Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on Friday exuded confidence over the work done by her government, while adding, that she is sure, the people of Rajasthan will take cognizance of the initiatives taken by the state government and help strengthen the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP).

Speaking to media after casting her vote at polling booth no. 31A in Jhalrapatan constituency of Jhalawar, she said, "This is a vote for development.

This hasn`t been done singlehandedly. Unlike other parties, the complete organisation, every party worker and leader has worked hard to take our message to people of Rajasthan.

I am very confident that because excellent development that has taken place in the state, people would vote to strengthen the party that has done this development work.

"Urging people to vote for development, she said, "I think they have seen the kind of work in Rajasthan all this time. They must go out and vote for development."Later speaking to ANI, she added, "I am very sure that things will work out."

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Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on Friday exuded confidence over the work done by her government, while adding, that she is sure, the people of Rajasthan will take cognizance of the initiatives taken by the state government and help strengthen the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP).

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on Friday exuded confidence over the work done by her government, while adding, that she is sure, the people of Rajasthan will take cognizance of the initiatives taken by the state government and help strengthen the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP). Speaking to media after casting her vote at polling booth no. 31A in Jhalrapatan constituency of Jhalawar, she said, "This is a vote for development. This hasn`t been done singlehandedly. Unlike other parties, the complete organisation, every party worker and leader has worked hard to take our message to people of Rajasthan. I am very confident that because excellent development that has taken place in the state, people would vote to strengthen the party that has done this development work. "Urging people to vote for development, she said, "I think they have seen the kind of work in Rajasthan all this time. They must go out and vote for development."Later speaking to ANI, she added, "I am very sure that things will work out."

Rajasthan assembly elections: Things will work out for BJP, says CM Raje

The Congress on Thursday filed a complaint with the Election Commission against BJP candidate from Tonk Yunus Khan for allegedly violating the model code of conduct by holding a press conference.

PCC general secretary Sushil Sharma said the party has written a complaint to the Chief Election Commissioner of India and the state's Chief Electoral Officer against Khan who held a press conference on Thursday in violation of the code of conduct as the poll campaign ended at 5 pm on Wednesday.

He alleged that slogans were also shouted at the conference.

PCC president Sachin Pilot is the Congress candidate from Tonk.

Khan was not available for comments.

The opposition party has also filed a complaint after an official engaged in election duty in Pali allegedly took five EVM machines to his house instead of the polling booth.&nbsp;

The Congress on Thursday filed a complaint with the Election Commission against BJP candidate from Tonk Yunus Khan for allegedly violating the model code of conduct by holding a press conference.

The Congress on Thursday filed a complaint with the Election Commission against BJP candidate from Tonk Yunus Khan for allegedly violating the model code of conduct by holding a press conference. PCC general secretary Sushil Sharma said the party has written a complaint to the Chief Election Commissioner of India and the state's Chief Electoral Officer against Khan who held a press conference on Thursday in violation of the code of conduct as the poll campaign ended at 5 pm on Wednesday. He alleged that slogans were also shouted at the conference. PCC president Sachin Pilot is the Congress candidate from Tonk. Khan was not available for comments. The opposition party has also filed a complaint after an official engaged in election duty in Pali allegedly took five EVM machines to his house instead of the polling booth.

Rajasthan Congress files complaint against BJP's Tonk candidate

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday urged party workers in Rajasthan and Telangana to put all their efforts at their respective polling booths to ensure the party's win in both the states.

In his audio message to the workers of Rajasthan, Gandhi told them that they have to defeat the BJP by taking people to the polling booths and make the Congress win.

"Put all your effort into your booths to defeat the BJP. The people are standing with you...The government that will be formed will be of poor people and of the weaker sections. It will be a government of farmers, small traders, Dalits, adivasis, backwards, and also your government," he said in the message posted on the Congress' official Twitter handle.

In his audio message to the party workers in Telangana, Gandhi said the Congress party realised the "dream of Telangana" for the state's people.

"That dream of Telangana has been betrayed for the last five years. KCR (Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao) ji did not do what he had to. Now your time is coming. Stand at the polling booth and put all your effort to make the Congress win," he said.&nbsp;

Voting for the assembly polls in Rajasthan and Telangana will take place on Friday. The results will be declared on December 11.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday urged party workers in Rajasthan and Telangana to put all their efforts at their respective polling booths to ensure the party's win in both the states.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday urged party workers in Rajasthan and Telangana to put all their efforts at their respective polling booths to ensure the party's win in both the states. In his audio message to the workers of Rajasthan, Gandhi told them that they have to defeat the BJP by taking people to the polling booths and make the Congress win. "Put all your effort into your booths to defeat the BJP. The people are standing with you...The government that will be formed will be of poor people and of the weaker sections. It will be a government of farmers, small traders, Dalits, adivasis, backwards, and also your government," he said in the message posted on the Congress' official Twitter handle. In his audio message to the party workers in Telangana, Gandhi said the Congress party realised the "dream of Telangana" for the state's people. "That dream of Telangana has been betrayed for the last five years. KCR (Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao) ji did not do what he had to. Now your time is coming. Stand at the polling booth and put all your effort to make the Congress win," he said. Voting for the assembly polls in Rajasthan and Telangana will take place on Friday. The results will be declared on December 11.

Rahul asks party workers to ensure win in Rajasthan, Telangana

Voting concluded on Friday evening in poll-bound Rajasthan. According to reports, around 74 per cent of the total 4.74 crore registered voters in the state exercised their voting rights. Around 72.7 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 5pm.

At the end of the polling day, the Election Commission said the turnout was recorded at 73.85 per cent.&nbsp;However, the officials said the final figure could be higher.

The voter turnout during this legislative assembly election was recorded less than that of the year 2013 wherein 75.23 per cent of the registered voters in the state cast their vote.

Around 51,687 booths were set up across the state wherein the polling started as early as 8 am. Besides few clashes among supporters, the police reported that the polling went largely peaceful.

Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, Pradesh Congress Committee chief Sachin Pilot and other leaders were among those who exercised their franchise. 
Raje (Jhalrapatan), Pilot (Tonk), former chief minister Ashok Gehlot (Sardarpura) are among the 2,274 candidates in the fray.

Raje, who is the BJP's chief ministerial candidate, is fighting against veteran BJP leader Jaswant Singh's son Manvendra Singh in Jhalrapatan, the constituency she has represented since 2003.

This is the maiden assembly election for Sachin Pilot, a two-time MP who is seen as a chief ministerial possibility if the Congress wins. He has represented Dausa and Ajmer Lok Sabha constituencies in the past.

In about 130 constituencies, the contest appears to be mainly between the BJP and the Congress. In the current House, the BJP has 160 seats and the Congress 25.&nbsp;

The final results will be made public after the counting of votes concludes on December 11.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Voting concluded on Friday evening in poll-bound Rajasthan. According to reports, around 74 per cent of the total 4.74 crore registered voters in the state exercised their voting rights.

Voting concluded on Friday evening in poll-bound Rajasthan. According to reports, around 74 per cent of the total 4.74 crore registered voters in the state exercised their voting rights. Around 72.7 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 5pm. At the end of the polling day, the Election Commission said the turnout was recorded at 73.85 per cent. However, the officials said the final figure could be higher. The voter turnout during this legislative assembly election was recorded less than that of the year 2013 wherein 75.23 per cent of the registered voters in the state cast their vote. Around 51,687 booths were set up across the state wherein the polling started as early as 8 am. Besides few clashes among supporters, the police reported that the polling went largely peaceful. Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, Pradesh Congress Committee chief Sachin Pilot and other leaders were among those who exercised their franchise. Raje (Jhalrapatan), Pilot (Tonk), former chief minister Ashok Gehlot (Sardarpura) are among the 2,274 candidates in the fray. Raje, who is the BJP's chief ministerial candidate, is fighting against veteran BJP leader Jaswant Singh's son Manvendra Singh in Jhalrapatan, the constituency she has represented since 2003. This is the maiden assembly election for Sachin Pilot, a two-time MP who is seen as a chief ministerial possibility if the Congress wins. He has represented Dausa and Ajmer Lok Sabha constituencies in the past. In about 130 constituencies, the contest appears to be mainly between the BJP and the Congress. In the current House, the BJP has 160 seats and the Congress 25. The final results will be made public after the counting of votes concludes on December 11. (With inputs from PTI)

Assembly elections: Rajasthan registers around 74% voter turnout, lower than 2013

Telangana and&nbsp;Rajasthan are undergoing elections today to elect their&nbsp;legislative assembly members.

While the polling in Telangana started at 7 am, voting in Rajasthan began at 8 am.

The polling in Telangana will end at 5 pm&nbsp;while in 13 constituencies classified as Left Wing Extremist-affected, polling ends an hour before at 4 pm.

Election Commission is using Voters Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in Telangana for the first time.

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Telangana: Deputy Chief Minister Kadiyan Srihari cast his vote in Warangal. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TelanganaElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TelanganaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/MLrZdGI4Dc">pic.twitter.com/MLrZdGI4Dc</a>
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Telangana: BJP's G Kishan Reddy casts his vote at polling booth no.7 in Kachiguda, Hyderabad. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TelanganaElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TelanganaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/HRuneW8maY">pic.twitter.com/HRuneW8maY</a>
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Telangana: Actor Allu Arjun stands in a queue to cast his vote at booth no. 152 in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TelanganaElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TelanganaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/5kuui5v5Wy">pic.twitter.com/5kuui5v5Wy</a>
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Telangana: Actor Akkineni Nagarjuna and his wife &amp; actor Amala Akkineni stand in a queue to cast their votes at booth no. 151 in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TelanganaElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TelanganaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/IZpOhBmyTU">pic.twitter.com/IZpOhBmyTU</a>
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Telangana: State Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao casts his vote in polling booth no. 102 in Siddipet constituency. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TelanganaElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TelanganaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/2q2tqbgoXl">pic.twitter.com/2q2tqbgoXl</a>
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Nizamabad: People cast their votes at a polling station in Pothangal. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TelanganaElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TelanganaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/yFq8I8ZBtg">pic.twitter.com/yFq8I8ZBtg</a>
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199 out of 200 assembly seats will go to polls in Rajasthan today. Polling has been cancelled in&nbsp;Alwar district’s Ramgarh constituency following the death of a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate Laxman Singh.

A total of 2, 274 candidates in the fray in Rajasthan. As many as 4,74,79,402 people are eligible to&nbsp;cast their vote at 51,667 polling stations across the state.&nbsp;

With 32,815 polling stations across Telangana, around 1,821 candidates including a transgender are in the fray in the election.

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Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje casts her vote at polling booth no. 31A in Jhalrapatan constituency of Jhalawar. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/DRJVYFkBb4">pic.twitter.com/DRJVYFkBb4</a>
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Sachin Pilot, Congress on CM face from Congress: We will sit and discuss this after our party gets a majority in the election. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/fy6PCtY9D9">pic.twitter.com/fy6PCtY9D9</a>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanAssemblyelection2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanAssemblyelection2018</a>: Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore casts his votes at polling booth 252 in Vaishali Nagar, Jaipur. <a href="https://t.co/R0KqDbn95I">pic.twitter.com/R0KqDbn95I</a>
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Rajasthan: An 80-year-old woman cast her vote at booth no. 103 in Sardarpura constituency of Jodhpur district. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/wmTiniu07u">pic.twitter.com/wmTiniu07u</a>
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&nbsp;

The Congress-led alliance is challenging the ruling TRS in Telangana with the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest. In Rajasthan, BJP will try to retain its&nbsp;power in the state assembly.

Counting of votes will take place on&nbsp;December 11.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Telangana and Rajasthan are undergoing elections today to elect their legislative assembly members. While the polling in Telangana started at 7 am, voting in Rajasthan began at 8 am.

Telangana and Rajasthan are undergoing elections today to elect their legislative assembly members. While the polling in Telangana started at 7 am, voting in Rajasthan began at 8 am. The polling in Telangana will end at 5 pm while in 13 constituencies classified as Left Wing Extremist-affected, polling ends an hour before at 4 pm. Election Commission is using Voters Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in Telangana for the first time. Telangana: Deputy Chief Minister Kadiyan Srihari cast his vote in Warangal. #TelanganaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/MLrZdGI4Dc — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × Telangana: BJP's G Kishan Reddy casts his vote at polling booth no.7 in Kachiguda, Hyderabad. #TelanganaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/HRuneW8maY — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × Telangana: Actor Allu Arjun stands in a queue to cast his vote at booth no. 152 in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. #TelanganaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/5kuui5v5Wy — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × Telangana: Actor Akkineni Nagarjuna and his wife & actor Amala Akkineni stand in a queue to cast their votes at booth no. 151 in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. #TelanganaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/IZpOhBmyTU — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × Telangana: State Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao casts his vote in polling booth no. 102 in Siddipet constituency. #TelanganaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/2q2tqbgoXl — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × Nizamabad: People cast their votes at a polling station in Pothangal. #TelanganaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/yFq8I8ZBtg — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × 199 out of 200 assembly seats will go to polls in Rajasthan today. Polling has been cancelled in Alwar district’s Ramgarh constituency following the death of a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate Laxman Singh. A total of 2, 274 candidates in the fray in Rajasthan. As many as 4,74,79,402 people are eligible to cast their vote at 51,667 polling stations across the state. With 32,815 polling stations across Telangana, around 1,821 candidates including a transgender are in the fray in the election. Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje casts her vote at polling booth no. 31A in Jhalrapatan constituency of Jhalawar. #RajasthanElections2018 pic.twitter.com/DRJVYFkBb4 — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × Sachin Pilot, Congress on CM face from Congress: We will sit and discuss this after our party gets a majority in the election. #RajasthanElections2018 pic.twitter.com/fy6PCtY9D9 — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × #RajasthanAssemblyelection2018: Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore casts his votes at polling booth 252 in Vaishali Nagar, Jaipur. pic.twitter.com/R0KqDbn95I — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × Rajasthan: An 80-year-old woman cast her vote at booth no. 103 in Sardarpura constituency of Jodhpur district. #RajasthanElections2018 pic.twitter.com/wmTiniu07u — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × The Congress-led alliance is challenging the ruling TRS in Telangana with the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest. In Rajasthan, BJP will try to retain its power in the state assembly. Counting of votes will take place on December 11. (With inputs from agencies)

Assembly elections 2018: Rajasthan, Telangana go to polls today

Polling concluded in poll-bound Rajasthan on Friday evening. According to reports, Rajasthan recorded around 72.7 per cent voter turnout till 5pm.

