Telangana Congress Working President Revanth Reddy was detained on Tuesday ahead of Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief and the state's caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao`s election rally in Vikarabad district.

Reddy was detained in order to prevent any untoward incident during Rao`s rally in Kosgi, Kodangal, a report said.&nbsp;

He was shifted to an undisclosed location after he was picked up from his residence earlier in the day, the report added.

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KCR is losing his sleep with the growing popularity of the Prajakutami.Police arrested our Working President &amp; MLA Revanth Reddy at 3am as KCR is holding a rally there. 
 
This is highly condemnable. EC must take necessary action &amp; ensure the conduct of a free and fair election. <a href="https://t.co/i9utwcEjlw">pic.twitter.com/i9utwcEjlw</a>
— Telangana Congress (@INCTelangana) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCTelangana/status/1069815511918161920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Reddy, who quit the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) to join the Congress earlier this year, represented Kodangal in the dissolved Assembly.&nbsp;

His detention came in view of Reddy`s threat to disrupt the TRS chief`s rally. He had called for a shutdown to protest it.

Tension prevailed in Kodangal following the Congress leader's detention.&nbsp;

Congress condemned the act and said Election Commission must take necessary action and ensure the conduct of a free and fair election.&nbsp;

''KCR is losing his sleep with the growing popularity of the Prajakutami. Police arrested our Working President and MLA Revanth Reddy at 3 am as KCR is holding a rally there,'' said a tweet from Telanaga Congress official handle.

Elections to the 119-member Telangana Assembly are scheduled for December 7.

Telangana Congress Working President Revanth Reddy was detained on Tuesday ahead of Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief and the state's caretaker Chief Minister K.

Telangana Congress Working President Revanth Reddy was detained on Tuesday ahead of Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief and the state's caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao`s election rally in Vikarabad district. Reddy was detained in order to prevent any untoward incident during Rao`s rally in Kosgi, Kodangal, a report said. He was shifted to an undisclosed location after he was picked up from his residence earlier in the day, the report added. KCR is losing his sleep with the growing popularity of the Prajakutami.Police arrested our Working President & MLA Revanth Reddy at 3am as KCR is holding a rally there. This is highly condemnable. EC must take necessary action & ensure the conduct of a free and fair election. pic.twitter.com/i9utwcEjlw — Telangana Congress (@INCTelangana) December 4, 2018 × Reddy, who quit the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) to join the Congress earlier this year, represented Kodangal in the dissolved Assembly. His detention came in view of Reddy`s threat to disrupt the TRS chief`s rally. He had called for a shutdown to protest it. Tension prevailed in Kodangal following the Congress leader's detention. Congress condemned the act and said Election Commission must take necessary action and ensure the conduct of a free and fair election. ''KCR is losing his sleep with the growing popularity of the Prajakutami. Police arrested our Working President and MLA Revanth Reddy at 3 am as KCR is holding a rally there,'' said a tweet from Telanaga Congress official handle. Elections to the 119-member Telangana Assembly are scheduled for December 7.

Telangana Congress leader Revanth Reddy detained ahead of KCR rally

The Telangana government's decision to give <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-cm-kcr-under-fire-for-snapping-at-man-querying-about-12-quota-for-muslims-180499">12 per cent quota to Muslims</a> in the state has no constitutional validity, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said Tuesday, alleging it was aimed at "hijacking" the voters for electoral gains.

Some parties, despite knowing that religion-based reservation was not possible, come out with such decisions only to "hijack the voters", Naqvi, on the campaign trail said, targeting the Telangana Rashtra Samithi government.

"Everybody knows even KCR (as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-grand-alliance-accuses-kcr-of-colluding-with-bjp-to-escape-from-cbi-180664">K Chandrashekar Rao</a> is popularly known) and also the Congress party that on the basis of religion it is not possible to give any type of reservation.

The first thing is Constitution does not allow such reservation," the minority affairs minister told PTI here.

"People need to be aware about such things," he said, reacting to the TRS chief and caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao's promise in this regard.

The Telangana legislature had earlier passed a bill increasing reservation in jobs and education for backward sections of the Muslim community to 12 per cent from the earlier four per cent.

The bill is yet to get the Centre's approval.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday alleged the caretaker Telangana government was betraying the country and insulting the Constitution architect B R Ambedkar by proposing religion-based reservation with 12 per cent quota for Muslim minority while "stealing the rights of Dalits."

The Bharatiya Janata Party would never allow religion-based reservations as it is "unconstitutional," party chief Amit Shah recently said.

On demands by some in the BJP and the RSS for bringing out an ordinance for construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya, Naqvi said "it would have been ideal had there been an amicable settlement. Unfortunately, there is a delay...There is demand from saints and seers and it is natural."

"BJP is in favour of the construction of Ram temple," he said but refused to comment if the Centre would promulgate an Ordinance in this regard.

Naqvi, meanwhile, said in a statement that some people and parties have opened "communal auction centre of votes" where the self-styled "champions of secularism" "bid" for votes.

Some people "mercilessly and shamefully" bid for votes, sometimes in the name of religion and sometimes making people afraid of the BJP. But the nefarious design of these "vote ke saudagar" (traders of votes) have been exposed, he claimed.

He said the Modi government followed the policy of "empowerment without appeasement" and development with dignity.

It has been successful in creating an atmosphere of development with trust among all sections of society without any discrimination during the last four-and-half-years, he said.&nbsp;

The Opposition, especially, the Congress, has been suffering from "bankruptcy of facts. That is the reason the Congress leaders are making personal attacks against Prime Minister," he said.

"Sometimes Rahul Gandhi, some other party and sometimes Owaisis...They are masters of abusing and a competition is going on who is the champion of abusing. But the people of the country will teach these people a lesson," he added.&nbsp;

The Telangana government's decision to give 12 per cent quota to Muslims in the state has no constitutional validity, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said Tuesday, alleging it was aimed at "hijacking" the voters for electoral gains.

The Telangana government's decision to give 12 per cent quota to Muslims in the state has no constitutional validity, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said Tuesday, alleging it was aimed at "hijacking" the voters for electoral gains. Some parties, despite knowing that religion-based reservation was not possible, come out with such decisions only to "hijack the voters", Naqvi, on the campaign trail said, targeting the Telangana Rashtra Samithi government. "Everybody knows even KCR (as K Chandrashekar Rao is popularly known) and also the Congress party that on the basis of religion it is not possible to give any type of reservation. The first thing is Constitution does not allow such reservation," the minority affairs minister told PTI here. "People need to be aware about such things," he said, reacting to the TRS chief and caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao's promise in this regard. The Telangana legislature had earlier passed a bill increasing reservation in jobs and education for backward sections of the Muslim community to 12 per cent from the earlier four per cent. The bill is yet to get the Centre's approval. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday alleged the caretaker Telangana government was betraying the country and insulting the Constitution architect B R Ambedkar by proposing religion-based reservation with 12 per cent quota for Muslim minority while "stealing the rights of Dalits." The Bharatiya Janata Party would never allow religion-based reservations as it is "unconstitutional," party chief Amit Shah recently said. On demands by some in the BJP and the RSS for bringing out an ordinance for construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya, Naqvi said "it would have been ideal had there been an amicable settlement. Unfortunately, there is a delay...There is demand from saints and seers and it is natural." "BJP is in favour of the construction of Ram temple," he said but refused to comment if the Centre would promulgate an Ordinance in this regard. Naqvi, meanwhile, said in a statement that some people and parties have opened "communal auction centre of votes" where the self-styled "champions of secularism" "bid" for votes. Some people "mercilessly and shamefully" bid for votes, sometimes in the name of religion and sometimes making people afraid of the BJP. But the nefarious design of these "vote ke saudagar" (traders of votes) have been exposed, he claimed. He said the Modi government followed the policy of "empowerment without appeasement" and development with dignity. It has been successful in creating an atmosphere of development with trust among all sections of society without any discrimination during the last four-and-half-years, he said. The Opposition, especially, the Congress, has been suffering from "bankruptcy of facts. That is the reason the Congress leaders are making personal attacks against Prime Minister," he said. "Sometimes Rahul Gandhi, some other party and sometimes Owaisis...They are masters of abusing and a competition is going on who is the champion of abusing. But the people of the country will teach these people a lesson," he added.

