The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday said that isolated places likely over East Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttrakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Central Madhya Pradesh are likely to receive heavy rainfall throughout the day.

The weather organisation also predicted heavy downpour in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, West Uttar Pradesh, West Rajasthan, Konkan, Goa and Gujarat Region.

Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning is very likely at isolated places over Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal, and Odisha.

"Strong winds, speed reaching 45-55 kmph, are likely to prevail over central and southwest Arabian Sea. Squally weather likely to prevail over south Tamil Nadu coast and Comorin area," the IMD stated in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin.

The organisation has adviced fishermen not to venture into these areas for the next few days. &nbsp;

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday said that isolated places likely over East Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttrakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Central Madhya Pradesh are likely to receive heavy rainfall throughout the day.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday said that isolated places likely over East Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttrakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Central Madhya Pradesh are likely to receive heavy rainfall throughout the day. The weather organisation also predicted heavy downpour in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, West Uttar Pradesh, West Rajasthan, Konkan, Goa and Gujarat Region. Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning is very likely at isolated places over Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal, and Odisha. "Strong winds, speed reaching 45-55 kmph, are likely to prevail over central and southwest Arabian Sea. Squally weather likely to prevail over south Tamil Nadu coast and Comorin area," the IMD stated in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin. The organisation has adviced fishermen not to venture into these areas for the next few days.

Heavy rain alert in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal, Madhya Pradesh

The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Thursday issued a notice to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pragya-thakur-completes-taking-oath-in-three-attempts-in-lok-sabha-228122">BJP Bhopal MP Pragya Singh Thakur</a> on a petition challenging her election to the Lok Sabha because she allegedly adopted "corrupt practices" and whipped up communal passions during the campaign.

The petition was filed by journalist Rakesh Dixit, who is a registered voter in Bhopal.&nbsp;

According to litigant`s Advocate Arvind Shrivastava, a notice has been served to 2008 Malegaon blast accused Thakur by Justice Vishal Dhagat on Thursday and he has sought her response within four weeks.

Thakur had violated section 123 (3) (seeking votes based on religion) of the Representation of the People Act during the Lok Sabha poll campaign, the petition claimed.

"She also made false statements against her rival and Congress candidate Digvijay Singh and gave defamatory statements about other candidates. She even said that he is proud of the fact that she was among the ones who demolished Babri Masjid and she is proud of it, she even said that she was sent by God to save Hindus, she asked people to not repeat the mistake which they did before by voting Singh," the advocate said.&nbsp;

"She even gave controversial remarks on Hemant Karkare and Nathu Ram Godse," he said. Thakur won from Bhopal by defeating Singh by over 3 lakh votes.&nbsp;

The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Thursday issued a notice to BJP Bhopal MP Pragya Singh Thakur on a petition challenging her election to the Lok Sabha because she allegedly adopted "corrupt practices" and whipped up communal passions during the campaign.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Thursday issued a notice to BJP Bhopal MP Pragya Singh Thakur on a petition challenging her election to the Lok Sabha because she allegedly adopted "corrupt practices" and whipped up communal passions during the campaign. The petition was filed by journalist Rakesh Dixit, who is a registered voter in Bhopal. According to litigant`s Advocate Arvind Shrivastava, a notice has been served to 2008 Malegaon blast accused Thakur by Justice Vishal Dhagat on Thursday and he has sought her response within four weeks. Thakur had violated section 123 (3) (seeking votes based on religion) of the Representation of the People Act during the Lok Sabha poll campaign, the petition claimed. "She also made false statements against her rival and Congress candidate Digvijay Singh and gave defamatory statements about other candidates. She even said that he is proud of the fact that she was among the ones who demolished Babri Masjid and she is proud of it, she even said that she was sent by God to save Hindus, she asked people to not repeat the mistake which they did before by voting Singh," the advocate said. "She even gave controversial remarks on Hemant Karkare and Nathu Ram Godse," he said. Thakur won from Bhopal by defeating Singh by over 3 lakh votes.

High Court serves notice to Pragya Thakur on petition challenging her election, seeks reply in 4 days

A tiger cub has been found dead in the forest adjoining the Bandhavgarh National Park, an official said on Wednesday.

The carcass of the one-and-half-year old cub was located on Tuesday evening near village Pahariya adjoining the sanctuary in Umaria district, AK Joshi, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Shahdol, said.

This is the third tiger cub death reported from the region this year."The death was probably due to an internecine struggle among tigers.&nbsp;

The post-mortem was conducted on Wednesday and the carcass was disposed of the same day," Joshi added.

On July 28, a tigress and her cub were found dead in the Kalwa range of the Bandhavgarh park.&nbsp;

A tiger cub has been found dead in the forest adjoining the Bandhavgarh National Park, an official said on Wednesday. The carcass of the one-and-half-year old cub was located on Tuesday evening near village Pahariya adjoining the sanctuary in Umaria district, AK Joshi, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Shahdol, said.

A tiger cub has been found dead in the forest adjoining the Bandhavgarh National Park, an official said on Wednesday. The carcass of the one-and-half-year old cub was located on Tuesday evening near village Pahariya adjoining the sanctuary in Umaria district, AK Joshi, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Shahdol, said. This is the third tiger cub death reported from the region this year."The death was probably due to an internecine struggle among tigers. The post-mortem was conducted on Wednesday and the carcass was disposed of the same day," Joshi added. On July 28, a tigress and her cub were found dead in the Kalwa range of the Bandhavgarh park.

Madhya Pradesh: Tiger cub found dead in forest adjoining Bandhavgarh sanctuary

A day after two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs backed the Kamal Nath government during voting on Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, Leader of the Opposition in Assembly senior BJP leader Gopal Bhargava on Thursday asked Congress not to rejoice over the development.

&nbsp;"They should not boast. They should bring a trust vote to prove their majority," Bhargava added.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, two BJP MLAs - Narayan Tripathi and Sharad Kaul - voted in support of Criminal Law (Madhya Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2019, when it was put to vote.

&nbsp;"Today's voting was not just for the bill but it was to prove the majority of the government. Even two BJP MLAs have supported Congress today. I welcome their decision, they listened to their conscience today. The 122 votes polled in favour of the bill proves that the Congress government is a majority government," Kamal Nath said on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Shivraj Singh Chauhan said that BJP should not be held responsible if Congress government in Madhya Pradesh faced the same fate as Karnataka government

"There is an internal conflict in Congress, and support of BSP-SP, if something happens to that then we can't do anything," he said.

"We will not cause the fall of government here (Madhya Pradesh). Congress leaders themselves have been responsible for the fall of their governments," the former chief minister Singh said.&nbsp;

Reacting to Chauhan's remarks, Nath asserted that none of his MLAs were for sale.

"None of the MLAs sitting here are for sale. Kamal Nath's government will run for five years in full force." "If you wish, you can move no-confidence motion," Nath told the BJP MLAs in the state Assembly. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

A day after two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs backed the Kamal Nath government during voting on Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, Leader of the Opposition in Assembly senior BJP leader Gopal Bhargava on Thursday asked Congress not to rejoice over the development.

A day after two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs backed the Kamal Nath government during voting on Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, Leader of the Opposition in Assembly senior BJP leader Gopal Bhargava on Thursday asked Congress not to rejoice over the development. "They should not boast. They should bring a trust vote to prove their majority," Bhargava added. On Wednesday, two BJP MLAs - Narayan Tripathi and Sharad Kaul - voted in support of Criminal Law (Madhya Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2019, when it was put to vote. "Today's voting was not just for the bill but it was to prove the majority of the government. Even two BJP MLAs have supported Congress today. I welcome their decision, they listened to their conscience today. The 122 votes polled in favour of the bill proves that the Congress government is a majority government," Kamal Nath said on Wednesday. On Tuesday, Shivraj Singh Chauhan said that BJP should not be held responsible if Congress government in Madhya Pradesh faced the same fate as Karnataka government "There is an internal conflict in Congress, and support of BSP-SP, if something happens to that then we can't do anything," he said. "We will not cause the fall of government here (Madhya Pradesh). Congress leaders themselves have been responsible for the fall of their governments," the former chief minister Singh said. Reacting to Chauhan's remarks, Nath asserted that none of his MLAs were for sale. "None of the MLAs sitting here are for sale. Kamal Nath's government will run for five years in full force." "If you wish, you can move no-confidence motion," Nath told the BJP MLAs in the state Assembly. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP tells Congress 'not to rejoice' after two of its MLAs back Kamal Nath government

In a surprise development, two Bharatiya Janta Party MLAs, Narayan Tripathi and Sharad Kaul on Wednesday backed the Kamal Nath Government during voting on Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday.

The BJP MLAs have now been taken to an undisclosed location and they will attend a dinner with Chief Minister Kamal Nath tonight.

The development comes on a day the Leader of the Opposition in Madhya Pradesh Assembly and senior BJP leader Gopal Bhargava claimed that once they receive direction from their party`s top command, the Congress government would not last 24 hours.

Attacking the BJP after the voting, Chief Minister Kamal Nath said, "Everyday BJP says we are a minority government which could fall any day. In today's voting (on criminal law amendment), two BJP MLAs voted in favour of our Government".

He asserted that Wednesday`s voting proved that the Congress government is a majority government.&nbsp;

"Today`s voting was not just for the bill but it was to prove the majority of the government. Even two BJP MLAs have supported Congress today. I welcome their decision, they listened to their conscience today. The 122 votes polled in favour of the bill proves that the Congress government is a majority government," Nath said.

"Everyday they (BJP) used to say that they have 8-10 MLAs, Where were they today? We have the support of Bahujan Samaj Party, Samajwadi Party and the independent MLAs. Today, BJP`s false propaganda is exposed."CM added.

The MLAs also told the media that it was a sort of "homecoming" for them.

On Wednesday, Congress and BJP got into a scuffle in Madhya Pradesh Assembly after Bhargava claimed that if they receive direction by his party`s top brass, the government would not last even for 24 hours.

