BJP president Amit Shah will hold talks with youths of poll-bound Rajasthan on November 21 here, Union minister Rajyavardhan Rathore here said on Sunday.

The main event will be held at Tagore School auditorium in the state capital where nearly 4,000 youths will participate. The event will be live streamed and Shah will take questions from youths present there and also from those at six other locations, Bharatpur, Udaipur, Kota, Jodhpur, Ajmer and Bikaner, he said at a press conference.

Apart from these places, town hall meetings will be held in other 200 locations across the state where youths will be present, Rathore said, adding questions from youths who will be present at these locations will be registered beforehand and they will not be able to ask question during the programme.

"India is emerging as a strong nation due to the vision and energy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Youth understand this. Social media has brought awareness among people on issues, be it political or any other. BJP has always has held dialogues with youth and therefore the party present is going to communicate with the state's youths on November 21," he said.

Rathore said that questions can be asked through social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.

Assembly polls in Rajasthan will be held on December 7.

BJP president Amit Shah will hold talks with youths of poll-bound Rajasthan on November 21 here, Union minister Rajyavardhan Rathore here said on Sunday. The main event will be held at Tagore School auditorium in the state capital where nearly 4,000 youths will participate.

BJP president Amit Shah will hold talks with youths of poll-bound Rajasthan on November 21 here, Union minister Rajyavardhan Rathore here said on Sunday. The main event will be held at Tagore School auditorium in the state capital where nearly 4,000 youths will participate. The event will be live streamed and Shah will take questions from youths present there and also from those at six other locations, Bharatpur, Udaipur, Kota, Jodhpur, Ajmer and Bikaner, he said at a press conference. Apart from these places, town hall meetings will be held in other 200 locations across the state where youths will be present, Rathore said, adding questions from youths who will be present at these locations will be registered beforehand and they will not be able to ask question during the programme. "India is emerging as a strong nation due to the vision and energy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Youth understand this. Social media has brought awareness among people on issues, be it political or any other. BJP has always has held dialogues with youth and therefore the party present is going to communicate with the state's youths on November 21," he said. Rathore said that questions can be asked through social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Assembly polls in Rajasthan will be held on December 7.

Amit Shah to hold talks with youths of poll-bound Rajasthan on November 21: Rajyavardhan Rathore

Opposition leader Sharad Yadav said on Sunday the BJP's hope to return to power at the Centre will be buried in the same states -- Uttar Pradesh and Bihar -- which had propelled it to a big win in 2014, and asserted that the Congress will trump the saffron party in all the five poll-bound states.

The results of the assembly polls, including BJP-ruled Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, will lay the foundation for the Lok Sabha elections next year, he told PTI in an interview.

People want to get rid of the Narendra Modi-led government as it has not fulfilled a single promise made to them in 2014, Yadav claimed.

Accusing Prime Minister Modi of resorting to "sentimental" ploys like raking up his tea-seller background while his party colleagues talk of building Ram temple in Ayodhya, the Loktantrik Janta Dal patron said this shows the BJP has nothing to talk about its government's achievements.

"The Congress is in the driving seats in all the five states. People are under distress and want to defeat the BJP. The results of these (assembly) polls will lay the foundation stone for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections," he said.

Working to forge an alliance of opposition parties and win over new allies against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, Yadav said they will be united in 2019.

"The BJP had captured Delhi on the back of its win in the Gangetic plains (Uttar Pradesh and Bihar). Its hope of returning to power in 2019 will be buried in the same plains," he said.

The NDA had won 104 of the 120 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in 2014 but a likely alliance of the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samajwadi Party has made things much more challenging for the BJP in the politically most crucial state that sends 80 members to the lower house of Parliament.

The BJP has boosted its prospects in Bihar by allying with Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) president Nitish Kumar, who had fought against it in 2014, but the opposition is working to shore up its support by wooing leaders in the NDA camp.

Yadav had recently met RLSP leader and BJP ally Upendra Kushwaha, and there is speculation that his Loktantrik Janata Dal and the RLSP may merge to boost the opposition alliance.

He declined to comment on the matter but Kushwaha's drift from the NDA is becoming increasingly evident as he said on Saturday that the number of seats offered to him by the BJP for the Lok Sabha polls is not "respectable", setting the deadline of November 30 to the saffron party to sort out the matter.

Attacking Modi for "chasing the Congress with a lathi day in and day out" while "not fulfilling his promises", Yadav said the prime minister rakes up sentimental issues like his tea-seller background to target the main opposition party.

The Congress was defeated in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and the subsequent assembly elections. There cannot be a bigger punishment for a party than this, he said.

"People elected you (BJP) to power and punished them (Congress). Still, you are chasing them with a lathi day in and out. You do not do your work. You attack them (the Congress) everyday but do not fulfil your promises. People have become so distressed," Yadav said.

Whether it was the BJP's promise on generating employment or boosting the economy and cleaning the Ganga river, none of it has been fulfilled, he claimed and alleged that instead, measures like demonetisation hit people hard and the GST "destroyed" small traders.

These are the real issues on the ground, besides distress of farmers and high oil prices, he said while reiterating that the assembly polls will boost the opposition and set the tone for the Lok Sabha polls.

Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram are due on November 26, and in Rajasthan and Telangana on December 7.

Chhattisgarh had gone to the polls for 18 seats on November 12 and polling for the remaining 72 seats will be held on November 20. Counting of votes for all the five states is due on December 11.

Opposition leader Sharad Yadav said on Sunday the BJP's hope to return to power at the Centre will be buried in the same states -- Uttar Pradesh and Bihar -- which had propelled it to a big win in 2014, and asserted that the Congress will trump the saffron party in all the five poll-bound states.

Opposition leader Sharad Yadav said on Sunday the BJP's hope to return to power at the Centre will be buried in the same states -- Uttar Pradesh and Bihar -- which had propelled it to a big win in 2014, and asserted that the Congress will trump the saffron party in all the five poll-bound states. The results of the assembly polls, including BJP-ruled Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, will lay the foundation for the Lok Sabha elections next year, he told PTI in an interview. People want to get rid of the Narendra Modi-led government as it has not fulfilled a single promise made to them in 2014, Yadav claimed. Accusing Prime Minister Modi of resorting to "sentimental" ploys like raking up his tea-seller background while his party colleagues talk of building Ram temple in Ayodhya, the Loktantrik Janta Dal patron said this shows the BJP has nothing to talk about its government's achievements. "The Congress is in the driving seats in all the five states. People are under distress and want to defeat the BJP. The results of these (assembly) polls will lay the foundation stone for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections," he said. Working to forge an alliance of opposition parties and win over new allies against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, Yadav said they will be united in 2019. "The BJP had captured Delhi on the back of its win in the Gangetic plains (Uttar Pradesh and Bihar). Its hope of returning to power in 2019 will be buried in the same plains," he said. The NDA had won 104 of the 120 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in 2014 but a likely alliance of the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samajwadi Party has made things much more challenging for the BJP in the politically most crucial state that sends 80 members to the lower house of Parliament. The BJP has boosted its prospects in Bihar by allying with Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) president Nitish Kumar, who had fought against it in 2014, but the opposition is working to shore up its support by wooing leaders in the NDA camp. Yadav had recently met RLSP leader and BJP ally Upendra Kushwaha, and there is speculation that his Loktantrik Janata Dal and the RLSP may merge to boost the opposition alliance. He declined to comment on the matter but Kushwaha's drift from the NDA is becoming increasingly evident as he said on Saturday that the number of seats offered to him by the BJP for the Lok Sabha polls is not "respectable", setting the deadline of November 30 to the saffron party to sort out the matter. Attacking Modi for "chasing the Congress with a lathi day in and day out" while "not fulfilling his promises", Yadav said the prime minister rakes up sentimental issues like his tea-seller background to target the main opposition party. The Congress was defeated in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and the subsequent assembly elections. There cannot be a bigger punishment for a party than this, he said. "People elected you (BJP) to power and punished them (Congress). Still, you are chasing them with a lathi day in and out. You do not do your work. You attack them (the Congress) everyday but do not fulfil your promises. People have become so distressed," Yadav said. Whether it was the BJP's promise on generating employment or boosting the economy and cleaning the Ganga river, none of it has been fulfilled, he claimed and alleged that instead, measures like demonetisation hit people hard and the GST "destroyed" small traders. These are the real issues on the ground, besides distress of farmers and high oil prices, he said while reiterating that the assembly polls will boost the opposition and set the tone for the Lok Sabha polls. Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram are due on November 26, and in Rajasthan and Telangana on December 7. Chhattisgarh had gone to the polls for 18 seats on November 12 and polling for the remaining 72 seats will be held on November 20. Counting of votes for all the five states is due on December 11.

Congress in driving seats in state polls, BJP's bid to return to power in 2019 will fail: Sharad Yadav

The Congress hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for speaking about a video purportedly featuring its Madhya Pradesh unit chief, Kamal Nath, at an election rally in Chhindwara Sunday.

Nath is a nine-time Lok Sabha MP of the Congress from Chhindwara.

Targeting Nath over a video that went viral on the social media, Modi, in his speech, said the state Congress chief had said the winnability of a candidate was the most important factor for him, rather than whether he was corrupt, a goon or facing criminal cases.

The prime minister went on to ask the gathering, "Should Madhya Pradesh be saved from such people (Congress candidates) or not? Should the state go into such hands?"

Reacting to Modi's speech, the Congress said it had lodged a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) about the "doctored and edited" video.

"Narendra Modi, who is holding the top post of prime minister, has dished out lies in Chhindwara on the basis of this doctored video," Congress spokesperson Narendra Saluja said.

Seeking an apology from the prime minister, he said the opposition party would also file also a complaint with the EC in this regard (Modi's reference to the video).

The 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly will go to the polls on November 28 and the results will be announced on December 11.&nbsp;

The Congress hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for speaking about a video purportedly featuring its Madhya Pradesh unit chief, Kamal Nath, at an election rally in Chhindwara Sunday.

The Congress hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for speaking about a video purportedly featuring its Madhya Pradesh unit chief, Kamal Nath, at an election rally in Chhindwara Sunday. Nath is a nine-time Lok Sabha MP of the Congress from Chhindwara. Targeting Nath over a video that went viral on the social media, Modi, in his speech, said the state Congress chief had said the winnability of a candidate was the most important factor for him, rather than whether he was corrupt, a goon or facing criminal cases. The prime minister went on to ask the gathering, "Should Madhya Pradesh be saved from such people (Congress candidates) or not? Should the state go into such hands?" Reacting to Modi's speech, the Congress said it had lodged a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) about the "doctored and edited" video. "Narendra Modi, who is holding the top post of prime minister, has dished out lies in Chhindwara on the basis of this doctored video," Congress spokesperson Narendra Saluja said. Seeking an apology from the prime minister, he said the opposition party would also file also a complaint with the EC in this regard (Modi's reference to the video). The 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly will go to the polls on November 28 and the results will be announced on December 11.

Congress hits out at PM for Kamal Nath video reference at poll rally

Roads, power and water are no longer poll issues in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh this time unlike in 2003, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said here Sunday.&nbsp;

He was addressing a 'Prabuddhjan Sammelan' (intellectuals' meet) organised by the BJP, which was attended by doctors, lawyers, businessmen and other professionals.

"Sadak, bijli, pani (roads, power, water) are no more issues in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls scheduled on November 28," Jaitley said.

"The Assembly elections of 2003 (when the Congress was in power) were fought on three issues, roads, power and water. The condition of roads was very poor then and I was advised by partymen to travel from one district to another by helicopter or train and not by road," he said.

The Union minister said that in fifteen years, the BJP government in the state had improved the quality of roads and strengthened road connectivity, power and water supply.

In agriculture sector, Madhya Pradesh had replaced Punjab and become the "foodgrain bowl" of the country, he said.

The state, under the BJP rule, has shed its "Bimaru" (backward, laggard) tag and become "aspirational", Jaitley said.

He also claimed there was no social or economic discontent in the country. "Had there been discontent, opposition parties would have launched a movement against the government," he said.

