Polling in Mizoram will be held on Wednesday with over 7.70 lakh voters expected to exercise their franchise in the state where Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is seeking a third consecutive term and the BJP looking to uproot the Congress in its last bastion in the Northeast.

The Congress and the Mizoram National Party (MNF) have ruled Mizoram since 1987 when it became a full-fledged state. Interestingly, no party has been able to form government thrice since that year.

Elections to the 40-member assembly in Mizoram, which has a population of about 10 lakh, is significant for the BJP that considers it to be the 'final frontier' in the region.

In the 2013 elections, the Congress had won 34 seats, while its main opposition, the Mizo National Front (MNF), got five and the Mizoram People's Conference bagged one seat.

The Congress and the MNF have fielded 40 candidates each, while the BJP is contesting in 39 seats. The Zoram Peoples Movement (ZPM), an alliance formed by two political parties and four groups, is contesting in 35 seats.

A total of 209 candidates are in fray for the November 28 polls and the fate of the candidates would be decided by 7,70,395 voters, which include 3,94,897 women.

Electronic voting machines (EVMs) will be used in the polling that would begin at 7am and end at 4pm.

Ahead of elections, the state witnessed intense protests by civil society groups over the place of voting for 12,026 Bru voters. The issue led to replacement of Chief Electoral Officer SB Shashank in less than two weeks before the polls.

Ashish Kundra, who replaced Shashank, said on Monday that the Election Commission has made extensive preparations for the Brus 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. The village is located on the state's border with Tripura.

"The people of Kanhmun village have even erected a welcome gate at the border expressing heartiest welcome to Bru voters," Kundra said.

Campaigning in the state saw paradigm shift this election season with political parties making extensive use of social media platforms like Facebook and Whatsapp to woo young voters.

The ruling Congress banked heavily for the elections on its flagship New Land Use Policy (NLUP), which brought the party to power for two consecutive terms.

The campaign had reached its peak in the final week with the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Other prominent leaders who campaigned in the state included Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, DoNER Minister Jitendra Singh, National People's Party (NPP) leader and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.

Polling in Mizoram will be held on Wednesday with over 7.70 lakh voters expected to exercise their franchise in the state where Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is seeking a third consecutive term and the BJP looking to uproot the Congress in its last bastion in the Northeast.

Polling in Mizoram will be held on Wednesday with over 7.70 lakh voters expected to exercise their franchise in the state where Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is seeking a third consecutive term and the BJP looking to uproot the Congress in its last bastion in the Northeast. The Congress and the Mizoram National Party (MNF) have ruled Mizoram since 1987 when it became a full-fledged state. Interestingly, no party has been able to form government thrice since that year. Elections to the 40-member assembly in Mizoram, which has a population of about 10 lakh, is significant for the BJP that considers it to be the 'final frontier' in the region. In the 2013 elections, the Congress had won 34 seats, while its main opposition, the Mizo National Front (MNF), got five and the Mizoram People's Conference bagged one seat. The Congress and the MNF have fielded 40 candidates each, while the BJP is contesting in 39 seats. The Zoram Peoples Movement (ZPM), an alliance formed by two political parties and four groups, is contesting in 35 seats. A total of 209 candidates are in fray for the November 28 polls and the fate of the candidates would be decided by 7,70,395 voters, which include 3,94,897 women. Electronic voting machines (EVMs) will be used in the polling that would begin at 7am and end at 4pm. Ahead of elections, the state witnessed intense protests by civil society groups over the place of voting for 12,026 Bru voters. The issue led to replacement of Chief Electoral Officer SB Shashank in less than two weeks before the polls. Ashish Kundra, who replaced Shashank, said on Monday that the Election Commission has made extensive preparations for the Brus 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. The village is located on the state's border with Tripura. "The people of Kanhmun village have even erected a welcome gate at the border expressing heartiest welcome to Bru voters," Kundra said. Campaigning in the state saw paradigm shift this election season with political parties making extensive use of social media platforms like Facebook and Whatsapp to woo young voters. The ruling Congress banked heavily for the elections on its flagship New Land Use Policy (NLUP), which brought the party to power for two consecutive terms. The campaign had reached its peak in the final week with the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Other prominent leaders who campaigned in the state included Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, DoNER Minister Jitendra Singh, National People's Party (NPP) leader and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.

Mizoram polls litmus test for CM Thanhawla, BJP looks to uproot Congress from last bastion in Northeast

Call it hubris or overconfidence, Telangana caretaker chief minister and Telangana Rashtra Samithi chief Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao pulled no punches when he dissolved the state Legislative Assembly on September 6 and set the stage for polls in the state carved out of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh on June 2, 2014.&nbsp;

On the day he dissolved the assembly, KCR, as he is fondly called, declared 105 candidates in the same breath, taking the Opposition leaders by surprise.&nbsp;

From the time KCR dissolved the assembly to now, it appears that the wheel of fortune has turned. KCR's display of chest-thumping triumphalism of winning 100-plus seats in a 119-member House has been replaced by rousing Telangana pride and invoking celestial blessings.

Two months ago political observers were declaring KCR’s return to power a foregone conclusion, but now with coming together of Opposition parties — Congress, Telugu Desam Party, Telangana Jana Samithi and the Communist Party of India — to form Mahakutumi (grand alliance), looks like this election is after all not a cakewalk for the ruling TRS.&nbsp;

KCR expected the Election Commission to hold the polls in a month after he dissolved the assembly but the three-month time between the dissolution of the assembly and the polls, have helped the Opposition to gets its act together and put up a united face against the ruling party. &nbsp;

TRS supremo could not offer a reasonable explanation why he dissolved the assembly. KCR sounded the poll bugle on a strong wicket but his confidence has waned and his nervousness has come to the fore of late.&nbsp;

In his first phase of campaigning, KCR tried to ambush the Mahakutami headed by the Congress party by showing the TDP in a bad light by saying things like TDP was the main obstacle in Telangana State formation and is a bad omen to the Telangana people and tried to instil Telangana sentiment among the people.&nbsp;

KCR's attempt gaslight the public by portraying TDP as bad omen did not work.&nbsp;

While KCR’s braggadocio of winning 100 or more in the Assembly’s 119 seats continues, but his impressive oratory in Telugu and Urdu fails to hide the nervous gloom.

A few days back, the remarks made by the TRS chief and his son KT Rama Rao did nothing to repair the damage and created some sort of confusion among the party cadres. KCR said, “If TRS loses the battle, there will be no loss to me. I will do nothing but take rest at my farmhouse only.”&nbsp;

“I will leave the country if we lose these polls,'' said his son KTR, who is a minister in the KCR cabinet. &nbsp;

At the recently held Medchal public rally attended by allies of Mahakutami, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi Sonia lambasted the TRS government.&nbsp;

Sonia, who was hailed as “Mother of Telangana”, said, "TRS government, after coming to the power, squarely failed to meet the primary demands of statehood movement such as irrigation water, funds and recruitments." Sonia cornered KCR calling his government ''family affair'' while the Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala went a step ahead calling the ruling party 'TRS-KCR private limited.'&nbsp;

The visit by Sonia Gandhi to the state has definitely breathed new life into the four-party grand alliance. Now, will that translate into votes? We will have the answer on December 11 when the counting will take place. &nbsp;

(This is the first part of the three-part analysis on Telangana election. In the next part, which will be published on December 4, we will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Mahakutami and TRS. ) 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Call it hubris or overconfidence, Telangana caretaker chief minister and Telangana Rashtra Samithi chief Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao pulled no punches when he dissolved the state Legislative Assembly on September 6 and set the stage for polls in the state carved out of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh on June 2, 2014.

Call it hubris or overconfidence, Telangana caretaker chief minister and Telangana Rashtra Samithi chief Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao pulled no punches when he dissolved the state Legislative Assembly on September 6 and set the stage for polls in the state carved out of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh on June 2, 2014. On the day he dissolved the assembly, KCR, as he is fondly called, declared 105 candidates in the same breath, taking the Opposition leaders by surprise. From the time KCR dissolved the assembly to now, it appears that the wheel of fortune has turned. KCR's display of chest-thumping triumphalism of winning 100-plus seats in a 119-member House has been replaced by rousing Telangana pride and invoking celestial blessings. Two months ago political observers were declaring KCR’s return to power a foregone conclusion, but now with coming together of Opposition parties — Congress, Telugu Desam Party, Telangana Jana Samithi and the Communist Party of India — to form Mahakutumi (grand alliance), looks like this election is after all not a cakewalk for the ruling TRS. KCR expected the Election Commission to hold the polls in a month after he dissolved the assembly but the three-month time between the dissolution of the assembly and the polls, have helped the Opposition to gets its act together and put up a united face against the ruling party. TRS supremo could not offer a reasonable explanation why he dissolved the assembly. KCR sounded the poll bugle on a strong wicket but his confidence has waned and his nervousness has come to the fore of late. In his first phase of campaigning, KCR tried to ambush the Mahakutami headed by the Congress party by showing the TDP in a bad light by saying things like TDP was the main obstacle in Telangana State formation and is a bad omen to the Telangana people and tried to instil Telangana sentiment among the people. KCR's attempt gaslight the public by portraying TDP as bad omen did not work. While KCR’s braggadocio of winning 100 or more in the Assembly’s 119 seats continues, but his impressive oratory in Telugu and Urdu fails to hide the nervous gloom. A few days back, the remarks made by the TRS chief and his son KT Rama Rao did nothing to repair the damage and created some sort of confusion among the party cadres. KCR said, “If TRS loses the battle, there will be no loss to me. I will do nothing but take rest at my farmhouse only.” “I will leave the country if we lose these polls,'' said his son KTR, who is a minister in the KCR cabinet. At the recently held Medchal public rally attended by allies of Mahakutami, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi Sonia lambasted the TRS government. Sonia, who was hailed as “Mother of Telangana”, said, "TRS government, after coming to the power, squarely failed to meet the primary demands of statehood movement such as irrigation water, funds and recruitments." Sonia cornered KCR calling his government ''family affair'' while the Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala went a step ahead calling the ruling party 'TRS-KCR private limited.' The visit by Sonia Gandhi to the state has definitely breathed new life into the four-party grand alliance. Now, will that translate into votes? We will have the answer on December 11 when the counting will take place. (This is the first part of the three-part analysis on Telangana election. In the next part, which will be published on December 4, we will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Mahakutami and TRS. ) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

From strong to sticky wicket: Why retaining power in Telangana won't be a cakewalk for KCR

There could be more than meets the eye in senior Congress leader from Rajasthan, CP Joshi’s remark that questioned the competence of backward castes in understanding Hinduism and asserted that only Brahmins knew about the religion. 
 
The Assembly election is due in the state on December 7, and by most accounts, the Congress stands a good chance of displacing the Bharatiya Janata Party regime there. Why did Joshi then offer a comment that has the potential to antagonise the vast majority of voters who are outside the Brahmin fold? He has since expressed regret for his statement after his party chief Rahul Gandhi pulled him up, but the damage has been done.&nbsp;

On the surface, it may appear that Joshi was taking potshots at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders for speaking about Hindutva, when he said, “What is Uma Bharti’s caste? Does anyone know? What is the caste of (Sadhvi) Rithambara? Is it known? If anyone knows about religion in the country, it is the pundit, the vidwan, some say Brahmins… Sadhvi ji belongs to some religion, she talks about Hindu religion. Narendra Modi belongs to some religion, he talks about Hindu religion.” But even he must have known of the silliness of what he was speaking and realised the electoral damage it could cause to the party. Perhaps it’s precisely because of such a realisation that he shot his mouth off. Let’s understand how.&nbsp;

From all accounts, Ashok Gehlot is the frontrunner in the chief ministerial race in case the Congress wins in Rajasthan. The other aspirant, Sachin Pilot, may have party president Rahul Gandhi’s approval, but Gehlot is considered better placed, more so after the list of candidates the Congress has declared comprises a large number of his nominees — and the winners among them are certain to put their weight behind him when the time comes. Quite possibly, it’s not a situation that Joshi relishes, and he could be quite willing to torpedo the Congress’s chances in order to deny Gehlot the chief ministership. His comments were designed to anger the vast majority of voters who belong to the Other Backward Classes, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, as well as even upper castes such as the Rajputs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

One need not go too far back to understand the political rivalry between Gehlot and Joshi. The two leaders were at loggerheads during the 2013 Assembly election. Joshi was then a serious contender for the state’s chief ministership in case the Congress gained power. He was also considered close to Rahul Gandhi who had begun to tentatively explore the possibility of bringing in new (if not young) faces to the forefront. Gehlot, on the other hand, was more senior — indeed, he had once mentored Joshi — and seen to be in the Sonia Gandhi camp. The tussle between the two State leaders was, therefore, natural.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Joshi had become a Cabinet Minister in UPA-II, an elevation that was interpreted in political circles as a stamp of approval from Rahul Gandhi. The import was not lost on anyone: A first-time Member of Parliament had become a Cabinet Minister in the Union Government even as other more senior aspirants had to cool their heels. When Rahul Gandhi assumed greater responsibilities in the party, in fact becoming the de facto chief, Joshi quit the government and assumed organisational responsibilities — as a general secretary and a member of the All India Congress Committee. &nbsp;Despite this endorsement from the highest levels, he must have been dismayed by the fact that he had little role to play in the distribution of tickets in Rajasthan. That was to change soon.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi summoned Gehlot and Joshi for a meeting prior to the Assembly poll. A subtle message was sent with the exclusion of the then state party chief Chandrabhan — a known Gehlot acolyte — from the confabulation. But the reconciliation process went nowhere, with neither of the leaders agreeing to back down on their respective methods for choosing candidates.

Eventually, the tiff became one of the reasons for the Congress losing the election. However, over the last five years, while Gehlot has managed to stage a comeback within the party — even wriggling his way into the Rahul Gandhi camp — CP Joshi has not managed a similar feat. His acts of defiance targeted at Gehlot have also not yielded results, though there have been patches of success. Recall that Joshi had become the president of Rajasthan Cricket Association much against Gehlot’s wishes and designs. In various recent agitations and fire-fighting situations — when Rahul Gandhi led an agitation outside the CBI headquarters in Delhi recently, Gehlot was by his side; when government formation had to be done in Karnataka after a hung Assembly came into being, Rahul Gandhi despatched Gehlot to the State to sort matters out — Gehlot has been the chosen one. &nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

There could be more than meets the eye in senior Congress leader from Rajasthan, CP Joshi’s remark that questioned the competence of backward castes in understanding Hinduism and asserted that only Brahmins knew about the religion.