Official figures for Telangana are still awaited, which saw over 55 per cent turnout by 3pm. Polling is still underway in some parts of the state.&nbsp;

The interim voter turnout recorded so far in Telangana comes to around 67 per cent.&nbsp;

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Umesh Sinha, Election Commission: Voting is still underway at some polling stations. Final figures are still to come. Interim voter turnout recorded till now in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TelanganaAssemblyElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TelanganaAssemblyElections2018</a> is 67%. Last year, voter turnout recorded was 69.5%. <a href="https://t.co/g5rH6AMiG0">pic.twitter.com/g5rH6AMiG0</a>
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According to reports, while Rajasthan witnessed 59.43 per cent voter turnout by 3 pm, 56.17 per cent voter turnout was recorded in Telangana by 3 pm.

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Voter turnout recorded till 5 PM in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections2018</a> is 72.7% <a href="https://t.co/FOJ7frlNuT">https://t.co/FOJ7frlNuT</a>
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The turnout till 11 am was 23.4 per cent in Telangana and 21.89 per cent in Rajasthan.

Nearly 9 per cent voters had cast their votes in Telangana by 9 am and 6.11 per cent in Rajasthan.

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Visuals from Jhalawar as polling concludes at polling booth no. 31(A). Voter turnout recorded at this particular booth is 73.83%. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanAssemblyElection2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanAssemblyElection2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/cKtUw3xdNL">pic.twitter.com/cKtUw3xdNL</a>
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Telangana and Rajasthan are undergoing elections today to elect their legislative assembly members.

While the polling in Telangana started at 7 am, voting in Rajasthan began at 8 am.

Polling concluded in poll-bound Rajasthan on Friday evening. According to reports, Rajasthan recorded around 72.7 per cent voter turnout till 5pm. Official figures for Telangana are still awaited, which saw over 55 per cent turnout by 3pm.

Polling concluded in poll-bound Rajasthan on Friday evening. According to reports, Rajasthan recorded around 72.7 per cent voter turnout till 5pm. Official figures for Telangana are still awaited, which saw over 55 per cent turnout by 3pm. Polling is still underway in some parts of the state. The interim voter turnout recorded so far in Telangana comes to around 67 per cent. Umesh Sinha, Election Commission: Voting is still underway at some polling stations. Final figures are still to come. Interim voter turnout recorded till now in #TelanganaAssemblyElections2018 is 67%. Last year, voter turnout recorded was 69.5%. pic.twitter.com/g5rH6AMiG0 — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × According to reports, while Rajasthan witnessed 59.43 per cent voter turnout by 3 pm, 56.17 per cent voter turnout was recorded in Telangana by 3 pm. Voter turnout recorded till 5 PM in #RajasthanElections2018 is 72.7% https://t.co/FOJ7frlNuT — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × The turnout till 11 am was 23.4 per cent in Telangana and 21.89 per cent in Rajasthan. Nearly 9 per cent voters had cast their votes in Telangana by 9 am and 6.11 per cent in Rajasthan. Visuals from Jhalawar as polling concludes at polling booth no. 31(A). Voter turnout recorded at this particular booth is 73.83%. #RajasthanAssemblyElection2018 pic.twitter.com/cKtUw3xdNL — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × Telangana and Rajasthan are undergoing elections today to elect their legislative assembly members. While the polling in Telangana started at 7 am, voting in Rajasthan began at 8 am.

Assembly elections: Polling concludes in Rajasthan, 72.7% turnout till 5pm

A US official has said that Washington is preparing to buy South Korean artillery shells to send to Ukraine. Amid ongoing talks, the officer said that the US wants to send South Korean 155mm artillery shells to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Seoul insisted that its policy against lethal aid for Ukraine remains and that the United States must be the ammunition's end user.&nbsp;

The official further informed that Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds will probably be used to purchase the ammunition. However, it was unclear if they would be shipped though the US territory.

South Korea's defence ministry agreed that negotiations are underway, but only under the premise that US would be using the artillery since the country does not provide lethal aid to Ukraine.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-calls-south-korea-us-military-drills-open-provocation-threatens-with-retaliation-531722">North Korea calls South Korea-US military drills 'open provocation', threatens retaliation</a>

"In order to make up for the shortage of 155mm ammunition inventories in the US, negotiations are ongoing between the US and Korean companies to export ammunition," the ministry said in a statement.

Even though South Korea is a US ally, it avoids antagonizing Russia, both for economic reasons and because of the influence that Moscow can exert with North Korea. It stations some 27,000 US troops in the&nbsp;South&nbsp;to help protect it from the nuclear-armed North.

The Wall Street Journal also reported on the matter and said the agreement would involve 100,000 rounds of 155mm artillery rounds that would be delivered to Ukraine.

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South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said last month that Seoul has not provided any lethal weapons to Ukraine following a statement from Russian President Vladimir Putin that such a decision would destroy bilateral relations. However, Seoul has given non-lethal aid and assistance to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, US National Security spokesperson John Kirby had said last week that North Korea was supplying Russia with a "significant" number of artillery shells of its own for use in Ukraine. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied any arms shipments.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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A US official has said that Washington is preparing to buy South Korean artillery shells to send to Ukraine. Amid ongoing talks, the officer said that the US wants to send South Korean 155mm artillery shells to Ukraine.

A US official has said that Washington is preparing to buy South Korean artillery shells to send to Ukraine. Amid ongoing talks, the officer said that the US wants to send South Korean 155mm artillery shells to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Seoul insisted that its policy against lethal aid for Ukraine remains and that the United States must be the ammunition's end user. The official further informed that Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds will probably be used to purchase the ammunition. However, it was unclear if they would be shipped though the US territory. South Korea's defence ministry agreed that negotiations are underway, but only under the premise that US would be using the artillery since the country does not provide lethal aid to Ukraine. Also Read | North Korea calls South Korea-US military drills 'open provocation', threatens retaliation "In order to make up for the shortage of 155mm ammunition inventories in the US, negotiations are ongoing between the US and Korean companies to export ammunition," the ministry said in a statement. Even though South Korea is a US ally, it avoids antagonizing Russia, both for economic reasons and because of the influence that Moscow can exert with North Korea. It stations some 27,000 US troops in the South to help protect it from the nuclear-armed North. The Wall Street Journal also reported on the matter and said the agreement would involve 100,000 rounds of 155mm artillery rounds that would be delivered to Ukraine. × South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said last month that Seoul has not provided any lethal weapons to Ukraine following a statement from Russian President Vladimir Putin that such a decision would destroy bilateral relations. However, Seoul has given non-lethal aid and assistance to Ukraine. Meanwhile, US National Security spokesperson John Kirby had said last week that North Korea was supplying Russia with a "significant" number of artillery shells of its own for use in Ukraine. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied any arms shipments. (With inputs from agencies)

News brief: Big stories of the day

Over fifty-five per cent voters exercised their electoral rights in state assembly elections in poll-bound Telangana and Rajasthan till 3pm on Friday.

According to reports, while Rajasthan witnessed 59.43 per cent voter turnout by 3 pm, 56.17 per cent voter turnout was recorded in Telangana by 3 pm.

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Voter turnout recorded till 3 PM in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TelanganaElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TelanganaElections2018</a> is 56.17%
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070985734289571841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The voter turnout for the assembly elections till 1 pm was recorded as 49.15 per cent in Telangana and 41.53 per cent in Rajasthan.

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Voter turnout recorded till 3 PM in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections2018</a> is 59.43%
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070986162217586688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The turnout till 11 am was 23.4 per cent in Telangana and 21.89 per cent in Rajasthan.

Nearly 9 per cent voters had cast their votes in Telangana by 9 am and 6.11 per cent in Rajasthan.

Telangana and Rajasthan are undergoing elections today to elect their legislative assembly members.

While the polling in Telangana started at 7 am, voting in Rajasthan began at 8 am.

The polling in Telangana will end at 5 pm while in 13 constituencies classified as Left Wing Extremist-affected, polling ends an hour before at 4 pm.

 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Over fifty-five per cent voters exercised their electoral rights in state assembly elections in poll-bound Telangana and Rajasthan till 3pm on Friday. According to reports, while Rajasthan witnessed 59.

Over fifty-five per cent voters exercised their electoral rights in state assembly elections in poll-bound Telangana and Rajasthan till 3pm on Friday. According to reports, while Rajasthan witnessed 59.43 per cent voter turnout by 3 pm, 56.17 per cent voter turnout was recorded in Telangana by 3 pm. Voter turnout recorded till 3 PM in #TelanganaElections2018 is 56.17% — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × The voter turnout for the assembly elections till 1 pm was recorded as 49.15 per cent in Telangana and 41.53 per cent in Rajasthan. Voter turnout recorded till 3 PM in #RajasthanElections2018 is 59.43% — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × The turnout till 11 am was 23.4 per cent in Telangana and 21.89 per cent in Rajasthan. Nearly 9 per cent voters had cast their votes in Telangana by 9 am and 6.11 per cent in Rajasthan. Telangana and Rajasthan are undergoing elections today to elect their legislative assembly members. While the polling in Telangana started at 7 am, voting in Rajasthan began at 8 am. The polling in Telangana will end at 5 pm while in 13 constituencies classified as Left Wing Extremist-affected, polling ends an hour before at 4 pm.

Assembly polls: Over 55% voter turnout recorded in Rajasthan, Telangana till 3pm

The voter turnout for the assembly elections till 1 pm was recorded as 49.15&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-polls-crucial-test-for-bjp-to-gain-foothold-in-the-state-181950">Telangana</a>&nbsp;and 41.53&nbsp;per cent in Rajasthan.

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Voter turnout recorded till 1 PM in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections2018</a> is 41.53%
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070948445446463488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Voter turnout recorded till 1 PM in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TelanganaElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TelanganaElections2018</a> is 49.15%
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070952818599583744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The turnout till 11 am was&nbsp;23.4 per cent in Telangana and 21.89 per cent in Rajasthan.

While nearly 9 per cent&nbsp;voters had cast their votes in Telangana by 9 am and&nbsp;6.11 per cent in Rajasthan.

Telangana and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-set-for-polling-in-a-bipolar-contest-between-bjp-and-congress-181969">Rajasthan</a> are undergoing elections today to elect their&nbsp;legislative assembly members.

While the polling in Telangana started at 7 am, voting in Rajasthan began at 8 am.

The polling in Telangana will end at 5 pm&nbsp;while in 13 constituencies classified as Left Wing Extremist-affected, polling ends an hour before at 4 pm.

Election Commission is using Voters Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in Telangana for the first time.

Telangana leaders Kadiyam Srihari, Harihs Rao, Pocharama Srinivas Reddy, Jupally Krishna Rao and Jagadish Reddy were among those who cast their vote.

Former Union Minister Chiranjeevi and cine actors Nagarjuna cast their vote in Jubilee Hills in the city.

Legislative Assembly elections are being held for the first time in Telangana after its formation as the 2014 Assembly polls were held in undivided Andhra Pradesh.

<img alt="Caretaker CM of Telangana" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9b750858-32a1-4bb5-a276-c7907a9ac6d1" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/telanganaa.JPG" />

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<img alt="Asaduddin Owaisi casts his vote at polling booth." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cb4e6f19-b6a2-47e6-9de1-f99e998899f0" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tel.JPG" />

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In Rajasthan 199 out of 200 assembly seats are contesting for the legislative assembly. Polling has been cancelled in&nbsp;Alwar district’s Ramgarh constituency following the death of a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate Laxman Singh.

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A total of 2, 274 candidates in the fray in Rajasthan. As many as 4,74,79,402 people are eligible to&nbsp;cast their vote at 51,667 polling stations across the state.&nbsp;

With 32,815 polling stations across Telangana, around 1,821 candidates including a transgender are in the fray in the election.

The Congress-led alliance is challenging the ruling TRS in Telangana with the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest. In Rajasthan, BJP will try to retain its&nbsp;power in the state assembly.

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Jalore: Voting is yet to begin in polling booth no. 253 and 254 in Ahor following EVM malfunction. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections2018</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070889698657071104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Rajasthan: EVM is being replaced at polling booth no. 172 in Bikaner's Kisamidesar following a technical issue. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/0JnXXALwuE">pic.twitter.com/0JnXXALwuE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070905553436602375?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Counting of votes will take place on&nbsp;December 11.

(With inputs from agencies)

The voter turnout for the assembly elections till 1 pm was recorded as 49.15 per cent in Telangana and 41.53 per cent in Rajasthan. Voter turnout recorded till 1 PM in #RajasthanElections2018 is 41.

The voter turnout for the assembly elections till 1 pm was recorded as 49.15 per cent in Telangana and 41.53 per cent in Rajasthan. Voter turnout recorded till 1 PM in #RajasthanElections2018 is 41.53% — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × Voter turnout recorded till 1 PM in #TelanganaElections2018 is 49.15% — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × The turnout till 11 am was 23.4 per cent in Telangana and 21.89 per cent in Rajasthan. While nearly 9 per cent voters had cast their votes in Telangana by 9 am and 6.11 per cent in Rajasthan. Telangana and Rajasthan are undergoing elections today to elect their legislative assembly members. While the polling in Telangana started at 7 am, voting in Rajasthan began at 8 am. The polling in Telangana will end at 5 pm while in 13 constituencies classified as Left Wing Extremist-affected, polling ends an hour before at 4 pm. Election Commission is using Voters Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in Telangana for the first time. Telangana leaders Kadiyam Srihari, Harihs Rao, Pocharama Srinivas Reddy, Jupally Krishna Rao and Jagadish Reddy were among those who cast their vote. Former Union Minister Chiranjeevi and cine actors Nagarjuna cast their vote in Jubilee Hills in the city. Legislative Assembly elections are being held for the first time in Telangana after its formation as the 2014 Assembly polls were held in undivided Andhra Pradesh. In Rajasthan 199 out of 200 assembly seats are contesting for the legislative assembly. Polling has been cancelled in Alwar district’s Ramgarh constituency following the death of a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate Laxman Singh. A total of 2, 274 candidates in the fray in Rajasthan. As many as 4,74,79,402 people are eligible to cast their vote at 51,667 polling stations across the state. With 32,815 polling stations across Telangana, around 1,821 candidates including a transgender are in the fray in the election. The Congress-led alliance is challenging the ruling TRS in Telangana with the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest. In Rajasthan, BJP will try to retain its power in the state assembly. Jalore: Voting is yet to begin in polling booth no. 253 and 254 in Ahor following EVM malfunction. #RajasthanElections2018 — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × Rajasthan: EVM is being replaced at polling booth no. 172 in Bikaner's Kisamidesar following a technical issue. #RajasthanElections2018 pic.twitter.com/0JnXXALwuE — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × Counting of votes will take place on December 11. (With inputs from agencies)

Assembly elections 2018: Telangana registers 49% voter turnout, Rajasthan 41% till 1pm

In the wake of the assembly elections in Rajasthan and Telangana on Friday, PM Modi urged the people of the two states to come out in large numbers and cast their votes.

In a tweet in Hindi and Telugu, PM Modi asked the people to exercise their votes and participate in "Mahaparv" of democracy.

