CM-designates’ swearing-in HIGHLIGHTS: Kamal Nath, Baghel waive off farmers’ loans soon after taking oath

Kamal Nath, Ashok Gehlot and Bhupesh Baghel will take oath today as chief ministers of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.Nath is scheduled to take oath at Bhopal’s Lal Parade ground at 1.30 pm, while Gehlot would be sworn-in as the CM of Rajasthan at historic Albert Hall at 10:15 am. Chhattisgarh chief minister-designate Baghel is scheduled to take oath at 4.30 pm.In the recently-concluded Assembly elections, the results of which were declared on December 11, the Congress dealt a massive blow to the BJP by ousting its governments in the three ‘Hindi heartland’ states.Read: At swearing-in of Congress CMs today, Opposition show of strengthWhile the party registered a resounding victory in Chhattisgarh, winning 68 seats as opposed to the BJP’s 15, in Rajasthan, the Congress bagged 99 seats, and the BJP 73.Madhya Pradesh saw a nail-biting fight, where the Congress managed to bag 114 seats out of a total 230. The Congress then roped in seven seats, two from the BSP, one from Samajwadi Party and four Independent candidates, to form the government.Here are the HIGHLIGHTS:

10:30 pm IST

SIT to probe Jhiram Ghati massacre: Baghel

Our third decision is related to Jhiram Ghati. Total 29 people including prominent leaders like Nand Kumar Patel were killed. Conspirators haven’t been exposed. No such massacre of politicians ever took place in history. To nab the culprits, a special investigation team has been formed: Bhupesh Baghel

10:20 pm IST

Baghel announces farm loan waiver, increase in MSP of maize

Congress president Rahul Gandhi had announced that farm loans will be waived within 10 days and Minimum Support Price (MSP) for maize will be increased to ₹2,500 from ₹1,700 per quintal. These two decisions have been taken today: Bhupesh Baghel

10:05 pm IST

Baghel waives off farmers’ loan

Bhupesh Baghel waives off farmers’ loan worth ₹6,100 crore. About 16 .5 lakh farmers will be benefitted through the move.

6:45 pm IST

TS Singh Deo, Tamradhwaj Sahu take oath as ministers

TS Singh Deo and Tamradhwaj Sahu take oath as ministers. Both were contenders for the chief minister’s post

Raipur: T. S. Singh Deo and Tamradhwaj Sahu take oath as ministers #Chhattisgarh pic.twitter.com/gZcJs2YGxy

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2018

6:25 pm IST

Baghel takes oath as Chhattisgarh CM

Bhupesh Baghel takes oath as Chhattisgarh chief minister.

Raipur: Bhupesh Baghel takes oath as the next Chief Minister of #Chhattisgarh pic.twitter.com/YMOnKaOf92

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2018

6:05 pm IST

My name brought up in 1984 riots for political reasons: Kamal Nath

I took oath in 1991 and several times after that, no one said anything. There is no case, FIR, or chargesheet against me. Today, they are raking up this matter. One can understand the politics behind this. Did eyewitnesses tell you (about my involvement): Kamal Nath on 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

6:02 pm IST

Raman Singh reaches Baghela’s swearing-in venue

Outgoing Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh, BJP leader Gauri Shankar Agarwal and senior Congress leader Motilal Vora reach Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium for the swearing-in ceremony of Bhupesh Baghel.

Raipur: Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh & senior Congress leader Motilal Vora at Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium for the swearing-in ceremony of Bhupesh Baghel as Chhattisgarh CM pic.twitter.com/aqCXVtFK7t

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2018

5:58 pm IST

Gaushala in every panchayat

Sources say Kamal Nath has approved opening of a gaushala in every panchayat. There are more than 23,000 panchayats in Madhya Pradesh.

