News Analysis India

Tag: NDA

  • Lok Sabha Live Updates: NDA Vs Opposition On Speaker Post, Om Birla Vs K Suresh| Updates |

    Lok Sabha Speaker Election: Kota MP Om Birla, who previously served as Lok Sabha Speaker of the previous House, submitted his nomination as an NDA candidate on Tuesday. Birla’s name was unanimously agreed upon by all NDA parties, and senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh also sought the opposition’s support. The INDIA bloc fielded Congress leader K Suresh as its candidate for the Speaker’s position against Om Birla, accusing the ruling NDA of failing to follow convention in handing over the Dy speaker position to the opposition.

    Congress leader K C Venugopal and DMK’s T R Baalu walked out of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s office, refusing to endorse NDA candidate Birla unless they were offered the position of Deputy Speaker. Venugopal stated that the BJP refused to commit to offering the Deputy Speaker position to the opposition.

    Union ministers Piyush Goyal and Lalan Singh accused the Congress of imposing conditions, adding that the ruling alliance was willing to discuss their demand when the election for Deputy Speaker took place.

    According to sources, over ten sets of nominations were filed in support of Birla’s candidature, including those from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers Shah, Singh, and Nadda, as well as BJP allies such as the TDP, JD(U), JD(S), and LJP(R).

    Three nominations were submitted in support of Suresh, a Dalit leader and eight-term MP.

    Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had clarified on Tuesday that the INDIA bloc will only support the government’s nomination if the opposition is given the deputy speaker’s position. He also said that Defence Minister and senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh had yet to respond to the opposition’s request for the post of deputy speaker. Gandhi also accused the BJP of insulting Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge. 

    While speaking to reporters outside the Parliament house, Gandhi said, “Today it is written in the newspaper that PM Modi has said that the Opposition should cooperate with the Govt constructively. Rajnath Singh called Mallikarjun Kharge and he asked him to extend support to the Speaker. The entire Opposition said that we would support the Speaker but the convention is that the Deputy Speaker post should be given to the opposition.”

    #WATCH | Delhi: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says “Today it is written in the newspaper that PM Modi has said that the Opposition should cooperate with the Govt constructively. Rajnath Singh called Mallikarjun Kharge and he asked him to extend support to the Speaker. The entire… pic.twitter.com/yR5CzlagEx


    — ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2024

    “Rajnath Singh said that he would call back Mallikarjun Kharge but he has not done that yet…PM Modi is asking for cooperation from Opposition but our leader is getting insulted…,” he said.

    Here are the live updates on Lok Sabha speaker’s election: 

    12:30 pm: Congress leader K C Venugopal and DMK’s T R Baalu walked out of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s office, refusing to endorse NDA candidate Birla unless they were offered the position of Deputy Speaker.

    Venugopal stated that the BJP refused to commit to offering the Deputy Speaker position to the opposition.

    12:00 pm: Union ministers Piyush Goyal and Lalan Singh accused the Congress of imposing conditions, saying the ruling alliance was willing to discuss their demand when the election for Deputy Speaker was held.

  • Yadavs, Muslims must not expect me to be of any help: JD(U) MP

    Patna: A newly elected MP of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) on Monday found himself at the centre of a controversy for laments about “Muslims and Yadavs” not voting for the BJP-led NDA. In a video clip that has gone viral on social media, Sitamarhi MP Devesh Chandra Thakur can also be heard ruing that “NDA’s own voters” gravitated towards the opposition RJD.

    Thakur, 71, a former chairman of the state legislative council, made his parliamentary debut in the recently held Lok Sabha polls, winning the seat by a modest margin of less than 55,000 votes.

    “I did not get votes of Suris (a fishing community) and Kalwars. Even the Kushwahas deserted me. Just because respected Lalu Prasad (RJD supremo) gave tickets to many Kushwahas. Could a Kushwaha elected from elsewhere be of any help to members of the community in my constituency?” Thakur could be heard asking in the video, which was not independently verified by PTI. Later, he said, “I have made it clear that Yadavs and Muslims must not expect me to be of any help to them. They will be treated with due respect, even offered tea and snacks, when they call on me. But I will not take up any of their problems.”

    The JD(U) MP added that he had expressed the sentiment before a “Muslim” who visited him after the elections.

    “I asked the Muslim brother how can you expect me to work for you when you did not vote for me just because my party is aligned with the BJP,” said Thakur, claiming that the visitor agreed with the contention and went back feeling regret for his electoral choice. Often called “Ajaatshatru” in political circles because of his friendly disposition, Thakur retained the seat for his party which chose to drop sitting MP Sunil Kumar Pintu. Thakur defeated his nearest RJD rival Arjun Roy, who is a former MP from the Lok Sabha seat.

    The JD(U) leader’s outbursts met with disapproval from the RJD as well as ally BJP, leaving the party to fend for itself.

    “The remarks made by Thakur are objectionable. An MP is the representative of all sections of society in his constituency,” said Bhai Virendra, the RJD’s chief spokesperson and an MLA.