TRS government's Muslim quota move aimed at 'hijacking' voters: Union Minister  Naqvi

Senior TRS leader K Kavitha, daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, Sunday decried alleged attempts by national parties to stop the growth of regional parties, warning this is not good for cooperative federalism.

Kavitha, a Lok Sabha MP from Nizamabad, also rejected criticism that Rao is 'unreachable', alleging it is a myth&nbsp;and a propaganda by the Opposition to hoodwink people for electoral gains.

The chief minister, popularly called KCR, advanced the assembly poll by eight months hoping to retain power with a thumping majority with<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-polls-elections-cannot-be-won-on-false-promises-raman-singh-to-chandrasekhar-rao-180767"> Telangana Rashtra Samithi </a>(TRS) leaders saying it is an attempt to "teach" the Opposition BJP and Congress a lesson for allegedly trying to work against the interest of the state to stop the rise of the regional party.

Voting for the keenly fought elections to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/telangana-assembly-elections-2018-why-its-difficult-to-overthrow-k-c-rao-178990">119-member assembly</a> is scheduled to be held on December 7. The ruling TRS won 63 seats in 2014 riding on the wave of the Telangana movement.&nbsp;

Kavitha said the party is confident of winning 100 seats and will form the government without the support of other parties, adding it is not a political rhetoric.

'Whenever regional parties are coming up forcefully, national parties try to stop them. We have not just won elections but made inroads into villages.

That's why national parties are here, trying their best,&nbsp;Kavitha said in an exclusive interview to the PTI.&nbsp;

Stopping the growth of regional parties is not good for cooperative federalism, she warned.

Asked what forced the TRS to advance the polls, Kavitha said, 'The primary reason was that the Opposition was trying to stop our progress by putting hurdles in our key projects. Unfortunately, national parties started working against the interest of Telangana. We wanted to teach them a lesson.'

Defending her father's style of functioning, Kavitha said, "Every chief minister has his style of working. One CM may meet public on a daily basis and the other wants a centralised power. You cannot dictate how a CM's style should be. When he should wake up and sleep. If his policies are good and people are getting more than what they want then the CM's job is done.

'My chief minister is inaccessible is a myth and propaganda of the Opposition, which is trying to project him differently. But people are laughing at them. How we would have implemented welfare schemes without listening to people's problems. '

The Telangana government tops in the country for its spending on welfare schemes. About Rs 40,000 crore has been set aside for the welfare scheme out of the total state budget of Rs 1.74 lakh crore in this fiscal, she claimed.&nbsp;

Kavitha, who is fiercely campaigning to retain the party's strong cadre base in her constituency, said this was not for the first time that her father had taken sudden decisions like advancing the polls and that he had done like this in the past during the Telangana movement.

The TRS chief broke away from the UPA alliance when the promise of a separate state was not fulfilled. 'He resigned within 24 hours and went to the people. That is his style and that is how he got Telangana,'&nbsp;she added.

The KCR's style of 'going back to the people and proving a point is not new'&nbsp;and that's how he works, she said.

She further said the Opposition started the propaganda&nbsp;that the TRS chief was inaccessible and his party is corrupt and so on.&nbsp;

"This nonsense and noise was too much. In fact, Congress filed cases to stop the mega Kaleshwaram irrigation project. The polls were advanced to put an end to this," she explained.

Ruling out the possibility of a humiliating defeat at the hands of Congress-led Maha Kutami that included the Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP, Kavitha said, 'There is no risk of losing. People have benefited from our schemes. We are only seeking their mandate to come back to power again. If people think we don't deserve, let it be that way.'

The election battle has intensified in the TRS bastion of Nizamabad as political heavyweights including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi have campaigned here in a bid to hit the base support of the TRS.

Senior TRS leader K Kavitha, daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, Sunday decried alleged attempts by national parties to stop the growth of regional parties, warning this is not good for cooperative federalism.

Senior TRS leader K Kavitha, daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, Sunday decried alleged attempts by national parties to stop the growth of regional parties, warning this is not good for cooperative federalism. Kavitha, a Lok Sabha MP from Nizamabad, also rejected criticism that Rao is 'unreachable', alleging it is a myth and a propaganda by the Opposition to hoodwink people for electoral gains. The chief minister, popularly called KCR, advanced the assembly poll by eight months hoping to retain power with a thumping majority with Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leaders saying it is an attempt to "teach" the Opposition BJP and Congress a lesson for allegedly trying to work against the interest of the state to stop the rise of the regional party. Voting for the keenly fought elections to the 119-member assembly is scheduled to be held on December 7. The ruling TRS won 63 seats in 2014 riding on the wave of the Telangana movement. Kavitha said the party is confident of winning 100 seats and will form the government without the support of other parties, adding it is not a political rhetoric. 'Whenever regional parties are coming up forcefully, national parties try to stop them. We have not just won elections but made inroads into villages. That's why national parties are here, trying their best, Kavitha said in an exclusive interview to the PTI. Stopping the growth of regional parties is not good for cooperative federalism, she warned. Asked what forced the TRS to advance the polls, Kavitha said, 'The primary reason was that the Opposition was trying to stop our progress by putting hurdles in our key projects. Unfortunately, national parties started working against the interest of Telangana. We wanted to teach them a lesson.' Defending her father's style of functioning, Kavitha said, "Every chief minister has his style of working. One CM may meet public on a daily basis and the other wants a centralised power. You cannot dictate how a CM's style should be. When he should wake up and sleep. If his policies are good and people are getting more than what they want then the CM's job is done. 'My chief minister is inaccessible is a myth and propaganda of the Opposition, which is trying to project him differently. But people are laughing at them. How we would have implemented welfare schemes without listening to people's problems. ' The Telangana government tops in the country for its spending on welfare schemes. About Rs 40,000 crore has been set aside for the welfare scheme out of the total state budget of Rs 1.74 lakh crore in this fiscal, she claimed. Kavitha, who is fiercely campaigning to retain the party's strong cadre base in her constituency, said this was not for the first time that her father had taken sudden decisions like advancing the polls and that he had done like this in the past during the Telangana movement. The TRS chief broke away from the UPA alliance when the promise of a separate state was not fulfilled. 'He resigned within 24 hours and went to the people. That is his style and that is how he got Telangana,' she added. The KCR's style of 'going back to the people and proving a point is not new' and that's how he works, she said. She further said the Opposition started the propaganda that the TRS chief was inaccessible and his party is corrupt and so on. "This nonsense and noise was too much. In fact, Congress filed cases to stop the mega Kaleshwaram irrigation project. The polls were advanced to put an end to this," she explained. Ruling out the possibility of a humiliating defeat at the hands of Congress-led Maha Kutami that included the Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP, Kavitha said, 'There is no risk of losing. People have benefited from our schemes. We are only seeking their mandate to come back to power again. If people think we don't deserve, let it be that way.' The election battle has intensified in the TRS bastion of Nizamabad as political heavyweights including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi have campaigned here in a bid to hit the base support of the TRS.

