K Chandrasekhar Rao, the former chief minister of the south Indian state of Telangana, was hospitalised after a fall on Thursday night (Dec 7).&nbsp;

The news came just after his party faced drubbing in the recently-held local assembly elections.

<h2>Evaluation ongoing</h2>

The 69-year-old&nbsp;popularly known as KCR is undergoing treatment at Yasodha Hospital. Citing sources in KCR's office, the news agency PTI reported that a fracture is suspected, and doctors at the superspecialty hospital are evaluating the condition of the Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) president.

A surgery might be required.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/narendra-modi-launches-scathing-attack-at-opponents-in-telangana-calls-brs-and-congress-equal-sinners-663422">PM Narendra Modi launches scathing attack on opponents in Telangana, calls BRS and Congress 'equal sinners'</a>

As per an ANI report, BRS leader&nbsp;was at his farmhouse in Erravalli at the time of the injury.

The leader's daughter,&nbsp;BRS MLC K Kavitha, said that KCR had suffered a "minor injury" and that he would be fine soon.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, she wrote:&nbsp;"BRS supremo KCR Garu sustained a minor injury and is currently under expert care in the hospital. With the support and well-wishes pouring in, Dad will be absolutely fine soon. Grateful for all the love."

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BRS supremo KCR Garu sustained a minor injury and is currently under expert care in the hospital. With the support and well-wishes pouring in, Dad will be absolutely fine soon. 
Grateful for all the love 🙏🏼
— Kavitha Kalvakuntla (@RaoKavitha) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaoKavitha/status/1732970632265249260?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>PM Modi wishes KCR a speedy recovery</h2>

Following the&nbsp;Bharat Rashtra Samiti chief's hospitalisation, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prayed for his recovery.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-400-indian-students-studying-abroad-died-since-2018-canada-with-highest-fatalies-centre-667453">Over 400 Indian students studying abroad died since 2018; Canada with highest fatalies: Centre</a>

On X, Modi posted: "Distressed to know that former Telangana CM KCR Garu has suffered an injury. I pray for his speedy recovery and good health."

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Distressed to know that former Telangana CM Shri KCR Garu has suffered an injury. I pray for his speedy recovery and good health.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1732981865160859739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

K Chandrasekhar Rao, the former chief minister of the south Indian state of Telangana, was hospitalised after a fall on Thursday night (Dec 7). The news came just after his party faced drubbing in the recently-held local assembly elections.

K Chandrasekhar Rao, the former chief minister of the south Indian state of Telangana, was hospitalised after a fall on Thursday night (Dec 7). The news came just after his party faced drubbing in the recently-held local assembly elections. Evaluation ongoing The 69-year-old popularly known as KCR is undergoing treatment at Yasodha Hospital. Citing sources in KCR's office, the news agency PTI reported that a fracture is suspected, and doctors at the superspecialty hospital are evaluating the condition of the Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) president. A surgery might be required. Also read | PM Narendra Modi launches scathing attack on opponents in Telangana, calls BRS and Congress 'equal sinners' As per an ANI report, BRS leader was at his farmhouse in Erravalli at the time of the injury. The leader's daughter, BRS MLC K Kavitha, said that KCR had suffered a "minor injury" and that he would be fine soon. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, she wrote: "BRS supremo KCR Garu sustained a minor injury and is currently under expert care in the hospital. With the support and well-wishes pouring in, Dad will be absolutely fine soon. Grateful for all the love." BRS supremo KCR Garu sustained a minor injury and is currently under expert care in the hospital. With the support and well-wishes pouring in, Dad will be absolutely fine soon. Grateful for all the love 🙏🏼 — Kavitha Kalvakuntla (@RaoKavitha) December 8, 2023 × PM Modi wishes KCR a speedy recovery Following the Bharat Rashtra Samiti chief's hospitalisation, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prayed for his recovery. Also read | Over 400 Indian students studying abroad died since 2018; Canada with highest fatalies: Centre On X, Modi posted: "Distressed to know that former Telangana CM KCR Garu has suffered an injury. I pray for his speedy recovery and good health." Distressed to know that former Telangana CM Shri KCR Garu has suffered an injury. I pray for his speedy recovery and good health. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 8, 2023 × (With inputs from agencies)

India: Former Telangana chief minister KCR hospitalised after fall, might need surgery

As India readies for the upcoming Telangana Legislative Assembly election, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on Monday launched a scathing attack on opponents.

Hitting out at the Southern Indian state's Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), he claimed that the Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader was trying to strike up a friendship with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

<h2>A realisation of might</h2>

Speaking at a rally in Mahabubabad, Modi said that KCR's party was trying to strike up a friendship with his party, the BJP.

"KCR realised the increasing power of BJP much earlier. For a long time, he was making an effort to strike a friendship with the BJP," said Modi.

Also&nbsp;read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pm-modi-visits-tirupati-shrine-all-set-to-hold-mega-road-show-in-hyderabad-663236">India: PM Modi visits Tirupati shrine, all set to hold mega road show in Hyderabad</a>

He further claimed that "once, when he came to Delhi, KCR met me and made the same request. But BJP can never work against the wishes of the people of Telangana."

"Ever since BJP turned down KCR, BRS has been baffled. The party doesn't lose any opportunity to abuse me. BRS knows that Modi will never let it anywhere near BJP. This is Modi's guarantee," he added, as quoted by ANI.

<h2>A reiteration</h2>

As per the Hindustan Times, this is not the first time that PM Modi has made such claims.&nbsp;

Previously, in October, speaking at a rally in Nizamabad, he said that K Chandrasekhar Rao had visited him in Delhi. There, as per Modi, KCR expressed his wish to join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Reportedly, this meeting, as per Modi, took place after BJP won 48 seats in the 2020 Hyderabad municipal polls.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-five-state-elections-after-hindi-heartland-bjp-banks-on-pm-modis-popularity-in-telangana-663146">India five-state elections: After Hindi heartland, BJP banks on PM Modi's popularity in Telangana</a>

"After the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation elections, KCR came to meet me in Delhi and said that he wanted to join NDA. He also asked me to extend support to him. I told him (KCR) that due to his deeds, Modi cannot be associated with him," he said.

<h2>A scathing attack</h2>

Launching an attack at opposition, Modi called the Telangana CM and Congress "equal sinners". He said that both BRS and Congress indulge in appeasement on the basis of religion and boosted corruption.

"Both Congress and KCR are equal sinners in destroying Telangana. So, the people of Telangana can't let in another disease after ousting one - I have seen this everywhere in the state. The trust of Telangana is in the BJP. You have determined that the next CM of Telangana will be from BJP. The BJP has promised you that the first BJP CM in Telangana will be from the BC community (Backward Class)."&nbsp;

Vowing that the BJP government will look into all the scams of KCR, he said that the part considers it its responsibility to bring Telangana out of the clutches of BRS.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As India readies for the upcoming Telangana Legislative Assembly election, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on Monday launched a scathing attack on opponents. Hitting out at the Southern Indian state's Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), he claimed that the Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader was trying to strike up a friendship with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

As India readies for the upcoming Telangana Legislative Assembly election, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on Monday launched a scathing attack on opponents. Hitting out at the Southern Indian state's Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), he claimed that the Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader was trying to strike up a friendship with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). A realisation of might Speaking at a rally in Mahabubabad, Modi said that KCR's party was trying to strike up a friendship with his party, the BJP. "KCR realised the increasing power of BJP much earlier. For a long time, he was making an effort to strike a friendship with the BJP," said Modi. Also read | India: PM Modi visits Tirupati shrine, all set to hold mega road show in Hyderabad He further claimed that "once, when he came to Delhi, KCR met me and made the same request. But BJP can never work against the wishes of the people of Telangana." "Ever since BJP turned down KCR, BRS has been baffled. The party doesn't lose any opportunity to abuse me. BRS knows that Modi will never let it anywhere near BJP. This is Modi's guarantee," he added, as quoted by ANI. A reiteration As per the Hindustan Times, this is not the first time that PM Modi has made such claims. Previously, in October, speaking at a rally in Nizamabad, he said that K Chandrasekhar Rao had visited him in Delhi. There, as per Modi, KCR expressed his wish to join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Reportedly, this meeting, as per Modi, took place after BJP won 48 seats in the 2020 Hyderabad municipal polls. Also read | India five-state elections: After Hindi heartland, BJP banks on PM Modi's popularity in Telangana "After the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation elections, KCR came to meet me in Delhi and said that he wanted to join NDA. He also asked me to extend support to him. I told him (KCR) that due to his deeds, Modi cannot be associated with him," he said. A scathing attack Launching an attack at opposition, Modi called the Telangana CM and Congress "equal sinners". He said that both BRS and Congress indulge in appeasement on the basis of religion and boosted corruption. "Both Congress and KCR are equal sinners in destroying Telangana. So, the people of Telangana can't let in another disease after ousting one - I have seen this everywhere in the state. The trust of Telangana is in the BJP. You have determined that the next CM of Telangana will be from BJP. The BJP has promised you that the first BJP CM in Telangana will be from the BC community (Backward Class)." Vowing that the BJP government will look into all the scams of KCR, he said that the part considers it its responsibility to bring Telangana out of the clutches of BRS. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Narendra Modi launches scathing attack on opponents in Telangana, calls BRS and Congress 'equal sinners'

On the first day of Unlock 1.0 - the&nbsp; Telangana government permitted film and TV crews to resume shooting. 
 
Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao signed the file, allowing filmmakers and television programme producers to resume their work once again which had paused due to the coronavirus scare.

The Chief Minister said that the shooting for films and televison programmes may be resumed with limited number of workers and while following the guidelines issued by the government. He also allowed post-production works to resume, according to the Chief Minister`s Office. 
 
However, the govt has not allowed the re-opening of cinema halls yet saying the Central government`s guidelines have to be followed to check the spread of Covid-19.

Recently some prominent personalities from Telugu film industry had called on the Chief Minister to request him to permit shootings of films, TV programmes, post-production works and re-opening of cinema theatres. Responding positively to the request, he had asked the officials to work out modalities.

In Maharashtra too,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/maharashtra-permits-shootings-to-resume-entertainment-industry-welcomes-move-302222"> the CM's office has granted permission to film </a>and TV units to resume their work on sets although they have to adhere to strict guidelines and ensure that safety measures are in place.

