<p>After much procrastination, Congress appointed senior Congress MP and former Union Minister Kamal Nath as the PCC chief of Madhya Pradesh on Thursday. Congress has been out of power in the state from 2003 onwards. Its biggest problem in the state is a plethora of leaders and dwindling cadre. The seniormost leader today is Kamal Nath who joined politics in the 1970's and was a close aide of Sanjay Gandhi.</p>

<p>Kamal Nath told WION, "The challenge is to build the party. The challenge lies in giving a new dimension to the state and tell a new growth story and for this Congress must form the government.”</p>

<p>When asked as to what he intends to do with the multiple leaders, Kamal Nath said, "I’m friends with everyone. My relationship with most of the leaders is good and I get along with everyone.”</p>

<p>The fact of the matter is that Congress MP Jyotiraditya Scindhia was also very keen to become the PCC chief of Madhya Pradesh. There is no doubt that he is a popular young leader but within Congress, no one can match Kamal Nath's organisational muscle. Congress also faces a fund crunch and understands that Kamal Nath can help organise the elections better.</p>

<p>Even former chief minister Digvijay Singh was more disposed towards Kamal Nath. There is also the fact that the Congress did not make Kamal Nath leader of the Congress Party in the Lok Sabha, because of caste considerations, despite his seniority.</p>

<p>There is a very popular saying about Kamal Nath in the Congress, told to me by a very senior leader. The senior leader told me, "If Kamal Nath is your friend, then he might save you from God once. But if he is your enemy, then even God may not be able to save you.”</p>

<p>For now Jyotiraditya Scindhia will have to be content with the position of head of the Congress Campaign Committee for Madhya Pradesh. Former union minister Arun Yadav, who was MP PCC chief so far, meanwhile will have to wait to be rehabilitated in Delhi.&nbsp</p>


Jyotiraditya Scindia has been made Congress campaign chief for the upcoming elections. MP goes to the polls in 2018

After much procrastination, Congress appointed senior Congress MP and former Union Minister Kamal Nath as the PCC chief of Madhya Pradesh on Thursday. Congress has been out of power in the state from 2003 onwards. Its biggest problem in the state is a plethora of leaders and dwindling cadre. The seniormost leader today is Kamal Nath who joined politics in the 1970's and was a close aide of Sanjay Gandhi. Kamal Nath told WION, "The challenge is to build the party. The challenge lies in giving a new dimension to the state and tell a new growth story and for this Congress must form the government.” When asked as to what he intends to do with the multiple leaders, Kamal Nath said, "I’m friends with everyone. My relationship with most of the leaders is good and I get along with everyone.” The fact of the matter is that Congress MP Jyotiraditya Scindhia was also very keen to become the PCC chief of Madhya Pradesh. There is no doubt that he is a popular young leader but within Congress, no one can match Kamal Nath's organisational muscle. Congress also faces a fund crunch and understands that Kamal Nath can help organise the elections better. Even former chief minister Digvijay Singh was more disposed towards Kamal Nath. There is also the fact that the Congress did not make Kamal Nath leader of the Congress Party in the Lok Sabha, because of caste considerations, despite his seniority. There is a very popular saying about Kamal Nath in the Congress, told to me by a very senior leader. The senior leader told me, "If Kamal Nath is your friend, then he might save you from God once. But if he is your enemy, then even God may not be able to save you.” For now Jyotiraditya Scindhia will have to be content with the position of head of the Congress Campaign Committee for Madhya Pradesh. Former union minister Arun Yadav, who was MP PCC chief so far, meanwhile will have to wait to be rehabilitated in Delhi.

I'm friends with everyone: Kamal Nath takes over as MP Congress chief

<p>Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bhupendra Singh has blamed "porn" for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-penalty-to-child-rapists-president-ram-nath-kovind-promulgates-the-ordinance-to-amend-pocso-act-131985">rising number of child rapes and molestation cases</a> against women.</p>

<p>He also said that his&nbsp;government was thinking of banning pornography in Madhya Pradesh and that they would seek Centre's assistance for the same.</p>

<p>He said, " We think the reason for rising number of child rapes and molestation cases is porn. We are contemplating banning porn in Madhya Pradesh, will approach Centre in the Centre."</p>

<p>His comments have come at a time when regular reports&nbsp;of&nbsp;rape and molestation were reported in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The country recently engulfed in a massive outrage over the brutal rape and murder of an eight-year-old&nbsp;in Kathua Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To counter the rising number of crimes against children and women in the country the government has also introduced strict amendments in the POCSO Act&nbsp;allowing courts to award death penalty to those convicted of raping children up to 12 years of age.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We think the reason for rising number of child rape and molestation cases is porn. We are contemplating banning porn in Madhya Pradesh, will approach Centre in the matter: Bhupendra Singh, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister <a href="https://t.co/sTpHIkGq5I">pic.twitter.com/sTpHIkGq5I</a></p>
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Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bhupendra Singh said, 'We think the reason for rising number of child rapes and molestation cases is porn. We are contemplating banning porn in Madhya Pradesh, will approach Centre in the Centre'

Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bhupendra Singh has blamed "porn" for the rising number of child rapes and molestation cases against women. He also said that his government was thinking of banning pornography in Madhya Pradesh and that they would seek Centre's assistance for the same. He said, " We think the reason for rising number of child rapes and molestation cases is porn. We are contemplating banning porn in Madhya Pradesh, will approach Centre in the Centre." His comments have come at a time when regular reports of rape and molestation were reported in the country. The country recently engulfed in a massive outrage over the brutal rape and murder of an eight-year-old in Kathua Jammu and Kashmir. To counter the rising number of crimes against children and women in the country the government has also introduced strict amendments in the POCSO Act allowing courts to award death penalty to those convicted of raping children up to 12 years of age. We think the reason for rising number of child rape and molestation cases is porn. We are contemplating banning porn in Madhya Pradesh, will approach Centre in the matter: Bhupendra Singh, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister pic.twitter.com/sTpHIkGq5I — ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2018 ×

Thinking of banning pornography in Madhya Pradesh, will stop rapes: State home minister

<p>NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant on Tuesday said that the states in India's eastern region like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are keeping India backward, especially on social indicators.</p>

<p>Speaking at the first Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Memorial Lecture at Jamia Millia Islamia University, Kant said, "Eastern part of India particularly states like Bihar, UP, Chattisgarh, MP, and Rajasthan are keeping India backward especially on social indicators. While we have improved on ease of doing business, we have remained backward on human development index."Kant further said that India is still 131 out of 188 countries in the Human Development Index (HDI).</p>

<p>Reacting to 'Challenges of Transforming India' he said that the part of southern and western India was doing well and growing speedily."And when the country's HDI has to improve and we have to focus on these social indicators. We are working on these things through Aspirational Districts Programme," he added.</p>

<p>Stressing upon the significance of sustainable growth, the NITI Aayog CEO said, "Education and health are vital and in these two areas India is lagging behind. Our learning outcomes are poor - a class 5 student is not able to do class 2 subtractions. Class 5 student is not able to read his mother tongue. Infant mortality rates are very high. Unless we improve on these aspects, it will be difficult to grow in a consistent way."</p>

<p>He also encouraged women to participate in decision-making process. He said, "There must be a conscious effort to frame policies to give women opportunities."</p>


The other states he included in his list were Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan

NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant on Tuesday said that the states in India's eastern region like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are keeping India backward, especially on social indicators. Speaking at the first Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Memorial Lecture at Jamia Millia Islamia University, Kant said, "Eastern part of India particularly states like Bihar, UP, Chattisgarh, MP, and Rajasthan are keeping India backward especially on social indicators. While we have improved on ease of doing business, we have remained backward on human development index."Kant further said that India is still 131 out of 188 countries in the Human Development Index (HDI). Reacting to 'Challenges of Transforming India' he said that the part of southern and western India was doing well and growing speedily."And when the country's HDI has to improve and we have to focus on these social indicators. We are working on these things through Aspirational Districts Programme," he added. Stressing upon the significance of sustainable growth, the NITI Aayog CEO said, "Education and health are vital and in these two areas India is lagging behind. Our learning outcomes are poor - a class 5 student is not able to do class 2 subtractions. Class 5 student is not able to read his mother tongue. Infant mortality rates are very high. Unless we improve on these aspects, it will be difficult to grow in a consistent way." He also encouraged women to participate in decision-making process. He said, "There must be a conscious effort to frame policies to give women opportunities."

States like UP, Bihar holding India back: NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant

<p>The International Monetary Fund has said it wants continued momentum in India's growth and structural reforms despite the election period.</p>

<p>A number of elections are scheduled to be held in India within the next one year with assembly polls in Karnataka, Mizoram, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan as well as the 2019 Lok Sabha election.</p>

<p>"We are not saying that India's structural reform speed will slow down because of elections. What we are saying is that the growth momentum and the structural reform momentum should continue despite the election period," said Changyong Rhee, Director of the Asia and Pacific Department at the IMF.</p>

<p>India is projected to grow at 7.4 per cent in the fiscal year 2018-2019 as the economy recovers from temporary destruction due to currency exchange initiatives and the roll out of the new goods and services tax, Rhee said Thursday.</p>

<p>Ken Kang, Deputy Director, at the IMF Asia and Pacific Department said the implementation of the GST was "a major reform" of the Indian tax system.&nbsp</p>

<p>"In recent years, India has made impressive progress in reforms.. It (GST) will enhance the efficiency of intra-Indian movement of goods and services, help create a common national market as well as help boost jobs and growth," said Kang.</p>

<p>He said India's introduction of flexible inflation targeting and of a statutory monetary policy which has helped strengthen the monetary policy framework was another big achievement.&nbsp</p>

<p>"The government has recently announced a major recapitalisation plan for the public-sector banks in order to accelerate the work out of non-performing loans, as well as made some important legal improvements through a new insolvency and bankruptcy law," said Kang.</p>

<p>"The IMF hopes that the reform momentum would continue," Kang added.&nbsp</p>

<p>Looking ahead, said Kang, India needed to focus on labour market reforms with a focus on increasing formal female labour participation, to improve the business environment, and reduce complex regulations, but also to address supply bottlenecks, particularly in the agricultural sector and distribution networks.</p>

<p>Responding to a question, Kang said that the IMF expects India's role in the region to expand.</p>

<p>"India does have room to expand its export orientation and to reduce further trade and non-trade barriers. The statutory tariff rate in India is relatively high at about 15 per cent and higher than those in the rest of the region. So there is room to do more on trade reforms," he said.</p>


A number of elections are scheduled to be held in India within the next one year with assembly polls in Karnataka, Mizoram, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan as well as the 2019 Lok Sabha election

The International Monetary Fund has said it wants continued momentum in India's growth and structural reforms despite the election period. A number of elections are scheduled to be held in India within the next one year with assembly polls in Karnataka, Mizoram, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan as well as the 2019 Lok Sabha election. "We are not saying that India's structural reform speed will slow down because of elections. What we are saying is that the growth momentum and the structural reform momentum should continue despite the election period," said Changyong Rhee, Director of the Asia and Pacific Department at the IMF. India is projected to grow at 7.4 per cent in the fiscal year 2018-2019 as the economy recovers from temporary destruction due to currency exchange initiatives and the roll out of the new goods and services tax, Rhee said Thursday. Ken Kang, Deputy Director, at the IMF Asia and Pacific Department said the implementation of the GST was "a major reform" of the Indian tax system. "In recent years, India has made impressive progress in reforms.. It (GST) will enhance the efficiency of intra-Indian movement of goods and services, help create a common national market as well as help boost jobs and growth," said Kang. He said India's introduction of flexible inflation targeting and of a statutory monetary policy which has helped strengthen the monetary policy framework was another big achievement. "The government has recently announced a major recapitalisation plan for the public-sector banks in order to accelerate the work out of non-performing loans, as well as made some important legal improvements through a new insolvency and bankruptcy law," said Kang. "The IMF hopes that the reform momentum would continue," Kang added. Looking ahead, said Kang, India needed to focus on labour market reforms with a focus on increasing formal female labour participation, to improve the business environment, and reduce complex regulations, but also to address supply bottlenecks, particularly in the agricultural sector and distribution networks. Responding to a question, Kang said that the IMF expects India's role in the region to expand. "India does have room to expand its export orientation and to reduce further trade and non-trade barriers. The statutory tariff rate in India is relatively high at about 15 per cent and higher than those in the rest of the region. So there is room to do more on trade reforms," he said.

