News Analysis India

Tag: BJP

  • Lok Sabha polls: PM Modi plans pre-Lok Sabha poll visit to states before February 5

    In the runup to the Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit all the major states at least once before February 5. Sources said Modi will make two visits to large states while he would visit a few of the smaller states once.

    The PM’s tour has already started with visit to southern states. Modi visited Tamil Nadu, Lakshadweep and Kerala last week. He also visited Rajasthan last Friday. Apart from attending the DGP and IGP conference in Jaipur, he also attended a meeting of the newly elected BJP MLAs and senior leaders at the Jaipur’s party office. A roadshow or a public meeting of the PM is also on the cards during his upcoming visits.

    On January 10, he will visit Gujarat for two days, starting with the programme to inaugurate Vibrant Gujarat Summit.On January 12, he will head to Maharashtra to inaugurate the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link in Navi Mumbai. The same day he is expected to inaugurate the National Youth Festival in Nashik. A roadshow is likely to take place in Nashik, sources said. On January 13, he was expected to visit Dhanbad, Jharkhand and Bettiah, Bihar. However, this programme is likely to be delayed.

    On January 22, he is already scheduled to visit Ayodhya for the Ram Temple ceremony.

    Union home minister Amit Shah is also on tour to hold organisational meetings. In January, Shah will travel to six states starting from Jammu in the north to Meghalaya in the northeast. On January 9, he will be in Jammu to take stock of the election preparation. He will visit Tripura on January 11 and on January 12 he will be on a three-day trip to Gujarat. On January 18, he will travel to Punjab and on January 19 and 20, he will visit Assam and Meghalaya.

  • BJP`s To Hold Crucial Meeting On Jan 10 As Ayodhya Prepares For Ram Lalla`s Pran Pratishtha

    PM Narendra Modi is scheduled to participate in the consecration ceremony at the Ram Temple on January 22.

  • Amit Shah: Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on Amit Shah: Special court defers hearing to Jan 18

    An MP-MLA court here on Saturday postponed to January 18 the hearing in a case filed against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for allegedly making objectionable remarks against Union minister Amit Shah as advocates were occupied with a judicial workshop. The case stems from a lawsuit filed on August 4, 2018, by BJP leader Vijay Mishra, who accused Gandhi of making the remarks.

    Mishra’s lawyer Santosh Pandey said advocates were unavailable owing to a judicial workshop in the court for junior advocates.

    He said the court had summoned Gandhi on December 16 in the case, but he did not appear. The court then summoned the Congress leader on January 6. Earlier on November 18 last year, judge Yogesh Yadav had reserved the verdict after arguments, posted the matter for the next hearing on November 27 and summoned Gandhi to appear on December 16.

    Mishra, a former chairman of a cooperative bank, is a resident of Hanumanganj.

  • ‘Conspiracy To Arrest Me, Summons Illegal’: Arvind Kejriwal Says Ready For Legal Battle Against ED |

    New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday refused to appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the alleged Delhi liquor scam case, calling the summons “false” and “illegal”. He also accused the BJP-led central government of using the ED and other agencies to harass and intimidate him and his party leaders ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

    Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal said that he has explained to the ED why their summons is illegal and that he will not obey an unlawful order. He said that his biggest strength and asset is his honesty and that he has always fought for the country.

    “In the last two years, all the agencies of BJP have conducted many raids but not a single penny was found. If there is corruption then where is the money? AAP leaders are kept in jail in such fake cases. Now BJP wants to arrest me. My biggest strength and asset is my honesty,” he said.

    He also questioned the timing of the notice, saying that the BJP wants to stop him from campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections. He said that he had cooperated with the CBI when they had called him eight months ago, but now the ED is trying to implicate him in a 31-year-old case.

    “My lawyers told me that the summons was illegal, I wrote the question and sent it to ED. Should I obey an unlawful summon? If a legal summons comes, I will comply with it. Why am I being called just before the Lok Sabha elections? Eight months ago I was called by CBI, I went and gave all the answers. Today they want to stop me from campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections,” he added.

    Kejriwal also alleged that the BJP is using the ED to lure opposition leaders into joining their party and that they are targeting honest leaders like Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh and Vijay Nair. He appealed to the people to support him in his fight against the BJP’s “politics of hatred and vendetta”.

    “Today, opposition leaders are being included in the BJP through ED. Whoever joins his party, all his matters get resolved. Today honest leaders like Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh and Vijay Nair have been put in jail. I have always fought for the country. Every breath of mine is for the country. We have to save the country together. I am fighting against them with all my heart, I need your support,” he said.

