Category: Politics

Close to a year after the INDIA bloc’s show of strength at Ramlila Maidan before the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP is looking at projecting the oath-taking ceremony of Delhi’s new Chief Minister and council of ministers — at the same venue — as a joint front of the BJP-led NDA. According to sources, apart from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief Ministers of NDA-ruled states, central cabinet ministers, and popular MPs are among the invitees and are likely to attend.

Among the special invitees for the event, where over 25,000 to 30,000 are expected to be in attendance, are community leaders from across the slum clusters in the Capital, said sources in the BJP. “Special invitees include community leaders from across Delhi’s slum clusters to honour the contribution of citizens from JJ colonies in bringing the party back to power in the Capital after almost three decades,” a party leader said.

Bollywood celebrities are also among those invited.

The swearing-in ceremony may be themed along the lines of the Ram Mandir consecration in Ayodhya last year and prominent members of the Hindu seer community will likely register their presence, said people privy to the details.

Starting early Wednesday, party insiders said, hectic developments linked to the event are expected to unfold.

The party’s national leadership is likely to announce the names of at least two senior members — including union ministers or chief ministers of BJP-ruled states or senior organisational leaders — as observers, sources said. This would be followed by a meeting of the legislature party, comprising its 48 MLAs, around 7 pm Wednesday where the names of the Chief Minister, six members of the council of ministers as well as those chosen for other significant roles such as that of the Speaker would be revealed.

“The observers are likely to be announced by late night today or by early tomorrow; while the final names will be revealed tomorrow, the allocation of portfolios among the members of the Cabinet is likely to take a few more days,” a senior BJP leader said on Tuesday.

Discussions in the party regarding the incoming government are said to have continued to veer around the possibility of a woman CM as well as the inclusion of “young” leaders from each of the capital’s significant communities. Incoming legislators from Assembly constituencies in the countryside as well as seats reserved for the SC community are also being considered frontrunners for cabinet berths. “The emphasis is likely to be on ensuring as much of a balance between youth and experience as it is likely to be on balancing the caste-community equation,” a party source said.

Source : https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/bjp-set-announce-cm-pick-tomorrow-slum-cluster-community-leaders-9843293/

The announcement came just before the Delhi polls where BJP is locked in a fierce contest against Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party. Aimed to spur consumer sentiment in general, the tax sops offered were also being seen as an attempt to woo Delhi’s 40 lakh income tax-payers.

New Delhi: Hoping to cash in on a slew of tax sops announced in the Union Budget, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday made a strong pitch to the middle classes in his last election rally for Delhi polls, pitching the tax rebate offered under the new tax slabs as “Modi ki guarantee.”

“The budget that came yesterday is a guarantee to fulfil promises of Modi,” the prime minister said in a rally in South Delhi’s RK Puram, a hub of government residential quarters.

“Over the past years, we have provided many facilities for the poor, such as free food, free healthcare, and permanent housing,” Modi added, referring to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s budget proposal to exempt up to Rs 12 lakh in annual income from the tax net.

The announcement came just before the Delhi polls where BJP is locked in a fierce contest against Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party. Aimed to spur consumer sentiment in general, the tax sops offered were also being seen as an attempt to woo Delhi’s 40 lakh income tax-payers.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/elections/delhi/union-budget-2025-nirmalas-tax-cut-call-becomes-modis-guarantee-in-delhi-poll-cry-3386011

Gadkari also accused the AAP government of failing to address the national capital’s water and pollution crises.

New Delhi: Delhi will be free of traffic congestion and air pollution within five years if the BJP wins the February 5 assembly polls, Union minister Nitin Gadkari asserted on Thursday.

Laying stress on the benefits of a “double-engine” government, Gadkari said, “If there is a Modi government at the Centre and a BJP government in Delhi, the city’s progress will be 10 times faster, like a bullet train.” Addressing a public meeting in Nangloi Jat, the senior BJP leader made a strong pitch for the saffron party while promising to tackle Delhi’s pressing issues of air pollution, traffic congestion, and waste management.

“I give you my word. If you install a BJP engine in the city government, we will free Delhi from traffic congestion and air pollution within five years. I am making this promise,” he said.

He also promised to remove landfill sites and replace them with gardens and academic institutions.

“Within five years, I will clear the landfill sites. Gardens will be built there, academic institutions established… and the people of Delhi will be able to breathe fresh air,” he said, emphasising the BJP’s commitment to ecological balance, economic growth, and environment preservation.

Gadkari also accused the AAP government of failing to address the national capital’s water and pollution crises.

“The people you trusted neither cared about drinking water nor talked about the Yamuna’s purification,” he said.

He reiterated his vision for a cleaner Yamuna, envisioning a future in which Delhi and Agra would be connected via the river.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/elections/delhi/delhi-assembly-elections-2025-nitin-gadkari-promises-a-national-capital-free-of-traffic-congestion-pollution-if-bjp-wins-3381323

Yogi Adityanath at Mahakumbh 2025: Taking into account OP Rajbhar’s controversies, will his alliance continue with BJP in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections?

Om Prakash Rajbhar, the president of Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, often makes his allies uneasy with controversial statements. He has been with Mayawati’s BSP, Akhilesh Yadav’s SP and with the Bharatiya Janata Party, and during every tie-up, there have been tensions. This time, he’s a cabinet minister in the Yogi Adityanath government. But taking into account his controversies, will his alliance continue with BJP in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections?

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath responded to the query during an exclusive interview with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi at the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj.

Several ministers have been flocking to Prayagraj to take a holy dip in Triveni Sangam as a rare celestial alignment, which occurs once in 144 years, has made this year’s Maha Kumbh mela even more special. CM Yogi had also convened a special cabinet meeting in the city, following which the ministers boarded a boat to take part in the holy dip.

OP Rajbhar’s Latest Controversy

During this time, another controversy erupted related to Om Prakash Rajbhar. According to local reports, while returning from the site of holy dip, vehicles were arranged for ministers to travel back. However, Rajbhar reportedly did not get a place to sit in any of the designated vehicles. This infuriated him. He stopped the vehicle by standing in front of it. He alleged that “unimportant people” were sitting inside the cars.

Later, a police officer and some other ministers made him sit in another vehicle so that he could reach Triveni Sankul in Arail. The commotion was captured by some people, who shared it on social media.

Yogi Adityanath On Importance Of Allies

On Saturday, when Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief asked Yogi Adityanath how important are his allies for him, the CM said, “All are part of the state cabinet, and hence, all members of the cabinet take decisions together. All of them came here (Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj) as well. So when we were told that a picture of the cabinet at the Maha Kumbh mela will be clicked, we said that the leaders of all our alliance parties will also come forward.”

He further stressed, “Everyone is together. We will stay together in future as well.”

BJP’s allies in UP include Apna Dal (Sonelal), Rashtriya Lok Dal, Nishad Party and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party. Of which, SBSP chief is considered the most controversial one. He had once even said that he is the “second most powerful in the state after CM Yogi”.

For a brief while, Rajbhar had broken his ties with the NDA and allied with the SP. During this time, in 2022, he claimed that the CM had sent ‘goons in black coats’ while he was on his way to Varanasi along with his son.

“Yogi ji wants to get me killed, some were from BJP while some were sent as per the instructions of DM and Police officials. The BJP doesn’t like that we are fighting for the poor, health infrastructure, farmers, education and to save our constitution. I ask the Election Commission to provide security to me and Arvind Rajbhar. My fight will continue even after my death. I have spoken on the teacher recruitment scam and that is what is irking Yogi ji,” Rajbhar had said in 2022.

Why Is Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party Important in 2027 UP Polls

Despite being a long-tongued leader, what makes OP Rajbhar a prominent leader is the community that he represents. Though Rajbhar voters may account for less than two per cent in Uttar Pradesh, in some of the east UP districts, like Mau, Ballia, Varanasi, Azamgarh, Jaunpur, Deoria, Ghazipur and Ambedkarnagar, they have a considerable role to play in elections.

And hence, the BJP is careful about its caste dynamics. Elaborating on UP elections 2027, CM Yogi told Network18, “Our objective is very clear. Heritage, development, welfare schemes for the poor and instilling a sense of security among people are among our top issues. Focusing on 2027 polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the NDA will move ahead to achieve all this with the spirit of ‘sabka saath, sabka vikas’ (together with all, development for all). And we will again form the government in UP with full majority.”

Source : https://www.news18.com/politics/cm-yogi-news-mahakumbh-mela-photo-op-rajbhar-controversy-up-elections-2027-exclusive-9202270.html

In a shocking move, a resident of Bihar’s Samastipur moved court against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleging that he lost milk worth Rs 250 over one of the remarks made by the leader.
The man, in his petition, alleged that a remark by the Leader of Opposition Lok Sabha caused him to drop a pail of milk resulting in loss of Rs 250, reported PTI.
Mukesh Chaudhary claimed that he received a shock upon hearing Gandhi’s “fight against the Indian state” remark last week, due to which a buket full of five litres of milk slipped from his band.

“I was in such a state of shock that my bucket full of five litres of milk, priced at Rs 50 per litre, slipped off my hand. Rahul Gandhi was threatening the sovereignty of the nation,” alleged Chaudhary.

MPs received a 15-day notice ahead of the commencement of the Budget Session. Usually, a 21-day notice has to be given to MPs but the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs had admitted earlier that due to various reasons, this was not adhered to on several occasions.

New Delhi: The Trinamool Congress on Sunday found fault with the Narendra Modi government for summoning Parliament for its Budget Session with just a notice of 15 days, saying it is one of the many ills that is turning Parliament into a “deep, dark chamber”.

President Droupadi Murmu had on January 17 summoned the Parliament to hold the Budget Session from January 31.

Usually, a 21-day notice has to be given to MPs but the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs had admitted earlier that due to various reasons, this was not adhered to on several occasions.

“The diminishing lead time between the issuance of summons and the commencement of sessions is only one of the many ills that is turning Parliament into a deep, dark chamber,” Trinamool Rajya Sabha floor leader Derek O’Brien said.

He said he had in 2019 moved a bill seeking 100 days of sittings of Parliament in a year and a calendar for sessions. “If schools and colleges can set up their calendars way in advance, why can’t Parliament?,” he asked.

He also said MPs are elected not just to legislate, but also to hold the government accountable, scrutinise its actions, and debate matters of national importance. “These responsibilities will be fulfilled far better with a structured and predictable Parliamentary calendar,” he added.

Other than the very first session of the new Lok Sabha, three sessions during 2014-19 were called with a notice less than 15 days while it was only one during 2009-14 and five during 2004-09.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/mps-not-getting-enough-time-parliament-becoming-dark-chamber-under-modi-govt-tmc-says-3363310

Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal on Monday hit back at Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, saying the latter’s fight is about saving the Congress, not the country.

“Today Rahul Gandhi came to Delhi. He abused me a lot. But I will not comment on his statements. His fight is to save Congress, my fight is to save the country,” Kejriwal wrote on X in Hindi.

Earlier today, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed a public rally in Delhi’s Seelampur where he drew a parallel between Arvind Kejriwal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Rahul Gandhi attacks Arvind Kejriwal

Rahul Gandhi said Arvind Kejriwal campaigns in the same way as the BJP leader. He accused them of making false promises.

The Congress leader also claimed Arvind Kejriwal failed to make Delhi free of corruption.

“Do you remember Delhi when Sheila Dikshit was the chief minister of the national capital?… Arvind Kejriwal had said he would clean Delhi and make it corruption-free. There is so much pollution in Delhi… Did Arvind Kejriwal make Delhi corruption-free? Arvind Kejriwal campaigns in the same way as PM Modi does and makes false promises to the people,” he said.

Rahul Gandhi also claimed that Arvind Kejriwal and Narendra Modi don’t want to give backward communities, Dalits, tribals and minorities their rights.

“Prime Minister Modi and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal do not even speak about caste census. Both want backward communities, Dalits, tribals and minorities to not get their rights… You should ask Prime Minister Modi and Arvind Kejriwal whether they support caste census or not… After the Congress government is formed in Delhi, we will conduct a caste census in the national capital,” he added.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-vs-rahul-gandhi-in-delhi-fight-to-save-congress-101736784138554.html

While addressing the ‘Jhuggi Basti Pradhan Sammelan’ at Delhi’s JLN stadium, the BJP leader slammed the AAP leader saying that the AAP supremo’s “manipulations” were understood by Delhi people.

The campaigning for the Delhi assembly polls intensified on Saturday after union Home Minister Amit Shah lashed out at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal over his claim that the BJP has finalised its leader Ramesh Bidhuri as the chief ministerial face of the party for the polls.

While addressing the ‘Jhuggi Basti Pradhan Sammelan’ at Delhi’s JLN stadium, the BJP leader slammed the AAP leader saying that the AAP supremo’s “manipulations” were understood by Delhi people.

“Can Kejriwal decide the BJP’s chief ministerial face? Kejriwal ji, whole Delhi understands these tactics of manipulating people,” he said.

‘Ramesh Bidhuri Will Be BJP’s Delhi CM Face’: Kejriwal Backs Atishi’s Claims

Earlier today, Kejriwal reiterated the claim that the saffron camp has decided to project its leader Ramesh Bidhuri as the party’s chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming Delhi assembly polls.

Kejriwal further congratulated the BJP leader and asked him for his vision for the national capital. He also invited the saffron party’s CM candidate to have an open debate on the development issues once the BJP officially announces the decision.

“We are getting information that Ramesh Bidhuri’s name will be officially announced (as BJP CM face) in the coming one or two days. I congratulate Ramesh Bidhuri on becoming the CM face of BJP. Ramesh Bidhuri should tell what he did for the development of Delhi while being an MP. What is his vision for Delhi?” Kejriwal said while addressing the press conference.

