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


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

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

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

<p>Telangana and&nbsp;Rajasthan are undergoing elections today to elect their&nbsp;legislative assembly members.</p>

<p>While the polling in Telangana started at 7 am, voting in Rajasthan began at 8 am.</p>

<p>The polling in Telangana will end at 5 pm&nbsp;while in 13 constituencies classified as Left Wing Extremist-affected, polling ends an hour before at 4 pm.</p>

<p>Election Commission is using Voters Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in Telangana for the first time.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="in">Telangana: Deputy Chief Minister Kadiyan Srihari cast his vote in Warangal. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TelanganaElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TelanganaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/MLrZdGI4Dc">pic.twitter.com/MLrZdGI4Dc</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070879905238396928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Telangana: BJP's G Kishan Reddy casts his vote at polling booth no.7 in Kachiguda, Hyderabad. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TelanganaElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TelanganaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/HRuneW8maY">pic.twitter.com/HRuneW8maY</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070875867348377601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Telangana: Actor Allu Arjun stands in a queue to cast his vote at booth no. 152 in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TelanganaElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TelanganaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/5kuui5v5Wy">pic.twitter.com/5kuui5v5Wy</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070872658852634624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Telangana: Actor Akkineni Nagarjuna and his wife &amp; actor Amala Akkineni stand in a queue to cast their votes at booth no. 151 in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TelanganaElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TelanganaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/IZpOhBmyTU">pic.twitter.com/IZpOhBmyTU</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070872175576576000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Telangana: State Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao casts his vote in polling booth no. 102 in Siddipet constituency. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TelanganaElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TelanganaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/2q2tqbgoXl">pic.twitter.com/2q2tqbgoXl</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070864248266518529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nizamabad: People cast their votes at a polling station in Pothangal. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TelanganaElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TelanganaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/yFq8I8ZBtg">pic.twitter.com/yFq8I8ZBtg</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070855391330881537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>199 out of 200 assembly seats will go to polls in Rajasthan today. Polling has been cancelled in&nbsp;Alwar district’s Ramgarh constituency following the death of a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate Laxman Singh.</p>

<p>A total of 2, 274 candidates in the fray in Rajasthan. As many as 4,74,79,402 people are eligible to&nbsp;cast their vote at 51,667 polling stations across the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With 32,815 polling stations across Telangana, around 1,821 candidates including a transgender are in the fray in the election.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje casts her vote at polling booth no. 31A in Jhalrapatan constituency of Jhalawar. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/DRJVYFkBb4">pic.twitter.com/DRJVYFkBb4</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070878365802876928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sachin Pilot, Congress on CM face from Congress: We will sit and discuss this after our party gets a majority in the election. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/fy6PCtY9D9">pic.twitter.com/fy6PCtY9D9</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070883757207547904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="et"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanAssemblyelection2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanAssemblyelection2018</a>: Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore casts his votes at polling booth 252 in Vaishali Nagar, Jaipur. <a href="https://t.co/R0KqDbn95I">pic.twitter.com/R0KqDbn95I</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070882257085198337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rajasthan: An 80-year-old woman cast her vote at booth no. 103 in Sardarpura constituency of Jodhpur district. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/wmTiniu07u">pic.twitter.com/wmTiniu07u</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070880545796710400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress-led alliance is challenging the ruling TRS in Telangana with the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest. In Rajasthan, BJP will try to retain its&nbsp;power in the state assembly.</p>

<p>Counting of votes will take place on&nbsp;December 11.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Telangana and Rajasthan are undergoing elections today to elect their legislative assembly members. While the polling in Telangana started at 7 am, voting in Rajasthan began at 8 am.

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

Assembly elections 2018: Rajasthan, Telangana go to polls today

<p>An estimated 67 per cent of over 2.80 crore voters cast their ballots in Telangana on Friday in an election that will test the popularity of the ruling TRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao and the wisdom of the great gamble he made in going for early elections.</p>

<p>Barring stray incidents of clashes and malfunctioning of voting machines at a few places, the polling was largely peaceful, including in areas affected by Maoist insurgency.</p>

<p>"As of 5 pm, we have reports that the polling was at 67 per cent. Webcasting shows that some people are still in queues. So, we expect the polling to go up by another two per cent," the state's chief electoral officer Rajat Kumar told reporters.</p>

<p>Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Jitender told PTI that the entire polling process was "incident free".</p>

<p>However, independent reports said TRS and Congress workers clashed at a place in Nagar Kurnool district.</p>

<p>Kumar said there was a delay in start of polling at some booths on accounts of malfunctioning of EVMs and voter verifiable paper audit trail machines.<br />
Thirty odd complaints of model code violation were also received.</p>

<p>Vote was taken for all the 119 seats of Telangana assembly for the first time after the division of Andhra Pradesh and creation of India's youngest state in 2014.</p>

<p>Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan, caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, ministers K T Rama Rao and T Harish Rao, BJP's Telangana president K Laxman, state Congress chief Uttam Kumar Reddy and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi were among leaders who cast their ballots.</p>

<p>Uttam Kumar Reddy alleged that his party candidate in Kalwakurthy Assembly segment Vamsichand Reddy was attacked by BJP cadre in Amangal where he had gone to observe the poll pattern.</p>

<p>However, BJP's chief spokesperson Krishna Saagar Rao denied the allegation claiming the Congress was "playing victim games sensing disastrous defeat."</p>

<p>TRS supremo and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, widely credited for the creation of Telangana, exuded confidence that his party would come back to power with a "huge majority."</p>

<p>Adding a dash of glamour to the poll process, celebrities turned up in good numbers to cast their votes.</p>

<p>Actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi, veteran actor Krishna, popular heroes Nagarjuna, "junior" NTR and Mahesh Babu, and 'Baahubali'-fame director S S Rajamouli exercised their franchise.</p>

<p>Tennis ace Sania Mirza and star badminton player P V Sindhu also cast their vote.</p>

<p>Chiranjeevi, Krishna, Nagarjuna, "junior" NTR and Sania Mirza turned up at the polling stations along with their family members to vote.</p>

<p>At some places, people were seen taking selfies with celebrity voters.</p>

<p>However, disappointment was in store for shuttler Jwala Gutta, who said she could not vote as her name was missing from the voters list.</p>

<p>Additional DG (Law and order) Jitender said about one lakh security personnel, including 20,000 drawn from other states and 25,000 central paramilitary forces, were deployed to ensure peaceful polls.</p>

<p>The Congress has stitched together "Praja Kutami" (People's Front) with the TDP, Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) and CPI in a bid to wrest power from the TRS, which is seeking a second term in office.</p>

<p>The TRS has gone it alone in the polls and so has the BJP.</p>

<p>As many as 1,821 candidates including a transgender are in the electoral fray.</p>

<p>Counting of votes would be taken up on December 11.&nbsp;</p>


An estimated 67 per cent of over 2.80 crore voters cast their ballots in Telangana on Friday in an election that will test the popularity of the ruling TRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao and the wisdom of the great gamble he made in going for early elections.

An estimated 67 per cent of over 2.80 crore voters cast their ballots in Telangana on Friday in an election that will test the popularity of the ruling TRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao and the wisdom of the great gamble he made in going for early elections. Barring stray incidents of clashes and malfunctioning of voting machines at a few places, the polling was largely peaceful, including in areas affected by Maoist insurgency. "As of 5 pm, we have reports that the polling was at 67 per cent. Webcasting shows that some people are still in queues. So, we expect the polling to go up by another two per cent," the state's chief electoral officer Rajat Kumar told reporters. Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Jitender told PTI that the entire polling process was "incident free". However, independent reports said TRS and Congress workers clashed at a place in Nagar Kurnool district. Kumar said there was a delay in start of polling at some booths on accounts of malfunctioning of EVMs and voter verifiable paper audit trail machines. Thirty odd complaints of model code violation were also received. Vote was taken for all the 119 seats of Telangana assembly for the first time after the division of Andhra Pradesh and creation of India's youngest state in 2014. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan, caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, ministers K T Rama Rao and T Harish Rao, BJP's Telangana president K Laxman, state Congress chief Uttam Kumar Reddy and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi were among leaders who cast their ballots. Uttam Kumar Reddy alleged that his party candidate in Kalwakurthy Assembly segment Vamsichand Reddy was attacked by BJP cadre in Amangal where he had gone to observe the poll pattern. However, BJP's chief spokesperson Krishna Saagar Rao denied the allegation claiming the Congress was "playing victim games sensing disastrous defeat." TRS supremo and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, widely credited for the creation of Telangana, exuded confidence that his party would come back to power with a "huge majority." Adding a dash of glamour to the poll process, celebrities turned up in good numbers to cast their votes. Actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi, veteran actor Krishna, popular heroes Nagarjuna, "junior" NTR and Mahesh Babu, and 'Baahubali'-fame director S S Rajamouli exercised their franchise. Tennis ace Sania Mirza and star badminton player P V Sindhu also cast their vote. Chiranjeevi, Krishna, Nagarjuna, "junior" NTR and Sania Mirza turned up at the polling stations along with their family members to vote. At some places, people were seen taking selfies with celebrity voters. However, disappointment was in store for shuttler Jwala Gutta, who said she could not vote as her name was missing from the voters list. Additional DG (Law and order) Jitender said about one lakh security personnel, including 20,000 drawn from other states and 25,000 central paramilitary forces, were deployed to ensure peaceful polls. The Congress has stitched together "Praja Kutami" (People's Front) with the TDP, Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) and CPI in a bid to wrest power from the TRS, which is seeking a second term in office. The TRS has gone it alone in the polls and so has the BJP. As many as 1,821 candidates including a transgender are in the electoral fray. Counting of votes would be taken up on December 11.

Telangana records 67% polling, voting largely peaceful

<p>Polling concluded in poll-bound Rajasthan on Friday evening. According to reports, Rajasthan recorded around 72.7 per cent voter turnout till 5pm.</p>

<p>Official figures for Telangana are still awaited, which saw over 55 per cent turnout by 3pm. Polling is still underway in some parts of the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The interim voter turnout recorded so far in Telangana comes to around 67 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Umesh Sinha, Election Commission: Voting is still underway at some polling stations. Final figures are still to come. Interim voter turnout recorded till now in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TelanganaAssemblyElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TelanganaAssemblyElections2018</a> is 67%. Last year, voter turnout recorded was 69.5%. <a href="https://t.co/g5rH6AMiG0">pic.twitter.com/g5rH6AMiG0</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1071031269847261184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>According to reports, while Rajasthan witnessed 59.43 per cent voter turnout by 3 pm, 56.17 per cent voter turnout was recorded in Telangana by 3 pm.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Voter turnout recorded till 5 PM in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections2018</a> is 72.7% <a href="https://t.co/FOJ7frlNuT">https://t.co/FOJ7frlNuT</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1071005454292213760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The turnout till 11 am was 23.4 per cent in Telangana and 21.89 per cent in Rajasthan.</p>

<p>Nearly 9 per cent voters had cast their votes in Telangana by 9 am and 6.11 per cent in Rajasthan.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Visuals from Jhalawar as polling concludes at polling booth no. 31(A). Voter turnout recorded at this particular booth is 73.83%. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanAssemblyElection2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanAssemblyElection2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/cKtUw3xdNL">pic.twitter.com/cKtUw3xdNL</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1071017069896916992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Telangana and Rajasthan are undergoing elections today to elect their legislative assembly members.</p>

<p>While the polling in Telangana started at 7 am, voting in Rajasthan began at 8 am.</p>


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

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

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

<p>A US official has said that Washington is preparing to buy South Korean artillery shells to send to Ukraine. Amid ongoing talks, the officer said that the US wants to send South Korean 155mm artillery shells to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Seoul insisted that its policy against lethal aid for Ukraine remains and that the United States must be the ammunition's end user.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The official further informed that Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds will probably be used to purchase the ammunition. However, it was unclear if they would be shipped though the US territory.</p>

<p>South Korea's defence ministry agreed that negotiations are underway, but only under the premise that US would be using the artillery since the country does not provide lethal aid to Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-calls-south-korea-us-military-drills-open-provocation-threatens-with-retaliation-531722">North Korea calls South Korea-US military drills 'open provocation', threatens retaliation</a></p>

<p>"In order to make up for the shortage of 155mm ammunition inventories in the US, negotiations are ongoing between the US and Korean companies to export ammunition," the ministry said in a statement.</p>

<p>Even though South Korea is a US ally, it avoids antagonizing Russia, both for economic reasons and because of the influence that Moscow can exert with North Korea. It stations some 27,000 US troops in the&nbsp;South&nbsp;to help protect it from the nuclear-armed North.</p>

<p>The Wall Street Journal also reported on the matter and said the agreement would involve 100,000 rounds of 155mm artillery rounds that would be delivered to Ukraine.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-darkness-engulfs-ukrainian-cities-over-a-million-household-without-power-527649/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said last month that Seoul has not provided any lethal weapons to Ukraine following a statement from Russian President Vladimir Putin that such a decision would destroy bilateral relations. However, Seoul has given non-lethal aid and assistance to Ukraine.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, US National Security spokesperson John Kirby had said last week that North Korea was supplying Russia with a "significant" number of artillery shells of its own for use in Ukraine. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied any arms shipments.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


A US official has said that Washington is preparing to buy South Korean artillery shells to send to Ukraine. Amid ongoing talks, the officer said that the US wants to send South Korean 155mm artillery shells to Ukraine.

