An Election Commission team, held discussions with government officials and members of an apex body for civil societies in Mizoram here Friday and agreed to remove state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S B Shashank, a civil society leader said.

The four-member EC team, headed by Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain, did not speak to the press.

Chief Secretary Arvind Ray and the joint CEO were not allowed inside the hall where the meeting was held.&nbsp;

The EC team held discussions with two additional CEOs, Home Secretary Lalrinliana Fanai, leaders of the NGO Coordination Committee - apex body of the civil societies. It was a closed door meeting and the team left the venue without making any comments.

Committee chairman Vanlalruata said the EC team agreed to the body's demand to remove Shashank as CEO of Mizoram immediately.

The team also agreed to stick to the commitment made by the poll panel in April 2014 that Bru voters who are staying in Tripura would exercise their franchise in Mizoram and not in the relief camps of that state, he said.

Thousands of Bru community members had fled Mizoram in October 1997 after ethnic clashes and have been living in camps in Tripura since then.

The EC team, however, refused to make any commitment on revoking the transfer order of former principal secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo and restore him in his position in Mizoram, he said.

Shashank, who was being seen by the civil society as a Bru sympathiser, had allegedly complained to the EC that Chuaungo was interfering with the poll process in Mizoram where election to its 40-member Assembly is slated for November 28.

The EC team also met members of the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee (MKHC), which is a conglomerate of leaders of major churches in the state, and those of the IAS officers association which included several serving and retired bureaucrats.

They would visit Champhai district, on the Mizoram-Myanmar border, Saturday and hold discussions with the Deputy Commissioner Naveen Agrawal, before returning to Delhi.&nbsp;

An Election Commission team, held discussions with government officials and members of an apex body for civil societies in Mizoram here Friday and agreed to remove state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S B Shashank, a civil society leader said.

An Election Commission team, held discussions with government officials and members of an apex body for civil societies in Mizoram here Friday and agreed to remove state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S B Shashank, a civil society leader said. The four-member EC team, headed by Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain, did not speak to the press. Chief Secretary Arvind Ray and the joint CEO were not allowed inside the hall where the meeting was held. The EC team held discussions with two additional CEOs, Home Secretary Lalrinliana Fanai, leaders of the NGO Coordination Committee - apex body of the civil societies. It was a closed door meeting and the team left the venue without making any comments. Committee chairman Vanlalruata said the EC team agreed to the body's demand to remove Shashank as CEO of Mizoram immediately. The team also agreed to stick to the commitment made by the poll panel in April 2014 that Bru voters who are staying in Tripura would exercise their franchise in Mizoram and not in the relief camps of that state, he said. Thousands of Bru community members had fled Mizoram in October 1997 after ethnic clashes and have been living in camps in Tripura since then. The EC team, however, refused to make any commitment on revoking the transfer order of former principal secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo and restore him in his position in Mizoram, he said. Shashank, who was being seen by the civil society as a Bru sympathiser, had allegedly complained to the EC that Chuaungo was interfering with the poll process in Mizoram where election to its 40-member Assembly is slated for November 28. The EC team also met members of the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee (MKHC), which is a conglomerate of leaders of major churches in the state, and those of the IAS officers association which included several serving and retired bureaucrats. They would visit Champhai district, on the Mizoram-Myanmar border, Saturday and hold discussions with the Deputy Commissioner Naveen Agrawal, before returning to Delhi.

Election Commission team has agreed to remove Mizoram CEO: NGO coordination committee chief 

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Friday announced a fresh list of six candidates for the December 7 Rajasthan Assembly elections.

Party president Sitaram Meghwal released the list on directions of BSP chief Mayawati.

According to the new list, Kishan Chand Sharma would contest from Dholpur, Ramhet Kushwah from Badi seat of Dholpur district, Lakshman Singh Chaudhary from Ramgarh seat of Alwar district, Vijay Shankar Bohra from Mahua of Dausa district, Sunil Kumar Jatav from Bayana seat of Bharatpur district.&nbsp;

Gyara Ahmad Khan would contest election on a BSP ticket against Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje from Jhalarapatan Assembly constituency of Jhalawar district, a release said.&nbsp;

Last week, the party had released the first list of 11 candidates.&nbsp;

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Friday announced a fresh list of six candidates for the December 7 Rajasthan Assembly elections. Party president Sitaram Meghwal released the list on directions of BSP chief Mayawati.

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Friday announced a fresh list of six candidates for the December 7 Rajasthan Assembly elections. Party president Sitaram Meghwal released the list on directions of BSP chief Mayawati. According to the new list, Kishan Chand Sharma would contest from Dholpur, Ramhet Kushwah from Badi seat of Dholpur district, Lakshman Singh Chaudhary from Ramgarh seat of Alwar district, Vijay Shankar Bohra from Mahua of Dausa district, Sunil Kumar Jatav from Bayana seat of Bharatpur district. Gyara Ahmad Khan would contest election on a BSP ticket against Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje from Jhalarapatan Assembly constituency of Jhalawar district, a release said. Last week, the party had released the first list of 11 candidates.

Rajasthan polls: BSP releases fresh list of candidates

The Election Commission on Friday imposed a near month-long ban on holding exit polls beginning November 12 in the five poll-bound states.

&nbsp;A notification issued by the poll panel said between 7 am of November 12 and 5.30 pm of December 7, "conducting any exit poll and publishing or publicising the result of exit poll by means of the print or electronic media or in any other manner shall be prohibited" .

While Chhattisgarh is going to polls in two phases on November 12 and 20, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram have elections on November 28. 
Rajasthan and Telangana will go to polls on December 7.

Using powers under the Representation of People Act, 1951, EC bans exit polls from the time the poll begins till half-an-hour after the polling ends.&nbsp;

The poll panel had proposed that there should be a prohibition on publication and broadcast of the results of opinion polls starting from the date of notification of elections till the completion of the last phase of polls to Lok Sabha and state Assemblies.&nbsp;

The proposal is pending with the government.&nbsp;

The Election Commission on Friday imposed a near month-long ban on holding exit polls beginning November 12 in the five poll-bound states. A notification issued by the poll panel said between 7 am of November 12 and 5.

The Election Commission on Friday imposed a near month-long ban on holding exit polls beginning November 12 in the five poll-bound states. A notification issued by the poll panel said between 7 am of November 12 and 5.30 pm of December 7, "conducting any exit poll and publishing or publicising the result of exit poll by means of the print or electronic media or in any other manner shall be prohibited" . While Chhattisgarh is going to polls in two phases on November 12 and 20, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram have elections on November 28. Rajasthan and Telangana will go to polls on December 7. Using powers under the Representation of People Act, 1951, EC bans exit polls from the time the poll begins till half-an-hour after the polling ends. The poll panel had proposed that there should be a prohibition on publication and broadcast of the results of opinion polls starting from the date of notification of elections till the completion of the last phase of polls to Lok Sabha and state Assemblies. The proposal is pending with the government.

Election Commission bans exit polls from November 12 to December 7

The war of words between the BJP and the Congress has intensified ahead of the November 28 polling in Madhya Pradesh with both parties raising a range of issues to attack each other.

