Tag: Narendra Modi

  • ‘I Am Deeply Anguished’: PM Modi Writes To Japan PM Fumio, Condoles Loss Of Lives In Earthquake |

    New Delhi: In a heartfelt letter to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his profound sorrow and concern over the significant earthquake that struck Japan on January 1, 2024.

    Solidarity In Grief

    PM Modi conveyed, “I am deeply anguished to learn about the major earthquake, and I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families of those who lost their lives. We stand in solidarity with Japan and its people affected by this devastating disaster.”

    India Stands Ready To Assist

    Highlighting the special strategic and global partnership between India and Japan, PM Modi on Thursday affirmed, “As a special strategic and global partner, India values its relationship with Japan and is ready to extend all possible assistance at this hour of need.”

    Tragic Loss Of Lives In Japan

    The earthquake, measuring 7.5 magnitude, struck the Noto Peninsula and surrounding areas in central Japan on Monday, resulting in at least 64 casualties, according to Kyodo News. The extensive damage hampers search and rescue operations in the affected regions.

    City In Distress

    Wajima City in Ishikawa Prefecture bore the brunt of structural damage and fires. The full extent of the disaster caused by the powerful earthquake is still unfolding, with rubble and severed roads posing significant challenges.

    Restricted Access And Rescue Efforts

    The northern area of the remote Noto Peninsula faced restricted access for over 24 hours after the earthquake, complicating the ongoing search and rescue operations. Prime Minister Kishida, during a disaster emergency meeting, informed the media that the location became inaccessible due to a wrecked road.

    Wajima City witnessed the collapse of 25 buildings, including houses, with ongoing rescue operations by firefighters. Approximately 200 buildings, including shops and houses, are reported to have been burned around Asaichi Street, a popular tourist spot.

    US Geological Survey’s Report

    The United States Geological Survey reported that the earthquake occurred on the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture around 4.10 pm (local time), at a depth of 10 kilometres (6 miles). 

  • ‘A Major Power’: Why Is China’s Global Times Praising India’s Progress Under PM Modi? |

    New Delhi: China’s Global Times has lauded India’s evolving global stature under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Zhang Jiadong, Director of the Center for South Asian Studies at Fudan University, Shanghai, notes India’s substantial advancements in economic growth, social governance, and foreign policy over the past four years. The Global Times recognizes India’s strategic confidence, attributing it to the nation’s proactive efforts in shaping a compelling “Bharat narrative.” The article emphasizes India’s departure from traditional Western-centric democratic ideals, now spotlighting the distinctive “Indian feature” of democratic politics.

    “In the political and cultural spheres, India has moved from emphasizing its democratic consensus with the West to highlighting the ‘Indian feature’ of democratic politics.” This shift signifies India’s ambition to break free from its historical colonial legacy and emerge as a global influencer both politically and culturally.

    India’s Economic Resilience And Trade Reorientation

    India’s economic resilience is spotlighted, particularly its robust growth and urban governance improvements. Zhang notes a pivotal change in India’s approach to trade discussions with China, shifting focus from China’s measures to reduce trade imbalances to India’s burgeoning export potential. “For example, when discussing the trade imbalance between China and India, Indian representatives earlier used to primarily focus on China’s measures to reduce the trade imbalance. But now they are placing more emphasis on India’s export potential.”

    Foreign Policy Triumphs Under PM Modi

    The article applauds Modi’s foreign policy strategy, commending India’s multi-alignment approach. India’s adept management of global relationships, including strengthened ties with the US, Japan, and Russia, is highlighted. Notably, India’s nuanced stance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict underscores its evolving great power strategy. “Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed power, he has advocated for a multi-alignment strategy, promoting India’s relations with the US, Japan, Russia and other countries and regional organisations,” the Global Times article stated

    A Rapid Shift Towards Multipolarity

    Since PM Modi assumed office, India has strategically aligned itself with key global players, transitioning from multi-balancing to multi-alignment. The article underscores the unprecedented speed of India’s transformation towards becoming a pole in the multipolar world, a feat rarely witnessed in international relations history. “India has always considered itself a world power. However, it has only been less than 10 years since India shifted from multi-balancing to multi-alignment, and now it is rapidly transforming toward a strategy of becoming a pole in the multipolar world. The speed of such changes is rarely seen in the history of international relations.”