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

News brief: Big stories of the day

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


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

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

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

<p>The voter turnout for the assembly elections till 1 pm was recorded as 49.15&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-polls-crucial-test-for-bjp-to-gain-foothold-in-the-state-181950">Telangana</a>&nbsp;and 41.53&nbsp;per cent in Rajasthan.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Voter turnout recorded till 1 PM in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections2018</a> is 41.53%</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070948445446463488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Voter turnout recorded till 1 PM in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TelanganaElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TelanganaElections2018</a> is 49.15%</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070952818599583744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The turnout till 11 am was&nbsp;23.4 per cent in Telangana and 21.89 per cent in Rajasthan.</p>

<p>While nearly 9 per cent&nbsp;voters had cast their votes in Telangana by 9 am and&nbsp;6.11 per cent in Rajasthan.</p>

<p>Telangana and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-set-for-polling-in-a-bipolar-contest-between-bjp-and-congress-181969">Rajasthan</a> are undergoing elections today to elect their&nbsp;legislative assembly members.</p>

<p>While the polling in Telangana started at 7 am, voting in Rajasthan began at 8 am.</p>

<p>The polling in Telangana will end at 5 pm&nbsp;while in 13 constituencies classified as Left Wing Extremist-affected, polling ends an hour before at 4 pm.</p>

<p>Election Commission is using Voters Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in Telangana for the first time.</p>

<p>Telangana leaders Kadiyam Srihari, Harihs Rao, Pocharama Srinivas Reddy, Jupally Krishna Rao and Jagadish Reddy were among those who cast their vote.</p>

<p>Former Union Minister Chiranjeevi and cine actors Nagarjuna cast their vote in Jubilee Hills in the city.</p>

<p>Legislative Assembly elections are being held for the first time in Telangana after its formation as the 2014 Assembly polls were held in undivided Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p><img alt="Caretaker CM of Telangana" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9b750858-32a1-4bb5-a276-c7907a9ac6d1" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/telanganaa.JPG" /></p>

<p><img alt="Sania Mirza" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4086a8a3-0853-4b6c-9a3b-5ba20b4b69c6" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/sania.JPG" /></p>

<p><img alt="Asaduddin Owaisi casts his vote at polling booth." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cb4e6f19-b6a2-47e6-9de1-f99e998899f0" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tel.JPG" /></p>

<p><img alt="Actor" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc2db723-f4d4-4acb-9549-57980a1206f0" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/telangana.JPG" /></p>

<p>In Rajasthan 199 out of 200 assembly seats are contesting for the legislative assembly. Polling has been cancelled in&nbsp;Alwar district’s Ramgarh constituency following the death of a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate Laxman Singh.</p>

<p><img alt="Vasundhara Raje " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="90f20b61-be94-42ce-944a-bbdcafa03105" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/raja%203.JPG" /></p>

<p><img alt="Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="508ceaa3-6c53-4c9f-a596-ce40e5781be1" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Raja.JPG" /></p>

<p><img alt="Ashok Gehlot" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f95e18b1-65c3-4865-b7ef-71987e250cda" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ashok%20Gehlot.JPG" /></p>

<p>A total of 2, 274 candidates in the fray in Rajasthan. As many as 4,74,79,402 people are eligible to&nbsp;cast their vote at 51,667 polling stations across the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With 32,815 polling stations across Telangana, around 1,821 candidates including a transgender are in the fray in the election.</p>

<p>The Congress-led alliance is challenging the ruling TRS in Telangana with the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest. In Rajasthan, BJP will try to retain its&nbsp;power in the state assembly.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jalore: Voting is yet to begin in polling booth no. 253 and 254 in Ahor following EVM malfunction. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections2018</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070889698657071104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rajasthan: EVM is being replaced at polling booth no. 172 in Bikaner's Kisamidesar following a technical issue. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/0JnXXALwuE">pic.twitter.com/0JnXXALwuE</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1070905553436602375?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Counting of votes will take place on&nbsp;December 11.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


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

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

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

<p>Adding a dash of glamour to the Poll process in Telangana, Telugu film bigwigs turned up in good numbers to cast their ballot Friday.</p>

<p>Actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi, popular Telugu hero Nagarjuna and director of 'Baahubali' S S Rajamouli were among the early voters in the election to the 119-member Telangana Assembly.</p>

<p>Another leading Telugu film star "Junior" NTR, grandson of TDP founder N T Rama Rao, also queued up to vote.</p>

<p>Film personalities cast their votes in polling stations mainly in the posh Jubilee Hills locality of Hyderabad.</p>

<p>Junior NTR's sister N Suhasini is the TDP candidate in Kukatpalle Assembly constituency here.</p>

<p>Counting of votes would be taken up on December 11.</p>

<p>Assembly polls in Telangana were originally scheduled to be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls next year.</p>

<p>However, the Legislative Assembly was dissolved prematurely on September 6 following a recommendation made by the TRS government.</p>

<p>The ruling TRS is going alone in the polls and so is the BJP.</p>

<p>The Congress, TDP, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) have formed the 'People's Front' for the election.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Adding a dash of glamour to the Poll process in Telangana, Telugu film bigwigs turned up in good numbers to cast their ballot Friday. Actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi, popular Telugu hero Nagarjuna and director of 'Baahubali' S S Rajamouli were among the early voters in the election to the 119-member Telangana Assembly.

Adding a dash of glamour to the Poll process in Telangana, Telugu film bigwigs turned up in good numbers to cast their ballot Friday. Actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi, popular Telugu hero Nagarjuna and director of 'Baahubali' S S Rajamouli were among the early voters in the election to the 119-member Telangana Assembly. Another leading Telugu film star "Junior" NTR, grandson of TDP founder N T Rama Rao, also queued up to vote. Film personalities cast their votes in polling stations mainly in the posh Jubilee Hills locality of Hyderabad. Junior NTR's sister N Suhasini is the TDP candidate in Kukatpalle Assembly constituency here. Counting of votes would be taken up on December 11. Assembly polls in Telangana were originally scheduled to be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls next year. However, the Legislative Assembly was dissolved prematurely on September 6 following a recommendation made by the TRS government. The ruling TRS is going alone in the polls and so is the BJP. The Congress, TDP, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) have formed the 'People's Front' for the election.

Assembly elections 2018: Film personalities add glitz to Telangana polls

<p>In the wake of the assembly elections in Rajasthan and Telangana on Friday, PM Modi urged the people of the two states to come out in large numbers and cast their votes.</p>

<p>In a tweet in Hindi and Telugu, PM Modi asked the people to exercise their votes and participate in "Mahaparv" of democracy.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">राजस्थान में आज मतदान का दिन है। राज्य के सभी मतदाताओं से मेरा आग्रह है कि वे पूरे उत्साह के साथ लोकतंत्र के महापर्व में अवश्य भाग लें और भारी संख्या में मतदान करें।</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1070868387193122816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="te">ఇవాళ ఎన్నికల రోజు! తెలంగాణలో ఉన్న నా సోదర సోదరీమణులందరూ పెద్ద సంఖ్యలో వచ్చి ఓటు వెయ్యమని కోరుతున్నాను.... ప్రత్యేకించి నా యువ మిత్రులందరూ తమ ఓటు హక్కును వినియోగించుకొని ప్రజాస్వామ్యాన్ని మరింత సుసంపన్నం చేయమని ప్రార్థిస్తున్నాను...</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1070868270285246464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Five states including Rajasthan and Telangana went to polls in November and December to elect the members of the legislative assembly.</p>

<p>The results of elections in the five states will be declared on December 11.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Telangana,&nbsp;the Congress-led alliance is challenging the ruling TRS with the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest. In Rajasthan, BJP will try to retain its&nbsp;power in the state assembly.</p>

<p>On voting days, the PM usually takes to Twitter urging people to exercise their franchise.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


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

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

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

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


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

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

Rajasthan, Telangana set for date with democracy

<p>Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday claimed that he has no intentions to rule Telangana and said that a Congress candidate will become the Chief Minister of Telangana if the grand alliance comes to power in the state after the forthcoming elections.</p>

<p>All set to go for polls in Friday, Telangana has 119 Assembly seats, and 1,821 candidates are in fray. The Telangana Rashtra Samithi is facing the grand alliance of the Congress, Telugu Desam Party, Communist Party of India and the Telangana Jana Samithi.</p>

<p>"Chandrashekar Rao is making false propaganda that I will take hold in Telangana. I am not here for that. Only Congress candidate will become the Chief Minister," Naidu said while addressing a rally here along with Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Kodada town of Telangana's Khammam district.</p>

<p>"I appeal to all to show exit to TRS in the polling to be held on December 7. Make KCR former Chief Minister. Let us defeat TRS and KCR in the elections with huge margins. TDP joined hands with Congress for the sake of nation and democracy," he added.</p>

<p>Naidu later went on to add that KCR in Telangana and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Centre are 'dictators.</p>

<p>"They must be eliminated from power," he said and added, "KCR is so afraid of defeat. That's why he is losing cool and temper. He is scolding one and all. There is no response to KCR meetings, but for our meetings, people are coming in huge numbers. KCR and Modi have colluded. Both are dictators. KCR is 'small Modi'. KCR shakes hand with All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen in the morning and with BJP in the night".</p>

<p>Talking about Prime Minister Modi, Naidu said, "Modi is a dictator. His policies are anti-people. Demonetisation, Goods and Services Tax are failures, caused people to suffer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asaduddin Owaisi is indirectly supporting BJP. Congress president also criticised KCR and said, "During KCR's regime, more than 4000 farmers committed suicides. 35 lakhs youth are jobless. You supported only the rich contractors, but not the poor and the needy. KCR changed the names of projects, redesigned them, and escalated project costs. You have stolen 40,000 crores from people and gave to the contractors.</p>

<p>He added, "Telangana people have given KCR a new name - KCR means 'Khao Commission Rao'. His son's income increased 400 times. When Telangana was formed, it was a surplus state. But now the state is in 2.5 lakh crore debt."</p>


Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday claimed that he has no intentions to rule Telangana and said that a Congress candidate will become the Chief Minister of Telangana if the grand alliance comes to power in the state after the forthcoming elections.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday claimed that he has no intentions to rule Telangana and said that a Congress candidate will become the Chief Minister of Telangana if the grand alliance comes to power in the state after the forthcoming elections. All set to go for polls in Friday, Telangana has 119 Assembly seats, and 1,821 candidates are in fray. The Telangana Rashtra Samithi is facing the grand alliance of the Congress, Telugu Desam Party, Communist Party of India and the Telangana Jana Samithi. "Chandrashekar Rao is making false propaganda that I will take hold in Telangana. I am not here for that. Only Congress candidate will become the Chief Minister," Naidu said while addressing a rally here along with Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Kodada town of Telangana's Khammam district. "I appeal to all to show exit to TRS in the polling to be held on December 7. Make KCR former Chief Minister. Let us defeat TRS and KCR in the elections with huge margins. TDP joined hands with Congress for the sake of nation and democracy," he added. Naidu later went on to add that KCR in Telangana and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Centre are 'dictators. "They must be eliminated from power," he said and added, "KCR is so afraid of defeat. That's why he is losing cool and temper. He is scolding one and all. There is no response to KCR meetings, but for our meetings, people are coming in huge numbers. KCR and Modi have colluded. Both are dictators. KCR is 'small Modi'. KCR shakes hand with All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen in the morning and with BJP in the night". Talking about Prime Minister Modi, Naidu said, "Modi is a dictator. His policies are anti-people. Demonetisation, Goods and Services Tax are failures, caused people to suffer. Asaduddin Owaisi is indirectly supporting BJP. Congress president also criticised KCR and said, "During KCR's regime, more than 4000 farmers committed suicides. 35 lakhs youth are jobless. You supported only the rich contractors, but not the poor and the needy. KCR changed the names of projects, redesigned them, and escalated project costs. You have stolen 40,000 crores from people and gave to the contractors. He added, "Telangana people have given KCR a new name - KCR means 'Khao Commission Rao'. His son's income increased 400 times. When Telangana was formed, it was a surplus state. But now the state is in 2.5 lakh crore debt."

Telangana polls: Congress candidate to be CM, says Naidu

<p>Telangana State Police on Wednesday seized Rs 86.5 crore cash, four lakh litres of liquor, and more than 8400 arms have been deposited till now as part of preparations ahead of the Assembly elections in the state.</p>

<p>Moreover, special arrangements have been made in Naxal-affected areas to avoid untoward incidents ahead of polls, scheduled to be held on December 7 (Friday).</p>

<p>Speaking to the media, ADG law and order Jitender said, "Polls are going to be held on December 7. During the last three months, we have executed more than 11,000 non-bailable warrants. We have also asked the armed licensees to deposit their licensed arms and till now, we have received more than 8400 arms."</p>

<p>Elaborating upon the security arrangements for conducting fair and peaceful elections, Jitender said that security forces will be present at over 32,000 polling stations.</p>

<p>"We have provided security to 32,574 polling stations in more than 18,000 locations. Around 4,000 locations have been identified as critical, in which extra security will be provided. We are conducting combing operations in Naxal-affected areas. All candidates have been given sufficient security for their campaigning," he said.</p>

<p>Results of the Telangana Assembly elections will be announced on December 11.&nbsp;</p>


Telangana State Police on Wednesday seized Rs 86.5 crore cash, four lakh litres of liquor, and more than 8400 arms have been deposited till now as part of preparations ahead of the Assembly elections in the state.

Telangana State Police on Wednesday seized Rs 86.5 crore cash, four lakh litres of liquor, and more than 8400 arms have been deposited till now as part of preparations ahead of the Assembly elections in the state. Moreover, special arrangements have been made in Naxal-affected areas to avoid untoward incidents ahead of polls, scheduled to be held on December 7 (Friday). Speaking to the media, ADG law and order Jitender said, "Polls are going to be held on December 7. During the last three months, we have executed more than 11,000 non-bailable warrants. We have also asked the armed licensees to deposit their licensed arms and till now, we have received more than 8400 arms." Elaborating upon the security arrangements for conducting fair and peaceful elections, Jitender said that security forces will be present at over 32,000 polling stations. "We have provided security to 32,574 polling stations in more than 18,000 locations. Around 4,000 locations have been identified as critical, in which extra security will be provided. We are conducting combing operations in Naxal-affected areas. All candidates have been given sufficient security for their campaigning," he said. Results of the Telangana Assembly elections will be announced on December 11.

Rs 86.5 crore cash, 4 lakh litres of liquor seized in poll-bound Telangana

<p>After a high-voltage campaign that saw war of words among contending parties, Telangana is set for Assembly polls on Friday with the Congress-led alliance challenging the ruling TRS, and the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest.</p>

<p>More than 1.50 lakh polling officials including reserve staff are in the process of giving final touches Thursday to make the election to the 119-member House a smooth affair.</p>

<p>Over 2.80 crore electorate are eligible to exercise their franchise in the State, which has a total of 32,815 polling stations across.Campaigning by political parties came to an end at 5 pm Wednesday.</p>

<p>Additional DG ( Law and order) Jitender Thursday told PTI that about one lakh police personnel including 25,000 central paramilitary forces and 20,000 from other states are engaged in poll duties.</p>

<p>A senior police official said security was beefed up at bordering areas which were identified as Left Wing Extremist-affected regions.</p>

<p>The assembly polls in Telangana were originally scheduled to be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections next year, but the House was dissolved on September 6 as per a recommendation by the state cabinet.</p>

<p>It is to be seen if KCR's gamble to opt for early elections pays off.</p>

<p>The Congress has stitched together "Prajakutami" (People's Front) along with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) and the CPI to take on the ruling TRS, led by caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR).</p>

<p>The TRS, seeking a second term in office, is going alone, as also the BJP.<br />
While KCR was, without doubt, the star campaigner for TRS, the Congress and the BJP fielded their bigwigs for campaigning which turned out to be a shrill one.</p>

<p>For the Congress, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and the party President Rahul Gandhi addressed election rallies.</p>

<p>The BJP relied on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the party President Amit Shah.</p>

<p>Gandhi also addressed a joint meeting with TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.</p>

<p>"We will win 100 seats", KCR repeatedly said in campaign meetings.<br />
Rahul Gandhi said Wednesday the Congress-led alliance is confident of winning the elections "hands-down" and claimed that KCR was showing "signs of nervousness and insecurity" in recent campaign meetings he addressed.</p>

<p>The BJP, which won five seats in alliance with the TDP in the last elections in 2014, said it ensured that there is a triangular fight in Telangana this time.</p>

<p>"Earlier, when the election season began, it was projected by both the Congress and TRS as if the fight is between them but it was a propaganda," Telangana BJP spokesperson Krishna Saagar Rao told PTI.</p>

<p>Vigorous campaign by BJP's national and state leaders ensured that it has become a "triangular contest where nobody can actually say who is winning and how many seats," Rao said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar in a press conference said, "Some political parties expressed apprehensions that there was the distribution of liquor and money in some places.</p>

<p>We gave strict instructions to police and other officials to deal with such incidents sternly."</p>

<p>"Distribution of voters' slips was done 100 per cent," he said.Polling will start at 7 am and end at 5 pm, while in 13 constituencies which were classified as Left Wing Extremist-affected, polling ends one hour before (4 pm).</p>

<p>As many as 446 flying squads are in operation in the state to swing into action if any irregularity is reported during the elections and 448 static surveillance teams would also keep a watch on the situation and would wait in wings to take action, Kumar said.</p>

<p>Besides, 224 video-surveillance teams and 133 video-viewing teams have been pressed into service.</p>

<p>There are 126 assistant expenditure observers and 123 accounting teams.For the first time, Election Commission is using Voters Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in Telangana.</p>

<p>As many as 1,821 candidates including a transgender are in the fray in the election.</p>

<p>Counting of votes would be taken up on December 11.</p>

<p>Huge sums of unaccounted cash and illegal liquor and other goods were seized since the Model Code of Conduct came into effect on September 27.</p>

<p>As per the last count, the total seizures stood at nearly Rs 135 crore including unaccounted cash, illegal liquor and other goods, Rajat Kumar said adding that the total seizures were 90 per cent more than that of during 2014 polls.</p>


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

After a high-voltage campaign that saw war of words among contending parties, Telangana is set for Assembly polls on Friday with the Congress-led alliance challenging the ruling TRS, and the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest. More than 1.50 lakh polling officials including reserve staff are in the process of giving final touches Thursday to make the election to the 119-member House a smooth affair. Over 2.80 crore electorate are eligible to exercise their franchise in the State, which has a total of 32,815 polling stations across.Campaigning by political parties came to an end at 5 pm Wednesday. Additional DG ( Law and order) Jitender Thursday told PTI that about one lakh police personnel including 25,000 central paramilitary forces and 20,000 from other states are engaged in poll duties. A senior police official said security was beefed up at bordering areas which were identified as Left Wing Extremist-affected regions. The assembly polls in Telangana were originally scheduled to be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections next year, but the House was dissolved on September 6 as per a recommendation by the state cabinet. It is to be seen if KCR's gamble to opt for early elections pays off. The Congress has stitched together "Prajakutami" (People's Front) along with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) and the CPI to take on the ruling TRS, led by caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR). The TRS, seeking a second term in office, is going alone, as also the BJP. While KCR was, without doubt, the star campaigner for TRS, the Congress and the BJP fielded their bigwigs for campaigning which turned out to be a shrill one. For the Congress, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and the party President Rahul Gandhi addressed election rallies. The BJP relied on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the party President Amit Shah. Gandhi also addressed a joint meeting with TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. "We will win 100 seats", KCR repeatedly said in campaign meetings. Rahul Gandhi said Wednesday the Congress-led alliance is confident of winning the elections "hands-down" and claimed that KCR was showing "signs of nervousness and insecurity" in recent campaign meetings he addressed. The BJP, which won five seats in alliance with the TDP in the last elections in 2014, said it ensured that there is a triangular fight in Telangana this time. "Earlier, when the election season began, it was projected by both the Congress and TRS as if the fight is between them but it was a propaganda," Telangana BJP spokesperson Krishna Saagar Rao told PTI. Vigorous campaign by BJP's national and state leaders ensured that it has become a "triangular contest where nobody can actually say who is winning and how many seats," Rao said. Meanwhile, Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar in a press conference said, "Some political parties expressed apprehensions that there was the distribution of liquor and money in some places. We gave strict instructions to police and other officials to deal with such incidents sternly." "Distribution of voters' slips was done 100 per cent," he said.Polling will start at 7 am and end at 5 pm, while in 13 constituencies which were classified as Left Wing Extremist-affected, polling ends one hour before (4 pm). As many as 446 flying squads are in operation in the state to swing into action if any irregularity is reported during the elections and 448 static surveillance teams would also keep a watch on the situation and would wait in wings to take action, Kumar said. Besides, 224 video-surveillance teams and 133 video-viewing teams have been pressed into service. There are 126 assistant expenditure observers and 123 accounting teams.For the first time, Election Commission is using Voters Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in Telangana. As many as 1,821 candidates including a transgender are in the fray in the election. Counting of votes would be taken up on December 11. Huge sums of unaccounted cash and illegal liquor and other goods were seized since the Model Code of Conduct came into effect on September 27. As per the last count, the total seizures stood at nearly Rs 135 crore including unaccounted cash, illegal liquor and other goods, Rajat Kumar said adding that the total seizures were 90 per cent more than that of during 2014 polls.

