Chandramukhi, a 30-year-old trans-woman activist, contesting the Telangana Assembly election from the Goshamahal constituency in Hyderabad on Bahujan Left Front ticket, went missing from her home since Tuesday morning.

Speaking to ANI over the phone, Banjarahills ACP KS Rao said that the transgender community on Tuesday night approached the police complaining of Chandramukhi`s missing since morning.

The police have registered a case and investigations are underway.

"We have formed a special team to search Chandramukhi. We are monitoring the CCTV. There is no suspicion on anyone," the police said.

On November 21, Chandramukhi filed nomination from Goshamahal constituency.

Chandramukhi`s opponent is sitting legislator Raja Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Telangana Legislative Assembly election is scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies.

The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Chandramukhi, a 30-year-old trans-woman activist, contesting the Telangana Assembly election from the Goshamahal constituency in Hyderabad on Bahujan Left Front ticket, went missing from her home since Tuesday morning.

Chandramukhi, a 30-year-old trans-woman activist, contesting the Telangana Assembly election from the Goshamahal constituency in Hyderabad on Bahujan Left Front ticket, went missing from her home since Tuesday morning. Speaking to ANI over the phone, Banjarahills ACP KS Rao said that the transgender community on Tuesday night approached the police complaining of Chandramukhi`s missing since morning. The police have registered a case and investigations are underway. "We have formed a special team to search Chandramukhi. We are monitoring the CCTV. There is no suspicion on anyone," the police said. On November 21, Chandramukhi filed nomination from Goshamahal constituency. Chandramukhi`s opponent is sitting legislator Raja Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Telangana Legislative Assembly election is scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

India assembly elections 2018: Trans-woman contesting Telangana poll missing

The verbal attacks during the ongoing election campaign in Telangana hit a new low Sunday when Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao called his Andhra Pradesh counterpart N Chandrababu Naidu "a mental".

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was speaking at a public meeting at Pargi in Vikarabad district ahead of the December 7 state Assembly polls.

"I say Chandrababu is a mental. Why? Because he had once said goats should be banned in order to save the forests (by preventing grazing). When was the goat born (the species came into existence) and when was he born? Who are you to ban the goat, a creation of nature?" Rao asked.

"He (Naidu) claims that he was instrumental in putting Hyderabad on the world map. What should we do with this man," he said, hitting out at the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo.

"If he is that capable, why did he fail in building Amaravati (the upcoming capital of Andhra Pradesh)? Except graphic representations, no real building has come up there.

"This kind of cheats are coming to you, seeking votes. If we are not careful, we will be cheated," Rao said in a scathing attack on the People's Front alliance of the Congress, TDP, Telangana Jana Samithi and CPI.

He claimed that the power situation in Telangana had improved drastically since 2014, but it would worsen again if his party lost in the upcoming polls. 
The TRS was going to form the government by winning 103 to 106 of the 119 seats in the state, Rao claimed, citing a survey.

At a public meeting at Devarkadra, Rao alleged that Naidu had filed 35 court cases and "written 40 letters", opposing the irrigating projects in Telangana, and now, he was seeking votes in the state.

Hitting out at the Congress, the TRS chief said, "Don't you see the development here? Are you giving a Rs 1,000 pension to people in the states where your party is in power (as in Telangana)?"

Speaking at Narayanpet, the chief minister said democracy in the country had not reached "enough maturity levels" and that people should not vote carelessly.

"Many parties will come and say many things. Please listen to them and think once again before casting the vote, which is going to change our fate," he said.

Rao also addressed public meetings at Tandur, Shadnagar and Ibrahimpatnam Sunday.

The 119-member Telangana Assembly will go to the polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.&nbsp;

The verbal attacks during the ongoing election campaign in Telangana hit a new low Sunday when Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao called his Andhra Pradesh counterpart N Chandrababu Naidu "a mental".