India's growth momentum must continue despite elections: IMF

<p>At least 21 members of a marriage party were killed when a mini-truck carrying them fell off a bridge over the Sone river in Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh Tuesday night, officials said.</p>

<p>According to primary information, the casualties might go up as many more people were trapped inside the vehicle.</p>

<p>The mini-truck fell off the Jogdaha bridge near Amelia in Bahri police station area of the district, &nbspSidhi District Collector Dilip Kumar told PTI. The bus fell about 60-70-foot down on to the dry riverbed.</p>

<p>The site is about 42 km from the Sidhi district headquarters, he said. The injured were admitted to the district hospital.</p>

<p>Expressing deep sorrow over the accident, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced an assistance of Rs. 2 lakh each to the kin of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 each to the injured, the district collector said.</p>

<p>More details are awaited.</p>


The site is about 42 km from the Sidhi district headquarters, he said. The injured were admitted to the district hospital

At least 21 members of a marriage party were killed when a mini-truck carrying them fell off a bridge over the Sone river in Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh Tuesday night, officials said. According to primary information, the casualties might go up as many more people were trapped inside the vehicle. The mini-truck fell off the Jogdaha bridge near Amelia in Bahri police station area of the district, &nbspSidhi District Collector Dilip Kumar told PTI. The bus fell about 60-70-foot down on to the dry riverbed. The site is about 42 km from the Sidhi district headquarters, he said. The injured were admitted to the district hospital. Expressing deep sorrow over the accident, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced an assistance of Rs. 2 lakh each to the kin of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 each to the injured, the district collector said. More details are awaited.

21 dead, several injured after truck falls off bridge in Madhya Pradesh

<p>Five coaches of the Katni-Chaupan passenger train derailed on Saturday between the Salhna and Piparia Kalan stations in Madhya Pradesh, leaving at least six people injured, a railway official said. The derailment occurred around 10 pm, about 30 km away from the Katni railway station, Railway Protection Force Inspector Virendra Singh said.</p>

<p>West Central Railway’s Chief Public Relation Officer Gunjan Gupta confirmed the derailment and said that further details were awaited. Singh said at least six passengers sustained injuries in the incident. A relief train had reached the site.</p>

<p>The reason for the derailment is not yet clear.</p>


West Central Railway’s Chief Public Relation Officer Gunjan Gupta confirmed the derailment and said that further details were awaited.

Five coaches of the Katni-Chaupan passenger train derailed on Saturday between the Salhna and Piparia Kalan stations in Madhya Pradesh, leaving at least six people injured, a railway official said. The derailment occurred around 10 pm, about 30 km away from the Katni railway station, Railway Protection Force Inspector Virendra Singh said. West Central Railway’s Chief Public Relation Officer Gunjan Gupta confirmed the derailment and said that further details were awaited. Singh said at least six passengers sustained injuries in the incident. A relief train had reached the site. The reason for the derailment is not yet clear.

Six injured as passenger train derails in Madhya Pradesh

<p>Gujarat Patidar quota leader Hardik Patel on Sunday said that "all three of us", referring to Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani and OBC leader Alpesh Thakore, was ready to "work in Madhya Pradesh like we did in Gujarat".</p>

<p>He said that he was ready to support the Congress in the MP Assembly polls slated for later this year if the party asked for help, adding that his fight was against "fascist forces which are trying to divide society".</p>

<p>"I have come for a programme of the backward classes. If asked, I would extend support to the Congress. The Congress should project a party face (chief ministerial candidate) in the coming election. All three of us (Jignesh Mewani and Alpesh Thakore being the other two) are ready to work in Madhya Pradesh like we did in Gujarat," he said.</p>

<p>"I am fighting against fascist forces which are trying to divide society and are trying to change the basic concept of the Constitution. I am fighting against these forces to ensure equality for all," Hardik said</p>

<p>He termed demonetisation a big scam and accused the BJP of winning elections by deploying money and muscle power.&nbsp</p>

<p>Later in the evening, while addressing a gathering at Garhakota town of Sagar district, Patel hit out at the BJP saying that it feared exposure of a scam related to its Narmada conservation programme.&nbsp</p>

<p>He alleged that it was this fear that led to the state government granting Minister of State rank to some religious leaders.&nbsp</p>

<p>He claimed that Bundelkhand region, of which Sagar district (where he addressed a gathering) was a part, was facing problems as its people had lost the ability to fight against atrocities.&nbsp</p>

<p>Referring to the incident at Ujjain yesterday where a man threw ink on him at a local hotel, Patel said that the man might have been an "andh bhakt" (diehard supporter) of some BJP leader. "I have forgiven him," Patel added.</p>

<p>Patel alleged that while the BJP had spent Rs 1,200 crore to build a headquarter complex for itself, Lord Rama continued to be be under a tent (referring to the makeshift temple of Ram Lala in Ayodhya) despite the BJP promising, since 1992, to build a magnificent temple there.</p>


He termed demonetisation a big scam and accused the BJP of winning elections by deploying money and muscle power.

Gujarat Patidar quota leader Hardik Patel on Sunday said that "all three of us", referring to Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani and OBC leader Alpesh Thakore, was ready to "work in Madhya Pradesh like we did in Gujarat". He said that he was ready to support the Congress in the MP Assembly polls slated for later this year if the party asked for help, adding that his fight was against "fascist forces which are trying to divide society". "I have come for a programme of the backward classes. If asked, I would extend support to the Congress. The Congress should project a party face (chief ministerial candidate) in the coming election. All three of us (Jignesh Mewani and Alpesh Thakore being the other two) are ready to work in Madhya Pradesh like we did in Gujarat," he said. "I am fighting against fascist forces which are trying to divide society and are trying to change the basic concept of the Constitution. I am fighting against these forces to ensure equality for all," Hardik said He termed demonetisation a big scam and accused the BJP of winning elections by deploying money and muscle power. Later in the evening, while addressing a gathering at Garhakota town of Sagar district, Patel hit out at the BJP saying that it feared exposure of a scam related to its Narmada conservation programme. He alleged that it was this fear that led to the state government granting Minister of State rank to some religious leaders. He claimed that Bundelkhand region, of which Sagar district (where he addressed a gathering) was a part, was facing problems as its people had lost the ability to fight against atrocities. Referring to the incident at Ujjain yesterday where a man threw ink on him at a local hotel, Patel said that the man might have been an "andh bhakt" (diehard supporter) of some BJP leader. "I have forgiven him," Patel added. Patel alleged that while the BJP had spent Rs 1,200 crore to build a headquarter complex for itself, Lord Rama continued to be be under a tent (referring to the makeshift temple of Ram Lala in Ayodhya) despite the BJP promising, since 1992, to build a magnificent temple there.

Ready to work in Madhya Pradesh the way we did in Gujarat: Hardik Patel

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday recalled a Bollywood hit to mock Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and poke fun at a group of ‘babas’ who had called off a protest after being given a ministerial status by the state government. Only mama knows where the babas are going, Gandhi said in Hindi on Twitter, taking an unholy dig at Chouhan, who is known as mama — or uncle — in the state.</p>

<p>He used the lyrics of a song from the 1988 Hindi film “Qayamat se Qayamat Tak” — Papa kehtey hai (Dad said…) — to mock the ‘babas’, the five religious men who had called off their ‘Narmada scam yatra’ after being accorded the minister of state (MoS) status. “Baba used to say will do great work, will foil the Narmada scam, but now only ‘Mama’ (maternal uncle) knows what their final destination is. ‘Qayamat se Qayamat tak’ (doomsday) in Madhya Pradesh,” he tweeted, twisting the lyrics of the song.</p>

<p>He also attached a news item to the post which said the Chouhan government had granted a MoS status to the five seers. The seers had earlier announced that they would take out a ‘Narmada scam yatra’ to expose corruption in the river cleanliness drive. “Kudos to BJP for always finding novel ways to hide their corruption! They’ve outdone themselves by rewarding religious leaders who were campaigning against corruption in Madhya Pradesh with Minister of State status,” the Congress also said on its official Twitter handle.</p>

<p>The party posted a video to underline that the seers had earlier planned out a yatra against corruption.</p>


Only mama knows where the babas are going, Gandhi said in Hindi on Twitter, taking an unholy dig at Chouhan, who is known as mama -- or uncle -- in the state.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday recalled a Bollywood hit to mock Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and poke fun at a group of ‘babas’ who had called off a protest after being given a ministerial status by the state government. Only mama knows where the babas are going, Gandhi said in Hindi on Twitter, taking an unholy dig at Chouhan, who is known as mama — or uncle — in the state. He used the lyrics of a song from the 1988 Hindi film “Qayamat se Qayamat Tak” — Papa kehtey hai (Dad said…) — to mock the ‘babas’, the five religious men who had called off their ‘Narmada scam yatra’ after being accorded the minister of state (MoS) status. “Baba used to say will do great work, will foil the Narmada scam, but now only ‘Mama’ (maternal uncle) knows what their final destination is. ‘Qayamat se Qayamat tak’ (doomsday) in Madhya Pradesh,” he tweeted, twisting the lyrics of the song. He also attached a news item to the post which said the Chouhan government had granted a MoS status to the five seers. The seers had earlier announced that they would take out a ‘Narmada scam yatra’ to expose corruption in the river cleanliness drive. “Kudos to BJP for always finding novel ways to hide their corruption! They’ve outdone themselves by rewarding religious leaders who were campaigning against corruption in Madhya Pradesh with Minister of State status,” the Congress also said on its official Twitter handle. The party posted a video to underline that the seers had earlier planned out a yatra against corruption.

Rahul Gandhi mocks religious seers given MoS status by Chouhan govt in Madhya Pradesh

<p>Dwarka Peeth Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati on Thursday said that the Madhya Pradesh government gave the Minister of State (MoS) rank to five religious leaders for personal gains.</p>

<p>News agency quoting Swami Swaroopanand sated, "The government gives such a status to people who are respected and who can help people spiritually but the government, for its own selfish motives, is giving it to people who are not even known, this should not be happening."</p>

<p>On April 4, the Madhya Pradesh Government granted Minister of State (MoS) rank to five religious leaders, namely Baba Narmadanand, Baba Hariharanand, Computer Baba, Bhaiyyu Maharaj, and Pandit Yogendra Mahant in the state cabinet.</p>

<p>The Congress Party dubbed the decision as an attempt by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to exploit the respect the religious leaders enjoy in society.</p>

<p>"It's a gimmick to score political points. This is also an effort by the Chief Minister [Shivraj Singh Chouhan] to wash off his sins. He ignored conservation of the Narmada," Congress spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi said.</p>

<p>On March 31, the five leaders were been appointed as members in a special committee formed for raising awareness about water conservation, cleanliness and aforestation near Narmada River.</p>

<p>The order issued by the state secretariat will be effective from the date of its issuance that is April 3.&nbsp</p>


On April 4, the Madhya Pradesh Government granted Minister of State (MoS) rank to five religious leaders, namely Baba Narmadanand, Baba Hariharanand, Computer Baba, Bhaiyyu Maharaj, and Pandit Yogendra Mahant in the state cabinet.

Dwarka Peeth Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati on Thursday said that the Madhya Pradesh government gave the Minister of State (MoS) rank to five religious leaders for personal gains. News agency quoting Swami Swaroopanand sated, "The government gives such a status to people who are respected and who can help people spiritually but the government, for its own selfish motives, is giving it to people who are not even known, this should not be happening." On April 4, the Madhya Pradesh Government granted Minister of State (MoS) rank to five religious leaders, namely Baba Narmadanand, Baba Hariharanand, Computer Baba, Bhaiyyu Maharaj, and Pandit Yogendra Mahant in the state cabinet. The Congress Party dubbed the decision as an attempt by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to exploit the respect the religious leaders enjoy in society. "It's a gimmick to score political points. This is also an effort by the Chief Minister [Shivraj Singh Chouhan] to wash off his sins. He ignored conservation of the Narmada," Congress spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi said. On March 31, the five leaders were been appointed as members in a special committee formed for raising awareness about water conservation, cleanliness and aforestation near Narmada River. The order issued by the state secretariat will be effective from the date of its issuance that is April 3.