After high-voltage campaign, Telangana set for Assembly poll

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


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

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

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

<p>Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Wednesday said only the BJP could firmly deal with the Naxal problem and ISI activities in the country and ensure security for every citizen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing a rally in poll-bound Telangana, he said, “The BJP will resolve the Naxal issue and act sternly against the anti-India activities of the ISI (Pakistan’s spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence) to ensure security for every citizen.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Adityanath said thousands of years ago, Lord Ram had carried out the same work and ensured a secure society, free from the threat of “rakshashi atank” (demonic threat) and one which did not discriminate against anyone, everyone felt secure, and “only the BJP can do this today”.</p>

<p>He accused the K Chandrashekar Rao-led government of betraying the people of Telangana for the last four-and-a-half years and alleged that prior to this (in undivided Andhra Pradesh), the Congress and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) had “exploited” them. “KCR and the TRS did nothing for Telangana and similarly, the Congress-TDP alliance is coming only to exploit you, the only option left with you is the BJP,” Adityanath told the crowd.</p>

<p>“Had these people (Congress, TDP, TRS) taken the development works forward, provided employment to the youth, worked for farmers’ welfare and put elaborate security arrangements in place, then Karimnagar would not have marched towards becoming a hub of ISI activities.</p>

<p>“I have come here to tell you to that only the BJP can effectively tackle Naxals and deal with ISI activities with an iron hand and ensure security for every citizen of the country and hence, I have come to seek your support for the BJP,” he said. The Uttar Pradesh chief minister alleged that the Congress, TDP and TRS were still lying under the “slavery of Nizamshahi” and practising family rule.</p>

<p>The Congress, despite ruling the country for the maximum period of time, had failed to come out with any comprehensive development scheme in public interest, he alleged, adding that the N Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP had also failed do so and the KCR-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) had only made big announcements. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government built crores of houses and toilets, gave LPG connections to crores of poor people, opened 32 crore Jan Dhan bank accounts and also brought the PMJAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana) health insurance scheme, Adityanath said.</p>

<p>The schemes of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) covered every section of the society and did not discriminate, but those of the Congress, TDP and TRS “divided the society”, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister said, adding that until one got rid of “Nizamshahi”, development could not be achieved. He claimed that the poll manifestos of the Congress, TDP and TRS talked about carrying out development work in Muslim areas if they came to power.</p>

<p>“The Indian Constitution does not allow divisions in the society in the name of religion. Every section of the society should have the right over the resources and not just the Muslims…the BJP works to unite people, alongside ushering in development,” Adityanath said. He described the TDP, TRS and the Congress as dynastic parties and claimed that the BJP did not work that way. It was only in the saffron party that a small-time worker could become the prime minister, vice-president or the party’s national president, Adityanath said, adding that the BJP was “India’s party” and the party of the common public, which undertook programmes without any discrimination.</p>

<p>“Those who support ‘Nizamshahi’ are anti-democracy…do not believe the parties promoting family rule. Believe in the BJP, Modiji, Amit Shah and all the party workers who work for your security, development and good governance and who will take you to the path of development,” he said. The 119-member Telangana Assembly will go to polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.</p>


Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Wednesday said only the BJP could firmly deal with the Naxal problem and ISI activities in the country and ensure security for every citizen.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Wednesday said only the BJP could firmly deal with the Naxal problem and ISI activities in the country and ensure security for every citizen. Addressing a rally in poll-bound Telangana, he said, “The BJP will resolve the Naxal issue and act sternly against the anti-India activities of the ISI (Pakistan’s spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence) to ensure security for every citizen.” Adityanath said thousands of years ago, Lord Ram had carried out the same work and ensured a secure society, free from the threat of “rakshashi atank” (demonic threat) and one which did not discriminate against anyone, everyone felt secure, and “only the BJP can do this today”. He accused the K Chandrashekar Rao-led government of betraying the people of Telangana for the last four-and-a-half years and alleged that prior to this (in undivided Andhra Pradesh), the Congress and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) had “exploited” them. “KCR and the TRS did nothing for Telangana and similarly, the Congress-TDP alliance is coming only to exploit you, the only option left with you is the BJP,” Adityanath told the crowd. “Had these people (Congress, TDP, TRS) taken the development works forward, provided employment to the youth, worked for farmers’ welfare and put elaborate security arrangements in place, then Karimnagar would not have marched towards becoming a hub of ISI activities. “I have come here to tell you to that only the BJP can effectively tackle Naxals and deal with ISI activities with an iron hand and ensure security for every citizen of the country and hence, I have come to seek your support for the BJP,” he said. The Uttar Pradesh chief minister alleged that the Congress, TDP and TRS were still lying under the “slavery of Nizamshahi” and practising family rule. The Congress, despite ruling the country for the maximum period of time, had failed to come out with any comprehensive development scheme in public interest, he alleged, adding that the N Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP had also failed do so and the KCR-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) had only made big announcements. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government built crores of houses and toilets, gave LPG connections to crores of poor people, opened 32 crore Jan Dhan bank accounts and also brought the PMJAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana) health insurance scheme, Adityanath said. The schemes of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) covered every section of the society and did not discriminate, but those of the Congress, TDP and TRS “divided the society”, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister said, adding that until one got rid of “Nizamshahi”, development could not be achieved. He claimed that the poll manifestos of the Congress, TDP and TRS talked about carrying out development work in Muslim areas if they came to power. “The Indian Constitution does not allow divisions in the society in the name of religion. Every section of the society should have the right over the resources and not just the Muslims…the BJP works to unite people, alongside ushering in development,” Adityanath said. He described the TDP, TRS and the Congress as dynastic parties and claimed that the BJP did not work that way. It was only in the saffron party that a small-time worker could become the prime minister, vice-president or the party’s national president, Adityanath said, adding that the BJP was “India’s party” and the party of the common public, which undertook programmes without any discrimination. “Those who support ‘Nizamshahi’ are anti-democracy…do not believe the parties promoting family rule. Believe in the BJP, Modiji, Amit Shah and all the party workers who work for your security, development and good governance and who will take you to the path of development,” he said. The 119-member Telangana Assembly will go to polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.

Only BJP can firmly deal with Naxals, ISI activities: Yogi Adityanath in Telangana

<p>Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party will rename Hyderabad to Bhagyanagar if the party is voted to power in Telangana. The comments came during Adityanath's rally in Telangana's Goshamahal constituency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Adityanath further added that if the people want to see Hyderabad change to Bhagyanagar, they should give BJP a chance.</p>

<p>Earlier on Sunday, the UP CM lashed out at AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, stating that if the saffron party comes to power, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-speaking-against-pm-modi-or-bjp-require-me-to-leave-is-it-not-my-country-owaisi-181036">it will have Owaisi flee Telangana</a>.</p>

<p>"If BJP comes to power, I assure you Owaisi will have to flee from Telangana the same way Nizam was forced to flee from Hyderabad," Adityanath said in Tandur, Vikarabad.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">A Owaisi in Hyderabad: Aap tareekh to jaante nahi, history mein zero hain aap. Agar padhna nahi aata to padhne wale se poocho. Agar padhte to malum hota ki Nizam Hyderabad chhod kar nahi gaye, unko Rajpramukh banaya gaya tha. China se jang hui to yahi Nizam ne apna sona bech diya</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1069272172068188160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Owaisi reacted to Adityanath's remark asking if speaking against the BJP and PM Modi will require him to leave the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Ye mulk aapka hai, mera nahi hai? Kya BJP ke khilaaf bolna, Modi ke khilaaf bolna, uski poliices ko criticise karna, RSS ke khilaaf bolna, Yogi par bolna, to kya mulk se bhaga denge?" he noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Telangana is set to go to polls on December 7, votes will be counted on December 11.&nbsp;</p>


Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party will rename Hyderabad to Bhagyanagar if the party is voted to power in Telangana.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party will rename Hyderabad to Bhagyanagar if the party is voted to power in Telangana. The comments came during Adityanath's rally in Telangana's Goshamahal constituency. Adityanath further added that if the people want to see Hyderabad change to Bhagyanagar, they should give BJP a chance. Earlier on Sunday, the UP CM lashed out at AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, stating that if the saffron party comes to power, it will have Owaisi flee Telangana. "If BJP comes to power, I assure you Owaisi will have to flee from Telangana the same way Nizam was forced to flee from Hyderabad," Adityanath said in Tandur, Vikarabad. A Owaisi in Hyderabad: Aap tareekh to jaante nahi, history mein zero hain aap. Agar padhna nahi aata to padhne wale se poocho. Agar padhte to malum hota ki Nizam Hyderabad chhod kar nahi gaye, unko Rajpramukh banaya gaya tha. China se jang hui to yahi Nizam ne apna sona bech diya — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2018 × Owaisi reacted to Adityanath's remark asking if speaking against the BJP and PM Modi will require him to leave the country. "Ye mulk aapka hai, mera nahi hai? Kya BJP ke khilaaf bolna, Modi ke khilaaf bolna, uski poliices ko criticise karna, RSS ke khilaaf bolna, Yogi par bolna, to kya mulk se bhaga denge?" he noted. Telangana is set to go to polls on December 7, votes will be counted on December 11.

Will rename Hyderabad to Bhagyanagar if voted to power: Yogi Adityanath in Telangana

<p>Telangana Rashtra Samiti's chief and state Chief Minister KC Rao on Sunday accused Andhra CM of distorting facts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, Rao accused N Chandrababu Naidu of distorting facts over the development of Hyderabad and said that the TDP chief needs a "mental check-up."</p>

<p>"Chandrababu Naidu says he built Hyderabad. Quli Qutub Shah who built the city would commit suicide (if he is alive and hears this). Was Charminar (monument) also built by Naidu? I don't understand," Rao said during an election rally in Telangana.</p>

<p>"Would anybody talk like that? I think he should be examined to check to see whether he is mentally fit," Rao added.</p>

<p>"On one side you have Congress and TDP which ruled the state for 58 years and on the other side there is TRS which fought for Telangana and achieved it," he stated.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Andhra Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party chief N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday asked if he ever stopped KC Rao from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/never-stopped-kcr-from-fulfilling-his-poll-promises-chandrababu-naidu-180905">fulfilling his poll promises</a> in Telangana.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this week, Naidu claimed to have no interest in Telangana's politics.</p>

<p>Speaking at an event in Hyderabad, the Telugu Desam Party chief said that his aim is to protect the democracy "which is in danger" and not to become the Prime Minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I may enter national politics but won't enter Telangana politics. I'm not greedy for power. I am not thinking of becoming the Prime Minister. My aim is to protect the democracy which is in danger," Naidu noted.&nbsp;</p>


Telangana Rashtra Samiti's chief and state Chief Minister KC Rao on Sunday accused Andhra CM of distorting facts. According to reports, Rao accused N Chandrababu Naidu of distorting facts over the development of Hyderabad and said that the TDP chief needs a "mental check-up.

Telangana Rashtra Samiti's chief and state Chief Minister KC Rao on Sunday accused Andhra CM of distorting facts. According to reports, Rao accused N Chandrababu Naidu of distorting facts over the development of Hyderabad and said that the TDP chief needs a "mental check-up." "Chandrababu Naidu says he built Hyderabad. Quli Qutub Shah who built the city would commit suicide (if he is alive and hears this). Was Charminar (monument) also built by Naidu? I don't understand," Rao said during an election rally in Telangana. "Would anybody talk like that? I think he should be examined to check to see whether he is mentally fit," Rao added. "On one side you have Congress and TDP which ruled the state for 58 years and on the other side there is TRS which fought for Telangana and achieved it," he stated. Meanwhile, Andhra Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party chief N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday asked if he ever stopped KC Rao from fulfilling his poll promises in Telangana. Earlier this week, Naidu claimed to have no interest in Telangana's politics. Speaking at an event in Hyderabad, the Telugu Desam Party chief said that his aim is to protect the democracy "which is in danger" and not to become the Prime Minister. "I may enter national politics but won't enter Telangana politics. I'm not greedy for power. I am not thinking of becoming the Prime Minister. My aim is to protect the democracy which is in danger," Naidu noted.

