Copyright on GuaranteesWith AAP pitting ‘Kejriwal ki guarantee’ against ‘Modi ki guarantee’, ‘Congress ki guarantee’ is caught between the two. Congress believes that the patent for coining pre-poll ‘guarantees’ rests with it as it first chanted the mantra during Karnataka elections and then in Telangana polls. Congress spokespersons maintain that BJP and PM aped the party’s word play by coining ‘Modi ki guarantee’, but it finds itself in a piquant situation with ‘Kejriwal ki guarantee’ as AAP is a sensitive ally. It can’t endorse it either as it risks eclipsing Congress’ own ‘guarantees’. While some Delhi Congress leaders are wondering how to streamline the alliance with AAP and the two, yet competing, guarantees, a little bird says at least two Congress LS candidates in Delhi are raring to chant ‘Kejriwal ki guarantee’.Experiencing Choppy RideFund-strapped Opposition parties are facing a major crisis during campaigning — lack of helicopters. Apparently, helicopter companies have demanded that all political parties pay upfront 70% of hiring fee and that too in cheque. This has limited the use of choppers, making it difficult for leaders to cover more constituencies and campaign in remote areas. Last heard, Congress leaders were pushing for a chopper to campaign in the last phases. Specific to RegionEven as India has expanded its regional dialogue partners, Russia remains a close ally for discussing key developments in the region. Senior Russian diplomat and presidential envoy on Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, will be in New Delhi this week to engage with his counterparts on the AfPak region and the necessity for an inclusive government in Kabul. Kabulov, a former envoy to Afghanistan, is considered one of the best Afghan experts.
Tag: Opposition parties
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Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Voting begins in 88 seats across 12 states, one UT – The Economic Times Video
Second phase voting for Lok Sabha elections is taking place across 13 states and union territories today. The campaign has been marked by intense campaigning and sharp exchanges between political parties. The polling was supposed to be held in 89 Lok Sabha constituencies, but voting in Madhya Pradesh’s Betul was postponed to third phase after the death of Bahujan Samaj Party’s (BSP) candidate.
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lok sabha: India readies for 2nd Phase of Lok Sabha elections; Here are the key battles across 88 seats
India is gearing up for the second phase of Lok Sabha elections, set to take place across 13 states and union territories tomorrow. The campaign has been marked by intense campaigning and sharp exchanges between political parties. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the upcoming phase:Lok Sabha Polls Phase 2: Voting DetailsConstituencies: The second phase covers 88 Lok Sabha constituencies, including all 20 seats in Kerala, 14 in Karnataka, 13 in Rajasthan, eight in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, and others.Voting Schedule: Polling will begin at 7 am and conclude at 6 pm. The election is being held in seven phases till June 1, with vote counting on June 4.Lok Sabha Polls Phase 2: INDIA Bloc and Opposition Unity:AllUttar PradeshMaharashtraTamil NaduWest BengalBiharKarnatakaAndhra PradeshTelanganaKeralaMadhya PradeshRajasthanDelhiOther StatesSeveral opposition parties have formed the INDIA bloc to field common candidates against the BJP.Key Personalities:Rahul Gandhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is re-contesting from Wayanad, Kerala.Shashi Tharoor: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor is seeking a fourth successive term from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.Hema Malini: Actor-turned-politician Hema Malini is contesting from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.Bhupesh Baghel: Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel is contesting from Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh.Lok Sabha Polls Phase 2: Previous Phase Recap:The first phase of voting was held on April 19 across 102 constituencies. The voter turnout was over 62 per cent.Lok Sabha Polls Phase 2: States and Seats in Phase 2:Assam: 5 seats – Karimganj, Silchar, Mangaldoi, Nawgong, KaliaborBihar: 5 seats – Kishanganj, Katihar, Purnia, Bhagalpur, BankaChhattisgarh: 3 seats – Rajnandgaon, Mahasamund, KankerJammu and Kashmir: JammuKarnataka: 14 seats – Various constituenciesKerala: All 20 seatsMadhya Pradesh: 6 seats – Tikamgarh, Damoh, Khajuraho, Satna, Rewa, Hoshangabad, BetulMaharashtra: 8 seats – Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal-Washim, Hingoli, Nanded, ParbhaniManipur: Outer ManipurRajasthan: 13 seats – Tonk-Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Pali, Jodhpur, Barmer, Jalore, Udaipur, Banswara, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Bhilwara, Kota, Jhalawar-BaranTripura: Tripura EastUttar Pradesh: 8 seats – Amroha, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, Aligarh, Mathura, BulandshahrWest Bengal: 3 seats – Darjeeling, Raiganj, BalurghatLok Sabha Polls Phase 2: Voter Eligibility
An estimated 16 crore voters, including 8.08 crore male, 7.8 crore female voters, and 5,929 third-gender electors, are eligible to vote in this phase.
