Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje along with Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Prakash Javadekar on Monday flagged off the election campaign of the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the state elections.

"From today onwards the election campaign has finally begun in the state of Rajasthan. It has now initiated legally and formally for the coming general assembly polls. BJP is connected with the people from grass root level. The people of Rajasthan have always favoured development. I am fully assured that BJP will come to power again in the state," Raje told media here.

Raje further stated that the BJP will also bag the Tonk legislative constituency, from where Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) chief Sachin Pilot is contesting.

The assembly elections 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 Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje along with Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Prakash Javadekar on Monday flagged off the election campaign of the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the state elections.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje along with Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Prakash Javadekar on Monday flagged off the election campaign of the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the state elections. "From today onwards the election campaign has finally begun in the state of Rajasthan. It has now initiated legally and formally for the coming general assembly polls. BJP is connected with the people from grass root level. The people of Rajasthan have always favoured development. I am fully assured that BJP will come to power again in the state," Raje told media here. Raje further stated that the BJP will also bag the Tonk legislative constituency, from where Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) chief Sachin Pilot is contesting. The assembly elections 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: CM Raje flags off BJP's election campaign

BJP president Amit Shah will hold talks with youths of poll-bound Rajasthan on November 21 here, Union minister Rajyavardhan Rathore here said on Sunday.

The main event will be held at Tagore School auditorium in the state capital where nearly 4,000 youths will participate. The event will be live streamed and Shah will take questions from youths present there and also from those at six other locations, Bharatpur, Udaipur, Kota, Jodhpur, Ajmer and Bikaner, he said at a press conference.

Apart from these places, town hall meetings will be held in other 200 locations across the state where youths will be present, Rathore said, adding questions from youths who will be present at these locations will be registered beforehand and they will not be able to ask question during the programme.

"India is emerging as a strong nation due to the vision and energy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Youth understand this. Social media has brought awareness among people on issues, be it political or any other. BJP has always has held dialogues with youth and therefore the party present is going to communicate with the state's youths on November 21," he said.

Rathore said that questions can be asked through social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.

Assembly polls in Rajasthan will be held on December 7.

BJP president Amit Shah will hold talks with youths of poll-bound Rajasthan on November 21 here, Union minister Rajyavardhan Rathore here said on Sunday. The main event will be held at Tagore School auditorium in the state capital where nearly 4,000 youths will participate.

BJP president Amit Shah will hold talks with youths of poll-bound Rajasthan on November 21 here, Union minister Rajyavardhan Rathore here said on Sunday. The main event will be held at Tagore School auditorium in the state capital where nearly 4,000 youths will participate. The event will be live streamed and Shah will take questions from youths present there and also from those at six other locations, Bharatpur, Udaipur, Kota, Jodhpur, Ajmer and Bikaner, he said at a press conference. Apart from these places, town hall meetings will be held in other 200 locations across the state where youths will be present, Rathore said, adding questions from youths who will be present at these locations will be registered beforehand and they will not be able to ask question during the programme. "India is emerging as a strong nation due to the vision and energy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Youth understand this. Social media has brought awareness among people on issues, be it political or any other. BJP has always has held dialogues with youth and therefore the party present is going to communicate with the state's youths on November 21," he said. Rathore said that questions can be asked through social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Assembly polls in Rajasthan will be held on December 7.

Amit Shah to hold talks with youths of poll-bound Rajasthan on November 21: Rajyavardhan Rathore

The Congress on Saturday released its second list of 32 candidates for the December 7 Rajasthan Assembly elections on Saturday. It has fielded former BJP leader Jaswant Singh’s son Manvendra Singh against Chief Minister Vansundhara Raje in the Jhalrapatan constituency.

The list was released by party general secretary and in charge of Rajasthan unit Mukul Wasnik. The party had declared 152 candidates in the first list on Thursday night.

Manvendra Singh, a former BJP MLA from Sheo, in September quit the saffron party to join the Congress ahead of the Assembly elections.

Senior Congress leaders, including Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot and CP Joshi, are contesting the elections.

The Congress on Saturday released its second list of 32 candidates for the December 7 Rajasthan Assembly elections on Saturday. It has fielded former BJP leader Jaswant Singh’s son Manvendra Singh against Chief Minister Vansundhara Raje in the Jhalrapatan constituency.

The Congress on Saturday released its second list of 32 candidates for the December 7 Rajasthan Assembly elections on Saturday. It has fielded former BJP leader Jaswant Singh’s son Manvendra Singh against Chief Minister Vansundhara Raje in the Jhalrapatan constituency. The list was released by party general secretary and in charge of Rajasthan unit Mukul Wasnik. The party had declared 152 candidates in the first list on Thursday night. Manvendra Singh, a former BJP MLA from Sheo, in September quit the saffron party to join the Congress ahead of the Assembly elections. Senior Congress leaders, including Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot and CP Joshi, are contesting the elections.

Congress releases second list for Rajasthan, Manvendra Singh to take on Vasundhara Raje

Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot and Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot on Wednesday declared that they both will contest the December 7 assembly election, firing up the race for the chief minister's post in the state where the party is seeking to wrest power from the BJP.

Gehlot and Pilot, however, dismissed suggestions that there was any infighting among the state leaders and asserted that they will unitedly take on the BJP.

The two leaders ended the speculation over whether they will contest the polls at a joint press conference here at the Congress headquarters, where the party announced the joining of BJP MP Harish Chandra Meena from Dausa in Rajasthan.

"We are all united in Rajasthan and the BJP is conspiring to spread false propaganda that the Congress is divided. I will contest the upcoming assembly election and Sachin Pilot and other senior leaders will also contest," Gehlot told reporters.

He was asked about the delay by the Congress in announcing candidates and reports that claimed that infighting among the top state leaders over the distribution of tickets was responsible for it. Filing of nomination papers in Rajasthan started on Monday and will continue till November 19.

Pilot also said that on party chief Rahul Gandhi's directions and Gehlot's request, he will contest the Assembly elections.

Pilot had last contested the Lok Sabha election from Ajmer in 2014, which he lost. He, however, did not contest the bye-election earlier this year.

Sources said the leadership race in Rajasthan will now intensify with both main contenders throwing their hat in the ring.

"There is no division in the party in the state and all the leaders are united in the bid to defeat the BJP with a thumping majority," Pilot said.

On the issue of the chief ministerial candidate, Gehlot said since independence the Congress has never declared its chief ministerial face in Rajasthan and the party is happy to carry on this tradition.

Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot and Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot on Wednesday declared that they both will contest the December 7 assembly election, firing up the race for the chief minister's post in the state where the party is seeking to wrest power from the BJP.

Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot and Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot on Wednesday declared that they both will contest the December 7 assembly election, firing up the race for the chief minister's post in the state where the party is seeking to wrest power from the BJP. Gehlot and Pilot, however, dismissed suggestions that there was any infighting among the state leaders and asserted that they will unitedly take on the BJP. The two leaders ended the speculation over whether they will contest the polls at a joint press conference here at the Congress headquarters, where the party announced the joining of BJP MP Harish Chandra Meena from Dausa in Rajasthan. "We are all united in Rajasthan and the BJP is conspiring to spread false propaganda that the Congress is divided. I will contest the upcoming assembly election and Sachin Pilot and other senior leaders will also contest," Gehlot told reporters. He was asked about the delay by the Congress in announcing candidates and reports that claimed that infighting among the top state leaders over the distribution of tickets was responsible for it. Filing of nomination papers in Rajasthan started on Monday and will continue till November 19. Pilot also said that on party chief Rahul Gandhi's directions and Gehlot's request, he will contest the Assembly elections. Pilot had last contested the Lok Sabha election from Ajmer in 2014, which he lost. He, however, did not contest the bye-election earlier this year. Sources said the leadership race in Rajasthan will now intensify with both main contenders throwing their hat in the ring. "There is no division in the party in the state and all the leaders are united in the bid to defeat the BJP with a thumping majority," Pilot said. On the issue of the chief ministerial candidate, Gehlot said since independence the Congress has never declared its chief ministerial face in Rajasthan and the party is happy to carry on this tradition.

Gehlot, Pilot to contest Rajasthan assembly polls

In a setback to Rajasthan's ruling BJP ahead of the December 7 Assembly elections, the party's Nagaur MLA Habibur Rahman on Wednesday returned to the Congress after a decade.

Rahman joined the Congress at the party's office in Jaipur in presence of Ajmer MP Raghu Sharma and other leaders, the same day BJP's Dausa MP Harish Chandra Meena joined the grand old party in New Delhi.

Rahman was initially a member of the Congress and was a state minister between 2001 and 2003 during the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government. He joined the BJP in 2008 after he was denied a ticket by the Congress.&nbsp;

He won the 2008 and the 2013 Assembly elections as BJP candidate. But when the BJP denied him poll ticket this time and gave a nomination to Mohan Ram Choudhary from Nagaur, Rahman left the ruling party.

"I have returned home today. There is no condition for joining the party," he said at a press conference.

On whether he will contest the Assembly elections, Rahman rhetorically asked, "Who does not want to contest elections?"

However, Congress MP Raghu Sharma said the party will release its list of candidates for the Rajasthan polls only after the final approval of party president Rahul Gandhi.

Meanwhile, slamming Harish Chandra Meena for joining the Congress, BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Kirori Meena termed the former "an opportunist" and claimed that this would not have any impact of the saffron party's performance in the state election.

"There will be no impact. People know who is an opportunist and opportunists can go anywhere," Kirori Meena said.

Hitting back, Congress' Raghu Sharma said, "Kirori Meena's wife Golma Devi was a minister in the previous Congress government. He contested the 2013 assembly polls as the candidate of National People's party and then joined the BJP. He became Rajya Sabha MP and now his wife was given ticket by BJP in its first list. He is the finest example of an opportunist."

Harish Chandra Meena joined the Congress in the national capital in presence of former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, the party's state unit chief Sachin Pilot and AICC's state in-charge Avinash Pande.

A former IPS officer, who headed state police during the Ashok Gehlot government, Harish Chandra Meena had joined the BJP in March 2014 ahead of the Lok Sabha polls and was pitted against his brother Namonarain who was then a Union minister.

He had won the Dausa seat by defeating his nearest rival Kirori Lal Meena, who was then a candidate of National People's Party by a margin of 45,404 votes while Namonarain Meena had stood third.

In a setback to Rajasthan's ruling BJP ahead of the December 7 Assembly elections, the party's Nagaur MLA Habibur Rahman on Wednesday returned to the Congress after a decade.

In a setback to Rajasthan's ruling BJP ahead of the December 7 Assembly elections, the party's Nagaur MLA Habibur Rahman on Wednesday returned to the Congress after a decade. Rahman joined the Congress at the party's office in Jaipur in presence of Ajmer MP Raghu Sharma and other leaders, the same day BJP's Dausa MP Harish Chandra Meena joined the grand old party in New Delhi. Rahman was initially a member of the Congress and was a state minister between 2001 and 2003 during the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government. He joined the BJP in 2008 after he was denied a ticket by the Congress. He won the 2008 and the 2013 Assembly elections as BJP candidate. But when the BJP denied him poll ticket this time and gave a nomination to Mohan Ram Choudhary from Nagaur, Rahman left the ruling party. "I have returned home today. There is no condition for joining the party," he said at a press conference. On whether he will contest the Assembly elections, Rahman rhetorically asked, "Who does not want to contest elections?" However, Congress MP Raghu Sharma said the party will release its list of candidates for the Rajasthan polls only after the final approval of party president Rahul Gandhi. Meanwhile, slamming Harish Chandra Meena for joining the Congress, BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Kirori Meena termed the former "an opportunist" and claimed that this would not have any impact of the saffron party's performance in the state election. "There will be no impact. People know who is an opportunist and opportunists can go anywhere," Kirori Meena said. Hitting back, Congress' Raghu Sharma said, "Kirori Meena's wife Golma Devi was a minister in the previous Congress government. He contested the 2013 assembly polls as the candidate of National People's party and then joined the BJP. He became Rajya Sabha MP and now his wife was given ticket by BJP in its first list. He is the finest example of an opportunist." Harish Chandra Meena joined the Congress in the national capital in presence of former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, the party's state unit chief Sachin Pilot and AICC's state in-charge Avinash Pande. A former IPS officer, who headed state police during the Ashok Gehlot government, Harish Chandra Meena had joined the BJP in March 2014 ahead of the Lok Sabha polls and was pitted against his brother Namonarain who was then a Union minister. He had won the Dausa seat by defeating his nearest rival Kirori Lal Meena, who was then a candidate of National People's Party by a margin of 45,404 votes while Namonarain Meena had stood third.

