The Chhattisgarh

Tag: 2024 Lok Sabha Polls

  • ‘Felt Terrible’: Tejashwi Yadav On Nitish Kumar Touching PM Modi’s Feet |

    New Delhi: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav reacted to the incident of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar touching Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday and said that he felt terrible and found it painful to see. Yadav was referring to Modi’s rally in Bihar earlier today ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections where he was joined by Nitish Kumar, Chirag Paswan and other BJP-JDU leaders Nitish momentarily touched PM’s feet.

    “Today I saw a picture of Nitish Kumar where he touched the feet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi…We felt very bad. What has happened? Nitish Kumar is our guardian…There is no other CM as experienced as Nitish Kumar and he is touching the feet of PM Modi,” said Tejashwi.

    #WATCH | Patna: Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav says, “Today I saw a picture of Nitish Kumar where he touched the feet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi…We felt very bad. What has happened? Nitish Kumar is our guardian…There is no other Chief… pic.twitter.com/HhC641XtoO


    — ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2024

    Earlier today, Tejashvi Yadav hit out at PM Modi and called him a “machine of lies.” Reacting to Modi’s statement that leaders of the INDIA alliance are “anti-Sanatan”, RJD leader said, “What is the proof? Am I not a Hindu? There is a temple in my house. Are people of the BJP considering themselves as God? People of BJP should not compare themselves with God. God is watching everything and everyone has to go there.”

    In the post on X, Yadav had accused the BJP of indulging in “institutional, organised and systematic corruption”, which was marked by huge donations to the party through electoral bonds and hounding of political adversaries through ED, CBI and IT department.

    Yadav, who is named in land-for-jobs scam, pertaining to father Lalu Prasad’s tenure as Railway Minister when he was a minor, had also sought to know why the agencies took no action against leaders of the BJP who faced corruption allegations and how come turncoats from the opposition camp often got reprieve after crossing over.

    “I am glad that ever since I started flagging the political dynasts in the BJP-led coalition, the PM has stopped his rants against parivarvad. The very candidate he has campaigned for Bihar comes from a political family,” he said.

    He also scoffed at the PM’s claim “I address rallies only to have a darshan of my people” despite being confident of a win in the elections, which is being predicted by surveys.

    The RJD leader remarked, “If that is so, why is the PM having a darshan of the people only during election time? The fact is, he is scared. So he is playing mind games. He has been a manufacturer, distributor and wholesaler, all rolled into one, of lies.”

  • After Nitish Kumar, Many Others In Line For ‘Ghar Wapasi’ In NDA Ahead Of 2024 Polls |

    NEW DELHI: “It’s never too late to mend,” goes the adage, and in the ever-shifting landscape of politics in India, this rings especially true. As alliances evolve and partners realign, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) finds itself at the centre of attention once again, with several former allies contemplating a return to the fold ahead of the crucial 2024 elections.

    The BJP: The Architect Of The NDA 

    At the heart of the NDA stands the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), orchestrating the intricate dance of coalition politics. With the advent of the Narendra Modi era, the NDA witnessed a seismic shift in its composition after the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Now, as the countdown to the 2024 polls begins, attention turns to those allies who are either making a comeback or seriously considering it, following in the footsteps of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s recent U-turn.

    Modi-Shah Era And Its Impact On The NDA

    In 2013, when Narendra Modi was anointed as the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate, the NDA boasted 29 constituent parties. While the BJP swept the elections with 282 seats in the Lok Sabha, its allies clinched an additional 54 seats. However, in the subsequent five years of Modi’s tenure, 16 parties bid adieu to the NDA, signaling a period of flux and transition within the alliance.

    Departures And Realignments

    Lessons from 2014 and 2019 The run-up to the 2014 Lok Sabha elections saw the high-profile departure of Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United), setting the stage for a series of exits by regional players such as the Haryana Janhit Congress and the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. Between 2014 and 2019, several other parties, including the Telugu Desam Party and the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party, followed suit, reshaping the NDA’s landscape.

    Recent Exits And Returns

    Shiv Sena, SAD, and JD(U) Post-2019, the NDA witnessed the departure of stalwart allies like the Shiv Sena and the Shiromani Akali Dal, while Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) made a surprising comeback following the Bihar Assembly elections in 2022. These developments underscore the fluid nature of coalition politics, where alliances can shift with the changing tides of public sentiment and regional dynamics.

