<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-tripura-meghalaya-nagaland-results-today-34524">Live updates: Tripura, Meghalaya, Nagaland </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-tripura-meghalaya-nagaland-results-today-34524">results</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-tripura-meghalaya-nagaland-results-today-34524"> today</a>

Counting of votes begins for Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya assembly elections. Results are expected by the afternoon. Tripura went to the polls on February 18. Elections in Meghalya and Nagaland were held on February 27.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/central-michigan-university-shooting-gunman-identified-shot-parents-34522">Central Michigan University shooting: Gunman identified, shot parents</a>

A gunman suspected of killing his parents at a Central Michigan University dormitory during a domestic dispute on Friday was still at large, authorities said. According to media reports, 19-year-old James Eric Davis Jr was a sophomore at Michigan University who targeted two people at the University due to personal rivalry.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gauri-lankesh-murder-suspect-taken-to-custody-34521">Gauri Lankesh murder: Suspect taken into custody</a>

The Karnataka Police has taken a suspected accused KT Naveen Kumar into police custody for questioning in connection with the murder of journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh. As per media reports, Naveen was caught by the crime wing of the state police&#39;s central crime branch on February 18.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/shoot-a-school-kid-only-29-says-vandalized-vegas-billboard-34525">&#39;Shoot a school kid only $29,&#39; says vandalized Vegas billboard</a>

In yet another demand for the gun reforms on Friday, as an aftermath to Florida High school shooting, a billboard at Las Vegas was vandalised to read, &quot;Shoot a school kid only $29,&quot;. The billboard originally read, &quot;Shoot a .50 caliber only $29.&quot; It was an advertisement for a local firing range called Battlefield Vegas, which, according to its website, is a business owned and operated by veterans that features a &quot;military-style complex&quot; a block from the Las Vegas Strip, as well as additional &quot;outdoor training areas.&quot;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/storm-hits-us-northeast-kills-at-least-five-people-34528">Storm hits US Northeast, kills at least five people</a>

A powerful storm lashing the northeastern United States on Friday killed at least five people as winds topping 80 miles per hour (129 km per hour) helped flood streets in Boston, ground flights and halt train service across the region. Almost 1.7 million homes and businesses were without power in the Northeast and Midwest as the storm pummelled the East Coast from Virginia to Maine. Government offices in Washington closed as winds gusted to more than 60 mph (96 kph) in the U.S. capital.

Live updates: Tripura, Meghalaya, Nagaland results today Counting of votes begins for Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya assembly elections. Results are expected by the afternoon. Tripura went to the polls on February 18. Elections in Meghalya and Nagaland were held on February 27. Central Michigan University shooting: Gunman identified, shot parents A gunman suspected of killing his parents at a Central Michigan University dormitory during a domestic dispute on Friday was still at large, authorities said. According to media reports, 19-year-old James Eric Davis Jr was a sophomore at Michigan University who targeted two people at the University due to personal rivalry. Gauri Lankesh murder: Suspect taken into custody The Karnataka Police has taken a suspected accused KT Naveen Kumar into police custody for questioning in connection with the murder of journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh. As per media reports, Naveen was caught by the crime wing of the state police's central crime branch on February 18. 'Shoot a school kid only $29,' says vandalized Vegas billboard In yet another demand for the gun reforms on Friday, as an aftermath to Florida High school shooting, a billboard at Las Vegas was vandalised to read, "Shoot a school kid only $29,". The billboard originally read, "Shoot a .50 caliber only $29." It was an advertisement for a local firing range called Battlefield Vegas, which, according to its website, is a business owned and operated by veterans that features a "military-style complex" a block from the Las Vegas Strip, as well as additional "outdoor training areas." Storm hits US Northeast, kills at least five people A powerful storm lashing the northeastern United States on Friday killed at least five people as winds topping 80 miles per hour (129 km per hour) helped flood streets in Boston, ground flights and halt train service across the region. Almost 1.7 million homes and businesses were without power in the Northeast and Midwest as the storm pummelled the East Coast from Virginia to Maine. Government offices in Washington closed as winds gusted to more than 60 mph (96 kph) in the U.S. capital.

WION Morning News Brief, March 3, 2018

Whether one likes it or not, BJP has changed the political landscape of North East for good. Today it stands as a formidable force in NE despite initial handicap of ideology and weight of aggressive nationalism practiced in mainland by its brethren.

Despite limitations, BJP either captured power or increased its number and vote share in all the states which went for polls. The best example is that of Nagaland where BJP increased its vote share from 1.75 percent to 14.5 percent whereas Congress vote share which stood at 24.89 percent votes in 2013 dropped to 2.1 percent. Question did this happen? The answer is that the strategy of concentrating in Meghalaya did not work. The message even before the elections was out that Congress has conceded defeat in other two states.

Congress contested 18 seats in Nagaland and could not win a single seat. Same is the case with Tripura where its vote share fell from 36.53 percent to 1.8 percent. Even in Meghalaya where Congress President Rahul Gandhi campaigned extensively, the vote share slipped from 34.78 percent to 29 percent. In all the three states BJP did exceptionally well. In Meghalaya, it did not taste electoral success but it&rsquo;s very numerical presence has added another layer to the fractured house of Meghalaya.

Barring, Meghalaya, Congress also did not run an effective campaign. In both these states Congress was not seen fighting the election. Despite large defection in Nagaland and large voter base in Tripura, the grand old party could not stich up a campaign. It was an admission of defeat before war.

Congress did not even have candidates in all 60 segments in Nagaland. In Tripura, the message went that its the B team of Left hence, anti-Left vote went to BJP. Tripura has happened despite West Bengal experience. The lesson has not been learnt.

Congress was seen as B team of the Left in WB. The party showed neither ideological character nor endurance to constantly challenge the Left. It is for this reason, people of West Bengal chose Mamata Banerji as an alternative to the Congress Party in West Bengal.

Similarly, the talk in NE within Congress was not about forming government but to keep BJP at bay. It is a wrong narrative. It is like anti Congress-ism of 60s, 70s, and 80s. Many regional parties came together to form governments in Delhi but the country never gave any of them a national mandate. The mandate went to BJP as it offered a different vision of religion and state in 1990s and governance in 2014.

What is required from the Congress is a vision document as to what does it stand for today? Congress today also stands at a juncture when the right based approach has already been monetised. In post-industrial society, especially in the semi urban and urban areas, right has mutated to a choice. The choice either comes in form of a face or in form of a political narrative.

From 2014, Congress has been reacting to BJP&rsquo;s narrative. It has not been able to set national agenda on which BJP has reacted for long. The election in NE may be about organization and money but electoral focus at expense of organization remains its biggest enemy.

It was not born to keep BJP out. It started with a different purpose and continued to adapt itself to the changing realities of India. The only way it can survive cogently as a national party is by building itself brick by brick. Today, it only remains a pan Indian party on paper. The short-term alliances with regional parties to prevent BJP from coming to power is leading to self -cannibalism.

Each time, Congress has had a truck with a regional party, its vote bank erodes. 2017 UP assembly result is the the best example of this erosion where Congress polled less votes than Apna Dal.

The more Congress indulges in such opportunism, harsher will be the future for its organization. Lastly, BJP is being elected by an independent electorate not outsiders.

Congress needs to come out with its Vision Document and mass contact programme. Piecemeal victories in Punjab or good fight like Gujarat will not be enough to be challenge BJP. For it, Congress will have to behave like an organizational alternative.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

For Congress, anti BJP-ism like anti Congress-ism of 70s-80s will not work.

Whether one likes it or not, BJP has changed the political landscape of North East for good. Today it stands as a formidable force in NE despite initial handicap of ideology and weight of aggressive nationalism practiced in mainland by its brethren. Despite limitations, BJP either captured power or increased its number and vote share in all the states which went for polls. The best example is that of Nagaland where BJP increased its vote share from 1.75 percent to 14.5 percent whereas Congress vote share which stood at 24.89 percent votes in 2013 dropped to 2.1 percent. Question did this happen? The answer is that the strategy of concentrating in Meghalaya did not work. The message even before the elections was out that Congress has conceded defeat in other two states. Congress contested 18 seats in Nagaland and could not win a single seat. Same is the case with Tripura where its vote share fell from 36.53 percent to 1.8 percent. Even in Meghalaya where Congress President Rahul Gandhi campaigned extensively, the vote share slipped from 34.78 percent to 29 percent. In all the three states BJP did exceptionally well. In Meghalaya, it did not taste electoral success but it’s very numerical presence has added another layer to the fractured house of Meghalaya. Barring, Meghalaya, Congress also did not run an effective campaign. In both these states Congress was not seen fighting the election. Despite large defection in Nagaland and large voter base in Tripura, the grand old party could not stich up a campaign. It was an admission of defeat before war. Congress did not even have candidates in all 60 segments in Nagaland. In Tripura, the message went that its the B team of Left hence, anti-Left vote went to BJP. Tripura has happened despite West Bengal experience. The lesson has not been learnt. Congress was seen as B team of the Left in WB. The party showed neither ideological character nor endurance to constantly challenge the Left. It is for this reason, people of West Bengal chose Mamata Banerji as an alternative to the Congress Party in West Bengal. Similarly, the talk in NE within Congress was not about forming government but to keep BJP at bay. It is a wrong narrative. It is like anti Congress-ism of 60s, 70s, and 80s. Many regional parties came together to form governments in Delhi but the country never gave any of them a national mandate. The mandate went to BJP as it offered a different vision of religion and state in 1990s and governance in 2014. What is required from the Congress is a vision document as to what does it stand for today? Congress today also stands at a juncture when the right based approach has already been monetised. In post-industrial society, especially in the semi urban and urban areas, right has mutated to a choice. The choice either comes in form of a face or in form of a political narrative. From 2014, Congress has been reacting to BJP’s narrative. It has not been able to set national agenda on which BJP has reacted for long. The election in NE may be about organization and money but electoral focus at expense of organization remains its biggest enemy. It was not born to keep BJP out. It started with a different purpose and continued to adapt itself to the changing realities of India. The only way it can survive cogently as a national party is by building itself brick by brick. Today, it only remains a pan Indian party on paper. The short-term alliances with regional parties to prevent BJP from coming to power is leading to self -cannibalism. Each time, Congress has had a truck with a regional party, its vote bank erodes. 2017 UP assembly result is the the best example of this erosion where Congress polled less votes than Apna Dal. The more Congress indulges in such opportunism, harsher will be the future for its organization. Lastly, BJP is being elected by an independent electorate not outsiders. Congress needs to come out with its Vision Document and mass contact programme. Piecemeal victories in Punjab or good fight like Gujarat will not be enough to be challenge BJP. For it, Congress will have to behave like an organizational alternative. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Like it or not, BJP has captured North East

The counting of votes for the Assembly elections in three Northeastern states - Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura - will be held on Saturday amid tight security, officials said.

The BJP has emerged as a strong contender in all the three states and two exit polls have predicted that the party would dethrone the 25-year-old Left Front government in Tripura and consolidate its position in the other two states.