Rajasthan BJP MLA Habibur Rahman joins Congress

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Friday announced a fresh list of six candidates for the December 7 Rajasthan Assembly elections.

Party president Sitaram Meghwal released the list on directions of BSP chief Mayawati.

According to the new list, Kishan Chand Sharma would contest from Dholpur, Ramhet Kushwah from Badi seat of Dholpur district, Lakshman Singh Chaudhary from Ramgarh seat of Alwar district, Vijay Shankar Bohra from Mahua of Dausa district, Sunil Kumar Jatav from Bayana seat of Bharatpur district.&nbsp;

Gyara Ahmad Khan would contest election on a BSP ticket against Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje from Jhalarapatan Assembly constituency of Jhalawar district, a release said.&nbsp;

Last week, the party had released the first list of 11 candidates.&nbsp;

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Friday announced a fresh list of six candidates for the December 7 Rajasthan Assembly elections. Party president Sitaram Meghwal released the list on directions of BSP chief Mayawati.

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Friday announced a fresh list of six candidates for the December 7 Rajasthan Assembly elections. Party president Sitaram Meghwal released the list on directions of BSP chief Mayawati. According to the new list, Kishan Chand Sharma would contest from Dholpur, Ramhet Kushwah from Badi seat of Dholpur district, Lakshman Singh Chaudhary from Ramgarh seat of Alwar district, Vijay Shankar Bohra from Mahua of Dausa district, Sunil Kumar Jatav from Bayana seat of Bharatpur district. Gyara Ahmad Khan would contest election on a BSP ticket against Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje from Jhalarapatan Assembly constituency of Jhalawar district, a release said. Last week, the party had released the first list of 11 candidates.

Rajasthan polls: BSP releases fresh list of candidates

As part of its vigil against the illegal supply of money and other valuables ahead of elections, unaccounted cash worth Rs 50 lakh, two kilograms of gold and two quintals of silver were seized by Rajasthan Police's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).

The consignment was seized on Saturday night from Delhi-Ahmedabad Ashram Express at Ajmer, Jaipur and Beawar stations.

Following a tip-off about the presence of hawala money in the parcels being loaded in trains, a team of the ATS in coordination with the Government Railway Police (GRP) searched the luggage coaches and seized the consignment.

A GRP officer Ramavatar said, "We were monitoring the luggage loaded in the trains since few times. We received inputs from the ATS about the unaccounted cash and valuables items in Delhi-Ahmedabad Ashram Express. Hence, along with the ATS, we conducted a raid in the train."

Rajasthan is slated to go for polls on December 7, and counting of votes will be done on December 11.&nbsp;

As part of its vigil against the illegal supply of money and other valuables ahead of elections, unaccounted cash worth Rs 50 lakh, two kilograms of gold and two quintals of silver were seized by Rajasthan Police's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).

As part of its vigil against the illegal supply of money and other valuables ahead of elections, unaccounted cash worth Rs 50 lakh, two kilograms of gold and two quintals of silver were seized by Rajasthan Police's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). The consignment was seized on Saturday night from Delhi-Ahmedabad Ashram Express at Ajmer, Jaipur and Beawar stations. Following a tip-off about the presence of hawala money in the parcels being loaded in trains, a team of the ATS in coordination with the Government Railway Police (GRP) searched the luggage coaches and seized the consignment. A GRP officer Ramavatar said, "We were monitoring the luggage loaded in the trains since few times. We received inputs from the ATS about the unaccounted cash and valuables items in Delhi-Ahmedabad Ashram Express. Hence, along with the ATS, we conducted a raid in the train." Rajasthan is slated to go for polls on December 7, and counting of votes will be done on December 11.

Unaccounted cash worth Rs 50 lakh seized in poll-bound Rajasthan

Hitting back at the Congress for charging the BJP-led central and state governments with corruption, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Thursday that the opposition party should not talk on the issue as it has a history of corruption and its chief is out on bail.

Addressing a press conference, the Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare said, "It is inappropriate for a party, which is neck-deep in corruption and has a history of being mired in corruption cases for the last three generations, to talk about corruption. Leaders of the Congress, whose chief is out on bail, are insulting people by making such statements."

Shekhawat said Congress leaders were trying to create confusion among the people of the state ahead of the December 7 assembly election.

He was responding to Congress spokesperson Rajeev Shukla's remarks on the Rafale fighter jet deal.

Earlier in the day, Shukla attacked the Centre alleging corruption in the Rafale fighter jet deal. He also alleged that the BJP-led state government pushed Rajasthan into 'BIMARU' category and conditions of employment, roads, education, health and water facilities in the state were poor.

Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh used to be called 'BIMARU' states for lack of development.

Shekhawat said Rajasthan was no more a 'BIMARU' state and the BJP dispensation worked to take the state on the path of progress.

He blamed the Congress for stalling the appointment process of 26,000 teachers by complaining to the Election Commission.

Hitting back at the Congress for charging the BJP-led central and state governments with corruption, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Thursday that the opposition party should not talk on the issue as it has a history of corruption and its chief is out on bail.

Hitting back at the Congress for charging the BJP-led central and state governments with corruption, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Thursday that the opposition party should not talk on the issue as it has a history of corruption and its chief is out on bail. Addressing a press conference, the Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare said, "It is inappropriate for a party, which is neck-deep in corruption and has a history of being mired in corruption cases for the last three generations, to talk about corruption. Leaders of the Congress, whose chief is out on bail, are insulting people by making such statements." Shekhawat said Congress leaders were trying to create confusion among the people of the state ahead of the December 7 assembly election. He was responding to Congress spokesperson Rajeev Shukla's remarks on the Rafale fighter jet deal. Earlier in the day, Shukla attacked the Centre alleging corruption in the Rafale fighter jet deal. He also alleged that the BJP-led state government pushed Rajasthan into 'BIMARU' category and conditions of employment, roads, education, health and water facilities in the state were poor. Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh used to be called 'BIMARU' states for lack of development. Shekhawat said Rajasthan was no more a 'BIMARU' state and the BJP dispensation worked to take the state on the path of progress. He blamed the Congress for stalling the appointment process of 26,000 teachers by complaining to the Election Commission.

Congress has history of corruption: Union minister hits back at Rajeev Shukla

The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed shock over "vanished" 31 hills in the Aravalli area of Rajasthan and asked the state government to stop illegal mining in the 115.34-hectare area there within 48 hours.

The top court said though Rajasthan was earning a royalty of around Rs 5,000 crore from mining activities in Aravalli, it cannot endanger the lives of lakhs of people in Delhi as the disappearance of hills there could be one of reasons for rise in pollution level in the National Capital Region (NCR).

A bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta referred to the status report filed by Rajasthan government and said it indicated that illegal mining activity was going on in 115.34 hectare area in Aravalli range in the state.

It also referred to a report of the central empowered committee (CEC) which had said that out of 128 samples taken by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), as many as 31 hills or hillocks have vanished.

"31 hills or hillocks have disappeared. If hills will disappear in the country, what will happen? Have people become 'Hanuman' that they are running away with hills?" Justice Lokur asked the counsel appearing for Rajasthan.

"15-20 per cent hills have vanished in the state of Rajasthan. This is your ground truth. Whom you want to take for a ride?" the bench asked, adding that the state has failed to protect the Aravalli range from illegal mining.

The top court said that it was compelled to pass an order to stop illegal mining activities in 115.34-hectare area there within 48 hours as it appeared that the state has taken the issue "very lightly".

It directed the chief secretary of Rajasthan to file an affidavit regarding compliance of its order within this week and posted the matter for hearing on October 29.

The bench said that it was "not at all satisfied" with the contents of status report filed by the state as it mostly deals with the "so called incompetence" of the FSI.

It said that state of Rajasthan must appreciate that FSI was a body of Government of India and it would not be proper to made "wild allegations" against them.

During the hearing, the bench asked the state's counsel as to what steps have been taken by them to stop illegal mining activity in Aravalli area.

"We have issued show cause notices and FIRs have also been registered (in cases of illegal mining)," the counsel said.

The bench then told the counsel about the importance of having hills and said, "Hills are created by the God. There must be some reason if the God has done this. They (hills) act as barriers."

"If you start removing all the hills, pollution from different parts of areas nearby NCR will come to Delhi. This could be one of the reasons that we have so much pollution in Delhi. For sake of few miners in your state, you are endangering the lives of lakhs of people in Delhi," the bench said.

When the top court was told that Rajasthan was getting a royalty of around Rs 5,000 crore from mining activities, the bench said, "You (state) want royalty. You will get it but health expenses for people of Delhi will be 10 times of your royalty".

The state's counsel told the court that all the concerned government departments in Rajasthan were "on the job" to stop illegal mining.

To this, the bench said, "What kind of job? Damage has already been done to Delhi. You have not disputed the view of CEC that 31 hills or hillocks have disappeared."

"You give this Rs 5,000 crore (royalty) for health of people of Delhi. Hospitals in Delhi are over crowded, people are dying here," the bench said.

The counsel appearing for the CEC said that court must take the drastic step of stopping mining activities in Aravalli as the state would not take any action against them.

"It is completely a hopeless cause. If the government permits illegality to go on, what can anybody do then," the bench said, adding, "it is completely beyond control".

The court said it was not clear from status report filed by the state in September this year as to whether illegal mining in 115.34 hectares have stopped.

"We are giving you 48 hours to close these mines," the bench told the state's counsel.

The court was dealing with a matter related to illegal mining activities in Aravalli range.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed shock over "vanished" 31 hills in the Aravalli area of Rajasthan and asked the state government to stop illegal mining in the 115.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed shock over "vanished" 31 hills in the Aravalli area of Rajasthan and asked the state government to stop illegal mining in the 115.34-hectare area there within 48 hours. The top court said though Rajasthan was earning a royalty of around Rs 5,000 crore from mining activities in Aravalli, it cannot endanger the lives of lakhs of people in Delhi as the disappearance of hills there could be one of reasons for rise in pollution level in the National Capital Region (NCR). A bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta referred to the status report filed by Rajasthan government and said it indicated that illegal mining activity was going on in 115.34 hectare area in Aravalli range in the state. It also referred to a report of the central empowered committee (CEC) which had said that out of 128 samples taken by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), as many as 31 hills or hillocks have vanished. "31 hills or hillocks have disappeared. If hills will disappear in the country, what will happen? Have people become 'Hanuman' that they are running away with hills?" Justice Lokur asked the counsel appearing for Rajasthan. "15-20 per cent hills have vanished in the state of Rajasthan. This is your ground truth. Whom you want to take for a ride?" the bench asked, adding that the state has failed to protect the Aravalli range from illegal mining. The top court said that it was compelled to pass an order to stop illegal mining activities in 115.34-hectare area there within 48 hours as it appeared that the state has taken the issue "very lightly". It directed the chief secretary of Rajasthan to file an affidavit regarding compliance of its order within this week and posted the matter for hearing on October 29. The bench said that it was "not at all satisfied" with the contents of status report filed by the state as it mostly deals with the "so called incompetence" of the FSI. It said that state of Rajasthan must appreciate that FSI was a body of Government of India and it would not be proper to made "wild allegations" against them. During the hearing, the bench asked the state's counsel as to what steps have been taken by them to stop illegal mining activity in Aravalli area. "We have issued show cause notices and FIRs have also been registered (in cases of illegal mining)," the counsel said. The bench then told the counsel about the importance of having hills and said, "Hills are created by the God. There must be some reason if the God has done this. They (hills) act as barriers." "If you start removing all the hills, pollution from different parts of areas nearby NCR will come to Delhi. This could be one of the reasons that we have so much pollution in Delhi. For sake of few miners in your state, you are endangering the lives of lakhs of people in Delhi," the bench said. When the top court was told that Rajasthan was getting a royalty of around Rs 5,000 crore from mining activities, the bench said, "You (state) want royalty. You will get it but health expenses for people of Delhi will be 10 times of your royalty". The state's counsel told the court that all the concerned government departments in Rajasthan were "on the job" to stop illegal mining. To this, the bench said, "What kind of job? Damage has already been done to Delhi. You have not disputed the view of CEC that 31 hills or hillocks have disappeared." "You give this Rs 5,000 crore (royalty) for health of people of Delhi. Hospitals in Delhi are over crowded, people are dying here," the bench said. The counsel appearing for the CEC said that court must take the drastic step of stopping mining activities in Aravalli as the state would not take any action against them. "It is completely a hopeless cause. If the government permits illegality to go on, what can anybody do then," the bench said, adding, "it is completely beyond control". The court said it was not clear from status report filed by the state in September this year as to whether illegal mining in 115.34 hectares have stopped. "We are giving you 48 hours to close these mines," the bench told the state's counsel. The court was dealing with a matter related to illegal mining activities in Aravalli range.

