News Analysis India

Tag: Congress

  • Beginning Of Disintegration Of INDIA Bloc? AAP, TMC Decide To Go Solo; Congress Sends Peace Message |

    The Lok Sabha Election 2024 is just around three months away the fissures between the INDIA bloc are widening day by day. While the opposition bloc is yet to finalize its seat-sharing plan, Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab have decided to go solo. According to reports, Congress wanted to contest around 10 seats in Bengal and 5-6 seats in Punjab but none of the parties – AAP and TMC – agreed. 

    Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today said that the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will win all 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab. On the other hand, Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee said that her party declared that the Trinamool Congress would fight alone in Bengal. “I had no discussions with the Congress party. I have always said that in Bengal, we will fight alone. I am not concerned about what will be done in the country but we are a secular party and in Bengal, we will alone will defeat BJP.” 

    Banerjee claimed that she shared many suggestions with Congress but the grand old party rejected it and thus the TMC has taken this decision. The Bengal Chief Minister also claimed she had not been informed of Rahul Gandhi’s Nyay Yatra passing through Bengal, contrary to claims by the Congress that they had invited INDIA bloc parties to join the Yatra. “They did not even bother to inform me that they would be coming to West Bengal as a matter of courtesy even though I am a part of the INDIA bloc. So there is no relation with me as far as Bengal is concerned” Mamata Banerjee said.

    Seeing the decision of the TMC and the AAP, Congress sent a message of peace. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that TMC is an important pillar of the INDIA alliance and the alliance cannot be imagined without Mamata Banerjee. “When the journey is long, there can be some speed breakers in the path, and there can be a red light as well, but that does not mean that we should stop the journey itself. The journey continues; we cross the speed breakers, and red lights turn green,” said Jairam Ramesh. He also said that the issues would be resolved soon and INDIA alliance would contest West Bengal standing united.

    RJD also tried to send a similar message. RJD leader and Rajya Sabha MP, Manoj Jha claimed that the statement was given in some particular situation and said that INDIA parties will solve the conflict.

  • In Big Setback To INDIA Bloc, Mamata Banerjee’s TMC To Contest 2024 Polls Alone In Bengal |

    KOLKATA: In a huge setback to the Opposition INDIA bloc, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said that her party TMC will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election in Bengal on all 42 seats. She further stated that TMC will consider a pan-India alliance with the Congress-led INDIA bloc only after the 2024 election results have been declared. Mamata has also reportedly instructed the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders and supporters to gear up for a fierce electoral battle on all 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state. During a meeting in Kalighat, Mamata asserted, “Be ready to fight on all seats. I wanted to leave two, but Congress wants twelve.”

    She added, “I had no discussions with the Congress party. I have always said that in Bengal, we will fight alone. I am not concerned about what will be done in the country but we are a secular party and, in Bengal, we will alone defeat BJP. I am a part of the INDIA alliance.” 

    “I gave many proposals but they rejected them from the beginning. From then, we have decided to fight the elections in Bengal alone,” the TMC chief said.

     

    West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says “I had no discussions with the Congress party. I have always said that in Bengal, we will fight alone. I am not concerned about what will be done in the country but we are a secular party and in Bengal, we will alone defeat BJP. I am a part of… pic.twitter.com/VK2HH3arJI
    — ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2024

     

    The Bengal Chief Minister also claimed that she had not been informed of Rahul Gandhi’s Nyay Yatra passing through Bengal, contrary to claims by the Congress that they had invited INDIA bloc parties to join the Yatra. “They did not even bother to inform me that they would be coming to West Bengal as a matter of courtesy even though I am a part of the INDIA bloc. So there is no relation with me as far as Bengal is concerned” Mamata Banerjee said.

    Warning Shots: TMC’s Seat-Sharing Deadlock

    With seat-sharing discussions with Congress yielding no results, Mamata had earlier cautioned that TMC is prepared to independently contest all 42 Lok Sabha seats if not given the “due importance.” This declaration sets the stage for a potential showdown within the INDIA bloc.

    Strategic Meeting In Murshidabad: Rallying The Troops

    Mamata’s message was delivered during a closed-door organisational meeting of the party’s Murshidabad district unit, known for its significant minority population and historical ties to the Congress. Emphasizing the need for victory in all three Lok Sabha seats in the district, Mamata urged TMC workers to be battle-ready.

    Congress’ Waning Influence: Bengal’s Political Chessboard

    In the 2019 general elections, Congress managed to retain only the Baharampur seat in West Bengal, highlighting its diminishing political foothold. The state’s political dynamics reveal a complex scenario with TMC, Congress, and CPI(M)-led Left Front allying against the BJP, creating rifts within the Opposition.