<h4><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-government-allows-tv-serials-to-resume-shooting-industry-welcomes-move-300251">Also read: Tamil Nadu Government allows TV serials to resume shooting; Industry welcomes move</a></h4>

On the first day of Unlock 1.0 - the Telangana government permitted film and TV crews to resume shooting. Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao signed the file, allowing filmmakers and television programme producers to resume their work once again which had paused due to the coronavirus scare.

On the first day of Unlock 1.0 - the Telangana government permitted film and TV crews to resume shooting. Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao signed the file, allowing filmmakers and television programme producers to resume their work once again which had paused due to the coronavirus scare. The Chief Minister said that the shooting for films and televison programmes may be resumed with limited number of workers and while following the guidelines issued by the government. He also allowed post-production works to resume, according to the Chief Minister`s Office. However, the govt has not allowed the re-opening of cinema halls yet saying the Central government`s guidelines have to be followed to check the spread of Covid-19. Recently some prominent personalities from Telugu film industry had called on the Chief Minister to request him to permit shootings of films, TV programmes, post-production works and re-opening of cinema theatres. Responding positively to the request, he had asked the officials to work out modalities. In Maharashtra too, the CM's office has granted permission to film and TV units to resume their work on sets although they have to adhere to strict guidelines and ensure that safety measures are in place. Also read: Tamil Nadu Government allows TV serials to resume shooting; Industry welcomes move

After Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, Telangana government allows film crews to start shooting again

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao on Monday appealed to the Prime Minister to extend the lockdown for a couple of weeks to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao on Monday appealed to the Prime Minister to extend the lockdown for a couple of weeks to contain the spread of coronavirus. "I am appealing to the Prime Minister and Government of India to extend lockdown without hesitation. Lockdown is the only weapon we have to control the spread of this disease and avoid a situation which countries like the US, Spain and Italy are facing," he told a news conference. KCR said though the country`s economy would suffer because of lockdown, it can be revived by working hard and by making sacrifices over the next six months to one year. "We can revive the economy but not the dead. Human life is the most precious," he said. Stating that India has so far done well to control the situation through lockdown, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief said if the lockdown was not extended, the sacrifice of three weeks would go in vain. He said Boston Consultancy Group (BCG) in its survey favoured lockdown till June 3 as it predicted that the spread of COVID-19 would reach a peak by June. KCR said if the lockdown was lifted on April 15, there could no control on movement of people. "All will come out at once and we will not be in a position to allow some people and stop others," he said. Stating that the US is facing a terrible situation with heaps of bodies in its financial capital New York, KCR said without lockdown, India would have also faced a bad situation.

Telangana CM urges PM to extend lockdown by a couple of weeks

We have decided to boycott the Chief Minister`s deadline to join back services by November 5 and the strikes will continue, said TSRTC Joint Action Committee President Ashwathama Reddy on Tuesday here.

Speaking to ANI, Reddy said, "We are boycotting Chief Minister K Chandrashekar&nbsp;Rao`s call to join back services before November 5. We are going to protest in front of all RTC depot`s and later on the family members of RTC employees will also participate in the protest.''

"We also request the conductors and drivers who are performing duties with RTC to join us in the protest," he added.

Echoing similar sentiments, the Deputy General Secretary of the Employees Union, Mohammed Ahmed Ali also said that the RTC workers will not return to service without any agreement with the government."The Chief Minister is speaking as if he is a king and wants employees to join back services unconditionally. All the unions have declared that the workers will not join back services without any agreement," he said.

The Telangana Chief Minister`s Office on Monday issued a statement warning the striking TSRTC staff that if they fail to resume duty by the deadline of November 5, the state government will not take them back.

Employees of the TSRTC have been on strike for the past few weeks now.&nbsp; Earlier this week, they intensified their indefinite protest against the sacking of over 40,000 employees by the state government.

During the ongoing protest, a few TSRTC employees have lost their lives either by committing suicide or depressed by the demonstration. The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of TSRTC has been on a strike since October 5 demanding merger of the corporation with the state government and revision of pays among other demands.&nbsp;

We have decided to boycott the Chief Minister`s deadline to join back services by November 5 and the strikes will continue, said TSRTC Joint Action Committee President Ashwathama Reddy on Tuesday here.

We have decided to boycott the Chief Minister`s deadline to join back services by November 5 and the strikes will continue, said TSRTC Joint Action Committee President Ashwathama Reddy on Tuesday here. Speaking to ANI, Reddy said, "We are boycotting Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao`s call to join back services before November 5. We are going to protest in front of all RTC depot`s and later on the family members of RTC employees will also participate in the protest.'' "We also request the conductors and drivers who are performing duties with RTC to join us in the protest," he added. Echoing similar sentiments, the Deputy General Secretary of the Employees Union, Mohammed Ahmed Ali also said that the RTC workers will not return to service without any agreement with the government."The Chief Minister is speaking as if he is a king and wants employees to join back services unconditionally. All the unions have declared that the workers will not join back services without any agreement," he said. The Telangana Chief Minister`s Office on Monday issued a statement warning the striking TSRTC staff that if they fail to resume duty by the deadline of November 5, the state government will not take them back. Employees of the TSRTC have been on strike for the past few weeks now. Earlier this week, they intensified their indefinite protest against the sacking of over 40,000 employees by the state government. During the ongoing protest, a few TSRTC employees have lost their lives either by committing suicide or depressed by the demonstration. The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of TSRTC has been on a strike since October 5 demanding merger of the corporation with the state government and revision of pays among other demands.

TSRTC workers strike will continue, won't follow CM's deadline, says Joint Action Committee president

With two-thirds of the party MLAs seeking merger with ruling TRS in Telangana, Congress state unit head N Uttam Kumar Reddy Thursday lashed out at Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, accusing him of 'purchasing' the legislators.

He also said Congress would now "fight in the courts and on the streets".

In a jolt to the party, twelve of its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-congress-in-doldrums-as-12-of-its-mlas-defect-to-trs-225012">18 MLAs in the state Thursday met Assembly Speaker</a> Pocharam Srinivas Reddy and gave him a representation seeking to merge their group with the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), headed by Rao, popularly known as KCR.

"These Congress MLAs were purchased piece-by-piece by KCR. They are not a group", Reddy said after a dozen lawmakers from his party met the Speaker Pocharam Srinivas Reddy seeking a merger of Congress Legislature Party with TRS.

He alleged KCR had been purchasing these MLAs with his "ill-gotten money from contractors".

Each time a Congress MLA defected to the TRS, the Congress had submitted disqualification petition to the Speaker, he said, adding, each of them should have been disqualified at that point of time itself.

"Now, they kept purchasing and last purchase of MLAs was this morning. They say they are a group, and two-thirds. Supreme Court has held in many cases that Speaker does not have the power to merge a national party into a regional party", Reddy told PTI.

Rohith Reddy, representing Tandur constituency, became the 12th MLA to jump the ship Thursday, boosting the strength of the defectors to two-thirds of the Congress Legislature Party, which would insulate them from action under the anti-defection law.

Earlier, since early March, 11 Congress MLAs had shifted sides.

Congress strength in the 119-member House came down to 18 after Uttam Kumar Reddy Reddy tendered his resignation from the Assembly Wednesday after being elected to the Lok Sabha from Nalgonda in the recent elections.

Uttam Kumar Reddy Thursday said they have been trying to approach the Speaker but he was not "traceable".

"This is a completely illegal act. KCR is cheating the mandate of the people of Telangana", he said.

"We will fight in the courts and on the streets", he said when asked the options that the Congress would pursue now.

The state Congress chief said they had recently filed a petition in the high court on the issue of defection of MLAs.

"High court said there is no urgency of the matter and it will hear it on June 11. We are mentioning in the high court as soon as it assembles tomorrow. If the court does not accept our plea, we will go to the Supreme Court", he added.&nbsp;

With two-thirds of the party MLAs seeking merger with ruling TRS in Telangana, Congress state unit head N Uttam Kumar Reddy Thursday lashed out at Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, accusing him of 'purchasing' the legislators.

With two-thirds of the party MLAs seeking merger with ruling TRS in Telangana, Congress state unit head N Uttam Kumar Reddy Thursday lashed out at Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, accusing him of 'purchasing' the legislators. He also said Congress would now "fight in the courts and on the streets". In a jolt to the party, twelve of its 18 MLAs in the state Thursday met Assembly Speaker Pocharam Srinivas Reddy and gave him a representation seeking to merge their group with the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), headed by Rao, popularly known as KCR. "These Congress MLAs were purchased piece-by-piece by KCR. They are not a group", Reddy said after a dozen lawmakers from his party met the Speaker Pocharam Srinivas Reddy seeking a merger of Congress Legislature Party with TRS. He alleged KCR had been purchasing these MLAs with his "ill-gotten money from contractors". Each time a Congress MLA defected to the TRS, the Congress had submitted disqualification petition to the Speaker, he said, adding, each of them should have been disqualified at that point of time itself. "Now, they kept purchasing and last purchase of MLAs was this morning. They say they are a group, and two-thirds. Supreme Court has held in many cases that Speaker does not have the power to merge a national party into a regional party", Reddy told PTI. Rohith Reddy, representing Tandur constituency, became the 12th MLA to jump the ship Thursday, boosting the strength of the defectors to two-thirds of the Congress Legislature Party, which would insulate them from action under the anti-defection law. Earlier, since early March, 11 Congress MLAs had shifted sides. Congress strength in the 119-member House came down to 18 after Uttam Kumar Reddy Reddy tendered his resignation from the Assembly Wednesday after being elected to the Lok Sabha from Nalgonda in the recent elections. Uttam Kumar Reddy Thursday said they have been trying to approach the Speaker but he was not "traceable". "This is a completely illegal act. KCR is cheating the mandate of the people of Telangana", he said. "We will fight in the courts and on the streets", he said when asked the options that the Congress would pursue now. The state Congress chief said they had recently filed a petition in the high court on the issue of defection of MLAs. "High court said there is no urgency of the matter and it will hear it on June 11. We are mentioning in the high court as soon as it assembles tomorrow. If the court does not accept our plea, we will go to the Supreme Court", he added.

Chandrasekhar Rao 'purchased' party MLAs with 'ill-gotten' money, alleges Telangana Congress

TRS would go into the reasons for not getting the expected number seats in the Lok Sabha polls and it feels that Modi factor and others helped the BJP make surprise gains, party sources said Saturday.