While the Congress has been ruling Meghalaya for 10 years, the Naga People&#39;s Front (NFP) has been in power in Nagaland since 2003, except for a three-month period of President&#39;s rule in 2008.

Buoyed by the formation of governments in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, the BJP is making a bid to expand its footprints in the region.

Counting would begin from 8 AM in all the states amid tight security, Election Commission officials said.

While Tripura went to the polls on February 18, elections were held in Nagaland and Meghalaya on February 27.

Though the strength of each of the Assemblies in the three states is 60 members, voting was held for 59 constituencies in all of them, for different reasons.

While a CPM&nbsp;candidate died in Tripura, a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate was killed in Meghalaya, which resulted in countermanding of the polls in one seat each in the two states.

In Nagaland, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) chief Neiphiu Rio was declared elected unopposed.

In Meghalaya, the Congress fielded 59 candidates, while the BJP put up nominees in 47 constituencies. For the first time, Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma is contesting from two seats.

In Nagaland, the BJP has joined hands with the NDPP that was floated by former chief minister Neiphiu Rio. The NDPP is contesting on 40 seats and the saffron party on 20.

The Congress, which has given three chief ministers to Nagaland since the state&#39;s inception in 1963, is contesting only in 18 seats, two less than the BJP.

The election process in Nagaland had started on a difficult note.

Following a no-poll diktat from the Core Committee of Nagaland Tribal Hohos and Civil Organisations that advocated &quot;solution (to the Naga political issue) before election&quot;, political parties initially kept away from the poll process.

Though the filing of nominations started on January 31, the first batch of 22 contestants filed their papers only on February 5, the penultimate day for filing of nominations.

There was a heavy rush of nominees to file their nomination papers on the last day, February 7, and finally after scrutiny and withdrawal, 227 candidates were in the fray for the Assembly elections in the state.

&quot;Adequate security measures have been made for the counting centres. Counting halls were also ready. General observers and police observers were appointed for all the counting halls,&quot; Additional Chief Electoral Officer of Tripura Tapas Ray said.

In Nagaland, 349 tables in 17 centres across the state would be set up for counting tomorrow, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Abhijit Sinha, said.

Votes would be counted in presence of the candidates and agents under the supervision of the respective district returning officers and assistant returning officers, state Additional CEO N Moa Aier told PTI.

Meghalaya Chief Electoral Officer F R Kharkongor said a three-tier security arrangement has been made at all the 13 counting centres and 11 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed here for the counting process.

The BJP has emerged as a strong contender in all the three states

The counting of votes for the Assembly elections in three Northeastern states - Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura - will be held on Saturday amid tight security, officials said. The BJP has emerged as a strong contender in all the three states and two exit polls have predicted that the party would dethrone the 25-year-old Left Front government in Tripura and consolidate its position in the other two states. While the Congress has been ruling Meghalaya for 10 years, the Naga People's Front (NFP) has been in power in Nagaland since 2003, except for a three-month period of President's rule in 2008. Buoyed by the formation of governments in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, the BJP is making a bid to expand its footprints in the region. Counting would begin from 8 AM in all the states amid tight security, Election Commission officials said. While Tripura went to the polls on February 18, elections were held in Nagaland and Meghalaya on February 27. Though the strength of each of the Assemblies in the three states is 60 members, voting was held for 59 constituencies in all of them, for different reasons. While a CPM candidate died in Tripura, a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate was killed in Meghalaya, which resulted in countermanding of the polls in one seat each in the two states. In Nagaland, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) chief Neiphiu Rio was declared elected unopposed. In Meghalaya, the Congress fielded 59 candidates, while the BJP put up nominees in 47 constituencies. For the first time, Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma is contesting from two seats. In Nagaland, the BJP has joined hands with the NDPP that was floated by former chief minister Neiphiu Rio. The NDPP is contesting on 40 seats and the saffron party on 20. The Congress, which has given three chief ministers to Nagaland since the state's inception in 1963, is contesting only in 18 seats, two less than the BJP. The election process in Nagaland had started on a difficult note. Following a no-poll diktat from the Core Committee of Nagaland Tribal Hohos and Civil Organisations that advocated "solution (to the Naga political issue) before election", political parties initially kept away from the poll process. Though the filing of nominations started on January 31, the first batch of 22 contestants filed their papers only on February 5, the penultimate day for filing of nominations. There was a heavy rush of nominees to file their nomination papers on the last day, February 7, and finally after scrutiny and withdrawal, 227 candidates were in the fray for the Assembly elections in the state. "Adequate security measures have been made for the counting centres. Counting halls were also ready. General observers and police observers were appointed for all the counting halls," Additional Chief Electoral Officer of Tripura Tapas Ray said. In Nagaland, 349 tables in 17 centres across the state would be set up for counting tomorrow, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Abhijit Sinha, said. Votes would be counted in presence of the candidates and agents under the supervision of the respective district returning officers and assistant returning officers, state Additional CEO N Moa Aier told PTI. Meghalaya Chief Electoral Officer F R Kharkongor said a three-tier security arrangement has been made at all the 13 counting centres and 11 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed here for the counting process.

Counting of votes in Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura to take place on Saturday amid tight security

Two exit polls today predicted that the BJP will dethrone the Left front from power in Tripura.

According to the exit polls, the BJP will also consolidate its position in two other northeastern states of Meghalaya and Nagaland.

JanKiBaat-NewsX has predicted that the BJP-IPFT alliance in Tripura will win 35-45 seats with a vote share of 51 per cent.

While another exit poll by AxisMyIndia predicts 44-50 seats for the BJP-IPFT with a vote share of 49 per cent and others may get 0-3 seats with a vote share of 11 per cent.

The ruling Left front in Tripura is likely to get 14-23 seats with vote share of 45-46 per cent, while AxisMyIndia poll predicted the Left to win 9-15 seats with a vote share of 40 per cent.

The CVoter Exit Poll has predicted a close finish in Tripura, with the CPI-M likely to get 26 to 34 seats with 44.3 per cent vote share, the BJP and its allies 24 to 32 seats with a vote share of 42.8 per cent, while the Congress may win only 0-2 seats with a vote share of 7.2 per cent.

In Meghalaya where the Congress is in power, the JanKiBaat-NewsX exit poll shows that the National People&#39;s Party (NPP) is set to gain with 23-27 seats while the BJP will get 8-12 seats, with vote shares of 39 and 12 per cent respectively. The Congress is predicted to win 13-17 seats with a voteshare of 21 per cent and others are likely to get 2 to 6 seats.

In Nagaland, the BJP-NDPP alliance is likely to storm the ruling NPF bastion as it is predicted to win 27-32 seats with a vote share of 48 per cent, against NPF&#39;s 20-25 seats and a vote share of 42 per cent, according to the JanKiBaat-NewsX exit poll.

The Congress in Nagaland is likely to get 0-2 seats with a vote share of 4.4 per cent and others are likely to get 5-7 seats with a vote share of 5-6 per cent.

In Meghalaya, the CVoter exit poll predicts a close finish, with the Congress likely to get 13-19 seats and the NPP 17 to 23 seats, with vote shares of 36.5 and 29.4 per cent respectively.

The BJP in Meghalaya is likely to get 4-8 seats with a vote share of 16.6 per cent. The UDP-HSPDP likely to bag 8-12 seats and 8.8. Per cent vote share, while others may get 5-9 seats and a vote share of 8.7 per cent, the poll said.

In Nagaland, the exit poll claimed a victory for the NDPP-BJP which is likely to get 25-31 seats with 38.4 per cent vote share and the NPF likely to bag 19-25 seats with a vote share of 27.1 per cent.

The Congress in Nagaland is set to lose a lot with the poll predicting 0-4 seats with a vote share of 19.7 per cent, while others may get 6-10 seats with a vote share of 14.8 per cent, according to CVoter.

Each of the three states has a 60-member assembly and a party would need 31 seats to get a clear majority.

The results for the three states would be out on March 3.

While Tripura went to polls last Sunday last, voting was held in Meghalaya and Nagaland today.&nbsp;

The results for all three states will be out on March 3

Two exit polls today predicted that the BJP will dethrone the Left front from power in Tripura. According to the exit polls, the BJP will also consolidate its position in two other northeastern states of Meghalaya and Nagaland. JanKiBaat-NewsX has predicted that the BJP-IPFT alliance in Tripura will win 35-45 seats with a vote share of 51 per cent. While another exit poll by AxisMyIndia predicts 44-50 seats for the BJP-IPFT with a vote share of 49 per cent and others may get 0-3 seats with a vote share of 11 per cent. The ruling Left front in Tripura is likely to get 14-23 seats with vote share of 45-46 per cent, while AxisMyIndia poll predicted the Left to win 9-15 seats with a vote share of 40 per cent. The CVoter Exit Poll has predicted a close finish in Tripura, with the CPI-M likely to get 26 to 34 seats with 44.3 per cent vote share, the BJP and its allies 24 to 32 seats with a vote share of 42.8 per cent, while the Congress may win only 0-2 seats with a vote share of 7.2 per cent. In Meghalaya where the Congress is in power, the JanKiBaat-NewsX exit poll shows that the National People's Party (NPP) is set to gain with 23-27 seats while the BJP will get 8-12 seats, with vote shares of 39 and 12 per cent respectively. The Congress is predicted to win 13-17 seats with a voteshare of 21 per cent and others are likely to get 2 to 6 seats. In Nagaland, the BJP-NDPP alliance is likely to storm the ruling NPF bastion as it is predicted to win 27-32 seats with a vote share of 48 per cent, against NPF's 20-25 seats and a vote share of 42 per cent, according to the JanKiBaat-NewsX exit poll. The Congress in Nagaland is likely to get 0-2 seats with a vote share of 4.4 per cent and others are likely to get 5-7 seats with a vote share of 5-6 per cent. In Meghalaya, the CVoter exit poll predicts a close finish, with the Congress likely to get 13-19 seats and the NPP 17 to 23 seats, with vote shares of 36.5 and 29.4 per cent respectively. The BJP in Meghalaya is likely to get 4-8 seats with a vote share of 16.6 per cent. The UDP-HSPDP likely to bag 8-12 seats and 8.8. Per cent vote share, while others may get 5-9 seats and a vote share of 8.7 per cent, the poll said. In Nagaland, the exit poll claimed a victory for the NDPP-BJP which is likely to get 25-31 seats with 38.4 per cent vote share and the NPF likely to bag 19-25 seats with a vote share of 27.1 per cent. The Congress in Nagaland is set to lose a lot with the poll predicting 0-4 seats with a vote share of 19.7 per cent, while others may get 6-10 seats with a vote share of 14.8 per cent, according to CVoter. Each of the three states has a 60-member assembly and a party would need 31 seats to get a clear majority. The results for the three states would be out on March 3. While Tripura went to polls last Sunday last, voting was held in Meghalaya and Nagaland today.