    As the 2024 elections loom large, speculation abounds regarding potential returns to the NDA fold. Nitish Kumar’s departure from the opposition alliance signals a significant shift, with other influential figures like Chandrababu Naidu and Uddhav Thackeray also engaging in strategic dialogues with the BJP. Meanwhile, negotiations with regional heavyweights like the Akali Dal and the potential announcement from Jayant Chaudhary hint at further realignments on the horizon.

    Amidst these political manoeuvres, the NDA alliance appears poised for a resurgence, consolidating its position ahead of the electoral battleground. Yet, the road to power is fraught with challenges, requiring both new and returning allies to navigate the intricate web of coalition politics. As Prime Minister Modi’s ambitious “400 plus” slogan reverberates, the stage is set for a high-stakes showdown, with the Congress eagerly watching for any signs of weakness within the NDA camp.

     Who’s Next In Line For The ‘Ghar Wapasi’ In NDA?

    With Nitish Kumar’s recent defection setting the stage, the question on everyone’s mind is: who will be the next to heed the call of ‘Ghar Wapasi’ within the NDA alliance? As alliances shift and political fortunes fluctuate, one thing remains certain: the 2024 elections promise to be a watershed moment in India’s political landscape, with the NDA at the forefront of the action.

  • ‘If Narendra Modi Retains Power…’: Mallikarjun Kharge Warns Of Dictatorship In India |

    NEW DELHI: In a fiery address to Congress workers in Bhubaneswar on Monday, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge issued a stark warning about the future of democracy in India should Narendra Modi secure another term in office. Kharge ominously proclaimed that if Modi retains power after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, it could mark the end of electoral democracy in the country, paving the way for a dictatorship.

     “Under Modi’s rule, there will be no democracy, no elections; only dictatorship,” Kharge asserted, painting a dire picture of the consequences of another Modi victory. His words echoed with a sense of urgency as he urged the people to recognize the gravity of the situation, framing the upcoming elections as perhaps the last opportunity for citizens to exercise their voting rights.

     “They are giving (ED) notices to everyone. They are intimidating people… Because of fear, some are leaving friendships, some are leaving the party, and some are leaving the alliance… This is your last chance to vote. After this, there will be no voting,” he said, according to ANI.

     Kharge didn’t mince words in his critique of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), branding them as agents of poison poisoning the fabric of Indian society. He juxtaposed their divisive rhetoric with the Congress party’s vision of unity and inclusivity, championed by Rahul Gandhi’s call to foster love and harmony. 

    “Rahul Gandhi wants to unite the country, he said he has opened ‘Mohabbat ki Dukaan’. But the BJP and RSS have opened ‘Nafrat ki Dukaan’. It is because of this that you need to remain alert. BJP and RSS are poison, they are depriving us of our rights,” Kharge said.

    The veteran politician also took potshots at regional leaders who have aligned themselves with PM Modi, particularly targeting Odisha Chief Minister Navin Patnaik for his perceived closeness to the Prime Minister. Kharge questioned the benefits of such alliances, suggesting that the promised “double engine” of development often fails to deliver on its lofty promises.

     

    #WATCH | Bhubaneshwar, Odisha: Addressing the Workers’ Convention, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge says, “What did Navin Patnaik gain from his friendship with Narendra Modi? The double engine fails at times. And when the double engine doesn’t work properly, the first engine… pic.twitter.com/40QiuXdwy9


    — ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2024

     

    Referring to recent political developments, Kharge dismissed the significance of individual defections from opposition alliances, asserting that the collective strength of the opposition will prevail against the BJP. He remained steadfast in his belief that the Congress-led coalition would emerge victorious, despite setbacks such as Nitish Kumar’s departure from the Opposition bloc.

  • ‘Tabhi To Modi Ko Chunte Hai’: BJP Launches New Campaign For 2024 Lok Sabha Polls – Watch |

    NEW DELHI: In a strategic move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unleashed an ambitious campaign for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha Elections on Thursday. The party, led by national president J P Nadda, released a compelling 2-minute 10-second video explaining the reasons why people gravitate towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    Captivating Song: ‘Tabhi Toh Sab Modi Ko Chunte’

    Titled ‘Tabhi Toh Sab Modi Ko Chunte Hain’ (That’s why people choose Modi), the song serves as the heart of the campaign, resonating with the sentiments of the masses. Launched in the presence of Prime Minister Modi, the campaign, deemed organic, aligns seamlessly with the prevailing national fervour encapsulated in the ‘Modi Ki Guarantee’ movement.