    The ED had issued a third summons to Kejriwal on December 22 last year, asking him to appear before the agency on January 3. The summons was in relation to a case registered by the ED in 2019 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against some liquor companies and government officials for allegedly causing a loss of Rs 1,000 crore to the Delhi government by evading excise duty.

    Kejriwal, in his reply to the ED, had expressed his readiness to cooperate with the investigation but declined to appear on the summoned date, calling the notice “illegal”. He had also questioned the agency for not responding to his earlier replies when the summons was sent to him and he had raised certain queries on the nature of the agency’s investigation.

    In his written reply to the ED, the Delhi CM had said “As a premier investigating agency the non-disclosure and non-response approach adopted by you cannot sustain the test of law, equity or justice. Your obstinacy is tantamount to assuming the role of judge, jury and executioner at the same time which is not acceptable in our country governed by the rule of law.”

    “In these circumstances, I urge you to respond to my earlier response and clarify the position so as to enable me to understand the real intent, ambit, nature, sweep and scope of the purported inquiry/investigation for which I am being called” he had added in his response.

    I hope this article meets your expectations. Here are some possible headlines for this article:

    Kejriwal snubs ED, says BJP wants to arrest him before polls
    BJP using ED to harass me and my party: Kejriwal
    ED summons a political conspiracy, says Kejriwal
     

  • Can Hemant Soren Make His Wife Kalpana CM Of Jharkhand? Check What Laws Say |

    Months ahead of Jharkhand assembly polls, a big political turmoil is being seen in the state. Ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MLA Sarfaraz Ahmad, a three-time MLA, resigned unexpectedly from his Gandey constituency leaving the rumour mills abuzz. Ahmed, who had been twice elected to the state assembly from the Congress in the past, switched over to the JMM ahead of the 2019 assembly elections and won his home constituency of Gandey, his third assembly win.

    Some of the Soren family members are MLAs in the Jharkhand assembly including his brother Basant Sore from the Dumka seat and sister-in-law Sita Murmu or Sita Soren from the Jama seat. However, given the alleged family feud and ongoing Enforcement Directorate investigation, CM Heman Soren may install his wife as the Chief Minister, claimed BJP MP Nishikant Dubey. 

    However, since Hemant Soren’s wife Kalpana is not a member of the Jharkhand assembly, is it possible for her to become the Chief Minister? As per the law, any person who is made a Chief Minister or even a minister gets six months to get elected to the concerned assembly. So, if Dubey’s claim is believed, Kalpana Soren will have six months to get elected to the Jharkhand assembly and since there is one vacant seat – the Gandey constituency, she may contest the election from there. The Election Commission will have to hold a bypoll within six months. The Jharkhand assembly elections will be held around November-December this year which is still 11 months away.

    Since Jharkhand does not have a bicameral legislative structure, Kalpana will have no other option than contesting the bypoll. In a bicameral legislature, a person can get elected to the house through the Legislative council just like Akhilesh Yadav or Yogi Adityanath did during their first tenure as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

    मुख्यमंत्री हेमंत सोरेन जी परेशान,उनके सचिव चौबे जी से लेकर महाधिवक्ता मिश्रा जी गांडेय उप चुनाव कराने के लिए परेशान,विधायक दल की बैठक कल ,राज्यपाल के पास अपना इस्तीफ़ा व कल्पना सोरेन जी को विधायक दल का नेता बनाने वाला पत्र राज्यपाल महोदय को एक साथ देने की तैयारी @CPRGuv झारखंड…
    — Dr Nishikant Dubey (@nishikant_dubey) January 2, 2024

    In a post on X, Dubey said that Chief Minister Hemant Soren is worried and his entire team is worried about the Gandey bypolls. Dubey said that the key meeting of the JMM Legislative Party may take place tomorrow and after the meeting, a letter to the Governor with CM Soren’s resignation and making Kalpana Soren the leader of the Legislative Party will be submitted. Dubey urged the Jharkhand governor to take any decision after legal advice.

