News Analysis India

Tag: BJP

  • BJP cites audio tapes to target Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: Citing some audio tapes, the BJP on Saturday alleged that people enjoying “protection” from the Mamata Banerjee-led government have been running an “extortion racket” in West Bengal.

    “What has come out is so ugly that we just wish to say that Mamata Banerjee and her relatives have let down the people of West Bengal. She should apologise and seek forgiveness from people for cheating them,” BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia told reporters here.

    He was referring to three audio tapes shown in a section of the media, and said they feature people considered close to the state government, including Banerjee’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee.

    There was no immediate response from the state’s ruling Trinamool Congress.

    “Such is the audacity of extortionists that in one such meeting an extortionist who is close to Abhishek Banerjee sat close to commissioner and was making illegal demands from various people who wish to invest or undertake a legal activity,” Bhatia alleged.

    The contents of these audio tapes show how an “extortion racket” is being run in an organised manner under the nose of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led government, he said.

  • Pune 12-hour curfew begins, BJP protests for bus services

    By PTI
    PUNE: The BJP held a protest on Saturday demanding resumption of municipal transport bus services as a 6 pm to 6 am curfew began in Pune in a bid to tackle a recent surge in COVID-19 cases.

    Pune BJP MP Girish Bapat and Pune BJP president Jagdish Mulik led the party’s protest in front of the PMPML bus depot at Swargate, police said, adding that they were detained and released some time later.

    “The decision to not run Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited’s buses will impact people who work in factories, banks, hospitals etc. The state government must not misuse its power to impose such restrictions in the name of tackling COVID-19,” Bapat said.

    The decision to impose 6 pm to 6 am curfew in Pune from April 3 for seven days was taken a after review meeting chaired by state Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday.

    The COVID-19 tally in Pune increased by a record 9,086 in a 24-hour period ending Friday, taking the district’s tally to 5,51,508.

  • Yogi Adityanath calls for Mamata Banerjee’s ouster, says BJP to ensure women’s safety in Bengal

    By PTI
    FALTA/ KULTULI/ULUBERIA: Calling upon people to oust the Mamata Banerjee government, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Saturday that the BJP, if voted to power in Bengal, will ensure security for all women and create job opportunities for the youth.

    Adityanath, who addressed two rallies during the day, also said that those who had tried to stop Durga puja and Saraswati puja will be put behind bars, if the saffron party forms government in Bengal.

    “You had given 50 years to the Congress, 30 years to the communists and 10 years to the Trinamool Congress, I urge you to give five years to the BJP…We will change the face of West Bengal.

    “The BJP will stop all tortures perpetrated on the women of West Bengal. It will ensure that youths get employment opportunities,” the Uttar Pradesh CM said at a public meeting in Falta area of South-24 Parganas district.

    Raising anti-TMC slogans such as “Doo Maaye (May), Didi gaaye”, (May 2, Didi gone), the senior BJP leader also said that his party will guarantee ration for everyone, provide pension to the old, houses to the poor, while also making sure that the people of the state get to avail the benefits doled out under PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi and Ayushman Bharat health scheme.

    “No one will be allowed to play with the emotions of people. We will see to it that Durga Puja and Saraswati Puja are held in Bengal without any hindrance. Jail doors are open for the ones who wish to stop such religious festivals,” Adityanath asserted.

    Controversy had erupted in 2017 at a school in Tehatta, Nadia district, over celebration of Saraswati puja, with a section of students apparently trying to stop another group from observing the festival.

    In that very year, the West Bengal government had imposed curbs on Durga idol immersion, as the occasion coincided with Muharram, but the high court later eased the restrictions.

    Adityanath further said that properties of goons, who threaten people to have their way, will be confiscated, and they would be made to beg on the streets.

    “In the past, the situation was somewhat similar in UP. Now where are those people (goons)? None will be able to find a single one of them,” he said.

    Speaking at another rally in Kultuli, the UP CM, listing the benefits available to the people of his state, sought to know why government employees in West Bengal were not getting salaries in accordance with the Seventh Pay Commission.