    The INDIA Bloc Turmoil: TMC’s Offer And Congress’ Rejection

    Tensions escalated as TMC reportedly offered Congress only two seats, a proposal rejected by the grand old party. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, state Congress president, emphasized that Congress would not “beg” for seats. The fallout raises concerns about the unity of the Opposition ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha elections.

    Last week, the TMC abstained from an INDIA bloc virtual meeting, underscoring the necessity for Congress to recognize its limitations in West Bengal. The ruling party emphasized its role in spearheading the state’s political battle, hinting at growing discontent within the alliance.

    Historical Alliances: TMC’s Past Ties With Congress

    The Trinamool Congress had previously allied with Congress in the 2001 assembly polls, 2009 Lok Sabha elections, and the 2011 assembly polls, leading to the ousting of the CPI(M)-led Left Front government after 34 years. The current discord between TMC and Congress adds a new chapter to their political history. With Mamata’s decision to go alone, it now appears that the doors are closed for the Congress in Bengal. For the INDIA bloc, stitching together a formidable alliance has proven to be a stumbling block and it appears that now the alliance may not be able to put together a united front against the BJP.

  • siddaramaiah: ‘Don’t we have our own Ram temples in Karnataka?,’ CM Siddaramaiah asks declining to sponsor trips to Ayodhya

    Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday denied any plans from the government to sponsor devotees to Ayodhya even as the BJP is rolling out mega plans to send them in large numbers to the holy site in Uttar Pradesh.

    “Don’t we have our own Ram Mandirs in Karnataka? Aren’t the temples in our own villages those of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Anjaneya?” the CM retorted when the media queried if the government had any plans to send people from the state for a visit to Ayodhya. His comments came in response to a question about BJP’s target to send three crore people to Ayodhya over the next three months.

    The BJP was indulging in politics over Rama, Siddaramaiah said, and added that the Congress worshipped the Rama that Mahatma Gandhi adored, not the BJP version of Rama.The BJP Karnataka unit has targeted to send more than 35,000 persons from all 224 assembly constituencies in the state to Ayodhya from January 31 to March 25. The trip will be for six days. The teams will include BJP workers and interested members of the public.

    BJP state president BY Vijayendra said 25 special trains have been arranged for the purpose. The participants will get an ID card with a QR code.

    The teams will leave in batches and one team will leave every second day.The party has fixed a fee of Rs 3000 per head. In some constituencies, however, local leaders are collecting below what the party has fixed as they will bear part of the cost. President of one mandal in Bengaluru, said they are collecting only Rs 1000 as a token payment. “We will bear the rest of the expenditure to be incurred on food, transportation and accommodation,” he said.

  • Meet Vikramaditya Singh, The Himachal Congress Leader Who Defied Party To Attend Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha In Ayodhya |

    AYODHYA: In a surprising move, Vikramaditya Singh, a prominent Congress leader and minister in the Himachal Pradesh government, went against his party’s official stance on the Ram Temple inauguration. Despite top Congress leaders boycotting the event, Singh visited the holy city of Ayodhya to partake in the auspicious ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol on Monday.

    A Lone Stand: Himachal Pradesh Declares Half-Day Amid Congress Resistance

    Interestingly, Himachal Pradesh, the sole Congress-ruled state, took a distinctive step by declaring a half-day for all state government workers, showcasing a unique departure from the party’s overall stance.

    Vikramaditya Singh: The Rebel Congress Leader Who Became A ‘State Guest’ In UP

    Vikramaditya Singh, the son of current Himachal Congress chief Pratibha Singh, made headlines as he reached Lucknow from Chandigarh on Sunday. Despite being a Congress leader, he was treated as a ‘state guest’ by the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government.

    ‘Once-In-A-Lifetime’ Opportunity: Singh On Ayodhya Visit

    Earlier on January 8, Singh expressed that attending the Ayodhya ceremony was a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” This came amidst the Congress top brass deciding to stay away from the event, denouncing it as a ‘BJP/RSS event.’

    Congress Leaders Shun Ayodhya Invite

    On January 10, senior Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury declined the invitation, citing the BJP’s attempt to score political points with the ceremony. The Congress labelled the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony as an “RSS and BJP event,” emphasizing their commitment to the 2019 Supreme Court judgment while respecting the sentiments of Lord Ram’s devotees.

    Vikramaditya Singh: Political Scion’s Background And Journey

    Vikramaditya Singh, born in 1989, represents the Shimla Rural constituency as an MLA. Hailing from a political family, he is the son of the late ex-CM Virbhadra Singh, and his mother, Pratibha Singh, currently serves as the MP from Mandi and is the state Congress chief.

