Data Blackout Before Bangladesh Polls

The Telangana assembly polls on December 7 will be a crucial test for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is contesting alone unlike in 2014, to gain a foothold in the southern state ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

In 2014, the BJP fought the polls along with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and won five seats out of the 119 at stake. All the five–Uppal, Musheerabad, Amberpet, Goshamahal and LB Nagar constituencies–were in Hyderabad.

Although the ruling TRS and the Congress-led grand alliance ‘Praja Kutami’ which also comprised the TDP, the Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) and the CPI appear to be the main rivals in most of the assembly seats, the BJP is making a determined bid to make its presence felt and increase the seat tally in the country’s newest state formed in 2014.&nbsp;

Poll analysts said the BJP could also hurt the prospects of the Congress in a few assembly segments.

The elections are being mainly fought on local issues with the performance of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government coming under intense scrutiny. TRS got a majority in 2014 riding on the wave of the emotional Telangana sentiment.

“BJP has a stronghold in Telangana. Traditionally, our voter share has been high in the Hyderabad region. Definitely, our percentage of votes will increase this time,” BJP national general secretary P Muralidhar Rao told PTI.

People of Telangana will look to the BJP as a “real alternative” to the TRS both in ideological and political terms, he said, adding any “anti-TRS space” will not be occupied by the Congress.

According to a senior BJP functionary, there will be a direct fight between the party and the TRS in constituencies such as Nizamabad (urban), Kalwakurty (Mahabubnagar district), Bhuvanagiri (Nalgonda district) and Mahbubabad (Warangal district).

The functionary also said the BJP is making all-out efforts to woo the “fence sitters” who may not be inclined to go with the TRS or the Congress-led alliance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were among the top BJP leaders who had campaigned in the state.

In the 2014 assembly polls, the BJP and the TDP had a pre-poll alliance and the former contested in 45 seats, out of which it won five.

The TDP won 15 seats out of the 72 it fought.(12 of its MLAs, however, switched over to the TRS and one to the Congress later). The TRS came to power winning 63 seats.

In 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the TRS won 11 of the 17 seats.

The Telangana assembly polls on December 7 will be a crucial test for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is contesting alone unlike in 2014, to gain a foothold in the southern state ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The Telangana assembly polls on December 7 will be a crucial test for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is contesting alone unlike in 2014, to gain a foothold in the southern state ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. In 2014, the BJP fought the polls along with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and won five seats out of the 119 at stake. All the five–Uppal, Musheerabad, Amberpet, Goshamahal and LB Nagar constituencies–were in Hyderabad. Although the ruling TRS and the Congress-led grand alliance ‘Praja Kutami’ which also comprised the TDP, the Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) and the CPI appear to be the main rivals in most of the assembly seats, the BJP is making a determined bid to make its presence felt and increase the seat tally in the country’s newest state formed in 2014. Poll analysts said the BJP could also hurt the prospects of the Congress in a few assembly segments. The elections are being mainly fought on local issues with the performance of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government coming under intense scrutiny. TRS got a majority in 2014 riding on the wave of the emotional Telangana sentiment. “BJP has a stronghold in Telangana. Traditionally, our voter share has been high in the Hyderabad region. Definitely, our percentage of votes will increase this time,” BJP national general secretary P Muralidhar Rao told PTI. People of Telangana will look to the BJP as a “real alternative” to the TRS both in ideological and political terms, he said, adding any “anti-TRS space” will not be occupied by the Congress. According to a senior BJP functionary, there will be a direct fight between the party and the TRS in constituencies such as Nizamabad (urban), Kalwakurty (Mahabubnagar district), Bhuvanagiri (Nalgonda district) and Mahbubabad (Warangal district). The functionary also said the BJP is making all-out efforts to woo the “fence sitters” who may not be inclined to go with the TRS or the Congress-led alliance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were among the top BJP leaders who had campaigned in the state. In the 2014 assembly polls, the BJP and the TDP had a pre-poll alliance and the former contested in 45 seats, out of which it won five. The TDP won 15 seats out of the 72 it fought.(12 of its MLAs, however, switched over to the TRS and one to the Congress later). The TRS came to power winning 63 seats. In 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the TRS won 11 of the 17 seats.

Telangana polls crucial test for BJP to gain foothold in the state

BJP president Amit Shah Friday said the Congress did not care about the nation's security when it "ruled India for 70 years", adding securing the borders was a major achievement of the Modi-led government.

Addressing a poll rally, Shah credited the Modi government with giving impetus to boosting the country's security.

"When the Congress was in power and Manmohan Singh was the prime minister, Pakistani terrorists used to infiltrate, explode bombs and go back," he said.There was anger across the country after the 2016 Uri attack in which 18 Indian soldiers were killed. But this was not the regime of Mauni Baba (Manmohan Singh). Modi ji ordered our jawans to conduct surgical strikes and take revenge," Shah said.

"The Congress did not care about the country's security for 70 years when it was in power, but bothered only about their vote banks. For us, security is more precious than our own lives," he said.

Shah said the difference between the BJP and the Congress is that if one wants to become the prime minister or the president of the Congress, "they have to take birth in the Nehru-Gandhi family while in the BJP, one can rise to the top based on abilities even after being born in a poor family".

"An example of this is Narendra Modi, who was born in a tea seller's family but is now the prime minister. Shivraj Singh (Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan), who took birth in a poor family of farmers, is working from the last 15 years to develop Madhya Pradesh," he said.

"One does not need to have a family to work and go ahead in the BJP. What is needed is the ability and resolve to serve people," he said.

Shah sought to know who was the "senapati" (army chief) of the opposition party in Madhya Pradesh poll arena. There is only a Raja (Digvijay Singh), a maharaja (Jyotiraditya Scindia), and an industrialist (Kamal Nath) and the Congress is fighting polls on their strength," he said.

"Congress had left Madhya Pradesh as one of the most backward states but I can proudly say today that Shivraj Singh has made it into a developed state," he said.

"The 'Maharaja' (Scindia) asks what has Modi done for Madhya Pradesh, but does not know how much has the state changed. This is because he does not step out of his palace in Gwalior," Shah said.

"He (Scindia) does not know what benefits the poor farmers received. I want to ask the Congress president, what did he give Madhya Pradesh for 10 years when the UPA was in power at the Centre," Shah said.

The 13th Finance Commission under the UPA regime gave the state 1,34,190 crore, but the 14th Finance Commission, under the Modi government allocated it Rs 3,44,126 crore, the BJP chief said.

BJP president Amit Shah Friday said the Congress did not care about the nation's security when it "ruled India for 70 years", adding securing the borders was a major achievement of the Modi-led government.

BJP president Amit Shah Friday said the Congress did not care about the nation's security when it "ruled India for 70 years", adding securing the borders was a major achievement of the Modi-led government. Addressing a poll rally, Shah credited the Modi government with giving impetus to boosting the country's security. "When the Congress was in power and Manmohan Singh was the prime minister, Pakistani terrorists used to infiltrate, explode bombs and go back," he said.There was anger across the country after the 2016 Uri attack in which 18 Indian soldiers were killed. But this was not the regime of Mauni Baba (Manmohan Singh). Modi ji ordered our jawans to conduct surgical strikes and take revenge," Shah said. "The Congress did not care about the country's security for 70 years when it was in power, but bothered only about their vote banks. For us, security is more precious than our own lives," he said. Shah said the difference between the BJP and the Congress is that if one wants to become the prime minister or the president of the Congress, "they have to take birth in the Nehru-Gandhi family while in the BJP, one can rise to the top based on abilities even after being born in a poor family". "An example of this is Narendra Modi, who was born in a tea seller's family but is now the prime minister. Shivraj Singh (Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan), who took birth in a poor family of farmers, is working from the last 15 years to develop Madhya Pradesh," he said. "One does not need to have a family to work and go ahead in the BJP. What is needed is the ability and resolve to serve people," he said. Shah sought to know who was the "senapati" (army chief) of the opposition party in Madhya Pradesh poll arena. There is only a Raja (Digvijay Singh), a maharaja (Jyotiraditya Scindia), and an industrialist (Kamal Nath) and the Congress is fighting polls on their strength," he said. "Congress had left Madhya Pradesh as one of the most backward states but I can proudly say today that Shivraj Singh has made it into a developed state," he said. "The 'Maharaja' (Scindia) asks what has Modi done for Madhya Pradesh, but does not know how much has the state changed. This is because he does not step out of his palace in Gwalior," Shah said. "He (Scindia) does not know what benefits the poor farmers received. I want to ask the Congress president, what did he give Madhya Pradesh for 10 years when the UPA was in power at the Centre," Shah said. The 13th Finance Commission under the UPA regime gave the state 1,34,190 crore, but the 14th Finance Commission, under the Modi government allocated it Rs 3,44,126 crore, the BJP chief said.

Congress didn't care for nation's security when it ruled: Amit Shah

Former Madagascar president Andry Rajoelina was leading after last week's presidential election aimed at ending a political crisis, ahead of rival Marc Ravalomanana, according to preliminary results released on Sunday.

Rajoelina and Ravalomanana were frontrunners in the November&nbsp;7 vote in the poor Indian Ocean island that has struggled with instability since independence from France in 1960.

After counting from 30.6 per cent of polling stations, Rajoelina was ahead with 40.9 per cent of the votes against 36 per cent for Ravalomanana, the CENI electoral authority said.

Outgoing president Hery Rajaonarimampianina had 7 per cent of ballots, it said. His attempts to change the electoral laws this year backfired, sparking nearly three months of sometimes violent protests in the capital Antananarivo.

The demonstrators forced Rajaonarimampianina to accept a "consensus" government tasked with organising the election in an impoverished country burdened by a long history of coups and unrest.

Madagascar's electoral regulations mean the two frontrunners will be forced into a run-off in December if neither manages to secure more than 50 percent of the votes in the first round ballot.

Both Ravalomanana and Rajaonarimampianina, who governed from 2014 to September 2018, have denounced irregularities and fraud, but the national election commission has rejected the accusations.

The EU observation mission said it noted only minor irregularities that would not impact the election outcome.

Madagascar is one of the world's poorest countries, according to World Bank data, with almost four in five people living in grinding poverty.

It has struggled to overcome political divisions after a disputed 2001 election that sparked clashes and after a 2009 military-backed coup.

Former Madagascar president Andry Rajoelina was leading after last week's presidential election aimed at ending a political crisis, ahead of rival Marc Ravalomanana, according to preliminary results released on Sunday.

Former Madagascar president Andry Rajoelina was leading after last week's presidential election aimed at ending a political crisis, ahead of rival Marc Ravalomanana, according to preliminary results released on Sunday. Rajoelina and Ravalomanana were frontrunners in the November 7 vote in the poor Indian Ocean island that has struggled with instability since independence from France in 1960. After counting from 30.6 per cent of polling stations, Rajoelina was ahead with 40.9 per cent of the votes against 36 per cent for Ravalomanana, the CENI electoral authority said. Outgoing president Hery Rajaonarimampianina had 7 per cent of ballots, it said. His attempts to change the electoral laws this year backfired, sparking nearly three months of sometimes violent protests in the capital Antananarivo. The demonstrators forced Rajaonarimampianina to accept a "consensus" government tasked with organising the election in an impoverished country burdened by a long history of coups and unrest. Madagascar's electoral regulations mean the two frontrunners will be forced into a run-off in December if neither manages to secure more than 50 percent of the votes in the first round ballot. Both Ravalomanana and Rajaonarimampianina, who governed from 2014 to September 2018, have denounced irregularities and fraud, but the national election commission has rejected the accusations. The EU observation mission said it noted only minor irregularities that would not impact the election outcome. Madagascar is one of the world's poorest countries, according to World Bank data, with almost four in five people living in grinding poverty. It has struggled to overcome political divisions after a disputed 2001 election that sparked clashes and after a 2009 military-backed coup.

Madagascar ex-president Rajoelina leads in vote count: Initial results

Bangladesh's main opposition BNP, led by imprisoned ex-premier Khaleda Zia, on Sunday said it would not boycott the general election next month, after it refused to participate in the 2014 polls that returned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League to power due to fears of rigging.

Opposition parties have expressed concern that the polls will not be democratic and have threatened protests.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is part of the newly-formed opposition alliance - National Unity Front (NUF) which has demanded that the December 23 polls be deferred by one month.

"We have decided to participate in the polls as part of our movement," said BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said at a press conference with senior NUF and BNP leaders present.

The BNP announcement came three days after the election commission announced the poll schedule with December 23 as the date for the vote amid an impasse between the government and the main opposition alliance over the poll's timing.

"Despite an extremely adverse situation, Jatiya Oikya Front (NUF) has decided to take part in the election as part of our movement to restore democracy," convenor of the platform and prominent lawyer Kamal Hossain said, ending speculation over the opposition's participation in the polls.

He, however, said that the election commission must defer the polls by one month.

BNP had boycotted the 2014 polls due to a dispute with the ruling Awami League over a plan for an interim government to oversee the polls, and it emerged as the main opposition party outside Parliament.

Political analysts said the opposition is demanding the deferment of polls to pave the way for an interim government.

Prime Minister Hasina earlier said installation of a non-elected government could lead to "third-party interventions" like a virtual military takeover as in 2007 when an army-backed interim government was installed amid a political vacuum and unrest.&nbsp;

But the BNP is in a state of disarray as 73-year-old Zia is serving a 10-year prison term on corruption charges and her "fugitive" son and acting party chief Tarique Rahman has been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for masterminding a deadly attack on a rival political rally in 2004.

Rahman, who has been living in London since 2008, was convicted after a trial in absentia two months ago over the August, 2004 grenade attack that killed 24 Awami League leaders and activists while Hasina had narrowly escaped the blast.

Legal experts said their convictions would disqualify the two BNP leaders from contesting the polls unless they secure a favourable Supreme Court ruling.

The Awami League urged the election commission to stick to its plan even as the EC had said it was Constitutionally obligated to hold the 11th parliamentary election by January 28.

The NUF emerged two months ago as an opposition platform and floated a seven-point demand including dissolution of Parliament to pave the way for an interim government to ensure a credible election.&nbsp;

Bangladesh's main opposition BNP, led by imprisoned ex-premier Khaleda Zia, on Sunday said it would not boycott the general election next month, after it refused to participate in the 2014 polls that returned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League to power due to fears of rigging.

Bangladesh's main opposition BNP, led by imprisoned ex-premier Khaleda Zia, on Sunday said it would not boycott the general election next month, after it refused to participate in the 2014 polls that returned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League to power due to fears of rigging. Opposition parties have expressed concern that the polls will not be democratic and have threatened protests. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is part of the newly-formed opposition alliance - National Unity Front (NUF) which has demanded that the December 23 polls be deferred by one month. "We have decided to participate in the polls as part of our movement," said BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said at a press conference with senior NUF and BNP leaders present. The BNP announcement came three days after the election commission announced the poll schedule with December 23 as the date for the vote amid an impasse between the government and the main opposition alliance over the poll's timing. "Despite an extremely adverse situation, Jatiya Oikya Front (NUF) has decided to take part in the election as part of our movement to restore democracy," convenor of the platform and prominent lawyer Kamal Hossain said, ending speculation over the opposition's participation in the polls. He, however, said that the election commission must defer the polls by one month. BNP had boycotted the 2014 polls due to a dispute with the ruling Awami League over a plan for an interim government to oversee the polls, and it emerged as the main opposition party outside Parliament. Political analysts said the opposition is demanding the deferment of polls to pave the way for an interim government. Prime Minister Hasina earlier said installation of a non-elected government could lead to "third-party interventions" like a virtual military takeover as in 2007 when an army-backed interim government was installed amid a political vacuum and unrest. But the BNP is in a state of disarray as 73-year-old Zia is serving a 10-year prison term on corruption charges and her "fugitive" son and acting party chief Tarique Rahman has been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for masterminding a deadly attack on a rival political rally in 2004. Rahman, who has been living in London since 2008, was convicted after a trial in absentia two months ago over the August, 2004 grenade attack that killed 24 Awami League leaders and activists while Hasina had narrowly escaped the blast. Legal experts said their convictions would disqualify the two BNP leaders from contesting the polls unless they secure a favourable Supreme Court ruling. The Awami League urged the election commission to stick to its plan even as the EC had said it was Constitutionally obligated to hold the 11th parliamentary election by January 28. The NUF emerged two months ago as an opposition platform and floated a seven-point demand including dissolution of Parliament to pave the way for an interim government to ensure a credible election.

Bangladesh opposition BNP says will take part in polls

Bangladesh will hold a national election on December 23 despite bitter wrangling between the government and opposition, authorities announced Thursday.

Chief Election Commissioner Nurul Huda said in a nationally broadcast speech that all preparations have been made for "fair" polls. The opposition has expressed fears that the election will not be democratic and has threatened protests.

"Voting will be held on Sunday, December 23," Huda said, adding that nominations had to be submitted by November 19.&nbsp;

Opposition leader Khaleda Zia has been sent back to jail after a month of treatment in hospital. &nbsp;

Bangladesh will hold a national election on December 23 despite bitter wrangling between the government and opposition, authorities announced Thursday. Chief Election Commissioner Nurul Huda said in a nationally broadcast speech that all preparations have been made for "fair" polls.