Exit polls predict BJP win in Tripura, party to consolidate position in Meghalaya, Nagaland

Polling in Tripura recorded an 89.96 % turn out. This is not exactly a record turn-out. It means 10 % of 25.73 lakh or 2.5 lakh people (approximately) never turned up to vote. Considering that Tripura is one of the few states with high voter literacy and since both the Left Front and the BJP have undertaken considerable booth management exercises, the turn-out is rather dismal. Be that as it may, Tripura&rsquo;s fate is now sealed. We have to wait till March 3 for the verdict.&nbsp;

But until yesterday, Manik Sarkar, Tripura&rsquo;s chief minister till date and for the last 20 years confidently claimed that the Left Front would return to power even as BJP stalwarts in Tripura countered his claims and say the voters will decide whether they want to be stuck with a non-delivering socialistic paradigm or a development-oriented government that people have been deprived of for several decades. Prime Minister Modi made a special appeal to the voters of Tripura to come out and vote for the BJP which promises &#39;Change&#39;.

The BJP has made a clutter of promises from the universal health insurance to farm loan waiver and smartphone for youths to direct funding for ADC &ndash; 2018 and above all implementation of the 7th Pay Commission and enhanced daily wages to Rs 340 per day. Countering the BJP claims, working president of the Congress Party (which is now reduced to a complete non-entity and which might not get even a single seat this time), Pradyot Debbarma says the BJP is promising the moon but will find it hard to deliver. &ldquo;They are talking about the 7th Pay Commission here but have not implemented the same in Assam, Madhya Pradesh and other BJP-ruled states. The daily wages under MNREGA in Assam where BJP is ruling is Rs 170, so how can they pay Rs 340 in Tripura?&rdquo; The problem is that the Congress offers nothing better except to counter the BJP&rsquo;s claims.&nbsp;

This, in fact, is the problem with the Congress Party in the poll-bound states of Meghalaya and Nagaland. The Party has no vision for the region and the states. It has just been lambasting the BJP and voters are actually tired of these political slugfests on a daily basis. Rahul Gandhi, the AICC President, came to campaign in Tripura only on the penultimate date, 48 hours before polling. This has not enchanted people to vote for Congress.&nbsp;

In fact, the rise of the Left Parties in Tripura is proportionate to the failure of the Congress Party to win hearts and minds. From a movement initiated by enlightened youth in the 1940s the CPI which later morphed into the CPI (M), went on to form the first Left Front government in alliance with two other parties - the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) and All India Forward Bloc in 1978. The Congress aligned with Tripura Upajati Juba Samiti (TUJS) &ndash; a party of the indigenous people of Tripura and defeated the Left Front in 1988. But this coalition was short-lived. By the next election in 1993, the Left Front returned to power.

Much has been said about Manik Sarkar&rsquo;s honesty and him being the poorest chief minister of Tripura but this claim is busted by the Rose Valley chit fund scam where Sarkar&rsquo;s ministers were singed. The Company is alleged to have looted Rs 35 crore of public deposits, according to State Finance Minister Bhanulal Saha. No action taken against the accused has created disaffection in the depositors.

&nbsp;Moreover, the failure of the Left Front to address unemployment; its failure to attract industries for employment generation and a general sense that even the Digital India drive that has enabled the country to connect with the world, has not worked for Tripura and you have an anatomy of failed governance.

&nbsp;Then there is the infamous ruling by the Supreme Court where 10,323 government teachers were terminated because the state Education Department flouted the rules under which the teachers under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan had to be recruited which required a certain qualification and three years of experience. The state created over 12 thousand non-teaching posts where they might have been rehabilitated but again the Supreme Court prevented the Government from going ahead with this plan. Hence, the 12,000 odd jobless people are bound to retaliate against the Government. Or that is what is expected in normal circumstances.

The Medical College started in Tripura, has not been functioning well and the BJP has called out all the scams that it has documented meticulously. To start industries in a Left-ruled state has always been a challenge because of the rent-seeking mafia. Hence industries that opened up with much fanfare quickly shut down because there was no scope for their enterprise to bloom in Tripura.

Tripura has about 8 lakh of unemployed youth and jobs in the government sector have stagnated. Government employees are still stuck with the 4th Pay Commission. Dissatisfaction is writ large on their faces. Meanwhile, the BJP has come in with a basketful of promises and hopes to cash in on this feeling of large-scale disaffection. The BJP used its students&rsquo; wing- the ABVP and the disciplined RSS machinery. They were able to build grassroots contact.

To add to this extensive exercise the BJP also flew in its central ministers. Prime Minister Modi flew in twice to Tripura. Amit Shah, the BJP President, organised mega rallies. Other senior ministers flew in and out of Tripura. So did the ministers from neighbouring Assam and Manipur, both BJP ruled states. It is alleged that the BJP also had the moolah which Manik Sarkar&rsquo;s Party could not afford. Political observers said, &ldquo;Never before have we seen four private planes parked at Agartala airport&quot;. Central ministers were literally flying in and out of Tripura.&nbsp;

So eager is the BJP to win this Left bastion that it has pulled out all the stops. It remains to be seen if this effort would pay dividends. The BJP has been pitching for change in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland.&nbsp;

What change party brings,&nbsp;will be revealed when and if the BJP comes to power? Until then the voters of Tripura must wait and watch. So to the two main political rivals!&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The BJP has come in with a basketful of promises and hopes to cash in on this feeling of large-scale disaffection in Tripura.

Polling in Tripura recorded an 89.96 % turn out. This is not exactly a record turn-out. It means 10 % of 25.73 lakh or 2.5 lakh people (approximately) never turned up to vote. Considering that Tripura is one of the few states with high voter literacy and since both the Left Front and the BJP have undertaken considerable booth management exercises, the turn-out is rather dismal. Be that as it may, Tripura’s fate is now sealed. We have to wait till March 3 for the verdict. But until yesterday, Manik Sarkar, Tripura’s chief minister till date and for the last 20 years confidently claimed that the Left Front would return to power even as BJP stalwarts in Tripura countered his claims and say the voters will decide whether they want to be stuck with a non-delivering socialistic paradigm or a development-oriented government that people have been deprived of for several decades. Prime Minister Modi made a special appeal to the voters of Tripura to come out and vote for the BJP which promises 'Change'. The BJP has made a clutter of promises from the universal health insurance to farm loan waiver and smartphone for youths to direct funding for ADC – 2018 and above all implementation of the 7th Pay Commission and enhanced daily wages to Rs 340 per day. Countering the BJP claims, working president of the Congress Party (which is now reduced to a complete non-entity and which might not get even a single seat this time), Pradyot Debbarma says the BJP is promising the moon but will find it hard to deliver. “They are talking about the 7th Pay Commission here but have not implemented the same in Assam, Madhya Pradesh and other BJP-ruled states. The daily wages under MNREGA in Assam where BJP is ruling is Rs 170, so how can they pay Rs 340 in Tripura?” The problem is that the Congress offers nothing better except to counter the BJP’s claims. This, in fact, is the problem with the Congress Party in the poll-bound states of Meghalaya and Nagaland. The Party has no vision for the region and the states. It has just been lambasting the BJP and voters are actually tired of these political slugfests on a daily basis. Rahul Gandhi, the AICC President, came to campaign in Tripura only on the penultimate date, 48 hours before polling. This has not enchanted people to vote for Congress. In fact, the rise of the Left Parties in Tripura is proportionate to the failure of the Congress Party to win hearts and minds. From a movement initiated by enlightened youth in the 1940s the CPI which later morphed into the CPI (M), went on to form the first Left Front government in alliance with two other parties - the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) and All India Forward Bloc in 1978. The Congress aligned with Tripura Upajati Juba Samiti (TUJS) – a party of the indigenous people of Tripura and defeated the Left Front in 1988. But this coalition was short-lived. By the next election in 1993, the Left Front returned to power. Much has been said about Manik Sarkar’s honesty and him being the poorest chief minister of Tripura but this claim is busted by the Rose Valley chit fund scam where Sarkar’s ministers were singed. The Company is alleged to have looted Rs 35 crore of public deposits, according to State Finance Minister Bhanulal Saha. No action taken against the accused has created disaffection in the depositors. Moreover, the failure of the Left Front to address unemployment; its failure to attract industries for employment generation and a general sense that even the Digital India drive that has enabled the country to connect with the world, has not worked for Tripura and you have an anatomy of failed governance. Then there is the infamous ruling by the Supreme Court where 10,323 government teachers were terminated because the state Education Department flouted the rules under which the teachers under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan had to be recruited which required a certain qualification and three years of experience. The state created over 12 thousand non-teaching posts where they might have been rehabilitated but again the Supreme Court prevented the Government from going ahead with this plan. Hence, the 12,000 odd jobless people are bound to retaliate against the Government. Or that is what is expected in normal circumstances. The Medical College started in Tripura, has not been functioning well and the BJP has called out all the scams that it has documented meticulously. To start industries in a Left-ruled state has always been a challenge because of the rent-seeking mafia. Hence industries that opened up with much fanfare quickly shut down because there was no scope for their enterprise to bloom in Tripura. Tripura has about 8 lakh of unemployed youth and jobs in the government sector have stagnated. Government employees are still stuck with the 4th Pay Commission. Dissatisfaction is writ large on their faces. Meanwhile, the BJP has come in with a basketful of promises and hopes to cash in on this feeling of large-scale disaffection. The BJP used its students’ wing- the ABVP and the disciplined RSS machinery. They were able to build grassroots contact. To add to this extensive exercise the BJP also flew in its central ministers. Prime Minister Modi flew in twice to Tripura. Amit Shah, the BJP President, organised mega rallies. Other senior ministers flew in and out of Tripura. So did the ministers from neighbouring Assam and Manipur, both BJP ruled states. It is alleged that the BJP also had the moolah which Manik Sarkar’s Party could not afford. Political observers said, “Never before have we seen four private planes parked at Agartala airport". Central ministers were literally flying in and out of Tripura. So eager is the BJP to win this Left bastion that it has pulled out all the stops. It remains to be seen if this effort would pay dividends. The BJP has been pitching for change in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland. What change party brings, will be revealed when and if the BJP comes to power? Until then the voters of Tripura must wait and watch. So to the two main political rivals! (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Tripura is disappointed with Left but can BJP do better?

An impressive 89.8 per cent of the over 25.73 lakh electors came out to vote in Sunday&#39;s Tripura assembly elections, the Election Commission(EC) said today.&nbsp;

The Election Commission based on details made available by local poll authorities&nbsp;had earlier put the figure at 76 per cent.&nbsp;

A spokesperson said today that the &quot;final figure&quot; is 89.80 per cent.&nbsp;

In the last Assembly elections, the voter turnout was recorded at 91.82 per cent, while in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, it was 84.32 per cent.&nbsp;

The polling for 59 seats of the 60-member Assembly was held peacefully with thousands of central paramilitary forces fanning across the northeastern state.&nbsp;

There were reports of malfunctioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at some polling stations which were rectified. Polling could not be held in Charilam constituency due to the death of CPM candidate Ramendra Narayan Deb Barma last week.&nbsp;

The constituency will go to polls on March 12. The BJP, hitherto an &quot;also ran&quot; in the border state, has emerged as the key challenger to the CPM-led Left Front, which has remained unvanquished in the last five Assembly elections.&nbsp;

Manik Sarkar, one of the most enduring icons of the CPM, has led the state for the last four terms. The Congress, which has been marginalised in Tripura, was last in power between February 1988 and March 1993. It is contesting 59 seats and had not fielded candidate for Kakrabon constituency.&nbsp;

The BJP, which has been rapidly expanding its footprint in the northeast, with the party already in power in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, has forged an alliance with Indigenous People&#39;s Front of Tripura (IPFT), an anti-Left party.