Chandrababu Naidu needs a mental check-up: KC Rao

<p>AIMIM chief, Asaduddin Owaisi, on Sunday launched an attack on BJP asking if those who speak against the saffron party or its leadership will be asked to leave the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Owaisi's comments came as a reaction to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's remark wherein he stated that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/owaisi-will-flee-from-telangana-like-nizam-was-forced-to-flee-from-hyderabad-yogi-adityanath-180978">Owaisi will have to flee the state if BJP comes to power in Telangana</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking at a rally in Malakpet, Hyderabad, the Telangana MP asked if it was not his nation and if speaking against PM Modi, the BJP or any of its affiliates will require him to leave the country.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">A Owaisi in Hyderabad: Aap tareekh to jaante nahi, history mein zero hain aap. Agar padhna nahi aata to padhne wale se poocho. Agar padhte to malum hota ki Nizam Hyderabad chhod kar nahi gaye, unko Rajpramukh banaya gaya tha. China se jang hui to yahi Nizam ne apna sona bech diya</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1069272172068188160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Owaisi slammed Yogi Adityanath for saying that the Nizam was made to flee the land. The AIMIM chief added that the Nizam did not leave Hyderabad but was appointed as the <em>Rajpramukh </em>or governor.</p>

<p>"<em>Aap tareekh to jaante nahi, history mein zero hain aap. Agar padhna nahi aata to padhne wale se poocho. Agar padhte to malum hota ki Nizam Hyderabad chhod kar nahi gaye, unko Rajpramukh banaya gaya tha. China se jang hui to yahi Nizam ne apna sona bech diya</em>," he noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yogi Adityanath made the statement on Asaduddin Owaisi at a public gathering in Tandur, Vikarabad ahead of the December 7 assembly elections in Telangana.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If BJP comes to power, I assure you Owaisi will have to flee from Telangana the same way Nizam was forced to flee from Hyderabad," Adityanath had said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


AIMIM chief, Asaduddin Owaisi, on Sunday launched an attack on BJP asking if those who speak against the saffron party or its leadership will be asked to leave the country.

AIMIM chief, Asaduddin Owaisi, on Sunday launched an attack on BJP asking if those who speak against the saffron party or its leadership will be asked to leave the country. Owaisi's comments came as a reaction to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's remark wherein he stated that Owaisi will have to flee the state if BJP comes to power in Telangana. Speaking at a rally in Malakpet, Hyderabad, the Telangana MP asked if it was not his nation and if speaking against PM Modi, the BJP or any of its affiliates will require him to leave the country. A Owaisi in Hyderabad: Aap tareekh to jaante nahi, history mein zero hain aap. Agar padhna nahi aata to padhne wale se poocho. Agar padhte to malum hota ki Nizam Hyderabad chhod kar nahi gaye, unko Rajpramukh banaya gaya tha. China se jang hui to yahi Nizam ne apna sona bech diya — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2018 × Owaisi slammed Yogi Adityanath for saying that the Nizam was made to flee the land. The AIMIM chief added that the Nizam did not leave Hyderabad but was appointed as the Rajpramukh or governor. "Aap tareekh to jaante nahi, history mein zero hain aap. Agar padhna nahi aata to padhne wale se poocho. Agar padhte to malum hota ki Nizam Hyderabad chhod kar nahi gaye, unko Rajpramukh banaya gaya tha. China se jang hui to yahi Nizam ne apna sona bech diya," he noted. Yogi Adityanath made the statement on Asaduddin Owaisi at a public gathering in Tandur, Vikarabad ahead of the December 7 assembly elections in Telangana. "If BJP comes to power, I assure you Owaisi will have to flee from Telangana the same way Nizam was forced to flee from Hyderabad," Adityanath had said.

History mein zero hain aap: Asaduddin Owaisi responds to Yogi Adityanath

<p>Former Union Minister and Congress leader Jitin Prasad on Saturday said that Congress party will reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products if it comes to power in Telangana.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Outlining that he has previously served as petroleum minister in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, Prasad while addressing the media said, "The crude oil prices internationally have reached the rock bottom during the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government but the petroleum prices have reached highest ever since Independence in the BJP government. During the Congress government, the petrol prices were lower as compared to the present prices in the country. Congress ensured that the upstream companies of oil and the Finance Ministry reduced the burden on the common man and did not let oil prices go beyond a certain point. But the central government doesn't believe in all that. The state government in Telangana has earned huge money by collecting VAT prices on petrol."</p>

<p>He also attacked the state government for charging high VAT on petroleum products and said that Congress will reduce the same, "The state government under Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) is charging the highest VAT charges on petroleum. The VAT charges in Karnataka, where &nbsp;Congress is in power are very less compared to Telangana. The burden should be reduced on common man but it has been increased by the TRS government."</p>

<p>He also alleged that caretaker Chief Minister of Telangana, K Chandrashekar Rao is anti-farmer and has not done enough to improve literacy rates of the state.&nbsp;</p>


Former Union Minister and Congress leader Jitin Prasad on Saturday said that Congress party will reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products if it comes to power in Telangana.

Former Union Minister and Congress leader Jitin Prasad on Saturday said that Congress party will reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products if it comes to power in Telangana. Outlining that he has previously served as petroleum minister in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, Prasad while addressing the media said, "The crude oil prices internationally have reached the rock bottom during the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government but the petroleum prices have reached highest ever since Independence in the BJP government. During the Congress government, the petrol prices were lower as compared to the present prices in the country. Congress ensured that the upstream companies of oil and the Finance Ministry reduced the burden on the common man and did not let oil prices go beyond a certain point. But the central government doesn't believe in all that. The state government in Telangana has earned huge money by collecting VAT prices on petrol." He also attacked the state government for charging high VAT on petroleum products and said that Congress will reduce the same, "The state government under Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) is charging the highest VAT charges on petroleum. The VAT charges in Karnataka, where Congress is in power are very less compared to Telangana. The burden should be reduced on common man but it has been increased by the TRS government." He also alleged that caretaker Chief Minister of Telangana, K Chandrashekar Rao is anti-farmer and has not done enough to improve literacy rates of the state.

Congress will reduce VAT if voted to power in Telangana: Jitin Prasad

<p>Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday said that he never stopped Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao from fulfilling his poll promises.</p>

<p>In a tweet, the Telugu Desam Party chief asked Telangana CM if he had ever obstructed Rao from fulfilling his poll promises.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Did I prevent you from giving three acres of land to dalits? Did I prevent you from making a dalit the chief minister (for Telangana)? Did I prevent the development of Telangana? KCR should say where I stopped (the development)?" Naidu tweeted.</p>

<p>The Congress, TDP, CPI and Prof Kodandaram-led Telangana Jana Samithi have formed an alliance for the December 7 Assembly polls. The 'grand alliance' has been named 'Mahakutami' by Naidu.</p>

<p>Naidu on Saturday clarified having <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/might-enter-national-politics-but-not-telanganas-chandrababu-naidu-180667">no interest in entering Telangana's politics</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking at an event in Hyderabad, the Telugu Desam Party chief said that his aim is to protect the democracy "which is in danger" and not to become the Prime Minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I may enter national politics but won't enter Telangana politics. I'm not greedy for power. I am not thinking of becoming the Prime Minister. My aim is to protect the democracy which is in danger," Naidu noted.</p>

<p>The election wave continues to intensify in Telangana which is headed for assembly polls on December 7, votes will be counted on December 11.&nbsp;</p>


Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday said that he never stopped Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao from fulfilling his poll promises.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday said that he never stopped Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao from fulfilling his poll promises. In a tweet, the Telugu Desam Party chief asked Telangana CM if he had ever obstructed Rao from fulfilling his poll promises. "Did I prevent you from giving three acres of land to dalits? Did I prevent you from making a dalit the chief minister (for Telangana)? Did I prevent the development of Telangana? KCR should say where I stopped (the development)?" Naidu tweeted. The Congress, TDP, CPI and Prof Kodandaram-led Telangana Jana Samithi have formed an alliance for the December 7 Assembly polls. The 'grand alliance' has been named 'Mahakutami' by Naidu. Naidu on Saturday clarified having no interest in entering Telangana's politics. Speaking at an event in Hyderabad, the Telugu Desam Party chief said that his aim is to protect the democracy "which is in danger" and not to become the Prime Minister. "I may enter national politics but won't enter Telangana politics. I'm not greedy for power. I am not thinking of becoming the Prime Minister. My aim is to protect the democracy which is in danger," Naidu noted. The election wave continues to intensify in Telangana which is headed for assembly polls on December 7, votes will be counted on December 11.

Never stopped KCR from fulfilling his poll promises: Chandrababu Naidu

<p>Telangana Congress Friday questioned the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi on why it "failed" to mount pressure on the NDA-led Centre to realise the assurances given to the newly-formed state in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress state unit president Uttam Kumar Reddy said the assurances include setting up a rail coach factory, steel factory and tribal university in the state.</p>

<p>Taking exception to TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao's allegation that TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu was opposed to irrigation and other development projects in Telangana, the Congress leader asked whether Naidu came in the way of the TRS implementing its election promises like distribution of double bedroom houses for poor.</p>

<p>Reddy also accused the TRS chief of graft during the latter's tenure as labour minister at the Centre.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress had roped in the TDP, CPI and M Kodandaram-led Telangana Jana Samithi to form the People's Front to take on the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) in the December 7 Assembly polls.</p>


Telangana Congress Friday questioned the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi on why it "failed" to mount pressure on the NDA-led Centre to realise the assurances given to the newly-formed state in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.

Telangana Congress Friday questioned the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi on why it "failed" to mount pressure on the NDA-led Centre to realise the assurances given to the newly-formed state in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. Congress state unit president Uttam Kumar Reddy said the assurances include setting up a rail coach factory, steel factory and tribal university in the state. Taking exception to TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao's allegation that TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu was opposed to irrigation and other development projects in Telangana, the Congress leader asked whether Naidu came in the way of the TRS implementing its election promises like distribution of double bedroom houses for poor. Reddy also accused the TRS chief of graft during the latter's tenure as labour minister at the Centre. The Congress had roped in the TDP, CPI and M Kodandaram-led Telangana Jana Samithi to form the People's Front to take on the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) in the December 7 Assembly polls.

TRS failed to put pressure on NDA to realise assurances given to Telangana: Congress

<p>Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that the Congress-TDP alliance in Telangana is "unholy."&nbsp;Singh's comments came during his address in Warangal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The minister added that the alliance is not formed for the development of the nation but to stop the BJP and PM Modi. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"The alliance of Congress and TDP is an unholy alliance. These parties have formed this coalition, not for the development of the country rather it is an alliance to stop BJP and Modi," he stated.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The alliance of Congress and TDP is an unholy alliance. These parties have formed this coalition, not for the development of the country rather it is an alliance to stop BJP and Modi: Home Minister Rajnath Singh in Warangal, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Telangana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Telangana</a>. (30.11.18) <a href="https://t.co/593o4Hz9Kr">pic.twitter.com/593o4Hz9Kr</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068638635287871488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-tdp-alliance-is-unholy-rajnath-singh-in-telangana-180599">released its manifesto for poll-bound Telangana</a>, promising farm loan waiver up to Rs two lakh, free laptops to degree students, regulation of liquor sale and free distribution of cows to one lakh people every year.</p>

<p>Alongside free laptops to degree students, the manifesto said girl students from the seventh standard to 10th standard will get free cycles. Girl students of degree and above courses will get 'scooties' (two-wheelers) with 50 per cent subsidy.</p>

<p>It also promised free houses to all eligible poor by 2022. Financial assistance of Rs 5,000 per month would be paid towards rent till the construction of such houses, it said.</p>

<p>Telangana will go to polls on December 7, votes will be counted on December 11.&nbsp;</p>


Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that the Congress-TDP alliance in Telangana is "unholy." Singh's comments came during his address in Warangal. The minister added that the alliance is not formed for the development of the nation but to stop the BJP and PM Modi.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that the Congress-TDP alliance in Telangana is "unholy." Singh's comments came during his address in Warangal. The minister added that the alliance is not formed for the development of the nation but to stop the BJP and PM Modi. "The alliance of Congress and TDP is an unholy alliance. These parties have formed this coalition, not for the development of the country rather it is an alliance to stop BJP and Modi," he stated. The alliance of Congress and TDP is an unholy alliance. These parties have formed this coalition, not for the development of the country rather it is an alliance to stop BJP and Modi: Home Minister Rajnath Singh in Warangal, #Telangana. (30.11.18) pic.twitter.com/593o4Hz9Kr — ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2018 × Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday released its manifesto for poll-bound Telangana, promising farm loan waiver up to Rs two lakh, free laptops to degree students, regulation of liquor sale and free distribution of cows to one lakh people every year. Alongside free laptops to degree students, the manifesto said girl students from the seventh standard to 10th standard will get free cycles. Girl students of degree and above courses will get 'scooties' (two-wheelers) with 50 per cent subsidy. It also promised free houses to all eligible poor by 2022. Financial assistance of Rs 5,000 per month would be paid towards rent till the construction of such houses, it said. Telangana will go to polls on December 7, votes will be counted on December 11.