Bangladesh will hold a national election on December 23 despite bitter wrangling between the government and opposition, authorities announced Thursday. Chief Election Commissioner Nurul Huda said in a nationally broadcast speech that all preparations have been made for "fair" polls. The opposition has expressed fears that the election will not be democratic and has threatened protests. "Voting will be held on Sunday, December 23," Huda said, adding that nominations had to be submitted by November 19. Opposition leader Khaleda Zia has been sent back to jail after a month of treatment in hospital.

Bangladesh general election set for December 23

Madagascar votes on Wednesday for a new president in unprecedented polls in which the three front-runners are former heads of state facing-off amid efforts to defuse a political crisis.

Attempts by the most recent president, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, to change the large Indian Ocean island's electoral laws backfired, sparking nearly three months of sometimes violent protests in the capital Antananarivo.

The demonstrators forced Rajaonarimampianina to accept a "consensus" government tasked with organising the election in the poor country with a history of coups and unrest.

Nearly 10 million voters are eligible to cast ballots for one of 36 candidates who, as well as the three front-runners, include two ex-prime ministers, pastors and a rock star. Polling stations open at 0300 GMT and are due to close by 1400 GMT.

One presidential contender must win 50 per cent of votes cast or a second round will be held on December 19.

Rajaonarimampianina is competing against two of his predecessors.&nbsp;

Marc Ravalomanana, a milk mogul, ruled from 2002 to 2009 and Andry Rajoelina, a former party organiser nicknamed "the disc jockey", succeeded him and was in power until 2013.

The trio staged massive rallies over the weekend in the capital, each attracting tens of thousands of supporters.&nbsp;

The former French colony has struggled to overcome political divisions after a disputed 2001 election that sparked clashes and a 2009 military-backed coup that ousted Ravalomanana.

Apart from protests earlier this year, Rajaonarimampianina's tenure was mostly peaceful but anger over the past still simmers.

He has promised "a new phase" in Madagascar's development if elected.

"I'm poor. I live hand to mouth, day to day. I don't have anything to eat for tomorrow," said Coledette, a mother-of-four angered by recent increases in the price of rice.

Bloody protests&nbsp;

The key battle will be between Rajaonarimampianina and the former presidents Ravalomanana and Rajoelina, according to analysts and the findings of a banned pre-vote poll seen by AFP.

The survey, commissioned by the German Friedrich Ebert Foundation, gave Rajoelina support of 25 percent, Ravalomanana 17 percent and four percent for Rajaonarimampianina.

"The big risk of this election is that it will return us to an era of crisis," said Sahondra Rabenarivo, an analyst at the Malagasy Observatory on Public Life.

"It's very important that the results are credible and that the third-placed candidate accepts them," added Rabenarivo referring to the leading hopeful who will not advance to any second round.

Tensions are high between Ravalomanana and Rajoelina, who succeeded him with the backing of the army in the 2009 uprising.

Madagascar is one of the world's poorest countries, according to World Bank data, with almost four in five people living in grinding poverty.

Many voters see the delivery of basic resources like water, electricity and jobs as their priorities.

The trio of main contenders -- armed with significant campaign resources -- have criss-crossed the island of 25 million by helicopter promising voters a better future.

"It's a circus," added Rabenarivo, the analyst.

An EU-sponsored study found that Rajaonarimampianina spent $43 million on his 2013 campaign -- $21.50 for each vote.

"The people are sick of the (leading) three candidates. Their time in power has been fruitless," said rural voter Mari Rajafinniana who told AFP he planned to vote for candidate number 11, Ny Rado Rafalimanana.

Although there were bloody protests in April that left two people dead, campaigning has so far gone smoothly.

'Disgusted'&nbsp;

The candidates have however been accused of vote buying. The head of Transparency International in Madagascar, Ketakandriana Rafitoson, is "disgusted" by what she says is the handing out of T-shirts, sewing machines and even floor tiles to buy votes.

The election will be seen as an important opportunity for rivals Ravalomanana and Rajoelina to settle their scores through the ballot box, according to commentators.

Both were banned from contesting the last elections in 2013.

Ravalomanana, who until 2014 lived in exile in South Africa after his removal from office,&nbsp;is still bitter after his ouster by Rajoelina in the coup that left the island internationally isolated and bitterly divided.

Rajoelina, a former mayor, party planner and successful entrepreneur is banking on his youth and communication skills to rally support.

Around 20 lower-profile candidates have alleged irregularities in the electoral roll and have unsuccessfully called for the poll to be delayed.

Madagascar votes on Wednesday for a new president in unprecedented polls in which the three front-runners are former heads of state facing-off amid efforts to defuse a political crisis.

Madagascar votes on Wednesday for a new president in unprecedented polls in which the three front-runners are former heads of state facing-off amid efforts to defuse a political crisis. Attempts by the most recent president, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, to change the large Indian Ocean island's electoral laws backfired, sparking nearly three months of sometimes violent protests in the capital Antananarivo. The demonstrators forced Rajaonarimampianina to accept a "consensus" government tasked with organising the election in the poor country with a history of coups and unrest. Nearly 10 million voters are eligible to cast ballots for one of 36 candidates who, as well as the three front-runners, include two ex-prime ministers, pastors and a rock star. Polling stations open at 0300 GMT and are due to close by 1400 GMT. One presidential contender must win 50 per cent of votes cast or a second round will be held on December 19. Rajaonarimampianina is competing against two of his predecessors. Marc Ravalomanana, a milk mogul, ruled from 2002 to 2009 and Andry Rajoelina, a former party organiser nicknamed "the disc jockey", succeeded him and was in power until 2013. The trio staged massive rallies over the weekend in the capital, each attracting tens of thousands of supporters. The former French colony has struggled to overcome political divisions after a disputed 2001 election that sparked clashes and a 2009 military-backed coup that ousted Ravalomanana. Apart from protests earlier this year, Rajaonarimampianina's tenure was mostly peaceful but anger over the past still simmers. He has promised "a new phase" in Madagascar's development if elected. "I'm poor. I live hand to mouth, day to day. I don't have anything to eat for tomorrow," said Coledette, a mother-of-four angered by recent increases in the price of rice. Bloody protests The key battle will be between Rajaonarimampianina and the former presidents Ravalomanana and Rajoelina, according to analysts and the findings of a banned pre-vote poll seen by AFP. The survey, commissioned by the German Friedrich Ebert Foundation, gave Rajoelina support of 25 percent, Ravalomanana 17 percent and four percent for Rajaonarimampianina. "The big risk of this election is that it will return us to an era of crisis," said Sahondra Rabenarivo, an analyst at the Malagasy Observatory on Public Life. "It's very important that the results are credible and that the third-placed candidate accepts them," added Rabenarivo referring to the leading hopeful who will not advance to any second round. Tensions are high between Ravalomanana and Rajoelina, who succeeded him with the backing of the army in the 2009 uprising. Madagascar is one of the world's poorest countries, according to World Bank data, with almost four in five people living in grinding poverty. Many voters see the delivery of basic resources like water, electricity and jobs as their priorities. The trio of main contenders -- armed with significant campaign resources -- have criss-crossed the island of 25 million by helicopter promising voters a better future. "It's a circus," added Rabenarivo, the analyst. An EU-sponsored study found that Rajaonarimampianina spent $43 million on his 2013 campaign -- $21.50 for each vote. "The people are sick of the (leading) three candidates. Their time in power has been fruitless," said rural voter Mari Rajafinniana who told AFP he planned to vote for candidate number 11, Ny Rado Rafalimanana. Although there were bloody protests in April that left two people dead, campaigning has so far gone smoothly. 'Disgusted' The candidates have however been accused of vote buying. The head of Transparency International in Madagascar, Ketakandriana Rafitoson, is "disgusted" by what she says is the handing out of T-shirts, sewing machines and even floor tiles to buy votes. The election will be seen as an important opportunity for rivals Ravalomanana and Rajoelina to settle their scores through the ballot box, according to commentators. Both were banned from contesting the last elections in 2013. Ravalomanana, who until 2014 lived in exile in South Africa after his removal from office, is still bitter after his ouster by Rajoelina in the coup that left the island internationally isolated and bitterly divided. Rajoelina, a former mayor, party planner and successful entrepreneur is banking on his youth and communication skills to rally support. Around 20 lower-profile candidates have alleged irregularities in the electoral roll and have unsuccessfully called for the poll to be delayed.

Madagascar goes to the polls to pick next president

US law enforcement and intelligence agencies said on the eve of crucial US midterm voting they had no indication of efforts to disrupt election infrastructure, but that Americans should be wary of Russian attempts to spread fake news.

The announcement came days after a new study found that misinformation on social media was spreading at a greater rate than during the run-up to the 2016 presidential vote, which Russia is accused of manipulating through a vast propaganda campaign in favour of Donald Trump, the eventual winner.

"At this time we have no indication of compromise of our nation's election infrastructure that would prevent voting, change vote counts, or disrupt the ability to tally votes," said a joint statement by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, and FBI Director Christopher Wray.

"But Americans should be aware that foreign actors -- and Russia in particular -- continue to try to influence public sentiment and voter perceptions through actions intended to sow discord," it continued, without specifying whether Moscow was backing Trump's Republicans or opposition Democrats.

"They can do this by spreading false information about political processes and candidates, lying about their own interference activities, disseminating propaganda on social media, and through other tactics. The American public can mitigate these efforts by remaining informed, reporting suspicious activity and being vigilant consumers of information," it said.

Oxford Internet Institute researchers, in a study published Thursday, said that despite an aggressive crackdown by social media firms, so-called "junk news" is spreading at a greater rate than in 2016 on social media ahead of the US midterm elections.

"We found that the proportion of junk news circulating over social media has increased in the US since 2016, with users sharing higher proportions of junk news than links to professional content over all," the report said.

Twitter meanwhile said Saturday it deleted a "series of accounts" that attempted to share disinformation without giving a number.&nbsp;

US law enforcement and intelligence agencies said on the eve of crucial US midterm voting they had no indication of efforts to disrupt election infrastructure, but that Americans should be wary of Russian attempts to spread fake news.

US law enforcement and intelligence agencies said on the eve of crucial US midterm voting they had no indication of efforts to disrupt election infrastructure, but that Americans should be wary of Russian attempts to spread fake news. The announcement came days after a new study found that misinformation on social media was spreading at a greater rate than during the run-up to the 2016 presidential vote, which Russia is accused of manipulating through a vast propaganda campaign in favour of Donald Trump, the eventual winner. "At this time we have no indication of compromise of our nation's election infrastructure that would prevent voting, change vote counts, or disrupt the ability to tally votes," said a joint statement by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, and FBI Director Christopher Wray. "But Americans should be aware that foreign actors -- and Russia in particular -- continue to try to influence public sentiment and voter perceptions through actions intended to sow discord," it continued, without specifying whether Moscow was backing Trump's Republicans or opposition Democrats. "They can do this by spreading false information about political processes and candidates, lying about their own interference activities, disseminating propaganda on social media, and through other tactics. The American public can mitigate these efforts by remaining informed, reporting suspicious activity and being vigilant consumers of information," it said. Oxford Internet Institute researchers, in a study published Thursday, said that despite an aggressive crackdown by social media firms, so-called "junk news" is spreading at a greater rate than in 2016 on social media ahead of the US midterm elections. "We found that the proportion of junk news circulating over social media has increased in the US since 2016, with users sharing higher proportions of junk news than links to professional content over all," the report said. Twitter meanwhile said Saturday it deleted a "series of accounts" that attempted to share disinformation without giving a number.

Before midterms, US warns voters to be wary of Russian fake news

With just over a week for the first phase of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-lacks-leadership-strategy-and-principle-amit-shah-in-chhattisgarh-rally-175481">Chhattisgarh assembly elections</a>, the battlefield has been set and the political parties have also blown the election bugle.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-polls-amit-shah-asks-rahul-gandhi-to-clear-stand-on-raj-babbars-naxalism-remark-175450">incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party</a> (BJP), which is ruling the state for the last 15 years, is seeking to win its fourth electoral term, while the Congress will aim to dethrone the Chief Minister Raman Singh-led government and win the polls.

In the Chhattisgarh assembly polls, there are two phases of voting.

In the first phase, voting will be held in 18 constituencies in the southern part of the state.

On a closer look, 18 out of 12 seats are located in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-polls-naxals-will-shun-violence-if-bsp-regains-power-says-mayawati-175427">Naxal-affected </a>Bastar division and six are located in Rajnandgaon district.

As many as 192 candidates are in the fray in the first phase of the state assembly elections.

The first phase of the assembly elections assumes plenty of significance as both the arch-rival parties, BJP and Congress, are going all out to woo the people for votes while engaging in a political mudslinging amongst each other.

Let us now chronicle the journey as to why the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections is so special.

It is well known that the Bastar division, on the one hand, is very popular in Chhattisgarh due to its beauty, while on the other hand, the region has suffered from decades-long Naxal violence.

In the previous assembly elections held in 2013, the BJP, although retained power in the state, it, however, lost its mark in the Bastar division and the Congress gained the upper hand in the region.

Out of a total of 12 seats, the Congress grabbed eight seats while the BJP mustered only four seats in its account.

In the past five years, the Raman Singh-led government has stated that it has undertaken plenty of development work in Bastar.

In fact, there are many assembly constituencies in Bastar division, where tickets have been given to the old faces of the party.

The same situation also persists in Rajanandgaon district. The BJP has decided to field new faces in the region, which has six constituencies.But the most anticipated electoral battle will be witnessed in Rajnandgaon seat where incumbent state chief minister Raman Singh is pitted against former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s niece Karuna Shukla, who was also a part of the BJP for over 30 years, before switching to Congress in 2014. While Singh has won thrice from Rajnandgaon, it is to be seen whether the three-time chief minister will continue his winning spree or whether Shukla will play party pooper, if she emerges victorious.

The BJP government has claimed to take strict steps in tackling Naxalism. However, local residents of Bastar are still struggling with the decades-long problem. This factor could harm BJP`s prospects in winning a record fourth term in the assembly polls.

There is a saying in Chhattisgarhi language that if a niece or nephew wins, celebrations will happen in the same house. In Dantewada seat of Bastar division, seven candidates from different parties are not only from the same family but are each other`s relatives, who will be contesting against each other in the first phase of the assembly polls.

BJP candidate Bhima Mandavi is the brother-in-law of Congress candidate Devti Karma.

Also, Communist Party of India (CPI) candidate Nandaram Sori and Devti share a brother-sister relationship. Devti also shares an interesting connection, as she is the aunt of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Ballu Bhawani. Independent candidate Jaya Kashyap is Devti`s niece.

Lastly, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate Keshav Netam and Sundaru Kunjam share a nephew-uncle relationship with Bhawani.

Amid constant threats by Naxalites to boycott polls, there is an atmosphere of fear in Bastar Division. For instance, in Konta seat, many candidates have refrained from filing their nomination forms. In 2008 assembly elections, only four candidates were in the fray.

In this year`s and 2013 polls, six candidates each will contest from this seat.

In Chitrakoot, where the number of candidates was 22 in 2013 polls, the number has fallen down to just 10 in this year`s assembly elections. In Jagdalpur seat, where 38 candidates had tried their luck in the previous elections, this time only 26 of them are in the fray.

Other constituencies such as Kanker, Kesh Kal, Bastar and Narayanpur will also see less participation of candidates in the upcoming polls.

The Antagarh seat is a bright spot in the Naxal-affected Bastar division, where the number of candidates has seen an increase.

In the 2008 assembly elections, only six candidates were in the fray and the number increased to eight in 2013.

Now, 15 candidates will try their luck in this year`s assembly elections.

The second phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections is slated to be held on November 20. Counting of votes for both the phases will take place on December 11.&nbsp;

With just over a week for the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections, the battlefield has been set and the political parties have also blown the election bugle.

