Tag: BJP

  • ‘Submit Report On Sandeshkhali Violence’: West Bengal Governor Orders Mamata Govt |

    Kolkata: Sandeshkhali, a village in West Bengal, has become the latest flashpoint of political tension as Governor CV Anand Bose has now demanded a report on Friday’s violence from the Mamata Banerjee-led government. The Raj Bhavan’s directive, coupled with calls for action against the perpetrators, underscored the simmering discontent and accusations swirling around the incident.

    At the heart of the unrest lies a land dispute allegedly involving Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shivprasad Hazra. Angered by claims of forced land acquisition, villagers, including women leading marches, torched Hazra’s poultry farm. They were demanding the arrest of TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh, accused of orchestrating a land ration allotment scam.

    The heavy police presence deployed to quell the protests proved insufficient to contain the villagers’ fury. The fiery act raised questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement and fueled public outrage. “Investigations are underway to determine the cause behind the disturbances in Sandeshkhali over the past three days. All complaints received in the last two days are being thoroughly examined. It is not appropriate to make any statements at the moment, as the matter is under investigation. Adequate police forces are deployed in the area, and the situation is currently under control,” said ADG Law and Order for West Bengal, Manoj Verma.

    While investigations are underway, the blame game has already begun. TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh, pointed fingers at the opposition, claiming CPI(M) and BJP instigated the violence. Two arrests have been made, and Ghosh alleged the unrest is a ploy to divert attention from Mamata Banerjee’s upcoming announcement for MGNREGA workers.

    However, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari painted a different picture. He called the incident a repercussion of the state government’s actions, highlighting concerns about alleged suppression of democracy and silencing of dissent. Adhikari claimed the violence reflects the pent-up anger of the people simmering for years. “We do not support taking the law into one’s hands. What has been happening in the last 12 years there, it seems that democracy is over there. The right to vote and the right to voice one’s opinions is over. Whatever is happening is a normal turn of events. People were angry for a long time and that has come out,” Adhikari said.

    Amidst these opposing narratives, the truth remains under investigation. The Governor’s demand for a report indicates a seriousness to understand the root cause and ensure accountability. However, the political mudslinging threatens to overshadow the voices of the villagers and their grievances.

    Key questions linger: Was the land acquisition legitimate? Did authorities adequately address the villagers’ concerns? Was the violence pre-meditated, or a spontaneous outburst of frustration? Only a transparent and impartial investigation can provide answers and pave the way for a peaceful resolution.

  • Eye On Mission 80 In Uttar Pradesh, BJP Seals Seat Deal With Jayant Chaudhary`s RLD; Check Power-Sharing Formula

    Jayant Chaudhary’s party will get two ministerial positions, one as a cabinet minister and the other as a minister of state with independent charge. 

  • Kanpur News: BJP`s Ramesh Awasthi & The Great Khali Lead Sanatan Yatra Amid Ram Temple Fervour

    BJP leader Ramesh Awasthi expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, emphasizing the celebration of rich cultural heritage and spiritual values.

  • 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.

  • ‘He Belongs To General Caste’: Rahul Gandhi On PM Modi’s ‘Sabse Bada OBC’ Remark |

    Jharsuguda: In a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that the former was not born into an OBC family but instead hails from the general caste. The Congress MP urged his followers to confront BJP workers with this revelation, accusing the Prime Minister of deceiving the nation regarding his caste identity.

    “Whenever BJP workers come to you, tell them one thing our Prime Minister lied to the entire country that he belonged to the backward class. He was not born in a backward class, he belongs to the general caste. You tell this to every BJP worker.” Rahul made these remarks while speaking at a public rally during the Odisha leg of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Jharsuguda.

     

    #WATCH | Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, “PM Modi was not born in the OBC category. He was born Teli caste in Gujarat. The community was given the tag of OBC in the year 2000 by the BJP. He was born in the General caste…He will not allow caste census to be conducted in his… pic.twitter.com/AOynLpEZkK
    — ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2024

     

    Rahul Gandhi’s remark on PM Modi evoked a sharp response from the ruling BJP and its media cell in-charge Amit Malviya called Congress MP’s claim a ”blatant lie.” ”Prime Minister Narendra Modi got his caste notified as an OBC after he became the Chief Minister of Gujarat: Rahul Gandhi. This is a blatant lie. PM Narendra Modi’s caste was notified as an OBC on Oct 27, 1999, a full 2 years BEFORE he became the Chief Minister of Gujarat,” Malviya said in a post on X. Malviya also claimed that the ”entire Nehru-Gandhi family, starting from Jawaharlal Nehru to Rahul Gandhi, have been against the OBCs.”