  • Happy Leap Year 2024: How political parties, EC & leaders’ efforts will achieve progress in the new year

    As India and many other countries get ready for parliamentary elections, domestic compulsions and priorities are likely to guide diplomatic manoeuvres

    BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY

    A big leap if BJP makes a hattrick of winning elections, a feat till now enjoyed by Congress under India’s first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal NehruWith Ram Mandir and Article 370 done, the ruling party will now push for third core issue of uniform civil code, which is currently being tested at the state level

    With core objectives of the ruling party nearly achieved, BJP will need new driving issues for the cadre

    Can the party breach the southern frontier in its quest to become a pan-India party

    INDIA BLOC PARTIESAfter a dismal round of state elections, Congress needs a great leap to be in the reckoning for the 2024 Lok Sabha pollsCongress leader Rahul Gandhi requires leaps of rebranding to be a credible challenger to the ruling dispensation that looks strong

    Opposition requires their poll funding to grow by leaps and bounds to match BJP’s election blitz

    INDIA parties require faith in each other to stick together and fix issues, including seat-sharing

    Opposition parties want VVPATs across all polling stations, but that looks a distant dream

    BIJU JANATA DALCan Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik win another term and become the longest-serving chief minister in the country

    With Patnaik’s close aide VK Pandian joining the party, can BJD take a generational leap

    Can the party continue to maintain equidistance from both BJP and the Opposition alliance

    YSR CONGRESS PARTYCan YS Jagan Mohan Reddy repeat the success of his father YSR Rajasekhara Reddy by winning two successive assembly elections at a time when his family members are distancing themselves from the Andhra chief minister

    Can YSRCP still be attractive to voters, especially after the loss of BRS in the neighbouring Telangana

    Can Jagan Mohan Reddy still maintain cordial ties with BJP at a time when the national party is leaping closer to Opposition Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh

    ELECTION COMMISSIONEVM-VVPAT issue is set to become a political talking point, with Opposition seeking 100% match

    Under fire from courts and even within on checking objectionable campaign discourse in 2019 elections, EC will have to be a step ahead to set the tone in 2024

    Onus on EC to keep an eye on money flow and check undue influence on voters

    Poll panel will have to be alert to deepfakes, AI dangers in distorting election narrative

    INTERNAL SECURITYImplementation of the three new criminal laws will be a big challenge

    December 2024 deadline to roll out the new laws, first in Union Territories, will require major overhaul in the criminal justice system — from police stations to district courts and prisons

    Jammu & Kashmir polls before September 2024 as mandated by Supreme Court will be another challenge

    The much-delayed Census and updating National Population Register will require multiple efforts

    Re-emergence of Khalistan 2.0, with such elements gaining prominence overseas, another focus area

    FOREIGN POLICYFocus on economic diplomacy to attract additional FDI

    Fresh investment proposals expected from global players to give the economy a leap

    With general elections due in Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, India is expected to make concerted efforts to expand partnerships

    Focus on India hosting Quad summit for first time

    All eyes on Modi-Putin annual summit, India-UK FTA

    India to be watchful of China as it continues expansionist actions in neighbourhood

    DEFENCE & EXTERNAL SECURITYThe changing nature of attacks, such as drone attacks on commercial vessels in Red Sea and Indian Ocean, and threats posed by Chinese spy balloons will be key challenges

    Can India and China jointly resolve border flashpoints pending since 2020

    Having secured orders and support from government, can private industry fulfil requirements of the armed forces under Make in India

    Defence exports may take a leap, with Indian systems likely to find orders from Southeast Asian, Central Asian and African countries

  • `Blatant Violation Of Poll Code`: Rajasthan Congress Hits Out At BJP For Making Karanpur Candidate A Minister

    In a likely bid to counter the sympathy factor, the BJP today made Surendra Pal Singh a Minister of State (Independent) in the Bhajan Lal cabinet. 

  • Congress Accuses Modi Govt Of Insulting Martyrs After War Memorial On Chinese Border ‘Demolished’ |

    The Congress party today slammed the Narendra Modi-led Central government for bowing down to China after a war memorial built in the honour of a 1962 martyr was allegedly demolished following talks with the Chinese PLA. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge took to X (formerly Twitter) saying that the news of the demolition of the war memorial is painful. He also said that while the Modi government closed its ‘red eye’ on China, it also insulted the sacrifice of brave martyrs.

    “The news of the demolition in 2021 of the memorial in Chushul, Ladakh of Major Shaitan Singh, the brave son of Mother India and recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, the great hero of the 1962 Rezang-La war, is extremely painful. According to reports, was this done because, after talks with China, Indian territory has now become the buffer zone? The one sentence comment by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India says nothing,” said Kharge.