Stopping growth of regional parties not good for cooperative federalism: TRS leader Kavitha 

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu Thursday dubbed ruling TRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao as "small Modi", alleging he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were 'cheating' people.

"There is one big Modi in Delhi and small Modi here in the form of KCR (as Rao is popularly known). People are scared of the duo. Both are cheating people," he said referring to "unfulfilled" electoral promises made by them.

Addressing a road show here as part of campaigning for the Congress-led four-party People's Front for the December 7 Telangana assembly polls, he also claimed whoever posed questions to Modi would be subjected to searches by the CBI or the Income Tax department or the Enforcement Directorate.

Prime Minister Modi was destroying constitutional bodies. "A situation is emerging where there is no democracy. I cannot keep quiet. That is why me and Congress decided to work together to save democracy,"

Naidu, whose party is part of the front, claimed that the TDP was the brain behind the development of Hyderabad and Telangana, saying 'Cyberabad (IT district here) was his brainchild and he had brought software giants like Microsoft.

Earlier, talking to reporters, the TDP supremo defended joining hands with the Congress, saying they had no ideological differences with the Rahul Gandhi-led party.

Naidu, who shared the dais with Gandhi at a couple of campaign meetings Wednesday in the state, said there was a democratic compulsion for non-BJP parties to come on a single platform.

"Politically, we (TDP and Congress) are different. The Telugu Desam Party, from the beginning, has been fighting against the Congress and that is a reality. Ideologically we do not have any differences. Ideologically, we have differences with the BJP," he said.

"But today there is a democratic compulsion. That's why there is a necessity to fight against the BJP to save the Constitution and also save institutions," he said when asked about the decades-old differences with Congress.

The Congress has roped in the TDP, CPI and M Kodandaram-led Telangana Jana Samithi to form the People's Front to take on the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti in the assembly polls.

Naidu, who snapped ties with the BJP-led NDA earlier this year on the issue of special category status to Andhra Pradesh, said the saffron party had no chance of winning any of the five states which were presently under various stages of the election process.

He said the BJP could manage to win only four or five Lok Sabha bypolls in the last 20-odd ones.

"Modi disappointed the nation. People trusted him so much... But he disappointed the nation. Everybody is living under pressure and tension. It is very bad for the nation that they are misusing institutions like CBI, ED and Income Tax," he claimed.

On the proposed meeting of non-BJP parties on December 10, Naidu said there would be no formal invitation to any party.

On being asked who would lead the anti-BJP coalition, he said, there were efficient people and able administrators who would take the role.

"Who is Narendra Modi? Till 2014 he was just a chief minister. He was able to lead (his party to a win). Now there are efficient people and able administrators. They will lead. We will bring a consensus on that," he said.

Naidu, who has been meeting leaders of various opposition parties in the recent weeks, ruled himself out of the race for prime ministership.

"I am not in the race for prime ministership... I've told many times. I am not expecting any position or any incentive out of this initiative," he said.

The TDP chief asserted that the People's Front was going to win the coming polls and form the government in Telangana.

At the roadshow, Naidu said TDP was committed to the development of Telangana and he had no intention of entering into the state politics and would confine himself to Andhra Pradesh.

TDP is contesting in 13 seats in the Telangana polls.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu Thursday dubbed ruling TRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao as "small Modi", alleging he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were 'cheating' people.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu Thursday dubbed ruling TRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao as "small Modi", alleging he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were 'cheating' people. "There is one big Modi in Delhi and small Modi here in the form of KCR (as Rao is popularly known). People are scared of the duo. Both are cheating people," he said referring to "unfulfilled" electoral promises made by them. Addressing a road show here as part of campaigning for the Congress-led four-party People's Front for the December 7 Telangana assembly polls, he also claimed whoever posed questions to Modi would be subjected to searches by the CBI or the Income Tax department or the Enforcement Directorate. Prime Minister Modi was destroying constitutional bodies. "A situation is emerging where there is no democracy. I cannot keep quiet. That is why me and Congress decided to work together to save democracy," Naidu, whose party is part of the front, claimed that the TDP was the brain behind the development of Hyderabad and Telangana, saying 'Cyberabad (IT district here) was his brainchild and he had brought software giants like Microsoft. Earlier, talking to reporters, the TDP supremo defended joining hands with the Congress, saying they had no ideological differences with the Rahul Gandhi-led party. Naidu, who shared the dais with Gandhi at a couple of campaign meetings Wednesday in the state, said there was a democratic compulsion for non-BJP parties to come on a single platform. "Politically, we (TDP and Congress) are different. The Telugu Desam Party, from the beginning, has been fighting against the Congress and that is a reality. Ideologically we do not have any differences. Ideologically, we have differences with the BJP," he said. "But today there is a democratic compulsion. That's why there is a necessity to fight against the BJP to save the Constitution and also save institutions," he said when asked about the decades-old differences with Congress. The Congress has roped in the TDP, CPI and M Kodandaram-led Telangana Jana Samithi to form the People's Front to take on the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti in the assembly polls. Naidu, who snapped ties with the BJP-led NDA earlier this year on the issue of special category status to Andhra Pradesh, said the saffron party had no chance of winning any of the five states which were presently under various stages of the election process. He said the BJP could manage to win only four or five Lok Sabha bypolls in the last 20-odd ones. "Modi disappointed the nation. People trusted him so much... But he disappointed the nation. Everybody is living under pressure and tension. It is very bad for the nation that they are misusing institutions like CBI, ED and Income Tax," he claimed. On the proposed meeting of non-BJP parties on December 10, Naidu said there would be no formal invitation to any party. On being asked who would lead the anti-BJP coalition, he said, there were efficient people and able administrators who would take the role. "Who is Narendra Modi? Till 2014 he was just a chief minister. He was able to lead (his party to a win). Now there are efficient people and able administrators. They will lead. We will bring a consensus on that," he said. Naidu, who has been meeting leaders of various opposition parties in the recent weeks, ruled himself out of the race for prime ministership. "I am not in the race for prime ministership... I've told many times. I am not expecting any position or any incentive out of this initiative," he said. The TDP chief asserted that the People's Front was going to win the coming polls and form the government in Telangana. At the roadshow, Naidu said TDP was committed to the development of Telangana and he had no intention of entering into the state politics and would confine himself to Andhra Pradesh. TDP is contesting in 13 seats in the Telangana polls.

KCR is 'small Modi', cheating people: Naidu

TRS leader and Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao lost his cool and asked a man to remain silent when he raised a question on the proposed 12 per cent reservation for Muslims during an election meeting in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district.