5:57 pm IST

Economic activities have to be increased: Kamal Nath

I will say to banks, when they waive loans of industries from 40% to 60% they don’t have any problem, but when it comes to waiving loans of farmers they have a problem. Economic activities have to be increased in MP for generating employment. Treasure is empty as given by the previous government: Kamal Nath

5:55 pm IST

Giving employment to youth is our priority: Kamal Nath

Kamal Nath says there is a need to effect a change in the system to meet the aspirations of people. Giving employment to youth is our priority, he said. Any scheme is successful only when there is a good delivery system. Corruption begins from the lowest level where 90% work for the people is done, he says.

5:50 pm IST

Incentive to industries only if 70% employment to locals: Kamal Nath

Kamal Nath says incentive to new industries will be given only when there is 70% employment to local people. People from other states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh come here and local people don’t get jobs. I have signed file for this, he says.

5:45 pm IST

Kamal Nath enhances Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojana amount

In another decision, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath has enhanced the amount of Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojana from ₹28,000 to ₹51,000. This is also as per the party’s manifesto.

5:35 pm IST

Leaders reach Raipur

Rahul Gandhi, Manmohan Singh, Navjot Sidhu, Farooq Abdullah, Raj Babbar, Sachin Pilot, Ashok Gehlot and Jyotiraditya Scindia reach Raipur for Bhupesh Baghel’s swearing-in ceremony.

5:30 pm IST

‘One done, two to go’: Rahul tweets on farm loan waiver

CM, Madhya Pradesh, waives farm loans.

1 done.

2 to go.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 17, 2018

5:15 pm IST

MP govt issues order on farm loan waiver

The order issued by Madhya Pradesh principal secretary of agriculture Rajesh Rajora states, “The Madhya Pradesh government has decided to waive loans of farmers who were found eligible as per norms, up to ₹2 lakh taken from nationalised and cooperative banks as short term crop loan as on March 31, 2018.”

5:00 pm IST

Kamal Nath waives loans of farmers up to ₹2 lakh

Newly-appointed Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath, in his first decision, waives loans of farmers up to ₹2 lakh taken as short term loan.

4:46 pm IST

Kamal Nath signs on files for farm loan waiver

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath signs on files for farm loan waiver, reports ANI.

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath signs on the files for farm loan waiver pic.twitter.com/NspxMA8Z6i

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2018

4:00 pm IST

Watch | Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot take oath

3:40 pm IST

Bhupesh Baghel visits new swearing-in venue

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister-designate Bhupesh Baghel visited new swearing in venue with party MLAs to take stock of the preparation work.

Continuous rainfall in Chhattisgarh’s capital since Monday morning has led to change in the venue of swearing-in ceremony of the new chief minister of the state Bhupesh Baghel.

3:25 pm IST

Kamal Nath at forefront in steering Congress to assembly poll win

Kamal Nath, who has held several portfolios in the Union cabinet, was appointed the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee president on April 26 and was at the forefront in steering the party to a win in the November 28 Assembly polls. The results were declared on December 11.

2:55 pm IST

CM designate Bhupesh Baghel’s oath-taking ceremony venue changed

The venue of CM designate Bhupesh Baghel’s oath taking ceremony has been changed from Science College ground to Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in Raipur, due to continuous rainfall.

2:30 pm IST

Kamal Nath takes oath as Madhya Pradesh CM

Kamal Nath took oath as Madhya Pradesh chief minister on Monday.

Bhopal: Opposition leaders at the swearing-in ceremony of Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath. pic.twitter.com/kA2HnfXykD

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2018

2:20 pm IST

Rajasthan CM, deputy CM attend swearing-in ceremony of CM Kamal Nath

Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, Deputy CM Sachin Pilot and Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu at the swearing-in ceremony of CM Kamal Nath, in Bhopal.

2:05 pm IST

Opposition leaders attend swearing in ceremony of Kamal Nath as MP CM

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh and Mallikarjun Kharge, Andhra Pradesh CM and TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu, NCP chief Sharad Pawar and other leaders attend the swearing-in ceremony of CM designate Kamal Nath, in Bhopal.