Roads, power and water are no longer poll issues in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh this time unlike in 2003, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said here Sunday. He was addressing a 'Prabuddhjan Sammelan' (intellectuals' meet) organised by the BJP, which was attended by doctors, lawyers, businessmen and other professionals.

Roads, power and water are no longer poll issues in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh this time unlike in 2003, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said here Sunday. He was addressing a 'Prabuddhjan Sammelan' (intellectuals' meet) organised by the BJP, which was attended by doctors, lawyers, businessmen and other professionals. "Sadak, bijli, pani (roads, power, water) are no more issues in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls scheduled on November 28," Jaitley said. "The Assembly elections of 2003 (when the Congress was in power) were fought on three issues, roads, power and water. The condition of roads was very poor then and I was advised by partymen to travel from one district to another by helicopter or train and not by road," he said. The Union minister said that in fifteen years, the BJP government in the state had improved the quality of roads and strengthened road connectivity, power and water supply. In agriculture sector, Madhya Pradesh had replaced Punjab and become the "foodgrain bowl" of the country, he said. The state, under the BJP rule, has shed its "Bimaru" (backward, laggard) tag and become "aspirational", Jaitley said. He also claimed there was no social or economic discontent in the country. "Had there been discontent, opposition parties would have launched a movement against the government," he said.

Roads, power, water no issues in MP election: Arun Jaitley

Unaccounted cash, illicit liquor and other items worth over Rs 11.85 crore has been seized by officials in Chhattisgarh in run-up to assembly elections since October 4 when the model code came into force.

The elections for the total 90 constituencies are being held in two phases--November 12 and November 20.

"Flying squads constituted by district election offices have been keeping a close watch on illegal consignment of liquor, cash and other items meant to influence the polls," said an officer with the office of State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).

These squads comprise personnel from the police, excise and income tax departments, he said.

He said unaccounted cash, illicit liquor, drugs, jewellery and other items worth Rs 11,85,51,461 have been seized from separate places in the state during October 4 - November 16 periods.

"Recovered items include cash worth Rs 4,47,13,358 and 70,681 litres of liquor worth around Rs 1,30,15,000," he said.

The officer said 22-kg narcotic items worth Rs 1.76 lakh were also recovered.

"Besides, jewelleries and other valuables worth Rs 29,13,871 were seized, apart from laptops, vehicles, pressure cookers and other items worth Rs 5,77,33,175," he said, adding that cases have been registered under appropriate acts.

The ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), which is eyeing the fourth consecutive term in Chhattisgarh, and the opposition Congress are locked&nbsp; 
in a close contest in the state.

The contest has become triangular with the entry of former chief minister Ajit Jogi whose outfit has tied up with Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) of Mayawati and the CPI.

Unaccounted cash, illicit liquor and other items worth over Rs 11.85 crore has been seized by officials in Chhattisgarh in run-up to assembly elections since October 4 when the model code came into force.

Unaccounted cash, illicit liquor and other items worth over Rs 11.85 crore has been seized by officials in Chhattisgarh in run-up to assembly elections since October 4 when the model code came into force. The elections for the total 90 constituencies are being held in two phases--November 12 and November 20. "Flying squads constituted by district election offices have been keeping a close watch on illegal consignment of liquor, cash and other items meant to influence the polls," said an officer with the office of State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). These squads comprise personnel from the police, excise and income tax departments, he said. He said unaccounted cash, illicit liquor, drugs, jewellery and other items worth Rs 11,85,51,461 have been seized from separate places in the state during October 4 - November 16 periods. "Recovered items include cash worth Rs 4,47,13,358 and 70,681 litres of liquor worth around Rs 1,30,15,000," he said. The officer said 22-kg narcotic items worth Rs 1.76 lakh were also recovered. "Besides, jewelleries and other valuables worth Rs 29,13,871 were seized, apart from laptops, vehicles, pressure cookers and other items worth Rs 5,77,33,175," he said, adding that cases have been registered under appropriate acts. The ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), which is eyeing the fourth consecutive term in Chhattisgarh, and the opposition Congress are locked in a close contest in the state. The contest has become triangular with the entry of former chief minister Ajit Jogi whose outfit has tied up with Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) of Mayawati and the CPI.

Chhattisgarh polls: Unaccounted cash, booze worth over Rs 11 crore seized

Congress stalwart from Rajasthan and former state Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said Sunday he did not hold any position in priority and will abide by the decision the party high command takes on the issue of CM post.

Not ruling himself out of the race for the top post in the state should Congress win, Gehlot said he would be open to any role Congress president Rahul Gandhi assigns him in the interest of the party.

"I am ready for whatever role Congress president gives me. I am against any kind of lobbying for any position. I have never lobbied even when I faced dissidence as CM. If they (the high command) send me to Rajasthan in party interest, it will be their decision," the powerful AICC general secretary said.

He said he is "more than satisfied" with his long political career as a five-time Lok Sabha MP, three-time Union minister and ten-year Rajasthan chief minister.

"No post is a priority for me. I am more than satisfied with my political innings and the question before me now is how to bring the party in power in Rajasthan first and then in the country under the leadership of Congress president Rahul Gandhi. I will be ready for any role I am assigned," he said when asked if he is in the race for chief ministership should Congress come to power.

Asked whether the fact that all top state leaders contesting elections in Rajasthan will heat up the power race in the party after polls, Gehlot said the "issue of CM will be amicably resolved by the party high command which will take a decision based on party interest, public and MLAs' sentiments."

"There will be no problem. The high command's decision will be acceptable to all... Whatever they decide will be acceptable to all," he said, accusing the BJP of raising the CM issue for political reasons.

On whether there will be a new CM face other than him or Pilot, Gehlot said it will be the party high command's decision.

The two-term ex-CM of Rajasthan also said the decision on who the next CM will be will not be hampered by the presence of the entire top state brass in elections.

Asked why all state leaders were contesting in Rajasthan, unlike in Madhya Pradesh, he said it is a decision which the Congress president has taken, and he welcomed it.

"The politics in Rajasthan is different and the Congress leadership believes that all the leaders who wish to contest should do so," Gehlot said.

"I want the party's flag to fly high both in Rajasthan and across the country, as the present atmosphere is dangerous for the country and people want the Congress to return to power both in the state and at the Centre."

The AICC general secretary said the party has a tradition of not declaring its CM candidate in advance and that tradition will be respected.

He alleged that it was a BJP conspiracy to raise such an issue to create divisions within the Congress and the people understand this.

"The BJP does not have any right to ask who the Congress CM face is, as they themselves did not have a state party chief for 75 days," Gehlot said.

On giving tickets to parachute candidates, he said former BJP leader Manvendra Singh has been fielded against CM Vasundhara Raje based on a political strategy and is an exception.

The Congress leader, who served thrice as Union minister under Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Narasimha Rao, is pitted with PCC chief Sachin Pilot for the post of chief minister and both are contesting the state election.

While Gehlot is a sitting MLA from Sardarpura, Pilot is contesting the state poll for the first time from Tonk. Pilot has been a former MP from Dausa and then from Ajmer.

 
&nbsp;

Congress stalwart from Rajasthan and former state Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said Sunday he did not hold any position in priority and will abide by the decision the party high command takes on the issue of CM post.

Congress stalwart from Rajasthan and former state Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said Sunday he did not hold any position in priority and will abide by the decision the party high command takes on the issue of CM post. Not ruling himself out of the race for the top post in the state should Congress win, Gehlot said he would be open to any role Congress president Rahul Gandhi assigns him in the interest of the party. "I am ready for whatever role Congress president gives me. I am against any kind of lobbying for any position. I have never lobbied even when I faced dissidence as CM. If they (the high command) send me to Rajasthan in party interest, it will be their decision," the powerful AICC general secretary said. He said he is "more than satisfied" with his long political career as a five-time Lok Sabha MP, three-time Union minister and ten-year Rajasthan chief minister. "No post is a priority for me. I am more than satisfied with my political innings and the question before me now is how to bring the party in power in Rajasthan first and then in the country under the leadership of Congress president Rahul Gandhi. I will be ready for any role I am assigned," he said when asked if he is in the race for chief ministership should Congress come to power. Asked whether the fact that all top state leaders contesting elections in Rajasthan will heat up the power race in the party after polls, Gehlot said the "issue of CM will be amicably resolved by the party high command which will take a decision based on party interest, public and MLAs' sentiments." "There will be no problem. The high command's decision will be acceptable to all... Whatever they decide will be acceptable to all," he said, accusing the BJP of raising the CM issue for political reasons. On whether there will be a new CM face other than him or Pilot, Gehlot said it will be the party high command's decision. The two-term ex-CM of Rajasthan also said the decision on who the next CM will be will not be hampered by the presence of the entire top state brass in elections. Asked why all state leaders were contesting in Rajasthan, unlike in Madhya Pradesh, he said it is a decision which the Congress president has taken, and he welcomed it. "The politics in Rajasthan is different and the Congress leadership believes that all the leaders who wish to contest should do so," Gehlot said. "I want the party's flag to fly high both in Rajasthan and across the country, as the present atmosphere is dangerous for the country and people want the Congress to return to power both in the state and at the Centre." The AICC general secretary said the party has a tradition of not declaring its CM candidate in advance and that tradition will be respected. He alleged that it was a BJP conspiracy to raise such an issue to create divisions within the Congress and the people understand this. "The BJP does not have any right to ask who the Congress CM face is, as they themselves did not have a state party chief for 75 days," Gehlot said. On giving tickets to parachute candidates, he said former BJP leader Manvendra Singh has been fielded against CM Vasundhara Raje based on a political strategy and is an exception. The Congress leader, who served thrice as Union minister under Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Narasimha Rao, is pitted with PCC chief Sachin Pilot for the post of chief minister and both are contesting the state election. While Gehlot is a sitting MLA from Sardarpura, Pilot is contesting the state poll for the first time from Tonk. Pilot has been a former MP from Dausa and then from Ajmer.

Madhya Pradesh polls: Will go by Rahul Gandhi's decision on CM, says Ashok Gehlot 

Mizo National Front (MNF) general secretary Lalruatkima Saturday blamed the Congress government in Mizoram for the state's underdevelopment and corruption and said his party would ensure good governance and an accountable government, if voted to power in the coming Assembly polls.

The MNF is contesting all the 40 seats in the November 28 state Assembly election.

Lalruatkima told reporters that the present Congress government had never taken the moral responsibility for the bad road conditions in the state, the scarcity of essential commodities or the collapse of a bridge.

If voted to power, the MNF would combat corruption by establishing the Lokayukta and ensure good governance and a government that was accountable, transparent and responsive, he said.

The MLA accused the Congress government, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla and his younger brother Lal Thanzara, who had been looking after the Public Works portfolio for 10 years, for the extremely bad road conditions in the north-eastern state.

He alleged that the duo had awarded contracts only to a few non-tribal contractors, who were overburdened with work orders, which caused a delay in the completion of works.

The "horrible" condition of the roads in the state was a result of a quid pro quo (a favour or advantage granted in return for something) nexus between Lal Thanhawla, Lal Thanzara and the non-tribal contractors, Lalruatkima alleged.

"The government awarded contracts worth Rs 122.52 crore to the Sunshine Overseas Corporation during 2010-2015, the company in which Lal Thanzara had a 21.6 per cent share," he said.

A bailey bridge over the Tuirini river between Sesawng and Khawruhlian had collapsed in February, killing one person and injuring others. Under pressure from the opposition parties, Lal Thanzara had owned the moral responsibility for it and the MNF had demanded his resignation for alleged negligence of duty.

Lalruatkima said decentralisation of power would be among the topmost priorities for the MNF if it came to power.

Other focus areas would be health and education, the MNF leader said, adding that his party would introduce a system of annual recruitment of doctors, teachers and nurses through the state Public Service Commission as was being done for the state civil and police services.

The poll results will be announced on December 11.