31 hills vanish in Aravalli, Supreme Court expresses shock

The Supreme Court Tuesday directed the Rajasthan government to stop illegal mining in a 115.34-hectare area in Aravalli hills within 48 hours.

A bench comprising Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta said it was compelled to pass this order because Rajasthan has taken the issue “very lightly”.

The apex court also referred to a central empowered committee report that 31 hills or hillocks have vanished in the state’s Aravalli area.

The court was hearing a matter related to illegal mining activities in Aravalli hills.

The Supreme Court Tuesday directed the Rajasthan government to stop illegal mining in a 115.34-hectare area in Aravalli hills within 48 hours. A bench comprising Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta said it was compelled to pass this order because Rajasthan has taken the issue “very lightly”.

The Supreme Court Tuesday directed the Rajasthan government to stop illegal mining in a 115.34-hectare area in Aravalli hills within 48 hours. A bench comprising Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta said it was compelled to pass this order because Rajasthan has taken the issue “very lightly”. The apex court also referred to a central empowered committee report that 31 hills or hillocks have vanished in the state’s Aravalli area. The court was hearing a matter related to illegal mining activities in Aravalli hills.

SC directs Rajasthan government to stop illegal mining in Aravalli hills within 48 hours

The total number of Zika virus infected cases has mounted to 94 in Rajasthan, informed Dr V.K. Mathur, Director of Public Health for Rajasthan.

Dr Mathur said that the health department is keeping a track of the situation and taking all necessary steps to stop the virus from spreading.

14 new cases have been tested positive in the last 24 hours in the state.

"A total of 94 cases of Zika virus have been tested positive in the state. Our teams are working to make people aware of it and are also looking for symptoms. The Municipal Corporation is also conducting fogging in areas," he told ANI.

The Health Department also informed that most of the persons infected from the virus have been recovered.

Chief Secretary D B Gupta, along with the higher officials of the department, has reviewed the situation today about the effect of Zika and other vector-borne diseases.

The health department has also established Control Rooms at all district headquarter to control the situation.

The disease is caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite during the day.

Symptoms are generally mild and include fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or a headache. Symptoms typically last for two to seven days.

As per the World Health Organisation, there is no treatment available for Zika virus infection or its associated diseases.

The total number of Zika virus infected cases has mounted to 94 in Rajasthan, informed Dr V.K. Mathur, Director of Public Health for Rajasthan. Dr Mathur said that the health department is keeping a track of the situation and taking all necessary steps to stop the virus from spreading.

The total number of Zika virus infected cases has mounted to 94 in Rajasthan, informed Dr V.K. Mathur, Director of Public Health for Rajasthan. Dr Mathur said that the health department is keeping a track of the situation and taking all necessary steps to stop the virus from spreading. 14 new cases have been tested positive in the last 24 hours in the state. "A total of 94 cases of Zika virus have been tested positive in the state. Our teams are working to make people aware of it and are also looking for symptoms. The Municipal Corporation is also conducting fogging in areas," he told ANI. The Health Department also informed that most of the persons infected from the virus have been recovered. Chief Secretary D B Gupta, along with the higher officials of the department, has reviewed the situation today about the effect of Zika and other vector-borne diseases. The health department has also established Control Rooms at all district headquarter to control the situation. The disease is caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite during the day. Symptoms are generally mild and include fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or a headache. Symptoms typically last for two to seven days. As per the World Health Organisation, there is no treatment available for Zika virus infection or its associated diseases.

94 test positive for Zika virus in Rajasthan

Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot, considered to be in the chief ministerial race in Rajasthan, today indicated it will be too early to speculate on who will be the CM if the party wins in December 7 Assembly polls.

Citing popular TV serial 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' (KBC), Gehlot quipped, "Does anyone know before-hand who will become 'kaun banega crorepati'."

He was asked by reporters at the AICC media briefing as to who will be the chief minister of Rajasthan if the Congress wins the December 7 Assembly polls.

KBC is a popular TV serial hosted by noted actor Amitabh Bachchan.

Gehlot's response drew peals of laughter from those present, including Rajasthan PCC chief Sachin Pilot, at the press conference to announce former BJP MLA Manvendra Singh's joining the Congress.

A former chief minister of Rajasthan, Gehlot is now the AICC general secretary and is in-charge of the organisation. He is locked in the race for chief ministership with Pilot.

The Congress has not yet declared a chief ministerial candidate for the state, where it is gearing up to dethrone the Vasundhara Raje-led BJP government.

Rajasthan has traditionally not re-elected any party to power.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot, considered to be in the chief ministerial race in Rajasthan, today indicated it will be too early to speculate on who will be the CM if the party wins in December 7 Assembly polls.

Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot, considered to be in the chief ministerial race in Rajasthan, today indicated it will be too early to speculate on who will be the CM if the party wins in December 7 Assembly polls. Citing popular TV serial 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' (KBC), Gehlot quipped, "Does anyone know before-hand who will become 'kaun banega crorepati'." He was asked by reporters at the AICC media briefing as to who will be the chief minister of Rajasthan if the Congress wins the December 7 Assembly polls. KBC is a popular TV serial hosted by noted actor Amitabh Bachchan. Gehlot's response drew peals of laughter from those present, including Rajasthan PCC chief Sachin Pilot, at the press conference to announce former BJP MLA Manvendra Singh's joining the Congress. A former chief minister of Rajasthan, Gehlot is now the AICC general secretary and is in-charge of the organisation. He is locked in the race for chief ministership with Pilot. The Congress has not yet declared a chief ministerial candidate for the state, where it is gearing up to dethrone the Vasundhara Raje-led BJP government. Rajasthan has traditionally not re-elected any party to power.

Ashok Gehlot evades query on who will be CM if Congress wins in Rajasthan

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is planning to contest on all 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan, which is going to polls on December 7.

The party won three seats in the 2013-assembly elections by securing 3.37 per cent vote share, which was 7.60 per cent in the 2008-elections when the party had won six MLAs.

"Our preparations are in full swing and we will contest on all 200 seats in the forthcoming elections," state party vice-president Dungarram Gedar said.

In the last assembly elections, the party had contested in 195 constituencies.&nbsp;

He informed that the tickets will be finalised soon and BSP chief Mayawati will hold rallies in the state.

"We are expecting to increase our tally in the 2018-elections because people are unhappy with both the BJP and the Congress. There is a resentment against the ruling BJP and people are not seeing any hope in the Congress," another BSP leader Bhagwan Singh said.

He informed that the party chief will hold rallies in different parts of the state during elections.

Districts in eastern Rajasthan like Bharatpur, Dholpur, Karauli, Sawaimadhopur, Alwar and in northern parts like Hanumangarh, Sriganganagar, Bikaner has significant number of Scheduled Castes (SC) population, which is the vote bank of the party.

In the state, there are 34 SC and 25 ST seats out of the total 200 seats.

"The BSP is contesting solo and the Congress is going to suffer a loss," he said on Mayawati's recent announcement of not having alliance with the Congress for contesting assembly polls in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp;

The party is contesting assembly elections in the state since 1990, but it registered its first victory in 1998 by winning two seats.&nbsp;

In 1998, the party had fielded 108 candidates and secured 2.17 per cent vote share.

In 2003 elections, the BSP fought in 124 constituencies and won two seats and increased its vote share to 3.98 per cent.

The biggest victory of the party in the state was in the 2008-elections when six of the party's candidates won elections and the vote share increased to 7.60 per cent.

However, that victory was short-lived as all the six BSP MLAs joined the Congress and supported the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government.&nbsp;

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is planning to contest on all 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan, which is going to polls on December 7. The party won three seats in the 2013-assembly elections by securing 3.

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is planning to contest on all 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan, which is going to polls on December 7. The party won three seats in the 2013-assembly elections by securing 3.37 per cent vote share, which was 7.60 per cent in the 2008-elections when the party had won six MLAs. "Our preparations are in full swing and we will contest on all 200 seats in the forthcoming elections," state party vice-president Dungarram Gedar said. In the last assembly elections, the party had contested in 195 constituencies. He informed that the tickets will be finalised soon and BSP chief Mayawati will hold rallies in the state. "We are expecting to increase our tally in the 2018-elections because people are unhappy with both the BJP and the Congress. There is a resentment against the ruling BJP and people are not seeing any hope in the Congress," another BSP leader Bhagwan Singh said. He informed that the party chief will hold rallies in different parts of the state during elections. Districts in eastern Rajasthan like Bharatpur, Dholpur, Karauli, Sawaimadhopur, Alwar and in northern parts like Hanumangarh, Sriganganagar, Bikaner has significant number of Scheduled Castes (SC) population, which is the vote bank of the party. In the state, there are 34 SC and 25 ST seats out of the total 200 seats. "The BSP is contesting solo and the Congress is going to suffer a loss," he said on Mayawati's recent announcement of not having alliance with the Congress for contesting assembly polls in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The party is contesting assembly elections in the state since 1990, but it registered its first victory in 1998 by winning two seats. In 1998, the party had fielded 108 candidates and secured 2.17 per cent vote share. In 2003 elections, the BSP fought in 124 constituencies and won two seats and increased its vote share to 3.98 per cent. The biggest victory of the party in the state was in the 2008-elections when six of the party's candidates won elections and the vote share increased to 7.60 per cent. However, that victory was short-lived as all the six BSP MLAs joined the Congress and supported the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government.

BSP plans to contest on all 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan

Twelve new cases of Zika virus were detected in Jaipur Monday, taking the total number of infected people to 72, a Rajasthan health department official said.&nbsp;

The figures were issued after a review meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) medical and health, Veenu Gupta.&nbsp;

"Sixty out of the total 72 patients are healthy after treatment," the official said after the meeting where measures required to contain the situation were discussed.&nbsp;

Most of the cases have been reported from Shastri Nagar area here where fogging and other anti-larvae activities are being carried out to prevent the spread of the virus, he said.&nbsp;

So far, door-to-door survey of 96,000 households has been conducted in Shastri Nagar and neighbouring localities. Mosquito larvae was found in the area, the officer said.&nbsp;

He said 68 challans, amounting to Rs 44,000 penalty, were issued after finding larvae in houses.

The state health department has also issued an advisory for pregnant women staying outside the affected area to not visit Shastri Nagar.&nbsp;

The virus, transmitted through aedes aegypti mosquito, causes fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain. It is harmful to pregnant women as it can lead to microcephaly, a condition in which a baby's head is significantly smaller than expected.&nbsp;

In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January 2017 and the second in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district in July that year. Both these outbreaks were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management.&nbsp;

The disease is under surveillance of the Union Health Ministry although it is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under the World Health Organisation (WHO) notification since November 18, 2016.&nbsp;

Twelve new cases of Zika virus were detected in Jaipur Monday, taking the total number of infected people to 72, a Rajasthan health department official said. The figures were issued after a review meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) medical and health, Veenu Gupta.

Twelve new cases of Zika virus were detected in Jaipur Monday, taking the total number of infected people to 72, a Rajasthan health department official said. The figures were issued after a review meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) medical and health, Veenu Gupta. "Sixty out of the total 72 patients are healthy after treatment," the official said after the meeting where measures required to contain the situation were discussed. Most of the cases have been reported from Shastri Nagar area here where fogging and other anti-larvae activities are being carried out to prevent the spread of the virus, he said. So far, door-to-door survey of 96,000 households has been conducted in Shastri Nagar and neighbouring localities. Mosquito larvae was found in the area, the officer said. He said 68 challans, amounting to Rs 44,000 penalty, were issued after finding larvae in houses. The state health department has also issued an advisory for pregnant women staying outside the affected area to not visit Shastri Nagar. The virus, transmitted through aedes aegypti mosquito, causes fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain. It is harmful to pregnant women as it can lead to microcephaly, a condition in which a baby's head is significantly smaller than expected. In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January 2017 and the second in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district in July that year. Both these outbreaks were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management. The disease is under surveillance of the Union Health Ministry although it is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under the World Health Organisation (WHO) notification since November 18, 2016.

Zika virus cases in Rajasthan rise to 72

Six new cases of Zika virus were detected in Jaipur on Sunday, taking the total number of infected people to 61, a Rajasthan health department official said.

The figures were issued after a review meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) medical and health, Veenu Gupta.

Of the infected people, 11 are pregnant women, a source in the Union Health Ministry said.&nbsp;

The Centre will review the outbreak of Zika in the capital city of Rajasthan on Monday, the source said.&nbsp;

"Forty-five out of the total 60 patients are healthy after treatment," the Rajasthan health department official said. Most of the cases which have been reported are from Shastri Nagar area here where fogging and other anti-larvae activities are being carried out to prevent the spread of the virus.

