News Analysis India

Category: Nation

  • ‘People’s PMO, Not Modi’s PMO’: PM Voices Agenda In Inaugural Address |

    New Delhi: Asserting that every moment of his life is devoted to the progress of the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday laid thrust on value addition while reaching goals and said his office should be “people’s PMO and cannot be Modi’s PMO”.

    In his first address to the officials of PMO after assuming office of the Prime Minister for the third time, PM Modi also laid thrust on firm resolve and hard work to achieve targets.

    “Ten years ago the image in our country was that PMO is a power centre, a very big power centre and I was not born for power. I do not think of acquiring power. For me, it is neither my wish nor my path that PMO should become a power centre. The steps we have taken since 2014, we have tried to develop it as a catalytic agent,” he said.

    “Our aim is to keep generating new energy from here that provides new light to the whole system…PMO should be people’s PMO and it cannot be Modi’s PMO,” he added.
    The Prime Minister said he is dedicated to the welfare of 140 crore citizens.

    “There is no one in my heart other than 140 crore Indians. They are not just people but a form of the Almighty. When I take any decision in the government, I believe that with this, I have worshipped the 140 crore countrymen,” he said.

    PM Modi laid thrust on India becoming a developed country by 2047.

    “Together we have just one goal -Nation First; just one intention – 2047 Viksit Bharat. I have said this publically, mera pal pal desh ke naam hai. I have also promised the country – 24 X7 for 2047. I have such expectations from the team…fulfilling the task on time is a good thing, not complete, I still want to look for value addition…if we work with this aim, I am fully aware that we can fulfil our dreams and aspirations,” he said.

    “We are not the people for whom office starts at this time and ends at this time…we are not bound by time, we have no limits to our thinking…. Those who are beyond this are my team and the country trusts that team,” he added.
    President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Narendra Modi followed by other members of his team of ministers on Sunday.

    The oath ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan was attended by leaders from India’s neighbourhood and Indian Ocean region. 

  • BL Verma: The LIC Agent Who Became a Minister in Modi’s Government |

    A total of 72 MPs have taken oath as Union Ministers in the newly inducted cabinet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. One of them is BL Verma- a former Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) agent who rose to prominence within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and eventually became a minister in Narendra Modi’s government. This journey from a modest professional background to a significant political figure underscores the transformative potential of dedication, strategic acumen, and unwavering loyalty. Verma’s ascent is not just a personal triumph but also a testament to the intricate and often surprising pathways of political careers in India.

    The Rise of BL Verma

    BL Verma’s political journey began in the Badaun district of Uttar Pradesh, where he was born and raised. His early years were marked by a typical rural upbringing, deeply rooted in the values and traditions of his community. However, it was his affiliation with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1979 that set the stage for his future political endeavors. The RSS, known for its disciplined approach and nationalist ideology, provided Verma with a platform to engage in grassroots activities and hone his organizational skills.

    From LIC Agent to Politician

    Before immersing himself fully in politics, Verma worked as an LIC agent, a role that brought him into close contact with various strata of society. This experience not only enhanced his understanding of the socio-economic challenges faced by ordinary citizens but also helped him build a network of contacts and supporters. His transition from an LIC agent to a political leader was facilitated by his growing involvement with the RSS and the BJP, where his dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed.

    Joining the RSS in 1979

    Verma’s association with the RSS in 1979 marked a turning point in his life. The organization, known for its emphasis on discipline and service, provided him with a robust ideological foundation and a network of like-minded individuals committed to the cause of nation-building. His active participation in RSS activities laid the groundwork for his future roles within the BJP, as he gradually took on more responsibilities and leadership positions.

    Roles in BJP

    Over the years, Verma’s political career within the BJP saw a steady rise. In 1980, shortly after joining the BJP, he was appointed as the General Secretary of the BJP district youth committee. This early responsibility allowed him to demonstrate his organizational abilities and commitment to the party’s ideals. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he held various positions, each contributing to his growing stature within the party. His roles ranged from district-level leadership to significant state-level positions, reflecting the trust and confidence placed in him by the party leadership.

    Ministerial Roles

    Verma’s first significant ministerial role came in 2012 when he joined the Union Cabinet. His portfolio included critical areas such as cooperation and the development of the North Eastern Region, highlighting the trust placed in him by the party leadership. His work in these areas was marked by a focus on inclusive development and regional integration, aligning with the broader objectives of the Modi government. His reappointment in Modi 3.0 as a Minister of State underscores his continued importance within the cabinet and the strategic role he plays in the party’s plans.