During the meeting Thursday, the man asked Rao about the status of the proposed quota which was passed by the State Assembly and sent to the Centre for approval.

"What are you talking? Sit silent. What about 12 per cent? Why are you in hurry? Tere baap ko bolunga na (I will tell your father). Are you doing tamasha," Rao asked.

In his election speeches, Rao had accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of not clearing the proposed reservation for Muslims.

Later, during the course of his speech, Rao dubbed the man a 'sanyasi' and said there was a need to increase reservation for tribals and Muslim minorities.

Reacting to KCRs comments, Congress' Telangana unit tweeted "Drunk with power, KCR acts like a dictator. Mr KCR, you are answerable to the people of Telangana. Arrogance and dictatorship have no space in a democracy!"

The BJP has attacked the TRS on the quota issue while campaigning.&nbsp;

Hitting out at the Telangana Rashtra Samithi during an election rally at Mahabubnagar recently, the prime minister had said, "TRS's talk of (raising) Muslim reservations is vote bank politics which the Congress has been doing for a long time."

Former India cricketer and senior Congress leader Mohammed Azharuddin said KCR should tender an apology and also answer the question about the 12 per cent reservation he promised for Muslims.

"He should tender an apology. He should not have said that," Azharuddin said, reacting to Rao's remarks.

"Why should he make such promises when he knows very well that it cannot be fulfilled," Azharuddin, who is the Congress' Telangana unit working president, said.&nbsp;

TRS leader and Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao lost his cool and asked a man to remain silent when he raised a question on the proposed 12 per cent reservation for Muslims during an election meeting in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district.

TRS leader and Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao lost his cool and asked a man to remain silent when he raised a question on the proposed 12 per cent reservation for Muslims during an election meeting in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district. During the meeting Thursday, the man asked Rao about the status of the proposed quota which was passed by the State Assembly and sent to the Centre for approval. "What are you talking? Sit silent. What about 12 per cent? Why are you in hurry? Tere baap ko bolunga na (I will tell your father). Are you doing tamasha," Rao asked. In his election speeches, Rao had accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of not clearing the proposed reservation for Muslims. Later, during the course of his speech, Rao dubbed the man a 'sanyasi' and said there was a need to increase reservation for tribals and Muslim minorities. Reacting to KCRs comments, Congress' Telangana unit tweeted "Drunk with power, KCR acts like a dictator. Mr KCR, you are answerable to the people of Telangana. Arrogance and dictatorship have no space in a democracy!" The BJP has attacked the TRS on the quota issue while campaigning. Hitting out at the Telangana Rashtra Samithi during an election rally at Mahabubnagar recently, the prime minister had said, "TRS's talk of (raising) Muslim reservations is vote bank politics which the Congress has been doing for a long time." Former India cricketer and senior Congress leader Mohammed Azharuddin said KCR should tender an apology and also answer the question about the 12 per cent reservation he promised for Muslims. "He should tender an apology. He should not have said that," Azharuddin said, reacting to Rao's remarks. "Why should he make such promises when he knows very well that it cannot be fulfilled," Azharuddin, who is the Congress' Telangana unit working president, said.

Telangana CM KCR snaps at man questioning Muslim quota

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TRS MP K Kavitha hits out at Sonia Gandhi, Congress

The Congress Saturday came out with a "people's charge sheet" accusing TRS chief and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao of failing to keep his promises to the people of Telangana.

Racheting up the attack on the Telangana Rashtra Samithi ahead of the December 7 state assembly polls, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala described KCR as "BJP stooge" and "King of Corruption and Rhetoric" and said the TRS should be renamed "Telangana Ravaged by Self-Interests."

Surjewala alleged that KCR (as Rao is popularly known) and TRS provided family rule, coupled with "unbridled and rampant corruption."

"The four-years-three-months of TRS government is corruption and utter misrule. KCR's single point agenda is family and coterie rule.

KCR-led TRS government should be given a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most corrupt government of India," he said at a press conference here, after releasing the "charge sheet on the anti-people rule of TRS in Telangana."

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We are releasing people's chargesheet against the corrupt KCR Pvt Ltd. A power hungry KCR Garu hijacked the Telangana movement and betrayed the movement by his arrogance of power, a govt submerged in corruption over four years and three months: Randeep Surjewala, Congress <a href="https://t.co/wqEwKICJou">pic.twitter.com/wqEwKICJou</a>
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Surjewala claimed that the TRS and BJP were undeclared allies in the state and Centre and that vote for TRS is vote for BJP.

"KCR is a BJP stooge failing to protect Telangana's interests. He supported the NDA and BJP on different occasions."

"Bada Modi (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) and Chota Modi (KCR) are in the looting and cheating together to dupe and deceive the people of Telangana and the entire country, Surjewala said, referring to the TRS extending support to the BJP-led NDA government's decisions on demonetisation and GST.

KCR was now indulging in fake theatrics to distance himself from the Prime Minister and his party, but people know the truth, the Congress leader alleged.

According to Surjewala, KCR came to power promising transformation of the newly carved out state but only his family members are in the car (TRS party symbol) and TRS leadership betrayed every strata of the society.

"Power hungry KCR hijacked the Telangana movement and betrayed the people of Telangana," he said.

People hoped that after the formation of the new state that they would have first right on resources---water--drinking and irrigation, funds, pension, health cards and housing, jobs in public and private sector but all that remained a pipe dream, Surjewala said.

"That's why we have brought out 24 major charges in the form of people's charge sheet"," he said.

He alleged that TRS leaders were involved in several scams.

Under the TRS government, he said, the agriculture sector was in deep crisis and 4500 farmers had committed suicide.

"Not a single irrigation project has been executed," he said.

"The only thing they did is refurbished, redesigned and re-engineer to take maximum commission from contractors resulting in large-scale misappropriation of funds," Surjewala said.

The Congress leader attacked KCR for not making a Dalit the CM and accused him of failing to keep his promises including giving 3 acres to Dalits and cheating tribals and minorities over the reservation.

The finances of Telangana have been plundered, he alleged, adding that when Telangana was formed it had Rs 7,500 crore revenue surplus but under the TRS government public debt doubled to Rs 1.80 lakh crore as against Rs 70,000 crore during 2014-15.

"After the Congress-led alliance government is formed in Telangana, a People's Commission will be formed to investigate all these 24 charges in the people's charge sheet in a time-bound period.

Anyone found guilty, including chief minister and ministers and elected representatives, will be punished and sent to jail," Surjewala said.&nbsp;

The Congress Saturday came out with a "people's charge sheet" accusing TRS chief and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao of failing to keep his promises to the people of Telangana.