The sources dismissed reports that some ministers may face the axe over the party's poor performance.

TRS bagged nine of the total 17 Lok Sabha seats in the state, while its ally AIMIM retained its constituency (Hyderabad). BJP managed to win four, while Congress secured three.

Predicting that neither NDA nor UPA would be able to get a majority on their own, TRS had expected to win 16 seats to play a key role at the Centre.

The losses, including the defeat of sitting TRS MP and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's daughter Kavitha in Nizamabad, are seen as a setback to the party.

TRS sources pointed out that the party was successful in 10 of the 17 seats along with ally AIMIM. BJP's vote percentage rose to about 20 per cent from 10 per cent in assembly elections held in last December as the voters preferred Modi's leadership as it was a national election, they said.

TRS secured about 42 per cent votes though it was a national election, they said.

The sources discounted reports that Rao expressed anger at some party leaders and that some ministers would be changed.

They said leaders would be told to review in case of results were not satisfactory, while appreciating those who did a good job.

TRS would achieve very good results in the local body polls (held this month) the votes of which would be counted soon, the sources said.

TRS MLC Palla Rajeshwar Reddy Friday said the party would go into reasons for losing some constituencies.

"We expected some more seats. We got nine only. We have to definitely think what had gone wrong, some of the seats particularly... We could observe that 'milakhat' (understanding) of BJP and Congress," he told PTI.

He alleged that Congress and BJP had reached an understanding to defeat TRS.

"For example, in Nizamabad constituency, you take Jagtial (assembly seat). The Congress candidate got only 1,000 votes there. Congress leader Jeevan Reddy represented (Jagtial) for so many years. It was a complete shift of Congress voting to BJP," he said.

"Congress lost deposit in Nizamabad constituency and wherein they got only 1,000 votes in Jagtial assembly constituency, which shows it is a clear understanding between the Congress and BJP. BJP purchased these people," Reddy said Friday.

TRS would go into the reasons for not getting the expected number seats in the Lok Sabha polls and it feels that Modi factor and others helped the BJP make surprise gains, party sources said Saturday.

TRS would go into the reasons for not getting the expected number seats in the Lok Sabha polls and it feels that Modi factor and others helped the BJP make surprise gains, party sources said Saturday. The sources dismissed reports that some ministers may face the axe over the party's poor performance. TRS bagged nine of the total 17 Lok Sabha seats in the state, while its ally AIMIM retained its constituency (Hyderabad). BJP managed to win four, while Congress secured three. Predicting that neither NDA nor UPA would be able to get a majority on their own, TRS had expected to win 16 seats to play a key role at the Centre. The losses, including the defeat of sitting TRS MP and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's daughter Kavitha in Nizamabad, are seen as a setback to the party. TRS sources pointed out that the party was successful in 10 of the 17 seats along with ally AIMIM. BJP's vote percentage rose to about 20 per cent from 10 per cent in assembly elections held in last December as the voters preferred Modi's leadership as it was a national election, they said. TRS secured about 42 per cent votes though it was a national election, they said. The sources discounted reports that Rao expressed anger at some party leaders and that some ministers would be changed. They said leaders would be told to review in case of results were not satisfactory, while appreciating those who did a good job. TRS would achieve very good results in the local body polls (held this month) the votes of which would be counted soon, the sources said. TRS MLC Palla Rajeshwar Reddy Friday said the party would go into reasons for losing some constituencies. "We expected some more seats. We got nine only. We have to definitely think what had gone wrong, some of the seats particularly... We could observe that 'milakhat' (understanding) of BJP and Congress," he told PTI. He alleged that Congress and BJP had reached an understanding to defeat TRS. "For example, in Nizamabad constituency, you take Jagtial (assembly seat). The Congress candidate got only 1,000 votes there. Congress leader Jeevan Reddy represented (Jagtial) for so many years. It was a complete shift of Congress voting to BJP," he said. "Congress lost deposit in Nizamabad constituency and wherein they got only 1,000 votes in Jagtial assembly constituency, which shows it is a clear understanding between the Congress and BJP. BJP purchased these people," Reddy said Friday.

'TRS will analyse loss; Modi factor one of the reasons': Party sources

Taking forward his efforts to form a third front, Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) chief and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Monday met Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president MK Stalin at the latter's residence here.

The two leaders reportedly held discussions on emerging political developments amid speculation over a hung Parliament and possibilities of forming a non-BJP, non-Congress federal front.

Both the leaders did not make any comments to the media after the meeting that comes after Rao's parleys with his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram last week and discussed the possibilities in the post-poll situation,After their meeting, Vijayan had said that the meeting with Rao was "highly significant" as he asserted that regional parties will play a major role in the formation of the next government at the Centre.

"A new government will come at the Centre which will follow federal system and secularism. The state will effectively lend support to anyone who supports the development of the state. Our meeting on May 6 with KCR was highly significant," Vijayan had said.&nbsp;

Taking forward his efforts to form a third front, Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) chief and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Monday met Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president MK Stalin at the latter's residence here.

Taking forward his efforts to form a third front, Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) chief and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Monday met Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president MK Stalin at the latter's residence here. The two leaders reportedly held discussions on emerging political developments amid speculation over a hung Parliament and possibilities of forming a non-BJP, non-Congress federal front. Both the leaders did not make any comments to the media after the meeting that comes after Rao's parleys with his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram last week and discussed the possibilities in the post-poll situation,After their meeting, Vijayan had said that the meeting with Rao was "highly significant" as he asserted that regional parties will play a major role in the formation of the next government at the Centre. "A new government will come at the Centre which will follow federal system and secularism. The state will effectively lend support to anyone who supports the development of the state. Our meeting on May 6 with KCR was highly significant," Vijayan had said.

K Chandrashekhar Rao, MK Stalin meet in Chennai, discuss emerging political developments

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Monday met his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram, reported news agency ANI.

The meeting between the two leaders took place at the official residence of Kerala chief minister, the report added.

According to sources, both the Chief Ministers held discussions on contemporary politics in view of ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Rao who is on a visit to state also offered prayers at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in the city earlier in the day.

Later, Rao is also expected to visit Rameswaram and Srirangam temples before returning to Hyderabad.&nbsp;

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Monday met his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram, reported news agency ANI. The meeting between the two leaders took place at the official residence of Kerala chief minister, the report added.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Monday met his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram, reported news agency ANI. The meeting between the two leaders took place at the official residence of Kerala chief minister, the report added. According to sources, both the Chief Ministers held discussions on contemporary politics in view of ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Rao who is on a visit to state also offered prayers at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in the city earlier in the day. Later, Rao is also expected to visit Rameswaram and Srirangam temples before returning to Hyderabad.

Telangana CM KCR meets Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan

Polling is underway in the picturesque Nizamabad in Telangana, located 175 kms north-west of Hyderabad. The constituency with beautiful lakes and temples has several hundred villages approximately over 450 which has witnessed large scale farmer discontent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404">Live Lok Sabha polls 2019:&nbsp;Faulty EVMs delay voting in several polling booths in Andhra Pradesh</a>

The constituency assumes significance since Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's daughter&nbsp;Kalvakuntla Kavitha, 41, is seeking another term for the &nbsp;Telangana Rashtra Samithi(TRS) after she won in 2014. She had won from here handsomely five years ago with over &nbsp;170,000 votes beating her nearest Congress rival who won 27,2123 votes.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uxI6x2JByqA" width="560"></iframe>

However, this time it could be different as large scale farmer' ire has overtaken the constituency with over 170 farmers filing their nomination against TRS alleging it has ignored its demands.

Farmers say the TRS has failed to ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP) for turmeric and red jowar (sorghum) greatly hampering their income. The constituency has 443 candidates in the fray which is proving a major headache for the Election Commission which has instructed its officers to use EVMs after the farmers requested that only paper ballots should be used.

Nizamabad has been a Congress stronghold since 1957 when polls were held here for the first time. TDP beat the Congress for the first time in 1991 riding on the NT Rama Rao wave, significantly TPD candidate Gaddam Ganga Reddy won from here thrice in 1991, 1998 and 1999.

There are seven Vidhan Sabha segments which comprise Lok Sabha constituency of Nizamabad. A predominantly agricultural district it depends on state government's support for its development which over the years has become a contentious issue in the district.

Madhu Goud Yaskhi from Congress won the parliamentary elections in 2004 and 2009 during former PM Manmohan Singh's tenure. The formation of Telangana in 2014 helped to tilt the balance in KCR's favour which resulted in her daughter winning in May, 2014 as the state came into being one month later.

Apart from farmers' opposition, Kavitha will be facing the BJP's Shri D. Aravind and Congress's Madhu Yashki Guud&nbsp;

Currently, 12 EVMs are being used in every booth in Nizamabad. Clearly, first-time MP K Kavitha has her task cut out for her in her father's state.

Reports had indicated that some EVMs had developed snags even as several villagers have decided to stay away from voting protesting against the state government's policies.

Authorities have made tight security arrangements for the Lok Sabha constituency since Nizamabad also contains a Naxal belt where polling will close by 4pm.

Parliamentary elections in 17 constituencies will be conducted in just one phase today with the results due to be announced on May 23rd.&nbsp;

Polling is underway in the picturesque Nizamabad in Telangana, located 175 kms north-west of Hyderabad. The constituency with beautiful lakes and temples has several hundred villages approximately over 450 which has witnessed large scale farmer discontent.