    Association with Kalyan Singh

    One of the pivotal influences on Verma’s career was his association with Kalyan Singh, a prominent BJP leader and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. Verma’s close relationship with Singh, known for his leadership of the Lodhi community, provided him with invaluable mentorship and political insights. When Singh left the BJP to form the Rashtriya Kranti Party, Verma followed him, serving as the state president of the new party. This loyalty and commitment were rewarded when he returned to the BJP with Singh, eventually becoming the state vice president.

    Influence Among Lodhi Voters

    Verma’s leadership and influence are particularly significant within the Lodhi community, a substantial voter base in Uttar Pradesh. His ability to mobilize support among Lodhi voters has been a critical factor in the BJP’s electoral strategies in the region. This influence was further cemented after the death of Kalyan Singh, as Verma emerged as a key leader within the community. His role in maintaining and expanding this support base is seen as crucial for the BJP’s electoral prospects in the state.

    Second Term in the Cabinet

    The decision to reappoint Verma in Modi’s cabinet for a second consecutive term highlights his strategic importance to the party. This move was particularly significant following the BJP’s loss of the Lok Sabha seat in Badaun, as it ensured continued representation and influence for the region at the national level. Verma’s reappointment reflects the party’s confidence in his ability to deliver and his critical role in their broader political strategy.

    Strategic Importance

    Verma’s inclusion in the Modi cabinet is not merely symbolic but a strategic decision aimed at strengthening the party’s position in Uttar Pradesh. His leadership within the OBC and Lodhi communities is seen as vital for the BJP’s efforts to consolidate its support base and prepare for future electoral battles. This strategic importance is underscored by his involvement in planning and executing the party’s strategies for the upcoming assembly elections in 2027.

    BJP’s Performance in Elections

    The BJP’s performance in recent elections, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, has had its share of challenges and triumphs. Verma’s role in these electoral battles has been significant, both in terms of mobilizing support and providing strategic insights. His reappointment to the cabinet is a recognition of his contributions and an indication of the critical role he is expected to play in future elections.

    Challenges and Achievements

    Like any political leader, Verma’s journey has been marked by both challenges and achievements. From navigating the complexities of party politics to addressing the needs and aspirations of his constituents, his career reflects a blend of resilience and adaptability. His achievements, particularly in terms of policy implementation and community mobilization, have been noteworthy, contributing to his reputation as a dedicated and effective leader.

    BJP’s Future Plans

    Looking ahead, Verma’s role in the BJP’s future plans is expected to be significant. His strategic insights and leadership abilities will be crucial as the party prepares for the upcoming assembly elections and other political challenges. His ability to mobilize support and build alliances will continue to be a key asset for the party.

    Conclusion

    BL Verma’s journey from an LIC agent to a minister in Modi’s government is a compelling narrative of dedication, strategic acumen, and the transformative potential of political engagement. His rise within the BJP, marked by significant roles and responsibilities, underscores his importance to the party and his influence within the Lodhi community. As the BJP navigates the complexities of Indian politics, leaders like Verma will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the party’s future and its efforts to achieve its political objectives.

    FAQs
    Who is BL Verma?

    BL Verma is a BJP leader from Uttar Pradesh who has served as a minister in Narendra Modi’s government. He is known for his association with the RSS and his leadership within the Lodhi community.

    What was BL Verma’s profession before entering politics?

    Before entering politics, BL Verma worked as an LIC agent.

    When did BL Verma join the RSS?

    BL Verma joined the RSS in 1979.

    What roles has BL Verma held in the BJP?

    Verma has held various roles in the BJP, including General Secretary of the BJP district youth committee, State Minister, regional president of Braj, and state vice president.

    What is BL Verma’s influence among Lodhi voters?

    BL Verma is a significant leader within the Lodhi community, and his influence is seen as crucial for the
     

  • Modi 3.0 Cabinet Portfolio Allocation Full List: From Finance To Home, Check Who Got What |

    A day after the swearing-in ceremony of the National Democratic Alliance cabinet including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the central government will today allocate portfolios to its ministers. The BJP is likely to retain key ministries like Home Ministry, Finance, External Affairs and Defence. The NDA allies like the JDS, JDU, LJP-RV and Shiv Sena have also likely to get their fare share of the ministries as per the alliance deal. 