    “Why hasn’t Didi implemented central schemes here? It’s for her that the people of Bengal have been deprived of the doles offered by the central government. What has Didi done for the people of the state other than pursuing appeasement politics? The TMC supremo has just one agenda promoting her nephew Abhishek Banerjee,” he alleged.

    Earlier in the day, Adityanath held roadshows in Howrah district’s Uluberia to bolster the BJP’s campaign in West Bengal, ahead of the third phase of assembly elections.

    Standing atop a vehicle, decked up with flowers and BJP flags, he waved at enthusiastic crowd that gathered along the road in the Gangarampur area of the subdivision where two constituencies — Uluberia Uttar and Uluberia Dakshin — will go to polls on April 6.

    Locals had queued up on both sides of the road and watched the procession, which inched its way through the narrow streets amid chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’.

  • Attack on my convoy pre-planned by BJP workers: BKU supremo Rakesh Tikait

    By PTI
    ALIGARH: Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait claimed on Saturday that the attack on his convoy of vehicles in Rajasthan’s Alwar was “pre-planned by BJP workers” and said it should serve as a reminder to the farmers protesting against three new agriculture laws of the Centre about the travails and challenges they are going to face in the days to come.

    Addressing a “kisan mahapanchayat” at Bhaimalkheda village in this Uttar Pradesh district, Tikait said such attacks “are, in fact, strengthening our resolve to further intensify our struggle, which is a battle for our existence”.

    Talking to reporters after the “mahapanchayat”, he said, “We are mentally prepared for more such incidents.”

    Stones were allegedly pelted at the convoy of Tikait, an influential farmer leader, in Rajasthan’s Alwar district on Friday, damaging the rear windshield of his car.

    Police had detained a student leader, who the BKU claimed belonged to the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and accused the saffron party of being behind the attack.

    Addressing the “mahapanchayat” here, Tikait issued a call to the protesting farmers to be mentally prepared to continue with their agitation at least till the end of the year, when they would taste victory.

    He urged them to be mobile phone savvy so that they can be active on social media.

    Tikait, who held a “mahapanchayat” in Aligarh for the first time after the farmers’ agitation was launched in November last year, alleged that corporates had fully entrenched themselves in the present ruling dispensation, including the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

    He said how else can one explain the construction of huge grain depots and godowns in several parts of the country “even before the controversial farm laws came to existence”.

    The BKU leader said this itself provides conclusive evidence of the government’s intentions.

    He warned the farmers that even more draconian measures are on the anvil as far as the farm laws are concerned, including stringent regulations regarding crop seeds.

    Tikait alleged that under the proposed measures, farmers would be liable to be bound by pernicious terms and conditions, which would place them at the mercy of the seed-selling firms.

    He said the three laws would make it impossible for the farmers to enjoy the right to use the seeds of their choice and frustrate them to such an extent that they would be compelled to sell their land to corporates.

  • BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma’s campaigning ban reduced from 48 to 24 hours: EC

    By Agencies
    A day after the ban, the Election Commission (EC) reduced the period of debarment of Assam Minister and BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma from campaigning– from 48 hours to 24 hours.

    This move comes after BJP announced that it will move EC against the leader’s campaigning ban on ‘legal and factual’ grounds. 

    In his representation to the Election Commission, Sarma had pleaded to reduce the ban on the grounds that he is himself a candidate in the constituency which is scheduled to go for polls on April 6.

    The Congress had approached the EC demanding action against Sarma for his remark that Bodoland People’s Front chief Hagrama Mohilary would be sent to jail through central probe agency NIA if he does “extremism” with rebel leader M Batha.

    Himanta Biswa Sarma denied the allegations while replying to a notice sent by the Election Commission.

    On Thursday, the EC notice to Sarma quoted a transcript of the speech provided by the state election machinery.

    “If Hagrama does extremism with Batha he will go to jail. This is straight talk. If Hagrama encourages Batha, he will go to jail. Already got lot of evidence. This case is being given to NIA,” according to a portion of Sarma’s speech made part of the notice.

    Campaigning for the third and final phase of Assam assembly elections comes to an end on the evening of April 4.

