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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rajasthan, Telangana set for date with democracy

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.&nbsp;

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."

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

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.&nbsp;

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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;

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;

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.

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

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;

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, <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>.

"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.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
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) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1069272172068188160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Owaisi reacted to Adityanath's remark asking if speaking against the BJP and PM Modi will require him to leave the country.&nbsp;

"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;

Telangana is set to go to polls on December 7, votes will be counted on December 11.&nbsp;

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

Telangana Rashtra Samiti's chief and state Chief Minister KC Rao on Sunday accused Andhra CM of distorting facts.&nbsp;

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 <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;

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.&nbsp;

"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;

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

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;

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;

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;

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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
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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.&nbsp;

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;

"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.

&nbsp;

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

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;

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 &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."

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;

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

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.&nbsp;

"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 <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;

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;

"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.&nbsp;

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

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;

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.&nbsp;

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.

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

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;

The minister added that the alliance is not formed for the development of the nation but to stop the BJP and PM Modi. &nbsp;

"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;

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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>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068638635287871488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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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.

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.&nbsp;

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 

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;

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;

"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.

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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>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068783562977988608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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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 <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;

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;

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

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."&nbsp;

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

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.

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

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 <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.

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.

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

Congress President Rahul Gandhi Thursday charged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has broken every single promise made by him.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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

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).&nbsp;

"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.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

"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;

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.&nbsp;

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.

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

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.

<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. 
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<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.

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.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

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."&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

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.

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

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.

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

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;

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;

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.&nbsp;

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;

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;

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;

KCR's attempt gaslight the public by portraying TDP as bad omen did not work.&nbsp;

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.”&nbsp;

“I will leave the country if we lose these polls,'' said his son KTR, who is a minister in the KCR cabinet. &nbsp;

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;

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;

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;

(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)

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

The ruling TRS Saturday slammed the Congress over UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi's attack on it for allegedly failing to meet people's aspirations.

Telangana became a reality not because somebody gave it, Telangana Rashtra Samithi MP B Vinod Kumar said.

"When KCR (TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao) undertook fast unto death, (then UPA government) announced on December 9, 2009 (about the formation of Telangana). It would have been better had you implemented properly. But, you withdrew due to pressure from Seemandhra and some influential people. Because of that, hundreds of youths committed suicide in the state (in support of Telangana)," he told reporters.

The congress party would realise on December 11 (the day of counting in the coming Assembly polls) what Telangana people are thinking, he said.

TRS leader and minister in the caretaker government T Harish Rao asked why Sonia Gandhi made no mention of industrial incentives that were reportedly promised (at the time of bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh) to Telangana on par with Andhra Pradesh.

Meanwhile, BJP state unit president K Laxman alleged that Sonia Gandhi's visit lacked sincerity towards Telangana.

"Is Congress not responsible for the death of 1400 people (in support of separate Telangana)," he told reporters.

The BJP leader also attacked the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM), alleging that the party has been arrogant. 
AIMIM'S only agenda is to stop BJP, Laxman said.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday attacked TRS chief and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao for running a "family rule" in Telangana and "failing" to respond to the aspirations of people of the state.

Sonia Gandhi, on her maiden visit to Telangana after the formation of the state in June 2014, recalled the problems the Congress party faced due to its decision to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh.

She said despite being aware of adverse political consequences, the Congress went ahead and created Telangana, and paid the price in the elections that followed.

"It (carving out Telangana) was not an easy task. It was no small decision. But former prime minister Manmohan Singh and Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party decided to form Telangana state," she told the rally.&nbsp;

The ruling TRS Saturday slammed the Congress over UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi's attack on it for allegedly failing to meet people's aspirations.