Polling is underway in the picturesque Nizamabad in Telangana, located 175 kms north-west of Hyderabad. The constituency with beautiful lakes and temples has several hundred villages approximately over 450 which has witnessed large scale farmer discontent. Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: Faulty EVMs delay voting in several polling booths in Andhra Pradesh The constituency assumes significance since Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's daughter Kalvakuntla Kavitha, 41, is seeking another term for the Telangana Rashtra Samithi(TRS) after she won in 2014. She had won from here handsomely five years ago with over 170,000 votes beating her nearest Congress rival who won 27,2123 votes. However, this time it could be different as large scale farmer' ire has overtaken the constituency with over 170 farmers filing their nomination against TRS alleging it has ignored its demands. Farmers say the TRS has failed to ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP) for turmeric and red jowar (sorghum) greatly hampering their income. The constituency has 443 candidates in the fray which is proving a major headache for the Election Commission which has instructed its officers to use EVMs after the farmers requested that only paper ballots should be used. Nizamabad has been a Congress stronghold since 1957 when polls were held here for the first time. TDP beat the Congress for the first time in 1991 riding on the NT Rama Rao wave, significantly TPD candidate Gaddam Ganga Reddy won from here thrice in 1991, 1998 and 1999. There are seven Vidhan Sabha segments which comprise Lok Sabha constituency of Nizamabad. A predominantly agricultural district it depends on state government's support for its development which over the years has become a contentious issue in the district. Madhu Goud Yaskhi from Congress won the parliamentary elections in 2004 and 2009 during former PM Manmohan Singh's tenure. The formation of Telangana in 2014 helped to tilt the balance in KCR's favour which resulted in her daughter winning in May, 2014 as the state came into being one month later. Apart from farmers' opposition, Kavitha will be facing the BJP's Shri D. Aravind and Congress's Madhu Yashki Guud Currently, 12 EVMs are being used in every booth in Nizamabad. Clearly, first-time MP K Kavitha has her task cut out for her in her father's state. Reports had indicated that some EVMs had developed snags even as several villagers have decided to stay away from voting protesting against the state government's policies. Authorities have made tight security arrangements for the Lok Sabha constituency since Nizamabad also contains a Naxal belt where polling will close by 4pm. Parliamentary elections in 17 constituencies will be conducted in just one phase today with the results due to be announced on May 23rd.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: KCR's daughter Kavitha faces farmers' ire as Nizamabad votes in first phase

&nbsp;The Telangana government Friday proposed to waive all agriculture term loans up to Rs 1 lakh outstanding as on December 11, 2018.

"Towards this, an amount of Rs 6,000 crore is proposed," Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, who also holds the finance portfolio, said while presenting the vote-on-account budget for 2019-20 in the legislative assembly.

He noted that his party, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), had promised the loan waiver before the December 7, 2018 assembly elections.

The budget reflected the major electoral promises made by TRS, with thrust on welfare schemes.

Under the investment support scheme 'Rythu Bandhu', the government is currently extending support of Rs 4,000 per acre per crop season amounting to Rs 8,000 per annum.

"I propose to increase this support to Rs 5,000 per acre per crop. The total support in a year will be Rs 10,000 per acre," Rao said.

To redeem another election promise, the government proposed to introduce unemployment allowance of Rs 3,016 per month to the eligible.

"The details of the scheme are being worked out," he added.

The 'Aasara' pensions, covering the aged, widows, single women, beedi workers, people suffering from filariasis, handloom workers and toddy-tappers, are proposed to be increased from Rs 1,000 per month to Rs 2,016.

"For differently-abled persons, I propose to increase their monthly pension from Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,016," the Chief Minister said.&nbsp;

The Telangana government Friday proposed to waive all agriculture term loans up to Rs 1 lakh outstanding as on December 11, 2018. "Towards this, an amount of Rs 6,000 crore is proposed," Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, who also holds the finance portfolio, said while presenting the vote-on-account budget for 2019-20 in the legislative assembly.

The Telangana government Friday proposed to waive all agriculture term loans up to Rs 1 lakh outstanding as on December 11, 2018. "Towards this, an amount of Rs 6,000 crore is proposed," Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, who also holds the finance portfolio, said while presenting the vote-on-account budget for 2019-20 in the legislative assembly. He noted that his party, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), had promised the loan waiver before the December 7, 2018 assembly elections. The budget reflected the major electoral promises made by TRS, with thrust on welfare schemes. Under the investment support scheme 'Rythu Bandhu', the government is currently extending support of Rs 4,000 per acre per crop season amounting to Rs 8,000 per annum. "I propose to increase this support to Rs 5,000 per acre per crop. The total support in a year will be Rs 10,000 per acre," Rao said. To redeem another election promise, the government proposed to introduce unemployment allowance of Rs 3,016 per month to the eligible. "The details of the scheme are being worked out," he added. The 'Aasara' pensions, covering the aged, widows, single women, beedi workers, people suffering from filariasis, handloom workers and toddy-tappers, are proposed to be increased from Rs 1,000 per month to Rs 2,016. "For differently-abled persons, I propose to increase their monthly pension from Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,016," the Chief Minister said.

Telangana government proposes to waive farm loans up to Rs 1 lakh

Expressing confidence that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trs-to-hold-talks-with-ysr-congress-on-federal-front-190677">the TRS would be a decisive force</a> at the Centre, its working president K T Rama Rao Friday claimed that neither the BJP nor the Congress were in a position to get a comfortable number of seats in the coming Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Addressing a party gathering here, he said the UPA was not a position get more than 100-110 Lok Sabha seats and the ruling NDA would also not get more 150-160 seats.

"That means, even if the Congress and the BJP come together, they cannot reach the magic number of 273," he said.&nbsp;

He said the Congress, on its own or as the UPA, was not in a position to win more than 100 or 110 seats and the BJP had nothing on the ground, it was the 'Build up Jateeya (national) Party'.

"The NDA and the UPA both are not in a good situation. The way political developments are taking place... The day is not far when the TRS would be a decisive force, an important force, in Delhi," he said.&nbsp;

Noting that the BJP lacked support on the ground, he said the party had suffered a massive defeat in the recent Telangana Assembly polls, though a host of BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah, had campaigned in the state.&nbsp;

"The situation is no different nationwide. Modiji's build up is good outside... There is nothing on the ground. KCR (K Chandrashekar Rao) has been saying, the Congress and the BJP have done grave injustice to the country," Rama Rao alleged.&nbsp;

TRS president and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has been advocating for the formation of a non-Congress, non-BJP federal front to realise the spirit of federalism and to bring about a qualitative change in politics, he said.&nbsp;

Rama Rao said he met YSR Congress chief Y S Jaganmohan Reddy as part of efforts to build the federal front because joint effort by the MPs from both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh could increase their say in getting their due from the Centre.

He alleged that since after the meeting, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has been attacking the TRS, though it is making efforts for a qualitative change in politics and end Centre's control on the states, he alleged.&nbsp;

Naidu is trying to confuse the people of Andhra Pradesh by showing the BJP as an object of fear to hide his own failures, despite the TDP having been a part of the NDA government, he claimed.&nbsp;

Rama Rao, the son of Chandrasekhar Rao, was speaking at an event where Congress leader Vanteru Pratap Reddy, who contested against the TRS president in Gajwel Assembly segment in the recent polls, joined the TRS.&nbsp;

Pratap Reddy joining the TRS could be a setback for the Congress in Gajwel.&nbsp;

Addressing a party gathering here, K T Rama Rao said the UPA was not a position get more than 100-110 Lok Sabha seats and the ruling NDA would also not get more 150-160 seats.

Expressing confidence that the TRS would be a decisive force at the Centre, its working president K T Rama Rao Friday claimed that neither the BJP nor the Congress were in a position to get a comfortable number of seats in the coming Lok Sabha elections. Addressing a party gathering here, he said the UPA was not a position get more than 100-110 Lok Sabha seats and the ruling NDA would also not get more 150-160 seats. "That means, even if the Congress and the BJP come together, they cannot reach the magic number of 273," he said. He said the Congress, on its own or as the UPA, was not in a position to win more than 100 or 110 seats and the BJP had nothing on the ground, it was the 'Build up Jateeya (national) Party'. "The NDA and the UPA both are not in a good situation. The way political developments are taking place... The day is not far when the TRS would be a decisive force, an important force, in Delhi," he said. Noting that the BJP lacked support on the ground, he said the party had suffered a massive defeat in the recent Telangana Assembly polls, though a host of BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah, had campaigned in the state. "The situation is no different nationwide. Modiji's build up is good outside... There is nothing on the ground. KCR (K Chandrashekar Rao) has been saying, the Congress and the BJP have done grave injustice to the country," Rama Rao alleged. TRS president and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has been advocating for the formation of a non-Congress, non-BJP federal front to realise the spirit of federalism and to bring about a qualitative change in politics, he said. Rama Rao said he met YSR Congress chief Y S Jaganmohan Reddy as part of efforts to build the federal front because joint effort by the MPs from both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh could increase their say in getting their due from the Centre. He alleged that since after the meeting, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has been attacking the TRS, though it is making efforts for a qualitative change in politics and end Centre's control on the states, he alleged. Naidu is trying to confuse the people of Andhra Pradesh by showing the BJP as an object of fear to hide his own failures, despite the TDP having been a part of the NDA government, he claimed. Rama Rao, the son of Chandrasekhar Rao, was speaking at an event where Congress leader Vanteru Pratap Reddy, who contested against the TRS president in Gajwel Assembly segment in the recent polls, joined the TRS. Pratap Reddy joining the TRS could be a setback for the Congress in Gajwel.

TRS will be decisive force at Centre: KT Rama Rao

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Wednesday.

The meeting is likely to take place sometime in the afternoon on Wednesday, sources said.

Chief Minister Rao's meeting with Prime Minister Modi comes close on the heels of TRS chief's meeting with his Odisha counterpart Naveen Patnaik on Sunday, and thereafter with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday.

During his meeting with Patnaik, Chief Minister Rao, popularly known as KCR, had asserted that there is a dire need for the unification of regional parties to replace the Congress and the BJP at the Centre.

"The country needs a change for which dialogue has begun. We are doing our part but nothing concrete has emerged so far. We have just begun the dialogue. There is a strong need for an alternative to Congress and BJP," Rao told media persons in Bhubaneswar on Sunday, which he repeated after meeting Chief Minister Banerjee in Kolkata too.

In New Delhi, Chief Minister Rao is also scheduled to meet Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav.

He is also likely to meet various Union Ministers to discuss the issues related to Telangana.