The Chief Minister responded by saying that if needed, the Opposition can move a no-confidence motion."Your number 1 and number 2 are intelligent, that`s why they are not giving an order. If you wish, you can move no-confidence motion (Aapke oopar wale number 1 aur 2 samajhdar hain, isliye aadesh nahi de rahe hain. Aap chahen to avishwas prastaav le aayen," Nath retorted.

The Madhya Pradesh political developments come against the backdrop of the defeat suffered by the Congress-JDS government during the trust vote in Karnataka Assembly on Tuesday.

After the trust vote, BJP leaders had claimed that the situation of Madhya Pradesh government was even worse than the recently ousted Congress-JDS government in Karnataka.&nbsp;

In a surprise development, two Bharatiya Janta Party MLAs, Narayan Tripathi and Sharad Kaul on Wednesday backed the Kamal Nath Government during voting on Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday.

In a surprise development, two Bharatiya Janta Party MLAs, Narayan Tripathi and Sharad Kaul on Wednesday backed the Kamal Nath Government during voting on Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday. The BJP MLAs have now been taken to an undisclosed location and they will attend a dinner with Chief Minister Kamal Nath tonight. The development comes on a day the Leader of the Opposition in Madhya Pradesh Assembly and senior BJP leader Gopal Bhargava claimed that once they receive direction from their party`s top command, the Congress government would not last 24 hours. Attacking the BJP after the voting, Chief Minister Kamal Nath said, "Everyday BJP says we are a minority government which could fall any day. In today's voting (on criminal law amendment), two BJP MLAs voted in favour of our Government". He asserted that Wednesday`s voting proved that the Congress government is a majority government. "Today`s voting was not just for the bill but it was to prove the majority of the government. Even two BJP MLAs have supported Congress today. I welcome their decision, they listened to their conscience today. The 122 votes polled in favour of the bill proves that the Congress government is a majority government," Nath said. "Everyday they (BJP) used to say that they have 8-10 MLAs, Where were they today? We have the support of Bahujan Samaj Party, Samajwadi Party and the independent MLAs. Today, BJP`s false propaganda is exposed."CM added. The MLAs also told the media that it was a sort of "homecoming" for them. On Wednesday, Congress and BJP got into a scuffle in Madhya Pradesh Assembly after Bhargava claimed that if they receive direction by his party`s top brass, the government would not last even for 24 hours. The Chief Minister responded by saying that if needed, the Opposition can move a no-confidence motion."Your number 1 and number 2 are intelligent, that`s why they are not giving an order. If you wish, you can move no-confidence motion (Aapke oopar wale number 1 aur 2 samajhdar hain, isliye aadesh nahi de rahe hain. Aap chahen to avishwas prastaav le aayen," Nath retorted. The Madhya Pradesh political developments come against the backdrop of the defeat suffered by the Congress-JDS government during the trust vote in Karnataka Assembly on Tuesday. After the trust vote, BJP leaders had claimed that the situation of Madhya Pradesh government was even worse than the recently ousted Congress-JDS government in Karnataka.

Madhya Pradesh: Two BJP MLAs vote in favour of Congress government on an official bill

Reacting to BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chauhan's remarks that BJP should not be held responsible if Congress government in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-shouldnt-held-responsible-if-kamal-nath-falls-shivraj-singh-238067">Madhya Pradesh faced the same fate</a> as Karnataka government, chief minister Kamal Nath on Wednesday asserted that none of his MLAs were for sale.

"None of the MLAs sitting here are for sale. Kamal Nath's government will run for five years in full force." "If you wish, you can move no-confidence motion," Nath told the BJP MLAs in the state Assembly.

On Tuesday, Shivraj Singh Chauhan said: "There is an internal conflict in Congress, and support of BSP-SP, if something happens to that then we can't do anything."

"We will not cause the fall of government here (Madhya Pradesh). Congress leaders themselves have been responsible for the fall of their governments," the former chief minister Singh said.&nbsp; 
 
In Madhya Pradesh, the Congress-led coalition currently has 121 seats out of a total 230 with support from Bahujan Samaj Party, Samajwadi Party and four independent candidates.&nbsp;

Chauhan's remarks came after HD Kumaraswamy-led Congress-JD(S) government lost the trust vote in Karnataka. The Congress-JD(S) government was defeated on the floor of the Karnataka Assembly on Tuesday night. The confidence motion moved by outgoing chief minister Kumaraswamy got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition. 
 
(With inputs from ANI)

Reacting to BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chauhan's remarks that BJP should not be held responsible if Congress government in Madhya Pradesh faced the same fate as Karnataka government, chief minister Kamal Nath on Wednesday asserted that none of his MLAs were for sale.

Reacting to BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chauhan's remarks that BJP should not be held responsible if Congress government in Madhya Pradesh faced the same fate as Karnataka government, chief minister Kamal Nath on Wednesday asserted that none of his MLAs were for sale. "None of the MLAs sitting here are for sale. Kamal Nath's government will run for five years in full force." "If you wish, you can move no-confidence motion," Nath told the BJP MLAs in the state Assembly. On Tuesday, Shivraj Singh Chauhan said: "There is an internal conflict in Congress, and support of BSP-SP, if something happens to that then we can't do anything." "We will not cause the fall of government here (Madhya Pradesh). Congress leaders themselves have been responsible for the fall of their governments," the former chief minister Singh said. In Madhya Pradesh, the Congress-led coalition currently has 121 seats out of a total 230 with support from Bahujan Samaj Party, Samajwadi Party and four independent candidates. Chauhan's remarks came after HD Kumaraswamy-led Congress-JD(S) government lost the trust vote in Karnataka. The Congress-JD(S) government was defeated on the floor of the Karnataka Assembly on Tuesday night. The confidence motion moved by outgoing chief minister Kumaraswamy got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition. (With inputs from ANI)

'My government will run for five years in full force', says Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath will be in Bengaluru on Sunday as his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-crisis-ready-for-both-trust-vote-or-no-confidence-motion-hd-kumaraswamy-tells-speaker-235296">party battles a political crisis</a> to save the coalition government in Karnataka.

His visit assumes significance in the context of efforts mounted by Congress to woo back the rebels to its fold ahead of a possible trial of strength in the Assembly.

Congress leader D K Shivakumar visited the residence of party`s dissident MLA M T B Nagaraj early on Saturday morning to convince him to take back his resignation. Hoskote MLA Nagaraj and Chikballapur Congress MLA Dr K Sudhakar resigned from the Assembly on July 10.

The 13-month-old Congress-JD(S) government slumped into crisis following the resignation of 10 MLAs from the membership of the state Assembly last week.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath will be in Bengaluru on Sunday as his party battles a political crisis to save the coalition government in Karnataka. His visit assumes significance in the context of efforts mounted by Congress to woo back the rebels to its fold ahead of a possible trial of strength in the Assembly.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath will be in Bengaluru on Sunday as his party battles a political crisis to save the coalition government in Karnataka. His visit assumes significance in the context of efforts mounted by Congress to woo back the rebels to its fold ahead of a possible trial of strength in the Assembly. Congress leader D K Shivakumar visited the residence of party`s dissident MLA M T B Nagaraj early on Saturday morning to convince him to take back his resignation. Hoskote MLA Nagaraj and Chikballapur Congress MLA Dr K Sudhakar resigned from the Assembly on July 10. The 13-month-old Congress-JD(S) government slumped into crisis following the resignation of 10 MLAs from the membership of the state Assembly last week.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath to visit Karnataka amid political crisis

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath on Tuesday said the Congress-led state government is soon going to bring a law to reserve 70 per cent for the people of the state in private sector jobs.

Nath announced the proposal while speaking in the state assembly.

When asked about the proposal put forth by the Chief Minister, Congress leader Kamleshwar Patel, while welcoming the decision, said locals should be the priority for the government.

"We welcome this decision. The youth and unemployed people of Madhya Pradesh should get opportunities. This should be our first priority. The last government didn't pay attention to this due to which the people stayed unemployed. We feel that giving 30 per cent to outsiders is enough," he said.

Madhya Pradesh's Law Minister PC Sharma said the proposal will soon become law.

"Kamal Nath has said that now 70 per cent reservation will be given to Madhya Pradesh people in those companies who want to invest in the state. We will soon make this a law. In October, Kamal Nath is going to do investors meet conference," he added.

Soon after taking oath as the Chief Minister in December last year, Nath had accused people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar of migrating to Madhya Pradesh and stealing local jobs.

The senior Congress leader had said that in his tenure, priority would be given to the natives of Madhya Pradesh in terms of employment.

"Our schemes of providing incentives of investment will only be imposed after 70 per cent people from Madhya Pradesh get jobs. I've signed file for this. People from states like Bihar, UP come here and locals don't get jobs," Nath had said.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath on Tuesday said the Congress-led state government is soon going to bring a law to reserve 70 per cent for the people of the state in private sector jobs.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath on Tuesday said the Congress-led state government is soon going to bring a law to reserve 70 per cent for the people of the state in private sector jobs. Nath announced the proposal while speaking in the state assembly. When asked about the proposal put forth by the Chief Minister, Congress leader Kamleshwar Patel, while welcoming the decision, said locals should be the priority for the government. "We welcome this decision. The youth and unemployed people of Madhya Pradesh should get opportunities. This should be our first priority. The last government didn't pay attention to this due to which the people stayed unemployed. We feel that giving 30 per cent to outsiders is enough," he said. Madhya Pradesh's Law Minister PC Sharma said the proposal will soon become law. "Kamal Nath has said that now 70 per cent reservation will be given to Madhya Pradesh people in those companies who want to invest in the state. We will soon make this a law. In October, Kamal Nath is going to do investors meet conference," he added. Soon after taking oath as the Chief Minister in December last year, Nath had accused people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar of migrating to Madhya Pradesh and stealing local jobs. The senior Congress leader had said that in his tenure, priority would be given to the natives of Madhya Pradesh in terms of employment. "Our schemes of providing incentives of investment will only be imposed after 70 per cent people from Madhya Pradesh get jobs. I've signed file for this. People from states like Bihar, UP come here and locals don't get jobs," Nath had said.