The ruling TRS Saturday slammed the Congress over UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi's attack on it for allegedly failing to meet people's aspirations. Telangana became a reality not because somebody gave it, Telangana Rashtra Samithi MP B Vinod Kumar said. "When KCR (TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao) undertook fast unto death, (then UPA government) announced on December 9, 2009 (about the formation of Telangana). It would have been better had you implemented properly. But, you withdrew due to pressure from Seemandhra and some influential people. Because of that, hundreds of youths committed suicide in the state (in support of Telangana)," he told reporters. The congress party would realise on December 11 (the day of counting in the coming Assembly polls) what Telangana people are thinking, he said. TRS leader and minister in the caretaker government T Harish Rao asked why Sonia Gandhi made no mention of industrial incentives that were reportedly promised (at the time of bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh) to Telangana on par with Andhra Pradesh. Meanwhile, BJP state unit president K Laxman alleged that Sonia Gandhi's visit lacked sincerity towards Telangana. "Is Congress not responsible for the death of 1400 people (in support of separate Telangana)," he told reporters. The BJP leader also attacked the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM), alleging that the party has been arrogant. AIMIM'S only agenda is to stop BJP, Laxman said. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday attacked TRS chief and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao for running a "family rule" in Telangana and "failing" to respond to the aspirations of people of the state. Sonia Gandhi, on her maiden visit to Telangana after the formation of the state in June 2014, recalled the problems the Congress party faced due to its decision to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh. She said despite being aware of adverse political consequences, the Congress went ahead and created Telangana, and paid the price in the elections that followed. "It (carving out Telangana) was not an easy task. It was no small decision. But former prime minister Manmohan Singh and Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party decided to form Telangana state," she told the rally.

On December 11, Congress will realise what people of Telangana are thinking: TRS

BJP president Amit Shah Sunday alleged that the Congress had "neglected" the "son of Telangana" and former prime minister PV Narasimha Rao after his death and sought the response of Rahul Gandhi, the chief of the opposition party, in the matter.

He also alleged that the Congress had not paid appropriate last respects to Rao, who died in 2004, when the party was in power at the Centre.

Addressing a public meeting here in Siddipet district ahead of the December 7 Telangana Assembly polls, Shah asked Gandhi to explain the "kind of treatment" meted out to Rao after his demise.

"Now Rahul Gandhiji is saying everyone should live with love. I want to ask him, when the son of Telangana and our former prime minister P V Narasimha Rao had died, (why) no 'salami' was given to his mortal remains and why were they sent to Hyderabad.

"I want to ask him (Gandhi), why such a treatment was meted out to the son of Telangana," he said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had accused the Congress in the past also of ignoring the legacy of Rao and humiliating him, which was denied by the opposition party.

During his speech, Shah listed out various welfare schemes launched by the Narendra Modi government in the last four-and-a-half years.

He said the Centre was working for various sections of the society, including the poor, farmers, women, Dalits and tribals.

Crores of toilets and houses were built for the people under the watch of the BJP government, Shah said.

"Our government provided LPG connections to poor women and also ensured electricity. These development works improved the standard of living of over 22 crore families," he added.

Improving the country's security was the biggest work of Prime Minister Modi, the BJP chief said.

"Under the previous UPA government, infiltrators from Pakistan used to enter India but no proper reply was given to them in those 10 years. However, after the Uri terror attack (in 2016), India under Modiji carried out surgical strikes in Pakistan and avenged the killing of our soldiers," he added.

Shah said the respect for India had increased manifold in the world under Modi.

Turning to the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government in the southern state, he claimed that the ruling party had failed to implement several welfare programmes of the Centre, including its ambitious health insurance scheme, because it was "scared" that the prime minister might become more popular in Telangana.

Shah accused TRS chief and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) of not extending any help to the farmers in the state, due to which, he said over 4,000 of them committed suicide in the last four-and-a-half years.

Shah said KCR had failed to fulfil the promises made to the people of Telangana, including the three-acre land parcel scheme for Dalits.

He appealed to the people to vote the saffron party to power in the upcoming polls as the Congress, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the TRS had been elected earlier.

"Give one chance to Modiji and we will transform Telangana into a model state in five years," Shah said.