A day earlier, Delhi CM Atishi had also claimed that her Kalkaji rival Ramesh Bidhuri will be the BJP’s CM pick. She said that this was Bidhuri’s “reward” for being the “most abusive” leader of his party.

Kejriwal An ‘AAP-da’ For Delhiites, Says Shah

Gearing up for the Delhi Assembly elections, Congress is likely to unveil its much famed ‘guarantees’ from Monday—which they call a package to fight inflation—promising monthly allowance to women, a health insurance scheme, and unique ration kits containing daily essentials for the poor.

Sources said the announcements of guarantees will be made in phases between Monday and Saturday by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

The major guarantee would be a ‘Direct Cash Transfer’ scheme for women that promises a monthly allowance, which sources indicated would be higher than the Rs 2,100 promised by the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP.

A health insurance coverage of Rs 20-25 lakh each for all residents and free electricity of 400 units, which is double of what the AAP government provides now, and support for unemployed youth through cash incentives coupled with apprenticeship training programs to enhance their skills and employability are among the promises.

Sources said the “most unique” among the guarantees will be the ration kits for households containing daily essentials at a time when the poor are bearing the brunt of inflation.

“The idea is to provide poor households with all essentials they need. At present, the PDS shops provide only certain things. These kits will have more materials,” a senior leader said.

The leader said the Congress is taking a leaf out of its successful campaign in Karnataka and Telangana where they unveiled the guarantees at least more than a month ahead of Assembly elections.

The party has also learned the hard lessons from Haryana and Maharashtra where the party had announced the guarantees very late and was not able to ensure that the message reached the voter.

Sources said the announcement of the guarantees for Haryana and Maharashtra was done haphazardly and there was no organised narrative building. The strategy to announce the guarantees over days and that too by the top leadership will help maintain momentum, they said.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/delhi/delhi-assembly-elections-2025-congress-likely-to-unveil-guarantees-from-monday-3341953

Mamata Banerjee alleged during an administrative meeting that the BSF, which guards the Bangladesh border, was allowing infiltration into Bengal.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BSF of allowing infiltration from Bangladesh to destabilise the state, calling it the Centre’s “nefarious blueprint”. The CM alleged during an administrative meeting that the BSF, which guards the Bangladesh border, was allowing infiltration into Bengal. The remarks come after Union Home Minister Amit Shah said earlier that “infiltration from Bangladesh” was disrupting peace in Bengal.

Mamata Banerjee said, “The BSF is allowing infiltration from different areas into Bengal and torturing women. The TMC is not guarding the borders. The border is not in our hands, so if someone accuses the TMC of permitting infiltration, I will point out that it is the BSF’s responsibility.”

She added, “The police have all the information, and the Centre has it too. I have received information from Rajiv Kumar (DGP) and local sources. I will write a strong letter to the Centre regarding this.”

Asserting that it is important to maintain peace in West Bengal and have good relations with Bangladesh, Mamata Banerjee said, “We have no enmity, but goons are being allowed here. They commit crimes and return across the border. BSF is enabling this, and the Centre has a role in it.”

Responding to the claims made by the West Bengal Chief Minister, BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar said that she “has reached the ultimate level of delusion”.

The Union Minister and BJP West Bengal chief questioned Mamata Banerjee’s remarks and said in a post on X (formerly Twitter), “Despite not providing land to set up outposts for border surveillance, she used to blame the Border Security Force for illegal infiltration. But now, crossing all limits of accusations, she has started blaming her own administration’s officials! According to her, the incompetent District Magistrates (DMs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) under her administration are allowing foreign criminals to infiltrate the border to murder the elected representatives of her party.”

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/mamata-banerjee-claims-bsf-allowing-infiltration-from-bangladesh-bjp-hits-back-9175270.html 

Arvind Kejriwal has asked if the RSS supports the BJP’s “wrongdoings”

Amid the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) campaign for the Delhi Election, party convener Arvind Kejriwal has shot off a letter to Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of BJP’s ideological parent RSS, and asked several questions on the BJP’s politics.

Mr Kejriwal has asked if the RSS supports the BJP’s “wrongdoings”. “BJP leaders are openly distributing money, does RSS support buying votes? The names of Dalit and Purvanchali voters are being struck off (from voter lists) on a large scale. Does RSS think this is good for democracy? Doesn’t RSS feel that the BJP is weakening democracy?” Mr Kejriwal has asked.

The letter is clearly aimed at embarrassing the BJP amid a bitter campaign for the capital contest. While AAP has alleged that the BJP is getting voters’ names struck off the list in a desperate attempt to win the election, the BJP has accused the ruling party of getting fake voters’ names added to the list to bolster its support.

The BJP responded sharply to Mr Kejriwal’s letter with a letter. State BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said, “Today, I have written a letter to Aam Aadmi Party leader and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal…we hope that you will abandon your wrong habits of lying and deceit and bring meaningful change within yourself.”

In an interaction with the media on Sunday, Mr Kejriwal said the BJP has neither vision nor candidates for the Delhi election. “BJP wants to win this election somehow by using dishonest means. But the people of Delhi won’t let this happen. We won’t let them win by using the tactics they are said to have used in Maharashtra and Haryana,” he said, asking Delhiites to keep checking names on voter lists.

The AAP leader alleged that the BJP had launched “Operation Lotus” in the New Delhi constituency that he represents. “In 15 days, they have put in applications to delete names of 5,000 voters and also applied for the addition of 7,500 names to the voter list. The total votes in my constituency is 1 lakh 6 thousand. What is the point of holding an election then? A game is playing out in the name of election.”

The AAP leader said a summary revision was carried out earlier and the Election Commission released a revised voter list on October 29. “If there is a 12 per cent difference as the BJP claims, was the poll body’s summary revision wrong?”

Mr Kejriwal alleged that the BJP plans to get people from outside and register them as Delhi voters.

Refuting the charges, Delhi BJP chief Virendraa Sachdeva said the number of voters in Delhi saw a huge jump between the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and the Assembly election next year. The same, he said, was observed after the 2019 general election. “Who got these new voters? There are no answers. They are trying to play the same game this time. BJP is saying those who don’t live in Delhi anymore, those who have died, why should their names be on the list?”

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-mohan-bhagwat-does-rss-support-buying-votes-arvind-kejriwal-writes-to-mohan-bhagwat-7375557

The fact that the Congress was at full strength is a testimony to the fact that the party wants to own up to its former PM and not let the BJP hog any credit. It wants to project Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government as insensitive

Barely has the fire of the funeral pyre dimmed, and politics has been stoked over a memorial for late former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The Congress was assured by union home minister Amit Shah that a trust would be set up soon for a samadhi of the former PM.

But matters have not ended here. Congress leaders are up in arms, accusing the government of insulting Dr Singh. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took the lead. She accused the government of disrespecting the legacy and contribution of Manmohan Singh and also the self-respecting Sikh community. Manickam Tagore and others too have joined the chorus.

Not stopping at this, the entire last rites ceremony was criticised by the Congress. Pawan Khera took to social media site X and said, “The state funeral of Dr Manmohan Singh was a shocking display of disrespect and mismanagement – No news agencies except DD were allowed; DD focused on Modi & Shah, barely covering Dr Manmohan Singh’s family. Only 3 chairs were kept in the front row for Dr Singh’s family. Congress leaders had to insist on seats for his daughters and other family members. PM & ministers did not stand up when the National Flag was handed to the widow of the late Prime Minister, or during the gun salute.”

The BJP hit back at the opposition party, where it hurts most. First, it said that the Congress had not allowed the mortal remains of its former PM Narasimha Rao to enter the head office. It added that his memorial was made not in Delhi but in Hyderabad.

BJP chief JP Nadda said, “This is the same Congress which tarnished the dignity of the post of PM by placing Sonia Gandhi as super PM above PM Manmohan Singh. Rahul Gandhi insulted PM Manmohan Singh by tearing the ordinance. And today the same Rahul Gandhi is doing politics. The Gandhi family has neither given respect to any big leader of the country nor done justice to them. Whether it is from the Congress party or the opposition, whether it is Baba Saheb Ambedkar, the country’s first President Rajendra Babu, Sardar Patel, Lal Bahadur Shastri, PV Narasimha Rao, Pranab Da, Atal Bihari Vajpayee…” He also quoted late President and Congress veteran Pranab Mukherjee’s daughter Sharmistha Mukherjee’s statement that the Congress Working Committee (CWC) never met for her father nor was there any condolence meeting.

So why is the Congress making this an issue?

The fact that the Congress was at full strength is a testimony to the fact that the party wants to own up to its former PM and not let the BJP hog any credit.

It wants to project Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government as insensitive.

Not just this, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra raised the “Sikh point” just ahead of the 2025 Delhi polls and also to chalk out a strategy for Punjab later. In Delhi, the Congress doesn’t want the BJP to use the 1984 Sikh riots issue. BJP MP Aprajita Sarangi gifted a bag with 1984 printed on it to Priyanka, symbolic of the anti-Sikh riots, which has angered the Congress and it wants to counter this narrative.

Source : https://www.news18.com/politics/a-clash-on-memory-lane-why-congress-is-attacking-bjp-over-manmohan-singhs-last-rites-memorial-9171340.html

Speaking to the media, Congress leader K C Venugopal said a petition seeking Shah’s resignation would be submitted to President Droupadi Murmu through district collectors. He alleged that Shah’s remarks belittled Ambedkar and deeply hurt those upholding constitutional values.

Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress will organise the Babasaheb Ambedkar Samman March to district collectorates nationwide on December 24, AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal said on Sunday.

This is part of its protest demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s resignation over his recent remarks on Ambedkar during a Constitution debate in the Rajya Sabha.

Speaking to the media, Venugopal said a petition seeking Shah’s resignation would be submitted to President Droupadi Murmu through district collectors.

He alleged that Shah’s remarks belittled Ambedkar and deeply hurt those upholding constitutional values.

“Despite this, neither Shah, the Prime Minister nor the BJP has expressed regret. Instead, they provocatively defended their stance and replaced Ambedkar’s image with that of George Soros, further disrespecting Ambedkar,” Venugopal stated.

He accused the BJP of filing cases against opposition leaders expressing dissent and disrupting Parliament proceedings. He added that Shah’s remarks reflect the RSS and BJP’s mindset, referencing past criticism of the Constitution as “not Indian.”

“If a Congress MP had made such a remark, would they still hold their position?,” Venugopal questioned.

He also accused the corporate-backed media of suppressing the issue and vowed to take it directly to the people.

Venugopal announced the 100th anniversary celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s election as Congress President in Belagavi, Karnataka, on December 26 and 27.

Events include a Congress Working Committee meeting on December 26 and the ‘Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan’ rally on December 27 to highlight the BJP’s anti-constitutional actions, Venugopal said.

The Congress will also launch a month-long campaign featuring state-level rallies and village meetings as part of its protest programmes.

Venugopal criticised Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for his silence on Shah’s remarks, suggesting he is afraid to confront the BJP.

“If Ambedkar is insulted, the Kerala Chief Minister, from a politically enlightened state, should have been the first to respond,” Venugopal said.

He also accused CPI(M) Politburo members of failing to support Rahul Gandhi, who is actively protesting the issue.

Responding to reports about prominent community leaders backing Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala as the Chief Ministerial candidate for the 2026 Assembly polls, Venugopal said community leaders have the right to express opinions.

He dismissed the CPI(M)’s narrative on the Congress’s candidate, emphasising unity across communities.

Venugopal also accused the BJP of turning the Election Commission into a partisan institution.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/ambedkar-row-congress-to-hold-nationwide-protest-against-amit-shahs-remarks-3328808

Hitting out at the BJP and clarifying the party’s stance on the tussle that took place at the Parliament complex on Thursday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the chaos was engineered to distract from Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s ‘fashion’ remarks on BR Ambedkar that ignited a massive row between the Opposition and the ruling party.
Keeping a copy of the Constitution in front of him while addressing a press conference, Mr Gandhi said the BJP has been trying to distract from the issues since the Parliament session began and the Congress has always said that the ruling party’s thought process is “anti-constitutional and anti-Ambedkar” and that it wants to erase Ambedkar’s memory and contribution.

“The Home Minister exposed this mindset (with his remarks). We called for an apology and a resignation, which did not happen. Today, they began a new distraction. Opposition MPs were heading to Parliament House from Ambdekar ji’s statue and BJP MPs were standing near the stairs with sticks in their hands, refusing to let us go in,” Mr Gandhi said in Hindi.

“The reality is that he (Mr Shah) has insulted Ambedkar ji. The Home Minister should apologise and resign,” he added.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who also addressed the press conference, said the party condemns Mr Shah’s remarks on Ambedkar and the mindset they portray.

“He refused to accept he had done anything wrong. We asked for his resignation and, failing that, for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to sack him. We realised neither of these things was going to happen, so leaders of our party, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, protested. But the BJP is trying to divert the issue,” Mr Kharge said.

The Congress president claimed BJP MPs tried to prevent legislators from his party from entering Parliament and attacked them. He said he was also pushed and sat on the ground after losing balance.

“After doing this, they are alleging we pushed people and caused injuries. They were sitting and making fun of us. There were many woman MPs with us too… We will not tolerate this. The movement (against Mr Shah’s remarks on Ambedkar) will become a national one,” he asserted.