With just over a week for the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections, the battlefield has been set and the political parties have also blown the election bugle. The incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is ruling the state for the last 15 years, is seeking to win its fourth electoral term, while the Congress will aim to dethrone the Chief Minister Raman Singh-led government and win the polls. In the Chhattisgarh assembly polls, there are two phases of voting. In the first phase, voting will be held in 18 constituencies in the southern part of the state. On a closer look, 18 out of 12 seats are located in Naxal-affected Bastar division and six are located in Rajnandgaon district. As many as 192 candidates are in the fray in the first phase of the state assembly elections. The first phase of the assembly elections assumes plenty of significance as both the arch-rival parties, BJP and Congress, are going all out to woo the people for votes while engaging in a political mudslinging amongst each other. Let us now chronicle the journey as to why the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections is so special. It is well known that the Bastar division, on the one hand, is very popular in Chhattisgarh due to its beauty, while on the other hand, the region has suffered from decades-long Naxal violence. In the previous assembly elections held in 2013, the BJP, although retained power in the state, it, however, lost its mark in the Bastar division and the Congress gained the upper hand in the region. Out of a total of 12 seats, the Congress grabbed eight seats while the BJP mustered only four seats in its account. In the past five years, the Raman Singh-led government has stated that it has undertaken plenty of development work in Bastar. In fact, there are many assembly constituencies in Bastar division, where tickets have been given to the old faces of the party. The same situation also persists in Rajanandgaon district. The BJP has decided to field new faces in the region, which has six constituencies.But the most anticipated electoral battle will be witnessed in Rajnandgaon seat where incumbent state chief minister Raman Singh is pitted against former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s niece Karuna Shukla, who was also a part of the BJP for over 30 years, before switching to Congress in 2014. While Singh has won thrice from Rajnandgaon, it is to be seen whether the three-time chief minister will continue his winning spree or whether Shukla will play party pooper, if she emerges victorious. The BJP government has claimed to take strict steps in tackling Naxalism. However, local residents of Bastar are still struggling with the decades-long problem. This factor could harm BJP`s prospects in winning a record fourth term in the assembly polls. There is a saying in Chhattisgarhi language that if a niece or nephew wins, celebrations will happen in the same house. In Dantewada seat of Bastar division, seven candidates from different parties are not only from the same family but are each other`s relatives, who will be contesting against each other in the first phase of the assembly polls. BJP candidate Bhima Mandavi is the brother-in-law of Congress candidate Devti Karma. Also, Communist Party of India (CPI) candidate Nandaram Sori and Devti share a brother-sister relationship. Devti also shares an interesting connection, as she is the aunt of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Ballu Bhawani. Independent candidate Jaya Kashyap is Devti`s niece. Lastly, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate Keshav Netam and Sundaru Kunjam share a nephew-uncle relationship with Bhawani. Amid constant threats by Naxalites to boycott polls, there is an atmosphere of fear in Bastar Division. For instance, in Konta seat, many candidates have refrained from filing their nomination forms. In 2008 assembly elections, only four candidates were in the fray. In this year`s and 2013 polls, six candidates each will contest from this seat. In Chitrakoot, where the number of candidates was 22 in 2013 polls, the number has fallen down to just 10 in this year`s assembly elections. In Jagdalpur seat, where 38 candidates had tried their luck in the previous elections, this time only 26 of them are in the fray. Other constituencies such as Kanker, Kesh Kal, Bastar and Narayanpur will also see less participation of candidates in the upcoming polls. The Antagarh seat is a bright spot in the Naxal-affected Bastar division, where the number of candidates has seen an increase. In the 2008 assembly elections, only six candidates were in the fray and the number increased to eight in 2013. Now, 15 candidates will try their luck in this year`s assembly elections. The second phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections is slated to be held on November 20. Counting of votes for both the phases will take place on December 11.

Know why first phase of Chhattisgarh polls is special

Americans head to the polls on Tuesday for midterm elections with President Donald Trump's Republican party seeking to retain control of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Midterm elections are often seen as a referendum on the president and there is no shortage of opinions this time around about the current occupant of the White House.

Turnout for midterm elections is traditionally lower than in presidential years, but the results could have dramatic implications for the United States, and in particular for Trump's legislative agenda.

Republicans are bracing for a likely loss of seats in the House of Representatives but are favored to hold on to the Senate.

House of Representatives&nbsp;

The House has 435 members with states represented on the basis of population. There are currently 236 Republicans, 193 Democrats and six vacancies.

All seats are contested every two years. The new congressional term begins in January 2019.

Republicans have controlled the House since the conservative Tea Party movement propelled the GOP to a wave election in November 2010.

The speaker of the house is Republican Paul Ryan, who is not seeking reelection from his home state of Wisconsin. Democrat and former speaker Nancy Pelosi serves as House minority leader.

Democrats need a net gain of 23 seats to take control of the House.

Likely House outcome: Democrats take control.

Senate&nbsp;

The Senate consists of 100 members, two from each state. It is currently made up of 51 Republicans and 49 Democrats.

With terms of six years, about a third of the Senate is up for election every two years. Thirty-five seats are in play in Tuesday's election.

Of the 35 seats up for grabs, 26 are held by Democrats and nine by Republicans.

The Senate majority leader is Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.

Likely Senate outcome: Republicans hold on to the Senate.

Governor races

Thirty-six of the 50 US states elect governors this year, including about 10 considered toss-ups.

Republicans currently control 29 governorships to 21 for the Democrats.

Two races which are of particular interest are Georgia, where Democrat Stacey Abrams is seeking to become the first black woman to become governor of a US state, and Florida, where Democrat Andrew Gillum is locked in a bitter battle with Republican and Trump acolyte Ron DeSantis.

Ballot measures&nbsp;

In addition to electing their lawmakers, Americans in several states will vote on ballot measures.

Among the notable initiatives:

- Five states are considering the legalization of medical or recreational marijuana.

- Minimum wage increases are on the ballot in two states.

- Access to abortion and abortion funding is on the ballot in three states.&nbsp;

The stakes&nbsp;

Besides stymieing the Trump agenda, a Democratic victory in the House could allow Democrats to launch multiple committee investigations of the Trump administration and possibly even impeachment proceedings.

Voter turnout&nbsp;

Around 37 percent of eligible voters took part in the 2014 midterm elections, down from 42 percent in 2010.

More than 60 percent of eligible voters took part in the 2016 vote, when the presidential race was on the ballot.

Americans head to the polls on Tuesday for midterm elections with President Donald Trump's Republican party seeking to retain control of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Americans head to the polls on Tuesday for midterm elections with President Donald Trump's Republican party seeking to retain control of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Midterm elections are often seen as a referendum on the president and there is no shortage of opinions this time around about the current occupant of the White House. Turnout for midterm elections is traditionally lower than in presidential years, but the results could have dramatic implications for the United States, and in particular for Trump's legislative agenda. Republicans are bracing for a likely loss of seats in the House of Representatives but are favored to hold on to the Senate. House of Representatives The House has 435 members with states represented on the basis of population. There are currently 236 Republicans, 193 Democrats and six vacancies. All seats are contested every two years. The new congressional term begins in January 2019. Republicans have controlled the House since the conservative Tea Party movement propelled the GOP to a wave election in November 2010. The speaker of the house is Republican Paul Ryan, who is not seeking reelection from his home state of Wisconsin. Democrat and former speaker Nancy Pelosi serves as House minority leader. Democrats need a net gain of 23 seats to take control of the House. Likely House outcome: Democrats take control. Senate The Senate consists of 100 members, two from each state. It is currently made up of 51 Republicans and 49 Democrats. With terms of six years, about a third of the Senate is up for election every two years. Thirty-five seats are in play in Tuesday's election. Of the 35 seats up for grabs, 26 are held by Democrats and nine by Republicans. The Senate majority leader is Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. Likely Senate outcome: Republicans hold on to the Senate. Governor races Thirty-six of the 50 US states elect governors this year, including about 10 considered toss-ups. Republicans currently control 29 governorships to 21 for the Democrats. Two races which are of particular interest are Georgia, where Democrat Stacey Abrams is seeking to become the first black woman to become governor of a US state, and Florida, where Democrat Andrew Gillum is locked in a bitter battle with Republican and Trump acolyte Ron DeSantis. Ballot measures In addition to electing their lawmakers, Americans in several states will vote on ballot measures. Among the notable initiatives: - Five states are considering the legalization of medical or recreational marijuana. - Minimum wage increases are on the ballot in two states. - Access to abortion and abortion funding is on the ballot in three states. The stakes Besides stymieing the Trump agenda, a Democratic victory in the House could allow Democrats to launch multiple committee investigations of the Trump administration and possibly even impeachment proceedings. Voter turnout Around 37 percent of eligible voters took part in the 2014 midterm elections, down from 42 percent in 2010. More than 60 percent of eligible voters took part in the 2016 vote, when the presidential race was on the ballot.

What's at stake on November 6 in US midterm elections

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday announced that her government will construct 560 model mosques and an Islamic university with the Saudi assistance, in an attempt to woo hardline Islamists ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled next month.

Speaking at an Islamic clerics rally here, Hasina urged the clerics not to be agitated by anti-Islam propaganda on social media, saying her government has enacted tougher laws to expose to justice perpetrators of any malicious campaign regarding the religion.

"I know that a lot of propaganda spreads on social media...Do not pay any heed to them, she said.

The premier said that her government has introduced tough cyber-crime laws to deal with such malicious campaigns and anyone who spreads such false information would be exposed to justice."

She said the Saudi government will assist her government in building the mosques and the Islamic University, the Dhaka Tribune reported.

Hasina's Awami League party is considered as the secular party while her rival Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is close to hardliners.

Her move to build hundreds of mosques is seen as an attempt to woo Islamist voters who have been traditionally voting for Zia's BNP and her ally Jamaat-e-Islami, according to experts.

The rally was organised by Al-Hiyatul Ulya Lil-Zami'atil Qawmiya Bangladesh, the highest organisation of Dawra-e-Hadith of Qawmi madrasa, to honour the prime minister following her government's recognition of certifications offered by non-government madrasas as equivalent to postgraduate degrees.

Thousands of students and teachers of Qawmi madrasas attended the rally.

In a rare instance, the government earlier deferred Sunday's public exams to allow teachers and students of the Islamic seminaries to attend the rally. 
On September 18, parliament passed a bill to recognise the Dawra-e-Hadith degree as equivalent to a post-graduate degree in Islamic Studies and Arabic.&nbsp;

A large number of students are enrolled in Qawami madrasas in Muslim majority Bangladesh and the government's recognition to its highest degree appeared as a step to woo the Islamic clerics ahead of general elections.

At the rally, Qawmi leaders expressed their desire to see the prime minister in power for a third consecutive term.

"Since Sheikh Hasina has recognised (the top Qawmi madrasa degree) we want her to come to power again, so that she can fulfil the rest of our demands, Qawmi leader Fazlul Karim said.

The speakers said, "there is a change in Bangladesh now, and Qawmi leaders were not able to receive a prime minister before, with such warmth, because none had listened to their demands."&nbsp;

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday announced that her government will construct 560 model mosques and an Islamic university with the Saudi assistance, in an attempt to woo hardline Islamists ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled next month.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday announced that her government will construct 560 model mosques and an Islamic university with the Saudi assistance, in an attempt to woo hardline Islamists ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled next month. Speaking at an Islamic clerics rally here, Hasina urged the clerics not to be agitated by anti-Islam propaganda on social media, saying her government has enacted tougher laws to expose to justice perpetrators of any malicious campaign regarding the religion. "I know that a lot of propaganda spreads on social media...Do not pay any heed to them, she said. The premier said that her government has introduced tough cyber-crime laws to deal with such malicious campaigns and anyone who spreads such false information would be exposed to justice." She said the Saudi government will assist her government in building the mosques and the Islamic University, the Dhaka Tribune reported. Hasina's Awami League party is considered as the secular party while her rival Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is close to hardliners. Her move to build hundreds of mosques is seen as an attempt to woo Islamist voters who have been traditionally voting for Zia's BNP and her ally Jamaat-e-Islami, according to experts. The rally was organised by Al-Hiyatul Ulya Lil-Zami'atil Qawmiya Bangladesh, the highest organisation of Dawra-e-Hadith of Qawmi madrasa, to honour the prime minister following her government's recognition of certifications offered by non-government madrasas as equivalent to postgraduate degrees. Thousands of students and teachers of Qawmi madrasas attended the rally. In a rare instance, the government earlier deferred Sunday's public exams to allow teachers and students of the Islamic seminaries to attend the rally. On September 18, parliament passed a bill to recognise the Dawra-e-Hadith degree as equivalent to a post-graduate degree in Islamic Studies and Arabic. A large number of students are enrolled in Qawami madrasas in Muslim majority Bangladesh and the government's recognition to its highest degree appeared as a step to woo the Islamic clerics ahead of general elections. At the rally, Qawmi leaders expressed their desire to see the prime minister in power for a third consecutive term. "Since Sheikh Hasina has recognised (the top Qawmi madrasa degree) we want her to come to power again, so that she can fulfil the rest of our demands, Qawmi leader Fazlul Karim said. The speakers said, "there is a change in Bangladesh now, and Qawmi leaders were not able to receive a prime minister before, with such warmth, because none had listened to their demands."

Ahead of polls, Hasina announces 560 model mosques, Islamic university in Bangladesh

The BJP Thursday released its first list of 177 candidates for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, fielding Chief Minister Shivraj Chauhan from the Budhni seat.

The list was released by the party's secretary election committee and Union minister J P Nadda Friday.

The party also announced candidates for 28 assembly seats in Telangana and 24 in Mizoram.

According to sources, about 27 sitting MLAs have been dropped in Madhya Pradesh.

The list was finalised at the BJP's central election committee meeting Thursday night that was chaired by party president Amit Shah and attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi among others.

The BJP Thursday released its first list of 177 candidates for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, fielding Chief Minister Shivraj Chauhan from the Budhni seat. The list was released by the party's secretary election committee and Union minister J P Nadda Friday.

The BJP Thursday released its first list of 177 candidates for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, fielding Chief Minister Shivraj Chauhan from the Budhni seat. The list was released by the party's secretary election committee and Union minister J P Nadda Friday. The party also announced candidates for 28 assembly seats in Telangana and 24 in Mizoram. According to sources, about 27 sitting MLAs have been dropped in Madhya Pradesh. The list was finalised at the BJP's central election committee meeting Thursday night that was chaired by party president Amit Shah and attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi among others.

BJP releases first list of candidates for Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls

Afghans risked their lives to vote in legislative elections in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, after the Taliban-claimed killing of a powerful police chief delayed the ballot by a week.

As voting got underway, turbaned men and burqa-clad women stood in long, segregated queues outside polling centres in the deeply conservative Kandahar provincial capital, which was blanketed with heavy security in anticipation of militant attacks.

More than half a million people -- the vast majority of them men -- are registered to vote in Kandahar province where organisers are under pressure to avoid last weekend's debacle that forced the Independent Election Commission (IEC) to extend the nationwide ballot by a day.

Problems with untested biometric verification devices, missing or incomplete voter rolls and absent election workers following Taliban threats to attack the ballot forced Afghans to wait hours outside polling stations, many of which opened late or not at all.

Similar issues were already evident in Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban and a province notorious for ballot stuffing, with many polling sites in the city opening more than an hour late -- despite assurances from IEC deputy spokeswoman Kobra Rezaei on Friday that "we are absolutely ready".

"I have been standing outside the polling centre since 6:00 am, but it still hasn't opened," university student Mohammad, who uses only one name, told AFP.

Streets in the city were quieter than usual at the beginning of the Afghan working week, after authorities restricted the use of cars and motorbikes during voting hours.

Voting in the province bordering Pakistan was postponed following the October 18 death of General Abdul Raziq, an anti-Taliban strongman seen as a bulwark against the insurgency in the south, amid fears of violence flaring up.

Raziq was among three people killed in a brazen insider attack on a high-level security meeting in Kandahar city that was attended by General Scott&nbsp; 
Miller, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan.

Miller escaped unhurt, but US Brigadier General Jeffrey Smiley was among 13 people wounded in the shooting claimed by the Taliban.

It is hoped that the appointment of Tadeen Khan -- a brother of Raziq and a member of the Afghan security forces -- as acting provincial police chief will help keep a lid on polling day unrest.

On the eve of the ballot, Afghan air strikes killed at least 56 Taliban militants in Kandahar's Shah Wali Kot district, provincial police spokesman Zia Durrani told AFP.

"I have to vote for a better future for my country," shopkeeper Abdul Abbas told AFP outside a polling centre.

"I have defied all the threats of attacks and explosions to vote." - Election death toll -

IEC figures show around four million people voted in last weekend's parliamentary election that was held in 32 out of 34 provinces after months of chaotic preparations.

That compares with nearly nine million on the voter roll, but many suspect a significant number of those were based on fake identification documents that fraudsters planned to use to stuff ballot boxes.

Scores of attacks marred the first day of the election on October 20, with an AFP tally showing nearly 300 civilians and security forces were killed or wounded in poll-related violence.

That was significantly higher than the government's casualty figures, supporting speculation that officials had deliberately downplayed the violence so voters would not be scared off.

The discrepancy also added to concerns about the lack of transparency and credibility in the election, which is more than three years late and the third since the fall of the Taliban in 2001.

More than 2,500 candidates, including mullahs, journalists and sons of warlords, are competing for 249 seats in the lower house.

The election is seen as a dry run for next year's presidential vote and an important milestone ahead of a UN meeting in Geneva in November where Afghanistan is under pressure to show progress on "democratic processes".

With vote counting under way, the IEC is scheduled to release preliminary results on November 10.&nbsp;

Afghans risked their lives to vote in legislative elections in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, after the Taliban-claimed killing of a powerful police chief delayed the ballot by a week.