The BJP has fielded candidates in 51 places, while its ally is contesting the remaining nine seats.

In the last Assembly elections, the voter turnout was recorded at 91.82 per cent, while in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, it was 84.32 per cent.

An impressive 89.8 per cent of the over 25.73 lakh electors came out to vote in Sunday's Tripura assembly elections, the Election Commission(EC) said today. The Election Commission based on details made available by local poll authorities had earlier put the figure at 76 per cent. A spokesperson said today that the "final figure" is 89.80 per cent. In the last Assembly elections, the voter turnout was recorded at 91.82 per cent, while in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, it was 84.32 per cent. The polling for 59 seats of the 60-member Assembly was held peacefully with thousands of central paramilitary forces fanning across the northeastern state. There were reports of malfunctioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at some polling stations which were rectified. Polling could not be held in Charilam constituency due to the death of CPM candidate Ramendra Narayan Deb Barma last week. The constituency will go to polls on March 12. The BJP, hitherto an "also ran" in the border state, has emerged as the key challenger to the CPM-led Left Front, which has remained unvanquished in the last five Assembly elections. Manik Sarkar, one of the most enduring icons of the CPM, has led the state for the last four terms. The Congress, which has been marginalised in Tripura, was last in power between February 1988 and March 1993. It is contesting 59 seats and had not fielded candidate for Kakrabon constituency. The BJP, which has been rapidly expanding its footprint in the northeast, with the party already in power in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, has forged an alliance with Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT), an anti-Left party. The BJP has fielded candidates in 51 places, while its ally is contesting the remaining nine seats.

89.8 per cent polling in Tripura: Election Commission

About 65% voter turnout was recorded till 3:00 pm in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tripura-goes-to-polls-left-front-faces-stiffest-challenge-in-25-years-from-bjp-33214" target="_blank">Tripura as the state went to polls</a> on Sunday.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripuraElection2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripuraElection2018</a>: 65% voter turnout till 3.00pm
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/965173263159709696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, who is an MLA from Dhanpur constituency, also cast his ballot at a polling booth in Agartala.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to give the Left Front its stiffest challenge in 25 years.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to his Twitter this morning appealed people to exercise their franchise.&nbsp;

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I appeal to my sisters and brothers of Tripura, particularly young voters, to turnout in record numbers and cast their vote in the Assembly Elections.
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/965042102739415040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;I appeal to my sisters and brothers of Tripura, particularly young voters, to turn out in record numbers and cast their vote in the Assembly Elections,&quot; Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted early Sunday morning.&nbsp;

The polling is scheduled from 7 am to 4 pm in evening, with 25.6 lakh voters deciding if Tripura stays with the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-20-years-in-power-tripura-cm-manik-sarkar-has-rs-2410-in-bank-31864" target="_blank"> Left Front</a> or takes a right turn.

Nearly 292 candidates are contesting for 59 of the state&#39;s 60 constituencies.&nbsp;

Voting for the Charilam Assembly constituency will be held on March 12 due to the death of the CPM candidate.&nbsp;

The BJP is contesting from 51 seats and has given nine seats to its ally, the Indigenous People&rsquo;s Front of Tripura (IPFT).&nbsp;

Congress candidates have filed nominations from 59 constituencies, while 24 Trinamool Congress members are in the fray.

The results of the polling will be declared on March 3 along with Nagaland and Meghalaya.

The polling is scheduled from 7 am to 4 pm in evening, with 25.6 lakh voters deciding if Tripura stays with the Left Front or takes a right turn

About 65% voter turnout was recorded till 3:00 pm in Tripura as the state went to polls on Sunday. #TripuraElection2018: 65% voter turnout till 3.00pm — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2018 × Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, who is an MLA from Dhanpur constituency, also cast his ballot at a polling booth in Agartala. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to give the Left Front its stiffest challenge in 25 years. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to his Twitter this morning appealed people to exercise their franchise. I appeal to my sisters and brothers of Tripura, particularly young voters, to turnout in record numbers and cast their vote in the Assembly Elections. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 18, 2018 × "I appeal to my sisters and brothers of Tripura, particularly young voters, to turn out in record numbers and cast their vote in the Assembly Elections," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted early Sunday morning. The polling is scheduled from 7 am to 4 pm in evening, with 25.6 lakh voters deciding if Tripura stays with the Left Front or takes a right turn. Nearly 292 candidates are contesting for 59 of the state's 60 constituencies. Voting for the Charilam Assembly constituency will be held on March 12 due to the death of the CPM candidate. The BJP is contesting from 51 seats and has given nine seats to its ally, the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT). Congress candidates have filed nominations from 59 constituencies, while 24 Trinamool Congress members are in the fray. The results of the polling will be declared on March 3 along with Nagaland and Meghalaya.

Tripura records 65% voter turnout till 3 pm

The&nbsp;voter turnout in the Tripura assembly election till 9 pm was recorded as 78.56 per cent.&nbsp;

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Voter turnout till now (around 9 pm) is 78.56 %. Voting is still underway at few polling stations. Voting slips were distributed till 4 pm &amp; those voters are at the booths: Election Commission <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TripuraElection2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TripuraElection2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/L3VQCkgfaC">pic.twitter.com/L3VQCkgfaC</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/965250548323770368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The polling in the state was scheduled from 7 am and is still underway.&nbsp;

Nearly 292 candidates contested for 59 of the state&#39;s 60 constituencies.&nbsp;

The BJP contested from 51 seats and has given nine seats to its ally, the Indigenous People&rsquo;s Front of Tripura (IPFT).&nbsp;

Congress candidates have filed nominations from 59 constituencies, while 24 Trinamool Congress members are in the fray.

The results of the polling will be declared on March 3 along with Nagaland and Meghalaya.

The polling in the state was scheduled from 7 am and is still underway

The voter turnout in the Tripura assembly election till 9 pm was recorded as 78.56 per cent. Voter turnout till now (around 9 pm) is 78.56 %. Voting is still underway at few polling stations. Voting slips were distributed till 4 pm & those voters are at the booths: Election Commission #TripuraElection2018 pic.twitter.com/L3VQCkgfaC — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2018 × The polling in the state was scheduled from 7 am and is still underway. Nearly 292 candidates contested for 59 of the state's 60 constituencies. The BJP contested from 51 seats and has given nine seats to its ally, the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT). Congress candidates have filed nominations from 59 constituencies, while 24 Trinamool Congress members are in the fray. The results of the polling will be declared on March 3 along with Nagaland and Meghalaya.

Tripura records 78.56 % voter turnout till 9 pm

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/74-polling-in-tripura-assembly-elections-ec-33265" target="_blank">74% polling in Tripura assembly elections: Election Commission</a>

The total voter turnout stood at 74 per cent in the single-phase Tripura Assembly polls Sunday, 17 per cent less than the last Assembly election when the polling percentage was recorded at 91.82.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/do-not-test-israel-netanyahu-tells-iran-brandishing-drone-piece-33252" target="_blank">&#39;Do not test Israel&#39;, Netanyahu tells Iran, brandishing drone &#39;piece&#39;</a>

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Tehran on Sunday over aggressions by what he called Iran and its &quot;proxies&quot; in Syria, while showing what he claimed was a piece of an Iranian drone shot down in Israeli airspace.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-airline-retracts-toll-of-66-dead-in-plane-crash-media-33250" target="_blank">Iran airline retracts toll of 66 dead in plane crash: Media</a>

Iran`s Aseman Airlines on Sunday retracted its statement that all 66 people aboard a passenger plane had died after it crashed, as rescue teams struggled to find the wreckage.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-scam-arrested-bank-officials-refusing-to-cooperate-say-cbi-sources-33238" target="_blank">PNB scam: Arrested bank officials refusing to cooperate, say CBI sources</a>

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sources Sunday said the Punjab National Bank officials (PNB) arrested are not co-operating in the investigation of the fraudulent transaction scam of Rs 11,400 crore.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-nuclear-deal-must-survive-former-us-secretary-of-state-john-kerry-33261" target="_blank">Iran nuclear deal must survive: Former US Secretary of State John Kerry</a>

Former US Secretary of State John Kerry recently noted the significance of the Iran nuclear deal expressing that it is &quot;absolutely critical&quot; that the deal survives although the Trump administration is highly sceptical about the 2015 deal.&nbsp;

74% polling in Tripura assembly elections: Election Commission The total voter turnout stood at 74 per cent in the single-phase Tripura Assembly polls Sunday, 17 per cent less than the last Assembly election when the polling percentage was recorded at 91.82. 'Do not test Israel', Netanyahu tells Iran, brandishing drone 'piece' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Tehran on Sunday over aggressions by what he called Iran and its "proxies" in Syria, while showing what he claimed was a piece of an Iranian drone shot down in Israeli airspace. Iran airline retracts toll of 66 dead in plane crash: Media Iran`s Aseman Airlines on Sunday retracted its statement that all 66 people aboard a passenger plane had died after it crashed, as rescue teams struggled to find the wreckage. PNB scam: Arrested bank officials refusing to cooperate, say CBI sources The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sources Sunday said the Punjab National Bank officials (PNB) arrested are not co-operating in the investigation of the fraudulent transaction scam of Rs 11,400 crore. Iran nuclear deal must survive: Former US Secretary of State John Kerry Former US Secretary of State John Kerry recently noted the significance of the Iran nuclear deal expressing that it is "absolutely critical" that the deal survives although the Trump administration is highly sceptical about the 2015 deal.

WION Evening News brief, February 18, 2018

The total voter turnout stood at 74 per cent in the single-phase Tripura Assembly polls Sunday, 17 per cent less than the last Assembly election when the polling percentage was recorded at 91.82.

Voting was&nbsp;held&nbsp;in 59 of the total 60 seats as polling could not be held in the Charilam constituency due to the death of CPI(M) candidate Ramendra Narayan Deb Barma last week.

The constituency will go to polls on March 12.

According to the figures released by the Election Commission today, the voter turnout stood at 74 per cent.

The BJP, an &lsquo;also-ran&rsquo; until now in the north-eastern state, is making a determined bid to demolish the red bastion of 25 years, with stalwarts like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah leading the charge.

The saffron party, which had forged a pre-poll alliance with tribal outfit Indigenous People&#39;s Front of Tripura (IPFT), had fielded 51 candidates. The IPFT, an anti-Left party, contested from the remaining nine seats.

The Congress went it all alone in Tripura this time and contested from 59 seats. The party had not fielded a candidate from the Kakrabon constituency in Gomati district.