    India: A New Geopolitical Force

    In conclusion, Zhang asserts that a transformed, stronger, and more assertive India has emerged as a significant geopolitical factor demanding consideration from nations worldwide. As India takes centre stage on the global platform, its strategic achievements reverberate across diplomatic, economic, and cultural spheres, marking a major milestone in the nation’s trajectory.

  • Opinion: Why Modi May Emerge Stronger Leader Than Jawaharlal Nehru After Securing Third Straight Term In 2024? |

    The 2024 Lok Sabha Election is going to be historic in many ways. First, it will mark the first instance when Congress will go to the polls after warming the opposition benches for 10 consecutive years. Second, the BJP will complete 10 years in power with an absolute majority and third, it will seek another straight term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the history of independent India, only Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had secured three consecutive terms as Prime Minister with a clear majority. While under Nehru, Congress won 364 seats in 1951-52 elections, 371 seats in 1957 and 361 seats in 1962 elections. Nehru remained PM of India from 1951 until his death on 27 May 1964. Even Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh ruled for a maximum of two consecutive terms.

    Why Modi May Emerge Stronger Than Nehru?

    When the former PM Nehru went to the third Lok Sabha polls in 1962, there was no doubt in anyone’s mind about the Congress party’s prospects as there was no strong opposition. The opposition at that point in time constituted smaller parties having no leaders who could challenge the authority of Nehru. In the 1962 polls, the Congress won 361 seats, the Communist Party of India won 29 seats, C Rajagopalchari’s Swatantra Party 18 and the Bharatiya Jana Sangh 14 seats. The Bharatiya Jana Sangh was at that time led by Debaprasad Ghosh but was popular only in certain regions. Also, back then, there was no concept of even Leader of Opposition and the provision for the post was made only in 1969. So, it can be said that Nehru virtually went into an opposition-less poll and the the victory for Congress was not only guaranteed but foretold. 

    Challenges Before NDA

    On the other hand, the BJP led by Narendra Modi not only faces a strong opposition like Congress but also a united front of the INDIA bloc led by the grand old party. The bloc includes regional patriarchs like MK Stalin’s DMK, Nitish Kumar’s JDU, Lalu Yadav’s RJD, Sharad Pawar’s NCP, Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party, Mamata Banerjee’s TMC, Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and other key parties like Left, Hemant Soren’s Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Omar Abdullah’s Jammu & Kashmir National Conference, Mehbooba Mufti’s People’s Democratic Party.

    If the BJP manages to get a clear majority for the third straight time, not only Modi will emerge as a strong national leader but the opposition will have to rethink its strategy as well. 

  • ‘Wish Our Friends Every Success…’: Russian President Putin On Lok Sabha Polls 2024

    Putin also said that Russia is gratified that despite the global turmoil, the relationship between New Delhi and Moscow has been progressing incrementally.

  • 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.

  • C-Voter 2024 Opinion Poll: Historic Third Term For Modi Or South To Give Congress An Edge? |

    The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress have been working hard to prepare their poll strategies for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. While the BJP has set an ambitious target of winning 400 seats in the next election, the Congress and INDIA bloc are working to finalize a seat-sharing deal to defy the Modi might. Now, an opinion poll by C-Voter has given some crucial insights into the possible seat projections for both the parties in South India and the northern states. 

    The survey gave an upper hand to the BJP in the north but favoured the Congress-led bloc in the South. In Madhya Pradesh (29 seats), the BJP is likely to win 27-29 seats and Congress 0-2 while in Rajasthan (25 seats), the BJP may get 23-25 seats and Congress 0-2 seats. Of the 11 Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh, the BJP may win 9-11 and the Congress 0-2.

    In Karnataka where the BJP lost the assembly election earlier this year, the party is likely to win 22-24 seats while Congress has 4-6 seats of the total 28 seats. In Telangana, the second southern state in full control of the Congress party, the BJP may get only 1-3 seats while the Congress may get 9-11 seats and the BRS 3-5 seats of the total 17 seats. 