Afghans risked their lives to vote in legislative elections in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, after the Taliban-claimed killing of a powerful police chief delayed the ballot by a week. As voting got underway, turbaned men and burqa-clad women stood in long, segregated queues outside polling centres in the deeply conservative Kandahar provincial capital, which was blanketed with heavy security in anticipation of militant attacks. More than half a million people -- the vast majority of them men -- are registered to vote in Kandahar province where organisers are under pressure to avoid last weekend's debacle that forced the Independent Election Commission (IEC) to extend the nationwide ballot by a day. Problems with untested biometric verification devices, missing or incomplete voter rolls and absent election workers following Taliban threats to attack the ballot forced Afghans to wait hours outside polling stations, many of which opened late or not at all. Similar issues were already evident in Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban and a province notorious for ballot stuffing, with many polling sites in the city opening more than an hour late -- despite assurances from IEC deputy spokeswoman Kobra Rezaei on Friday that "we are absolutely ready". "I have been standing outside the polling centre since 6:00 am, but it still hasn't opened," university student Mohammad, who uses only one name, told AFP. Streets in the city were quieter than usual at the beginning of the Afghan working week, after authorities restricted the use of cars and motorbikes during voting hours. Voting in the province bordering Pakistan was postponed following the October 18 death of General Abdul Raziq, an anti-Taliban strongman seen as a bulwark against the insurgency in the south, amid fears of violence flaring up. Raziq was among three people killed in a brazen insider attack on a high-level security meeting in Kandahar city that was attended by General Scott Miller, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan. Miller escaped unhurt, but US Brigadier General Jeffrey Smiley was among 13 people wounded in the shooting claimed by the Taliban. It is hoped that the appointment of Tadeen Khan -- a brother of Raziq and a member of the Afghan security forces -- as acting provincial police chief will help keep a lid on polling day unrest. On the eve of the ballot, Afghan air strikes killed at least 56 Taliban militants in Kandahar's Shah Wali Kot district, provincial police spokesman Zia Durrani told AFP. "I have to vote for a better future for my country," shopkeeper Abdul Abbas told AFP outside a polling centre. "I have defied all the threats of attacks and explosions to vote." - Election death toll - IEC figures show around four million people voted in last weekend's parliamentary election that was held in 32 out of 34 provinces after months of chaotic preparations. That compares with nearly nine million on the voter roll, but many suspect a significant number of those were based on fake identification documents that fraudsters planned to use to stuff ballot boxes. Scores of attacks marred the first day of the election on October 20, with an AFP tally showing nearly 300 civilians and security forces were killed or wounded in poll-related violence. That was significantly higher than the government's casualty figures, supporting speculation that officials had deliberately downplayed the violence so voters would not be scared off. The discrepancy also added to concerns about the lack of transparency and credibility in the election, which is more than three years late and the third since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. More than 2,500 candidates, including mullahs, journalists and sons of warlords, are competing for 249 seats in the lower house. The election is seen as a dry run for next year's presidential vote and an important milestone ahead of a UN meeting in Geneva in November where Afghanistan is under pressure to show progress on "democratic processes". With vote counting under way, the IEC is scheduled to release preliminary results on November 10.

Afghans risk their lives to vote in delayed Kandahar poll

Afghans are bracing for more deadly violence on Saturday as voting gets under way in the long-delayed legislative election that the Taliban has vowed to attack.

Polling centres opened at 7:00 am (0230 GMT) across the war-torn country, with some 54,000 security forces deployed to protect them.&nbsp;

But there are concerns the killing of a powerful police chief in southern Afghanistan on Thursday will scare off many voters.

Polling has been delayed in Kandahar province until October 27 after a Taliban-claimed attack on a US-Afghan security meeting that killed three people, including General Abdul Raziq.

General Scott Miller, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan, escaped injury in the shooting, but 13 others were wounded.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghans-gear-up-to-vote-despite-ongoing-fighting-in-as-many-as-20-out-of-34-provinces-172398">Afghans gear to vote despite ongoing crisis in as many as 20 out of 34 provinces</a>

The Independent Election Commission (IEC) on Friday urged voters to turn out to cast their ballots -- but "vote only once" -- and called on others not to interfere in the process.&nbsp;

"They should observe impartiality in the election so that we have a transparent, impartial and fair election in Afghanistan," IEC chief Abdul Badi Sayyad told reporters.

Taliban threats&nbsp;

Almost nine million people have registered to vote in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-afghanistan-election-matters-to-india-172402">parliamentary election</a>, which is more than three years late and only the third since the fall of the Taliban in 2001.

But the threat of militant attacks and expectations for massive fraud are expected to deter many voters from showing up at the more than 5,000 polling centres.&nbsp;

In the days leading up to the poll, the Taliban issued several statements urging candidates to withdraw and voters to boycott what the group calls a "malicious American conspiracy".

Shambolic preparations for the ballot have been made worse by a wave of poll-related violence that has left hundreds dead or wounded.&nbsp;

At least 10 candidates out of more than 2,500 contesting the lower-house election have been killed so far.

The most recent victim was Abdul Jabar Qahraman, who was blown up Wednesday by a bomb placed under his sofa in the southern province of Helmand.

Most of the candidates are political novices and include doctors, mullahs and journalists. Those with the deepest pockets are expected to win.&nbsp;

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, which has spearheaded international efforts to keep Afghan organisers on track, on Friday called on voters to "exercise their constitutional right to vote".&nbsp;

The poll is seen as a crucial test for next year's presidential election and an important milestone ahead of a UN meeting in Geneva in November where Afghanistan is under pressure to show progress on "democratic processes".

But the 11th hour introduction of biometric voter verification machines, which have never been used in an Afghan election, threatens to derail the&nbsp;process.

Observers are concerned the results could be thrown into turmoil if the devices are broken, lost or destroyed.

There are also fears the data could be manipulated before preliminary results are released on November 10.

Votes cast without the controversial machines will not be counted, the IEC has said, even though polling centre workers have received little or no training in how to use them.

Afghans are bracing for more deadly violence on Saturday as voting gets under way in the long-delayed legislative election that the Taliban has vowed to attack. Polling centres opened at 7:00 am (0230 GMT) across the war-torn country, with some 54,000 security forces deployed to protect them.

Afghans are bracing for more deadly violence on Saturday as voting gets under way in the long-delayed legislative election that the Taliban has vowed to attack. Polling centres opened at 7:00 am (0230 GMT) across the war-torn country, with some 54,000 security forces deployed to protect them. But there are concerns the killing of a powerful police chief in southern Afghanistan on Thursday will scare off many voters. Polling has been delayed in Kandahar province until October 27 after a Taliban-claimed attack on a US-Afghan security meeting that killed three people, including General Abdul Raziq. General Scott Miller, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan, escaped injury in the shooting, but 13 others were wounded. Also read: Afghans gear to vote despite ongoing crisis in as many as 20 out of 34 provinces The Independent Election Commission (IEC) on Friday urged voters to turn out to cast their ballots -- but "vote only once" -- and called on others not to interfere in the process. "They should observe impartiality in the election so that we have a transparent, impartial and fair election in Afghanistan," IEC chief Abdul Badi Sayyad told reporters. Taliban threats Almost nine million people have registered to vote in the parliamentary election, which is more than three years late and only the third since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. But the threat of militant attacks and expectations for massive fraud are expected to deter many voters from showing up at the more than 5,000 polling centres. In the days leading up to the poll, the Taliban issued several statements urging candidates to withdraw and voters to boycott what the group calls a "malicious American conspiracy". Shambolic preparations for the ballot have been made worse by a wave of poll-related violence that has left hundreds dead or wounded. At least 10 candidates out of more than 2,500 contesting the lower-house election have been killed so far. The most recent victim was Abdul Jabar Qahraman, who was blown up Wednesday by a bomb placed under his sofa in the southern province of Helmand. Most of the candidates are political novices and include doctors, mullahs and journalists. Those with the deepest pockets are expected to win. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, which has spearheaded international efforts to keep Afghan organisers on track, on Friday called on voters to "exercise their constitutional right to vote". The poll is seen as a crucial test for next year's presidential election and an important milestone ahead of a UN meeting in Geneva in November where Afghanistan is under pressure to show progress on "democratic processes". But the 11th hour introduction of biometric voter verification machines, which have never been used in an Afghan election, threatens to derail the process. Observers are concerned the results could be thrown into turmoil if the devices are broken, lost or destroyed. There are also fears the data could be manipulated before preliminary results are released on November 10. Votes cast without the controversial machines will not be counted, the IEC has said, even though polling centre workers have received little or no training in how to use them.

Afghanistan braces for militant attacks as polling centres open

Afghans are bracing for more deadly violence on Saturday as voters turn out for the long-delayed legislative election across the war-torn country that the Taliban has vowed to attack.

Some 54,000 security forces have been deployed to protect polling centres, which open at 7:00 am, but there are concerns the killing of a powerful police chief on Thursday will scare off many voters.&nbsp;

Voting has been delayed in the southern province of Kandahar after a Taliban-claimed attack on a US-Afghan security meeting that killed three people, including General Abdul Raziq.

General Scott Miller, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan, escaped injury in the shooting, but 13 others were wounded.

Almost nine million people have registered to vote in the parliamentary election, which is more than three years late and only the third since the fall of the Taliban in 2001.

But the threat of militant attacks and expectations for massive fraud are expected to deter many voters from showing up at the more than 5,000 polling centres.&nbsp;

In the days leading up to the poll, the Taliban has issued several statements urging candidates to withdraw and voters to boycott what the group calls a "malicious American conspiracy".

Shambolic preparations for the ballot have been made worse by a wave of poll-related violence that has left hundreds dead or wounded.&nbsp;

At least 10 candidates out of more than 2,500 contesting the lower-house election have been killed so far.

The most recent victim was Abdul Jabar Qahraman, who was blown up Wednesday by a bomb placed under his sofa in the southern province of Helmand.

Most of the candidates are political novices and include doctors, mullahs and journalists. Those with the deepest pockets are expected to win.&nbsp;

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, which has spearheaded international efforts to keep Afghan election organisers on track, on Friday urged voters to "exercise their constitutional right to vote".&nbsp;

The poll is seen as a crucial test for next year's presidential election and an important milestone ahead of a UN meeting in Geneva in November where Afghanistan is under pressure to show progress on "democratic processes".

But the eleventh hour introduction of biometric voter verification machines, which have never been used in an Afghan election, threatens to derail the&nbsp;process.

Observers are concerned the results could be thrown into turmoil if the devices are broken, lost or destroyed.

There are also fears the data could be manipulated before preliminary results are released on November 10.

Votes cast without the controversial machines will not be counted, the Independent Election Commission has said, even though polling centre workers have received little or no training in how to use them.

Afghans are bracing for more deadly violence on Saturday as voters turn out for the long-delayed legislative election across the war-torn country that the Taliban has vowed to attack.

Afghans are bracing for more deadly violence on Saturday as voters turn out for the long-delayed legislative election across the war-torn country that the Taliban has vowed to attack. Some 54,000 security forces have been deployed to protect polling centres, which open at 7:00 am, but there are concerns the killing of a powerful police chief on Thursday will scare off many voters. Voting has been delayed in the southern province of Kandahar after a Taliban-claimed attack on a US-Afghan security meeting that killed three people, including General Abdul Raziq. General Scott Miller, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan, escaped injury in the shooting, but 13 others were wounded. Almost nine million people have registered to vote in the parliamentary election, which is more than three years late and only the third since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. But the threat of militant attacks and expectations for massive fraud are expected to deter many voters from showing up at the more than 5,000 polling centres. In the days leading up to the poll, the Taliban has issued several statements urging candidates to withdraw and voters to boycott what the group calls a "malicious American conspiracy". Shambolic preparations for the ballot have been made worse by a wave of poll-related violence that has left hundreds dead or wounded. At least 10 candidates out of more than 2,500 contesting the lower-house election have been killed so far. The most recent victim was Abdul Jabar Qahraman, who was blown up Wednesday by a bomb placed under his sofa in the southern province of Helmand. Most of the candidates are political novices and include doctors, mullahs and journalists. Those with the deepest pockets are expected to win. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, which has spearheaded international efforts to keep Afghan election organisers on track, on Friday urged voters to "exercise their constitutional right to vote". The poll is seen as a crucial test for next year's presidential election and an important milestone ahead of a UN meeting in Geneva in November where Afghanistan is under pressure to show progress on "democratic processes". But the eleventh hour introduction of biometric voter verification machines, which have never been used in an Afghan election, threatens to derail the process. Observers are concerned the results could be thrown into turmoil if the devices are broken, lost or destroyed. There are also fears the data could be manipulated before preliminary results are released on November 10. Votes cast without the controversial machines will not be counted, the Independent Election Commission has said, even though polling centre workers have received little or no training in how to use them.

Afghanistan braces for militant attacks as voters go to the polls

Ties between India and Afghanistan have traditionally been strong and friendly. Another important factor is Pakistan. As both Pakistan and Afghanistan are geo-politically and geo-strategically interlocked, any development in Kabul directly affects Islamabad.

India and Afghanistan share deep cultural and economic ties. The bilateral trade stood at 590 million dollars in 2016-17. India exports goods worth 377 million dollars to Afghanistan, and imports goods worth 212 million dollars.

In the last 16 years, India’s projects in Afghanistan have crossed two billion dollars.

India has built more than 200 public and private schools in Afghanistan. It sponsors over 1,000 scholarships and hosts over 16,000 Afghan students in India annually.

Former Afghan president, Hamid Karzai, is an alumnus of Himachal Pradesh University.

In 2017, both countries agreed to kickstart an ambitious ‘new development partnership’. India agreed to take up 116 high-impact development projects for 31 Afghan provinces.

Moreover, India provides significant training opportunities for Afghan officials, approximately 130 Afghans travel to India to attend various programmes each year. India has also given four military helicopters to Afghanistan.

But things have not been as rosy as they are now. The relationship suffered a jolt in 1979 at the height of the Cold War. That was when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghans-gear-up-to-vote-despite-ongoing-fighting-in-as-many-as-20-out-of-34-provinces-172398">Afghans gear to vote despite ongoing crisis in as many as 20 out of 34 provinces</a>

The United States and its allies, including Pakistan, fought a proxy war, supporting Afghan rebels against the Soviet-backed Afghan government.

India chose to stick to its non-alignment policy and stayed out of it but recognised the Afghan government.

The war led to the creation of the Taliban terrorist group and India became one of its fierce opponents.

New Delhi accepted thousands of Afghan refugees escaping Taliban atrocities, provided over 750 million dollars in humanitarian and economic aid, and eventually became one of Afghanistan's biggest trading partners.

In 2005, India proposed Afghanistan's membership in the south Asian association for regional cooperation or SAARC.

Culturally too, India and Afghanistan are closely knit. While Afghanistan is known to love Bollywood, the gentlemen's game of cricket is doing well in the country.

Afghanistan's cricket captain Rashid Khan is one of the favourites in the Indian Premier League.

Afghanistan even played its first-ever international test match against India, in India, in June this year.

The world is aware of the deep ties between India and Afghanistan.

In July this year, the US defence ministry told its legislature that India is Afghanistan's "most reliable regional partner". Undeniably, Afghanistan is a crucial ally for India. 
&nbsp;

Ties between India and Afghanistan have traditionally been strong and friendly. Another important factor is Pakistan. As both Pakistan and Afghanistan are geo-politically and geo-strategically interlocked, any development in Kabul directly affects Islamabad.

Ties between India and Afghanistan have traditionally been strong and friendly. Another important factor is Pakistan. As both Pakistan and Afghanistan are geo-politically and geo-strategically interlocked, any development in Kabul directly affects Islamabad. India and Afghanistan share deep cultural and economic ties. The bilateral trade stood at 590 million dollars in 2016-17. India exports goods worth 377 million dollars to Afghanistan, and imports goods worth 212 million dollars. In the last 16 years, India’s projects in Afghanistan have crossed two billion dollars. India has built more than 200 public and private schools in Afghanistan. It sponsors over 1,000 scholarships and hosts over 16,000 Afghan students in India annually. Former Afghan president, Hamid Karzai, is an alumnus of Himachal Pradesh University. In 2017, both countries agreed to kickstart an ambitious ‘new development partnership’. India agreed to take up 116 high-impact development projects for 31 Afghan provinces. Moreover, India provides significant training opportunities for Afghan officials, approximately 130 Afghans travel to India to attend various programmes each year. India has also given four military helicopters to Afghanistan. But things have not been as rosy as they are now. The relationship suffered a jolt in 1979 at the height of the Cold War. That was when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. Also read: Afghans gear to vote despite ongoing crisis in as many as 20 out of 34 provinces The United States and its allies, including Pakistan, fought a proxy war, supporting Afghan rebels against the Soviet-backed Afghan government. India chose to stick to its non-alignment policy and stayed out of it but recognised the Afghan government. The war led to the creation of the Taliban terrorist group and India became one of its fierce opponents. New Delhi accepted thousands of Afghan refugees escaping Taliban atrocities, provided over 750 million dollars in humanitarian and economic aid, and eventually became one of Afghanistan's biggest trading partners. In 2005, India proposed Afghanistan's membership in the south Asian association for regional cooperation or SAARC. Culturally too, India and Afghanistan are closely knit. While Afghanistan is known to love Bollywood, the gentlemen's game of cricket is doing well in the country. Afghanistan's cricket captain Rashid Khan is one of the favourites in the Indian Premier League. Afghanistan even played its first-ever international test match against India, in India, in June this year. The world is aware of the deep ties between India and Afghanistan. In July this year, the US defence ministry told its legislature that India is Afghanistan's "most reliable regional partner". Undeniably, Afghanistan is a crucial ally for India.

Why Afghanistan election matters to India?

From a university student to a middle-aged housewife, Afghans planning to vote in the October 20 parliamentary election say they are willing to risk their lives for democracy.