'Minister babas': MP govt's intentions questioned

<p>Curfew will remain imposed in various areas of Gwalior, Bhind and Morena districts on Wednesday in the wake of violence witnessed by the state on April 2 during Bharat Bandh.</p>

<p>The curfew, though, would be relaxed for two hours between 10 am and 12 noon, according to police.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, 50 people were arrested for pelting stones at a police party in Morena.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the death toll in violence reached seven in the state after one more body was recovered yesterday in the morning.</p>

<p>Violent protests marred the nationwide shutdown that was called by several Dalit organisations to protest against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.</p>

<p>In all, at least 11 people have died across the country in the violence that broke out in various states, including Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar, Gujarat, and Punjab.</p>

<p>In the latest development, the Supreme Court has refused to put stay order on its March 20 ruling, after Centre filed a review petition against the same.</p>

<p>The apex court, on March 20, introduced the provision of anticipatory bail in the act while directing that there would be no automatic arrest on any complaint filed under the law. This ruling allegedly infuriated the Dalits who claimed that the act has been diluted.&nbsp</p>


On Tuesday, 50 people were arrested for pelting stones at a police party in Morena.

Curfew will remain imposed in various areas of Gwalior, Bhind and Morena districts on Wednesday in the wake of violence witnessed by the state on April 2 during Bharat Bandh. The curfew, though, would be relaxed for two hours between 10 am and 12 noon, according to police. On Tuesday, 50 people were arrested for pelting stones at a police party in Morena. Meanwhile, the death toll in violence reached seven in the state after one more body was recovered yesterday in the morning. Violent protests marred the nationwide shutdown that was called by several Dalit organisations to protest against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. In all, at least 11 people have died across the country in the violence that broke out in various states, including Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar, Gujarat, and Punjab. In the latest development, the Supreme Court has refused to put stay order on its March 20 ruling, after Centre filed a review petition against the same. The apex court, on March 20, introduced the provision of anticipatory bail in the act while directing that there would be no automatic arrest on any complaint filed under the law. This ruling allegedly infuriated the Dalits who claimed that the act has been diluted.

Bharat Bandh: Curfew to remain in various parts of Madhya Pradesh

<p>A day after being accorded the 'Minister of State' (MoS) status, two religious leaders have cancelled their proposed campaign against the alleged 'scam' in the Madhya Pradesh government's Narmada conservation programme.</p>

<p>Ahead of Assembly elections due later this year, the BJP government in MP yesterday accorded the MoS status to five Hindu religious leaders - Narmadanand Maharaj, Hariharanand Maharaj, Computer Baba, Bhaiyyu Maharaj and Pandit Yogendra Mahant.</p>

<p>On March 31, the five religious leaders were appointed to a committee set up for the Narmada river conservation.</p>

<p>As members of the committee, they have been given the MoS status, an official of the General Administration Department said yesterday.</p>

<p>Computer Baba had earlier announced to take out the 'Narmada Ghotala Rath Yatra' along with Yogendra Mahant in every district of MP from April 1 to May 15, to expose the alleged scam in planting saplings on the banks of the Narmada river and to demand a ban on illegal sand mining.</p>

<p>The publicity material of the campaign was also circulated widely on the social media.</p>

<p>However, MoS Computer Baba today said they have cancelled the campaign because the state government has fulfilled their demand to form a committee of saints and seers for protection of the Narmada river.</p>

<p>"Now why would we take out the yatra?" he said.</p>

<p>On accepting the government facilities meant for a MoS despite being a saint, he said, "If we do not get the post and other government facilities, how can we work for the protection of the Narmada."</p>

<p>"As a member of the committee, we have to talk to the district collectors and look after other necessary arrangements for the river's conservation. A government status is required for these works," he pointed out.</p>

<p>Yogendra Mahant, who was the convener of the proposed campaign, also said that they cancelled the yatra as the state government fulfilled their demand to set up a panel for the river conservation.</p>

<p>On March 31, these five religious leaders were appointed members of the 'Janjagrukta Abhiyan Samiti' (Public Awareness Campaign Committee)- set up for the conservation of the Narmada river.</p>

<p>The opposition Congress yesterday dubbed the decision to appoint them as MoS as the BJP's attempt to exploit the respect these religious leaders enjoy in the society.</p>

<p>However, the BJP hit back saying the opposition party disliked anything related to saints.</p>


As members of the committee, they have been given the MoS status, an official of the General Administration Department said yesterday.

A day after being accorded the 'Minister of State' (MoS) status, two religious leaders have cancelled their proposed campaign against the alleged 'scam' in the Madhya Pradesh government's Narmada conservation programme. Ahead of Assembly elections due later this year, the BJP government in MP yesterday accorded the MoS status to five Hindu religious leaders - Narmadanand Maharaj, Hariharanand Maharaj, Computer Baba, Bhaiyyu Maharaj and Pandit Yogendra Mahant. On March 31, the five religious leaders were appointed to a committee set up for the Narmada river conservation. As members of the committee, they have been given the MoS status, an official of the General Administration Department said yesterday. Computer Baba had earlier announced to take out the 'Narmada Ghotala Rath Yatra' along with Yogendra Mahant in every district of MP from April 1 to May 15, to expose the alleged scam in planting saplings on the banks of the Narmada river and to demand a ban on illegal sand mining. The publicity material of the campaign was also circulated widely on the social media. However, MoS Computer Baba today said they have cancelled the campaign because the state government has fulfilled their demand to form a committee of saints and seers for protection of the Narmada river. "Now why would we take out the yatra?" he said. On accepting the government facilities meant for a MoS despite being a saint, he said, "If we do not get the post and other government facilities, how can we work for the protection of the Narmada." "As a member of the committee, we have to talk to the district collectors and look after other necessary arrangements for the river's conservation. A government status is required for these works," he pointed out. Yogendra Mahant, who was the convener of the proposed campaign, also said that they cancelled the yatra as the state government fulfilled their demand to set up a panel for the river conservation. On March 31, these five religious leaders were appointed members of the 'Janjagrukta Abhiyan Samiti' (Public Awareness Campaign Committee)- set up for the conservation of the Narmada river. The opposition Congress yesterday dubbed the decision to appoint them as MoS as the BJP's attempt to exploit the respect these religious leaders enjoy in the society. However, the BJP hit back saying the opposition party disliked anything related to saints.

'Babas' cancel protest against MP govt's Narmada programme after getting MoS status

<p>India erupted in violence Monday as Dalit protesters went on the rampage against an alleged dilution of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At least nine people were killed in North India, as the protesters blocked trains, clashed with police and set fire to vehicles across several states during a nationwide bandh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Six people were killed in Madhya Pradesh, at least five of them in the crossfire between the police and protesters. Three other people died, two in Uttar Pradesh and one in Alwar, Rajasthan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Army and paramilitary forces were also put on standby in Punjab.</p>

<p>The Union Home Ministry, which rushed 800 anti-riot policemen to MP and UP, asked all states to take preventive steps and maintain public order to ensure safety of lives and property.</p>

<p>Transport, mobile and internet services were hit in many states with over 100 trains getting affected due to protests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The protests follow a March 20 Supreme Court order banning the automatic arrest and filing of cases against people accused under the act. The court had wanted to protect "honest" public servants discharging bona fide duties from being blackmailed with false cases under the Act but the Dalits believe the order may lead to an increase in violence against the community (which already faces massive discrimination at the hands of upper caste and OBC Hindus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While some states had ordered closure of educational institutions as a precautionary measure, incidents of arson, firing and vandalism were reported from MP, UP, Rajasthan, Bihar and Punjab, among other places.</p>

<p>In UP, nearly 75 persons including 40 policemen were injured in violent protests in various parts of the state. Police have detained nearly 450 people there.</p>

<p>In Rajasthan, 26 people including nine policemen were injured in Alwar.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatBandh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatBandh</a> over SC/ST protection act:Shots fired during protests in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior <a href="https://t.co/p8mW36qL0s">pic.twitter.com/p8mW36qL0s</a></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatBandh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatBandh</a> over SC/ST protection act: Police lathicharges protesters in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Haryana?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Haryana</a>'s Yamunanagar. <a href="https://t.co/a6mWooQbOX">pic.twitter.com/a6mWooQbOX</a></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatBandh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatBandh</a> over SC/ST protection act: Bus vandalized & set ablaze during protest in Azamgarh. <a href="https://t.co/smRy8IdG9w">pic.twitter.com/smRy8IdG9w</a></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatBandh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatBandh</a> over SC/ST protection act: Visuals of vehicles set ablaze during protest in Muzaffarnagar. <a href="https://t.co/r5FsdkfD3M">pic.twitter.com/r5FsdkfD3M</a></p>
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<p>Home Minister Rajnath Singh appealed for peace, while Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the government was not a party to the Supreme Court decision on the SC/ST Act and "respectfully" did not agree with its reasoning behind the verdict.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Government of India has advised all states to maintain law and order and we are ready to provide assistance to any state that may require so.</p>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/980783740002717696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Prasad also said the government has filed a very comprehensive review petition in the matter.</p>

<p>Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, a prominent Dalit leader and head of NDA constituent LJP, appreciated the government's quick decision.</p>

<p>Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad alleged that incidents of atrocities on Dalits and minorities have increased in the country since the NDA came to power in 2014, while AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal extended his support to the protesting groups.</p>

<p>UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appealed for peace and urged the people not to vitiate law and order, as violence was reported from many districts including Azamgarh where protesters torched two state-run buses, injuring several passengers.<br />
As protests turned violent in Agra, Hapur, Meerut in western UP, Director General of Police (DGP), O P Singh, said, "We have sought more force from the Centre that will be deployed there."</p>

<p>Many trains, including premier Rajdhani and Shatabdi expresses, were stopped by protestors while some were short-terminated.</p>

<p>A group of about 2,000 people disrupted trains at the Hapur station as well, disrupting the movement of many goods trains, railway officials added.</p>

<p>The CBSE has already postponed Class 12 and Class 10 examinations scheduled to be held today in Punjab at the request of the state government in view of the 'Bharat Bandh'.</p>

<p>In the national capital region, protesters squatted on tracks at several places, stopping trains, including the Dehradun Express and the Ranchi Rajdhani, while a Northern Railway official said services were also disrupted by a mob in Ghaziabad.</p>

<p>Shouting slogans of "Jai Bhim", the protesters also blocked roads affecting traffic movement, police said.</p>

<p>In Patna, protesters stormed the railway station, forced closure of ticket counters and squatted on tracks disrupting movement of a number of trains.</p>

<p>Normal life was also affected in several parts of Odisha where activists of different Dalit groups put up road blockades.</p>

<p>Major towns and cities of Gujarat also witnessed protests while civic-run transport services were halted after some of the buses were targeted by agitators.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from PTI)</em></p>