Lok Sabha Polls Phase 2: Key Candidates in Phase 2
Kerala: Rahul Gandhi (Wayanad), Shashi Tharoor (Thiruvananthapuram), Hema Malini (Mathura), Bhupesh Baghel (Rajnandgaon)Karnataka: HD Kumaraswamy (Mandya), Yaduveer Wadiyar (Mysuru), DK Suresh (Bengaluru Rural), Tejasvi Surya (Bengaluru South)Assam: Pradyut Bordoloi (Nagaon), Dilip Saikia (Darrang-Udalguri), Kripanath Mallah (Karimganj), Parimal Suklabaidya (Silchar)Bihar: Santosh Kushwaha (Purnia), Mohammed Jawed (Kishanganj), Ajay Kumar Mandal (Bhagalpur), Giridhari Yadav (Banka)Chhattisgarh: Bhupesh Baghel (Rajnandgaon), Tamradhwaj Sahu (Mahasamund), Bhojraj Nag (Kanker)Madhya Pradesh: Virendra Kumar Khatik (Tikamgarh), RB Prajapati (Khajuraho), Tarbar Singh Lodhi (Damoh)Maharashtra: Prataprao Chikhalikar Govindrao (Nanded), Ashtikar Patil Nagesh Bapurao (Hingoli), Sanjay alias Bandu Jadhav (Parbhani)The second phase of the Lok Sabha elections is poised to be a significant chapter in India’s democratic process, with key battles and prominent leaders vying for the mandate of the people.
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New Parl building inauguration: ‘Boycott gang’ insulting legacy of their own leaders, freedom fighters, alleges Puri
By PTI
NEW DELHI: Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri Friday hit out at the Congress and those objecting to the inauguration of the new Parliament building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the “boycott gang” is insulting the legacy of their own leaders and the freedom fighters.
In a series of tweets, Puri cited an old article of the Time Magazine published in 1947 which he said was a must read for those who wish they had built the magnificent new Parliament instead of Prime Minister Modi.
#WATCH | #NewParliamentBuilding: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri says, “An article was published in the Time Magazine of America in 1947 and all those who are protesting (against the inauguration of new parliament building) should read this article and gain knowledge about what… pic.twitter.com/BZfmmU8LnU
— ANI (@ANI) May 26, 2023
” In another tweet, the minister said on that momentous day, a havan was performed, the pithambaram made from silk and gold was wrapped around the PM by representative of the Adheenam who escorted the Sengol to Delhi by a special aircraft.Payasam from that morning’s pooja at the Nataraja temple was brought as prasad. This piece should show a mirror to the naysayers, Puri said, adding that the “boycott gang is actually insulting the legacy of their own leaders and the freedom fighters”.