The Congress Saturday came out with a "people's charge sheet" accusing TRS chief and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao of failing to keep his promises to the people of Telangana. Racheting up the attack on the Telangana Rashtra Samithi ahead of the December 7 state assembly polls, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala described KCR as "BJP stooge" and "King of Corruption and Rhetoric" and said the TRS should be renamed "Telangana Ravaged by Self-Interests." Surjewala alleged that KCR (as Rao is popularly known) and TRS provided family rule, coupled with "unbridled and rampant corruption." "The four-years-three-months of TRS government is corruption and utter misrule. KCR's single point agenda is family and coterie rule. KCR-led TRS government should be given a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most corrupt government of India," he said at a press conference here, after releasing the "charge sheet on the anti-people rule of TRS in Telangana." We are releasing people's chargesheet against the corrupt KCR Pvt Ltd. A power hungry KCR Garu hijacked the Telangana movement and betrayed the movement by his arrogance of power, a govt submerged in corruption over four years and three months: Randeep Surjewala, Congress pic.twitter.com/wqEwKICJou — ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2018 × Surjewala claimed that the TRS and BJP were undeclared allies in the state and Centre and that vote for TRS is vote for BJP. "KCR is a BJP stooge failing to protect Telangana's interests. He supported the NDA and BJP on different occasions." "Bada Modi (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) and Chota Modi (KCR) are in the looting and cheating together to dupe and deceive the people of Telangana and the entire country, Surjewala said, referring to the TRS extending support to the BJP-led NDA government's decisions on demonetisation and GST. KCR was now indulging in fake theatrics to distance himself from the Prime Minister and his party, but people know the truth, the Congress leader alleged. According to Surjewala, KCR came to power promising transformation of the newly carved out state but only his family members are in the car (TRS party symbol) and TRS leadership betrayed every strata of the society. "Power hungry KCR hijacked the Telangana movement and betrayed the people of Telangana," he said. People hoped that after the formation of the new state that they would have first right on resources---water--drinking and irrigation, funds, pension, health cards and housing, jobs in public and private sector but all that remained a pipe dream, Surjewala said. "That's why we have brought out 24 major charges in the form of people's charge sheet"," he said. He alleged that TRS leaders were involved in several scams. Under the TRS government, he said, the agriculture sector was in deep crisis and 4500 farmers had committed suicide. "Not a single irrigation project has been executed," he said. "The only thing they did is refurbished, redesigned and re-engineer to take maximum commission from contractors resulting in large-scale misappropriation of funds," Surjewala said. The Congress leader attacked KCR for not making a Dalit the CM and accused him of failing to keep his promises including giving 3 acres to Dalits and cheating tribals and minorities over the reservation. The finances of Telangana have been plundered, he alleged, adding that when Telangana was formed it had Rs 7,500 crore revenue surplus but under the TRS government public debt doubled to Rs 1.80 lakh crore as against Rs 70,000 crore during 2014-15. "After the Congress-led alliance government is formed in Telangana, a People's Commission will be formed to investigate all these 24 charges in the people's charge sheet in a time-bound period. Anyone found guilty, including chief minister and ministers and elected representatives, will be punished and sent to jail," Surjewala said.

Congress comes out with people's charge sheet against 'corrupt KCR Pvt Ltd'

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

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

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

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP are afflicted with a "disease" that has caused "communal madness" and prompted them to block enhanced job quotas for Muslims in Telangana, TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao said Friday, as poll-time rhetoric got shriller and nastier.

Rao, the caretaker chief minister, slammed the Centre for keeping on hold a decision on raising reservations for Muslims and Scheduled Tribes from 4 to 12 per cent and 6 to 10 per cent in state government jobs and educational institutions despite the state assembly passing a resolution.

"Narendra Modi and the BJP have a disease...In everything they see, they see Hindu-Muslim (divide). They don't see anything else and so they did not do it (raise the quotas)...They have kept it pending," he told an election rally at Narsampet.

Addressing another election meeting in Mahabubabad, the TRS president repeated his charge and accused the Centre of "religious madness".

"Narendra Modi government has a disease. That is minorities (versus) Hindus...They are in that state of 'mataparamaina pichi' (communal madness)). It is because of this they blocked reservations for STs and Muslims," he said.

Rao said he will ensure that the demand for raising the quotas was accepted if people elected TRS candidates from all the 17 Lok Sabha seats of Telangana next year.

"Not only the Assembly elections...With kindness, help us win all 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana. Only if we win can we make Delhi bend its neck.&nbsp;We will get our ST reservation, we will get our Muslim reservation," he said.

The TRS leader claimed both the BJP and the Congress wanted to exercise complete control over the states.

"It doesn't matter which of the two parties forms the government at the Centre. Their attitude is the same. Both Congress and the BJP want to concentrate all powers over states into their hands. This is their culture," he said.

Rao once again batted for a non-Congress, non-BJP "federal front" government at the Centre to end that culture.

The TRS chief, who has been assailing the Congress-led opposition coalition that includes Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's TDP, asked people at his Narasampet rally whether Telangana needed Naidu. He has been accusing Naidu of stalling the development of&nbsp;Telangana when it was part of undivided Andhra Pradesh.

He hit out at the Congress for merging the Telangana region with Andhra against the wishes of the people of Telangana. He also accused the Congress government of suppressing the agitation for a separate Telangana in 1969.

Rao said Congress leaders were silent when "injustice" was being done to Telangana region in undivided Andhra Pradesh and were trying to bring Naidu back to Telangana now.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP are afflicted with a "disease" that has caused "communal madness" and prompted them to block enhanced job quotas for Muslims in Telangana, TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao said Friday, as poll-time rhetoric got shriller and nastier.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP are afflicted with a "disease" that has caused "communal madness" and prompted them to block enhanced job quotas for Muslims in Telangana, TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao said Friday, as poll-time rhetoric got shriller and nastier. Rao, the caretaker chief minister, slammed the Centre for keeping on hold a decision on raising reservations for Muslims and Scheduled Tribes from 4 to 12 per cent and 6 to 10 per cent in state government jobs and educational institutions despite the state assembly passing a resolution. "Narendra Modi and the BJP have a disease...In everything they see, they see Hindu-Muslim (divide). They don't see anything else and so they did not do it (raise the quotas)...They have kept it pending," he told an election rally at Narsampet. Addressing another election meeting in Mahabubabad, the TRS president repeated his charge and accused the Centre of "religious madness". "Narendra Modi government has a disease. That is minorities (versus) Hindus...They are in that state of 'mataparamaina pichi' (communal madness)). It is because of this they blocked reservations for STs and Muslims," he said. Rao said he will ensure that the demand for raising the quotas was accepted if people elected TRS candidates from all the 17 Lok Sabha seats of Telangana next year. "Not only the Assembly elections...With kindness, help us win all 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana. Only if we win can we make Delhi bend its neck. We will get our ST reservation, we will get our Muslim reservation," he said. The TRS leader claimed both the BJP and the Congress wanted to exercise complete control over the states. "It doesn't matter which of the two parties forms the government at the Centre. Their attitude is the same. Both Congress and the BJP want to concentrate all powers over states into their hands. This is their culture," he said. Rao once again batted for a non-Congress, non-BJP "federal front" government at the Centre to end that culture. The TRS chief, who has been assailing the Congress-led opposition coalition that includes Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's TDP, asked people at his Narasampet rally whether Telangana needed Naidu. He has been accusing Naidu of stalling the development of Telangana when it was part of undivided Andhra Pradesh. He hit out at the Congress for merging the Telangana region with Andhra against the wishes of the people of Telangana. He also accused the Congress government of suppressing the agitation for a separate Telangana in 1969. Rao said Congress leaders were silent when "injustice" was being done to Telangana region in undivided Andhra Pradesh and were trying to bring Naidu back to Telangana now.