Till Saturday, door-to-door survey at 76,000 households was conducted in Shastri Nagar and mosquito larvae was found and quarantined in nearly 64,000 households, the officer said.

The state health department has also issued an advisory for pregnant women staying outside the affected area to not visit Shastri Nagar.

The virus, transmitted through the aedes aegypti mosquito, causes fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain. It is harmful to pregnant women, as it can lead to microcephaly, a condition in which a baby's head is significantly smaller than expected, in newborn children.

In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January 2017 and the second in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district in July that year. Both these outbreaks were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management.

The disease is under surveillance of the Union Health Ministry although it is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under WHO notification since November 18, 2016.

Six new cases of Zika virus were detected in Jaipur on Sunday, taking the total number of infected people to 61, a Rajasthan health department official said. The figures were issued after a review meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) medical and health, Veenu Gupta.

Six new cases of Zika virus were detected in Jaipur on Sunday, taking the total number of infected people to 61, a Rajasthan health department official said. The figures were issued after a review meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) medical and health, Veenu Gupta. Of the infected people, 11 are pregnant women, a source in the Union Health Ministry said. The Centre will review the outbreak of Zika in the capital city of Rajasthan on Monday, the source said. "Forty-five out of the total 60 patients are healthy after treatment," the Rajasthan health department official said. Most of the cases which have been reported are from Shastri Nagar area here where fogging and other anti-larvae activities are being carried out to prevent the spread of the virus. Till Saturday, door-to-door survey at 76,000 households was conducted in Shastri Nagar and mosquito larvae was found and quarantined in nearly 64,000 households, the officer said. The state health department has also issued an advisory for pregnant women staying outside the affected area to not visit Shastri Nagar. The virus, transmitted through the aedes aegypti mosquito, causes fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain. It is harmful to pregnant women, as it can lead to microcephaly, a condition in which a baby's head is significantly smaller than expected, in newborn children. In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January 2017 and the second in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district in July that year. Both these outbreaks were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management. The disease is under surveillance of the Union Health Ministry although it is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under WHO notification since November 18, 2016.

Zika virus scare: Six more detected positive in Jaipur, cases rise to 61 in Rajasthan

More cases of Zika virus were detected in Jaipur Saturday taking the total number of infected people to 55, a Rajasthan health department official said.

The figure was issued by the department after a review meeting chaired by the additional chief secretary (medical and health) Veenu Gupta.

The official said of the total patients, 38 are doing fine after treatment.

Union Health Ministry officials said fresh mosquito samples have been collected from various parts of Jaipur by a team from the National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR).

On Friday, the authorities had reported 50 cases of the virus till then.&nbsp;

The Zika virus was found in some mosquitoes taken as samples from Sindhi Camp and few mosquitoes collected from the densely populated Shastri Nagar had already been found to be carriers of the virus leading to suspicion they are behind the spread of the infection.

Of the total patients, at least 11 are pregnant women, the ministry officials said.

The first case had surfaced on September 22 when an 85-year-old woman with no travel history tested positive for the disease.&nbsp;

Fogging and other anti-larvae activities are being carried out in the Shastri Nagar area to prevent the spread of the virus.

At a review meeting held on Friday, measures taken to contain the situation were discussed. The department has also issued an advisory for pregnant women staying outside Shastri Nagar not to visit the area.

A control room has been activated at the National Centre for Disease Control to monitor the situation.

The number of monitoring teams in Jaipur has been increased from 50 to 170 and a special isolation ward created at the Hira Bagh Training Centre to treat Zika virus-affected patients.

The Rajasthan government has been provided information, education and communication (IEC) material prepared to create awareness about the Zika virus and prevention strategies.

The virus, transmitted through the aedes aegypti mosquito, causes fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain. It is harmful to pregnant women, as it can lead to microcephaly, a condition in which a baby's head is significantly smaller than expected, in newborn children.

In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January 2017 and the second in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district in July that year. Both these outbreaks were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management, the ministry had said earlier.

The disease continues to be under the surveillance of the Union Health Ministry although it is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under WHO notification since November 18, 2016.&nbsp;

More cases of Zika virus were detected in Jaipur Saturday taking the total number of infected people to 55, a Rajasthan health department official said. The figure was issued by the department after a review meeting chaired by the additional chief secretary (medical and health) Veenu Gupta.

More cases of Zika virus were detected in Jaipur Saturday taking the total number of infected people to 55, a Rajasthan health department official said. The figure was issued by the department after a review meeting chaired by the additional chief secretary (medical and health) Veenu Gupta. The official said of the total patients, 38 are doing fine after treatment. Union Health Ministry officials said fresh mosquito samples have been collected from various parts of Jaipur by a team from the National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR). On Friday, the authorities had reported 50 cases of the virus till then. The Zika virus was found in some mosquitoes taken as samples from Sindhi Camp and few mosquitoes collected from the densely populated Shastri Nagar had already been found to be carriers of the virus leading to suspicion they are behind the spread of the infection. Of the total patients, at least 11 are pregnant women, the ministry officials said. The first case had surfaced on September 22 when an 85-year-old woman with no travel history tested positive for the disease. Fogging and other anti-larvae activities are being carried out in the Shastri Nagar area to prevent the spread of the virus. At a review meeting held on Friday, measures taken to contain the situation were discussed. The department has also issued an advisory for pregnant women staying outside Shastri Nagar not to visit the area. A control room has been activated at the National Centre for Disease Control to monitor the situation. The number of monitoring teams in Jaipur has been increased from 50 to 170 and a special isolation ward created at the Hira Bagh Training Centre to treat Zika virus-affected patients. The Rajasthan government has been provided information, education and communication (IEC) material prepared to create awareness about the Zika virus and prevention strategies. The virus, transmitted through the aedes aegypti mosquito, causes fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain. It is harmful to pregnant women, as it can lead to microcephaly, a condition in which a baby's head is significantly smaller than expected, in newborn children. In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January 2017 and the second in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district in July that year. Both these outbreaks were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management, the ministry had said earlier. The disease continues to be under the surveillance of the Union Health Ministry although it is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under WHO notification since November 18, 2016.

Zika virus cases rise to 55 in Rajasthan, authorities on alert

As the Assembly elections are approaching fast in Rajasthan, the state BJP will prepare the draft manifesto after studying election manifestos of other saffron party-ruled state, a party leader said Saturday.

BJP's state election manifesto committee headed by Rajendra Rathore held its second meeting on Saturday and discussed the manifestos of BJP ruled states.

"We are studying the election manifestos of the BJP-ruled states and will prepare the draft manifesto after examining the manifestos in next two weeks and forward to the state president for approval," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Rajendra Rathore told reporters after the meeting.

He said that the committee will speak to representatives of various sections of the society and examine their opinion and would try to include them in the manifesto.

"BJP is ruling in the state and we have fulfilled 90 per cent of the promises made in the 2013-election manifesto. This time also, we will make such promises which the party is capable to fulfill," he said.

Union Minister of State Arjun Ram Meghwal, senior party leader Onkar Singh Lakhawat and other members of the committee were present in the meeting.&nbsp;

As the Assembly elections are approaching fast in Rajasthan, the state BJP will prepare the draft manifesto after studying election manifestos of other saffron party-ruled state, a party leader said Saturday.

As the Assembly elections are approaching fast in Rajasthan, the state BJP will prepare the draft manifesto after studying election manifestos of other saffron party-ruled state, a party leader said Saturday. BJP's state election manifesto committee headed by Rajendra Rathore held its second meeting on Saturday and discussed the manifestos of BJP ruled states. "We are studying the election manifestos of the BJP-ruled states and will prepare the draft manifesto after examining the manifestos in next two weeks and forward to the state president for approval," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Rajendra Rathore told reporters after the meeting. He said that the committee will speak to representatives of various sections of the society and examine their opinion and would try to include them in the manifesto. "BJP is ruling in the state and we have fulfilled 90 per cent of the promises made in the 2013-election manifesto. This time also, we will make such promises which the party is capable to fulfill," he said. Union Minister of State Arjun Ram Meghwal, senior party leader Onkar Singh Lakhawat and other members of the committee were present in the meeting.

Rajasthan: BJP to study election manifestos of party-ruled states

Around 51&nbsp;people have been tested positive for Zika virus in Rajasthan's Jaipur district, news agency ANI reported on Saturday.&nbsp;

According to reports, eighteen more people in Jaipur have been tested positive for Zika virus, taking the total number of cases to 50.

At least 10 of the new cases were reported from Jaipur's Shashtri Nagar locality, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Rajasthan's health department has issued an advisory for pregnant women staying outside Shastri Nagar not to visit the area.&nbsp;

A control room has been activated at the National Centre for Disease Control to monitor the situation.&nbsp;

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Rajasthan: Total 50 people have tested positive for Zika virus in Jaipur district <a href="https://t.co/2o5vMbk1yJ">pic.twitter.com/2o5vMbk1yJ</a>
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The number of monitoring teams in Jaipur has been increased from 50 to 170 and a special isolation ward has been created at the Hira Bagh Training Centre to treat the Zika virus-affected patients.

A team from the National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR) recently found Zika virus in some mosquitoes taken as samples from Shastri Nagar, leading to suspicion they are behind the infection.

On Monday, the Prime Minister's Office sought a comprehensive report from the Health Ministry on the outbreak of Zika virus. Union Health Minister JP Nadda had told reporters that the situation is under control and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/22-test-positive-for-zika-in-jaipur-health-minister-nadda-says-no-need-to-panic-170376">there is no "need to panic"</a>.

"Our surveillance is very robust, all such cases get detected. We've standard protocols. ICMR, National Centre for Disease Control and DGHS are monitoring this. I assure people that everything is under control. There's no need to panic," Nadda stated.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Veenu Gupta on Tuesday confirmed a total 29 positive cases of Zika virus, including three pregnant women.

Zika virus disease is an emerging disease currently being reported by 86 countries worldwide.

Symptoms of Zika virus disease are similar to other viral infections such as dengue and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache.

In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January and February 2017 and the second outbreak in July 2017 from Krishnagiri District in Tamil Nadu. Both these outbreaks were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management, the ministry said.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Around 51 people have been tested positive for Zika virus in Rajasthan's Jaipur district, news agency ANI reported on Saturday. According to reports, eighteen more people in Jaipur have been tested positive for Zika virus, taking the total number of cases to 50.

Around 51 people have been tested positive for Zika virus in Rajasthan's Jaipur district, news agency ANI reported on Saturday. According to reports, eighteen more people in Jaipur have been tested positive for Zika virus, taking the total number of cases to 50. At least 10 of the new cases were reported from Jaipur's Shashtri Nagar locality, news agency PTI reported. Rajasthan's health department has issued an advisory for pregnant women staying outside Shastri Nagar not to visit the area. A control room has been activated at the National Centre for Disease Control to monitor the situation. Rajasthan: Total 50 people have tested positive for Zika virus in Jaipur district pic.twitter.com/2o5vMbk1yJ — ANI (@ANI) October 13, 2018 × The number of monitoring teams in Jaipur has been increased from 50 to 170 and a special isolation ward has been created at the Hira Bagh Training Centre to treat the Zika virus-affected patients. A team from the National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR) recently found Zika virus in some mosquitoes taken as samples from Shastri Nagar, leading to suspicion they are behind the infection. On Monday, the Prime Minister's Office sought a comprehensive report from the Health Ministry on the outbreak of Zika virus. Union Health Minister JP Nadda had told reporters that the situation is under control and there is no "need to panic". "Our surveillance is very robust, all such cases get detected. We've standard protocols. ICMR, National Centre for Disease Control and DGHS are monitoring this. I assure people that everything is under control. There's no need to panic," Nadda stated. Rajasthan Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Veenu Gupta on Tuesday confirmed a total 29 positive cases of Zika virus, including three pregnant women. Zika virus disease is an emerging disease currently being reported by 86 countries worldwide. Symptoms of Zika virus disease are similar to other viral infections such as dengue and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January and February 2017 and the second outbreak in July 2017 from Krishnagiri District in Tamil Nadu. Both these outbreaks were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management, the ministry said. (With inputs from agencies)

Zika virus scare: 51 people tested positive in Rajasthan

The Supreme Court Friday dismissed two separate petitions of senior Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Sachin Pilot seeking directions to the Election Commission to provide the draft voters' list in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan in text format, news agency PTI reported.

"We have dismissed these petitions," said a bench of justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan. &nbsp;

The apex court had reserved its verdict on October 8 on the plea of leaders alleging duplication of voters in the list and sought a proper redressal of grievances to ensure free and fair elections.