On that momentous day, a havan was performed, the pithambaram made from silk & gold was wrapped around PM by representative of the Adheenam who escorted the Sengol to Delhi by a special aircraft. Payasam from that morning’s pooja at the Nataraja temple was brought as prasad. pic.twitter.com/M11EGfQaf2
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) May 26, 2023
The ceremony to inaugurate the new Parliament building will begin with an early morning havan and a multi-religion prayer on Sunday followed by a formal opening in the Lok Sabha chamber by Prime Minister Modi.As many as 25 parties are expected to attend the inauguration of the new Parliament building on Sunday even as 20 opposition parties have decided to boycott the event.
The Opposition has stepped up its attack on Prime Minister Modi over the inauguration of the new Parliament building, with the Congress saying “one man’s ego and desire for self-promotion” has denied the first tribal woman President her constitutional privilege to inaugurate the complex.
ALSO READ: One man’s ego has denied President’s privilege to inaugurate new Parliament: Congress
The BJP has alleged that the opposition parties have decided to boycott the inauguration just because it has been built at the initiative of Prime Minister Modi.
The BJP also appealed to the opposition parties to attend the “historic day” of its inauguration by showing a “big heart”.
NEW DELHI: Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri Friday hit out at the Congress and those objecting to the inauguration of the new Parliament building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the “boycott gang” is insulting the legacy of their own leaders and the freedom fighters.
In a series of tweets, Puri cited an old article of the Time Magazine published in 1947 which he said was a must read for those who wish they had built the magnificent new Parliament instead of Prime Minister Modi.
#WATCH | #NewParliamentBuilding: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri says, “An article was published in the Time Magazine of America in 1947 and all those who are protesting (against the inauguration of new parliament building) should read this article and gain knowledge about what… pic.twitter.com/BZfmmU8LnUgoogletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });
— ANI (@ANI) May 26, 2023
” In another tweet, the minister said on that momentous day, a havan was performed, the pithambaram made from silk and gold was wrapped around the PM by representative of the Adheenam who escorted the Sengol to Delhi by a special aircraft.Payasam from that morning’s pooja at the Nataraja temple was brought as prasad. This piece should show a mirror to the naysayers, Puri said, adding that the “boycott gang is actually insulting the legacy of their own leaders and the freedom fighters”.
On that momentous day, a havan was performed, the pithambaram made from silk & gold was wrapped around PM by representative of the Adheenam who escorted the Sengol to Delhi by a special aircraft. Payasam from that morning’s pooja at the Nataraja temple was brought as prasad. pic.twitter.com/M11EGfQaf2
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) May 26, 2023
The ceremony to inaugurate the new Parliament building will begin with an early morning havan and a multi-religion prayer on Sunday followed by a formal opening in the Lok Sabha chamber by Prime Minister Modi.As many as 25 parties are expected to attend the inauguration of the new Parliament building on Sunday even as 20 opposition parties have decided to boycott the event.
The Opposition has stepped up its attack on Prime Minister Modi over the inauguration of the new Parliament building, with the Congress saying “one man’s ego and desire for self-promotion” has denied the first tribal woman President her constitutional privilege to inaugurate the complex.
ALSO READ: One man’s ego has denied President’s privilege to inaugurate new Parliament: Congress
The BJP has alleged that the opposition parties have decided to boycott the inauguration just because it has been built at the initiative of Prime Minister Modi.
The BJP also appealed to the opposition parties to attend the “historic day” of its inauguration by showing a “big heart”.
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BJP’s journey from 2 to 303 seats will start reversing from 2024: RJD
The national executive endorsed party founder Lalu Prasad's re-election as the national president for the 12th time.
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The curious case of Mamata Banerjee’s new opposition front
Express News Service
NEW DELHI: West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee might have talked a lot about the need for a new formidable opposition front without Congress Party to take on the BJP in 2024 Lok Sabha elections but her idea seems to be going a non-starter with a majority of UPA allies sounding unfavourable with the idea. The UPA allies in a good number feel that Mamata’s idea of forming a new political front of opposition parallel to UPA will ultimately benefit the BJP in the next 2024 LS elections if the idea is translated into reality.
