The Chhattisgarh

Tag: AAP

  • AAP To ‘Gherao’ PM Modi’s Residence To Protest Against Arvind Kejriwal’s Arrest In Excise Policy Case |

    NEW DELHI: Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has called for a ”gherao” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence on Tuesday to protest against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest in connection with the excise policy case. AAP earlier said that it won’t celebrate Holi this year as their senior party leaders, Arvind Kejriwal, Satyendar Jain and Manish Sisodia, are currently in jail. The party said the AAP workers and leaders will ”gherao” Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence at Lok Kalyan Marg to register its protest against Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

    Delhi Minister Gopal Rai had earlier warned that “mega protests” would be held nationwide in the days to come.

    Security Tightened In Delhi

    The Delhi Police has, meanwhile, strengthened security at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence in view of AAP’s call for a “gherao” to protest against the arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The police have also beefed up security in several other parts of the national capital.

    A Delhi Traffic Police officer said movement is likely to be affected in parts of New Delhi and Central Delhi due to the protest. “Robust security arrangements have been made. We have installed layers of security to maintain law and order in the area,” the Delhi Police officer said. “Section 144 (of the CrPC) is already imposed around the prime minister’s residence and no one will be allowed to protest,” he added.

    The Delhi Traffic Police has arranged seven diversion points for the smooth movement of vehicles in view of the protest. “Commuters must avoid Kemal Ataturk Marg, Safdarjung Road, Akbar Road and Teen Murti Marg on Tuesday in view of the protest,” an officer said.

    Kejriwal’s Arrest By ED

    Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money-laundering case linked to the now-scrapped excise policy on March 21. He is in the agency’s custody till Thursday. The AAP national convenor is accused of soliciting kickbacks from liquor traders in exchange for favours, the central agency has claimed.

    The ED has also accused Kejriwal of being the “kingpin and key conspirator” in the now-scrapped policy, in collusion with AAP leaders, ministers and other persons. Kejriwal has refuted the allegations and accused the BJP-led Centre of “manipulating investigative agencies for political motives”.

  • Will Arvind Kejriwal’s Arrest In Delhi Liquor Case Impact AAP’s 2024 Lok Sabha Election Campaign? |

    NEW DELHI: Amid the high-voltage drama, Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with allegations of corruption and money laundering linked to Delhi’s excise policy. The arrest marks a significant moment in Indian political history, as Kejriwal has become the first sitting chief minister to face arrest in a criminal case.

    Allegations Of Corruption And Money Laundering 

    The case against Kejriwal and others revolves around accusations of corruption and money laundering concerning the formulation and execution of Delhi’s excise policy for the fiscal year 2021-22, which was subsequently scrapped. Kejriwal’s repeated avoidance of summons by the ED only served to intensify scrutiny on the matter, ultimately leading to his arrest.

    Arrest Amidst Election Season

    Importantly, Kejriwal’s arrest comes at a politically sensitive juncture, just before the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. With the political landscape already charged with anticipation and speculation, this development adds a layer of complexity to AAP’s electoral strategy.

    What Next For AAP?

    AAP, a party known for its anti-corruption stance and grassroots appeal, now faces a critical leadership vacuum with its prominent figures embroiled in legal troubles. Kejriwal’s absence as the party’s star campaigner poses a significant challenge, forcing AAP to reconsider its electoral tactics and leadership structure. Kejriwal’s arrest compounds an already complex situation for AAP, as prominent figures like Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, and Satyendra Jain are embroiled in the same investigation. As AAP strives to expand its political footprint nationally and engages in strategic alliances, Kejriwal’s absence poses a formidable obstacle to the party’s electoral ambitions.

    The arrest disrupts AAP’s carefully crafted campaign strategies, particularly in Delhi and Gujarat, where Kejriwal serves as the focal point of electoral messaging. The party’s reliance on Kejriwal’s mass appeal and popularity underscores the magnitude of the challenge it now faces in recalibrating its campaign strategy.

    Who Can Lead AAP In Kejriiwal’s Absence?