    President of India Droupadi Murmu administered oath of office to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and 71 Ministers at Rashtrapati Bhawan yesterday in presence of some global leaders and people from all walks of life who were invited to the grand ceremony.

    The new Modi 3.0 Cabinet includes 30 Cabinet Ministers, five Ministers of State with Independent Charge, and 36 Ministers of State. PM Modi is the second Prime Minister after Jawaharlal Nehru to serve three consecutive terms. The key faces in the Modi cabinet include Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Piyush Goyal, Nirmala Sitharaman, Nitin Gadkari, S Jaishankar while allies who got Cabinet Minister berths include H. D. Kumaraswamy (JDS), Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu (TDP), Chirag Paswan (LJP-RV) and Jitan Ram Manjhi (HAM) and Lalan Singh (JDU).

    Of all the allies of the NDA, only NCP-Ajit Pawar was left out of the cabinet as the party rejected the offer of Minister of State with Independent Charge saying it would be a demotion for its candidate Praful Patel. Patel had earlier served as cabinet minister in the UPA government. The BJP has assured the NCP of resolving the issue in the coming days.

    Since the first meeting of the Union Cabinet is likeky to be held this evening, it’s being speculated that the cabinet portfolio allocation will be cleared before the meeting. Induction of Rajya Sabha MPs like JP Nadda, Nirmala Sitharaman and S Jaishankar show that these leaders are likely to get big responsibilities.

    Below is the full list of the minister and their cabinet portfolio:

    (**This list will be updated once portfolios are allocated)




    Minister


    Portfolio


    Party




    Narendra Modi


    Prime Minister


     




    Cabinet Ministers




    Raj Nath Singh


     


     




    Amit Shah


     


     




    Nitin Jairam Gadkari


     


     




    Jagat Prakash Nadda


     


     




    Shivraj Singh Chouhan


     


     




    Nirmala Sitharaman


     


     




    Subrahmanyam Jaishankar


     


     




    Manohar Lal


     


     




    H. D. Kumaraswamy


     


     




    Piyush Goyal


     


     




    Dharmendra Pradhan


     


     




    Jitan Ram Manjhi


     


     




    Rajiv Ranjan Singh


     


     




    Sarbananda Sonowal


     


     




    Dr. Virendra Kumar


     


     




    Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu


     


     




    Pralhad Joshi


     


     




    Jual Oram


     


     




    Giriraj Singh


     


     




    Ashwini Vaishnaw


     


     




    Jyotiraditya M. Scindia


     


     




    Bhupender Yadav


     


     




    Gajendra Singh Shekhawat


     


     




    Annpurna Devi


     


     




    Kiren Rijiju


     


     




    Hardeep Singh Puri


     


     




    Mansukh Mandaviya


     


     




    G. Kishan Reddy


     


     




    Chirag Paswan


     


     




    C R Patil


     


     




    Ministers of State (Independent Charge)




    Rao Inderjit Singh


     


     




    Dr. Jitendra Singh


     


     




    Arjun Ram Meghwal


     


     




    Jadhav Prataprao Ganpatrao


     


     




    Jayant Chaudhary


     


     




    Ministers of State




    Jitin Prasada


     


     




    Shripad Yesso Naik


     


     




    Pankaj Chaudhary


     


     




    Krishan Pal


     


     




    Ramdas Athawale


     


     




    Ram Nath Thakur


     


     




    Nityanand Rai


     


     




    Anupriya Patel


     


     




    V. Somanna


     


     




    Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani


     


     




    SP Singh Baghel


     


     




    Sobha Krandlaje


     


     




    BL Verma


     


     




    Shantanu Thakur


     


     




    Suresh Gopi


     


     




    Dr L Murugan


     


     




    Ajay Tamta


     


     




    Bandi Sanjay Kumar


     


     




    Kamlesh Paswan


     


     




    Bhagirath Choudhary


     


     




    Satish Chandra Dubey


     


     




    Sanjay Seth


     


     




    Ravneet Singh


     


     




    Drugadas Uikey


     


     




    Raksha Khadse


     


     




    Sukanta Majumdar


     


     




    Savitri Thakur


     


     




    Tokhan Sahu


     


     




    Raj Bhushan Choudhary


     


     




    Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma


     


     




    Harsh Malhotra


     


     




    Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya


     


     




    Murlidhar Mohol


     


     




    George Kurian


     


     




    Pabitra Margherita


     


     



    Leaders from India’s neighbourhood – Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh joined PM Modi at the stage in Rashtrapati Bhavan after he took oath as the Prime Minister. Speaking to leaders of the neighbouring countries who attended the swearing-in ceremony, PM Modi said that participation of the foreign dignitaries reaffirm India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. PM Modi shared his dedication to serving the vast population of India, aiming to propel the nation to greater heights of progress.