    He further said, “Why even after 20 meetings between Modi ji and Xi Jinping since 2014, the Modi government has failed to make India maintain the status quo just like before May 2020 on its share on Depsang Plain, Pangong Tso, Demchowk and Gogra-Hotspring areas?”

    चीन पर “लाल ऑंख” तो ली मूँद,
    अपमानित की वीर जाँबाज़ों के बलिदान की हर बूँद !

    भारत माता के वीर सपूत एवं परम वीर चक्र से सम्मानित, 1962 रेजांग-ला युद्ध के महानायक, मेजर शैतान सिंह के चुशूल, लद्दाख स्थित मेमोरियल को 2021 में ध्वस्त किये जाने की ख़बर बेहद पीड़ादायक है।

    1. ख़बरों… pic.twitter.com/fFiCiHI3np
    — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) December 30, 2023

    Kharge also asked whether it’s not true that after the sacrifice of lives of 20 army personnel in Galwan, Modi ji gave a clean chit to China. “The supreme sacrifice of 113 brave soldiers for the defence of Rezang La by C Company of 13 Kumaon under the leadership of Major Shaitan Singh is the pride of the country. By demolishing his memorial, the BJP has once again proved to the country that it is a fake patriot. It is sad that this government has surrendered to Chinese plans,” said Kharge.

    This landmark at Rezang-La held immense significance, honoring the courageous soldiers of “C” Coy 13 Kumaon. Sadly, it had to be dismantled during the disengagement process as it falls in the buffer zone. Let’s remember and honor their bravery!  #RezangLa #Kumaon #BraveSoldiers pic.twitter.com/UILzTeNYsi
    — Konchok Stanzin (@kstanzinladakh) December 25, 2023

    Kharge’s remarks came after Konchok Stanzin, Councillor Chushul, broke the news a few days ago on X. “This landmark at Rezang-La held immense significance, honoring the courageous soldiers of “C” Coy 13 Kumaon. Sadly, it had to be dismantled during the disengagement process as it falls in the buffer zone. Let’s remember and honor their bravery!” he said.

  • Opinion: Why Modi May Emerge Stronger Leader Than Jawaharlal Nehru After Securing Third Straight Term In 2024? |

    The 2024 Lok Sabha Election is going to be historic in many ways. First, it will mark the first instance when Congress will go to the polls after warming the opposition benches for 10 consecutive years. Second, the BJP will complete 10 years in power with an absolute majority and third, it will seek another straight term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the history of independent India, only Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had secured three consecutive terms as Prime Minister with a clear majority. While under Nehru, Congress won 364 seats in 1951-52 elections, 371 seats in 1957 and 361 seats in 1962 elections. Nehru remained PM of India from 1951 until his death on 27 May 1964. Even Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh ruled for a maximum of two consecutive terms.

    Why Modi May Emerge Stronger Than Nehru?

    When the former PM Nehru went to the third Lok Sabha polls in 1962, there was no doubt in anyone’s mind about the Congress party’s prospects as there was no strong opposition. The opposition at that point in time constituted smaller parties having no leaders who could challenge the authority of Nehru. In the 1962 polls, the Congress won 361 seats, the Communist Party of India won 29 seats, C Rajagopalchari’s Swatantra Party 18 and the Bharatiya Jana Sangh 14 seats. The Bharatiya Jana Sangh was at that time led by Debaprasad Ghosh but was popular only in certain regions. Also, back then, there was no concept of even Leader of Opposition and the provision for the post was made only in 1969. So, it can be said that Nehru virtually went into an opposition-less poll and the the victory for Congress was not only guaranteed but foretold. 

    Challenges Before NDA

    On the other hand, the BJP led by Narendra Modi not only faces a strong opposition like Congress but also a united front of the INDIA bloc led by the grand old party. The bloc includes regional patriarchs like MK Stalin’s DMK, Nitish Kumar’s JDU, Lalu Yadav’s RJD, Sharad Pawar’s NCP, Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party, Mamata Banerjee’s TMC, Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and other key parties like Left, Hemant Soren’s Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Omar Abdullah’s Jammu & Kashmir National Conference, Mehbooba Mufti’s People’s Democratic Party.

    If the BJP manages to get a clear majority for the third straight time, not only Modi will emerge as a strong national leader but the opposition will have to rethink its strategy as well. 

  • Why Did Rahul Gandhi, Congress Choose Nagpur For `Hain Taiyyar Hum` Rally?

    Addressing the rally, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said that RSS’ ideology is destroying the nation.