There could be more than meets the eye in senior Congress leader from Rajasthan, CP Joshi’s remark that questioned the competence of backward castes in understanding Hinduism and asserted that only Brahmins knew about the religion. The Assembly election is due in the state on December 7, and by most accounts, the Congress stands a good chance of displacing the Bharatiya Janata Party regime there. Why did Joshi then offer a comment that has the potential to antagonise the vast majority of voters who are outside the Brahmin fold? He has since expressed regret for his statement after his party chief Rahul Gandhi pulled him up, but the damage has been done. On the surface, it may appear that Joshi was taking potshots at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders for speaking about Hindutva, when he said, “What is Uma Bharti’s caste? Does anyone know? What is the caste of (Sadhvi) Rithambara? Is it known? If anyone knows about religion in the country, it is the pundit, the vidwan, some say Brahmins… Sadhvi ji belongs to some religion, she talks about Hindu religion. Narendra Modi belongs to some religion, he talks about Hindu religion.” But even he must have known of the silliness of what he was speaking and realised the electoral damage it could cause to the party. Perhaps it’s precisely because of such a realisation that he shot his mouth off. Let’s understand how. From all accounts, Ashok Gehlot is the frontrunner in the chief ministerial race in case the Congress wins in Rajasthan. The other aspirant, Sachin Pilot, may have party president Rahul Gandhi’s approval, but Gehlot is considered better placed, more so after the list of candidates the Congress has declared comprises a large number of his nominees — and the winners among them are certain to put their weight behind him when the time comes. Quite possibly, it’s not a situation that Joshi relishes, and he could be quite willing to torpedo the Congress’s chances in order to deny Gehlot the chief ministership. His comments were designed to anger the vast majority of voters who belong to the Other Backward Classes, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, as well as even upper castes such as the Rajputs. One need not go too far back to understand the political rivalry between Gehlot and Joshi. The two leaders were at loggerheads during the 2013 Assembly election. Joshi was then a serious contender for the state’s chief ministership in case the Congress gained power. He was also considered close to Rahul Gandhi who had begun to tentatively explore the possibility of bringing in new (if not young) faces to the forefront. Gehlot, on the other hand, was more senior — indeed, he had once mentored Joshi — and seen to be in the Sonia Gandhi camp. The tussle between the two State leaders was, therefore, natural. Joshi had become a Cabinet Minister in UPA-II, an elevation that was interpreted in political circles as a stamp of approval from Rahul Gandhi. The import was not lost on anyone: A first-time Member of Parliament had become a Cabinet Minister in the Union Government even as other more senior aspirants had to cool their heels. When Rahul Gandhi assumed greater responsibilities in the party, in fact becoming the de facto chief, Joshi quit the government and assumed organisational responsibilities — as a general secretary and a member of the All India Congress Committee. Despite this endorsement from the highest levels, he must have been dismayed by the fact that he had little role to play in the distribution of tickets in Rajasthan. That was to change soon. Rahul Gandhi summoned Gehlot and Joshi for a meeting prior to the Assembly poll. A subtle message was sent with the exclusion of the then state party chief Chandrabhan — a known Gehlot acolyte — from the confabulation. But the reconciliation process went nowhere, with neither of the leaders agreeing to back down on their respective methods for choosing candidates. Eventually, the tiff became one of the reasons for the Congress losing the election. However, over the last five years, while Gehlot has managed to stage a comeback within the party — even wriggling his way into the Rahul Gandhi camp — CP Joshi has not managed a similar feat. His acts of defiance targeted at Gehlot have also not yielded results, though there have been patches of success. Recall that Joshi had become the president of Rajasthan Cricket Association much against Gehlot’s wishes and designs. In various recent agitations and fire-fighting situations — when Rahul Gandhi led an agitation outside the CBI headquarters in Delhi recently, Gehlot was by his side; when government formation had to be done in Karnataka after a hung Assembly came into being, Rahul Gandhi despatched Gehlot to the State to sort matters out — Gehlot has been the chosen one. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Rajasthan Assembly elections: With his 'Brahmin' remark, has CP Joshi cut the nose to spite the face?

The Congress was in power when the Mumbai attacks took place but questioned the BJP government’s surgical strikes in Pakistan, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-attacks-sonia-rahul-gandhi-in-chhattisgarh-poll-rally-176811">Prime Minister Narendra Modi </a>said here on Monday, hitting out at the opposition party on the issues of terrorism and Naxalism.

"Congress calls Naxals revolutionaries, issues the certificates. But have replied to terrorists, Naxals in their own language," said Modi.

The prime minister was addressing an election rally here on the tenth anniversary of the 26/11 terror strike when 10 Pakistani terrorists sneaked into Mumbai, killing 166 people over 60 hours.

In a broadside against former Congress president and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, he said New Delhi was at the time being governed by “madam” through remote control. “I remember the slightest criticism over the attacks used to rile the then ruling party,” Modi told the gathering in this textile city ahead of elections in the state on December 7.

The Congress, he added, taught the lesson of patriotism. But when the Army carried out a surgical strike by crossing over the border, the party questioned it and asked for video proof. “The soldiers have their lives in hands and not a camera,” Modi said.

India, he said, will never forget the 26/11 terror attack or its perpetrators. “Justice will surely be done, I want to assure the country,” he added while expressing solidarity with the families of those who lost their lives.

“A grateful nation bows to our brave police and security forces who valiantly fought the terrorists during the Mumbai attacks,” Modi said.

The prime minister said his government had responded to terrorists and Naxals in their own language.

Claiming that terror strikes had come down under BJP rule, the prime minister said terrorists now find it difficult to go beyond Kashmir.

“On the one hand, there is terrorism and, on the other, Maoism and Naxalism. They are giving guns in the hands of children and killing innocent people but Congress leaders and close aides of ‘naamdaar’ are calling Naxals revolutionaries and giving them certificates,” he said.

Modi has frequently referred to Congress president Rahul Gandhi as “naamdar” (dynast). He also attacked the Congress for its alleged casteist remarks and said issues relating to the people do not bother the party.

“As the elections are approaching, Congress asks for my caste and are curious about my father,” he said. When the Indian prime minister visits America and meets the president, they talk about welfare, Modi said.

“Does the president ask him his caste before any discussion? The prime minister represents the caste of 125 crore people of India,” he said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
When we came to power, we began investigations and put a check on corruption. Nearly Rs. 90,000 crore of money which earlier went into the pockets of the corrupt have been saved: PM Narendra Modi in Kota. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanAssemblyElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanAssemblyElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/at62Ji2AYb">pic.twitter.com/at62Ji2AYb</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067003249704796160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Modi said he was nothing but a workaholic. “I am a workaholic (kaamdaar) who has 125 crore people of the country standing behind him… Have you ever heard that I took a holiday? Have you ever heard that I went somewhere for leisure or was missing for a week? I give an account of each and every decision I take and the work that I do,” he said.

Braving threats, people in Jammu and Chhattisgarh came out to vote in large numbers with voting percentages remaining 70-75 per cent, Modi added.

While people in Chhattisgarh voted for a new assembly earlier this month, panchayat elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir.

On the occasion of Constitution Day on Monday, Modi recalled the stellar contribution of B R Ambedkar. “We are proud of our Constitution and reiterate our commitment to uphold the values enshrined in it,” he said.

In Modi’s view, even a month would not be enough to give an account of work done by BJP governments at the Centre and state.

Before the BJP came to power in 2014, even 40 percent villages did not have toilets, he claimed. However, in four years, 95 per cent villages have toilets. “This is called work… They will not give an account of work done but will continue to ask about caste,” he said in another jibe at the Congress.

In 2014, only 50 per cent people of the country had bank accounts and 55 per cent LPG connections in 2014. Now, every Indian has his bank account and 90 per cent families have LPG connection. he said.

The prime minister also spoke about developmental works by Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.

He said 36,000 km of new roads were constructed in last five years and 50 lakh young entrepreneurs in Rajasthan received loans under Mudra Scheme.

The Congress was in power when the Mumbai attacks took place but questioned the BJP government’s surgical strikes in Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here on Monday, hitting out at the opposition party on the issues of terrorism and Naxalism.

The Congress was in power when the Mumbai attacks took place but questioned the BJP government’s surgical strikes in Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here on Monday, hitting out at the opposition party on the issues of terrorism and Naxalism. "Congress calls Naxals revolutionaries, issues the certificates. But have replied to terrorists, Naxals in their own language," said Modi. The prime minister was addressing an election rally here on the tenth anniversary of the 26/11 terror strike when 10 Pakistani terrorists sneaked into Mumbai, killing 166 people over 60 hours. In a broadside against former Congress president and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, he said New Delhi was at the time being governed by “madam” through remote control. “I remember the slightest criticism over the attacks used to rile the then ruling party,” Modi told the gathering in this textile city ahead of elections in the state on December 7. The Congress, he added, taught the lesson of patriotism. But when the Army carried out a surgical strike by crossing over the border, the party questioned it and asked for video proof. “The soldiers have their lives in hands and not a camera,” Modi said. India, he said, will never forget the 26/11 terror attack or its perpetrators. “Justice will surely be done, I want to assure the country,” he added while expressing solidarity with the families of those who lost their lives. “A grateful nation bows to our brave police and security forces who valiantly fought the terrorists during the Mumbai attacks,” Modi said. The prime minister said his government had responded to terrorists and Naxals in their own language. Claiming that terror strikes had come down under BJP rule, the prime minister said terrorists now find it difficult to go beyond Kashmir. “On the one hand, there is terrorism and, on the other, Maoism and Naxalism. They are giving guns in the hands of children and killing innocent people but Congress leaders and close aides of ‘naamdaar’ are calling Naxals revolutionaries and giving them certificates,” he said. Modi has frequently referred to Congress president Rahul Gandhi as “naamdar” (dynast). He also attacked the Congress for its alleged casteist remarks and said issues relating to the people do not bother the party. “As the elections are approaching, Congress asks for my caste and are curious about my father,” he said. When the Indian prime minister visits America and meets the president, they talk about welfare, Modi said. “Does the president ask him his caste before any discussion? The prime minister represents the caste of 125 crore people of India,” he said. When we came to power, we began investigations and put a check on corruption. Nearly Rs. 90,000 crore of money which earlier went into the pockets of the corrupt have been saved: PM Narendra Modi in Kota. #RajasthanAssemblyElections pic.twitter.com/at62Ji2AYb — ANI (@ANI) November 26, 2018 × Modi said he was nothing but a workaholic. “I am a workaholic (kaamdaar) who has 125 crore people of the country standing behind him… Have you ever heard that I took a holiday? Have you ever heard that I went somewhere for leisure or was missing for a week? I give an account of each and every decision I take and the work that I do,” he said. Braving threats, people in Jammu and Chhattisgarh came out to vote in large numbers with voting percentages remaining 70-75 per cent, Modi added. While people in Chhattisgarh voted for a new assembly earlier this month, panchayat elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir. On the occasion of Constitution Day on Monday, Modi recalled the stellar contribution of B R Ambedkar. “We are proud of our Constitution and reiterate our commitment to uphold the values enshrined in it,” he said. In Modi’s view, even a month would not be enough to give an account of work done by BJP governments at the Centre and state. Before the BJP came to power in 2014, even 40 percent villages did not have toilets, he claimed. However, in four years, 95 per cent villages have toilets. “This is called work… They will not give an account of work done but will continue to ask about caste,” he said in another jibe at the Congress. In 2014, only 50 per cent people of the country had bank accounts and 55 per cent LPG connections in 2014. Now, every Indian has his bank account and 90 per cent families have LPG connection. he said. The prime minister also spoke about developmental works by Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. He said 36,000 km of new roads were constructed in last five years and 50 lakh young entrepreneurs in Rajasthan received loans under Mudra Scheme.

Congress calls Naxals revolutionaries, issues them certificates: PM Modi at poll rally in Rajasthan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that "neither Darbari nor Maharaj, Madhya Pradesh would vote for Shivraj" again. Urging the people to vote for the BJP in the Assembly polls, he said, "Na Darbari, Na Raja, Na Maharaj, Is Baar Fir Se Shivraj."

Addressing an election rally here, Prime Minister Modi said that the Congress misruled Madhya Pradesh for more than 55 years while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has given good governance to the state in the last 15 years.

"Now you tell me whom you should vote for-Cong`s misrule or the BJP`s good governance," he asked the gathering.

Lauding Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for various schemes and policies for the benefit of the people of the state, Prime Minister Modi said, "People of Madhya Pradesh are determined to bring back Shivraj led BJP government in the state."

From the Panchayat to the Parliament, each and every state was once ruled by the Congress party. But today people across the country are rejecting the Congress.

The reason is corruption and their policy of dividing people on the basis of caste," he said.

Further sharpening his attack on Rahul Gandhi led Congress party, PM Modi asserted that the party does not trust the people of the state and therefore has not revealed the name of its chief ministerial candidate.

"Shouldn`t the Congress tell you who their Chief Ministerial candidate is? When they don`t trust you, should you trust them and cast vote for them on November 28," asked Prime Minister Modi.

He also claimed that the Congress party has become a burden on the country while his government both in states and center is working for the welfare of the country.

"We are ensuring affordable and quality healthcare for all, through Jan Aushadhi Kendras. The poor and middle-class people have been immensely benefited by our schemes. Rahul Gandhi talks about Made in Mandsaur, Made in Jabalpur, Made in Indore mobile phones, but he does not know that today India exports mobile phones," he said.

Madhya Pradesh will go to polls to elect legislators for its 230 constituencies on November 28. The results will be declared on December 11.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that "neither Darbari nor Maharaj, Madhya Pradesh would vote for Shivraj" again. Urging the people to vote for the BJP in the Assembly polls, he said, "Na Darbari, Na Raja, Na Maharaj, Is Baar Fir Se Shivraj.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that "neither Darbari nor Maharaj, Madhya Pradesh would vote for Shivraj" again. Urging the people to vote for the BJP in the Assembly polls, he said, "Na Darbari, Na Raja, Na Maharaj, Is Baar Fir Se Shivraj." Addressing an election rally here, Prime Minister Modi said that the Congress misruled Madhya Pradesh for more than 55 years while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has given good governance to the state in the last 15 years. "Now you tell me whom you should vote for-Cong`s misrule or the BJP`s good governance," he asked the gathering. Lauding Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for various schemes and policies for the benefit of the people of the state, Prime Minister Modi said, "People of Madhya Pradesh are determined to bring back Shivraj led BJP government in the state." From the Panchayat to the Parliament, each and every state was once ruled by the Congress party. But today people across the country are rejecting the Congress. The reason is corruption and their policy of dividing people on the basis of caste," he said. Further sharpening his attack on Rahul Gandhi led Congress party, PM Modi asserted that the party does not trust the people of the state and therefore has not revealed the name of its chief ministerial candidate. "Shouldn`t the Congress tell you who their Chief Ministerial candidate is? When they don`t trust you, should you trust them and cast vote for them on November 28," asked Prime Minister Modi. He also claimed that the Congress party has become a burden on the country while his government both in states and center is working for the welfare of the country. "We are ensuring affordable and quality healthcare for all, through Jan Aushadhi Kendras. The poor and middle-class people have been immensely benefited by our schemes. Rahul Gandhi talks about Made in Mandsaur, Made in Jabalpur, Made in Indore mobile phones, but he does not know that today India exports mobile phones," he said. Madhya Pradesh will go to polls to elect legislators for its 230 constituencies on November 28. The results will be declared on December 11.

Na darbari, na maharaj, is baar fir se shivraj: PM Modi

Thirty-three of the total 200 Rajasthan Assembly constituencies are witnessing a fight between the same candidates of the BJP and the Congress who had contested the 2013 state polls.