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राजस्थान में आज मतदान का दिन है। राज्य के सभी मतदाताओं से मेरा आग्रह है कि वे पूरे उत्साह के साथ लोकतंत्र के महापर्व में अवश्य भाग लें और भारी संख्या में मतदान करें।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1070868387193122816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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ఇవాళ ఎన్నికల రోజు! తెలంగాణలో ఉన్న నా సోదర సోదరీమణులందరూ పెద్ద సంఖ్యలో వచ్చి ఓటు వెయ్యమని కోరుతున్నాను.... ప్రత్యేకించి నా యువ మిత్రులందరూ తమ ఓటు హక్కును వినియోగించుకొని ప్రజాస్వామ్యాన్ని మరింత సుసంపన్నం చేయమని ప్రార్థిస్తున్నాను...
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1070868270285246464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Five states including Rajasthan and Telangana went to polls in November and December to elect the members of the legislative assembly.

The results of elections in the five states will be declared on December 11.&nbsp;

In Telangana,&nbsp;the Congress-led alliance is challenging the ruling TRS with the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest. In Rajasthan, BJP will try to retain its&nbsp;power in the state assembly.

On voting days, the PM usually takes to Twitter urging people to exercise their franchise.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In the wake of the assembly elections in Rajasthan and Telangana on Friday, PM Modi urged the people of the two states to come out in large numbers and cast their votes.

In the wake of the assembly elections in Rajasthan and Telangana on Friday, PM Modi urged the people of the two states to come out in large numbers and cast their votes. In a tweet in Hindi and Telugu, PM Modi asked the people to exercise their votes and participate in "Mahaparv" of democracy. राजस्थान में आज मतदान का दिन है। राज्य के सभी मतदाताओं से मेरा आग्रह है कि वे पूरे उत्साह के साथ लोकतंत्र के महापर्व में अवश्य भाग लें और भारी संख्या में मतदान करें। — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 7, 2018 × ఇవాళ ఎన్నికల రోజు! తెలంగాణలో ఉన్న నా సోదర సోదరీమణులందరూ పెద్ద సంఖ్యలో వచ్చి ఓటు వెయ్యమని కోరుతున్నాను.... ప్రత్యేకించి నా యువ మిత్రులందరూ తమ ఓటు హక్కును వినియోగించుకొని ప్రజాస్వామ్యాన్ని మరింత సుసంపన్నం చేయమని ప్రార్థిస్తున్నాను... — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 7, 2018 × Five states including Rajasthan and Telangana went to polls in November and December to elect the members of the legislative assembly. The results of elections in the five states will be declared on December 11. In Telangana, the Congress-led alliance is challenging the ruling TRS with the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest. In Rajasthan, BJP will try to retain its power in the state assembly. On voting days, the PM usually takes to Twitter urging people to exercise their franchise. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi asks Rajasthan, Telangana voters to exercise franchise in large numbers

&nbsp;

After a high-voltage campaign that saw war of words among contending parties, Rajasthan and Telangana are set for assembly polls on Friday.

In Telangana&nbsp;the Congress-led alliance challenging the ruling TRS, and the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest.

More than 1.50 lakh polling officials including reserve staff are in the process of giving final touches Thursday to make the election to the 119-member House a smooth affair.

Over 2.80 crore electorate are eligible to exercise their franchise in the State, which has a total of 32,815 polling stations across.

Polling will start at 7 am and end at 5 pm, while in 13 constituencies which were classified as Left Wing Extremist-affected, polling ends one hour before (4 pm).

As many as 446 flying squads are in operation in the state to swing into action if any irregularity is reported during the elections and 448 static surveillance teams would also keep a watch on the situation and would wait in wings to take action, Kumar said.

Besides, 224 video-surveillance teams and 133 video-viewing teams have been pressed into service.

There are 126 assistant expenditure observers and 123 accounting teams.

For the first time, Election Commission is using Voters Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in Telangana.

As many as 1,821 candidates including a transgender are in the fray in the election.

Counting of votes would be taken up on December 11.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan, the land of deserts, is all geared up for the poll to the 199 assembly seats out of 200 with a major battle in the show between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress.

The tug of war with a total of 2, 274 candidates in the fray will begin at 8 am and continue till 5 pm. Elections will take place at 51,667 polling stations where 4,74,79,402 people are eligible to cast vote. Alwar constituency polling has been countermanded following the death of a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate.

The fight is to win a target of at least 101 seats to achieve majority mark in the intense polling between the two national parties.&nbsp;

In 2013 assembly elections, BJP won the mandate with 163 seats while Congress was reduced to 21 seats.&nbsp;

Contrast it to 2008 elections, when the Congress won 96 seats, a gain of 40 seats over 2003 polls and the BJP plummeted to 78, down by 42 seats from the previous assembly polls.

After a high-voltage campaign that saw war of words among contending parties, Rajasthan and Telangana are set for assembly polls on Friday. In Telangana the Congress-led alliance challenging the ruling TRS, and the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest.

After a high-voltage campaign that saw war of words among contending parties, Rajasthan and Telangana are set for assembly polls on Friday. In Telangana the Congress-led alliance challenging the ruling TRS, and the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest. More than 1.50 lakh polling officials including reserve staff are in the process of giving final touches Thursday to make the election to the 119-member House a smooth affair. Over 2.80 crore electorate are eligible to exercise their franchise in the State, which has a total of 32,815 polling stations across. Polling will start at 7 am and end at 5 pm, while in 13 constituencies which were classified as Left Wing Extremist-affected, polling ends one hour before (4 pm). As many as 446 flying squads are in operation in the state to swing into action if any irregularity is reported during the elections and 448 static surveillance teams would also keep a watch on the situation and would wait in wings to take action, Kumar said. Besides, 224 video-surveillance teams and 133 video-viewing teams have been pressed into service. There are 126 assistant expenditure observers and 123 accounting teams. For the first time, Election Commission is using Voters Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in Telangana. As many as 1,821 candidates including a transgender are in the fray in the election. Counting of votes would be taken up on December 11. Rajasthan Rajasthan, the land of deserts, is all geared up for the poll to the 199 assembly seats out of 200 with a major battle in the show between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress. The tug of war with a total of 2, 274 candidates in the fray will begin at 8 am and continue till 5 pm. Elections will take place at 51,667 polling stations where 4,74,79,402 people are eligible to cast vote. Alwar constituency polling has been countermanded following the death of a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate. The fight is to win a target of at least 101 seats to achieve majority mark in the intense polling between the two national parties. In 2013 assembly elections, BJP won the mandate with 163 seats while Congress was reduced to 21 seats. Contrast it to 2008 elections, when the Congress won 96 seats, a gain of 40 seats over 2003 polls and the BJP plummeted to 78, down by 42 seats from the previous assembly polls.

Rajasthan, Telangana set for date with democracy

With just a day left before Rajasthan goes to assembly polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a scathing attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Dausa said that he was born with a "golden spoon in his mouth" and thus he will never understand the essence of `Bharat Mata ki jai`.

Prime Minister Modi, giving a different touch to a campaign, began the Dausa rally by playing a traditional drum.

He said, "Naamdaar issues a fatwa saying that I should not say Bharat Mata ki jai. When we say it we remember our soldiers who are guarding our borders, the soldiers who are in Siachen braving minus 40 degree Celsius temperature. Chanting Bharat Mata ki jai fills us with an intense passion but Naamdar is born with golden spoon in his mouth and will never understand it".

He accused the Congress president of being a "confused" person who doesn`t know what he is doing and for what purpose.

"The Congress president is a confused man. He always remains in confusion and he doesn`t even know in which state he is working in the elections and for whom," said the Prime Minister."

He failed to differentiate between his leader Kumbha Ram and Kumbhakaran of Ramayan as he referred him as Kumbhakaran. How will he take decisions? The people of Rajasthan cannot hand over their state in hands of such confused leadership," said Prime Minister Modi.

Congress party doesn`t have strong leadership, no vision and no will, he said adding, "It is really unfortunate that Mahatama Gandhi want self-dependence based on Khadi but this fake Gandhi family erased the existence of that Khadi. Did you ever hear any Congress government say anything about Khadi?"

"Today, Khadi jacket has become popular; people call it Modi jacket and they (Congress) don`t like it. They say how did Khadi of Gandhi become Modi jacket?" he added.

The state will go for polls on December 7, while the counting will take place on December 11.&nbsp;

With just a day left before Rajasthan goes to assembly polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a scathing attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Dausa said that he was born with a "golden spoon in his mouth" and thus he will never understand the essence of `Bharat Mata ki jai`.

With just a day left before Rajasthan goes to assembly polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a scathing attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Dausa said that he was born with a "golden spoon in his mouth" and thus he will never understand the essence of `Bharat Mata ki jai`. Prime Minister Modi, giving a different touch to a campaign, began the Dausa rally by playing a traditional drum. He said, "Naamdaar issues a fatwa saying that I should not say Bharat Mata ki jai. When we say it we remember our soldiers who are guarding our borders, the soldiers who are in Siachen braving minus 40 degree Celsius temperature. Chanting Bharat Mata ki jai fills us with an intense passion but Naamdar is born with golden spoon in his mouth and will never understand it". He accused the Congress president of being a "confused" person who doesn`t know what he is doing and for what purpose. "The Congress president is a confused man. He always remains in confusion and he doesn`t even know in which state he is working in the elections and for whom," said the Prime Minister." He failed to differentiate between his leader Kumbha Ram and Kumbhakaran of Ramayan as he referred him as Kumbhakaran. How will he take decisions? The people of Rajasthan cannot hand over their state in hands of such confused leadership," said Prime Minister Modi. Congress party doesn`t have strong leadership, no vision and no will, he said adding, "It is really unfortunate that Mahatama Gandhi want self-dependence based on Khadi but this fake Gandhi family erased the existence of that Khadi. Did you ever hear any Congress government say anything about Khadi?" "Today, Khadi jacket has become popular; people call it Modi jacket and they (Congress) don`t like it. They say how did Khadi of Gandhi become Modi jacket?" he added. The state will go for polls on December 7, while the counting will take place on December 11.

'Naamdar' is born with a golden spoon in his mouth: PM Modi

All arrangements related to voting and security have been put in place for Assembly elections in Rajasthan as the state goes to polls on Friday, December 7.

A high-decibel campaign that witnessed several of election rallies and road shows across Rajasthan ended on Wednesday evening.

Political pundits say that the battle for the Rajasthan assembly elections to be held on Friday is a close contest between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress.

Voting will take place from 8 am to 5 pm on December 7 in 199 constituencies.&nbsp;

52,000 polling booths, including at least one all-women booth in each constituency, have been set up.

A total of around 4.77 crore voters will exercise their right to vote to decide the fortune of 2,274 candidates who are in the fray.

The campaigning in the largest state was highly occupied with the farmer issues, corruption, and the youth.

The campaign also raised issues related to Hindutva, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi sparred over ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ slogans, and there was a row over the caste of Lord Hanuman.

Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and several other Union ministers campaigned in the state, which the Bharatiya Janata Party is fighting to retain.

Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje also crisscrossed the state, travelling by road and by air and addressing at least five meetings a day.

The Congress fielded Rahul Gandhi, party’s state unit chief Sachin Pilot and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot in the campaign for the closely contested elections.

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati also campaigned in the state. The contest is mainly between the BJP and the Congress candidates in about 130 seats.

About 50 other seats will see contests in which rebel candidates from both major parties are in the fray, refusing to step down in favour of the official nominees.

Counting will take place on December 11.

(With inputs from agencies)

All arrangements related to voting and security have been put in place for Assembly elections in Rajasthan as the state goes to polls on Friday, December 7. A high-decibel campaign that witnessed several of election rallies and road shows across Rajasthan ended on Wednesday evening.

All arrangements related to voting and security have been put in place for Assembly elections in Rajasthan as the state goes to polls on Friday, December 7. A high-decibel campaign that witnessed several of election rallies and road shows across Rajasthan ended on Wednesday evening. Political pundits say that the battle for the Rajasthan assembly elections to be held on Friday is a close contest between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress. Voting will take place from 8 am to 5 pm on December 7 in 199 constituencies. 52,000 polling booths, including at least one all-women booth in each constituency, have been set up. A total of around 4.77 crore voters will exercise their right to vote to decide the fortune of 2,274 candidates who are in the fray. The campaigning in the largest state was highly occupied with the farmer issues, corruption, and the youth. The campaign also raised issues related to Hindutva, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi sparred over ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ slogans, and there was a row over the caste of Lord Hanuman. Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and several other Union ministers campaigned in the state, which the Bharatiya Janata Party is fighting to retain. Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje also crisscrossed the state, travelling by road and by air and addressing at least five meetings a day. The Congress fielded Rahul Gandhi, party’s state unit chief Sachin Pilot and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot in the campaign for the closely contested elections. Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati also campaigned in the state. The contest is mainly between the BJP and the Congress candidates in about 130 seats. About 50 other seats will see contests in which rebel candidates from both major parties are in the fray, refusing to step down in favour of the official nominees. Counting will take place on December 11. (With inputs from agencies)

Rajasthan set for polling in a bipolar contest between BJP and Congress

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday filed a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) on Saturday against Congress leader Raj Babbar.

According to reports, the complaint has been filed as Babbar allegedly made derogatory comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah.

The BJP also accused Raj Babbar of violating the Model Code of Conduct for the elections.&nbsp;

According to news agency ANI, Babbar, during a rally in Udaipur on Friday, reportedly said that two people from Gujarat were running a "gang" in Delhi.&nbsp;

Raj Babbar had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/he-doesnt-have-real-issues-to-talk-about-pm-modi-on-babbars-remark-for-his-mother-179136">previously compared the rupee&nbsp;slide</a> with the age of PM Modi's mother.

The Prime Minister retorted, "When one doesn't have real issues to talk about, he resorts to abusing somebody else's mother."

Rajasthan is slated to go to polls on Friday. The result for the 200-member Rajasthan assembly will be announced on December 11.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday filed a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) on Saturday against Congress leader Raj Babbar. According to reports, the complaint has been filed as Babbar allegedly made derogatory comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday filed a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) on Saturday against Congress leader Raj Babbar. According to reports, the complaint has been filed as Babbar allegedly made derogatory comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah. The BJP also accused Raj Babbar of violating the Model Code of Conduct for the elections. According to news agency ANI, Babbar, during a rally in Udaipur on Friday, reportedly said that two people from Gujarat were running a "gang" in Delhi. Raj Babbar had previously compared the rupee slide with the age of PM Modi's mother. The Prime Minister retorted, "When one doesn't have real issues to talk about, he resorts to abusing somebody else's mother." Rajasthan is slated to go to polls on Friday. The result for the 200-member Rajasthan assembly will be announced on December 11.

Rajasthan: BJP files plaint against Raj Babbar with EC for derogatory comments against PM Modi

Alleging that the TRS government in Telangana has failed to fulfill its promises, Chhattishgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh Saturday reminded TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao that elections cannot be won on false assurances.