Telangana Chief Minister's visit to New Delhi and his proposed meeting with Prime Minister Modi are taking place after 15 days of the announcement of Telangana Assembly poll result in which KCR's TRS won 88 seats out of a total of 119 seats, while the BJP got just one.&nbsp;

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Wednesday. The meeting is likely to take place sometime in the afternoon on Wednesday, sources said.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Wednesday. The meeting is likely to take place sometime in the afternoon on Wednesday, sources said. Chief Minister Rao's meeting with Prime Minister Modi comes close on the heels of TRS chief's meeting with his Odisha counterpart Naveen Patnaik on Sunday, and thereafter with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday. During his meeting with Patnaik, Chief Minister Rao, popularly known as KCR, had asserted that there is a dire need for the unification of regional parties to replace the Congress and the BJP at the Centre. "The country needs a change for which dialogue has begun. We are doing our part but nothing concrete has emerged so far. We have just begun the dialogue. There is a strong need for an alternative to Congress and BJP," Rao told media persons in Bhubaneswar on Sunday, which he repeated after meeting Chief Minister Banerjee in Kolkata too. In New Delhi, Chief Minister Rao is also scheduled to meet Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav. He is also likely to meet various Union Ministers to discuss the issues related to Telangana. Telangana Chief Minister's visit to New Delhi and his proposed meeting with Prime Minister Modi are taking place after 15 days of the announcement of Telangana Assembly poll result in which KCR's TRS won 88 seats out of a total of 119 seats, while the BJP got just one.

PM Modi, Telangana CM likely to meet on Wednesday

After sweeping the Assembly elections in Telangana, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) has revived his efforts for a non-Congress and non-BJP Federal Front.

Rao, who was instrumental in the formation of the Telangana state, has asserted that his party will play a crucial role in national politics. KCR &nbsp;has said that he intends to give a new definition to the national scenario - just like Telangana which stands a non-Congress and non-BJP state.

KCR's victory in the state Assembly polls was no less than a historic one, bagging 88 seats in the 119-member House.&nbsp;

On Monday, KCR met Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief and Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. However, both Patnaik and Mamata have not committed their participation in the Federal Front yet. Hiding his visible disappointment, Rao said their dialogue will continue for an alternative front to the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led alliances.

Carrying on with his mission of creating a non-Congress Federal Front, KCR will now meet Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
On the other hand, KCR's arch-rival and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu is also running pillar to post to unite all the like-minded Opposition parties to take on the BJP in 2019 elections.&nbsp;

In a significant move, Naidu dropped his 'non-Congress Third Front' plank and approached party president Rahul Gandhi to garner his support for the Grand Alliance. Putting aside over three decades of rivalry, both the leaders even addressed public meetings together as part of their campaign for just-concluded Telangana Assembly polls.

Mamata Banerjee, a key interlocutor among Opposition parties, too has been trying to bring anti-BJP parties under one umbrella. Naidu and Mamata have been in sync with each other to achieve their common goal - demolishing BJP. Therefore, it's unlikely that Mamata will support KCR's Federal Front (Regional Federation) over the national-level Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan).

Furthermore, seasoned leaders like Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah have authorised Chandrababu Naidu to speak to Opposition leaders to devise the future strategy for United Opposition. DMK chief Stalin has already proposed the Congress president's name as United Opposition's PM candidate. Naidu also has the support of Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

Here is another reason which might hold back political parties from supporting KCR - the Telangana chief minister is accused of acting as team B of BJP-led NDA and trying to weaken the proposed Mahagathbandhan.

Moreover, after Congress's triumph in the recently held Assembly elections, Rahul Gandhi has emerged as a confident and formidable leader. It is nearly impossible for Opposition leaders to ignore the Gandhi scion.&nbsp;

KCR has indeed proved his mettle by leading the struggle for Telangana and forming government in the state for the second time, however, only seasoned politicians coming together on one platform - Mahagathbandhan, can put up a strong candidature against the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has done some unparalleled work in the last four and a half years. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

After sweeping the Assembly elections in Telangana, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) has revived his efforts for a non-Congress and non-BJP Federal Front.

After sweeping the Assembly elections in Telangana, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) has revived his efforts for a non-Congress and non-BJP Federal Front. Rao, who was instrumental in the formation of the Telangana state, has asserted that his party will play a crucial role in national politics. KCR has said that he intends to give a new definition to the national scenario - just like Telangana which stands a non-Congress and non-BJP state. KCR's victory in the state Assembly polls was no less than a historic one, bagging 88 seats in the 119-member House. On Monday, KCR met Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief and Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. However, both Patnaik and Mamata have not committed their participation in the Federal Front yet. Hiding his visible disappointment, Rao said their dialogue will continue for an alternative front to the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led alliances. Carrying on with his mission of creating a non-Congress Federal Front, KCR will now meet Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati. On the other hand, KCR's arch-rival and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu is also running pillar to post to unite all the like-minded Opposition parties to take on the BJP in 2019 elections. In a significant move, Naidu dropped his 'non-Congress Third Front' plank and approached party president Rahul Gandhi to garner his support for the Grand Alliance. Putting aside over three decades of rivalry, both the leaders even addressed public meetings together as part of their campaign for just-concluded Telangana Assembly polls. Mamata Banerjee, a key interlocutor among Opposition parties, too has been trying to bring anti-BJP parties under one umbrella. Naidu and Mamata have been in sync with each other to achieve their common goal - demolishing BJP. Therefore, it's unlikely that Mamata will support KCR's Federal Front (Regional Federation) over the national-level Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan). Furthermore, seasoned leaders like Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah have authorised Chandrababu Naidu to speak to Opposition leaders to devise the future strategy for United Opposition. DMK chief Stalin has already proposed the Congress president's name as United Opposition's PM candidate. Naidu also has the support of Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. Here is another reason which might hold back political parties from supporting KCR - the Telangana chief minister is accused of acting as team B of BJP-led NDA and trying to weaken the proposed Mahagathbandhan. Moreover, after Congress's triumph in the recently held Assembly elections, Rahul Gandhi has emerged as a confident and formidable leader. It is nearly impossible for Opposition leaders to ignore the Gandhi scion. KCR has indeed proved his mettle by leading the struggle for Telangana and forming government in the state for the second time, however, only seasoned politicians coming together on one platform - Mahagathbandhan, can put up a strong candidature against the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has done some unparalleled work in the last four and a half years. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

KCR is trying hard, but is a non-Congress Federal Front possible?

Telangana&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/initiated-talks-to-bring-in-change-in-country-kcr-after-meeting-odisha-cm-naveen-patnaik-186039">Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao</a> Sunday met his Odisha counterpart Naveen Patnaik and emphasised a "dire need" for the unification of regional parties to provide an alternative to the Congress and the BJP ahead of the 2019 general elections.

The meeting between the two leaders assumed significance amid talks about efforts on the formation of a new political front of like-minded, non-BJP and non-Congress parties to take on the national ones in the upcoming polls.

"I can say certainly that there is a dire need for unification of regional parties in the country. We strongly believe that there has to be an alternative to the Congress and the BJP," Rao told reporters after meeting BJD president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here.

Both the chief ministers had a detailed discussion on national issues, including the need for "better friendship among regional parties", Patnaik said.

"This is just the beginning of a dialogue... We will meet again and discuss how to take things forward," Rao said.&nbsp;

After an impressive victory of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) in the state assembly poll, Rao has embarked on a journey to bring together anti-Congress and anti-BJP parties for next year's Lok Sabha polls.

The TRS chief is scheduled to meet West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on Monday.

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi goes to Hyderabad and says the TRS is the "B team" of the Congress, its president Rahul Gandhi claim that the TRS president is the "B team" of the BJP, Rao said, adding, "Let me tell you, we are our own team."

Senior Congress leader and the party in-charge for Telangana,&nbsp; 
Ramachandra Khuntia alleged that Rao's meeting with Patnaik is part of a game plan to weaken the proposed "Mahagathbandhan" (grand alliance) among non-BJP parties.

The Telangana CM has been acting at the behest of the saffron party and the NDA to dilute efforts of like-minded, non-BJP parties for formation of a grand alliance before the general elections, Khuntia claimed.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said Rao's visit will have no impact on the BJP's electoral prospects as "zero added to zero will have no value".&nbsp;

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao Sunday met his Odisha counterpart Naveen Patnaik and emphasised a "dire need" for the unification of regional parties to provide an alternative to the Congress and the BJP ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao Sunday met his Odisha counterpart Naveen Patnaik and emphasised a "dire need" for the unification of regional parties to provide an alternative to the Congress and the BJP ahead of the 2019 general elections. The meeting between the two leaders assumed significance amid talks about efforts on the formation of a new political front of like-minded, non-BJP and non-Congress parties to take on the national ones in the upcoming polls. "I can say certainly that there is a dire need for unification of regional parties in the country. We strongly believe that there has to be an alternative to the Congress and the BJP," Rao told reporters after meeting BJD president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here. Both the chief ministers had a detailed discussion on national issues, including the need for "better friendship among regional parties", Patnaik said. "This is just the beginning of a dialogue... We will meet again and discuss how to take things forward," Rao said. After an impressive victory of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) in the state assembly poll, Rao has embarked on a journey to bring together anti-Congress and anti-BJP parties for next year's Lok Sabha polls. The TRS chief is scheduled to meet West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on Monday. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi goes to Hyderabad and says the TRS is the "B team" of the Congress, its president Rahul Gandhi claim that the TRS president is the "B team" of the BJP, Rao said, adding, "Let me tell you, we are our own team." Senior Congress leader and the party in-charge for Telangana, Ramachandra Khuntia alleged that Rao's meeting with Patnaik is part of a game plan to weaken the proposed "Mahagathbandhan" (grand alliance) among non-BJP parties. The Telangana CM has been acting at the behest of the saffron party and the NDA to dilute efforts of like-minded, non-BJP parties for formation of a grand alliance before the general elections, Khuntia claimed. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said Rao's visit will have no impact on the BJP's electoral prospects as "zero added to zero will have no value".

Regional parties need to provide alternative to BJP, Congress in 2019: KCR

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao met with his Odisha counterpart Naveen Patnaik on Sunday hinting at commencing the talks for the formation of a 'third front'&nbsp;in the country.

After the meeting, Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao said that the two leaders have initiated talks (that needs to be carried forward) to bring in a change in the country.

He also added that the regional parties need to unite as the country needs a strong alternative to Congress and BJP.

"Country needs a change for which dialogue has begun, we are doing our part but nothing concrete has emerged. We have just begun the dialogue; we will meet again to discuss how to take things forward", KCR said.

"We need to talk to more people across the nation. There is a dire need for the unification of regional parties as there is a strong need for an alternative to Congress and BJP, " he added.