    A post-graduate in History from St Stephen’s College, Delhi, Singh served as the chief of the state youth Congress from 2013 to 2017. With two consecutive victories in the elections of 2017 and 2023, he continues to make a mark in Himachal Pradesh politics.

    PM Modi Leads Pran Pratishtha Rituals

    The holy city of Ayodhya witnessed a moment of divine significance as the idol of Ram Lalla was unveiled at the Shri Ram Janmaboomi Temple, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the sacred Pran Pratishtha ceremony on Monday. In the sanctum sanctorum of the grand temple, PM Modi conducted the rituals, creating an atmosphere infused with deep devotion. PM Modi performed the ‘aarti’ of the Ram Lalla idol at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. He also performed ‘parikrama’ of the deity and did ‘dandvat pranam’. He also took blessings from ‘sadhus’.

    The childhood form of Lord Ram (the idol of Shri Ramlalla) has been placed in the main sanctum sanctorum on the ground floor of the temple. The ceremony was marked by Indian Air Force (IAF) choppers showering flower petals over the temple premises during the unveiling of the idol.

    Presence Of Distinguished Dignitaries

    RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath graced the ceremony, chanting ‘Jai Sri Ram’ along with devotees. Over 8,000 guests attended the ceremony, representing various spiritual and religious sects, including tribal communities. Prime Minister Modi addressed the distinguished gathering and interacted with shramjeevis associated with the temple’s construction.

    Architectural Marvel Of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir

    The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir, constructed in traditional Nagara style, stands magnificently with a length of 380 feet, width of 250 feet, and height of 161 feet. It boasts 392 pillars, 44 doors, and intricately sculpted depictions of Hindu deities.

    The main entrance on the eastern side, accessed by ascending 32 stairs through Singh Dwar, leads to five Mandaps (Halls). Notable features include Nritya Mandap, Rang Mandap, Sabha Mandap, Prathana Mandap, and Kirtan Mandap. The historic Well (Sita koop) and the restored ancient Mandir of Bhagwan Shiv at Kuber Tila add to the cultural richness.

    Innovative Construction Methods

    The Mandir’s foundation, crafted with a 14-meter-thick layer of roller-compacted concrete (RCC), gives it the appearance of artificial rock. The absence of iron and the use of traditional indigenous technology showcase the uniqueness of the construction. A 21-foot-high plinth of granite safeguards against ground moisture.

    Modern Amenities In Traditional Ambiance

    The Mandir complex boasts a sewage treatment plant, water treatment plant, water supply for fire safety, and an independent power station, seamlessly blending modern amenities with traditional architecture. 

  • Rahul Gandhi asked not to hold street-corner meeting and padyatra in Assam’s Morigaon

    Morigaon (Assam): Morigaon district commissioner on Monday asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to refrain from holding a street-corner meeting and a padayatra as part of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra as miscreants may try to disrupt peace and tranquility in the district. “On the basis of intelligence inputs, the district administration apprehends the involvement of miscreants who may try to disrupt the peace and tranquility of the district by indulging in anti-social activities taking advantage of two major events happening on the same day – The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra and the Ram Lalla Pran Pratistha – simultaneously”, district commissioner Devashis Sarma said in a letter to the Congress functionaries.

    ”In the interest of Rahul Gandhi’s safety and security, who is a ‘Z plus’ protectee along with our responsibility to avert any probable law and order disruption in Morigaon district, we request that the party refrains from proposed street-corner meeting at the Bihutoli police point and padyatra from the Srimanta Sankardeva Chowk in Morigaon town”, the letter said.

    Earlier in the day, Gandhi was barred from visiting the birthplace of iconic Vaishnav saint Srimanta Sankardeva.

  • Congress’ Acharya Pramod credits PM Modi for Ayodhya Ram Mandir,says ‘Agar PM Modi Na Hote…’ – The Economic Times Video

    Congress leader Acharya Pramod, who recently demanded his party to reconsider declining invite for Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration, has now credited PM Modi for the temple’s construction. Ahead of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, Acharya Pramod said, “This is correct that Ram Mandir has been constructed by Supreme Court’s order, but if the country would have had different Prime Minister other than Narendra Modi, this verdict would not have been possible. I gave the credit of Ram Mandir’s construction and Pran Pratishtha ceremony to Prime Minister Modi.”