Buoyed over the recent victory in state assembly elections, the TMC in what appears to be a meticulously chalked political strategy, has intensified the efforts to make its political presence felt in other states also. As part of a well-thought induction-cum-expansion spree, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee recently met many leaders of opposition in Delhi and Mumbai trying to take them in confidence on the necessity of forming a new political front of opposition against the BJP, excluding the Congress Party. As part of this campaign to create an atmosphere conducive to the creation of a new opposition front, she termed the UPA as non-existent also.
Senior leader and Rajya Sabha MP of Shiv Sena Sanjay Raut, speaking to this newspaper, said no political front of opposition can succeed in defeating the ruling BJP without the Congress Party as it is only the national party with a political presence in many states.
“Whatever Mamata Banerjee ji has said as a responsible and respectful politician, would have been her own thoughts or perceptions. The Shiv Sena want all opposition parties together to take on the BJP”, Raut said. He categorically said that two fronts in opposition would not be good for the unity of opposition against the ruling BJP. The Shiv Sena has already made its stand clear through a write–up in its mouthpiece ‘Saamna’ that those who don’t think of going with the Congress-led opposition would be akin to strengthening the BJP and the ‘fascist forces’. “It would be impossible to defeat the BJP without Congress Party and the ShivSena has never thought of it,” he said.
The RJD, which is one of the bigger allies of Congress-led UPA, echoed the same sentiment upon being asked whether it would like to join, if a new political front of opposition is formed by Mamata Banerjee, excluding Congress Party. “The RJD has more often than not made its stand clear on this issue. We can’t even think of excluding the Congress Part from UPA or going into any new political front of opposition formed without Congress Party”, RJD spokesperson Chitaranjan Gagan.
He said: “How can one leave the Congress Party in opposition, which gives direct fight to the BJP on 200 Lok Sabha seats in the country? It sounds a bit impossible to an ally of UPA like us”, he said. Earlier, talking to this newspaper RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav had also said that Sonia Gandhi was requested by him to call the meeting of all opposition leaders for strengthening opposition unity against the BJP. The NCP, headed by Sharad Pawar, which is power in Maharashtra along with the Congress Party, has already dismissed the idea of forming a new front of opposition sans Congress Party. National spokesperson of NCP Nawab Malik recently told the media that the Congress Party has a Pan-India presence and can be important for the opposition. The NCP leader further stated that no united front of opposition can be formed without Congress Party.
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Opposition parties slam Tripura government as police book 102 people under UAPA
Express News Service
GUWAHATI: The opposition parties in Tripura slammed the state’s BJP government as the police booked 102 people, including journalists, under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in connection with the recent violence in the state.
The Congress demanded the immediate withdrawal of the cases while the CPI-M said the government demonstrated intolerance by resorting to UAPA.
“The whole situation was created by them when some right-wing organisation (read Vishwa Hindu Parishad) took out a procession in protest against the incidents in Bangladesh and some participating in it torched a few houses and shops of the Muslims,” Congress’s state unit president Birajit Sinha said.
He said there was no point stretching the case as normalcy has already returned in the state.
“UAPA is a stringent law. We demand the government withdraw the case immediately and end the matter since normalcy has returned,” Sinha said.
He criticised the Biplab Deb government for allegedly targeting some Supreme Court lawyers. He said they had visited the state to take stock of the incidents and hence, it was not fair to file cases against them.
“They came for peace, not to create violence,” he added.
The CPI-M said the government could have averted the incidents at Panisagar, Bishalgarh, Udaipur, Kumarghat, and Kailasahar if it had maintained a vigil.
“Members of some organisations and individuals had visited the state to investigate the incidents and unravel the truth. They visited the sites of incidents and spoke to people, police, and the government. Without listening to them, the government filed cases against them under stringent laws. Such behaviour is intolerance and against the freedom of speech. It also goes against the Constitution,” the CPI-M said in a statement.