Mizo National Front (MNF) general secretary Lalruatkima Saturday blamed the Congress government in Mizoram for the state's underdevelopment and corruption and said his party would ensure good governance and an accountable government, if voted to power in the coming Assembly polls.

Mizo National Front (MNF) general secretary Lalruatkima Saturday blamed the Congress government in Mizoram for the state's underdevelopment and corruption and said his party would ensure good governance and an accountable government, if voted to power in the coming Assembly polls. The MNF is contesting all the 40 seats in the November 28 state Assembly election. Lalruatkima told reporters that the present Congress government had never taken the moral responsibility for the bad road conditions in the state, the scarcity of essential commodities or the collapse of a bridge. If voted to power, the MNF would combat corruption by establishing the Lokayukta and ensure good governance and a government that was accountable, transparent and responsive, he said. The MLA accused the Congress government, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla and his younger brother Lal Thanzara, who had been looking after the Public Works portfolio for 10 years, for the extremely bad road conditions in the north-eastern state. He alleged that the duo had awarded contracts only to a few non-tribal contractors, who were overburdened with work orders, which caused a delay in the completion of works. The "horrible" condition of the roads in the state was a result of a quid pro quo (a favour or advantage granted in return for something) nexus between Lal Thanhawla, Lal Thanzara and the non-tribal contractors, Lalruatkima alleged. "The government awarded contracts worth Rs 122.52 crore to the Sunshine Overseas Corporation during 2010-2015, the company in which Lal Thanzara had a 21.6 per cent share," he said. A bailey bridge over the Tuirini river between Sesawng and Khawruhlian had collapsed in February, killing one person and injuring others. Under pressure from the opposition parties, Lal Thanzara had owned the moral responsibility for it and the MNF had demanded his resignation for alleged negligence of duty. Lalruatkima said decentralisation of power would be among the topmost priorities for the MNF if it came to power. Other focus areas would be health and education, the MNF leader said, adding that his party would introduce a system of annual recruitment of doctors, teachers and nurses through the state Public Service Commission as was being done for the state civil and police services. The poll results will be announced on December 11.

MNF blames Congress govt for underdevelopment, corruption in Mizoram

Senior Congress leader M Sasidhar Reddy, son of former Chief Minister in undivided Andhra Pradesh M Chenna Reddy, Saturday expressed disappointment over not being given a ticket for the December 7 Telangana assembly polls, saying the reason given was that he would lose.

Reddy, a former Vice Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), traditionally contests from Sanatnagar in Hyderabad, but the seat has been alloted to TDP as part of seat-sharing among partners of the "grand alliance" for the polls.

An angry Reddy hit out at Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president N Uttam Kumar Reddy for denying him the seat.

"It's not the question of an individual seat that was denied to me. The reasons given for that is something which is very upsetting, as propagated by Mr Uttam Kumar Reddy," he told PTI.

"It was very forcefully argued by him that I will lose. That is the reason why he wants to leave it to TDP. The basis for that is supposed to be his survey," he said.

However, an online poll by a TV channel gave him 68 per cent winning chances against his TRS rival, he said.

The denial of ticket to him sends out a wrong message to the rank and file that loyalty and contributions have no value and "all that matters is the personal agendas of these leaders", Reddy said.

He also alleged that the PCC leadership had misled the high command.

"I don't blame the Congress high command. Because of the constraint of time, elections in various states and the rallies and all that the Congress president is attending. Four-five states are going for polls," he said.

Reddy said he got a call from senior party leaders in Delhi and that he was on the way to airport to leave for the national capital.

Meanwhile, several other aspirants who failed to get tickets voiced their protest and some of them said they would form a front to contest the elections.

Congress sources said that a committee of party leaders would speak to those who were denied tickets.

Senior Congress leader M Sasidhar Reddy, son of former Chief Minister in undivided Andhra Pradesh M Chenna Reddy, Saturday expressed disappointment over not being given a ticket for the December 7 Telangana assembly polls, saying the reason given was that he would lose.

Senior Congress leader M Sasidhar Reddy, son of former Chief Minister in undivided Andhra Pradesh M Chenna Reddy, Saturday expressed disappointment over not being given a ticket for the December 7 Telangana assembly polls, saying the reason given was that he would lose. Reddy, a former Vice Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), traditionally contests from Sanatnagar in Hyderabad, but the seat has been alloted to TDP as part of seat-sharing among partners of the "grand alliance" for the polls. An angry Reddy hit out at Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president N Uttam Kumar Reddy for denying him the seat. "It's not the question of an individual seat that was denied to me. The reasons given for that is something which is very upsetting, as propagated by Mr Uttam Kumar Reddy," he told PTI. "It was very forcefully argued by him that I will lose. That is the reason why he wants to leave it to TDP. The basis for that is supposed to be his survey," he said. However, an online poll by a TV channel gave him 68 per cent winning chances against his TRS rival, he said. The denial of ticket to him sends out a wrong message to the rank and file that loyalty and contributions have no value and "all that matters is the personal agendas of these leaders", Reddy said. He also alleged that the PCC leadership had misled the high command. "I don't blame the Congress high command. Because of the constraint of time, elections in various states and the rallies and all that the Congress president is attending. Four-five states are going for polls," he said. Reddy said he got a call from senior party leaders in Delhi and that he was on the way to airport to leave for the national capital. Meanwhile, several other aspirants who failed to get tickets voiced their protest and some of them said they would form a front to contest the elections. Congress sources said that a committee of party leaders would speak to those who were denied tickets.

Telangana polls: Son of former Andhra Pradesh CM miffed at being denied ticket

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday promised to waive farm loans in Chhattisgarh within 10 days of assuming power in the state and said the money for it would come from the "likes of" Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and Anil Ambani.

Stepping up his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation ahead of the second and final phase of the Chhattisgarh polls, Gandhi alleged that Modi made the honest people suffer through the 2016 exercise, but spared the rich.

Addressing a poll rally in Koriya district, he alleged that the prime minister had waived loans worth Rs 3.5 lakh crore of a few rich people, but not those of the poor farmers.

"As soon as the Congress forms the government here, Modiji, you count 10 days. The Congress will waive the loans of each farmer in Chhattisgarh within 10 days," Gandhi said.

He claimed that BJP leaders used to question the previous Congress-led UPA government about the source of money for granting loan waiver.

"Modiji, the money for the loan waiver for Chhattisgarh's farmers will come from the likes of Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, Anil Ambani...We will take their money and implement the loan waiver," the Congress chief said.

He alleged that "liquor baron Mallya fled the country with Rs 10,000 crore of the banks, while Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi fled with Rs 35,000 crore".

Addressing a rally in Ambikapur, Modi had Friday claimed that the Congress was "worried" because he took away all the money its "minions and friends" had stashed under their beds and in sacks in one stroke.

"Something rankles them (Congress) in such a way that they are still not able to sleep...No one sitting here is crying. Only one family is crying," Modi had said, while justifying demonetisation.

Gandhi reiterated his charge that the prime minister had helped industrialist Anil Ambani get Rs 30,000 crore in the "Rafale scam".

Turning to demonetisation, he said Modi "robbed the poor and the honest" through the exercise, which invalidated the old Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes, and made them stand in queues to exchange the scrapped notes.

"Modiji had said he would fight against black money. He had (recently) said those who had stashed money in their houses and or kept it hidden under pillows were thieves and that he had taken action against them.

"I want to tell you (people) that you have not committed any theft. The person who has committed a theft is Narendra Modi. He made the honest people stand in queues. Have you ever seen those wearing suit-boot and crorepatis standing in queues (outside banks)?" Gandhi asked the crowd.

He said the Congress had always delivered on its promises, unlike the BJP.

"The intention of the Congress is very clear. It never makes false promises. In fact, you can listen to my speeches of the last 15 years. I never made false promises. Whatever I promised, I fulfilled it," Gandhi said.

He added that the previous UPA government had brought in measures like the Tribal Bill, the Right to Food Act, the Right To Information Act, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), the Land Acquisition Bill etc.

"You can check the records. On the contrary, Modi and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh did not fulfil the promises they had made to farmers," the Congress MP said.

Modi and Singh did not fulfil their promises like good returns to farmers on their produce and loan waiver, he said.

"In the last four-and-a-half years, Modiji has waived loans worth Rs 3.50 lakh crore of a few rich people, but he has not spoken about farm loan waiver. Similarly, Raman Singh has snatched the bonus of the farmers," Gandhi alleged.

He accused the prime minister of remaining "silent" on the "corruption charges" against Singh.

"Modi used to speak about corruption in his earlier speeches, but why has he not spoken about the corruption of Raman Singh?" the Congress chief asked.

He claimed that the names of Singh and his wife had surfaced in the alleged Rs 36,000-crore civil supply scam.

"A Rs 5,000-crore chit fund scam was also perpetrated in the state. His (Singh's) son Abhishek Singh was named in the Panama Papers scandal, but no action was taken in any of these cases," Gandhi said.

The final phase of polling for 72 seats will be held in Chhattisgarh on November 20. The first phase for 18 seats was held on November 12. The results will be announced on December 11.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday promised to waive farm loans in Chhattisgarh within 10 days of assuming power in the state and said the money for it would come from the "likes of" Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and Anil Ambani.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday promised to waive farm loans in Chhattisgarh within 10 days of assuming power in the state and said the money for it would come from the "likes of" Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and Anil Ambani. Stepping up his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation ahead of the second and final phase of the Chhattisgarh polls, Gandhi alleged that Modi made the honest people suffer through the 2016 exercise, but spared the rich. Addressing a poll rally in Koriya district, he alleged that the prime minister had waived loans worth Rs 3.5 lakh crore of a few rich people, but not those of the poor farmers. "As soon as the Congress forms the government here, Modiji, you count 10 days. The Congress will waive the loans of each farmer in Chhattisgarh within 10 days," Gandhi said. He claimed that BJP leaders used to question the previous Congress-led UPA government about the source of money for granting loan waiver. "Modiji, the money for the loan waiver for Chhattisgarh's farmers will come from the likes of Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, Anil Ambani...We will take their money and implement the loan waiver," the Congress chief said. He alleged that "liquor baron Mallya fled the country with Rs 10,000 crore of the banks, while Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi fled with Rs 35,000 crore". Addressing a rally in Ambikapur, Modi had Friday claimed that the Congress was "worried" because he took away all the money its "minions and friends" had stashed under their beds and in sacks in one stroke. "Something rankles them (Congress) in such a way that they are still not able to sleep...No one sitting here is crying. Only one family is crying," Modi had said, while justifying demonetisation. Gandhi reiterated his charge that the prime minister had helped industrialist Anil Ambani get Rs 30,000 crore in the "Rafale scam". Turning to demonetisation, he said Modi "robbed the poor and the honest" through the exercise, which invalidated the old Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes, and made them stand in queues to exchange the scrapped notes. "Modiji had said he would fight against black money. He had (recently) said those who had stashed money in their houses and or kept it hidden under pillows were thieves and that he had taken action against them. "I want to tell you (people) that you have not committed any theft. The person who has committed a theft is Narendra Modi. He made the honest people stand in queues. Have you ever seen those wearing suit-boot and crorepatis standing in queues (outside banks)?" Gandhi asked the crowd. He said the Congress had always delivered on its promises, unlike the BJP. "The intention of the Congress is very clear. It never makes false promises. In fact, you can listen to my speeches of the last 15 years. I never made false promises. Whatever I promised, I fulfilled it," Gandhi said. He added that the previous UPA government had brought in measures like the Tribal Bill, the Right to Food Act, the Right To Information Act, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), the Land Acquisition Bill etc. "You can check the records. On the contrary, Modi and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh did not fulfil the promises they had made to farmers," the Congress MP said. Modi and Singh did not fulfil their promises like good returns to farmers on their produce and loan waiver, he said. "In the last four-and-a-half years, Modiji has waived loans worth Rs 3.50 lakh crore of a few rich people, but he has not spoken about farm loan waiver. Similarly, Raman Singh has snatched the bonus of the farmers," Gandhi alleged. He accused the prime minister of remaining "silent" on the "corruption charges" against Singh. "Modi used to speak about corruption in his earlier speeches, but why has he not spoken about the corruption of Raman Singh?" the Congress chief asked. He claimed that the names of Singh and his wife had surfaced in the alleged Rs 36,000-crore civil supply scam. "A Rs 5,000-crore chit fund scam was also perpetrated in the state. His (Singh's) son Abhishek Singh was named in the Panama Papers scandal, but no action was taken in any of these cases," Gandhi said. The final phase of polling for 72 seats will be held in Chhattisgarh on November 20. The first phase for 18 seats was held on November 12. The results will be announced on December 11.