While the Congress accused the BJP of raking up the issues of Pakistan and Ram temple to ward off an impending electoral defeat, the ruling party said the main opposition outfit is feeling like a "fish out of water" since it lost power in Madhya Pradesh 15 years ago.

Talking to reporters at Indore Friday, Congress national spokesperson Shakeel Ahmad said the BJP starts taking the name of Pakistan whenever it senses defeat in elections.

It also starts doing politics in the name of Lord Rama when elections are just around the corner, he said.

Asked about the Congress' stand on the Ram temple issue, he said, "This matter is being heard at the Supreme Court. We will surely react if Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes any statement about the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya."

The Congress leader said, "If the BJP government at the Centre wants to build a Ram temple in Ayodhya then why it is not brining an ordinance? &nbsp;This government is only trying to deceive people in the name of Lord Rama."

Ahmad said India's key defence needs were ignored in the controversial Rafale deal.

Meanwhile, Union Minister for Minority Affairs and BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi hit out at the Congress.

Talking to journalists at Mandsaur while accompanying local BJP candidate Yashpal Singh Sisodiya for filing his nomination papers, Naqvi said the Congress feels restless when out of power and flutters like a "fish out of water".

Accusing the Congress of engaging in corruption and running governments in a dictatorial manner, Naqvi said the Rahul Gandhi-led party is spreading canards about Prime Minister Narendra and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Taking potshots at Congress and opposition leaders, Naqvi said there are two dozen candidates for the posts of prime minister and Madhya Pradesh chief minister, but there is no vacancy for these top positions.

Union minister and BJP leader Suresh Prabhu said the Congress is running out of ideas in elections and hence it is doing politics on the country's security.

He accompanied local BJP candidate Devendra Verma at Khandwa in a rally to file his nomination papers.

Prabhu said Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has given answers of all questions related to the Rafale fighter jet deal.

There should be no politics on the issue of country's defence and security, Prabhu said.

All the BJP candidates contesting from assembly seats in Bhopal district reached the returning officer's office in a rally to file their nomination papers.

These candidates offered prayers at a temple in Bhopal's Somwara Chowk along with Chief Minister Chouhan before taking out the rally.&nbsp;

The war of words between the BJP and the Congress has intensified ahead of the November 28 polling in Madhya Pradesh with both parties raising a range of issues to attack each other.

The war of words between the BJP and the Congress has intensified ahead of the November 28 polling in Madhya Pradesh with both parties raising a range of issues to attack each other. While the Congress accused the BJP of raking up the issues of Pakistan and Ram temple to ward off an impending electoral defeat, the ruling party said the main opposition outfit is feeling like a "fish out of water" since it lost power in Madhya Pradesh 15 years ago. Talking to reporters at Indore Friday, Congress national spokesperson Shakeel Ahmad said the BJP starts taking the name of Pakistan whenever it senses defeat in elections. It also starts doing politics in the name of Lord Rama when elections are just around the corner, he said. Asked about the Congress' stand on the Ram temple issue, he said, "This matter is being heard at the Supreme Court. We will surely react if Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes any statement about the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya." The Congress leader said, "If the BJP government at the Centre wants to build a Ram temple in Ayodhya then why it is not brining an ordinance? This government is only trying to deceive people in the name of Lord Rama." Ahmad said India's key defence needs were ignored in the controversial Rafale deal. Meanwhile, Union Minister for Minority Affairs and BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi hit out at the Congress. Talking to journalists at Mandsaur while accompanying local BJP candidate Yashpal Singh Sisodiya for filing his nomination papers, Naqvi said the Congress feels restless when out of power and flutters like a "fish out of water". Accusing the Congress of engaging in corruption and running governments in a dictatorial manner, Naqvi said the Rahul Gandhi-led party is spreading canards about Prime Minister Narendra and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Taking potshots at Congress and opposition leaders, Naqvi said there are two dozen candidates for the posts of prime minister and Madhya Pradesh chief minister, but there is no vacancy for these top positions. Union minister and BJP leader Suresh Prabhu said the Congress is running out of ideas in elections and hence it is doing politics on the country's security. He accompanied local BJP candidate Devendra Verma at Khandwa in a rally to file his nomination papers. Prabhu said Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has given answers of all questions related to the Rafale fighter jet deal. There should be no politics on the issue of country's defence and security, Prabhu said. All the BJP candidates contesting from assembly seats in Bhopal district reached the returning officer's office in a rally to file their nomination papers. These candidates offered prayers at a temple in Bhopal's Somwara Chowk along with Chief Minister Chouhan before taking out the rally.

Madhya Pradesh polls: BJP, Congress trade charges ahead of November 28 election

A total of 2,800 nominations have been filed for the 230 seats of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly.

While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded its candidates from all the assembly seats, Congress announced its candidates only from 229 seats and left a seat for Sharad Yadav`s Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) for the upcoming assembly elections in the state.

The filing of nominations for the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections ended on Friday.

A total of 162 nominations were filed from Rewa assembly constituency, while 156 from Satna.

This time, the BJP has fielded Usha Thakur from Mhow assembly constituency. Earlier, party leader Kailash Vijayvargiya used to contest from this seat.

Opposing Thakur`s nomination from the seat, five BJP leaders from the area have filed independent nomination from the seat.

Meanwhile, Congress leaders Nasir Islam and Sajid Ali have also filed nomination as independent candidates.

Madhya Pradesh is slated to go on polls on November 28, while counting of votes will be held on December 11.&nbsp;

A total of 2,800 nominations have been filed for the 230 seats of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded its candidates from all the assembly seats, Congress announced its candidates only from 229 seats and left a seat for Sharad Yadav`s Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) for the upcoming assembly elections in the state.

A total of 2,800 nominations have been filed for the 230 seats of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded its candidates from all the assembly seats, Congress announced its candidates only from 229 seats and left a seat for Sharad Yadav`s Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) for the upcoming assembly elections in the state. The filing of nominations for the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections ended on Friday. A total of 162 nominations were filed from Rewa assembly constituency, while 156 from Satna. This time, the BJP has fielded Usha Thakur from Mhow assembly constituency. Earlier, party leader Kailash Vijayvargiya used to contest from this seat. Opposing Thakur`s nomination from the seat, five BJP leaders from the area have filed independent nomination from the seat. Meanwhile, Congress leaders Nasir Islam and Sajid Ali have also filed nomination as independent candidates. Madhya Pradesh is slated to go on polls on November 28, while counting of votes will be held on December 11.

Madhya Pradesh polls: 2,800 nominations filed for 230 seats

Ramkrishna Kusmaria, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and a former minister in the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led government in Madhya Pradesh, has expressed discontent over the ticket distribution process and claimed that the party does not respect elderly people, similar to the manner in which Mughal ruler Aurangzeb imprisoned his father.

Kusmaria, a former agriculture minister and the president of Bundelkhand Development Corporation, said "I don`t understand what the problem is in giving tickets to the elderly. I believe that BJP is acting like how Aurangzeb had imprisoned his father and ruled. This is what they are doing now. Is this the way how to treat elderly people? The party needs to respect such people."