Both the parties have changed their candidates on 43 seats this time.&nbsp;

On the remaining 124 seats, the two major parties have decided to field new candidates.

Of the 33 seats, 29 are sitting BJP MLAs and four are Congress MLAs that included former chief minister Ashok Gehlot.&nbsp;

Karanpur seat is witnessing a fight between Mines minister Surendra Pal Singh and former Congress minister Gurmeet Singh, who had lost 2013 election to Surendra Pal Singh with a margin of 3,853 votes, while Hanumagarh seat is being contested by Water Resources minister Ram Pratap and Congress candidate Vinod Chaudhary.&nbsp;

Chaudhary had faced defeat with a big margin of 30,487 votes but the Congress has fielded him again and the seat will witness a direct fight between both the candidates.&nbsp;

Former Congress minister Rajendra Pareek is in the fray in Sikar constituency, which was won by BJP's Ratan lal Jaldhari in 2013 with a margin of 13,015 votes.

The seat in Shekhwati region is all set to witness a triangular contest with Rashtriya Loktantrik Dal's Wahid Chauhan in the race.&nbsp;

Chauhan contested the last polls as Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate and stood third by securing 29.10 per cent votes.&nbsp;

Former speaker and Congress candidate Deependra Singh Shekhaat is in fight with BJP's Jhabar Singh Kharra at Srimadhopur, while Chomu seat is also witnessing a direct fight between BJP MLA Ram Lal Sharma and Congress candidate Bhagwan Sahahi Saini.&nbsp;

The winning margin of Sharma was 44,473 in 2013.

Jaipur's hot seat civil lines is again witnessing the same fight like that of 2013 and the candidates are Social Justice and Empowerment minister Arun Chaturvedi and former Congress MLA Prapta Singh Khachariyawas.&nbsp;

Similar situation is in Malvia Nagar where Health minister Kalicharan Saraf is in a close battle with PCC vice president Archana Sharma.&nbsp;

"Candidates are same but people will vote for the Congress on December 7 because there is high resentment among people against Saraf who is facing corruption charges and people are inclined towards Congress,"Sharma said.

"People want clean leadership and corruption-free government which is focussed on development and the BJP failed to deliver and therefore public is against the ruling party," she said.

Jayal seat of Nagaur district is also having repeat candidates and both are women named Manju.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has retained sitting MLA Manju Baghmar while the Congress has again fielded Manju Devi on the seat reserved for SC candidates.&nbsp;

Jodhpur's Sardarpura seat is witnessing contesting between sitting MLA and Gehlot who had defeated BJP's Shambhu Singh Khetasar with a margin of 18,478 votes.&nbsp;

"Gehlot had the only advantage of caste factor. Apart from that, there is no charm of him. He did not work for his constituency and also often remained absent in the assembly. The issue in the assembly remains the same and unaddressed and I am confident that the BJP will win the seat this time,"&nbsp;BJP candidate Shambhu Singh Khetasar said.

On the other hand, both the BJP and the Congress have changed their candidates in 43 constituencies.&nbsp;

Thirty four out of these 43 seats were won by the BJP in 2013 but the party dropped them this time and gave tickets to others which made some of such sitting MLAs, including ministers Rajkumar Rinwa (Ratangarh), Hem Singh Bhandana (Thanagaji) rebel.

As many as 2,294 candidates, including 189 women candidates, are contesting on 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan which is going to poll on December 7.

Thirty-three of the total 200 Rajasthan Assembly constituencies are witnessing a fight between the same candidates of the BJP and the Congress who had contested the 2013 state polls.

Thirty-three of the total 200 Rajasthan Assembly constituencies are witnessing a fight between the same candidates of the BJP and the Congress who had contested the 2013 state polls. Both the parties have changed their candidates on 43 seats this time. On the remaining 124 seats, the two major parties have decided to field new candidates. Of the 33 seats, 29 are sitting BJP MLAs and four are Congress MLAs that included former chief minister Ashok Gehlot. Karanpur seat is witnessing a fight between Mines minister Surendra Pal Singh and former Congress minister Gurmeet Singh, who had lost 2013 election to Surendra Pal Singh with a margin of 3,853 votes, while Hanumagarh seat is being contested by Water Resources minister Ram Pratap and Congress candidate Vinod Chaudhary. Chaudhary had faced defeat with a big margin of 30,487 votes but the Congress has fielded him again and the seat will witness a direct fight between both the candidates. Former Congress minister Rajendra Pareek is in the fray in Sikar constituency, which was won by BJP's Ratan lal Jaldhari in 2013 with a margin of 13,015 votes. The seat in Shekhwati region is all set to witness a triangular contest with Rashtriya Loktantrik Dal's Wahid Chauhan in the race. Chauhan contested the last polls as Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate and stood third by securing 29.10 per cent votes. Former speaker and Congress candidate Deependra Singh Shekhaat is in fight with BJP's Jhabar Singh Kharra at Srimadhopur, while Chomu seat is also witnessing a direct fight between BJP MLA Ram Lal Sharma and Congress candidate Bhagwan Sahahi Saini. The winning margin of Sharma was 44,473 in 2013. Jaipur's hot seat civil lines is again witnessing the same fight like that of 2013 and the candidates are Social Justice and Empowerment minister Arun Chaturvedi and former Congress MLA Prapta Singh Khachariyawas. Similar situation is in Malvia Nagar where Health minister Kalicharan Saraf is in a close battle with PCC vice president Archana Sharma. "Candidates are same but people will vote for the Congress on December 7 because there is high resentment among people against Saraf who is facing corruption charges and people are inclined towards Congress,"Sharma said. "People want clean leadership and corruption-free government which is focussed on development and the BJP failed to deliver and therefore public is against the ruling party," she said. Jayal seat of Nagaur district is also having repeat candidates and both are women named Manju. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has retained sitting MLA Manju Baghmar while the Congress has again fielded Manju Devi on the seat reserved for SC candidates. Jodhpur's Sardarpura seat is witnessing contesting between sitting MLA and Gehlot who had defeated BJP's Shambhu Singh Khetasar with a margin of 18,478 votes. "Gehlot had the only advantage of caste factor. Apart from that, there is no charm of him. He did not work for his constituency and also often remained absent in the assembly. The issue in the assembly remains the same and unaddressed and I am confident that the BJP will win the seat this time," BJP candidate Shambhu Singh Khetasar said. On the other hand, both the BJP and the Congress have changed their candidates in 43 constituencies. Thirty four out of these 43 seats were won by the BJP in 2013 but the party dropped them this time and gave tickets to others which made some of such sitting MLAs, including ministers Rajkumar Rinwa (Ratangarh), Hem Singh Bhandana (Thanagaji) rebel. As many as 2,294 candidates, including 189 women candidates, are contesting on 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan which is going to poll on December 7.

Rajasthan polls: 33 of 200 constituencies witnessing fight between same BJP, Congress candidates

In a bid to check the flow of excess money in electioneering, the Election Commission has lowered the limit of cash transactions by candidates for campaigning purposes from Rs 20,000 to Rs 10,000 per day.

In an instruction sent to all chief electoral officers, the poll panel said that for transactions beyond Rs 10,000, the candidates and parties will have to make payment using cross cheques, drafts or electronic means, including NEFT/RTGS, through the account of the candidate opened for electioneering.

In April, 2011, the EC had set the daily cash limit to Rs 20,000. But now it has been revised keeping in mind the amendments in section 40A(3) of the Income Tax Act in 2017.

The new changes came into being from November 12 and would have a bearing on assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Now, a candidate cannot receive a donation or loan in cash, in excess of Rs 10,000 from a single person or entity during campaigning.

The election watchdog has been pushing for greater transparency in election-related expenditure by parties and candidates.

Like individuals, there should be a ceiling on expenditure made by political parties during polls, according to a 2015 Election Commission draft document based on the 'general agreement' among participants.

At present, while there is a ceiling on campaigning fund for individual candidates in electoral fray, there is no such cap on the money which political parties can spend for electioneering.&nbsp;

In a bid to check the flow of excess money in electioneering, the Election Commission has lowered the limit of cash transactions by candidates for campaigning purposes from Rs 20,000 to Rs 10,000 per day.

In a bid to check the flow of excess money in electioneering, the Election Commission has lowered the limit of cash transactions by candidates for campaigning purposes from Rs 20,000 to Rs 10,000 per day. In an instruction sent to all chief electoral officers, the poll panel said that for transactions beyond Rs 10,000, the candidates and parties will have to make payment using cross cheques, drafts or electronic means, including NEFT/RTGS, through the account of the candidate opened for electioneering. In April, 2011, the EC had set the daily cash limit to Rs 20,000. But now it has been revised keeping in mind the amendments in section 40A(3) of the Income Tax Act in 2017. The new changes came into being from November 12 and would have a bearing on assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Now, a candidate cannot receive a donation or loan in cash, in excess of Rs 10,000 from a single person or entity during campaigning. The election watchdog has been pushing for greater transparency in election-related expenditure by parties and candidates. Like individuals, there should be a ceiling on expenditure made by political parties during polls, according to a 2015 Election Commission draft document based on the 'general agreement' among participants. At present, while there is a ceiling on campaigning fund for individual candidates in electoral fray, there is no such cap on the money which political parties can spend for electioneering.

Election Commission lowers daily cash transaction limit of candidates for campaigning purposes

With just three days left for the Mizoram Assembly elections, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla Sunday said the Congress is open to form a post-poll alliance with like-minded parties, excluding the BJP and MNF, if the ruling party falls short of a majority.

He, however, claimed that such a situation will not arise as the Congress will get a full majority on its own.

In Mizoram, support of 21 MLAs is needed to form a government in the 40-member Assembly, which is going to polls on November 28 and the counting will take place on December 11."If like-minded parties come to me and want to support my leadership, then they may (be) welcomed," Thanhawla told PTI during an interview when asked if the Congress is willing to form a post-poll alliance if it does not get a simple majority.

Asked with whom the Congress is comfortable to form an alliance, he said, "I don't know at this moment. But certainly not the BJP, certainly not the MNF. Let the time come."

Refusing to predict a number, the senior Congress leader said his party will get a comfortable majority.

"I am quite confident that I will continue to be in power and I will hold the fort for the Congress (in North East). All indications are there," he added.

Mizoram is significant for the Congress as it remains the only state under the party's rule in the region compared to as many as five just about two years ago, which included Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.

Thanhawla said there is no difference in the campaign this time compared to that in previous two terms as big crowds can be seen in party meetings and "large number" of people are joining the Congress.

When pointed out that senior ministers and political leaders have left the party in the last two months, he said, "I don't see any worker leaving my party at this stage. But unwanted and corrupt people have left. Congress workers are very grateful and they are much inspired because these corrupt people have left the party."

At least five Congress MLAs have resigned from the Assembly and the party in the run-up to the polls and joined either the BJP or the Mizo National Front (MNF).

Those who have resigned include state's Home Minister R Lalzirliana, former Health Minister Lalrinliana Sailo, former Fisheries Minister Buddha Dhan Chakma and MLA Hmingdailova Khiangte. Besides, Mizoram Assembly Speaker Hiphei resigned earlier this month.

&nbsp;Asked about anti-incumbency factor as alleged by the opposition MNF, Thanhawla said, "Not all. Only MNF is feeling anti-incumbency factor. They don't have anything to point fingers at me -- no scandal, no misuse (of funds). How can they say anti-incumbency wind is blowing in Mizoram? It's only their wishful thinking."

On MNF President Zoramthanga's comment that all roads of Mizoram are in "ICU", the chief minister said: "He is a good speaker. His mouth speaks a lot. He has a big mouth. I have seen my roads. I have travelled my roads. So, who is telling lie and who is telling the truth, you can easily differentiate and know. Lies do not have legs. They fall on the waste side."

The Congress has been in power in Mizoram since 2008 and is eyeing a third consecutive term. In the 2013 elections, the Congress had won 34 seats, while the MNF got five and the Mizoram People's Conference one.

The ruling party had improved its tally in 2013 elections from 32 in 2008. This time, both Congress and MNF are contesting all the 40 constituencies this time, while BJP is fighting in 39 seats.

With just three days left for the Mizoram Assembly elections, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla Sunday said the Congress is open to form a post-poll alliance with like-minded parties, excluding the BJP and MNF, if the ruling party falls short of a majority.

With just three days left for the Mizoram Assembly elections, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla Sunday said the Congress is open to form a post-poll alliance with like-minded parties, excluding the BJP and MNF, if the ruling party falls short of a majority. He, however, claimed that such a situation will not arise as the Congress will get a full majority on its own. In Mizoram, support of 21 MLAs is needed to form a government in the 40-member Assembly, which is going to polls on November 28 and the counting will take place on December 11."If like-minded parties come to me and want to support my leadership, then they may (be) welcomed," Thanhawla told PTI during an interview when asked if the Congress is willing to form a post-poll alliance if it does not get a simple majority. Asked with whom the Congress is comfortable to form an alliance, he said, "I don't know at this moment. But certainly not the BJP, certainly not the MNF. Let the time come." Refusing to predict a number, the senior Congress leader said his party will get a comfortable majority. "I am quite confident that I will continue to be in power and I will hold the fort for the Congress (in North East). All indications are there," he added. Mizoram is significant for the Congress as it remains the only state under the party's rule in the region compared to as many as five just about two years ago, which included Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. Thanhawla said there is no difference in the campaign this time compared to that in previous two terms as big crowds can be seen in party meetings and "large number" of people are joining the Congress. When pointed out that senior ministers and political leaders have left the party in the last two months, he said, "I don't see any worker leaving my party at this stage. But unwanted and corrupt people have left. Congress workers are very grateful and they are much inspired because these corrupt people have left the party." At least five Congress MLAs have resigned from the Assembly and the party in the run-up to the polls and joined either the BJP or the Mizo National Front (MNF). Those who have resigned include state's Home Minister R Lalzirliana, former Health Minister Lalrinliana Sailo, former Fisheries Minister Buddha Dhan Chakma and MLA Hmingdailova Khiangte. Besides, Mizoram Assembly Speaker Hiphei resigned earlier this month. Asked about anti-incumbency factor as alleged by the opposition MNF, Thanhawla said, "Not all. Only MNF is feeling anti-incumbency factor. They don't have anything to point fingers at me -- no scandal, no misuse (of funds). How can they say anti-incumbency wind is blowing in Mizoram? It's only their wishful thinking." On MNF President Zoramthanga's comment that all roads of Mizoram are in "ICU", the chief minister said: "He is a good speaker. His mouth speaks a lot. He has a big mouth. I have seen my roads. I have travelled my roads. So, who is telling lie and who is telling the truth, you can easily differentiate and know. Lies do not have legs. They fall on the waste side." The Congress has been in power in Mizoram since 2008 and is eyeing a third consecutive term. In the 2013 elections, the Congress had won 34 seats, while the MNF got five and the Mizoram People's Conference one. The ruling party had improved its tally in 2013 elections from 32 in 2008. This time, both Congress and MNF are contesting all the 40 constituencies this time, while BJP is fighting in 39 seats.