Six people were killed in Madhya Pradesh, two in UP, and one in Rajasthan

India erupted in violence Monday as Dalit protesters went on the rampage against an alleged dilution of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. At least nine people were killed in North India, as the protesters blocked trains, clashed with police and set fire to vehicles across several states during a nationwide bandh. Six people were killed in Madhya Pradesh, at least five of them in the crossfire between the police and protesters. Three other people died, two in Uttar Pradesh and one in Alwar, Rajasthan. The Army and paramilitary forces were also put on standby in Punjab. The Union Home Ministry, which rushed 800 anti-riot policemen to MP and UP, asked all states to take preventive steps and maintain public order to ensure safety of lives and property. Transport, mobile and internet services were hit in many states with over 100 trains getting affected due to protests. The protests follow a March 20 Supreme Court order banning the automatic arrest and filing of cases against people accused under the act. The court had wanted to protect "honest" public servants discharging bona fide duties from being blackmailed with false cases under the Act but the Dalits believe the order may lead to an increase in violence against the community (which already faces massive discrimination at the hands of upper caste and OBC Hindus. While some states had ordered closure of educational institutions as a precautionary measure, incidents of arson, firing and vandalism were reported from MP, UP, Rajasthan, Bihar and Punjab, among other places. In UP, nearly 75 persons including 40 policemen were injured in violent protests in various parts of the state. Police have detained nearly 450 people there. In Rajasthan, 26 people including nine policemen were injured in Alwar. #WATCH #BharatBandh over SC/ST protection act:Shots fired during protests in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior pic.twitter.com/p8mW36qL0s — ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2018 × #BharatBandh over SC/ST protection act: Police lathicharges protesters in #Haryana's Yamunanagar. pic.twitter.com/a6mWooQbOX — ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2018 × #BharatBandh over SC/ST protection act: Bus vandalized & set ablaze during protest in Azamgarh. pic.twitter.com/smRy8IdG9w — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 2, 2018 × #BharatBandh over SC/ST protection act: Visuals of vehicles set ablaze during protest in Muzaffarnagar. pic.twitter.com/r5FsdkfD3M — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 2, 2018 × Home Minister Rajnath Singh appealed for peace, while Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the government was not a party to the Supreme Court decision on the SC/ST Act and "respectfully" did not agree with its reasoning behind the verdict. The Government of India has advised all states to maintain law and order and we are ready to provide assistance to any state that may require so. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 2, 2018 × Prasad also said the government has filed a very comprehensive review petition in the matter. Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, a prominent Dalit leader and head of NDA constituent LJP, appreciated the government's quick decision. Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad alleged that incidents of atrocities on Dalits and minorities have increased in the country since the NDA came to power in 2014, while AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal extended his support to the protesting groups. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appealed for peace and urged the people not to vitiate law and order, as violence was reported from many districts including Azamgarh where protesters torched two state-run buses, injuring several passengers. As protests turned violent in Agra, Hapur, Meerut in western UP, Director General of Police (DGP), O P Singh, said, "We have sought more force from the Centre that will be deployed there." Many trains, including premier Rajdhani and Shatabdi expresses, were stopped by protestors while some were short-terminated. A group of about 2,000 people disrupted trains at the Hapur station as well, disrupting the movement of many goods trains, railway officials added. The CBSE has already postponed Class 12 and Class 10 examinations scheduled to be held today in Punjab at the request of the state government in view of the 'Bharat Bandh'. In the national capital region, protesters squatted on tracks at several places, stopping trains, including the Dehradun Express and the Ranchi Rajdhani, while a Northern Railway official said services were also disrupted by a mob in Ghaziabad. Shouting slogans of "Jai Bhim", the protesters also blocked roads affecting traffic movement, police said. In Patna, protesters stormed the railway station, forced closure of ticket counters and squatted on tracks disrupting movement of a number of trains. Normal life was also affected in several parts of Odisha where activists of different Dalit groups put up road blockades. Major towns and cities of Gujarat also witnessed protests while civic-run transport services were halted after some of the buses were targeted by agitators. (With inputs from PTI)

Bharat Bandh protests: As violence sweeps across India, death toll rises to 9

<p>Following the death of a man due to the Bharat bandh protest on Monday, case has been registered against two policemen in Madhya Pradesh.</p>

<p>The case has been registered against the policemen in connection with the death of Mahavir Rajawat in Bhind.</p>

<p>&nbsp;Six people were killed in Madhya Pradesh, at least five of them in the crossfire between the police and protesters. Three other people died, two in Uttar Pradesh and one in Alwar, Rajasthan.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Madhya Pradesh: Case registered against two policemen in connection with the death of a man Mahavir Rajawat during yesterday's protests in Bhind <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SC_ST_Act?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SC_ST_Act</a></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the chairman of the SC/ST National Commission has said that action will be taken against culprits involved in the violence&nbsp;and death in the protest.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There has been violence & people have died. Those responsible are people who've been rejected by Dalits, whether it is Cong or BSP. We will do an inquiry & give report to govt. Action will be taken against culprits: RS Katheria, Chairman, SC/ST National Commission <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatBandh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatBandh</a> <a href="https://t.co/H4OA0cgodT">pic.twitter.com/H4OA0cgodT</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/981101295892283392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>India erupted in violence Monday as Dalit protesters went on the rampage against an alleged dilution of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At least nine people were killed in North India, as the protesters blocked trains, clashed with police and set fire to vehicles across several states during a nationwide bandh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In its hearing on Tuesday, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/scst-act-we-are-not-against-it-says-supreme-court-but-refuses-to-cancel-earlier-order-128083">Supreme Court said that it was not against the SC/ST Act</a> and does not want the innocent to be punished.</p>

<p>The court's hearing came in response to the Centre's petition.</p>

<p>Supreme Court asked the lawyers in the case, including the Attorney General, to file a written submission which will be heard after 10 days.</p>


Six people were killed in Madhya Pradesh, at least five of them in the crossfire between the police and protesters

Following the death of a man due to the Bharat bandh protest on Monday, case has been registered against two policemen in Madhya Pradesh. The case has been registered against the policemen in connection with the death of Mahavir Rajawat in Bhind. Six people were killed in Madhya Pradesh, at least five of them in the crossfire between the police and protesters. Three other people died, two in Uttar Pradesh and one in Alwar, Rajasthan. Madhya Pradesh: Case registered against two policemen in connection with the death of a man Mahavir Rajawat during yesterday's protests in Bhind #SC_ST_Act — ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2018 × Meanwhile, the chairman of the SC/ST National Commission has said that action will be taken against culprits involved in the violence and death in the protest. There has been violence & people have died. Those responsible are people who've been rejected by Dalits, whether it is Cong or BSP. We will do an inquiry & give report to govt. Action will be taken against culprits: RS Katheria, Chairman, SC/ST National Commission #BharatBandh pic.twitter.com/H4OA0cgodT — ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2018 × India erupted in violence Monday as Dalit protesters went on the rampage against an alleged dilution of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. At least nine people were killed in North India, as the protesters blocked trains, clashed with police and set fire to vehicles across several states during a nationwide bandh. In its hearing on Tuesday, the Supreme Court said that it was not against the SC/ST Act and does not want the innocent to be punished. The court's hearing came in response to the Centre's petition. Supreme Court asked the lawyers in the case, including the Attorney General, to file a written submission which will be heard after 10 days.

Bharat Bandh protest: Case registered against two policemen in Madhya Pradesh

<p>Six persons were killed and several others, including policemen, sustained injuries in violent protests in Madhya Pradesh during the nationwide bandh called today by Dalit outfits against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.</p>

<p>Curfew was clamped in three districts including Bhind, where the Army was called in to control the situation.</p>

<p>"Two people were killed in Gwalior while one person each died in Bhind and Morena districts during the violence," Inspector General (law and order) Makrand Deoskar told PTI.</p>

<p>Three&nbsp;other people were killed in the protests, two in Uttar Pradesh, and one in Alwar, Rajasthan, taking the total toll to nine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Incidents of stone-pelting, arson and loot were also reported from several parts of the state during the protest, he said, adding that further details are awaited.<br />
<br />
A student leader, identified as Rahul Pathak, died in firing in Morena district, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Umesh Shukla told PTI.</p>

<p>Pathak was allegedly shot by agitators and he succumbed to injuries enroute to hospital, he said.</p>

<p>As the violence escalated, curfew was imposed in the entire city, Shukla said.</p>

<p>The protesters also stopped a train in Morena, the police said.</p>

<p>Curfew was also imposed in Gwalior and Bhind districts following violence, officials said.&nbsp;Gwalior Commissioner B M Sharma said, "Curfew has been imposed in several parts of the Gwalior city following violence during the protest."</p>

<p>The Tahtipur, Gola Ka Mandir, Hazira and Morar police station areas in Gwalior were brought under the purview of the curfew, a senior official said.</p>

<p>Curfew was also imposed in Bhind city, and Mehgaon, Lahar, Gohad and Machand areas of the district, Bhind Superintendent of Police Prashant Khare said.</p>

<p>The Army has been called in Bhind to control the situation, Khare said.</p>

<p>A person, identified as Mahavir Singh (32), died in the firing in Bhind district where while two others suffered serious injuries and were referred to a hospital in Gwalior, Bhind's chief medical and health officer J P S Kushwaha said.</p>

<p>In Jhabua, protesters looted shops during the agitation, triggering tension in the tribal town.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan appealed to the protesters to maintain peace in the state as the Centre has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court.</p>

<p>Protests were also held in the state capital Bhopal with agitators blocking a road on the Board Office Square near the statue of Dalit icon Dr B R Ambedkar.</p>

<p>More than two dozen vehicles were damaged, several of them torched by the protesters, eyewitnesses said.</p>

<p>In Morena district, the Chhattisgarh Express was stopped by protesters and was till at the station, they said.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court had on March 20 diluted certain provisions of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, in a bid to protect 'honest' public servants discharging bona fide duties from being blackmailed with false cases under the Act.</p>

<p>The verdict is being widely criticised by the Dalits and the Opposition, who claim that dilution of the Act will lead to more discrimination and crimes against the backward community.&nbsp;</p>


The deaths took place in Madhya Pradesh where curfew was clamped on three districts, in one of which the army was called in to control the situation

Six persons were killed and several others, including policemen, sustained injuries in violent protests in Madhya Pradesh during the nationwide bandh called today by Dalit outfits against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Curfew was clamped in three districts including Bhind, where the Army was called in to control the situation. "Two people were killed in Gwalior while one person each died in Bhind and Morena districts during the violence," Inspector General (law and order) Makrand Deoskar told PTI. Three other people were killed in the protests, two in Uttar Pradesh, and one in Alwar, Rajasthan, taking the total toll to nine. Incidents of stone-pelting, arson and loot were also reported from several parts of the state during the protest, he said, adding that further details are awaited. A student leader, identified as Rahul Pathak, died in firing in Morena district, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Umesh Shukla told PTI. Pathak was allegedly shot by agitators and he succumbed to injuries enroute to hospital, he said. As the violence escalated, curfew was imposed in the entire city, Shukla said. The protesters also stopped a train in Morena, the police said. Curfew was also imposed in Gwalior and Bhind districts following violence, officials said. Gwalior Commissioner B M Sharma said, "Curfew has been imposed in several parts of the Gwalior city following violence during the protest." The Tahtipur, Gola Ka Mandir, Hazira and Morar police station areas in Gwalior were brought under the purview of the curfew, a senior official said. Curfew was also imposed in Bhind city, and Mehgaon, Lahar, Gohad and Machand areas of the district, Bhind Superintendent of Police Prashant Khare said. The Army has been called in Bhind to control the situation, Khare said. A person, identified as Mahavir Singh (32), died in the firing in Bhind district where while two others suffered serious injuries and were referred to a hospital in Gwalior, Bhind's chief medical and health officer J P S Kushwaha said. In Jhabua, protesters looted shops during the agitation, triggering tension in the tribal town. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan appealed to the protesters to maintain peace in the state as the Centre has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court. Protests were also held in the state capital Bhopal with agitators blocking a road on the Board Office Square near the statue of Dalit icon Dr B R Ambedkar. More than two dozen vehicles were damaged, several of them torched by the protesters, eyewitnesses said. In Morena district, the Chhattisgarh Express was stopped by protesters and was till at the station, they said. The Supreme Court had on March 20 diluted certain provisions of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, in a bid to protect 'honest' public servants discharging bona fide duties from being blackmailed with false cases under the Act. The verdict is being widely criticised by the Dalits and the Opposition, who claim that dilution of the Act will lead to more discrimination and crimes against the backward community.

Bharat Bandh protests: Death toll rises to 9 as violence sweeps across India

<p>At least 10 were killed in a building collapse in Madhya Pradesh's Indore last night. According to reports, a four storeyed-building in Sarwate area collapsed around 9:20 pm last night.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> Indore building collapse: Death toll rises to ten. Rescue operations continue. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradesh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/mg19KodZEA">pic.twitter.com/mg19KodZEA</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/980202574006706177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Indore's Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Harinarayan Mishra noted that&nbsp;a car rammed into the building after which the building collapsed.</p>

<p>He stated that the building was too old to bear the intensity of the collision. The building hosted a hotel and lodging facility.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the local police, at least three are critically injured with nearly 20 feared trapped under the debris.</p>

<p>Rescue operations are underway, further details are awaited.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indore?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indore</a> building collapse: Collector orders magisterial inquiry into the incident that claimed 10 lives. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradesh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradesh</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/980317557696720896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced ex-gratia of Rs two lakh each for the next kin of those killed in the Indore building collapse.</p>

<p>He also granted a compensation of Rs 50,000 for those injured in this incident.</p>

<p>A team of police and fire brigade personnel have been carrying out rescue operations. Locals here describe the building to be at least 50 years old that housed a hotel and accommodated its staff.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Most of the deceased and injured are suspected to be the staff and guests of the hotel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Police said three people are critically injured and that as many as 20 are feared trapped in the debris

At least 10 were killed in a building collapse in Madhya Pradesh's Indore last night. According to reports, a four storeyed-building in Sarwate area collapsed around 9:20 pm last night. #UPDATE Indore building collapse: Death toll rises to ten. Rescue operations continue. #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/mg19KodZEA — ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2018 × Indore's Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Harinarayan Mishra noted that a car rammed into the building after which the building collapsed. He stated that the building was too old to bear the intensity of the collision. The building hosted a hotel and lodging facility. According to the local police, at least three are critically injured with nearly 20 feared trapped under the debris. Rescue operations are underway, further details are awaited. #Indore building collapse: Collector orders magisterial inquiry into the incident that claimed 10 lives. #MadhyaPradesh — ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2018 × Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced ex-gratia of Rs two lakh each for the next kin of those killed in the Indore building collapse. He also granted a compensation of Rs 50,000 for those injured in this incident. A team of police and fire brigade personnel have been carrying out rescue operations. Locals here describe the building to be at least 50 years old that housed a hotel and accommodated its staff. Most of the deceased and injured are suspected to be the staff and guests of the hotel. (With inputs from agencies)

4-storey Indore building housing hotel collapses after car crashes into it, 10 dead

<p>The truck driver who allegedly hit the journalist reporting on sand mafia yesterday has been arrested by Bhopal Police. The accused admitted that he was driving the truck when the accident happened.&nbsp</p>

<p>"The person has admitted that he was driving the vehicle at the time of the incident. Our team is questioning and doing the investigations," a police official noted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bhind: Driver of the truck which hit the journalist reporting on sand mafia yesterday, arrested. SS Kushwaha,TI,City Kotwali,says, 'person has admitted that he was driving the vehicle at time of the incident. SIT team is questioning & doing investigation'<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradesh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/ViGStCcVOq">pic.twitter.com/ViGStCcVOq</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/978369197083209728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp</p>

<p>A leading Indian news agency posted a video yesterday where an investigative journalist was run over by a truck in Bhind, Madhya Pradesh. Sandeep Sharma was investigating a possible link between the local police and the sand mafia.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>:Chilling CCTV footage of moment when Journalist Sandeep Sharma was run over by a truck in Bhind. He had been reporting on the sand mafia and had earlier complained to Police about threat to his life. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradesh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/LZxNuTLyap">pic.twitter.com/LZxNuTLyap</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/978176717113217024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp</p>
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<p>In the video, the journalist was seen riding a bike with a truck chasing him. According to reports, Sharma had previously lodged a complaint reporting threat to his life.&nbsp</p>


A leading Indian news agency posted a video yesterday where an investigative journalist was run over by a truck in Bhind, Madhya Pradesh

The truck driver who allegedly hit the journalist reporting on sand mafia yesterday has been arrested by Bhopal Police. The accused admitted that he was driving the truck when the accident happened. "The person has admitted that he was driving the vehicle at the time of the incident. Our team is questioning and doing the investigations," a police official noted. Bhind: Driver of the truck which hit the journalist reporting on sand mafia yesterday, arrested. SS Kushwaha,TI,City Kotwali,says, 'person has admitted that he was driving the vehicle at time of the incident. SIT team is questioning & doing investigation'#MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/ViGStCcVOq — ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2018 × A leading Indian news agency posted a video yesterday where an investigative journalist was run over by a truck in Bhind, Madhya Pradesh. Sandeep Sharma was investigating a possible link between the local police and the sand mafia. #WATCH:Chilling CCTV footage of moment when Journalist Sandeep Sharma was run over by a truck in Bhind. He had been reporting on the sand mafia and had earlier complained to Police about threat to his life. #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/LZxNuTLyap — ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2018 × In the video, the journalist was seen riding a bike with a truck chasing him. According to reports, Sharma had previously lodged a complaint reporting threat to his life.

Madhya Pradesh Police arrest truck driver accused of running over journalist

<p>A petrol tanker caught fire in Madhya Pradesh's Narsinghpur last evening as it reached the petrol pump to be emptied.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cause of the fire is not yet known, however, it is reported that the fire quickly spread at the pump and took over the front area of the tanker.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Labourers allege that they were promised Rs 350 each and food, to be present at Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal's public rally in Haryana's Hisar yesterday but they neither got money nor food. <a href="https://t.co/Qw9IJhp34w">pic.twitter.com/Qw9IJhp34w</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/978159204488896512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">26 March 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In a rare attempt to save lives, the truck driver was seen driving the burning truck away from the petrol pump. The fire was later doused by the fire department.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, the truck driver has suffered burns and is admitted to the nearest hospital.</p>


News reports said the driver had suffered burns and has been admitted to hospital in MP's Narsinghpur

A petrol tanker caught fire in Madhya Pradesh's Narsinghpur last evening as it reached the petrol pump to be emptied. The cause of the fire is not yet known, however, it is reported that the fire quickly spread at the pump and took over the front area of the tanker. #WATCH Labourers allege that they were promised Rs 350 each and food, to be present at Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal's public rally in Haryana's Hisar yesterday but they neither got money nor food. pic.twitter.com/Qw9IJhp34w — ANI (@ANI) 26 March 2018 × In a rare attempt to save lives, the truck driver was seen driving the burning truck away from the petrol pump. The fire was later doused by the fire department. According to reports, the truck driver has suffered burns and is admitted to the nearest hospital.

Watch: Tanker catches fire at petrol station but, to save lives, driver steers it to safety

<p>Girl students at Dr HS Gour Central University in Sagar complained to the vice-chancellor on Sunday that they were body searched at their hostel after a used sanitary napkin was found in the corridor leading to the washroom.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradesh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradesh</a>: At least 40 girls, residing in one of the hostels of Dr Hari Singh Gour University in Sagar, allege that they were stripped & searched by hostel warden after a used sanitary pad was found lying in the hostel premises. <a href="https://t.co/G2m1rMnGkG">pic.twitter.com/G2m1rMnGkG</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/978110628744310784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">26 March 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The search was conducted by the warden and her assistant of the hostel. In their complaint to the Vice Chancellor, the students have said that they were asked to congregate at a place and then they were asked to strip one by one. More than fifty students were made to take off their clothes. They were also allegedly asked to remove their undergarments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The students are reportedly feeling very humiliated. They are also said to be in fear. They met the VC one day after the incident and demanded action to be taken on the warden and her associate. The VC is said to have visited the hostel, talked to the students and inquired about the matter.</p>

<p>They met vice-chancellor and demanded action against the warden and her associate. The VC has visited the hostel, talked to the students and inquired about the matter. &nbsp;However, Vice-chancellor has ordered an inquiry into the students’ allegation.</p>

<p>Dr Hari Singh Gour University is a Central University in Madhya Pradesh and was founded in 1946. Its name was changed to that of Hari Singh Gour after the university’s founder by the state government. It is said to be the oldest university in MP.</p>


Dr Hari Singh Gour University was formerly known as Sagar University. It is a Central University in Madhya Pradesh and was founded in 1946.

Girl students at Dr HS Gour Central University in Sagar complained to the vice-chancellor on Sunday that they were body searched at their hostel after a used sanitary napkin was found in the corridor leading to the washroom. #MadhyaPradesh: At least 40 girls, residing in one of the hostels of Dr Hari Singh Gour University in Sagar, allege that they were stripped & searched by hostel warden after a used sanitary pad was found lying in the hostel premises. pic.twitter.com/G2m1rMnGkG — ANI (@ANI) 26 March 2018 × The search was conducted by the warden and her assistant of the hostel. In their complaint to the Vice Chancellor, the students have said that they were asked to congregate at a place and then they were asked to strip one by one. More than fifty students were made to take off their clothes. They were also allegedly asked to remove their undergarments. The students are reportedly feeling very humiliated. They are also said to be in fear. They met the VC one day after the incident and demanded action to be taken on the warden and her associate. The VC is said to have visited the hostel, talked to the students and inquired about the matter. They met vice-chancellor and demanded action against the warden and her associate. The VC has visited the hostel, talked to the students and inquired about the matter. However, Vice-chancellor has ordered an inquiry into the students’ allegation. Dr Hari Singh Gour University is a Central University in Madhya Pradesh and was founded in 1946. Its name was changed to that of Hari Singh Gour after the university’s founder by the state government. It is said to be the oldest university in MP.

Madhya Pradesh: Girls stripped after used sanitary pad found in hostel

<p>Union ministers Thawar Chand Gehlot and Dharmendra Pradhan were among the five candidates elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh today.</p>

<p>Gehlot, Pradhan, Ajay Pratap Singh, and Kailash Soni (BJP) and Rajmani Patel (Congress) were declared elected unopposed, after the 3 PM deadline for withdrawing nominations, a state Assembly official said.</p>

<p>The five candidates had filed their nominations for as many RS seats from the state.</p>

<p>Gehlot, who heads the Union social justice and empowerment ministry, was nominated from Madhya Pradesh for the second time, while Petroleum Minister Pradhan for the first time. He was elected to the Upper House of Parliament from Bihar earlier.</p>

<p>The elevation to the Rajya Sabha of Ajay Pratap Singh, a former state BJP functionary, and Soni, the national president of the MISA Bandi Sangathan, is expected to strengthen the ruling BJP in the Vindhya and Mahakoushal regions.</p>

<p>Madhya Pradesh will go to the Assembly polls later this year.</p>

<p>OBC leader Patel is a former state minister, who hails from the Vindhya region.</p>

<p>The Congress, out of power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003, is eyeing around 45 per cent of the OBC vote-bank in the upcoming polls.</p>

<p>According to numerical strength in the Legislative Assembly, the BJP was in a position to send four candidates to the Rajya Sabha, while the Congress one as each candidate needed the support of 39 MLAs.</p>

<p>In the 230-member House, the BJP has 165 MLAs, the Congress 57, the BSP four, besides three independents and a nominated member.</p>


Gehlot, Pradhan, Ajay Pratap Singh, and Kailash Soni (BJP) and Rajmani Patel (Congress) were declared elected unopposed, after the 3 PM deadline for withdrawing nominations, a state Assembly official said.

Union ministers Thawar Chand Gehlot and Dharmendra Pradhan were among the five candidates elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh today. Gehlot, Pradhan, Ajay Pratap Singh, and Kailash Soni (BJP) and Rajmani Patel (Congress) were declared elected unopposed, after the 3 PM deadline for withdrawing nominations, a state Assembly official said. The five candidates had filed their nominations for as many RS seats from the state. Gehlot, who heads the Union social justice and empowerment ministry, was nominated from Madhya Pradesh for the second time, while Petroleum Minister Pradhan for the first time. He was elected to the Upper House of Parliament from Bihar earlier. The elevation to the Rajya Sabha of Ajay Pratap Singh, a former state BJP functionary, and Soni, the national president of the MISA Bandi Sangathan, is expected to strengthen the ruling BJP in the Vindhya and Mahakoushal regions. Madhya Pradesh will go to the Assembly polls later this year. OBC leader Patel is a former state minister, who hails from the Vindhya region. The Congress, out of power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003, is eyeing around 45 per cent of the OBC vote-bank in the upcoming polls. According to numerical strength in the Legislative Assembly, the BJP was in a position to send four candidates to the Rajya Sabha, while the Congress one as each candidate needed the support of 39 MLAs. In the 230-member House, the BJP has 165 MLAs, the Congress 57, the BSP four, besides three independents and a nominated member.

Rajya Sabha polls: Pradhan, Gehlot among five elected unopposed from MP

<p>Haryana Assembly on Thursday passed a bill advocating capital punishment for rape of children of 12-years of age and below.</p>

<p>Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have already cleared a bill with similar provisions.</p>

<p>The Madhya Pradesh Assembly unanimously passed a Bill awarding death to those found guilty of raping girls aged 12 and below in December 2017 while Rajasthan passed the similar bill on March 9.</p>

<p>Maharashtra and Karnataka are also considering the death penalty for child rapists.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have already cleared a bill with similar provisions

Haryana Assembly on Thursday passed a bill advocating capital punishment for rape of children of 12-years of age and below. Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have already cleared a bill with similar provisions. The Madhya Pradesh Assembly unanimously passed a Bill awarding death to those found guilty of raping girls aged 12 and below in December 2017 while Rajasthan passed the similar bill on March 9. Maharashtra and Karnataka are also considering the death penalty for child rapists.