Polls in Madhya Pradesh will be held on November 28 and in Rajasthan on December 7.

The plea filed by Nath said directions should be issued to publish the voters' lists in a "text format as per rules", instead of the PDF format, and expeditious decisions are taken on all complaints before their final publication, the report added.

The senior Congress leader has also said a direction should be issued to the poll panel to randomly verify the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with votes cast on electronic voting machines (EVMs) at 10 per cent randomly-selected polling stations in every constituency.

On September 18, the poll panel had, in its affidavit, justified providing the draft electoral roll in PDF format in Madhya Pradesh without the pictures of the voters and said it was done to prevent manipulation of electors' data. 
The pleas of leaders further alleged that according to a survey, there were over 60 lakh fake voters in Madhya Pradesh and similarly, in Rajasthan, there were over 41 lakh duplicate voters.

In Rajasthan, the poll panel had added 71 lakh new voters, the plea said, demanding that directions be given to remove inconsistencies and conduct free and fair elections.&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)&nbsp;

The Supreme Court Friday dismissed two separate petitions of senior Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Sachin Pilot seeking directions to the Election Commission to provide the draft voters' list in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan in text format, news agency PTI reported.

The Supreme Court Friday dismissed two separate petitions of senior Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Sachin Pilot seeking directions to the Election Commission to provide the draft voters' list in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan in text format, news agency PTI reported. "We have dismissed these petitions," said a bench of justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan. The apex court had reserved its verdict on October 8 on the plea of leaders alleging duplication of voters in the list and sought a proper redressal of grievances to ensure free and fair elections. Polls in Madhya Pradesh will be held on November 28 and in Rajasthan on December 7. The plea filed by Nath said directions should be issued to publish the voters' lists in a "text format as per rules", instead of the PDF format, and expeditious decisions are taken on all complaints before their final publication, the report added. The senior Congress leader has also said a direction should be issued to the poll panel to randomly verify the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with votes cast on electronic voting machines (EVMs) at 10 per cent randomly-selected polling stations in every constituency. On September 18, the poll panel had, in its affidavit, justified providing the draft electoral roll in PDF format in Madhya Pradesh without the pictures of the voters and said it was done to prevent manipulation of electors' data. The pleas of leaders further alleged that according to a survey, there were over 60 lakh fake voters in Madhya Pradesh and similarly, in Rajasthan, there were over 41 lakh duplicate voters. In Rajasthan, the poll panel had added 71 lakh new voters, the plea said, demanding that directions be given to remove inconsistencies and conduct free and fair elections. (With PTI inputs)

Supreme Court dismisses Congress leaders' plea on voters' list of MP, Rajasthan 

A day after the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) sought a comprehensive report from the Health Ministry on the outbreak of Zika virus, Union Health Minister JP Nadda told reporters that the situation is under control and there is no "need to panic".

"Our surveillance is very robust, all such cases get detected. We've standard protocols. ICMR, National Centre for Disease Control and DGHS are monitoring this. I assure people that everything is under control. There's no need to panic," Nadda stated.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Veenu Gupta on Tuesday confirmed a total 29 positive cases of Zika virus, including three pregnant women.

As one of those affected in Jaipur hailed from Bihar and visited his Siwan home recently, the eastern state has issued advisories to all its 38 districts to keep a close watch on people showing symptoms similar to Zika virus infection, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

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Our surveillance is very robust, all such cases get detected. We've standard protocols. ICMR, National Centre for Disease Control &amp; DGHS are monitoring this. I assure people that everything is under control. There's no need to panic: Union Minister JP Nadda on cases of Zika virus <a href="https://t.co/r0j49ofj0e">pic.twitter.com/r0j49ofj0e</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049549093222211584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"The PMO has sought a comprehensive report on the Zika virus outbreak in Jaipur," a senior Health Ministry official said.

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There are a total of 29 positive cases so far: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rajasthan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rajasthan</a> Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Veenu Gupta, on cases of Zika virus in the state <a href="https://t.co/9LxIFoarg8">pic.twitter.com/9LxIFoarg8</a>
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All suspected cases in the defined area of Jaipur and mosquito samples from this area are being tested. Additional testing kits are provided to viral research and diagnostic laboratories.

The state government has been supplied with information, education and communication (IEC) material prepared to create awareness about Zika virus and its prevention strategies.

All pregnant mothers in the area are being monitored and extensive surveillance and vector-control measures are being taken up in the area as per protocol by the state government, the official said.&nbsp;

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150-200 teams are conducting a combing op. 26,000 houses have been surveyed. All cases of fever have been listed. If there is a need to collect samples, we're collecting that on a large scale: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rajasthan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rajasthan</a> Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Veenu Gupta, on cases of Zika virus <a href="https://t.co/FAhQlDwBtn">pic.twitter.com/FAhQlDwBtn</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049567323521208320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Zika virus disease is an emerging disease currently being reported by 86 countries worldwide.

Symptoms of Zika virus disease are similar to other viral infections such as dengue and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache.

In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January and February 2017 and the second outbreak in July 2017 from Krishnagiri District in Tamil Nadu. Both these outbreaks were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management, the ministry said.

A day after the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) sought a comprehensive report from the Health Ministry on the outbreak of Zika virus, Union Health Minister JP Nadda told reporters that the situation is under control and there is no "need to panic".

A day after the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) sought a comprehensive report from the Health Ministry on the outbreak of Zika virus, Union Health Minister JP Nadda told reporters that the situation is under control and there is no "need to panic". "Our surveillance is very robust, all such cases get detected. We've standard protocols. ICMR, National Centre for Disease Control and DGHS are monitoring this. I assure people that everything is under control. There's no need to panic," Nadda stated. Rajasthan Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Veenu Gupta on Tuesday confirmed a total 29 positive cases of Zika virus, including three pregnant women. As one of those affected in Jaipur hailed from Bihar and visited his Siwan home recently, the eastern state has issued advisories to all its 38 districts to keep a close watch on people showing symptoms similar to Zika virus infection, news agency PTI reported. Our surveillance is very robust, all such cases get detected. We've standard protocols. ICMR, National Centre for Disease Control & DGHS are monitoring this. I assure people that everything is under control. There's no need to panic: Union Minister JP Nadda on cases of Zika virus pic.twitter.com/r0j49ofj0e — ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2018 × "The PMO has sought a comprehensive report on the Zika virus outbreak in Jaipur," a senior Health Ministry official said. There are a total of 29 positive cases so far: #Rajasthan Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Veenu Gupta, on cases of Zika virus in the state pic.twitter.com/9LxIFoarg8 — ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2018 × All suspected cases in the defined area of Jaipur and mosquito samples from this area are being tested. Additional testing kits are provided to viral research and diagnostic laboratories. The state government has been supplied with information, education and communication (IEC) material prepared to create awareness about Zika virus and its prevention strategies. All pregnant mothers in the area are being monitored and extensive surveillance and vector-control measures are being taken up in the area as per protocol by the state government, the official said. 150-200 teams are conducting a combing op. 26,000 houses have been surveyed. All cases of fever have been listed. If there is a need to collect samples, we're collecting that on a large scale: #Rajasthan Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Veenu Gupta, on cases of Zika virus pic.twitter.com/FAhQlDwBtn — ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2018 × Zika virus disease is an emerging disease currently being reported by 86 countries worldwide. Symptoms of Zika virus disease are similar to other viral infections such as dengue and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January and February 2017 and the second outbreak in July 2017 from Krishnagiri District in Tamil Nadu. Both these outbreaks were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management, the ministry said.

29 test positive for Zika virus in Jaipur, Health Minister Nadda says 'no need to panic'

The Congress is likely to unseat the BJP from power in Rajasthan, two opinion polls have predicted in what could be a continuation of the state's tradition of over two decades of voting out the ruling party.

Surveys carried out by ABP News-CVoter and C fore have given the Congress almost 50 per cent of the vote share and 142 and 124-138 seats respectively in the 200-member Rajasthan Assembly, with its state president Sachin Pilot leading Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje as the most preferred candidate for the top post.

While the C fore survey is restricted to Rajasthan, the ABP News-CVoter opinion poll has also predicted the outcome of the Assembly elections in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, giving an edge to the Congress in both the states.

The BJP is in power in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh for 15 years.

The pre-poll survey has, however, added that a minor swing in both the states can turn the tide in the favour of either of the two main parties due to a very small difference between their projected vote shares.

It has predicted 122 seats for the Congress in the 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly and 47 seats for the opposition party in the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly. The BJP has been projected to bag 108 and 40 seats in these two states respectively.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had on Saturday expressed confidence that it would register a "record victory" in the upcoming state Assembly elections and retain power in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.

Senior BJP leader and Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had said the saffron party would secure a record victory on the basis of its hard work and development measures, besides the performance of its governments in the three states.

In Rajasthan, Pilot leads Raje as the popular choice for the chief minister's post with 36 per cent voters preferring him, while the latter is the first choice for

27 per cent, according to the ABP News-CVoter poll, which says former chief minister and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot enjoys the backing of 24 per cent voters.

The C fore poll says Pilot, Gehlot and Raje are the first choice of 32, 27 and 23 per cent voters respectively.

However, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his Chhattisgarh counterpart Raman Singh are the first choice of the voters for the hot seat, despite anti-incumbency sentiments against their governments, the ABP News-CVoter poll says.

The Congress and the BJP have been predicted to bag 42.2 and 41.5 per cent votes in Madhya Pradesh and 38.9 and 38.2 per cent votes in Chhattisgarh respectively.

There is, however, a huge gap in the projected vote share of the Congress and the BJP in Rajasthan, with the opposition party being backed by 49.9 per cent voters against the 34.3 per cent share for the ruling dispensation.

The vote share predicted by C fore is 50 and 43 per cent for the Congress and the BJP respectively in Rajasthan.

The BJP had secured power in all the three states in 2013 by winning 165, 142 and 49 seats in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh respectively as against the 58, 21 and 39 seats of the Congress.

The C fore survey interviewed 5,788 voters in Rajasthan, while the ABP News-CVoter opinion polls had a sample size of 26,196 voters in the three states.

The Election Commission (EC) Saturday announced that the Assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana will be held between November 12 and December 7.

While Chhattisgarh will go to the polls in two phases on November 12 and 20, the elections in Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram will be held on November 28.

Polling in Rajasthan and Telangana will be held on December 7. Counting of votes will be taken up in all the five states on December 11.&nbsp;

The Congress is likely to unseat the BJP from power in Rajasthan, two opinion polls have predicted in what could be a continuation of the state's tradition of over two decades of voting out the ruling party.

The Congress is likely to unseat the BJP from power in Rajasthan, two opinion polls have predicted in what could be a continuation of the state's tradition of over two decades of voting out the ruling party. Surveys carried out by ABP News-CVoter and C fore have given the Congress almost 50 per cent of the vote share and 142 and 124-138 seats respectively in the 200-member Rajasthan Assembly, with its state president Sachin Pilot leading Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje as the most preferred candidate for the top post. While the C fore survey is restricted to Rajasthan, the ABP News-CVoter opinion poll has also predicted the outcome of the Assembly elections in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, giving an edge to the Congress in both the states. The BJP is in power in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh for 15 years. The pre-poll survey has, however, added that a minor swing in both the states can turn the tide in the favour of either of the two main parties due to a very small difference between their projected vote shares. It has predicted 122 seats for the Congress in the 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly and 47 seats for the opposition party in the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly. The BJP has been projected to bag 108 and 40 seats in these two states respectively. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had on Saturday expressed confidence that it would register a "record victory" in the upcoming state Assembly elections and retain power in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. Senior BJP leader and Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had said the saffron party would secure a record victory on the basis of its hard work and development measures, besides the performance of its governments in the three states. In Rajasthan, Pilot leads Raje as the popular choice for the chief minister's post with 36 per cent voters preferring him, while the latter is the first choice for 27 per cent, according to the ABP News-CVoter poll, which says former chief minister and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot enjoys the backing of 24 per cent voters. The C fore poll says Pilot, Gehlot and Raje are the first choice of 32, 27 and 23 per cent voters respectively. However, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his Chhattisgarh counterpart Raman Singh are the first choice of the voters for the hot seat, despite anti-incumbency sentiments against their governments, the ABP News-CVoter poll says. The Congress and the BJP have been predicted to bag 42.2 and 41.5 per cent votes in Madhya Pradesh and 38.9 and 38.2 per cent votes in Chhattisgarh respectively. There is, however, a huge gap in the projected vote share of the Congress and the BJP in Rajasthan, with the opposition party being backed by 49.9 per cent voters against the 34.3 per cent share for the ruling dispensation. The vote share predicted by C fore is 50 and 43 per cent for the Congress and the BJP respectively in Rajasthan. The BJP had secured power in all the three states in 2013 by winning 165, 142 and 49 seats in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh respectively as against the 58, 21 and 39 seats of the Congress. The C fore survey interviewed 5,788 voters in Rajasthan, while the ABP News-CVoter opinion polls had a sample size of 26,196 voters in the three states. The Election Commission (EC) Saturday announced that the Assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana will be held between November 12 and December 7. While Chhattisgarh will go to the polls in two phases on November 12 and 20, the elections in Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram will be held on November 28. Polling in Rajasthan and Telangana will be held on December 7. Counting of votes will be taken up in all the five states on December 11.