Congress may form post-poll alliance with like-minded parties in Mizoram: CM Lal Thanhawla

Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao did not implement several schemes of the Central government because they believed it will make PM Narendra Modi more popular in the state, said BJP President Amit Shah in public rally at Siddipet in Telangana.&nbsp;

Telangana goes to polls on December 7.

KCR government hasn’t been able to fulfil any of its election promises, Shah said.&nbsp;

''Instead of giving employment to 1.60 lakh people, more than 2 lakh seats are lying vacant,'' the BJP leader said.&nbsp;

Earlier addressing a rally in Warangal, the BJP chief said Telangana CM has proposed 12 per cent reservation for the minorities which isn't possible without taking away reservation quotas of SCs, STs or OBCs. BJP is against any reservation on the basis of religion and will not allow anyone else to make this happen, Shah further said.

Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao did not implement several schemes of the Central government because they believed it will make PM Narendra Modi more popular in the state, said BJP President Amit Shah in public rally at Siddipet in Telangana.

Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao did not implement several schemes of the Central government because they believed it will make PM Narendra Modi more popular in the state, said BJP President Amit Shah in public rally at Siddipet in Telangana. Telangana goes to polls on December 7. KCR government hasn’t been able to fulfil any of its election promises, Shah said. ''Instead of giving employment to 1.60 lakh people, more than 2 lakh seats are lying vacant,'' the BJP leader said. Earlier addressing a rally in Warangal, the BJP chief said Telangana CM has proposed 12 per cent reservation for the minorities which isn't possible without taking away reservation quotas of SCs, STs or OBCs. BJP is against any reservation on the basis of religion and will not allow anyone else to make this happen, Shah further said.

Telangana govt didn't implement Centre's schemes lest it make Modi popular: Amit Shah

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-confused-by-who-will-be-cm-party-will-fuse-modi-in-rajasthan-179312">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> alleged Sunday that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-dragging-my-parents-into-politics-at-rahuls-behest-pm-modi-179367">Congress threatened Supreme Court</a> judges with impeachment when they tried to hear the Ayodhya dispute cases earlier this year.

Without naming anyone, Modi claimed that Congress party's Rajya Sabha members, who are also lawyers, had tried to scare away the apex court judges to ensure the hearing in the cases is delayed until after the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

In an unprecedented move, seven opposition parties led by the Congress had moved a notice for the impeachment of then Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra in April this year, accusing him of "misbehaviour" and "misuse" of authority.

Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu rejected the notice, saying the case against the then CJI was based on "suspicion and conjectures".

At the political rally in Rajasthan's Alwar district, Modi said the Congress has no faith in democracy and judiciary. "It does not hold dialogue and stall proceedings in Parliament, but the new game they are playing now is dangerous and this must be debated for a bright future of the country."

"If a Supreme Court judge does not prepare the timetable (for hearing cases) as per their (Congress's) political intentions and wants to hear all to deliver justice on a serious and sensitive issue, such as Ayodhya, then the party's lawyers, who are Rajya Sabha members, start the game of scaring the judges in the name of impeachment," Modi said.

He urged intellectuals to analyse this "dangerous game" of the Congress in the interest of the country.

"They are working to scare judiciary on the ground of their numbers in Rajya Sabha. But we will not let this 'kaala kaarnama' happen in the temple of democracy," he said.

The prime minister said the opposition party has "no courage" to talk about development and hence "they ask about the caste of Modi."

"Will you vote on the basis of the caste of Modi? Will the future of Rajasthan be decided on basis of birthplace of Modi," he asked the crowd gathered at his rally.

Modi's remarks were a reaction to former Union minister CP Joshi's statement when he had questioned the caste of Modi and others during a speech in Rajsamand district's Nathdwara.

Joshi is the Congress candidate from Nathdwara assembly constituency.

"They are deep neck involved in casteism. Casteism and feeling of hate against poor, deprived, underprivileged is in their veins and such statements reflect the basic behaviour and conduct of the Congress. It does not matter who spoke that (Joshi's renmarks) because everyone knows about the 'naamdaar' who make them speak," he said, apparently referring to the Gandhi family.

Modi also targeted the Congress over issues and discrimination faced by Dalits, saying the party "forgot" to give the Bharat Ratna to B R Ambedkar.

Ambedkar was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1990, 34 years after his death.

"Congress has only divided the country. For them, Dalits are a vote bank while our values and traditions are different," Modi claimed, trying to contrast his party's attitude to the community, of whose members have been assaulted and beaten by right-wing activists for allegedly indulging in cow trade, with that of the Congress.

In Rajasthan, Modi praised the BJP's Vasundhara Raje government, saying it has done lot of work.

He also attacked Congress over a recent video in which a Congress candidate is seen stopping a party supporter shouting "Bharat Mata ki jai" and then the supporter starts shouting: "Sonia Gandhi ki jai".

"For us, the country is bigger than the party but Sonia Gandhi is bigger than Bharat Mata for them," he said.

Modi recalled BJP leaders like former vice president the late Bhairo Singh Shkhawat and said he had started election campaign during the 2013 assembly elections in Rajasthan from Alwar.

Chief minister Raje and the party's candidates on all 11 constituencies of Alwar district were present at the rally.

In Lok Sabha bypolls earlier this year, the BJP had faced defeat in Alwar.

In the 2013 assembly election, the BJP won nine out of the 11 seats in Alwar but one of its sitting MLAs, Dharmpal Chaudhary, died in April this year; the party has given ticket to his son Manjit Chaudhary from Mundawar seat.

Located in eastern part of the desert state, Alwar shares border with Haryana and forms a part of Mewat region having a sizable population of Mev (Muslim) community people.

It also touches Jaipur, Bharatpur and Dausa districts.

Alwar's Ramgarh, a constituency represented by Gyan Dev Ahuja, who has been dropped by the BJP this time, was in bad light following the mob lynching of Akbar Khan on suspicion of cow smuggling in July this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged Sunday that the Congress threatened Supreme Court judges with impeachment when they tried to hear the Ayodhya dispute cases earlier this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged Sunday that the Congress threatened Supreme Court judges with impeachment when they tried to hear the Ayodhya dispute cases earlier this year. Without naming anyone, Modi claimed that Congress party's Rajya Sabha members, who are also lawyers, had tried to scare away the apex court judges to ensure the hearing in the cases is delayed until after the 2019 Lok Sabha election. In an unprecedented move, seven opposition parties led by the Congress had moved a notice for the impeachment of then Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra in April this year, accusing him of "misbehaviour" and "misuse" of authority. Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu rejected the notice, saying the case against the then CJI was based on "suspicion and conjectures". At the political rally in Rajasthan's Alwar district, Modi said the Congress has no faith in democracy and judiciary. "It does not hold dialogue and stall proceedings in Parliament, but the new game they are playing now is dangerous and this must be debated for a bright future of the country." "If a Supreme Court judge does not prepare the timetable (for hearing cases) as per their (Congress's) political intentions and wants to hear all to deliver justice on a serious and sensitive issue, such as Ayodhya, then the party's lawyers, who are Rajya Sabha members, start the game of scaring the judges in the name of impeachment," Modi said. He urged intellectuals to analyse this "dangerous game" of the Congress in the interest of the country. "They are working to scare judiciary on the ground of their numbers in Rajya Sabha. But we will not let this 'kaala kaarnama' happen in the temple of democracy," he said. The prime minister said the opposition party has "no courage" to talk about development and hence "they ask about the caste of Modi." "Will you vote on the basis of the caste of Modi? Will the future of Rajasthan be decided on basis of birthplace of Modi," he asked the crowd gathered at his rally. Modi's remarks were a reaction to former Union minister CP Joshi's statement when he had questioned the caste of Modi and others during a speech in Rajsamand district's Nathdwara. Joshi is the Congress candidate from Nathdwara assembly constituency. "They are deep neck involved in casteism. Casteism and feeling of hate against poor, deprived, underprivileged is in their veins and such statements reflect the basic behaviour and conduct of the Congress. It does not matter who spoke that (Joshi's renmarks) because everyone knows about the 'naamdaar' who make them speak," he said, apparently referring to the Gandhi family. Modi also targeted the Congress over issues and discrimination faced by Dalits, saying the party "forgot" to give the Bharat Ratna to B R Ambedkar. Ambedkar was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1990, 34 years after his death. "Congress has only divided the country. For them, Dalits are a vote bank while our values and traditions are different," Modi claimed, trying to contrast his party's attitude to the community, of whose members have been assaulted and beaten by right-wing activists for allegedly indulging in cow trade, with that of the Congress. In Rajasthan, Modi praised the BJP's Vasundhara Raje government, saying it has done lot of work. He also attacked Congress over a recent video in which a Congress candidate is seen stopping a party supporter shouting "Bharat Mata ki jai" and then the supporter starts shouting: "Sonia Gandhi ki jai". "For us, the country is bigger than the party but Sonia Gandhi is bigger than Bharat Mata for them," he said. Modi recalled BJP leaders like former vice president the late Bhairo Singh Shkhawat and said he had started election campaign during the 2013 assembly elections in Rajasthan from Alwar. Chief minister Raje and the party's candidates on all 11 constituencies of Alwar district were present at the rally. In Lok Sabha bypolls earlier this year, the BJP had faced defeat in Alwar. In the 2013 assembly election, the BJP won nine out of the 11 seats in Alwar but one of its sitting MLAs, Dharmpal Chaudhary, died in April this year; the party has given ticket to his son Manjit Chaudhary from Mundawar seat. Located in eastern part of the desert state, Alwar shares border with Haryana and forms a part of Mewat region having a sizable population of Mev (Muslim) community people. It also touches Jaipur, Bharatpur and Dausa districts. Alwar's Ramgarh, a constituency represented by Gyan Dev Ahuja, who has been dropped by the BJP this time, was in bad light following the mob lynching of Akbar Khan on suspicion of cow smuggling in July this year.

Congress threatened SC judges, who tried to hear Ayodhya cases, with impeachment: PM Modi

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has accused Sonia Gandhi of ignoring Telangana in her election speech in Medchal on Saturday.

K Kavitha, the daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, said, "Sonia Gandhi visited Telangana and spoke about other states rather than speaking on Telangana state."

The TRS MP from Nizamabad also called Sonia a mouthpiece of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.

"Sonia's worlds seem to be like Chandrababu Naidu's version. Congress party is trying to implement Andhra Pradesh state agenda in Telangana," Kavitha said.

It was under the Manmohan Singh government under Sonia Gandhi-led United Progressive Alliance that Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated in 2014 and Telangana was created with K Chandrasekhar Rao as its chief minister.

Further training guns at the Congress, Kavitha accused the party of practising double standards and said, "Sonia Gandhi claims one thing and speak quite the opposite of that in Telangana. But the TRS will always speak about the Telangana's rights and development."

The southern state will go to polls on December 7 to elect 119 members of the state assembly.

Kavitha urged people to attend the public meeting of Chief Minister Rao on November 26 and make it a grand success.

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has accused Sonia Gandhi of ignoring Telangana in her election speech in Medchal on Saturday. K Kavitha, the daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, said, "Sonia Gandhi visited Telangana and spoke about other states rather than speaking on Telangana state.

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has accused Sonia Gandhi of ignoring Telangana in her election speech in Medchal on Saturday. K Kavitha, the daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, said, "Sonia Gandhi visited Telangana and spoke about other states rather than speaking on Telangana state." The TRS MP from Nizamabad also called Sonia a mouthpiece of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. "Sonia's worlds seem to be like Chandrababu Naidu's version. Congress party is trying to implement Andhra Pradesh state agenda in Telangana," Kavitha said. It was under the Manmohan Singh government under Sonia Gandhi-led United Progressive Alliance that Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated in 2014 and Telangana was created with K Chandrasekhar Rao as its chief minister. Further training guns at the Congress, Kavitha accused the party of practising double standards and said, "Sonia Gandhi claims one thing and speak quite the opposite of that in Telangana. But the TRS will always speak about the Telangana's rights and development." The southern state will go to polls on December 7 to elect 119 members of the state assembly. Kavitha urged people to attend the public meeting of Chief Minister Rao on November 26 and make it a grand success.

TRS MP K Kavitha hits out at Sonia Gandhi, Congress

Bhagwan Das is a barber by profession with daily earnings of around Rs 250 to 400 and lives in a rented one-room set with his family.

Das is also contesting in the upcoming Rajasthan Assembly Elections from Jaipur's Malviya Nagar constituency as a Janta Dal (United) candidate.

Das underlined that having lived as a "voiceless" individual all his life, he now wants to be the voice of the weak and uplift them.

"I belong from Sain community and I want to become the voice of the voiceless. I work in the morning and go for campaigning in the afternoon on my friend`s bike. I hurry back to my shop in the evening so that I do not miss my customers," Das said.

Das is contesting against veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kalicharan Saraf, who has converted Malviya Nagar into his bastion, emerging victorious from the constituency for the last four terms.

Das said he didn't even have money to procure banners and posters, saying his friends pooled in and encouraged him to pursue his ambition.

"My wife cooks in various houses on a monthly wage. I was encouraged by my friends here to contest the elections. My friends are helping me financially, to print banners and posters as I have no money," Das said.

There are over two lakh registered voters from the Malviya Nagar constituency this year.

The elections are scheduled for December 7 when the state will elect the 200 members of its assembly. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.&nbsp;

Bhagwan Das is a barber by profession with daily earnings of around Rs 250 to 400 and lives in a rented one-room set with his family. Das is also contesting in the upcoming Rajasthan Assembly Elections from Jaipur's Malviya Nagar constituency as a Janta Dal (United) candidate.

Bhagwan Das is a barber by profession with daily earnings of around Rs 250 to 400 and lives in a rented one-room set with his family. Das is also contesting in the upcoming Rajasthan Assembly Elections from Jaipur's Malviya Nagar constituency as a Janta Dal (United) candidate. Das underlined that having lived as a "voiceless" individual all his life, he now wants to be the voice of the weak and uplift them. "I belong from Sain community and I want to become the voice of the voiceless. I work in the morning and go for campaigning in the afternoon on my friend`s bike. I hurry back to my shop in the evening so that I do not miss my customers," Das said. Das is contesting against veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kalicharan Saraf, who has converted Malviya Nagar into his bastion, emerging victorious from the constituency for the last four terms. Das said he didn't even have money to procure banners and posters, saying his friends pooled in and encouraged him to pursue his ambition. "My wife cooks in various houses on a monthly wage. I was encouraged by my friends here to contest the elections. My friends are helping me financially, to print banners and posters as I have no money," Das said. There are over two lakh registered voters from the Malviya Nagar constituency this year. The elections are scheduled for December 7 when the state will elect the 200 members of its assembly. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Aiming to be voice for the weak, Rajasthan barber to contest polls

The District administration here has sealed the doors of the room where Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) have been kept after the elections by constructing brick walls.

The strong room has been sealed locked after storing the EVM's of three assembly constituencies of the district.