    In the wake of Kejriwal’s arrest, AAP confronts the challenge of identifying a capable leader to navigate the party through this turbulent period. Names like Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Raghav Chadha and Bhagwant Mann emerge as potential contenders, each bringing unique strengths and considerations to the table. The selection of a successor assumes paramount importance as AAP strives to maintain its political relevance and momentum.

    Governance Amidst Legal Battle

    Beyond its electoral implications, Kejriwal’s arrest raises fundamental questions about governance in Delhi. As the AAP government contends with legal and constitutional challenges, the efficacy of governance amidst ongoing legal battles remains a subject of intense scrutiny. The party’s ability to uphold its governance agenda and deliver on electoral promises becomes increasingly precarious in this volatile environment.

    AAP’s response to Kejriwal’s arrest is characterized by a delicate balance of strategic manoeuvres and public engagement. The party’s efforts to leverage the arrest as a rallying point for public sympathy underscore its determination to mitigate the electoral fallout. However, navigating the complexities of public perception and political dynamics presents a formidable challenge as AAP seeks to reaffirm its commitment to its core principles of ”zero tolerance” and electoral objectives.

    As the nation grapples with the implications of Kejriwal’s arrest, the future of AAP hangs in the balance. The unfolding legal battle, coupled with the impending Lok Sabha Elections, has set the already stage for a high-stakes political showdown, where every move and decision carries significant consequences. As political parties strategize and discuss their next moves in this charged atmosphere, the fate of AAP and its electoral prospects remain uncertain, awaiting further developments in this unfolding saga.

  • Ajay Maken, Arvinder Singh Lovely, Sandeep Dikshit: Congress Leaders Who First Accused Arvind Kejriwal In Liquor Policy Scam Are Now Rallying Behind Him |

    NEW DELHI: In a remarkable twist of political fate, the Congress party has undergone a notable transformation in its stance towards Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s alleged involvement in the excise policy case and his subsequent arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), shifting from accusations to defence. This significant shift in the party’s position has unfolded against the backdrop of the ED’s action in the excise policy case and the recent sealing of a seat-sharing deal between Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the forthcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

    Congress’ Allegations And Protests

    Just a year ago, key figures within the Congress party, including Ajay Maken, Arvinder Singh Lovely, Anil Chowdhary and Sandeep Dikshit, were at the forefront of accusing Arvind Kejriwal in connection to the liquor policy scandal that rocked Delhi in 2023. The party organized protests, demanding Kejriwal’s resignation on grounds of alleged corruption and obstructed investigations while he remained in power. Congress leaders had staged a protest led by Anil Chaudhary near the Aam Aadmi Party office, demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal following the arrest of his deputy Manish Sisodia by the CBI. The party had said a fair probe would not be possible as long as Arvind Kejriwal remains in power. “The entire Delhi government is fully immersed in corruption. As long as Kejriwal remains in power, there will not be an independent probe in the liquor scam, and therefore, he should also submit his resignation,” Chaudhary said.

    The Congress party had also filed a formal complaint regarding what it termed as Kejriwal’s fraudulent liquor policy. AICC media cell chief Pawan Khera had claimed credit for initiating the probe, asserting that Congress pressure had compelled the BJP-led Centre to investigate the Delhi liquor scam.

    Congress’ U-Turn On The Issue

    However, in a surprising about-face, Congress is now rallying behind Arvind Kejriwal following his recent arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the excise policy case. Congress Leaders such as Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have criticized the arrest, branding it as ”unconstitutional and indicative of authoritarian tactics” aimed at stifling democracy. Rahul Gandhi even spoke against PM Narendra Modi after the arrest of Kejriwal and accused him of resorting to “dictatorial tactics” to destroy democracy in the country. He said that the opposition INDIA bloc will give a “befitting reply to this”.

    Delhi Congress President Arvinder Singh Lovely condemned Kejriwal’s arrest, attributing it to BJP’s political manoeuvring ahead of the upcoming elections. Highlighting the pattern of actions taken against Opposition leaders, including the seizure of Congress’ financial resources and the arrest of Jharkhand’s Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Lovely condemned the use of governmental agencies for political ends. “Congress will not be intimidated by these measures and will continue to fight the elections with vigour. As part of the INDIA alliance, we stand firmly with AAP and extend our full support,” he said.