    “Took oath as Prime Minister at the ceremony earlier this evening. I look forward to serving 140 crore Indians and working with the Council of Ministers to take India to new heights of progress. Congratulations to all those who have taken oath today. This team of Ministers is a great blend of youth and experience, and we will leave no stone unturned in improving the lives of people,” said PM Modi in a post on X.

  • Weather Update: IMD Predicts Heavy Rainfall For Maharashtra, Bengal, Karnataka; Check Full Forecast |

    New Delhi: The Indian Metrological Department (IMD) forecasted extremely heavy rainfall over the region of West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya and South Interior Karnataka while districts of Madhya Maharastra, Arunachal Pradesh and Coastal Karnataka can experience heavy rainfall on Monday. 

    The department informed that the regions of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and north interior Karnataka, Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura may experience thunderstorm accomplished with lightning & gusty wind on June 10. Maharashtra’s Mumbai has already experiencing rainfall for the past few days due to which several parts are causing waterlogging issues. 

    IMD Prediction For Heatwave

    States like Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand and some regions of Bihar are likely to experience a heatwave-like situation on Monday, while Odisha can experience hot and humid weather. 
    Madhya Pradesh districts Tikamgarh, Gwalior and Khajuraho experienced severe heatwave conditions on June 9 with more than 43 degrees Celsius.

    Mumbai Is Witnessing Monsoon Vibe 

    Mumbai has started witnessing rainfall after the southwest Monsoon has arrived in advance and will continue over the region of Maharashtra including Mumbai. Thunderstorms and rainfall were reported over regions of Mumbai which caused the waterlogged in several regions of Mumbai.

     

    #WATCH | Maharashtra: Several parts of Mumbai face waterlogging as the city receives heavy rainfall.

    Visuals from the Dadar area. pic.twitter.com/NJcZ2KIf5I
    — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2024

     

  • 3 Key Ministers From Modi 2.0 Left Out Of BJP-Led NDA Cabinet |

    PM Modi Swearing-In Ceremony: As BJP leader Narendra Modi took the oath as Prime Minister for the third time on Sunday, many new names are going to uphold cabinet berths in Modi 3.0. However, there are some popular faces that are kept off the Union Ministers list. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Union Minister Smriti Irani, Anurag Thakur, and Narayan Rane will not be part of the cabinet in the 18th Lok Sabha. 

    Irani contested the Lok Sabha election from Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi, but she faced defeat by over 1.6 lakh votes to Congress loyalist Kishori Lal Sharma. Earlier, she had served as the Women and Child Development Minister during the Modi government’s second term. Five years prior, she had won against Congress’s Rahul Gandhi. 

    On the other hand, Thakur secured a victory in the general election from Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh, having previously managed sports, information, and broadcasting portfolios. According to sources, he will not be included in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s latest Union Cabinet. 

    Rane served as the Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises during Modi’s second term. He won the Lok Sabha election, representing Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg in Maharashtra. 

    The Modi 3.0 cabinet includes several prominent BJP leaders such as Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, S. Jaishankar, Nitin Gadkari, Mansukh Mandaviya, Piyush Goyal, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Dharmendra Pradhan, Bhupendra Yadav, Prahlad Joshi, Kiren Rijiju, C.R. Paatil, L. Murugan, Hardeep Puri, M.L. Khattar, Shivraj Chouhan, Gajendra Shekhawat, Suresh Gopi, and Jitin Prasada. 

  • VK Pandian Withdraws From Active Politics After BJD’s Defeat, Says ‘Sorry If Campaign Narrative Against Me…’ |

    Senior BJD leader V K Pandian, a close aide to Odisha’s outgoing chief minister Naveen Patnaik, announced on Sunday that he is withdrawing from active politics following the regional party’s defeat in the Lok Sabha and assembly elections. The former bureaucrat who switched to politics said in a video message, “Now I consciously decide to withdraw myself from active politics. I am sorry if I have hurt anyone in this journey. I am sorry if this campaign narrative against me has had a part to play the Biju Janata Dal’s loss. My apologies to the entire Biju Parivaar including all the ‘karmis’ for this.”