Sharing details of this unusual security measure district collector Mahadev Kawre said, "To keep EVM`s secure we have erected a wall. Gates have been kept sealed locked but the wall is an added precaution. Security of EVM is of utmost importance. We have deployed a company of central force with 120 personnel. CCTV is also being used for monitoring. Construction of wall has also been done as per rules. "

On being asked about how he came up with this idea, he said, "I queried about the measures that were taken in last elections and was told that a half wall was erected on the gates. In order to avoid any allegations or counters, we decided to make a full wall."

The first phase of elections in Chhattisgarh was held for 18 seats, distributed in eight Naxal-affected districts on November 12.

The polling for remaining 72 seats was held on November 20. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. A total of 1,291 candidates are in the fray.&nbsp;

The District administration here has sealed the doors of the room where Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) have been kept after the elections by constructing brick walls.

The District administration here has sealed the doors of the room where Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) have been kept after the elections by constructing brick walls. The strong room has been sealed locked after storing the EVM's of three assembly constituencies of the district. Sharing details of this unusual security measure district collector Mahadev Kawre said, "To keep EVM`s secure we have erected a wall. Gates have been kept sealed locked but the wall is an added precaution. Security of EVM is of utmost importance. We have deployed a company of central force with 120 personnel. CCTV is also being used for monitoring. Construction of wall has also been done as per rules. " On being asked about how he came up with this idea, he said, "I queried about the measures that were taken in last elections and was told that a half wall was erected on the gates. In order to avoid any allegations or counters, we decided to make a full wall." The first phase of elections in Chhattisgarh was held for 18 seats, distributed in eight Naxal-affected districts on November 12. The polling for remaining 72 seats was held on November 20. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. A total of 1,291 candidates are in the fray.

Chhattisgarh assembly polls: Doors of EVM stores sealed by constructing walls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday hit out at the Congress Saturday, days after its leader Raj Babbar compared the rupee's slide with the age of his mother, saying those who did not have issues to talk about, resort to abusing someone else's mother.&nbsp;

Addressing a rally here, Modi, in an apparent dig at UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, said 125 crore people of the country were the "high-command" of his government, which was "not remote-controlled by a madam".

Hitting out at the Congress on Babbar's remarks, he said, "When one doesn't have issues to talk about, he resorts to abusing somebody else's mother."&nbsp;

The Congress leader had kicked up a row in Indore Thursday when he compared the falling value of rupee against US dollar with the age of the prime minister's mother.

Attacking Gandhi, Modi alleged that "coffers of banks were emptied for the rich during the madam's government". "However, our government opened doors of banks for the needy youth," Modi said.

The prime minister asked why the Congress was worried about Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan being called "mama".

"They are worried Shivraj is called mama...Why, don't you remember (Ottavio) Quattrocchi mama and Warren Anderson (then chairman of the Union Carbide) mama," he said, referring to the Bofors scandal and the 1984 Bhopal Gas tragedy.

He said the Congress was voted out of power in Madhya Pradesh 15 years ago because it indulged in the politics of divisiveness.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday hit out at the Congress Saturday, days after its leader Raj Babbar compared the rupee's slide with the age of his mother, saying those who did not have issues to talk about, resort to abusing someone else's mother.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday hit out at the Congress Saturday, days after its leader Raj Babbar compared the rupee's slide with the age of his mother, saying those who did not have issues to talk about, resort to abusing someone else's mother. Addressing a rally here, Modi, in an apparent dig at UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, said 125 crore people of the country were the "high-command" of his government, which was "not remote-controlled by a madam". Hitting out at the Congress on Babbar's remarks, he said, "When one doesn't have issues to talk about, he resorts to abusing somebody else's mother." The Congress leader had kicked up a row in Indore Thursday when he compared the falling value of rupee against US dollar with the age of the prime minister's mother. Attacking Gandhi, Modi alleged that "coffers of banks were emptied for the rich during the madam's government". "However, our government opened doors of banks for the needy youth," Modi said. The prime minister asked why the Congress was worried about Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan being called "mama". "They are worried Shivraj is called mama...Why, don't you remember (Ottavio) Quattrocchi mama and Warren Anderson (then chairman of the Union Carbide) mama," he said, referring to the Bofors scandal and the 1984 Bhopal Gas tragedy. He said the Congress was voted out of power in Madhya Pradesh 15 years ago because it indulged in the politics of divisiveness.

Modi targets Congress, says coffers of banks were emptied for rich during 'madam's' govt

Voters who backed the YSR Congress and Telugu Desam party in the 2014 elections are likely to be the deciding factor in Huzurnagar constituency, from where Telangana Congress chief Uttam Kumar Reddy is seeking re-election.

YSRC, which has chosen not to contest the December 7 Telangana Assembly election, and TDP candidates polled more than 25,000 votes each in this segment in the previous poll.

The TDP of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is a partner in the Congress-led alliance along with CPI and TJS, named "Praja Kutami" (People's Front), for the upcoming Telangana election giving a boost to Reddy's electoral prospects.

But, at the same time, YSRC leaders said the supporters of their outfit would not support Reddy as the Congress has allied with TDP, its arch-rival in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, and their votes would go to the TRS.

Reddy, a former pilot in Indian Air Force, is betting on the "anti-incumbency factor" and the support of the alliance partners while his opponent Saidi Reddy (TRS), an NRI and IT professional, is counting on beneficiaries of various government schemes in the constituency.

Uttam Kumar Reddy won the Huzurnagar seat by a margin of 23,924 votes over his nearest TRS rival Kasoju Sankaramma in the previous election in which YSRC contestant G Srikanth Reddy polled 29,657 votes, and Telugu Desam Party candidate Swamy Goud Vangala 25,353 votes.

"Our cadre and YSRC sympathisers would never vote for Congress as it tied up with TDP which is our arch-rival in Andhra Pradesh. 
So we would vote for the TRS candidate.

And as such voters of this constituency lost faith in sitting MLA Uttam Kumar Reddy as many housing projects which were initiated when he was the Housing Minister (in undivided Andhra Pradesh) either did not take off or bills have not been paid for beneficiaries," Srikanth Reddy told PTI.

The Congress is also wooing Shankaramma who was denied ticket this time by TRS by expressing sympathy that she was neglected by her party. 
Her son Srikantha Chary self-immolated during the agitation for separate statehood for Telangana.

"Entire Telangana remembered the treatment (by denying ticket this time) meted out to Sankaramma by TRS leadership. Congress party would suitably accommodate her in future.

As a candidate of People's Front, I am going win with 60,000 to 70000 majority from this constituency. We hope people of Huzurnagar will bless us with the highest majority.

As we do not have children, me and my wife always treat the people of this constituency as our family members and children," the TPCC chief had said at the time of filing his nomination.

Reddy is seeking re-election for the fifth time. In 1999 and 2004 he contested from Kodad while in 2009 and 2014 he was elected from Huzurnagar. 
His wife Pamdavathi who represented Kodad in 2014 is contesting again.

Independent political analyst Telakapalli Ravi said majority of the "committed" TDP voters may vote for Uttam Kumar Reddy as they are strongly opposed to TRS.

"The very idea of Congress and the TDP sailing together, leaving the decades-old difference, is to defeat the TRS. 
There is a chunk of committed voters of TDP in Telangana.

They may vote for Congress candidates," Ravi says.

Saidi Reddy said there are over 90,000 beneficiaries under various government programmes such as pension scheme and 'Rythu Bandhu.'

"They (the beneficiaries) would certainly vote for me.&nbsp;Also people see Congress as an opportunist as it is going along with TDP which is considered as a party with anti-Telangana stance. There is a notion in the voters of this constituency that Uttam Kumar Reddy is not accessible to common people," Saidi Reddy said.

Saidi Reddy worked in Jamaica and Canada over the last decade and returned in 2015.

Since then, he has been nurturing Huzurnagar constituency.&nbsp;

Voters who backed the YSR Congress and Telugu Desam party in the 2014 elections are likely to be the deciding factor in Huzurnagar constituency, from where Telangana Congress chief Uttam Kumar Reddy is seeking re-election.

Voters who backed the YSR Congress and Telugu Desam party in the 2014 elections are likely to be the deciding factor in Huzurnagar constituency, from where Telangana Congress chief Uttam Kumar Reddy is seeking re-election. YSRC, which has chosen not to contest the December 7 Telangana Assembly election, and TDP candidates polled more than 25,000 votes each in this segment in the previous poll. The TDP of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is a partner in the Congress-led alliance along with CPI and TJS, named "Praja Kutami" (People's Front), for the upcoming Telangana election giving a boost to Reddy's electoral prospects. But, at the same time, YSRC leaders said the supporters of their outfit would not support Reddy as the Congress has allied with TDP, its arch-rival in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, and their votes would go to the TRS. Reddy, a former pilot in Indian Air Force, is betting on the "anti-incumbency factor" and the support of the alliance partners while his opponent Saidi Reddy (TRS), an NRI and IT professional, is counting on beneficiaries of various government schemes in the constituency. Uttam Kumar Reddy won the Huzurnagar seat by a margin of 23,924 votes over his nearest TRS rival Kasoju Sankaramma in the previous election in which YSRC contestant G Srikanth Reddy polled 29,657 votes, and Telugu Desam Party candidate Swamy Goud Vangala 25,353 votes. "Our cadre and YSRC sympathisers would never vote for Congress as it tied up with TDP which is our arch-rival in Andhra Pradesh. So we would vote for the TRS candidate. And as such voters of this constituency lost faith in sitting MLA Uttam Kumar Reddy as many housing projects which were initiated when he was the Housing Minister (in undivided Andhra Pradesh) either did not take off or bills have not been paid for beneficiaries," Srikanth Reddy told PTI. The Congress is also wooing Shankaramma who was denied ticket this time by TRS by expressing sympathy that she was neglected by her party. Her son Srikantha Chary self-immolated during the agitation for separate statehood for Telangana. "Entire Telangana remembered the treatment (by denying ticket this time) meted out to Sankaramma by TRS leadership. Congress party would suitably accommodate her in future. As a candidate of People's Front, I am going win with 60,000 to 70000 majority from this constituency. We hope people of Huzurnagar will bless us with the highest majority. As we do not have children, me and my wife always treat the people of this constituency as our family members and children," the TPCC chief had said at the time of filing his nomination. Reddy is seeking re-election for the fifth time. In 1999 and 2004 he contested from Kodad while in 2009 and 2014 he was elected from Huzurnagar. His wife Pamdavathi who represented Kodad in 2014 is contesting again. Independent political analyst Telakapalli Ravi said majority of the "committed" TDP voters may vote for Uttam Kumar Reddy as they are strongly opposed to TRS. "The very idea of Congress and the TDP sailing together, leaving the decades-old difference, is to defeat the TRS. There is a chunk of committed voters of TDP in Telangana. They may vote for Congress candidates," Ravi says. Saidi Reddy said there are over 90,000 beneficiaries under various government programmes such as pension scheme and 'Rythu Bandhu.' "They (the beneficiaries) would certainly vote for me. Also people see Congress as an opportunist as it is going along with TDP which is considered as a party with anti-Telangana stance. There is a notion in the voters of this constituency that Uttam Kumar Reddy is not accessible to common people," Saidi Reddy said. Saidi Reddy worked in Jamaica and Canada over the last decade and returned in 2015. Since then, he has been nurturing Huzurnagar constituency.

Will Telangana Congress chief get re-elected? YSRC, TDP voters hold key

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

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

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

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

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday said Indians have realised that there is no substance in what Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks, adding the latter is mum on the issues he spoke about before the 2014 elections.

Addressing a campaign rally in Madhya Pradesh for the November 28 upcoming&nbsp;Assembly polls, Gandhi said Modi's speeches used to be about corruption, farmers and unemployment.

"Today, he doesn't say anything on these issues. People of the country have realised that there is no substance in what Modi speaks. All his assurances are false," Gandhi said.

"Before 2014, Narendra Modi promised loan waiver, bonus and better price for farmers' produce; I want to ask him why were the assurances not fulfilled," he said.

When the Congress forms the next government in Madhya Pradesh, the chief minister will work for 18 hours a day to provide employment to youth, Gandhi said.

"Unemployment and farm crisis are rampant in all the poll-bound states," he said, adding the government has told Parliament that only 450 youth get jobs per day in India, as against 50,000 in China in the same period.

Gandhi promised loan waiver to farmers "within 10 days of coming to power" in Madhya Pradesh and making the state an "agriculture hub" of the country.

The Congress leader said the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in the state destroyed the education sector with Vyapam, the entrance examination, admission and recruitment scam unearthed in Madhya Pradesh in 2013.

On the Rafale deal, Gandhi said Modi gave Rs 30,000 crore benefit to industrialist Anil Ambani by taking away the contract from the state-owned aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

"Even BJP leaders Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie have said due processes were not followed in the Rafale deal. The CBI director was about to start a probe into the Rafale scam but he was removed from his post at 2 am," Gandhi said.

"If a probe is carried out, only two names, that of Modi and Anil Ambani, would figure in it," he said.

Gandhi said,"Modi speaks of surgical strikes. The fighter aircraft used in the strikes were manufactured at HAL, while Ambani doesn't have any experience of making aircraft".

"Ambani has a debt of Rs 45,000 crore and is yet to repay the money given to him by public sector banks, he said.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday said Indians have realised that there is no substance in what Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks, adding the latter is mum on the issues he spoke about before the 2014 elections.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday said Indians have realised that there is no substance in what Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks, adding the latter is mum on the issues he spoke about before the 2014 elections. Addressing a campaign rally in Madhya Pradesh for the November 28 upcoming Assembly polls, Gandhi said Modi's speeches used to be about corruption, farmers and unemployment. "Today, he doesn't say anything on these issues. People of the country have realised that there is no substance in what Modi speaks. All his assurances are false," Gandhi said. "Before 2014, Narendra Modi promised loan waiver, bonus and better price for farmers' produce; I want to ask him why were the assurances not fulfilled," he said. When the Congress forms the next government in Madhya Pradesh, the chief minister will work for 18 hours a day to provide employment to youth, Gandhi said. "Unemployment and farm crisis are rampant in all the poll-bound states," he said, adding the government has told Parliament that only 450 youth get jobs per day in India, as against 50,000 in China in the same period. Gandhi promised loan waiver to farmers "within 10 days of coming to power" in Madhya Pradesh and making the state an "agriculture hub" of the country. The Congress leader said the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in the state destroyed the education sector with Vyapam, the entrance examination, admission and recruitment scam unearthed in Madhya Pradesh in 2013. On the Rafale deal, Gandhi said Modi gave Rs 30,000 crore benefit to industrialist Anil Ambani by taking away the contract from the state-owned aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). "Even BJP leaders Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie have said due processes were not followed in the Rafale deal. The CBI director was about to start a probe into the Rafale scam but he was removed from his post at 2 am," Gandhi said. "If a probe is carried out, only two names, that of Modi and Anil Ambani, would figure in it," he said. Gandhi said,"Modi speaks of surgical strikes. The fighter aircraft used in the strikes were manufactured at HAL, while Ambani doesn't have any experience of making aircraft". "Ambani has a debt of Rs 45,000 crore and is yet to repay the money given to him by public sector banks, he said.

