara ji's tenure is marked with very few successes and multiple failures. People want a change. Manvendra Singh ji is a good strong candidate. It will be an interesting election and I am hopeful that the Congress party will win," Pilot said. Asked if he was satisfied with the Congress's progress under his tenure as RPCC chief, Pilot said he was "reasonably satisfied" with where the party was today. He said five years ago when the party had lost the election and was reduced to 21 out of 200 MLAs, it looked a very "daunting task". "I was given the challenge and the opportunity. I say this because it was challenging times when Modi ji had become PM and Vasundhara ji had become CM and Congress was down and out. "Also, an opportunity because that is the time you can actually work, without attracting much attention, at the grassroots level, connect with workers, start focussing on panchayat elections, zila parishad elections, nagar palika elections, and those really form the bedrock from where you can launch for the Vidhan Sabha and Lok Sabha elections," he said. Pilot also hailed the state Congress leaders for their cooperation in rebuilding the party "brick by brick". However, he cautioned against complacency saying that they are within "striking distance" of winning and have to stay focussed on the booth management and polling. "Till the last vote is cast, we cannot take our eyes off the target," he asserted.

Getting thumping mandate in Rajasthan far more important than who will be CM: Sachin Pilot

On the eve of Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, the longest-serving chief minister of the state is unfazed by talk of anti-incumbency.

In an interview to PTI on Tuesday, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said pro-incumbency and not ant-incumbency, is at play in the central Indian state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and BJP chief Amit Shah were among the leaders who addressed poll rallies in the state, where voting for all the 230 Assembly seats is scheduled Wednesday.

"What is at work here is pro-incumbency and not anti-incumbency," said the 59-year-old BJP leader, whose party has been in power in the state since 2003.

Chouhan exuded confidence that his party will win the election with a "comfortable majority".

"The difference this time around, compared to the 2008 and 2013 polls is that we drew more crowds, especially the poor, in our public meetings," he said.

Asked if demonetisation and GST will adversely affect the BJP in the state polls, Chouhan said they wont "come in way" of the party's victory. The two initiatives will prove to be a boon for the country in the long run, he said.

Calling Modi as "God's blessing to India", Chouhan said Gandhi has lowered the "standard" of campaigning. "Nobody doubts Modi jis honesty in the country. He is an honest and upright person," he added.

"Rahul wrongly targeted my son in the Panama Papers leaks and levelled baseless allegations against me," Chouhan said.

"He also called Modi ji a chor (thief) in the Rafale deal. He has stooped too low. This is unbecoming of a leader," he said, adding Gandhi has no political understanding."

The prime minister is the pride of the country and there should be decency while referring to him, Chouhan said.

The Congress chief raised Parliament (level) issues in Madhya Pradesh, he said. Nobody knows about them in rural parts of the state, he added.

Chouhan termed as a "bundle of lies" the claim by Randeep Singh Surjewala, in-charge of the AICC communications department, that a whopping 90 per cent residents of his native village Jait in his Budhni constituency are living below the poverty line.

"The Congress has lowered the standard of campaigning in Madhya Pradesh and this is very disturbing and unacceptable in a democracy," Chouhan said.

"The Congress even dragged Modi ji's parents in the elections. This is very bad and highly condemnable," he added.

He said the Congress' poll campaign portrayed Madhya Pradesh in a bad light, especially with regard to women.

Madhya Pradesh was the first state to bring in a law providing for capital punishment to those who rape girls below 12 years, he said. After this, trial courts awarded the death penalty to 15 rapists, he said, adding the High Court upheld the death sentence of a rapist.

Chouhan said his government's decision to launch a slew of welfare schemes has paid off. "We pulled Madhya Pradesh out of the 'BIMARU' tag by making it a developed state," he added.

The acronym BIMARU was coined to refer to the economic condition of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. In recent years, these states have reported progress on many human development indicators.

On the eve of Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, the longest-serving chief minister of the state is unfazed by talk of anti-incumbency. In an interview to PTI on Tuesday, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said pro-incumbency and not ant-incumbency, is at play in the central Indian state.

On the eve of Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, the longest-serving chief minister of the state is unfazed by talk of anti-incumbency. In an interview to PTI on Tuesday, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said pro-incumbency and not ant-incumbency, is at play in the central Indian state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and BJP chief Amit Shah were among the leaders who addressed poll rallies in the state, where voting for all the 230 Assembly seats is scheduled Wednesday. "What is at work here is pro-incumbency and not anti-incumbency," said the 59-year-old BJP leader, whose party has been in power in the state since 2003. Chouhan exuded confidence that his party will win the election with a "comfortable majority". "The difference this time around, compared to the 2008 and 2013 polls is that we drew more crowds, especially the poor, in our public meetings," he said. Asked if demonetisation and GST will adversely affect the BJP in the state polls, Chouhan said they wont "come in way" of the party's victory. The two initiatives will prove to be a boon for the country in the long run, he said. Calling Modi as "God's blessing to India", Chouhan said Gandhi has lowered the "standard" of campaigning. "Nobody doubts Modi jis honesty in the country. He is an honest and upright person," he added. "Rahul wrongly targeted my son in the Panama Papers leaks and levelled baseless allegations against me," Chouhan said. "He also called Modi ji a chor (thief) in the Rafale deal. He has stooped too low. This is unbecoming of a leader," he said, adding Gandhi has no political understanding." The prime minister is the pride of the country and there should be decency while referring to him, Chouhan said. The Congress chief raised Parliament (level) issues in Madhya Pradesh, he said. Nobody knows about them in rural parts of the state, he added. Chouhan termed as a "bundle of lies" the claim by Randeep Singh Surjewala, in-charge of the AICC communications department, that a whopping 90 per cent residents of his native village Jait in his Budhni constituency are living below the poverty line. "The Congress has lowered the standard of campaigning in Madhya Pradesh and this is very disturbing and unacceptable in a democracy," Chouhan said. "The Congress even dragged Modi ji's parents in the elections. This is very bad and highly condemnable," he added. He said the Congress' poll campaign portrayed Madhya Pradesh in a bad light, especially with regard to women. Madhya Pradesh was the first state to bring in a law providing for capital punishment to those who rape girls below 12 years, he said. After this, trial courts awarded the death penalty to 15 rapists, he said, adding the High Court upheld the death sentence of a rapist. Chouhan said his government's decision to launch a slew of welfare schemes has paid off. "We pulled Madhya Pradesh out of the 'BIMARU' tag by making it a developed state," he added. The acronym BIMARU was coined to refer to the economic condition of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. In recent years, these states have reported progress on many human development indicators.

Pro-incumbency at work in Madhya Pradesh, says Shivraj Singh Chouhan

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