    Sandeep Dikshit, who had previously accused Kejriwal, denounced the arrest as an assault on democratic principles. Dikshit lambasted the BJP, questioning the appropriateness of arresting individuals at their homes and linking such actions directly to the election period. Dikshit emphasized the abnormality of conducting raids at night and suggested that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) could have simply summoned Kejriwal for questioning rather than arresting him, deeming the actions as an attack on democratic principles.

    Political Fallout Of Kejriwal’s Arrest

    The arrest of Kejriwal has injected fresh tension into the political arena, particularly as it coincides with the looming Lok Sabha elections. While AAP leaders have mobilized to challenge the legality of Kejriwal’s arrest, BJP leaders have staunchly defended the ED’s actions, framing them as necessary steps to combat alleged corruption. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva defended the ED’s actions, accusing Kejriwal of evading accountability in the liquor policy scam and engaging in “political theatrics.” Sachdeva expressed satisfaction over the arrest, asserting that it was a necessary outcome to counteract what he described as Kejriwal’s attempt to corrupt the youth with alcoholism.

    The BJP leadership has also rallied behind the ED’s decision to arrest Kejriwal, framing it as a just resolution in the face of alleged misconduct by the Delhi Chief Minister and his administration in the excise policy scandal.

    Delhi Excise Case Background

    Following a series of developments in the ongoing excise policy case, Kejriwal was produced before the Rouse Avenue court by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday. He was represented by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi. Kejriwal’s arrest by the ED, which occurred on Thursday, was precipitated by the Delhi High Court’s denial of interim protection against coercive actions related to the excise policy case. This arrest followed Kejriwal’s repeated non-compliance with nine summonses issued by both the Enforcement Directorate and the Delhi High Court, the latter of which declined to grant him relief from potential coercive measures by the investigative agency.

    The crux of the case revolves around allegations of irregularities and money laundering associated with the formulation and execution of the Delhi excise policy in 2022, which was subsequently annulled. Kejriwal’s apprehension occurred amidst a broader investigation into financial improprieties linked to the now-defunct excise policy, with notable figures such as K Kavitha, a leader of the Bharat Rashta Samithi (BRS) and daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, also being ensnared in the probe.

    Preceding Kejriwal’s arrest, other prominent individuals involved in Delhi’s governance faced legal repercussions in connection to the same case. Manish Sisodia, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, was apprehended by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26, while Sanjay Singh, a member of the Rajya Sabha, was arrested by the ED on October 5. Both Sisodia and Singh remain in judicial custody, further highlighting the gravity of the allegations and the legal ramifications surrounding the excise policy case.

    Importantly, Kejriwal’s arrest assumes added significance due to its timing in relation to the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, scheduled to take place between April 19 and June 1. As the political landscape becomes increasingly charged, the ramifications of these legal proceedings extend beyond the confines of the courtroom, influencing the broader discourse surrounding governance and accountability in Delhi.

    What Next For AAP?

    As the legal battle unfolds, with Kejriwal being produced before the court, the political landscape in Delhi remains charged with uncertainty. With key AAP leaders already in judicial custody in connection to the same case, the implications of Kejriwal’s arrest reverberate through the corridors of power, shaping the narrative ahead of the impending elections.

  • Rahul Gandhi Talks To Arvind Kejriwal’s Family Over Call, Likely To Meet Them Today: Sources |

    As per Zee News sources, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi conversed with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s family over the phone, affirming his party’s support in every possible manner, following the arrest of the AAP leader by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a liquor policy case. Rahul plans to attempt a meeting with either Kejriwal or his family to provide additional legal aid, according to the source. 