Modi has the 'disease' that causes 'communal madness': Rao

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

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

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

Over 3500 nominations filed for Telangana Assembly elections

Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is richer by nearly Rs 5.5 crore, and acquired 16 acres of agricultural land during the past four years, according to the affidavit he filed along with his nomination for Gajwel Assembly constituency.

However, the Telangana Rashtra Samiti supremo, whose party symbol is a car, does not own one, according to the affidavit he filed Wednesday.

The total value of his movable and immovable assets stood at Rs 22.61 crore in the latest affidavit against Rs 15.95 crore in 2014.

His liabilities have grown by over Rs one crore to Rs 8.89 crore.It was Rs 7.87 crore in 2014, the affidavit says.

In the 2014 general elections, he showed that he owned 37.70 acres of agricultural land and the latest affidavit says that it is 54.24 acres.

Rao says he is facing as many as 64 criminal cases related to the separate Telangana agitation.They are in various stages.

Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is richer by nearly Rs 5.5 crore, and acquired 16 acres of agricultural land during the past four years, according to the affidavit he filed along with his nomination for Gajwel Assembly constituency.

Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is richer by nearly Rs 5.5 crore, and acquired 16 acres of agricultural land during the past four years, according to the affidavit he filed along with his nomination for Gajwel Assembly constituency. However, the Telangana Rashtra Samiti supremo, whose party symbol is a car, does not own one, according to the affidavit he filed Wednesday. The total value of his movable and immovable assets stood at Rs 22.61 crore in the latest affidavit against Rs 15.95 crore in 2014. His liabilities have grown by over Rs one crore to Rs 8.89 crore.It was Rs 7.87 crore in 2014, the affidavit says. In the 2014 general elections, he showed that he owned 37.70 acres of agricultural land and the latest affidavit says that it is 54.24 acres. Rao says he is facing as many as 64 criminal cases related to the separate Telangana agitation.They are in various stages.

Telangana election: TRS chief richer by Rs 5.5 Crore but owns no car

Pink colour which largely represents women in certain categories has become a subject of controversy in the run-up to Telangana elections as the Election Commission decided to continue to use the colour for ballot papers on EVMs in the December 7 Assembly polls.

The colour 'gives jitters' to the Congress as K Chandrasekhar Rao-led Telangana Rashtra Samiti uses pink as the party's official colour scheme for all its promotional material.

Leaders including KCR always wear pink scarf around their neck during party functions.

There were representations to the Election Commission from Congress not to use the colour as they feel it may influence voters towards the TRS party.

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) chief spokesperson Dasoju Sravan sarcastically said, "The Commission seems to have been infected with some pink disease."

Sravan alleged that the Commission represented by the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer issued orders for printing 90 lakh ballot papers in 'pink' colour.

"We openly raised red flag opposing the introduction of pink ballot papers that it would give undue electoral advantage to TRS.

However, the Election Commission in Telangana has taken no action to stop those violations rather the aforesaid illegal decision is reinforced ignoring the open plea made by us," he said.

Reacting to the development Chief Electoral officer Rajat Kumar Monday said the EC has decided to hold the elections with pink-coloured ballot papers pasted on EVMs but the voter slips would be in white colour, according to the provisions of the Representation of People's Act.

"The Representation of the People Act has to be amended for changing the colour of the ballot paper," he noted.

However, TRS has a reason for choosing Pink as its party's colour.

TRS MP Vinod Kumar said pink represents peace and love and in 2001 when separate Telangana movement was started by KCR, they decided to use it for the same reason.

"Those who object using pink ballot papers should go and ask former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Because during his time in 1952 , it was decided that white would be used for Parliament and pink for Assembly ballot papers," Vinod Kumar said.

The Election Symbol of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti, is "Car" and is usually drawn on a pink-coloured rectangular party flag.

Pink colour which largely represents women in certain categories has become a subject of controversy in the run-up to Telangana elections as the Election Commission decided to continue to use the colour for ballot papers on EVMs in the December 7 Assembly polls.

Pink colour which largely represents women in certain categories has become a subject of controversy in the run-up to Telangana elections as the Election Commission decided to continue to use the colour for ballot papers on EVMs in the December 7 Assembly polls. The colour 'gives jitters' to the Congress as K Chandrasekhar Rao-led Telangana Rashtra Samiti uses pink as the party's official colour scheme for all its promotional material. Leaders including KCR always wear pink scarf around their neck during party functions. There were representations to the Election Commission from Congress not to use the colour as they feel it may influence voters towards the TRS party. Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) chief spokesperson Dasoju Sravan sarcastically said, "The Commission seems to have been infected with some pink disease." Sravan alleged that the Commission represented by the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer issued orders for printing 90 lakh ballot papers in 'pink' colour. "We openly raised red flag opposing the introduction of pink ballot papers that it would give undue electoral advantage to TRS. However, the Election Commission in Telangana has taken no action to stop those violations rather the aforesaid illegal decision is reinforced ignoring the open plea made by us," he said. Reacting to the development Chief Electoral officer Rajat Kumar Monday said the EC has decided to hold the elections with pink-coloured ballot papers pasted on EVMs but the voter slips would be in white colour, according to the provisions of the Representation of People's Act. "The Representation of the People Act has to be amended for changing the colour of the ballot paper," he noted. However, TRS has a reason for choosing Pink as its party's colour. TRS MP Vinod Kumar said pink represents peace and love and in 2001 when separate Telangana movement was started by KCR, they decided to use it for the same reason. "Those who object using pink ballot papers should go and ask former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Because during his time in 1952 , it was decided that white would be used for Parliament and pink for Assembly ballot papers," Vinod Kumar said. The Election Symbol of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti, is "Car" and is usually drawn on a pink-coloured rectangular party flag.

Telangana polls: 'Pink fight' over ballot paper colour

Charging caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao with running a dictatorial and one-family rule in Telangana, senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan Sunday exuded confidence that the Congress-led alliance would win the December 7 assembly polls and form the next government.

Speaking to reporters here, he alleged that the promises made to the people in the run-up to the 2014 elections were just to garner votes and added that the coming polls would be fought over the 'misrule' of KCR (as Rao is popularly known) government.

"The last four-and-half-years of KCR government was nothing but a tragedy for the people of Telangana...It has been a complete dictatorial and one-family rule, where all the promises made before 2014 elections were not fulfilled," Chavan, who was also a former Union Minister, said.

Chavan claimed that the present mood in Telangana was that the TRS government would go (lose), Congress would come to power and with that misery of people will end.

"This hidden alliance between TRS-MIM and also BJP will be exposed by the people," the former Maharashtra Chief Minister said.

"We will expose the BJP at the national level and the hidden alliance of KCR and BJP in Telangana, Chavan said.

He claimed that the previous Congress government had taken up several developmental, infrastructure works and created jobs in united Andhra Pradesh (before creation of Telangana).

Chavan alleged that none of the promises made by KCR, like making a Dalit the Chief Minister, grant of three-acre agriculture land to Dalit families, 12 per cent reservation to minorities, tribals and resolving the unemployment issue were not fulfilled.

"Similarly, health and education system is in a shambles and there is a shortage of medicines, doctors and nurses.. free education from KG to PG as promised by KCR remains unfulfilled," he alleged and added that there was also no transparency in governance.