Addressing an election rally in support of BJP's Khairatabad assembly constituency candidate Chintala Ramachandra Reddy here, he said he had interacted with people in some villages and towns and found they were not provided with two Bedroom Hall Kitchen houses as promised and there were no proper arrangements to purchase the crop of farmers.

"Over 4,500 farmers have committed suicide in the state and farmers are not getting Minimum Support Price for their crops. The poor haven't got two BHK houses and there is no development of the rural and urban areas," he alleged.

There was a need to undertake developmental works, Singh said.

"I can only say to Chief Minister (Rao), who just kept on making promises... Four years have passed since he made the promises and the state has been left backwards."

Singh said the election was an opportunity to 'teach a lesson to TRS' and take the message across to him that elections cannot be won on false promises, he said.

He appealed to the people to support BJP and elect the party in Telangana.

Raman Singh claimed that the BJP would again emerge victorious in Chhattisgarh for the fourth consecutive term, where Assembly elections were held recently.

He also attacked the Congress, saying that under the leadership of party chief Rahul Gandhi, the party has lost 18 of the 19 elections held in the country, "which was the result of his election campaigns."

Singh said he got an opportunity to take a backward state like Chhattisgarh on the developmental path and maintained that people who have seen the state in the last 15 years now say that it is now on par with developed states.

He said there is a need to defeat Congress and its allies in the coming elections and also the TRS, which has allied with 'communal forces'.

He urged people to elect Reddy with a double majority as against last time's vote margin, saying that he has been doing service-oriented works in the constituency.

Alleging that the TRS government in Telangana has failed to fulfill its promises, Chhattishgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh Saturday reminded TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao that elections cannot be won on false assurances.

Alleging that the TRS government in Telangana has failed to fulfill its promises, Chhattishgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh Saturday reminded TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao that elections cannot be won on false assurances. Addressing an election rally in support of BJP's Khairatabad assembly constituency candidate Chintala Ramachandra Reddy here, he said he had interacted with people in some villages and towns and found they were not provided with two Bedroom Hall Kitchen houses as promised and there were no proper arrangements to purchase the crop of farmers. "Over 4,500 farmers have committed suicide in the state and farmers are not getting Minimum Support Price for their crops. The poor haven't got two BHK houses and there is no development of the rural and urban areas," he alleged. There was a need to undertake developmental works, Singh said. "I can only say to Chief Minister (Rao), who just kept on making promises... Four years have passed since he made the promises and the state has been left backwards." Singh said the election was an opportunity to 'teach a lesson to TRS' and take the message across to him that elections cannot be won on false promises, he said. He appealed to the people to support BJP and elect the party in Telangana. Raman Singh claimed that the BJP would again emerge victorious in Chhattisgarh for the fourth consecutive term, where Assembly elections were held recently. He also attacked the Congress, saying that under the leadership of party chief Rahul Gandhi, the party has lost 18 of the 19 elections held in the country, "which was the result of his election campaigns." Singh said he got an opportunity to take a backward state like Chhattisgarh on the developmental path and maintained that people who have seen the state in the last 15 years now say that it is now on par with developed states. He said there is a need to defeat Congress and its allies in the coming elections and also the TRS, which has allied with 'communal forces'. He urged people to elect Reddy with a double majority as against last time's vote margin, saying that he has been doing service-oriented works in the constituency.

Telangana polls: Elections cannot be won on false promises; Raman Singh to Chandrasekhar Rao

Going beyond the slur used by Congress President Rahul Gandhi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Punjab minister Navjot Sidhu Saturday said even the ''watchman’s dog''&nbsp;was into stealing.

Addressing an election rally at Khairthal in Alwar district, Sidhu alleged corruption in the Modi government’s deal with France to purchase 36 Rafale military aircraft, a charge repeatedly denied by the Centre.

He claimed the plane worth Rs 500 crore was being bought for Rs 1,600 crore.

The crowd chanted, ''chowkidar chor hai (the watchman is a thief).''

The slogan was given by Gandhi who had earlier mocked Modi’s claim that he will act like ''watchman'' against graft in the country.

''Even the watchman’s dog is involved,'' Sidhu then said. He claimed the BJP government’s 'Make in India' slogan had not yielded results, saying the government had a deal on Rafale with France and on the bullet train with Japan.

He claimed the Sardar Patel statue recently installed in Gujarat was “bought from China”.

''Will the people of the country fry pakodas?'' he said. Sidhu said he will quit politics if his allegations are proved false.

''You have broken the back of farmers. You do not belong to the poor farmers but to Ambani and Adani. You have become puppet of the industrialists,'' Sidhu charged, targeting Modi.

He also lashed out at Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. ''The maharani is sitting in the fort and ruling the state,'' he said.

He said women are not safe in the state which records a high number of rapes.

Assembly polls will be held in Rajasthan on December 7.

Going beyond the slur used by Congress President Rahul Gandhi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Punjab minister Navjot Sidhu Saturday said even the ''watchman’s dog'' was into stealing.

Going beyond the slur used by Congress President Rahul Gandhi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Punjab minister Navjot Sidhu Saturday said even the ''watchman’s dog'' was into stealing. Addressing an election rally at Khairthal in Alwar district, Sidhu alleged corruption in the Modi government’s deal with France to purchase 36 Rafale military aircraft, a charge repeatedly denied by the Centre. He claimed the plane worth Rs 500 crore was being bought for Rs 1,600 crore. The crowd chanted, ''chowkidar chor hai (the watchman is a thief).'' The slogan was given by Gandhi who had earlier mocked Modi’s claim that he will act like ''watchman'' against graft in the country. ''Even the watchman’s dog is involved,'' Sidhu then said. He claimed the BJP government’s 'Make in India' slogan had not yielded results, saying the government had a deal on Rafale with France and on the bullet train with Japan. He claimed the Sardar Patel statue recently installed in Gujarat was “bought from China”. ''Will the people of the country fry pakodas?'' he said. Sidhu said he will quit politics if his allegations are proved false. ''You have broken the back of farmers. You do not belong to the poor farmers but to Ambani and Adani. You have become puppet of the industrialists,'' Sidhu charged, targeting Modi. He also lashed out at Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. ''The maharani is sitting in the fort and ruling the state,'' he said. He said women are not safe in the state which records a high number of rapes. Assembly polls will be held in Rajasthan on December 7.

Navjot Singh Sidhu repeats thief slur against PM Modi

BJP chief Amit Shah on Saturday reacted to Congress president Rahul Gandhi's remark wherein he accuses PM Modi having used surgical strikes as a "political asset."

Shah, during a rally in Rajasthan's Phalodi, slammed Gandhi stating that the Congress chief has insulted country's soldiers by his comments.&nbsp;

"Rahul Gandhi is insulting country's soldiers in the issue of surgical strikes," Shah stated.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched an attack on the Prime Minister during an event in Udaipur in Rajasthan, stating that PM Modi used surgical strikes as a "political asset."

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Rahul Gandhi in Udaipur, Rajasthan: What the Army would have liked was we'll do it, it's beneficial if nobody knows we did it. But Mr Modi didn't want that. He was fighting an election in UP &amp; he was losing it. So he did it to turn a military asset into a political asset.
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"Mr Narendra Modi actually reached into Army's domain and shaped their surgical strike, he turned their surgical strike into a political asset when it actually was a military decision," Gandhi stated.&nbsp;

"Do you know that like Mr Narendra Modi's surgical strike, Manmohan Singh ji did that 3 times? When Army came to Mr Manmohan Singh and said we need to retaliate against Pak for what they've done they also said we wanted to be secret, for our own purposes," Gandhi added.

Shah and Gandhi have been on a campaigning-spree in poll-bound Rajasthan. The BJP-ruled state is headed for assembly elections on December 7, votes will be counted on December 11.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

BJP chief Amit Shah on Saturday reacted to Congress president Rahul Gandhi's remark wherein he accuses PM Modi having used surgical strikes as a "political asset.

BJP chief Amit Shah on Saturday reacted to Congress president Rahul Gandhi's remark wherein he accuses PM Modi having used surgical strikes as a "political asset." Shah, during a rally in Rajasthan's Phalodi, slammed Gandhi stating that the Congress chief has insulted country's soldiers by his comments. "Rahul Gandhi is insulting country's soldiers in the issue of surgical strikes," Shah stated. Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched an attack on the Prime Minister during an event in Udaipur in Rajasthan, stating that PM Modi used surgical strikes as a "political asset." Rahul Gandhi in Udaipur, Rajasthan: What the Army would have liked was we'll do it, it's beneficial if nobody knows we did it. But Mr Modi didn't want that. He was fighting an election in UP & he was losing it. So he did it to turn a military asset into a political asset. — ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2018 × "Mr Narendra Modi actually reached into Army's domain and shaped their surgical strike, he turned their surgical strike into a political asset when it actually was a military decision," Gandhi stated. "Do you know that like Mr Narendra Modi's surgical strike, Manmohan Singh ji did that 3 times? When Army came to Mr Manmohan Singh and said we need to retaliate against Pak for what they've done they also said we wanted to be secret, for our own purposes," Gandhi added. Shah and Gandhi have been on a campaigning-spree in poll-bound Rajasthan. The BJP-ruled state is headed for assembly elections on December 7, votes will be counted on December 11.

He is insulting country's soldiers: Amit Shah on Rahul Gandhi's 'surgical strikes' jibe on PM Modi

The BJP accused the Congress Thursday of copying its manifesto for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-polls-in-bjp-vs-congress-fight-a-third-front-takes-shape-180025">Rajasthan Assembly polls</a> scheduled to be held on December 7.

While talking to reporters in Rajasthan, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said most of the public welfare issues in the Congress's manifesto were already raised by the BJP.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-promises-farm-loan-waiver-unemployment-allowance-to-youths-in-rajasthan-180149">Congress in its election manifesto </a>released Thursday made promises like loan waiver to farmers, free education to girls and women, unemployment allowance of up to Rs 3,500 to educated youth and pension to elderly farmers, among others.

"The Congress has released its manifesto four days after the BJP did so. But surprisingly, no mind was applied by the Congress in drafting it, which contained most of the issues mentioned by the BJP in its manifesto," Shekhawat claimed.

He said the Congress has misled the people by producing a "tampered version" of the BJP's announcements ahead of the elections.

Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also slammed the Congress, saying the party was deceiving the people of Rajasthan with the announcements ahead of the elections.&nbsp;

"The Congress has talked about waiving-off loans of farmers. They had made a similar promise in Punjab and Karnataka before election, but did not waive-off loans worth a single penny," Meghwal said in a statement.

While referring to the Right to Health announcement made by the Congress in its election manifesto, the Union Water Resources minister said the scheme was a replica of the BJP's Ayushman Bharat.&nbsp;

Briefing about electioneering in the poll-bound state, he said the BJP will run a 'Kamal Diya' campaign across the state on Friday during which the party workers will contact 51 lakh beneficiaries of various government schemes.&nbsp;

The BJP accused the Congress Thursday of copying its manifesto for the Rajasthan Assembly polls scheduled to be held on December 7. While talking to reporters in Rajasthan, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said most of the public welfare issues in the Congress's manifesto were already raised by the BJP.

The BJP accused the Congress Thursday of copying its manifesto for the Rajasthan Assembly polls scheduled to be held on December 7. While talking to reporters in Rajasthan, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said most of the public welfare issues in the Congress's manifesto were already raised by the BJP. The Congress in its election manifesto released Thursday made promises like loan waiver to farmers, free education to girls and women, unemployment allowance of up to Rs 3,500 to educated youth and pension to elderly farmers, among others. "The Congress has released its manifesto four days after the BJP did so. But surprisingly, no mind was applied by the Congress in drafting it, which contained most of the issues mentioned by the BJP in its manifesto," Shekhawat claimed. He said the Congress has misled the people by producing a "tampered version" of the BJP's announcements ahead of the elections. Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also slammed the Congress, saying the party was deceiving the people of Rajasthan with the announcements ahead of the elections. "The Congress has talked about waiving-off loans of farmers. They had made a similar promise in Punjab and Karnataka before election, but did not waive-off loans worth a single penny," Meghwal said in a statement. While referring to the Right to Health announcement made by the Congress in its election manifesto, the Union Water Resources minister said the scheme was a replica of the BJP's Ayushman Bharat. Briefing about electioneering in the poll-bound state, he said the BJP will run a 'Kamal Diya' campaign across the state on Friday during which the party workers will contact 51 lakh beneficiaries of various government schemes.

BJP accuses Congress of copying manifesto for Rajasthan Assembly polls

The Congress on Thursday announced farm loan waiver, allowance to educated unemployed youths, and Accountability Bill among a slew of promises in its manifesto to win the Rajasthan assembly polls, scheduled for December 7.

Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) president Sachin Pilot and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot released the manifesto in the presence of other party leaders.

"Our manifesto is not just a document, but a commitment," said Pilot.

With a view to empowering girls in a holistic manner, the Congress leader said, "Our government, if formed, will bear the entire education expenses of girls.

We will finance their entire education," he added.

Pilot said that unemployed educated youths would get Rs 3,500 as monthly allowance.

"We will also give jobs to them and easy loans so that they set up their own businesses too," he said.

Moreover, students will get free travel facilities to appear in the examination, he added.

"The Congress will waive off farmers` loan once the party forms the government in the state. Farm equipment will be freed from the Goods and Services Tax (GST)," he said, adding that old farmers would get pension.

He also promised to set up the `Gauchar Bhumi Board` which will ensure that cows are provided with adequate fodder.

"If the Congress is voted to power, we will make college and university curriculum industry-friendly. We will also form a board for the workers of unorganised sector so that they are taken care of in a better manner," he said.

Pilot also said the Congress, if voted to power, will bring the Accountability Bill within 30 days of coming to power.

The former union minister also said it was the people`s thought which was embodied in the manifesto, and not that of the Congress.

"The BJP should apologise to the people of the state for not fulfilling its promises. The BJP, which kept the people jobless for five years, is now talking about allowance to them. We ascertained the views and suggestions of 2 lakh people on different digital platforms (to create the manifesto)," he added.

The Congress on Thursday announced farm loan waiver, allowance to educated unemployed youths, and Accountability Bill among a slew of promises in its manifesto to win the Rajasthan assembly polls, scheduled for December 7.