The BJP leader added that the people wanted him to be elected from Damoh constituency, asserting that the development works would be expedited.

He further alleged that the BJP ignored his demand for a ticket to contest from Damoh, and therefore, filed his nomination papers as an independent candidate on Friday.

"People are demanding that if you win, then the development works, which were stalled previously, would be completed soon. The previous legislator (from Damoh) did not pay heed. I am feeling suffocated now over the ticket distribution issue." Kusmaria said.

He further said that the Congress party was in touch with him, adding that "anything can happen" in the run-up to the polls.

Kusmaria is a five-time Member of Parliament (MP) and has been a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Damoh thrice.

In the last assembly elections in 2013, the BJP had transferred him from Damoh district to Rajnagar assembly seat in Chhattarpur district, but he lost from there.

Madhya Pradesh is slated to go on polls on November 28, while counting of votes will be held on December 11.

Ramkrishna Kusmaria, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and a former minister in the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led government in Madhya Pradesh, has expressed discontent over the ticket distribution process and claimed that the party does not respect elderly people, similar to the manner in which Mughal ruler Aurangzeb imprisoned his father.

Ramkrishna Kusmaria, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and a former minister in the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led government in Madhya Pradesh, has expressed discontent over the ticket distribution process and claimed that the party does not respect elderly people, similar to the manner in which Mughal ruler Aurangzeb imprisoned his father. Kusmaria, a former agriculture minister and the president of Bundelkhand Development Corporation, said "I don`t understand what the problem is in giving tickets to the elderly. I believe that BJP is acting like how Aurangzeb had imprisoned his father and ruled. This is what they are doing now. Is this the way how to treat elderly people? The party needs to respect such people." The BJP leader added that the people wanted him to be elected from Damoh constituency, asserting that the development works would be expedited. He further alleged that the BJP ignored his demand for a ticket to contest from Damoh, and therefore, filed his nomination papers as an independent candidate on Friday. "People are demanding that if you win, then the development works, which were stalled previously, would be completed soon. The previous legislator (from Damoh) did not pay heed. I am feeling suffocated now over the ticket distribution issue." Kusmaria said. He further said that the Congress party was in touch with him, adding that "anything can happen" in the run-up to the polls. Kusmaria is a five-time Member of Parliament (MP) and has been a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Damoh thrice. In the last assembly elections in 2013, the BJP had transferred him from Damoh district to Rajnagar assembly seat in Chhattarpur district, but he lost from there. Madhya Pradesh is slated to go on polls on November 28, while counting of votes will be held on December 11.

MP: Irked by ticket distribution, BJP leader compares party to Aurangzeb's rule

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday accused the Congress of backing ‘urban Maoists’ who he said have ruined the lives of poor Adivasi youth.

Addressing his first election rally for the state Assembly polls scheduled later this month, Modi also said Congress makes “fun” of adivasis (tribals). “I don’t know why Congress makes fun of adivasis. Once I had gone for a rally in North-East India and wore a traditional adivasi headgear but Congress leaders made fun of it. This was an insult of adivasi culture,” he said.

Mr. Modi said he will not rest till he fulfils late Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s dreams for a prosperous Chhattisgarh, adding the Congress-led government did not do enough to develop the Naxal-infested Bastar region citing the Maoist menace as an excuse. “The urban Maoists who live in air conditioned homes in the cities, look clean and whose children study abroad, remote control the adivasi children in the Naxal dominated areas,” Mr Modi said.

“I want to ask the Congress why it supports the urban Maoists when the government takes action against them and come to Bastar and speak against Naxalism,” he said.

Describing Naxals as “monsters with evil mindset”, the Prime Minister said earlier governments did not do enough for the development of Bastar region. “Will you forgive such people? These people will not win Chhattisgarh. I appeal to you to ensure that BJP wins all seats in the Bastar region. If anyone else wins, it will be a blot on Bastar’s dreams,” he added.

Modi said no other Prime Minister visited Bastar as often as he did. “I have not come empty handed but given you some scheme and development programme. We are working hard to eradicate unemployment, poverty and hunger from the region. Previously there were resources but nothing happened,” he said.

Modi said he wanted to serve the people of Chhattisgarh and fulfil Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s dreams of a prosperous state. “I will not rest till I fulfil his dreams. Chhattisgarh is now 18 years old. There are different dreams and aspirations of 18-year-olds now,” he said.

Congress speaks of Dalits, deprived sections and tribals but the party considers them as vote banks and not as human beings, he said.

“Do you want a government which works or one which stops development works,” he said.

Modi said his government has never discriminated among people. “Previous governments did that. Our government works for the development of all,” he said.

Elections to the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly will be held in two phases on November 12 and November 20.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday accused the Congress of backing ‘urban Maoists’ who he said have ruined the lives of poor Adivasi youth. Addressing his first election rally for the state Assembly polls scheduled later this month, Modi also said Congress makes “fun” of adivasis (tribals).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday accused the Congress of backing ‘urban Maoists’ who he said have ruined the lives of poor Adivasi youth. Addressing his first election rally for the state Assembly polls scheduled later this month, Modi also said Congress makes “fun” of adivasis (tribals). “I don’t know why Congress makes fun of adivasis. Once I had gone for a rally in North-East India and wore a traditional adivasi headgear but Congress leaders made fun of it. This was an insult of adivasi culture,” he said. Mr. Modi said he will not rest till he fulfils late Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s dreams for a prosperous Chhattisgarh, adding the Congress-led government did not do enough to develop the Naxal-infested Bastar region citing the Maoist menace as an excuse. “The urban Maoists who live in air conditioned homes in the cities, look clean and whose children study abroad, remote control the adivasi children in the Naxal dominated areas,” Mr Modi said. “I want to ask the Congress why it supports the urban Maoists when the government takes action against them and come to Bastar and speak against Naxalism,” he said. Describing Naxals as “monsters with evil mindset”, the Prime Minister said earlier governments did not do enough for the development of Bastar region. “Will you forgive such people? These people will not win Chhattisgarh. I appeal to you to ensure that BJP wins all seats in the Bastar region. If anyone else wins, it will be a blot on Bastar’s dreams,” he added. Modi said no other Prime Minister visited Bastar as often as he did. “I have not come empty handed but given you some scheme and development programme. We are working hard to eradicate unemployment, poverty and hunger from the region. Previously there were resources but nothing happened,” he said. Modi said he wanted to serve the people of Chhattisgarh and fulfil Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s dreams of a prosperous state. “I will not rest till I fulfil his dreams. Chhattisgarh is now 18 years old. There are different dreams and aspirations of 18-year-olds now,” he said. Congress speaks of Dalits, deprived sections and tribals but the party considers them as vote banks and not as human beings, he said. “Do you want a government which works or one which stops development works,” he said. Modi said his government has never discriminated among people. “Previous governments did that. Our government works for the development of all,” he said. Elections to the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly will be held in two phases on November 12 and November 20.