    BJP OBC Morcha national general secretary Nikhil Anand also came out with a strongly worded statement, but without mentioning Thakur by name.

    “Giving vent to frustration in a manner that smacks of caste prejudice is shameful and deplorable in politics. The BJP takes all social segments along. In Bihar, no political party can succeed if it tries to marginalise Yadavs, who are 14 per cent of the total population,” said Anand.

    The BJP leader underscored “27 OBCs, four of them Yadavs” in the Union Council of Ministers and claimed that it was proof of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to “social harmony”.

    JD(U) chief spokesman and MLC Neeraj Kumar responded to the criticisms, saying, “It is unthinkable that Thakur will discriminate against any section of society. He was just expressing his pain at not getting votes of even those whom he may have helped him personally but who got swayed by other considerations.”

  • Fevicol ka jod? The bonhomie in Modi’s alliance dispels coalition fears

    Extending support to PM-designate Narendra Modi after the Lok Sabha poll results, Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde said the alliance of BJP and Shiv Sena of Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideal is “Fevicol ka jod” which is unbreakable. His comments came amid widespread concerns that Modi 3.0 was propped up by slippery allies who could shift their loyalties.When Modi became the PM in 2014, it was a clean break in Indian politics. The BJP had enough of its seats to not depend on any ally for survival. India had seen coalition politics for decades when coalition governments, often unstable and marked by various pulls and pushes, had become a new normal.Modi’s decisive mandate changed Indian politics. Gone were the days when allies used to hold the prime minister to ransom. During the UPA II government led by Sonia Gandhi, coalition politics was blamed for corruption and policy paralysis. Modi was free of coalition constraints and was able to shape the economy and governance according to his will. Major reforms were possible solely due to the full majority of the BJP. In fact, the BJP fell out with several of its allies, notably Shiv Sena and the Akalis. Before this Lok Sabha election, the BJP also snapped ties with the AIADMK. Many began to think that India was headed towards one-party rule.But Modi 3.0, which lacks full majority, is widely seen as a weaker dispensation dependent on TDP chief Chardrababu Naidu and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar.

    The NDA bonhomieThe TDP was part of the BJP-led NDA but exited in 2018 when Naidu was the state’s chief minister. JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar has for a long time been in a love-hate relationship with the BJP. He has partnered and then junked the BJP several times. With this complicated background, many see the future of the NDA coalition shaky .Both Nitish and Naidu were also expected to extract their pound of flesh.

    But after the allocation of portfolios to ministers, it became clear that the allies were not very demanding. Modi kept the core ministries while allies got mostly peripheral portfolios. The NCP was an exception which showed dissatisfaction at the offer of the minister of state and rejected it.Later, Nitish Kumar, speaking at an NDA parliamentary meeting, took a swipe at the Congress-led INDIA opposition bloc, declaring his unwavering support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kumar said, “I will be with PM Modi at all times.” He expressed confidence in the future electoral success of the NDA, saying, “Next time when you come, the people who have won here and there this time will lose next time. We are fully confident about it, In a rare gesture, Nitish even tried to touch Modi’s feet but was embraced by Modi.Today, at the oath-taking ceremony of Chadrababu Naidu, ample bonhomie was on display between Modi and Naidu and head of Jana Sena Party Pawan Kalyan. As Naidu moved away from dias towards PM Modi, he shook hands with PM Modi who presented him with a bouquet. And what followed was a long hug and a pat on the back as Naidu turned emotional.

    The ceremony was filled with emotional moments and memorable scenes. PM Modi stood with megastar Chiranjeevi and his brother Pawan Kalyan, raising their hands and hugging each other. This heartfelt moment moved Ram Charan, Chiranjeevi’s son, to tears as he watched his father and uncle share the stage with the Prime Minister.

    The uncertainty of coalition governmentsThe bonhomie on display between PM Modi and the NDA allies is contrary to what many had expected: a lot of messy haggling over portfolios and competitive wooing of parties by the NDA and the INDIA block of opposition parties. The NDA has been off to a harmonious start. However, coalition governments often spring surprises over time.

    Since the BJP has previously run coalition governments under Atal Bihari Vajpayee, it is conversant with this political culture. But it will have to learn to live with several partners, which it is no longer accustomed to. The BJP’s coalition era leaders, such as LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, have all receded to the background. Few at the top of the party today know how to manage fickle partners.

    The uncertainty and precarity of the coalition era of the past, however, may not be visible in Modi 3.0. Many think both Nitish and Naidu will be focused on their state governments and would expect financial help from the Centre.

  • NDA is back but we are not free of challenges: Mohan Bhagwat – The Economic Times Video

    Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat has criticised political parties for not maintaining dignity during the just concluded polls. Bhagwat also said that the opposition should not be considered as an adversary in a democracy and their views should also come to light. “It is called Opposition. It should not be considered an adversary. Their opinions should also come to light,” he said while addressing the closing ceremony RSS worker’s development class in Maharashtra’s Nagpur.