Money for farm loan waiver will come from Anil Ambani, Mallya, Nirav: Rahul

The Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS), a partner in the "grand alliance" (comprising Congress, TDP, CPI and TJS), Saturday announced four candidates for the December 7 assembly elections in Telangana.

The four nominees include Kapilavai Dileep Kumar (Malkajgari in Hyderabad), Janardhan Reddy (Medak), Chindam Raj Kumar (Dubbak) and Bhavani Reddy (Siddipet).

The party is expected to contest eight seats as part of the alliance. The total number of assembly segments is 119.

TJS said in a media release that other details would be announced Sunday.

November 19 is the last date for filing nominations.

TJS is headed by M Kodandaram, who was the Chairman of the Telangana Joint Action Committee (JAC). The JAC was in the forefront of the separate Telangana agitation.

It comprised several political parties, including TRS and various people's organisations.

However, differences cropped up between Kodandaram and the TRS after the latter assumed power in separate Telangana in 2014.

The Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS), a partner in the "grand alliance" (comprising Congress, TDP, CPI and TJS), Saturday announced four candidates for the December 7 assembly elections in Telangana.

The Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS), a partner in the "grand alliance" (comprising Congress, TDP, CPI and TJS), Saturday announced four candidates for the December 7 assembly elections in Telangana. The four nominees include Kapilavai Dileep Kumar (Malkajgari in Hyderabad), Janardhan Reddy (Medak), Chindam Raj Kumar (Dubbak) and Bhavani Reddy (Siddipet). The party is expected to contest eight seats as part of the alliance. The total number of assembly segments is 119. TJS said in a media release that other details would be announced Sunday. November 19 is the last date for filing nominations. TJS is headed by M Kodandaram, who was the Chairman of the Telangana Joint Action Committee (JAC). The JAC was in the forefront of the separate Telangana agitation. It comprised several political parties, including TRS and various people's organisations. However, differences cropped up between Kodandaram and the TRS after the latter assumed power in separate Telangana in 2014.

Telangana Jana Samiti announces 4 candidates for December 7 assembly elections

BJP president Amit Shah launched a broadside against the Congress Saturday, terming the party an "ATM" that dispensed "false promises", instead of development, when problems were inserted in it.

Addressing a rally in Chhattisgarh ahead of the second and final phase of the polls, Shah accused the Congress of not doing anything for the state (part of Madhya Pradesh earlier) during its 55-year rule.

He also lavished praise on the incumbent Raman Singh government for turning Chhattisgarh into a developed state from a "bimaru" (ailing or backward) one.

"The Congress is known for making false promises. I say this several times, the Congress is such an ATM that if you insert a problem in it, you do not get development in response, but false promises," Shah told the gathering.

The BJP chief ridiculed the leaders of the Congress, including its president Rahul Gandhi, for "daydreaming" that the opposition party would form government in the state.

He alleged that the people of Chhattisgarh did not get adequate electricity under the Congress's watch and setting up a factory too was a pipe dream in the Naxal-hit state.

"The same Chhattisgarh is taking India forward in the production of aluminium, steel, cement. Chief Minister Raman Singh has done that job," Shah said.

The election to the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly is being held in two phases. The first phase of polling for 18 seats was held on November 12. The second round of voting for the remaining 72 seats will be held on November 20 and the results will be announced on December 11.&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah launched a broadside against the Congress Saturday, terming the party an "ATM" that dispensed "false promises", instead of development, when problems were inserted in it.

BJP president Amit Shah launched a broadside against the Congress Saturday, terming the party an "ATM" that dispensed "false promises", instead of development, when problems were inserted in it. Addressing a rally in Chhattisgarh ahead of the second and final phase of the polls, Shah accused the Congress of not doing anything for the state (part of Madhya Pradesh earlier) during its 55-year rule. He also lavished praise on the incumbent Raman Singh government for turning Chhattisgarh into a developed state from a "bimaru" (ailing or backward) one. "The Congress is known for making false promises. I say this several times, the Congress is such an ATM that if you insert a problem in it, you do not get development in response, but false promises," Shah told the gathering. The BJP chief ridiculed the leaders of the Congress, including its president Rahul Gandhi, for "daydreaming" that the opposition party would form government in the state. He alleged that the people of Chhattisgarh did not get adequate electricity under the Congress's watch and setting up a factory too was a pipe dream in the Naxal-hit state. "The same Chhattisgarh is taking India forward in the production of aluminium, steel, cement. Chief Minister Raman Singh has done that job," Shah said. The election to the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly is being held in two phases. The first phase of polling for 18 seats was held on November 12. The second round of voting for the remaining 72 seats will be held on November 20 and the results will be announced on December 11.

Congress an ATM that dispenses false promises: Amit Shah

Bilaspur division with 24 Assembly seats, the highest among the five divisions in poll-bound Chhattisgarh, is expected to play a crucial role in deciding the winner.

Bilaspur division, located in the centre of the state, comprises five districts -- Bilaspur, Mungeli, Korba, Janjgir-Champa and Raigarh.

While the first phase of polls in Chhattisgarh for 18 seats took place on November 12, the second phase for the remaining 72 constituencies will be held on November 20.

In the 2013 polls, the 24 seats in the five districts of Bilaspur division saw a neck-to-neck contest with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) winning 12, the Congress 11 and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) winning one.

The BSP, which won Jaijaipur seat in the division, however, managed to come second in two constituencies and third in seven.

With the BSP tying up with former chief minister Ajit Jogi's Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J), a three-way fight between the BJP, Congress and the Jogi-led alliance is very much on the cards.

While the BSP is contesting 10 of the 24 seats in Bilaspur division, the JCC(J) has fielded candidates on the rest.

"People are fed up with the politics of the BJP and the Congress in the state and this time they are considering our alliance as an option to bring change," BSP's state chief Omprakash Batchpayi told PTI.

"The alliance is in a good position in Bilaspur division and will win more than 12 segments there," he said confidently.

The Mayawati-led party had got 4.27 per cent of votes in the 2013 Assembly polls, a decrease from the 6.11 per cent it garnered in the 2008 polls.

On the other hand, Jogi's new outfit is seeking political space in the state, and Bilaspur region, with a sizable presence of people from the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, is expected to help the new party.

Of the 24 seats, five are reserved for the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category and four for the Scheduled Caste (SC).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BSP supremo Mayawati have campaigned in the region, a reflection of its significance.

The opposition Congress, which was trying to forge an alliance with the BSP, believes the Jogi-led alliance will not affect its chances.

State Congress chief Bhupesh Baghel said, "Jogi is going to lose the election from Marwahi. There is no question of the alliance affecting the prospects of the Congress. We are confident of improving our tally and win more seats in this division."

Ajit Jogi is contesting from Marwahi segment where the BJP and the Congress have fielded new faces, Archana Porte and Gulab Singh, respectively.

The Congress has fielded 10 new faces in this division this time.

Marwahi, Kota, Akaltara, Jaijaipur, Pamgarh, Lormi, Bilha, Chandrapur, Sarangarh and Shakti constituencies are among keenly watched seats from Bilaspur division during the second phase of voting on November 20.

The Kota seat will see a three-cornered contest between incumbent MLA Renu Jogi (JCC-J), Vibhor Singh of the Congress and BJP's Kashi Sahu.

Similarly, in Akaltara seat, Jogi's daughter-in-law Richa Jogi (BSP) is likely to give a tough fight to Saurabh Singh (BJP) and incumbent MLA Chunnilal Sahu (Congress).

In Lormi Seat, former MLA Dharmjeet Singh (JCC-C) has been pitted against incumbent MLA and BJP candidate Tokhan Sahu and Congress's Shatrughan Chandrakar.

The lone BSP MLA Keshav Chandra, who has been renominated from Jaijaipur, is pitted against BJP's Kailash Sahu and Congress' Anil Chandra.

Bilaspur is a prominent seat where a close contest is expected between state minister Amar Agrawal of BJP and Congress' Shailesh Pandey.

Eyeing a fourth consecutive term, the ruling BJP believes the Mayawati-Jogi alliance would impact the Congress' prospects in the election.

"Jogi's party would affect Congress votes, not that of the BJP in this election. We have set a target of winning 65 seats in Chhattisgarh, of which, more than 15 will be from Bilaspur division," BJP state spokesperson Sanjay Shrivastav said.&nbsp;

Bilaspur division with 24 Assembly seats, the highest among the five divisions in poll-bound Chhattisgarh, is expected to play a crucial role in deciding the winner.

Bilaspur division with 24 Assembly seats, the highest among the five divisions in poll-bound Chhattisgarh, is expected to play a crucial role in deciding the winner. Bilaspur division, located in the centre of the state, comprises five districts -- Bilaspur, Mungeli, Korba, Janjgir-Champa and Raigarh. While the first phase of polls in Chhattisgarh for 18 seats took place on November 12, the second phase for the remaining 72 constituencies will be held on November 20. In the 2013 polls, the 24 seats in the five districts of Bilaspur division saw a neck-to-neck contest with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) winning 12, the Congress 11 and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) winning one. The BSP, which won Jaijaipur seat in the division, however, managed to come second in two constituencies and third in seven. With the BSP tying up with former chief minister Ajit Jogi's Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J), a three-way fight between the BJP, Congress and the Jogi-led alliance is very much on the cards. While the BSP is contesting 10 of the 24 seats in Bilaspur division, the JCC(J) has fielded candidates on the rest. "People are fed up with the politics of the BJP and the Congress in the state and this time they are considering our alliance as an option to bring change," BSP's state chief Omprakash Batchpayi told PTI. "The alliance is in a good position in Bilaspur division and will win more than 12 segments there," he said confidently. The Mayawati-led party had got 4.27 per cent of votes in the 2013 Assembly polls, a decrease from the 6.11 per cent it garnered in the 2008 polls. On the other hand, Jogi's new outfit is seeking political space in the state, and Bilaspur region, with a sizable presence of people from the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, is expected to help the new party. Of the 24 seats, five are reserved for the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category and four for the Scheduled Caste (SC). Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BSP supremo Mayawati have campaigned in the region, a reflection of its significance. The opposition Congress, which was trying to forge an alliance with the BSP, believes the Jogi-led alliance will not affect its chances. State Congress chief Bhupesh Baghel said, "Jogi is going to lose the election from Marwahi. There is no question of the alliance affecting the prospects of the Congress. We are confident of improving our tally and win more seats in this division." Ajit Jogi is contesting from Marwahi segment where the BJP and the Congress have fielded new faces, Archana Porte and Gulab Singh, respectively. The Congress has fielded 10 new faces in this division this time. Marwahi, Kota, Akaltara, Jaijaipur, Pamgarh, Lormi, Bilha, Chandrapur, Sarangarh and Shakti constituencies are among keenly watched seats from Bilaspur division during the second phase of voting on November 20. The Kota seat will see a three-cornered contest between incumbent MLA Renu Jogi (JCC-J), Vibhor Singh of the Congress and BJP's Kashi Sahu. Similarly, in Akaltara seat, Jogi's daughter-in-law Richa Jogi (BSP) is likely to give a tough fight to Saurabh Singh (BJP) and incumbent MLA Chunnilal Sahu (Congress). In Lormi Seat, former MLA Dharmjeet Singh (JCC-C) has been pitted against incumbent MLA and BJP candidate Tokhan Sahu and Congress's Shatrughan Chandrakar. The lone BSP MLA Keshav Chandra, who has been renominated from Jaijaipur, is pitted against BJP's Kailash Sahu and Congress' Anil Chandra. Bilaspur is a prominent seat where a close contest is expected between state minister Amar Agrawal of BJP and Congress' Shailesh Pandey. Eyeing a fourth consecutive term, the ruling BJP believes the Mayawati-Jogi alliance would impact the Congress' prospects in the election. "Jogi's party would affect Congress votes, not that of the BJP in this election. We have set a target of winning 65 seats in Chhattisgarh, of which, more than 15 will be from Bilaspur division," BJP state spokesperson Sanjay Shrivastav said.