    These states have a total of 110 seats and the BJP is likely to win around 83-85 seats.

    On the other hand, there are 223 Lok Sabha seats in five key states – Punjab, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Of these, the BJP+ is likely to win 125-130 seats. These states play a pivotal role in sending any party to power. Of the 80 seats of Uttar Pradesh, the NDA-led by BJP is likely to win 73-75 seats, while Congress + SP 4-6 seats and BSP 0-2 seats. 

    In Punjab, despite the state having an Aam Aadmi Party government, the Congress has emerged favourites in the survey. According to it, of the 13 Lok Sabha seats, Congress may win 5-7, AAP 4-6, BJP 0-2 seats and Shiromani Akali Dal 0-2 seats.

    Of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, Congress+ (Shiv Sena-UBT, NCP-Sharad Pawar and Congress) may get 26-28 seats while the BJP+ (BJP, Shiv Sena-Shinde and NCP-Ajit Pawar) may get 19-21 seats and others 0-2 seats.

    Of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal where the BJP will face the might of Trinamool Congress, the saffron party is likely to win 16-18 seats while the ruling TMC may bag 23-25 seats and Congress+ (Congress, CPM) 0-2 seats.

    In Bihar where 40 Lok Sabha seats will go to the polls, Congress+ (Congress, JDU and RJD) may win 21-23 seats, BJP+ (BJP, LJP-Ram Vilas, LJP-Pashupati Kumar Paras, HAM) 16-18 seats and others 0-2 seats.

    In total, these 10 states have 333 seats of which the NDA is likely to win around 210 seats. If this survey is to be believed, the BJP will face an uphill task of winning 90 seats of the remaining 212 seats which includes 39 in Tamil Nadu, 25 in Andhra Pradesh, 20 In Kerala, 21 in Odisha, 14 in Assam and 26 in Gujarat. While the BJP might sweep Gujarat and Assam, it faces the mammoth task of breaching the Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Dravidian fort Tamil Nadu.

    The BJP, which is planning to register a victory greater than 2019 by winning around 400 seats or at least more than 350 seats, may see its ‘2024 record’ dream being spoiled by states like Bihar, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Southern belt. If these surveys are to be believed, the NDA may secure a majority securing a historic third term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi but only with many seats that it bagged in the 2019 polls. 

  • With Eye On 350-Plus Lok Sabha Seats, PM Narendra Modi Clears ‘Caste’ Strategy For 2024 Polls |

    With the opposition parties working to finalize seat-sharing arrangements for the Lok Sabha polls 2024, the BJP is keeping a close eye on all these developments and has started its preparations for the elections as well. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met BJP office bearers yesterday in Delhi and shared the party’s strategy for the 2024 polls. PM Modi told the BJP leaders that work should be done keeping in mind youth, poor, women and farmers.

    Bharatiya Janata Party president JP Nadda presided over the meeting held yesterday in New Delhi. According to party sources, there was brainstorming in the meeting regarding the Lok Sabha elections to be held in 2024. Addressing the meeting, PM Modi said that work should be done keeping in mind four castes that for him are youth, poor, women and farmers.

    According to reports, PM Modi asked all the leaders to work in mission mode. BJP General Secretary Vinod Tawde put forward the first topic in the meeting: that work has to be done at the booth level to increase 10% votes in the Lok Sabha elections. Speaking on this, the Prime Minister said that if our schemes reach the poor, youth, farmers and women in the right way, it will help us.

    The BJP which won 303 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls has set a target of winning more than 350 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. If BJP alone achieves the target of 350 plus seats then together with NDA allies, its seat tally in the upcoming general elections will reach around 400.

    The BJP is also making special preparations for 160 seats where the saffron party failed to make an impact. These 160 Lok Sabha seats include Sonia Gandhi’s Rae Bareli, Akhilesh Yadav’s family stronghold Mainpuri, and Sharad Pawar’s family stronghold Baramati, besides those seats of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra and South India.