    The final phase of polling will be held on April 6.

    (With PTI, ANI inputs)

  • West Bengal polls 2021: Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath holds roadshow in Howrah’s Uluberia

    By PTI
    ULUBERIA (WEST BENGAL): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a roadshow here in Howrah district on Saturday as he sought to bolster the BJP’s campaign in West Bengal ahead of the third phase assembly elections.

    Standing atop a vehicle, decked up with flowers and BJP flags, Adityanath waved at enthusiastic crowds that gathered along the road in the Gangarampur area in the subdivision where two constituencies – Uluberia Uttar and Uluberia Dakshin – will go to polls on April 6.

    Live from Road Show in Uluberia Purba, Howrah Gramin West Bengal… https://t.co/o98Cqgbt7F
    — Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) April 3, 2021

    Locals queued up on both sides of the road and watched the procession, which inched its way through the narrow streets amid chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’. Adityanath has been visiting several places across West Bengal and holding rallies for BJP candidates.

    The state registered 84.63 per cent polling in the first phase on March 27 and 86.11 per cent in the second phase on April 1. The third phase of the elections will be held in 31 assembly constituencies in the state on April 6.

    West Bengal will see five more phases and the last one will be conducted on April 29. Votes will be counted on May 2.

  • Government working sincerely to implement Assam Accord, most problems resolved: PM Narendra Modi

    By PTI
    The central government is working sincerely to fully implement the Assam Accord, said PM Narendra Modi while addressing a rally at Tamulpur in Assam’s Baksa district ahead of the third phase of Assembly polls in the state. He also said that most of the issues regarding the pact is solved and and the “rest will be resolved too”.

    The prime minister said that people of the state have rejected violence for development, peace, unity and stability.

    He asserted that the NDA government formulated policies that are non-discriminatory and for all sections of society.”Though we formulate policies for all without discrimination, some who work for just one section are termed secular whereas those who work for all types of people are called communal,” Modi said, attacking the Congress over long years of violence in the state.

    “It’s unfortunate that those who divided society and threw crumbs of development at particular sections for their vote bank politics are said to be practising secularism while we, who ensure that development reaches all, are termed communal,” he added.

    “The NDA government has strived to holistically empower every section of society with our mantra ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’. This game of secularism and communalism has hurt the nation a lot,” he said.

    The prime minister said that during the last five years, the “double engine” NDA governments at the Centre and in the state have resulted in “double benefit” for Assam. He came down heavily on those claimimg what people who will form the next government will look like and wear.

    Modi was apparently referring to the comments by Abdur Rahim, the son of AIUDF founder and MP Badruddin Ajmal, a Congress ally, who Friday asserted “dadhi, topi and lungi wallahs” will form the next government in the state. “There cannot be a bigger insult to Assam. The people of Assam will not tolerate those who insult Assam’s pride and identity and will give them a befitting reply through the ballot,” he said.

    He asserted that the people of the state have decided to vote the NDA to power again. “I say this on the strength of the love, affection and enthusiam they have shown for the NDA in the two phases of polling already held. They are with development, stability, peace, harmony and unity,” he added.

    He also urged militants in the state to surrender. “Those who are yet to surrender should return to their mainstream lives as they can create an ‘Atmanirbhar Assam,” the Prime Minister said.

    Addressing a rally in Tamulpur. Watch. https://t.co/sBxRPPVF2c
    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 3, 2021

    Earlier, the EC on Friday barred senior Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma from campaigning for 48 hours for allegedly making threatening remarks against Bodoland People’s Front Chief Hagrama Mohilary.

    The third phase of the Assam assembly polls is set to take place on April 6. The second phase that took place on Thursday saw a voter turnout of 74.76 per cent. Polling for the third and final phase will be held on April 6 and the counting of votes will take place on May 2.

    (With inputs from PTI)

  • It is Congress’ history to spread communalism by collaborating with communal parties: Nadda at Assam

    By ANI
    GUWAHATI: Taking a swipe at the Congress for its alliances in various states, BJP president JP Nadda on Saturday said the Congress, which itself is associated with communal parties, alleges that the BJP is communal.

