Articles by Chetan Chauhan
BRS unlikely to attend June 23 opposition party meeting
The Telangana assembly polls will take place in December along with those in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Mizoram.
![K Chandrasekhar Rao has spelt out to Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, who is trying to put together a common opposition front, his party’s unwillingness to be part of an alliance that includes the Congress.(Facebook/KCR) K Chandrasekhar Rao has spelt out to Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, who is trying to put together a common opposition front, his party’s unwillingness to be part of an alliance that includes the Congress.(Facebook/KCR)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/06/15/148x111/This-will-be-the-third-public-meeting-of-KCR-in-Ma_1681743786288_1686871504733.jpg)
Updated on Jun 16, 2023 05:01 AM IST
High stakes for BJP, Congress in Rajasthan
Of all the assembly polls before the general election next year, the December election matters for the most for the two national parties
![PM Modi has repeatedly taken a dig at the tussle between Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot and his former deputy, Sachin Pilot(PTI file) PM Modi has repeatedly taken a dig at the tussle between Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot and his former deputy, Sachin Pilot(PTI file)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/06/08/148x111/sachin_gehlot_1_1685334608485_1686239336043.jpg)
Published on Jun 08, 2023 09:27 PM IST
Karnataka polls: Will Cong push past halfway mark on its own?
Data from the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) website shows that the Congress has a vote share of around 44.5%, significantly higher than 38% during the previous elections in 2018, when it won 80 seats.
![Celebrations at the Congress headquarters in Delhi on Saturday. (PTI) Celebrations at the Congress headquarters in Delhi on Saturday. (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/05/13/150x84/Celebrations-at-the-Congress-headquarters-in-Delhi_1683953562111.jpg)
Updated on May 13, 2023 10:22 AM IST
Chetan Chauhan, New Delhi
Cong’s anti-graft push in Karnataka reaping rewards, early trends show
A few electoral constants have characterised the Karnataka elections over the past few decades. For one, the BJP has never secured a majority in the state assembly polls. Second, after 1985, no ruling party has secured a majority in the subsequent assembly polls.
![EVMs in a Karnataka strong room. (PTI) EVMs in a Karnataka strong room. (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/05/13/150x84/EVMs-in-a-Karnataka-strong-room---PTI-_1683953681815.jpg)
Updated on May 13, 2023 10:24 AM IST
Chetan Chauhan, New Delhi
Big guns fire as Karnataka poll campaign ends
Campaigning for the Karnataka assembly elections, where BJP hopes to defend its control over the only southern state, closed on Monday.
![Union home minister Amit Shah holds the roadshow in Doddaballapura on Sunday. (Amit Shah twitter) Union home minister Amit Shah holds the roadshow in Doddaballapura on Sunday. (Amit Shah twitter)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/05/08/150x84/Union-home-minister-Amit-Shah-holds-the-roadshow-i_1683570894240.jpg)
Updated on May 09, 2023 05:43 AM IST
Karnataka Polls: Top three themes this season
Three main issues that have captured the public imagination are the ban on Bajrang Dal, insults to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and corruption.
![Karnataka goes to the assembly polls on May 10. (ANI) Karnataka goes to the assembly polls on May 10. (ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/05/08/148x111/Karnataka-goes-to-the-assembly-polls-on-May-10---A_1682052086044_1683533661915.jpg)
Updated on May 08, 2023 07:29 PM IST
Karnataka polls 2023: A Brahmin factor at play
The opposition wants to present the exit of senior leaders from the BJP as a a Lingayat versus Brahmin conflict. So do some BJP leaders
![In the past week, some commentators in Kannada newspapers also wrote that the BJP may install a Brahmin chief minister if the party wins a majority or comes close to forming a government in the May 10 elections. (BJP Karnataka/Twitter) In the past week, some commentators in Kannada newspapers also wrote that the BJP may install a Brahmin chief minister if the party wins a majority or comes close to forming a government in the May 10 elections. (BJP Karnataka/Twitter)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/04/24/148x111/Voting-will-take-place-on-May-10-and-the-counting-_1681978837457_1682324473581.jpg)
Updated on Apr 24, 2023 01:59 PM IST
Karnataka Election '23: Rebellion is a calculated move
As aspirants denied party tickets quit the BJP and join the Opposition's ranks, the race to win the May 13 polls has only become more complex
![Former CM Jagadish Shettar and former deputy CM Laxam Savadi resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to join the Congress. Former CM Jagadish Shettar and former deputy CM Laxam Savadi resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to join the Congress.](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/04/19/148x111/885259_Wallpaper2_1681886808812.jpg)
Updated on Apr 19, 2023 12:26 PM IST
84 swing seats may seal poll fortunes in Karnataka
Data suggests that Ron is among the 84 assembly seats where the winning party has changed every election since 2008.