Congress-TDP alliance is unholy: Rajnath Singh in Telangana 

<p>Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday said that he might enter national politics but will not enter Telangana politics as he is not greedy for power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking at an event in Hyderabad, the Telugu Desam Party chief said that his aim is to protect the democracy "which is in danger" and not to become the Prime Minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I may enter national politics but won't enter Telangana politics. I'm not greedy for power. I am not thinking of becoming the Prime Minister. My aim is to protect the democracy which is in danger," Naidu noted.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu in Alkapur, Hyderabad: I may enter national politics but won't enter Telangana politics. I'm not greedy for power. I am not thinking of becoming the Prime Minister. My aim is to protect the democracy which is in danger. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/n9St1AVrwJ">pic.twitter.com/n9St1AVrwJ</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068783562977988608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh described the Congress-TDP alliance as "unholy," one which is aimed to stop the BJP and PM Modi.</p>

<p>"The alliance of Congress and TDP is an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-tdp-alliance-is-unholy-rajnath-singh-in-telangana-180599">unholy alliance</a>. These parties have formed this coalition, not for the development of the country rather it is an alliance to stop BJP and Modi," Singh said today in Warangal, Telangana.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The election wave continues to intensify in Telangana which is headed for assembly polls on December 7, votes will be counted on December 11.&nbsp;</p>


Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday said that he might enter national politics but will not enter Telangana politics as he is not greedy for power.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday said that he might enter national politics but will not enter Telangana politics as he is not greedy for power. Speaking at an event in Hyderabad, the Telugu Desam Party chief said that his aim is to protect the democracy "which is in danger" and not to become the Prime Minister. "I may enter national politics but won't enter Telangana politics. I'm not greedy for power. I am not thinking of becoming the Prime Minister. My aim is to protect the democracy which is in danger," Naidu noted. Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu in Alkapur, Hyderabad: I may enter national politics but won't enter Telangana politics. I'm not greedy for power. I am not thinking of becoming the Prime Minister. My aim is to protect the democracy which is in danger. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/n9St1AVrwJ — ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2018 × Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh described the Congress-TDP alliance as "unholy," one which is aimed to stop the BJP and PM Modi. "The alliance of Congress and TDP is an unholy alliance. These parties have formed this coalition, not for the development of the country rather it is an alliance to stop BJP and Modi," Singh said today in Warangal, Telangana. The election wave continues to intensify in Telangana which is headed for assembly polls on December 7, votes will be counted on December 11.

Might enter national politics but not Telangana's: Chandrababu Naidu

<p>Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday said that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) are one entity and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the undisputed leader of all the three political parties.</p>

<p>"BJP, TRS and AIMIM are in an alliance and are a single party and Modi is their leader who stays in Delhi," said Ghulam Nabi Azad.</p>

<p>"AIMIM supports BJP in Karnataka and Maharashtra by contesting only in minority areas. TRS also supports BJP in Telangana and in the centre. TRS, BJP and AIMIM pretend that they are against each other but actually they are in an alliance," he said.</p>

<p>"Congress party has done an open alliance with Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Communist parties in the Telangana," said Azad.</p>

<p>He expressed confidence that Congress will form the governments in all the five poll-bound states of Mizoram, Madhya-Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Telangana.</p>

<p>"Congress is already running the government in Mizoram and it will get back to the power there again. While in rest of the four states also Congress will defeat the rivals," said Azad.</p>

<p>Azad further alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi who failed in bringing back the black money, sent white money out of the country along with embattled business men Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya.</p>

<p>Azad also slammed Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and said, "Rao is anti-education. out of 216 engineering colleges, he closed 121 as a result only 25 are running in Telangana now."&nbsp;</p>


Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday said that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) are one entity and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the undisputed leader of all the three political parties.

Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday said that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) are one entity and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the undisputed leader of all the three political parties. "BJP, TRS and AIMIM are in an alliance and are a single party and Modi is their leader who stays in Delhi," said Ghulam Nabi Azad. "AIMIM supports BJP in Karnataka and Maharashtra by contesting only in minority areas. TRS also supports BJP in Telangana and in the centre. TRS, BJP and AIMIM pretend that they are against each other but actually they are in an alliance," he said. "Congress party has done an open alliance with Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Communist parties in the Telangana," said Azad. He expressed confidence that Congress will form the governments in all the five poll-bound states of Mizoram, Madhya-Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Telangana. "Congress is already running the government in Mizoram and it will get back to the power there again. While in rest of the four states also Congress will defeat the rivals," said Azad. Azad further alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi who failed in bringing back the black money, sent white money out of the country along with embattled business men Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya. Azad also slammed Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and said, "Rao is anti-education. out of 216 engineering colleges, he closed 121 as a result only 25 are running in Telangana now."

BJP, TRS, AIMIM are one, PM Modi is their leader: Ghulam Nabi Azad

<p>Ahead of the Telangana Assembly elections, Income Tax department officials have seized Rs 51 lakh from P Narender Reddy, who is representing the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) party from the Kodangal constituency.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, the IT officials on a tip-off conducted raids on P Narender Reddy`s residence and seized Rs 51 lakh worth unaccounted cash.</p>

<p>Narender Reddy has not shown proper proof for the cash.</p>

<p>It is not yet known if the money which is seized was to be distributed to voters.</p>

<p>Further investigation in the case is currently underway," Rajat Kumar, Telangana`s Chief Electoral Officer told ANI.</p>

<p>Narender Reddy is the brother of Patnam Mahender Reddy, who was the Transport Minister in the state.</p>

<p>The Assembly elections will take place on December 7 in Telangana and results will be announced on December 11.</p>


Ahead of the Telangana Assembly elections, Income Tax department officials have seized Rs 51 lakh from P Narender Reddy, who is representing the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) party from the Kodangal constituency.

Ahead of the Telangana Assembly elections, Income Tax department officials have seized Rs 51 lakh from P Narender Reddy, who is representing the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) party from the Kodangal constituency. On Wednesday, the IT officials on a tip-off conducted raids on P Narender Reddy`s residence and seized Rs 51 lakh worth unaccounted cash. Narender Reddy has not shown proper proof for the cash. It is not yet known if the money which is seized was to be distributed to voters. Further investigation in the case is currently underway," Rajat Kumar, Telangana`s Chief Electoral Officer told ANI. Narender Reddy is the brother of Patnam Mahender Reddy, who was the Transport Minister in the state. The Assembly elections will take place on December 7 in Telangana and results will be announced on December 11.

Assembly elections 2018: IT officials seize Rs 51 lakh cash from TRS leader's residence

<p>Major parties appear to be engaged in a game of one-upmanship in poll-bound Telangana to woo the electorate with farmers and unemployed youth being among key sections getting extra weightage.</p>

<p>The ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) led by caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, has promised farm loan waiver of up to Rs one lakh, if the party returns to a second term in office.</p>

<p>The Congress, leading the "Prajakutami" (People's Alliance) that comprises TDP, Telangana Jana Samiti and CPI, and the BJP, going it alone in the December 7 elections, have said they would waive farm loans up to Rs two lakh.</p>

<p>The Congress has promised a dole of Rs 3,000 per month for the unemployed youth, while the TRS and BJP are quoting a figure of Rs 3,016 and Rs 3,116, respectively.</p>

<p>All parties have sought to reach out to various sections of society in the "battle for Telangana".</p>

<p>The BJP has promised <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-promises-free-distribution-of-cows-to-1-lakh-people-every-year-in-manifesto-for-telangana-polls-180214">free distribution of one lakh cows</a> for people every year and enactment of a legislation to prevent forcible religious conversions and steps to send back Rohingyas and those who have illegally entered from Bangladesh.</p>

<p>The Congress has promised free power supply to all temples, mosques, churches and other places of worship, and judicial powers to the Wakf Board, if it came to power.</p>


Major parties appear to be engaged in a game of one-upmanship in poll-bound Telangana to woo the electorate with farmers and unemployed youth being among key sections getting extra weightage.

Major parties appear to be engaged in a game of one-upmanship in poll-bound Telangana to woo the electorate with farmers and unemployed youth being among key sections getting extra weightage. The ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) led by caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, has promised farm loan waiver of up to Rs one lakh, if the party returns to a second term in office. The Congress, leading the "Prajakutami" (People's Alliance) that comprises TDP, Telangana Jana Samiti and CPI, and the BJP, going it alone in the December 7 elections, have said they would waive farm loans up to Rs two lakh. The Congress has promised a dole of Rs 3,000 per month for the unemployed youth, while the TRS and BJP are quoting a figure of Rs 3,016 and Rs 3,116, respectively. All parties have sought to reach out to various sections of society in the "battle for Telangana". The BJP has promised free distribution of one lakh cows for people every year and enactment of a legislation to prevent forcible religious conversions and steps to send back Rohingyas and those who have illegally entered from Bangladesh. The Congress has promised free power supply to all temples, mosques, churches and other places of worship, and judicial powers to the Wakf Board, if it came to power.

Assembly elections 2018: Parties in one-upmanship game to woo voters in Telangana

<p>Congress President Rahul Gandhi Thursday charged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has broken every single promise made by him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Making a strong pitch for farm loan waiver, he said, "...If the Prime Minister of India can forgive three lakh fifty thousand crore of 15 people...The richest people in the country, then he should be ready to forgive the loan of India's farmers".</p>

<p>"We are not asking for any free gift for farmers; we are just saying that whatever you do, you treat everyone fairly. If you are treating the richest people in the country, and you are giving them loan waiver, then you owe that to the farmers of the country", Gandhi said.</p>

<p>The Congress has been accusing the Modi government of indulging in crony capitalism from time to time, a charge which has been vehemently denied by the saffron party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing a convention on "KG to PG recognised institutions in Telangana for 'Change and Existence" here, he alleged that Modi has broken every single promise of his, including that of being an honest Prime Minister.</p>

<p>Assembly elections are scheduled in Telangana on December 7.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Congress President Rahul Gandhi Thursday charged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has broken every single promise made by him. Making a strong pitch for farm loan waiver, he said, ".

Congress President Rahul Gandhi Thursday charged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has broken every single promise made by him. Making a strong pitch for farm loan waiver, he said, "...If the Prime Minister of India can forgive three lakh fifty thousand crore of 15 people...The richest people in the country, then he should be ready to forgive the loan of India's farmers". "We are not asking for any free gift for farmers; we are just saying that whatever you do, you treat everyone fairly. If you are treating the richest people in the country, and you are giving them loan waiver, then you owe that to the farmers of the country", Gandhi said. The Congress has been accusing the Modi government of indulging in crony capitalism from time to time, a charge which has been vehemently denied by the saffron party. Addressing a convention on "KG to PG recognised institutions in Telangana for 'Change and Existence" here, he alleged that Modi has broken every single promise of his, including that of being an honest Prime Minister. Assembly elections are scheduled in Telangana on December 7.