The verbal attacks during the ongoing election campaign in Telangana hit a new low Sunday when Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao called his Andhra Pradesh counterpart N Chandrababu Naidu "a mental". The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was speaking at a public meeting at Pargi in Vikarabad district ahead of the December 7 state Assembly polls. "I say Chandrababu is a mental. Why? Because he had once said goats should be banned in order to save the forests (by preventing grazing). When was the goat born (the species came into existence) and when was he born? Who are you to ban the goat, a creation of nature?" Rao asked. "He (Naidu) claims that he was instrumental in putting Hyderabad on the world map. What should we do with this man," he said, hitting out at the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo. "If he is that capable, why did he fail in building Amaravati (the upcoming capital of Andhra Pradesh)? Except graphic representations, no real building has come up there. "This kind of cheats are coming to you, seeking votes. If we are not careful, we will be cheated," Rao said in a scathing attack on the People's Front alliance of the Congress, TDP, Telangana Jana Samithi and CPI. He claimed that the power situation in Telangana had improved drastically since 2014, but it would worsen again if his party lost in the upcoming polls. The TRS was going to form the government by winning 103 to 106 of the 119 seats in the state, Rao claimed, citing a survey. At a public meeting at Devarkadra, Rao alleged that Naidu had filed 35 court cases and "written 40 letters", opposing the irrigating projects in Telangana, and now, he was seeking votes in the state. Hitting out at the Congress, the TRS chief said, "Don't you see the development here? Are you giving a Rs 1,000 pension to people in the states where your party is in power (as in Telangana)?" Speaking at Narayanpet, the chief minister said democracy in the country had not reached "enough maturity levels" and that people should not vote carelessly. "Many parties will come and say many things. Please listen to them and think once again before casting the vote, which is going to change our fate," he said. Rao also addressed public meetings at Tandur, Shadnagar and Ibrahimpatnam Sunday. The 119-member Telangana Assembly will go to the polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.

KCR calls Chandrababu 'mental', questions his development claims

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Friday tore into Telangana's TRS government, saying it neglected minorities, women, students with Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao working only for himself and those close to him.

Development expected after Telangana's formation has not happened under TRS, she further said.

CM&nbsp;Rao cared only for himself and his own people leaving the child (Telangana) to suffer, she told an election rally at Medchal near in Telangana.

''Mothers know how important it is to look after a newborn baby. It is unfortunate that after the birth of Telangana, your responsibility fell into the hands of those who cared for themselves, but not for you,'' she said.

The UPA chairperson said that Congress is committed to special category status for Andhra Pradesh.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who also addressed the rally, said the TRS rule in Telangana was all set to end.

Only one man ran Telangana for five years; did everything to benefit his family, said, Rahul. &nbsp;

''When people of Telangana dreamed of forming the state, it was Sonia Gandhi Ji who stood by the people. If Telangana was formed, it was the public who formed it with their sweat and blood. Sonia Gandhi Ji also had a hand in its formation,'' added Rahul.&nbsp;

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Friday tore into Telangana's TRS government, saying it neglected minorities, women, students with Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao working only for himself and those close to him.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Friday tore into Telangana's TRS government, saying it neglected minorities, women, students with Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao working only for himself and those close to him. Development expected after Telangana's formation has not happened under TRS, she further said. CM Rao cared only for himself and his own people leaving the child (Telangana) to suffer, she told an election rally at Medchal near in Telangana. ''Mothers know how important it is to look after a newborn baby. It is unfortunate that after the birth of Telangana, your responsibility fell into the hands of those who cared for themselves, but not for you,'' she said. The UPA chairperson said that Congress is committed to special category status for Andhra Pradesh. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who also addressed the rally, said the TRS rule in Telangana was all set to end. Only one man ran Telangana for five years; did everything to benefit his family, said, Rahul. ''When people of Telangana dreamed of forming the state, it was Sonia Gandhi Ji who stood by the people. If Telangana was formed, it was the public who formed it with their sweat and blood. Sonia Gandhi Ji also had a hand in its formation,'' added Rahul.

Sonia, Rahul slam TRS president Chandrasekhar Rao in his home turf

Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) chief and Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Wednesday said that “both Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress are brothers who cannot be believed”.