Chhattisgarh polls: Bilaspur division, with 24 seats, could hold key

The Congress Saturday released its third list of 13 candidates, including former PCC president Ponnala Lakshmaiah, for the December 7 Legislative Assembly polls in Telangana.

Lakshmaiah, who also served as a minister in the Congress government in undivided Andhra Pradesh till 2014, had failed to find berth in the previous lists.

Lakshmaiah would contest from his Jangaon assembly segment. It was speculated that the Jangaon seat would go to Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS), a partner in the "grand alliance" for the elections.

The alliance comprises Congress, TDP, CPI and TJS.

As part of the alliance, Congress would contest in 94 assembly segments (out of total 119). With the release of the third list, the party has so far declared candidates for 88 seats.

Meanwhile, TDP has declared Kuna Venkatesh Goud as its nominee from Sanathnagar in Hyderabad. The announcement is bad news for Congress leader Marri Sasidhar Reddy who represented the constituency earlier.

Sasidhar Reddy, son of former Chief Minister Marri Chenna Reddy, is a key Congress leader in Telangana. He was Vice Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) during UPA regime at the Centre.

The process of filing nominations began Monday with the Election Commission issuing a notification in this regard.

The Congress Saturday released its third list of 13 candidates, including former PCC president Ponnala Lakshmaiah, for the December 7 Legislative Assembly polls in Telangana.

The Congress Saturday released its third list of 13 candidates, including former PCC president Ponnala Lakshmaiah, for the December 7 Legislative Assembly polls in Telangana. Lakshmaiah, who also served as a minister in the Congress government in undivided Andhra Pradesh till 2014, had failed to find berth in the previous lists. Lakshmaiah would contest from his Jangaon assembly segment. It was speculated that the Jangaon seat would go to Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS), a partner in the "grand alliance" for the elections. The alliance comprises Congress, TDP, CPI and TJS. As part of the alliance, Congress would contest in 94 assembly segments (out of total 119). With the release of the third list, the party has so far declared candidates for 88 seats. Meanwhile, TDP has declared Kuna Venkatesh Goud as its nominee from Sanathnagar in Hyderabad. The announcement is bad news for Congress leader Marri Sasidhar Reddy who represented the constituency earlier. Sasidhar Reddy, son of former Chief Minister Marri Chenna Reddy, is a key Congress leader in Telangana. He was Vice Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) during UPA regime at the Centre. The process of filing nominations began Monday with the Election Commission issuing a notification in this regard.

Congress releases third list for Telangana Assembly polls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he was ready for a contest between the performance of "four generations" of the Nehru-Gandhi family and that of "four years of a chaiwala", and asserted his government provided the poor people with amenities like access to banks, power and LPG which the Congress was unable to do during its 55-year rule.&nbsp;

Addressing a rally here ahead of the November 28 polls in Madhya Pradesh, Modi said the Congress, which was seeking an account of the BJP government's performance, should explain what it did for the state during its over five-decade rule.

"It is clear before you, 15 years (of the BJP rule in Madhya Pradesh) versus 55 years (of the Congress rule). And I am surprised! You should also seek an account of (the performance of) Modi. I insist on it.&nbsp;

"What have the governments of four generations of a family given to the nation and what has a chaiwala given in four years. Come on, let there be a contest," he added.

Modi said his government has ensured that every poor in the country has a bank account and it was done in just four years, while the Congress gave the slogan of 'garibi hatao' (eradicate poverty) in early 1970s, but did nothing.

"Indira Gandhi had carried out nationalisation of banks with an aim to ensure that all have access to the banking facilities. But the poor did not benefit.

"Now this government has ensured that all poor have bank accounts and we did it in just four years," he said.

"What they were unable to do in 55 years, we have done in four years including in (providing) electricity, LPG and roads, among other things," he said, listing the achievements of his government.

Calling Congress leaders "jhooth ke shehanshah" (king of lies), he alleged that their actions belie their words and it was "part of the Congress' character".

Without naming anyone, Modi said, "In Parliament, too, Congress leaders talk of love, but express anger in Madhya Pradesh."

Speaking on the no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha on July 20 this year, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi had targeted Modi and projected the RSS, BJP and its top leaders as agents of "anger and hatred" and "thanked" them for making him understand the meaning of being a Congressman, an Indian and a Hindu and enabling him to have only "love" for them. Gandhi had reated a flutter when he went across to the treasury benches and embraced the Prime Minister.

Accusing the Congress of spreading lies, Modi on Friday said he was surprised as to how the country's oldest political party could get elected "for so many years". Modi said it was because the opposition was less powerful then and the media was not as vibrant as it is now.

"Hence, whatever lies they would serve, those would percolate down. And people would buy the lies as being truths. Now, we learn how much lies the 'shehanshah of lies' speaks, how many times and where. They must be blabbering lies when asleep," he quipped.

Hitting back at Gandhi, who termed demonetisation as the biggest scam in the history of independent India during a rally in the state, Modi said "only those Congress leaders, who earned money unfairly, are crying" over the note ban and not the common man.

Modi said that the common man was no longer hassled due to the note-ban exercise announced by him on November 8, 2016.

"They did face problems earlier and even we have said so, but not now," he said.

He asked the audience whether they were still facing problems due to the scrapping of the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, and they replied in the negative. Modi also asked whether or not it was not right to bring the money "lying under the pillows and elsewhere" into the banking system.

"Post-demonetisation only those Congress leaders, who earned money unfairly, are crying and not the common man," he said.

Modi hailed the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in the state for building roads, hospitals and other public infrastructure facilities.

The PM said the Centre was working towards achieving the goal of housing for all by 2022, when India completes 75 years of its independence.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he was ready for a contest between the performance of "four generations" of the Nehru-Gandhi family and that of "four years of a chaiwala", and asserted his government provided the poor people with amenities like access to banks, power and LPG which the Congress was unable to do during its 55-year rule.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he was ready for a contest between the performance of "four generations" of the Nehru-Gandhi family and that of "four years of a chaiwala", and asserted his government provided the poor people with amenities like access to banks, power and LPG which the Congress was unable to do during its 55-year rule. Addressing a rally here ahead of the November 28 polls in Madhya Pradesh, Modi said the Congress, which was seeking an account of the BJP government's performance, should explain what it did for the state during its over five-decade rule. "It is clear before you, 15 years (of the BJP rule in Madhya Pradesh) versus 55 years (of the Congress rule). And I am surprised! You should also seek an account of (the performance of) Modi. I insist on it. "What have the governments of four generations of a family given to the nation and what has a chaiwala given in four years. Come on, let there be a contest," he added. Modi said his government has ensured that every poor in the country has a bank account and it was done in just four years, while the Congress gave the slogan of 'garibi hatao' (eradicate poverty) in early 1970s, but did nothing. "Indira Gandhi had carried out nationalisation of banks with an aim to ensure that all have access to the banking facilities. But the poor did not benefit. "Now this government has ensured that all poor have bank accounts and we did it in just four years," he said. "What they were unable to do in 55 years, we have done in four years including in (providing) electricity, LPG and roads, among other things," he said, listing the achievements of his government. Calling Congress leaders "jhooth ke shehanshah" (king of lies), he alleged that their actions belie their words and it was "part of the Congress' character". Without naming anyone, Modi said, "In Parliament, too, Congress leaders talk of love, but express anger in Madhya Pradesh." Speaking on the no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha on July 20 this year, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi had targeted Modi and projected the RSS, BJP and its top leaders as agents of "anger and hatred" and "thanked" them for making him understand the meaning of being a Congressman, an Indian and a Hindu and enabling him to have only "love" for them. Gandhi had reated a flutter when he went across to the treasury benches and embraced the Prime Minister. Accusing the Congress of spreading lies, Modi on Friday said he was surprised as to how the country's oldest political party could get elected "for so many years". Modi said it was because the opposition was less powerful then and the media was not as vibrant as it is now. "Hence, whatever lies they would serve, those would percolate down. And people would buy the lies as being truths. Now, we learn how much lies the 'shehanshah of lies' speaks, how many times and where. They must be blabbering lies when asleep," he quipped. Hitting back at Gandhi, who termed demonetisation as the biggest scam in the history of independent India during a rally in the state, Modi said "only those Congress leaders, who earned money unfairly, are crying" over the note ban and not the common man. Modi said that the common man was no longer hassled due to the note-ban exercise announced by him on November 8, 2016. "They did face problems earlier and even we have said so, but not now," he said. He asked the audience whether they were still facing problems due to the scrapping of the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, and they replied in the negative. Modi also asked whether or not it was not right to bring the money "lying under the pillows and elsewhere" into the banking system. "Post-demonetisation only those Congress leaders, who earned money unfairly, are crying and not the common man," he said. Modi hailed the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in the state for building roads, hospitals and other public infrastructure facilities. The PM said the Centre was working towards achieving the goal of housing for all by 2022, when India completes 75 years of its independence.

Let there be contest to assess performance of 'family' and 'chaiwala': PM Modi

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday alleged that under the Modi government "fast entry gates" of ministries "open for those who possess fake degrees".&nbsp;

Gandhi also attacked the RSS alleging that its "farjical (fake) strike" continues on educational institutes of the Delhi University.

Taking to Twitter, he launched a tirade against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying," Shri chappan aur unke mantriyon ne chatron ko dikhaya hai ki BJP mai mantrimandal ka shighra dwar farzi degree dikha kar khulta hai. ('Mr 56' and his ministers have shown students that under the BJP fast entry gates of ministries open for those who possess fake degrees)."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
श्री छप्पन और उनके मंत्रियों ने छात्रों को दिखाया है कि भाजपा में मंत्रीमंडल का शीघ्र द्वार फ़र्ज़ी डिग्री दिखा कर खुलता है| 
 
शैक्षिक संस्थानों पर प्रहार और फ़र्ज़ी डिग्री वालों को सत्ता पर बिठाना RSS का पुराना सिद्धांत है| 
 
इसीलिए DU पर RSS का फ़र्जिकल स्ट्राइक जारी है| <a href="https://t.co/VrKBLtzeDF">pic.twitter.com/VrKBLtzeDF</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1063374365822210049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 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>

There was no immediate comment from the Prime Minister's Office or the BJP.&nbsp;

"The RSS' has an old tradition of attacking educational institutions and helping those with fake degrees attain power.

"That is why the 'farjical strikes' of RSS continue on Delhi University," he tweeted in Hindi.

The Congress chief also tweeted a picture of Modi, Union minister Smriti Irani and ABVP's Delhi University president Ankiv Baisoya, alleging "Fake degree is in BJP's DNA".

Baisoya has stepped down from his post after reports of him possessing a fake degree.

The ABVP said Thursday DUSU president Baisoya has resigned from his post after it asked him to do so, and has also been suspended from the students outfit till an inquiry into allegations that he gained admission to the Delhi University on the basis of a fake degree.

While the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) said the decision was taken to maintain the "genuineness" of the Delhi University Students

Union (DUSU), the move drew criticism from the NSUI and AISA, which claimed it was done under pressure ahead of the high court hearing on November 20.