Chhattisgarh assembly polls 2018: PM accuses Congress of supporting 'urban Naxals'

BJP MLA from Telangana Raja Singh has said that their party will change the name of Hyderabad to Bhagyanagar if it wins the assembly elections in Telangana.

The MLA from Goshamahal assembly constituency added that they may also change the name of Secunderabad to Karimnagar.

“Earlier, Hyderabad was Bhagyanagar and in 1590 Quli Qutub Shah came to Hyderabad, he changed Bhagyanagar to Hyderabad. At that time many Hindus were attacked, many temples destroyed. We are planning to rename Hyderabad".

In Telangana, BJP will win in a majority and then our first aim will be developing the state and the second objective will be renaming Hyderabad as Bhagyanagar. We will also change the names of Secunderabad and Karimnagar, he added.

This has come days after Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath changed the name of Allahabad to Prayagraj. &nbsp;

While addressing a deeputsav occasion on Diwali, Adityanath also proposed to change the name of Faizabad to Ayodhya and added that Ayodhya will have its own airport named after Ram and a medical college after king Dashrath.

Following the path of Uttar Pradesh chief minister, several other leaders have expressed their desire to change the name of other&nbsp;cities.

Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani said on Thursday that his government was contemplating to change the name of Ahmedabad to Karnavati.

Adding to the list, Shiv Sena also demanded to rename two towns in Maharashtra – Aurangabad and Osmanabad.

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

BJP MLA from Telangana Raja Singh has said that their party will change the name of Hyderabad to Bhagyanagar if it wins the assembly elections in Telangana. The MLA from Goshamahal assembly constituency added that they may also change the name of Secunderabad to Karimnagar.

BJP MLA from Telangana Raja Singh has said that their party will change the name of Hyderabad to Bhagyanagar if it wins the assembly elections in Telangana. The MLA from Goshamahal assembly constituency added that they may also change the name of Secunderabad to Karimnagar. “Earlier, Hyderabad was Bhagyanagar and in 1590 Quli Qutub Shah came to Hyderabad, he changed Bhagyanagar to Hyderabad. At that time many Hindus were attacked, many temples destroyed. We are planning to rename Hyderabad". In Telangana, BJP will win in a majority and then our first aim will be developing the state and the second objective will be renaming Hyderabad as Bhagyanagar. We will also change the names of Secunderabad and Karimnagar, he added. This has come days after Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath changed the name of Allahabad to Prayagraj. While addressing a deeputsav occasion on Diwali, Adityanath also proposed to change the name of Faizabad to Ayodhya and added that Ayodhya will have its own airport named after Ram and a medical college after king Dashrath. Following the path of Uttar Pradesh chief minister, several other leaders have expressed their desire to change the name of other cities. Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani said on Thursday that his government was contemplating to change the name of Ahmedabad to Karnavati. Adding to the list, Shiv Sena also demanded to rename two towns in Maharashtra – Aurangabad and Osmanabad.

Will change Hyderabad's name to Bhagyanagar if we come to power in Telangana: BJP leader

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hit out at the Congress saying that the party supports the urban Maoists "who&nbsp;have ruined the lives of poor Adivasi youth".

"The urban Maoists who live in air-conditioned homes in the cities, look clean and whose children study abroad, remote control the adivasi children in the Naxal dominated areas. I want to ask the Congress why it supports the urban Maoists when the government takes action against them and come to Bastar and speak against Naxalism," PM Modi said.

Addressing his first election rally in poll-bound&nbsp;Chhattisgarh, PM Modi also said he will not rest until he fulfils late Atal Bihari Vajpayee's dreams for a prosperous Chhattisgarh.

PM Modi said the Congress-led government did not do enough to develop the Naxal-infested Bastar region citing the Maoist menace.

"For 10 years, Congress was at the Centre, but they never paid attention to the needs of Chhattisgarh and blocked all development for the state. They never thought of the region's progress," PM Modi said.

"Will you forgive such people? These people will not win Chhattisgarh. I appeal to you to ensure that BJP wins all seats in the Bastar region. If anyone else wins, it will be a blot on Bastar's dreams," he added.

"I don't know why Congress makes fun of adivasis . Once I had gone for a rally to the Northeast of our country and there had worn a traditional adivasi headgear but Congress leaders made fun of that hat, it was an insult of adivasi culture" PM Modi said.

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I urge the people of Bastar to teach a fitting lesson to the Congress leaders, who on one hand try to shield the urban Maoists, and in Chhattisgarh, they speak about freeing the state from Maoists: PM Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChhattisgarhElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChhattisgarhElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/a7r5wjxKXN">pic.twitter.com/a7r5wjxKXN</a>
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"I urge the people of Bastar to teach a fitting lesson to the Congress leaders, who on one hand try to shield the urban Maoists, and in Chhattisgarh, they speak about freeing the state from Maoists", PM Modi said.

He further targetted the Congress party over the recent death of a cameraman in the state.

"A brave and innocent cameraman from DD, Achutyanand Sahu was killed by Maoists. Recently our valiant jawans were also martyred in an encounter with Maoists and for Congress party these Maoists are revolutionaries? What sort of vocabulary is this?".

Chhattisgarh will go to polls on November 12 and November 20. 
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&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hit out at the Congress saying that the party supports the urban Maoists "who have ruined the lives of poor Adivasi youth".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hit out at the Congress saying that the party supports the urban Maoists "who have ruined the lives of poor Adivasi youth". "The urban Maoists who live in air-conditioned homes in the cities, look clean and whose children study abroad, remote control the adivasi children in the Naxal dominated areas. I want to ask the Congress why it supports the urban Maoists when the government takes action against them and come to Bastar and speak against Naxalism," PM Modi said. Addressing his first election rally in poll-bound Chhattisgarh, PM Modi also said he will not rest until he fulfils late Atal Bihari Vajpayee's dreams for a prosperous Chhattisgarh. PM Modi said the Congress-led government did not do enough to develop the Naxal-infested Bastar region citing the Maoist menace. "For 10 years, Congress was at the Centre, but they never paid attention to the needs of Chhattisgarh and blocked all development for the state. They never thought of the region's progress," PM Modi said. "Will you forgive such people? These people will not win Chhattisgarh. I appeal to you to ensure that BJP wins all seats in the Bastar region. If anyone else wins, it will be a blot on Bastar's dreams," he added. "I don't know why Congress makes fun of adivasis . Once I had gone for a rally to the Northeast of our country and there had worn a traditional adivasi headgear but Congress leaders made fun of that hat, it was an insult of adivasi culture" PM Modi said. I urge the people of Bastar to teach a fitting lesson to the Congress leaders, who on one hand try to shield the urban Maoists, and in Chhattisgarh, they speak about freeing the state from Maoists: PM Modi #ChhattisgarhElections2018 pic.twitter.com/a7r5wjxKXN — ANI (@ANI) November 9, 2018 × "I urge the people of Bastar to teach a fitting lesson to the Congress leaders, who on one hand try to shield the urban Maoists, and in Chhattisgarh, they speak about freeing the state from Maoists", PM Modi said. He further targetted the Congress party over the recent death of a cameraman in the state. "A brave and innocent cameraman from DD, Achutyanand Sahu was killed by Maoists. Recently our valiant jawans were also martyred in an encounter with Maoists and for Congress party these Maoists are revolutionaries? What sort of vocabulary is this?". Chhattisgarh will go to polls on November 12 and November 20.