Complaint, Counter-Complaint

Both the Congress and the BJP have alleged that members from the opposite side attacked and pushed their MPs when legislators from the Opposition party were entering Parliament House on Thursday morning. While the Congress was protesting Mr Shah’s remarks on Ambedkar, the BJP had organised a counter-protest against the Opposition party, alleging it had disrespected the architect of the Constitution.

The BJP has claimed that Rahul Gandhi, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, injured two of its MPs, Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput. The BJP said Mr Gandhi pushed Mr Rajput, who fell on Mr Sarangi. Both MPs were taken to a hospital with injuries and the BJP filed a complaint at the Parliament Street police station against Mr Gandhi.

BJP’s Nagaland MP Phangnon Konyak also accused Mr Gandhi of misbehaving with her when she and her colleagues were taking part in the protest

The Congress has also filed a complaint at the same police station alleging BJP leaders pushed Mr Kharge.

“Eighty-four-year-old Dalit leader Mallikarjun Kharge was pushed and misbehaved with. We have come here to file a complaint against this act,” Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/amit-shah-mallikarjun-kharge-congress-bjps-bid-to-distract-from-ambedkar-row-rahul-gandhi-on-parliament-tussle-7286205

BJP had filed a complaint against Rahul Gandhi under various sections including 109 (attempt to murder), 115 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt), 117 (voluntary causing grievous hurt), 125 (act of endangering life or personal safety of others), 131 (use of criminal force), 351 (criminal intimidation) and 3(5) (common intention).

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal alleged that the FIR against Rahul Gandhi is a diversionary tactic in response to his staunch protest against Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on B R Ambedkar.

In a post on X, KC Venugopal shared, “The FIR against Rahul Gandhi is nothing but a diversionary tactic in response to his staunch protest against the Home Minister. A case against him for defending Babasaheb’s legacy is a badge of honour. In any case, Rahul Gandhi is already facing 26 FIRs due to the BJP’s political vendetta and this latest FIR will not stop him or the Congress from standing up against the casteist RSS-BJP regime. At the same time, why has the Delhi Police not acted on the FIRs filed by women MPs of INC against the BJP leaders who physically assaulted them?” Delhi Police on Thursday registered an FIR against Rahul Gandhi, who is also Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, in connection with a scuffle in Parliament with BJP and Congress filing cross-complaints against each other.

Parliament witnessed unprecedented scenes with opposition and BJP-led NDA members holding parallel protests that later led to a face-off. Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge alleged he was pushed, two BJP members were injured.

The scenes outside also found a reflection inside Parliament. Amid sloganeering by Opposition MPs in Rajya Sabha, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Phangnon Konyak said that she “felt very uncomfortable” by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition allegedly coming very close to her and shouting at her while INDIA bloc leaders were going to Parliament during BJP protest.

Konyak referred to parallel protests of INDIA bloc and NDA regarding the remarks of Union Home Minister Amit Shah on B R Ambedkar. During the protests, a scuffle broke out and two BJP MPs were injured.

“I say this with a very heart, for which I have already sought your protection, today while protesting, it was a peaceful protest. I was standing just below the staircase of Makar Dwar. Something happened to me and I feel really disheartened. LoP Rahul Gandhi came really close proximity of me, and I really felt uncomfortable, and he shouted at me which I feel is really unbecoming of the leader of Opposition. It is not that I cannot defend myself but still then it is really unbecoming,” MP Konyak said in Rajya Sabha.

She sought protection from Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar.

“What I felt that his action today was really bad and I feel disheartened and no lady member, let alone me should be made to feel like this. So therefore I seek your protection in this matter, for which I have already sent a notice to you sir (Rajya Sabha Chairman),” she said.

BJP had filed a complaint against Rahul Gandhi under various sections including 109 (attempt to murder), 115 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt), 117 (voluntary causing grievous hurt), 125 (act of endangering life or personal safety of others), 131 (use of criminal force), 351 (criminal intimidation) and 3(5) (common intention).

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/fir-against-rahul-gandhi-for-defending-babasahebs-legacy-is-badge-of-honour-kc-venugopal

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP governments in Uttar Pradesh and Assam of using excessive police force, leading to the deaths of two party workers during protests. Congress leaders blamed the state government for a violent crackdown. Both incidents have sparked political controversy, with Congress demanding compensation and action against the police.

On Wednesday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh and Assam of using “excessive police force” that allegedly led to the deaths of two party workers during protests. In a post on X, Gandhi expressed grief over the death of the workers and blamed police actions for their demise, leading to a massive political storm.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for ‘One Nation One Election’ was finalised on Wednesday. The panel will include Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Anurag Thakur.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for ‘One Nation One Election’ was finalised on Wednesday. The JPC will have 21 members from Lok Sabha; 10 from Rajya Sabha. The panel will include Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Anurag Thakur.
The other leaders of the panel, include Manish Tewari, Dharmendra Yadav, Kalyan Banerjee, Supriya Sule, Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Sambit Patra and Anil Baluni. The parliamentary panel is likely to be headed BJP’s PP Chaudhary, a former minister of state for law.

A long-time proponent of the Palestinian cause, Priyanka has strongly voiced her opposition to the conflict in Gaza. She was recently sporting a black-and-white keffiyeh (a traditional Palestinian headscarf) during a meeting with Palestine embassy charge d’affaires Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was seen with a bag emblazoned with “Palestine” on it, as she arrived at the Parliament today. The special bag featured a watermelon — a long-recognised motif of resistance in the region, and a dove.
A photo of Priyanka Gandhi with the bag was shared on social media by Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed.

“The Gandhi family has always been carrying the bag of appeasement. The appeasement bag is the reason behind their rout in elections,” BJP leader Sambit Patra said during a press briefing.

Priyanka Gandhi is a long-time proponent of the Palestinian cause and has strongly voiced her opposition to the conflict in Gaza.
She recently met with Palestine embassy charge d’affaires Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer. The Congress leader was seen sporting a black-and-white keffiyeh (a traditional Palestinian headscarf) during a meeting.
Earlier this year, Priyanka condemned Israel’s bombing in Gaza, calling its actions “barbaric” and “genocidal”.
“It is the moral responsibility of every right-thinking individual, including all those Israeli citizens who do not believe in hatred and violence, and every government in the world to condemn the Israeli government’s genocidal actions and force them to stop,” Gandhi had said in an X post in July.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/priyanka-gandhis-palestine-bag-turns-heads-in-parliament-bjp-reacts-article-116362916

PM Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke for over 110 minutes while participating in a two-day debate on the “Glorious Journey of 75 Years of the Constitution of India.”

The Congress on Saturday termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 11 resolutions he articulated in his speech in the Lok Sabha as “hollow” and called him a “distorian” par excellence who “puts WhatsApp University to shame.”
The opposition party also questioned why Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were not present in the House when Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi spoke while participating in a two-day debate on the “Glorious Journey of 75 Years of the Constitution of India.”

PM Modi on Saturday said the Congress, having “tasted blood,” repeatedly wounded the Constitution while his government’s policies and decisions since it took office in 2014 have been aimed at boosting India’s strength and unity in line with the Constitution.

Asked about the PM’s remarks, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra likened his over 110-minutes speech in the Lok Sabha to a “double period of mathematics” from school that “bored us.” She also slammed his 11 resolutions as “hollow”.

“PM has not spoken one thing which is new, he has bored us. It took me decades back, I felt like I’m sitting in that double period of Mathematics,” she said.

“(JP) Nadda ji was also rubbing hands but as soon as Modi ji looked at him, he started acting as if he is listening attentively. Amit Shah also had his hand on head, (Piyush) Goyal ji was going off to sleep. It was a new experience for me. I had thought that the PM will say something new, something nice,” she said.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, “Mr. Narendra Modi has an MA in Entire Political Science — whatever that means. Today in the Lok Sabha he showed that he is also a Distorian par excellence.”

“Some people lie in their self-interest, but our self-styled non-biological PM does so because it is in his very nature. He puts WhatsApp University to shame,” Mr Ramesh said.

Congress general secretary in-charge organisation K C Venugopal on X termed PM Modi’s speech a hackneyed rant against his party.

“On a debate about India’s Constitution, the PM once again decided to bring out his tired old speech about the Congress instead. While the people were expecting an answer from him on the injustice and inequality facing Indian society, he chose to bring up stale narratives against the Congress, which have lost all resonance among the public,” he said.

“An insincere PM whose political gurus rejected the Constitution since day one will never be accepted by the people as being loyal to the Constitution. No matter how many speeches he gives, his hypocrisy will be exposed,” Mr Venugopal said.

He also told reporters there was nothing new in what the PM said in the Parliament on Saturday. “It was only blame game against the Congress.”

“Whenever we talk of the Constitution they did not respect Parliament. When LoP spoke, the prime minister, home minister and defence minister were absent, either they are scared of Rahul Gandhi or they don’t believe in opposition politics,” he said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-vadra-on-pm-narendra-modis-lok-sabha-speech-on-constitution-debate-felt-like-double-period-of-maths-7251088#pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

The Court observed that Gandhi’s speech and pamphlets, alleging Savarkar was a British servant who received a pension, spread hatred in society.

A court in Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow has summoned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a complaint filed over allegedly derogatory remarks against VD Savarkar during his Bharat Jodo rally in Maharashtra last year.

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Alok Verma observed that Gandhi’s speech and pamphlets, alleging Savarkar was a British servant who received a pension, spread hatred and ill-will in society.

The Court further found a prima facie case against Gandhi was made out and thereby summoned him and directed him to appear before the Court on January 10, 2025.

Gandhi will face charges under Sections 153A (promoting enmity) and 505 (public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The Court was hearing a plea filed by advocate Nripendra Pandey.

Pandey had initially approached an Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) with an application to register a first information report (FIR) against Gandhi for his remarks on Savarkar.

Pandey raised grievance over remarks allegedly made by Rahul Gandhi on November 17 last year when her referred to Savarkar as a collaborator with the British and further stated that Sarvarkar received pension from the British.

Pandey asserted that these remarks were made with the intent of inciting hatred in society.

The complaint by Pandey also asserted that Mahatma Gandhi had previously recognized Savarkar as a patriot.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/lucknow-court-summons-rahul-gandhi-remarks-vd-savarkar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to reply to the debate on the 75th anniversary of India’s Constitution in the Lok Sabha on Saturday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to reply in the debate on the 75th anniversary of India’s Constitution in the Lok Sabha on Saturday.

The Lok Sabha began a two-day debate on December 13 to mark the start of the 75th year since the Constitution’s adoption.

On Friday, the debate saw fiery speeches from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh kicked off the discussion by highlighting the Constitution’s historical significance and its role in shaping India’s governance and its standing in the world. He reflected on the Constitution’s origins, which came from extensive deliberations, and emphasized how it mirrors India’s civilisational values. Singh also addressed recent attempts to politicise its legacy.

In a pointed remark aimed at the Congress, Singh criticised efforts to credit the creation of India’s Constitution to a specific political party. He stressed that such attempts ignored the collective contributions of many individuals and the deep-rooted connection of the Constitution to India’s cultural and civilizational values.

“There has always been an attempt by a particular party to hijack the work of Constitution making… Today I want to make it clear, that our Constitution is not the gift of a single party. The Constitution of India was made by the people of India, in accordance with the values of India… Our government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working with the spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas, our government is working in accordance with the Dharma written in the Constitution of India. Our Constitution is progressive, inclusive, transformative… This is our country where a person born in a poor family can also become the Prime Minister of the country and he can also become the President of the country,” Rajnath Singh said.

Priyanka Gandhi’s maiden speech in Parliament

Meanwhile, Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, in her maiden speech in the Lok Sabha, launched an attack on the ruling government, claiming that over the past decade, the Union government has made all efforts to dismantle the ‘kavach’ (shield).

“In the struggle of crores of Indians, in their strength to battle the toughest situations, and in their hope of justice from the country, the flame of our Constitution is burning. Our Constitution is ‘suraksha kavach’ (safety armour). Such a ‘suraksha kavach’ that keeps the citizens safe – it is a ‘kavach’ of justice, of unity, of Right to Express. It is sad that in 10 years, colleagues of the ruling side who make big claims have made all attempts to break down this ‘kavach’. The Constitution promises social, economic and political justice. These promises are a safety armour and work to break this has begun. Through lateral entry and privatisation, this government is trying to weaken reservation,” Priyanka Gandhi said.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/parliament-winter-session-pm-modi-to-participate-in-constitution-debate-in-lok-sabha-today-101734146041788.html

Businessman Manoj Parmar and his wife Neha were found hanging at their home in Madhya Pradesh’s Sehore district.

A Madhya Pradesh couple whose kids gifted their piggy banks to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during his Nyay Yatra were found hanging at their residence in Sehore district on Friday morning. The tragic incident has sparked controversy, with the family alleging that the couple faced immense stress due to the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) actions against them. Businessman Manoj Parmar and his wife, Neha, had gained public attention during Rahul Gandhi’s Nyay Yatra when his children presented a piggy bank to the Congress leader. Following this, Congress leaders allege that he was targeted by the BJP.
On December 5, the ED raided four properties linked to Parmar in Indore and Sehore as part of a money laundering probe connected to a 2017 CBI FIR. Documents detailing various movable and immovable assets were seized, and Rs 3.5 lakh in bank accounts was frozen. Parmar was also arrested in connection with a Rs 6 crore fraud case involving a nationalised bank.
Family members insist that the ED’s actions pushed the couple to their breaking point. Parmar’s brother stated that ongoing legal battles and investigations caused severe mental distress. Former Congress district president Kailash Parmar added that Manoj’s son played a significant role in Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, organising the symbolic “Gullak” (piggy bank) initiative.