Haryana passes bill advocating death penalty for rape of children below 12

<p>Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton on Sunday arrived in India on a three-day private visit to Madhya Pradesh. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>She arrived at the Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in a private plane amid tight security.</p>

<p>&quot;Clinton will be in the city for a couple of days and she may visit nearby tourist places between March 11-13,&quot; Indore Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harinarayanchari Mishra said.</p>

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<p>During her stay in MP, Clinton is scheduled to visit the state&#39;s erstwhile Holkar kingdom, where apart from a boat ride along the scenic Narmada river, she would also watch the world-renowned Maheshwari saree being weaved.</p>

<p>Clinton is in Maheshwar at the invitation of Richard Holkar, scion of the erstwhile Holkar kingdom.</p>

<p>She would be staying tonight at the Ahilya Fort Hotel in Maheshwar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;This is a private visit,&quot; Khargone Collector Ashok Kumar Verma told media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per media reports, Clinton will be visiting Mandu, home to historical monuments frequented earlier by Mughal rulers&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2016 US presidential elections, Clinton, who was the Democratic &nbsp; presidential nominee was defeated by Republican rival Donald Trump<br />
&nbsp;</p>


She arrived at the Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport

Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton on Sunday arrived in India on a three-day private visit to Madhya Pradesh. She arrived at the Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in a private plane amid tight security. "Clinton will be in the city for a couple of days and she may visit nearby tourist places between March 11-13," Indore Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harinarayanchari Mishra said. × During her stay in MP, Clinton is scheduled to visit the state's erstwhile Holkar kingdom, where apart from a boat ride along the scenic Narmada river, she would also watch the world-renowned Maheshwari saree being weaved. Clinton is in Maheshwar at the invitation of Richard Holkar, scion of the erstwhile Holkar kingdom. She would be staying tonight at the Ahilya Fort Hotel in Maheshwar. "This is a private visit," Khargone Collector Ashok Kumar Verma told media. As per media reports, Clinton will be visiting Mandu, home to historical monuments frequented earlier by Mughal rulers In 2016 US presidential elections, Clinton, who was the Democratic presidential nominee was defeated by Republican rival Donald Trump

Hillary Clinton arrives on three-day private visit to India

<p>Giving a major defeat to BJP in the held bypoll election, the Congress party retained Mungaoli and Kolaras Assembly seat in a by-poll by a margin of over 2,000 and 8,000 votes respectively, in Madhya Pradesh.</p>

<p>Congress&#39; Brijendra Singh Yadav defeated BJP&#39;s Bai Sahib by 2,124 votes. Brajendra got 70,808 votes while &nbsp;Bai Sahab Yadav bagged 68,684,&nbsp;</p>

<p>The grand-old party also managed to retain Kolaras Assembly seat with a margin of over 8,000 votes</p>

<p>A total of 22 candidates from Mungaoli and 13 from Kolaras were in the fray for the February 24 polls.</p>

<p>There was 77.25 per cent voting recorded in Mungaoli and 72.82 per cent in Kolaras on Saturday.</p>

<p>Both these seats saw high-voltage campaigns from the ruling BJP and the Congress ahead of the assembly polls in the state due later in 2018.</p>

<p>While Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan led the BJP campaign with a host of ministers, Congress MP Jyotiraditya Scindia led the opposition attack.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, in Odisha, Biju Janta Dal&rsquo;s Rita Sahu won Bijepur seat by a margin of 41,933 votes.</p>

<p>Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik arrived at the party headquarters and celebrated with the workers after party&#39;s victory.&nbsp;</p>


Congress' Brijendra Singh Yadav defeated BJP's Bai Sahib by 2,124 votes

Giving a major defeat to BJP in the held bypoll election, the Congress party retained Mungaoli and Kolaras Assembly seat in a by-poll by a margin of over 2,000 and 8,000 votes respectively, in Madhya Pradesh. Congress' Brijendra Singh Yadav defeated BJP's Bai Sahib by 2,124 votes. Brajendra got 70,808 votes while Bai Sahab Yadav bagged 68,684, The grand-old party also managed to retain Kolaras Assembly seat with a margin of over 8,000 votes A total of 22 candidates from Mungaoli and 13 from Kolaras were in the fray for the February 24 polls. There was 77.25 per cent voting recorded in Mungaoli and 72.82 per cent in Kolaras on Saturday. Both these seats saw high-voltage campaigns from the ruling BJP and the Congress ahead of the assembly polls in the state due later in 2018. While Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan led the BJP campaign with a host of ministers, Congress MP Jyotiraditya Scindia led the opposition attack. Meanwhile, in Odisha, Biju Janta Dal’s Rita Sahu won Bijepur seat by a margin of 41,933 votes. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik arrived at the party headquarters and celebrated with the workers after party's victory.

Bypoll results: Lotus shrinks as BJP loses all three seats to Congress, BJD

<p>At least 8 people lost their lives and four others injured when an iron rod-laden truck rammed into a roadside house and a tea stall in Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> 8 people dead, 4 injured after a truck rammed into a house and a shop in Jabalpur&#39;s Barela. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradesh</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/966197750789476352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Irate residents pelted stones on the police force and torched a police vehicle in the area following the incident.</p>

<p>Four people, who sustained injuries and referred to hospital, are said to be in a critical condition.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyPradesh</a>: Locals torched a police vehicle in Jabalpur&#39;s Barela after a truck rammed into a house and a shop. 8 people lost their lives and 4 people were injured in the incident. <a href="https://t.co/vVTI4nBt3K">pic.twitter.com/vVTI4nBt3K</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/966200020096741376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The incident took place on Jabalpur-Mandla road.</p>

<p>The additional police force has been deployed in the area in order to contain further violence.&nbsp;</p>


Four people, who sustained injuries and referred to hospital, are said to be in a critical condition.

At least 8 people lost their lives and four others injured when an iron rod-laden truck rammed into a roadside house and a tea stall in Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday. #UPDATE 8 people dead, 4 injured after a truck rammed into a house and a shop in Jabalpur's Barela. #MadhyaPradesh — ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2018 × Irate residents pelted stones on the police force and torched a police vehicle in the area following the incident. Four people, who sustained injuries and referred to hospital, are said to be in a critical condition. #MadhyPradesh: Locals torched a police vehicle in Jabalpur's Barela after a truck rammed into a house and a shop. 8 people lost their lives and 4 people were injured in the incident. pic.twitter.com/vVTI4nBt3K — ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2018 × The incident took place on Jabalpur-Mandla road. The additional police force has been deployed in the area in order to contain further violence.

Madhya Pradesh: 8 dead, 4 injured after truck rams into house

<p>BJP lawmaker from Madhya Pradesh Janardan Mishra was seen crouching over the toilet of a local school, cleaning and unclogging it with his bare hands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP MP from Rewa district was informed that a school toilet in Rewa&#39;s Khajuha village had clogged and that the children there were not able to use it.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">रीवा जिले के स्वच्छ भारत मिशन अंतर्गत ग्राम पंचायत भुशुड़ी में जन सम्पर्क के दौरान प्राथमिक विद्यालय में बंद पड़े शौचालय की सफाई की।<a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rshuklabjp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rshuklabjp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ChouhanShivraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChouhanShivraj</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SwachhBharatGov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SwachhBharatGov</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/swachhbharat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@swachhbharat</a> <a href="https://t.co/LayhnwLlQo">pic.twitter.com/LayhnwLlQo</a></p>
&mdash; Janardan Mishra (@Janardan_BJP) <a href="https://twitter.com/Janardan_BJP/status/964137997892505601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Instead of giving out directives to get the toilet fixed, Mishra reached the school and decided to take stock of the situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mishra posted his video on his Twitter handle stating that he unclogged and cleaned an out-of-use toilet at a school in a village in Rewa in compliance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s <em>Swachh Bharat Abhiyan</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Janardan Mishra was recently seen carrying out a series of welfare drives for the local village community in Rewa. In another instance, he was seen giving a bath to a little kid in a village.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">मैंने अल्हौवा, नई गढ़ी में शासकीय विद्यालय का निरीक्षण किया ,वहां मैंने देखा कि बच्चे कई दिन से नहाये हुए नहीं हैं है , तो मैंने उनमे से एक बच्चे को नहलाया और शिक्षको से कहा कि वे अभिवावकों को कहें कि अपने बच्चों को प्रतिदिन नहलाकर विद्यालय भेंजे |<br />
22<br />
/01/18 <a href="https://t.co/oIWr3cEa2B">pic.twitter.com/oIWr3cEa2B</a></p>
&mdash; Janardan Mishra (@Janardan_BJP) <a href="https://twitter.com/Janardan_BJP/status/955678704079917056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;I had seen that the kids in Alhowa, Nai Garhi had not bathed for long. I decided to bathe one of the kids here and also urged the teaching staff and parents to bathe their kids every day and send them to school,&quot; Mishra tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Janardan Mishra was recently seen carrying out a series of welfare drives for the local village community in Rewa.

BJP lawmaker from Madhya Pradesh Janardan Mishra was seen crouching over the toilet of a local school, cleaning and unclogging it with his bare hands. The BJP MP from Rewa district was informed that a school toilet in Rewa's Khajuha village had clogged and that the children there were not able to use it. रीवा जिले के स्वच्छ भारत मिशन अंतर्गत ग्राम पंचायत भुशुड़ी में जन सम्पर्क के दौरान प्राथमिक विद्यालय में बंद पड़े शौचालय की सफाई की।@narendramodi @rshuklabjp @ChouhanShivraj @SwachhBharatGov @swachhbharat pic.twitter.com/LayhnwLlQo — Janardan Mishra (@Janardan_BJP) February 15, 2018 × Instead of giving out directives to get the toilet fixed, Mishra reached the school and decided to take stock of the situation. Mishra posted his video on his Twitter handle stating that he unclogged and cleaned an out-of-use toilet at a school in a village in Rewa in compliance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Janardan Mishra was recently seen carrying out a series of welfare drives for the local village community in Rewa. In another instance, he was seen giving a bath to a little kid in a village. मैंने अल्हौवा, नई गढ़ी में शासकीय विद्यालय का निरीक्षण किया ,वहां मैंने देखा कि बच्चे कई दिन से नहाये हुए नहीं हैं है , तो मैंने उनमे से एक बच्चे को नहलाया और शिक्षको से कहा कि वे अभिवावकों को कहें कि अपने बच्चों को प्रतिदिन नहलाकर विद्यालय भेंजे | 22 /01/18 pic.twitter.com/oIWr3cEa2B — Janardan Mishra (@Janardan_BJP) January 23, 2018 × "I had seen that the kids in Alhowa, Nai Garhi had not bathed for long. I decided to bathe one of the kids here and also urged the teaching staff and parents to bathe their kids every day and send them to school," Mishra tweeted.