Addressing a public meeting at Devarakonda, Rao, who is commonly known as KCR also announced that he will enter into the national politics after the Telangana polls. He also accused TPCC president Uttam Kumar Reddy and senior leader Jana Reddy of cheating the people of Nalgonda district and added, “Around 85 tribal areas are converted into Gram Panchayat which benefited the people of Lambada community in the district. No one can stop the victory of TRS in Devarakonda.” At another public meeting in Jadcherla, Rao credited his government for completing all the pending projects in the Mahabubnagar district and criticised Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.

He said, “All the pending projects in the district are about to complete in few months. &nbsp;Chandrababu Naidu was the Chief Minister for other state and had written a letter to the central government to stop Palamuru Ethipothala project in the district, why Naidu had not developed the district in nine years and how can TDP contest here now without any guilt”. He also made an announcement of implementing a new health scheme and said, “A new health scheme same as Kantivelugu will be implemented by the ENT department and blood samples of public will be collected in the state by which the Telangana health status can be known to the government.”

Claiming that the TRS government has implemented many schemes which are not implemented anywhere in the world, he also promised to provide water for 20 lakhs acre of land in the Mahabubnagar district. The Telangana Legislative Assembly Elections are scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) chief and Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Wednesday said that “both Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress are brothers who cannot be believed”.

Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) chief and Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Wednesday said that “both Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress are brothers who cannot be believed”. Addressing a public meeting at Devarakonda, Rao, who is commonly known as KCR also announced that he will enter into the national politics after the Telangana polls. He also accused TPCC president Uttam Kumar Reddy and senior leader Jana Reddy of cheating the people of Nalgonda district and added, “Around 85 tribal areas are converted into Gram Panchayat which benefited the people of Lambada community in the district. No one can stop the victory of TRS in Devarakonda.” At another public meeting in Jadcherla, Rao credited his government for completing all the pending projects in the Mahabubnagar district and criticised Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. He said, “All the pending projects in the district are about to complete in few months. Chandrababu Naidu was the Chief Minister for other state and had written a letter to the central government to stop Palamuru Ethipothala project in the district, why Naidu had not developed the district in nine years and how can TDP contest here now without any guilt”. He also made an announcement of implementing a new health scheme and said, “A new health scheme same as Kantivelugu will be implemented by the ENT department and blood samples of public will be collected in the state by which the Telangana health status can be known to the government.” Claiming that the TRS government has implemented many schemes which are not implemented anywhere in the world, he also promised to provide water for 20 lakhs acre of land in the Mahabubnagar district. The Telangana Legislative Assembly Elections are scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

BJP, Congress are brothers who can’t be believed: KCR

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

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

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

Telangana will become blind if Congress comes to power: KCR

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

Telangana Rashtra Samithi president and caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao has said that if the Congress comes to power, the state will go blind. Talking about providing electricity to Siddipet district, Mr Rao claimed during an election rally that "Telangana ranked number one in all the sectors.

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

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

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

AICC Telangana Incharge R C Khuntia Sunday alleged that caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao would join hands with the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls next year and has entered into a tie-up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Addressing a Padyatra in Musheerabad Assembly segment here, Khuntia questioned KCR, as Rao is popularly known as, over the early dissolution of the Legislative Assembly in the state.

Assembly polls in Telangana were originally scheduled to be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections next year.

However, the assembly was dissolved earlier last month as per a recommendation of the state cabinet, which necessitated elections ahead of the schedule.

He further hit out at Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief for "not fulfilling" his promise of providing 12 per cent reservation in jobs and education to Muslims and enhancement of quota for Scheduled Tribes.

The AICC general secretary in charge of Telangana affairs, Khuntiaalsoclaimed that the graph of Modi&nbsp;and NDA government was going down while that of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi was on the rise.

A separate Telangana State was created due to the efforts of the UPA government and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Khuntia added.

The Election Commission Saturday announced the dates for the Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram Assembly polls.

Polling in Rajasthan and Telangana will be held on December 7.