Madhya Pradesh: 70% reservation for locals in private sector jobs, says Kamal Nath

The government on Thursday warned in a study that its population is going to start to age and it needs to be prepared to merge schools and raise the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/enhancement-of-retirement-age-unemployment-allowance-on-trs-poll-manifesto-181040">retirement age</a>.

While India should be set to benefit from the so-called "demographic dividend" over the next decade as its working population is set to increase by about 9.7 million a year between 2021-31, that will quickly fade as the nation's fertility rate plunges below replacement level.

The conclusions in the study, "India's Demography at 2040: Planning Public Good Provision for the 21st Century," will have major implications for many companies, particularly those that have been eyeing consumer demand from India's young population.

It said the number of children in the 5-14 age bracket will decline significantly, leading to the need for school mergers and less focus on building new ones.

Already states such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have fewer than 50 students enrolled in more than 40 per cent of their elementary schools, according to the study, which was included in the government's annual Economic Survey.

It also said that policymakers need to prepare for an increasing number of elderly people, estimating there will be 239.4 million Indians over the age of 60 in 2041 against 104.2 million in 2011.

"This will need investments in health care as well as a plan for increasing the retirement age in a phased manner," concluded the study, which was authored by India's Chief Economic Adviser Krishnamurthy Subramanian and his team of economists.

The current retirement age for most government workers in India is 60.

Meanwhile, the number of Indians aged between 0-19 has already started to decline and the proportion of the population in that age group is projected to fall to 25 per cent by 2041 from 41 per cent in 2011.

The demographic dividend that is talked about in India refers to the current situation where the nation's labour force is growing quicker than the rest of the population it supports.

If the newcomers to the labour market get well-paid jobs it boosts consumption and economic growth.

The government on Thursday warned in a study that its population is going to start to age and it needs to be prepared to merge schools and raise the retirement age.

The government on Thursday warned in a study that its population is going to start to age and it needs to be prepared to merge schools and raise the retirement age. While India should be set to benefit from the so-called "demographic dividend" over the next decade as its working population is set to increase by about 9.7 million a year between 2021-31, that will quickly fade as the nation's fertility rate plunges below replacement level. The conclusions in the study, "India's Demography at 2040: Planning Public Good Provision for the 21st Century," will have major implications for many companies, particularly those that have been eyeing consumer demand from India's young population. It said the number of children in the 5-14 age bracket will decline significantly, leading to the need for school mergers and less focus on building new ones. Already states such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have fewer than 50 students enrolled in more than 40 per cent of their elementary schools, according to the study, which was included in the government's annual Economic Survey. It also said that policymakers need to prepare for an increasing number of elderly people, estimating there will be 239.4 million Indians over the age of 60 in 2041 against 104.2 million in 2011. "This will need investments in health care as well as a plan for increasing the retirement age in a phased manner," concluded the study, which was authored by India's Chief Economic Adviser Krishnamurthy Subramanian and his team of economists. The current retirement age for most government workers in India is 60. Meanwhile, the number of Indians aged between 0-19 has already started to decline and the proportion of the population in that age group is projected to fall to 25 per cent by 2041 from 41 per cent in 2011. The demographic dividend that is talked about in India refers to the current situation where the nation's labour force is growing quicker than the rest of the population it supports. If the newcomers to the labour market get well-paid jobs it boosts consumption and economic growth.

India's old age population set to double in 20 years, warns government report

BJP MLA from Ganj Basoda, Leena Jain on Monday approached the police stating that she has received a letter in which a person threatened to blow up Union Home Minister Amit Shah as well as her, police said.

"Personal Assistant of MLA, Satish Srivastava presented a letter to us. He said that the letter was sent at his office via post. The letter has threatened to blow up the railway station, hospital, police station, the MLA and the Union Home Minister," Town Inspector, Ganj Basoda Prakash Sharma told reporters here.

"We have informed the senior officials and the security has been tightened in the area. Bomb disposal squad has also been called," he said.

Jain told the police that she received a letter at her office on Monday."I have received the letter around 2:30 pm at my office. In the letter, someone has threatened to blow up Home Minister Amit Shah, Ganj Basoda railway station, police station and Rajiv Gandhi hospital were threatened to blow up," she said.

BJP MLA from Ganj Basoda, Leena Jain on Monday approached the police stating that she has received a letter in which a person threatened to blow up Union Home Minister Amit Shah as well as her, police said.

BJP MLA from Ganj Basoda, Leena Jain on Monday approached the police stating that she has received a letter in which a person threatened to blow up Union Home Minister Amit Shah as well as her, police said. "Personal Assistant of MLA, Satish Srivastava presented a letter to us. He said that the letter was sent at his office via post. The letter has threatened to blow up the railway station, hospital, police station, the MLA and the Union Home Minister," Town Inspector, Ganj Basoda Prakash Sharma told reporters here. "We have informed the senior officials and the security has been tightened in the area. Bomb disposal squad has also been called," he said. Jain told the police that she received a letter at her office on Monday."I have received the letter around 2:30 pm at my office. In the letter, someone has threatened to blow up Home Minister Amit Shah, Ganj Basoda railway station, police station and Rajiv Gandhi hospital were threatened to blow up," she said.

Madhya Pradesh: Bharatiya Janta Party MLA Leena Jain receives threat letter to blow up Amit Shah

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath has said he had offered to resign from the post of state Congress president after the party's debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

His remarks come in the backdrop of reports that Congress president Rahul Gandhi had expressed disappointment that none of the party leaders, holding top posts, took responsibility for the party's poll rout after the Gandhi scion decided to resign last month.

Rahul has been adamant on stepping down as the Congress chief.&nbsp;

Nath said he takes responsibility for the party's poor performance in Madhya Pradesh, where the Congress bagged just one out of the 29 Lok Sabha seats.

"I take responsibility for the party's defeat in Lok Sabha elections in the state. Rahul Gandhi is right.

"I do not know who is responsible for the defeat but I had offered to quit the party post," Nath told reporters on the sidelines of a function here late Thursday night.

"I personally believe that I am responsible for the party's defeat. I do not know who else in responsible, he added.

A senior Congress leader said Nath had offered his resignation as state party president after the Lok Sabha poll results.

"Nath had said he takes moral responsibility for the party's defeat in the state," he added.

Nath was appointed Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief in April 2018, while he took over as chief minister of the state in December last year.

Nath had offered to resign from the post of MPCC president after the Congress wrested power from the BJP after a gap of 15 years and he became chief minister.

However, he was asked by the Congress high command to continue in the party post.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath has said he had offered to resign from the post of state Congress president after the party's debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath has said he had offered to resign from the post of state Congress president after the party's debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. His remarks come in the backdrop of reports that Congress president Rahul Gandhi had expressed disappointment that none of the party leaders, holding top posts, took responsibility for the party's poll rout after the Gandhi scion decided to resign last month. Rahul has been adamant on stepping down as the Congress chief. Nath said he takes responsibility for the party's poor performance in Madhya Pradesh, where the Congress bagged just one out of the 29 Lok Sabha seats. "I take responsibility for the party's defeat in Lok Sabha elections in the state. Rahul Gandhi is right. "I do not know who is responsible for the defeat but I had offered to quit the party post," Nath told reporters on the sidelines of a function here late Thursday night. "I personally believe that I am responsible for the party's defeat. I do not know who else in responsible, he added. A senior Congress leader said Nath had offered his resignation as state party president after the Lok Sabha poll results. "Nath had said he takes moral responsibility for the party's defeat in the state," he added. Nath was appointed Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief in April 2018, while he took over as chief minister of the state in December last year. Nath had offered to resign from the post of MPCC president after the Congress wrested power from the BJP after a gap of 15 years and he became chief minister. However, he was asked by the Congress high command to continue in the party post.

Offered to quit as Madhya Pradesh Congress chief post party's Lok Sabha poll debacle: Kamal Nath

Thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds (30-40 km) at isolated places very likely over West Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh, predicted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-meteorological-department-issues-red-code-warning-for-delhi-223092">India Meteorological Department</a> (IMD) on Thursday.&nbsp;

Besides, the weather forecasting agency has given thunderstorm and lightning warning for Bihar, Odisha and Jharkhand.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy falls at isolated places very likely over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim added IMD in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin.

&nbsp;"Heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Konkan, Goa, Assam and Meghalaya and heavy rainfall at isolated places over Kerala, Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Coastal Karnataka, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura."

Rough sea conditions are likely to prevail over southwest and adjoining west-central Arabian Sea. The organisation has advised fishermen not to venture into these areas.

Thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds (30-40 km) at isolated places very likely over West Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh, predicted India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday.

Thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds (30-40 km) at isolated places very likely over West Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh, predicted India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday. Besides, the weather forecasting agency has given thunderstorm and lightning warning for Bihar, Odisha and Jharkhand. Heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy falls at isolated places very likely over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim added IMD in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin. "Heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Konkan, Goa, Assam and Meghalaya and heavy rainfall at isolated places over Kerala, Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Coastal Karnataka, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura." Rough sea conditions are likely to prevail over southwest and adjoining west-central Arabian Sea. The organisation has advised fishermen not to venture into these areas.

India Meteorological Department issues thunderstorm warning for Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath Saturday successfully underwent a surgery for trigger finger at the government-run Hamidia Hospital here.

He is likely to be discharged from the hospital by evening, doctors said.

"The chief minister was admitted to Hamidia Hospital around 9 am on Saturday. A team of doctors performed a surgery for a medical condition of trigger finger," Aruna Kumar, dean of Gandhi Medical College (Hamidia Hospital) said.

"He has been kept under the observation for a few hours and is likely to be discharged by evening," she added.

An official said that the surgey was performed on Nath's right hand.

Medical tests had been conducted on him at Hamidia Hospital on Friday evening, after which he was sent home and called for the surgery in the morning.

Trigger finger is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and a sensation of locking or catching while bending or straightening a finger.