Former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh accused the ED of harassment. “Manoj Parmar from Ashta, Sehore district, MP, was being harassed by the ED without any valid reason. Manoj’s children gifted a piggy bank to Rahul Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra. His house was raided by ED Assistant Director Sanjeet Kumar Sahu. According to Manoj, he was targeted because of his support for the Indian National Congress. I arranged legal assistance for him, but with great sadness, I report that Manoj and his wife tragically took their own lives this morning. I demand a fair investigation by the Director of the ED into this matter,” Singh wrote on X.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/mp-couple-whose-kids-gifted-piggy-bank-to-rahul-gandhi-found-hanging-at-home-article-116287

Delhi Assembly Elections: There was a buzz that 15 seats would be for Congress, one or two for other INDIA bloc members, and the rest for AAP

Delhi Election News: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal has said his party will fight the Delhi assembly elections alone. He rubbished the buzz about Congress and AAP being in the final stages of an agreement for an alliance in the upcoming polls.

Kejriwal said his party would “fight the election on its own strength in Delhi”. He clarified that there was “no possibility of any alliance with Congress”.

Congress and AAP are in the final stages of agreement for an alliance in the Delhi elections. 15 seats for Congress, 1-2 to other INDIA Alliance members and the rest for AAP: Sources— ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2024

With this, he ended the speculations about a possible seat-sharing formula with Congress in the elections scheduled for February, next year.

There was a buzz that 15 seats would be reserved for Congress, one or two for other INDIA bloc members, and the rest for AAP.

Kejriwal has been consistent about his stance on the poll alliance. Earlier this month, in a major jolt to the Opposition’s INDIA bloc, the former Delhi Chief Minister had ruled out any alliance with Congress for the 2025 Assembly Elections in the national capital.

The announcement came in continuation with the AAP’s move in the Haryana Assembly polls in October this year in which the party had ditched the INDIA bloc and contested the polls on its own. The AAP and Congress had attempted to forge an alliance in Haryana, however, the seat-sharing talks did not yield any conclusion.

Kejriwal’s decision also comes on the back of major poll drubbing of the Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra this month, which Congress is also a part of, drawing criticism from its allies.

Congress-AAP Alliance In Lok Sabha Polls

The Congress and AAP had contested the Lok Sabha Elections this year in Delhi in alliance with each other under the umbrella of the INDIA bloc. Both parties had even campaigned for each other. Kejriwal, who was then out on interim bail for the election campaigning, had also campaigned for the Congress and had sought votes for its Opposition party (in the Delhi Assembly).

Source : https://www.news18.com/elections/arvind-kejriwal-says-aap-to-contest-delhi-polls-alone-rubbishes-talks-of-alliance-with-congress-9152161.html

Rajya Sabha Chairman No-Confidence Motion: The resolution must secure voting by a majority of the total members of the House for passage.

The opposition parties led by Congress on Tuesday moved a no-confidence motion against Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, making it the first such action in the history of Indian Parliament.

INDIA parties alleged that the Rajya Sabha Chairman has shown “biased” treatment of the treasury benches, sidelining their demands. They claimed that the chair has favoured the ruling party during House proceedings and stifled their voice.

Both the Houses of Parliament- Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha- have witnessed regular disruption since the beginning of the winter season. While the BJP upped the ante against Congress leadership for their alleged connection with “anti-India” George Soros, the grand old party continued its tirade against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government over several issues.

Though the no-confidence motion is expected to be defeated given the strength of MPs from the ruling and opposition sides, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh announced that the motion had been submitted to the Secretary-General of the Rajya Sabha. He said that the opposition was compelled to take this step in the “interest of parliamentary democracy.”

As a no-confidence motion has been submitted against the Vice President, let’s delve into the constitutional provisions and the steps involved in the process.

RS Chairman Role & Steps For Removal

The Vice President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, tasked with presiding over the House and ensuring order in proceedings. The term of the Vice President lasts for five years but they can be re-elected.

Constitutionally, Article 67(b) deals with the framework for the removal of the Vice President from office. A resolution must be passed by the Rajya Sabha and it must get Lok Sabha’s nod to effect removal.

Grounds For Removal Of RS Chairman

The Constitution doesn’t outline any specific grounds for the removal of the Rajya Sabha Chairman and leaves it to the discretion of the members of Parliament.

A 14-day notice is mandatory before moving a resolution for the removal of the Chair, akin to the notice period an employee is required to serve in professional workplaces before leaving a firm.

The notice must clearly mention the intention of the parliamentarian behind moving the resolution against the Vice President. It must outline the reasons.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/rajya-sabha-chairman-jagdeep-dhankhar-no-confidence-motion-how-it-works-constitution-rule-provisions-9151235.html

“One nation, one election” had also figured as a promise in the Bharatiya Janata Party manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections and then in August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had urged all political parties to help realise its implementation while pointing to the challenges to India’s progress by frequent elections.

The Centre is likely to introduce the necessary Bills for the formulation of the “One nation, one election” plan in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament and according to sources it would be sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for detailed discussions since the government wants to build a consensus around it.

“One nation, one election” had also figured as a promise in the Bharatiya Janata Party manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections and then in August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had urged all political parties to help realise its implementation while pointing to the challenges to India’s progress by frequent elections. Thereafter, in September this year, the Union Cabinet had given its nod to the ‘One nation, one election’ plan by approving the report of the high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind to look into the proposition.

The committee submitted its report in March this year, just before the Lok Sabha elections were announced. The Narendra Modi government wants to build a consensus on the plan as it does not have the numbers in both Houses of Parliament to push it forth if there is opposition to it. The government therefore wants the JPC to hold discussions with all political parties and other stakeholders, including speakers of all state assemblies and intellectuals.

As per government sources, the passage of the plan would involve the passage of at least six Bills for amending the Constitution. This would require the approval of two-thirds of the members in both Houses of Parliament. However, the BJP and its NDA allies only have 112 MPs in the 245-member Rajya Sabha and 364 Lok Sabha MPs to see the proposal through. Though the Centre has been pressing for simultaneous polls on the grounds that they would result in saving time and money and prevent stalling of important works due to repeated imposition of the Model Code of Conduct, the idea has not found favour with the Opposition.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge On The Plan

When the Cabinet had approved the proposal, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge stated that “One nation, one election’ cannot work in a democracy” because “elections need to be held as and when required if we want our democracy to survive”. Terming the proposal as “just an attempt by BJP to divert attention from real issues”, Kharge had described it as “unconstitutional, not conducive for a democracy and antifederalism”. He had also stated that “the country would never accept it”.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw On ‘One Nation, One Election’

However, union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw while announcing the approval for the proposal, had said that “the youth were very much in its favour” and had added that “the Opposition might start feeling internal pressure (about one nation, one election) as more than 80 per cent of respondents who responded during the consultation process have given their positive support.”

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/delhi-centre-likely-to-introduce-bills-for-one-nation-one-election-plan-in-ongoing-winter-session

Kiren Rijiju said instead of creating scene and wasting public money, Congress should introspect on why people don’t take ‘Rahul Gandhi’ seriously.

Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Congress, saying its intentions to “destroy India and defeat PM Modi” will fail, even as the Opposition party staged a protest demanding a probe into allegations against industrialist Gautam Adani at Parliament.

Kiren Rijiju’s jibe at the Congress is the latest in the series of the war of words between the Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress over the Adani issue. The two parties have been engaged in a tussle over Gautam Adani’s US indictment and George Soros’s alleged link with Congress leaders.

Sharing a few images of Gautam Adani with Congress leaders Revanth Reddy, Ashok Gehlot, Rahul Gandhi, and Robert Vadra, Kiren Riiju asked the grand old party to focus on introspection rather than creating a scene and wasting public money.

‘Balak Buddhi’

“Instead of doing tamasha & wasting the public money, Congress should introspect as to why people are not taking ‘Balak Buddhi’ (an apparent reference to Rahul Gandhi) seriously,” the Union Minister said in a post on X.

He further said, “If Congress leaders want to destroy India to defeat PM Modi ji, they will fail. India will defeat the Anti-India forces and their Associates.

The Congress has been accusing the BJP of running away from discussions on Adani’s US indictment and other corruption charges against the industrialist.

Rijiju’s thread of X posts stemmed from his response to a jibe Congress MP Shashi Tharoor had taken on the BJP.

Citing a media report that said the US embassy had responded to BJP allegations, Tharoor posted that the ‘clearly’ the saffron party neither understands democracy nor diplomacy.

Sharpening his attack on the BJP, Tharoor said the party is so “blinded by petty politics that they forget the value of a free press and vibrant independent civil society organisations in a democracy, and they are oblivious to a ruling party’s responsibilities in maintain good relations with key foreign countries.”

“This attack-dog behavior is an embarrassment to India,” he said in December 8 X post.

Kiren Rijju hit back at the Congress MP while referring to the George Soros connection.

“No need to act, as if you are on the payroll of George Soros. Democracy and Diplomacy are for the country’s interest, not means to abuse – own country in tandem with the adverse foreign elements. Expected better from you Shashi…” Rijiju wrote.

Tharoor’s ‘old friend’

Furthermore, the BJP leader also shared a screenshot of Tharoor’s old post on X, formerly Twitter, where he called George Soros “an old friend”.

The screenshot, of a post from May 26, 2009, read, “Met old friend George Soros, upbeat abt India and curious abt our neighbourhood. He’s far more than an investor: a concerned world citizen.”

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kiren-rijijus-balak-buddhi-dig-as-rahul-gandhi-other-congress-leaders-protest-against-gautam-adani-101733800634922.html

Highlighting the achievements of prominent Indians on the global stage, Atishi said, “Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and former Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal are all Indians. World Bank President Ajay Banga is also an Indian. From top doctors to engineers, Indians are excelling in every field.”

New Delhi: A video of Delhi Chief Minister Atishi is going viral on the internet in which she can be seen referring to Satya Nadella as the CEO of Google instead of Sundar Pichai. Netizens were quick to react on the same.
BJP Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari shared the video saying, “Atishi says Satya Nadella is the CEO of Google. Even while reading from her speech, she can’t get a basic fact right. This is AAP’s education model for you!”
Another X handle, Times Algebra also shared the video with the caption, “Google’s CEO Is Satya Nadella!?”

Internet users posted several comments on the videos. One user said, “Sundar pichai crying in the corner.” Another user said, “Now they will blame the poor speech writer made for this error.”

However, the video going viral on social media platform is a chunk cut from her original address at
the ‘Excellence in Education Awards’ held at Delhi’s Thyagaraj Stadium. In the full video, she can be seen correcting herself seconds after calling Nadella the CEO of Google.
Highlighting the achievements of prominent Indians on the global stage, Atishi said, “Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and former Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal are all Indians. World Bank President Ajay Banga is also an Indian. From top doctors to engineers, Indians are excelling in every field.”
“If Indians are leading globally in various fields, why are we still a developing nation? Countries that gained Independence around the same time as India have developed because they prioritised education over infrastructure projects like flyovers and roads,” she said.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/viral/delhi-cm-atishi-called-satya-nadella-ceo-of-google-internet-is-amazed-article-116062923

Amidst the ongoing internal struggle within the TMC between veteran leaders and the younger faction, West Bengal Chief Minister and party chief Mamata Banerjee on Friday said any decision regarding her successor would be made collectively by the party leadership rather than by her personally.

New Delhi: Amid reports of fissures with the Opposition INDIA bloc over Parliament proceedings, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed dissatisfaction over the way opposition coalition was functioning. She signalled that she is ready to walk of the INDIA bloc if given a chance. Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) is a part of the Congress-led Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).
“I had formed the INDIA bloc, now it is up to those leading the front to manage it. If they can’t run the show, what can I do? I would just say that everyone needs to be taken along,” Mamata Banerjee said in an interview with Bengali news channel News 18 Bangla.
Asked why she is not taking charge of the alliance despite her credentials as a strong anti-BJP force, Banerjee said, “If given the opportunity I would ensure its smooth functioning.”

“I don’t want to go outside Bengal, but I can run it from here,” she added.

Mamata On Her Successor
Amidst the ongoing internal struggle within the TMC between veteran leaders and the younger faction, West Bengal Chief Minister and party chief Mamata Banerjee on Friday said any decision regarding her successor would be made collectively by the party leadership rather than by her personally.
In an exclusive interview with a Bengali news channel News 18 Bangla, Banerjee dismissed notions of individual dominance, asserting, “I am not the party; we are the party. It is a collective family, and decisions will be made collectively.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/will-mamata-banerjee-walk-out-of-india-bloc-bengal-cm-opens-up-article-116062462

Mamata Banerjee clarified that the TMC stands as a disciplined party where no one can dictate terms or dominate over others.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Friday that the decision on her potential successor as the leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) would be made collectively by the party and not her alone.

The remarks come amid the ongoing internal power struggle within the TMC party in West Bengal between the veteran leaders and younger factions.

In an exclusive interview with News18 Bangla, Mamata Banerjee dismissed the rumours around her dominance and said, “I am not the party, we are the party. It is a collective family, and decisions will be made collectively.”

Banerjee clarified that the TMC stands as a disciplined party where no one can dictate terms or dominate over others. “The party will decide what is best for the people. We have MLAs, MPs, booth workers, this is a joint effort,” she said.

Maintaining a balanced approach to the ongoing debate about giving more chances to the younger generation, Banerjee said, “Everyone (old and new generation leaders) is important. Today’s newcomer will be tomorrow’s veteran.”

Although the TMC has not yet announced any successor for Banerjee, the remarks came amid an ongoing debate over the old guards, considered loyal to Mamata Banerjee, versus the next-generation leaders, considered close to Abhishek Banerjee.