AICC Telangana Incharge R C Khuntia Sunday alleged that caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao would join hands with the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls next year and has entered into a tie-up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

AICC Telangana Incharge R C Khuntia Sunday alleged that caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao would join hands with the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls next year and has entered into a tie-up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing a Padyatra in Musheerabad Assembly segment here, Khuntia questioned KCR, as Rao is popularly known as, over the early dissolution of the Legislative Assembly in the state. Assembly polls in Telangana were originally scheduled to be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections next year. However, the assembly was dissolved earlier last month as per a recommendation of the state cabinet, which necessitated elections ahead of the schedule. He further hit out at Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief for "not fulfilling" his promise of providing 12 per cent reservation in jobs and education to Muslims and enhancement of quota for Scheduled Tribes. The AICC general secretary in charge of Telangana affairs, Khuntiaalsoclaimed that the graph of Modi and NDA government was going down while that of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi was on the rise. A separate Telangana State was created due to the efforts of the UPA government and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Khuntia added. The Election Commission Saturday announced the dates for the Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram Assembly polls. Polling in Rajasthan and Telangana will be held on December 7.

KCR would join hands with BJP in coming LS polls: RC Khuntia

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

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao met with the DMK president M Karunanidhi at his residence on Sunday. He also dined with MK Stalin, the working president of the party.&nbsp;

The leaders also had a telephonic conversation with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee.

Calling Karunanidhi as "the tallest leader of the country" he said he was lucky to have his blessings.

The meeting is seen as an attempt made by the&nbsp;Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) supremo to stitch a coalition against the BJP, ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

K Chandrasekhar Rao&nbsp;also discussed his plans for meeting Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu and Samajwadi party chief Akhilesh Yadav, reports said.

However, the TRS chief denied any idea of " third front", reports said.&nbsp;

He said he did not aim to bring in some kind of "third front" and the idea of "third front"&nbsp;had been created by the media. He added that their party has not proposed any such idea. He further said that the alliance was an alignment of farmers and India's youth and not political parties.

He also said that the decision of the parties who would join the alliance would be taken in future.&nbsp;

Earlier, the Telangana chief minister had met with the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Their meeting was seen as an effort to build a non-Congress, non-BJP federal front.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

K Chandrasekhar Rao also discussed his plans for meeting Telugu Desam Party chief and Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao 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. Calling Karunanidhi as "the tallest leader of the country" he said he was lucky to have his blessings. The meeting is seen as an attempt made by the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) supremo to stitch a coalition against the BJP, ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. K Chandrasekhar Rao also discussed his plans for meeting Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu and Samajwadi party chief Akhilesh Yadav, reports said. However, the TRS chief denied any idea of " third front", reports said. He said he did not aim to bring in some kind of "third front" and the idea of "third front" had been created by the media. He added that their party has not proposed any such idea. He further said that the alliance was an alignment of farmers and India's youth and not political parties. He also said that the decision of the parties who would join the alliance would be taken in future. Earlier, the Telangana chief minister had met with the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Their meeting was seen as an effort to build a non-Congress, non-BJP federal front.

In an attempt to stitch coalition, KCR meets Karunanidhi, MK Stalin, rings Mamata Banerjee too

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao met his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee here today and discussed the formation of a federal front to take on the BJP and the Congress in the 2019 general election.

Talking to reporters after the meeting at the State Secretariat, Rao, the chief of Telangana Rashtra Samithi, said that the country needed an alternative agenda and an alternative political force.

&quot;The country needs something good...What will happen if the BJP goes and the Congress comes? Will it do any wonders? We are in talks with like-minded parties,&quot; he said, emerging from his meeting with Banerjee who heads the Trinamool Congress.

He said this was the beginning of the federal front which would be a people&#39;s front.

Rao had recently said a non-Congress and non-BJP front should be formed in the country, as he called for a &quot;qualitative change&quot; in politics.

Talking to reporters after the meeting at the State Secretariat, Rao, the chief of Telangana Rashtra Samithi, said that the country needed an alternative agenda and an alternative political force

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao met his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee here today and discussed the formation of a federal front to take on the BJP and the Congress in the 2019 general election. Talking to reporters after the meeting at the State Secretariat, Rao, the chief of Telangana Rashtra Samithi, said that the country needed an alternative agenda and an alternative political force. "The country needs something good...What will happen if the BJP goes and the Congress comes? Will it do any wonders? We are in talks with like-minded parties," he said, emerging from his meeting with Banerjee who heads the Trinamool Congress. He said this was the beginning of the federal front which would be a people's front. Rao had recently said a non-Congress and non-BJP front should be formed in the country, as he called for a "qualitative change" in politics.