There are 25,73,413 registered voters -- 13,05,375 male and 12,68,027 female -- in the state.

The number of voters under the third gender category in the state is 11 and that of the new voters 47,803.&nbsp;

Voting was held in 59 of the total 60 seats as polling could not be held in the Charilam constituency due to the death of CPI(M) candidate Ramendra Narayan Deb Barma last week

The total voter turnout stood at 74 per cent in the single-phase Tripura Assembly polls Sunday, 17 per cent less than the last Assembly election when the polling percentage was recorded at 91.82. Voting was held in 59 of the total 60 seats as polling could not be held in the Charilam constituency due to the death of CPI(M) candidate Ramendra Narayan Deb Barma last week. The constituency will go to polls on March 12. According to the figures released by the Election Commission today, the voter turnout stood at 74 per cent. The BJP, an ‘also-ran’ until now in the north-eastern state, is making a determined bid to demolish the red bastion of 25 years, with stalwarts like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah leading the charge. The saffron party, which had forged a pre-poll alliance with tribal outfit Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT), had fielded 51 candidates. The IPFT, an anti-Left party, contested from the remaining nine seats. The Congress went it all alone in Tripura this time and contested from 59 seats. The party had not fielded a candidate from the Kakrabon constituency in Gomati district. There are 25,73,413 registered voters -- 13,05,375 male and 12,68,027 female -- in the state. The number of voters under the third gender category in the state is 11 and that of the new voters 47,803.

74% polling in Tripura assembly elections: Election Commission

For a party that started off without any base in Tripura and only made an entry as late as 2013, the BJP has come a long way.&nbsp;

In the 2013 Assembly polls, which BJP contested, it managed with a poor vote share of 1.54 per cent. On the other hand, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) won 49 out of 60 seats, leaving the Congress, its major rival, with only 10 seats.&nbsp;

Indeed Tripura is the last Left bastion after Kerala. So from a non-entity in 2013, for the BJP to have sounded the poll bugle with confidence for the past one year is some achievement. If the CPI (M) and its sister organisations are known to be cadre-based then the BJP is not far behind. Its ability to mobilise booth level volunteers and mandals is legendary.

The BJP posted RSS pracharak Sunil Deodhar, a man with a mission, who has worked silently in Meghalaya for over two decades before he was made the BJP election-in-charge in Tripura. Deodhar is a committed worker and a great community mobiliser. During his tenure in Meghalaya, he learned the local language and could speak Khasi and Pnar better than the locals here. One of the ways in which the RSS spreads its ideology is by understanding the culture and sensitivities of the people it works with.&nbsp;

Deodhar was a founder member of an organisation called, &lsquo;My Home India&rsquo; with branches across all states. Within this Organisation he set up a sister organisation called &lsquo;ONE&rsquo; an acronym for Our North East. ONE identifies people from the North East who have done exemplary work in their respective fields whether that be social work, journalism, music etc, and awards them. My Home India and ONE also assist students from the North Eastern states who go out to study and encounter problems in their respective colleges and universities. So this benign aspect of the RSS is worth mentioning when people take a dig at the organisation and call it a Hindutva task force.

So in the last one year, Sunil Deodhar has infiltrated the tribal belt and worked with their leaders particularly those with political ambitions. The BJP has tied up with the Indigenous Peoples&rsquo; Front of Tripura (IPFT), a tribal political outfit. Manik Sarkar, Tripura&rsquo;s Chief Minister, alleges IPTF to be a militant outfit that once demanded a sovereign Tripura and has now toned down its demand to a separate state. The BJP-IPFT alliance is a dichotomous one because the BJP says it is against granting statehood to the tribal areas of Tripura but the IPFT&rsquo;s major demand is a separate state. Yet the two parties shared the dais&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;when Prime Minister Narendra Modi campaigned in Tripura.

The major points in the BJP&rsquo;s vision document are (a) one employment per household (b) free education for women up to graduation level (what the Left Front government is already&nbsp; providing) (c) Free smartphones for the youth to further the Digital India agenda (d) 7th Pay Commission to be implemented (d) 33 Social security schemes&nbsp; amongst which pension for widows will be raised to Rs 2000 from Rs 700 (e) daily labourers to get minimum wage of Rs 340 which is the national minimum wage (f) housing to every BPL family under the PMAY (g)&nbsp; Family health Insurance of up to Rs 5 lakh for BPL families.

One important announcement that BJP made is, changing the name of Agartala airport to Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore airport in honour of the royal family of Tripura. Incidentally, the Congress Party also has promised the same &lsquo;if&rsquo; it comes to power.&nbsp;

And of course, the BJP cannot let go the one important agenda which is to investigate into the Rose Valley chit fund scam in which Chief Minister Manik Sarkar&rsquo;s name also features, amongst those of other ministers.

In Tripura, the Congress Party is reduced to a non-entity. The Party bigwigs only started fanning out to campaign about a fortnight ago. Rahul Gandhi will be campaigning in Tripura&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;which is a tad too late. The royal family of Tripura have been traditional Congress supporters and have represented the Party in the Assembly and Parliament. But as elsewhere, the Congress which lacks the commitment of cadre-based parties is shriveling in Tripura and political analysts believe it might not even get a single seat this time.

The fight in Tripura is between the CPI(M) and BJP. While BJP claims that it will get at least 35 seats, political observers feel that this is a tall claim. They feel that the Left Front will get at least 39-40 seats.&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;It was in March last year that the saffron party first launched its massive campaign at the Swami Vivekananda multi-purpose stadium, where the BJP national general secretary, Ram Madhav, declared that the party would oust the ruling Left Front in the Assembly elections. This was a rather unusual experience for many in Tripura &ndash; a traditional Left bastion where the red flag is the only thing they are used to seeing. But last year, when I visited Tripura University for some work I was surprised to see the saffron-lotus flag flying atop rooftops and small business establishments. It was almost as if the hoi-polloi had accepted the BJP. I engaged a few university professors on this issue but they ducked my question and that is understandable since all universities are traditionally Left bastions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Since the BJP won Assam in 2016, and later formed the Government in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, the saffron party has been on a high. The formation of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) headed by Assam&rsquo;s Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma who is also the BJP&rsquo;s poster boy in the North East has only emboldened the Party to make inroads into every nook and corner of the region, including Meghalaya and Nagaland where the BJP has launched a bold campaign.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In Tripura, the BJP has been coming second in by-elections and elections to the tribal autonomous councils. They have moved from a vote share of 22% in 2015 to 36% in 2016. The fact that people want a change after two decades of the Left rule is also a reality. Bijan Dhar the general secretary of the CPI(M) unit of Agartala admits that the BJP is their main rival and that the Left cannot underestimate the rise of the BJP. But the fact also remains that the BJP has poached people from the Congress, the TMC and the IPFT because it had no known faces.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In Tripura 20 of the 60 seats are reserved for tribals. The strategic alliance with the IPFT is expected to win the BJP a few seats in these areas.&nbsp; Former MLA of the IPFT, Rajeswar Debbarma who leads the Party has been blowing hot and cold about an alliance with the BJP but even he sees the futility of relying on the Congress Party to achieve the goals of his Party; hence the last minute alliance with the BJP!

Tripura is one day away from the elections. The campaign period has seen a lot of bloodsheds, and we can only hope that polling is peaceful.

Meanwhile,&nbsp; the CPI(M)&rsquo;s main poll plank has been to ensure a climate of peace and security which has been won after a long innings provided by a stable government led by Manik Sarkar. It merits mentioning that Tripura is the first troubled state in the country where the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (1958) has been revoked by any chief minister and that is no mean achievement.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

In the last one year, Sunil Deodhar has infiltrated the tribal belt and worked with their leaders particularly those with political ambitions

For a party that started off without any base in Tripura and only made an entry as late as 2013, the BJP has come a long way. In the 2013 Assembly polls, which BJP contested, it managed with a poor vote share of 1.54 per cent. On the other hand, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) won 49 out of 60 seats, leaving the Congress, its major rival, with only 10 seats. Indeed Tripura is the last Left bastion after Kerala. So from a non-entity in 2013, for the BJP to have sounded the poll bugle with confidence for the past one year is some achievement. If the CPI (M) and its sister organisations are known to be cadre-based then the BJP is not far behind. Its ability to mobilise booth level volunteers and mandals is legendary. The BJP posted RSS pracharak Sunil Deodhar, a man with a mission, who has worked silently in Meghalaya for over two decades before he was made the BJP election-in-charge in Tripura. Deodhar is a committed worker and a great community mobiliser. During his tenure in Meghalaya, he learned the local language and could speak Khasi and Pnar better than the locals here. One of the ways in which the RSS spreads its ideology is by understanding the culture and sensitivities of the people it works with. Deodhar was a founder member of an organisation called, ‘My Home India’ with branches across all states. Within this Organisation he set up a sister organisation called ‘ONE’ an acronym for Our North East. ONE identifies people from the North East who have done exemplary work in their respective fields whether that be social work, journalism, music etc, and awards them. My Home India and ONE also assist students from the North Eastern states who go out to study and encounter problems in their respective colleges and universities. So this benign aspect of the RSS is worth mentioning when people take a dig at the organisation and call it a Hindutva task force. So in the last one year, Sunil Deodhar has infiltrated the tribal belt and worked with their leaders particularly those with political ambitions. The BJP has tied up with the Indigenous Peoples’ Front of Tripura (IPFT), a tribal political outfit. Manik Sarkar, Tripura’s Chief Minister, alleges IPTF to be a militant outfit that once demanded a sovereign Tripura and has now toned down its demand to a separate state. The BJP-IPFT alliance is a dichotomous one because the BJP says it is against granting statehood to the tribal areas of Tripura but the IPFT’s major demand is a separate state. Yet the two parties shared the dais on Thursday when Prime Minister Narendra Modi campaigned in Tripura. The major points in the BJP’s vision document are (a) one employment per household (b) free education for women up to graduation level (what the Left Front government is already providing) (c) Free smartphones for the youth to further the Digital India agenda (d) 7th Pay Commission to be implemented (d) 33 Social security schemes amongst which pension for widows will be raised to Rs 2000 from Rs 700 (e) daily labourers to get minimum wage of Rs 340 which is the national minimum wage (f) housing to every BPL family under the PMAY (g) Family health Insurance of up to Rs 5 lakh for BPL families. One important announcement that BJP made is, changing the name of Agartala airport to Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore airport in honour of the royal family of Tripura. Incidentally, the Congress Party also has promised the same ‘if’ it comes to power. And of course, the BJP cannot let go the one important agenda which is to investigate into the Rose Valley chit fund scam in which Chief Minister Manik Sarkar’s name also features, amongst those of other ministers. In Tripura, the Congress Party is reduced to a non-entity. The Party bigwigs only started fanning out to campaign about a fortnight ago. Rahul Gandhi will be campaigning in Tripura on Friday which is a tad too late. The royal family of Tripura have been traditional Congress supporters and have represented the Party in the Assembly and Parliament. But as elsewhere, the Congress which lacks the commitment of cadre-based parties is shriveling in Tripura and political analysts believe it might not even get a single seat this time. The fight in Tripura is between the CPI(M) and BJP. While BJP claims that it will get at least 35 seats, political observers feel that this is a tall claim. They feel that the Left Front will get at least 39-40 seats. It was in March last year that the saffron party first launched its massive campaign at the Swami Vivekananda multi-purpose stadium, where the BJP national general secretary, Ram Madhav, declared that the party would oust the ruling Left Front in the Assembly elections. This was a rather unusual experience for many in Tripura – a traditional Left bastion where the red flag is the only thing they are used to seeing. But last year, when I visited Tripura University for some work I was surprised to see the saffron-lotus flag flying atop rooftops and small business establishments. It was almost as if the hoi-polloi had accepted the BJP. I engaged a few university professors on this issue but they ducked my question and that is understandable since all universities are traditionally Left bastions. Since the BJP won Assam in 2016, and later formed the Government in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, the saffron party has been on a high. The formation of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) headed by Assam’s Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma who is also the BJP’s poster boy in the North East has only emboldened the Party to make inroads into every nook and corner of the region, including Meghalaya and Nagaland where the BJP has launched a bold campaign. In Tripura, the BJP has been coming second in by-elections and elections to the tribal autonomous councils. They have moved from a vote share of 22% in 2015 to 36% in 2016. The fact that people want a change after two decades of the Left rule is also a reality. Bijan Dhar the general secretary of the CPI(M) unit of Agartala admits that the BJP is their main rival and that the Left cannot underestimate the rise of the BJP. But the fact also remains that the BJP has poached people from the Congress, the TMC and the IPFT because it had no known faces. In Tripura 20 of the 60 seats are reserved for tribals. The strategic alliance with the IPFT is expected to win the BJP a few seats in these areas. Former MLA of the IPFT, Rajeswar Debbarma who leads the Party has been blowing hot and cold about an alliance with the BJP but even he sees the futility of relying on the Congress Party to achieve the goals of his Party; hence the last minute alliance with the BJP! Tripura is one day away from the elections. The campaign period has seen a lot of bloodsheds, and we can only hope that polling is peaceful. Meanwhile, the CPI(M)’s main poll plank has been to ensure a climate of peace and security which has been won after a long innings provided by a stable government led by Manik Sarkar. It merits mentioning that Tripura is the first troubled state in the country where the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (1958) has been revoked by any chief minister and that is no mean achievement. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