    A group from the ED visited Kejriwal’s home on Thursday to question him about the liquor policy case. In a turn of events, Kejriwal was arrested during a search of his residence after failing to secure interim protection from the Delhi High Court and then taken to the ED’s headquarters. Following the arrest of the governing CM, AAP members and leaders showed solidarity with Kejriwal after his arrest, while leaders from the INDIA bloc also offered their support to the AAP leader. Meanwhile, BJP officials backed the ED’s measures against the Delhi Chief Minister, stressing the importance of truth prevailing. 

    Referring to the detention of two opposition chief ministers and the suspension of a bank account belonging to the Congress party, Atishi, a Delhi Minister and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party, accused the BJP of attempting to win elections through undemocratic means. “…The BJP is murdering democracy. They’ve detained two opposition chief ministers (first Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, now Kejriwal) and blocked a party’s bank account. Is this the BJP’s strategy for winning elections?…Cease politicizing through the Enforcement Directorate, refrain from wielding it as a tool,” she stated. 

    Earlier, Delhi Minister Atishi through a ‘X’ post said that the party had moved to the Supreme Court and urged an urgent hearing. “We have moved the Supreme Court to quash the arrest of Delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal by ED. We have asked for an urgent hearing by the Supreme Court tonight itself,” Atishi wrote. 

  • What Is DJB Case That Led To Arvind Kejriwal Avoiding ED’s Summons Today? |

    Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal once again ignored the ED summons on Monday related to a money laundering investigation associated with purported irregularities in the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is calling out these summons as “unlawful” and accusing the BJP-led Central government of utilising the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to their advantage. Kejriwal was called for questioning on a money laundering inquiry linked to alleged irregularities in the DJB. This marks the second instance under the anti-money laundering legislation in which the Delhi CM was summoned.  

    What is Delhi Jal Board (DJB)?  

    Established on April 6th, 1998, via legislation by the Delhi Legislative Assembly, the Delhi Jal Board amalgamated the former Delhi Water Supply and Sewage Disposal Undertaking. Tasked with purifying raw water from diverse sources such as the Yamuna River, Bhakhra Storage, Upper Ganga Canal, and groundwater, the Delhi Jal Board oversees the production and distribution of potable water. Additionally, it manages the treatment and disposal of wastewater. The board supplies water in bulk to the NDMC and Cantonment areas while also undertaking the collection, treatment, and disposal of sewage from these regions.  

    What is DJB Case?  

    The ED’s investigation stems from an FIR lodged by the CBI, asserting that Jagdish Kumar Arora, the former chief engineer of DJB, granted a contract worth Rs 38 crores to NKG Infrastructure Limited. This contract pertained to the procurement, installation, and testing of electromagnetic flow metres.  

    The ED further alleged that individuals associated with the AAP received bribes, which were subsequently channelled to the party as election funds.  

    The FIR alleges that officials from DJB and NBCC unlawfully favoured NKG Infrastructure in exchange for a bribe. On January 31, Arora and contractor Anil Kumar Aggarwal were apprehended by the ED. It is alleged that NKG Infrastructure secured the bid through falsified documents, and Arora was purportedly aware that the company did not meet the necessary technical qualifications.  

    AAP Laundered Bribe Money To Party Funds  

    The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has accused Arora of receiving bribes, both in cash and deposited in bank accounts. According to the ED, these funds were distributed among various parties, including individuals affiliated with the AAP. The ED statement further claims that portions of these bribes were channelled as election funds to AAP. This marks the second instance where the ED has implicated AAP in corruption allegations. In another case, ED alleges that bribes from the now-defunct Delhi liquor excise policy were utilised by AAP during its Goa polls campaign. 

  • Chandigarh Mayoral Polls: SC Declares AAP Candidate Kuldeep Kumar Mayor Of Chandigarh, Quashes Previous Results |

    NEW DELHI: In a major victory for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Supreme Court on Tuesday quashed the result of the recently conducted mayoral election in Chandigarh and declared its candidate Kuldeep Kumar as the validly elected Mayor of Chandigarh Municipal Corporation. ”8 votes which were treated as invalid, were validly passed in favour of AAP candidate Kuldeep Kumar and the counting the eight votes for him will make him have 20 votes,” said the Supreme Court.  ”We direct that the election result by the presiding officer is quashed,” it added.