Opinion polls predict victory for Congress in Rajasthan Assembly polls 

The Election Commission is expected to announce the poll schedules for Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram today.&nbsp;

All four states are expected to go to the polls this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

PTI quoted sources as saying the elections in the four states are expected to be wrapped up by December.&nbsp;

The sources added that while Chhattisgarh is expected to go to the polls over two phases, the other states will go to the polls in one single phase.&nbsp;

The commission has called a press conference for Saturday afternoon, at which it will make the announcements.

The commission may also announce the poll schedule for Telangana at the conference.

The Election Commission however <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-questions-independence-after-ec-reschedules-press-conference-ahead-of-modi-rally-169791">came under fire</a> on Tuesday after the Congress accused it of pushing back its press conference so as to not interfere with a rally to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ajmer, Rajasthan today.&nbsp;

The Congress's Randeep Singh Surjewala said the EC had called its press conference for 12.30 pm on Saturday. But that the commission pushed the conference back to 3 pm since a 12.30 announcement would have interfered with Modi's rally which is scheduled for 1 pm today.&nbsp;

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3 Facts- Draw your own conclusions. 
 
1. ECI announces a PC at 12.30 today to announce elction dates to the 5 states. 
 
2. PM Modi is addressing a rally in Ajmer, Rajasthan at 1 PM today. 
 
3. ECI suddenly changes the time of announcement and PC to 3 PM. 
 
Independence of ECI?
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) <a href="https://twitter.com/rssurjewala/status/1048445188165816320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;Parties are not allowed to make poll promises after election dates have been announced by the Election Commission.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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I am Prime Minister for the nation, but a worker for the BJP. So wherever I am invited, even if at a booth level meeting, I will be present: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ajmer's Pushkar. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rajasthan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rajasthan</a> <a href="https://t.co/HqCf7oTLWg">pic.twitter.com/HqCf7oTLWg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1048490128270876672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"I am prime minister for the nation, but a worker for the BJP. So wherever I am invited, even if at a booth level meeting, I will be present," Modi said later at his rally in Ajmer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The Election Commission is expected to announce the poll schedules for Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram today. All four states are expected to go to the polls this year.

The Election Commission is expected to announce the poll schedules for Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram today. All four states are expected to go to the polls this year. PTI quoted sources as saying the elections in the four states are expected to be wrapped up by December. The sources added that while Chhattisgarh is expected to go to the polls over two phases, the other states will go to the polls in one single phase. The commission has called a press conference for Saturday afternoon, at which it will make the announcements. The commission may also announce the poll schedule for Telangana at the conference. The Election Commission however came under fire on Tuesday after the Congress accused it of pushing back its press conference so as to not interfere with a rally to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ajmer, Rajasthan today. The Congress's Randeep Singh Surjewala said the EC had called its press conference for 12.30 pm on Saturday. But that the commission pushed the conference back to 3 pm since a 12.30 announcement would have interfered with Modi's rally which is scheduled for 1 pm today. 3 Facts- Draw your own conclusions. 1. ECI announces a PC at 12.30 today to announce elction dates to the 5 states. 2. PM Modi is addressing a rally in Ajmer, Rajasthan at 1 PM today. 3. ECI suddenly changes the time of announcement and PC to 3 PM. Independence of ECI? — Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) October 6, 2018 × Parties are not allowed to make poll promises after election dates have been announced by the Election Commission. I am Prime Minister for the nation, but a worker for the BJP. So wherever I am invited, even if at a booth level meeting, I will be present: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ajmer's Pushkar. #Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/HqCf7oTLWg — ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2018 × "I am prime minister for the nation, but a worker for the BJP. So wherever I am invited, even if at a booth level meeting, I will be present," Modi said later at his rally in Ajmer. (With inputs from PTI)

Election dates for MP, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh & Mizoram to be announced today

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Wednesday announced that the BSP will contest assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan on its own sans any alliance, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

At a press briefing in Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati accused the BJP and the Congress of conspiring against her party and trying to finish it.&nbsp;

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Congress, like the BJP, is conspiring to finish off our (BSP) party: BSP Chief Mayawati to ANI <a href="https://t.co/gCPoSSaaG1">pic.twitter.com/gCPoSSaaG1</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1047439440665358336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Congress is getting arrogant and are under the misconception that they can defeat the BJP on their own but the ground reality is that people haven't forgiven Congress party for their mistakes and corruption... They don't seem to be ready to rectify themselves," she noted.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Delhi: BSP Chief Mayawati's reaction when asked if there is any possibility of a BSP-Congress alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha &amp; assembly elections. <a href="https://t.co/jAztvwiV7r">pic.twitter.com/jAztvwiV7r</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1047442598363848704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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She also added that she feels that "Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi's intentions for Congress-BSP alliance are honest, however, some Congress leaders are sabotaging this."

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They (Congress) are getting arrogant &amp; are under misconception that they can defeat BJP on their own but the ground reality is that people haven't forgiven Congress party for their mistakes&amp;corruption...They don't seem to be ready to rectify themselves: BSP chief Mayawati to ANI <a href="https://t.co/sjdOMaKN4c">pic.twitter.com/sjdOMaKN4c</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1047438202007633920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Digvijaya Singh, who is also a BJP agent, is giving statements that Mayawati ji has a lot of pressure from Centre so she doesn’t want this alliance. This is baseless," the BSP chief added.&nbsp;

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I feel that Sonia Gandhi &amp; Rahul Gandhi's intentions for Congress-BSP alliance are honest. However some Congress leaders are sabotaging this : BSP Chief Mayawati to ANI <a href="https://t.co/KNZyCgD0rX">pic.twitter.com/KNZyCgD0rX</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1047436198682284033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are slated to go assembly polls later this year.&nbsp;

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Wednesday announced that the BSP will contest assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan on its own sans any alliance, news agency ANI reported.

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Wednesday announced that the BSP will contest assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan on its own sans any alliance, news agency ANI reported. At a press briefing in Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati accused the BJP and the Congress of conspiring against her party and trying to finish it. Congress, like the BJP, is conspiring to finish off our (BSP) party: BSP Chief Mayawati to ANI pic.twitter.com/gCPoSSaaG1 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 3, 2018 × "Congress is getting arrogant and are under the misconception that they can defeat the BJP on their own but the ground reality is that people haven't forgiven Congress party for their mistakes and corruption... They don't seem to be ready to rectify themselves," she noted. #WATCH Delhi: BSP Chief Mayawati's reaction when asked if there is any possibility of a BSP-Congress alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha & assembly elections. pic.twitter.com/jAztvwiV7r — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 3, 2018 × She also added that she feels that "Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi's intentions for Congress-BSP alliance are honest, however, some Congress leaders are sabotaging this." They (Congress) are getting arrogant & are under misconception that they can defeat BJP on their own but the ground reality is that people haven't forgiven Congress party for their mistakes&corruption...They don't seem to be ready to rectify themselves: BSP chief Mayawati to ANI pic.twitter.com/sjdOMaKN4c — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 3, 2018 × "Digvijaya Singh, who is also a BJP agent, is giving statements that Mayawati ji has a lot of pressure from Centre so she doesn’t want this alliance. This is baseless," the BSP chief added. I feel that Sonia Gandhi & Rahul Gandhi's intentions for Congress-BSP alliance are honest. However some Congress leaders are sabotaging this : BSP Chief Mayawati to ANI pic.twitter.com/KNZyCgD0rX — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 3, 2018 × Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are slated to go assembly polls later this year.

Watch: Mayawati says BSP will fight assembly elections alone in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh

Independent legislator and Jat leader Hanuman Beniwal will soon launch his new party that will support third front in the poll-bound Rajasthan.

Beniwal, who represents Khinvsar constituency of Nagaur district, said he will hold a mass rally in Jaipur in the next few days where he will announce&nbsp;the new party.

"I am going to announce my new party in a mass rally in Jaipur in next few days. This will support third front in the state which is immensely needed because people are suffering from the misrule of BJP and opposition Congress too could not act as an effective opposition in the state," Beniwal told PTI.

"Issues of farmers and youths are prominent this time and my party will contest on elections on many seats on these issues," he said.

Several parties including Left parties have come together to form an alliance against the BJP and Congress in the poll-bound state.<iframe data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>

Forty-six year old Mr Beniwal who won his first election as a legislator on BJP ticket in 2008, said he was well in touch with other dissents of the saffron party and would create the alliance with them.

Beniwal, Ghanshyam Tiwari and Kirori Lal Meena had quit the BJP at different point of time due to differences with Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.

While Tiwari has already formed his Bharat Vahini Party, Meena joined the BJP again in March this year and he is now a Rajya Sabha MP.

Independent legislator and Jat leader Hanuman Beniwal will soon launch his new party that will support third front in the poll-bound Rajasthan. Beniwal, who represents Khinvsar constituency of Nagaur district, said he will hold a mass rally in Jaipur in the next few days where he will announce the new party.

Independent legislator and Jat leader Hanuman Beniwal will soon launch his new party that will support third front in the poll-bound Rajasthan. Beniwal, who represents Khinvsar constituency of Nagaur district, said he will hold a mass rally in Jaipur in the next few days where he will announce the new party. "I am going to announce my new party in a mass rally in Jaipur in next few days. This will support third front in the state which is immensely needed because people are suffering from the misrule of BJP and opposition Congress too could not act as an effective opposition in the state," Beniwal told PTI. "Issues of farmers and youths are prominent this time and my party will contest on elections on many seats on these issues," he said. Several parties including Left parties have come together to form an alliance against the BJP and Congress in the poll-bound state. Forty-six year old Mr Beniwal who won his first election as a legislator on BJP ticket in 2008, said he was well in touch with other dissents of the saffron party and would create the alliance with them. Beniwal, Ghanshyam Tiwari and Kirori Lal Meena had quit the BJP at different point of time due to differences with Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. While Tiwari has already formed his Bharat Vahini Party, Meena joined the BJP again in March this year and he is now a Rajya Sabha MP.

Independent legislator Hanuman Beniwal to launch party in Rajasthan

BJP president Amit Shah Friday accused Congress chief Rahul Gandhi of supporting "urban Naxals" plotting to assassinate the prime minister and asked him to clarify his stand on the issue to people in poll-bound Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Shah's comments come in the wake of the Maharashtra police arresting five human rights activists late last month for their alleged links with Maoists.

Addressing party workers, Shah also mocked Gandhi, calling him "Rahul baba" and saying he is "day-dreaming" about the Congress' victory in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, BJP-ruled states where elections are due by year-end.&nbsp;

He said, "Rahul Gandhi and company" were supporting "urban Naxals" plotting to assassinate the prime minister.

"Shouldn't those who were plotting to assassinate the prime minister be arrested?" Shah asked.

"Rahul baba should make his stand clear on the issue of urban Naxals to the people of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh," he said.

He exhorted workers in Chhattisgarh to ensure that the party wins more than 65 seats in the 90-member assembly in the state and the Congress is decimated. Anything below the target of 65 seats should not be considered a win, the BJP chief said.

The saffron outfit currently has 49 MLAs in the state, where it has been in power since 2003.

Mocking Gandhi for predicting a Congress win in the three poll-bound states, Shah said, "Rahul baba is dreaming in broad daylight with his eyes open."

The BJP chief also highlighted the achievements of the Narendra Modi government in the last four years.

"Since 2014 when Narendra Modi became PM, the Congress has lost each and every state election. You (Rahul) ask us what the BJP has done in four-and-a-half years...

"Our government is working for the poor, youth and farmers who were neglected during your family rule. When Pakistan-based terrorists attacked us, (then PM) Manmohan Singh remained quiet. But, under Modi, our security forces conducted surgical strikes after Uri attack," Shah said.