In a Facebook post, Baisoya said he was resigning form the post of DUSU president because he respects the mandate of Delhi University students, who voted for him.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday alleged that under the Modi government "fast entry gates" of ministries "open for those who possess fake degrees". Gandhi also attacked the RSS alleging that its "farjical (fake) strike" continues on educational institutes of the Delhi University.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday alleged that under the Modi government "fast entry gates" of ministries "open for those who possess fake degrees". Gandhi also attacked the RSS alleging that its "farjical (fake) strike" continues on educational institutes of the Delhi University. Taking to Twitter, he launched a tirade against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying," Shri chappan aur unke mantriyon ne chatron ko dikhaya hai ki BJP mai mantrimandal ka shighra dwar farzi degree dikha kar khulta hai. ('Mr 56' and his ministers have shown students that under the BJP fast entry gates of ministries open for those who possess fake degrees)." श्री छप्पन और उनके मंत्रियों ने छात्रों को दिखाया है कि भाजपा में मंत्रीमंडल का शीघ्र द्वार फ़र्ज़ी डिग्री दिखा कर खुलता है| शैक्षिक संस्थानों पर प्रहार और फ़र्ज़ी डिग्री वालों को सत्ता पर बिठाना RSS का पुराना सिद्धांत है| इसीलिए DU पर RSS का फ़र्जिकल स्ट्राइक जारी है| pic.twitter.com/VrKBLtzeDF — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 16, 2018 × There was no immediate comment from the Prime Minister's Office or the BJP. "The RSS' has an old tradition of attacking educational institutions and helping those with fake degrees attain power. "That is why the 'farjical strikes' of RSS continue on Delhi University," he tweeted in Hindi. The Congress chief also tweeted a picture of Modi, Union minister Smriti Irani and ABVP's Delhi University president Ankiv Baisoya, alleging "Fake degree is in BJP's DNA". Baisoya has stepped down from his post after reports of him possessing a fake degree. The ABVP said Thursday DUSU president Baisoya has resigned from his post after it asked him to do so, and has also been suspended from the students outfit till an inquiry into allegations that he gained admission to the Delhi University on the basis of a fake degree. While the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) said the decision was taken to maintain the "genuineness" of the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU), the move drew criticism from the NSUI and AISA, which claimed it was done under pressure ahead of the high court hearing on November 20. In a Facebook post, Baisoya said he was resigning form the post of DUSU president because he respects the mandate of Delhi University students, who voted for him.

Under Modi govt, 'fast entry gates' of ministries open for those with 'fake degrees': Rahul

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called the Congress party a "manufacturer of lies".

The Prime Minister while addressing an election rally here said, "These elections are not about who would win or who would not win. These elections are about welfare of people of Madhya Pradesh."

"What did the four generations of a party do for our country? However, a tea-seller, did what not in just four years? "he added.

Underlining the initiatives taken by the Madhya Pradesh Government-led by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the past 15 years, the Prime Minister said that the Congress would never speak of the good work Chouhan did during his three tenures.

He said that the Congress party was in power in Madhya Pradesh for so long, but did not do anything for the development of the people. One cannot draw a comparison between the development work done by the Congress party and the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government.

"How can anyone trust Congress? When they were in power in MP and Chhattisgarh, they did not fulfill even what they had promised in their election manifesto," he added.

The 230-member Madhya Pradesh assembly will go to polls on November 28 and the counting will be held on December 11.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called the Congress party a "manufacturer of lies". The Prime Minister while addressing an election rally here said, "These elections are not about who would win or who would not win.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called the Congress party a "manufacturer of lies". The Prime Minister while addressing an election rally here said, "These elections are not about who would win or who would not win. These elections are about welfare of people of Madhya Pradesh." "What did the four generations of a party do for our country? However, a tea-seller, did what not in just four years? "he added. Underlining the initiatives taken by the Madhya Pradesh Government-led by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the past 15 years, the Prime Minister said that the Congress would never speak of the good work Chouhan did during his three tenures. He said that the Congress party was in power in Madhya Pradesh for so long, but did not do anything for the development of the people. One cannot draw a comparison between the development work done by the Congress party and the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. "How can anyone trust Congress? When they were in power in MP and Chhattisgarh, they did not fulfill even what they had promised in their election manifesto," he added. The 230-member Madhya Pradesh assembly will go to polls on November 28 and the counting will be held on December 11.

Congress a manufacturer of lies: PM Modi in Madhya Pradesh

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday accused the NDA government of destroying key Indian institutions such as the CBI and the RBI and claimed that after the Lok Sabha elections, the saffron party that has made 'building statues' its poll agenda will itself be reduced to a statue.

Giving a call for "BJP hatao, desh bachao", she said the BJP should be ousted from power for "failure on all fronts", adding her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), could play a vital role in saving the country from such destructions.

She also alleged that the BJP has been on a name changing spree to suit its political interests.

"BJP is not a game changer of India as claimed by its leaders but is a name changer and danger for the country," she said.

The BJP, however, refused to attach much importance to Banerjee's remarks and said the TMC being a small party does not have the stature to take on it.

State BJP president Dilip Ghosh said, "We are not bothered about what she is saying against us. Her comments hardly matter to us."

Addressing a party meeting here, Banerjee said, "They (the NDA government) are destroying institutions. They are trying to change the way the RBI and the CBI function. The party that has made 'building statues' its poll agenda will itself become a statue after the coming Lok Sabha election."

She also extended her support to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu over the issue of withdrawing general consent to the CBI to exercise its authority in his state.

"What Chandrababu Naidu has done is absolutely right. The BJP is using the CBI and other agencies to pursue its own political interests and vendetta," she said.

The BJP, she said, is "now left with only four agendas - mandir, NRC, statue and communal politics. After the elections they (BJP) themselves will turn into statues."

Banerjee said the TMC will contest all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal in the coming Lok Sabha elections and the "turning point" would be the rally of opposition parties convened by the TMC on January 19 next year.

"Most of the opposition parties have given their consent to attend the January 19 rally except one or two. We will win all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state. It is our pledge. We will oust the BJP and play a major role in saving the country.

"We are not interested in power but we know very well how to use power for the development of the people," she said.

"The BJP has crores (of rupees). We are a poor party but we will fight elections in some seats of Assam, Odisha, Jharkhand, Tripura according to our strength," she said.

The TMC can fight in some more states but does not want to eat into some other parties' votes, Banerjee said.

She alleged that the BJP is trying to tamper with at least 40 per cent of the EVMs in the state, and asked her party workers and leaders to check and recheck the voter list and the machines "at least thrice".

"We have seen how EVMs malfunctioned during Maheshtala assembly bypoll," the chief minister said.

Maheshtala assembly bypoll was held in May where the TMC won.

Banerjee mocked BJP president Amit Shah's Rath yatra as "Ravan yatra" and asked TMC workers to carry out "purification and unity yatras" at all the places through which BJP's rath would pass.

On the issue of Assam NRC, she alleged that "dirty politics" is going on in the name of publication of the final draft of National Register of Citizens (NRC) as names of genuine voters have been struck off the list.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday accused the NDA government of destroying key Indian institutions such as the CBI and the RBI and claimed that after the Lok Sabha elections, the saffron party that has made 'building statues' its poll agenda will itself be reduced to a statue.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday accused the NDA government of destroying key Indian institutions such as the CBI and the RBI and claimed that after the Lok Sabha elections, the saffron party that has made 'building statues' its poll agenda will itself be reduced to a statue. Giving a call for "BJP hatao, desh bachao", she said the BJP should be ousted from power for "failure on all fronts", adding her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), could play a vital role in saving the country from such destructions. She also alleged that the BJP has been on a name changing spree to suit its political interests. "BJP is not a game changer of India as claimed by its leaders but is a name changer and danger for the country," she said. The BJP, however, refused to attach much importance to Banerjee's remarks and said the TMC being a small party does not have the stature to take on it. State BJP president Dilip Ghosh said, "We are not bothered about what she is saying against us. Her comments hardly matter to us." Addressing a party meeting here, Banerjee said, "They (the NDA government) are destroying institutions. They are trying to change the way the RBI and the CBI function. The party that has made 'building statues' its poll agenda will itself become a statue after the coming Lok Sabha election." She also extended her support to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu over the issue of withdrawing general consent to the CBI to exercise its authority in his state. "What Chandrababu Naidu has done is absolutely right. The BJP is using the CBI and other agencies to pursue its own political interests and vendetta," she said. The BJP, she said, is "now left with only four agendas - mandir, NRC, statue and communal politics. After the elections they (BJP) themselves will turn into statues." Banerjee said the TMC will contest all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal in the coming Lok Sabha elections and the "turning point" would be the rally of opposition parties convened by the TMC on January 19 next year. "Most of the opposition parties have given their consent to attend the January 19 rally except one or two. We will win all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state. It is our pledge. We will oust the BJP and play a major role in saving the country. "We are not interested in power but we know very well how to use power for the development of the people," she said. "The BJP has crores (of rupees). We are a poor party but we will fight elections in some seats of Assam, Odisha, Jharkhand, Tripura according to our strength," she said. The TMC can fight in some more states but does not want to eat into some other parties' votes, Banerjee said. She alleged that the BJP is trying to tamper with at least 40 per cent of the EVMs in the state, and asked her party workers and leaders to check and recheck the voter list and the machines "at least thrice". "We have seen how EVMs malfunctioned during Maheshtala assembly bypoll," the chief minister said. Maheshtala assembly bypoll was held in May where the TMC won. Banerjee mocked BJP president Amit Shah's Rath yatra as "Ravan yatra" and asked TMC workers to carry out "purification and unity yatras" at all the places through which BJP's rath would pass. On the issue of Assam NRC, she alleged that "dirty politics" is going on in the name of publication of the final draft of National Register of Citizens (NRC) as names of genuine voters have been struck off the list.

NDA destroying institutions like CBI, RBI; BJP will be reduced to a statue after 2019 polls: Mamata

BJP president Amit Shah Friday said the Congress did not care about the nation's security when it "ruled India for 70 years", adding securing the borders was a major achievement of the Modi-led government.

Addressing a poll rally, Shah credited the Modi government with giving impetus to boosting the country's security.

"When the Congress was in power and Manmohan Singh was the prime minister, Pakistani terrorists used to infiltrate, explode bombs and go back," he said.There was anger across the country after the 2016 Uri attack in which 18 Indian soldiers were killed. But this was not the regime of Mauni Baba (Manmohan Singh). Modi ji ordered our jawans to conduct surgical strikes and take revenge," Shah said.

"The Congress did not care about the country's security for 70 years when it was in power, but bothered only about their vote banks. For us, security is more precious than our own lives," he said.

Shah said the difference between the BJP and the Congress is that if one wants to become the prime minister or the president of the Congress, "they have to take birth in the Nehru-Gandhi family while in the BJP, one can rise to the top based on abilities even after being born in a poor family".

"An example of this is Narendra Modi, who was born in a tea seller's family but is now the prime minister. Shivraj Singh (Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan), who took birth in a poor family of farmers, is working from the last 15 years to develop Madhya Pradesh," he said.

"One does not need to have a family to work and go ahead in the BJP. What is needed is the ability and resolve to serve people," he said.

Shah sought to know who was the "senapati" (army chief) of the opposition party in Madhya Pradesh poll arena. There is only a Raja (Digvijay Singh), a maharaja (Jyotiraditya Scindia), and an industrialist (Kamal Nath) and the Congress is fighting polls on their strength," he said.

"Congress had left Madhya Pradesh as one of the most backward states but I can proudly say today that Shivraj Singh has made it into a developed state," he said.

"The 'Maharaja' (Scindia) asks what has Modi done for Madhya Pradesh, but does not know how much has the state changed. This is because he does not step out of his palace in Gwalior," Shah said.

"He (Scindia) does not know what benefits the poor farmers received. I want to ask the Congress president, what did he give Madhya Pradesh for 10 years when the UPA was in power at the Centre," Shah said.

The 13th Finance Commission under the UPA regime gave the state 1,34,190 crore, but the 14th Finance Commission, under the Modi government allocated it Rs 3,44,126 crore, the BJP chief said.

BJP president Amit Shah Friday said the Congress did not care about the nation's security when it "ruled India for 70 years", adding securing the borders was a major achievement of the Modi-led government.