The 119-member Telangana Assembly will go to the polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah Sunday alleged that the Congress had "neglected" the "son of Telangana" and former prime minister PV Narasimha Rao after his death and sought the response of Rahul Gandhi, the chief of the opposition party, in the matter.

BJP president Amit Shah Sunday alleged that the Congress had "neglected" the "son of Telangana" and former prime minister PV Narasimha Rao after his death and sought the response of Rahul Gandhi, the chief of the opposition party, in the matter. He also alleged that the Congress had not paid appropriate last respects to Rao, who died in 2004, when the party was in power at the Centre. Addressing a public meeting here in Siddipet district ahead of the December 7 Telangana Assembly polls, Shah asked Gandhi to explain the "kind of treatment" meted out to Rao after his demise. "Now Rahul Gandhiji is saying everyone should live with love. I want to ask him, when the son of Telangana and our former prime minister P V Narasimha Rao had died, (why) no 'salami' was given to his mortal remains and why were they sent to Hyderabad. "I want to ask him (Gandhi), why such a treatment was meted out to the son of Telangana," he said. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had accused the Congress in the past also of ignoring the legacy of Rao and humiliating him, which was denied by the opposition party. During his speech, Shah listed out various welfare schemes launched by the Narendra Modi government in the last four-and-a-half years. He said the Centre was working for various sections of the society, including the poor, farmers, women, Dalits and tribals. Crores of toilets and houses were built for the people under the watch of the BJP government, Shah said. "Our government provided LPG connections to poor women and also ensured electricity. These development works improved the standard of living of over 22 crore families," he added. Improving the country's security was the biggest work of Prime Minister Modi, the BJP chief said. "Under the previous UPA government, infiltrators from Pakistan used to enter India but no proper reply was given to them in those 10 years. However, after the Uri terror attack (in 2016), India under Modiji carried out surgical strikes in Pakistan and avenged the killing of our soldiers," he added. Shah said the respect for India had increased manifold in the world under Modi. Turning to the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government in the southern state, he claimed that the ruling party had failed to implement several welfare programmes of the Centre, including its ambitious health insurance scheme, because it was "scared" that the prime minister might become more popular in Telangana. Shah accused TRS chief and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) of not extending any help to the farmers in the state, due to which, he said over 4,000 of them committed suicide in the last four-and-a-half years. Shah said KCR had failed to fulfil the promises made to the people of Telangana, including the three-acre land parcel scheme for Dalits. He appealed to the people to vote the saffron party to power in the upcoming polls as the Congress, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the TRS had been elected earlier. "Give one chance to Modiji and we will transform Telangana into a model state in five years," Shah said. The 119-member Telangana Assembly will go to the polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.

Congress neglected ex-PM and 'son of Telangana' Rao post his death: Amit Shah

Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao did not implement several schemes of the Central government because they believed it will make PM Narendra Modi more popular in the state, said BJP President Amit Shah in public rally at Siddipet in Telangana.&nbsp;

Telangana goes to polls on December 7.

KCR government hasn’t been able to fulfil any of its election promises, Shah said.&nbsp;

''Instead of giving employment to 1.60 lakh people, more than 2 lakh seats are lying vacant,'' the BJP leader said.&nbsp;

Earlier addressing a rally in Warangal, the BJP chief said Telangana CM has proposed 12 per cent reservation for the minorities which isn't possible without taking away reservation quotas of SCs, STs or OBCs. BJP is against any reservation on the basis of religion and will not allow anyone else to make this happen, Shah further said.

Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao did not implement several schemes of the Central government because they believed it will make PM Narendra Modi more popular in the state, said BJP President Amit Shah in public rally at Siddipet in Telangana.

Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao did not implement several schemes of the Central government because they believed it will make PM Narendra Modi more popular in the state, said BJP President Amit Shah in public rally at Siddipet in Telangana. Telangana goes to polls on December 7. KCR government hasn’t been able to fulfil any of its election promises, Shah said. ''Instead of giving employment to 1.60 lakh people, more than 2 lakh seats are lying vacant,'' the BJP leader said. Earlier addressing a rally in Warangal, the BJP chief said Telangana CM has proposed 12 per cent reservation for the minorities which isn't possible without taking away reservation quotas of SCs, STs or OBCs. BJP is against any reservation on the basis of religion and will not allow anyone else to make this happen, Shah further said.

Telangana govt didn't implement Centre's schemes lest it make Modi popular: Amit Shah

When Telangana Chief Minister KC Rao dissolved the state assembly in September this year, the move was not just indicative of reaping political benefits by de-linking the state elections from next year’s Lok Sabha polls. The creator of free Telangana seemed more than certain of getting a second term.

Undoubtedly, the BJP is desperately trying to win the states which are currently not under its rule, a strategy that will help&nbsp;its cause for the next year’s general elections. Not only will it seek to retain Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan during this year’s Assembly polls, but also try to bag Congress-led Mizoram and overturn Rao’s Telangana Rashtra Samiti regime.

But dethroning Rao, who has had his hands gripped on the pulse of his people, can be quite challenging for the saffron party as well as for the Congress, especially when Rao’s report card in the last four years has been impressive.

Chandrashekar Rao earned a Masters degree in English Literature from Osmania University in Hyderabad and started his political journey with the Congress party. He later joined Telugu Desam Party in the year 1983.

Rao went on to become the Union minister for Labour and Employment in the UPA cabinet led by the then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. He held various portfolios in Andhra Pradesh cabinet and served as the deputy speaker of the state assembly in the year 2000-2001.

After nearly a couple of decades in politics, Rao decided to take a firm stand for the cause of the people of Telangana. He instituted the Telangana Rashtra Samiti in the year 2001 and managed to realise his dream of achieving statehood for Telangana after fourteen years in 2014.

In its first four years, as the chief minister of India’s youngest state, KC Rao scripted laudable success stories, steering the state on the path of development and innovation. Telangana is one of the top IT-exporting states and has a number of hydroelectric and solar power plants developing to generate additional power capacity in the state. The chief minister, while taking over the Telangana cabinet four years back, had hoped to turn the state from a power-deficit to a power surplus state.

In his longest-ever Independence Day speech, CM Rao this year reflected on TRS’ performance and his initiatives as the leader of the newly-formed state. He emphasised the wide spectrum of social welfare schemes undertaken by his cabinet that touched the lives of an estimated three crore people.

“Telangana is the only state in the country to implement over 40 types of welfare schemes at the expense of over Rs 40,000 crore per year,” Rao mentioned during his Independence Day address. &nbsp;

Some of the key initiatives of the Rao government would include enhancing the income limit to identify lower income groups and include more and more people in the state-led welfare scheme. Salaries were revised; pension schemes were revisited and given an overhaul to provide more benefits to senior citizens, widows, physically challenged, among others.

&nbsp;In one of his recent rallies, CM Rao promised a further increase in the pension of Rs 1,000 given to various sections to Rs 2,016.

KCR’s vision to make Telangana a role model for other states and turn it into one of the greatest economic engines of the country has been unwavering. His command on the state and native wisdom makes him a leader hard to defeat. His leadership skills have exhibited a fine balance between giving impetus to innovation and development at the same time alleviating those at the lower rungs of his land.

To overthrow Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao’s leadership in the upcoming assembly polls, Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party will have to address and materialise the many aspirations and desires of the people of Telangana. &nbsp;

BJP-led Central government has long been accused of not fulfilling Telangana's demands. State municipal administration minister KT Rao recently alleged that the state has been treated with scant respect. BJP has a mammoth task of appeasing the people of Telangana, winning their trust and assuring that it can, and it will work for its welfare.&nbsp;

Congress, almost convinced of its defeat as an independent electoral contender, has joined the Andhra CM in his 'grand alliance' -- a political arrangement that may look formidable but could crumble with tiniest of internal dissent.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
 
&nbsp;

When Telangana Chief Minister KC Rao dissolved the state assembly in September this year, the move was not just indicative of reaping political benefits by de-linking the state elections from next year’s Lok Sabha polls.