BJP's gain in Tripura comes from understanding local culture

Tripura would go to polls tomorrow with the BJP emerging as the main challenger to the ruling Left Front, which has been in power in the state for the last 25 years.

Polling would be held in 59 of the total 60 seats. Voting in Charilam Assembly constituency would be held on March 12 due to the death of the CPI(M) candidate for the seat, Ramendra Narayan Deb Barma, five days ago.

Twenty seats have been reserved for the scheduled tribes.

The BJP held a high-voltage campaign with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing as many as four rallies in the state.

Other heavyweight leaders of the saffron party to take part in the campaign were its national president Amit Shah, Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley, Nitin Gadkari and Smriti Irani and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

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Agartala: Security beefed up near Indo-Bangladesh border ahead of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tripura?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tripura</a> assembly elections tomorrow <a href="https://t.co/RbX6OxrPua">pic.twitter.com/RbX6OxrPua</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/964869974358716417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Manik Sarkar, who is running for his fifth term as the chief minister, led the CPI(M)&#39;s campaign addressing around 50 rallies in the state. Other Left leaders like Sitaram Yechury and Brinda Karat lent support to the party&#39;s campaign.

The Congress&#39; campaign was somewhat subdued with party president Rahul Gandhi addressing a rally at Kailashahar in Unakoti district, about 180 kms from Agartala, on the last day of campaigning. Altogether, 307 candidates are in the fray.

The CPI(M) is contesting in 57 seats and while the other Left Front constituents, the RSP, Forward Bloc and CPI, in one seat each.

The BJP, which has forged an alliance with tribal outfit Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT) has fielded 51 candidates. IPFT will contest in the remaining nine seats.

The Congress is going alone in Tripura this time and will contest in 59 seats. The party has not fielded any candidate for Kakrabon constituency in Gomati district.

There are 25,73,413 electorates, of whom 13,05,375 are males and 12,68,027 women while the number of third gender voters is 11. There are 47,803 new voters this time.

Voting would be held between 7 am and 4 pm tomorrow at 3,214 polling stations of which 47 would be managed by women, election office sources said.

Tripura chief electoral officer Sriram Taranikanti said the Election Commission has appointed police observers, general observers and expenditure observers to ensure free and fair polls.

He said Director General of Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) R K Pachnanda has been appointed as a special observer to coordinate the security forces deployed in the state.

State Director General of Police Akhil Kumar Shukla said tight security measures are in place across Tripura for free and fair elections.

Three hundred companies of central armed forces have been deployed across the state along with state armed personnel and the police, he said, adding the BSF is keeping keep close vigil along the 856 km long Indo-Bangladesh border in the state.

Counting of votes would take place on March 3, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Debashish Modok said. 
 
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Voting would be held between 7 am and 4 pm tomorrow at 3,214 polling stations

Tripura would go to polls tomorrow with the BJP emerging as the main challenger to the ruling Left Front, which has been in power in the state for the last 25 years. Polling would be held in 59 of the total 60 seats. Voting in Charilam Assembly constituency would be held on March 12 due to the death of the CPI(M) candidate for the seat, Ramendra Narayan Deb Barma, five days ago. Twenty seats have been reserved for the scheduled tribes. The BJP held a high-voltage campaign with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing as many as four rallies in the state. Other heavyweight leaders of the saffron party to take part in the campaign were its national president Amit Shah, Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley, Nitin Gadkari and Smriti Irani and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Agartala: Security beefed up near Indo-Bangladesh border ahead of #Tripura assembly elections tomorrow pic.twitter.com/RbX6OxrPua — ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2018 × Manik Sarkar, who is running for his fifth term as the chief minister, led the CPI(M)'s campaign addressing around 50 rallies in the state. Other Left leaders like Sitaram Yechury and Brinda Karat lent support to the party's campaign. The Congress' campaign was somewhat subdued with party president Rahul Gandhi addressing a rally at Kailashahar in Unakoti district, about 180 kms from Agartala, on the last day of campaigning. Altogether, 307 candidates are in the fray. The CPI(M) is contesting in 57 seats and while the other Left Front constituents, the RSP, Forward Bloc and CPI, in one seat each. The BJP, which has forged an alliance with tribal outfit Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT) has fielded 51 candidates. IPFT will contest in the remaining nine seats. The Congress is going alone in Tripura this time and will contest in 59 seats. The party has not fielded any candidate for Kakrabon constituency in Gomati district. There are 25,73,413 electorates, of whom 13,05,375 are males and 12,68,027 women while the number of third gender voters is 11. There are 47,803 new voters this time. Voting would be held between 7 am and 4 pm tomorrow at 3,214 polling stations of which 47 would be managed by women, election office sources said. Tripura chief electoral officer Sriram Taranikanti said the Election Commission has appointed police observers, general observers and expenditure observers to ensure free and fair polls. He said Director General of Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) R K Pachnanda has been appointed as a special observer to coordinate the security forces deployed in the state. State Director General of Police Akhil Kumar Shukla said tight security measures are in place across Tripura for free and fair elections. Three hundred companies of central armed forces have been deployed across the state along with state armed personnel and the police, he said, adding the BSF is keeping keep close vigil along the 856 km long Indo-Bangladesh border in the state. Counting of votes would take place on March 3, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Debashish Modok said.

Tripura goes to polls tomorrow, security beefed up

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in poll-bound Tripura to address two rallies at Santirbazar and Agartala on the penultimate day of campaigning for the February 18 Assembly elections.

Addressing a gathering at Santirbazar in Tripura, the Prime Minister said, &quot;Communist Party does not believe in &#39;gantantra&#39; they believe in violence and &#39;gun-tantra&#39;. Left party in Tripura does not believe in democracy. What they believe in is violence.&quot;

&quot;People of Tripura have suffered for 25 years due to the misrule of Left party. I urge people of the state to remove them from power,&quot; Modi said during the rally.&nbsp;

&quot;What is the reason that Left government in Tripura is neither ensuring the minimum wages and nor implementing the recommendations of seventh pay commission,&quot; Modi asked.&nbsp;

Dismissing Congress in the election Modi told paid that Congress and Left parties are the two faces of the same coin. &quot;They are only a vote katau party. What is this that they are friends in Delhi but faking a combat in Tripura,&quot; Modi said.&nbsp;

Bringing up the alleged killings of BJP workers, Modi said, &quot;Left leaders are under a lot of pressure sensing defeat. They have only enjoyed the perks of power for 20 years, now it is time to give answers.&nbsp;

Dismissing Congress in the election Modi told paid that Congress and Left parties are the two faces of the same coin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in poll-bound Tripura to address two rallies at Santirbazar and Agartala on the penultimate day of campaigning for the February 18 Assembly elections. Addressing a gathering at Santirbazar in Tripura, the Prime Minister said, "Communist Party does not believe in 'gantantra' they believe in violence and 'gun-tantra'. Left party in Tripura does not believe in democracy. What they believe in is violence." "People of Tripura have suffered for 25 years due to the misrule of Left party. I urge people of the state to remove them from power," Modi said during the rally. "What is the reason that Left government in Tripura is neither ensuring the minimum wages and nor implementing the recommendations of seventh pay commission," Modi asked. Dismissing Congress in the election Modi told paid that Congress and Left parties are the two faces of the same coin. "They are only a vote katau party. What is this that they are friends in Delhi but faking a combat in Tripura," Modi said. Bringing up the alleged killings of BJP workers, Modi said, "Left leaders are under a lot of pressure sensing defeat. They have only enjoyed the perks of power for 20 years, now it is time to give answers.

Left govt believes in 'gun-tantra': PM Modi in Tripura

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Arunachal Pradesh and poll-bound Tripura tomorrow on Thursday, officials said.

In Arunachal Pradesh, he will participate in three programmes, including the inauguration of the Dorjee Khandu state convention centre in Itanagar.

He will also dedicate the state civil secretariat building and lay the foundation stone of the academic block of the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Science.

From Arunachal Pradesh, Modi will proceed to Tripura where he will address two election rallies in Shanti Bazaar and Agartala.&nbsp;

Earlier, in November and December 2017, visits by defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman and President Ram Nath Kovind to Arunachal Pradesh had drawn sharp reactions from China, which seeks to lay claim to parts of India&rsquo;s north-easternmost state.

China had protested visits by Indian leaders during the erstwhile UPA regime too, but its protests have become sharper in recent years amid its growing global ambitions.