BJP president Amit Shah Friday said the Congress did not care about the nation's security when it "ruled India for 70 years", adding securing the borders was a major achievement of the Modi-led government. Addressing a poll rally, Shah credited the Modi government with giving impetus to boosting the country's security. "When the Congress was in power and Manmohan Singh was the prime minister, Pakistani terrorists used to infiltrate, explode bombs and go back," he said.There was anger across the country after the 2016 Uri attack in which 18 Indian soldiers were killed. But this was not the regime of Mauni Baba (Manmohan Singh). Modi ji ordered our jawans to conduct surgical strikes and take revenge," Shah said. "The Congress did not care about the country's security for 70 years when it was in power, but bothered only about their vote banks. For us, security is more precious than our own lives," he said. Shah said the difference between the BJP and the Congress is that if one wants to become the prime minister or the president of the Congress, "they have to take birth in the Nehru-Gandhi family while in the BJP, one can rise to the top based on abilities even after being born in a poor family". "An example of this is Narendra Modi, who was born in a tea seller's family but is now the prime minister. Shivraj Singh (Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan), who took birth in a poor family of farmers, is working from the last 15 years to develop Madhya Pradesh," he said. "One does not need to have a family to work and go ahead in the BJP. What is needed is the ability and resolve to serve people," he said. Shah sought to know who was the "senapati" (army chief) of the opposition party in Madhya Pradesh poll arena. There is only a Raja (Digvijay Singh), a maharaja (Jyotiraditya Scindia), and an industrialist (Kamal Nath) and the Congress is fighting polls on their strength," he said. "Congress had left Madhya Pradesh as one of the most backward states but I can proudly say today that Shivraj Singh has made it into a developed state," he said. "The 'Maharaja' (Scindia) asks what has Modi done for Madhya Pradesh, but does not know how much has the state changed. This is because he does not step out of his palace in Gwalior," Shah said. "He (Scindia) does not know what benefits the poor farmers received. I want to ask the Congress president, what did he give Madhya Pradesh for 10 years when the UPA was in power at the Centre," Shah said. The 13th Finance Commission under the UPA regime gave the state 1,34,190 crore, but the 14th Finance Commission, under the Modi government allocated it Rs 3,44,126 crore, the BJP chief said.

Congress didn't care for nation's security when it ruled: Amit Shah

The Mizoram government has allocated Rs 52.75 crore towards expenses of the November 28 state legislative assembly polls, finance department officials said Friday.

The officials said the finance department has released Rs 32.5 crore to the state election department.

Of the Rs 52.75 crore election budget, Rs 37.75 crore will be disbursed to eight district election offices, while Rs 4 crore will go to the state election directorate.

The officials said Rs 11 crore was the total estimate for expenses to be incurred on deployment of 40 companies of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), which was regarded as on the higher side.

The expenditure for the state assembly election is to be borne entirely by the state government, they said, adding Rs 24.30 crore was spent in the 2013 state assembly polls.&nbsp;

The Mizoram government has allocated Rs 52.75 crore towards expenses of the November 28 state legislative assembly polls, finance department officials said Friday.

The Mizoram government has allocated Rs 52.75 crore towards expenses of the November 28 state legislative assembly polls, finance department officials said Friday. The officials said the finance department has released Rs 32.5 crore to the state election department. Of the Rs 52.75 crore election budget, Rs 37.75 crore will be disbursed to eight district election offices, while Rs 4 crore will go to the state election directorate. The officials said Rs 11 crore was the total estimate for expenses to be incurred on deployment of 40 companies of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), which was regarded as on the higher side. The expenditure for the state assembly election is to be borne entirely by the state government, they said, adding Rs 24.30 crore was spent in the 2013 state assembly polls.

Mizoram government allocates Rs 52.75 cr for poll expenses

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday released the first list of 131 candidates for the upcoming assembly polls in Rajasthan. The names were announced by Union Minister and party leader JP Nadda after a meeting of the BJP central election committee.

As per the list, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje will contest from Jhalrapatan assembly constituency from where she has been contesting since 2003. Kailash Meghwal, the speaker in the outgoing Rajasthan assembly has been shifted from Bhilwara district`s Shahpura constituency to Jhunjhun`s Pilani constituency.&nbsp;

The BJP has fielded 25 new faces and 85 sitting MLAs for the assembly polls. Apart from this, 12 female candidates, 32 young candidates, 17 candidates from Schedule Caste category, 19 from Schedule Tribe category have also made it to the first list.&nbsp;

Other ministers who got the tickets are Gulab Chand Kataria, Gajendra Singh Khimsar, Vasudev Devnani, Anita Bhadel, Kiran Maheshwari, Arun Chaturvedi, Ram Pratap, Krishnendra Kaur Deepa, and Rajendra Rathore.&nbsp;

The assembly polls in the state are slated to take place on December 7 in a single phase for all 200 seats, which are at stake in the state. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. In last assembly polls, the BJP had won 163 of the 200 assembly seats in the state.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday released the first list of 131 candidates for the upcoming assembly polls in Rajasthan. The names were announced by Union Minister and party leader JP Nadda after a meeting of the BJP central election committee.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday released the first list of 131 candidates for the upcoming assembly polls in Rajasthan. The names were announced by Union Minister and party leader JP Nadda after a meeting of the BJP central election committee. As per the list, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje will contest from Jhalrapatan assembly constituency from where she has been contesting since 2003. Kailash Meghwal, the speaker in the outgoing Rajasthan assembly has been shifted from Bhilwara district`s Shahpura constituency to Jhunjhun`s Pilani constituency. The BJP has fielded 25 new faces and 85 sitting MLAs for the assembly polls. Apart from this, 12 female candidates, 32 young candidates, 17 candidates from Schedule Caste category, 19 from Schedule Tribe category have also made it to the first list. Other ministers who got the tickets are Gulab Chand Kataria, Gajendra Singh Khimsar, Vasudev Devnani, Anita Bhadel, Kiran Maheshwari, Arun Chaturvedi, Ram Pratap, Krishnendra Kaur Deepa, and Rajendra Rathore. The assembly polls in the state are slated to take place on December 7 in a single phase for all 200 seats, which are at stake in the state. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. In last assembly polls, the BJP had won 163 of the 200 assembly seats in the state.

Rajasthan assembly polls 2018: BJP releases first list of 131 candidates

As polling got underway in Chhattisgarh today,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-one-ultra-killed-in-encounter-between-security-forces-and-maoists-176612"> security forces detected three IEDs</a> (Improvised Explosive Device) near a polling booth in Konta's Banda in Sukma district.

Polling began slowly as 14 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the first two hours. However, it picked up later as over 25 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 1pm.

Thirty-one EVMs and 61 VVPAT machines were replaced due to technical snags, a poll official told PTI.

Earlier on Monday, Naxals denoted an IED&nbsp;near Tumakpal camp in Katekalyan block in Dantewada as poll booths opened today in Chhattisgarh for the first phase of voting.

Voting began in several Naxal-hit areas in&nbsp;Chhattisgarh with poll officials making elaborate security arrangements deploying upto one lakh personnel.

There are 18 seats mostly in the Naxal belt where polls will be held&nbsp;today. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel have already been put in place to secure the poll booths.

Despite the heavy security, in the last ten&nbsp;days&nbsp;over 300 IEDs have been&nbsp;recovered from the Bastar region and Rajnandgaon district by security forces. On Sunday, a BSF personnel was injured when Naxals detonated an IED&nbsp;in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district.

The fortunes of the 90 members due to be elected will be keenly followed in the runup to the general elections a few months away. Chhattisgarh has over 1.85 crore registered voters.&nbsp;There are 10 seats reserved for Scheduled Castes.

Janata Congress Chhattisgarh(JCC) supremo Ajit Jogi, who was the first chief minister of Chhattisgarh in 2000, has tied up with BSP chief Mayawati to give the ruling BJP a fight at the hustings. BJP chief minister Raman Singh has promised to make Chhattisgarh a "Naxal-free" state and give pension to small and marginal farmers.&nbsp;

The BJP has also promised to increase the minimum support price for several commodities and provide interest-free loans for women entrepreneurs. The Congress, on the other hand, has promised the people of the state of loan waiver within ten days of coming to power, higher minimum support price for crops and a ban on liquor.

Chhattisgarh will go to the polls in two phases, today and on November 20th. The remaining 72 seats of Chhattisgarh assembly will go to vote on November 20th.

The results will be announced on December 11.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_mUHy80FeOI" width="560"></iframe>

As polling got underway in Chhattisgarh today, security forces detected three IEDs (Improvised Explosive Device) near a polling booth in Konta's Banda in Sukma district.

As polling got underway in Chhattisgarh today, security forces detected three IEDs (Improvised Explosive Device) near a polling booth in Konta's Banda in Sukma district. Polling began slowly as 14 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the first two hours. However, it picked up later as over 25 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 1pm. Thirty-one EVMs and 61 VVPAT machines were replaced due to technical snags, a poll official told PTI. Earlier on Monday, Naxals denoted an IED near Tumakpal camp in Katekalyan block in Dantewada as poll booths opened today in Chhattisgarh for the first phase of voting. Voting began in several Naxal-hit areas in Chhattisgarh with poll officials making elaborate security arrangements deploying upto one lakh personnel. There are 18 seats mostly in the Naxal belt where polls will be held today. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel have already been put in place to secure the poll booths. Despite the heavy security, in the last ten days over 300 IEDs have been recovered from the Bastar region and Rajnandgaon district by security forces. On Sunday, a BSF personnel was injured when Naxals detonated an IED in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district. The fortunes of the 90 members due to be elected will be keenly followed in the runup to the general elections a few months away. Chhattisgarh has over 1.85 crore registered voters. There are 10 seats reserved for Scheduled Castes. Janata Congress Chhattisgarh(JCC) supremo Ajit Jogi, who was the first chief minister of Chhattisgarh in 2000, has tied up with BSP chief Mayawati to give the ruling BJP a fight at the hustings. BJP chief minister Raman Singh has promised to make Chhattisgarh a "Naxal-free" state and give pension to small and marginal farmers. The BJP has also promised to increase the minimum support price for several commodities and provide interest-free loans for women entrepreneurs. The Congress, on the other hand, has promised the people of the state of loan waiver within ten days of coming to power, higher minimum support price for crops and a ban on liquor. Chhattisgarh will go to the polls in two phases, today and on November 20th. The remaining 72 seats of Chhattisgarh assembly will go to vote on November 20th. The results will be announced on December 11.

Chhattisgarh elections: Voter turnout increases amid heavy security

The Bhartiya Janata Party on Saturday&nbsp;released election&nbsp;manifesto for Chhattisgarh where election is scheduled to he held on November 12 and 20.

The manifesto, released by&nbsp;BJP President Amit Shah&nbsp;in the presence of chief minister Raman Singh,&nbsp;promises to build a film city in the state and journalist welfare board.&nbsp;In addition. &nbsp;Shah has also assured that the BJP government will provide loans up to 2 lakh without interest to women for starting their business.&nbsp;

The manifesto also promised free books and uniform to students till 12th standard.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
छत्तीसगढ़ फिल्म सिटी का निर्माण किया जाएगा, 12वीं तक सभी छात्र-छात्राओं को मुफ्त किताबें और वर्दी दी जाएगी : श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/drramansingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@drramansingh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJPCGSankalpPatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJPCGSankalpPatra</a> 
 
लाइव देखें <a href="https://t.co/jtwD1yPhm4">https://t.co/jtwD1yPhm4</a> || <a href="https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT">https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT</a> <a href="https://t.co/8VFTVTGUfW">pic.twitter.com/8VFTVTGUfW</a>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1061155039325052929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 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>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
पत्रकार कल्याण बोर्ड का गठन किया जाएगा, महिलाओं को अपने व्यापार शुरू करने के लिए 2 लाख रुपये तक ब्याज मुक्त ऋण: श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/drramansingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@drramansingh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJPCGSankalpPatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJPCGSankalpPatra</a> <a href="https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT">https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT</a> <a href="https://t.co/A9jrllaOLJ">pic.twitter.com/A9jrllaOLJ</a>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1061154486230478848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 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>

Addressing the event, Amit Shah said, "Raman Singh has taken concrete steps to change Chhattisgarh in the past 15 years. He has been successful at his attempts at developing the state." &nbsp;

Shah further said that the BJP's most successful achievement in the state has been its&nbsp;crackdown on naxals. He said Raman Singh has almost finished Naxalism in Chhattisgarh.