     

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi got his caste notified as an OBC after he became the Chief Minister of Gujarat: Rahul Gandhi.

    This is a blatant lie. PM Narendra Modi’s caste was notified as an OBC on Oct 27, 1999, a full 2 years BEFORE he became the Chief Minister of Gujarat.… pic.twitter.com/lDU3uJrHwJ
    — Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) February 8, 2024

        

    Congress Vs BJP Over OBC 

    This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently in Parliament called himself ‘Sabse Bada OBC’ (the biggest OBC) and accused the Congress of indulging in hypocrisy and adopting double standards while dealing with leaders of Backward communities.

    “Congress party and UPA government did not deliver justice with OBCs. A few days ago, Karpoori Thakur ji was conferred with Bharat Ratna. In 1970, when he became Bihar CM, what was not done to destabilise his government? Congress can’t tolerate OBCs…They keep counting how many OBCs are there in the government. Can’t you (Congress) see the biggest OBC here (pointing towards himself)?” PM Modi said in his reply to the ‘Motion of Thanks’ on the President’s Address in Lok Sabha on Monday.

    Congress’ Failures And Allegations Of Bias

    PM Modi continued his attack on the UPA government and said that the previous government did not deliver justice to OBCs. “During the UPA Government, an extra-constitutional body was formed. The government could not have its way before that body. National Advisory Council – did it have any OBC members? Find out,” he added.

    Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra

    The Odisha leg of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is scheduled to be completed this afternoon before going on a two-day break from February 9-10. The yatra will resume on February 11 from Chhattisgarh. Earlier on Wednesday, the 25th day of the Nyay Yatra, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, visited Vedvyas Dham in the Sundergarh district of Western Odisha. The cave of this temple is considered to be the place where sage and poet Ved Vyas ji composed the Mahabharata.

    Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra rolled out from Manipur’s Thoubal on January 14. The yatra will cover over 6,700 kilometres over 67 days, traversing through 110 districts. It will cover a distance of 6,713 km, straddling 100 Lok Sabha constituencies and 337 assembly segments and covering 110 districts. The yatra will conclude in Mumbai on March 20, after 67 days.

    A follow-up to the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ which saw Rahul Gandhi cover more than 3,000 kilometres on foot–from Kanya Kumari to Srinagar–the Yatra 2.0 is following a hybrid format.

  • On BJP’s White Paper, Congress Mulling ‘Black Paper’ Move Against Modi Government |

    The Congress party is planning to bring a ‘Black Paper’ against the BJP government after the ruling party said it will present a ‘White Paper’ on earlier UPA government’s economic mismanagement. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge is likely to present the report. As the government plans to present the white paper, the ongoing budget session of the Lok Sabha has been extended until Saturday, February 10. There will be no Question Hour session on the extended date. As per a Lok Sabha Secretariat notification issued on Wednesday, extension of the current session of Lok Sabha, as announced by the Chair today (7.2.2024) and agreed to by the House, the current session of Lok Sabha has been extended up to Saturday, February 10, 2024, in order to provide sufficient time for completion of essential items of Government Business.

    The BJP has planned to present the White Paper which will show the mismanagement of the economy by the earlier UPA government and the steps taken by the Modi government to improve the situation. It may be notable that under PM Narendra Modi, the Indian economy has become the fifth largest in the world from 11th in 2014.

    The last session before Lok Sabha polls expected to be held in April-May this year was started with the address by President Droupadi Murmu to the joint sitting of two Houses on January 31. It was earlier to be concluded on February 9.

    Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, stated that his party is prepared to address any papers the government brings to the House. “Narendra Modi has Congressphobia. We are ready to fight. The government can bring a ‘White Paper’, Red paper, black paper, we have no problem. However, Mehul Choksi’s papers should also be presented to the House,” Chowdhury told ANI.