Chhattisgarh polls: Congress supports urban Maoists, says PM Modi

Amid protests in Mizoram demanding the removal of the state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) SB Shashank, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has urged the Mizoram government to take all possible measures required to ensure peaceful polls in the state.

The Election Commission in a letter to the Mizoram government also informed that the Principal Secretary (Home) L Chuaungo has been removed from his post after observing the sequence of past two months and his role, in great detail.

Chuaungo's removal came after Shashank earlier complained to the EC about the interference of the state in the upcoming assembly elections.

He also mentioned Chuaungo's alleged involvement in the revision of the electoral rolls and using the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).

The people of Mizoram have been protesting against Shashank, alleging that he is biased in conducting the upcoming Mizoram Assembly Elections.

In the complaint letter, he mentioned the alleged insensitivity regarding voting rights of the Bru community of Mizoram, who stay in relief camps in Tripura.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla had also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding Shashank's removal.

A three-member committee has also been constituted by the EC to look into the matter.Mizoram will go to polls on November 28.

Results will be declared on December 11. It is the only state in the North-East where the Congress party is currently in power.&nbsp;

Amid protests in Mizoram demanding the removal of the state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) SB Shashank, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has urged the Mizoram government to take all possible measures required to ensure peaceful polls in the state.

Amid protests in Mizoram demanding the removal of the state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) SB Shashank, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has urged the Mizoram government to take all possible measures required to ensure peaceful polls in the state. The Election Commission in a letter to the Mizoram government also informed that the Principal Secretary (Home) L Chuaungo has been removed from his post after observing the sequence of past two months and his role, in great detail. Chuaungo's removal came after Shashank earlier complained to the EC about the interference of the state in the upcoming assembly elections. He also mentioned Chuaungo's alleged involvement in the revision of the electoral rolls and using the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). The people of Mizoram have been protesting against Shashank, alleging that he is biased in conducting the upcoming Mizoram Assembly Elections. In the complaint letter, he mentioned the alleged insensitivity regarding voting rights of the Bru community of Mizoram, who stay in relief camps in Tripura. Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla had also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding Shashank's removal. A three-member committee has also been constituted by the EC to look into the matter.Mizoram will go to polls on November 28. Results will be declared on December 11. It is the only state in the North-East where the Congress party is currently in power.

EC requests Mizoram government to ensure peaceful polls

To a lesser or greater degree as compared to other states, the caste factor in Rajasthan will be an important determinant in the forthcoming Assembly election. Every major leader, be it Vasundhara Raje or Sachin Pilot or Ashok Gehlot, is aware of the possibilities that a proper combination can result in, and is straining every nerve to get it right.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The caste issue has gained further dominance in recent months with the traditionally well-off castes upping the ante and demanding attention as well as benefits. The Gujjars, the Jat and the Meena communities — they all have grievances. And so have the Rajputs.&nbsp;

The Gujjars have been granted the Other Backward Classes (OBC) status in the state, but now its powerful leaders have been demanding a Scheduled Tribe categorisation because they feel short-changed in the OBC pie which is shared by many, including the Jats.&nbsp;

They are also cut up because they believe that their political representation is low as compared to their numbers. Besides, the Gujjars are politically hostile to the Meena community because the latter enjoys a Scheduled Tribe status and avails of the benefits that come as a result. &nbsp;

The Rajputs, on the other hand, are upset by all the attention that the Jats, the Meenas and the Gujjars have gained over the years. Historically, the Rajputs were landowners and the Jats their tenants, particularly in the then Rajputana region. In 1946, a charismatic Jat leader, Baldev Ram Mirdha, mobilised farmers and led a ‘revolt’ against the landed aristocracy which comprised the Rajputs. 
 
His Marwar Kisan Sabha demanded land reforms and declaration of tenancy rights. Once his party merged with the Congress, the latter stridently undertook some of the changes that the Sabha had sought and brought in land reforms. The Rajputs believed that they were unfairly dealt with, painted as villains and wrongly projected. But the community — like the others — had few political options and continued to support the Congress. &nbsp;

After the Congress’s landslide win in the 1998 Assembly election, the Jats expected one of their prominent leaders to become the Chief Minister, but Ashok Gehlot considered an outsider, got the honour. That is when the Jats began to move away from the Congress, and in the next Assembly poll, they backed the Bharatiya Janata Party, which got nearly three times more seats than it had in 1998. The Congress was reduced to less than half the number it had.&nbsp;

The Rajputs, who had been sulking, also seized the opportunity and went over to the BJP fold. Others followed suit. The 2013 result, which was overwhelmingly in the BJP’s favour, indicated that the party had cracked the caste code.&nbsp;

Things are different now, though it’s still not clear if indeed the carefully crafted caste alignment of the BJP has fallen apart to the party’s detriment. But there are problems, The Karni Sena, a group that claims to represent the interests of the upper castes, had recently shot into the limelight with their street protests against the release of the film, Padmavat. 
 
Given that the Raje Government is in power, it had to bear the brunt of the opposition, although it had taken the safe way out by supporting a conditional ban on the film’s release in Rajasthan and favouring dialogue with stakeholders. The Jats, Gujjars and Meenas are being assiduously wooed by the Congress, which hopes to repeat its 1998 performance in the State.&nbsp;

Mindful of the challenge, the BJP has roped in two of its prominent Rajput leaders from Rajasthan, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, to project a Rajput-friendly image. It does seem to have, for the moment, cut the Karni Sena to size — a recent rally organised in Jaipur by the outfit managed to draw just a few hundred people. The Congress, on the other hand, is playing other cards, perhaps uncertain of the Rajput community’s support. 
 
It is tapping on the discontent among the Meena, Jat and Gujjar communities, combining their caste pride with rural distress. Sachin Pilot is a Gujjar, and he had lost out on a ministerial berth in a Union Cabinet reshuffle in the UPA rule, reportedly because of fear within the Congress that the powerful Meena community would be angered. On the other hand, Gehlot can claim association with both the Jat and the Rajput communities in a historical sense, though his gotra is seen to be part of the Jats. Given that multiple identifications can work, chief minister Vasundhara Raje is also not averse to flaunting it, even if she underplays it at times. She was born into a Rajput family and married a Jat; her daughter-in-law is a Gujjar.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It’s difficult for either the BJP or the Congress to annoy any of the castes in the state because they have all become dominant in recent decades. The question now is: Which caste will triumph in the chief ministerial race: The Meena, the Gujjar, the Jat, or the Rajput?&nbsp;

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

To a lesser or greater degree as compared to other states, the caste factor in Rajasthan will be an important determinant in the forthcoming Assembly election. Every major leader, be it Vasundhara Raje or Sachin Pilot or Ashok Gehlot, is aware of the possibilities that a proper combination can result in, and is straining every nerve to get it right.