No substance in what Modi speaks, says Rahul Gandhi

Under vitriolic attack from caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on its President N Chandrababu Naidu, the Telugu Desam Party is putting up a brave front in the Telangana Assembly polls.

The December seven election to the 119-member Telangana Assembly is seen in some quarters as a "do-or-die" political battle for the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister in the country's youngest state.

Senior TDP politburo member Ravula Chandrasekhar Reddy sees Rao's repeated attacks on Naidu as a "panic reaction".

"On September six (after the Assembly was dissolved), he (Rao) said TDP has a mere 0.2 per cent vote share in Telangana. Now, he (Rao) is devoting 50 per cent of his speech time criticising Naidu and TDP. It shows his panic reaction and frustration," Reddy told PTI.

The Congress, the TDP, the Telananga Jana Samiti (TJS) and the Communist party of India have forged an alliance to take on the ruling TRS (Telangana Rashtra Samiti).

In alliance with the BJP, the TDP had bagged 15 seats with a vote share of 14.7 per cent in the 2014 elections.

In the ongoing election campaign, Rao and TRS leaders have repeatedly chosen to project the TDP as an "anti-Telangana party" and Naidu as the one who had tried to put hurdles in Telangana's development.

If the Congress-led alliance comes to power in Telangana, they have alleged that Naidu would call the shots.

The TDP has seen 13 of its Telangana MLAs deserting the party -- 12 defecting to the TRS and one to the Congress. But Reddy asserted that the party and its cadre are intact in Telangana.

"We are confident of winning the 13 seats that we are contesting now," he said.

As chief minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh, Naidu had strived hard for all-round development of Hyderabad, particularly the information technology sector, Reddy said.

"Sixty-four per cent of Telangana's income is from Hyderabad only. This (pro-development, pro-investment) atmosphere is created by Naidu (during his tenure as CM)," he said.

Under vitriolic attack from caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on its President N Chandrababu Naidu, the Telugu Desam Party is putting up a brave front in the Telangana Assembly polls.

Under vitriolic attack from caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on its President N Chandrababu Naidu, the Telugu Desam Party is putting up a brave front in the Telangana Assembly polls. The December seven election to the 119-member Telangana Assembly is seen in some quarters as a "do-or-die" political battle for the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister in the country's youngest state. Senior TDP politburo member Ravula Chandrasekhar Reddy sees Rao's repeated attacks on Naidu as a "panic reaction". "On September six (after the Assembly was dissolved), he (Rao) said TDP has a mere 0.2 per cent vote share in Telangana. Now, he (Rao) is devoting 50 per cent of his speech time criticising Naidu and TDP. It shows his panic reaction and frustration," Reddy told PTI. The Congress, the TDP, the Telananga Jana Samiti (TJS) and the Communist party of India have forged an alliance to take on the ruling TRS (Telangana Rashtra Samiti). In alliance with the BJP, the TDP had bagged 15 seats with a vote share of 14.7 per cent in the 2014 elections. In the ongoing election campaign, Rao and TRS leaders have repeatedly chosen to project the TDP as an "anti-Telangana party" and Naidu as the one who had tried to put hurdles in Telangana's development. If the Congress-led alliance comes to power in Telangana, they have alleged that Naidu would call the shots. The TDP has seen 13 of its Telangana MLAs deserting the party -- 12 defecting to the TRS and one to the Congress. But Reddy asserted that the party and its cadre are intact in Telangana. "We are confident of winning the 13 seats that we are contesting now," he said. As chief minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh, Naidu had strived hard for all-round development of Hyderabad, particularly the information technology sector, Reddy said. "Sixty-four per cent of Telangana's income is from Hyderabad only. This (pro-development, pro-investment) atmosphere is created by Naidu (during his tenure as CM)," he said.

TDP seeks to take fight to TRS camp in do-or-die poll battle

It’s difficult to say exactly when the Eureka moment first struck Congress President Rahul Gandhi. Around mid-2017, buffeted by state assembly defeat, Gandhi had his epiphany: the Hindu card.&nbsp;

Why hadn’t we thought of it earlier, he apocryphally asked his advisors. The Congress, he reckoned, had damaged itself electorally by being seen as a “Muslim party”. Hindus, even moderate longtime Congress supporters, were deserting the Congress.

The saffronisation of the Congress began haltingly. First came Gandhi’s widely publicised visit to the Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand. The December 2017 Gujarat Assembly election was a key test laboratory. If the Congress’ new found Hindu-centricism found resonance in Prime Minister Narendra Modi home turf, long a polarised Hindutva stronghold, it could succeed in other states as well.

It did. Karnataka followed. As he had done in Gujarat, Gandhi visited several temples and declared himself a 'Shiva bhakt'. But wouldn’t Muslims be upset? Gandhi was confident that Muslims would anyway not vote for the BJP. A bit of proto-Hindutva would retain the Congress’ traditional minority vote bank while recapturing the centrist Hindu vote, resentful of the Congress’ minority tilt.

With the key Madhya Pradesh assembly election due on Wednesday, November 28, the Congress has gone saffron with a vengeance. Its manifesto reads like a BJP manifesto. The Congress has promised the Madhya Pradesh electorate that it will build gaushalas in every panchayat. It has pledged to develop Rath Path Gaman, the route Lord Ram took during his exile.&nbsp;

The Congress manifesto goes on unblinkingly to say that it will begin commercial production of gau mutra (cow urine). To emphasise its new saffron credentials, in case there was any lingering doubt, the Congress has promised that, if elected, it will establish a “spiritual” department in its state government though it didn’t say whether sadhus or sants would head it.

Madhya Pradesh is possibly the most important assembly election of the five states now going to the polls. A Congress victory in Rajasthan is a foregone conclusion despite a late BJP resurgence: the only question is whether veteran Ashok Gehlot or young turk Sachin Pilot will be the chief minister.&nbsp;

Chhattisgarh will see a close battle but the BJP is likely to eke out a slim majority. The TRS will sweep Telangana while the result in Mizoram with its fragmented politics, whichever way it goes, will not have national impact.

Madhya Pradesh will. It is a knife-edge election with much at stake. If the Congress wins, it will have four big states – Karnataka, Punjab, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh – in its bag ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

Personal reputations too are at stake in Madhya Pradesh: Jyotiraditya Scindia, Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh have put themselves on the line for the Congress. For three-term chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan it’s a do-or-die election.

A victory in Madhya Pradesh will boost Gandhi’s political stock as much as it will dim BJP president Amit Shah’s halo of invincibility. Sensing that the saffron rug had been pulled from under his feet, Shivraj Singh Chouhan has focused his election campaign on vikas. “The Ram Mandir is there,” he says, “but for us it is vikas, development.” Chouhan knows that the Madhya Pradesh electorate takes his and the BJP’s saffron credentials for granted. After all, the foundation of the country’s first cow sanctuary, he points out, was laid by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

Confident of its grip on the saffron vote, the BJP has dismissed the Congress’ pledge to build “many more cow sanctuaries” as an electoral gambit. The Congress’ Madhya Pradesh manifesto committee chairman and deputy speaker of the state assembly Rajendra Singh is disarmingly candid about the party’s Hindutva strategy: “The BJP used to brand us as a Muslim party. It’s a conscious decision to shed that tag thrust on us by our rivals. Earlier, we did not do anything to change the perception. We are not a Muslim party, we are a secular party. But it’s true that you can’t win elections without taking care of the majority community. We do respect Muslims.”

Singh justifies the party’s rightward swing with more artless candour: “When you have a gaushala you will also have dung and urine. Why let it go waste? When gau mutra is purchased for pesticides why not sell it? The cow is a sacred animal for us. We can’t encourage slaughter at any cost but legal transportation must be allowed for agricultural purposes because the livelihood of many depends on it.”

Will Gandhi follow this saffron-lite strategy at the national level? A gaushala-friendly policy may not work in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar where the percentage of Muslims is higher than in Madhya Pradesh. Ironically, while the Congress is adopting saffron, the BJP is wooing Muslims, especially Shias, Bohras and Memons, seen as being friendlier to the BJP than the majority Sunnis.&nbsp;

As both Congress and BJP shed their historical positions and their ideological lines begin to blur, religion could in future, counter-intuitively, play a less defining role in determining election results. Both parties, ideological clones, will then compel voters to judge them on the only criterion that matters: development.

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-saffronisation-of-congress-2687995">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

It’s difficult to say exactly when the Eureka moment first struck Congress President Rahul Gandhi. Around mid-2017, buffeted by state assembly defeat, Gandhi had his epiphany: the Hindu card.

It’s difficult to say exactly when the Eureka moment first struck Congress President Rahul Gandhi. Around mid-2017, buffeted by state assembly defeat, Gandhi had his epiphany: the Hindu card. Why hadn’t we thought of it earlier, he apocryphally asked his advisors. The Congress, he reckoned, had damaged itself electorally by being seen as a “Muslim party”. Hindus, even moderate longtime Congress supporters, were deserting the Congress. The saffronisation of the Congress began haltingly. First came Gandhi’s widely publicised visit to the Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand. The December 2017 Gujarat Assembly election was a key test laboratory. If the Congress’ new found Hindu-centricism found resonance in Prime Minister Narendra Modi home turf, long a polarised Hindutva stronghold, it could succeed in other states as well. It did. Karnataka followed. As he had done in Gujarat, Gandhi visited several temples and declared himself a 'Shiva bhakt'. But wouldn’t Muslims be upset? Gandhi was confident that Muslims would anyway not vote for the BJP. A bit of proto-Hindutva would retain the Congress’ traditional minority vote bank while recapturing the centrist Hindu vote, resentful of the Congress’ minority tilt. With the key Madhya Pradesh assembly election due on Wednesday, November 28, the Congress has gone saffron with a vengeance. Its manifesto reads like a BJP manifesto. The Congress has promised the Madhya Pradesh electorate that it will build gaushalas in every panchayat. It has pledged to develop Rath Path Gaman, the route Lord Ram took during his exile. The Congress manifesto goes on unblinkingly to say that it will begin commercial production of gau mutra (cow urine). To emphasise its new saffron credentials, in case there was any lingering doubt, the Congress has promised that, if elected, it will establish a “spiritual” department in its state government though it didn’t say whether sadhus or sants would head it. Madhya Pradesh is possibly the most important assembly election of the five states now going to the polls. A Congress victory in Rajasthan is a foregone conclusion despite a late BJP resurgence: the only question is whether veteran Ashok Gehlot or young turk Sachin Pilot will be the chief minister. Chhattisgarh will see a close battle but the BJP is likely to eke out a slim majority. The TRS will sweep Telangana while the result in Mizoram with its fragmented politics, whichever way it goes, will not have national impact. Madhya Pradesh will. It is a knife-edge election with much at stake. If the Congress wins, it will have four big states – Karnataka, Punjab, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh – in its bag ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha election. Personal reputations too are at stake in Madhya Pradesh: Jyotiraditya Scindia, Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh have put themselves on the line for the Congress. For three-term chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan it’s a do-or-die election. A victory in Madhya Pradesh will boost Gandhi’s political stock as much as it will dim BJP president Amit Shah’s halo of invincibility. Sensing that the saffron rug had been pulled from under his feet, Shivraj Singh Chouhan has focused his election campaign on vikas. “The Ram Mandir is there,” he says, “but for us it is vikas, development.” Chouhan knows that the Madhya Pradesh electorate takes his and the BJP’s saffron credentials for granted. After all, the foundation of the country’s first cow sanctuary, he points out, was laid by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. Confident of its grip on the saffron vote, the BJP has dismissed the Congress’ pledge to build “many more cow sanctuaries” as an electoral gambit. The Congress’ Madhya Pradesh manifesto committee chairman and deputy speaker of the state assembly Rajendra Singh is disarmingly candid about the party’s Hindutva strategy: “The BJP used to brand us as a Muslim party. It’s a conscious decision to shed that tag thrust on us by our rivals. Earlier, we did not do anything to change the perception. We are not a Muslim party, we are a secular party. But it’s true that you can’t win elections without taking care of the majority community. We do respect Muslims.” Singh justifies the party’s rightward swing with more artless candour: “When you have a gaushala you will also have dung and urine. Why let it go waste? When gau mutra is purchased for pesticides why not sell it? The cow is a sacred animal for us. We can’t encourage slaughter at any cost but legal transportation must be allowed for agricultural purposes because the livelihood of many depends on it.” Will Gandhi follow this saffron-lite strategy at the national level? A gaushala-friendly policy may not work in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar where the percentage of Muslims is higher than in Madhya Pradesh. Ironically, while the Congress is adopting saffron, the BJP is wooing Muslims, especially Shias, Bohras and Memons, seen as being friendlier to the BJP than the majority Sunnis. As both Congress and BJP shed their historical positions and their ideological lines begin to blur, religion could in future, counter-intuitively, play a less defining role in determining election results. Both parties, ideological clones, will then compel voters to judge them on the only criterion that matters: development. (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: Will Congress' new found Hindu-centricism work at national level?

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

Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) president and state's caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has said that if the Congress comes to power, the state will go blind.

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

Telangana will become blind if Congress comes to power: KCR

The Election Commission has served notices to five politicians in the state after receiving various complaints against them for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct.

Telangana Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar said that notices have been issued to Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao, Congress leader Revanth Reddy, Telugu Desam Party leader Vanteru Pratap Reddy, and his fellow party leader Revuri Prakash Reddy.

"We have also received a complaint against Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) chief Uttam Kumar Reddy for speaking at a religious meeting. We have also sent a notice to him. We have asked them to file their replies," he said.

He further informed that they have also received a complaint against former MLA and Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) candidate Gangula Kamalakar for threatening a BJP leader and added that they are examining the complaints and will take action accordingly.

Telangana CEO said that around 32,796 polling stations have been created for the convenience of the voters. As many as 48,000 police personnel will be deployed on the polling day for security purposes. Apart from the police force, 279 companies of Central Paramilitary Forces (CPMF) will also be deployed for the polls, Rajat Kumar said.Since the Model Code of Conduct was imposed in the state, Rs 90.72 crore including cash and goods has been seized.

He further informed that they have received around 3583 nominations for the assembly polls.

The Assembly elections in the state are scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. The Telangana Assembly was dissolved prematurely in September on the recommendation of the ruling TRS government.

The Election Commission has served notices to five politicians in the state after receiving various complaints against them for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct.

The Election Commission has served notices to five politicians in the state after receiving various complaints against them for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct. Telangana Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar said that notices have been issued to Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao, Congress leader Revanth Reddy, Telugu Desam Party leader Vanteru Pratap Reddy, and his fellow party leader Revuri Prakash Reddy. "We have also received a complaint against Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) chief Uttam Kumar Reddy for speaking at a religious meeting. We have also sent a notice to him. We have asked them to file their replies," he said. He further informed that they have also received a complaint against former MLA and Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) candidate Gangula Kamalakar for threatening a BJP leader and added that they are examining the complaints and will take action accordingly. Telangana CEO said that around 32,796 polling stations have been created for the convenience of the voters. As many as 48,000 police personnel will be deployed on the polling day for security purposes. Apart from the police force, 279 companies of Central Paramilitary Forces (CPMF) will also be deployed for the polls, Rajat Kumar said.Since the Model Code of Conduct was imposed in the state, Rs 90.72 crore including cash and goods has been seized. He further informed that they have received around 3583 nominations for the assembly polls. The Assembly elections in the state are scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. The Telangana Assembly was dissolved prematurely in September on the recommendation of the ruling TRS government.