The Congress on Thursday announced farm loan waiver, allowance to educated unemployed youths, and Accountability Bill among a slew of promises in its manifesto to win the Rajasthan assembly polls, scheduled for December 7. Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) president Sachin Pilot and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot released the manifesto in the presence of other party leaders. "Our manifesto is not just a document, but a commitment," said Pilot. With a view to empowering girls in a holistic manner, the Congress leader said, "Our government, if formed, will bear the entire education expenses of girls. We will finance their entire education," he added. Pilot said that unemployed educated youths would get Rs 3,500 as monthly allowance. "We will also give jobs to them and easy loans so that they set up their own businesses too," he said. Moreover, students will get free travel facilities to appear in the examination, he added. "The Congress will waive off farmers` loan once the party forms the government in the state. Farm equipment will be freed from the Goods and Services Tax (GST)," he said, adding that old farmers would get pension. He also promised to set up the `Gauchar Bhumi Board` which will ensure that cows are provided with adequate fodder. "If the Congress is voted to power, we will make college and university curriculum industry-friendly. We will also form a board for the workers of unorganised sector so that they are taken care of in a better manner," he said. Pilot also said the Congress, if voted to power, will bring the Accountability Bill within 30 days of coming to power. The former union minister also said it was the people`s thought which was embodied in the manifesto, and not that of the Congress. "The BJP should apologise to the people of the state for not fulfilling its promises. The BJP, which kept the people jobless for five years, is now talking about allowance to them. We ascertained the views and suggestions of 2 lakh people on different digital platforms (to create the manifesto)," he added.

Congress promises farm loan waiver, unemployment allowance to youths in Rajasthan

Campaigning for the December 7 Rajasthan Assembly polls intensified Monday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BSP chief Mayawati addressing a total of 17 public meetings in the state.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders attacked the Congress with PM Modi leading from the front, slamming the opposition party over its stand on terrorism, Naxalism and tribal development among others, while Gandhi said farm loans would be waived if the Congress formed the government in the state and asked his party workers not to use any bad word against the prime minister and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.

While the prime minister was in Bhilwara, Dungarpur and Kota, Gandhi visited the Ajmer dargah and Pushkar, before addressing rallies at Pokhran (in Jaisalmer district), Jalore and Jodhpur. 
Adityanath addressed five rallies in Nagaur, Sikar, Churu, Bikaner and Jaisalmer districts.

Rajnath Singh took part in two rallies at Dholpur and as many in Jaipur district, while Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati addressed rallies at Jhunjhunu and Jaipur.

Both Gandhi and Adityanath addressed meetings in support of the candidates of their respective parties in the Pokhran constituency, whereas Mayawati and Rajnath Singh held separate rallies in the Amber constituency in Jaipur.

Highlighting the importance of every single vote, both PM Modi and Gandhi exuded confidence that their respective parties will form the government in the state after December 7.

At the Kota rally, the prime minister said, "Your votes will empower PM Modi. Your votes will bring changes in the country."

"Broadband network reached one lakh villages, 2.5 to 3 lakh kms of optical-fibre line was laid, 12 crore LPG connections, better roads were given in four-and-a-half years of the BJP government at the Centre. Your one vote has provided speed to the country. It has the power to change the country and shape its future," he said.

PM Modi alleged that the Congress had no issues and therefore, was making casteist remarks. Rajnath Singh and Adityanath also targeted Gandhi.

At Ratangarh, Adityanath said the Congress chief was the guarantee of defeat for his party's candidates.

"No Congress candidate wants Rahul Gandhi in his constituency because Gandhi means defeat," he said.

On the other hand, the Congress president said farm loans would be waived within 10 days if his party formed the government in the state.

He also said PM Modi and Raje were left with no issues as they had made false promises and broke people's trust, adding that now they were spreading hatred and anger.

Gandhi, who visited the Ajmer dargah and the Pushkar lake before addressing the rallies, said the Congress government would restart the free medicines scheme and put public money in improving the infrastructure in hospitals, schools and disbursing loans to the youth.

He also cornered the prime minister on the issues of the Rafale deal, demonetisation, favouring top industrialists and the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

State Congress chief Sachin Pilot, who is contesting the upcoming polls from Tonk, and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, the party's candidate from Jodhpur's Sardarpura constituency, accompanied Gandhi at the rallies.

Mayawati, on the other hand, termed both the BJP and Congress "anti-Dalit and anti-poor" and alleged that the two parties wanted to abolish reservation in government jobs. She addressed two rallies in Jhunjhunu and in Jaipur district.

The 200-member Rajasthan Assembly will go to the polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.&nbsp;

Campaigning for the December 7 Rajasthan Assembly polls intensified Monday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BSP chief Mayawati addressing a total of 17 public meetings in the state.

Campaigning for the December 7 Rajasthan Assembly polls intensified Monday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BSP chief Mayawati addressing a total of 17 public meetings in the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders attacked the Congress with PM Modi leading from the front, slamming the opposition party over its stand on terrorism, Naxalism and tribal development among others, while Gandhi said farm loans would be waived if the Congress formed the government in the state and asked his party workers not to use any bad word against the prime minister and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. While the prime minister was in Bhilwara, Dungarpur and Kota, Gandhi visited the Ajmer dargah and Pushkar, before addressing rallies at Pokhran (in Jaisalmer district), Jalore and Jodhpur. Adityanath addressed five rallies in Nagaur, Sikar, Churu, Bikaner and Jaisalmer districts. Rajnath Singh took part in two rallies at Dholpur and as many in Jaipur district, while Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati addressed rallies at Jhunjhunu and Jaipur. Both Gandhi and Adityanath addressed meetings in support of the candidates of their respective parties in the Pokhran constituency, whereas Mayawati and Rajnath Singh held separate rallies in the Amber constituency in Jaipur. Highlighting the importance of every single vote, both PM Modi and Gandhi exuded confidence that their respective parties will form the government in the state after December 7. At the Kota rally, the prime minister said, "Your votes will empower PM Modi. Your votes will bring changes in the country." "Broadband network reached one lakh villages, 2.5 to 3 lakh kms of optical-fibre line was laid, 12 crore LPG connections, better roads were given in four-and-a-half years of the BJP government at the Centre. Your one vote has provided speed to the country. It has the power to change the country and shape its future," he said. PM Modi alleged that the Congress had no issues and therefore, was making casteist remarks. Rajnath Singh and Adityanath also targeted Gandhi. At Ratangarh, Adityanath said the Congress chief was the guarantee of defeat for his party's candidates. "No Congress candidate wants Rahul Gandhi in his constituency because Gandhi means defeat," he said. On the other hand, the Congress president said farm loans would be waived within 10 days if his party formed the government in the state. He also said PM Modi and Raje were left with no issues as they had made false promises and broke people's trust, adding that now they were spreading hatred and anger. Gandhi, who visited the Ajmer dargah and the Pushkar lake before addressing the rallies, said the Congress government would restart the free medicines scheme and put public money in improving the infrastructure in hospitals, schools and disbursing loans to the youth. He also cornered the prime minister on the issues of the Rafale deal, demonetisation, favouring top industrialists and the Goods and Services Tax (GST). State Congress chief Sachin Pilot, who is contesting the upcoming polls from Tonk, and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, the party's candidate from Jodhpur's Sardarpura constituency, accompanied Gandhi at the rallies. Mayawati, on the other hand, termed both the BJP and Congress "anti-Dalit and anti-poor" and alleged that the two parties wanted to abolish reservation in government jobs. She addressed two rallies in Jhunjhunu and in Jaipur district. The 200-member Rajasthan Assembly will go to the polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.

Campaigning for polls gathers steam in Rajasthan

Going all out to woo farmers and the youth in poll-bound Rajasthan, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Monday promised to waive farm loans within 10 days if his party was voted to power in the state and said the Congress chief minister would work 18 hours a day to help youngsters get jobs.

Speaking at election rallies in different parts of the state, he also described the Congress workers as "sher" (tiger) and "babbar sher" (lion) and said they had to fight at the polling booth, but gently, unlike the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers.

Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, Gandhi, who began his day by visiting the Ajmer dargah, the Pushkar lake and the Brahma temple, said the two leaders had become arrogant after winning elections, did not hear the voice of the people, made false promises and broke people's trust, adding that now they were left with nothing and therefore, spreading hatred and anger.

"You (people) are going to make the Congress party's government in the state. Within 10 days of government formation, the Congress will waive farm loans in the state. You can call and ask any farmer in Punjab and Karnataka, where I made the same promise and our governments fulfilled that," he said, addressing the first rally in Jaisalmer's Pokhran area.

Gandhi asserted that he and other Congress leaders like Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot will speak the truth and make promises only if they could fulfil those.

"The bond between you and me should be that of transparency. Many things can be done by being truthful," he said.

"The chief minister of the Congress will work for 18 hours a day and will be engaged in getting the youth jobs. We will put public money in improving the facilities in government hospitals, schools and setting up universities. The vacant posts will be filled and the youth will be given loans to start their own business, factories," he said, while alleging that the Modi government only worked for the top 15 industrialists in the country.

Gandhi said the free medicines scheme introduced by the previous Congress government in the state will be restarted after his party formed the government.

He also attacked the prime minister over the Rafale deal, demonetisation, GST and other issues.

Gandhi said when demonetisation destroyed the informal sector, those who had to stand in queues in front of banks were farmers, labourers, small-scale businessmen etc., but those who had black money got it changed to white in the air-conditioned chambers of the banks with the help of Modi.

He said Modi was left with nothing to speak and thus, he was lying, but the people had understood him well.

Gandhi also accused the prime minister of insulting the youth, farmers, labourers of the country as well as their parents and grandparents with his statement from the Red Fort that the "elephant was sleeping".

"He meant that the country was sleeping before he became the prime minister. This is an insult to your parents and grandparents, who put their efforts and labour and contributed in taking the country to the present stage," he said in Jodhpur.

Targeting Raje, Gandhi said in an advertisement, she had talked about a school in Bharatpur and said it had fans, furniture, drinking water, playground etc., but when journalists went there, they found that the school had nothing -- no fan, no drinking water.

The Congress chief told the party workers not to speak ill about the prime minister or the chief minister.

"You are the soldiers of the Congress and not RSS or BJP workers. Fight with manners. Do not use any bad word for anyone, be it the PM or the CM. It is their work to abuse, not ours. We will speak good of them," he said.

"You hear their speeches and compare with ours. Listen to the way Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot are addressing them. They are addressing them as Modiji, Vasundharaji with manners. On the other hand, they are spreading hatred and anger," Gandhi said.

In Jalore, the Congress chief said the December 7 Assembly election was a fight for the future of the people of Rajasthan.

"This is the fight for your future. You will not get false promises from this stage," he said.

"They (BJP) took people's money and gave it to the top 15 industrialists, which should have gone to hospitals, schools, for employment etc. Tell me one thing, why all these names are Modi -- Neerav Modi, Lalit Modi, Narendra Modi -- all are one. Wherever you see, they are the same names. Someone took Rs 10,000 crore, someone Rs 35,000 crore and one gave Rs 30,000 crore to his friend," Gandhi alleged. He also raised questions on the bullet train project.

Gandhi also accused the BJP of practising divisive politics by alleging that Modi had created two India -- one for the rich and the other for the poor -- and added that the Congress wanted one India.

Gandhi began his election meetings after offering prayers at the Ajmer dargah, the Pushkar lake and the Brahma temple.

He presented a "chadar", along with state Congress chief Pilot and former chief minister Gehlot, at the dargah, where the traditional "khadim" of his family made him perform the "ziyarat".

Gandhi was honoured by the president of the Anjuman committee, Moin Chisty. The Nazim of the Dargah committee, Shakil Ahmed, also honoured the Congress chief.

Gandhi then visited the Pushkar sarovar and the Brahma temple and offered prayers there.

Going all out to woo farmers and the youth in poll-bound Rajasthan, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Monday promised to waive farm loans within 10 days if his party was voted to power in the state and said the Congress chief minister would work 18 hours a day to help youngsters get jobs.

Going all out to woo farmers and the youth in poll-bound Rajasthan, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Monday promised to waive farm loans within 10 days if his party was voted to power in the state and said the Congress chief minister would work 18 hours a day to help youngsters get jobs. Speaking at election rallies in different parts of the state, he also described the Congress workers as "sher" (tiger) and "babbar sher" (lion) and said they had to fight at the polling booth, but gently, unlike the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers. Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, Gandhi, who began his day by visiting the Ajmer dargah, the Pushkar lake and the Brahma temple, said the two leaders had become arrogant after winning elections, did not hear the voice of the people, made false promises and broke people's trust, adding that now they were left with nothing and therefore, spreading hatred and anger. "You (people) are going to make the Congress party's government in the state. Within 10 days of government formation, the Congress will waive farm loans in the state. You can call and ask any farmer in Punjab and Karnataka, where I made the same promise and our governments fulfilled that," he said, addressing the first rally in Jaisalmer's Pokhran area. Gandhi asserted that he and other Congress leaders like Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot will speak the truth and make promises only if they could fulfil those. "The bond between you and me should be that of transparency. Many things can be done by being truthful," he said. "The chief minister of the Congress will work for 18 hours a day and will be engaged in getting the youth jobs. We will put public money in improving the facilities in government hospitals, schools and setting up universities. The vacant posts will be filled and the youth will be given loans to start their own business, factories," he said, while alleging that the Modi government only worked for the top 15 industrialists in the country. Gandhi said the free medicines scheme introduced by the previous Congress government in the state will be restarted after his party formed the government. He also attacked the prime minister over the Rafale deal, demonetisation, GST and other issues. Gandhi said when demonetisation destroyed the informal sector, those who had to stand in queues in front of banks were farmers, labourers, small-scale businessmen etc., but those who had black money got it changed to white in the air-conditioned chambers of the banks with the help of Modi. He said Modi was left with nothing to speak and thus, he was lying, but the people had understood him well. Gandhi also accused the prime minister of insulting the youth, farmers, labourers of the country as well as their parents and grandparents with his statement from the Red Fort that the "elephant was sleeping". "He meant that the country was sleeping before he became the prime minister. This is an insult to your parents and grandparents, who put their efforts and labour and contributed in taking the country to the present stage," he said in Jodhpur. Targeting Raje, Gandhi said in an advertisement, she had talked about a school in Bharatpur and said it had fans, furniture, drinking water, playground etc., but when journalists went there, they found that the school had nothing -- no fan, no drinking water. The Congress chief told the party workers not to speak ill about the prime minister or the chief minister. "You are the soldiers of the Congress and not RSS or BJP workers. Fight with manners. Do not use any bad word for anyone, be it the PM or the CM. It is their work to abuse, not ours. We will speak good of them," he said. "You hear their speeches and compare with ours. Listen to the way Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot are addressing them. They are addressing them as Modiji, Vasundharaji with manners. On the other hand, they are spreading hatred and anger," Gandhi said. In Jalore, the Congress chief said the December 7 Assembly election was a fight for the future of the people of Rajasthan. "This is the fight for your future. You will not get false promises from this stage," he said. "They (BJP) took people's money and gave it to the top 15 industrialists, which should have gone to hospitals, schools, for employment etc. Tell me one thing, why all these names are Modi -- Neerav Modi, Lalit Modi, Narendra Modi -- all are one. Wherever you see, they are the same names. Someone took Rs 10,000 crore, someone Rs 35,000 crore and one gave Rs 30,000 crore to his friend," Gandhi alleged. He also raised questions on the bullet train project. Gandhi also accused the BJP of practising divisive politics by alleging that Modi had created two India -- one for the rich and the other for the poor -- and added that the Congress wanted one India. Gandhi began his election meetings after offering prayers at the Ajmer dargah, the Pushkar lake and the Brahma temple. He presented a "chadar", along with state Congress chief Pilot and former chief minister Gehlot, at the dargah, where the traditional "khadim" of his family made him perform the "ziyarat". Gandhi was honoured by the president of the Anjuman committee, Moin Chisty. The Nazim of the Dargah committee, Shakil Ahmed, also honoured the Congress chief. Gandhi then visited the Pushkar sarovar and the Brahma temple and offered prayers there.