Abhishek Banerjee, the TMC’s national general secretary and nephew of Mamata Banerjee, is considered to be more famous than any other party leader among the youth of Bengal. He’s often criticised as well by the old guards for dictating terms within the party, according to reports.

Banerjee did not mince words when addressing the role of political consultants, taking an indirect jibe at I-PAC, which has been working as TMC’s political consultant since 2019.

Source: https://www.news18.com/politics/who-will-be-mamata-banerjees-successor-tmc-supremo-says-decision-to-be-made-by-9147995.html

Raghav Chadha requested government that it announces Bharat Ratna for Bhagat Singh.

AAP MP Raghav Chadha on Wednesday appealed to the Union government to bestow Bharat Ratna award for freedom fighter Bhagat Singh.
“I request the government that it announces Bharat Ratna for Bhagat Singh. If it happens the coming generations of this country would hail this House (Rajya Sabha),” he added.

Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda asked the government to look into the drinking water shortage in Bengaluru.

Making a special mention in the Rajya Sabha, the JD(S) leader noted that due to the water shortage, people were forced to buy water from private operators in Bengaluru.

“With folded hands, I would like to appeal to the Union government to solve this problem,” the former prime minister said.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/aap-mp-raghav-chadha-demands-bharat-ratna-for-bhagat-singh-7172435

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to nudge the United Nations to deploy a peacekeeping force in Bangladesh, even as the Bharatiya Janata Party, the main challenger to her Trinamool Congress in the state, moved to cash in on the atrocities on the minority community in the neighbouring country.

Banerjee sought Modi’s interventions to bring back the citizens of India from Bangladesh. She criticised the BJP-led government in the Centre for keeping mum on the issue for the past 10 days. She demanded that either the prime minister or External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar should brief parliament about India’s position on the current situation in Bangladesh.

The chief minister’s statement in the legislative assembly of West Bengal came on a day the Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, and other BJP leaders joined the protests by an organisation of monks near the Petrapole-Benapole land customs station on the border between India and Bangladesh against the atrocities on the Hindus in the neighbouring country.

Adhikari vowed to impose a blockade and stop the export of all essential commodities from India to Bangladesh if the interim government, led by economist Muhammad Yunus, in the neighbouring country could not stop the persecution of the Hindus. He also demanded the immediate release of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, who had been arrested by Bangladesh Police a week back and charged with sedition allegedly for disrespecting the national flag of the neighbouring country.

Banerjee said in the state assembly that it was beyond her purview to comment on India’s bilateral relations with Bangladesh.

“However, in the wake of the recent developments and the experience narrated by many people here having relatives in Bangladesh, the arrests of people, who wanted to come over to our side (India from Bangladesh), and my conversations with the ISKCON representatives here, I have to make this statement on the floor of this House,” she said, adding: “If required, let an international peacekeeping force be sent to Bangladesh after talking to the (interim) government there to help them restore normalcy.”

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/mamata-banerjee-urges-pm-modi-to-push-un-for-peacekeeping-force-in-bangladesh-bjp-slams-her-crocodile-tears-3300763

Sonia Gandhi’s idea of communication was a “sharp and serious departure from the earlier Congress culture”, Najma Heptulla says

New Delhi: After being elected president of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in 1999, Najma Heptulla rang up the then Congress chief Sonia Gandhi from Berlin to convey the news but had to hold the phone line for an hour as staff told her that “Madam is busy”.
The former deputy chairperson of Rajya Sabha, who had left the Congress after reported differences with Mrs Gandhi and joined the BJP in 2004, mentions this incident in her just-released autobiography “In Pursuit of Democracy: Beyond Party Lines”.

Ms Heptulla says the IPU presidency was a “historic first and a great honour, marking the pinnacle of my journey from the Indian parliament to the world parliamentary stage”.

First, she telephoned Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee from Berlin and he received her call instantly.

“When he heard the news, he was delighted, first because the honour had come to India, and second, it had come to an Indian Muslim woman. He said, ‘You come back and we will celebrate.’ I could also connect to the vice-presidential office instantly,” she writes.

However, when she “rang up Sonia Gandhi, Congress Party President and my leader, one of her staff first said, ‘Madam is busy.’ When I pointed out that I was calling from Berlin, an international call, he just said, ‘Please hold the line.’ I waited for one full hour. Sonia never came on the line to speak to me”.

Ms Heptulla says she was truly disappointed.

“After that call, I did not tell her anything. Before forwarding my name for the post of IPU President, I had taken her permission, and at the time, she had given her blessings,” the former governor of Manipur writes.

“If every country, culture, and family has its special moments – events so important, and somehow so personal, that they transcend the normal flow of daily life – this was one such moment for me – a moment in time of such importance that it drilled a sense of rejection in my psyche forever.

“It was, however, a rejection that proved prescient. It prophesied a time of transition, a downward spiral and crisis in the Congress that left its old-time and experienced members, who had given their all to the party, beleaguered and demoralized. A new coterie of inexperienced sycophants started running the affairs of the party,” she says.

Ms Heptulla, who was made the Union minister for minority affairs in the Narendra Modi government of 2014, says after she became the IPU president, the Vajpayee government upgraded the ranking of her office from minister of state to cabinet minister.

“Atalji allocated 1 crore in the Budget for the IPU president to travel to countries not paid for by the IPU Council. It was Vasundhara Raje who invited me and other MPs to celebrate my election as IPU President at the Parliament Annex, where we generally host all our Parliament receptions,” the book, published by Rupa, says.

“The following year, when I invited Sonia Gandhi to attend the Millennium Conference of Presiding Officers in New York, she opted out at the last minute,” Ms Heptulla writes.

In addition to her political career, Ms Heptulla authored several books and is a prominent advocate for democracy, social justice, and women’s rights.

She says that in 1998, when Sonia Gandhi donned the party mantle, “far too many layers of people sprung up between the rank and file, and the leader”.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/when-sonia-gandhi-kept-najma-heptulla-waiting-for-an-hour-over-call-from-berlin-7146407#pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

Maharashtra CM news: Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant said Eknath Shinde is not upset, and he left for in Satara district because he was down with fever and cold.

Maharashtra CM news: Caretaker Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde is not upset, and he left for his native village in Satara district because he was down with fever and cold, Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant claimed, dismissing speculation amid the suspense over the next CM’s name.

Uday Samant’s statement on Friday comes even as government formation in Maharashtra has been further delayed.

Another Shiv Sena leader, Sanjay Shirsat, said Eknath Shinde will take a big decision in the next 24 hours. He, however, claimed that the Shiv Sena chief will not take any position in the Union cabinet as his interest lies in Maharashtra politics, news agency ANI reported.

Interacting with reporters, Uday Samant said Eknath Shinde was unwell when he met Union home minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Thursday night.

A crucial meeting of the Mahayuti allies Bharatiya Janata Party, Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party was called off earlier on Friday as Eknath Shinde left for his village Dare, delaying the government formation a week after the Maharashtra assembly election results.

When asked about the meeting between Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Uday Samant replied, “If the meeting does not take place physically, it can also be held through video conference.”

“He (Shinde) is not upset. Even in Delhi, he was down with fever and cold. It will be wrong to say he has gone to Dare because he is upset,” news agency PTI quoted the Sena leader as saying.

“Anyone can face health issues, and if he has gone to a good place (for health reasons), there is no point in concluding that he is upset,” Samant added.

‘Oath-taking ceremony on December 2’
Interacting with ANI on Friday, Sanjay Shirsat said, “Yesterday the leaders of Maharashtra met at the residence of Union home minister Amit Shah…PM Modi and Amit Shah will decide who will be the next chief minister of Maharashtra. The name of the Maharashtra CM should be declared by midnight today. I have the information that the oath-taking ceremony will be on December 2,”

“Eknath Shinde will not go to Delhi. He is more interested in Maharashtra politics than Delhi politics,” he added.

The Shiv Sena leader added that whenever Eknath Shinde feels that he needs some time to think, he goes to his native village.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/maharashtra-cm-suspense-news-eknath-shinde-to-take-big-decision-today-govt-formation-devendra-fadnavis-amit-shah-101732924487602.html

Maharashtra CM news: Eknath Shinde said he has assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he will abide by the BJP’s decision on naming his successor.

Union home minister Amit Shah will meet Maharashtra’s caretaker chief minister Eknath Shinde, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis and Nationalist Congress Party’s Ajit Pawar in New Delhi on Thursday to discuss the government formation and decide the name of the chief minister.

Amid suspense over the choice of the next Maharashtra chief minister, discussions over government formation will take place in the national capital and a final decision will be taken. Ajit Pawar said he, Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde will reach Delhi on Thursday and further discussions will be held.

He said discussions will be held for the post of chief minister and two deputy chief ministers.

Ajit Pawar’s statement follows Eknath Shinde’s assurance that he has assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he will abide by the BJP’s decision on naming his successor.

Eknath Shinde’s announcement followed vociferous demands by his Shiv Sena party leaders that he continue as CM as the ruling Mahayuti alliance scored a landslide victory under his leadership.

With Shinde falling in line, the stage is set for a new government, likely headed by BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis, to be sworn in.

Addressing a packed press conference at his home in Thane, Shinde said, “There is a meeting in Delhi tomorrow with Amit bhai (Shah) and all related decisions will be taken there.” He added the modalities of forming the new government will be finalised in the meeting in Delhi.

Shinde further sai he will “fully support” BJP leadership’s decision to name the next CM, and won’t be a hurdle in the process.

“I called PM Modi and Amit Shah yesterday and told them to decide (on who will be the CM), and assured them that I will abide by whatever decision they take,” Shinde said.

“Our Shiv Sena will fully support the BJP’s decision to name the next Maharashtra CM. There is no speed breaker from our side,” Shinde said.

Swearing in on November 30 or December 1
Ajit Pawar told reporters that the new CM is likely to be sworn in either on November 30 or December 1. “There will be two deputy chief ministers in the new government,” he added.

Is Eknath Shinde upset?
Shinde rubbished reports that he was disappointed for not getting a second term as CM despite the ruling Mahayuti alliance winning a thumping victory under his leadership.

“Nobody is annoyed. We have worked as Mahayuti,” Shinde said. Asked if he was dismayed that he was not getting a second term, Shinde said, “There is no such thing. You must remember that BJP supported my tenure as CM.”

“I thank the people and voters of Maharashtra once again for this landslide victory in the recent assembly elections. I am a worker forever; for me, CM is not chief minister but common man,” he said.

The Shiv Sena chief also thanked Modi and Amit Shah for supporting him during his two-and-a-half-year tenure as chief minister.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/devendra-fadnavis-maharashtras-next-cm-amit-shahs-key-meeting-with-mahayuti-leaders-today-101732755666537.html

Khan had contested from the Versova seat with a ticket from Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) .

Former Big Boss fame actor-turned politician Ajaz Khan who has a massive following of 5.6 million on social media platform Instagram, faced a major loss in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections held on November 20. Khan managed to win just a meagre 155 votes, lesser than even NOTA (1,298) in Versova.

Khan had contested from the Versova seat with a ticket from Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) and managed to get only 155 votes.

Khan, in an audio message to DH, however, said that his purpose of fighting elections was to bring forth the problems faced by the common people.

“Whenever someone joins a political party, they try and follow their ideals, I did the same, followed Aazad’s ideals. In our party, the ground level people are less in number, this is not the end of elections. I will try and help the party however I can. I will travel to other places also if needed,” Khan said.

Khan said that people talking about his loss more than other people’s win is enough for him. “This time many people, veteran politicians who lost had more money and resources at their disposal. But everyone is discussing my loss, can’t expect more than this from Allah,” Khan said.

Khan also took to Instagram where he indirectly spoke about his defeat and called it ‘evm ka ghotala’.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/elections/maharashtra/maharashtra-assembly-elections-2024-evm-ka-ghotala-says-big-boss-fame-ajaz-khan-as-he-gets-less-votes-than-nota-3289199

Yogi Adityanath said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the past 10 years, the nation has made uninterrupted progress in security, poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, and preserving its heritage.

In a scathing attack at Samajwadi Party, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said that while the country’s heritage is represented by the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the Akhilesh Yadav-led party “true legacy” is tied to notorious figures like Khan Mubarak, Atiq Ahmed, and Mukhtar Ansari.

“In contrast, before 2014, the leaders of the opposition alliance played with national security and disrespected our heritage. Today, Ram Lalla has been enshrined in the magnificent Ram temple in Ayodhya, a sight that fills every citizen of the country with pride. This is our heritage, which has been repeatedly insulted by the people of the Samajwadi Party,” said Adityanath, according to news agency PTI.

Adityanath made the remark while addressing a rally for the bypolls on November 20.

“The Samajwadi Party’s true legacy is tied to figures like Khan Mubarak, Atiq Ahmed, and Mukhtar Ansari,” he added. Khan Mubarak, Atiq Ahmed and Mukhtar Ansari were gangsters. Later, Ahmed and Ansari joined politics.

Adityanath also claimed that the SP has strayed from the values and ideals of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia.

He said: “While significant development work is being carried out in the state, our heritage is also being honoured. Though Dr (Ram Manohar) Lohia was born in Ambedkarnagar, the Samajwadi Party has strayed far from the values and ideals upheld by him and Acharya Narendra Dev. This is why they avoid visiting the memorial of Maharaja Suheldev. They fear that doing so might alienate their Muslim vote bank”.

In Katehari, Adityanath accused the SP of “disrespecting” traditions, farmers, and youth. He pointed out the swift pace of infrastructure development across UP by his government and asserted that the state has now rid itself of mafia dominance.