Assembly elections 2018: Rahul says PM Modi has 'broken' all promises

<p>Hopeful that its 'grand alliance' against the ruling TRS will succeed in Telangana polls, the Congress expects a big jump in its tally by winning at least 75 seats in the 119-member assembly.</p>

<p>The Congress state unit working president Ponnam Prabhakar Goud said there is a direct fight between the Congress and the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and the BJP is nowhere in the picture for December 7 polls.</p>

<p>The Congress, which had won just 22 seats in 2014 state polls, is part of a grand alliance this time along with Telugu Desam Party (TDP), CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The grand alliance is not an experiment and we are hopeful it will succeed. Our party will win at least 75 seats," Goud told PTI in an interview.<br />
The 52-year-old leader called this election a "do or die" situation for the Congress, saying its fight is not only against the TRS candidates but also against the "money power of KCR" and communal forces led by the BJP at the Centre.</p>

<p>TRS chief and caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar's party has fielded candidates in 107 seats, while Congress is contesting in 94 seats as part of the grand alliance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asserting that the TRS is "scared" of the grand alliance, the Congress leader said, "Instead of talking about their achievements, the TRS is attacking us and our leader Rahul Gandhi."</p>

<p>The TRS is not even giving reasons for advancing polls by eight months, he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the Telangana assembly polls would have otherwise happened along with Lok Sabha elections in 2019, KCR, as the chief minister is popularly known as, dissolved the assembly ahead of time and the state elections, therefore, got clubbed with four other states -- Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram and Rajasthan.</p>

<p>Out of these five states, voting will take place in Rajasthan and Telangana on December 7, while other three states have already voted. Counting of votes for all five states is scheduled for December 11.</p>

<p>Goud, an OBC leader, is contesting from the Karimnagar constituency, which is 160 km from Telangana's capital Hyderabad. In his fight against the TRS and the BJP in the assembly election, Goud is banking heavily on his "good work" done during his term as an MP from 2009 to 2014.</p>

<p>While the TRS has renominated G Kamalakar, who won both the 2009 and 2014 elections, the BJP has fielded B Sanjay Kumar, who lost to the TRS candidate in the last election.</p>

<p>Asked about the TRS's performance in the constituency, the Congress leader said there has not been any development but the incumbent chief minister claims that it has been developed like New York.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The CM thinks Karimnagar has been developed like New York. I challenge him to go around the constituency and see the plight of roads. There is no development at all. I will withdraw my candidature (if proven wrong)," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Karimnagar constituency was one of the hotbeds for the separate Telangana statehood agitation.</p>

<p>"TRS won on the basis of the Telangana pride. People voted them after getting attracted to their welfare schemes, but not all promises have been fulfilled," Goud said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He claimed the TRS activists are now joining the Congress as they are unable to bear the "torture and monarchism" of some TRS leaders.<br />
Senior TRS leaders, however, rubbished these claims.</p>

<p>In Karimnagar assembly constituency, there are 2,77,236 voters including 1,39,065 men, 1,38,135 women and 36 others.</p>


Hopeful that its 'grand alliance' against the ruling TRS will succeed in Telangana polls, the Congress expects a big jump in its tally by winning at least 75 seats in the 119-member assembly.

Hopeful that its 'grand alliance' against the ruling TRS will succeed in Telangana polls, the Congress expects a big jump in its tally by winning at least 75 seats in the 119-member assembly. The Congress state unit working president Ponnam Prabhakar Goud said there is a direct fight between the Congress and the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and the BJP is nowhere in the picture for December 7 polls. The Congress, which had won just 22 seats in 2014 state polls, is part of a grand alliance this time along with Telugu Desam Party (TDP), CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS). "The grand alliance is not an experiment and we are hopeful it will succeed. Our party will win at least 75 seats," Goud told PTI in an interview. The 52-year-old leader called this election a "do or die" situation for the Congress, saying its fight is not only against the TRS candidates but also against the "money power of KCR" and communal forces led by the BJP at the Centre. TRS chief and caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar's party has fielded candidates in 107 seats, while Congress is contesting in 94 seats as part of the grand alliance. Asserting that the TRS is "scared" of the grand alliance, the Congress leader said, "Instead of talking about their achievements, the TRS is attacking us and our leader Rahul Gandhi." The TRS is not even giving reasons for advancing polls by eight months, he added. While the Telangana assembly polls would have otherwise happened along with Lok Sabha elections in 2019, KCR, as the chief minister is popularly known as, dissolved the assembly ahead of time and the state elections, therefore, got clubbed with four other states -- Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram and Rajasthan. Out of these five states, voting will take place in Rajasthan and Telangana on December 7, while other three states have already voted. Counting of votes for all five states is scheduled for December 11. Goud, an OBC leader, is contesting from the Karimnagar constituency, which is 160 km from Telangana's capital Hyderabad. In his fight against the TRS and the BJP in the assembly election, Goud is banking heavily on his "good work" done during his term as an MP from 2009 to 2014. While the TRS has renominated G Kamalakar, who won both the 2009 and 2014 elections, the BJP has fielded B Sanjay Kumar, who lost to the TRS candidate in the last election. Asked about the TRS's performance in the constituency, the Congress leader said there has not been any development but the incumbent chief minister claims that it has been developed like New York. "The CM thinks Karimnagar has been developed like New York. I challenge him to go around the constituency and see the plight of roads. There is no development at all. I will withdraw my candidature (if proven wrong)," he said. The Karimnagar constituency was one of the hotbeds for the separate Telangana statehood agitation. "TRS won on the basis of the Telangana pride. People voted them after getting attracted to their welfare schemes, but not all promises have been fulfilled," Goud said. He claimed the TRS activists are now joining the Congress as they are unable to bear the "torture and monarchism" of some TRS leaders. Senior TRS leaders, however, rubbished these claims. In Karimnagar assembly constituency, there are 2,77,236 voters including 1,39,065 men, 1,38,135 women and 36 others.

Congress hopeful of winning 75 seats in Telangana: Working state chief Goud

<p>With poll campaign at its peak in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/from-strong-to-sticky-wicket-why-retaining-power-in-telangana-wont-be-a-cakewalk-for-kcr-179734">Telangana</a>, voters in caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao's home turf Gajwel seem to be divided between the talks of development by the ruling party and Opposition's allegations of an "unreachable" head of the government.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kcr-walking-congress-path-thinks-he-can-win-elections-without-doing-any-work-modi-in-telanagana-179719">KCR</a>, as Rao is popularly known as, is seeking re-election from Gajwel in Siddipet district, after winning in 2014 with a margin of nearly 20,000 votes.<br />
While KCR's supporters go at length to talk about his government's development agenda, many others in the constituency allege they are not able to reach him when in need.</p>

<p>"Development is clearly visible. We have got better roads, regular power supply and more importantly tap water in each house. A lot has been done under the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/telangana-assembly-elections-2018-why-its-difficult-to-overthrow-k-c-rao-178990"> KCR rule</a>. The only minus point is our leader is inaccessible to people," said a guava seller in Pragnapur.</p>

<p>He said there is a feeling that the chief minister does not spend "enough time" in his constituency and villagers have to communicate through his representatives to get any work done.</p>

<p>A Vinay, an under-graduate Commerce student in the newly-build kindergarten to post-graduate government campus, said he is not a voter yet, but feels the Congress candidate's availability in the area is much more.</p>

<p>"Our chief minister does not meet us and we feel a distance is growing despite some good work," he added.</p>

<p>At the same time, Ganesh Lagishetty, a tea seller on the Gajwel-Pragnapur road, argued it does not matter whether the chief minister is in the area or not.<br />
"What matters is development and that is happening," he said.</p>

<p>Earlier, water was supplied through tankers and now each house has got tap water facility, while overall infrastructure in the area has improved, he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A section of Muslim community also appeared happy with the welfare schemes, especially a hike in the government remuneration to 'imams' in mosques, but some are upset over non-implementation of 12 per cent reservation to minorities.</p>

<p>"Many 'imams' are poor and don't have own house to live and have no other source of income. It is a big relief that the TRS government has raised our salary from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000," said Mohammud Kumail Ashraf, an imam in one of the biggest mosques in the constituency.</p>

<p>Admitting that KCR maintains distance with people, Ashraf hoped that the TRS government would keep its reservation promise if elected again.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Samiyuddin, who sells fruits in front of the newly-built 'Integrated Market' that would be opened formally after the election, said he believes KCR will come to power again as many feel that the welfare schemes could be stalled if another party wins.</p>

<p>B Ashok, a political science lecturer in a private college, said, "There is 50:50 chance. The youth are disappointed as the TRS government did not provide jobs promised in 2014 polls."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vinay Kumar, a farmer who grows corn and cotton in five acres in Remangooda village, is happy that he has got 45 per cent subsidy to buy a tractor that costs Rs 10 lakh, canal water for irrigation and Rs 4,000 per acre incentive under the Rythu Bandhu scheme for both kharif and rabi seasons.</p>

<p>Promising to cast his vote only for KCR, 60-year-old shepherd Illaya Poushalaya said no government had ever given 21 goats at a subsidised rate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A confident KCR and his party members are heavily relying on the development work and welfare projects undertaken by the government.</p>

<p>In Gajwel, KCR is up against Vanteru Pratap Reddy, a local strongman who has defected to the Congress from the TDP and has been campaigning ever since the Assembly was dissolved on September 6, months before he was announced as a candidate.</p>

<p>Akula Vijaya from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and S Srinivas from the Bahujan Left Front (BLF) are also in the fray.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Reddy allegedly attempted to set himself on fire on Monday after a search was conducted at his house in Kompally following a complaint that cash meant for distribution to voters was hidden there.</p>

<p>On the other side, the man tasked with ensuring TRS' win in the constituency is KCR's nephew and one of his most trusted confidantes T Harish Rao, who was also irrigation minister in the last government.</p>

<p>Asked if KCR's 'inaccessible' nature will dent his chances of winning the assembly polls, Harish Rao said: "Our opponents in Gajwel have no issue to raise and therefore asking people if chief minister meets people or not. If they claim to be more connected with people, why have they not build roads and given water, power, pension and other basic facilities in their 60 years of regime?"</p>

<p>"What development work have they done by being connected with people and what has not been done by KCR by not being accessible. Let people decide and vote," he said.</p>

<p>Asserting that that KCR will get a sweeping majority of over one lakh votes, he said it would be interesting to see if opponents will be able to save their deposits or not.</p>

<p>In 2014, the TRS chief had won the seat by a margin of 19,366 votes against Reddy, who had contested on a TDP ticket.</p>

<p>It would be interesting to see if vote transfer takes place from TDP to Congress on Reddy's personal charisma. In the last election, Congress polled 17.46 per cent votes, while Reddy got 34.48 per cent. KCR's vote share was 44.42 per cent.</p>


With poll campaign at its peak in Telangana, voters in caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao's home turf Gajwel seem to be divided between the talks of development by the ruling party and Opposition's allegations of an "unreachable" head of the government.