Rahul promises farm loan waiver, jobs to youth in Rajasthan

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday lashed out at Rahul Gandhi-led Congress, saying that the day the Congress announces their chief ministerial candidate for Rajasthan, it will have a breakdown.

"Kyunki jis din neta ke naam ki ghosna kar denge yahan par Congress party khand khand ho jayegi," Singh stated during a rally in poll-bound Rajasthan's Dholpur.&nbsp;

He further added that the Congress is not able to muster the courage to announce the name of their leader or the chief ministerial candidate.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Kyunki jis din neta ke naam ki ghosna kar denge yahan par Congress party khand khand ho jayegi. Sahas nahi juta pa rahe hai ki woh apne neta ya mukhya mantri ki ghosna kar de. Yani baarat to unhone nikal di lekin dulhe ka koi pata nahi hai: Home Minister Rajnath Singh (26.11) <a href="https://t.co/ABFSPW9wSF">pic.twitter.com/ABFSPW9wSF</a>
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"The Congress has entered into the electoral battle, but they can't answer if you ask them about their leader," he said.

The Congress has many chief ministerial aspirants in Rajasthan, former CM Ashok Gehlot and young leader Sachin Pilot are in the fight for the top office. The BJP was quick to announce Vasundhara Raje as its leader and chief ministerial candidate for the state much ahead of this year's election season.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-runs-government-comparatively-better-than-congress-rajnath-singh-in-madhya-pradesh-178639">Last week, Rajnath Singh claimed</a> that the BJP has run the government "comparatively better" than the Congress and blamed the opposition party for a "credibility crisis" in politics after Independence.

Talking to reporters in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, Singh asserted that the country was currently witnessing "acche din" (good days) and it was a matter of perception of how people saw it.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday lashed out at Rahul Gandhi-led Congress, saying that the day the Congress announces their chief ministerial candidate for Rajasthan, it will have a breakdown.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday lashed out at Rahul Gandhi-led Congress, saying that the day the Congress announces their chief ministerial candidate for Rajasthan, it will have a breakdown. "Kyunki jis din neta ke naam ki ghosna kar denge yahan par Congress party khand khand ho jayegi," Singh stated during a rally in poll-bound Rajasthan's Dholpur. He further added that the Congress is not able to muster the courage to announce the name of their leader or the chief ministerial candidate. Kyunki jis din neta ke naam ki ghosna kar denge yahan par Congress party khand khand ho jayegi. Sahas nahi juta pa rahe hai ki woh apne neta ya mukhya mantri ki ghosna kar de. Yani baarat to unhone nikal di lekin dulhe ka koi pata nahi hai: Home Minister Rajnath Singh (26.11) pic.twitter.com/ABFSPW9wSF — ANI (@ANI) November 26, 2018 × "The Congress has entered into the electoral battle, but they can't answer if you ask them about their leader," he said. The Congress has many chief ministerial aspirants in Rajasthan, former CM Ashok Gehlot and young leader Sachin Pilot are in the fight for the top office. The BJP was quick to announce Vasundhara Raje as its leader and chief ministerial candidate for the state much ahead of this year's election season. Last week, Rajnath Singh claimed that the BJP has run the government "comparatively better" than the Congress and blamed the opposition party for a "credibility crisis" in politics after Independence. Talking to reporters in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, Singh asserted that the country was currently witnessing "acche din" (good days) and it was a matter of perception of how people saw it.

Congress will have a breakdown once it announces CM candidate for Rajasthan: Rajnath Singh 

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its manifesto for poll-bound state Rajasthan. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley released the script of party's agenda for the state if it comes to power this December. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar and incumbent Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje were also present on the occasion.&nbsp;

The party leaders said that the BJP had met 95 per cent of the promises it had made in 2013.&nbsp;

"The overall completion is 95 per cent," Raje said.

She also highlighted several points of the 2018 manifesto, saying 50 lakh jobs will be created in private sector in next five years in Rajasthan and every year, 30,000 jobs will be given in the government sector, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The chief minister also said up to Rs 5,000 per month will be given as unemployment allowance to eligible youths above the age of 21 years.

The saffron party in its manifesto for Madhya Pradesh promised 10 lakh jobs per year to youths and welfare of all sections of society, among the other major promises made for the November 28.

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Jaipur: BJP releases party manifesto for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZA0x4ZmepO">pic.twitter.com/ZA0x4ZmepO</a>
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For Chhattisgarh, the party, in its manifesto, promised to build a film city in the state and journalist welfare board. BJP chief Amit Shah also assured that the BJP government will provide loans up to 2 lakh without interest to women for starting their business in Chattisgarh.&nbsp;

Rajasthan is set to go to polls on December, the votes will counted on December 11.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje is set to challenge&nbsp;anti-incumbency, she is BJP's chief ministerial candidate this term as well. Congress, on the other hand, &nbsp;has many chief ministerial aspirants in Rajasthan, former CM Ashok Gehlot and young leader Sachin Pilot are in the fight for the top office.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its manifesto for poll-bound state Rajasthan. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley released the script of party's agenda for the state if it comes to power this December.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its manifesto for poll-bound state Rajasthan. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley released the script of party's agenda for the state if it comes to power this December. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar and incumbent Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje were also present on the occasion. The party leaders said that the BJP had met 95 per cent of the promises it had made in 2013. "The overall completion is 95 per cent," Raje said. She also highlighted several points of the 2018 manifesto, saying 50 lakh jobs will be created in private sector in next five years in Rajasthan and every year, 30,000 jobs will be given in the government sector, news agency PTI reported. The chief minister also said up to Rs 5,000 per month will be given as unemployment allowance to eligible youths above the age of 21 years. The saffron party in its manifesto for Madhya Pradesh promised 10 lakh jobs per year to youths and welfare of all sections of society, among the other major promises made for the November 28. Jaipur: BJP releases party manifesto for #RajasthanElections2018 pic.twitter.com/ZA0x4ZmepO — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2018 × For Chhattisgarh, the party, in its manifesto, promised to build a film city in the state and journalist welfare board. BJP chief Amit Shah also assured that the BJP government will provide loans up to 2 lakh without interest to women for starting their business in Chattisgarh. Rajasthan is set to go to polls on December, the votes will counted on December 11. Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje is set to challenge anti-incumbency, she is BJP's chief ministerial candidate this term as well. Congress, on the other hand, has many chief ministerial aspirants in Rajasthan, former CM Ashok Gehlot and young leader Sachin Pilot are in the fight for the top office.

Rajasthan polls: BJP releases manifesto, promises 50 lakh jobs in private sector

In north-west Rajasthan's Alwar, the BJP would go to the people banking on the developmental works, it claims, its government did in the last five years, amid the Congress' assertion of no growth and progress at all in the area.

The Congress accused the BJP of failing in providing drinking water and roads besides inducing an all out developmental lag in the district, notified as part of the National Capital Region.

The saffron party, however, has countered the Congress' claim citing benefits of the Centre's Ujjwala scheme and state's Bhamashah scheme.

Alwar with its 11 assembly seats, spread across 8,380 sq kms, has a population of 36.74 lakh with females constituting over 17.35 lakh, according to the 2011 census. About 30.17 lakh of them reside in rural areas.

As per the 2013 assembly polls figures, Alwar's eleven assembly segments together had a total of 20,62,966 voters, including 11,08,086 males, 9,54,880 females and 13,572 service voters.

Alwar's total population includes around 9 lakh scheduled castes and scheduled tribes with Mevs of Muslim community having a sizeable presence in constituencies like Tijara and Ramgarh, infamous for mob lynchings by cow vigilantes.

In the 2013 assembly elections, the BJP had won nine out of 11 seats in Alwar but the election figures thrown up after a 2018 Lok Sabha bypolls, necessitated due to the death of Alwar's BJP MP Mahant Chandnath Yogi show that the electoral winds that blew in the favour BJP during the 2013 assembly elections, might have reversed in the favour of the Congress.

The Alwar Lok Sabha seat falling vacant by Yogi's death was grabbed by Karan Singh Yadav of the Congress with a huge margin of over 1.96 lakh votes and he had demonstrated an edge over the BJP in most of the 11 assembly seats within the Alwar Lok Sabha constituency.

Yadav now is contesting the upcoming assembly polls from Alwar, imparting the requisite impetus to the Congress in all assembly segments across Alwar, where it had established a clear lead over the BJP.

"Our only agenda is development, the usual one since beginning. We want to fight the polls on basis of developmental works done in Rajasthan by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje," BJP's Alwar unit chief Sanjay Singh Narooka told PTI.

He said the BJP government has worked for upliftment of the poor, who have been largely benefitted from the healthcare schemes like Bhamashah and government's initiatives on education.

The BJP has provided LPG gas connections to the households and a Rs 1,000 crore worth Amrit scheme was being implemented to resolve the drinking water problem in Alwar, which falls in 'dark zone', he added.

"The Congress only used to talk about working for the poor, but the BJP has positively worked for it," Narooka asserted.

On the issue of civic amenities, he said the focus has been on developing the rural areas with "Gaurav Paths", as well as the urban streets, which had been in bad shape due to improper sewer lines in the city.

The Congress' Alwar unit chief Tikaram Jully, however, sought to enlist a slew of shortcomings in the BJP's governance and developmental works in Alwar district.

He said the previous Congress government in the state had secured the Centre's approval for several projects, including one for the establishment of an ESIC medical college and hospital in Alwar, but the BJP failed to pursue it.

He claimed the medical college plan was cancelled because the BJP could not identify the site for the medical college in five years.

He said the work on a university and 12 paramilitary recruitment and training centres that were brought to Alwar by the previous Congress regime have been going on at a snail's pace for the last five years during the present regime.

Even the height of a mini secretariat which had been proposed to be a five-storey structure has been reduced to a three-storey one by the Raje government, he said.

"These works could have emerged as milestones in the development of Alwar," said Jully, who will be contesting the assembly polls from one of the assembly seats in the Alwar district.

On the national level, he said, the BJP talked of building Ram temple, cleaning the Ganga and making smart cities, but it was the Congress which introduced the schemes like MNREGA, the Food Security Act, Indira Awas Yojna and the Right to Information Act among others.

Additionally, Jully said, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's had distributed laptops to youths under the Digital Education scheme in the state.

"The BJP government has only reduced the number of beneficiaries in various public welfare schemes like the pension schemes and the food security programme.

"Promises of jobs to the youths and doubling the farmers' income have so far remained unfulfilled. They neither waived the farmers' loan nor bought their crops at the enhanced 'minimum support price as promised," he alleged.

Jully said the Congress was now focussing on farmers, youths, middle class and small traders and exuded confidence of adding to the momentum established during its victory in the Alwar Lok Sabha bypoll.&nbsp;

The elections to the 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan would be held on December 7 and its results will be declared on December 11.

In 2013,the BJP had won 8 out of 11 seats in Alwar with a vote share of 41.6 per cent. The Congress had been able to manage victory on a single seat with its vote share being just 26.8 per cent.

Eleven assembly segments of Alwar are Alwar urban, Alwar rural, Tijara, Ramgarh, Behror, Bansur, Kishangarh-Bas, Thanagazi, Kathumar, Mundawar and Rajgarh-Laxmangarh. Two of these assembly seats are reserved

In north-west Rajasthan's Alwar, the BJP would go to the people banking on the developmental works, it claims, its government did in the last five years, amid the Congress' assertion of no growth and progress at all in the area.

In north-west Rajasthan's Alwar, the BJP would go to the people banking on the developmental works, it claims, its government did in the last five years, amid the Congress' assertion of no growth and progress at all in the area. The Congress accused the BJP of failing in providing drinking water and roads besides inducing an all out developmental lag in the district, notified as part of the National Capital Region. The saffron party, however, has countered the Congress' claim citing benefits of the Centre's Ujjwala scheme and state's Bhamashah scheme. Alwar with its 11 assembly seats, spread across 8,380 sq kms, has a population of 36.74 lakh with females constituting over 17.35 lakh, according to the 2011 census. About 30.17 lakh of them reside in rural areas. As per the 2013 assembly polls figures, Alwar's eleven assembly segments together had a total of 20,62,966 voters, including 11,08,086 males, 9,54,880 females and 13,572 service voters. Alwar's total population includes around 9 lakh scheduled castes and scheduled tribes with Mevs of Muslim community having a sizeable presence in constituencies like Tijara and Ramgarh, infamous for mob lynchings by cow vigilantes. In the 2013 assembly elections, the BJP had won nine out of 11 seats in Alwar but the election figures thrown up after a 2018 Lok Sabha bypolls, necessitated due to the death of Alwar's BJP MP Mahant Chandnath Yogi show that the electoral winds that blew in the favour BJP during the 2013 assembly elections, might have reversed in the favour of the Congress. The Alwar Lok Sabha seat falling vacant by Yogi's death was grabbed by Karan Singh Yadav of the Congress with a huge margin of over 1.96 lakh votes and he had demonstrated an edge over the BJP in most of the 11 assembly seats within the Alwar Lok Sabha constituency. Yadav now is contesting the upcoming assembly polls from Alwar, imparting the requisite impetus to the Congress in all assembly segments across Alwar, where it had established a clear lead over the BJP. "Our only agenda is development, the usual one since beginning. We want to fight the polls on basis of developmental works done in Rajasthan by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje," BJP's Alwar unit chief Sanjay Singh Narooka told PTI. He said the BJP government has worked for upliftment of the poor, who have been largely benefitted from the healthcare schemes like Bhamashah and government's initiatives on education. The BJP has provided LPG gas connections to the households and a Rs 1,000 crore worth Amrit scheme was being implemented to resolve the drinking water problem in Alwar, which falls in 'dark zone', he added. "The Congress only used to talk about working for the poor, but the BJP has positively worked for it," Narooka asserted. On the issue of civic amenities, he said the focus has been on developing the rural areas with "Gaurav Paths", as well as the urban streets, which had been in bad shape due to improper sewer lines in the city. The Congress' Alwar unit chief Tikaram Jully, however, sought to enlist a slew of shortcomings in the BJP's governance and developmental works in Alwar district. He said the previous Congress government in the state had secured the Centre's approval for several projects, including one for the establishment of an ESIC medical college and hospital in Alwar, but the BJP failed to pursue it. He claimed the medical college plan was cancelled because the BJP could not identify the site for the medical college in five years. He said the work on a university and 12 paramilitary recruitment and training centres that were brought to Alwar by the previous Congress regime have been going on at a snail's pace for the last five years during the present regime. Even the height of a mini secretariat which had been proposed to be a five-storey structure has been reduced to a three-storey one by the Raje government, he said. "These works could have emerged as milestones in the development of Alwar," said Jully, who will be contesting the assembly polls from one of the assembly seats in the Alwar district. On the national level, he said, the BJP talked of building Ram temple, cleaning the Ganga and making smart cities, but it was the Congress which introduced the schemes like MNREGA, the Food Security Act, Indira Awas Yojna and the Right to Information Act among others. Additionally, Jully said, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's had distributed laptops to youths under the Digital Education scheme in the state. "The BJP government has only reduced the number of beneficiaries in various public welfare schemes like the pension schemes and the food security programme. "Promises of jobs to the youths and doubling the farmers' income have so far remained unfulfilled. They neither waived the farmers' loan nor bought their crops at the enhanced 'minimum support price as promised," he alleged. Jully said the Congress was now focussing on farmers, youths, middle class and small traders and exuded confidence of adding to the momentum established during its victory in the Alwar Lok Sabha bypoll. The elections to the 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan would be held on December 7 and its results will be declared on December 11. In 2013,the BJP had won 8 out of 11 seats in Alwar with a vote share of 41.6 per cent. The Congress had been able to manage victory on a single seat with its vote share being just 26.8 per cent. Eleven assembly segments of Alwar are Alwar urban, Alwar rural, Tijara, Ramgarh, Behror, Bansur, Kishangarh-Bas, Thanagazi, Kathumar, Mundawar and Rajgarh-Laxmangarh. Two of these assembly seats are reserved