When Telangana Chief Minister KC Rao dissolved the state assembly in September this year, the move was not just indicative of reaping political benefits by de-linking the state elections from next year’s Lok Sabha polls. The creator of free Telangana seemed more than certain of getting a second term. Undoubtedly, the BJP is desperately trying to win the states which are currently not under its rule, a strategy that will help its cause for the next year’s general elections. Not only will it seek to retain Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan during this year’s Assembly polls, but also try to bag Congress-led Mizoram and overturn Rao’s Telangana Rashtra Samiti regime. But dethroning Rao, who has had his hands gripped on the pulse of his people, can be quite challenging for the saffron party as well as for the Congress, especially when Rao’s report card in the last four years has been impressive. Chandrashekar Rao earned a Masters degree in English Literature from Osmania University in Hyderabad and started his political journey with the Congress party. He later joined Telugu Desam Party in the year 1983. Rao went on to become the Union minister for Labour and Employment in the UPA cabinet led by the then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. He held various portfolios in Andhra Pradesh cabinet and served as the deputy speaker of the state assembly in the year 2000-2001. After nearly a couple of decades in politics, Rao decided to take a firm stand for the cause of the people of Telangana. He instituted the Telangana Rashtra Samiti in the year 2001 and managed to realise his dream of achieving statehood for Telangana after fourteen years in 2014. In its first four years, as the chief minister of India’s youngest state, KC Rao scripted laudable success stories, steering the state on the path of development and innovation. Telangana is one of the top IT-exporting states and has a number of hydroelectric and solar power plants developing to generate additional power capacity in the state. The chief minister, while taking over the Telangana cabinet four years back, had hoped to turn the state from a power-deficit to a power surplus state. In his longest-ever Independence Day speech, CM Rao this year reflected on TRS’ performance and his initiatives as the leader of the newly-formed state. He emphasised the wide spectrum of social welfare schemes undertaken by his cabinet that touched the lives of an estimated three crore people. “Telangana is the only state in the country to implement over 40 types of welfare schemes at the expense of over Rs 40,000 crore per year,” Rao mentioned during his Independence Day address. Some of the key initiatives of the Rao government would include enhancing the income limit to identify lower income groups and include more and more people in the state-led welfare scheme. Salaries were revised; pension schemes were revisited and given an overhaul to provide more benefits to senior citizens, widows, physically challenged, among others. In one of his recent rallies, CM Rao promised a further increase in the pension of Rs 1,000 given to various sections to Rs 2,016. KCR’s vision to make Telangana a role model for other states and turn it into one of the greatest economic engines of the country has been unwavering. His command on the state and native wisdom makes him a leader hard to defeat. His leadership skills have exhibited a fine balance between giving impetus to innovation and development at the same time alleviating those at the lower rungs of his land. To overthrow Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao’s leadership in the upcoming assembly polls, Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party will have to address and materialise the many aspirations and desires of the people of Telangana. BJP-led Central government has long been accused of not fulfilling Telangana's demands. State municipal administration minister KT Rao recently alleged that the state has been treated with scant respect. BJP has a mammoth task of appeasing the people of Telangana, winning their trust and assuring that it can, and it will work for its welfare. Congress, almost convinced of its defeat as an independent electoral contender, has joined the Andhra CM in his 'grand alliance' -- a political arrangement that may look formidable but could crumble with tiniest of internal dissent. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Telangana Assembly elections 2018: Why it's difficult to overthrow K C Rao

At a time when candidates shower booze and cash on voters in order to swing them in their&nbsp;favour, an&nbsp;independent candidate in Telangana has adopted a unique approach to woo the voters.