He added, “Earlier, UP was synonymous with curfews and riots; now, it is defined by peace and progress.”

During the Samajwadi Party’s rule, development was limited to the Saifai family and the families of powerful mafias, Adityanath said. “The dreaded criminals responsible for the murders of BJP MLAs Krishnanand Rai and Raju Pal were once celebrated by the SP and BSP. Today, UP stands free from mafia influence and the fear they instilled,” he asserted.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/elections/up-bypolls-yogi-adityanath-says-bjp-legacy-is-ram-mandir-samajwadi-partys-linked-to-atiq-ahmed-and-mukhtar-ansari-article-115348884

When Narendra Modi took over as prime minister, he asked Tata to set up the factory in Gujarat, Pawar had claimed.

Pune: Calling NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar “owner of a fake narrative factory,” Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday sought to refute his claim that industrial projects were being taken to Gujarat from the state.

Speaking at an election rally in Baramati, Pawar had claimed that late industrialist Ratan Tata wanted the FAL and Airbus project to come up in Maharashtra, and a 500-acre plot was earmarked for it in Nagpur MIDC during the UPA government.

When Narendra Modi took over as prime minister, he asked Tata to set up the factory in Gujarat, Pawar had claimed.

“Lately, a factory of fake narrative has started, and I am surprised to see that the veteran leader from Maharashtra, Sharad Pawar, is behaving like the owner of a fake narrative factory. Pawar saheb, it is not expected from you,” said Fadnavis, speaking at a campaign rally at Chinchwad in the district.

“He is saying that businesses are not coming to Maharashtra, industrialisation is not happening in the state but in reality, Pune district is our industrial district, it is our manufacturing and IT hub and we are now transforming it into a technology hub,” the BJP leader added.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/elections/maharashtra/maharashtra-assembly-polls-2024-fadnavis-calls-pawar-owner-of-fake-narrative-factory-3265418

Jharkhand will go to polls on November 13 and 20, and results will be declared on November 23.

The ruling JMM in Jharkhand has sought President Droupadi Murmu’s intervention to ensure a level-playing field for star campaigners in the upcoming assembly polls, alleging that Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s helicopter was not allowed to take off for one-and-a-half hours in view of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state on November 4.

The JMM shot off a letter to Murmu, saying that a no-fly zone had been imposed due to PM Modi’s visit to Garhwa and Chaibasa on Monday.

“Our star campaigner Hemant Soren was scheduled to address an election meeting at 2.25 pm at Bazar Tand in Simdega after holding a meeting at Gudri in West Singhbhum at 1.45 pm.”

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to be in Chaibasa at 2.40 pm to address an election rally. The distance between Gudri and Chaibasa is 80 km while it is 90 km to Simdega. The EC had given its approval to Soren’s visit. But the CM’s helicopter was grounded for one-and-a-half hours, citing the security protocol of the prime minister,” JMM spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya said in the letter sent to the President on Monday.

Stating that the EC is a constitutional and autonomous institution, Bhattacharya said that the poll body had said that no flying zone would be declared for 15 minutes in a 50 km radius for security reasons.

However, he claimed that Soren’s helicopter was not allowed for one-and-a-half hours.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/elections/jharkhand/jharkhand-assembly-elections-2024-jmm-seeks-president-murmus-intervention-after-hemant-sorens-chopper-take-off-delayed-for-pm-modis-security-3262269

He will address the election rallies in Chaibasa and Garhwa.

Ranchi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address two rallies in poll-bound Jharkhand on Monday.

He will address the election rallies in Chaibasa and Garhwa.

“Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to arrive at Gaya airport in Bihar around 11 am and fly to Garhwa via helicopter to address a rally there,” a senior BJP leader told PTI.

After addressing the rally in Garhwa, the PM is scheduled to come to Ranchi and from there, he will travel to Chaibasa where he is scheduled to address another rally around 2.30 pm, he said.

Last week, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who is also the election-in-charge of Jharkhand, said that all arrangements have been made for the PM’s visit.

Polling for the Jharkhand assembly elections will be held on November 13 and November 20. The counting of votes will be held on November 23.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/elections/jharkhand/jharkhand-assembly-elections-2024-pm-modi-to-address-two-rallies-in-poll-bound-state-on-november-5-3260513

‘Look at her condition. She was in the BJP all her life and now she has gone to another party…‘imported ‘maal’ does not work here, only original ‘maal’ works here…and we have that,’ Sawant said while campaigning for Congress party’s Mumbaidevi candidate Amin Patel.

Mumbai: Shiv Sena leader and fashion designer Shaina N C has questioned the silence of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leadership over the “imported maal” remarks made by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant and its defence by Sanjay Raut.

Shaina N C is contesting the elections from the Mumbadevi seat of Mumbai from Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, which she joined last week after leaving BJP.

Sawant, who is the Mumbai South Lok Sabha MP and Raut, a Rajya Sabha MP, are close aides of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief and former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray.

Incidentally, both are designated Shiv Sena (UBT)’s chief spokespersons.

“Look at her condition. She was in the BJP all her life and now she has gone to another party…‘imported ‘maal’ does not work here, only original ‘maal’ works here…and we have that,” Sawant said while campaigning for Congress party’s Mumbaidevi candidate Amin Patel.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com//elections/maharashtra/maharashtra-assembly-elections-2024-shaina-n-c-questions-silence-of-mva-leaders-over-imported-maal-remark-by-arvind-sawant-3260127

Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Bruce Springsteen and even The Avengers have come out in support of Kamala Harris, while Donald Trump has the likes of Elon Musk, Kid Rock and Hulk Hogan supporting him.

Can the influence of celebrities sway voters when it comes to the US election?

With many of the biggest music and movie stars in the world backing her, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris will certainly be hoping so.

Democrats have long enjoyed a celebrity advantage, which has only grown during Republican Donald Trump’s rise in politics. However, as Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign showed, star power is not always enough.

According to a recent YouGov poll, about one in 10 Americans (11%) say a celebrity has ever caused them to reconsider their stance on a political issue, while 7% say they have supported a political candidate because of a celebrity endorsement.

As the 2024 US presidential election approaches, here are the stars backing each of the two candidates – starting with Ms Harris.

In a clip shared by Hulk star Mark Ruffalo on social media, the Avengers assembled to show their support for Ms Harris.

Black Widow actress Scarlett Johansson, Captain America star Chris Evans, and Iron Man actor Robert Downey Jr all feature in the video, along with Don Cheadle and British star Paul Bettany.

Ruffalo cited climate change, education and women’s reproductive rights among the issues voters should consider.

“We’re back,” he captioned the post. “Let’s #AssembleForDemocracy. In the #ElectionEndgame, every vote counts.”

Taylor Swift

The pop mega star confirmed her support for Ms Harris in September, posting a picture of herself holding her cat Benjamin Button – a reference to Mr Trump’s running mate JD Vance’s “childless cat lady” comments.

Swift told her 283 million followers: “I’m voting for Kamala Harris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos.”

In response, Mr Trump said Swift would “probably pay a price” for her comments.

The action movie star is a former Republican governor of California.

However, he has said he is voting for the Democrats this time, saying: “I will always be an American before I am a Republican.”

In a lengthy post on social media, Schwarzenegger said he did not “like either party right now” and that he does not “really do endorsements”, but felt he had to speak out.

He went on to harshly criticise Mr Trump for rejecting the results of the 2020 presidential vote, saying this was as “un-American as it gets”.

He ended by saying the country needs to “close the door on this chapter of American history, and I know that former President Trump won’t do that. He will divide, he will insult, he will find new ways to be more un-American than he already has been, and we, the people, will get nothing but more anger.”

Source : https://news.sky.com/story/celebrity-endorsements-and-the-us-election-will-they-make-a-difference-13245902

As many as 7,995 candidates have filed 10,905 nominations with the Election Commission (EC) for the November 20 polls, said a statement issued by the office of the state’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).

Mumbai: Nearly 8,000 candidates, including those from major political parties in ruling as well as opposition camps, have filed their nominations for the 288 assembly seats in Maharashtra at the end of the process on Tuesday.

As many as 7,995 candidates have filed 10,905 nominations with the Election Commission (EC) for the November 20 polls, said a statement issued by the office of the state’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).

Filing of nominations by candidates began on October 22 and the process ended on October 29. The verification and scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on October 30 and the last date for withdrawal of candidatures is November 4 (till 3 pm).

In 2019, a total of 5,543 nominations were received by the EC throughout the state and 3,239 candidates finally contested the assembly polls that year.

As many as 361 candidates have filed 506 nominations for the assembly elections in Nashik district. Of these, 255 candidates submitted their papers on Tuesday.

Prominent candidates include cabinet ministers Dada Bhuse (Shiv Sena) from Malegaon Outer and Chhagan Bhujbal (NCP) from Yeola, Suhas Kande (Shiv Sena) from Nandgaon, Rahul Dhikle (BJP) from Nashik East, former MLA Vasant Gite (Shiv Sena-UBT) from Nashik Central and sitting MLA Saroj Ahire (NCP) from Deolali.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/maharashtra/maharashtra-assembly-elections-2024-nearly-8000-candidates-file-nominations-for-288-maharashtra-assembly-seats-scrutiny-on-oct-30-3254210

On the last day of filing of nominations, a decision on seven seats in the ruling alliance is yet to be announced.

The assembly election in Maharashtra this year has gone off script, with no clarity on which party is contesting how many seats in the ruling alliance or the opposition front. On the last day of filing of nominations, a decision on seven seats in the ruling alliance is yet to be announced.
The image on the other side is even more blurred. The Maha Vikas Aghadi, which made headlines for weeks over its tussle over seat sharing, is yet to provide a final frame. The alliance has already gone past the 85-85-85 seat sharing.

Even so, there has been no announcement on 16 seats, while its other allies, including Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party, wait in the wings.

In the ruling alliance, the BJP, which initially said it would contest on 150 seats, announced that they would contest on 146, leaving four seats for smaller allies — the Yuva Swabhiman Party, Rashtriya Samaj Paksha, Republican Party of India (Athavale) and Jan Surajya Shakti Paksha.

But two of its members have made an appearance on the list of the Shiv Sena of Eknath Shinde — party spokesperson Shaina NC from Mumbadevi and Amol Khatal, who is the candidate for Sangamner.

That leaves 138 seats to the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party’s Ajit Pawar faction.

The Shinde faction, which earlier announced 65 candidates, announced 15 more on Monday, including Shaina NC, taking its total to 80. Like the BJP, the Sena has also given two seats out of its share to smaller parties — one each to the Jan Suraj Party and the Rajashri Shahuprakash Aghadi.

Of the 58 seats presumably left to Ajit Pawar, 51 candidates have been announced.

In the MVA, the Congress has already announced 103 candidates, the Uddhav Thackeray’s faction of Shiv Sena 87 and the NCP of Sharad Pawar 82 seats – taking the total to 272 of the state’s 288 seats.

The delay and indecision only underscores the premium placed on Maharashtra and this election, which is expected to be a referendum on the last several years of political upheaval in the state.

Maharashtra, which sends 48 members to the Lok Sabha, is next only in importance to Uttar Pradesh, which, with 80 lower house seats, is seen as the Gateway to Delhi.

Over the last two years, the state has been rocked by massive political turmoil — the split in Shiv Sena, the collapse of the MVA government and the passing of the reins of power to the BJP and the rebel faction of the Sena. It was followed by the split in the Nationalist Congress party of Sharad Pawar and the rebel faction led by Ajit Pawar joining the ruling coalition.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/on-eve-of-nominations-closure-suspense-continues-over-maharashtra-seat-division-6895418

The coastal Konkan division in Maharashtra, spread from Sindhudurg to Mumbai, also covers Palghar, Thane, Raigad and Ratnagiri districts. Voting will be held in all 288 state assembly constituencies on November 20 and results will be declared on November 23.

Mumbai: The serene coastal belt of Maharashtra, including Mumbai, offers an interesting backdrop for a showdown between Mahayuti and MVA alliances in the next month’s assembly elections, especially between two rival Shiv Senas.

The most urbanised and industrial region, including Mumbai metropolitan area, sends 75 MLAs to the assembly and 12 members to Lok Sabha.

The coastal Konkan division in Maharashtra, spread from Sindhudurg to Mumbai, also covers Palghar, Thane, Raigad and Ratnagiri districts.

Voting will be held in all 288 state assembly constituencies on November 20 and results will be declared on November 23.

In the recent Lok Sabha polls, the Mahayuti alliance of Shiv Sena, BJP and NCP bagged seven seats in the Konkan region.

The BJP triumphed in Palghar, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg and Mumbai North, while the NCP, led by Ajit Pawar, had a face-saver in Raigad where its leader Sunil Tatkare retained his seat.

The Shiv Sena won Thane, Kalyan and Mumbai North West. In the upcoming polls, former Union minister Narayan Rane, who won the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Lok Sabha seat, is set to play a crucial role for BJP in the Konkan region.

In Thane city, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Kopri-Pachpakhadi constituency, and Worli in Mumbai, where Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray seeks re-election, are poised to be pivotal battlegrounds.

The contest primarily shapes up as a rivalry between Shiv Sena factions, raising the stakes significantly.

Urban issues are at the forefront, with housing, urban poverty and infrastructure challenges dominating discussions as the region copes with rapid population growth.

The Congress’ influence has waned over the years, particularly in Mumbai, where it has ceded ground to Shiv Sena (UBT) within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).

The 75 constituencies are spread across tribal-dominated Palghar (6 seats), Thane (18), including six segments in Thane city, Mumbai (36).

Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts account for 15 constituencies. The upcoming assembly elections present a complex political landscape, marked by rivalries and shifting alliances.