     

    Chandigarh Mayor Election matter | Supreme Court orders that AAP candidate is declared to be the validly elected candidate for the post of Mayor of Chandigarh Municipal Corporation. pic.twitter.com/QMWkJUMij4
    — ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2024

     

    The top court also slammed the Returning Officer, Anil Masih, saying that he altered the election process in violation of law. The Supreme Court also issued a show cause notice to him over his alleged intervention in the mayoral polls. “A fit case is made out for the initiation of proceedings under Section 340 CrPC against Anil Masih, Returning Officer of Chandigarh Mayor poll,” said the Supreme Court. It also directed the Registrar Judicial to issue a notice to him to show cause as to why steps should not be initiated against him.

    The top court earlier observed that all ”invalidated” eight ballots have votes been cast in favour of the AAP’s candidate Kuldeep Kumar in the recently conducted Chandigarh Mayoral Polls. Hearing the plea filed by AAP’s mayoral candidate Kuldeep Kumar, the Supreme Court said that the votes cast during the poll shall be recounted and these eight shall be treated as valid. The Supreme Court made these observations in response to a plea filed by AAP Mayor Candidate Kuldeep Kumar, whose votes were invalidated by the Returning Officer Anil Masih.

    Today’s Supreme Court’s ruling holds big political significance since the AAP and the Congress – which contested the Chandigarh mayoral election in alliance with each other – have recorded the opposition INDIA bloc’s first electoral win as they prepare to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. 

     

    Chandigarh mayoral polls: Supreme Court says that it will direct that the votes at the poll shall be recounted and these eight shall be treated as valid. Thereafter, results be declared based on that, Court observes.
    — ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2024

     

    Court Orders Recounting Of Votes

    During the hearing, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) showcased the ballots to the legal representatives, highlighting that all eight ballots were stamped in favour of AAP’s Kuldeep Kumar. Expressing scepticism over the justification provided by the Returning Officer for invalidating these votes, the top court emphasized the need for a recount and declared that the results would be based on the revised count.

     

    Chandigarh mayoral polls: Supreme Court takes into note that all invalidated eight ballots have votes cast in favour of the AAP Mayor Candidate Kuldeep Kumar. https://t.co/Eg3WDMRiPJ
    — ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2024

     

    Concerns Over Electoral Integrity and ‘Horse Trading’

    The bench, comprising CJI DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, expressed grave concerns over the integrity of the electoral process, condemning what they termed as “horse-trading.” They criticized the actions of the Returning Officer and emphasized the necessity of upholding the democratic principles of fair elections.

    Call for Prosecution and Preservation of Electoral Records

    The Court’s scrutiny extended beyond the immediate issue, with sharp criticism directed at Anil Masih for allegedly defacing ballot papers. Masih’s actions were deemed as a threat to electoral democracy, prompting calls for prosecution. Additionally, the Court ordered the preservation and production of all relevant electoral materials, including ballot papers and video recordings, for further examination.

    Legal Battle Over Election Outcome

    The legal battle surrounding the Chandigarh mayoral election intensified, with AAP’s Kuldeep Dhalor challenging the BJP’s victory in court. Despite the BJP candidate Manoj Sonkar securing the mayoral position, questions regarding the validity of the electoral process persist, prompting demands for fresh polls under judicial supervision.

    Supreme Court’s Intervention

    The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the importance of safeguarding the electoral process and ensuring transparency and fairness in democratic elections. As the legal proceedings continue, the spotlight remains on upholding the principles of democracy and protecting the sanctity of the electoral mandate.

  • BREAKING: Chandigarh Mayoral Election: Returning Officer Anil Masih Should Be Prosecuted, Says SC |

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday slammed Returning Officer Anil Masih for his role in the alleged defacement of ballot papers during the Chandigarh mayoral election and said that he should be prosecuted. The top court also proposed that results for the Chandigarh mayoral polls be declared by counting the present ballot papers, disregarding the marks made by Returning Officer Anil Masih instead of holding fresh elections.