The 45-year-old Akula Hanmandloo, who is contesting as an independent candidate for Korutla assembly seat in Telangana, is giving a copy of a resignation letter and a slipper to voters even as he pleads with folded hands and says, ''This is copy of my resignation letter and a slipper. If you elect me I will do any work ( public work ) you wish. In case I don't do it you can send this letter to Telangana Assembly Speaker and along with that you can hit me with this slipper.''

Akula Hanmandloo has real estate business and has some agricultural land in and around Korutla town in Karimnagar district of Telangana.&nbsp;

A father of three children, Hanmandloo says he, like many voters, is vexed with empty and false promises of political leaders who, he says, say a lot before elections.&nbsp;

''Election after election people continue to suffer because the leaders who promise everything before elections are not to be seen or heard till the next elections. I want to set an example. I want to bring in change if I am elected,'' says Hanmandloo while speaking to Zee Media.

For Hanmandloo, this is not his first tryst with elections. Fifteen years back he unsuccessfully contested as corporator in local municipal elections in Korutla. His present campaigning is attracting a lot of attention in Korutla assembly constituency which has little more than two lakh voters. ''We have seen vote for note ( money ). But this is different. He is giving us a slipper and a resignation letter. What we expect from any candidate is honesty and sincerity and zeal to do development,'' opines Eligeti Krishna, a voter and resident of Korutla town.

Along with door to door campaign, Hanmandloo is also using social media to spread the message. He has a dedicated Facebook page wherein one can connect with him on this issue.

Hanmandloo is pitted against Congress' Narsing Rao and Telangana Rashtra Samithi's Vidyasagar Rao -- both heavyweights in the area.&nbsp;

''I dream of Rama Rajya wherein people are happy and prosperous and if I win I will live up to my promise,'' assures Hanmandloo.

The Assembly Elections for 119 seats for Telangana will be held on December 7.

At a time when candidates shower booze and cash on voters in order to swing them in their favour, an independent candidate in Telangana has adopted a unique approach to woo the voters.

At a time when candidates shower booze and cash on voters in order to swing them in their favour, an independent candidate in Telangana has adopted a unique approach to woo the voters. The 45-year-old Akula Hanmandloo, who is contesting as an independent candidate for Korutla assembly seat in Telangana, is giving a copy of a resignation letter and a slipper to voters even as he pleads with folded hands and says, ''This is copy of my resignation letter and a slipper. If you elect me I will do any work ( public work ) you wish. In case I don't do it you can send this letter to Telangana Assembly Speaker and along with that you can hit me with this slipper.'' Akula Hanmandloo has real estate business and has some agricultural land in and around Korutla town in Karimnagar district of Telangana. A father of three children, Hanmandloo says he, like many voters, is vexed with empty and false promises of political leaders who, he says, say a lot before elections. ''Election after election people continue to suffer because the leaders who promise everything before elections are not to be seen or heard till the next elections. I want to set an example. I want to bring in change if I am elected,'' says Hanmandloo while speaking to Zee Media. For Hanmandloo, this is not his first tryst with elections. Fifteen years back he unsuccessfully contested as corporator in local municipal elections in Korutla. His present campaigning is attracting a lot of attention in Korutla assembly constituency which has little more than two lakh voters. ''We have seen vote for note ( money ). But this is different. He is giving us a slipper and a resignation letter. What we expect from any candidate is honesty and sincerity and zeal to do development,'' opines Eligeti Krishna, a voter and resident of Korutla town. Along with door to door campaign, Hanmandloo is also using social media to spread the message. He has a dedicated Facebook page wherein one can connect with him on this issue. Hanmandloo is pitted against Congress' Narsing Rao and Telangana Rashtra Samithi's Vidyasagar Rao -- both heavyweights in the area. ''I dream of Rama Rajya wherein people are happy and prosperous and if I win I will live up to my promise,'' assures Hanmandloo. The Assembly Elections for 119 seats for Telangana will be held on December 7.

Meet the Telangana candidate who seeks votes with slipper and resignation letter

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