     

    #WATCH | BJP launches new campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2024 – ‘Modi ko chunte hain’ pic.twitter.com/bblzdEMDDY
    — ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2024

     

    BJP’s Mass Appeal: From Dreams To Reality

    During the campaign launch at the First-time Voters Conclave (Nav Matdata Sammelan), a poignant music video underscored how Prime Minister Modi has transformed the dreams and aspirations of millions of Indians into tangible reality. The BJP contends that the campaign slogan isn’t just a sentiment confined to a select few but one that echoes with the broader population.

    Nadda’s Call To Action

    J P Nadda urged party members to connect with the sentiment of the people and disseminate awareness about this pivotal campaign across every corner of the country. Speaking passionately at the launch, Nadda emphasized how PM Modi has delivered on promises and dreams spanning generations, turning aspirations into accomplishments.

    Manifestation Of Dreams: PM Modi’s Impact Across Domains

    According to Nadda, the Modi government’s initiatives have translated numerous dreams into reality. From empowering the youth through startups to ensuring farmers can sell produce internationally and uplifting the poor from poverty, PM Modi’s leadership promises a prosperous India. The campaign highlights faith in Modi’s ability to instinctively understand and fulfill the dreams of the people.

    Comprehensive Election Campaign: Beyond The Song

    The ‘Tabhi Toh Sab Modi Ko Chunte Hai’ campaign encompasses various components. In addition to the emotive main song, the BJP plans to release a foot-tapping massy song aligning with the campaign theme. Digital hoardings, display banners, and digital films will be rolled out gradually, each emphasizing PM Modi’s achievements in specific domains, reinforcing his status as the natural choice for the people. The phased approach aims to build a robust case for the continued support of the electorate in the upcoming polls.

  • 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.

  • Mayawati’s Masterstroke: BSP To Contest 2024 Lok Sabha Polls Alone |

    NEW DELHI: In a strategic move that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, Mayawati, the influential Dalit leader and national president of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), made a big announcement on her birthday. Amidst the celebratory greetings, she declared that the BSP would go solo in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, marking a departure from previous political alliances.

    “I want to make it clear that Bahujan Samaj Party will fight Lok Sabha elections alone, won’t get into alliance with any party, ” she said.

    Alone But Unyielding: BSP’s Lone Battle in 2024

    Mayawati, known for her astute political maneuvers, chose the occasion of her birthday to unveil the party’s independent stance for the crucial parliamentary elections. The decision to contest the polls without forming alliances reflects a bold and independent approach, setting the stage for a distinctive electoral strategy.

    A Calculated Political Shift

    This move comes in the wake of speculation regarding Mayawati’s potential collaboration with the I.N.D.I.A opposition alliance. However, with this announcement, she has strategically positioned the BSP as a formidable standalone force in the electoral battleground. The decision is likely to reshape political dynamics in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.

    Mayawati’s Vision for the Future

    Mayawati’s decision carries implications not only for the BSP but also for the broader political scenario. As she charts a course for her party, it remains to be seen how this shift will influence alliances, voter dynamics, and the overall political narrative in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.

    The Unfolding Political Drama

    With Mayawati’s bold declaration, the political stage is set for a gripping narrative. The decision to go solo brings with it a sense of anticipation, leaving political pundits and citizens alike speculating about the potential impact on alliances, strategies, and the final outcome of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. As the BSP embarks on this solitary journey, the coming months promise an unfolding drama that could redefine the political landscape in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.

    Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended birthday wishes to Mayawati, the national president of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). The greetings were conveyed through social media, accompanied by a phone call expressing good health and longevity for the former Chief Minister.

    The significance of CM Yogi’s call amplifies as it coincides with Mayawati’s anticipated decision regarding joining the I.N.D.I.A opposition alliance led by the Congress. Speculations are rife about the call influencing the political landscape just ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In the volatile realm of politics, alliances are said to be ephemeral, and a phone call can redefine relationships.

  • Over 500 Professors, Research Scholars Join #Academics4NaMo Campaign |

    NEW DELHI: As the general elections are approaching, political activities have increased exponentially in diverse spheres. Different groups are gearing up to enter the election mode. Keeping this in view, Academics4Nation, a group working among professors and researchers, has launched a campaign called #Academics4NaMo. More than five hundred professors and research scholars have joined this novel initiative. Its first meeting was held at the South Campus of Delhi University, which was attended by academics from prestigious Universities including JNU, Delhi University, IIT, Ambedkar University, IIMC, and many other educational institutions.