Nearly nine million people have registered to vote, but far fewer are expected to turn out on polling day due to threats of violence and expectations for massive fraud.

Six people across the war-torn country explain why their vote matters.

Omaid, the artist

Out with the old and in with the new is Omaid Sharifi's hope for the legislative election.

The 32-year-old artist, who is voting for the first time, wants to see a new generation of politicians take their seats in the next parliament.

Sharifi, the co-founder of Kabul-based street art collective ArtLords, was inspired to vote by the large cohort of young, educated candidates among the more than 2,500 contesting the ballot.

"I am concerned (about security) but I think this is the price of democracy we have to pay," he said.

Fatima, the housewife

First-time voter Fatima Sadeqi wants to stop criminals, thieves and corrupt people from entering the next parliament.

The 55-year-old housewife and her eight family members plan to support the same candidate in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif.

"We are tired of poverty and insecurity," she said.

"I hope the new parliament is a better place, full of good people." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Shirin, the potter

Shirin Agha wants his 10 children to grow up in a peaceful Afghanistan -- and he is willing to die to help make that happen.

The 45-year-old potter in the eastern city of Jalalabad is a first-time voter and plans to back "a good Muslim and an honest person".

"I want the new parliament to bring fundamental changes to the economy, education and security so that our children can live in peace," Agha said.

"If my vote can bring these changes I will take any risk. I will either die or vote."

Zahra, the university student

A sense of "duty and responsibility" is pushing English literature student Zahra Faramarz to vote -- but she admits being "anxious" about security.

Faramarz's polling station is located in a heavily Shiite neighbourhood of Kabul where the Islamic State group has carried out devastating attacks in recent months.

But the 21-year-old said it was important to vote to ensure her community has a voice in the lower house.

"If we don't, someone else will select the candidates... that is not good for us," she said.

Ghulam, the public servant

After disappointing results in the previous two elections, Ghulam Farooq Adil hopes it will be third time lucky on October 20.

The 29-year-old public servant from the western city of Herat plans to vote for an "honest" candidate who can help bring peace to Afghanistan.

"I want the new parliament to come up with a solid plan to end the war," Adil said.

"I need to see changes, at least for the future of my son."&nbsp;

Abdul, the retiree

Abdul Karim believes voting is a religious obligation for Muslim men and women.

"They must vote," said the 85-year-old retiree in Kabul, who is voting for only the second time in his life.

But in return, the next parliament should "serve our nation, serve our land and provide" job opportunities for the poor, he said.

"We vote for Afghanistan and we expect our incoming MPs to make solid decisions for our nation's well-being."

From a university student to a middle-aged housewife, Afghans planning to vote in the October 20 parliamentary election say they are willing to risk their lives for democracy.

From a university student to a middle-aged housewife, Afghans planning to vote in the October 20 parliamentary election say they are willing to risk their lives for democracy. Nearly nine million people have registered to vote, but far fewer are expected to turn out on polling day due to threats of violence and expectations for massive fraud. Six people across the war-torn country explain why their vote matters. Omaid, the artist Out with the old and in with the new is Omaid Sharifi's hope for the legislative election. The 32-year-old artist, who is voting for the first time, wants to see a new generation of politicians take their seats in the next parliament. Sharifi, the co-founder of Kabul-based street art collective ArtLords, was inspired to vote by the large cohort of young, educated candidates among the more than 2,500 contesting the ballot. "I am concerned (about security) but I think this is the price of democracy we have to pay," he said. Fatima, the housewife First-time voter Fatima Sadeqi wants to stop criminals, thieves and corrupt people from entering the next parliament. The 55-year-old housewife and her eight family members plan to support the same candidate in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif. "We are tired of poverty and insecurity," she said. "I hope the new parliament is a better place, full of good people." Shirin, the potter Shirin Agha wants his 10 children to grow up in a peaceful Afghanistan -- and he is willing to die to help make that happen. The 45-year-old potter in the eastern city of Jalalabad is a first-time voter and plans to back "a good Muslim and an honest person". "I want the new parliament to bring fundamental changes to the economy, education and security so that our children can live in peace," Agha said. "If my vote can bring these changes I will take any risk. I will either die or vote." Zahra, the university student A sense of "duty and responsibility" is pushing English literature student Zahra Faramarz to vote -- but she admits being "anxious" about security. Faramarz's polling station is located in a heavily Shiite neighbourhood of Kabul where the Islamic State group has carried out devastating attacks in recent months. But the 21-year-old said it was important to vote to ensure her community has a voice in the lower house. "If we don't, someone else will select the candidates... that is not good for us," she said. Ghulam, the public servant After disappointing results in the previous two elections, Ghulam Farooq Adil hopes it will be third time lucky on October 20. The 29-year-old public servant from the western city of Herat plans to vote for an "honest" candidate who can help bring peace to Afghanistan. "I want the new parliament to come up with a solid plan to end the war," Adil said. "I need to see changes, at least for the future of my son." Abdul, the retiree Abdul Karim believes voting is a religious obligation for Muslim men and women. "They must vote," said the 85-year-old retiree in Kabul, who is voting for only the second time in his life. But in return, the next parliament should "serve our nation, serve our land and provide" job opportunities for the poor, he said. "We vote for Afghanistan and we expect our incoming MPs to make solid decisions for our nation's well-being."

'Price of democracy': Afghans risking their lives to vote

Nearly 190 names of suspected Rohingyas have appeared in the voters list and the process of verification and deletion is on, a senior official of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) said Tuesday.

"We have received the list from the Election Commission with nearly 190 names of Rohingyas living in Telangana to be verified. We have sent the list to Returning Officers (RO) and Assistant ROs to verify," the official told PTI.

The official said the deletion of such names from the voters list is underway.

"So far, we have deleted 25 names from the voters list. The process is going on. Balance will be done before the second supplement list of voters comes," the official said.

According to the official, some of the names figured in other constituencies near the city and the list was sent to the respective districts for verification and deletion of names if required.

There are as many as 39.60 lakh voters in GHMC limits as per the latest list.

There were about 3,600 Rohingyas, who are UNHCR card holders in the city and most of them are illiterates.

"Whoever lives in the camp were not willing to go back as they fear for their lives," sources related to the Rohingya camp in old city area had earlier said.

"The names of the Rohingyas have been deleted by obtaining Form 7, (related to the deletion of name from voters list) from them. After that they were given a seven-day notice for the removal of the name," the official added.

Meanwhile, Telangana Chief Electoral officer Rajat Kumar said there are Election Commission (EC) guidelines specially for them not to include in the voters list, once the immigrants are identified.

"The Home Secretary has come out with a list of Rohingyas to be verified," the CEO said.

Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims, described by the United Nations as the most persecuted minority in the world, fled their homes in 2017 to escape an alleged crackdown by the Myanmar Army.

In 2017, the central government told Parliament that more than 14,000 Rohingyas, registered with the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, stay in India.

However, aid agencies estimate there are about 40,000 Rohingya people in the country. 
&nbsp;

Nearly 190 names of suspected Rohingyas have appeared in the voters list and the process of verification and deletion is on, a senior official of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) said Tuesday.

Nearly 190 names of suspected Rohingyas have appeared in the voters list and the process of verification and deletion is on, a senior official of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) said Tuesday. "We have received the list from the Election Commission with nearly 190 names of Rohingyas living in Telangana to be verified. We have sent the list to Returning Officers (RO) and Assistant ROs to verify," the official told PTI. The official said the deletion of such names from the voters list is underway. "So far, we have deleted 25 names from the voters list. The process is going on. Balance will be done before the second supplement list of voters comes," the official said. According to the official, some of the names figured in other constituencies near the city and the list was sent to the respective districts for verification and deletion of names if required. There are as many as 39.60 lakh voters in GHMC limits as per the latest list. There were about 3,600 Rohingyas, who are UNHCR card holders in the city and most of them are illiterates. "Whoever lives in the camp were not willing to go back as they fear for their lives," sources related to the Rohingya camp in old city area had earlier said. "The names of the Rohingyas have been deleted by obtaining Form 7, (related to the deletion of name from voters list) from them. After that they were given a seven-day notice for the removal of the name," the official added. Meanwhile, Telangana Chief Electoral officer Rajat Kumar said there are Election Commission (EC) guidelines specially for them not to include in the voters list, once the immigrants are identified. "The Home Secretary has come out with a list of Rohingyas to be verified," the CEO said. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims, described by the United Nations as the most persecuted minority in the world, fled their homes in 2017 to escape an alleged crackdown by the Myanmar Army. In 2017, the central government told Parliament that more than 14,000 Rohingyas, registered with the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, stay in India. However, aid agencies estimate there are about 40,000 Rohingya people in the country.

Close to 200 suspected Rohingyas in Telangana voters' list; verification underway

Dismissing ruling Telangana Rashtra samithi's (TRS) criticism that TDP was an "Andhra party," the state unit of the party has said it was founded by late N T&nbsp; Rama Rao in the city, in the heart of Telangana.

"Telugu Desam Party (TDP) was formed in the heart of Telangana by late NT Rama Rao. Soon after its formation, changes have come in political arena.Through TDP, many sections have found their way into assembly and parliament. Got (their) share in governance," TDP's Telangana unit president L Ramana told PTI.

Asserting that TDP had ushered in welfare and development, benefiting the poor, he said it has found a place in the hearts of the poor in Telangana as a party that belongs to them.

People feel that a rise in the living standards and a boost to welfare and development is possible with TDP, Ramana said.

TDP has allied with Congress, CPI and TJS to form a "grand alliance" for the December 7 Legislative Assembly polls in Telangana.

Asked about TRS criticism against TDP for allying with Congress as NT Rama Rao had formed the party on anti-Congress plank, Ramana said there has been a change in the policies and ideology of the Congress and also in circumstances since TDP was formed (in 1982).

Alleging that ruling TRS has led an even more undemocratic rule in Telangana (than Congress did when TDP was formed) and ignored the poor, he said TDP, Congress, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) have come together to defeat the "family rule" of TRS.

"The aim of the alliance is to work from a people's angle, to realise the aspirations of martyrs (those who sacrificed life in support of separate Telangana)," Ramana said.

"Though TDP is in opposition in Telangana for the third time, it is still strong on the back of its cadre strength (with substantial membership)", he claimed.

"We have (party) committees up to village level. It is only TDP in the state which has such strong (network). In the interest of development and seeking a democratic rule in Telangana, we have gone for grand alliance comprising Congress, TDP, CPI and TJS. We will strive for victory and (I have) confidence that (grand alliance) government will come," he added.

TDP won 15 assembly segments (out of 119) and a Lok Sabha seat in Telangana in the 2014 elections.

However, 12 out of the 15 MLAs switched over to ruling TRS which has considerably weakened the party.

TDP maintains that its core strength of workers remained intact though leaders have deserted the party.

The partners of "grand alliance" are in talks to clinch a Common Minimum Programme and the seat-sharing among them, he noted.

Asked if the alliance of opposition parties would extend to Lok Sabha election as well, he said the parties have decided to move ahead with coordination and in a spirit of give and take, hoping that the spirit would continue among them.&nbsp;

Dismissing ruling Telangana Rashtra samithi's (TRS) criticism that TDP was an "Andhra party," the state unit of the party has said it was founded by late N T Rama Rao in the city, in the heart of Telangana.

Dismissing ruling Telangana Rashtra samithi's (TRS) criticism that TDP was an "Andhra party," the state unit of the party has said it was founded by late N T Rama Rao in the city, in the heart of Telangana. "Telugu Desam Party (TDP) was formed in the heart of Telangana by late NT Rama Rao. Soon after its formation, changes have come in political arena.Through TDP, many sections have found their way into assembly and parliament. Got (their) share in governance," TDP's Telangana unit president L Ramana told PTI. Asserting that TDP had ushered in welfare and development, benefiting the poor, he said it has found a place in the hearts of the poor in Telangana as a party that belongs to them. People feel that a rise in the living standards and a boost to welfare and development is possible with TDP, Ramana said. TDP has allied with Congress, CPI and TJS to form a "grand alliance" for the December 7 Legislative Assembly polls in Telangana. Asked about TRS criticism against TDP for allying with Congress as NT Rama Rao had formed the party on anti-Congress plank, Ramana said there has been a change in the policies and ideology of the Congress and also in circumstances since TDP was formed (in 1982). Alleging that ruling TRS has led an even more undemocratic rule in Telangana (than Congress did when TDP was formed) and ignored the poor, he said TDP, Congress, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) have come together to defeat the "family rule" of TRS. "The aim of the alliance is to work from a people's angle, to realise the aspirations of martyrs (those who sacrificed life in support of separate Telangana)," Ramana said. "Though TDP is in opposition in Telangana for the third time, it is still strong on the back of its cadre strength (with substantial membership)", he claimed. "We have (party) committees up to village level. It is only TDP in the state which has such strong (network). In the interest of development and seeking a democratic rule in Telangana, we have gone for grand alliance comprising Congress, TDP, CPI and TJS. We will strive for victory and (I have) confidence that (grand alliance) government will come," he added. TDP won 15 assembly segments (out of 119) and a Lok Sabha seat in Telangana in the 2014 elections. However, 12 out of the 15 MLAs switched over to ruling TRS which has considerably weakened the party. TDP maintains that its core strength of workers remained intact though leaders have deserted the party. The partners of "grand alliance" are in talks to clinch a Common Minimum Programme and the seat-sharing among them, he noted. Asked if the alliance of opposition parties would extend to Lok Sabha election as well, he said the parties have decided to move ahead with coordination and in a spirit of give and take, hoping that the spirit would continue among them.

TDP defends alliance with Congress for Telangana assembly polls

In a major setback to the Congress in Goa, two of its legislators resigned Tuesday as members of the state Assembly, reducing the party's strength from 16 to 14 in the 40-member House.

Subhash Shirodkar and Dayanand Sopte, who went to Delhi late last night, faxed their resignation letters to Speaker Pramod Sawant and are set to join the BJP.

With their resignation, the Congress ceases to be the single largest party in the Assembly whose effective strength now stands reduced to 38.

The development assumes further significance as it comes at a time when Goa is witnessing hectic political activity against the backdrop of the ill-health of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.

"Subhash Shirodkar and Dayanand Sopte faxed their resignations as members of the Assembly to my office. We have received their resignations," Sawant told PTI.

The Speaker said the resignations have been accepted.

"I and Shirodkar have resigned as MLAs and also from the primary membership of the Congress. We have sent our resignations to the Congress party," Sopte told PTI over phone from Delhi.

Leader of Opposition in Goa Assembly Chandrakant Kavlekar expressed shock over the development.

"We came to know through media reports that two of our legislators are in touch with the BJP and might resign. We are shocked," he told reporters here.

Sopte and Shirodkar were part of the crucial Congress Legislature Party meeting held in the state earlier to discuss the political situation arising out of the ill-health of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, Kavlekar said.

Sopte, 54, represented the Mandrem Assembly constituency in North Goa district, while Shirodkar, 66, was elected from the Shiroda in South Goa district.

In the 40-member Goa Assembly, the Parrikar government has the support of 23 MLAs. These comprise 14 BJP MLAs, three each from the Goa Forward Party and the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party as well as three Independents.

The Congress, with 16 seats, had emerged as the single largest party in the fructured verdict thrown up in the Assembly elections held in March last year.

However, it had failed to form the government as it could not muster the majority. Since, then it has been repeatedly laying claim to form the government, arguing that it was the single largest party.

Shirodkar won five times from the Shiroda constituency and was the Cabinet minister from 1985 to 2000.

Sopte had defeated BJP's Laxmikant Parsekar, who was the chief minister before the state polls last year.

He had won from the Pernem Assembly seat on the BJP ticket in 2007 but resigned from the party to join the Congress in 2012, when he was denied a ticket.

When the Pernem seat was reserved for a Scheduled Caste candidate, Sopte aspired to contest on BJP's ticket from Mandrem constituency in 2012 but the party fielded the then BJP Goa unit chief Laxmikant Parsekar from there.

Sopte had then fought the 2012 Assembly poll from Mandrem Congress ticket but lost to Parsekar.&nbsp;

In a major setback to the Congress in Goa, two of its legislators resigned Tuesday as members of the state Assembly, reducing the party's strength from 16 to 14 in the 40-member House.