    Welcoming the idea of bringing a ‘White Paper’ to the House, BJP Lok Sabha MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy said that the document is a much-awaited call and should be brought so that the public becomes aware of the corruption that occurred during the UPA tenure before 2014. “The government has passed the finance bill and the interim budget. If I recall correctly, the PM mentioned in his speech that they would present a White Paper on the mess that prevailed prior to 2014. I think it is likely to be listed tomorrow. It is a much-awaited call,” said Rudy.

  • Who Benefits From Shinde-Sena Vs Sena-UBT And NCP-Ajit Vs NCP-Sharad Battle In Maharashtra? |

    The Election Commission of India yesterday ruled in favour of the Ajit Pawar faction terming it the real Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The order came as a setback for Sharad Pawar as his party is set to challenge the order in the Supreme Court. However, it’s the BJP which may emerge as a winner in the battle of Shiv Sena and NCP. The BJP has allied with both the rebel factions – Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde and NCP led by Ajit Pawar. This will boost the party’s prospects in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls 2024. Maharashtra has 48 Lok Sabha seats and it will be crucial in BJP’s mission ‘Abki Bar 400 Paar’.

    With the recent political developments in Bihar, the BJP has already got an upper hand there and now it’s trying to better its poll prospects in Maharashtra. In the 2019 Maharashtra Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won 23 out of the 48 seats. At that time, Shiv Sena was its ally, and it secured 18 seats. Thus the NDA had bagged 40 of the 48 seats. But since Uddhav Thackeray left the NDA and joined the Congress-NCP alliance, the BJP has recalibrated its strategy this time, sidelining Shiv Sena-UBT and Sharad Pawar-led NCP. With the NCP and Shiv Sena already splitting into two factions, the BJP stands to gain the seats where it has been traditionally weak earlier against NCP and Shiv Sena.

    Sharad Pawar, who separated from Congress to form the NCP in 1999, is now at the centre of a political storm. The recent political developments, including Ajit Pawar’s rebellion and NCP’s affiliation with Congress, have created uncertainty about how Sharad Pawar will lead the new party forward. While it is certain that Ajit Pawar’s entry and his leadership may attract the youth, the future remains uncertain.

    Sharad Pawar is still active in politics, but his influence is limited to certain regions. With the departure of prominent leaders like Praful Patel and Chhagan Bhujbal, even his nephews joining politics has left a gap in his leadership. The split in the massive vote bank of the NCP is likely to benefit the BJP-led coalition. Sharad Pawar has mentioned bringing in new faces to the party, but for now, his nephew seems to be dominating the political scene.

    The split between Shiv Sena and NCP has significantly benefited the BJP. Not only did they come to power in the state, but they also weakened the opposition considerably. BJP’s leaders have gained a strong foothold. The impact of this realignment will be evident in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. However, it’s likely that Ajit Pawar’s NCP, if pitched against Sharad Pawar in the latter’s stronghold may not do well in some of those seats. Opposite to that, Eknath Shinde led Shiv Sena is likely to do better against Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena because traditionally the Shiv Sena supporters have been against the Congress.

    The alliance with NCP in Maharashtra is expected to benefit the BJP in various regions, especially in western Maharashtra, where NCP has had a stronghold. The BJP’s strategy, if successful, could lead to achieving its goal of 45 seats and further consolidating its position in the state. The alliances with Shiv Sena and NCP may pave the way for an easier accomplishment of the “Mission 400+” in the upcoming elections.

  • Uniform Civil Code Bill In Uttarakhand Assembly Today: Check Key Features |

    In a major development, the Uttarakhand Assembly bill will take up the Uniform Civil Code Bill for discussion and passing today. The UCC draft was approved by the Uttarakhand Cabinet led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday. The common civil code bill proposes uniform civil laws for all communities in the state. The assembly proceeding will begin at 11 am today. The UCC will provide a legal framework for uniform marriage, divorce, land, property and inheritance laws for all citizens, irrespective of their religion.

    A committee appointed by the Uttarakhand government, headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, has compiled a comprehensive four-volume report spanning 749 pages, offering a multitude of recommendations. The committee actively sought public input through 2.33 lakh written submissions online and conducted over 70 public forums. Through these forums, the panel members actively interacted with approximately 60,000 individuals, incorporating their perspectives and insights into the drafting process.