Meanwhile, state Congress media cell coordinator Narendra Saluja said Nath has appealed to the party workers not to visit him at the hospital to avoid inconvenience to other patients and the staff.

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan welcomed Nath's decision to undergo treatment at the government-run hospital.

"Kamal Nath ji, my best wishes to you for healthy life. Your decision to avail treatment at Hamidia (hospital) is welcome and commendable. At the same time, I want the facilities you got there should also be extended to the common people so that they don't have to run around for this," he said.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath Saturday successfully underwent a surgery for trigger finger at the government-run Hamidia Hospital here. He is likely to be discharged from the hospital by evening, doctors said.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath Saturday successfully underwent a surgery for trigger finger at the government-run Hamidia Hospital here. He is likely to be discharged from the hospital by evening, doctors said. "The chief minister was admitted to Hamidia Hospital around 9 am on Saturday. A team of doctors performed a surgery for a medical condition of trigger finger," Aruna Kumar, dean of Gandhi Medical College (Hamidia Hospital) said. "He has been kept under the observation for a few hours and is likely to be discharged by evening," she added. An official said that the surgey was performed on Nath's right hand. Medical tests had been conducted on him at Hamidia Hospital on Friday evening, after which he was sent home and called for the surgery in the morning. Trigger finger is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and a sensation of locking or catching while bending or straightening a finger. Meanwhile, state Congress media cell coordinator Narendra Saluja said Nath has appealed to the party workers not to visit him at the hospital to avoid inconvenience to other patients and the staff. Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan welcomed Nath's decision to undergo treatment at the government-run hospital. "Kamal Nath ji, my best wishes to you for healthy life. Your decision to avail treatment at Hamidia (hospital) is welcome and commendable. At the same time, I want the facilities you got there should also be extended to the common people so that they don't have to run around for this," he said.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath undergoes trigger finger surgery at government hospital

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/madhya-pradesh-chief-minister-kamal-nath-calls-on-pm-modi-discusses-issues-concerning-his-state-224944">Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath</a> has met Home Minister Amit Shah and asked him to release over Rs 800 crore as central grant to check crime against women and children in his state more effectively.

Some other issues related to the state were discussed during the Sunday meeting, officials said on Monday.

Nath, who took over as the chief minister in December, has also written a letter to the home minister in this regard.

In the letter, he drew the home minister's attention towards one of the sensitive issues of the crime against women and children.

"Considering the sensitivity of this issue, the state government is proposing a project for comprehensive set up of investigating officers/legal advisors/prosecutors and counsellors apart from DNA laboratories and mobile forensic teams exclusively for dealing with the crime against women and children. The budget outlay required is Rs 880 crore," Nath said.

He requested the home minister to support this initiative as "this will help in dealing with one of the most sensitive issues in the state".

In a horrific incident, an eight-year-old girl was raped and murdered in Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal earlier this month.&nbsp;

According to the latest data of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), as many as 34,651 cases of rape were registered in 2015. The number increased to 38,947 in 2016.&nbsp;

Overall crimes against women rose from 3,29,243 in 2015 to 3,38,954 in 2016, according to the NCRB data.&nbsp;

The highest number of rapes has been reported from Madhya Pradesh (4,882), followed by Uttar Pradesh (4,816) and Maharashtra (4,189) in 2016, it said.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh has reported 6,016 cases of kidnapping and abduction of children in 2016, the data said. There were 2,467 cases of child rape in the state in 2016.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath has met Home Minister Amit Shah and asked him to release over Rs 800 crore as central grant to check crime against women and children in his state more effectively.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath has met Home Minister Amit Shah and asked him to release over Rs 800 crore as central grant to check crime against women and children in his state more effectively. Some other issues related to the state were discussed during the Sunday meeting, officials said on Monday. Nath, who took over as the chief minister in December, has also written a letter to the home minister in this regard. In the letter, he drew the home minister's attention towards one of the sensitive issues of the crime against women and children. "Considering the sensitivity of this issue, the state government is proposing a project for comprehensive set up of investigating officers/legal advisors/prosecutors and counsellors apart from DNA laboratories and mobile forensic teams exclusively for dealing with the crime against women and children. The budget outlay required is Rs 880 crore," Nath said. He requested the home minister to support this initiative as "this will help in dealing with one of the most sensitive issues in the state". In a horrific incident, an eight-year-old girl was raped and murdered in Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal earlier this month. According to the latest data of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), as many as 34,651 cases of rape were registered in 2015. The number increased to 38,947 in 2016. Overall crimes against women rose from 3,29,243 in 2015 to 3,38,954 in 2016, according to the NCRB data. The highest number of rapes has been reported from Madhya Pradesh (4,882), followed by Uttar Pradesh (4,816) and Maharashtra (4,189) in 2016, it said. Madhya Pradesh has reported 6,016 cases of kidnapping and abduction of children in 2016, the data said. There were 2,467 cases of child rape in the state in 2016.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath seeks over Rs 800 crore central grant to tackle crime against women

When the Kesharwanis decided to branch out and expand their family home, they came up with a novel way of dealing with an ancient giant fig tree in their garden - they built the house around it.

Now the thick trunk of the 150-year-old tree is the central feature of their residence, growing through the middle of the building in the city of Jabalpur.

"We are nature lovers and my father insisted that we keep the tree," said Yogesh Kesharwani, whose parent built the house in 1994 with the help of an engineer friend.

"The tree is some 150 years old. We knew it was easy to cut the tree but difficult to grow one like it," he told AFP.

The fig tree, known as peepal in Hindi, is considered sacred by many in India and cutting one down is considered inauspicious.

<img alt="tree house jabalpur" data-align="left" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cb630ce6-94ee-4782-aa18-337d1e3a4f4f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/tree%20house.JPG" />

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"We believe that 350 million gods and goddesses reside in one peepal tree. The tree is also mentioned in the Geeta," a Hindu religious text, said Kesharwani.

His wife can pray without having to leave home, sitting before the tree in the mornings.

The family also wanted to send the message that people can put down roots in the middle of nature without destroying anything.

The four-storey building is a local landmark because of its unique facade. Leafy branches jut out from the windows, dwarfing the building and prompting curious looks from passersby.&nbsp;

<img alt="Tree house Madhya Pradesh, Jabalpur" data-align="left" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4a557557-f2a1-404f-bd92-df29867d2aea" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/tree%20house%20madhya%20pradesh.JPG" />

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"When the house was first built, engineering students used to come here to try and understand the unique design," Kesharwani said.

The tree has never caused any practical problems to the family, insisted Kesharwani.

"We don't even realise that the tree exists because it doesn't come in our way. It just stands there silently."

When the Kesharwanis decided to branch out and expand their family home, they came up with a novel way of dealing with an ancient giant fig tree in their garden - they built the house around it.

When the Kesharwanis decided to branch out and expand their family home, they came up with a novel way of dealing with an ancient giant fig tree in their garden - they built the house around it. Now the thick trunk of the 150-year-old tree is the central feature of their residence, growing through the middle of the building in the city of Jabalpur. "We are nature lovers and my father insisted that we keep the tree," said Yogesh Kesharwani, whose parent built the house in 1994 with the help of an engineer friend. "The tree is some 150 years old. We knew it was easy to cut the tree but difficult to grow one like it," he told AFP. The fig tree, known as peepal in Hindi, is considered sacred by many in India and cutting one down is considered inauspicious. "We believe that 350 million gods and goddesses reside in one peepal tree. The tree is also mentioned in the Geeta," a Hindu religious text, said Kesharwani. His wife can pray without having to leave home, sitting before the tree in the mornings. The family also wanted to send the message that people can put down roots in the middle of nature without destroying anything. The four-storey building is a local landmark because of its unique facade. Leafy branches jut out from the windows, dwarfing the building and prompting curious looks from passersby. "When the house was first built, engineering students used to come here to try and understand the unique design," Kesharwani said. The tree has never caused any practical problems to the family, insisted Kesharwani. "We don't even realise that the tree exists because it doesn't come in our way. It just stands there silently."

Madhya Pradesh: Jabalpur family builds house around giant tree, lives in novel tree house

The BJP on Monday claimed 95 per cent of the farm loan beneficiaries in Madhya Pradesh have got benefits of up to mere Rs 15,000 and not to the tune of Rs 2 lakh as claimed by the ruling Congress.

The main opposition party said not a single farmer has got loan waiver benefit of Rs 2 lakh as announced under the scheme by the Congress government, which assumed office in December last year.

Addressing a press conference here, BJP leader Narottam Mishra said, "95 per cent farmers covered under the farm loan waiver scheme have got benefits of only up to Rs 15,000.

"Not a single farmer in the state has got the benefit of Rs 2 lakh as announced by the Congress.

"Congress president Rahul Gandhi had announced that he would change the CM if he failed to implement the loan waiver scheme within 10 days of coming to power.

"Now, the states Congress government itself has accepted in advertisements published in newspapers that the second phase of the loan waiver scheme is being launched now," he said.

The state government has failed to implement this scheme even after six months. Now, Rahul should change the chief minister for failing to waive loans within 10 days (as promised earlier), said Mishra, a former minister.

Chief Minister Kamal Nath completed six months in office on Monday. In run up to the November Assembly polls, Gandhi had announced to write-off individual agriculture loans of up to Rs 2 lakh within 10 days of his party assuming power.

In early May, Nath had said crop loans of over 21 lakh farmers have been cleared so far by his government.

Mishra also accused the Nath government of not submitting the complete list of farmers to the Centre for providing them financial assistance of Rs 6,000 per annum under the Kisan Nidhi Yojana.

There are 80 lakh registered farmers in Madhya Pradesh, but the state government has provided the list of only 43,000 farmers to the Centre for providing assistance under the Kisan Nidhi Yojana.

"The state government is anti-farmer and creating hindrances in path of extending benefits to cultivators, the BJP leader said. 
 
He said the Congress government has "failed" on every front, including ensuring power supply, curbing crime against women, maintaining law and order and implementing loan waiver, in the last six months.

Instead, the Nath administration is blaming the opposition for the state's problems, he said.