In a major setback to the Congress in Goa, two of its legislators resigned Tuesday as members of the state Assembly, reducing the party's strength from 16 to 14 in the 40-member House. Subhash Shirodkar and Dayanand Sopte, who went to Delhi late last night, faxed their resignation letters to Speaker Pramod Sawant and are set to join the BJP. With their resignation, the Congress ceases to be the single largest party in the Assembly whose effective strength now stands reduced to 38. The development assumes further significance as it comes at a time when Goa is witnessing hectic political activity against the backdrop of the ill-health of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. "Subhash Shirodkar and Dayanand Sopte faxed their resignations as members of the Assembly to my office. We have received their resignations," Sawant told PTI. The Speaker said the resignations have been accepted. "I and Shirodkar have resigned as MLAs and also from the primary membership of the Congress. We have sent our resignations to the Congress party," Sopte told PTI over phone from Delhi. Leader of Opposition in Goa Assembly Chandrakant Kavlekar expressed shock over the development. "We came to know through media reports that two of our legislators are in touch with the BJP and might resign. We are shocked," he told reporters here. Sopte and Shirodkar were part of the crucial Congress Legislature Party meeting held in the state earlier to discuss the political situation arising out of the ill-health of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, Kavlekar said. Sopte, 54, represented the Mandrem Assembly constituency in North Goa district, while Shirodkar, 66, was elected from the Shiroda in South Goa district. In the 40-member Goa Assembly, the Parrikar government has the support of 23 MLAs. These comprise 14 BJP MLAs, three each from the Goa Forward Party and the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party as well as three Independents. The Congress, with 16 seats, had emerged as the single largest party in the fructured verdict thrown up in the Assembly elections held in March last year. However, it had failed to form the government as it could not muster the majority. Since, then it has been repeatedly laying claim to form the government, arguing that it was the single largest party. Shirodkar won five times from the Shiroda constituency and was the Cabinet minister from 1985 to 2000. Sopte had defeated BJP's Laxmikant Parsekar, who was the chief minister before the state polls last year. He had won from the Pernem Assembly seat on the BJP ticket in 2007 but resigned from the party to join the Congress in 2012, when he was denied a ticket. When the Pernem seat was reserved for a Scheduled Caste candidate, Sopte aspired to contest on BJP's ticket from Mandrem constituency in 2012 but the party fielded the then BJP Goa unit chief Laxmikant Parsekar from there. Sopte had then fought the 2012 Assembly poll from Mandrem Congress ticket but lost to Parsekar.

Two Congress MLAs resign in Goa; party strength down to 14

The Election Commission does not have any "material information" on the number of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) needed to conduct simultaneous elections, the panel has said in a reply to an RTI query.

Pune-based Vihar Durve, through his RTI application, had approached the Commission seeking to know the availability and need of EVMs and VVPAT to carry out elections across the country in 'one nation, one poll' mode.

In his response, Election Commission undersecretary Madhusudan Gupta said, "The information sought by you is not available in any material form as mentioned under Section 2 (f) of the Right to Information Act."

The section defines information as "any material in any form, including records, documents, emails, opinions, advices, press releases, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, data material held in any electronic form and information relating to any private body which can be accessed by a public authority under any other law for the time being in force".

In their discussions on holding simultaneous elections in the country, the EC officials had said they would need around Rs 4,500 crore to buy nearly 12 lakh additional EVMs and an equal number VVPAT machines.

The estimate was based on the current cost to procure the devices.

BJP president Amit Shah had written to the Law Commission on August 13 supporting holding the Lok Sabha and assembly polls simultaneously.

A paper by the Law Commission had recommended holding the Lok Sabha and assembly polls in two phases beginning 2019.

Political parties are divided on the issue.&nbsp;

Besides, NDA constituent Shiromani Akali Dal, AIADMK, Samajwadi Party and the Telangana Rashtra Samiti have supported it.

The Congress, Trinamool Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, DMK, Telugu Desam Party, Left parties and the JD(S) have opposed the proposal.&nbsp;

"On the issue of 'one nation, one poll', the Election Commission had given inputs and suggestions in 2015 itself...Other requirements of additional police force, polling personnel would also be needed," Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat had said.

The Election Commission had told the Law Commission that in case of simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies in 2019, they will require nearly 24 lakh EVMs, double the number required to hold only the Parliamentary polls.

In case simultaneous polls are held, two separate sets of EVMs and VVPAT machines will have to be placed in separate compartments for those contesting the Lok Sabha polls and the assembly elections respectively.

"There are nearly 10 lakh polling stations across the country. Since EVMs and paper-trail machines are deployed in every polling station, the requirement is for 10 lakh EVMs and an equal number of paper-trail machines. "In addition, 20 per cent of the machines are kept in the reserve. That comes to two lakh. Therefore, to hold the Lok Sabha polls in 2019, the EC needs 12 lakh EVMs and an equal number of VVPAT machines," a functionary had explained.&nbsp;

The Election Commission does not have any "material information" on the number of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) needed to conduct simultaneous elections, the panel has said in a reply to an RTI query.

The Election Commission does not have any "material information" on the number of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) needed to conduct simultaneous elections, the panel has said in a reply to an RTI query. Pune-based Vihar Durve, through his RTI application, had approached the Commission seeking to know the availability and need of EVMs and VVPAT to carry out elections across the country in 'one nation, one poll' mode. In his response, Election Commission undersecretary Madhusudan Gupta said, "The information sought by you is not available in any material form as mentioned under Section 2 (f) of the Right to Information Act." The section defines information as "any material in any form, including records, documents, emails, opinions, advices, press releases, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, data material held in any electronic form and information relating to any private body which can be accessed by a public authority under any other law for the time being in force". In their discussions on holding simultaneous elections in the country, the EC officials had said they would need around Rs 4,500 crore to buy nearly 12 lakh additional EVMs and an equal number VVPAT machines. The estimate was based on the current cost to procure the devices. BJP president Amit Shah had written to the Law Commission on August 13 supporting holding the Lok Sabha and assembly polls simultaneously. A paper by the Law Commission had recommended holding the Lok Sabha and assembly polls in two phases beginning 2019. Political parties are divided on the issue. Besides, NDA constituent Shiromani Akali Dal, AIADMK, Samajwadi Party and the Telangana Rashtra Samiti have supported it. The Congress, Trinamool Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, DMK, Telugu Desam Party, Left parties and the JD(S) have opposed the proposal. "On the issue of 'one nation, one poll', the Election Commission had given inputs and suggestions in 2015 itself...Other requirements of additional police force, polling personnel would also be needed," Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat had said. The Election Commission had told the Law Commission that in case of simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies in 2019, they will require nearly 24 lakh EVMs, double the number required to hold only the Parliamentary polls. In case simultaneous polls are held, two separate sets of EVMs and VVPAT machines will have to be placed in separate compartments for those contesting the Lok Sabha polls and the assembly elections respectively. "There are nearly 10 lakh polling stations across the country. Since EVMs and paper-trail machines are deployed in every polling station, the requirement is for 10 lakh EVMs and an equal number of paper-trail machines. "In addition, 20 per cent of the machines are kept in the reserve. That comes to two lakh. Therefore, to hold the Lok Sabha polls in 2019, the EC needs 12 lakh EVMs and an equal number of VVPAT machines," a functionary had explained.

No material information on number of EVMs, VVPAT needed for simultaneous polls: EC

Security forces have intensified checking and area domination as part of an elaborate plan to provide a sense of security for the smooth conduct of local body polls in the Kashmir Valley, officials said Sunday. The first phase of the polls start Monday.

"An elaborate security plan has been put in place for the smooth conduct of the polls,"&nbsp;a senior police official said.

He said security forces have intensified vehicle checking, frisking and area domination in the city as well as in the other areas of the valley in the run-up to the polls.

"Many check-points have been placed in the city where vehicles are being checked. Sniffer dogs are also being used to check vehicles. We are making sure that no untoward incident happens,"&nbsp;he said.

The official said while providing a secure atmosphere for the polls was a challenge, there is a good synergy between various security agencies and several steps have been taken to provide a general sense of security in the valley.

"We are providing cluster security. Most of the candidates have been taken to secure locations and some have been given a security cover. The areas are being made safe through operations and increased presence of forces as well as through area domination,"&nbsp;the official said.

He said deployment of forces has been worked out and sensitive areas have been taken care of.

The official said polling booths have been secured and a thick layer of security has been thrown around them.

"The focus is to keep trouble-makers at bay so that there is untoward incident and people come out to vote without any fear,"&nbsp;he said.

Inspector General of CRPF, Kashmir, Ravideep Singh Sahi said the "environment" in the entire Kashmir Valley is under control and the endeavour is to create a sense of security so that the people come out to vote.

"We have made elaborate arrangements for the security. Whatever force was required for the elections, has come and they are being deployed. They have been here for some time and they are adequately familiarised with the area. We have started area domination, check-points have been installed in various areas and we are working in close coordination with the police and army,"&nbsp;Singh said.

He said operations were being conducted to arrest trouble mongers so that a secure environment is provided to the people.

"We have made adequate arrangements for the security of the candidates, their personal security as well as the accommodation arrangements, we have an elaborate plan for that. Area domination, checking and operations have been going on so that trouble mongers are arrested and there is a general sense of security," the IG CRPF said.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Saturday took a detailed review of the security situation in the state ahead of the first phase of the municipal elections.

The meeting was attended by Northern Army Commander, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, Director General of Police Dilbagh Singh, GOC 15 Corps, Lt Gen A K Bhat, and top officials from police, CRPF and civil administration.

The meeting discussed security arrangements made for the smooth conduct of the forthcoming elections to urban local bodies and panchayats and the need of a safe environment for the elections.&nbsp;

Security forces have intensified checking and area domination as part of an elaborate plan to provide a sense of security for the smooth conduct of local body polls in the Kashmir Valley, officials said Sunday.

Security forces have intensified checking and area domination as part of an elaborate plan to provide a sense of security for the smooth conduct of local body polls in the Kashmir Valley, officials said Sunday. The first phase of the polls start Monday. "An elaborate security plan has been put in place for the smooth conduct of the polls," a senior police official said. He said security forces have intensified vehicle checking, frisking and area domination in the city as well as in the other areas of the valley in the run-up to the polls. "Many check-points have been placed in the city where vehicles are being checked. Sniffer dogs are also being used to check vehicles. We are making sure that no untoward incident happens," he said. The official said while providing a secure atmosphere for the polls was a challenge, there is a good synergy between various security agencies and several steps have been taken to provide a general sense of security in the valley. "We are providing cluster security. Most of the candidates have been taken to secure locations and some have been given a security cover. The areas are being made safe through operations and increased presence of forces as well as through area domination," the official said. He said deployment of forces has been worked out and sensitive areas have been taken care of. The official said polling booths have been secured and a thick layer of security has been thrown around them. "The focus is to keep trouble-makers at bay so that there is untoward incident and people come out to vote without any fear," he said. Inspector General of CRPF, Kashmir, Ravideep Singh Sahi said the "environment" in the entire Kashmir Valley is under control and the endeavour is to create a sense of security so that the people come out to vote. "We have made elaborate arrangements for the security. Whatever force was required for the elections, has come and they are being deployed. They have been here for some time and they are adequately familiarised with the area. We have started area domination, check-points have been installed in various areas and we are working in close coordination with the police and army," Singh said. He said operations were being conducted to arrest trouble mongers so that a secure environment is provided to the people. "We have made adequate arrangements for the security of the candidates, their personal security as well as the accommodation arrangements, we have an elaborate plan for that. Area domination, checking and operations have been going on so that trouble mongers are arrested and there is a general sense of security," the IG CRPF said. Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Saturday took a detailed review of the security situation in the state ahead of the first phase of the municipal elections. The meeting was attended by Northern Army Commander, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, Director General of Police Dilbagh Singh, GOC 15 Corps, Lt Gen A K Bhat, and top officials from police, CRPF and civil administration. The meeting discussed security arrangements made for the smooth conduct of the forthcoming elections to urban local bodies and panchayats and the need of a safe environment for the elections.

Jammu and Kashmir: Local body polls today after 13 years, security beefed up

With the Congress looking to corner the Modi government over the Rafale issue, the ruling BJP believes it can turn the heat on the opposition party by building up a campaign around nationalism on the twin planks of illegal infiltration and the Centre's "tough policy" on security matters.

Sources in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said the decision to hold nationwide events on September 28-29 to mark the second anniversary of the surgical strikes, following a relatively quiet first anniversary of the Army operation in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), was taken to highlight the government's tough policy on security matters.

Though it has been accused of politicising the Army action and its critics have also referred to the growing violence in Kashmir under its tenure to question the effectiveness of its policies, the saffron party believes that the surgical strikes continue to have resonance on the ground and can help it build a positive narrative in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

BJP president Amit Shah has also been constantly harping on the issue of illegal infiltration and has gone on to assert that the government will identify such infiltrators across the country if the saffron party retains power after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

A senior BJP functionary said the top leaders of the party believe that the contentious issue of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam can help them, especially in states where infiltrators are said to be living in large numbers.

He added that it can be a vote-grabber for the BJP in a state like West Bengal as its Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has come out strongly against the saffron party on the issue, apparently to assuage the concerns of the state's over-28-per cent Muslim population, many of whom allege a communal design behind the campaign against infiltrators.

BJP leaders have claimed that West Bengal is home to millions of infiltrators. Many party leaders have demanded an NRC-like exercise in the state.

The recent arrests of five activists by the Maharashtra police for their alleged links to Maoists have also become a handy issue for the BJP after the Supreme Court refused to interfere with the police action.

Shah has targeted the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi over the issue, accusing the latter of standing with those who are a "threat" to national security.

Facing flak from the Congress-led opposition over alleged corruption in the Rafale fighter jet deal, the BJP has sought to blunt the campaign against it by describing it as politically motivated and targeting Gandhi's brother-in-law, Robert Vadra.&nbsp;

With the Congress looking to corner the Modi government over the Rafale issue, the ruling BJP believes it can turn the heat on the opposition party by building up a campaign around nationalism on the twin planks of illegal infiltration and the Centre's "tough policy" on security matters.

With the Congress looking to corner the Modi government over the Rafale issue, the ruling BJP believes it can turn the heat on the opposition party by building up a campaign around nationalism on the twin planks of illegal infiltration and the Centre's "tough policy" on security matters. Sources in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said the decision to hold nationwide events on September 28-29 to mark the second anniversary of the surgical strikes, following a relatively quiet first anniversary of the Army operation in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), was taken to highlight the government's tough policy on security matters. Though it has been accused of politicising the Army action and its critics have also referred to the growing violence in Kashmir under its tenure to question the effectiveness of its policies, the saffron party believes that the surgical strikes continue to have resonance on the ground and can help it build a positive narrative in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha election. BJP president Amit Shah has also been constantly harping on the issue of illegal infiltration and has gone on to assert that the government will identify such infiltrators across the country if the saffron party retains power after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. A senior BJP functionary said the top leaders of the party believe that the contentious issue of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam can help them, especially in states where infiltrators are said to be living in large numbers. He added that it can be a vote-grabber for the BJP in a state like West Bengal as its Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has come out strongly against the saffron party on the issue, apparently to assuage the concerns of the state's over-28-per cent Muslim population, many of whom allege a communal design behind the campaign against infiltrators. BJP leaders have claimed that West Bengal is home to millions of infiltrators. Many party leaders have demanded an NRC-like exercise in the state. The recent arrests of five activists by the Maharashtra police for their alleged links to Maoists have also become a handy issue for the BJP after the Supreme Court refused to interfere with the police action. Shah has targeted the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi over the issue, accusing the latter of standing with those who are a "threat" to national security. Facing flak from the Congress-led opposition over alleged corruption in the Rafale fighter jet deal, the BJP has sought to blunt the campaign against it by describing it as politically motivated and targeting Gandhi's brother-in-law, Robert Vadra.

BJP plans campaign around 'nationalism' on twin planks of infiltration, security

Internet major Google and social media giants Twitter and Facebook have assured the Election Commission that they will not allow their platforms to be used for anything which effects the purity of polls during campaign period, Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat has said.

He said it was tested during the Karnataka elections.&nbsp;

"Small pilot was there. That was the beginning. Now we will have a bigger pilot before Lok Sabha elections in these four states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram," the CEC told PTI.

Assembly polls are due in the four state later this year.

Rawat said a committee under Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha had called regional and local heads of Google, Facebook and Twitter and had asked them as to what they can do for ensuring purity of Indian elections such as avoiding adverse impact of fake news and targeted communication to voters.

"They have all committed that during campaign period, they will not allow anything which is adversely effecting level playing field be allowed on their platforms... During the last 48 hours before the close of poll, they have committed that nothing of elections will be allowed on their platforms," he said.

The last 48 hours before the elections come to a close is called 'silence period' so that voter can calmly decide on as to whom to vote.

The companies have also assured the poll watchdog that political advertisements will be flagged, including the amount spent, so that expenditure can also be accounted for during campaign period, the Chief Election Commissioner said.

Google will establish a system that will allow it to share with the EC details about the expenditure incurred on its platforms.

The panel under Sinha was set up to explore possible changes in section 126 of Representation of the People Act, 1951 in view of the expansion and diversity of media platforms.&nbsp;

The section "prohibits displaying any election matter by means, inter alia, of television or similar apparatus, during the period of 48 hours before the hour fixed for conclusion of poll in a constituency".

Internet major Google and social media giants Twitter and Facebook have assured the Election Commission that they will not allow their platforms to be used for anything which effects the purity of polls during campaign period, Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat has said.