  • Ram temple consecration: Ram temple consecration: Uddhav sent invitation by speed post; Sanjay Raut slams govt

    Shiv Sena (UBT) president and former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray has been sent an invitation by speed post for the Ram temple consecration ceremony to be held in Ayodhya on Monday. Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut hit out at the government over the manner in which the Thackeray family has been treated.

    Maharashtra minister Uday Samant, who belongs to the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, said speed post is used to ensure the invitation reaches faster and it has been done.

    However, Raut reacted sharply to the speed post invite saying, “You worship Lord Ram, and rule like Ravan (demon king). Lord Ram will curse you. All film stars are invited but the Thackeray family that has been closely associated with movement is treated in such a manner.” Uddhav Thackeray will be in Nashik for a two-day visit from Monday.

    He will offer prayers at the Kalaram temple there and perform a ‘maha aarti’ on the Godavari river bank on Monday.

    On Tuesday, he will participate in a day-long convention of his party in Nashik. The much-awaited Ram temple consecration will be held in Ayodhya city of Uttar Pradesh on Monday in a grand ceremony with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the rituals, following which the shrine will be opened for the public a day later. While more than 7,000 people are in the long list of invitees, the select list features 506 A-listers.

    Those attending the “Pran Prathishtha” also include people linked to the agitation for the temple at the Ram Janmabhoomi.

    Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, business tycoons Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, and sporting icon Sachin Tendulkar are among the prominent people to be invited.

    Almost all opposition leaders invited to the ceremony have declined to attend the ceremony, with the Congress calling it a BJP-RSS event.

  • Cong condemns attack on Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Assam, accuses BJP of trampling people’s rights

    The Congress on Saturday condemned the attack on the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Assam “by BJP goons” and accused the ruling party in the state of seeking to “trample and demolish” every right and justice guaranteed by the Constitution to the people of India. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the party will not be cowed down by such tactics aimed at intimidating its workers and leaders.

    “We strongly condemn the shameful attack on the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra vehicles and tearing of the Congress party’s banners and posters by BJP goons in Lakhimpur, Assam,” he said in a post on X.

    “In the last 10 years, the BJP has attempted to trample and demolish every right and justice guaranteed by the Constitution to the people of India. It wants to subjugate their voices, thereby hijacking democracy,” he added. Kharge said the Congress will not be cowed down by this tactic of attack and intimidation “by the BJP government in Assam, which is responsible for this”. AICC general secretary K C Venugopal also shared a video of the purported attack and said, “Want more evidence of how scared ‘MostCorrupt’ CM Himanta is of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra? Look at his goons vandalise our Congress posters and vehicles!” “He’s so rattled because of the huge impact the Yatra is making, he will stoop to any level,” he said. The Congress alleged that banners and posters welcoming its ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ to Assam’s North Lakhimpur town, through which it will pass on Saturday, have been vandalised.

    The Yatra, led by Rahul Gandhi, is on its third day’s journey in the state and will pass through several parts of the Lakhimpur district, including the headquarters town of North Lakhimpur, before entering Arunachal Pradesh later in the day.

  • Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi cannot move from the middle of Guwahati city: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

    Guwahati: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that it is made clear that Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi cannot move from the middle of Guwahati city and if the same is not complied government will file case and ensure two or three leaders are brought to Assam by the police.

    Sarma on Thursday said, “We will give all the necessary permission for the rally however if they insist on going right from the middle of Guwahati city, we will not arrange for police security. If they do so we will register a case of violation and after elections will arrest them. There is a medical college here and people will really dislike them if they move through the middle of Guwahati.”

    Sarma said, “Those who break the law, we will not show off; however after one or two months, two people, one which include former personnel of SPG will be arrested. They will be the government’s guest if they violate this. We may even arrest them from Siliguri in West Bengal.” He said it is not a Nyay rally but a Miya rally.” In those places where there are Miyas there will be people in the rally and in the places where there is no Miya there will be no crowd. Even Women from the Miya community will not come, only some men from the community will turn up.

    Former Youth Congress leader Angkita Dutta who alleged harassment and gender discrimination Youth Congress president Srinivas BV had moved court. She protested on Thursday seeking justice for herself. On April 19 last year, she was expelled from Assam Youth Congress.

    Sarma said, “From Congress no one can expect justice, what to expect from them as 900 people were killed in Assam Agitation, they bombed the Aizawl.” The chief minister said that the Gandhi family is the most corrupt family in the country. “From Bofors deal to ensuring safe passage to Warren Martin Anderson, CEO of Union Carbide Corporation plant in Bhopal, Gandhi’s corruption is everywhere. In fact, this family is not originally Gandhi, they are duplicate. In case of duplicate license, one is arrested however I do not know what the consequences are of having a duplicate surname, that is why they are roaming around.” Bengali speaking Muslims are often referred as Miya Muslims. Muslims comprise 34% of the 3.12 crore population of Assam, of which 4% are indigenous Assamese Muslims and the remaining mostly Bengali-speaking Muslims.