Rajasthan polls: BJP banks on 'vikas' in Alwar, Congress refutes claims

The Congress in Rajasthan Saturday lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against BJP president Amit Shah alleging that he had provoked his party's workers against leaders of the opposition party during his recent visit to Bikaner.&nbsp;

It also filed complaints with the poll panel against Rajasthan Urban Development and Housing Minister Srichand Kriplani and BJP MLA Ramhet Yadav.

The Congress alleged that BJP chief Shah, the minister and the legislator had violated the model code of conduct in the state, where elections are due on December 7.&nbsp;

"Shah during his recent visit to Bikaner had provoked his party workers against Congress leaders.&nbsp;Minister and BJP candidate from Nimbahera (Kriplani) had invoked sentiments of the public by telling people that he will commit suicide if they did not vote him to power," Rajasthan Congress spokesperson Sushil Sharma said.

In an apparent reference to the illegal sand mining in Rajasthan, he said BJP MLA Ramhet Singh Yadav, that party's candidate from Alwar's Kishangarh Bas, made a remark which was in contempt of a Supreme Court order.

&nbsp;In a video, Yadav was seen purportedly seeking votes by telling people that "it is Ramhet Yadav's Sarkar, therefore loaded tractors are plying".&nbsp;

Sharma also said a complaint has been lodged with the EC against Rajasthan Administrative Service officer Rajesh Chauhan.&nbsp;

Rajesh's wife Shobha Chauhan is contesting the elections as a BJP candidate from Sojat and he is violating service rules and also the model code of conduct by working like a BJP worker, he alleged.

"We have lodged a complaint with the election commission against them for violation code of conduct,"&nbsp;Sharma said.

The Congress in Rajasthan Saturday lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against BJP president Amit Shah alleging that he had provoked his party's workers against leaders of the opposition party during his recent visit to Bikaner.

The Congress in Rajasthan Saturday lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against BJP president Amit Shah alleging that he had provoked his party's workers against leaders of the opposition party during his recent visit to Bikaner. It also filed complaints with the poll panel against Rajasthan Urban Development and Housing Minister Srichand Kriplani and BJP MLA Ramhet Yadav. The Congress alleged that BJP chief Shah, the minister and the legislator had violated the model code of conduct in the state, where elections are due on December 7. "Shah during his recent visit to Bikaner had provoked his party workers against Congress leaders. Minister and BJP candidate from Nimbahera (Kriplani) had invoked sentiments of the public by telling people that he will commit suicide if they did not vote him to power," Rajasthan Congress spokesperson Sushil Sharma said. In an apparent reference to the illegal sand mining in Rajasthan, he said BJP MLA Ramhet Singh Yadav, that party's candidate from Alwar's Kishangarh Bas, made a remark which was in contempt of a Supreme Court order. In a video, Yadav was seen purportedly seeking votes by telling people that "it is Ramhet Yadav's Sarkar, therefore loaded tractors are plying". Sharma also said a complaint has been lodged with the EC against Rajasthan Administrative Service officer Rajesh Chauhan. Rajesh's wife Shobha Chauhan is contesting the elections as a BJP candidate from Sojat and he is violating service rules and also the model code of conduct by working like a BJP worker, he alleged. "We have lodged a complaint with the election commission against them for violation code of conduct," Sharma said.

Congress lodges complaint with EC against BJP chief Amit Shah, Rajasthan minister and MLA

Thirty-three of the total 200 Rajasthan Assembly constituencies are witnessing a fight between the same candidates of the BJP and the Congress who had contested the 2013 state polls.

Both the parties have changed their candidates on 43 seats this time.&nbsp;

On the remaining 124 seats, the two major parties have decided to field new candidates.

Of the 33 seats, 29 are sitting BJP MLAs and four are Congress MLAs that included former chief minister Ashok Gehlot.&nbsp;

Karanpur seat is witnessing a fight between Mines minister Surendra Pal Singh and former Congress minister Gurmeet Singh, who had lost 2013 election to Surendra Pal Singh with a margin of 3,853 votes, while Hanumagarh seat is being contested by Water Resources minister Ram Pratap and Congress candidate Vinod Chaudhary.&nbsp;

Chaudhary had faced defeat with a big margin of 30,487 votes but the Congress has fielded him again and the seat will witness a direct fight between both the candidates.&nbsp;

Former Congress minister Rajendra Pareek is in the fray in Sikar constituency, which was won by BJP's Ratan lal Jaldhari in 2013 with a margin of 13,015 votes.

The seat in Shekhwati region is all set to witness a triangular contest with Rashtriya Loktantrik Dal's Wahid Chauhan in the race.&nbsp;

Chauhan contested the last polls as Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate and stood third by securing 29.10 per cent votes.&nbsp;

Former speaker and Congress candidate Deependra Singh Shekhaat is in&nbsp;fight with BJP's Jhabar Singh Kharra at Srimadhopur, while Chomu seat is also witnessing a direct fight between BJP MLA Ram Lal Sharma and Congress candidate Bhagwan Sahahi Saini.&nbsp;

The winning margin of Sharma was 44,473 in 2013.

Jaipur's hot seat civil lines is again witnessing the same fight like that of 2013 and the candidates are Social Justice and Empowerment minister Arun Chaturvedi and former Congress MLA Prapta Singh Khachariyawas.&nbsp;

A similar situation is in Malviya Nagar where Health minister Kalicharan Saraf is in a close battle with PCC vice-president Archana Sharma.&nbsp;

Candidates are same but people will vote for the Congress on December 7 because there is high resentment among people against Saraf who is facing corruption charges and people are inclined towards Congress, Sharma said.

People want clean leadership and corruption-free government which is focussed on development and the BJP failed to deliver and therefore the public is against the ruling party, she said.

Jayal seat of Nagaur district is also having repeat candidates and both are women named Manju.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has retained sitting MLA Manju Baghmar while the Congress has again fielded Manju Devi on the seat reserved for SC candidates.&nbsp;

Jodhpur's Sardarpura seat is witnessing contesting between sitting MLA and Gehlot who had defeated BJP's Shambhu Singh Khetasar with a margin of 18,478 votes.&nbsp;

Gehlot had the only advantage of caste factor. Apart from that, there is no charm of him. He did not work for his constituency and also often remained absent in the assembly. The issue in the assembly remains the same and unaddressed and I am confident that the BJP will win the seat this time, BJP candidate Shambhu Singh Khetasar said.

On the other hand, both the BJP and the Congress have changed their candidates in 43 constituencies.&nbsp;

Thirty-four out of these 43 seats were won by the BJP in 2013 but the party dropped them this time and gave tickets to others which made some of such sitting MLAs, including ministers Rajkumar Rinwa (Ratangarh), Hem Singh Bhandana (Thanagaji) rebel.

As many as 2,294 candidates, including 189 women candidates, are contesting on 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan which is going to poll on December 7.&nbsp;

Thirty-three of the total 200 Rajasthan Assembly constituencies are witnessing a fight between the same candidates of the BJP and the Congress who had contested the 2013 state polls.

Thirty-three of the total 200 Rajasthan Assembly constituencies are witnessing a fight between the same candidates of the BJP and the Congress who had contested the 2013 state polls. Both the parties have changed their candidates on 43 seats this time. On the remaining 124 seats, the two major parties have decided to field new candidates. Of the 33 seats, 29 are sitting BJP MLAs and four are Congress MLAs that included former chief minister Ashok Gehlot. Karanpur seat is witnessing a fight between Mines minister Surendra Pal Singh and former Congress minister Gurmeet Singh, who had lost 2013 election to Surendra Pal Singh with a margin of 3,853 votes, while Hanumagarh seat is being contested by Water Resources minister Ram Pratap and Congress candidate Vinod Chaudhary. Chaudhary had faced defeat with a big margin of 30,487 votes but the Congress has fielded him again and the seat will witness a direct fight between both the candidates. Former Congress minister Rajendra Pareek is in the fray in Sikar constituency, which was won by BJP's Ratan lal Jaldhari in 2013 with a margin of 13,015 votes. The seat in Shekhwati region is all set to witness a triangular contest with Rashtriya Loktantrik Dal's Wahid Chauhan in the race. Chauhan contested the last polls as Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate and stood third by securing 29.10 per cent votes. Former speaker and Congress candidate Deependra Singh Shekhaat is in fight with BJP's Jhabar Singh Kharra at Srimadhopur, while Chomu seat is also witnessing a direct fight between BJP MLA Ram Lal Sharma and Congress candidate Bhagwan Sahahi Saini. The winning margin of Sharma was 44,473 in 2013. Jaipur's hot seat civil lines is again witnessing the same fight like that of 2013 and the candidates are Social Justice and Empowerment minister Arun Chaturvedi and former Congress MLA Prapta Singh Khachariyawas. A similar situation is in Malviya Nagar where Health minister Kalicharan Saraf is in a close battle with PCC vice-president Archana Sharma. Candidates are same but people will vote for the Congress on December 7 because there is high resentment among people against Saraf who is facing corruption charges and people are inclined towards Congress, Sharma said. People want clean leadership and corruption-free government which is focussed on development and the BJP failed to deliver and therefore the public is against the ruling party, she said. Jayal seat of Nagaur district is also having repeat candidates and both are women named Manju. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has retained sitting MLA Manju Baghmar while the Congress has again fielded Manju Devi on the seat reserved for SC candidates. Jodhpur's Sardarpura seat is witnessing contesting between sitting MLA and Gehlot who had defeated BJP's Shambhu Singh Khetasar with a margin of 18,478 votes. Gehlot had the only advantage of caste factor. Apart from that, there is no charm of him. He did not work for his constituency and also often remained absent in the assembly. The issue in the assembly remains the same and unaddressed and I am confident that the BJP will win the seat this time, BJP candidate Shambhu Singh Khetasar said. On the other hand, both the BJP and the Congress have changed their candidates in 43 constituencies. Thirty-four out of these 43 seats were won by the BJP in 2013 but the party dropped them this time and gave tickets to others which made some of such sitting MLAs, including ministers Rajkumar Rinwa (Ratangarh), Hem Singh Bhandana (Thanagaji) rebel. As many as 2,294 candidates, including 189 women candidates, are contesting on 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan which is going to poll on December 7.

Rajasthan polls: 33 of 200 constituencies witnessing fight between same BJP, Cong candidates

Thirty-three of the total 200 Rajasthan Assembly constituencies are witnessing a fight between the same candidates of the BJP and the Congress who had contested the 2013 state polls.

Both the parties have changed their candidates on 43 seats this time.&nbsp;

On the remaining 124 seats, the two major parties have decided to field new candidates.

Of the 33 seats, 29 are sitting BJP MLAs and four are Congress MLAs that included former chief minister Ashok Gehlot.&nbsp;

Karanpur seat is witnessing a fight between Mines minister Surendra Pal Singh and former Congress minister Gurmeet Singh, who had lost 2013 election to Surendra Pal Singh with a margin of 3,853 votes, while Hanumagarh seat is being contested by Water Resources minister Ram Pratap and Congress candidate Vinod Chaudhary.&nbsp;

Chaudhary had faced defeat with a big margin of 30,487 votes but the Congress has fielded him again and the seat will witness a direct fight between both the candidates.&nbsp;

Former Congress minister Rajendra Pareek is in the fray in Sikar constituency, which was won by BJP's Ratan lal Jaldhari in 2013 with a margin of 13,015 votes.

The seat in Shekhwati region is all set to witness a triangular contest with Rashtriya Loktantrik Dal's Wahid Chauhan in the race.&nbsp;

Chauhan contested the last polls as Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate and stood third by securing 29.10 per cent votes.&nbsp;

Former speaker and Congress candidate Deependra Singh Shekhaat is in fight with BJP's Jhabar Singh Kharra at Srimadhopur, while Chomu seat is also witnessing a direct fight between BJP MLA Ram Lal Sharma and Congress candidate Bhagwan Sahahi Saini.&nbsp;

The winning margin of Sharma was 44,473 in 2013.

Jaipur's hot seat civil lines is again witnessing the same fight like that of 2013 and the candidates are Social Justice and Empowerment minister Arun Chaturvedi and former Congress MLA Prapta Singh Khachariyawas.&nbsp;

Similar situation is in Malvia Nagar where Health minister Kalicharan Saraf is in a close battle with PCC vice president Archana Sharma.&nbsp;

"Candidates are same but people will vote for the Congress on December 7 because there is high resentment among people against Saraf who is facing corruption charges and people are inclined towards Congress,"Sharma said.

"People want clean leadership and corruption-free government which is focussed on development and the BJP failed to deliver and therefore public is against the ruling party," she said.

Jayal seat of Nagaur district is also having repeat candidates and both are women named Manju.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has retained sitting MLA Manju Baghmar while the Congress has again fielded Manju Devi on the seat reserved for SC candidates.&nbsp;

Jodhpur's Sardarpura seat is witnessing contesting between sitting MLA and Gehlot who had defeated BJP's Shambhu Singh Khetasar with a margin of 18,478 votes.&nbsp;

"Gehlot had the only advantage of caste factor. Apart from that, there is no charm of him. He did not work for his constituency and also often remained absent in the assembly. The issue in the assembly remains the same and unaddressed and I am confident that the BJP will win the seat this time,"&nbsp;BJP candidate Shambhu Singh Khetasar said.