    Pandian claimed that the only reason he entered politics was to support Patnaik, which is why he chose not to run for office. After winning 78 seats in the 147-member assembly, the BJP overthrew the BJD’s 24-year rule in Odisha. Although the Congress won 14 seats and the CPI (M) one, the Patnaik-led party secured 51 seats. The BJP secured 20 seats in the state’s Lok Sabha, while the Congress won one, leaving the BJD without a single seat. “I will always keep Odisha in core of my heart and my Guru Naveen Babu in my breath,” he added.

    Earlier on Saturday, BJD leader and former Odisha chief minister said that criticism of his aide V K Pandian for the party’s disaster was “unfortunate” and that he performed a “great job.” This was Patnaik’s first remarks about Pandian following the shocking election defeat.


    Patnaik said, “He (Pandian) is a person of integrity and honesty and should be remembered for that,” in the face of intense anger from party leaders and members who held the Tamil Nadu-born bureaucrats responsible for the party’s dismal election performance.

    Nonetheless, the five-term chief minister reaffirmed in the same sentence that Pandian was not to be his successor and that the people of Odisha would select their own leader.

  • PM Modi’s Oath-Taking Ceremony: 5 World Leaders Elected to Power More Than Twice |

    New Delhi: PM Modi joins the ranks of world leaders like former United States President Franklin D Roosevelt and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who were elected for more than two terms while maintaining a largely consistent vote share.

    Former American President Franklin Roosevelt 

    In the international context, PM Modi’s popularity as a leader stands close to former American President Franklin Roosevelt who won four presidential elections from 1932 to 1944, all with a largely consistent vote percentage. Roosevelt won his first election with a vote percentage of 57.4 per cent in 1932 and his last in 1944 with a share of 53.4 per cent. Roosevelt was the last American President to serve more than two terms.

    Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel

    PM Modi’s third term can also be compared to the success of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who won four consecutive elections from 2005 to 2017. Her vote share fell in 2009 and in 2017.

    Former Singapore PM Lee Kwan Yew

    Lee Kwan Yew, the founder of modern Singapore, won six consecutive elections between 1968 and 1988 and his vote share reduced in his second, fourth and fifth terms. Lee Kwan Yew won the 1968 election with a vote share of 86.7 per cent and his term in 1988 came with a vote share of 63.1 per cent.

    Former Indian PM Jawaharlal Nehru 

    Till now Jawaharlal Nehru was the only Indian Prime Minister to have won three consecutive polls. PM Modi is the second leader to do so. Jawaharlal Nehru registered a vote share of 45 per cent in the 1952 election which rose to 47.8 per cent in 1957, but in the 1963 election the vote share dipped to 44.7 per cent, which is marginally lower than his first electoral win.

    Indian PM-Designate Narendra Modi 

    PM Modi now leads an NDA coalition with 293 seats in the Parliament and has promised to continue the path of reform to make India a developed nation by 2047.PM Modi will take the oath of office at 7.15 pm today along with his council of ministers in a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

    “We will take the country forward with more vision and comprehensive to ensure our resolutions, our commitment towards good governance and attempt towards fulfilling the dreams of the common people,” Modi told the media in the Rashtrapati Bhavan premises after staking claim to form the new government.

     

  • Shashi Tharoor Chooses Cricket Over Politics: ‘Will Watch India-Pakistan Match Instead Of…’ – WATCH |

    New Delhi: Ahead of the PM Modi’s swearing-in ceremony in New Delhi, Congress senior leader Shashi Tharoor on Saturday took a jibe at the landmark event. Congress leader said that will watch the India-Pakistan match instead of attending the ceremony. “I have not been invited to the swearing-in, so I’ll be watching the (India vs Pakistan) match,” Tharoor told ANI after a Congress parliamentary party meeting here on Saturday. India and Pakistan are set to play a World Cup T-20 match in the United States on June 9 at around 8 PM IST.

    #WATCH | On leaders of foreign countries invited for the swearing-in ceremony of PM-designate Narendra Modi, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor says, “I think that’s a good tradition of inviting the neighbouring countries. But this time there’s one less. He has not invited Pakistan.… pic.twitter.com/ztCTVprpX6


    — ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2024

    PM Modi’s Oath Ceremony

    Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi is set to take the oath on June 9 at 7:15 PM. As Narendra Modi will be sworn in as the Prime Minister for the third consecutive time, several leaders and State heads of neighbourhood region and Indian Ocean region have been invited for Modi’s swearing-in ceremony as distinguished guests, a testament to India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.