  • ‘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. 

  • Cabinet ministers: Narendra Modi, Cabinet take oath: Check Team Modi 3.0

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday was administered oath of office for the third time by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi.

    Several key leaders including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, JP Nadda, HD Kumaraswamy, Jitan Ram Manjhi and others were also sworn-in as ministers in PM Modi-led cabinet. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP secured 240 seats, with the NDA obtaining a total of 293 seats out of 543 in the lower house. Congress fought the election as part of the INDIA bloc and the parties together were able to prevent BJP from getting a majority on its own in Lok Sabha.Team Modi 3.0 Amit ShahRajnath SinghNitin GadkariJP NaddaShivraj Singh ChouhanNirmala SitharamanS. JaishankarManohar Lal KhattarHD KumaraswamyPiyush GoyalDharmendra PradhanJitan Ram ManjhiRajiv Ranjan SinghSarbananda SonowalVirendra KumarKinjarapu Ram Mohan NaiduPralhad JoshiJual OramGiriraj SinghAshwini VaishnawJyotiraditya ScindiaBhupender YadavGajendra Singh ShekhawatAnnapurna DeviKiren RijijuHardeep Singh PuriMansukh MandaviyaG Kishan ReddyChirag PaswanCR PatilRao Indrajit SinghJitendra SinghArjun Ram MeghwalPrataprao JadhavJayant Chaudhary Jitin PrasadaShripad NaikPankaj ChaudharyKrishan PalRamdas AthawaleRamnath ThakurNityanand RaiAnupriya PatelV SomannaChandra Sekhar Pemmasani SP BaghelAllUttar PradeshMaharashtraTamil NaduWest BengalBiharKarnatakaAndhra PradeshTelanganaKeralaMadhya PradeshRajasthanDelhiOther States

  • NDA 3.0: PM-designate Narendra Modi lays wreath at the National War Memorial – The Economic Times Video

    PM-designate Narendra Modi along with CDS Gen Anil Chauhan, Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, and VCAS Air Vice Marshal Amar Preet Singh laid wreath at the National War Memorial, ahead of his swearing-in ceremony, to be held today at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Narendra Modi will take oath as the Prime Minister for the third consecutive term, today.

  • Modi 3.0: Shashi Tharoor, says I have not been invited to swearing-in, so I’ll be watching India vs Pakistan match – The Economic Times Video

    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. So again, that also sends a signal…”He further said, “I have not been invited to the swearing-in, so I’ll be watching the (India vs Pakistan) match.”

  • Maldives President Muizzu Confirms Attendance At PM Modi’s Swearing-In Ceremony |

    Male: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has reportedly accepted an invitation to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming swearing-in ceremony in New Delhi on Sunday, as per a local media report.

    Maldivian news portal Edition.mv quoted its sister publication in Dhivehi, Mihaaru News, as confirming his attendance at the ceremony, along with several other senior government officials.

    However, there has been no official confirmation yet from the Maldives President’s Office regarding Muizzu’s first official visit to India.

    PM Modi is set for a third consecutive term as Prime Minister of India with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) emerging victorious in the parliamentary elections.

    With PM Modi registering his win for the third consecutive term, wishes from global leaders also came pouring in at the speed of light. In an earlier statement on Wednesday, President Muizzu congratulated PM Modi and expressed his willingness to collaborate to enhance bilateral ties.

    He posted on X, ” “Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP and BJP-led NDA, on the success in the 2024 Indian General Election, for the third consecutive term. I look forward to working together to advance our shared interests in pursuit of shared prosperity and stability for our two countries ”

    In a reply to the post, Prime Minister Modi thanked Maldives President and said he looks forward to closer cooperation for further strengthening of bilateral ties between the two nations.

    “Thank you President @MMuizzu. Maldives is our valued partner and neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region. I too look forward to closer cooperation for further strengthening our bilateral ties,” PM Modi posted on X.

    This would mark President Muizzu’s inaugural official visit to India since assuming office on November 17 last year. Notably, Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, diverged from his predecessors’ protocol by choosing to visit Turkey first and subsequently China for his first state visit in January.

    Shortly after he was sworn in, President Muizzu stirred bilateral tensions by demanding the removal of approximately 88 Indian military personnel from the Maldives. These personnel were repatriated from three aviation platforms and replaced by Indian civilians by the May 10 deadline set by President Muizzu.

    The counting of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections was held on Tuesday. According to the Election Commission of India, the BJP won 240 seats, and with its allies has 292 seats in the Parliament. The Congress, on the other hand, registered a strong growth winning 99 seats.

    Other leaders also congratulated PM Modi and the BJP-led NDA government on their third consecutive victory in the Lok Sabha polls.

    The swearing-in ceremony is anticipated to host leaders from neighbouring countries, such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, and Mauritius, in addition to the Maldives, aligning with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.

  • Modi 3.0: Top 10 key takeaways from PM Modi's speech at NDA meet

    Modi 3.0: Top 10 key takeaways from PM Modi's speech at NDA meet