BJP president Amit Shah Friday accused Congress chief Rahul Gandhi of supporting "urban Naxals" plotting to assassinate the prime minister and asked him to clarify his stand on the issue to people in poll-bound Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

BJP president Amit Shah Friday accused Congress chief Rahul Gandhi of supporting "urban Naxals" plotting to assassinate the prime minister and asked him to clarify his stand on the issue to people in poll-bound Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Shah's comments come in the wake of the Maharashtra police arresting five human rights activists late last month for their alleged links with Maoists. Addressing party workers, Shah also mocked Gandhi, calling him "Rahul baba" and saying he is "day-dreaming" about the Congress' victory in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, BJP-ruled states where elections are due by year-end. He said, "Rahul Gandhi and company" were supporting "urban Naxals" plotting to assassinate the prime minister. "Shouldn't those who were plotting to assassinate the prime minister be arrested?" Shah asked. "Rahul baba should make his stand clear on the issue of urban Naxals to the people of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh," he said. He exhorted workers in Chhattisgarh to ensure that the party wins more than 65 seats in the 90-member assembly in the state and the Congress is decimated. Anything below the target of 65 seats should not be considered a win, the BJP chief said. The saffron outfit currently has 49 MLAs in the state, where it has been in power since 2003. Mocking Gandhi for predicting a Congress win in the three poll-bound states, Shah said, "Rahul baba is dreaming in broad daylight with his eyes open." The BJP chief also highlighted the achievements of the Narendra Modi government in the last four years. "Since 2014 when Narendra Modi became PM, the Congress has lost each and every state election. You (Rahul) ask us what the BJP has done in four-and-a-half years... "Our government is working for the poor, youth and farmers who were neglected during your family rule. When Pakistan-based terrorists attacked us, (then PM) Manmohan Singh remained quiet. But, under Modi, our security forces conducted surgical strikes after Uri attack," Shah said.

Amit Shah accuses Rahul Gandhi of supporting 'urban Naxals'

The Delhi-NCR region continued to be covered by a layer of dust for the third day running, with pollution levels worse than severe on the air quality index.&nbsp

An AQI between 0-50 is considered "Good", 51-100 "Satisfactory", 101-200 "Moderate", 201-300 "Poor", 301-400 "Very Poor", and 401-500 "Severe".

According to the CPCB, the air quality index - a measurement of the concentration of toxic particulate matter in the air - at several places in Delhi remained beyond the 500-mark, with east Delhi's Anand Vihar area recording a PM10 level of 929 and PM2.5 level of 301 this morning.

The dust currently hovering over the capital is being blamed on dust storms originating in Rajasthan. The dust makes the summer heat worse in Delhi because it stops warm air from escaping.&nbsp

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a>: Rajasthan's Bikaner affected due to haze and dusty weather. <a href="https://t.co/WeXQ9Rl3WT">pic.twitter.com/WeXQ9Rl3WT</a>
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Air India Mumbai-Chandigarh flight stranded at Delhi airport due to sandstorm at Chandigarh.
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Flight operations suspended at Chandigarh Airport due to poor visibility following dust storm.
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he PM10 level (presence of particles with diameter less than 10mm) was beyond severe at 796 in Delhi-NCR and 830 in Delhi particularly, leading to hazy conditions.&nbsp

The environment ministry has said the current conditions will continue for another 3-4 days.&nbsp

News reports quoted CPCB members as saying people should stay indoors while the current conditions prevail.&nbsp

The environment ministry meanwhile has alerted construction agencies, municipal corporations and Delhi Pollution Control Committee to ensure water sprinkling.&nbsp

(With inputs from PTI)

The dust currently hovering over the capital is being blamed on dust storms originating in Rajasthan. The dust makes the summer heat worse in Delhi because it stops warm air from escaping

The Delhi-NCR region continued to be covered by a layer of dust for the third day running, with pollution levels worse than severe on the air quality index. An AQI between 0-50 is considered "Good", 51-100 "Satisfactory", 101-200 "Moderate", 201-300 "Poor", 301-400 "Very Poor", and 401-500 "Severe". According to the CPCB, the air quality index - a measurement of the concentration of toxic particulate matter in the air - at several places in Delhi remained beyond the 500-mark, with east Delhi's Anand Vihar area recording a PM10 level of 929 and PM2.5 level of 301 this morning. The dust currently hovering over the capital is being blamed on dust storms originating in Rajasthan. The dust makes the summer heat worse in Delhi because it stops warm air from escaping. #Visuals: Rajasthan's Bikaner affected due to haze and dusty weather. pic.twitter.com/WeXQ9Rl3WT — ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 × Air India Mumbai-Chandigarh flight stranded at Delhi airport due to sandstorm at Chandigarh. — ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 × Flight operations suspended at Chandigarh Airport due to poor visibility following dust storm. — ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 × he PM10 level (presence of particles with diameter less than 10mm) was beyond severe at 796 in Delhi-NCR and 830 in Delhi particularly, leading to hazy conditions. The environment ministry has said the current conditions will continue for another 3-4 days. News reports quoted CPCB members as saying people should stay indoors while the current conditions prevail. The environment ministry meanwhile has alerted construction agencies, municipal corporations and Delhi Pollution Control Committee to ensure water sprinkling. (With inputs from PTI)

Delhi covered by layer of dust for 3rd day, conditions to remain for 3-4 days

The Jammu and Kashmir Police has arrested from Rajasthan the brother of former BJP minister Lal Singh who had been on the run since the registration of a case against him for allegedly abusing Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti during a public rally.

The officials said that Rajinder Singh alias Bobby was arrested from Udaipur, where he was hiding. He is being brought to Jammu.

A video, circulated on social media, purportedly showed him hurling abuses at the chief minister during the Dogra Swabiman Rally in Hiranagar last month.&nbsp;

A video, circulated on social media, purportedly showed Rajinder Singh alias Bobby hurling abuses at the chief minister during the Dogra Swabiman Rally in Hiranagar last month.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police has arrested from Rajasthan the brother of former BJP minister Lal Singh who had been on the run since the registration of a case against him for allegedly abusing Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti during a public rally. The officials said that Rajinder Singh alias Bobby was arrested from Udaipur, where he was hiding. He is being brought to Jammu. A video, circulated on social media, purportedly showed him hurling abuses at the chief minister during the Dogra Swabiman Rally in Hiranagar last month.

Rajasthan: Ex-BJP minister's brother arrested for 'abusing' J&K CM Mufti

Sachin Pilot is President of the Rajasthan Congress Committee. He has been a two-term MP and also served as a minister of state under Manmohan Singh.

He lost his Lok Sabha seat in the Modi wave of 2014. Since then he has kept his focus on Rajasthan, even relocating to the state.

Today, with an assembly election coming up, the Congress is on a strong wicket in the state. It is the BJP government that will have to fight anti-incumbency. The Congress did very well in the recent by-elections and Sachin says the BJP will be defeated in Rajasthan. His entire interview with WION follows:&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
 
WION: How has the Rajasthan government handled the farmer unrest and the debt issue? 
Sachin Pilot: 150 farmers have already committed suicide in the state. Farmers'&nbsp;distress today stands at its worst stage. The state government has turned a blind eye to the farmers'&nbsp;problem. Unavailability of water and seeds compounded with debt management has broken farmers back in the last 3 years. 
&nbsp; 
WION: Do you think rural distress as an issue can also resonate in Madhya Pradesh? 
Sachin Pilot: Both Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are suffering from massive agrarian distress. Both are agriculture based states and a large part of population depends on it. BJP has not paid sufficient attention to the farmers. Congress too has not forgotten Mandasaur incident. It is for this reason Congress President Rahul Gandhi visited the place to mark death anniversary of the farmers who were shot while agitating. I feel this resentment will express itself during the time of vote. 
&nbsp; 
WION: Is Kairana a roadmap for the Opposition for the coming Lok Sabha elections? 
Sachin Pilot: To an extent but every state has a different dynamic and tieups will happen keeping that in mind. Mrs Gandhi had recently organised a meet of 17 parties. Subsequently we saw a realignment in Uttar Pradesh. But we should not forget that Congress is the only party which can nationally mount a challenge against BJP. For any anti-BJP alliance, Congress will have to be in the pivot position. Political players to come together on a platform like this will have to give up personal interests. 
&nbsp; 
WION: What about states like Rajasthan where Congress does not need an alliance? Will the Kairana model be applicable there? 
Sachin Pilot: Rajasthan is a two-party state. Elections are fought between BJP and Congress. Our party does not need any alliance in the state. We will defeat BJP on our strength. Rajasthan bypolls have shown as to how weak BJP has become in the state. Lot of like-minded people in Rajasthan are coming together to fight BJP. Tribals, Dalits and farmers have received a raw deal under the Rajasthan government. 
&nbsp; 
WION: Congress is refocusing on OBC vote. Historically, after Charan Singh’s exit from Congress, OBC votes remained with the Opposition parties then and now rests with BJP and regional setups. How do you expect Congress to catch up? 
Sachin Pilot: It is never too late. Congress is a rainbow party. I will not deny that strong OBC leadership in recent past have emanated from regional parties. It is a talented community and Congress will be building its fresh leadership in the party. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION: You said Dalits have got a raw deal in Rajasthan but if you look at the Karnataka results, BJP has not done badly in reserved constituencies. 
Sachin Pilot: I’m not an expert on Karnataka. In north India, atrocities against Dalits have increased manifold. Dalit community is very vulnerable today. They have been at the receiving end and in many states, videos of violence against them have also come up. So, there is a huge turnaround of the Dalit community in north India. 
&nbsp; 
WION: Can we say that Sachin Pilot is the CM candidate? 
Sachin Pilot: No. It all depends on the Congress President Rahul Gandhi. My job is to fight election. We will fight elections collectively. I have received support from everyone and it is for this reason that Congress gave impressive results in Rajasthan. 
&nbsp; 
WION: How is your relation with Ashok Gehlot? (Senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan CMAshok Gehlot has been moved to Delhi and made a General Secretary of the party.)&nbsp; 
Sachin Pilot: I have a very good relationship with Ashok Gehlot. I have good relationship with everyone in the Rajasthan Congress. Ashok Gehlot and many other senior leaders have done good work in the state. Now he has a new assignment as General Secretary of the Congress Party. 
&nbsp; 
WION: Congress has built a strong anti-Modi campaign but you have not come out with alternative ideas and a positive theme. Why? 
Sachin Pilot: &nbsp;Tall promises were made by Narendra Modi and not us in 2014. We are doing the correct thing by asking questions. We are exposing BJP by asking questions as everyone knows that promises have not been kept. We are not being just critical. We are making BJP accountable. And Congress too will have a positive campaign. Let the time come.

The recent Rajasthan bypolls have shown how weak the BJP has become in the state, Pilot said. Rajasthan will go to the polls in 2018