"They are blaming the opposition for power cuts, crime and other issues. They are in the government, who is stopping them from taking action? Mishra asked.

To a question on the stability of the Nath government, being supported by the MLAs of the SP, the BSP and some independent lawmakers, the BJP leader said it will fall on its own.&nbsp;

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The BJP on Monday claimed 95 per cent of the farm loan beneficiaries in Madhya Pradesh have got benefits of up to mere Rs 15,000 and not to the tune of Rs 2 lakh as claimed by the ruling Congress.

The BJP on Monday claimed 95 per cent of the farm loan beneficiaries in Madhya Pradesh have got benefits of up to mere Rs 15,000 and not to the tune of Rs 2 lakh as claimed by the ruling Congress. The main opposition party said not a single farmer has got loan waiver benefit of Rs 2 lakh as announced under the scheme by the Congress government, which assumed office in December last year. Addressing a press conference here, BJP leader Narottam Mishra said, "95 per cent farmers covered under the farm loan waiver scheme have got benefits of only up to Rs 15,000. "Not a single farmer in the state has got the benefit of Rs 2 lakh as announced by the Congress. "Congress president Rahul Gandhi had announced that he would change the CM if he failed to implement the loan waiver scheme within 10 days of coming to power. "Now, the states Congress government itself has accepted in advertisements published in newspapers that the second phase of the loan waiver scheme is being launched now," he said. The state government has failed to implement this scheme even after six months. Now, Rahul should change the chief minister for failing to waive loans within 10 days (as promised earlier), said Mishra, a former minister. Chief Minister Kamal Nath completed six months in office on Monday. In run up to the November Assembly polls, Gandhi had announced to write-off individual agriculture loans of up to Rs 2 lakh within 10 days of his party assuming power. In early May, Nath had said crop loans of over 21 lakh farmers have been cleared so far by his government. Mishra also accused the Nath government of not submitting the complete list of farmers to the Centre for providing them financial assistance of Rs 6,000 per annum under the Kisan Nidhi Yojana. There are 80 lakh registered farmers in Madhya Pradesh, but the state government has provided the list of only 43,000 farmers to the Centre for providing assistance under the Kisan Nidhi Yojana. "The state government is anti-farmer and creating hindrances in path of extending benefits to cultivators, the BJP leader said. He said the Congress government has "failed" on every front, including ensuring power supply, curbing crime against women, maintaining law and order and implementing loan waiver, in the last six months. Instead, the Nath administration is blaming the opposition for the state's problems, he said. "They are blaming the opposition for power cuts, crime and other issues. They are in the government, who is stopping them from taking action? Mishra asked. To a question on the stability of the Nath government, being supported by the MLAs of the SP, the BSP and some independent lawmakers, the BJP leader said it will fall on its own.

Madhya Pradesh farmers got benefits of up to Rs 15,000, not Rs 2 lakh: BJP

Within a short span of the formation of the Kamal Nath-led Congress government with a wafer-thin majority, the question being asked by people across the board in Madhya Pradesh is whether it's changed (after 15 years of BJP rule) for the better or worse?

The image of the state government has&nbsp;started declining and what's added velocity to this fall is the crushing defeat the Congress party has suffered in the just-concluded Lok Sabha elections.

Nath began his innings as Madhya Pradesh chief minister on a robust note, especially given his reputation as an experienced administrator and long exposure as a Union Minister. The background and also the hybrid political stature exclusively derived from the closeness to the Nehru-Gandhi family notwithstanding, Nath assumed the seat of power in Madhya Pradesh with the unwritten rider that a large part of his strength in the Assembly was courtesy Digvijaya Singh, senior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister, who commands the biggest support base in the state cabinet that also includes his son Jaivardhan Singh, who holds the portfolio of the high profile Urban Development and Housing department. In this backdrop, those in knowledgeable circles even started saying that besides the chief minister, there is also an extra-constitutional power centre in the state.

Regarding Nath's grip on administration, everyone having a ringside view knows how particular the chief minister is when it comes to spending long hours at Mantralaya - the state secretariat. They do credit him for introducing a new work culture that keeps the babudom&nbsp;on its toes.&nbsp;

The bureaucracy doesn’t have much to complain on this count but what's keeping them jittery is the sword of transfers constantly hanging over them.

Within a short time span, there's been a slew of transfers at all levels and the signals are that the transfer industry is now fully entrenched. Adding to the downside also is the anger that's brewing among the Congress workers. A senior party leader, who preferred to call himself a "disciplined party worker" said the other day “God save his party” after the electoral debacle in general election 2019.&nbsp;

Referring to his party managing to win only 1 of the 29 parliamentary seats in the state, he said the chief minister is not accessible to party workers like him, who have devoted their entire life to the Congress party. This is not the way forward, he opined adding even the Congress President is annoyed as the chief minister could hold his own turf by getting his son elected from Chhindwara, his traditional parliamentary constituency, while every other Congress candidate was defeated in Madhya Pradesh.

The Congress government in Madhya Pradesh began what's supposed to be a "five-year run" with the tall pre-2018 Assembly election promise that all farmers' debt would be waived once the Congress gets elected to power. Congress president Rahul Gandhi had shouted from the rooftop about the waiver of rural loans to woo the farmers during electioneering for the general election to the state Assembly. This one promise became a waterloo moment for Congress party in the parliamentary election as the farmers felt robbed when it came to the implementation of this promise. Now the dilemma on the ruling side is the banks telling the farmers who have benefitted from the loan waiver scheme that they would not be eligible for new loans. No wonder they are feeling cornered and cheated.

This summer season, mercury has soared crossing all limits and just as the people feeling the heat like never before, the state Congress unit bosses both in the government and the party are feeling the political heat as there is the growing talk of the Kamal Nath government losing its majority on the floor of the state Assembly. BJP insiders are responding to this speculation by saying that they are not interested in destabilising or pulling the rug out from under the present government. They will prefer to wait and watch it crumble under its own weight and growing dissidence within. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
 
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Within a short span of the formation of the Kamal Nath-led Congress government with a wafer-thin majority, the question being asked by people across the board in Madhya Pradesh is whether it's changed (after 15 years of BJP rule) for the better or worse?

Within a short span of the formation of the Kamal Nath-led Congress government with a wafer-thin majority, the question being asked by people across the board in Madhya Pradesh is whether it's changed (after 15 years of BJP rule) for the better or worse? The image of the state government has started declining and what's added velocity to this fall is the crushing defeat the Congress party has suffered in the just-concluded Lok Sabha elections. Nath began his innings as Madhya Pradesh chief minister on a robust note, especially given his reputation as an experienced administrator and long exposure as a Union Minister. The background and also the hybrid political stature exclusively derived from the closeness to the Nehru-Gandhi family notwithstanding, Nath assumed the seat of power in Madhya Pradesh with the unwritten rider that a large part of his strength in the Assembly was courtesy Digvijaya Singh, senior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister, who commands the biggest support base in the state cabinet that also includes his son Jaivardhan Singh, who holds the portfolio of the high profile Urban Development and Housing department. In this backdrop, those in knowledgeable circles even started saying that besides the chief minister, there is also an extra-constitutional power centre in the state. Regarding Nath's grip on administration, everyone having a ringside view knows how particular the chief minister is when it comes to spending long hours at Mantralaya - the state secretariat. They do credit him for introducing a new work culture that keeps the babudom on its toes. The bureaucracy doesn’t have much to complain on this count but what's keeping them jittery is the sword of transfers constantly hanging over them. Within a short time span, there's been a slew of transfers at all levels and the signals are that the transfer industry is now fully entrenched. Adding to the downside also is the anger that's brewing among the Congress workers. A senior party leader, who preferred to call himself a "disciplined party worker" said the other day “God save his party” after the electoral debacle in general election 2019. Referring to his party managing to win only 1 of the 29 parliamentary seats in the state, he said the chief minister is not accessible to party workers like him, who have devoted their entire life to the Congress party. This is not the way forward, he opined adding even the Congress President is annoyed as the chief minister could hold his own turf by getting his son elected from Chhindwara, his traditional parliamentary constituency, while every other Congress candidate was defeated in Madhya Pradesh. The Congress government in Madhya Pradesh began what's supposed to be a "five-year run" with the tall pre-2018 Assembly election promise that all farmers' debt would be waived once the Congress gets elected to power. Congress president Rahul Gandhi had shouted from the rooftop about the waiver of rural loans to woo the farmers during electioneering for the general election to the state Assembly. This one promise became a waterloo moment for Congress party in the parliamentary election as the farmers felt robbed when it came to the implementation of this promise. Now the dilemma on the ruling side is the banks telling the farmers who have benefitted from the loan waiver scheme that they would not be eligible for new loans. No wonder they are feeling cornered and cheated. This summer season, mercury has soared crossing all limits and just as the people feeling the heat like never before, the state Congress unit bosses both in the government and the party are feeling the political heat as there is the growing talk of the Kamal Nath government losing its majority on the floor of the state Assembly. BJP insiders are responding to this speculation by saying that they are not interested in destabilising or pulling the rug out from under the present government. They will prefer to wait and watch it crumble under its own weight and growing dissidence within. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Kamal Nath-led Congress government feels the heat in Madhya Pradesh

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/ready-for-floor-test-madhya-pradesh-chief-minister-kamal-nath-220240">Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath</a> Thursday called on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/narendra-modi-20-would-propel-affordable-housing-in-india-224832">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> and discussed issues pertaining to his state.

The meeting at the prime minister's residence lasted about half an hour during which Nath wished Modi for assuming office for the second term, a statement from the Madhya Pradesh government said.

Nath, a senior Congress leader, also discussed in detail about various issues pending with the central government for approval and release of funds to the state government, it said.&nbsp;

He urged Modi to intervene in the matter and get the pending issues cleared and fund released at the earliest, it said.&nbsp;

Modi assured Nath that he will instruct the ministries concerned to clear various pending issues and disburse the funds as early as possible. He further assured him of all possible help in future too, the statement added.

The Prime Minister's Office later posted a photograph of the two on its Twitter handle.