Telangana CM KCR meets Mamata on 'federal front'

Political circles and national media are abuzz with the talk of Third Front being resurrected under the leadership of Kalvakuntla Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR). I am not sure what excites them given the unmitigated disaster that the Third Front turned out to be for India in its earlier avatars. It seems as if a section of media and &lsquo;intellectuals&rsquo; would rather see India embrace another disaster than &lsquo;tolerate&rsquo; another term for Modi Sarkar.

Whether the Third Front actually fructifies or not and even if it fructifies, will it succeed or not has become a subject of great speculation and analysis. However, what has remained missing from all this analysis is - if KCR himself will benefit from this move or not. It seems foolhardy to even raise this question for it seems a foregone conclusion that not only will KCR sweep Telangana but will also benefit greatly from his increased national stature. This write up is an attempt to play the devil&rsquo;s advocate and explore if the move could actually backfire.

To understand the implications of this move &ndash; positive or negative &ndash; we will have to first understand KCR&rsquo;s sources of strength. Without a doubt, KCR is a hugely popular leader in Telangana and his popularity has only grown over the years. The main reason for his popularity is his success in achieving separate statehood for Telangana. &lsquo;Good&rsquo; performance of his government has further added to his popularity. However, there is another reason for his popularity and it is the complete absence of any credible alternative to KCR and his party TRS (Telangana Rashtra Samiti) in Telangana.

Whatever little remained of the opposition after the formation of Telangana was slowly and methodically subsumed in TRS itself. From just 63 members in the house of 119 in 2014, the tally of TRS MLAs went up to 90 in 2017, while that of Congress went down from 21 to 12 and that of TDP from 15 to 3 - &nbsp;without ever drawing the provisions of anti-defection law and without causing as much as a whisper of any harm to democracy anywhere in the national media. Not only was all political opposition emaciated but so also was any kind of criticism in the media. KCR openly threatened media by saying that he&rsquo;ll &ldquo;bury them alive in the ground&rdquo; and even got two Telugu channels pulled off the air for a few days.&nbsp;

It might surprise you, or not, that the great champions of free speech in the nation never raised a hell, calling &quot;democracy under threat&quot; at that time. And now, it is these very champions of free speech who seem to be cheering the loudest in support of KCR and his proposed &quot;qualitative change&quot; at the national level.&nbsp;

Thus, from playing in a field in which he had absolutely no worthy opponent, it is baffling as to why KCR is drawing Mr. Modi, the strongest and the most popular leader of all into his arena? Why would he want to transform the contest from KCR vs. none in Telangana to KCR vs. Modi? He surely is not going to win any additional seat outside Telangana but would instead run the risk of losing a few seats to Mr. Modi in Telangana. Why then is he making the mistake of confronting Mr. Modi and giving more credence to the BJP&rsquo;s trump card?

As written above, Chief Minister KCR is very popular in Telangana but so is Prime Minister Modi. Confronting Mr. Modi and criticising him may turn out to be neither a popular tactic nor a very successful one. Lessons can be learned from the experience of Arvind Kejriwal, who tried a similar tactic in 2014 after his success in 2013 Delhi elections. Mr. Kejriwal ended up burning both himself and his party by losing all 7 Lok Sabha seats in Delhi. It is perhaps this very realisation that got the Aam Aadmi Party to use &ldquo;Modi for PM and Arvind for CM&rdquo; slogan on its website for the 2015 Delhi Elections. The slogan may have been soon withdrawn but the message had already been sent out.

A message has been sent out by the people to Mr. KCR as well on his new strategy but not sure if he is listening. KCR spoke of Mr. Modi in a disrespectful, if not an insulting tone, in a recent speech and this has drawn hugely negative reactions from a large section of people, including those from the hard-core supporters of KCR and his TRS party.