![An analysis of the swing, or flip seats shows that the BJP was able to win the most of these seats in Lingayat dominated regions and coastal Karnataka while the JD (S) won most of them in southern Karnataka. (PTI) An analysis of the swing, or flip seats shows that the BJP was able to win the most of these seats in Lingayat dominated regions and coastal Karnataka while the JD (S) won most of them in southern Karnataka. (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/04/17/150x84/An-analysis-of-the-swing--or-flip-seats-shows-that_1681759328049.jpg)
Updated on Apr 18, 2023 06:03 PM IST
Tiger population dips in Western Ghats: Report
The report said that tiger populations have also declined in Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
![India since 2006 has been conducting a tiger census every four years. The number of tigers has increased from 1,411 in 2006 to 3,167 in 2022. India is home for 75% of the wild tigers in the world. (PTI) India since 2006 has been conducting a tiger census every four years. The number of tigers has increased from 1,411 in 2006 to 3,167 in 2022. India is home for 75% of the wild tigers in the world. (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/04/09/148x111/Project-Tiger-is-a-wildlife-conservation-project-l_1681043544595_1681078306933_1681078306933.jpg)
Updated on Apr 10, 2023 06:16 AM IST
Tiger population declines in Western Ghats despite 6.74% increase in the country
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the latest tiger census data in Karnataka’s Mysuru on the occasion of 50 years of Project Tiger on Sunday
![The overlap between wildlife and humans because of developmental activities has led to a fall in the tiger population in the areas under the World Heritage Western Ghats landscape. (Representative Image) The overlap between wildlife and humans because of developmental activities has led to a fall in the tiger population in the areas under the World Heritage Western Ghats landscape. (Representative Image)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/04/09/150x84/The-overlap-between-wildlife-and-humans-because-of_1681042927761.jpg)
Updated on Apr 09, 2023 05:52 PM IST
Understanding communal clashes during Ram Navami processions
Places where clashes took place in the past two years have been flashpoints between Hindu and Muslim communities in the past too
![Security personnel cordon off an area after clashes broke out between two groups during a Ram Navami procession, in Howrah district. (PTI) Security personnel cordon off an area after clashes broke out between two groups during a Ram Navami procession, in Howrah district. (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/04/06/148x111/Security-personnel-cordon-off-an-area-after-clashe_1680286758282_1680791722222_1680791722222.jpg)
Published on Apr 06, 2023 08:07 PM IST
What shapes the electoral landscape in Karnataka
Will the Bharatiya Janata Party be able to fight off anti-incumbency, and also allegations of widespread corruption, in the state? Can the Congress eke out a rare win? And will the Janata Dal (S) still be relevant? .
![After BJP leader, B S Yediyurappa, failed to prove majority on floor of the house, JD (S)’ H D Kumaraswamy, became the chief minister with the support of the Congress (PTI) After BJP leader, B S Yediyurappa, failed to prove majority on floor of the house, JD (S)’ H D Kumaraswamy, became the chief minister with the support of the Congress (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/03/29/148x111/After-BJP-leader--B-S-Yediyurappa--failed-to-prove_1680116458067_1680118659662_1680118659662.jpg)
Updated on Mar 30, 2023 11:24 AM IST
2 U'khand's and 4 in Kerala among top 10 landslide risk districts: ISRO study
“Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand state, which has highest landslide density in India, is also having highest exposure to total population, working population, literacy and no. of houses (to landslides),” the study based on ISRO satellite maps said.
![Rudraprayag and Tehri Garwhal districts of Uttarakhand have the highest landslide density in the country (PTI) Rudraprayag and Tehri Garwhal districts of Uttarakhand have the highest landslide density in the country (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/03/04/150x84/Rudraprayag-and-Tehri-Garwhal-districts-of-Uttarak_1677954886261.jpg)
Published on Mar 05, 2023 12:04 AM IST
Chetan Chauhan, New Delhi
Warmer than normal temperature in west, north India
The Rhododendron , Uttarakhand’s state tree, bloomed in first week of February in most parts of north-western Himalayas, at least a month before it usually does
![Children enjoying the Sunny Day at India Gate Lawn in New Delhi. (Raj K Raj/HT photo) Children enjoying the Sunny Day at India Gate Lawn in New Delhi. (Raj K Raj/HT photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/02/17/150x84/Children-enjoying-the-Sunny-Day-at-India-Gate-Lawn_1676661425037.jpg)
Updated on Feb 18, 2023 12:47 AM IST
Chetan Chauhan, New Delhi
BJP left state finances in mess, coming up with open investor policy: Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu
A month after taking over, the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh decided to restore the old pension scheme (OPS) and will soon be coming with an open investor policy to boost state finances, which state chief minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu said was in “dire straits”
![Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2023/01/27/150x84/Sukhwinder-Singh-Sukhu_1674846554253.jpg)
Published on Jan 28, 2023 12:39 AM IST
Congress wrests hill state with focus on grassroots concerns
This time, the Congress fought the election without its tallest leader in the state and ran a campaign steered by his wife, Mandi MP Pratibha Singh
![Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Congress President Pratibha Singh after the party's victory in state elections in Shimla (PTI) Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Congress President Pratibha Singh after the party's victory in state elections in Shimla (PTI)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2022/12/09/150x84/13bf9900-77a5-11ed-83df-4c1406394be7_1670578738694.jpg)
Published on Dec 09, 2022 03:08 PM IST
Congress soars in Queen of Hills
The Congress on Thursday snatched Himachal Pradesh from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), marking the first assembly election victory for the beleaguered party in nearly four years that was earned on the back of a committed local leadership and a grassroots campaign.
![Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Congress President Pratibha Singh being congratulated by supporters after the party's victory in the State Assembly elections, in Shimla, Friday, Dec. 9, 2022. (PTI Photo)(PTI12_09_2022_000061B)(PTI) Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Congress President Pratibha Singh being congratulated by supporters after the party's victory in the State Assembly elections, in Shimla, Friday, Dec. 9, 2022. (PTI Photo)(PTI12_09_2022_000061B)(PTI)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2022/12/09/148x111/PTI12-09-2022-000061B-0_1670577453793_1670577453793_1670581846028_1670581846028.jpg)
Updated on Dec 09, 2022 04:01 PM IST
, New Delhi/shimla
Chetan Chauhan and Gaurav BishtClose contest between Congress, BJP as early trends emerge in Himachal
According to the trends, ruling Bharatiya Janata Party was leading on 33, Congress 32, and independents on three seats
![Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jairam Thakur in Shimla head of the election results. (PTI) Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jairam Thakur in Shimla head of the election results. (PTI)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2022/12/08/150x84/8bbc3998-76b2-11ed-b084-c0a51ed14e2f_1670474902798.jpg)
Published on Dec 08, 2022 10:18 AM IST
Gujarat polls: Poll arithmetic in tribal belt changes due to AAP’s entry
The Congress has been traditionally winning most of the tribal dominated seats in Gujarat, even though it has been out of power for the past 27 years.
![The entry of the Aam Aadmi Party has made the contest triangular in several seats. (ANI) The entry of the Aam Aadmi Party has made the contest triangular in several seats. (ANI)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2022/12/03/150x84/f3f1220c-7334-11ed-bd01-73668e446825_1670090916713.jpg)
Updated on Dec 04, 2022 05:23 AM IST
Chetan Chauhan, Madosa/dahod
Ex-minister’s arrest a key election issue in north Gujarat
On September 16, Vipul Chaudhary was arrested by Gujarat’s anti-corruption branch from his residence in Gandhinagar, which alleged that as chairman of the Mehsana District Cooperative Producers Union (Dudhsagar Dairy), he had committed financial irregularities worth ₹750 crore between 2005 and 2016.
![Vipul Chaudhary was Gujarat home minister in the Keshubhai Patel cabinet in 1995. (HT File) Vipul Chaudhary was Gujarat home minister in the Keshubhai Patel cabinet in 1995. (HT File)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2022/12/03/150x84/a2ba26b0-7332-11ed-bd01-73668e446825_1670090137587.jpg)
Updated on Dec 04, 2022 07:08 AM IST
Chetan Chauhan, Mehsana
Gujarat elections: Mevani goes all out in key Vadgam battle
Gujarat elections: As more people join in to listen, Jignesh Mevani attacks the BJP for the release of 11 people convicted in the Bilkis Bano rape case.
![Congress leader Jignesh Mevani speaks during a public meeting ahead of the Gujarat assembly elections, in Ahmedabad. (PTI) Congress leader Jignesh Mevani speaks during a public meeting ahead of the Gujarat assembly elections, in Ahmedabad. (PTI)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2022/12/02/150x84/0b1f9688-7273-11ed-9dc3-9ee2cafee3d4_1670007478202.jpg)
Updated on Dec 03, 2022 03:37 AM IST
Chetan Chauhan, Vadgam
Gujarat elections: Dairy cooperatives shape rural contest
In Gujarat’s Banaskantha district, Nagana is a sleepy but well-developed village. A vast majority of the homes here are part of the village cooperative that collects milk for Banas Dairy, Gujarat’s biggest district milk union.