"Promises were made to get votes, but when it came to delivery, it has been a complete failure. The coming election is going to be based on the promises made by TRS and KCR to the people of Telangana," Chavan added.

Charging caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao with running a dictatorial and one-family rule in Telangana, senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan Sunday exuded confidence that the Congress-led alliance would win the December 7 assembly polls and form the next government.

Charging caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao with running a dictatorial and one-family rule in Telangana, senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan Sunday exuded confidence that the Congress-led alliance would win the December 7 assembly polls and form the next government. Speaking to reporters here, he alleged that the promises made to the people in the run-up to the 2014 elections were just to garner votes and added that the coming polls would be fought over the 'misrule' of KCR (as Rao is popularly known) government. "The last four-and-half-years of KCR government was nothing but a tragedy for the people of Telangana...It has been a complete dictatorial and one-family rule, where all the promises made before 2014 elections were not fulfilled," Chavan, who was also a former Union Minister, said. Chavan claimed that the present mood in Telangana was that the TRS government would go (lose), Congress would come to power and with that misery of people will end. "This hidden alliance between TRS-MIM and also BJP will be exposed by the people," the former Maharashtra Chief Minister said. "We will expose the BJP at the national level and the hidden alliance of KCR and BJP in Telangana, Chavan said. He claimed that the previous Congress government had taken up several developmental, infrastructure works and created jobs in united Andhra Pradesh (before creation of Telangana). Chavan alleged that none of the promises made by KCR, like making a Dalit the Chief Minister, grant of three-acre agriculture land to Dalit families, 12 per cent reservation to minorities, tribals and resolving the unemployment issue were not fulfilled. "Similarly, health and education system is in a shambles and there is a shortage of medicines, doctors and nurses.. free education from KG to PG as promised by KCR remains unfulfilled," he alleged and added that there was also no transparency in governance. "Promises were made to get votes, but when it came to delivery, it has been a complete failure. The coming election is going to be based on the promises made by TRS and KCR to the people of Telangana," Chavan added.

K Chandrasekhar Rao running dictatorial, one family rule in Telangana: Congress

Congress on Monday alleged that TRS chief and caretaker chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao manipulated government contracts, mostly irrigation projects, with two engineering firms bagging works worth a staggering Rs 77,000 crore.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has refuted the allegations.

Congress spokesperson S Jaipal Reddy alleged that one engineering company alone bagged contracts worth Rs 60,000 crore for irrigation and drinking water projects while another company got contracts of Rs 17,000 crore in irrigation sector.

"These two companies together got contract works worth Rs 77,000 crore in a short period of four years," the former union minister told reporters here.

"It was made possible because KCR (as Rao is popularly known as) manipulated, orchestrated the award of contracts to them (the two companies). In normal process, it is not possible," Reddy said

He said if Congress comes to power (wins the coming assembly polls in the state), one of its first tasks would be to launch a thorough inquiry into these contracts and to see that the guilty are punished.

"We will also see that the companies involved are also punished."

Reddy also alleged that there was over estimation of 30 per cent in cost of different projects and other contractors were frightened away and the whole thing (tender process) was rigged.

Asked if he has any documents to prove his allegations, Reddy said: "I have been a Parliamentarian and I don't make allegations in the air.

I want only one favour from KCR...Let him question the facts and figures. I throw a frontal challenge to the TRS government. I challenge them to reject the figures."

Reacting to Reddy's allegations of manipulation in awarding contracts, TRS MP B Vinod Kumar said, "not at all."

Most of the contracts (for irrigation projects) were awarded in the Congress-ruled erstwhile state of Andhra Pradesh under the then (late) Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, he alleged.

"During Rajasekhara Reddy's government these two contractors whom he (Jaipal Reddy) named were only contractors who were awarded the contracts.

All the contracts many of them were awarded during Rajasekhara Reddy's regime only except the barrages which are being constructed on Godavari river," Kumar said.

He said the project costs might have increased because of expanding or redesigning those projects "but they will also irrigate large areas."

On Reddy's challenge to the TRS government, Kumar said "let him challenge."&nbsp;

Congress on Monday alleged that TRS chief and caretaker chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao manipulated government contracts, mostly irrigation projects, with two engineering firms bagging works worth a staggering Rs 77,000 crore.

Congress on Monday alleged that TRS chief and caretaker chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao manipulated government contracts, mostly irrigation projects, with two engineering firms bagging works worth a staggering Rs 77,000 crore. The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has refuted the allegations. Congress spokesperson S Jaipal Reddy alleged that one engineering company alone bagged contracts worth Rs 60,000 crore for irrigation and drinking water projects while another company got contracts of Rs 17,000 crore in irrigation sector. "These two companies together got contract works worth Rs 77,000 crore in a short period of four years," the former union minister told reporters here. "It was made possible because KCR (as Rao is popularly known as) manipulated, orchestrated the award of contracts to them (the two companies). In normal process, it is not possible," Reddy said He said if Congress comes to power (wins the coming assembly polls in the state), one of its first tasks would be to launch a thorough inquiry into these contracts and to see that the guilty are punished. "We will also see that the companies involved are also punished." Reddy also alleged that there was over estimation of 30 per cent in cost of different projects and other contractors were frightened away and the whole thing (tender process) was rigged. Asked if he has any documents to prove his allegations, Reddy said: "I have been a Parliamentarian and I don't make allegations in the air. I want only one favour from KCR...Let him question the facts and figures. I throw a frontal challenge to the TRS government. I challenge them to reject the figures." Reacting to Reddy's allegations of manipulation in awarding contracts, TRS MP B Vinod Kumar said, "not at all." Most of the contracts (for irrigation projects) were awarded in the Congress-ruled erstwhile state of Andhra Pradesh under the then (late) Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, he alleged. "During Rajasekhara Reddy's government these two contractors whom he (Jaipal Reddy) named were only contractors who were awarded the contracts. All the contracts many of them were awarded during Rajasekhara Reddy's regime only except the barrages which are being constructed on Godavari river," Kumar said. He said the project costs might have increased because of expanding or redesigning those projects "but they will also irrigate large areas." On Reddy's challenge to the TRS government, Kumar said "let him challenge."

KCR 'indulged in manipulation' in award of contracts:Congress

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao will meet Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday at Pragathi Bhavan in Telangana.

The meeting is seen as a move towards the federal front formation ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-an-attempt-to-stitch-coalition-kcr-meets-karunanidhi-mk-stalin-rings-mamata-banerjee-too-133649">KCR had earlier met with the DMK president M Karunanidhi</a> at his residence on Sunday. He also dined with MK Stalin, the working president of the party.&nbspThe leaders also had a telephonic conversation with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee.

Later while addressing a joint press conference KCR discussed " federal front" and secularism.

He said he would have a discussion with "certain parties" from Tamil Nadu who have aligned with him.

KCR had also warned the Congress and the Bhartiya Janata Party of the Federal Front saying the front would replace the two parties.

He said, " We would break the foundation laid by Congress and BJP to rule the country".

He also warned the parties that the country would see a new ruling in the coming months.

Reports also state that the Telangana chief minister would also meet Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik this week.