On the other hand, both the BJP and the Congress have changed their candidates in 43 constituencies.&nbsp;

Thirty four out of these 43 seats were won by the BJP in 2013 but the party dropped them this time and gave tickets to others which made some of such sitting MLAs, including ministers Rajkumar Rinwa (Ratangarh), Hem Singh Bhandana (Thanagaji) rebel.

As many as 2,294 candidates, including 189 women candidates, are contesting on 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan which is going to poll on December 7.

Thirty-three of the total 200 Rajasthan Assembly constituencies are witnessing a fight between the same candidates of the BJP and the Congress who had contested the 2013 state polls. Both the parties have changed their candidates on 43 seats this time. On the remaining 124 seats, the two major parties have decided to field new candidates. Of the 33 seats, 29 are sitting BJP MLAs and four are Congress MLAs that included former chief minister Ashok Gehlot. Karanpur seat is witnessing a fight between Mines minister Surendra Pal Singh and former Congress minister Gurmeet Singh, who had lost 2013 election to Surendra Pal Singh with a margin of 3,853 votes, while Hanumagarh seat is being contested by Water Resources minister Ram Pratap and Congress candidate Vinod Chaudhary. Chaudhary had faced defeat with a big margin of 30,487 votes but the Congress has fielded him again and the seat will witness a direct fight between both the candidates. Former Congress minister Rajendra Pareek is in the fray in Sikar constituency, which was won by BJP's Ratan lal Jaldhari in 2013 with a margin of 13,015 votes. The seat in Shekhwati region is all set to witness a triangular contest with Rashtriya Loktantrik Dal's Wahid Chauhan in the race. Chauhan contested the last polls as Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate and stood third by securing 29.10 per cent votes. Former speaker and Congress candidate Deependra Singh Shekhaat is in fight with BJP's Jhabar Singh Kharra at Srimadhopur, while Chomu seat is also witnessing a direct fight between BJP MLA Ram Lal Sharma and Congress candidate Bhagwan Sahahi Saini. The winning margin of Sharma was 44,473 in 2013. Jaipur's hot seat civil lines is again witnessing the same fight like that of 2013 and the candidates are Social Justice and Empowerment minister Arun Chaturvedi and former Congress MLA Prapta Singh Khachariyawas. Similar situation is in Malvia Nagar where Health minister Kalicharan Saraf is in a close battle with PCC vice president Archana Sharma. "Candidates are same but people will vote for the Congress on December 7 because there is high resentment among people against Saraf who is facing corruption charges and people are inclined towards Congress,"Sharma said. "People want clean leadership and corruption-free government which is focussed on development and the BJP failed to deliver and therefore public is against the ruling party," she said. Jayal seat of Nagaur district is also having repeat candidates and both are women named Manju. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has retained sitting MLA Manju Baghmar while the Congress has again fielded Manju Devi on the seat reserved for SC candidates. Jodhpur's Sardarpura seat is witnessing contesting between sitting MLA and Gehlot who had defeated BJP's Shambhu Singh Khetasar with a margin of 18,478 votes. "Gehlot had the only advantage of caste factor. Apart from that, there is no charm of him. He did not work for his constituency and also often remained absent in the assembly. The issue in the assembly remains the same and unaddressed and I am confident that the BJP will win the seat this time," BJP candidate Shambhu Singh Khetasar said. On the other hand, both the BJP and the Congress have changed their candidates in 43 constituencies. Thirty four out of these 43 seats were won by the BJP in 2013 but the party dropped them this time and gave tickets to others which made some of such sitting MLAs, including ministers Rajkumar Rinwa (Ratangarh), Hem Singh Bhandana (Thanagaji) rebel. As many as 2,294 candidates, including 189 women candidates, are contesting on 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan which is going to poll on December 7.

Rajasthan polls: 33 of 200 constituencies witnessing fight between same BJP, Congress candidates

Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday tore into Congress party and asserted that it lacks both leadership and policy-making ability.

Invoking the example of an alleged video from the state of Rajasthan, where the sloganeering of Bharat Mata ki Jai was stopped by a Congress leader only to replace it with slogans hailing Sonia Gandhi and other senior leaders, Goyal said,

"The incident uncovered the real face of Congress's dynastic politics. The Congress has become a directionless party which has no leadership and policy but also lack good intentions. They have become a party gripped with dynasty, communalism and obstructive politics. Owing to these factors it has now reduced to governing two states- Mizoram and Punjab and one Union Territory- Pondicherry. However, in these elections, they will also lose Mizoram."

He further stressed and said that the BJP government both in Centre and the state have meticulously worked in coordination to develop Rajasthan.

He said, "As the minister for the railway, I take the example of the railways and want to say that the way in which for last 4.5 year, Rajasthan has developed at a rapid pace is similar to a double engine rail which offers more safety and increases the speed. This has become possible because of the Central government and state government both belonging to the BJP."

Blaming Congress for indulging in divisive politics, Goyal said, "The kind of politics that Congress is indulging into, it has become necessary that Bharatiya Janata Party government is formed with the motto of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'.

"The Union Minister further exuded confidence and said that he sure of the fact that the BJP would again form the government in Rajasthan under the leadership of Vasundhara Raje.

The Assembly elections in the state will take place in a single phase for all 200 seats on December 7 while the counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday tore into Congress party and asserted that it lacks both leadership and policy-making ability. Invoking the example of an alleged video from the state of Rajasthan, where the sloganeering of Bharat Mata ki Jai was stopped by a Congress leader only to replace it with slogans hailing Sonia Gandhi and other senior leaders, Goyal said, "The incident uncovered the real face of Congress's dynastic politics.

Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday tore into Congress party and asserted that it lacks both leadership and policy-making ability. Invoking the example of an alleged video from the state of Rajasthan, where the sloganeering of Bharat Mata ki Jai was stopped by a Congress leader only to replace it with slogans hailing Sonia Gandhi and other senior leaders, Goyal said, "The incident uncovered the real face of Congress's dynastic politics. The Congress has become a directionless party which has no leadership and policy but also lack good intentions. They have become a party gripped with dynasty, communalism and obstructive politics. Owing to these factors it has now reduced to governing two states- Mizoram and Punjab and one Union Territory- Pondicherry. However, in these elections, they will also lose Mizoram." He further stressed and said that the BJP government both in Centre and the state have meticulously worked in coordination to develop Rajasthan. He said, "As the minister for the railway, I take the example of the railways and want to say that the way in which for last 4.5 year, Rajasthan has developed at a rapid pace is similar to a double engine rail which offers more safety and increases the speed. This has become possible because of the Central government and state government both belonging to the BJP." Blaming Congress for indulging in divisive politics, Goyal said, "The kind of politics that Congress is indulging into, it has become necessary that Bharatiya Janata Party government is formed with the motto of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. "The Union Minister further exuded confidence and said that he sure of the fact that the BJP would again form the government in Rajasthan under the leadership of Vasundhara Raje. The Assembly elections in the state will take place in a single phase for all 200 seats on December 7 while the counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Congress directionless, lacks leadership, policy making skills: Piyush Goyal

Bhagwan Das is a barber by profession with daily earnings of around Rs 250 to 400 and lives in a rented one-room set with his family.

Das is also contesting in the upcoming Rajasthan Assembly Elections from Jaipur's Malviya Nagar constituency as a Janta Dal (United) candidate.

Das underlined that having lived as a "voiceless" individual all his life, he now wants to be the voice of the weak and uplift them.

"I belong from Sain community and I want to become the voice of the voiceless. I work in the morning and go for campaigning in the afternoon on my friend`s bike. I hurry back to my shop in the evening so that I do not miss my customers," Das said.

Das is contesting against veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kalicharan Saraf, who has converted Malviya Nagar into his bastion, emerging victorious from the constituency for the last four terms.

Das said he didn't even have money to procure banners and posters, saying his friends pooled in and encouraged him to pursue his ambition.

"My wife cooks in various houses on a monthly wage. I was encouraged by my friends here to contest the elections. My friends are helping me financially, to print banners and posters as I have no money," Das said.

There are over two lakh registered voters from the Malviya Nagar constituency this year.

The elections are scheduled for December 7 when the state will elect the 200 members of its assembly. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.&nbsp;

Bhagwan Das is a barber by profession with daily earnings of around Rs 250 to 400 and lives in a rented one-room set with his family. Das is also contesting in the upcoming Rajasthan Assembly Elections from Jaipur's Malviya Nagar constituency as a Janta Dal (United) candidate.

Bhagwan Das is a barber by profession with daily earnings of around Rs 250 to 400 and lives in a rented one-room set with his family. Das is also contesting in the upcoming Rajasthan Assembly Elections from Jaipur's Malviya Nagar constituency as a Janta Dal (United) candidate. Das underlined that having lived as a "voiceless" individual all his life, he now wants to be the voice of the weak and uplift them. "I belong from Sain community and I want to become the voice of the voiceless. I work in the morning and go for campaigning in the afternoon on my friend`s bike. I hurry back to my shop in the evening so that I do not miss my customers," Das said. Das is contesting against veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kalicharan Saraf, who has converted Malviya Nagar into his bastion, emerging victorious from the constituency for the last four terms. Das said he didn't even have money to procure banners and posters, saying his friends pooled in and encouraged him to pursue his ambition. "My wife cooks in various houses on a monthly wage. I was encouraged by my friends here to contest the elections. My friends are helping me financially, to print banners and posters as I have no money," Das said. There are over two lakh registered voters from the Malviya Nagar constituency this year. The elections are scheduled for December 7 when the state will elect the 200 members of its assembly. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Aiming to be voice for the weak, Rajasthan barber to contest polls

While addressing an election rally in the poll-bound Rajasthan, Chief-Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia targeted the Congress party saying that Congress leaders have a problem in eulogizing "Bharat Mata".

Raje said that the Congress leaders only respect United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and no one else.

Further slamming Gandhi, the Rajasthan Chief Minister said that the Congress party worked for eliminating poor but has done nothing to remove poverty.

"For 50 years they reiterated the slogan of `Garibi Hatao` but have done nothing for it rather they eliminated poor," she said.

"You all have no problem in saying Bharat Mata ki Jai but Congress people do have a problem in saying it. It`s because they only consider Sonia Gandhi as their mother and have no regard for Bharat Mata," she said.

She also underscored that the Congress had only created the divide in the society in the name of religion and caste.

"What Congress did was to pitch people against each other in name of religion, caste, and whatnot. Congress did the politics of divide and rule," she said.

Assembly polls in Rajasthan are slated for December 7 and over 2,000 candidates are in the fray.&nbsp;

While addressing an election rally in the poll-bound Rajasthan, Chief-Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia targeted the Congress party saying that Congress leaders have a problem in eulogizing "Bharat Mata".

While addressing an election rally in the poll-bound Rajasthan, Chief-Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia targeted the Congress party saying that Congress leaders have a problem in eulogizing "Bharat Mata". Raje said that the Congress leaders only respect United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and no one else. Further slamming Gandhi, the Rajasthan Chief Minister said that the Congress party worked for eliminating poor but has done nothing to remove poverty. "For 50 years they reiterated the slogan of `Garibi Hatao` but have done nothing for it rather they eliminated poor," she said. "You all have no problem in saying Bharat Mata ki Jai but Congress people do have a problem in saying it. It`s because they only consider Sonia Gandhi as their mother and have no regard for Bharat Mata," she said. She also underscored that the Congress had only created the divide in the society in the name of religion and caste. "What Congress did was to pitch people against each other in name of religion, caste, and whatnot. Congress did the politics of divide and rule," she said. Assembly polls in Rajasthan are slated for December 7 and over 2,000 candidates are in the fray.

Congress leaders have no regard for 'Bharat Mata': Rajasthan CM Raje

Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) president Sachin Pilot on Wednesday subdued the speculations on Congress chief ministerial candidate and asserted that the party will decide on the name of the chief ministerial candidate for Rajasthan after the electoral victory.

He said, “Chief Minister will be elected from Congress party only. People of Rajasthan have already made their mind. Our party has a policy that we fight elections unitedly. After the victory, the legislators along with Congress party will decide on who would be the Chief Minister. We have never declared Chief Minister ahead of elections and won’t do now as well.” Pilot further criticised the Vasundhara Raje-led Rajasthan government and claimed that people of the state are disappointed with her governance.

“The election is very important for the people of Rajasthan. They have to make choice for their future. People of Rajasthan are upset with the governance of Vasundhara Raje. People want change now, they will vote for Congress for sure,” he said.

Elaborating on the priorities of the Congress party and the agendas that it has set for polls, Pilot said, “We are fighting the election with all positive agendas. The main agenda is to solve the crisis of agriculture. To resolve the problems of farmers is our main aim. Corruption is at the peak in Rajasthan. We have to fight against the corruption. The government is announcing MSP which is very little. Farmers are not getting proper fertilizers. We have to do something to restart everything.”

Pilot is contesting Assembly poll from Tonk constituency of the state and filed his nomination on November 19. The assembly elections in the state will take place in a single phase for all 200 seats on December 7. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) president Sachin Pilot on Wednesday subdued the speculations on Congress chief ministerial candidate and asserted that the party will decide on the name of the chief ministerial candidate for Rajasthan after the electoral victory.

Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) president Sachin Pilot on Wednesday subdued the speculations on Congress chief ministerial candidate and asserted that the party will decide on the name of the chief ministerial candidate for Rajasthan after the electoral victory. He said, “Chief Minister will be elected from Congress party only. People of Rajasthan have already made their mind. Our party has a policy that we fight elections unitedly. After the victory, the legislators along with Congress party will decide on who would be the Chief Minister. We have never declared Chief Minister ahead of elections and won’t do now as well.” Pilot further criticised the Vasundhara Raje-led Rajasthan government and claimed that people of the state are disappointed with her governance. “The election is very important for the people of Rajasthan. They have to make choice for their future. People of Rajasthan are upset with the governance of Vasundhara Raje. People want change now, they will vote for Congress for sure,” he said. Elaborating on the priorities of the Congress party and the agendas that it has set for polls, Pilot said, “We are fighting the election with all positive agendas. The main agenda is to solve the crisis of agriculture. To resolve the problems of farmers is our main aim. Corruption is at the peak in Rajasthan. We have to fight against the corruption. The government is announcing MSP which is very little. Farmers are not getting proper fertilizers. We have to do something to restart everything.” Pilot is contesting Assembly poll from Tonk constituency of the state and filed his nomination on November 19. The assembly elections in the state will take place in a single phase for all 200 seats on December 7. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Congress chief ministerial candidate for Rajasthan to be finalised post elections: Sachin Pilot

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