The party criticised the government for choosing stringent laws over conventional laws to deal with the people.
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Nine-member Congress panel to meet on September 14 to talk strategy
Express News Service
NEW DELHI: In a move to step up its attack on “anti-people policies” of the Centre, Congress is looking for a sustained agitational roadmap to build pressure on the government by roping in civil society groups, activists and youths in coming months.
A nine-member panel under Digvijay Singh, having party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as a member, is scheduled to meet on September 14. There will be discussion on effective and innovative mass outreach programmes and strategy to target the BJP government on issues like price rise, monetisation plan, unemployment and farm laws among others.
The meeting comes days ahead of the opposition’s planned protest from September 20-30 and there will be discussion also on reaching out to other parties and getting them on the same platform to attack the BJP government. The committee will look at a plan to hit the ground with support of the party’s frontal organisation, intellectuals and civil society groups not having Right leanings.
“The committee will look at a sustained agitation roadmap to take pressing issues to the people. The party has been holding one day or two-day protests but those are forgotten. We need to continue with these agitations so that these are etched in the memory of people and build pressure on the government,” said a source.
Poll yatra in Uttar Pradesh
The Congress under the leadership Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has decided to take out a 12,000 km yatra through UP before next year’s Assembly polls. The decision was taken at a meeting Vadra held with the party’s advisory and strategy committee.
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TMC, NCP among other Opposition parties keen to capture space lost by Congress
Express News Service
NEW DELHI: At a time Opposition parties are working to form an anti-BJP alliance at national level, regional players are posing formidable challenges to Congress and becoming more assertive in states where the party is losing ground.
While Rahul Gandhi is trying to pitch the party as a national alternative to BJP, regional players like TMC and NCP among others are looking to expand their feet in other territories and increase bargaining power during alliances.
Some in Congress feel that weakening of the top leadership and slow decision making has not only resulted in party cadre and leaders losing hope but made regional parties more optimistic. “Congress drew blank in recently held West Bengal elections performed poorly in Assam, and Kerala. During Bihar elections, RJD blamed Congress for failing to win seats to bring it to power despite the former emerging as the single largest party,” said a senior party leader.
Majority of party cadre in Bengal has either shifted to TMC or BJP and similar is the case in Assam and other Northeast states and Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The party has failed to regain ground in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. It manages to either retain hold or emerge as principal Opposition in Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.
An Opposition leader said that while like-minded parties are looking to form an alliance to take on BJP, it does not stop them from expanding their reach in other states, even if it is at the cost of hurting prospects of the Congress.
“TMC was pitted against an alliance of Left and Congress in Bengal, Left and Congress were against each other in Kerala. In Maharashtra, all current alliance partners NCP, Shiv Sena and Congress contested as separate entities and same in Gujarat. Such examples are in several other states. A national alliance will have lots of give and take by all players,” said the leader.
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‘Mr Modi, listen to us’: Opposition releases video of members speaking on Pegasus, farmers
By PTI
NEW DELHI: The opposition’s strategy of speaking on the Pegasus snooping row and farm laws during discussions of bills in the Rajya Sabha has now been compiled in a three-minute video in an attempt to make the government listen to their demands, leaders said on Sunday.
The video, released by the TMC on Sunday morning from RS MP Derek O’Brien’s handle, urges, “Mr Modi come listen to us”.
Opposition party sources indicated that over the last few weeks, leaders have realised that the disruptions by them in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are not enough.
It was important to say the words, “farmers”, “Pegasus” and spyware on the floor of the Houses.
Asked about the opposition MPs’ strategy of raising such issues while seeking to speak on bills in Parliament, O’Brien said that their “strategy was deliberate”.