Madhya Pradesh: BJP lawmaker unclogs, cleans school toilet with bare hands

<p>Patients at a medical centre in Madhya Pradesh&#39;s Chandla&#39;s Sarwai complained of discrepancies in health services provided by the medical institute.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The patients and their kin here shared instances when they were left unattended for days and were asked for money by the hospital staff. The patients alleged not receiving even the basic healthcare facilities at the hospital and complained of lack of electricity supply.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradesh</a>: Patients at a medical center in Chandla&#39;s Sarwai of Chhattarpur complain of discrepancies in health services provided by the center, say &#39;doctors leave us unattended &amp; staff demands for money&#39;. Staff member says &#39;we use torch &amp; candles as there is power crisis&#39;. <a href="https://t.co/UpKCltu5DG">pic.twitter.com/UpKCltu5DG</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/965156218963623938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>One of the staff members here talked about the power crisis at the hospital stating that they often resorted to using torch &amp; candles in the absence of electricity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While one patient complained of not being attended for close to two days, another one shared that she was asked for money when she demanded a discharge from the institute.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I have been here since 2 at night but no one has come to see me or my child yet. When I asked them to discharge me, they asked for money in exchange: Sangeeta, Patient at the medical center in Chandla&#39;s Sarwai of Chhattarpur <a href="https://t.co/nh84QOkfJI">pic.twitter.com/nh84QOkfJI</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/965156223736795136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;We called for the ambulance but then we were told that the driver doesn&#39;t know the address. When he actually dropped us off at the hospital he demanded Rs 200 from us. We are poor people. How could we give that?&quot; noted a relative of a patient.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We called for the ambulance but then we were told that the driver doesn&#39;t know the address. When he actually dropped us off at the hospital, he demanded Rs 200 from us. We are poor people. How could we give that?: Ram Ratan Ahirwar, Relative of a patient in the medical center <a href="https://t.co/hdpZmYW2dJ">pic.twitter.com/hdpZmYW2dJ</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/965156227264253952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>One of the nurses here noted that babies are delivered at the institute without proper care or facilities. &quot;We refer them to other hospitals in case they&#39;re serious. If there&#39;s electricity it&#39;s fine, but we generally use torch &amp; candles for treatment of patients. We complained to authority but never got a response,&quot; she shared.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bhagwan bharose delivery hoti hai. We refer them to other hospitals in case they&#39;re serious. If there&#39;s electricity, it&#39;s fine but we generally use torch &amp; candles for treatment of patients. We complained to authority but never got a response: Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM) <a href="https://t.co/vOn7eXro5t">pic.twitter.com/vOn7eXro5t</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/965156231022247936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, the administration rubbished the claims describing them as false allegations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;There is proper electricity supply. If there&#39;s a power shortage they have power backups. It&#39;s completely false that there&#39;s staff shortage or no power supply. We&#39;ll take action against the ambulance driver,&quot; the Chief Medical &amp; Health Officer noted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It&#39;s a false allegation. There is proper electricity supply. If there&#39;s a power shortage they have power backups. It&#39;s completely false that there&#39;s staff shortage or no power supply. We&#39;ll take action against the ambulance driver: Chief Medical &amp; Health Officer Chattarpur <a href="https://t.co/x4I0aHR8LW">pic.twitter.com/x4I0aHR8LW</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/965156234289655808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>On the other hand, Chandla&#39;s MLA RD Prajapati urged the administration to bolster up the number of doctors in his constituency.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Maximum deaths due to malnutrition is in my constituency. There&#39;s dearth of doctors. I appeal the administration to depute adequate number of doctors or at least support. There is no electricity supply or generator in the area: RD Prajapati, Chandla MLA <a href="https://t.co/IP28qWXqb4">pic.twitter.com/IP28qWXqb4</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/965156238081306629?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Maximum deaths due to malnutrition is in my constituency. There&#39;s dearth of doctors. There is no electricity supply or generator in the area,&quot; Prajapati shared.&nbsp;</p>


The patients and their kin here share that they are often left unattended while the hospital staff demands money

Patients at a medical centre in Madhya Pradesh's Chandla's Sarwai complained of discrepancies in health services provided by the medical institute. The patients and their kin here shared instances when they were left unattended for days and were asked for money by the hospital staff. The patients alleged not receiving even the basic healthcare facilities at the hospital and complained of lack of electricity supply. #MadhyaPradesh: Patients at a medical center in Chandla's Sarwai of Chhattarpur complain of discrepancies in health services provided by the center, say 'doctors leave us unattended & staff demands for money'. Staff member says 'we use torch & candles as there is power crisis'. pic.twitter.com/UpKCltu5DG — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2018 × One of the staff members here talked about the power crisis at the hospital stating that they often resorted to using torch & candles in the absence of electricity. While one patient complained of not being attended for close to two days, another one shared that she was asked for money when she demanded a discharge from the institute. I have been here since 2 at night but no one has come to see me or my child yet. When I asked them to discharge me, they asked for money in exchange: Sangeeta, Patient at the medical center in Chandla's Sarwai of Chhattarpur pic.twitter.com/nh84QOkfJI — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2018 × "We called for the ambulance but then we were told that the driver doesn't know the address. When he actually dropped us off at the hospital he demanded Rs 200 from us. We are poor people. How could we give that?" noted a relative of a patient. We called for the ambulance but then we were told that the driver doesn't know the address. When he actually dropped us off at the hospital, he demanded Rs 200 from us. We are poor people. How could we give that?: Ram Ratan Ahirwar, Relative of a patient in the medical center pic.twitter.com/hdpZmYW2dJ — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2018 × One of the nurses here noted that babies are delivered at the institute without proper care or facilities. "We refer them to other hospitals in case they're serious. If there's electricity it's fine, but we generally use torch & candles for treatment of patients. We complained to authority but never got a response," she shared. Bhagwan bharose delivery hoti hai. We refer them to other hospitals in case they're serious. If there's electricity, it's fine but we generally use torch & candles for treatment of patients. We complained to authority but never got a response: Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM) pic.twitter.com/vOn7eXro5t — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2018 × Meanwhile, the administration rubbished the claims describing them as false allegations. "There is proper electricity supply. If there's a power shortage they have power backups. It's completely false that there's staff shortage or no power supply. We'll take action against the ambulance driver," the Chief Medical & Health Officer noted. It's a false allegation. There is proper electricity supply. If there's a power shortage they have power backups. It's completely false that there's staff shortage or no power supply. We'll take action against the ambulance driver: Chief Medical & Health Officer Chattarpur pic.twitter.com/x4I0aHR8LW — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2018 × On the other hand, Chandla's MLA RD Prajapati urged the administration to bolster up the number of doctors in his constituency. Maximum deaths due to malnutrition is in my constituency. There's dearth of doctors. I appeal the administration to depute adequate number of doctors or at least support. There is no electricity supply or generator in the area: RD Prajapati, Chandla MLA pic.twitter.com/IP28qWXqb4 — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2018 × "Maximum deaths due to malnutrition is in my constituency. There's dearth of doctors. There is no electricity supply or generator in the area," Prajapati shared.

Lack of facilities at Madhya Pradesh hospital, patients cry foul

<p>Aiming to gain power after a gap of almost one-and-a-half decade, the Congress in Madhya Pradesh has started preparations for the year-end assembly polls and indicated it was open to joining hands with &quot;like- minded&quot; parties to oust the ruling BJP.</p>

<p>To begin with, the party is focusing on identifying possible candidates on &quot;difficult&quot; seats by March-end but remained non-committal on projecting a chief ministerial candidate ahead of the crucial polls likely by December.</p>

<p>&quot;(Generally) decision on seats is taken at the last moment. I will discuss the matter with senior leaders of the state.</p>

<p>&quot;However, I am thinking of identifying candidates on difficult seats - the seats the party has not won for the last three-four elections.</p>

<p>&quot;I will indicate such persons in advance - my aim is by March-end - so that they get sufficient time to prepare for the polls,&quot; Congress general secretary in-charge of Madhya Pradesh Deepak Babaria told PTI.</p>

<p>He was asked about the party, in the past, waiting almost till the last day of filing nominations to finalise candidates on various seats.</p>

<p>The Congress is out of power in Madhya Pradesh, which has a 230-member assembly, since 2003.</p>

<p>Asked about projecting a chief ministerial face in MP as happened in Punjab, where the move paid rich dividends to the party, Babaria said, &quot;Whatever is needed we will do. But we will not open our cards outside.</p>

<p>&quot;If we decide on any face we will definitely let people know about it. What we are thinking or not thinking (on the issue) we will not let anyone know.&quot;</p>

<p>A section in the party has been demanding projection of a CM nominee in the state, where the BJP has won the last three assembly elections.</p>

<p>Congress chief whip in the Lok Sabha and senior leader Jyotiraditya Scindia has openly demanded that the party project a face for the top post.</p>

<p>Babaria said there was no confusion in the party over the issue of chief ministerial candidate and claimed the BJP was trying to mislead people over the matter.</p>

<p>&quot;It is a conspiracy of the BJP...They are trying to spread confusion on the issue. A senior state minister called our former MLA after a meeting to know what all had happened in the meet addressed by me. Why are they more interested in knowing affairs of the other party?&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;In Gujarat also they tried to confuse people on the issue but after former Union minister Shankarsinh Vaghela&#39;s exit from the Congress, things improved there,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>&quot;They also got news reports published on the issue in two Delhi newspapers. It is their conspiracy and we are not confused. We will not reveal the party&#39;s strategy.&quot;</p>

<p>Asked about the party&#39;s success the recently held local body elections, he credited it to the hard work put in by Congress workers. The Congress leader also said the BJP is losing ground in the state.</p>

<p>&quot;The BJP is losing ground in the state and that was clearly visible when Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had to campaign for these polls.</p>

<p>&quot;It (the local body poll result) has reflected the people&#39;s mood for the year-end elections,&quot; Babaria said.</p>

<p>Asked if like Gujarat, community leaders such as Hardik Patel and Jignesh Mevani would be roped in for campaigning in Madhya Pradesh, Babaria said they are popular leaders and command influence in their respective communities.</p>

<p>&quot;Wherever needed, we will take their and also other like-minded people&#39;s help in elections.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;The party will consider having a truck with like-minded parties,&quot; Babaria said.</p>

<p>He was asked whether the Congress will tie-up for the polls with outfits like the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) which have influence in certain areas bordering Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>&quot;I will not take anybody&#39;s name. But we have an open mind (on alliance). We will take help of like-minded people. So far, no discussion has taken place with the party high command on the matter,&quot; Babaria said.</p>


To begin with, the party is focusing on identifying possible candidates on 'difficult' seats by March-end but remained non-committal on projecting a chief ministerial candidate ahead of the crucial polls likely by December

Aiming to gain power after a gap of almost one-and-a-half decade, the Congress in Madhya Pradesh has started preparations for the year-end assembly polls and indicated it was open to joining hands with "like- minded" parties to oust the ruling BJP. To begin with, the party is focusing on identifying possible candidates on "difficult" seats by March-end but remained non-committal on projecting a chief ministerial candidate ahead of the crucial polls likely by December. "(Generally) decision on seats is taken at the last moment. I will discuss the matter with senior leaders of the state. "However, I am thinking of identifying candidates on difficult seats - the seats the party has not won for the last three-four elections. "I will indicate such persons in advance - my aim is by March-end - so that they get sufficient time to prepare for the polls," Congress general secretary in-charge of Madhya Pradesh Deepak Babaria told PTI. He was asked about the party, in the past, waiting almost till the last day of filing nominations to finalise candidates on various seats. The Congress is out of power in Madhya Pradesh, which has a 230-member assembly, since 2003. Asked about projecting a chief ministerial face in MP as happened in Punjab, where the move paid rich dividends to the party, Babaria said, "Whatever is needed we will do. But we will not open our cards outside. "If we decide on any face we will definitely let people know about it. What we are thinking or not thinking (on the issue) we will not let anyone know." A section in the party has been demanding projection of a CM nominee in the state, where the BJP has won the last three assembly elections. Congress chief whip in the Lok Sabha and senior leader Jyotiraditya Scindia has openly demanded that the party project a face for the top post. Babaria said there was no confusion in the party over the issue of chief ministerial candidate and claimed the BJP was trying to mislead people over the matter. "It is a conspiracy of the BJP...They are trying to spread confusion on the issue. A senior state minister called our former MLA after a meeting to know what all had happened in the meet addressed by me. Why are they more interested in knowing affairs of the other party?" "In Gujarat also they tried to confuse people on the issue but after former Union minister Shankarsinh Vaghela's exit from the Congress, things improved there," he said. "They also got news reports published on the issue in two Delhi newspapers. It is their conspiracy and we are not confused. We will not reveal the party's strategy." Asked about the party's success the recently held local body elections, he credited it to the hard work put in by Congress workers. The Congress leader also said the BJP is losing ground in the state. "The BJP is losing ground in the state and that was clearly visible when Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had to campaign for these polls. "It (the local body poll result) has reflected the people's mood for the year-end elections," Babaria said. Asked if like Gujarat, community leaders such as Hardik Patel and Jignesh Mevani would be roped in for campaigning in Madhya Pradesh, Babaria said they are popular leaders and command influence in their respective communities. "Wherever needed, we will take their and also other like-minded people's help in elections." "The party will consider having a truck with like-minded parties," Babaria said. He was asked whether the Congress will tie-up for the polls with outfits like the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) which have influence in certain areas bordering Uttar Pradesh. "I will not take anybody's name. But we have an open mind (on alliance). We will take help of like-minded people. So far, no discussion has taken place with the party high command on the matter," Babaria said.