Nath was sworn in as the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh in December 2018.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath Thursday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed issues pertaining to his state. The meeting at the prime minister's residence lasted about half an hour during which Nath wished Modi for assuming office for the second term, a statement from the Madhya Pradesh government said.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath Thursday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed issues pertaining to his state. The meeting at the prime minister's residence lasted about half an hour during which Nath wished Modi for assuming office for the second term, a statement from the Madhya Pradesh government said. Nath, a senior Congress leader, also discussed in detail about various issues pending with the central government for approval and release of funds to the state government, it said. He urged Modi to intervene in the matter and get the pending issues cleared and fund released at the earliest, it said. Modi assured Nath that he will instruct the ministries concerned to clear various pending issues and disburse the funds as early as possible. He further assured him of all possible help in future too, the statement added. The Prime Minister's Office later posted a photograph of the two on its Twitter handle. Nath was sworn in as the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh in December 2018.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath calls on PM Modi, discusses issues concerning his state

Suspected cow vigilantes allegedly thrashed two persons in Madhya Pradesh's Seoni with sticks, accusing them of carrying beef, following which five accused have been arrested, police said Saturday.

The group of five 'gau rakshaks' also allegedly forced one of the victims to beat up a woman accompanying them with chappals, a police officer said.

Police also said that the three people who were beaten up have been arrested as possession and sale of beef is illegal in Madhya Pradesh.

In a purported video clip of the incident, which has been widely circulated on social media, the five accused can be seen beating up the two men. Later, they also forced one of the men to beat up the woman accompanying them.

The attackers also forced the three persons to raise slogans of 'Jai Shree Ram', as seen in the video.

According to police, the incident occurred on May 22 on Mandla Road in Kanhiwada area under Dunda Seoni police station limits.

Seoni Superintendent of Police Lalit Shakyawar said an FIR has been registered against the five persons under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Dunda Seoni police station, and all of them have been arrested.

Dunda Seoni police station in charge GS Uike said the three persons who were beaten up have been arrested for allegedly carrying beef as its possession and sale is banned in the state.

Uike said none of the victims sustained any serious injuries in the attack.

"The accused persons shot videos of thrashing. Police reached the spot after the incident and brought the trio along with the meat they were carrying to the police station," he said.

One of the accused uploaded the video on social media on May 23, but later withdrew it following a sharp reaction from various quarters, he said. 
However, police took cognisance of the clip and traced the accused persons.

Meanwhile, the SP said police seized 140 kg red meat, suspected to be beef, from the trio. Police also seized a three-wheeler and a scooter from them.

Suspected cow vigilantes allegedly thrashed two persons in Madhya Pradesh's Seoni with sticks, accusing them of carrying beef, following which five accused have been arrested, police said Saturday.

Suspected cow vigilantes allegedly thrashed two persons in Madhya Pradesh's Seoni with sticks, accusing them of carrying beef, following which five accused have been arrested, police said Saturday. The group of five 'gau rakshaks' also allegedly forced one of the victims to beat up a woman accompanying them with chappals, a police officer said. Police also said that the three people who were beaten up have been arrested as possession and sale of beef is illegal in Madhya Pradesh. In a purported video clip of the incident, which has been widely circulated on social media, the five accused can be seen beating up the two men. Later, they also forced one of the men to beat up the woman accompanying them. The attackers also forced the three persons to raise slogans of 'Jai Shree Ram', as seen in the video. According to police, the incident occurred on May 22 on Mandla Road in Kanhiwada area under Dunda Seoni police station limits. Seoni Superintendent of Police Lalit Shakyawar said an FIR has been registered against the five persons under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Dunda Seoni police station, and all of them have been arrested. Dunda Seoni police station in charge GS Uike said the three persons who were beaten up have been arrested for allegedly carrying beef as its possession and sale is banned in the state. Uike said none of the victims sustained any serious injuries in the attack. "The accused persons shot videos of thrashing. Police reached the spot after the incident and brought the trio along with the meat they were carrying to the police station," he said. One of the accused uploaded the video on social media on May 23, but later withdrew it following a sharp reaction from various quarters, he said. However, police took cognisance of the clip and traced the accused persons. Meanwhile, the SP said police seized 140 kg red meat, suspected to be beef, from the trio. Police also seized a three-wheeler and a scooter from them.

Two beaten up for carrying beef in Madhya Pradesh, cops arrest them as well as 5 attackers

After a humiliating defeat in the Lok Sabha elections, according to the sources, Congress President Rahul Gandhi has offered his resignation at Congress Working Committee meeting But his resignation has not been accepted by the Committee.. Watch full video to know more.

Rahul Gandhi offers resignation in CWC meeting, not accepted by committee: Sources

As Congress and BJP are involved in a spat over allegations of topping the Kamal Nath government in Madhya Pradesh, former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday said that the party has not demanded a floor test in the Assembly.

"BJP and Gopal Bhargava (Leader of the Opposition) never demanded a floor test. We have said (in the letter to Governor) that there should be a discussion on the problems," Chouhan told reporters.

The furore over floor test started after Bhargava wrote a letter to Governor Anandiben Patel, urging her to convene the Assembly session soon to discuss pressing issues like drinking water, law and order situation, and non-payment of farmers'&nbsp;dues.

However, Kamal Nath had said that his government holds the majority and is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/ready-for-floor-test-madhya-pradesh-chief-minister-kamal-nath-220240">ready to face the floor test</a>. Yesterday, he claimed that the BJP was trying to lure 10 Congress MLAs in its bid to topple his government.

On Opposition`s questions on EVMs, Chouhan said, "Opposition knows they are going to face defeated badly. Now they have to find things blame, so they are blaming EVMs. They are demanding impractical things which cannot be accepted. Tomorrow, they will say they have already said it."

"They are preparing for blaming EVMs. They know very well NDA is going to register landslide victory that is why they are involving in these things," he said.

Citing electricity problem in the state, the former chief minister demanded that the Election Commission should arrange generators for the counting day.

"We are demanding from the Election Commission that there is a dark rule here. The electricity has been cut off for ten times in Bhopal. Counting of votes will take place from tomorrow. So, the poll body should not depend on electricity and should arrange generators,"

"Digvijay Singh used to go out with banners and generators. We demand the generators should be arranged by the Commission. Otherwise, Congress will say that BJP is behind all this," Chouhan said.

The counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls will take place on May 23.

The 231-member Madhya Pradesh assembly has 113 Congress members, one short of half-way mark, and 109 BJP legislators.

The ruling coalition is led by the Congress, supported by an MLA of SP, two of MLAs of Bahujan Samaj Party and four independents.&nbsp;

As Congress and BJP are involved in a spat over allegations of topping the Kamal Nath government in Madhya Pradesh, former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday said that the party has not demanded a floor test in the Assembly.

As Congress and BJP are involved in a spat over allegations of topping the Kamal Nath government in Madhya Pradesh, former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday said that the party has not demanded a floor test in the Assembly. "BJP and Gopal Bhargava (Leader of the Opposition) never demanded a floor test. We have said (in the letter to Governor) that there should be a discussion on the problems," Chouhan told reporters. The furore over floor test started after Bhargava wrote a letter to Governor Anandiben Patel, urging her to convene the Assembly session soon to discuss pressing issues like drinking water, law and order situation, and non-payment of farmers' dues. However, Kamal Nath had said that his government holds the majority and is ready to face the floor test. Yesterday, he claimed that the BJP was trying to lure 10 Congress MLAs in its bid to topple his government. On Opposition`s questions on EVMs, Chouhan said, "Opposition knows they are going to face defeated badly. Now they have to find things blame, so they are blaming EVMs. They are demanding impractical things which cannot be accepted. Tomorrow, they will say they have already said it." "They are preparing for blaming EVMs. They know very well NDA is going to register landslide victory that is why they are involving in these things," he said. Citing electricity problem in the state, the former chief minister demanded that the Election Commission should arrange generators for the counting day. "We are demanding from the Election Commission that there is a dark rule here. The electricity has been cut off for ten times in Bhopal. Counting of votes will take place from tomorrow. So, the poll body should not depend on electricity and should arrange generators," "Digvijay Singh used to go out with banners and generators. We demand the generators should be arranged by the Commission. Otherwise, Congress will say that BJP is behind all this," Chouhan said. The counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls will take place on May 23. The 231-member Madhya Pradesh assembly has 113 Congress members, one short of half-way mark, and 109 BJP legislators. The ruling coalition is led by the Congress, supported by an MLA of SP, two of MLAs of Bahujan Samaj Party and four independents.

BJP never demanded floor test in Madhya Pradesh Assembly: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

The Madhya Pradesh government is willing to re-open and investigate RSS leader Sunil Joshi murder case against Sadhvi Pragya. Watch video to know more.

MP govt to re-open RSS' Sunil Joshi murder case; more trouble to Sadhvi Pragya

Hours after the BJP in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/congress-madhya-pradesh-government-will-fall-on-its-own-bjp-220113">Madhya Pradesh</a> asked the Congress government to prove its majority and wrote to the state governor for convening a special session of the state Assembly, Chief Minister Kamal Nath Monday said he was all prepared to go for the floor test.

Nath also claimed that he had proven the majority of his coalition government "four times" in the last five months, and is ready to do so again.

Earlier in the day, the BJP wrote to Governor Anandiben Patel, asking her to convene a special session of the House.

"I have already told them...The BJP is trying it for long. I have proved majority in the House four times in the last five months and I am ready for floor test again," Nath told PTI late evening.

He said the BJP was talking about the instability of the Congress-led government as it wanted to save itself from getting "exposed" on its erstwhile corrupt rule.

The chief minister said the BJP had lost on the floor of the House on earlier occasions as well but didn't elaborate.

On earlier occasions, the Congres had managed to elect Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the party even after the BJP demanded the division of votes.

The Congress had also passed the supplementary Budget and regular Budget in the House.