Telangana polls: Notice to 5 politicians for violating poll code

The ruling BJP and the Congress in Rajasthan have fielded 11 turncoats for the December 7 Assembly polls, hoping that the "parachute" candidates will shine for them in the elections.

Voices of dissent are being heard from both parties and sidelined party leaders are quick to cross over to get a chance to contest.

The ruling BJP alone has fielded seven defectors, including six from the Congress and one from the BSP.

BJP nominees Mahesh Pratap Singh from Nathdawara, Ram Kishor Saini from Bandikui, Mamta Sharma from Pipalda, Kalpna Singh from Ladpura, Rajendra Bhamu from Jhunjhunu and Ashok Sharma from Rajkhera are the leaders who crossed over to the saffron brigade from the Congress.

Another defector from the BSP, Abhinesh Mehrishi, replaced sitting BJP minister Rajkumar Rinwa from Ratangarh seat.

Not to be left behind, the Congress has given tickets to at least four turncoats to test electoral waters.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who had in August stated that he will make sure that party workers have their say and no parachute candidate gets nominated in the next assembly elections in Rajasthan, seems to have swallowed his own words while finalising the ticket list for bright prospects of the party in the state.

Rajasthan state Congress President Sachin Pilot said the decision was taken by the party high command on case-to-case basis.

Turncoats, who managed to get Congress tickets just after a few hours or days after leaving the BJP, include Harish Meena, Habib-ir-Rehman, Manvendra Singh and Zamindara Party legislator Sona Devi Bawri.

MP from Dausa Harish Meena, who had quit the party a day ago, has been fielded from Deoli-Uniara on a Congress ticket.

Similarly, BJP MLA from Nagaur Habib-ur-Rehman had also quit the BJP a day before the list was declared and has been fielded by Congress from Nagaur seat itself.

Among the parachute candidates who joined Congress include Kanhaiya Lal Jhanwar. He joined the Congress about five hours before the party's list was released and was fielded from Bikaner East.

Also, IPS officer Sawai Singh Godara has been fielded from Khinwsar just a few days after he took voluntary retirement.

Raj Kumar Sharma, who secured ticket from his current seat of Nawalgarh by the Congress, was an independent legislator earlier.

The ruling BJP and the Congress in Rajasthan have fielded 11 turncoats for the December 7 Assembly polls, hoping that the "parachute" candidates will shine for them in the elections.

The ruling BJP and the Congress in Rajasthan have fielded 11 turncoats for the December 7 Assembly polls, hoping that the "parachute" candidates will shine for them in the elections. Voices of dissent are being heard from both parties and sidelined party leaders are quick to cross over to get a chance to contest. The ruling BJP alone has fielded seven defectors, including six from the Congress and one from the BSP. BJP nominees Mahesh Pratap Singh from Nathdawara, Ram Kishor Saini from Bandikui, Mamta Sharma from Pipalda, Kalpna Singh from Ladpura, Rajendra Bhamu from Jhunjhunu and Ashok Sharma from Rajkhera are the leaders who crossed over to the saffron brigade from the Congress. Another defector from the BSP, Abhinesh Mehrishi, replaced sitting BJP minister Rajkumar Rinwa from Ratangarh seat. Not to be left behind, the Congress has given tickets to at least four turncoats to test electoral waters. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who had in August stated that he will make sure that party workers have their say and no parachute candidate gets nominated in the next assembly elections in Rajasthan, seems to have swallowed his own words while finalising the ticket list for bright prospects of the party in the state. Rajasthan state Congress President Sachin Pilot said the decision was taken by the party high command on case-to-case basis. Turncoats, who managed to get Congress tickets just after a few hours or days after leaving the BJP, include Harish Meena, Habib-ir-Rehman, Manvendra Singh and Zamindara Party legislator Sona Devi Bawri. MP from Dausa Harish Meena, who had quit the party a day ago, has been fielded from Deoli-Uniara on a Congress ticket. Similarly, BJP MLA from Nagaur Habib-ur-Rehman had also quit the BJP a day before the list was declared and has been fielded by Congress from Nagaur seat itself. Among the parachute candidates who joined Congress include Kanhaiya Lal Jhanwar. He joined the Congress about five hours before the party's list was released and was fielded from Bikaner East. Also, IPS officer Sawai Singh Godara has been fielded from Khinwsar just a few days after he took voluntary retirement. Raj Kumar Sharma, who secured ticket from his current seat of Nawalgarh by the Congress, was an independent legislator earlier.

BJP, Congress bet on turncoats in Rajasthan

The Election Commission of India has decided to hold polling for Bru refugees residing in Tripura at the inter-state border village of Kanhmun in Mamit district of Mizoram.

The place of voting for 11,232 Bru voters has become the most controversial issue in the run up to the Mizoram Assembly polls, leading to replacement of the Chief Electoral Officer S B Shashank in less than two weeks ahead of the elections to the 40-member House.

Shashank had reportedly facilitated voting by Bru voters in the relief camps in Tripura.

"We have been informed by the Election Commission that the polling for the Brus must be arranged at Kanhmun village inside Mizoram territory. We have started our preparations for that," an official in the CEO office told PTI.

A written order to this effect is likely to be received by the Mizoram CEO Ashish Kundra in a day or two, he said.

Kanhmun is an inter-state border village between Mizoram and Tripura.

The six camps of the Bru refugees are located between two km and 10 km from the inter-state border between Tripura and Mizoram.

"In the last three years, there was no revision of electoral rolls. This time we did that. The Bru refugees are registered in nine Assembly constituencies and we'll place different voting machines accordingly at the special booth in the village," he said.

The highest number of Brus are registered in Mamit district which has Hachhek, Dampa and Mamit constituencies with 14 per cent of the total voters being refugees.

It is followed by Kolasib district with 3.5 per cent of its total voters being Brus. The district has Tuirial, Kolasib and Serlui Assembly seats.In Lunglei district, less than one per cent of the total voters are Bru refugees.

"To smoothly carry out the entire exercise, we'll take help from our counterpart in Tripura," he said.

Accepting the demand of civil society groups, NGOs, student organisations and political parties, the Election Commission on November 15 removed Shashank as Chief Electoral Officer of Mizoram and appointed Ashish Kundra in his place.

They had protested and organised dharnas in front of the CEO's office against Shashank's reported move to facilitate voting by Bru voters in relief camps in Tripura.

They demanded that the Brus, lodged in six relief camps in Tripura after they had fled Mizoram following ethnic clashes in the state in 1997, would have to come to Mizoram to cast their votes as committed by the ECI in 2014.

Meanwhile, the All NGO Coordination Committee has urged political parties to refrain from arranging transport for Bru voters on the polling day on November 28.

According to the final electoral roll published on September 27 this year, Mizoram has 7,68,181 voters.

The Election Commission of India has decided to hold polling for Bru refugees residing in Tripura at the inter-state border village of Kanhmun in Mamit district of Mizoram.

The Election Commission of India has decided to hold polling for Bru refugees residing in Tripura at the inter-state border village of Kanhmun in Mamit district of Mizoram. The place of voting for 11,232 Bru voters has become the most controversial issue in the run up to the Mizoram Assembly polls, leading to replacement of the Chief Electoral Officer S B Shashank in less than two weeks ahead of the elections to the 40-member House. Shashank had reportedly facilitated voting by Bru voters in the relief camps in Tripura. "We have been informed by the Election Commission that the polling for the Brus must be arranged at Kanhmun village inside Mizoram territory. We have started our preparations for that," an official in the CEO office told PTI. A written order to this effect is likely to be received by the Mizoram CEO Ashish Kundra in a day or two, he said. Kanhmun is an inter-state border village between Mizoram and Tripura. The six camps of the Bru refugees are located between two km and 10 km from the inter-state border between Tripura and Mizoram. "In the last three years, there was no revision of electoral rolls. This time we did that. The Bru refugees are registered in nine Assembly constituencies and we'll place different voting machines accordingly at the special booth in the village," he said. The highest number of Brus are registered in Mamit district which has Hachhek, Dampa and Mamit constituencies with 14 per cent of the total voters being refugees. It is followed by Kolasib district with 3.5 per cent of its total voters being Brus. The district has Tuirial, Kolasib and Serlui Assembly seats.In Lunglei district, less than one per cent of the total voters are Bru refugees. "To smoothly carry out the entire exercise, we'll take help from our counterpart in Tripura," he said. Accepting the demand of civil society groups, NGOs, student organisations and political parties, the Election Commission on November 15 removed Shashank as Chief Electoral Officer of Mizoram and appointed Ashish Kundra in his place. They had protested and organised dharnas in front of the CEO's office against Shashank's reported move to facilitate voting by Bru voters in relief camps in Tripura. They demanded that the Brus, lodged in six relief camps in Tripura after they had fled Mizoram following ethnic clashes in the state in 1997, would have to come to Mizoram to cast their votes as committed by the ECI in 2014. Meanwhile, the All NGO Coordination Committee has urged political parties to refrain from arranging transport for Bru voters on the polling day on November 28. According to the final electoral roll published on September 27 this year, Mizoram has 7,68,181 voters.

Mizoram polls: Bru refugees to vote in Mamit district, says official

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

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

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

Chhattisgarh Assembly elections: CM face and Congress dilemma

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

With the conclusion of the second and final phase of polling in BJP ruled Chhattisgarh on Tuesday (20 November), all eyes are now on the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, also under BJP rule for last 15 years, where polling will be held on November 28 .

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

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

As many as 3,584 nominations were filed by political parties for Telangana Assembly elections, slated to be held on December 7, a release from the office of Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar said on Monday.

Telangana caretaker ministers K T Rama Rao and Jagadish Reddy and state Congress Working President Revanth Reddy were among the prominent leaders who filed their nominations Monday, the last day for the process.

PCC chief Uttam Kumar Reddy's wife Padamavathi also filed her nomination.

Rama Rao, the son of caretaker Chief Minister and TRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao, filed his nomination from Sirsilla constituency in Rajanna Sircilla District.

The Congress fielded K K Mahender Reddy against Rama Rao.

Revanth Reddy filed his papers from Kodangal in Vikarabad district.

The TRS is going alone in the elections, which were advanced after the government chose to dissolve the Assembly ahead of its term. While the Congress has formed a "grand alliance", the BJP is also contesting the polls alone.

The CEO said they accepted all the nominations that were submitted till 3pm. Officials are expected to make the announcement on the total number nominations later.

Scrutiny of papers is fixed for Tuesday and the last date for withdrawal of nominations is November 22. The counting of votes would be held on December 11.

As many as 3,584 nominations were filed by political parties for Telangana Assembly elections, slated to be held on December 7, a release from the office of Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar said on Monday.

As many as 3,584 nominations were filed by political parties for Telangana Assembly elections, slated to be held on December 7, a release from the office of Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar said on Monday. Telangana caretaker ministers K T Rama Rao and Jagadish Reddy and state Congress Working President Revanth Reddy were among the prominent leaders who filed their nominations Monday, the last day for the process. PCC chief Uttam Kumar Reddy's wife Padamavathi also filed her nomination. Rama Rao, the son of caretaker Chief Minister and TRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao, filed his nomination from Sirsilla constituency in Rajanna Sircilla District. The Congress fielded K K Mahender Reddy against Rama Rao. Revanth Reddy filed his papers from Kodangal in Vikarabad district. The TRS is going alone in the elections, which were advanced after the government chose to dissolve the Assembly ahead of its term. While the Congress has formed a "grand alliance", the BJP is also contesting the polls alone. The CEO said they accepted all the nominations that were submitted till 3pm. Officials are expected to make the announcement on the total number nominations later. Scrutiny of papers is fixed for Tuesday and the last date for withdrawal of nominations is November 22. The counting of votes would be held on December 11.

Over 3500 nominations filed for Telangana Assembly elections

A large swathe of India is now governed by the BJP alone or in coalition with its allies. The biggest victory for the BJP in state elections was undoubtedly the landslide win in Uttar Pradesh in 2017. Since then the BJP has struggled to replicate that success. In Gujarat elections held in December 2017, the BJP won the election with a much narrower margin. However, in Karnataka elections earlier this year, the BJP despite trying every hook and trick in the book failed to dislodge the Congress which remains in government in coalition with JD(S).&nbsp;

Since then the BJP has lost several bypolls (both Lok Sabha and Assembly) in multiple states. It has looked increasingly desperate and lacking in the innovation and ability to re-endear itself to the voter. &nbsp;The overexposure of ‘Brand Modi’ coupled with the oversaturation of the public’s mind with Modi-centric messaging and campaigns seem to have led to people’s disenchantment with the central government. The most recent Lok Sabha bypolls in Karnataka where BJP lost its stronghold of Bellary by a margin of more than two lakh votes shows the extent to which people are disillusioned with the saffron party’s unkempt promise of ‘Ache Din’. &nbsp;It has also given a further boost to the idea of a united opposition’s ability to take on the BJP in the 2019 elections.&nbsp;

Notwithstanding the fact that the Congress could not ally with the BSP in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, opposition unity remains a distinct possibility for the Lok Sabha elections this year. The BJP’s principal opposition party in these states is the Congress. In both Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, the BJP is facing a huge anti-incumbency factor and its national leadership was under massive pressure from state units to fight alone instead of ceding space to other parties. 
 
In Chhattisgarh where one round of voting is over, and the second round takes place today, early surveys show that the electorate has voted for ‘Badlav’. It remains to be seen whether this Badlav will mean a Congress sweep or a Karnataka style Congress in an alliance (with Ajit Jogi and Mayawati who are fighting this election together). It is this innate longing for change that the Congress and a united opposition are banking on. In Rajasthan, the contest is heavily skewed against the incumbent BJP government. It is only in MP that the Congress, riven by factionalism, still looks unsure. However, here too the widespread discontentment with Shivraj –led BJP government could give the Congress just enough edge over the BJP. It is for the Congress to convert the desire for change into electoral victory.&nbsp;

It is being speculated that the lack of a credible and universally acceptable face is one of the main weaknesses of the proposed Mahagathbandhan; that a faceless opposition will not be able to take on the popularity and charisma of Brand Modi. It’s hard to disagree completely with this view as it quite likely that 2019 elections will be a contest between personalities: Prime Minister Modi on the NDA side and Rahul Gandhi from the Congress- UPA&nbsp;side. 
 
If that indeed turns out to be true then Gandhi with his unproven track record in government and the considerable baggage of Congress will not pass muster. Undoubtedly, an opposition with a universally acceptable face would have been a better bet but the lack of one gives it an opportunity to avoid a personality contest and instead emphasise the democratic nature of the Mahagathbandhan.&nbsp;

Therefore, it is only an opposition with a broadly shared understanding, region-wise local leaders and strategic vote-pooling can take on an opponent like Prime Minister Modi and the BJP.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

A large swathe of India is now governed by the BJP alone or in coalition with its allies. The biggest victory for the BJP in state elections was undoubtedly the landslide win in Uttar Pradesh in 2017.