To a lesser or greater degree as compared to other states, the caste factor in Rajasthan will be an important determinant in the forthcoming Assembly election. Every major leader, be it Vasundhara Raje or Sachin Pilot or Ashok Gehlot, is aware of the possibilities that a proper combination can result in, and is straining every nerve to get it right. The caste issue has gained further dominance in recent months with the traditionally well-off castes upping the ante and demanding attention as well as benefits. The Gujjars, the Jat and the Meena communities — they all have grievances. And so have the Rajputs. The Gujjars have been granted the Other Backward Classes (OBC) status in the state, but now its powerful leaders have been demanding a Scheduled Tribe categorisation because they feel short-changed in the OBC pie which is shared by many, including the Jats. They are also cut up because they believe that their political representation is low as compared to their numbers. Besides, the Gujjars are politically hostile to the Meena community because the latter enjoys a Scheduled Tribe status and avails of the benefits that come as a result. The Rajputs, on the other hand, are upset by all the attention that the Jats, the Meenas and the Gujjars have gained over the years. Historically, the Rajputs were landowners and the Jats their tenants, particularly in the then Rajputana region. In 1946, a charismatic Jat leader, Baldev Ram Mirdha, mobilised farmers and led a ‘revolt’ against the landed aristocracy which comprised the Rajputs. His Marwar Kisan Sabha demanded land reforms and declaration of tenancy rights. Once his party merged with the Congress, the latter stridently undertook some of the changes that the Sabha had sought and brought in land reforms. The Rajputs believed that they were unfairly dealt with, painted as villains and wrongly projected. But the community — like the others — had few political options and continued to support the Congress. After the Congress’s landslide win in the 1998 Assembly election, the Jats expected one of their prominent leaders to become the Chief Minister, but Ashok Gehlot considered an outsider, got the honour. That is when the Jats began to move away from the Congress, and in the next Assembly poll, they backed the Bharatiya Janata Party, which got nearly three times more seats than it had in 1998. The Congress was reduced to less than half the number it had. The Rajputs, who had been sulking, also seized the opportunity and went over to the BJP fold. Others followed suit. The 2013 result, which was overwhelmingly in the BJP’s favour, indicated that the party had cracked the caste code. Things are different now, though it’s still not clear if indeed the carefully crafted caste alignment of the BJP has fallen apart to the party’s detriment. But there are problems, The Karni Sena, a group that claims to represent the interests of the upper castes, had recently shot into the limelight with their street protests against the release of the film, Padmavat. Given that the Raje Government is in power, it had to bear the brunt of the opposition, although it had taken the safe way out by supporting a conditional ban on the film’s release in Rajasthan and favouring dialogue with stakeholders. The Jats, Gujjars and Meenas are being assiduously wooed by the Congress, which hopes to repeat its 1998 performance in the State. Mindful of the challenge, the BJP has roped in two of its prominent Rajput leaders from Rajasthan, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, to project a Rajput-friendly image. It does seem to have, for the moment, cut the Karni Sena to size — a recent rally organised in Jaipur by the outfit managed to draw just a few hundred people. The Congress, on the other hand, is playing other cards, perhaps uncertain of the Rajput community’s support. It is tapping on the discontent among the Meena, Jat and Gujjar communities, combining their caste pride with rural distress. Sachin Pilot is a Gujjar, and he had lost out on a ministerial berth in a Union Cabinet reshuffle in the UPA rule, reportedly because of fear within the Congress that the powerful Meena community would be angered. On the other hand, Gehlot can claim association with both the Jat and the Rajput communities in a historical sense, though his gotra is seen to be part of the Jats. Given that multiple identifications can work, chief minister Vasundhara Raje is also not averse to flaunting it, even if she underplays it at times. She was born into a Rajput family and married a Jat; her daughter-in-law is a Gujjar. It’s difficult for either the BJP or the Congress to annoy any of the castes in the state because they have all become dominant in recent decades. The question now is: Which caste will triumph in the chief ministerial race: The Meena, the Gujjar, the Jat, or the Rajput? (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Caste politics rules the roost in Rajasthan assembly elections 2018

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Madhya Pradesh's Rajpur assembly constituency, Devi Singh Patel, passed away after suffering a heart attack.

The BJP leader breathed his last today at 5 am in a Barwani hospital, three weeks ahead of the Assembly elections in the state.

The four-time legislator was contesting against Congress leader Bala Bachchan from Rajpur assembly constituency.

Patel was elected three times as a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Madhya Pradesh's Anjad assembly constituency.

He became the MLA for the first time in 1989.

The BJP leader will be cremated in his native place Bandrakachchh in Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Madhya Pradesh's Rajpur assembly constituency, Devi Singh Patel, passed away after suffering a heart attack. The BJP leader breathed his last today at 5 am in a Barwani hospital, three weeks ahead of the Assembly elections in the state.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Madhya Pradesh's Rajpur assembly constituency, Devi Singh Patel, passed away after suffering a heart attack. The BJP leader breathed his last today at 5 am in a Barwani hospital, three weeks ahead of the Assembly elections in the state. The four-time legislator was contesting against Congress leader Bala Bachchan from Rajpur assembly constituency. Patel was elected three times as a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Madhya Pradesh's Anjad assembly constituency. He became the MLA for the first time in 1989. The BJP leader will be cremated in his native place Bandrakachchh in Madhya Pradesh.

BJP candidate Devi Singh Patel from Madhya Pradesh's Raipur passes away

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-leader-claims-mizoram-speaker-will-quit-congress-and-join-saffron-party-175552">speaker of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly</a>, Hiphei, resigned from his post today to join the Bhartiya Janata Party.

He is the fifth Congress MLA to resign from the 40-member House since September.&nbsp;

A senior BJP leader had earlier said Hiphei would resign from his post and join the saffron party.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-will-come-back-to-power-in-mizoram-and-defeat-bjps-money-power-cm-lalthanhwala-to-wion-171543">Congress will defeat BJP’s money power, Mizoram CM Lal Thanhawla tells WION</a>

"He (Hiphei) would first tender his resignation as the speaker and then from the primary membership of the Congress. He will then join our party," PTI quoted the Bharatiya Janata Party leader as saying on the&nbsp;condition of anonymity.

He added that Hiphei had recently met central leaders of the BJP.

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Aizawl: Congress leader Hiphei who had resigned as Speaker of Mizoram Legislative Assembly, joins BJP <a href="https://t.co/rd8T4PSJv8">pic.twitter.com/rd8T4PSJv8</a>
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The Congress had earlier named Hiphhei as its candidate for the Palak constituency but replaced him with party general secretary KT Rokhaw last week following reports that he might move to the BJP.

Hiphei was elected to the Mizoram Assembly from Palak constituency in 2013. He won the state elections six times between 1972 and 1989 from Tuipang.

Mizoram is one of the three states currently ruled by the Congress.

The northeastern state will go to polls on November 28.

Several senior Congress leaders have recently left the party and joined the opposition Mizo National Front.

The speaker of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly, Hiphei, resigned from his post today to join the Bhartiya Janata Party. He is the fifth Congress MLA to resign from the 40-member House since September.