    The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in an official statement on Saturday said, “President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe; President of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu; Vice-President of Seychelles, Ahmed Afif; Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina; Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth; Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’; and Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay, have accepted the invitation to attend.”

    The Congress leader said, “The event marks a good tradition of inviting the leaders of the neighbouring countries.” Tharoor also noted the significance of inviting the Maldives to the swearing-in, despite recent controversies. He expressed confidence in the meeting between the Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and Prime Minister Modi after the ceremony.

    No Invitation To Pakistan 

    For the oath-taking ceremony, India has invited its neighbouring countries, except Pakistan.”India has invited its neighboring countries except Pakistan, which is sending a signal,” Tharoor commented. “That’s a good tradition that was started in Prime Minister Modi’s swearing-in ceremony. But this time there’s one less. He has not invited Pakistan. So again, that also sends a signal,” he said.

    Adding further he said, “It’s good that at least the Maldives is at least making the effort to come here and speak. They have not been particularly friendly or receptive to our interests for some time now. This particular president is coming here for the first time. I am assuming that the visit will be taken advantage of for some meetings on the side as well.”

    On being asked about how you see the country’s foreign policy under PM Modi’s era, Tharoor remarked, “It’s long and complicated with a mixed record of some positive and negative experiences, which need to be discussed in Parliament,” he told ANI.

    Lok Sabha Elections Results 2024

    The BJP got 240 seats and NDA has secured 292 seats out of 543 Lok Sabha seats. The INDIA bloc has bagged 233 seats. Others have won 18 seats in the lower house of Parliament. The Congress secured 99 seats. Samajwadi Party got 37 seats while Trinamool Congress 29. DMK managed to win 22 seats.

     

  • ‘Will Wait And Watch…’: Mamata Banerjee Signals INDIA Alliance May Stake Claim To Form Govt In Future |

    West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said that just because the opposition INDIA bloc hasn’t claimed the right to form the government yet, it doesn’t mean it won’t try again tomorrow. The Trinamool Congress Chief said that her party will “wait and watch” and that she would be pleased to see the “weak and unstable” BJP-led NDA government overthrown.

    Banerjee led her party to a resounding victory in West Bengal, securing 29 of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state, while the main opposition BJP was reduced to 12 seats and the Congress to one, ensuring the TMC’s continued dominance in the state.

    “The country needs change; it desires change. This mandate was for a change. We’re waiting and monitoring the situation. This mandate was against Narendra Modi, so he should not be appointed prime minister this time. After meeting with newly elected TMC MPs, Banerjee told reporters that someone else should have been allowed to take over.

    “The BJP is forming the government in an undemocratic and illegal manner. Although the INDIA bloc has not yet staked a claim to form the government, that does not mean it will not do so tomorrow. “Let us wait for a while,” she said. The TMC supremo has announced that the party will not attend the new government’s swearing-in ceremony.

    “I would be happy to see that this unstable and weak government at the centre is out of power,” Banerjee stated. She stated that TMC MPs in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will seek the repeal of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

  • Did INDIA Bloc Offer PM Position To Nitish Kumar? Congress Reacts |

    The Congress party on Saturday responded to the claims of Janta Dal (United) leader KC Tyagi about Nitish Kumar being offered the Prime Minister’s position by the INDIA bloc. “We don’t have any such information,” stated Congress general secretary KC Venugopal in a press conference following the Congress Working Committee’s meeting in Delhi.  

    The JD(U) senior leaders pointed fingers at the coalition for mistreating Nitish Kumar; he alleged that those who previously rejected Nitish Kumar as the INDIA bloc’s national convenor are now proposing to make him Prime Minister. He further said that this is the ‘game of politics’ and the JDU will not run back to the INDI Alliance.  

    With 12 seats in Bihar, Kumar’s JD (U) has become a significant ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to reach the magic number of 272 seats in the Lok Sabha. JD (U) was crucial in the formation of INDIA bloc last year. However, it returned to the NDA in January after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s name was suggested as the potential prime ministerial candidate for the INDIA bloc.  

    On Friday, while supporting the NDA proposal to name Narendra Modi as the leader of the coalition, Kumar expressed his confidence by saying, “Next time when you come, those who have won here and there this time will lose. I am confident about it. They never worked for the nation. They never served the country. The country will progress under your (PM Modi) leadership.”  

    He added that all the pending work in Bihar will be completed. It is very good that all of us have come together, and we will all work together with you (PM Modi).