A large swathe of India is now governed by the BJP alone or in coalition with its allies. The biggest victory for the BJP in state elections was undoubtedly the landslide win in Uttar Pradesh in 2017. Since then the BJP has struggled to replicate that success. In Gujarat elections held in December 2017, the BJP won the election with a much narrower margin. However, in Karnataka elections earlier this year, the BJP despite trying every hook and trick in the book failed to dislodge the Congress which remains in government in coalition with JD(S). Since then the BJP has lost several bypolls (both Lok Sabha and Assembly) in multiple states. It has looked increasingly desperate and lacking in the innovation and ability to re-endear itself to the voter. The overexposure of ‘Brand Modi’ coupled with the oversaturation of the public’s mind with Modi-centric messaging and campaigns seem to have led to people’s disenchantment with the central government. The most recent Lok Sabha bypolls in Karnataka where BJP lost its stronghold of Bellary by a margin of more than two lakh votes shows the extent to which people are disillusioned with the saffron party’s unkempt promise of ‘Ache Din’. It has also given a further boost to the idea of a united opposition’s ability to take on the BJP in the 2019 elections. Notwithstanding the fact that the Congress could not ally with the BSP in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, opposition unity remains a distinct possibility for the Lok Sabha elections this year. The BJP’s principal opposition party in these states is the Congress. In both Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, the BJP is facing a huge anti-incumbency factor and its national leadership was under massive pressure from state units to fight alone instead of ceding space to other parties. In Chhattisgarh where one round of voting is over, and the second round takes place today, early surveys show that the electorate has voted for ‘Badlav’. It remains to be seen whether this Badlav will mean a Congress sweep or a Karnataka style Congress in an alliance (with Ajit Jogi and Mayawati who are fighting this election together). It is this innate longing for change that the Congress and a united opposition are banking on. In Rajasthan, the contest is heavily skewed against the incumbent BJP government. It is only in MP that the Congress, riven by factionalism, still looks unsure. However, here too the widespread discontentment with Shivraj –led BJP government could give the Congress just enough edge over the BJP. It is for the Congress to convert the desire for change into electoral victory. It is being speculated that the lack of a credible and universally acceptable face is one of the main weaknesses of the proposed Mahagathbandhan; that a faceless opposition will not be able to take on the popularity and charisma of Brand Modi. It’s hard to disagree completely with this view as it quite likely that 2019 elections will be a contest between personalities: Prime Minister Modi on the NDA side and Rahul Gandhi from the Congress- UPA side. If that indeed turns out to be true then Gandhi with his unproven track record in government and the considerable baggage of Congress will not pass muster. Undoubtedly, an opposition with a universally acceptable face would have been a better bet but the lack of one gives it an opportunity to avoid a personality contest and instead emphasise the democratic nature of the Mahagathbandhan. Therefore, it is only an opposition with a broadly shared understanding, region-wise local leaders and strategic vote-pooling can take on an opponent like Prime Minister Modi and the BJP. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

What Opposition unity could mean for BJP

A BJP leader in Rajasthan has resigned his membership to join the Shiv Sena, an ally of the saffron party at the Centre and in Maharashtra, and contest the December 7 assembly election on its ticket. He filed his nomination on Monday.

Shri Krishan Gupta, a prominent face in Alwar district, was in the race to get a BJP ticket to contest from Alwar (Urban) constituency. The BJP, which last week released its list of candidates for the region, has fielded Sanjay Sharma from the seat instead of sitting MLA Banwari Lal.

In a departure from tradition, the BJP fielded a non-Vaishya from Alwar city, which has a sizeable voting-age population from the community.

"The Vaishya community has been neglected at the time of ticket distribution. However, two Brahmins have been given tickets despite the community having fewer voters than Vaishyas in the district. Ticket has been given without considering surveys conducted by the party and other agencies," Gupta said and confirmed he has quit the BJP.

Rajasthan unit chief of the Shiv Sena, Raj Kumar Goyal, said Gupta has joined the party.

Goyal said all party members, including the candidate who was to contest the poll from Alwar, have consented to have Gupta, 62 and a chartered accountant by profession, as the Sena face in the constituency.

"We have submitted a list of 19 star campaigners to the election officials. Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, youth wing president Aditya Thackeray and MP Sanjay Raut will come to Alwar to campaign for him," Goyal said.

The BJP has denied Gupta's allegation that the party neglected any community in ticket distribution.

"The BJP is a party of 36 communities (pluralistic). He is only seeing what he wants to see. The ticket has been given taking into consideration surveys and feedbacks from booth-level workers," BJP's Alwar unit chief Sanjay Narooka said.

Asked about accepting the resignation, he said when Gupta has joined another party it hardly mattered if or not the BJP accepts it.

Filing of nomination papers in Rajasthan started on November 12 and ended on November 19. Rajasthan, which has 200 assembly constituencies, goes to polls on December 7 and the results will be out on December 11.

There are 11 assembly constituencies in Alwar district, including Alwar (Urban), Alwar (Rural - SC), Tijara, Kishangarh Bas and Mundawar.

The Shiv Sena has a comparatively tiny presence in Rajasthan. The party will contest on four assembly seats in Alwar district, including both Alwar Urban and rural seats.

A BJP leader in Rajasthan has resigned his membership to join the Shiv Sena, an ally of the saffron party at the Centre and in Maharashtra, and contest the December 7 assembly election on its ticket.

A BJP leader in Rajasthan has resigned his membership to join the Shiv Sena, an ally of the saffron party at the Centre and in Maharashtra, and contest the December 7 assembly election on its ticket. He filed his nomination on Monday. Shri Krishan Gupta, a prominent face in Alwar district, was in the race to get a BJP ticket to contest from Alwar (Urban) constituency. The BJP, which last week released its list of candidates for the region, has fielded Sanjay Sharma from the seat instead of sitting MLA Banwari Lal. In a departure from tradition, the BJP fielded a non-Vaishya from Alwar city, which has a sizeable voting-age population from the community. "The Vaishya community has been neglected at the time of ticket distribution. However, two Brahmins have been given tickets despite the community having fewer voters than Vaishyas in the district. Ticket has been given without considering surveys conducted by the party and other agencies," Gupta said and confirmed he has quit the BJP. Rajasthan unit chief of the Shiv Sena, Raj Kumar Goyal, said Gupta has joined the party. Goyal said all party members, including the candidate who was to contest the poll from Alwar, have consented to have Gupta, 62 and a chartered accountant by profession, as the Sena face in the constituency. "We have submitted a list of 19 star campaigners to the election officials. Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, youth wing president Aditya Thackeray and MP Sanjay Raut will come to Alwar to campaign for him," Goyal said. The BJP has denied Gupta's allegation that the party neglected any community in ticket distribution. "The BJP is a party of 36 communities (pluralistic). He is only seeing what he wants to see. The ticket has been given taking into consideration surveys and feedbacks from booth-level workers," BJP's Alwar unit chief Sanjay Narooka said. Asked about accepting the resignation, he said when Gupta has joined another party it hardly mattered if or not the BJP accepts it. Filing of nomination papers in Rajasthan started on November 12 and ended on November 19. Rajasthan, which has 200 assembly constituencies, goes to polls on December 7 and the results will be out on December 11. There are 11 assembly constituencies in Alwar district, including Alwar (Urban), Alwar (Rural - SC), Tijara, Kishangarh Bas and Mundawar. The Shiv Sena has a comparatively tiny presence in Rajasthan. The party will contest on four assembly seats in Alwar district, including both Alwar Urban and rural seats.

Rajasthan BJP leader quits party to contest assembly election on Shiv Sena ticket

BJP MLA Gyan Dev Ahuja has been booked for violating the model code of conduct by allegedly distributing money to his supporters during a rally before filing nomination papers as an independent candidate on Monday.

The action was taken after a video purportedly showing Ahuja distributing money went viral.

Returing officer of Sanganer constituency Jagat Rajeshwar said the FIR was lodged with Banipark Police Station under sections of the Representation of the People's Act on Monday.

The case has been transferred to CID (CB) for investigation as the matter is related to a sitting MLA.

After denial of ticket, Ahuja, a three-time MLA, filed nomination papers from Sanganer constituency as an independent candidate.

He won the last election from Ramgarh constituency but he was dropped this time.

BJP MLA Gyan Dev Ahuja has been booked for violating the model code of conduct by allegedly distributing money to his supporters during a rally before filing nomination papers as an independent candidate on Monday.

BJP MLA Gyan Dev Ahuja has been booked for violating the model code of conduct by allegedly distributing money to his supporters during a rally before filing nomination papers as an independent candidate on Monday. The action was taken after a video purportedly showing Ahuja distributing money went viral. Returing officer of Sanganer constituency Jagat Rajeshwar said the FIR was lodged with Banipark Police Station under sections of the Representation of the People's Act on Monday. The case has been transferred to CID (CB) for investigation as the matter is related to a sitting MLA. After denial of ticket, Ahuja, a three-time MLA, filed nomination papers from Sanganer constituency as an independent candidate. He won the last election from Ramgarh constituency but he was dropped this time.

BJP MLA booked for violating model code in Rajasthan

Prime Minister Modi urged people to come out in large numbers in&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-promises-peoples-government-in-chhattisgarh-177351">72 assembly constituencies in Chhattisgarh</a>&nbsp;to exercise their franchise in Chhattisgarh as polling began for the second phase today.

According to the election commission, 25 per cent of the electorate exercised their franchise&nbsp;till 12.30 pm.

Voting began at 7 am in two polling booths of Bindranavagarh constituency in Gariaband district, while in the remaining 72 booths, polling started at 8 am.

The state had gone to the polls for the first phase on November 12th in the 18 Naxal-affected seats which saw 70 per cent electorates exercising their franchise.

There are 1,53,85,983 voters set to vote in the second phase in 19,296 polling booths across 72 constituencies which include those belonging to the Naxal belt in Gariaband, Dhamtari, Mahasamund, Kabirdham, Jashpur and Balrampur districts.

The state is witnessing a three-way battle between the ruling BJP led by chief minister Raman Singh, Congress and Ajit Jogi and Mayawati led Janata Congress Chhattisgarh(JCC-J)-BSP combine with Communist Party of India (CPI) alignment providing a bitter edge to the battle. The JCC (J) is contesting in 55 seats, the BSP 33 and CPI two seats.

Jogi's manifesto promises Rs 2,500 per quintal MSP for paddy, free power supply to agriculture pumps with a capacity of up to 5 horsepower, and complete waiver of farm loans among others.

Ajit Jogi who is contesting from Marwahi segment which belongs to the Bilaspur division.

The Bilaspur division comprising of with 24 Assembly seats holds the key to the state. The area also has five seats reserved for the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category and four for the Scheduled Caste (SC).&nbsp;

Raman Singh, the current chief minister of the state who has been in power for the past 15 years has promised 2 lakh interest-free loan for women, free books and uniform to students till 12th standard. The ruling party in its manifesto has made effort to reach out to farmers and youth.

Congress in its "people's manifesto" has promised immediate loan waivers within 10 days of being voted to power.

Out of the Of the 72 seats going to the polls today, 46 belong to the general category, while nine are reserved for Scheduled Castes and 17 for Scheduled Tribes candidates.

The counting of votes will be held on December 11.

Prime Minister Modi urged people to come out in large numbers in 72 assembly constituencies in Chhattisgarh to exercise their franchise in Chhattisgarh as polling began for the second phase today.

Prime Minister Modi urged people to come out in large numbers in 72 assembly constituencies in Chhattisgarh to exercise their franchise in Chhattisgarh as polling began for the second phase today. According to the election commission, 25 per cent of the electorate exercised their franchise till 12.30 pm. Voting began at 7 am in two polling booths of Bindranavagarh constituency in Gariaband district, while in the remaining 72 booths, polling started at 8 am. The state had gone to the polls for the first phase on November 12th in the 18 Naxal-affected seats which saw 70 per cent electorates exercising their franchise. There are 1,53,85,983 voters set to vote in the second phase in 19,296 polling booths across 72 constituencies which include those belonging to the Naxal belt in Gariaband, Dhamtari, Mahasamund, Kabirdham, Jashpur and Balrampur districts. The state is witnessing a three-way battle between the ruling BJP led by chief minister Raman Singh, Congress and Ajit Jogi and Mayawati led Janata Congress Chhattisgarh(JCC-J)-BSP combine with Communist Party of India (CPI) alignment providing a bitter edge to the battle. The JCC (J) is contesting in 55 seats, the BSP 33 and CPI two seats. Jogi's manifesto promises Rs 2,500 per quintal MSP for paddy, free power supply to agriculture pumps with a capacity of up to 5 horsepower, and complete waiver of farm loans among others. Ajit Jogi who is contesting from Marwahi segment which belongs to the Bilaspur division. The Bilaspur division comprising of with 24 Assembly seats holds the key to the state. The area also has five seats reserved for the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category and four for the Scheduled Caste (SC). Raman Singh, the current chief minister of the state who has been in power for the past 15 years has promised 2 lakh interest-free loan for women, free books and uniform to students till 12th standard. The ruling party in its manifesto has made effort to reach out to farmers and youth. Congress in its "people's manifesto" has promised immediate loan waivers within 10 days of being voted to power. Out of the Of the 72 seats going to the polls today, 46 belong to the general category, while nine are reserved for Scheduled Castes and 17 for Scheduled Tribes candidates. The counting of votes will be held on December 11.

Chhattisgarh elections: 25 per cent voting recorded till 12.30 pm amid heavy security

The Congress party has released its fourth list of six candidates for the upcoming Telangana assembly elections, to be held on December 7.

The decision was announced by General Secretary of the Congress`s Central Election Commission, Mukul Wasnik on Sunday. So far, the party has announced the names of 94 candidates out of 119 seats in the state.

Earlier on Sunday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released the sixth list of six candidates for the upcoming polls in the state. The counting of votes for the high-stakes elections will take place on December 11.

The Telangana State Assembly was dissolved prematurely in September on the recommendation of the ruling K Chandrasekhar Rao-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government.&nbsp;

The Congress party has released its fourth list of six candidates for the upcoming Telangana assembly elections, to be held on December 7. The decision was announced by General Secretary of the Congress`s Central Election Commission, Mukul Wasnik on Sunday.

The Congress party has released its fourth list of six candidates for the upcoming Telangana assembly elections, to be held on December 7. The decision was announced by General Secretary of the Congress`s Central Election Commission, Mukul Wasnik on Sunday. So far, the party has announced the names of 94 candidates out of 119 seats in the state. Earlier on Sunday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released the sixth list of six candidates for the upcoming polls in the state. The counting of votes for the high-stakes elections will take place on December 11. The Telangana State Assembly was dissolved prematurely in September on the recommendation of the ruling K Chandrasekhar Rao-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government.

Congress releases fourth list of 6 candidates for Telangana polls