1:55 pm IST

Shivraj Singh Chouhan attends swearing-in ceremony of CM designate Kamal Nath

Former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan and other leaders attended the swearing-in ceremony of CM designate Kamal Nath, in Bhopal. 

Madhya Pradesh: Former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan and other leaders at the swearing-in ceremony of CM designate Kamal Nath, in Bhopal. pic.twitter.com/53HxMd5ktB

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2018

1:05 pm IST

HD Devegowda meets Rahul Gandhi at Kamal Nath’s swearing-in ceremony

Former PM and JD(S) National President HD Devegowda met with and greeted Congress president Rahul Gandhi at the swearing-in ceremony of Kamal Nath as Madhya Pradesh CM.

1:00 pm IST

Rahul Gandhi, Manmohan Singh arrive for Kamal Nath’s swearing-in

Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other leaders including Farooq Abdullah and Sharad Yadav arrive for oath ceremony of Kamal Nath as Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister.

12:40 pm IST

Phalanx of opposition leaders attended Gehlot, Pilot’s swearing in ceremony

Gehlot and Pilot’s swearing-in ceremony was attended by several senior Congress leaders, including party president Rahul Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

A phalanx of opposition leaders including Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, DMK president MK Stalin and NCP president Sharad Pawar also attended the oath-taking.

Jaipur: Earlier visuals of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, former PM Manmohan Singh and other leaders going for the swearing-in ceremony of Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot and Deputy CM Sachin Pilot. pic.twitter.com/2CZiyAS8x3

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2018

12:10 pm IST

Cong invites Raman Singh, Jogi for Baghel’s swearing in ceremony

Raman Singh , Ajit Jogi, BJP president Dharmlal Kaushik and veteran BJPleader Brijmohan Agarwal invited by Congress in the swearing-in ceremony of Chhattisgarh CM-designate Bhupesh Baghel at 5:30 pm.

11:45 am IST

Congress congratulates new CM and deputy CM of Rajasthan

The Congress party congratulated new chief minister and deputy CM of Rajasthan.

Congratulations to the new CM & Deputy CM of Rajasthan, Shri @ashokgehlot51 & Shri @SachinPilot #IndiaTrustsCongress pic.twitter.com/kuZjLpE46r

— Congress (@INCIndia) December 17, 2018

11:40 am IST

This is a new beginning for the state and people: Sachin Pilot

“This is a new beginning for the state and people. They trusted us and our work begins today. As soon as the cabinet is formed we’ll begin working on promises made to the people. We’ll work to meet their expectations,” Pilot said ahead of his swearing-in ceremony.

11:20 am IST

‘Our govt will waive off farm loans within 10 days: Ashok Gehlot

“First, we will form the cabinet, which will then discuss it at the first meeting. Earlier, the government of India did it, and it waived loans from the nationalised banks. It will be decided at the first cabinet meeting. The 10-day countdown will begin after the cabinet formation,” said Gehlot to Hindustan Times ahead of taking oath as Rajasthan CM.

Also Watch: Will work in public interest, says Ashok Gehlot before taking oath as Rajasthan CM

11:10 am IST

Ashok Gehlot takes oath as Rajasthan CM, Pilot as his deputy

Ashok Gehlot takes oath as the chief minister and Sachin Pilot takes oath as the deputy chief minister of Rajasthan.

10:40 am IST

People greet Kamal Nath outside his residence

Ahead of swearing in ceremony, people greeted CM-designate Kamal Nath outside his residence in Bhopal.

Madhya Pradesh: People greet Chief Minister designate Kamal Nath outside his residence in Bhopal. pic.twitter.com/HBObqCCvHn

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2018

10:35 am IST

Vasundhara Raje attends swearing-in ceremony of Ashok Gehlot

Former CM Vasundhara Raje, Congress leader Jitin Prasad and other leaders at the swearing-in ceremony of CM designate Ashok Gehlot and Deputy CM designate Sachin Pilot in Jaipur. 