What finally happens in 2019 will, of course, depend on a whole lot of other things. However, one thing is for sure - KCR vs. Modi will give the BJP, in Telangana, an issue where it had none and will give it a good chance in at least a couple and more Lok Sabha seats if not assembly seats.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

K. Chandrashekhar Rao wants to transform the contest from KCR vs. none to KCR vs. Modi. He surely is not going to win any additional seat outside Telangana but would instead run the risk of losing a few seats to Mr. Modi in Telangana.

Political circles and national media are abuzz with the talk of Third Front being resurrected under the leadership of Kalvakuntla Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR). I am not sure what excites them given the unmitigated disaster that the Third Front turned out to be for India in its earlier avatars. It seems as if a section of media and ‘intellectuals’ would rather see India embrace another disaster than ‘tolerate’ another term for Modi Sarkar. Whether the Third Front actually fructifies or not and even if it fructifies, will it succeed or not has become a subject of great speculation and analysis. However, what has remained missing from all this analysis is - if KCR himself will benefit from this move or not. It seems foolhardy to even raise this question for it seems a foregone conclusion that not only will KCR sweep Telangana but will also benefit greatly from his increased national stature. This write up is an attempt to play the devil’s advocate and explore if the move could actually backfire. To understand the implications of this move – positive or negative – we will have to first understand KCR’s sources of strength. Without a doubt, KCR is a hugely popular leader in Telangana and his popularity has only grown over the years. The main reason for his popularity is his success in achieving separate statehood for Telangana. ‘Good’ performance of his government has further added to his popularity. However, there is another reason for his popularity and it is the complete absence of any credible alternative to KCR and his party TRS (Telangana Rashtra Samiti) in Telangana. Whatever little remained of the opposition after the formation of Telangana was slowly and methodically subsumed in TRS itself. From just 63 members in the house of 119 in 2014, the tally of TRS MLAs went up to 90 in 2017, while that of Congress went down from 21 to 12 and that of TDP from 15 to 3 - without ever drawing the provisions of anti-defection law and without causing as much as a whisper of any harm to democracy anywhere in the national media. Not only was all political opposition emaciated but so also was any kind of criticism in the media. KCR openly threatened media by saying that he’ll “bury them alive in the ground” and even got two Telugu channels pulled off the air for a few days. It might surprise you, or not, that the great champions of free speech in the nation never raised a hell, calling "democracy under threat" at that time. And now, it is these very champions of free speech who seem to be cheering the loudest in support of KCR and his proposed "qualitative change" at the national level. Thus, from playing in a field in which he had absolutely no worthy opponent, it is baffling as to why KCR is drawing Mr. Modi, the strongest and the most popular leader of all into his arena? Why would he want to transform the contest from KCR vs. none in Telangana to KCR vs. Modi? He surely is not going to win any additional seat outside Telangana but would instead run the risk of losing a few seats to Mr. Modi in Telangana. Why then is he making the mistake of confronting Mr. Modi and giving more credence to the BJP’s trump card? As written above, Chief Minister KCR is very popular in Telangana but so is Prime Minister Modi. Confronting Mr. Modi and criticising him may turn out to be neither a popular tactic nor a very successful one. Lessons can be learned from the experience of Arvind Kejriwal, who tried a similar tactic in 2014 after his success in 2013 Delhi elections. Mr. Kejriwal ended up burning both himself and his party by losing all 7 Lok Sabha seats in Delhi. It is perhaps this very realisation that got the Aam Aadmi Party to use “Modi for PM and Arvind for CM” slogan on its website for the 2015 Delhi Elections. The slogan may have been soon withdrawn but the message had already been sent out. A message has been sent out by the people to Mr. KCR as well on his new strategy but not sure if he is listening. KCR spoke of Mr. Modi in a disrespectful, if not an insulting tone, in a recent speech and this has drawn hugely negative reactions from a large section of people, including those from the hard-core supporters of KCR and his TRS party. What finally happens in 2019 will, of course, depend on a whole lot of other things. However, one thing is for sure - KCR vs. Modi will give the BJP, in Telangana, an issue where it had none and will give it a good chance in at least a couple and more Lok Sabha seats if not assembly seats. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Chandrashekhar Rao plans to challenge PM Modi in Telangana

Congress has decided to stay away from the &lsquo;Third Front&rsquo; experiment mooted by some regional parties, including Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS). TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and TRS president K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) are making efforts to stitch together a &#39;non-Congress, non-BJP&#39; front bringing together like-minded parties.