     

    Chandigarh Mayor poll | Supreme Court remarks that Anil Masih, returning officer in Chandigarh Mayor election, has to be prosecuted as he was interfering with the election process.
    — ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2024

     

    The top court, while hearing a petition on the alleged irregularities in the Chandigarh mayoral election, also expressed concerns over alleged horse-trading after the mayoral polls. “We are deeply concerned about the horse-trading which is taking place…” the SC bench led by CJI DY Chandrachud said. 

    The apex court also directed the administration to provide security to the judicial officer and safeguard the records. It also asked the HC registrar general to depute a judicial officer to bring ballot papers, and videos for its perusal on Tuesday.

    Earlier during the hearing, the Supreme Court grilled Masih over his conduct regarding his conduct during the controversial Mayoral elections in Chandigarh. Responding to the Supreme Court, Masih admitted that he put an ‘X’ mark on 8 ballot papers. Masih said that he was separately marking ballot papers which were defaced by the voters, so that they wouldn’t get mixed up.

    On February 5, the bench of CJI DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra heard a petition filed by the AAP candidate and slammed Masih for his conduct and directed him to explain his conduct as presiding officer in the Chandigarh Mayor elections to the top court in person in next hearing. The CJI had called what transpired in mayoral elections a “murder of democracy”.

     “It is obvious that he defaced the ballot papers. Is this the way he conducts the elections? This is a mockery of democracy. This is a murder of democracy. This man should be prosecuted! Tell him the Supreme Court is watching him,” CJI Chandrachud said while passing orders. The court had expressed dismay over the videos that surfaced from the elections and asked why Masih was looking at the CCTV camera while counting ballot papers. 

    The AAP and Congress have accused Masih of tampering with ballots to favour BJP candidate Manoj Sonkar. It is alleged by the INDIA bloc candidate Kuldeep Kumar that Masih rejected 8 votes as invalid while counting by forgery and BJP won elections by fraud.

    On January 30, Manoj Sonkar, the Mayor candidate from BJP was declared the Mayor after winning 16 votes against the 12 votes received by the Congress-AAP candidate Kumar.

    On February 18, just one day before the next hearing in the Supreme Court, the BJP candidate Manoj Sonkar resigned from the Mayor’s office. In another key development before the hearing, three Chandigarh AAP Councillors Gurcharan Kala, Punam Devi and Neha Musawat joined the BJP. 

  • More Trouble For INDIA Bloc; AAP Offers Just 1 Seat To Congress In Delhi |

    New Delhi: The INDIA bloc has been virtually confined to the history books, after the RLD walked out of the alliance in UP it was turn of the AAP to snub the Congress in Delhi. On Tuesday the Aam Aadmi Party offered the Congress Party a single Lok Sabha seat in Delhi. This is contrary to earlier reports that had suggested a 3-4 formula between Congress and AAP in Delhi.

    Further, AAP MP Sandeep Pathak said that even though the Congress party does not merit even a single seat in Delhi, in the spirit of alliance, the AAP party is willing to offer one seat.

    The AAP plans to field candidates in the remaining six seats in Delhi, Pathak added. “You must have seen in the Delhi elections that the Congress party has zero seats in the Lok Sabha, zero seats in the Vidhan Sabha, and in the MCD elections, out of 250, only 9 seats have come to the Congress party. If you look at this data on a merit basis, the Congress party does not get a single seat, according to this data. But data is not important; keeping in mind the dharma of the alliance and the respect of the Congress party, we offer them one seat. So we propose that the Congress party fights on one seat and the Aam Aadmi Party fights on six seats,” he said.

    The AAP MP added that the candidate’s announcement is not being made today. He expressed hope that a meeting will soon commence in Delhi, and the conclusion of this meeting will determine the next steps.

    “Today, we are not announcing the candidate. I hope that the meeting will start in the context of Delhi soon, the conclusion of the meeting will come out, we will all get on with our work and if the conclusion does not come out, then in the next few days we will announce the candidate on the six seats we are saying and we will start our preparation and our work, AAP MP Sandeep Pathak said,” he said.