Rajasthan: Former CM Vasundhara Raje, Congress leader Jitin Prasad and other leaders at the swearing-in ceremony of CM designate Ashok Gehlot and Deputy CM designate Sachin Pilot in Jaipur. pic.twitter.com/pQB5TOCVI6

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2018

10:25 am IST

Rahul Gandhi, Manmohan arrive for swearing-in ceremony of Ashok Gehlot

Congress president Rahul Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrive in Jaipur for the swearing-in ceremony of CM designate Ashok Gehlot and Deputy CM designate Sachin Pilot.

Rajasthan: Congress President Rahul Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrive in Jaipur for the swearing-in ceremony of CM designate Ashok Gehlot and Deputy CM designate Sachin Pilot. pic.twitter.com/2vCQboPsCx

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2018

10:10 am IST

Rajasthan’s oath-taking ceremony will signify opposition unity: Sachin Pilot

Rajasthan’s Deputy Chief Minister designate Sachin Pilot on Monday emphasised on the gathering of opposition leaders in the state capital for the swearing-in ceremony of the new government and asserted that it will offer a glimpse of the ‘future of politics’ in India.

“Even non-Congress parties now want to see Rahul Gandhi as the Prime Minister. It is not only going to be an oath-taking ceremony but it will also give a glimpse of the future of politics in this country. This is an indication of how the politics will turn in upcoming times,” said Pilot.

10:05 am IST

Mamata not to attend swearing-in ceremony of Kamal Nath

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee will not attend the swearing-in ceremony of Congress leader Kamal Nath as Madhya Pradesh CM, said PTI quoting official sources. There was, however, no reason cited for Banerjee not going to Bhopal for the swearing-in ceremony on Monday, an official of the Chief Minister’s Office said.

Trinamool Congress MP Dinesh Trivedi will be representing the party at the event, which the Congress intends to showcase as a picture of Opposition unity. “I have been directed by the party chief (Banerjee) to be present at Monday’s swearing-in programme,” Trivedi told PTI.

10:00 am IST

Preparations in full swing for swearing in ceremonies

Preparations are in full swing and arrangements are being made for security, dais, seating and pandal at respective venues in Jaipur, Bhopal and Raipur.

9:55 am IST

Several senior Congress leaders to attend the swearing in ceremonies

Several senior Congress leaders and hundreds of party workers will attend the events.

Besides, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, a phalanx of opposition leaders including Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, DMK president MK Stalin, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, and NCP president Sharad Pawar are expected to attend all the three oath-taking ceremonies.

9:50 am IST

Congress leaders, workers gather at Albert Hall in Jaipur

Congress leaders and workers have gathered at Albert Hall, Jaipur. Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot will take oath as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister respectively later today.

A galaxy of political leaders and Congress workers will descend on the premises of the historic Albert Hall in Jaipur on Monday for the oath-taking ceremony of Ashok Gehlot as chief minister of Rajasthan there.

A fine example of Indo-saracenic, a revival architectural style mostly used by the British in the later 19th century, the foundation of the iconic structure was laid in 1876 during the visit the Prince of Wales, Albert Edward, to Jaipur.

9:45 am IST

Akhilesh, Mayawati won’t participate in swearing-in ceremonies

Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati will not participate in the swearing-in ceremonies in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh today, reported news agency ANI.

9:35 am IST

Manifesto will be our priority: Gehlot

“Once the cabinet is decided, the Chief Minister will work on its advice. Once it’s done, we’ll do what’s in public interest, the manifesto will be our priority,” said Rajasthan CM-designate Ashok Gehlot.

Read:‘Our govt will waive off farm loans within 10 days,’ says Rajasthan’s CM-designate Ashok Gehlot

9:30 am IST

Ahead of swearing in, people gather outside

People have gathered outside the residence of deputy chief minister designate Sachin Pilot in Jaipur. Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot will take oath as the chief minister and deputy chief minister respectively, later today.

Rajasthan: People gather outside the residence of Deputy Chief Minister designate Sachin Pilot in Jaipur. Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot will take oath as the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister respectively, later today. pic.twitter.com/wIvhFMa1AS

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2018