In the Assembly polls last year, the Congress won 114 of the state's 230 seats, two short of the majority mark of 116. The Bahujan Samaj Party, having two MLAs, and Samajwadi Party, which has one, are supporting the Congress. There are four Independents. The BJP won 109 seats.

In his letter to the governor, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Gopal Bhargava stated that the party wanted a discussion on important issues like the farm loan waiver and (to) test the government's strength.

The development came a day after the majority of exit polls predicted the return of the BJP-led NDA to power for the second term.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Hours after the BJP in Madhya Pradesh asked the Congress government to prove its majority and wrote to the state governor for convening a special session of the state Assembly, Chief Minister Kamal Nath Monday said he was all prepared to go for the floor test.

Hours after the BJP in Madhya Pradesh asked the Congress government to prove its majority and wrote to the state governor for convening a special session of the state Assembly, Chief Minister Kamal Nath Monday said he was all prepared to go for the floor test. Nath also claimed that he had proven the majority of his coalition government "four times" in the last five months, and is ready to do so again. Earlier in the day, the BJP wrote to Governor Anandiben Patel, asking her to convene a special session of the House. "I have already told them...The BJP is trying it for long. I have proved majority in the House four times in the last five months and I am ready for floor test again," Nath told PTI late evening. He said the BJP was talking about the instability of the Congress-led government as it wanted to save itself from getting "exposed" on its erstwhile corrupt rule. The chief minister said the BJP had lost on the floor of the House on earlier occasions as well but didn't elaborate. On earlier occasions, the Congres had managed to elect Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the party even after the BJP demanded the division of votes. The Congress had also passed the supplementary Budget and regular Budget in the House. In the Assembly polls last year, the Congress won 114 of the state's 230 seats, two short of the majority mark of 116. The Bahujan Samaj Party, having two MLAs, and Samajwadi Party, which has one, are supporting the Congress. There are four Independents. The BJP won 109 seats. In his letter to the governor, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Gopal Bhargava stated that the party wanted a discussion on important issues like the farm loan waiver and (to) test the government's strength. The development came a day after the majority of exit polls predicted the return of the BJP-led NDA to power for the second term.

Ready for floor test: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath

Chief Minister Kamal Nath led Congress government in the state will fall on its own, says BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Gopal Bhargava.

"You can yourself analyse the current situation. They have the support of one SP MLA, one MLA of BSP and four Independent MLAs. There is bickering within the party," he said while talking to ANI on Monday.

"This government will fall on its own. I don't believe in horse-trading but I feel the government's time has come. It will have to go soon," he said.

"For some, the Congress government is of two and a half CMs; for some of three CMs and for others of 3.5 CMs. There is widespread anarchy in the state under the current dispensation," said Bhargava.

He also spoke about the leadership crisis in the Congress. "You can see the Congress has a leadership crisis as well. This is the main reason for the Congress'&nbsp;decline. We are winning in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh just after six months that we lost in the Assembly polls, all because of the Congress'&nbsp;false promises and faulty policies," he said.

"We will write to the Governor in a few days, requesting her to call the session of Assembly keeping in the people's aspirations and other current issues," he said.

The 231-member MP Assembly has 113 Congress members and 109 BJP members. The ruling coalition is led by the Congress party, supported by two MLAs of SP-BSP, and four Independent MLAs.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Kamal Nath led Congress government in the state will fall on its own, says BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Gopal Bhargava. "You can yourself analyse the current situation.

Chief Minister Kamal Nath led Congress government in the state will fall on its own, says BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Gopal Bhargava. "You can yourself analyse the current situation. They have the support of one SP MLA, one MLA of BSP and four Independent MLAs. There is bickering within the party," he said while talking to ANI on Monday. "This government will fall on its own. I don't believe in horse-trading but I feel the government's time has come. It will have to go soon," he said. "For some, the Congress government is of two and a half CMs; for some of three CMs and for others of 3.5 CMs. There is widespread anarchy in the state under the current dispensation," said Bhargava. He also spoke about the leadership crisis in the Congress. "You can see the Congress has a leadership crisis as well. This is the main reason for the Congress' decline. We are winning in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh just after six months that we lost in the Assembly polls, all because of the Congress' false promises and faulty policies," he said. "We will write to the Governor in a few days, requesting her to call the session of Assembly keeping in the people's aspirations and other current issues," he said. The 231-member MP Assembly has 113 Congress members and 109 BJP members. The ruling coalition is led by the Congress party, supported by two MLAs of SP-BSP, and four Independent MLAs.

Congress' Madhya Pradesh government will fall on its own: BJP

With <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/exit-polls-2019-pm-modi-returning-to-power-with-300-plus-seats-say-pollsters-219927">exit polls going live with their predictions</a> for the Lok Sabha 2019 results on Sunday, one thing that looks imminent is the BJP making a clean sweep in most of the Hindi heartland of the country. The party is slated to win the general elections with a clear majority, comfortably bagging over 300 seats, the pollsters said.&nbsp;

As per various exit polls, the BJP is set to steal the show in states like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lions-share-of-uttar-pradeshs-seats-going-to-bjp-predict-exit-polls-219936">Uttar Pradesh</a>, Bihar, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp;

In Rajasthan, the NDA is looking to bag over 20 seats out of a total of 25 seats, C-Voter predicted. Today's Chanakya predicted the BJP making a clean sweep in Rajasthan, winning all 25 seats.&nbsp;

The prediction is almost similar for Gujarat where C-Voter predicted the BJP to claim victory on 22 of 26 seats - a slight dip from its 2014 tally when it had swept the state. Today's Chanakya, however, predicted that the party will make a clean sweep, registering a win on all 26 seats.&nbsp;

In Madhya Pradesh, where 29 Lok Sabha seats are at stake, pollsters predicted 25 to 27 seats to go to BJP's kitty. Today's Chanakya showed 27 seats for the BJP while the Congress will settle with 2. The IPSOS exit poll predicted 24 to 27 seats for the BJP and 2 to 4 for the Congress in the state.

The Aaj Tak Axis poll suggested the BJP would register a massive win in Madhya Pradesh with 26 to 28 seats.&nbsp;

The BJP-led NDA is slated to get the lion's share of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats, as per exit polls. Times Now-VMR said NDA will get 58 seats in the state, C-Voter predicted 38 seats for the party. The poll of polls, a collection of various exit polls, suggested 43 seats for the NDA.

It is going to be a flop show for the Congress-RJD alliance and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/flop-show-for-congress-rjd-in-bihar-says-pollsters-nda-to-win-big-219966">a thumping victory for the NDA in Bihar</a>, exit polls depicted on Sunday. Out of 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state, the NDA will claim around over 30 seats while the Congress-RJD alliance will settle with around 4-6.&nbsp;

The News18-IPSOS survey gives 34-36 seats to the NDA in Bihar while Congress-RJD is likely to bag 4 to 6 seats. Today's Chanakya projected NDA to win 32 seats and Congress to claim 8. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/exit-polls-2019-pollsters-predict-bjp-to-make-a-clean-sweep-in-delhi-on-all-7-seats-219933">In the national capital, exit polls</a> predicted all seven seats to go to the Bharatiya Janata Party.&nbsp;

In 2014, the BJP, along with its NDA constituents had won 336 out of 543 seats and formed the government at the Centre - the first time in about three decades that a party had won such a huge number of seats.

The final results of Lok Sabha 2019 polls will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

Watch: Reliability, methodology and other things you need to know

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With exit polls going live with their predictions for the Lok Sabha 2019 results on Sunday, one thing that looks imminent is the BJP making a clean sweep in most of the Hindi heartland of the country.

With exit polls going live with their predictions for the Lok Sabha 2019 results on Sunday, one thing that looks imminent is the BJP making a clean sweep in most of the Hindi heartland of the country. The party is slated to win the general elections with a clear majority, comfortably bagging over 300 seats, the pollsters said. As per various exit polls, the BJP is set to steal the show in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. In Rajasthan, the NDA is looking to bag over 20 seats out of a total of 25 seats, C-Voter predicted. Today's Chanakya predicted the BJP making a clean sweep in Rajasthan, winning all 25 seats. The prediction is almost similar for Gujarat where C-Voter predicted the BJP to claim victory on 22 of 26 seats - a slight dip from its 2014 tally when it had swept the state. Today's Chanakya, however, predicted that the party will make a clean sweep, registering a win on all 26 seats. In Madhya Pradesh, where 29 Lok Sabha seats are at stake, pollsters predicted 25 to 27 seats to go to BJP's kitty. Today's Chanakya showed 27 seats for the BJP while the Congress will settle with 2. The IPSOS exit poll predicted 24 to 27 seats for the BJP and 2 to 4 for the Congress in the state. The Aaj Tak Axis poll suggested the BJP would register a massive win in Madhya Pradesh with 26 to 28 seats. The BJP-led NDA is slated to get the lion's share of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats, as per exit polls. Times Now-VMR said NDA will get 58 seats in the state, C-Voter predicted 38 seats for the party. The poll of polls, a collection of various exit polls, suggested 43 seats for the NDA. It is going to be a flop show for the Congress-RJD alliance and a thumping victory for the NDA in Bihar, exit polls depicted on Sunday. Out of 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state, the NDA will claim around over 30 seats while the Congress-RJD alliance will settle with around 4-6. The News18-IPSOS survey gives 34-36 seats to the NDA in Bihar while Congress-RJD is likely to bag 4 to 6 seats. Today's Chanakya projected NDA to win 32 seats and Congress to claim 8. In the national capital, exit polls predicted all seven seats to go to the Bharatiya Janata Party. In 2014, the BJP, along with its NDA constituents had won 336 out of 543 seats and formed the government at the Centre - the first time in about three decades that a party had won such a huge number of seats. The final results of Lok Sabha 2019 polls will be announced on May 23. Watch: Reliability, methodology and other things you need to know ×

BJP in country's Hindi heartland: Exit polls spell thumping victory for party in Madhya Pradesh, 4 other states

Friday marks the last day of campaigning for the seventh and final phase of Lok Sabha election 2019. Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Khargone, Madhya Pradesh. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi addresses mega rally in Madhya Pradesh

Total 63.75% Voter turnout in Phase 6 polls.Voting took place in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi, Bihar , Haryana, and Jharkhand.