The speaker of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly, Hiphei, resigned from his post today to join the Bhartiya Janata Party. He is the fifth Congress MLA to resign from the 40-member House since September. A senior BJP leader had earlier said Hiphei would resign from his post and join the saffron party. Also read: Congress will defeat BJP’s money power, Mizoram CM Lal Thanhawla tells WION "He (Hiphei) would first tender his resignation as the speaker and then from the primary membership of the Congress. He will then join our party," PTI quoted the Bharatiya Janata Party leader as saying on the condition of anonymity. He added that Hiphei had recently met central leaders of the BJP. Aizawl: Congress leader Hiphei who had resigned as Speaker of Mizoram Legislative Assembly, joins BJP pic.twitter.com/rd8T4PSJv8 — ANI (@ANI) November 5, 2018 × The Congress had earlier named Hiphhei as its candidate for the Palak constituency but replaced him with party general secretary KT Rokhaw last week following reports that he might move to the BJP. Hiphei was elected to the Mizoram Assembly from Palak constituency in 2013. He won the state elections six times between 1972 and 1989 from Tuipang. Mizoram is one of the three states currently ruled by the Congress. The northeastern state will go to polls on November 28. Several senior Congress leaders have recently left the party and joined the opposition Mizo National Front.

Speaker of Congress-ruled Mizoram resigns, joins BJP

The Congress came back to power winning 77 seats in the 117-member state assembly&nbsp;riding a strong anti-incumbency wave against the ruling SAD-BJP combine&nbsp;which won just 18 seats.&nbsp;Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal&#39;s Aam Aadmi Party, which debuted in Punjab for the first time, picked&nbsp;up just 22&nbsp;seats&nbsp;although many exit polls had predicted AAP to finish on top.

The Congress&nbsp;was just one short of 78 -- the figure required for two-thirds majority in the assembly.

With&nbsp;Congress victory quite apparent, Punjab chief minister&nbsp;Parkash Singh Badal, who defeated Congress&#39; chief ministerial candidate&nbsp;Captain Amarinder Singh in Lambi, decided to resign.&nbsp;

&quot;Tomorrow I will submit my resignation to the governor,&quot; Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal told reporters.

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal won from Jalalabad, defeating AAP&#39;s Bhagwant Mann. His brother-in-law, Punjab cabinet minister Bikram Singh Majithia won from Majitha.

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We will discuss the reasons in the core committee meeting &amp; analyse each aspect of our performance in the elections: Prakash Singh Badal <a href="https://t.co/jnSI6VEvn1">pic.twitter.com/jnSI6VEvn1</a>
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Congress was&nbsp;riding&nbsp;the victory wave led by Captain Amarinder Singh who won&nbsp;from Patiala urban assembly seat by a margin of over 51,000 votes,&nbsp;beating Akali&#39;s General JJ Singh.

Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu won from Amritsar East, beating his&nbsp;BJP and AAP rivals by a huge margin.

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&nbsp;

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WATCH: Congress&#39;s Navjot Singh Sidhu talks about role of his wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElectionResults?src=hash">#ElectionResults</a> <a href="https://t.co/LKmnD1E1NF">pic.twitter.com/LKmnD1E1NF</a>
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Counting of votes for the high- stakes assembly elections in UP, Punjab, Manipur, Goa &amp; Uttarkhand have begun. Here&#39;s the latest update and ground-report analysis. (WION)
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Congress candidate and former Indian hockey captain Pargat Singh retained his Jalandhar Cantt seat by defeating Akali candidate Sarabjit Singh Makkar by 29,124 votes.

Pargat, an Olympian, polled 59,349 votes while SAD candidate got 30,225 votes. AAP candidate Harkrishan Singh Walia got 25,912 votes. Pargat had won the 2012 assembly polls on a SAD ticket. Last year, Pargat switched over to Congress after he raised a banner of revolt against the Akali Dal.

From Dakha, AAP candidate and noted Supreme Court lawyer H S Phoolka won, defeating his nearest rival Akali candidate Manpreer Singh Ayali by 4,169 votes.

From Dirba, AAP candidate Harpal Cheema defeated Congress candidate Ajaib Singh by 1,645 votes and from Garhshankar, AAP candidate won by 1,650 votes by trouncing SAD candidate Surinder Singh.

In Jaitu, AAP candidate Baldev Singh defeated Congress candidate Mohammad Sadique by 9,993 votes.From Abohar seat, BJP candidate Arun Narang defeated Congress candidate and party&#39;s senior leader Sunil Jakhar by 3,279 votes.

Former Punjab CM and Congress candidate Rajinder Kaur Bhattal was defeated by Akali candidate and cabinet minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa by 26,815 votes. 
 
BJP candidate Tarun Chugh was defeated by Congress candidate O P Soni from Amritsar Central by margin of 21,116 votes.

Congress candidate Kanwarpal Singh won Anandpur Sahib seat by defeating his nearest rival BJP&#39;s Parminder Sharma with a margin of 23,881 votes.

The seat was earlier held by cabinet minister Madan Mohan Mittal of the BJP.&nbsp;Congress candidate Kanwar Pal Singh polled 60,800 votes while BJP candidate Parminder Sharma got 36,919 votes from Anandpur Sahib.

Aam Aadmi Party candidate Sanjeev Gautam secured 30,304 votes from this segment. 
 
From Jalandhar-West, Congress candidate Sushil Kumar Rinku defeated Mahinder Pal Bhagat, who is BJP candidate and son of Cabinet Minister Chunni Lal Bhagat with a margin of 17,334 votes. Rinku polled 53,983 votes while Bhagat got 36,649 votes.

AAP candidate Darshan Lal Bhagat secured 15,364 votes.&nbsp;From Bholath, AAP candidate Sukhpal Khaira won with a margin of 8,202 votes by defeating SAD candidate Yuvraj Bhupinder Singh.Khaira polled 48,873 votes while Yuvraj got 40,671 votes.&nbsp;From Chabbewal seat, Congress candidate Raj Kumar won by a margin of 29,261 votes as he defeated his nearest rival SAD candidate Sohan Singh Thandal.Raj secured 57,857 votes while Thandal got 28,596 votes. However, AAP&#39;s Raman Kumar won 20,505 votes.

From Fatehgarh Sahib, Congress candidate Kuljit Singh Nagra defeated SAD candidate Didar Singh Bhatti by a margin of 23,867 votes.Nagra polled 58,205 votes while Didar got 34,338 votes. AAP&#39;s Lakhvir Singh secured 29,393 votes.

In Bhadaur, AAP candidate Pirmal Singh Dhaula defeated SAD candidate Balvir Singh Ghunas by 20,784 votes.From Jalandhar North, Congress candidate Avtar Singh Junior defeated BJP candidate K D Bhandari with a margin of 32,291 votes.

In Ludhiana Central, Congress candidate Surinder Dawar defeated BJP candidate Gurdev Sharma by 20,480 votes. From Pathankot, Congress nominee Amit defeated BJP candidate Ashwani Kumar by 11,170 votes. 
In Rupnagar, AAP candidate Amarjit Singh Sandoa defeated Congress candidate Brinder Singh Dhillon by 23,707 votes.