(With inputs from PTI)

From Arunachal Pradesh, Modi will proceed to Tripura where he will address two election rallies in Shanti Bazaar and Agartala.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Arunachal Pradesh and poll-bound Tripura tomorrow on Thursday, officials said. In Arunachal Pradesh, he will participate in three programmes, including the inauguration of the Dorjee Khandu state convention centre in Itanagar. He will also dedicate the state civil secretariat building and lay the foundation stone of the academic block of the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Science. From Arunachal Pradesh, Modi will proceed to Tripura where he will address two election rallies in Shanti Bazaar and Agartala. Earlier, in November and December 2017, visits by defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman and President Ram Nath Kovind to Arunachal Pradesh had drawn sharp reactions from China, which seeks to lay claim to parts of India’s north-easternmost state. China had protested visits by Indian leaders during the erstwhile UPA regime too, but its protests have become sharper in recent years amid its growing global ambitions. (With inputs from PTI)

PM Narendra Modi to visit Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura on February 15

Manik Sarkar, the chief minister of the poll-bound state Tripura has cash amounting to a little over Rs 3500.&nbsp;

He has Rs 1,520 in hand and Rs 2410 in the bank.

The valuation&nbsp;was revealed on January 29,&nbsp;when Manik submitted his nomination papers to the Election Commission from Dhanpur Assembly constituency.&nbsp;

The affidavit released by him also shows a dip in his bank account from previous years. In 2013 elections, his affidavit showed Rs 9,720.38 in his account.

He also owns Rs 0.0118 acres of land in Krishnanagar.

Also,&nbsp;there is no mention of any vehicle in the affidavit.&nbsp;

While his wife, who is a retired central government officer has Rs 20, 140 in cash and Rs 12, 15, 714.78 in the bank account and fixed deposits.&nbsp;She also owns 20 gm of jewellery which approximately accounts for Rs 60, 000.&nbsp;

The CPI(M) leader has held the position of the chief minister for the state since 1998. He won the election from his constituency in Sipahijala district for four consecutive terms.&nbsp; 
 
The Northeastern state Tripura is all set for the assembly election which is scheduled for February 18.

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Sarkar's nomination papers to the Election Commission claim he has Rs 1,520 cash in hand

Manik Sarkar, the chief minister of the poll-bound state Tripura has cash amounting to a little over Rs 3500. He has Rs 1,520 in hand and Rs 2410 in the bank. The valuation was revealed on January 29, when Manik submitted his nomination papers to the Election Commission from Dhanpur Assembly constituency. The affidavit released by him also shows a dip in his bank account from previous years. In 2013 elections, his affidavit showed Rs 9,720.38 in his account. He also owns Rs 0.0118 acres of land in Krishnanagar. Also, there is no mention of any vehicle in the affidavit. While his wife, who is a retired central government officer has Rs 20, 140 in cash and Rs 12, 15, 714.78 in the bank account and fixed deposits. She also owns 20 gm of jewellery which approximately accounts for Rs 60, 000. The CPI(M) leader has held the position of the chief minister for the state since 1998. He won the election from his constituency in Sipahijala district for four consecutive terms. The Northeastern state Tripura is all set for the assembly election which is scheduled for February 18.

After 20 years in power, Tripura CM Manik Sarkar's bank balance? Rs 2,410

Home minister Rajnath Singh hit out at Pakistan saying they did not have the power to separate Kashmir from India.&nbsp;

While addressing a rally in the poll-bound state Tripura he said that Pakistan keeps on targetting and attacking India, but they will never succeed in separating Kashmir from India.&nbsp;

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Hamara padosi desh hai Pak, Bharat ko pareshan karne ki, todne ki koshish karta hai. Kashmir mein napak harkatein karta hai. Kehta hai Kashmir ko Bharat se alag kar denge. Kisi ne maa ka doodh nahi piya jo Kashmir ko Bharat se alag kar de. Kashmir hamara tha, hai aur rahega: HM <a href="https://t.co/6WVVGBoLZx">pic.twitter.com/6WVVGBoLZx</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/959805507946139648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He said Kashmir was and will always be an&nbsp;integral part of India.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: HM Rajnath Singh says, &#39;Hamara padosi desh hai Pakistan... Kehta hai Kashmir ko Bharat se alag kar denge. Kisi ne maa ka doodh nahi piya jo Kashmir ko Bharat se alag kar de. Kashmir hamara tha, hai aur rahega&#39; in Agartala, Tripura. <a href="https://t.co/Ak53PcAxej">pic.twitter.com/Ak53PcAxej</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/959805652070780928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He also assured the people in the rally of maintaining security in the state if they are voted to power. He said &quot;I would like to assure you that if you form BJP govt here then not only BJP&#39;s people or common men but those from CPM &amp; other parties will remain safe too&quot;.

He also said &quot;Our govt just presented the budget &amp; said Rs 5 lakh cover will be provided a year to 10 crore poor &amp; vulnerable families in the country for medical treatment. Govt has taken responsibility to do that on its own shoulders. Did any other govt do that&quot;?

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There was UPA govt for 10 years under the leadership of Dr Manmohan Singh. I don&#39;t want to say anything against him. People used to say that Manmohan Singh is Mr Clean but at that time there were serious allegations of corruption of at least Rs 4 Lakh Crore against the govt: HM <a href="https://t.co/9EhYMrwJ4F">pic.twitter.com/9EhYMrwJ4F</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/959817630273167360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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While addressing a rally in the poll-bound state Tripura he said that Pakistan keeps on targetting and attacking India, but they will never succeed in separating Kashmir from India

Home minister Rajnath Singh hit out at Pakistan saying they did not have the power to separate Kashmir from India. While addressing a rally in the poll-bound state Tripura he said that Pakistan keeps on targetting and attacking India, but they will never succeed in separating Kashmir from India. Hamara padosi desh hai Pak, Bharat ko pareshan karne ki, todne ki koshish karta hai. Kashmir mein napak harkatein karta hai. Kehta hai Kashmir ko Bharat se alag kar denge. Kisi ne maa ka doodh nahi piya jo Kashmir ko Bharat se alag kar de. Kashmir hamara tha, hai aur rahega: HM pic.twitter.com/6WVVGBoLZx — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2018 × He said Kashmir was and will always be an integral part of India. #WATCH: HM Rajnath Singh says, 'Hamara padosi desh hai Pakistan... Kehta hai Kashmir ko Bharat se alag kar denge. Kisi ne maa ka doodh nahi piya jo Kashmir ko Bharat se alag kar de. Kashmir hamara tha, hai aur rahega' in Agartala, Tripura. pic.twitter.com/Ak53PcAxej — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2018 × He also assured the people in the rally of maintaining security in the state if they are voted to power. He said "I would like to assure you that if you form BJP govt here then not only BJP's people or common men but those from CPM & other parties will remain safe too". He also said "Our govt just presented the budget & said Rs 5 lakh cover will be provided a year to 10 crore poor & vulnerable families in the country for medical treatment. Govt has taken responsibility to do that on its own shoulders. Did any other govt do that"? There was UPA govt for 10 years under the leadership of Dr Manmohan Singh. I don't want to say anything against him. People used to say that Manmohan Singh is Mr Clean but at that time there were serious allegations of corruption of at least Rs 4 Lakh Crore against the govt: HM pic.twitter.com/9EhYMrwJ4F — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2018 ×

Pakistan does not have power to disintegrate India: Rajnath Singh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit Tripura twice to hold public meetings ahead of the February 18 Assembly election, state BJP president Biplab Kumar Deb said.

Modi would come on February 8 and address two public meetings at Kailashahar in Unakoti district and Shantirbazar in South Tripura district. He would again visit the state on February 15 and address a public meeting here.

The party&#39;s national president Amit Shah would be in the state for a week to campaign in favour of the candidates of the BJP-Indigenous People&#39;s Front of Tripura (IPFT) alliance, Deb told reporters.

The election for the 60-member Assembly will be held in the state on February 18 and results would be announced on March 3.

From here, Shah would also visit Meghalaya and Nagaland, where Assembly polls would be held on February 27, the state BJP chief said.

He said 40 top BJP leaders including Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Muktar Abbas Naqvi would also visit the state for campaigning.

Modi would come on February 8 and address two public meetings at Kailashahar in Unakoti district and Shantirbazar in South Tripura district. He would again visit the state on February 15 and address a public meeting here

Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit Tripura twice to hold public meetings ahead of the February 18 Assembly election, state BJP president Biplab Kumar Deb said. Modi would come on February 8 and address two public meetings at Kailashahar in Unakoti district and Shantirbazar in South Tripura district. He would again visit the state on February 15 and address a public meeting here. The party's national president Amit Shah would be in the state for a week to campaign in favour of the candidates of the BJP-Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) alliance, Deb told reporters. The election for the 60-member Assembly will be held in the state on February 18 and results would be announced on March 3. From here, Shah would also visit Meghalaya and Nagaland, where Assembly polls would be held on February 27, the state BJP chief said. He said 40 top BJP leaders including Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Muktar Abbas Naqvi would also visit the state for campaigning.

PM Modi to visit Tripura twice for campaigning

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is expected to announce the polling date for Assembly elections in Meghalaya, Tripura and Nagaland in the national capital on Thursday.

The Legislative Assembly elections 2018 in Tripura, Meghalaya, and Nagaland will be held in a single phase.

The polling in all the three states is likely to be held in February.

The polling in all the three states is likely to be held in February.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is expected to announce the polling date for Assembly elections in Meghalaya, Tripura and Nagaland in the national capital on Thursday. The Legislative Assembly elections 2018 in Tripura, Meghalaya, and Nagaland will be held in a single phase. The polling in all the three states is likely to be held in February.

Election commission to announce dates for Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland polls today

In one of the largest single fog episodes over any land area in the world, an unbroken layer of fog was formed across more than 2,000km along the Indian subcontinent. The fog started from central Pakistan in the west, running right through the Indo-Gangetic plains and ending around Tripura.&nbsp;

This blanket of fog is being called a &quot;superfog&quot;.&nbsp;

Reports said Wednesday&#39;s spread was certainly larger than other fog episodes in places such as central China, Italy or the California valley.&nbsp;

The fog started on Christmas covering east UP and Bihar on Christmas, it started covering more areas in its west, including Delhi, by December 31. By January 2, the fog spread to Punjab and was continuing to move west into Pakistan. It has severely affected aviation, rail and road transport, and caused a sharp drop in day temperatures across the region.&nbsp;

The daytime multi-channel fog detection scheme image captured by Insat 3D shows the fog covering at least four countries &mdash; Pakistan, India, Nepal and Bangladesh. The fog actually began on Christmas Day in east UP and Bihar. The only comparable fog episode of this scale will have been from this region itself in previous years.