    The central aim of #Academics4NaMo is to apprise the intellectual world of the work done by the Modi government in the last ten years. In the coming days, several such meetings will be organized in different educational institutions and research institutes of the country, highlighting the achievements of the Modi government through discussion.

    In the meeting held in Delhi, the Director of Delhi University South Campus and member of the Advisory Council of Academics4Nation, Prof. Shri Prakash Singh asserted that the time is right for Bhārat to regain its glory through the development journey envisioned by the Honorable Prime Minister. 

    It is imperative to take this message to the thinkers, writers, and researchers of the country. All this is possible only when Narendra Modi is re-elected as the  Prime Minister in 2024.

    Dr Devi Dayal Gautam, Convenor of Academics4Nation, stated that the objective of this initiative is to ensure the return of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the third consecutive time by creating a pragmatic narrative and right discourse through scholarly enterprise.

    Dr Swadesh Singh, founder and former Convenor of Academics4Nation, informed that a similar effort was also made in the 2019 general elections, which was highly appreciated. 

    He affirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has won the battle of numbers, and now it is time to advance the accurate narrative. Dr Singh highlighted the role of mainstream media and social media in communicating facts and eliminating disinformation. Other faculty members contributed enthusiastically through their suggestions to run this campaign effectively.

    The meeting concluded with a firm resolve that this campaign will contribute intellectually in favour of PM Modi in the upcoming 2024 elections through brainstorming, dialogue, and action. The new website of Academics4NaMo www.academics4namo.com was also presented at the meeting.

  • Bharat Nyay Yatra: What Congress Aims To Achieve With Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Manipur To Mumbai’ March |

    NEW DELHI: In a strategic move to set the stage for the crucial 2024 Lok Sabha Polls, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is gearing up to embark on the Bharat Nyay Yatra, commencing on January 14 next year. Building on the success of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, which significantly boosted Gandhi’s popularity, the upcoming march aims to address political, economic, and social injustices across the nation.

    Reviving Congress Fortunes: The Success Story Of Bharat Jodo Yatra

    Rahul Gandhi’s previous Bharat Jodo Yatra, spanning 3,570 km from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, witnessed a surge in popularity for the Congress leader. This success translated into electoral victories for the party, notably in Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka. While the Bharat Jodo Yatra focused on economic inequalities, political centralization, and social polarization, its successor, Bharat Nyay Yatra, expands its scope to ensure justice in all spheres.

    Comprehensive Route: From Manipur To Mumbai

    The Bharat Nyay Yatra is set to cover a vast expanse, crisscrossing 90 Parliamentary constituencies across 14 states and 85 districts. Stretching approximately 6,200 km, the march is scheduled to conclude on March 20, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge flagging it off from Imphal. The journey will traverse states like Manipur, Nagaland, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

    Congress Adopts A New Approach

    The decision to launch the Bharat Nyay Yatra, coinciding with the Ram Temple inauguration and preceding the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, marks a significant shift in Congress’ political strategy. This rebranded version, replacing Bharat Jodo Yatra, signifies a calculated effort to rekindle the party’s narrative, reconnect with the masses, and redefine Rahul Gandhi’s political persona.

    Countering BJP’s Narrative: Timing And Strategic Maneuvers

    The yatra’s initiation on January 14, symbolically aligned with the Ram Temple inauguration on January 22, reflects Congress’s intent to counteract the BJP’s religious narrative. Unlike its predecessor, Bharat Nyay Yatra will incorporate buses alongside foot marches, expanding its reach and engaging with diverse populations. The strategic rebranding underscores a commitment to social, economic, and political justice, resonating with the theme of ‘nyay’ (justice).

    Congress’s Bid For Rejuvenation

    With recent electoral setbacks haunting the Congress, Bharat Nyay Yatra emerges as a crucial mechanism to revive the party’s organizational structure and uplift the spirits of its cadre. The extensive media coverage anticipated during the yatra positions the Congress to redefine the political discourse leading up to the 2024 elections.

    Reclaiming Lost Political Ground 

    Beyond a mere political journey, Bharat Nyay Yatra embodies Congress’s concerted effort to reclaim lost ground, redefine Rahul Gandhi’s political image, and craft a narrative centered on social justice and grassroots engagement. As the political landscape intensifies in the run-up to the 2024 General Election, the effectiveness of this revamped yatra in reshaping political perceptions remains to be seen.