    AAP also threw the gauntlet at the Congress by announcing Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas’ name as the candidate to contest LS poll from South Goa seat. This is a seat that is currently held by Congress MP Francisco Sardinha. AAP has also named Chaitar Vasava from Bharuch and Umesh Bhai Makwana from Bhavnagar as candidates from Gujarat. It was reported that Congress was considering late Ahmed Patel’s daughte Mumtaz Patel for Bahruch.

    Pathak also expressed his disappointment over the lack of progress in seat-sharing discussions with the Congress party; he added that despite two official meetings, no concrete outcomes have been achieved.

    “We had two official meetings with the Congress party regarding seat sharing but there was no result of these meetings. Other than these two official meetings, no other meeting has taken place in the last month. We have been waiting for the next meeting; even the leaders of Congress are not aware of the next meeting. Today, I am sitting here with a heavy heart. We announced three candidates from Assam and I hope the INDIA alliance will accept them,” he said.

    As the Lok Sabha elections approach, political parties across the spectrum are ramping up their efforts to connect with voters. With the BJP bringing on new partners like the RLD on its platform the INDIA bloc is sinking in its efforts to put up a united front. 

  • 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.

  • ‘Vanishing’ Team Of Rahul Gandhi Faces More Challenges As INDIA Bloc Seat-Sharing Deal Turns Lethal For Congress |

    Rahul Gandhi has kicked off programs for his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur today but at the same time, his party Congress has suffered a massive setback in Maharashtra where senior party leader Milind Deora resigned from the party and has joined CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. While the Congress leaders have accused the BJP of hatching conspiracy ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s yatra, the grand old party has turned a blind eye to a storm that is brewing within the party. 

    According to reports, Milind Deora resigned after Congress agreed to let Shiv Sena-UBT retain Mumbai South Parliamentary seat. Deora was adamant about contesting the seat and thus left the party. Deora is the first casualty of the INDIA Bloc seat-sharing deal. With the impending general elections this year, the Congress is navigating a delicate balance, aiming to steer clear of potentially embarrassing incidents akin to Sachin Pilot’s rebellion in Rajasthan—a state they recently lost in the assembly elections.

    The Mumbai South Seat is currently held by Arvind Sawant of the Shiv Sena, aligned with Uddhav Thackeray’s faction. Since Sena UBT won the seat when it was in alliance with the BJP, if Shinde Sena fields Deora from the seat, it might be looking at a potential winning candidate with a proven track record in the constituency. 

    For Congress, Deora’s departure marks a significant loss for the Congress, particularly in terms of shaping the party’s strategy in the region. This exit creates a void that may pose challenges to fill in the upcoming elections. 

    As the Lok Sabha election gets closer, the Congress has lost a leader of calibre who commands a significant vote share in the region. While Sawant had got around 4.21 lakh votes in the 2019 polls, Deora was runner-up with over 3 lakh votes. Deora’s exit will also have an impact on the impending Maharashtra assembly elections. 

    Deora’s exit also marks the increasing void within the Congress as leaders who were once close to Rahul Gandhi are slowly deserting the party. This includes Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Hardik Patel, Ashwani Kumar, Sunil Jakhar, RPN Singh, Amarinder Singh, Jitin Prasada, and Anil Antony among others. 

    Now, the Congress party is already in talks with the Aam Aadmi Party, Samajwadi Party, and Trinamool Congress for seat sharing in Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Since Congress has shown a willingness to take a backseat in the seat-sharing deal, it will be ceding more seats to INDIA bloc partners and that may certainly hurt the ambition of its many leaders. If the Congress party fails to control the dissent, then more leaders may quit the party ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, further weakening the party. 

    The Congress has already witnessed voices of dissent over its decision to avoid the Ram Temple consecration ceremony. Leaders from across the northern belt are reportedly unhappy with the party’s move to desist from attending the Ram temple event. These issues are crucial and Congress needs a solution at the earliest. Otherwise, for a party which is almost on life-support for the last two parliamentary polls, the coming days will be more challenging.