But sources in the Congress say that such talks are a result of West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee nursing prime ministerial ambitions, and TRS president KCR trying to fight the heat of incumbency in his state.

Many senior leaders in the Congress are of the opinion that most of the regional leaders will come around by election time but Congress cannot become a casualty of a tie-up where its organisation is further impacted.

&quot;Everyone is free to pursue their agenda and ambition. KCR for four years considered Modi as the only leader and aligned with him. Now Congress has put heat on him and his party is taking a nose dive so he wants to create an alternative,&quot; Congress leader Randeep Surjewala told WION.

Though it targets KCR, Congress officially remains diplomatic on Mamata and maintains that both parties will resolve their differences to come together on issues of national importance.

However, Mamata and KCR have received support from regional players. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi told WION that since Congress has not taken the initiative, other parties are filling the vacuum. Even DMK has been contacted on this issue which has decided to discuss the proposal.

Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Ajit Jogi spoke to KCR over phone on Monday and expressed support for the plan to float a Third Front-like formation. Former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has also extended support to the proposal.

Congress, for now, is focussing on nourishing the organisation amid fears that the party will wither away completely after humiliating losses in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland assembly elections. It is for this reason that Congress has kept away from joining the SP-BSP combine to fight the Phoolpur and Gorakhpur bypolls in Uttar Pradesh.

&quot;Parties are free to contest but we will not withdraw our candidates from the fray,&quot; Surjewala said.

The idea, sources say, is to have a front which is led by the Grand Old Party. And Sonia Gandhi&#39;s invitation to leaders of opposition parties for a dinner on March 13 points to that, they say.

Several leaders have confirmed their attendance, a Congress leader said, declining to go into spcifics. However, he said Sonia Gandhi is keen to have all top opposition party leaders, including Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, who is yet to confirm.

TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and TRS president K Chandrashekhar Rao are making efforts to stitch together a 'non-Congress, non-BJP' front bringing together like-minded parties

Congress has decided to stay away from the ‘Third Front’ experiment mooted by some regional parties, including Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS). TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and TRS president K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) are making efforts to stitch together a 'non-Congress, non-BJP' front bringing together like-minded parties. But sources in the Congress say that such talks are a result of West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee nursing prime ministerial ambitions, and TRS president KCR trying to fight the heat of incumbency in his state. Many senior leaders in the Congress are of the opinion that most of the regional leaders will come around by election time but Congress cannot become a casualty of a tie-up where its organisation is further impacted. "Everyone is free to pursue their agenda and ambition. KCR for four years considered Modi as the only leader and aligned with him. Now Congress has put heat on him and his party is taking a nose dive so he wants to create an alternative," Congress leader Randeep Surjewala told WION. Though it targets KCR, Congress officially remains diplomatic on Mamata and maintains that both parties will resolve their differences to come together on issues of national importance. However, Mamata and KCR have received support from regional players. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi told WION that since Congress has not taken the initiative, other parties are filling the vacuum. Even DMK has been contacted on this issue which has decided to discuss the proposal. Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Ajit Jogi spoke to KCR over phone on Monday and expressed support for the plan to float a Third Front-like formation. Former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has also extended support to the proposal. Congress, for now, is focussing on nourishing the organisation amid fears that the party will wither away completely after humiliating losses in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland assembly elections. It is for this reason that Congress has kept away from joining the SP-BSP combine to fight the Phoolpur and Gorakhpur bypolls in Uttar Pradesh. "Parties are free to contest but we will not withdraw our candidates from the fray," Surjewala said. The idea, sources say, is to have a front which is led by the Grand Old Party. And Sonia Gandhi's invitation to leaders of opposition parties for a dinner on March 13 points to that, they say. Several leaders have confirmed their attendance, a Congress leader said, declining to go into spcifics. However, he said Sonia Gandhi is keen to have all top opposition party leaders, including Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, who is yet to confirm.