The state’s electoral map also includes the districts of Vidarbha, north Maharashtra, Marathwada and western Maharashtra.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/elections/maharashtra/maharashtra-assembly-elections-2024-with-75-seats-coastal-belt-crucial-to-tilting-power-scales-in-the-state-3233829

The Election Commission of India is set to announce the dates of elections for the Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly elections on Tuesday, October 15 at 3.30 pm.

News Delhi: The Election Commission of India is set to announce the dates of elections for the Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly elections on Tuesday, October 15. The announcement on the dates of the crucial polls will be done by ECI through a press conference scheduled at 3.30 pm today.

Election Commission of India to announce the schedule for General Election to Legislative Assemblies of Maharashtra and Jharkhand 2024.

When Do Assembly Terms End For Both States?

The Maharashtra Assembly’s term is set to conclude on November 26, while on the other hand, the Jharkhand Assembly’s term will end on January 5, 2025. Maharashtra has a 288-member Legislative Assembly, while the state of Jharkhand consists an 81-seat Assembly.

The combative speeches come weeks before Maharashtra polls, which are to be held before November-end.

Playing out a clip of his taking oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister from Shivaji Park in 2019, Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday sent out both a message and a warning to his rivals as he delivered his annual Dussehra speech from the iconic Mumbai park.
A little over 10 km from the first venue, at Azad Maidan, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde delivered his Dussehra speech, comparing his former boss, Uddhav Thackeray, with the Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM, suggesting Muslim appeasement politics.

The combative speeches come weeks before Maharashtra polls, which are to be held before November-end.

Recalling his rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership in June 2022, Mr Shinde said he freed the real Shiv Sena from the clutches of those who betrayed Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideals.

“Had the uprising not been carried out by us, true Shiv Sainiks would have been humiliated and Maharashtra would have gone back many years,” said Mr Shinde, accused the previous Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government of blocking various development projects, saying that the state’s debt rose by ₹ 17,000 crore due to the arrogance and stalling of the projects.

Uddhav Thackeray, during his speech, referred to Mr Shinde-led Sena as “duplicate”.

“Ratan Tata once told me that JRD Tata trusted him after seeing his work, and then handed over his legacy. He said Balasaheb also chose you (Uddhav) after he found you trustworthy,” Mr Thackeray said, recounting a conversation with the iconic businessman who died this week, underlining his claim on the party.

Taking aim at his former ally, Mr Thackeray said the BJP should be ashamed of calling itself “Bharatiya.” He also compared it to the Kauravas, accusing it of showing arrogance.

Accusing the ruling Mahayuti alliance of building Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue for votes and said if Maha Vikas Aghadi government comes to power after the assembly polls, he will build Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Mandir in every district of the state.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/shivaji-2022-coup-in-key-sena-vs-sena-rallies-ahead-of-maharashtra-polls-6775521

Former Maharashtra Minister and senior leader of Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Baba Siddique was shot dead in Bandra East, Mumbai, on Saturday evening.

How and When the firing took place?

The Sena (UBT) chief who has been pressing his allies Congress and NCP (SP) to announce the MVA’s chief ministerial face, played a video clip of his oath-taking as chief minister in 2019, and asked the party cadres if he did not adhere to the oath.

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday said he broke off the alliance with the BJP as he did not approve of its version of Hindutva, and asked the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh whether it found today’s “hybrid” BJP acceptable.

He did not abandon the ideology of his father, Sena founder Bal Thackeray, Uddhav said, speaking at his party’s Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park here ahead of assembly elections in Maharashtra.

“I have respect for the RSS and (its chief) Mohan Bhagwat. Bhagwat says Hindus should unite for self-protection. For whom are you saying all this when the BJP government is in power for ten years and has been given another mandate? Should Hindus still feel unsafe?” Thackeray said.

“I want to tell the RSS which is entering its centenary year, have a ‘chintan shibir’ (brainstorming meet) and introspect if you agree with the present-day BJP which has become a hybrid. It has leaders from other political parties. It wants crutches of traitors to finish me off,” he further said.

“I did not give up Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideals, but only parted ways with the BJP because I don’t agree with its version of Hindutva,” said Thackeray who ended the alliance with the saffron party in 2019 and became Maharashtra chief minister with the support of Congress and undivided NCP.

Sena workers were the “wagh-nakh” (tiger-claws, a Shivaji-era weapon) he got from Bal Thackeray, Uddhav said, adding “how can they (BJP) destroy me.” “I could not have survived if you had not been with me,” he added.

Referring to Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud’s remark about being anxious as to how history would judge his tenure, Thackeray said, “You should know that the time is now. Take decisions to save democracy. Our case is still pending, and three chief justices have come and gone. I will speak after you retire.”

He was referring to the litigation related to the split in the Shiv Sena caused by Eknath Shinde’s exit in June 2022 and the fall of the Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.

The Sena (UBT) chief who has been pressing his allies Congress and NCP (SP) to announce the MVA’s chief ministerial face, played a video clip of his oath-taking as chief minister in 2019, and asked the party cadres if he did not adhere to the oath.

He then asked party workers to swear on oath again that they will stay loyal to the party’s ‘Mashal’ (flaming torch) symbol and bring a “Shiv Shahi government” as envisaged by late Bal Thackeray.

Uddhav read out the oath which said they will never allow Maharashtra to fall in the hands of the BJP.

After his government comes to power, he will construct temples of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in every district of the state, the former chief minister said, while slamming the present Eknath Shinde-led government for the “hasty construction of a statue of Shivaji” on Rajkot fort in Malvan for votes.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/maharashtra/rss-should-introspect-if-it-agrees-with-todays-hybrid-bjp-says-uddhav-thackeray-at-dussehra-rally-3230192

Speaking after the symbolic burning of Ravan’s effigy, Kejriwal praised Lord Ram’s virtues of sacrifice and righteousness, urging citizens to take inspiration from the Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas.

New Delhi: Former chief minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, attending a Ramleela event at Chirag Delhi on Saturday, emphasised Delhi government’s “commitment” to the ideals of ‘Ramrajya’.

Speaking after the symbolic burning of Ravan’s effigy, Kejriwal praised Lord Ram’s virtues of sacrifice and righteousness, urging citizens to take inspiration from the Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas.

During the event, organised by local MLA and Cabinet Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, Kejriwal highlighted the work done by the AAP government to benefit every section of the society, including free electricity, quality education, healthcare, free bus travel for women, and pilgrimage facilities for the elderly.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/delhi/delhi-govt-committed-to-ideals-of-ramrajya-arvind-kejriwal-3230190

The Haryana exit polls 2024 results predict that the Congress is expected to trounce the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Haryana, and is tipped to win close to 60 seats in the 90-seat Assembly where the majority mark is 46.

C-Voter Haryana Exit Poll Result 2024: According to C-Voter, the Congress is projected to win 50-58 seats, while the BJP is expected to win 20-28 seats. The exit poll gives 0-2 seats for JJP+ and none for INLD+ and AAP. It predicts Others to win 10-14 seats.

Peoples Pulse Exit Poll Results: According to this exit poll survey, the Congress is predicted to win 49 seats, while it gives the BJP 24 seats. It has predicted one seat for JJP+ and none for INLD+ and AAP. The survey expects Others to get 16 seats.

P-Marq Haryana Exit Polls Results 2024: According to P-Marq, the Congress will come to power in Haryana with 56 seats, while the BJP will win 31. It gives zero seats to JJP+, INLD+ and AAP, while giving three seats to Others.

Dainik Bhaskar Exit Polls Results for Haryana: The Dainik Bhaskar exit poll has predicted 44-54 seats for the Congress and 19-29 seats for the BJP. The survey expects 0-1 seat for JJP+ and 1-5 seats for INLD+. According to the Dainik Bhaskar exit poll, the AAP may win at the most one seat in Haryana.

DHRUV Haryana Exit Poll Results 2024: As per the exit polls conducted by DHRUV in Haryana, the Congress is expected to win 57 seats in the state, while the BJP is tipped to win 27. It has predicted zero seats for JJP+, INLD+, and AAP. The survey predicts six seats for Others.

Matrize Exit Poll Results 2024 for Haryana: Matrize predicts 55-62 seats for the Congress and 18-24 seats for the BJP. It has predicted 0-3 seats for JJP+, 3-6 seats for INLD+, and 2-5 for Others. The Matrize survey has predicted zero seats for the AAP in Haryana.

Bhupinder Singh Hooda to be Haryana CM?

Commenting on the exit poll results, Congress leader and former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the people of Haryana have decided to bring the grand old party to power.

“People have made their minds to bring the Congress to power. The BJP has not done anything for Haryana. There was no law and order in Harayana under the BJP. Sometimes, exit polls are right and sometimes they are wrong… Congress is going to form the government,” Hooda told News18.

Source : https://www.news18.com/elections/haryana-exit-poll-2024-result-will-bjp-clinch-hat-trick-or-will-congress-return-after-10-years-9074480.html

At least 415 candidates, including former deputy Chief Ministers Tara Chand of Congress and Muzaffar Hussain Beig, are contesting in the third phase. Mock polling also took place at various polling booths before the start of the polls.

The polling for the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections has begun on Tuesday, with people queueing up at a polling station across 40 constituencies in seven districts of the Union Territory.

The polls began at 7 am on Tuesday and will conclude at 6 pm. Voting will take place in 24 constituencies in the Jammu division and 16 constituencies in Kashmir amid strong security to ensure a smooth and peaceful polls.

Democratic Progressive Azad Party Chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad was seen casting his vote at a polling station in Jammu. Earlier, he appealed to the people of the region to come out and cast their votes during the polls.

“I appeal to people to come out and vote. The political party that comes to power should resolve the issues. I will not speak against or in favour of any party. Voters will decide whether (majority) will be given to a single party or not,” Nabi Azad said.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/jk-elections-2024-voting-for-final-phase-of-polls-begins-40-constituencies-to-vote-amid-tight-security

With American support for Ukraine at a partisan crossroads, Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday slammed suggestions that Kyiv should cede territory for the sake of peace with Moscow as “dangerous and unacceptable.”

The Democratic presidential nominee spoke alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as she unleashed the veiled criticism of Republican candidate Donald Trump’s push for Ukraine to quickly cut a deal to end the war.

“They are not proposals for peace,” Harris said. “Instead they are proposals for surrender.”

Her comments were a reminder of the high stakes for the war effort in this year’s election. Trump, for his part, has criticized U.S. assistance for Ukraine, praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and faulted Zelenskyy for the ongoing bloodshed.

Trump said he will meet with Zelenskyy in New York on Friday after days of questions over whether the two leaders will sit down together. He rejected Harris’ criticisms and insisted that he only wants to stop the “horror show that’s gone on.”

Asked if Ukraine should give up territory, Trump said “we’ll see what happens” and “we need peace.”

Among the prominent candidates are former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah from both Budgam and Ganderbal seats, Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina from Nowshera assembly seat and Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hamid Karra from Central-Shalteng seat.

Voting for the second phase of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir began on Wednesday morning. Over 25 lakh eligible voters will seal the fate of 239 candidates across 26 constituencies in six districts of the Union Territory

Among the prominent candidates are former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah from both Budgam and Ganderbal seats, Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina from Nowshera assembly seat and Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hamid Karra from Central-Shalteng seat.

Raina offered prayers at Thakurdwara Temple ahead of the second phase of Assembly elections.

“I hope that there will be good voting and new records of voting will be set. This is a matter of joy for democracy. I urge the people of J&K to vote freely and without fear. Vote for strengthening the democracy, for a new and happy Jammu & Kashmir,” Raina said.

Atishi is the youngest leader to become Delhi’s Chief Minister

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi today took oath as the new Chief Minister of Delhi, days after Arvind Kejriwal got bail in the Delhi liquor policy case and announced his resignation. Atishi is the youngest leader to become Delhi’s Chief Minister.

Before she took oath, she and AAP leaders who are part of her cabinet met Mr Kejriwal.

Mukesh Ahlawat, a first-time MLA from Sultanpur Majra, is the face in Atishi’s cabinet. The others are Gopal Rai, Imran Hussain, Kailash Gahlot and Saurabh Bharadwaj. All of them took oath as new ministers.

The oath ceremony was a low-key event as the mood in the AAP is not upbeat due to Mr Kejriwal’s resignation.

“It is an emotional moment for me as he (Arvind Kejriwal) will not be the Chief Minister. He understood the pain of every person. He ensured free treatment for people, worked to improve the lives of the students of government schools, brought the provision of free bus rides for women,” Atishi said.

“I assure you that since Kejriwal has come out of jail now, we will not let any conspiracy of the BJP succeed,” she added.

Atish is Delhi’s third woman Chief Minister after Sushma Swaraj of the BJP and Sheila Dikshit of the Congress. The Kalkaji MLA held multiple portfolios in the previous Arvind Kejriwal government.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday appealed to the agitating doctors, who had arrived at her residence for talks, to join the meeting, amid their demand for live-streaming of the discussions.

“I would request you all to come inside and attend the meeting. As the matter is before the court, we cannot allow live streaming. I will video-record the meeting and will provide you with a copy only after permission from the Supreme Court,” she said, while appealing to students to come inside and not to get drenched in rain.

“Today, you said that you want a meeting, so I have been waiting. Why are you people insulting me like this? Please don’t insult me like this. Earlier on the three occasions, I have been waiting but you people didn’t come,” she said.

Banerjee was seen waiting at her residence to meet the delegation of protesting junior doctors. On the other hand, the doctors who reached the CM’s residence, claimed that they are waiting for the chief minister to meet the delegation, sources said.