  • PM Narendra Modi, Israeli Counterpart Netanyahu Discuss Humanitarian Aid, Maritime Traffic Safety |

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu today had a telephone interaction where the two leaders discussed key issues including the Hamas-Israel war and the safety of maritime traffic. The Prime Minister’s office said in a statement that Netanyahu called PM Modi today.

    Taking to X, PM Modi shared his conversation with Netanyahu saying, “Had a productive exchange of views with PM @netanyahu on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, including shared concerns on the safety of maritime traffic. Highlighted India’s consistent stand in favour of early restoration of peace & stability in the region with continued humanitarian assistance for the affected.”

    “Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a telephone call today from the Prime Minister of Israel, H.E. Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu. PM Netanyahu briefed the Prime Minister on the recent developments in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The two leaders shared concerns regarding the safety of maritime traffic,” said the PMO.

    Had a productive exchange of views with PM @netanyahu on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, including shared concerns on the safety of maritime traffic. Highlighted India’s consistent stand in favour of early restoration of peace & stability in the region with continued…
    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 19, 2023

    It also said, “Prime Minister reiterated the need for continued humanitarian aid for the affected population and emphasized an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict, including the release of all hostages, through dialogue and diplomacy. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch.”

    The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office also issued a statement. “The two leaders spoke about the importance of safeguarding the free shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait that is threatened by the Houthis at the behest of Iran, and the global interest in preventing harm to international trade, including the economies of Israel and India,” it said.

    While the Hamas and Israel war are yet to end despite entering the third month, countries across the globe are also concerned with Yemen’s Houthi rebels who have been attacking/hijacking cargo vessels in the Red Sea, disrupting maritime trade and causing freight companies to avoid the area.

  • ‘Mockery Of Democracy’: Mamata Banerjee Attacks Modi Govt Over Suspension Of Opposition MPs |

    New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led central government on Monday, accusing them of making a “mockery of democracy” following the suspension of 46 Opposition MPs in the Lok Sabha for the remainder of the Winter Session.

    Ruckus In Parliament: 46 MPs Suspended For “Misconduct”

    A total of forty-six Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) faced suspension for alleged “misconduct” and non-compliance with the Chair’s directives, sparking criticism from Banerjee. She questioned the move, emphasizing the importance of a democratic system and the role of the opposition in raising crucial issues.

    Choked Voices: Opposition Silenced, Says Mamata Banerjee

    “The voices of the people have been choked. Let them suspend the House first. They have no moral right to run this House to suspend the opposition fully…They will run a mockery, nothing else. It is a mockery of democracy,” declared the West Bengal CM, expressing concern over the stifling of dissenting voices.

    Joining Hands With Congress And Seat-Sharing

    Responding to queries about joining hands with Congress, Mamata Banerjee stated, “Somebody must bell the cat…I don’t have any problem if they have genuine things. But in West Bengal, they have only two seats. I am open to talk and discuss.” On the delay in seat sharing in the INDIA alliance, she remarked, “It is not late. Better late than never…”

     

    #WATCH | On delay in seat sharing in INDIA alliance, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says, “It is not late. Better late than never…” pic.twitter.com/7Y7GMYK4Lm
    — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2023

     

    Opposition MPs Suspended Across Houses: Demand For Amit Shah’s Statement

    A total of 45 opposition MPs, including prominent figures like Jairam Ramesh, K.C. Venugopal, and Randeep Singh Surjewala, were suspended from Rajya Sabha. Eleven of them have been referred to the Privilege Committee. The Opposition members have been demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the breach of Parliament’s security on December 13.