KCR had earlier met with the DMK president M Karunanidhi at his residence on Sunday. He also dined with MK Stalin, the working president of the party. The leaders also had a telephonic conversation with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao will meet Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday at Pragathi Bhavan in Telangana. The meeting is seen as a move towards the federal front formation ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections. KCR had earlier met with the DMK president M Karunanidhi at his residence on Sunday. He also dined with MK Stalin, the working president of the party.&nbspThe leaders also had a telephonic conversation with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. Later while addressing a joint press conference KCR discussed " federal front" and secularism. He said he would have a discussion with "certain parties" from Tamil Nadu who have aligned with him. KCR had also warned the Congress and the Bhartiya Janata Party of the Federal Front saying the front would replace the two parties. He said, " We would break the foundation laid by Congress and BJP to rule the country". He also warned the parties that the country would see a new ruling in the coming months. Reports also state that the Telangana chief minister would also meet Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik this week.

Akhilesh Yadav to meet KCR today to discuss Federal Front

After announcing his national political ambition, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) on Sunday said his idea of non-Congress and non-Bharatiya Janata Party front was finding resonance among many regional leaders.

&quot;Since morning, I have been receiving many calls from various places in India. Today afternoon, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee called me and said that I have taken the right decision and she will be supporting me,&quot; Chief Minister Rao said while addressing a huge crowd at his official residence, Pragati Bhavan, in Telangana.

&quot;Former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren also called, telling me that he is standing behind me. Soren also told me that he is trying to speak with many other people in India and will meet up soon and speak on the issue,&quot; said Rao.

He also said that numerous MPs have called him and assured him of their support.

Meanwhile, Rao criticised Congress and BJP, saying that both the parties have &quot;miserably failed in governance&quot;.

&quot;We see farmers` suicides, why is this happening even after 70 years of independence?&quot; Rao asked.

He further accused the national parties of dividing the country and its people on caste, religion and political lines.Claiming that nothing has changed during the governance of BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre, Rao said some sectors should be handed over to the states.

&quot;Medical, education, agriculture, and urban development should be handed over to state governments, but they aren`t doing so, while the Central government is keeping all these departments in their hands,&quot; said the Telangana Chief Minister.

On Saturday, after chairing the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) parliamentary board meeting, KCR announced his ambition to participate in the national politics to initiate a change in the political fabric of the country, following the &quot;miserable failure&quot; of the current system.

&quot;I am keen to participate in national politics to change the political fabric of the country as the current political system has miserably failed. There is a serious need for qualitative change in the national politics, as no change has been seen by the people even after 70 years of exercise of democracy,&quot; he said.

Thereafter, West Bengal`s Banerjee, former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, two MPs from Maharashtra, and representatives from other political parties called KCR to express their support for his vision.

However, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did not take the criticism lying down and its Telangana unit alleged that KCR had &quot;failed miserably&quot; in the governance of Telangana, adding that the decision to unite with other parties was because of not being able to fight the BJP alone.&nbsp;

After announcing his national political ambition, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) on Sunday said his idea of non-Congress and non-Bharatiya Janata Party front was finding resonance among many regional leaders

After announcing his national political ambition, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) on Sunday said his idea of non-Congress and non-Bharatiya Janata Party front was finding resonance among many regional leaders. "Since morning, I have been receiving many calls from various places in India. Today afternoon, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee called me and said that I have taken the right decision and she will be supporting me," Chief Minister Rao said while addressing a huge crowd at his official residence, Pragati Bhavan, in Telangana. "Former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren also called, telling me that he is standing behind me. Soren also told me that he is trying to speak with many other people in India and will meet up soon and speak on the issue," said Rao. He also said that numerous MPs have called him and assured him of their support. Meanwhile, Rao criticised Congress and BJP, saying that both the parties have "miserably failed in governance". "We see farmers` suicides, why is this happening even after 70 years of independence?" Rao asked. He further accused the national parties of dividing the country and its people on caste, religion and political lines.Claiming that nothing has changed during the governance of BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre, Rao said some sectors should be handed over to the states. "Medical, education, agriculture, and urban development should be handed over to state governments, but they aren`t doing so, while the Central government is keeping all these departments in their hands," said the Telangana Chief Minister. On Saturday, after chairing the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) parliamentary board meeting, KCR announced his ambition to participate in the national politics to initiate a change in the political fabric of the country, following the "miserable failure" of the current system. "I am keen to participate in national politics to change the political fabric of the country as the current political system has miserably failed. There is a serious need for qualitative change in the national politics, as no change has been seen by the people even after 70 years of exercise of democracy," he said. Thereafter, West Bengal`s Banerjee, former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, two MPs from Maharashtra, and representatives from other political parties called KCR to express their support for his vision. However, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did not take the criticism lying down and its Telangana unit alleged that KCR had "failed miserably" in the governance of Telangana, adding that the decision to unite with other parties was because of not being able to fight the BJP alone.

Receiving widespread support: KCR on third front idea

Ivanka Trump, the adviser and daughter of US President Donald Trump, has thanked Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao for his hospitality during her recent visit to Hyderabad.&nbsp;In a hand-written letter addressed to Rao, she described her visit as an &quot;incredible and inspiring experience&quot;.

Last month, Ivanka Trump led a delegation of US administration officials and entrepreneurs at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) held here.&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hosted a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-hosts-ivanka-trump-for-dinner-at-hyderbads-falaknuma-palace-25389">gala dinner</a> for her at the famous Falaknuma Palace Hotel in the city.

Ivanka Trump, in her letter to the chief minister, said she was touched by the warmth of the people of Telangana.&quot;I also want to thank you for the exquisite gift that you presented to me at the Falaknuma Palace. I am deeply touched by your thoughtful gesture and by the warmth of the people of Telangana&quot;, she said in the letter, a copy of which was released last night.

She further said that she looks forward to coming to India in the near future.&nbsp;Ivanka Trump, who is also an entrepreneur, was invited by the prime minister during his visit to the White House in June to speak at the GES.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/global-entrepreneurship-summit-2017-live-updates-day-3-25479">GES 2017 Updates - &#39;Women don&#39;t just build businesses, we build nations,&#39; Lerato Motsamai</a>

Last month, Ivanka Trump led a delegation of US administration officials and entrepreneurs at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) held in Hyderabad

Ivanka Trump, the adviser and daughter of US President Donald Trump, has thanked Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao for his hospitality during her recent visit to Hyderabad. In a hand-written letter addressed to Rao, she described her visit as an "incredible and inspiring experience". Last month, Ivanka Trump led a delegation of US administration officials and entrepreneurs at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) held here. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hosted a gala dinner for her at the famous Falaknuma Palace Hotel in the city. Ivanka Trump, in her letter to the chief minister, said she was touched by the warmth of the people of Telangana."I also want to thank you for the exquisite gift that you presented to me at the Falaknuma Palace. I am deeply touched by your thoughtful gesture and by the warmth of the people of Telangana", she said in the letter, a copy of which was released last night. She further said that she looks forward to coming to India in the near future. Ivanka Trump, who is also an entrepreneur, was invited by the prime minister during his visit to the White House in June to speak at the GES. Also Read: GES 2017 Updates - 'Women don't just build businesses, we build nations,' Lerato Motsamai

Ivanka Trump thanks Telangana Chief Minister Rao for warm hospitality during her Hyderabad visit

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