    “In Kerala, they are fighting against Communist Party of India (Marxist), and in Bengal and Assam, they are with CPI(M), so what is their thought. If we talk of communalism, in Kerala they are with the Muslim League (Indian Union Muslim League), they are with Abbas (Siddiqui) in Bengal, and here in Assam with Badruddin (Ajmal). And they call us communal,” said the BJP leader.

    He said that it is Congress’ history to “spread communalism” by “collaborating with communal parties”, and added, “the people of Assam know this and they have taught them a lesson in two phases and they will also do so in the third as well.”

    When asked about Rahul Gandhi’s statement calling Badruddin part of Assam’s culture, Nadda said, “Rahul Gandhi’s information is limited, he has lesser knowledge of Assam’s culture. The day before yesterday, he (Gandhi) threw a gamcha, so is that the identity of Assam? Or Assam’s identity is Shreemant Sankar Dev, Gopinath Bordoloi or Bhupendra Hazarika? They are the identity of Assam’s culture and language.”

    Nadda also said that the people who practice politics of opportunism are in a “desperate situation” will take support of “such type of people” (Baddruddin).

    Badruddin Ajmal is the chief of All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF). Congress has stitched a broad alliance in Assam that includes AIUDF, the Communist Party of India, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation, the Anchalik Gana Marcha (AGM), and the Bodoland Peoples’ Front (BPF).

  • Mamata Banerjee looking for second seat to contest, claims BJP President JP Nadda

    By ANI
    GUWAHATI: BJP president JP Nadda on Saturday said the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is ‘losing from Nandigram’ and her own people told him that she is ‘searching for another seat to contest’.

    “This is their strategy and they know better about it, but we have information that she is searching ( for another seat) and their people have said so to me. However, I cannot take a guarantee of this as they know it. But she is losing Nandigram, this is certain,” he said.

    On Thursday, Nandigram witnessed a direct contest between Mamata and her former colleague Suvendu Adhikari, who had joined the BJP in December last year.

    Nandigram is the home turf of Adhikari, while Mamata is contesting from Nandigram and not from her home turf Bhabanipur constituency.

    Exuding confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party will come to power in West Bengal, the BJP president said that the people of the state are eager to oust the Trinamool Congress-government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee “lock, stock and barrel”.

    “We are forming the government there (West Bengal). But the poll results of West Bengal will be shocking. The people of Bengal are eager to dismiss the rule of Mamata Banerjee lock, stock and barrel,” he said.

    “In the first two phases, TMC has been wiped out and BJP is coming. In Nandigram, BJP is winning clearly,” Nadda added.

    The first two phases of assembly polls have been held in West Bengal and the third phase is slated for April 6. The counting of votes will take place on May 2.

  • Busy day for EC as BJP and rivals walk in with complaints 

    By Express News Service
    NEW DELHI:  The Election Commission of India (ECI) was busy on Friday, receving complaints from political parties of several hues. While TMC went to the Commission with allegations of malpractice in the ongoing polls in West Bengal, a BJP delegation led by Union Minister Prakash Javdekar complained against Mamata Banerjee. Congress approached the Commission to seek the cancellation of election in the constituency in Assam where a BPF candidate has defected to BJP.

    Javdekar alleged that Mamata violated the code of conduct. The BJP’s allegation came after drama in the Nandigram constituency where the Bengal CM is pitted against BJP’s  Suvendu Adhikari. “We have demanded action against her for violating the model code of conduct,” said Javdekar. 

    A TMC team headed by Yashwant Sinha met Chief Electoral Officer Aariz Aftab and complained that Central security forces are following BJP’s instructions at certain polling centers. The delegation said the Commission must ensure free and fair polls.

    The Congress delegation said that defections induced by illegal means in Assam even before the counting of votes is a new phenomenon. It robs the electorate of the freedom of choice in the election of their representative, they argued. The delegation lso sought an enquiry into how EVMs were loaded in a vehicle belonging to a BJP candidate. The Election Commission informed the delegation that officers stand suspended.