    Lok Sabha Adjourned Amid Protests: Security Breach Takes Center Stage

    Lok Sabha witnessed continuous protests, leading to its adjournment for the day. The Opposition’s uproar focused on the breach of Parliament security on December 13. The suspension motion was moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, citing members’ violation of rules. The MPs that have been suspended from Lok Sabha are Kalyan Banerjee (TMC), A. Raja (DMK), Dayanidhi Maran (DMK), Aparupa Poddar (TMC), Prasun Banerjee (TMC), ET Mohammed Basheer (IUML), Ganesan Selvam (DMK), CN Annadurai (DMK), Adhir Ranjan Choudhary (INC), T. Sumathy (DMK), Kani K. Navas (IUML), Kalanidhi Veeraswamy (DMK), NK Premachandran (RSP), Sougata Ray (TMC), Satabdi Roy (TMC), Asit Kumar Mal (TMC), Kaushalendra Kumar – (JDU), Anto Antony (INC), SS Palanimanickam (DMK), Pratima Mondal (TMC), Kakoli Ghosh (TMC), K Muraleedharan (INC), Sunil Mondal (TMC), Ramalingam Sellaperumal (DMK), Kodikunnel Suresh (INC), Amar Singh (INC), Rajmohan Unnithan (INC), Su. Thirunavukkarasar (INC), TR Baalu (DMK), Gaurav Gogoi (INC), Vijaykumar Vasanth (INC), Dr. K Jayakumar (INC), Abdul Khaleque (INC).

    Unruly Conduct: Previous Suspensions on December 14

    It is noteworthy that on December 14, a day after the Parliament security breach, 13 Lok Sabha MPs and one Rajya Sabha MP were suspended for “unruly conduct” in Parliament. The list includes prominent names like Manickam Tagore, Kanimozhi, PR Natrajan, VK Sreekandan, Benny Bahanan, K Subramanyam, S Venkatesan, and Mohammad Jawed, with Trinamool Congress’s Derek O’Brien being the lone MP suspended from the Rajya Sabha.

  • PM Modi’s Twin Gifts To UP Today: Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor, Vande Bharat Express |

    New Delhi: On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil the new Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction to New Bhaupur Junction stretch of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), a vital project for the logistics sector. The 402 km-long section, which cost Rs 10,903 crores, runs along the Delhi-Howrah rail route, covering districts such as Chandauli, Mirzapur, Prayagraj, Kaushambi, Fatehpur, Kanpur Nagar and Kanpur Dehat in Uttar Pradesh. It has 12 stations, comprising six junction stations and six crossing stations.

    The corridor links the coal fields of Jharkhand and West Bengal, such as Eastern Coalfields Limited, Central Coalfields Limited, Bharat Coking Coal Limited and Northern Coalfields Limited, to power plants in Northern India. With freight trains running at speeds of up to 100 km/h on this corridor, the quick delivery of coal to power plants has resulted in lower logistic costs and time. Moreover, the transportation of essential goods, such as iron and steel, has become more effective.

    The inauguration of this segment has not only relieved the congestion on the Delhi-Howrah main line but has also enabled the fast and smooth operation of trains on the freight corridor. This has paved the way for the introduction of more passenger train services on the Delhi-Howrah main line.

    Near New Kanpur Junction, a multimodal logistics park will be developed, offering efficient cargo transportation facilities and creating new employment opportunities in the region.

    The completion of this project has not only enhanced the transportation of goods in the region but has also stimulated economic and commercial activities. This has generated new job opportunities for the youth in sectors such as agriculture, food processing, MSMEs, and handicrafts.

    The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor is a reflection of the government’s commitment to modernising infrastructure and promoting economic growth across the country.

    New Vande Bharat Express Between Delhi And Varanasi

    The Indian Railways is ready to start operations of an advanced semi-high-speed train, Vande Bharat, improving connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and the national capital. To mark this significant milestone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the second Vande Bharat Express train running between Varanasi and New Delhi.

    The launch of this Vande Bharat Express from Varanasi is expected to benefit travellers heading to Prayagraj, Kanpur and New Delhi, offering an additional fast and modern travel option. The initiative not only saves passengers time but also boosts cultural, industrial, and economic development in the region.

    Starting its journey from the spiritual city of Varanasi, the train will pass through Prayagraj, Kanpur and reach the national capital, New Delhi. This new service will especially benefit pilgrims heading to Prayagraj and professionals travelling between the industrial hub of Kanpur and the bustling city of New Delhi.

    The regular operation of the Vande Bharat Express is scheduled to commence on December 20, 2023. Departing from Varanasi at 6:00 AM, the train will reach Prayagraj at 07:34 AM, Kanpur Central at 09:30 AM and finally, New Delhi at 2:05 PM.