India Votes: Voting Ends for Sixth Phase; W.B records highest Voter Turnout

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - May 12th, 2019

Sector assistant engineer, AK Shrivastav was suspended for allegedly carrying the reserve EVM to his residence here.

"The EVM has been seized and the officer has been suspended, further action will be taken on instructions of the higher-ups," SDM, Shivani Rakwar Garg told media on Saturday.

The Election Commission of India has been informed in this regard.

Polling for Guna Lok Sabha seat is scheduled to be held on Sunday during the sixth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.

Congress heavyweight Jyotiraditya Scindia is contesting from Guna. He is also the incumbent MP from this seat.BJP has fielded KP Yadav from Guna.

The ongoing Lok Sabha polls were scheduled to be held in seven phases.

The first five phases were held on April 11, 18, 23, 29 and May 6.

The sixth and seventh phases of polling are scheduled to be held on May 12 and May 18. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.&nbsp;

Sector assistant engineer, AK Shrivastav was suspended for allegedly carrying the reserve EVM to his residence here. "The EVM has been seized and the officer has been suspended, further action will be taken on instructions of the higher-ups," SDM, Shivani Rakwar Garg told media on Saturday.

Sector assistant engineer, AK Shrivastav was suspended for allegedly carrying the reserve EVM to his residence here. "The EVM has been seized and the officer has been suspended, further action will be taken on instructions of the higher-ups," SDM, Shivani Rakwar Garg told media on Saturday. The Election Commission of India has been informed in this regard. Polling for Guna Lok Sabha seat is scheduled to be held on Sunday during the sixth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. Congress heavyweight Jyotiraditya Scindia is contesting from Guna. He is also the incumbent MP from this seat.BJP has fielded KP Yadav from Guna. The ongoing Lok Sabha polls were scheduled to be held in seven phases. The first five phases were held on April 11, 18, 23, 29 and May 6. The sixth and seventh phases of polling are scheduled to be held on May 12 and May 18. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Madhya Pradesh: Officer suspended for carrying reserve EVM to his residence

The Congress decided to go it alone in Uttar Pradesh keeping its "long-term interests" in mind, says senior leader <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/no-party-will-get-majority-congress-will-forge-alliance-for-upa-plus-plus-govt-jyotiraditya-scindia-216994&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjjmYqewpDiAhUE63MBHbrWB3wQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3rYga4N_H066-djHjbILwL">Jyotiraditya Scindia</a>, exuding confidence that the party will do much better than in 2014 in the state.&nbsp;

The Congress general secretary, in charge of the party's affairs for Uttar Pradesh (West), said the strategy was to build the party in the state and the results will show that fighting the elections on its own strength was the right decision.

After spending some time in Uttar Pradesh that sends 80 MPs to the Lok Sabha, Scindia is now concentrating on the Guna parliamentary constituency in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/this-madhya-pradesh-village-threatens-to-boycott-polls-if-water-shortage-issue-not-resolved-216187&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiR_ueRwpDiAhVM63MBHVZxBTgQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3cuJ15OUlvYhv-j6QTBw6U">Madhya Pradesh </a>as he seeks a mandate for a fifth term.&nbsp;

"This time we have decided to fight on our own strength in Uttar Pradesh and build the party in the state and you will see based on the results in UP that probably it was the right decision keeping the long term interests of the party in mind," Scindia told PTI in an interview.&nbsp;

"We will do a much better job this time around for the whole of UP... Let the voters decide," the 48-year-old added. He sidestepped a question on whether the BSP-SP-RLD 'mahagathbandhan' will harm the Congress' prospects in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

"I think every party will emerge wherever it is the strongest. So, it's not a question of the 'mahagathbandhan' harming prospects of Congress party or vice versa. It really depends on which party has the strongest candidate and the strongest organisation, " he said.&nbsp;Politics, Scindia said, is the art of possibilities.&nbsp;

"At the end of the day, everything is possible in politics and you must persevere and you must make an effort. Sometimes things work out, sometimes they don't," the four-time MP said.&nbsp; On what will happen after May 23 (day of counting), he said we will see once the chips fall.&nbsp;

"It is too hypothetical to tell you what will happen."&nbsp;In 2014, the BJP walked away with 71 of 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh. The Congress won two seats, Apna Dal two and Samajwadi Party five seats.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi's sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is the Congress general secretary in-charge for UP (East).&nbsp;Scindia said the recently appointed Congress government in Madhya Pradesh had done a good job in delivering on pre-poll promises.&nbsp;

"The MP government has done an extremely terrific job. In a short period of time, they have accomplished so much. From farm loans waiver to increase the amount given to girls who are getting married, increasing pension amount, reducing electricity bills and others. Some very monumental decisions that were promised by our party before the polls are now in execution mode," he said.&nbsp;

Asked about reports on a spate of power cuts in Madhya Pradesh after the Kamal Nath-led government took over, Scindia said they are dealing with the legacy of the previous BJP government of the state and the promise of farm loan waiver is being executed properly.&nbsp;

"It is a legacy (electricity issue) they (BJP) have left us which we will have to fix. No one has a magic wand that will fix everything in 50 days. As far as farm loan waiver is concerned, what they (BJP) have not been able to do in 15 years we have done in 20 days... 27 lakh farmers have received it and balance will get as soon as the model code of conduct is removed," he said.&nbsp;

The Congress had promised before the 2018 assembly polls in the state that bank loans of farmers up to Rs 2 lakh will be waived after the Congress takes charge.&nbsp;Queried on the prospects of him being projected as the possible chief minister of the state during the elections last year, Scindia said he never hankered for a post.&nbsp;

"My pursuit in life is not power or position. My pursuit in life is the goal of development and progress for my people. For me, position and power are not important. Service is important.&nbsp;"Therefore, when my party has taken a decision that decision for me is paramount," Scindia said.

The Congress, out of power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003, unseated the Shivraj Singh Chouhan led government in November last year by winning 114 seats while the BJP secured 109.

The state has 29 Lok Sabha seats and in the last general elections, it won a total of 27 seats.&nbsp;The Congress won one more seat in a bypoll later that was held after the death of the sitting BJP MP from Ratlam.&nbsp;

The Congress decided to go it alone in Uttar Pradesh keeping its "long-term interests" in mind, says senior leader Jyotiraditya Scindia, exuding confidence that the party will do much better than in 2014 in the state.

The Congress decided to go it alone in Uttar Pradesh keeping its "long-term interests" in mind, says senior leader Jyotiraditya Scindia, exuding confidence that the party will do much better than in 2014 in the state. The Congress general secretary, in charge of the party's affairs for Uttar Pradesh (West), said the strategy was to build the party in the state and the results will show that fighting the elections on its own strength was the right decision. After spending some time in Uttar Pradesh that sends 80 MPs to the Lok Sabha, Scindia is now concentrating on the Guna parliamentary constituency in Madhya Pradesh as he seeks a mandate for a fifth term. "This time we have decided to fight on our own strength in Uttar Pradesh and build the party in the state and you will see based on the results in UP that probably it was the right decision keeping the long term interests of the party in mind," Scindia told PTI in an interview. "We will do a much better job this time around for the whole of UP... Let the voters decide," the 48-year-old added. He sidestepped a question on whether the BSP-SP-RLD 'mahagathbandhan' will harm the Congress' prospects in Uttar Pradesh. "I think every party will emerge wherever it is the strongest. So, it's not a question of the 'mahagathbandhan' harming prospects of Congress party or vice versa. It really depends on which party has the strongest candidate and the strongest organisation, " he said. Politics, Scindia said, is the art of possibilities. "At the end of the day, everything is possible in politics and you must persevere and you must make an effort. Sometimes things work out, sometimes they don't," the four-time MP said. On what will happen after May 23 (day of counting), he said we will see once the chips fall. "It is too hypothetical to tell you what will happen." In 2014, the BJP walked away with 71 of 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh. The Congress won two seats, Apna Dal two and Samajwadi Party five seats. Congress president Rahul Gandhi's sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is the Congress general secretary in-charge for UP (East). Scindia said the recently appointed Congress government in Madhya Pradesh had done a good job in delivering on pre-poll promises. "The MP government has done an extremely terrific job. In a short period of time, they have accomplished so much. From farm loans waiver to increase the amount given to girls who are getting married, increasing pension amount, reducing electricity bills and others. Some very monumental decisions that were promised by our party before the polls are now in execution mode," he said. Asked about reports on a spate of power cuts in Madhya Pradesh after the Kamal Nath-led government took over, Scindia said they are dealing with the legacy of the previous BJP government of the state and the promise of farm loan waiver is being executed properly. "It is a legacy (electricity issue) they (BJP) have left us which we will have to fix. No one has a magic wand that will fix everything in 50 days. As far as farm loan waiver is concerned, what they (BJP) have not been able to do in 15 years we have done in 20 days... 27 lakh farmers have received it and balance will get as soon as the model code of conduct is removed," he said. The Congress had promised before the 2018 assembly polls in the state that bank loans of farmers up to Rs 2 lakh will be waived after the Congress takes charge. Queried on the prospects of him being projected as the possible chief minister of the state during the elections last year, Scindia said he never hankered for a post. "My pursuit in life is not power or position. My pursuit in life is the goal of development and progress for my people. For me, position and power are not important. Service is important. "Therefore, when my party has taken a decision that decision for me is paramount," Scindia said. The Congress, out of power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003, unseated the Shivraj Singh Chouhan led government in November last year by winning 114 seats while the BJP secured 109. The state has 29 Lok Sabha seats and in the last general elections, it won a total of 27 seats. The Congress won one more seat in a bypoll later that was held after the death of the sitting BJP MP from Ratlam.

Going alone in UP for Congress's long-term interest, will do a good job this time: Scindia

Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia is an Indian politician. He is from the Scindia family that once ruled in Gwalior and is a Member of Parliament, representing the Guna constituency in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

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