Congress non-committal on CM's face in Madhya Pradesh; open to tie-up

<p>Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said today the state government would approach the Supreme Court to stop the release of the controversial film &quot;Padmaavat&quot;.</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters after a programme here, Chouhan said: &quot;We would once again knock on the apex court&#39;s doors.&quot;</p>

<p>He didn&#39;t elaborate.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-cleared-by-the-supreme-court-in-four-states-stays-ban-29917" target="_blank">When Bandit Queen can be released, why not </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-cleared-by-the-supreme-court-in-four-states-stays-ban-29917" target="_blank">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-cleared-by-the-supreme-court-in-four-states-stays-ban-29917" target="_blank">, says Supreme Court</a></p>

<p>In November, after meeting Rajput community leaders, Chouhan had announced that the film would not be allowed to release in the state.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court has stayed the orders/notifications issued by the Rajasthan and Gujarat governments prohibiting the screening of &quot;Padmaavat&quot;, and restrained other state governments from issuing similar orders.&nbsp;</p>


'We would once again knock on the apex court's doors,' Shivraj Singh Chouhan said

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said today the state government would approach the Supreme Court to stop the release of the controversial film "Padmaavat". Speaking to reporters after a programme here, Chouhan said: "We would once again knock on the apex court's doors." He didn't elaborate. Also read: When Bandit Queen can be released, why not Padmaavat, says Supreme Court In November, after meeting Rajput community leaders, Chouhan had announced that the film would not be allowed to release in the state. The Supreme Court has stayed the orders/notifications issued by the Rajasthan and Gujarat governments prohibiting the screening of "Padmaavat", and restrained other state governments from issuing similar orders.

Padmaavat release row: Madhya Pradesh CM says will move Supreme Court

<p>Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has agreed to the demands of teachers protesting in the states for the appointment as regular teachers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They will now be included in the Education Department as regular teachers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The move will benefit over 2 lakh teachers.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradesh</a> CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan agrees to the demands of teachers protesting in the state. They will now be included in Education Dept as regular teachers, over 2.84 lakh teachers to be benefited.</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955044525663076352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The teachers were protesting for a long time.</p>

<p>On January 13 about hundred teachers went bald for their protest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the government&#39;s approval, all the teachers will get equal pay for equal work.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The protest was organised in demand for equal pay for equal work and better transfer policies.&nbsp;</p>


Shivraj Singh Chouhan has agreed to the demands of teachers protesting in the states for the appointment as regular teachers

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has agreed to the demands of teachers protesting in the states for the appointment as regular teachers. They will now be included in the Education Department as regular teachers. The move will benefit over 2 lakh teachers. #MadhyaPradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan agrees to the demands of teachers protesting in the state. They will now be included in Education Dept as regular teachers, over 2.84 lakh teachers to be benefited. — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2018 × The teachers were protesting for a long time. On January 13 about hundred teachers went bald for their protest. After the government's approval, all the teachers will get equal pay for equal work. The protest was organised in demand for equal pay for equal work and better transfer policies.

After Madhya Pradesh teachers go bald, Shivraj Singh Chouhan agrees to their demands

<p>Protests against the movie Padmaavat -- the movie is scheduled for release on January 25 -- are gathering pace around the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two states of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh approached the Supreme Court Tuesday to rethink its stay on their ban of the movie. The movie had been banned by two other states -- Gujarat and Haryana, but the court had last week ordered the bans to be lifted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court had said then that if the movie Bandit Queen (on the life of dacoit-turned-politician Phoolan Devi) could be <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-cleared-by-the-supreme-court-in-four-states-stays-ban-29917" target="_blank">released, then why not </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-cleared-by-the-supreme-court-in-four-states-stays-ban-29917" target="_blank">Padmaavat</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Jaipur meanwhile, the Rajput Karna Sena staged a protest against the movie, saying, &quot;We are confident that no cinema hall will screen the film and if someone does they should be ready to bear the consequences.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Consider it a warning or request,&quot; the self-styled Sena added. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rajput Karni Sena staged protest in Jaipur against screening of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a>, say &#39; We are confident that no cinema hall will screen the film &amp; if someone does they should be ready to bear the consequences. Consider it a warning or request&#39;. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rajasthan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rajasthan</a> <a href="https://t.co/IJosg8jQo7">pic.twitter.com/IJosg8jQo7</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955328111725363201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In Chittor meanwhile, Rajput women took out a &quot;Chetavani rally&quot;. They said they would commit jauhar (mass sati) should the movie be released.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And ANI reported that a youth in Bhilwara had climbed a 350-foot-tall mobile tower along with a bottle of petrol. ANI added that the protester was saying he &quot;will come down only when Padmaavat is banned in the country&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said Monday that any cinema hall screening the movie would be given security but that &quot;if someone decides not to screen the film it will be good.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If someone decides not to screen the film it will be good but if someone screens the film, they will be provided security. It is our duty to comply with Supreme Court&#39;s order: Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> <a href="https://t.co/0ZpfKOFG86">pic.twitter.com/0ZpfKOFG86</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955322116622073856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;It is our duty to comply with the Supreme Court order,&quot; he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police in Haryana said a mall in Kurukshetra had been vandalised on Sunday evening in protest against the movie. They said a group of 20 to 22 miscreants had attacked the mall with swords and hammers.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We suspect this act was against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a>. 20-22 people suddenly entered the mall at 6:48 pm, vandalised it &amp; escaped without saying a word. We have identified a few of them. Further Investigation is underway: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Haryana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Haryana</a> Police <a href="https://t.co/ThAwR6S63d">pic.twitter.com/ThAwR6S63d</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955320870800572416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Protesters had also blocked roads and set buses on fire in Gujarat on Sunday evening, again in protest against the movie.</p>

<p>Senior state minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama said afterwards that such protests were &quot;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/violent-protests-in-gujarat-against-padmaavat-minister-calls-it-natural-30310" target="_blank">natural</a>&quot; and that the government was looking for a legal opinion following the Supreme Court&#39;s order.</p>


'We are confident that no cinema hall will screen the film and if someone does they should be ready to bear the consequences,' the Rajput Karni Sena said

Protests against the movie Padmaavat -- the movie is scheduled for release on January 25 -- are gathering pace around the country. The two states of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh approached the Supreme Court Tuesday to rethink its stay on their ban of the movie. The movie had been banned by two other states -- Gujarat and Haryana, but the court had last week ordered the bans to be lifted. The court had said then that if the movie Bandit Queen (on the life of dacoit-turned-politician Phoolan Devi) could be released, then why not Padmaavat. In Jaipur meanwhile, the Rajput Karna Sena staged a protest against the movie, saying, "We are confident that no cinema hall will screen the film and if someone does they should be ready to bear the consequences." "Consider it a warning or request," the self-styled Sena added. Rajput Karni Sena staged protest in Jaipur against screening of #Padmaavat, say ' We are confident that no cinema hall will screen the film & if someone does they should be ready to bear the consequences. Consider it a warning or request'. #Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/IJosg8jQo7 — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2018 × In Chittor meanwhile, Rajput women took out a "Chetavani rally". They said they would commit jauhar (mass sati) should the movie be released. And ANI reported that a youth in Bhilwara had climbed a 350-foot-tall mobile tower along with a bottle of petrol. ANI added that the protester was saying he "will come down only when Padmaavat is banned in the country". Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said Monday that any cinema hall screening the movie would be given security but that "if someone decides not to screen the film it will be good." If someone decides not to screen the film it will be good but if someone screens the film, they will be provided security. It is our duty to comply with Supreme Court's order: Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/0ZpfKOFG86 — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2018 × "It is our duty to comply with the Supreme Court order," he added. Police in Haryana said a mall in Kurukshetra had been vandalised on Sunday evening in protest against the movie. They said a group of 20 to 22 miscreants had attacked the mall with swords and hammers. We suspect this act was against #Padmaavat. 20-22 people suddenly entered the mall at 6:48 pm, vandalised it & escaped without saying a word. We have identified a few of them. Further Investigation is underway: #Haryana Police pic.twitter.com/ThAwR6S63d — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2018 × Protesters had also blocked roads and set buses on fire in Gujarat on Sunday evening, again in protest against the movie. Senior state minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama said afterwards that such protests were "natural" and that the government was looking for a legal opinion following the Supreme Court's order.

As Rajasthan, MP go to Supreme Court, protests against Padmaavat gather pace

<p>Former Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel was sworn-in as the Governor of Madhya Pradesh earlier today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ceremony took place at the Raj Bhavan and was administered by Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court Hemant Gupta.</p>

<p>Some of the notable leaders and politicians in attendance included Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Parliament Speaker Sumitra Mahajan among other ministers from the Madhya Pradesh cabinet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Patel was Gujarat&#39;s first female chief minister. She has been working with the Bhartiya Janta Party since 1987.</p>


The ceremony took place at the Raj Bhavan and was administered by Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh

Former Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel was sworn-in as the Governor of Madhya Pradesh earlier today. The ceremony took place at the Raj Bhavan and was administered by Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court Hemant Gupta. Some of the notable leaders and politicians in attendance included Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Parliament Speaker Sumitra Mahajan among other ministers from the Madhya Pradesh cabinet. Patel was Gujarat's first female chief minister. She has been working with the Bhartiya Janta Party since 1987.

Former Gujarat CM Anandiben Patel is Madhya Pradesh's new governor

<p>The ruling BJP and opposition Congress today won nine posts of presidents of local bodies each in Madhya Pradesh.</p>

<p>The elections to 19 local bodies were held on January 17.</p>

<p>One seat was won by an independent, a State Election Commission officer said here.</p>

<p>BJP candidates for president&#39;s post won at Peethampur Municipality and Nagar Parishad of Dahi, Kukshi, Dhamnod, Pansemal, Rajpur, Palsud and Omkareshwar. The BJP also won, unopposed, the post of president of Sendhwa Municipality.</p>

<p>Congress won the president&#39;s post at the municipalities of former chief minister Digvijay Singh&#39;s stronghold Raghogarh, Barwani, Manawar and Dhar, besides nagar parishads at Anjad, Khetia, Sardarpur, Rajgarh and Dharmapuri.</p>

<p>The president&#39;s post in Jaithari Nagar Parishad was won by an independent candidate.</p>

<p>Across these 19 local bodies, BJP won 194 seats of corporators while the Congress won 145. Independent candidates claimed 13 seats.</p>

<p>Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan attributed his party&#39;s disappointing performance to rebel candidates.</p>

<p>Rebel candidates marred the BJP&#39;s chances in many places, Chouhan told reporters at Mandsaur.</p>

<p>Leader of Opposition Ajay Singh said the Congress has snatched seven local body seats from the ruling BJP.</p>

<p>&quot;These results have shown that people are disillusioned with the BJP government. The BJP failed despite misusing government&#39;s money in fighting the elections,&quot; he alleged.&nbsp;</p>


Across these 19 local bodies, BJP won 194 seats of corporators while the Congress won 145. Independent candidates claimed 13 seats

The ruling BJP and opposition Congress today won nine posts of presidents of local bodies each in Madhya Pradesh. The elections to 19 local bodies were held on January 17. One seat was won by an independent, a State Election Commission officer said here. BJP candidates for president's post won at Peethampur Municipality and Nagar Parishad of Dahi, Kukshi, Dhamnod, Pansemal, Rajpur, Palsud and Omkareshwar. The BJP also won, unopposed, the post of president of Sendhwa Municipality. Congress won the president's post at the municipalities of former chief minister Digvijay Singh's stronghold Raghogarh, Barwani, Manawar and Dhar, besides nagar parishads at Anjad, Khetia, Sardarpur, Rajgarh and Dharmapuri. The president's post in Jaithari Nagar Parishad was won by an independent candidate. Across these 19 local bodies, BJP won 194 seats of corporators while the Congress won 145. Independent candidates claimed 13 seats. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan attributed his party's disappointing performance to rebel candidates. Rebel candidates marred the BJP's chances in many places, Chouhan told reporters at Mandsaur. Leader of Opposition Ajay Singh said the Congress has snatched seven local body seats from the ruling BJP. "These results have shown that people are disillusioned with the BJP government. The BJP failed despite misusing government's money in fighting the elections," he alleged.

Madhya Pradesh civic polls: BJP, Congress win equal number of local body president's posts

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