Speaking after the meeting Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik said, "We discussed several things including friendship of like-minded parties. We have not thought that (Parliament elections) far. He came to Odisha to offer thanks to Lord Jagannath for his tremendous victory".&nbsp;

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Telangana CM K Chandrashekar Rao is on a four-day visit to meet various political leaders to garner support for his proposed non-BJP and non-Congress front ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

(With inputs from agencies)

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao met with his Odisha counterpart Naveen Patnaik on Sunday hinting at commencing the talks for the formation of a 'third front' in the country.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao met with his Odisha counterpart Naveen Patnaik on Sunday hinting at commencing the talks for the formation of a 'third front' in the country. After the meeting, Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao said that the two leaders have initiated talks (that needs to be carried forward) to bring in a change in the country. He also added that the regional parties need to unite as the country needs a strong alternative to Congress and BJP. "Country needs a change for which dialogue has begun, we are doing our part but nothing concrete has emerged. We have just begun the dialogue; we will meet again to discuss how to take things forward", KCR said. "We need to talk to more people across the nation. There is a dire need for the unification of regional parties as there is a strong need for an alternative to Congress and BJP, " he added. Speaking after the meeting Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik said, "We discussed several things including friendship of like-minded parties. We have not thought that (Parliament elections) far. He came to Odisha to offer thanks to Lord Jagannath for his tremendous victory". Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik after meeting with Telangana CM K Chandrashekar Rao: We discussed several things including friendship of like-minded parties. We’ve not thought that (Parliament elections) far. He came to Odisha to offer thanks to Lord Jagannath for his tremendous victory pic.twitter.com/t2dbIzhHSc — ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2018 × Telangana CM K Chandrashekar Rao after meeting with Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik: We need to talk to more people across the nation. There’s a dire need for the unification of regional parties as there’s a strong need for an alternative to Congress and BJP. pic.twitter.com/eQWw21lsWC — ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2018 × Telangana CM K Chandrashekar Rao is on a four-day visit to meet various political leaders to garner support for his proposed non-BJP and non-Congress front ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. (With inputs from agencies)

Initiated talks to bring change in country: KCR after meeting Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik

Exhorting people to concentrate on the development of villages, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/assembly-election-results-2018-kcr-20-and-his-national-ambitions-183701">Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao</a> has stated that the state and the country can only develop if the villages are developed. 
 
The Chief Minister instructed concerned officers to appoint village secretary in every gram panchayat in Telangana. He said that by effectively implementing new Panchayat Raj Act, the overall picture of the villages must be changed and bettered. 
 
Rao, commonly known as KCR said that immediately after the village panchayat raj elections, programmes concerning to sanitation and environmental cleanliness in the villages must be stepped up. 
 
He held a review meeting on Sunday at Pragathi Bhavan on various aspects of panchayat raj and electoral promises made in the recent Assembly elections. 
 
As part of its efforts to strengthen the gram panchayat system, the state government has appointed 9355 new panchayat raj secretaries. This is the first of its kind recruitment process after the creation of the New Zonal system. With the appointment of new village secretaries, the Chief Minister said that every village will have village-level officers who will be made responsible for the development of the villages, greenery and sanitation programmes. 
 
In addition to the existing village secretaries along with the newly-recruited village panchayat secretaries, there will be an awareness conclave on December 27 in Hyderabad. The Chief Minister will deliver the inaugural address and make suggestions on the action plan for the development of villages. 
 
Rao also announced in the review meeting that in accordance with the electoral promises, every senior citizen on completion of 57 years will be provided with old age pensions. He has instructed Chief Secretary SK Joshi to draft modalities pertaining to this and decide on the process of identifying eligible persons for the old age pension. Rao added that once the details of beneficiaries are worked out and the number is decided, adequate budgetary provision will be made in 2019-20 budget and pension should be given with effect from April 1, 2019. 
 
The Chief Minister also instructed Revenue Principal Secretary Rajeshwar Tiwari to commence the process of formation of two more districts namely Mulugu and Narayanpet in accordance with his electoral promises made in the Assembly elections. He told the revenue secretary to initiate the process of formation of Korutla new revenue division and Ghattuppal Mandal in Nalgonda district, Mallampally Mandal in Bhupalapally district. KCR also suggested that the existing Gundala Mandal in Jangoan district should now be merged into Yadadri Bhuvangiri district. 
 
The Chief Minister further instructed the concerned officers that the Bathukamma sarees should be distributed from December 19.

Exhorting people to concentrate on the development of villages, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao has stated that the state and the country can only develop if the villages are developed.

Exhorting people to concentrate on the development of villages, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao has stated that the state and the country can only develop if the villages are developed. The Chief Minister instructed concerned officers to appoint village secretary in every gram panchayat in Telangana. He said that by effectively implementing new Panchayat Raj Act, the overall picture of the villages must be changed and bettered. Rao, commonly known as KCR said that immediately after the village panchayat raj elections, programmes concerning to sanitation and environmental cleanliness in the villages must be stepped up. He held a review meeting on Sunday at Pragathi Bhavan on various aspects of panchayat raj and electoral promises made in the recent Assembly elections. As part of its efforts to strengthen the gram panchayat system, the state government has appointed 9355 new panchayat raj secretaries. This is the first of its kind recruitment process after the creation of the New Zonal system. With the appointment of new village secretaries, the Chief Minister said that every village will have village-level officers who will be made responsible for the development of the villages, greenery and sanitation programmes. In addition to the existing village secretaries along with the newly-recruited village panchayat secretaries, there will be an awareness conclave on December 27 in Hyderabad. The Chief Minister will deliver the inaugural address and make suggestions on the action plan for the development of villages. Rao also announced in the review meeting that in accordance with the electoral promises, every senior citizen on completion of 57 years will be provided with old age pensions. He has instructed Chief Secretary SK Joshi to draft modalities pertaining to this and decide on the process of identifying eligible persons for the old age pension. Rao added that once the details of beneficiaries are worked out and the number is decided, adequate budgetary provision will be made in 2019-20 budget and pension should be given with effect from April 1, 2019. The Chief Minister also instructed Revenue Principal Secretary Rajeshwar Tiwari to commence the process of formation of two more districts namely Mulugu and Narayanpet in accordance with his electoral promises made in the Assembly elections. He told the revenue secretary to initiate the process of formation of Korutla new revenue division and Ghattuppal Mandal in Nalgonda district, Mallampally Mandal in Bhupalapally district. KCR also suggested that the existing Gundala Mandal in Jangoan district should now be merged into Yadadri Bhuvangiri district. The Chief Minister further instructed the concerned officers that the Bathukamma sarees should be distributed from December 19.

KCR urges people to concentrate on development of villages in Telangana

A day after assuming office as chief minister of Telangana, TRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday appointed his son and former minister KT Rama Rao as the party's working president.

According a press release from KCR's office, Rama Rao's appointment was necessitated as Chandrasekhar Rao will have to concentrate on national politics and also focus on various developmental activities in the state.

"Party president and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao appointed Sircilla MLA as the working president," it said.

KCR believes that the party will further progress under the leadership of KTR, the release added.

KCR returned as the chief minister for the second consecutive term on Thursday after registering a landslide victory in the December 7 polls by winning &nbsp;88 seats in the 119-member assembly in the December 7 polls.

Soon after the results were announced, KCR declared that the TRS would play a crucial role in national politics.

He has been pitching for a non-Congress, non-BJP federal front of regional parties to take on the two national parties.

"...Congress-mukt Bharat... BJP-mukt Bharat... That is needed," he had said.&nbsp;

A day after assuming office as chief minister of Telangana, TRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday appointed his son and former minister KT Rama Rao as the party's working president.

A day after assuming office as chief minister of Telangana, TRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday appointed his son and former minister KT Rama Rao as the party's working president. According a press release from KCR's office, Rama Rao's appointment was necessitated as Chandrasekhar Rao will have to concentrate on national politics and also focus on various developmental activities in the state. "Party president and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao appointed Sircilla MLA as the working president," it said. KCR believes that the party will further progress under the leadership of KTR, the release added. KCR returned as the chief minister for the second consecutive term on Thursday after registering a landslide victory in the December 7 polls by winning 88 seats in the 119-member assembly in the December 7 polls. Soon after the results were announced, KCR declared that the TRS would play a crucial role in national politics. He has been pitching for a non-Congress, non-BJP federal front of regional parties to take on the two national parties. "...Congress-mukt Bharat... BJP-mukt Bharat... That is needed," he had said.

Telangana: KCR's son K T Rama Rao appointed working president of TRS

TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao, who led his party to a resounding victory in the assembly elections, would be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Telangana for a second straight term Thursday.

The swearing-in ceremony would be held at the Raj Bhavan at around 1.30 pm, official sources said Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, Rao was unanimously elected leader of the TRS Legislature Party by the newly-elected MLAs.

The MLAs met at the Telangana Bhavan, the TRS headquarters here, and took the decision unanimously, party sources said.

In the December 7 elections, the TRS won 88 seats in the 119-member assembly, trouncing the Congress-led People's Front, which ended up with a tally of 21.

The police department Wednesday issued a traffic advisory asking the public to avoid the Raj Bhavan road between 12 pm and 3 pm in view of the swearing-in of Rao, scheduled at 1.30 pm, and take alternative routes to their destinations.

The gazette notification by the Election Commission constituting the new assembly was issued during the day.

Earlier, talking to reporters after the TRS legislature party meeting, Rao said he was likely to take oath as Chief Minister on Thursday.

"Would like to take oath tomorrow. It is a good time also. But it is possible only when the Election Commission publishes the Gazette. We will see what happens, by evening", he said.

Rao said he alone may take the oath or with two other colleagues and the ministry can be expanded after 5-6 days.

Earlier, the caretaker Council of Ministers led by Rao tendered resignation to Governor ESL Narasimhan.

The Governor requested Rao to continue in office till the formation of a new government, according to a government order issued by the Chief Secretary.

TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao, who led his party to a resounding victory in the assembly elections, would be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Telangana for a second straight term Thursday.

TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao, who led his party to a resounding victory in the assembly elections, would be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Telangana for a second straight term Thursday. The swearing-in ceremony would be held at the Raj Bhavan at around 1.30 pm, official sources said Wednesday. Earlier in the day, Rao was unanimously elected leader of the TRS Legislature Party by the newly-elected MLAs. The MLAs met at the Telangana Bhavan, the TRS headquarters here, and took the decision unanimously, party sources said. In the December 7 elections, the TRS won 88 seats in the 119-member assembly, trouncing the Congress-led People's Front, which ended up with a tally of 21. The police department Wednesday issued a traffic advisory asking the public to avoid the Raj Bhavan road between 12 pm and 3 pm in view of the swearing-in of Rao, scheduled at 1.30 pm, and take alternative routes to their destinations. The gazette notification by the Election Commission constituting the new assembly was issued during the day. Earlier, talking to reporters after the TRS legislature party meeting, Rao said he was likely to take oath as Chief Minister on Thursday. "Would like to take oath tomorrow. It is a good time also. But it is possible only when the Election Commission publishes the Gazette. We will see what happens, by evening", he said. Rao said he alone may take the oath or with two other colleagues and the ministry can be expanded after 5-6 days. Earlier, the caretaker Council of Ministers led by Rao tendered resignation to Governor ESL Narasimhan. The Governor requested Rao to continue in office till the formation of a new government, according to a government order issued by the Chief Secretary.

K Chandrasekhar Rao to be sworn in as Telangana CM on Thursday

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) president K Chandrasekhar Rao took oath as the Chief Minister of Telangana on Thursday.&nbsp;

It will be his second inning as the state chief minister.

Governor ESL Narasimhan administered him the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/assembly-election-results-2018-kcr-20-and-his-national-ambitions-183701">oath of office</a> and secrecy at the Raj Bhavan.

Rao is likely to set up his Council of Ministers in a day or two.

TRS emerged victorious in the Telangana Assembly elections on Tuesday, bagging 88 seats in the state assembly of 119-member.

Rao, commonly known as KCR won from Gajewal constituency by over 50,000 votes while TRS candidate Talasani Srinivas Yadav, a minister in Rao`s last government won from Sanath Nagar constituency by 30,217 votes.

Prajakutami, an alliance of the Congress and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) won 21 seats while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) bagged only one seat.&nbsp;

All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) won 7 seats.

On December 7, single-phase elections were held in Telangana, wherein 73.2 per cent voter turnout was recorded.

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) president K Chandrasekhar Rao took oath as the Chief Minister of Telangana on Thursday. It will be his second inning as the state chief minister.

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) president K Chandrasekhar Rao took oath as the Chief Minister of Telangana on Thursday. It will be his second inning as the state chief minister. Governor ESL Narasimhan administered him the oath of office and secrecy at the Raj Bhavan. Rao is likely to set up his Council of Ministers in a day or two. TRS emerged victorious in the Telangana Assembly elections on Tuesday, bagging 88 seats in the state assembly of 119-member. Rao, commonly known as KCR won from Gajewal constituency by over 50,000 votes while TRS candidate Talasani Srinivas Yadav, a minister in Rao`s last government won from Sanath Nagar constituency by 30,217 votes. Prajakutami, an alliance of the Congress and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) won 21 seats while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) bagged only one seat. All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) won 7 seats. On December 7, single-phase elections were held in Telangana, wherein 73.2 per cent voter turnout was recorded.

K Chandrasekhar Rao sworn in as Telangana chief minister

TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao, who led his party to a resounding victory in the assembly elections, sworn in as the Chief Minister of Telangana for the second consecutive time.

Governor ESL&nbsp;Narasimhan administered the oath of office and secrecy to the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leader at a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan.

Mohammed Mahmood Ali, a member of Telangana Legislative Council, also took oath as a Minister.

Ali, who was Deputy Chief Minister in the previous cabinet, is likely to retain the same post.

In the December 7 elections, the TRS won 88 seats in the 119-member assembly, trouncing the Congress-led People's Front, which ended up with a tally of 21.

A day before the swearing ceremony traffic police issued an advisory asking the public to avoid the Raj Bhavan road between 12 pm and 3 pm&nbsp;and take alternative routes to their destinations.

TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao, who led his party to a resounding victory in the assembly elections, sworn in as the Chief Minister of Telangana for the second consecutive time.

TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao, who led his party to a resounding victory in the assembly elections, sworn in as the Chief Minister of Telangana for the second consecutive time. Governor ESL Narasimhan administered the oath of office and secrecy to the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leader at a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan. Mohammed Mahmood Ali, a member of Telangana Legislative Council, also took oath as a Minister. Ali, who was Deputy Chief Minister in the previous cabinet, is likely to retain the same post. In the December 7 elections, the TRS won 88 seats in the 119-member assembly, trouncing the Congress-led People's Front, which ended up with a tally of 21. A day before the swearing ceremony traffic police issued an advisory asking the public to avoid the Raj Bhavan road between 12 pm and 3 pm and take alternative routes to their destinations.

K Chandrasekhar Rao takes oath as the Chief Minister of Telangana

K Chandrasekhar Rao's Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) is headed towards a decisive victory in the assembly election, trends on Tuesday morning showed.

TRS president and Telangana caretaker Chief Minister KCR is leading by 9,212 votes over his nearest Congress rival Vanteru Pratap Reddy in Gajwel constituency after the fifth round of counting.

His daughter and K Kavitha said on Tuesday that there was never a doubt that the party will retain power with a huge majority.

Kavitha, a member of the Lok Sabha, said there was no anti-incumbency as the TRS government had done well on all fronts during the last four-and-a-half years.

"KCR's hard work has paid off," said Kavitha, adding that it was both welfare programmes and Telangana pride which worked for the party in this election.

Nearly all the exit polls had predicted incumbent KCR-led TRS retaining another term with a clear majority.

Legislative Assembly elections were held for the first time in Telangana on December 7 after its formation as the 2014 Assembly polls were held in undivided Andhra Pradesh.

The TRS went alone in the polls and so did the BJP.

K Chandrasekhar Rao's Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) is headed towards a decisive victory in the assembly election, trends on Tuesday morning showed. TRS president and Telangana caretaker Chief Minister KCR is leading by 9,212 votes over his nearest Congress rival Vanteru Pratap Reddy in Gajwel constituency after the fifth round of counting.

K Chandrasekhar Rao's Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) is headed towards a decisive victory in the assembly election, trends on Tuesday morning showed. TRS president and Telangana caretaker Chief Minister KCR is leading by 9,212 votes over his nearest Congress rival Vanteru Pratap Reddy in Gajwel constituency after the fifth round of counting. His daughter and K Kavitha said on Tuesday that there was never a doubt that the party will retain power with a huge majority. Kavitha, a member of the Lok Sabha, said there was no anti-incumbency as the TRS government had done well on all fronts during the last four-and-a-half years. "KCR's hard work has paid off," said Kavitha, adding that it was both welfare programmes and Telangana pride which worked for the party in this election. Nearly all the exit polls had predicted incumbent KCR-led TRS retaining another term with a clear majority. Legislative Assembly elections were held for the first time in Telangana on December 7 after its formation as the 2014 Assembly polls were held in undivided Andhra Pradesh. The TRS went alone in the polls and so did the BJP.

TRS heads towards decisive victory in Telangana

From living a life of near anonymity as a Congress foot soldier to becoming the mascot of Telangana pride who brought down the then mighty Congress to its knees and wrested statehood, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/telangana-assembly-elections-2018-why-its-difficult-to-overthrow-k-c-rao-178990">K Chandrasekhar Rao</a> has navigated the choppy waters of politics with the ease of a masterful oarsman.

With the emphatic victory of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trs-heads-towards-decisive-victory-in-telangana-183095">TRS</a>, the party he founded with the sole aim of realising the decades-old dream of a separate Telangana, Kalvakuntla Chandrasekhar Rao, 64, has reinforced his position as the tallest leader of the youngest state of the Indian union.

The victory in the assembly elections, the first in Telangana after its formation in June 2014, might well act as a springboard for the leader, often accused of perpetuating family rule and promoting nepotism, to realise his ambition of playing a greater role in national politics.

KCR's suave and sophisticated son <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-minister-kt-rao-increased-his-assets-by-424-congress-180827">K T Rama Rao</a>, a minister in his cabinet, is his heir apparent, while his daughter K Kavitha is Lok Sabha MP from Nizamabad. His nephew Harish Rao is also a minister.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, has been one of the votaries of a broad-based non-BJP and non-Congress federal front, and the win would further fortify his position as a regional satrap.

Rao's decision to dissolve the House in September, several months before its tenure was to end, and go for an early election, is being seen as a masterstroke, as national issues might have overshadowed those of the state if simultaneous elections were held for the Lok Sabha and the state assembly.

A canny politician that he is, Rao was first off the blocks when he announced the names of 105 candidates for the 119-member assembly barely a couple of hours after recommending its dissolution.

TRS nominees hit the ground running and the gamble paid off.

Rao retained a majority of his MLAs, leaving some of the ticket hopefuls dejected, but he managed to silence whimpers of protest and keep his flock together.

The TRS supremo whipped up the issue of 'Telangana pride' by repeatedly targeting his former boss and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, accusing him of having stalled the development of Telangana and calling him an outsider. All the while he continued to harp on the welfare schemes launched by his government.

Welfare measures like social security pension and 'Ryuthu Bandu', a farmers investment support scheme that gave the tillers Rs 8,000 per annum per acre, tackling power shortage, and his accusation against the Centre that it blocked his plans to raise quotas for Scheduled Tribes and Muslims in jobs and education underpinned his campaign rhetoric.

The self-proclaimed farmer from Chintamadaka village in Medak district, whose assets soared 41 per cent in the last little over four years to Rs 22.6 crore, cut his political teeth in the Indian Youth Congress as an ordinary member.

Rao joined the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) founded by film icon N T Rama Rao in 1983. His first outing at the hustings the same year ended in failure when he lost to the Congress candidate in Siddipet.

He wrested the seat in 1985 and there was no looking back for him ever since. Rao won 13 elections to the Lok Sabha and state assembly on the trot. He won Karimnagar, Medak and Mahbubnagar Lok Sabha seats five times, including twice in by-polls.

Rao became a minister in the NTR government and subsequently that of his son-in-law N Chandrababu Naidu. He was also the deputy speaker of the Andhra Pradesh Assembly.

However, the dream of a separate Telangana never left him. Rao quit the TDP in 2001, accusing Naidu of discriminating against Telangana. He floated the Telangana Rashtra Samithi and revived the statehood movement that lay dormant for years after the late 1960s.

He joined hands with the Congress that promised statehood for Telangana and fought the 2004 Lok Sabha polls in alliance with it.