According to the IMD website, at least 15 airports in the country reported moderate to severe fog between 6.30am and 9.30am on Wednesday. These include Agartala, Patna, Gaya, Guwahati, Gorakhpur, Allahabad, Agra, Lucknow, Varanasi, Rae Bareli, Chandigarh, Jammu, Ludhiana and Pantnagar. The worst hit was Amritsar, which had visibility below 100m for 18 hours, from 6.30pm on Tuesday till 12.30pm on Wednesday. 
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In one of the largest single fog episodes over any land area in the world, an unbroken layer of fog was formed across more than 2,000km along the Indian subcontinent. The fog started from central Pakistan in the west, running right through the Indo-Gangetic plains and ending around Tripura. This blanket of fog is being called a "superfog". Reports said Wednesday's spread was certainly larger than other fog episodes in places such as central China, Italy or the California valley. The fog started on Christmas covering east UP and Bihar on Christmas, it started covering more areas in its west, including Delhi, by December 31. By January 2, the fog spread to Punjab and was continuing to move west into Pakistan. It has severely affected aviation, rail and road transport, and caused a sharp drop in day temperatures across the region. The daytime multi-channel fog detection scheme image captured by Insat 3D shows the fog covering at least four countries — Pakistan, India, Nepal and Bangladesh. The fog actually began on Christmas Day in east UP and Bihar. The only comparable fog episode of this scale will have been from this region itself in previous years. According to the IMD website, at least 15 airports in the country reported moderate to severe fog between 6.30am and 9.30am on Wednesday. These include Agartala, Patna, Gaya, Guwahati, Gorakhpur, Allahabad, Agra, Lucknow, Varanasi, Rae Bareli, Chandigarh, Jammu, Ludhiana and Pantnagar. The worst hit was Amritsar, which had visibility below 100m for 18 hours, from 6.30pm on Tuesday till 12.30pm on Wednesday.

From central Pakistan to Tripura, 'superfog' stretches out over 2,000 km

Majority of newspapers in Tripura on Wednesday&nbsp;left space for editorials blank to protest&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/protest-against-murder-of-gauri-lankesh-4920">killing</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/protest-against-murder-of-gauri-lankesh-4920"> of journalist</a> Sudip Datta Bhowmik.

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Tripura: BJP and Congress have called for a bandh Tripura to protest killing of journalist Sudip Datta Bhowmik; Many newspapers have left space for editorials blank, to voice protest. <a href="https://t.co/0Scu6VnE9h">pic.twitter.com/0Scu6VnE9h</a>
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This comes a day after Commandant of 2nd Tripura State Rifles Tapan Debbarma was arrested&nbsp;in connection with journalist Sudip&#39;s alleged murder.

Shocked&nbsp;journalists in Tripura on Wednesday expressed disappointment with national media for showing &quot;lack of interests&quot; in the killing of journalists in the northeast.

Sujit Chakraborty, eminent journalist, and ex-secretary of Agartala Press Club, said, &quot;The killing of Sudip didn&#39;t get prominent coverage by the national media. Except some small news items, they ignored the heinous crime. Had it happened in major cities, it would have got wider publicity by both national print and electronic media.&quot;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/journalist-of-tripura-shot-dead-by-policeman-24752">Sudip Datta Bhowmik was allegedly shot dead on Tuesday in Tripura&#39;s RK Nagar.</a>

He was reportedly killed inside the battalion headquarters of Tripura State Rifles (TSR) in RK Nagar.

&quot;Sudip&#39;s was a cold-blooded murder. He was killed inside the Circle Officer&#39;s room,&quot; Bhowmik&#39;s brother told ANI.

Earlier, on September 20, a journalist, Santanu Bhowmik, was killed allegedly while he was covering a road blockade agitation of the IPFT.

Another journalist, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/protest-against-murder-of-gauri-lankesh-4920">Gauri Lankesh, was shot dead point blank outside her residence on the outskirts of Bengaluru</a>, Karnataka on September 6, triggering protests in many parts of the country.

It was said Lankesh was targetted for her work against right-wing Hindu extremism.&nbsp;

?Majority of newspapers in Tripura leave space for editorials blank to protest against killing of journalist Sudip Datta Bhowmik

Majority of newspapers in Tripura on Wednesday left space for editorials blank to protest killing of journalist Sudip Datta Bhowmik. Tripura: BJP and Congress have called for a bandh Tripura to protest killing of journalist Sudip Datta Bhowmik; Many newspapers have left space for editorials blank, to voice protest. pic.twitter.com/0Scu6VnE9h — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2017 × This comes a day after Commandant of 2nd Tripura State Rifles Tapan Debbarma was arrested in connection with journalist Sudip's alleged murder. Shocked journalists in Tripura on Wednesday expressed disappointment with national media for showing "lack of interests" in the killing of journalists in the northeast. Sujit Chakraborty, eminent journalist, and ex-secretary of Agartala Press Club, said, "The killing of Sudip didn't get prominent coverage by the national media. Except some small news items, they ignored the heinous crime. Had it happened in major cities, it would have got wider publicity by both national print and electronic media." Also Read: Sudip Datta Bhowmik was allegedly shot dead on Tuesday in Tripura's RK Nagar. He was reportedly killed inside the battalion headquarters of Tripura State Rifles (TSR) in RK Nagar. "Sudip's was a cold-blooded murder. He was killed inside the Circle Officer's room," Bhowmik's brother told ANI. Earlier, on September 20, a journalist, Santanu Bhowmik, was killed allegedly while he was covering a road blockade agitation of the IPFT. Another journalist, Gauri Lankesh, was shot dead point blank outside her residence on the outskirts of Bengaluru, Karnataka on September 6, triggering protests in many parts of the country. It was said Lankesh was targetted for her work against right-wing Hindu extremism.

Newspapers in Tripura protest against killing of journalist

Hundreds of children were taken ill in northeastern Tripura and eastern West Bengal state in India following deworming programme held in government schools on Wednesday to mark National Deworming Day.&nbsp; 
 
In Tripura, more than 250 children reported discomfort after consuming deworming tablets. Children complained of respiratory problems, nausea and dizziness.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;More than 250 students across different schools in Kadamtala block of Tripura were administered deworming tablets as part of National Deworming Day programme. However, many students complained of pain in abdomen and respiratory trouble after consuming the tablets,&rdquo; Pradip Acharya, sub-divisional magistrate of Dharmanagar district, said. 
 
The children were immediately rushed to the local hospital where they were treated and discharged later. Ruckus broke out in the hospital after anxious parents started pouring in with their sick children in large numbers. 
 
&quot;Subsequently students from nearby schools like South Fulbari School, Kadamtala Higher Secondary School and colony (other) schools (rushed to the hospital). Students from around six-seven schools rushed in the hospital. There is a total panic, there is a total chaos. Doctors are trying their best to treat the patients,&quot; said chief medical officer, north Tripura, Shankar Das. 
 
The state had a target of administering de-worming medicine among 1.1 million students aged 1-19 years across all schools in the state,&nbsp;Reuters reported.&nbsp; 
 
In West Bengal, several children in the North 24 Parganas district reportedly fainted after consuming the deworming tablets. The children were rushed to the nearby medical centre for treatment. Similar reports were recieved from other parts of West Bengal also. 
 
As a part of the National Deworming Day, a flagship initiative of the ministry of health and family welfare, deworming programmes were conducted across India on Wednesday.&nbsp; 
 
The nationwide initiative involves free distribution of Albendazole 400 mg chewable tablets among preschool and primary schools.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from Reuters) 
 
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As a part of the National Deworming Day, deworming programmes were conducted in government schools across India on Wednesday

Hundreds of children were taken ill in northeastern Tripura and eastern West Bengal state in India following deworming programme held in government schools on Wednesday to mark National Deworming Day. In Tripura, more than 250 children reported discomfort after consuming deworming tablets. Children complained of respiratory problems, nausea and dizziness. “More than 250 students across different schools in Kadamtala block of Tripura were administered deworming tablets as part of National Deworming Day programme. However, many students complained of pain in abdomen and respiratory trouble after consuming the tablets,” Pradip Acharya, sub-divisional magistrate of Dharmanagar district, said. The children were immediately rushed to the local hospital where they were treated and discharged later. Ruckus broke out in the hospital after anxious parents started pouring in with their sick children in large numbers. "Subsequently students from nearby schools like South Fulbari School, Kadamtala Higher Secondary School and colony (other) schools (rushed to the hospital). Students from around six-seven schools rushed in the hospital. There is a total panic, there is a total chaos. Doctors are trying their best to treat the patients," said chief medical officer, north Tripura, Shankar Das. The state had a target of administering de-worming medicine among 1.1 million students aged 1-19 years across all schools in the state, Reuters reported. In West Bengal, several children in the North 24 Parganas district reportedly fainted after consuming the deworming tablets. The children were rushed to the nearby medical centre for treatment. Similar reports were recieved from other parts of West Bengal also. As a part of the National Deworming Day, a flagship initiative of the ministry of health and family welfare, deworming programmes were conducted across India on Wednesday. The nationwide initiative involves free distribution of Albendazole 400 mg chewable tablets among preschool and primary schools. (With inputs from Reuters)

Hundreds of children taken ill in Tripura after consuming deworming tablets

Indian railway minister Suresh Prabhu on Sunday laid the foundation stone of a new rail link connecting Bangladesh to the northeastern state of Tripura. 
 
Prabhu along with his Bangladeshi counterpart, Mujibul Haque, laid the foundation stone of the 15 kilometre long India-Bangladesh rail link in Tripura&#39;s capital Agartala.&nbsp;After laying the stone, the railway minister said they were also finding out a way to connect India to Chittagong, Bangladesh&#39;s financial centre. 
 
&quot;We will have a more detailed discussion to bring in these two friends even closer to one another to benefit from each other&#39;s connectivity. So this is part of a Trans-Asian railway network and I am sure in the next few years time we will be able to connect more. In fact, we just discussed, we are also finding out how we can have a small little connectivity that is missing to bring this part of India, connecting directly to Chittagong,&quot; said Prabhu. 
 
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had discussed the railway project with his Bangladeshi counterpart, Sheikh Hasina, during his visit to Dhaka in June 2015. 
 
The Indian government would bear the entire expenditure of the railways project.&nbsp;Reportedly, on the Indian side, some portion of the track would be elevated to avoid farm land and habitations.&nbsp;Currently, India and Bangladesh have four rail links with West Bengal. 
 
(Reuters)

The 15 kilometre-long rail link will connect India's northeastern state of Tripura to Bangladesh

Indian railway minister Suresh Prabhu on Sunday laid the foundation stone of a new rail link connecting Bangladesh to the northeastern state of Tripura. Prabhu along with his Bangladeshi counterpart, Mujibul Haque, laid the foundation stone of the 15 kilometre long India-Bangladesh rail link in Tripura's capital Agartala. After laying the stone, the railway minister said they were also finding out a way to connect India to Chittagong, Bangladesh's financial centre. "We will have a more detailed discussion to bring in these two friends even closer to one another to benefit from each other's connectivity. So this is part of a Trans-Asian railway network and I am sure in the next few years time we will be able to connect more. In fact, we just discussed, we are also finding out how we can have a small little connectivity that is missing to bring this part of India, connecting directly to Chittagong," said Prabhu. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had discussed the railway project with his Bangladeshi counterpart, Sheikh Hasina, during his visit to Dhaka in June 2015. The Indian government would bear the entire expenditure of the railways project. Reportedly, on the Indian side, some portion of the track would be elevated to avoid farm land and habitations. Currently, India and Bangladesh have four rail links with West Bengal. (Reuters)

Indian railway minister lays foundation stone of rail link with Bangladesh

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