With poll campaign at its peak in Telangana, voters in caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao's home turf Gajwel seem to be divided between the talks of development by the ruling party and Opposition's allegations of an "unreachable" head of the government. KCR, as Rao is popularly known as, is seeking re-election from Gajwel in Siddipet district, after winning in 2014 with a margin of nearly 20,000 votes. While KCR's supporters go at length to talk about his government's development agenda, many others in the constituency allege they are not able to reach him when in need. "Development is clearly visible. We have got better roads, regular power supply and more importantly tap water in each house. A lot has been done under the KCR rule. The only minus point is our leader is inaccessible to people," said a guava seller in Pragnapur. He said there is a feeling that the chief minister does not spend "enough time" in his constituency and villagers have to communicate through his representatives to get any work done. A Vinay, an under-graduate Commerce student in the newly-build kindergarten to post-graduate government campus, said he is not a voter yet, but feels the Congress candidate's availability in the area is much more. "Our chief minister does not meet us and we feel a distance is growing despite some good work," he added. At the same time, Ganesh Lagishetty, a tea seller on the Gajwel-Pragnapur road, argued it does not matter whether the chief minister is in the area or not. "What matters is development and that is happening," he said. Earlier, water was supplied through tankers and now each house has got tap water facility, while overall infrastructure in the area has improved, he added. A section of Muslim community also appeared happy with the welfare schemes, especially a hike in the government remuneration to 'imams' in mosques, but some are upset over non-implementation of 12 per cent reservation to minorities. "Many 'imams' are poor and don't have own house to live and have no other source of income. It is a big relief that the TRS government has raised our salary from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000," said Mohammud Kumail Ashraf, an imam in one of the biggest mosques in the constituency. Admitting that KCR maintains distance with people, Ashraf hoped that the TRS government would keep its reservation promise if elected again. Samiyuddin, who sells fruits in front of the newly-built 'Integrated Market' that would be opened formally after the election, said he believes KCR will come to power again as many feel that the welfare schemes could be stalled if another party wins. B Ashok, a political science lecturer in a private college, said, "There is 50:50 chance. The youth are disappointed as the TRS government did not provide jobs promised in 2014 polls." Vinay Kumar, a farmer who grows corn and cotton in five acres in Remangooda village, is happy that he has got 45 per cent subsidy to buy a tractor that costs Rs 10 lakh, canal water for irrigation and Rs 4,000 per acre incentive under the Rythu Bandhu scheme for both kharif and rabi seasons. Promising to cast his vote only for KCR, 60-year-old shepherd Illaya Poushalaya said no government had ever given 21 goats at a subsidised rate. A confident KCR and his party members are heavily relying on the development work and welfare projects undertaken by the government. In Gajwel, KCR is up against Vanteru Pratap Reddy, a local strongman who has defected to the Congress from the TDP and has been campaigning ever since the Assembly was dissolved on September 6, months before he was announced as a candidate. Akula Vijaya from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and S Srinivas from the Bahujan Left Front (BLF) are also in the fray. Meanwhile, Reddy allegedly attempted to set himself on fire on Monday after a search was conducted at his house in Kompally following a complaint that cash meant for distribution to voters was hidden there. On the other side, the man tasked with ensuring TRS' win in the constituency is KCR's nephew and one of his most trusted confidantes T Harish Rao, who was also irrigation minister in the last government. Asked if KCR's 'inaccessible' nature will dent his chances of winning the assembly polls, Harish Rao said: "Our opponents in Gajwel have no issue to raise and therefore asking people if chief minister meets people or not. If they claim to be more connected with people, why have they not build roads and given water, power, pension and other basic facilities in their 60 years of regime?" "What development work have they done by being connected with people and what has not been done by KCR by not being accessible. Let people decide and vote," he said. Asserting that that KCR will get a sweeping majority of over one lakh votes, he said it would be interesting to see if opponents will be able to save their deposits or not. In 2014, the TRS chief had won the seat by a margin of 19,366 votes against Reddy, who had contested on a TDP ticket. It would be interesting to see if vote transfer takes place from TDP to Congress on Reddy's personal charisma. In the last election, Congress polled 17.46 per cent votes, while Reddy got 34.48 per cent. KCR's vote share was 44.42 per cent.

Assembly elections 2018: In KCR's home turf Gajewal, it's development vs 'unreachable' CM

<p>Chandramukhi, a 30-year-old trans-woman activist, contesting the Telangana Assembly election from the Goshamahal constituency in Hyderabad on Bahujan Left Front ticket, went missing from her home since Tuesday morning.</p>

<p>Speaking to ANI over the phone, Banjarahills ACP KS Rao said that the transgender community on Tuesday night approached the police complaining of Chandramukhi`s missing since morning.</p>

<p>The police have registered a case and investigations are underway.</p>

<p>"We have formed a special team to search Chandramukhi. We are monitoring the CCTV. There is no suspicion on anyone," the police said.</p>

<p>On November 21, Chandramukhi filed nomination from Goshamahal constituency.</p>

<p>Chandramukhi`s opponent is sitting legislator Raja Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).</p>

<p>The Telangana Legislative Assembly election is scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies.</p>

<p>The counting of votes will take place on December 11.</p>


Chandramukhi, a 30-year-old trans-woman activist, contesting the Telangana Assembly election from the Goshamahal constituency in Hyderabad on Bahujan Left Front ticket, went missing from her home since Tuesday morning.

Chandramukhi, a 30-year-old trans-woman activist, contesting the Telangana Assembly election from the Goshamahal constituency in Hyderabad on Bahujan Left Front ticket, went missing from her home since Tuesday morning. Speaking to ANI over the phone, Banjarahills ACP KS Rao said that the transgender community on Tuesday night approached the police complaining of Chandramukhi`s missing since morning. The police have registered a case and investigations are underway. "We have formed a special team to search Chandramukhi. We are monitoring the CCTV. There is no suspicion on anyone," the police said. On November 21, Chandramukhi filed nomination from Goshamahal constituency. Chandramukhi`s opponent is sitting legislator Raja Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Telangana Legislative Assembly election is scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

India assembly elections 2018: Trans-woman contesting Telangana poll missing

<p>Call it hubris or overconfidence, Telangana caretaker chief minister and Telangana Rashtra Samithi chief Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao pulled no punches when he dissolved the state Legislative Assembly on September 6 and set the stage for polls in the state carved out of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh on June 2, 2014.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the day he dissolved the assembly, KCR, as he is fondly called, declared 105 candidates in the same breath, taking the Opposition leaders by surprise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From the time KCR dissolved the assembly to now, it appears that the wheel of fortune has turned. KCR's display of chest-thumping triumphalism of winning 100-plus seats in a 119-member House has been replaced by rousing Telangana pride and invoking celestial blessings.</p>

<p>Two months ago political observers were declaring KCR’s return to power a foregone conclusion, but now with coming together of Opposition parties — Congress, Telugu Desam Party, Telangana Jana Samithi and the Communist Party of India — to form Mahakutumi (grand alliance), looks like this election is after all not a cakewalk for the ruling TRS.&nbsp;</p>

<p>KCR expected the Election Commission to hold the polls in a month after he dissolved the assembly but the three-month time between the dissolution of the assembly and the polls, have helped the Opposition to gets its act together and put up a united face against the ruling party. &nbsp;</p>

<p>TRS supremo could not offer a reasonable explanation why he dissolved the assembly. KCR sounded the poll bugle on a strong wicket but his confidence has waned and his nervousness has come to the fore of late.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his first phase of campaigning, KCR tried to ambush the Mahakutami headed by the Congress party by showing the TDP in a bad light by saying things like TDP was the main obstacle in Telangana State formation and is a bad omen to the Telangana people and tried to instil Telangana sentiment among the people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>KCR's attempt gaslight the public by portraying TDP as bad omen did not work.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While KCR’s braggadocio of winning 100 or more in the Assembly’s 119 seats continues, but his impressive oratory in Telugu and Urdu fails to hide the nervous gloom.</p>

<p>A few days back, the remarks made by the TRS chief and his son KT Rama Rao did nothing to repair the damage and created some sort of confusion among the party cadres. KCR said, “If TRS loses the battle, there will be no loss to me. I will do nothing but take rest at my farmhouse only.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I will leave the country if we lose these polls,'' said his son KTR, who is a minister in the KCR cabinet. &nbsp;</p>

<p>At the recently held Medchal public rally attended by allies of Mahakutami, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi Sonia lambasted the TRS government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sonia, who was hailed as “Mother of Telangana”, said, "TRS government, after coming to the power, squarely failed to meet the primary demands of statehood movement such as irrigation water, funds and recruitments." Sonia cornered KCR calling his government ''family affair'' while the Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala went a step ahead calling the ruling party 'TRS-KCR private limited.'&nbsp;</p>

<p>The visit by Sonia Gandhi to the state has definitely breathed new life into the four-party grand alliance. Now, will that translate into votes? We will have the answer on December 11 when the counting will take place. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(This is the first part of the three-part analysis on Telangana election. In the next part, which will be published on December 4, we will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Mahakutami and TRS. )</em><br />
<br />
<em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


Call it hubris or overconfidence, Telangana caretaker chief minister and Telangana Rashtra Samithi chief Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao pulled no punches when he dissolved the state Legislative Assembly on September 6 and set the stage for polls in the state carved out of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh on June 2, 2014.

Call it hubris or overconfidence, Telangana caretaker chief minister and Telangana Rashtra Samithi chief Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao pulled no punches when he dissolved the state Legislative Assembly on September 6 and set the stage for polls in the state carved out of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh on June 2, 2014. On the day he dissolved the assembly, KCR, as he is fondly called, declared 105 candidates in the same breath, taking the Opposition leaders by surprise. From the time KCR dissolved the assembly to now, it appears that the wheel of fortune has turned. KCR's display of chest-thumping triumphalism of winning 100-plus seats in a 119-member House has been replaced by rousing Telangana pride and invoking celestial blessings. Two months ago political observers were declaring KCR’s return to power a foregone conclusion, but now with coming together of Opposition parties — Congress, Telugu Desam Party, Telangana Jana Samithi and the Communist Party of India — to form Mahakutumi (grand alliance), looks like this election is after all not a cakewalk for the ruling TRS. KCR expected the Election Commission to hold the polls in a month after he dissolved the assembly but the three-month time between the dissolution of the assembly and the polls, have helped the Opposition to gets its act together and put up a united face against the ruling party. TRS supremo could not offer a reasonable explanation why he dissolved the assembly. KCR sounded the poll bugle on a strong wicket but his confidence has waned and his nervousness has come to the fore of late. In his first phase of campaigning, KCR tried to ambush the Mahakutami headed by the Congress party by showing the TDP in a bad light by saying things like TDP was the main obstacle in Telangana State formation and is a bad omen to the Telangana people and tried to instil Telangana sentiment among the people. KCR's attempt gaslight the public by portraying TDP as bad omen did not work. While KCR’s braggadocio of winning 100 or more in the Assembly’s 119 seats continues, but his impressive oratory in Telugu and Urdu fails to hide the nervous gloom. A few days back, the remarks made by the TRS chief and his son KT Rama Rao did nothing to repair the damage and created some sort of confusion among the party cadres. KCR said, “If TRS loses the battle, there will be no loss to me. I will do nothing but take rest at my farmhouse only.” “I will leave the country if we lose these polls,'' said his son KTR, who is a minister in the KCR cabinet. At the recently held Medchal public rally attended by allies of Mahakutami, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi Sonia lambasted the TRS government. Sonia, who was hailed as “Mother of Telangana”, said, "TRS government, after coming to the power, squarely failed to meet the primary demands of statehood movement such as irrigation water, funds and recruitments." Sonia cornered KCR calling his government ''family affair'' while the Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala went a step ahead calling the ruling party 'TRS-KCR private limited.' The visit by Sonia Gandhi to the state has definitely breathed new life into the four-party grand alliance. Now, will that translate into votes? We will have the answer on December 11 when the counting will take place. (This is the first part of the three-part analysis on Telangana election. In the next part, which will be published on December 4, we will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Mahakutami and TRS. ) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

From strong to sticky wicket: Why retaining power in Telangana won't be a cakewalk for KCR

telangana

Telangana, News on Telangana, stories on Telangana, articles on Telangana, Telangana stories at Wion, Telangana news, Telangana latest news