The TRS won five seats and Rao was made a cabinet minister at the Centre but walked out of the alliance after accusing the Congress of not being serious about creating Telangana.

In the 2009 assembly elections, TRS allied with the TDP after the latter agreed to extend "unconditional support" for the creation of Telangana.

Rao and his TRS remained a fringe player in undivided Andhra Pradesh as the Congress returned to power in 2009 under the charismatic Y S Rajasekhara Reddy.

Following Reddy's death in a helicopter crash in 2009, Congress plunged into turmoil as his son revolted against the party high command over the leadership issue.

Sensing an opportunity, Rao began a fast unto death for Telangana statehood. As Telangana plunged into turmoil with mass protests and suicides by young men, glory came to Rao who ended his 11-day fast following an announcement by the then Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on December 9, 2009 that steps will be taken for Telangana's formation.

However, in a set back for the TRS boss, the UPA government buckled under pressure from people of coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema region who protested the "unilateral" announcement. The government felt more consultations were needed before the new state could be formed. 
Rao steeled himself for the battle ahead as he went about convincing people of the Telangana region that "injustice" being done to them could end only if it was granted statehood.

He breathed fire and brimstone with slogans like "Telangana waley jaago, Andhra waley bhago (People of Telangana arise, those of Andhra run away)". He threatened a "civil war" and "bloodbath" 
if Telangana was not created.

As Andhra Pradesh, geographically undivided but cleaved by strong regional sentiments, headed for the 2014 assembly elections, Rao's steadfast and aggressive pursuit of Telangana saw the TRS reap a handsome electoral harvest.

And when the new state was born, TRS had 11 of the 17 Lok Sabha and 63 of the 119 assembly seats. Having realised his Telangana dream, he fortified his position as nearly 20 MLAs from the TDP, Congress and other parties switched over to the TRS.

With Telangana firmly under his belt, the political craftsman, a blend of abrasiveness and accommodation, could well seek greater space for himself in national politics should a non-BJP, non-Congress front materialise amid growing aspirations of regional satraps eyeing a piece of New Delhi's power pie.&nbsp;

From living a life of near anonymity as a Congress foot soldier to becoming the mascot of Telangana pride who brought down the then mighty Congress to its knees and wrested statehood, K Chandrasekhar Rao has navigated the choppy waters of politics with the ease of a masterful oarsman.

From living a life of near anonymity as a Congress foot soldier to becoming the mascot of Telangana pride who brought down the then mighty Congress to its knees and wrested statehood, K Chandrasekhar Rao has navigated the choppy waters of politics with the ease of a masterful oarsman. With the emphatic victory of the TRS, the party he founded with the sole aim of realising the decades-old dream of a separate Telangana, Kalvakuntla Chandrasekhar Rao, 64, has reinforced his position as the tallest leader of the youngest state of the Indian union. The victory in the assembly elections, the first in Telangana after its formation in June 2014, might well act as a springboard for the leader, often accused of perpetuating family rule and promoting nepotism, to realise his ambition of playing a greater role in national politics. KCR's suave and sophisticated son K T Rama Rao, a minister in his cabinet, is his heir apparent, while his daughter K Kavitha is Lok Sabha MP from Nizamabad. His nephew Harish Rao is also a minister. KCR, as Rao is popularly known, has been one of the votaries of a broad-based non-BJP and non-Congress federal front, and the win would further fortify his position as a regional satrap. Rao's decision to dissolve the House in September, several months before its tenure was to end, and go for an early election, is being seen as a masterstroke, as national issues might have overshadowed those of the state if simultaneous elections were held for the Lok Sabha and the state assembly. A canny politician that he is, Rao was first off the blocks when he announced the names of 105 candidates for the 119-member assembly barely a couple of hours after recommending its dissolution. TRS nominees hit the ground running and the gamble paid off. Rao retained a majority of his MLAs, leaving some of the ticket hopefuls dejected, but he managed to silence whimpers of protest and keep his flock together. The TRS supremo whipped up the issue of 'Telangana pride' by repeatedly targeting his former boss and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, accusing him of having stalled the development of Telangana and calling him an outsider. All the while he continued to harp on the welfare schemes launched by his government. Welfare measures like social security pension and 'Ryuthu Bandu', a farmers investment support scheme that gave the tillers Rs 8,000 per annum per acre, tackling power shortage, and his accusation against the Centre that it blocked his plans to raise quotas for Scheduled Tribes and Muslims in jobs and education underpinned his campaign rhetoric. The self-proclaimed farmer from Chintamadaka village in Medak district, whose assets soared 41 per cent in the last little over four years to Rs 22.6 crore, cut his political teeth in the Indian Youth Congress as an ordinary member. Rao joined the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) founded by film icon N T Rama Rao in 1983. His first outing at the hustings the same year ended in failure when he lost to the Congress candidate in Siddipet. He wrested the seat in 1985 and there was no looking back for him ever since. Rao won 13 elections to the Lok Sabha and state assembly on the trot. He won Karimnagar, Medak and Mahbubnagar Lok Sabha seats five times, including twice in by-polls. Rao became a minister in the NTR government and subsequently that of his son-in-law N Chandrababu Naidu. He was also the deputy speaker of the Andhra Pradesh Assembly. However, the dream of a separate Telangana never left him. Rao quit the TDP in 2001, accusing Naidu of discriminating against Telangana. He floated the Telangana Rashtra Samithi and revived the statehood movement that lay dormant for years after the late 1960s. He joined hands with the Congress that promised statehood for Telangana and fought the 2004 Lok Sabha polls in alliance with it. The TRS won five seats and Rao was made a cabinet minister at the Centre but walked out of the alliance after accusing the Congress of not being serious about creating Telangana. In the 2009 assembly elections, TRS allied with the TDP after the latter agreed to extend "unconditional support" for the creation of Telangana. Rao and his TRS remained a fringe player in undivided Andhra Pradesh as the Congress returned to power in 2009 under the charismatic Y S Rajasekhara Reddy. Following Reddy's death in a helicopter crash in 2009, Congress plunged into turmoil as his son revolted against the party high command over the leadership issue. Sensing an opportunity, Rao began a fast unto death for Telangana statehood. As Telangana plunged into turmoil with mass protests and suicides by young men, glory came to Rao who ended his 11-day fast following an announcement by the then Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on December 9, 2009 that steps will be taken for Telangana's formation. However, in a set back for the TRS boss, the UPA government buckled under pressure from people of coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema region who protested the "unilateral" announcement. The government felt more consultations were needed before the new state could be formed. Rao steeled himself for the battle ahead as he went about convincing people of the Telangana region that "injustice" being done to them could end only if it was granted statehood. He breathed fire and brimstone with slogans like "Telangana waley jaago, Andhra waley bhago (People of Telangana arise, those of Andhra run away)". He threatened a "civil war" and "bloodbath" if Telangana was not created. As Andhra Pradesh, geographically undivided but cleaved by strong regional sentiments, headed for the 2014 assembly elections, Rao's steadfast and aggressive pursuit of Telangana saw the TRS reap a handsome electoral harvest. And when the new state was born, TRS had 11 of the 17 Lok Sabha and 63 of the 119 assembly seats. Having realised his Telangana dream, he fortified his position as nearly 20 MLAs from the TDP, Congress and other parties switched over to the TRS. With Telangana firmly under his belt, the political craftsman, a blend of abrasiveness and accommodation, could well seek greater space for himself in national politics should a non-BJP, non-Congress front materialise amid growing aspirations of regional satraps eyeing a piece of New Delhi's power pie.

KCR: An obscure Congress foot soldier who became mascot of Telangana pride

The Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) chief K Chandrasekhar Rao would once again reach out to regional parties to forge unity among them and promoting the idea of a non-Congress, non-BJP federal front, a key party leader said on Monday.

"After formation of the government (in Telangana), the TRS will once again broach the concept of a federal front to all regional parties", the deputy floor leader of the party in the Lok Sabha B Vinod Kumar said.

"There is no need for us regional parties to align either with the Congress or with the BJP...That concept, that idea we will try to sell", added the Karimnagar Lok Sabha member.

He made the comments when asked for TRS view on the opposition meet in Delhi to forge a united front to fight the BJP in the 2019 polls.

"This idea (non-Congress, non-BJP front) we will sell in the coming days to these parties which attended today's meeting also", Vinod Kumar said.

Rao had a few months ago met Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee, DMK President M K Stalin and JD(S) supremo H D Devegowda to promote the idea, but critics said the caretaker Telangana Chief Minister had not made much headway in his efforts.

"It's very to hard to sell this idea, we know it", Vinod Kumar said and claimed that the TRS convinced Stalin about the concept, while Devegowda was of the same opinion.

He alleged that both the Congress and BJP have a "big brother attitude" and have a feeling that all regional parties would have to "inevitably align" with them.

"All regional political parties should have a system of functioning with the so called national political parties", Vinod Kumar added.

The Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) chief K Chandrasekhar Rao would once again reach out to regional parties to forge unity among them and promoting the idea of a non-Congress, non-BJP federal front, a key party leader said on Monday.

The Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) chief K Chandrasekhar Rao would once again reach out to regional parties to forge unity among them and promoting the idea of a non-Congress, non-BJP federal front, a key party leader said on Monday. "After formation of the government (in Telangana), the TRS will once again broach the concept of a federal front to all regional parties", the deputy floor leader of the party in the Lok Sabha B Vinod Kumar said. "There is no need for us regional parties to align either with the Congress or with the BJP...That concept, that idea we will try to sell", added the Karimnagar Lok Sabha member. He made the comments when asked for TRS view on the opposition meet in Delhi to forge a united front to fight the BJP in the 2019 polls. "This idea (non-Congress, non-BJP front) we will sell in the coming days to these parties which attended today's meeting also", Vinod Kumar said. Rao had a few months ago met Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee, DMK President M K Stalin and JD(S) supremo H D Devegowda to promote the idea, but critics said the caretaker Telangana Chief Minister had not made much headway in his efforts. "It's very to hard to sell this idea, we know it", Vinod Kumar said and claimed that the TRS convinced Stalin about the concept, while Devegowda was of the same opinion. He alleged that both the Congress and BJP have a "big brother attitude" and have a feeling that all regional parties would have to "inevitably align" with them. "All regional political parties should have a system of functioning with the so called national political parties", Vinod Kumar added.

TRS to once again reach out to regional parties to forge unity

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