Sachin Pilot is President of the Rajasthan Congress Committee. He has been a two-term MP and also served as a minister of state under Manmohan Singh. He lost his Lok Sabha seat in the Modi wave of 2014. Since then he has kept his focus on Rajasthan, even relocating to the state. Today, with an assembly election coming up, the Congress is on a strong wicket in the state. It is the BJP government that will have to fight anti-incumbency. The Congress did very well in the recent by-elections and Sachin says the BJP will be defeated in Rajasthan. His entire interview with WION follows: WION: How has the Rajasthan government handled the farmer unrest and the debt issue? Sachin Pilot: 150 farmers have already committed suicide in the state. Farmers' distress today stands at its worst stage. The state government has turned a blind eye to the farmers' problem. Unavailability of water and seeds compounded with debt management has broken farmers back in the last 3 years. WION: Do you think rural distress as an issue can also resonate in Madhya Pradesh? Sachin Pilot: Both Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are suffering from massive agrarian distress. Both are agriculture based states and a large part of population depends on it. BJP has not paid sufficient attention to the farmers. Congress too has not forgotten Mandasaur incident. It is for this reason Congress President Rahul Gandhi visited the place to mark death anniversary of the farmers who were shot while agitating. I feel this resentment will express itself during the time of vote. WION: Is Kairana a roadmap for the Opposition for the coming Lok Sabha elections? Sachin Pilot: To an extent but every state has a different dynamic and tieups will happen keeping that in mind. Mrs Gandhi had recently organised a meet of 17 parties. Subsequently we saw a realignment in Uttar Pradesh. But we should not forget that Congress is the only party which can nationally mount a challenge against BJP. For any anti-BJP alliance, Congress will have to be in the pivot position. Political players to come together on a platform like this will have to give up personal interests. WION: What about states like Rajasthan where Congress does not need an alliance? Will the Kairana model be applicable there? Sachin Pilot: Rajasthan is a two-party state. Elections are fought between BJP and Congress. Our party does not need any alliance in the state. We will defeat BJP on our strength. Rajasthan bypolls have shown as to how weak BJP has become in the state. Lot of like-minded people in Rajasthan are coming together to fight BJP. Tribals, Dalits and farmers have received a raw deal under the Rajasthan government. WION: Congress is refocusing on OBC vote. Historically, after Charan Singh’s exit from Congress, OBC votes remained with the Opposition parties then and now rests with BJP and regional setups. How do you expect Congress to catch up? Sachin Pilot: It is never too late. Congress is a rainbow party. I will not deny that strong OBC leadership in recent past have emanated from regional parties. It is a talented community and Congress will be building its fresh leadership in the party. WION: You said Dalits have got a raw deal in Rajasthan but if you look at the Karnataka results, BJP has not done badly in reserved constituencies. Sachin Pilot: I’m not an expert on Karnataka. In north India, atrocities against Dalits have increased manifold. Dalit community is very vulnerable today. They have been at the receiving end and in many states, videos of violence against them have also come up. So, there is a huge turnaround of the Dalit community in north India. WION: Can we say that Sachin Pilot is the CM candidate? Sachin Pilot: No. It all depends on the Congress President Rahul Gandhi. My job is to fight election. We will fight elections collectively. I have received support from everyone and it is for this reason that Congress gave impressive results in Rajasthan. WION: How is your relation with Ashok Gehlot? (Senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan CMAshok Gehlot has been moved to Delhi and made a General Secretary of the party.) Sachin Pilot: I have a very good relationship with Ashok Gehlot. I have good relationship with everyone in the Rajasthan Congress. Ashok Gehlot and many other senior leaders have done good work in the state. Now he has a new assignment as General Secretary of the Congress Party. WION: Congress has built a strong anti-Modi campaign but you have not come out with alternative ideas and a positive theme. Why? Sachin Pilot: Tall promises were made by Narendra Modi and not us in 2014. We are doing the correct thing by asking questions. We are exposing BJP by asking questions as everyone knows that promises have not been kept. We are not being just critical. We are making BJP accountable. And Congress too will have a positive campaign. Let the time come.

Congress does not need an alliance in Rajasthan, will beat BJP on its own: Sachin Pilot to WION

As former Uttar Pradesh chief ministers begin vacating their bungalows in Lucknow following a Supreme Court order last month, Rajasthan also awaits a court order on the same issue.

The Rajasthan High Court will hear a case on July 12 that challenges provisions of a law that entitles former chief ministers to free housing and other perks. The Bill for this was passed in the assembly in April last year by voice vote, with the only rebel BJP leader Ghanshyam Tiwari dissenting.

It added a new section to the Rajasthan Ministers' Salaries Act, 1956.

Mr Tiwari has been demanding that Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje should vacate a plush bungalow at 13, Civil Lines which was allotted to her as a former chief minister and shift to the CM's official residence at 8, Civil Lines.

Jaipur-based journalist Milap Chand Dandia had filed a public interest litigation against the new section in the Rajasthan law, notified in May last year.

"The SC has already decided on the issue and I am hopeful that the high court will also quash the new section, which is unconstitutional and invalid," Mr Dandia said.

Former chief minister and Congress MLA from Jodhpur Ashok Gehlot indicated his willingness to give up the bungalow, as soon the Supreme Court pronounced its verdict on the Uttar Pradesh law.

"We had written to the General Administration Department on May 7 itself seeking appropriate direction pertaining to the residence," Mr Gehlot's private secretary Devaram Saini said. 
Following the Supreme Court order, the Uttar Pradesh government had served notices to six politicians who had been allotted official bungalows in Lucknow as former chief ministers.

While Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati and ailing Congress veteran Narayan Dutt Tiwari have expressed reluctance to move out, the others appear set to meet the weekend deadline. 
&nbsp

As former Uttar Pradesh chief ministers begin vacating their bungalows in Lucknow following a Supreme Court order last month, Rajasthan also awaits a court order on the same issue

As former Uttar Pradesh chief ministers begin vacating their bungalows in Lucknow following a Supreme Court order last month, Rajasthan also awaits a court order on the same issue. The Rajasthan High Court will hear a case on July 12 that challenges provisions of a law that entitles former chief ministers to free housing and other perks. The Bill for this was passed in the assembly in April last year by voice vote, with the only rebel BJP leader Ghanshyam Tiwari dissenting. It added a new section to the Rajasthan Ministers' Salaries Act, 1956. Mr Tiwari has been demanding that Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje should vacate a plush bungalow at 13, Civil Lines which was allotted to her as a former chief minister and shift to the CM's official residence at 8, Civil Lines. Jaipur-based journalist Milap Chand Dandia had filed a public interest litigation against the new section in the Rajasthan law, notified in May last year. "The SC has already decided on the issue and I am hopeful that the high court will also quash the new section, which is unconstitutional and invalid," Mr Dandia said. Former chief minister and Congress MLA from Jodhpur Ashok Gehlot indicated his willingness to give up the bungalow, as soon the Supreme Court pronounced its verdict on the Uttar Pradesh law. "We had written to the General Administration Department on May 7 itself seeking appropriate direction pertaining to the residence," Mr Gehlot's private secretary Devaram Saini said. Following the Supreme Court order, the Uttar Pradesh government had served notices to six politicians who had been allotted official bungalows in Lucknow as former chief ministers. While Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati and ailing Congress veteran Narayan Dutt Tiwari have expressed reluctance to move out, the others appear set to meet the weekend deadline.

Rajasthan awaits court order on bungalows for ex-chief ministers

A day after farmers in the country went on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609">strike</a>, the prices of fruits and vegetables have reportedly shot up.&nbsp;

ANI reported vendors at Delhi's Okhla mandi as saying prices had risen.

PTI added that the arrival of vegetables at various market committees and the collection of milk in Maharashtra's Nashik district had also been affected.

"All milk dairies in the (Nashik) district are closed and collection centres for milk has been affected. Agitating farmers poured milk on the roads at Visapur in Yeola taluka in the morning today. Arrival of vegetables at APMC is also low," PTI quoted Raju Desale, working president of the All India Kisan Sabha, as saying.

The farmers began their 10-day strike — called Gaon Bandh — on Friday, saying they would not transport their produce to the cities. The farmers have also threatened a Bharat Bandh on the last day of their strike, June 10.&nbsp;

The farmers are demanding a waiver of their loans, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission report, and a minimum income guarantee scheme.&nbsp;

Farmers were seen in Punjab and Maharashtra dumping fruit, vegetables, and milk on the streets.&nbsp;

PTI reported that farmer organisations have called for a boycott of mandis&nbsp;in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Mahrashtra, but that Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Mahasangh convenor Shivkumar Sharma claimed in Bhopal that the farmer strike is being observed across 22 states.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>: Vendors at Okhla vegetable market say prices have shot up due to country-wide farmers' protest. <a href="https://t.co/beS3IxBN9L">pic.twitter.com/beS3IxBN9L</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1002759175087067136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, despite photographic evidence to the contrary, a number of politicians on Saturday continued to say there was no farmer strike taking place in the country.&nbsp;

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Madhya Pradesh: Farmers in Mandsaur on 10-day 'Kisan Avkash' strike prepared 'Kheer' and distributed it among villagers. The farmers during the ten-day strike are not supplying vegetables, fruits, grains and milk to cities. (01.06.2018) <a href="https://t.co/c9aCnb4zKf">pic.twitter.com/c9aCnb4zKf</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1002833759014551553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Its 2nd June today,where is the strike happening? No farmers are participating in the strike. Farmers are happy with the schemes CM has launched for them.They have faith that state¢ral govt will solve their problems: Balkrishna Patidar, Madhya Pradesh minister for Agriculture <a href="https://t.co/EKmKVowGAJ">pic.twitter.com/EKmKVowGAJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1002783290024067073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar speaks on farmers' strike, says, 'they don't have any issues, they are just focusing on unnecessary things, not selling produce will bring losses to farmers.' (01.06.2018) <a href="https://t.co/CFY7dzgj2g">pic.twitter.com/CFY7dzgj2g</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1002773802013503488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Wholesalers at Delhi's Okhla mandi said prices had risen. PTI reported that the arrival of vegetables at various market committees and the collection of milk in Maharashtra's Nashik district had also been affected

A day after farmers in the country went on strike, the prices of fruits and vegetables have reportedly shot up. ANI reported vendors at Delhi's Okhla mandi as saying prices had risen. PTI added that the arrival of vegetables at various market committees and the collection of milk in Maharashtra's Nashik district had also been affected. "All milk dairies in the (Nashik) district are closed and collection centres for milk has been affected. Agitating farmers poured milk on the roads at Visapur in Yeola taluka in the morning today. Arrival of vegetables at APMC is also low," PTI quoted Raju Desale, working president of the All India Kisan Sabha, as saying. The farmers began their 10-day strike — called Gaon Bandh — on Friday, saying they would not transport their produce to the cities. The farmers have also threatened a Bharat Bandh on the last day of their strike, June 10. The farmers are demanding a waiver of their loans, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission report, and a minimum income guarantee scheme. Farmers were seen in Punjab and Maharashtra dumping fruit, vegetables, and milk on the streets. PTI reported that farmer organisations have called for a boycott of mandis in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Mahrashtra, but that Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Mahasangh convenor Shivkumar Sharma claimed in Bhopal that the farmer strike is being observed across 22 states. #Delhi: Vendors at Okhla vegetable market say prices have shot up due to country-wide farmers' protest. pic.twitter.com/beS3IxBN9L — ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2018 × Meanwhile, despite photographic evidence to the contrary, a number of politicians on Saturday continued to say there was no farmer strike taking place in the country. Madhya Pradesh: Farmers in Mandsaur on 10-day 'Kisan Avkash' strike prepared 'Kheer' and distributed it among villagers. The farmers during the ten-day strike are not supplying vegetables, fruits, grains and milk to cities. (01.06.2018) pic.twitter.com/c9aCnb4zKf — ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2018 × Its 2nd June today,where is the strike happening? No farmers are participating in the strike. Farmers are happy with the schemes CM has launched for them.They have faith that state¢ral govt will solve their problems: Balkrishna Patidar, Madhya Pradesh minister for Agriculture pic.twitter.com/EKmKVowGAJ — ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2018 × #WATCH: Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar speaks on farmers' strike, says, 'they don't have any issues, they are just focusing on unnecessary things, not selling produce will bring losses to farmers.' (01.06.2018) pic.twitter.com/CFY7dzgj2g — ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2018 ×

Day after country's farmers go on strike, fruit & vegetable prices shoot up

In a profession that is considered strictly male-dominated, Rajasthan's Manju Devi stands tall as North-West Railways first woman porter. Manju took to the profession almost a decade back when her husband died.

Manju decided to take charge of her family and look after her three kids. She managed to get her deceased husband Mahadev's porter license no.15 and took to the demanding task of hauling luggage of passengers at the Jaipur Railway Station.

Devi admits that the start was tough but with the help of other porters and words of encouragement from her family, she managed to pave her way through all adversities.&nbsp

"I weighed 30 kgs and the passengers' luggage was also 30 kgs but it was nowhere to the burden of feeding three children," she recalls.

Clad in a red kurta and a white salwar, Manju Devi sets out every day to work in multiple shifts, to make ends meet for her family.

She has been felicitated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, besides other 112 exceptional Indian women including former beauty queens Aishwarya Rai and Nicole Faria, mountaineer Bachendri Pal and Anshu Jamsenpa, missile woman Tessy Thomas, and private detective Rajani Pandit.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp

 
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Devi admits that the start was tough but with the help of other porters and words of encouragement from her family, she managed to pave her way through

In a profession that is considered strictly male-dominated, Rajasthan's Manju Devi stands tall as North-West Railways first woman porter. Manju took to the profession almost a decade back when her husband died. Manju decided to take charge of her family and look after her three kids. She managed to get her deceased husband Mahadev's porter license no.15 and took to the demanding task of hauling luggage of passengers at the Jaipur Railway Station. Devi admits that the start was tough but with the help of other porters and words of encouragement from her family, she managed to pave her way through all adversities. "I weighed 30 kgs and the passengers' luggage was also 30 kgs but it was nowhere to the burden of feeding three children," she recalls. Clad in a red kurta and a white salwar, Manju Devi sets out every day to work in multiple shifts, to make ends meet for her family. She has been felicitated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, besides other 112 exceptional Indian women including former beauty queens Aishwarya Rai and Nicole Faria, mountaineer Bachendri Pal and Anshu Jamsenpa, missile woman Tessy Thomas, and private detective Rajani Pandit. (With inputs from PTI)

Meet Manju Devi, first woman porter of North-West Railways 

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