![As many as 3.6 million families across Gujarat sell milk to cooperatives every day. (HT file) As many as 3.6 million families across Gujarat sell milk to cooperatives every day. (HT file)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2022/12/01/150x84/a146ccfc-71a2-11ed-bd01-73668e446825_1669918008199.jpg)
Updated on Dec 02, 2022 12:37 PM IST
Chetan Chauhan, Palanpur/mehsana
Data bill suggests key changes to RTI law
The draft of the Digital Data Protection Bill proposes to do away with 8.1 (j) section of the RTI Act, which allows information commissioner to determine if personal information about administration officials can be released in the greater public interest.
![This is for the first time the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has proposed changes in the RTI Act related to provisions regarding sharing of information.(Illustration: Jayanto) This is for the first time the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has proposed changes in the RTI Act related to provisions regarding sharing of information.(Illustration: Jayanto)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2022/11/20/148x111/adf1bd9e-668b-11ed-b7f8-ce09d82c1fb2_1668700233943_1668976389638_1668976389638.jpg)
Updated on Nov 21, 2022 07:33 AM IST
Himachal Pradesh Elections: There is no legacy leadership after Virbhadra’s death, says Sukhu
Himachal Pradesh Elections 2022: Himachal Congress campaign committee chairperson and party candidate from Nadaun in Hamirpur district, Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, said that new leadership has emerged in the Himachal Congress after former six-time chief minister Virbhadra Singh’s death
![Himachal Congress campaign committee chairperson and party candidate from Nadaun in Hamirpur district, Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu. Himachal Congress campaign committee chairperson and party candidate from Nadaun in Hamirpur district, Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu.](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2022/11/09/150x84/7557d9dc-6069-11ed-b515-ce26ce0b484a_1668024194417.jpg)
Published on Nov 10, 2022 01:33 AM IST
New leadership has emerged in Himachal Congress after Virbhadra’s death: Sukhu
Congress leader Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu said there was no legacy leadership in Himachal Pradesh after the death of Virbhadra Singh and a new leadership has replaced legacy leadership
![Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu claimed that Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jairam Thakur hadn’t delivered on a single promise made by the BJP (File Photo) Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu claimed that Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jairam Thakur hadn’t delivered on a single promise made by the BJP (File Photo)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2022/11/09/150x84/2929a0ce-6021-11ed-a886-4f0eae2e705f_1667993290405.jpg)
Published on Nov 09, 2022 04:58 PM IST
Himachal polls: Congress banking on anti-incumbency but faces leadership vacuum
The polling to elect the 68-member Himachal assembly will held on November 12 and the results will be declared on December 8
![Both Congress and BJP are hamstrung as they lack leaders with mass appeal across the state. (ANI) Both Congress and BJP are hamstrung as they lack leaders with mass appeal across the state. (ANI)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2022/11/08/150x84/f5c46a9c-5f45-11ed-a886-4f0eae2e705f_1667899591988.jpg)
Published on Nov 08, 2022 02:56 PM IST
Himachal elections | Kingmaker Kangra: Why winning here matters for parties
Unlike most other districts of Himachal, the introduction of the Agnipath scheme in the country from June 2022 appears to be an election issue in Kangra and neighbouring districts of Hamirpur, Una and Mandi, which sends 35 of 68 law-makers to the state legislative assembly
![A job in the armed forces is linked with societal and economic respectability in the region comprising Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur and Una, where many have sacrificed their lives for the nation. (PTI File) A job in the armed forces is linked with societal and economic respectability in the region comprising Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur and Una, where many have sacrificed their lives for the nation. (PTI File)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2022/11/03/150x84/bb73313a-5bbb-11ed-9a94-6cdab0551c2a_1667510080915.jpg)
Updated on Nov 04, 2022 02:44 AM IST
5 years on, how state’s political arena changed in Gujarat
Political experts say the Patidar agitation has lost steam, that businesses have become accustomed to GST, and that the BJP has sought to counter anti-incumbency by replacing almost the entire cabinet in 2021 with Bhupendra Patel replacing Vijay Rupani as chief minister.
![Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel in Rajkot.(PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel in Rajkot.(PTI)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2022/11/04/148x111/gujarat_politics_1667525758973_1667525759216_1667525759216.jpg)
Updated on Nov 04, 2022 02:17 PM IST
Elections 2022: Both Congress and BJP wary of ‘Dhumal factor’ in Himachal Pradesh
Prem Kumar Dhumal’s biggest success was in 1998 when he became the chief minister with the help of former Union communications and information technology minister Sukh Ram
![Prem Kumar Dhumal, senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader from Himachal Pradesh, during an election rally in Hamirpur ahead of the state polls in 2017. (Anil Dayal/ HT File Photo) Prem Kumar Dhumal, senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader from Himachal Pradesh, during an election rally in Hamirpur ahead of the state polls in 2017. (Anil Dayal/ HT File Photo)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2022/11/01/150x84/f4e5484e-59b9-11ed-8e23-5469c5b8902c_1667289197614.jpg)
Published on Nov 01, 2022 01:23 PM IST