From Tarn Taran, Congress candidate Dharambir Agnihotri defeated SAD candidate Harmeet Singh by 14,629 votes while from Amloh, Congress candidate Randeep Singh defeated SAD candidate Gurpreet Singh by 3,946 votes.&nbsp; 
 
Congress candidate Kanwarpal Singh won the Anandpur Sahib seat by defeating his nearest BJP rival Parminder Sharma by a margin of 23,881 votes. The seat was earlier held by cabinet minister Madan Mohan Mittal of BJP.

Counting of votes opened in Punjab this morning with the state witnessing a three-way fight between the Congress, BJP,&nbsp;its ally Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Aam Admi Party(AAP).

(WION)

The Congress won 77 seats in the 117-member state assembly. The ruling SAD-BJP combine?won just 18 seats

The Congress came back to power winning 77 seats in the 117-member state assembly riding a strong anti-incumbency wave against the ruling SAD-BJP combine which won just 18 seats. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party, which debuted in Punjab for the first time, picked up just 22 seats although many exit polls had predicted AAP to finish on top. The Congress was just one short of 78 -- the figure required for two-thirds majority in the assembly. With Congress victory quite apparent, Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal, who defeated Congress' chief ministerial candidate Captain Amarinder Singh in Lambi, decided to resign. "Tomorrow I will submit my resignation to the governor," Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal told reporters. Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal won from Jalalabad, defeating AAP's Bhagwant Mann. His brother-in-law, Punjab cabinet minister Bikram Singh Majithia won from Majitha. We will discuss the reasons in the core committee meeting & analyse each aspect of our performance in the elections: Prakash Singh Badal pic.twitter.com/jnSI6VEvn1 — ANI (@ANI_news) March 11, 2017 × Congress was riding the victory wave led by Captain Amarinder Singh who won from Patiala urban assembly seat by a margin of over 51,000 votes, beating Akali's General JJ Singh. Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu won from Amritsar East, beating his BJP and AAP rivals by a huge margin. PM Narendra Narendra Modi speaks to Captain Amarinder Singh, congratulates him on the win in Punjab #ElectionResults pic.twitter.com/2ZYPcoPj9c — ANI (@ANI_news) March 11, 2017 × WATCH: Congress's Navjot Singh Sidhu talks about role of his wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu. #ElectionResults pic.twitter.com/LKmnD1E1NF — ANI (@ANI_news) March 11, 2017 × Counting of votes for the high- stakes assembly elections in UP, Punjab, Manipur, Goa & Uttarkhand have begun. Here's the latest update and ground-report analysis. (WION) × Congress candidate and former Indian hockey captain Pargat Singh retained his Jalandhar Cantt seat by defeating Akali candidate Sarabjit Singh Makkar by 29,124 votes. Pargat, an Olympian, polled 59,349 votes while SAD candidate got 30,225 votes. AAP candidate Harkrishan Singh Walia got 25,912 votes. Pargat had won the 2012 assembly polls on a SAD ticket. Last year, Pargat switched over to Congress after he raised a banner of revolt against the Akali Dal. From Dakha, AAP candidate and noted Supreme Court lawyer H S Phoolka won, defeating his nearest rival Akali candidate Manpreer Singh Ayali by 4,169 votes. From Dirba, AAP candidate Harpal Cheema defeated Congress candidate Ajaib Singh by 1,645 votes and from Garhshankar, AAP candidate won by 1,650 votes by trouncing SAD candidate Surinder Singh. In Jaitu, AAP candidate Baldev Singh defeated Congress candidate Mohammad Sadique by 9,993 votes.From Abohar seat, BJP candidate Arun Narang defeated Congress candidate and party's senior leader Sunil Jakhar by 3,279 votes. Former Punjab CM and Congress candidate Rajinder Kaur Bhattal was defeated by Akali candidate and cabinet minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa by 26,815 votes. BJP candidate Tarun Chugh was defeated by Congress candidate O P Soni from Amritsar Central by margin of 21,116 votes. Congress candidate Kanwarpal Singh won Anandpur Sahib seat by defeating his nearest rival BJP's Parminder Sharma with a margin of 23,881 votes. The seat was earlier held by cabinet minister Madan Mohan Mittal of the BJP. Congress candidate Kanwar Pal Singh polled 60,800 votes while BJP candidate Parminder Sharma got 36,919 votes from Anandpur Sahib. Aam Aadmi Party candidate Sanjeev Gautam secured 30,304 votes from this segment. From Jalandhar-West, Congress candidate Sushil Kumar Rinku defeated Mahinder Pal Bhagat, who is BJP candidate and son of Cabinet Minister Chunni Lal Bhagat with a margin of 17,334 votes. Rinku polled 53,983 votes while Bhagat got 36,649 votes. AAP candidate Darshan Lal Bhagat secured 15,364 votes. From Bholath, AAP candidate Sukhpal Khaira won with a margin of 8,202 votes by defeating SAD candidate Yuvraj Bhupinder Singh.Khaira polled 48,873 votes while Yuvraj got 40,671 votes. From Chabbewal seat, Congress candidate Raj Kumar won by a margin of 29,261 votes as he defeated his nearest rival SAD candidate Sohan Singh Thandal.Raj secured 57,857 votes while Thandal got 28,596 votes. However, AAP's Raman Kumar won 20,505 votes. From Fatehgarh Sahib, Congress candidate Kuljit Singh Nagra defeated SAD candidate Didar Singh Bhatti by a margin of 23,867 votes.Nagra polled 58,205 votes while Didar got 34,338 votes. AAP's Lakhvir Singh secured 29,393 votes. In Bhadaur, AAP candidate Pirmal Singh Dhaula defeated SAD candidate Balvir Singh Ghunas by 20,784 votes.From Jalandhar North, Congress candidate Avtar Singh Junior defeated BJP candidate K D Bhandari with a margin of 32,291 votes. In Ludhiana Central, Congress candidate Surinder Dawar defeated BJP candidate Gurdev Sharma by 20,480 votes. From Pathankot, Congress nominee Amit defeated BJP candidate Ashwani Kumar by 11,170 votes. In Rupnagar, AAP candidate Amarjit Singh Sandoa defeated Congress candidate Brinder Singh Dhillon by 23,707 votes. From Tarn Taran, Congress candidate Dharambir Agnihotri defeated SAD candidate Harmeet Singh by 14,629 votes while from Amloh, Congress candidate Randeep Singh defeated SAD candidate Gurpreet Singh by 3,946 votes. Congress candidate Kanwarpal Singh won the Anandpur Sahib seat by defeating his nearest BJP rival Parminder Sharma by a margin of 23,881 votes. The seat was earlier held by cabinet minister Madan Mohan Mittal of BJP. Counting of votes opened in Punjab this morning with the state witnessing a three-way fight between the Congress, BJP, its ally Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Aam Admi Party(AAP). (WION)

Punjab Assembly Elections: Congress wins big, Captain Amarinder Singh to be chief minister