    Key Features Of The UCC

    Equal Property Rights

    The Uniform Civil Code proposes to provide equal rights in property for both sons and daughters. The property right will stand even if the girl marries in any other religion. A 2005 amendment in the Hindu Succession Act 1956 already provides for married daughters to have an equal share as a son in their father’s property. 

    Legitimate And Illegitimate Children

    The Uttarakhand UCC bill also aims to abolish the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children concerning property rights. The bill specifies that all children would be recognised as the biological offspring of the parents and would have equal rights. Also, the bill gives equal footing and rights to children who are adopted, born through surrogacy, or born through assisted reproductive technology. The adoption process will be the same for all religions under the law.

    Property Rights After Death

    In the aftermath of an individual’s passing, the legislation ensures equitable property rights for both the spouse and children. Notably, this inclusive provision also extends such rights to the deceased person’s parents. This represents a significant departure from prior legal frameworks, where exclusive property rights were granted solely to the mother in the event of the individual’s demise.

    Equal Divorce Rights, Maintenance

    The UCC bill also provides for an equal divorce process and rights to men and women of every religion in the state. The Muslim Women Act, 2019 brought by the Narendra Modi government has already made instant triple talaq illegal. The maintenance law after divorce will be the same for all religions. 

    Ban On Polygamy, Child Marriage

    The bill also makes marriage registration mandatory for all religions. It also bans polygamy and child marriage, a common marriageable age for girls across all faiths. The bill also makes it mandatory to declare live-in relationships.

    Ban On Halala And Iddat

    The UCC bill seeks to ban Islamic practices such as halala and iddat which are considered unfair for women. Halala and iddat are Islamic practices a woman must go through after a divorce or the death of her husband.

  • Chandigarh Mayoral Polls: Supreme Court Says `Won`t Allow Murder Of Democracy`

    The apex court also ordered the preservation of the entire record of the election process including ballot papers, videography and other material through the Registrar General of Punjab and Haryana High Court.

  • Jharkhand CM Champai Soren To Face Floor Test Shortly; Hemant Soren Slams BJP |

    New Delhi: Champai Soren, who was made Chief Minister of Jharkhand in the absence of Hemant Soren, will face a crucial floor test in the state assembly today. This will be yet another test of unity among INDIA bloc partnerts ahead of the Lok Sabha polls and impending state assembly elections. The majority mark in the state 81-member assembly is 41. One seat is currently vacant in the assembly following the resignation of a JMM MLA. The MLAs of the ruling coalition – JMM-Congress-RJD – were kept in a Hyderabad resort amid fears of poaching and they have now reached Ranchi tonight ahead of today’s floor test. 

    Speaking in the assembly, Former CM Hemant Soren said that a conspiracy was hatched in collaboration with the Raj Bhawan to get a sitting CM arrested. He termed January 31 as a black day in the history of India.

    The combined strength of the JMM (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI(ML)) stands at 46 Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) — comprising 28 from JMM, 16 from Congress, 1 from RJD, and 1 from CPI(ML). On the other hand, the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and its allies hold 29 MLAs.

    Political analysts believe that barring any unforeseen events or significant developments, the JMM government is expected to successfully pass the floor test with its current majority in the Legislative Assembly. Another MLA Chamra Linda from the Bishunpur constituency could not be contacted by the party. Despite this, even if these two MLAs did not support Soren, the ruling coalition would survive the floor test with the support of 44 MLAs. Former CM Hemant Soren, who is in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate, will be present in the assembly to vote in the floor test.

    However, a bit of scare for CM Soren came from Lobin Hembrom, JMM MLA from the Borio seat in the Sahibganj district who said that if the ruling party fails to fulfil its promises related to tribals, then he would severe all ties with the party and form a forum – Jharkhand Bachao Morcha.

    Champai Soren, the present Chief Minister, played a prominent role in the Jharkhand movement during the late 90s, alongside Shibu Soren. Previously serving as the Transport Minister in the Hemant Soren government, Champai Soren not only brings experience to his current role but also enjoys the support of the influential Soren family.