PM @narendramodi seems to have lost his nerves. Why is he not keen on answering questions in the Parliament?The opposition parties are ready for discussions in the Parliament, but @BJP4India Govt is stalling the proceedings so that the truth doesn’t get to the people. pic.twitter.com/1IpOxj2TX8
— Leader of Opposition, Rajya Sabha (@LoPIndia) August 8, 2021
“When the official channels are being denied, this is a new way to reach the masses,” said O’Brien who is also the leader of the TMC in the Rajya Sabha.“PM @narendramodi seems to have lost his nerves.
Why is he not keen on answering questions in Parliament? The opposition parties are ready for discussions in Parliament, but @BJP4India govt is stalling the proceedings so that the truth doesn’t get to the people,” Congress’s Mallikarjun Kharge said in a tweet posting the video.
The video, which has been compiled using clips from RSTV, comprises statements made by the opposition MPs in the Upper House, with the words “farmer” and “Pegasus” in the opening lines.
“You are not allowing the discussion we have been asking for the past 14 days and the discussions we can do later. You are passing that bill now. If you have courage, begin the discussions on Pegasus now,” Kharge is heard saying in the video on the floor of the House.
The compilation includes opposition speakers like Vandana Chavan of the NCP who raised the Pegasus issue, accusing the government of “not listening to the people”.
RJD’s Manoj Jha too is seen speaking on the spyware issue.
“Pegasus has reached everyone’s house. We have to discuss this,” says Jha.
Congress’s Deepinder Hooda raised the issue of farmers stating that he would talk about the matter if his “microphone is not switched off”.
The CPI(M) accused the government of “stealing” parliamentary democracy, while TMC’s Sukhendu Shekar Roy raised the issue of “freedom of speech in Parliament”.
The other parties which have representation in the video include Samajwadi Party, TRS, DMK and AAP.
One of the leaders in the video, Shiv Sena MP in Rajya Sabha Priyanka Chaturvedi said in a democracy if the government of the day has a responsibility, so does the opposition.
“Whether it is about farmers, about the economy, safety and security of women, just the word mentioned by the opposition makes them silence our voices, makes them adjourn Parliament, makes them mute our microphones.
“Our inability to be heard by a government which is so brazen has made us realise that the only way we can speak and make our point heard is when such bills are being discussed and passed in such a hurry,” Chaturvedi said.
CPI(M) leader and RS MP Elamaram Kareem said that speaking during the discussion on bills was the only way to make the government listen.
“This tactic is going to be continued the coming week as well. There is no other option as the government is not admitting our motions. Everyone is seeing how the chairperson is behaving, switching off microphones even as the Pegasus word is being uttered.
The entire opposition is one on this and we will stick by it till the government relents,” said Kareem, who is the leader of his party in the Upper House.
Chaturvedi also hit out at the government over the alleged switching off of microphones when opposition leaders raise certain issues, saying it shows the intolerance of the government.
“By muting our mics, by trying to suppress our voices, they think they can silence us then they should be rest assured that we will raise our voice further and our voices will get louder,” the Shiv Sena MP said.
Senior Congress leader and party spokesperson Manish Tewari said that what is happening in the House is a “complete murder of democracy”.
“The institution of Parliament is being trifled with by the NDA-BJP government,” said Tewari, slamming the government for getting bills passed when the House is not in order.
“There is a time honoured convention that a legislation is never passed in din and it is not even discussed when the House is not in order,” he said.
Since the start of the Monsoon Session on July 19, parliamentary proceedings have been continuously witnessing disruptions due to protests by opposition parties and a logjam has persisted over their demand for a discussion on the Pegasus snooping row.
The opposition has also been strongly protesting against the price rise issue and demanding the repeal of the farm laws.
An international media consortium had reported that over 300 verified Indian mobile phone numbers, including that of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Union ministers Prahlad Singh Patel and Ashwini Vaishnaw, businessman Anil Ambani, and at least 40 journalists, were on the list of potential targets for surveillance using Israeli firm NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware.