ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS 2014

HARYANA ASSEMBLY POLL RESULTS MAHARASHTRA ASSEMBLY POLL RESULTS

Diesel decontrolled, cheaper by Rs 3.37
* Govt okays new gas price formula
* To re-launch direct benefit transfer for LPG subsidy
New Delhi, October 18
much-awaited reform on energy pricing and cutting subsidies, the Narendra Modi government today decided to deregulate or link to market the price of diesel. As a result, the diesel price has been slashed by Rs 3.37 with effect from midnight.

Nation page: No more bungalows for memorials: Govt Deregulation will see private sector players revive their pumps.

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Counting today; BJP upbeat, Cong tense
New Delhi, October 18
As counting of votes to form new governments in Haryana and Maharashtra begins tomorrow, the BJP appears upbeat, riding high on favourable exit poll predictions. Congress leaders appear resigned to the party's fate in the polls, giving more than ample hints that it was unlikely to return to power in the two states.

Nation page: Congress not expecting much from poll results Policemen stand guard at a counting centre in Mumbai. PTI

Polls won’t hit relief work in J-K: EC
Srinagar, October 18
The Election Commission today hinted that the Assembly polls in flood-ravaged Jammu and Kashmir could be held on schedule (by year-end). “Elections will not interfere with relief and rehabilitation work in the state,” Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) VS Sampath said in Srinagar after holding daylong consultations with political parties.

CEC VS Sampath (C) in Srinagar on Saturday. Amin War

Anna threatens stir over black money
* Jaitley firm on stand
* Cong, AAP accuse FM of misleading nation
New Delhi, October 18
The BJP government’s response to black money stashed away by Indians abroad snowballed into a controversy today with social activist Anna Hazare accusing the government of misleading the country and the Congress rejecting Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s contention.

Now, Punjab Mahila Cong chief targets Bajwa
Chandigarh, October 18
Riven with dissidence, the Punjab Congress has another problem at hand. This time it's the women's wing chief who's complaining. Kittu Grewal says she was not allowed to see party vice-president Rahul Gandhi when he was in Chandigarh on Thursday. And then, she was made to sit in the sixth row in a meeting that Rahul chaired.

Frenzied supporters greet Jaya after release from jail Bangalore, October 18 Rarely has a convict in a corruption case got such a grand welcome on release from prison as AIADMK supremo and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa received today as she emerged from Bangalore’s Central Prison after staying in jail for three weeks. Supporters wave to J Jayalalithaa as she leaves Bangalore jail. PTI