Internet major Google and social media giants Twitter and Facebook have assured the Election Commission that they will not allow their platforms to be used for anything which effects the purity of polls during campaign period, Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat has said. He said it was tested during the Karnataka elections. "Small pilot was there. That was the beginning. Now we will have a bigger pilot before Lok Sabha elections in these four states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram," the CEC told PTI. Assembly polls are due in the four state later this year. Rawat said a committee under Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha had called regional and local heads of Google, Facebook and Twitter and had asked them as to what they can do for ensuring purity of Indian elections such as avoiding adverse impact of fake news and targeted communication to voters. "They have all committed that during campaign period, they will not allow anything which is adversely effecting level playing field be allowed on their platforms... During the last 48 hours before the close of poll, they have committed that nothing of elections will be allowed on their platforms," he said. The last 48 hours before the elections come to a close is called 'silence period' so that voter can calmly decide on as to whom to vote. The companies have also assured the poll watchdog that political advertisements will be flagged, including the amount spent, so that expenditure can also be accounted for during campaign period, the Chief Election Commissioner said. Google will establish a system that will allow it to share with the EC details about the expenditure incurred on its platforms. The panel under Sinha was set up to explore possible changes in section 126 of Representation of the People Act, 1951 in view of the expansion and diversity of media platforms. The section "prohibits displaying any election matter by means, inter alia, of television or similar apparatus, during the period of 48 hours before the hour fixed for conclusion of poll in a constituency".

Facebook, Twitter to help EC check fake news, targeted communication

Senior Congress leader Priyanka Chaturvedi Friday said the party would forge an alliance with like minded parties for the 2019 general elections and would return to power.

The Congress, however, would not compromise on the ideology and values of the party, Chaturvedi said.

"We are not compelled to compromise on our ideology and values just for the sake of stitching up alliances. We will be reaching out to all political opposition parties and alliance will be formed on the basis of our and their understanding of the situation," said Chaturvedi, a national spokesperson of the party.

Asked whether the Congress's proposed opposition alliance would include the Trinamool Congress too, she said it would include all political parties that believe in basic ethos and idea of our country and do not believe in dividing people of religious and caste lines.

On NCP president Sharad Pawar's comment on Rafale scam, she said Pawar has not given a clean chit to anybody.

"Sharad Pawar has gone on record saying he was misquoted, misrepresented and asked specific questions to the government. He has not at all given any clean chit to the Modi government," she said.

In an interview to a Marathi news channel earlier this week, Pawar said he didn't think that people have doubts about Modi's intentions in the Rafale deal.

Later, the NCP clarified that Pawar had not given any clean chit to Modi on the Rafale issue, and reiterated its demands that the central government disclose the price of the fighter jets and order a JPC probe.&nbsp;

Senior Congress leader Priyanka Chaturvedi Friday said the party would forge an alliance with like minded parties for the 2019 general elections and would return to power.

Senior Congress leader Priyanka Chaturvedi Friday said the party would forge an alliance with like minded parties for the 2019 general elections and would return to power. The Congress, however, would not compromise on the ideology and values of the party, Chaturvedi said. "We are not compelled to compromise on our ideology and values just for the sake of stitching up alliances. We will be reaching out to all political opposition parties and alliance will be formed on the basis of our and their understanding of the situation," said Chaturvedi, a national spokesperson of the party. Asked whether the Congress's proposed opposition alliance would include the Trinamool Congress too, she said it would include all political parties that believe in basic ethos and idea of our country and do not believe in dividing people of religious and caste lines. On NCP president Sharad Pawar's comment on Rafale scam, she said Pawar has not given a clean chit to anybody. "Sharad Pawar has gone on record saying he was misquoted, misrepresented and asked specific questions to the government. He has not at all given any clean chit to the Modi government," she said. In an interview to a Marathi news channel earlier this week, Pawar said he didn't think that people have doubts about Modi's intentions in the Rafale deal. Later, the NCP clarified that Pawar had not given any clean chit to Modi on the Rafale issue, and reiterated its demands that the central government disclose the price of the fighter jets and order a JPC probe.

Will form alliance with like minded parties for LS polls: Congress

The BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit on Saturday demanded de-recognition and withdrawal of symbol of the parties which have announced that they will boycott the upcoming urban local bodies (ULB) and panchayat polls in the state.

ULB elections are scheduled to take place in four phases beginning October 8 and the panchayat polls will be held in November-December in nine phases.

Four parties -- National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Bahujan Samaj Party -- have announced that they will be boycotting the polls.

"The BJP urges state chief electoral officer to de-recognise those political parties which have announced (their decision to) boycott ULB and panchayat polls," the party's state spokesperson Anil Gupta told reporters here.

He said NC, PDP, CPI(M) and BSP are state or national level parties with reserved election symbols and are mandated to participate in all elections according to Section 29A(5) of Representation of People Act, 1951.

"Elections are the core of the democratic process and afford people an opportunity to express their will. By boycotting the elections, these political parties have not only betrayed the people of the state but also disrespected the Constitution which they had pledged to safeguard while applying for recognition of their respective political parties," he added.

Gupta said, "Suppression of the democratic process by these parties also amounts to gross violation of human rights".

"The chief electoral officer needs to immediately take up the issue with the Election Commission of India to de-recognise these parties and freeze their election symbols," he said.

He added he has already filed a petition in this regard.

The NC and the PDP are boycotting the polls over Article 35(A), which grants special rights and privileges to the "permanent residents" of the state and is facing legal challenge.

The CPI(M) and the BSP have slammed the Centre for going ahead with the polls despite the state's two main parties opposing them and the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.&nbsp;

The BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit on Saturday demanded de-recognition and withdrawal of symbol of the parties which have announced that they will boycott the upcoming urban local bodies (ULB) and panchayat polls in the state.

The BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit on Saturday demanded de-recognition and withdrawal of symbol of the parties which have announced that they will boycott the upcoming urban local bodies (ULB) and panchayat polls in the state. ULB elections are scheduled to take place in four phases beginning October 8 and the panchayat polls will be held in November-December in nine phases. Four parties -- National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Bahujan Samaj Party -- have announced that they will be boycotting the polls. "The BJP urges state chief electoral officer to de-recognise those political parties which have announced (their decision to) boycott ULB and panchayat polls," the party's state spokesperson Anil Gupta told reporters here. He said NC, PDP, CPI(M) and BSP are state or national level parties with reserved election symbols and are mandated to participate in all elections according to Section 29A(5) of Representation of People Act, 1951. "Elections are the core of the democratic process and afford people an opportunity to express their will. By boycotting the elections, these political parties have not only betrayed the people of the state but also disrespected the Constitution which they had pledged to safeguard while applying for recognition of their respective political parties," he added. Gupta said, "Suppression of the democratic process by these parties also amounts to gross violation of human rights". "The chief electoral officer needs to immediately take up the issue with the Election Commission of India to de-recognise these parties and freeze their election symbols," he said. He added he has already filed a petition in this regard. The NC and the PDP are boycotting the polls over Article 35(A), which grants special rights and privileges to the "permanent residents" of the state and is facing legal challenge. The CPI(M) and the BSP have slammed the Centre for going ahead with the polls despite the state's two main parties opposing them and the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.

BJP demands action against parties boycotting J&K local body polls

In present uncertain financial and political situation, it is certain that Pakistan Government will seek foreign aid and loans for survival.

According to informed sources in Islamabad, the government wants to acquire financial strength before the July 25 general elections.

Sources quoted economic pundits in the government as suggesting that the current account deficit can be stabilised by using rapidly dwindling foreign currency reserves.

There is growing speculation that the government will have to seek a loan package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) following the elections, for the second time since 2013, amid fears of being faced with a balance of payments crisis.

Caretaker Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar told a press conference in Islamabad on Tuesday that the government has to finance this trade deficit gap of USD 25 billion.

The announcement came hours after the State Bank of Pakistan devalued the rupee by 3.7 per cent, the third devaluation since December. It is also saddled with a heavy public debt - 70 per cent of GDP, according to Akhtar - along with a yawning fiscal deficit.

The economy grew by 5.8 per cent during 2017-18, missing a government target by two per cent, according to documents from the finance ministry. Plagued for years by a Taliban insurgency, it has been battling to get its shaky economy back on track and end the energy crisis crippling industry.

The growth in GDP comes amid structural reforms, an improved energy sector and China's ambitious multi-billion dollar infrastructure project - the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor - linking its western province of Xinjiang to the Arabian Sea via Pakistan. However, fears remain about Pakistan's ability to repay the Chinese loans, with much of their terms shrouded in secrecy.

The Pakistani rupee slumped 3.8 per cent against the dollar on Monday before slightly recovering in what appeared to be the third currency devaluation in seven months by the central bank amid a balance of payments crisis.

&nbsp;

The rupee drop threatens to squeeze consumers, coming just days before Eid-ul-Fitr and ahead of the July 25 general election.

The apparent devaluation shows signs of vulnerability in the country's nearly USD 300 billion economy, as dwindling foreign reserves and a widening current account deficit trigger speculation about going back to the International Monetary Fund for loans for the second time since 2013.

In December and March, the rupee was devalued, each time by about five percent by the central bank. Pakistan's economy is expected to expand by close to six percent this year, the fastest pace in more than a decade, but a widening of the current account deficit has brought new worries.

The current account deficit now stands at USD 14 billion, around 5.3 percent of gross domestic product, an SBP official said.

The economic outlook has been hurt by the fast depletion of foreign currency reserves, which now stand at just over USD 10 billion.

Pakistan is currently in discussions with China for loans to ease pressure on its foreign currency reserves. Over the weekend, the shortage of foreign currency widened the spread at which the rupee is traded in the open market and the interbank market to four rupees.

The Supreme Court on Monday summoned the governor of State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and federal finance secretary to explain what steps were being taken for encouraging people to declare their foreign bank accounts and assets accumulated abroad.

Earlier, a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar expressed displeasure over the non-appearance of the SBP governor and the finance secretary.

The chief justice observed that the court was dealing with an important case and the SBP governor and the finance secretary did not bother to attend the proceedings.

Justice Umar Atta Bandial and Justice Ijazul Ahsan were the other members on the bench. Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Tariq Pasha and a director of the SBP were present in the court.

Rejecting the suggested of an additional attorney general to postpone hearing for after the Eidul Fitr holidays, the bench sought appearance of both the SBP governor and finance secretary after two hours. Later, the bench adjourned hearing for Tuesday.

During Monday's hearing, Chief Justice Nisar regretted that every newborn in Pakistan was under huge loans due to wrong policies of the governments. "Dams are not being built, standard of education is going down, garbage is being disposed of into sea but people are allowed to take their money abroad unchecked," lamented the chief justice.

To a court query, the FBR chairman disclosed that Rs100 billion had been paid to tax filers under the head of sales tax return, however disbursement of Rs105 billion was still pending.

Chief Justice Nisar also expressed concern over decreasing exports and rampant smuggling in the country. FBR chief Pasha sought permission to give an in-camera briefing to the judges on the issue of smuggling, which was allowed by the chief justice.

The views expressed in the above article are that of Mr. M. Sarwar, Chief Editor, The Nation.

The government wants to acquire financial strength before the July 25 general elections

In present uncertain financial and political situation, it is certain that Pakistan Government will seek foreign aid and loans for survival. According to informed sources in Islamabad, the government wants to acquire financial strength before the July 25 general elections. Sources quoted economic pundits in the government as suggesting that the current account deficit can be stabilised by using rapidly dwindling foreign currency reserves. There is growing speculation that the government will have to seek a loan package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) following the elections, for the second time since 2013, amid fears of being faced with a balance of payments crisis. Caretaker Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar told a press conference in Islamabad on Tuesday that the government has to finance this trade deficit gap of USD 25 billion. The announcement came hours after the State Bank of Pakistan devalued the rupee by 3.7 per cent, the third devaluation since December. It is also saddled with a heavy public debt - 70 per cent of GDP, according to Akhtar - along with a yawning fiscal deficit. The economy grew by 5.8 per cent during 2017-18, missing a government target by two per cent, according to documents from the finance ministry. Plagued for years by a Taliban insurgency, it has been battling to get its shaky economy back on track and end the energy crisis crippling industry. The growth in GDP comes amid structural reforms, an improved energy sector and China's ambitious multi-billion dollar infrastructure project - the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor - linking its western province of Xinjiang to the Arabian Sea via Pakistan. However, fears remain about Pakistan's ability to repay the Chinese loans, with much of their terms shrouded in secrecy. The Pakistani rupee slumped 3.8 per cent against the dollar on Monday before slightly recovering in what appeared to be the third currency devaluation in seven months by the central bank amid a balance of payments crisis. The rupee drop threatens to squeeze consumers, coming just days before Eid-ul-Fitr and ahead of the July 25 general election. The apparent devaluation shows signs of vulnerability in the country's nearly USD 300 billion economy, as dwindling foreign reserves and a widening current account deficit trigger speculation about going back to the International Monetary Fund for loans for the second time since 2013. In December and March, the rupee was devalued, each time by about five percent by the central bank. Pakistan's economy is expected to expand by close to six percent this year, the fastest pace in more than a decade, but a widening of the current account deficit has brought new worries. The current account deficit now stands at USD 14 billion, around 5.3 percent of gross domestic product, an SBP official said. The economic outlook has been hurt by the fast depletion of foreign currency reserves, which now stand at just over USD 10 billion. Pakistan is currently in discussions with China for loans to ease pressure on its foreign currency reserves. Over the weekend, the shortage of foreign currency widened the spread at which the rupee is traded in the open market and the interbank market to four rupees. The Supreme Court on Monday summoned the governor of State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and federal finance secretary to explain what steps were being taken for encouraging people to declare their foreign bank accounts and assets accumulated abroad. Earlier, a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar expressed displeasure over the non-appearance of the SBP governor and the finance secretary. The chief justice observed that the court was dealing with an important case and the SBP governor and the finance secretary did not bother to attend the proceedings. Justice Umar Atta Bandial and Justice Ijazul Ahsan were the other members on the bench. Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Tariq Pasha and a director of the SBP were present in the court. Rejecting the suggested of an additional attorney general to postpone hearing for after the Eidul Fitr holidays, the bench sought appearance of both the SBP governor and finance secretary after two hours. Later, the bench adjourned hearing for Tuesday. During Monday's hearing, Chief Justice Nisar regretted that every newborn in Pakistan was under huge loans due to wrong policies of the governments. "Dams are not being built, standard of education is going down, garbage is being disposed of into sea but people are allowed to take their money abroad unchecked," lamented the chief justice. To a court query, the FBR chairman disclosed that Rs100 billion had been paid to tax filers under the head of sales tax return, however disbursement of Rs105 billion was still pending. Chief Justice Nisar also expressed concern over decreasing exports and rampant smuggling in the country. FBR chief Pasha sought permission to give an in-camera briefing to the judges on the issue of smuggling, which was allowed by the chief justice. The views expressed in the above article are that of Mr. M. Sarwar, Chief Editor, The Nation.

Pakistan's economy in limbo ahead of general elections

In an emotional speech before stepping down as Chief Minister, B S Yeddyurappa today accused the Congress-JDS combine of forming an "opportunistic" alliance and said the popular mandate had been subverted due to their "conspiracy".

Yeddyurappa admitted he had expected opposition MLAs to cross-vote. To realise the public mandate and with development in mind, he said he asked members for a vote of conscience.

"It is true that I had spoken to a few of them (in the opposition)," Yeddyurappa said.

Stating that BJP believes in the democratic system, he said he had expected MLAs "on the other side" would understand that in today's political situation, things would change if his government came to power, when the Narendra&nbsp;Modi government is at the Centre. "Some people had agreed to cooperate," he said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hd-kumaraswamy-to-take-oath-as-karnataka-chief-minister-on-monday-138283">HD Kumaraswamy to take oath as Karnataka Chief Minister on May 23</a>&nbsp;

He however added, "Who am I to question in politics? Expectation is different, there may be differences." Assuring people that "till his last breath", he will travel across Karnataka, he said he would explain the developments and ensure that the party wins all 28 seats of the state in the Lok Sabha elections next year and "give it as a gift to Prime Minister Narendra Modi".

Yeddyurappa, who announced his decision without facing the trust vote after not being able to rustle up the numbers, charged that the JDS-combine had kept the MLAs in captivity.

"You kept MLAs in captivity. The situation of those MLAs was so pitiable that they could not speak to their families on phone," he said in his speech after moving the motion of confidence to face the trial of strength.Taunting Congress and JDS, a glum-looking Yeddyurappa said, "Today the family members may be a bit happy as they are seeing them (MLAs)."

Governor Vajubhai Vala had given a 15-day window to Yeddyurappa, but it was truncated by the Supreme Court, which ordered that the floor test be held within a day itself. Yeddyurappa said the Congress did not get people's mandate, nor did the JDS.

He said those who traded charges and counter-charges, after being defeated at the hustings, were indulging in "opportunistic politics"&nbsp;against the people's mandate and had come to an understanding.

The Governor had invited the BJP as it had emerged as the single largest party, Yeddyurappa said.

"I feel today it is like agni pareekshe (trial by fire).

It is not the first time. All my life it has been agni pareekshe," he said, tracing the journey of the BJP when it had only two members and the present state it had reached.

"If people of the state had thought for a second and had given us 113 seats, the picture of this state would have changed, and the picture of development would have changed.But God's will was different" he said on a philosophical note.

To Kumaraswamy, he said "I have come through struggle. Someone said if you don't give me power I will end my life...I won't say that. Whether I get power or not, I will give my life for the people."

Yeddyurappa said he is indebted to people who have shown him love. "Due to our Congress' friends conspiracy, the public mandate and democratic system has been subverted," he said.