Congress cold-shoulders idea of 'Third 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

Regional parties will be key to government formation after the next parliamentary polls and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao will play an important role in that, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said today.

He claimed that the Congress failed to deliver after the 2009 elections, and the BJP also did not live up to the people&#39;s expectations since it came to power at the Centre in 2014.

&quot;So, I feel that regional parties will have a very, very important role whenever the next Parliament elections are held,&quot; Owaisi told reporters here.

&quot;I am of the opinion that Chandrashekar Rao will play an important role before and after Parliament elections. I am of the opinion that the country is looking towards regional parties. The country is looking towards those parties which are against the BJP and the Congress,&quot; he said.

He said Rao&#39;s remarks yesterday, when he expressed keenness to participate in the national politics to bring about a &quot;change&quot;, will have a far reaching effect.

Rao had also said that he was in talks with other political leaders to form a platform of &quot;like-minded&quot; parties.

Owaisi said there is a need for that sort of political platform.

&quot;I welcome his statement... It is encouraging. It is a statement which will have far reaching impact on the national politics,&quot; Owaisi said.

Rao, as a political leader, has proven himself, the Lok Sabha member from Hyderabad said. &quot;In the last four years, KCR (as the chief minister is popularly referred to) has given a fantastic governance in Telangana. Now, Telangana is a progressive state,&quot; he said.

&quot;I feel KCR can become a pivot against the Congress and the BJP. He has the political far-sightedness and vision. There is a vacuum in the country and people are looking for an alternative,&quot; Owaisi said.

He said Rao&#39;s statement should be welcomed by everyone, and expressed hope that the Telangana chief minister will take forward the idea of playing a role in national politics.

On whether Rao has the ability to bring different parties together, Owaisi said: &quot;Let us not speculate quickly. He has given an idea and I am sure it will appeal to everyone. But, I am sure that he will be successful in what he is doing.&quot; 
Asked if he would support Rao for the post of prime minister, Owaisi said: &quot;Let&#39;s not stretch things to that extent. I would reiterate that KCR can definitely play and should play an important role in getting all the non-Congress and the non-BJP parties (together) and that is what he hinted at yesterday.&quot;&nbsp;

Owaisi said there is a need for that sort of political platform

Regional parties will be key to government formation after the next parliamentary polls and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao will play an important role in that, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said today. He claimed that the Congress failed to deliver after the 2009 elections, and the BJP also did not live up to the people's expectations since it came to power at the Centre in 2014. "So, I feel that regional parties will have a very, very important role whenever the next Parliament elections are held," Owaisi told reporters here. "I am of the opinion that Chandrashekar Rao will play an important role before and after Parliament elections. I am of the opinion that the country is looking towards regional parties. The country is looking towards those parties which are against the BJP and the Congress," he said. He said Rao's remarks yesterday, when he expressed keenness to participate in the national politics to bring about a "change", will have a far reaching effect. Rao had also said that he was in talks with other political leaders to form a platform of "like-minded" parties. Owaisi said there is a need for that sort of political platform. "I welcome his statement... It is encouraging. It is a statement which will have far reaching impact on the national politics," Owaisi said. Rao, as a political leader, has proven himself, the Lok Sabha member from Hyderabad said. "In the last four years, KCR (as the chief minister is popularly referred to) has given a fantastic governance in Telangana. Now, Telangana is a progressive state," he said. "I feel KCR can become a pivot against the Congress and the BJP. He has the political far-sightedness and vision. There is a vacuum in the country and people are looking for an alternative," Owaisi said. He said Rao's statement should be welcomed by everyone, and expressed hope that the Telangana chief minister will take forward the idea of playing a role in national politics. On whether Rao has the ability to bring different parties together, Owaisi said: "Let us not speculate quickly. He has given an idea and I am sure it will appeal to everyone. But, I am sure that he will be successful in what he is doing." Asked if he would support Rao for the post of prime minister, Owaisi said: "Let's not stretch things to that extent. I would reiterate that KCR can definitely play and should play an important role in getting all the non-Congress and the non-BJP parties (together) and that is what he hinted at yesterday."

Regional parties, KCR to play important role in next Lok Sabha poll: Owaisi

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