  • With Development Work And ‘Ram Jyoti’ Appeal, PM Modi Tries To Strike A Chord With ‘Unfavourable’ Kerala Voters |

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed a gathering in Kerala’s Kochi where he lauded the people of the state for celebrating ‘Ramayan Masam’ and urged people to light ‘Ram Jyoti’ on January 22. “Shri Rama Jyoti should be lit in all houses and temples during the Dhanya Muhurta of Prana Pratishtha in Ayodhya. This message should be conveyed to all,” urged PM Modi to the people. He also asked party workers to focus on their booth saying that every booth is important. PM Modi urged the party workers to conduct contact activities with people and made them aware of the BJP government’s scheme. He also asked all Shaktikendra workers to use the Namo application to get accurate awareness of central schemes. 

    Kerala, once a Congress stronghold, has shifted towards the Left for the last 10 years. The BJP is focussing on ‘development, welfare, and security’ issues to woo the voters. The BJP is already making ground among voters with PM Modi’s roadshows and events. PM Modi recently led a roadshow and a women’s rally in Thrissur on January 3. He also addressed the Nari Shakthi (Women’s Power) conference which was attended by thousands of women.

    Focus On Key Lok Sabha Seats

    The Kerala BJP is focussing on key Lok Sabah seats where its vote share has increased over time. Over the past three Lok Sabha elections of Thiruvananthapuram, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demonstrated its growing strength as a formidable contender. In the 2009 election, the BJP’s candidate PK Krishna Das secured a notable vote share of 11.40 per cent. Subsequently, in 2014, O Rajagopal significantly increased the party’s influence, garnering 32.32 per cent of the votes. Although there was a slight dip in electoral support in 2019, with Kummanam Rajasekharan achieving a vote share of 31.30 per cent, the BJP continued to establish itself as a robust opponent in the region.

    The Pathanamthitta Lok Sabha seat, which saw agitations related to the Sabarimala temple, is again the focus of the BJP. The party’s vote share in this seat had increased from 7.06 per cent in 2009 to 15.95 per cent in 2014 and to 28.97 per cent in 2019. The BJP is also focussing on the Thrissur and Attingal seats.

    BJP Customising Its Kerala Strategy

    The BJP is customising itself in the state which has a significant number of Christian voters. Shifting away from the traditional strategy of catering primarily to the Hindu community, the BJP is now focusing on the electoral potential within the Christian population in Kerala. The state presents a complex religious demographic scenario, posing a unique challenge for the BJP in its electoral endeavours. Among the 33.4 million inhabitants in Kerala, Christians constitute approximately 18 per cent of the population, while Muslims make up 26 per cent.

    Since the Muslim community in the state largely votes for either Congress or the Left, the BJP is looking to woo Christian voters who are not adverse to the party. Modi’s decision to visit Sacred Heart’s College went beyond merely trying to shape the perspectives of young individuals. It also aimed to portray the BJP as an inclusive party that embraces Christians and genuinely seeks the welfare of the community.

    The BJP’s endeavours to establish a foothold in Kerala politics are showing tangible outcomes, as reflected in the increasing votes and endorsement from influential church figures. Another noteworthy development is the resignation of Johnny Nellore, the vice-chairman of the Kerala Congress, who has declared the formation of a new political party with backing from the Church, purportedly supported by the BJP. Also, by visiting the popular temples, PM Modi has maintained his devotion towards the religion. This will also help woo the Hindu voters. Thus, if the BJP manages to carve out a space for itself among the Hindu and Christian voters, its path will become easier. 

    Development Plank

    PM Modi is presenting the BJP as a party known for carrying out development work. The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express and India’s first Water Metro Service in Kochi is part of a strategic plan. Even today, when the Prime Minister visited Kerala, he inaugurated projects worth over Rs 4000 crore in Kerala’s Kochi. The three major infrastructure projects inaugurated by the Prime Minister included the New Dry Dock (NDD) at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL); the International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) of CSL; and the LPG Import Terminal of Indian Oil Corporation Limited at Puthuvypeen, Kochi.

    Highlighting the new infrastructure initiatives inaugurated today, the Prime Minister said the Central Government is working to increase the capacity of coastal cities like Kochi. He further asserted that Kochi is set to be the next ship-building hub of the nation. This will send a signal to the youth of the state that they will get better opportunities within the state instead of migrating to other places.