"In the wake of this, I'm not pressing this motion of confidence, and I will resign. I will go to people against this politics of anti democracy and seek justice. I will directly go to the Governor and submit my resignation as Chief Minister," he said.&nbsp;

To realise the public mandate and with development in mind, Yeddyurappa said he asked opposition MLAs for a vote of conscience

In an emotional speech before stepping down as Chief Minister, B S Yeddyurappa today accused the Congress-JDS combine of forming an "opportunistic" alliance and said the popular mandate had been subverted due to their "conspiracy". Yeddyurappa admitted he had expected opposition MLAs to cross-vote. To realise the public mandate and with development in mind, he said he asked members for a vote of conscience. "It is true that I had spoken to a few of them (in the opposition)," Yeddyurappa said. Stating that BJP believes in the democratic system, he said he had expected MLAs "on the other side" would understand that in today's political situation, things would change if his government came to power, when the Narendra Modi government is at the Centre. "Some people had agreed to cooperate," he said. Also read: HD Kumaraswamy to take oath as Karnataka Chief Minister on May 23 He however added, "Who am I to question in politics? Expectation is different, there may be differences." Assuring people that "till his last breath", he will travel across Karnataka, he said he would explain the developments and ensure that the party wins all 28 seats of the state in the Lok Sabha elections next year and "give it as a gift to Prime Minister Narendra Modi". Yeddyurappa, who announced his decision without facing the trust vote after not being able to rustle up the numbers, charged that the JDS-combine had kept the MLAs in captivity. "You kept MLAs in captivity. The situation of those MLAs was so pitiable that they could not speak to their families on phone," he said in his speech after moving the motion of confidence to face the trial of strength.Taunting Congress and JDS, a glum-looking Yeddyurappa said, "Today the family members may be a bit happy as they are seeing them (MLAs)." Governor Vajubhai Vala had given a 15-day window to Yeddyurappa, but it was truncated by the Supreme Court, which ordered that the floor test be held within a day itself. Yeddyurappa said the Congress did not get people's mandate, nor did the JDS. He said those who traded charges and counter-charges, after being defeated at the hustings, were indulging in "opportunistic politics" against the people's mandate and had come to an understanding. The Governor had invited the BJP as it had emerged as the single largest party, Yeddyurappa said. "I feel today it is like agni pareekshe (trial by fire). It is not the first time. All my life it has been agni pareekshe," he said, tracing the journey of the BJP when it had only two members and the present state it had reached. "If people of the state had thought for a second and had given us 113 seats, the picture of this state would have changed, and the picture of development would have changed.But God's will was different" he said on a philosophical note. To Kumaraswamy, he said "I have come through struggle. Someone said if you don't give me power I will end my life...I won't say that. Whether I get power or not, I will give my life for the people." Yeddyurappa said he is indebted to people who have shown him love. "Due to our Congress' friends conspiracy, the public mandate and democratic system has been subverted," he said. "In the wake of this, I'm not pressing this motion of confidence, and I will resign. I will go to people against this politics of anti democracy and seek justice. I will directly go to the Governor and submit my resignation as Chief Minister," he said.

Yeddyurappa admits he asked opposition MLAs to cross-vote

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-congress-to-stake-claim-to-form-government-after-karnataka-governors-invite-to-bjp--137692">Now, Goa Congress, RJD in Bihar to stake claim to form </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-congress-to-stake-claim-to-form-government-after-karnataka-governors-invite-to-bjp--137692">government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-congress-to-stake-claim-to-form-government-after-karnataka-governors-invite-to-bjp--137692"> after Karnataka Governor's invite to BJP</a>

Fifteen months after the elections Goa Congress to approach the Governor tomorrow to stake claim to form the government in the state. Congress Goa in-charge Chella Kumar along with other party leaders will meet the Governor tomorrow and stake claim to form the government.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/atmosphere-of-fear-in-country-situation-similar-to-pakistan-rahul-gandhi-137744">Atmosphere of fear in country, situation similar to Pakistan: Rahul Gandhi</a>

Against the backdrop of political developments in Karnataka, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today claimed the situation in the country was similar to that in Pakistan under "dictatorship".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jud-chief-hafiz-saeed-setting-up-offices-in-all-pakistan-districts-reveal-intelligence-sources-137682">JuD chief Hafiz Saeed setting up offices in all Pakistan districts, reveal intelligence sources</a>

Jamat ud Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed who India alleges is the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks is planning to setup JuD offices in all districts of Pakistan with different names to collect funds, India's intelligence sources have revealed.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-erdogan-says-un-has-collapsed-in-the-face-of-gaza-violence-137688">Turkey's Erdogan says UN has 'collapsed' in the face of Gaza violence</a>

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that the United Nations had "collapsed" in the face of events in Gaza where Israeli forces killed 60 Palestinian protesters on Monday as the United States relocated its Israel embassy to Jerusalem.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/after-messi-isis-threatens-to-behead-ronaldo-ahead-of-russia-world-cup--137746">After Messi, ISIS threatens to 'behead' Ronaldo ahead of Russia World Cup</a>

A pro-Islamic State(IS) organisation which earlier targeted football star Lionel Messi, has now threatened to kill and behead, Cristiano Ronaldo, ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.&nbsp;

Now, Goa Congress, RJD in Bihar to stake claim to form government after Karnataka Governor's invite to BJP Fifteen months after the elections Goa Congress to approach the Governor tomorrow to stake claim to form the government in the state. Congress Goa in-charge Chella Kumar along with other party leaders will meet the Governor tomorrow and stake claim to form the government. Atmosphere of fear in country, situation similar to Pakistan: Rahul Gandhi Against the backdrop of political developments in Karnataka, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today claimed the situation in the country was similar to that in Pakistan under "dictatorship". JuD chief Hafiz Saeed setting up offices in all Pakistan districts, reveal intelligence sources Jamat ud Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed who India alleges is the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks is planning to setup JuD offices in all districts of Pakistan with different names to collect funds, India's intelligence sources have revealed. Turkey's Erdogan says UN has 'collapsed' in the face of Gaza violence Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that the United Nations had "collapsed" in the face of events in Gaza where Israeli forces killed 60 Palestinian protesters on Monday as the United States relocated its Israel embassy to Jerusalem. After Messi, ISIS threatens to 'behead' Ronaldo ahead of Russia World Cup A pro-Islamic State(IS) organisation which earlier targeted football star Lionel Messi, has now threatened to kill and behead, Cristiano Ronaldo, ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The drama in Karnataka will continue on Wednesday with both the JD(S)-Congress combine and the BJP meeting Governor Vajubhai Vala today to stake their claims to forming a government.&nbsp;

The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy had met Governor Vala Tuesday evening, and staked his claim to forming a government in the state.&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy was accompanied by the Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah.&nbsp;

The Congress told Vala that it was giving the JD(S) its "unconditional support".&nbsp;

But the BJP's chief ministerial candidate got to Vala before Kumaraswamy, and he too staked his claim to forming the government.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-does-a-goa-in-karnataka-137130">Congress does to BJP in Karnataka what latter did to it in Goa</a>

The Karnataka vote, which was counted yesterday, ended with the BJP emerging as the single largest party.&nbsp;

The party won 104 seats, the Congress won 78, the JD(S) won 37, its pre-poll ally the BSP won 1, and Others 2.&nbsp;

Karnataka has 224 assembly seats but voting was held for 222. The halfway mark then is 111, with a party needing 112 seats for a simple majority.&nbsp;

The BJP is short by 8 seats, while the JD(S)-Congress combine (including the BSP) has 116 seats.&nbsp;

But Yeddyurappa told Governor Vala yesterday that he should be the one invited to try and form a government since the BJP has emerged as the single-largest party in Karnataka.&nbsp;

Former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah meanwhile quoted the Supreme Court as saying after the Goa election that "group having more seats than required are invited".&nbsp;

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Have called for a meeting tomorrow. Newly elected Congress & JD(S) MLAs will be there. We are supporting JD(S) to form govt & have sent this resolution to the Governor. SC said after Goa election that group having more seats than reqd. are invited, we have 117 seats: Siddarmaiah <a href="https://t.co/YT5IEaHO9H">pic.twitter.com/YT5IEaHO9H</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996468249381429248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Remember, in Goa and Manipur, which went to the polls last year, the Congress had emerged as the single-largest party. But the BJP ended up forming coalition governments in both states because the Congress was not able to muster up the needed numbers.&nbsp;

All eyes, in Karnataka and the country, then are on Governor Vala and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jdss-kumaraswamy-bjps-yeddyurappa-stake-claim-to-form-karnataka-govt-all-eyes-now-on-governor-137164">what he does next</a>.&nbsp;

Constitutional experts have said the decision is his but that he will have to be guided by the principle of inviting the combine/ party that he thinks will provide the state with a stable government. &nbsp;

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HD Deve Gowda reaches Ashoka Hotel for meeting with senior Congress leaders in Bengaluru. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/GIDbPgSPpZ">pic.twitter.com/GIDbPgSPpZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996418655872139264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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JD(S)' HD Deve Gowda & HD Kumaraswamy are in meeting with Congress leaders including Siddaramaiah, Ghulam Nabi Azad, DK Shivakumar and Mallikarjun Kharge in Bengaluru. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/rJxE5mXrrM">https://t.co/rJxE5mXrrM</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996419812120145920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Tomorrow at 10:30 am in BJP legislative party meeting, I am going to be elected as party leader. After that all MLAs are going to meet the Governor to request him to allow BJP to form govt. Now the ball is in the court of the Governor. We will do as he decides: BS Yeddyurappa <a href="https://t.co/6QbhizTr6z">pic.twitter.com/6QbhizTr6z</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996422285945749505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The JD(S) meanwhile has said they will be sticking with the Congress, but that the BJP has been trying to get in touch with them.&nbsp;

"We have already decided to go with Congress. That's the reason we called Janta Dal (Secular) Legislature Party meeting. There is no question of taking any other decision," the JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy told ANI.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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I don't know what they (BJP) are offering but they are trying to call our people, but they are not responding. We are all together, no one can touch our party. Our party MLAs are loyal to the party: Saravana, JD(S) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/3q0OAehwWq">pic.twitter.com/3q0OAehwWq</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996604732855803904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I got a call from the BJP leaders. They said come to us & we'll give a ministry to you. We'll make you a minister. But, I'm going to stay here. HD Kumaraswamy is our Chief Minister: Amaregouda Linganagouda Patil Bayyapur, Congress. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/BIJYZHV7P7">pic.twitter.com/BIJYZHV7P7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996593046014734336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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JD(S) & Congress have the numbers. I hope, the governor will discharge his constitutional duties & invite HD Kumaraswamy to talk. If BJP puts pressure on the governor, it will be the death of Democracy: Danish Ali, JD(S). <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/vNV3EBRAME">pic.twitter.com/vNV3EBRAME</a>
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&nbsp;

The JD(S)'s Kumaraswamy and the BJP's Yeddyurappa had both met Governor Vajubhai Vala on Tuesday. Both staked their claims to forming a government in Karnataka

The drama in Karnataka will continue on Wednesday with both the JD(S)-Congress combine and the BJP meeting Governor Vajubhai Vala today to stake their claims to forming a government. The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy had met Governor Vala Tuesday evening, and staked his claim to forming a government in the state. Kumaraswamy was accompanied by the Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah. The Congress told Vala that it was giving the JD(S) its "unconditional support". But the BJP's chief ministerial candidate got to Vala before Kumaraswamy, and he too staked his claim to forming the government. Also read: Congress does to BJP in Karnataka what latter did to it in Goa The Karnataka vote, which was counted yesterday, ended with the BJP emerging as the single largest party. The party won 104 seats, the Congress won 78, the JD(S) won 37, its pre-poll ally the BSP won 1, and Others 2. Karnataka has 224 assembly seats but voting was held for 222. The halfway mark then is 111, with a party needing 112 seats for a simple majority. The BJP is short by 8 seats, while the JD(S)-Congress combine (including the BSP) has 116 seats. But Yeddyurappa told Governor Vala yesterday that he should be the one invited to try and form a government since the BJP has emerged as the single-largest party in Karnataka. Former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah meanwhile quoted the Supreme Court as saying after the Goa election that "group having more seats than required are invited". Have called for a meeting tomorrow. Newly elected Congress & JD(S) MLAs will be there. We are supporting JD(S) to form govt & have sent this resolution to the Governor. SC said after Goa election that group having more seats than reqd. are invited, we have 117 seats: Siddarmaiah pic.twitter.com/YT5IEaHO9H — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × Remember, in Goa and Manipur, which went to the polls last year, the Congress had emerged as the single-largest party. But the BJP ended up forming coalition governments in both states because the Congress was not able to muster up the needed numbers. All eyes, in Karnataka and the country, then are on Governor Vala and what he does next. Constitutional experts have said the decision is his but that he will have to be guided by the principle of inviting the combine/ party that he thinks will provide the state with a stable government. HD Deve Gowda reaches Ashoka Hotel for meeting with senior Congress leaders in Bengaluru. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/GIDbPgSPpZ — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × JD(S)' HD Deve Gowda & HD Kumaraswamy are in meeting with Congress leaders including Siddaramaiah, Ghulam Nabi Azad, DK Shivakumar and Mallikarjun Kharge in Bengaluru. #KarnatakaElections2018 https://t.co/rJxE5mXrrM — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × Tomorrow at 10:30 am in BJP legislative party meeting, I am going to be elected as party leader. After that all MLAs are going to meet the Governor to request him to allow BJP to form govt. Now the ball is in the court of the Governor. We will do as he decides: BS Yeddyurappa pic.twitter.com/6QbhizTr6z — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × The JD(S) meanwhile has said they will be sticking with the Congress, but that the BJP has been trying to get in touch with them. "We have already decided to go with Congress. That's the reason we called Janta Dal (Secular) Legislature Party meeting. There is no question of taking any other decision," the JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy told ANI. I don't know what they (BJP) are offering but they are trying to call our people, but they are not responding. We are all together, no one can touch our party. Our party MLAs are loyal to the party: Saravana, JD(S) #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/3q0OAehwWq — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 × I got a call from the BJP leaders. They said come to us & we'll give a ministry to you. We'll make you a minister. But, I'm going to stay here. HD Kumaraswamy is our Chief Minister: Amaregouda Linganagouda Patil Bayyapur, Congress. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/BIJYZHV7P7 — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 × JD(S) & Congress have the numbers. I hope, the governor will discharge his constitutional duties & invite HD Kumaraswamy to talk. If BJP puts pressure on the governor, it will be the death of Democracy: Danish Ali, JD(S). #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/vNV3EBRAME — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 ×

Natak in Karnataka continues: JD(S)-Congress combine, and BJP to meet Governor again today

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had a role to play in stitching together the JD(S)-Congress combine in Karnataka, a news report has said.&nbsp;

The DNA newspaper reported Wednesday that it was at Priyanka's suggestion that Congress President Rahul Gandhi offered the Karnataka chief ministership to the JD(S).&nbsp;

Rahul had earlier turned down the idea of a pre-poll alliance with the JD(S).&nbsp;

He had in February called the JD(S) a "B team involved in an undercover arrangement with the BJP".&nbsp;

The JD(S)-Congress alliance in Karnataka had begun with Sonia Gandhi calling Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, who in turn called JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda and his son HD Kumaraswamy.&nbsp;

After it was agreed that Kumaraswamy would be the chief minister of a JD(S)-Congress government, things began to swing into motion.&nbsp;

The DNA report however added that the turn of events in Karnataka have again put a question mark over Rahul's ability to stitch together alliances. And that should the opposition stitch together a grand alliance to counter the BJP in the 2019 elections, the alliance partners might have trouble accepting Rahul as their prime ministerial candidate.&nbsp;

The DNA report added that the developments in Karnataka may lead to claims for former Congress president Sonia Gandhi — who has of late been having troubles with her health — to return to active politics.&nbsp;

The DNA newspaper reported Wednesday that it was at Priyanka's suggestion that Congress President Rahul Gandhi offered the Karnataka chief ministership to the JD(S)

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had a role to play in stitching together the JD(S)-Congress combine in Karnataka, a news report has said. The DNA newspaper reported Wednesday that it was at Priyanka's suggestion that Congress President Rahul Gandhi offered the Karnataka chief ministership to the JD(S). Rahul had earlier turned down the idea of a pre-poll alliance with the JD(S). He had in February called the JD(S) a "B team involved in an undercover arrangement with the BJP". The JD(S)-Congress alliance in Karnataka had begun with Sonia Gandhi calling Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, who in turn called JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda and his son HD Kumaraswamy. After it was agreed that Kumaraswamy would be the chief minister of a JD(S)-Congress government, things began to swing into motion. The DNA report however added that the turn of events in Karnataka have again put a question mark over Rahul's ability to stitch together alliances. And that should the opposition stitch together a grand alliance to counter the BJP in the 2019 elections, the alliance partners might have trouble accepting Rahul as their prime ministerial candidate. The DNA report added that the developments in Karnataka may lead to claims for former Congress president Sonia Gandhi — who has of late been having troubles with her health — to return to active politics.

Priyanka Gandhi had hand in stitching together JD(S)-Congress combine in Karnataka: Report

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