According to photographs and information shared by the state secretariat Nabanna, Banerjee along with DGP Rajeev Kumar and Chief Secretary Manoj Pant were waiting at her residence for the junior doctors to join the meeting.

Meanwhile, students claimed that they demanded live-streaming or video recording of the meeting, but just like Thursday the demand is not being accepted by the authorities.

“We requested for live streaming of this meeting. The Chief Secretary said live streaming is not possible as it is CM’s residence. We told the Chief Secretary that we want live streaming so that transparency is maintained. We also said please consider our videographer so that he can record the meeting. But CM’s security was shooting the video and they said it is for security reasons. We want live streaming so that proper transparency of this discussion and meeting is maintained and other junior doctors present at the protest site can also know what happened in this meeting. That’s why we are waiting in front of the main gate of CM residence as we want live streaming of this meeting,” the junior doctors said.

Banerjee-Doctors’ meeting
Banerjee scheduled a meeting with protesting junior doctors at her residence on Saturday to hold talks to resolve the RG Kar hospital impasse. Only 15 members from the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front were allowed to attend the meeting with the chief minister.

The doctors welcomed the visit of Banerjee at the protest site and said they were more than willing to hold talks with adequate representation and proper transparency.

“We saw that the meeting was called in her residence. We will go there and come back here then inform you all,” one of the doctors, who were part of the protest said.

Doctors’ email to Bengal CM
The doctors earlier in an email told Bengal chief minister that they want another meeting with her hours after she made a surprise visit to the site where they were protesting but demanded another meeting with her.

“We are more than willing to have a discussion in your esteemed presence with adequate representations and proper transparency as agreed by both the parties,” the doctors said in an emailed statement.

They said that they take Mamata Banerjee’s visit as an ‘exceptional goodwill gesture’ and a ‘welcome step’. They said the meeting will bring ‘collective clarity of our five point demands for which we have been protesting peacefully for the last thirty five days’.

“We are more than willing to have a discussion in your esteemed presence with adequate representations and proper transparency as agreed by both the parties. We are eagerly awaiting for your positive response to end this impasse,” West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front said.

Mamata’s surprise visit at protest site
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee earlier today, made a surprise visit to the site where the junior doctors were protesting, and assured them that she would look into their demands and take action if anyone was found guilty.

She addressed the protesting doctors amid chants of “we want justice” outside the Swasthya Bhawan in Salt Lake, and said that she had been spending sleepless nights because the medics were agitating on the road amid rains and described her visit as the “last attempt” to resolve the crisis.

Banerjee assured the protesting doctors that she would not take any action against them as she did not believe in suppressing a democratic movement as “Bengal is not Uttar Pradesh”.

However, after she left the site, the agitating doctors said they were not ready to compromise on their demands till discussions were held, indicating no immediate breakthrough in the impasse.

Accompanied by DGP Rajiv Kumar, Banerjee reached the site in Sector 5 around 1 pm, taking those present there by surprise.

“I came to meet you as your ‘didi’ (elder sister) not as the chief minister,” she said.

“I assure you that I will study your demands and take action if someone is found guilty,” she added.

Urging the protesting doctors to return to work, Banerjee said would never allow any injustice to them.

“This is my last attempt to resolve the crisis,” she said.

“If you wish to return to work, I promise you to consider your demands sympathetically. I do not run the government alone. I will discuss your demands with the chief secretary, home secretary, and the DGP,” she said.

Source: https://www.news18.com/politics/protesting-junior-doctors-thank-cm-mamata-for-protest-site-visit-but-demand-transparent-meeting-9051104.html

Earlier, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, intensified criticism against BJP MP Kangana Ranaut on Monday, condemning her recent comments on the farmers’ protest.

A clarification by the BJP accompanied the reproof: Kangana Ranaut’s remark does not represent the party’s views and the BJP expresses disagreement with it.

Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut has been reprimanded by the BJP leadership after her remarks on the farmers’ protest triggered controversy. A clarification accompanied the reproof – Kangana Ranaut’s comments do not represent the party’s views, the BJP declared today.
The BJP’s disapproval came a day after the 38-year-old BJP MP suggested that the farmers’ protest could have led to a Bangladesh-like crisis in India if not for the strong steps taken by the government.

“Kangana Ranaut is not authorised to speak on policy matters on behalf of the party and has not been given permission to do so. The BJP has directed Ms Ranaut to refrain from making such statements in the future,” the BJP said in a statement.

Earlier, BJP leaders in Haryana and Punjab also advised the MP from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi to refrain from making inflammatory comments. “It is not Kangana’s department to speak on farmers, Kangana’s statement is personal. PM Modi and the BJP are farmer-friendly. The Opposition parties are working against us and Kangana’s statement is doing the same. She should not make such statements, on sensitive or religious issues, religious organisations,” Punjab BJP leader Harjit Grewal said.

Her comments also drew a response from the Congress with leader Randeep Surjewala asking the BJP leader to “get well soon”. Mr Surjewalal, who is campaigning in poll-bound Haryana that witnessed year-long farmers’ protest, asked, “Were these just Kangana’s words or did someone else copy them? If not, then why is the BJP silent on the issue?”

Ms Ranaut, known for her provocative remarks, has been a strong critic of the farmers’ protest against the now-repealed three farm laws.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/shes-not-authorised-bjp-on-kangana-ranauts-farmers-protest-remarks-6421584#pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

He also questioned JD(S) leader and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy about the source of his family’s wealth and said he could not have made thousands of crores through farming.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday termed the opposition BJP and JD(S)’ ongoing ‘padayatra’ against alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority site allotment scam, seeking to corner the Congress government and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, as a march for “redemption from their sins”.
He also questioned JD(S) leader and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy about the source of his family’s wealth and said he could not have made thousands of crores through farming.

“BJP-JD(S) padayatre is a “Paapa Vimochana Padayatre” (a foot march for redemption from their sins)… it is the march of the corrupt, by the corrupt and for the corrupt,” Mr Shivakumar said.

Speaking at the ‘Janandolana’ event, a public meeting by the Congress to counter BJP-JD(S)’ padayatra, he accused BJP leaders and their family, Mr Kumaraswamy and his JDS leaders and their families of indulging in corruption.

The week long ‘Mysuru Chalo padayatre’ by BJP and JD(S) from Bengaluru that began on Saturday is against the alleged fraudulent allotment of sites to land losers by MUDA, including Siddaramaiah’s wife Parvathi.

Noting that he runs a business along with farming, Mr Shivakumar said while Mr Kumaraswamy has clearly said he is the son of the soil and does only farming. “Did he make thousands of crores of wealth just by growing potatoes and onions?” He also sought to know about Mr Kumaraswamy’s elder brother H D Balakrishna Gowda, a retired KAS officer, and his family’s assets.

“Kumaranna (Kumaraswamy), you can discuss my assets. Start from the first, your brother — Balakrishna Gowda, his wife, her father and family — in Mysuru, Srirangapatna and Bengaluru. Also their benamis. How much land is in their name, you have to answer it. A government employee, how many thousand crores is he worth?” he asked.

Averring that he hasn’t yet spoken about the alleged denotification and mining scams involving Mr Kumaraswamy, the Deputy CM said, “I am yet to release your family’s assets, but I will soon….” JD(S) won 136 seats under his presidency, but JD(S) secured only 19 seats inder Kumaraswamy, SMr hivakumar said.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/did-you-make-crores-by-growing-onions-dk-shivakumar-jabs-union-minister-hd-kumaraswamy-6262790

The political warfare over the Ayodhya rape case took another turn after Akhilesh Yadav’s party demanded a narco test for Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya.

The political slugfest between the Samajwadi Party and the Bharatiya Janata intensified on Saturday after the authorities took ‘bulldozer action’ against the main accused, a SP functionary, in a rape case in Ayodhya.

Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya accused the Samajwadi Party of trying to “protect rapists” after Akhilesh Yadav’s uncle Shivpal Singh Yadav demanded that the accused as well as the deputy CM undergo a narco test.

Moid Khan, who runs a bakery in Bhadarsa Nagar of Purakalandar police station area of the district, and his employee Raju Khan were arrested on July 30 for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl two months ago and recording the act.

The horrific incident came to light when a medical examination revealed that the victim was pregnant. BJP leaders, including chief minister Yogi Adityanath, have alleged that Khan is a member of the Samajwadi Party and is part of the team of Faizabad MP Awadhesh Prasad.

Ayodhya rape case: Top updates

• After BJP’s allegations regarding the accused, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said, “Without a DNA test in the Bhadarsa case of Ayodhya, BJP’s allegation will be considered biased.”
• BJP and UP deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya attacked the Samajwadi Party for trying to “protect paedophiles” as leaders of the INDIA bloc “remain silent” over the issue. “It is the Samajwadi Party’s innate nature to protect rapists,” Maurya said in an X post.
• “If the rapist is a Muslim, then the entire Saifai family puts its weight to save him. The SP will be wiped out,” the deputy CM further said.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sp-bjp-spar-over-ayodhya-rape-case-shivpal-yadav-demands-deputy-cms-narco-test-top-updates-101722729937797.html

The Karnataka deputy chief minister said opposition leaders are shying away from taking responsibility for the scams that took place during their tenure.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar stated on Friday that there is a conspiracy hatched against him to put him in prison.

Speaking to reporters, after the ‘Jan Andolan Sabha’ organised to counter BJP’s ‘padayatra’ at Bidadi on the outskirts of Bengaluru, Mr Shivakumar said, “I am aware of it. Let them do it. I am ready to face the consequences. Many leaders with my nature and ability will emerge in the Congress party.”

“I will start revealing the scams committed by State President BY Vijayendra. If he has the capacity, let him give the particular incident of my indulgence in corruption. I respect him as the state President of a party. If he has strength, let him explain in detail. On what basis will he call me the father of corruption?” Mr Shivakumar said.

He asked: “Does he know anything about my cases? Does he know about the case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in which I had to go to jail? Your father (former CM BS Yediyurappa) gave permission for the IT in the case. Do you know that the case got quashed in the Supreme Court? There are cases against you, why is permission not given in those cases for prosecution? I will talk about all that later.”

“Who should claim the responsibility for the scam that took place during their tenure? People have elected us. We have to tell people to ask questions to the BJP and Janata Dal(Secular) when they take up a ‘padayatra’ (foot march). Let them answer,” he stated.

Addressing the Jan Andolan Sabha’ that began in Bidadi on Friday, Mr Shivakumar stated that corrupt people are conducting the ‘padayatra’ for other corrupt people. “I congratulate the BJP and JD(S) leaders for giving us the opportunity to organise this sacred public agitation. If you had not organised this ‘padayatra’ and if the Janata Dal had not merged with the BJP, we would not have been able to fight this battle,” he said.

Ashwini Vaishnaw’s reaction came after the opposition parties questioned whether he is a rail minister or a “reel minister.”

Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, while addressing the Lok Sabha on Thursday, lost his cool with opposition members. “Chup baitho (be quiet). We are not just people who make reels, we are people who work hard,” he said.

Vaishnaw’s reaction came after the opposition INDIA bloc criticised him for arriving at the accident site on a motorcycle, questioning whether he was a rail minister or a “reel minister.”

He said that safety measures were neglected during the Congress regime and that the Opposition consistently seeks to politicise the issue.

“Those who are shouting here should be asked why they failed to install Automatic Train Protection (ATP) even for 1 km during their 58 years in power. Today, they have the audacity to raise questions,” said the railway minister.

In a veiled attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the Union railway minister said that those busy making reels with locomotive drivers accomplished nothing during their tenure. He was referring to Rahul Gandhi’s visit to loco pilots in Delhi on July 7.

During his speech, Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) member Hanuman Beniwal called him a “reel minister” and a “derail minister.”

However, in his response, Vaishnaw turned and sharply told Beniwal to “please sit down (chup baitho).” He then addressed the Opposition MPs, saying, “Chup baitho (be quiet). We are not just people who make reels, we are people who work hard,” he said.

Taking a jibe at the previous Congress-led UPA regime, Vaishnaw said that the annual average number of accidents was 171, which has decreased by 68 per cent during the 10 years of the BJP government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/chup-baitho-ashwini-vaishnaw-loses-cool-in-lok-sabha-101722528017672.html

Nitin Gadkari said levying GST on life insurance premiums amounts to taxing the uncertainties of life.

The Congress on Wednesday attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over union minister Nitin Gadkari’s letter to finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, claiming it was a sign of internal dissent and rumblings against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his letter, Gadkari urged his cabinet colleague to withdraw the 18 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) on life and medical insurance premiums.

In the letter, Gadkari raised concerns of the Nagpur Division Life Insurance Corporation Employees Union, which had submitted to him a memorandum regarding the issues of the insurance industry. He said levying GST on life insurance premiums amounts to taxing the uncertainties of life.

“The Union feels that the person who covers the risk of life’s uncertainties to give protection to the family should not be levied tax on the premiums to purchase cover against this risk,” he wrote.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh took a swipe at the BJP over the letter.

“Nitin Jairam Gadkari’s letter to the FM on the Budget is a sure sign of internal dissent and rumblings against the non-biological PM,” he wrote on X.

In his letter, Gadkari asked Sitharaman to roll back the tax as it becomes cumbersome for the senior citizens.

“You are requested to consider the suggestion of withdrawal of GST on life and medical insurance premium on priority as it becomes cumbersome for the senior citizens,” Nitin Gadkari wrote.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/congress-takes-dissent-rumblings-jibe-at-pm-modi-over-nitin-gadkaris-letter-to-fm-nirmala-sitharaman-101722440402596.html