"BJP government in Chhattisgarh and its 15 years of governance sets a perfect example of a welfare state in the country, "&nbsp;Shah added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/drramansingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@drramansingh</a> जी ने 15 साल में छत्तीसगढ़ को बदलने का भरसक प्रयास किया है, सफल प्रयास किया है। हमारी सबसे बड़ी उपलब्धि नक्सलवाद पर नकेल कसने की है, रमन सिंह जी ने नक्सलवाद को करीब करीब खत्म कर दिया है: श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> <a href="https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT">https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJPCGSankalpPatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJPCGSankalpPatra</a> <a href="https://t.co/2EOcwa4gQj">pic.twitter.com/2EOcwa4gQj</a>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1061148861232644096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 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>

He said Chhattisgarh is the first state to provide short-term loans at zero interest and the first to bring in its own law for skill development.

Hitting out the Congress, Shah&nbsp;said the party which sees a revolution in Naxalism can never do any good for the state.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
जिस पार्टी को नक्सलवाद में क्रांति दिखाई देती हो वो छत्तीसगढ़ का भला नहीं कर सकती: श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJPCGSankalpPatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJPCGSankalpPatra</a> 
 
लाइव देखें <a href="https://t.co/jtwD1yPhm4">https://t.co/jtwD1yPhm4</a> || <a href="https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT">https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT</a>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1061153256766763008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 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>

"Congress ruled for almost 55 years in the country but the Modi government at the centre and the BJP government at the state is delivering development to every citizen of the state, " Amit Shah said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
कांग्रेस ने करीब-करीब 55 साल शासन किया है लेकिन देश के अंतिम व्यक्ति तक विकास पहुँचाने का काम केंद्र की मोदी सरकार और राज्य में भाजपा सरकारें कर रही है : श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> <a href="https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT">https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJPCGSankalpPatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJPCGSankalpPatra</a> <a href="https://t.co/KXKe8ghJxd">pic.twitter.com/KXKe8ghJxd</a>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1061153087182667778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 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>

He further praised the BJP government in the state&nbsp;and said providing 24-hour electricity, clean water, roads, education, health has been his government's big achievement.

&nbsp;

The Bhartiya Janata Party on Saturday released election manifesto for Chhattisgarh where election is scheduled to he held on November 12 and 20. The manifesto, released by BJP President Amit Shah in the presence of chief minister Raman Singh, promises to build a film city in the state and journalist welfare board.

The Bhartiya Janata Party on Saturday released election manifesto for Chhattisgarh where election is scheduled to he held on November 12 and 20. The manifesto, released by BJP President Amit Shah in the presence of chief minister Raman Singh, promises to build a film city in the state and journalist welfare board. In addition. Shah has also assured that the BJP government will provide loans up to 2 lakh without interest to women for starting their business. The manifesto also promised free books and uniform to students till 12th standard. छत्तीसगढ़ फिल्म सिटी का निर्माण किया जाएगा, 12वीं तक सभी छात्र-छात्राओं को मुफ्त किताबें और वर्दी दी जाएगी : श्री @drramansingh #BJPCGSankalpPatra लाइव देखें https://t.co/jtwD1yPhm4 || https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT pic.twitter.com/8VFTVTGUfW — BJP (@BJP4India) November 10, 2018 × पत्रकार कल्याण बोर्ड का गठन किया जाएगा, महिलाओं को अपने व्यापार शुरू करने के लिए 2 लाख रुपये तक ब्याज मुक्त ऋण: श्री @drramansingh #BJPCGSankalpPatra https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT pic.twitter.com/A9jrllaOLJ — BJP (@BJP4India) November 10, 2018 × Addressing the event, Amit Shah said, "Raman Singh has taken concrete steps to change Chhattisgarh in the past 15 years. He has been successful at his attempts at developing the state." Shah further said that the BJP's most successful achievement in the state has been its crackdown on naxals. He said Raman Singh has almost finished Naxalism in Chhattisgarh. "BJP government in Chhattisgarh and its 15 years of governance sets a perfect example of a welfare state in the country, " Shah added. .@drramansingh जी ने 15 साल में छत्तीसगढ़ को बदलने का भरसक प्रयास किया है, सफल प्रयास किया है। हमारी सबसे बड़ी उपलब्धि नक्सलवाद पर नकेल कसने की है, रमन सिंह जी ने नक्सलवाद को करीब करीब खत्म कर दिया है: श्री @AmitShah https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT #BJPCGSankalpPatra pic.twitter.com/2EOcwa4gQj — BJP (@BJP4India) November 10, 2018 × He said Chhattisgarh is the first state to provide short-term loans at zero interest and the first to bring in its own law for skill development. Hitting out the Congress, Shah said the party which sees a revolution in Naxalism can never do any good for the state. जिस पार्टी को नक्सलवाद में क्रांति दिखाई देती हो वो छत्तीसगढ़ का भला नहीं कर सकती: श्री @AmitShah #BJPCGSankalpPatra लाइव देखें https://t.co/jtwD1yPhm4 || https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT — BJP (@BJP4India) November 10, 2018 × "Congress ruled for almost 55 years in the country but the Modi government at the centre and the BJP government at the state is delivering development to every citizen of the state, " Amit Shah said. कांग्रेस ने करीब-करीब 55 साल शासन किया है लेकिन देश के अंतिम व्यक्ति तक विकास पहुँचाने का काम केंद्र की मोदी सरकार और राज्य में भाजपा सरकारें कर रही है : श्री @AmitShah https://t.co/c3qEUmfqpT #BJPCGSankalpPatra pic.twitter.com/KXKe8ghJxd — BJP (@BJP4India) November 10, 2018 × He further praised the BJP government in the state and said providing 24-hour electricity, clean water, roads, education, health has been his government's big achievement.

BJP promises interest-free loan to women in Chhattisgarh election manifesto

Congress president on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh and said that the BJP leader did not act against his son despite his name appeared in Panama papers.&nbsp;

Addressing an election rally at Kanker in Chhattisgarh, he said that CM should explain to the people of Chhattisgarh why no action was taken against his son, whose name appeared in Panama papers.&nbsp;

In Pakistan, prime minister was jailed because his name appeared in Panama papers, he said.&nbsp;

Speaking about the PDS Scam and the alleged mention of ‘CM Madam’ and ‘Dr Sahab’ in a diary, Rahul said he asked Raman Singh who is this CM Madam and Dr Sahab whose names had been found in the diary in connection with the scam but the CM didn’t answer.&nbsp;

Rs 36,000 crore belonging to the people of Chhattisgarh was looted, the Congress leader alleged.

Coming down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said Modi says he's fighting against corruption but when he comes to Chhattisgarh he doesn't tell the people that the state's chief minister is corrupt.&nbsp;

''Your Rs 5000 core disappeared in chit-fund scam, 310 FIRs were registered but no action was taken because CM was involved, Gandhi alleged.&nbsp;

Congress president on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh and said that the BJP leader did not act against his son despite his name appeared in Panama papers.

Congress president on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh and said that the BJP leader did not act against his son despite his name appeared in Panama papers. Addressing an election rally at Kanker in Chhattisgarh, he said that CM should explain to the people of Chhattisgarh why no action was taken against his son, whose name appeared in Panama papers. In Pakistan, prime minister was jailed because his name appeared in Panama papers, he said. Speaking about the PDS Scam and the alleged mention of ‘CM Madam’ and ‘Dr Sahab’ in a diary, Rahul said he asked Raman Singh who is this CM Madam and Dr Sahab whose names had been found in the diary in connection with the scam but the CM didn’t answer. Rs 36,000 crore belonging to the people of Chhattisgarh was looted, the Congress leader alleged. Coming down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said Modi says he's fighting against corruption but when he comes to Chhattisgarh he doesn't tell the people that the state's chief minister is corrupt. ''Your Rs 5000 core disappeared in chit-fund scam, 310 FIRs were registered but no action was taken because CM was involved, Gandhi alleged.

Modi says he's fighting corruption but is mum on corrupt Raman Singh: Rahul Gandhi 

Expressing dissatisfaction over the Congress "unilaterally" announcing that it will give three seats to CPI in the coming Assembly polls in Telangana, the left party Friday said it has decided to contest five seats.

A meeting of the CPI state executive here expressed disappointment over the "unilateral" announcement made by Congress Thursday, a party release said.

The CPI, a partner in the grand alliance" of opposition parties for the assembly election, expressed unhappiness on being given three seats, describing it as an "injustice" towards the party.

The alliance comprises the Congress, Telugu Desam Party, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS).

Congress Thursday said the party has decided to leave 25 seats -- 14 to Telugu Desam Party, eight to Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) and three to CPI.

"We (alliance partners) had discussed that an approach of give and take should be there (in the alliance). There should be respectable arrangements.

What happpened now is against that.

But, our political motive is to dislodge the KCR government in Telangana," CPI state secretary Chada Venkat Reddy told reporters.

Noting that his party had asked for at least five seats, he said it is "injustice" (towards his party) to give only three seats.

Venkat Reddy said his party has informed senior Congress leader K Jana Reddy about its complaint who promised to take it up with party high command. 
TJS president M Kodandaram has expressed solidarity with the CPI.

TDP's Telangana unit president L Ramana said the alliance partners would soon sit and review the developments since the last two months and try to strengthen the coalition.

The meeting would take place after Congress leaders return to Hyderabad from gulf countries. Congress leaders have gone to Gulf countries to enquire about migrant workers' problems, he said.

The first list of Congress candidates for the Assembly polls would be released on November 10, RC Khuntia, AICC incharge of party affairs in Telangana said Thursday.

He had said the party has cleared 74 names. There are 119 assembly segments.

The Gazette notification for the polls would be issued on November 12 and the last date of nominations is November 19, according to the schedule released by the Election Commission.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the Congress "unilaterally" announcing that it will give three seats to CPI in the coming Assembly polls in Telangana, the left party Friday said it has decided to contest five seats.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the Congress "unilaterally" announcing that it will give three seats to CPI in the coming Assembly polls in Telangana, the left party Friday said it has decided to contest five seats. A meeting of the CPI state executive here expressed disappointment over the "unilateral" announcement made by Congress Thursday, a party release said. The CPI, a partner in the grand alliance" of opposition parties for the assembly election, expressed unhappiness on being given three seats, describing it as an "injustice" towards the party. The alliance comprises the Congress, Telugu Desam Party, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS). Congress Thursday said the party has decided to leave 25 seats -- 14 to Telugu Desam Party, eight to Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) and three to CPI. "We (alliance partners) had discussed that an approach of give and take should be there (in the alliance). There should be respectable arrangements. What happpened now is against that. But, our political motive is to dislodge the KCR government in Telangana," CPI state secretary Chada Venkat Reddy told reporters. Noting that his party had asked for at least five seats, he said it is "injustice" (towards his party) to give only three seats. Venkat Reddy said his party has informed senior Congress leader K Jana Reddy about its complaint who promised to take it up with party high command. TJS president M Kodandaram has expressed solidarity with the CPI. TDP's Telangana unit president L Ramana said the alliance partners would soon sit and review the developments since the last two months and try to strengthen the coalition. The meeting would take place after Congress leaders return to Hyderabad from gulf countries. Congress leaders have gone to Gulf countries to enquire about migrant workers' problems, he said. The first list of Congress candidates for the Assembly polls would be released on November 10, RC Khuntia, AICC incharge of party affairs in Telangana said Thursday. He had said the party has cleared 74 names. There are 119 assembly segments. The Gazette notification for the polls would be issued on November 12 and the last date of nominations is November 19, according to the schedule released by the Election Commission.

Telangana polls: CPI unhappy with 3 seats given by Congress, to contest 5