The Chhattisgarh

Tag: Narendra Modi

  • ‘This Time They Will Be Wiped Out Of Parliament’: Mallikarjun Kharge On BJP’s ‘400 Seats’ Claim |

    NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday claimed that the Narendra Modi-powered BJP won’t be able to cross 400 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and it will be wiped out of Parliament. Speaking to reporters in Amethi, Kharge said, “I said – they (BJP) keep saying that they will cross 400 (LS seats), but this time they will be out of Parliament.” Denying any rift with the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party, Kharge said, ‘”Everything will be alright. He has agreed and our people have agreed too. There is no problem.”  Kharge on Saturday criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government and described it as a ‘curse’ for the country’s farmers. 

     

    #WATCH | In UP’s Amethi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge says, “I said – they (BJP) are saying that they will cross 400 (LS seats), but this time they will be out of Parliament.” https://t.co/mr3cU5wfmC
    — ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2024

     

    The Congress president accused the Modi government of treating farmers like enemies. Kharge asserted that only the Congress party can provide farmers with the legal right to a Minimum Support Price (MSP).

    “The Modi government is a curse for the country’s food-providing farmers. Due to the continuous false ‘Modi’s Guarantee’, first 750 farmers lost their lives, and now, yesterday, one farmer lost his life and 3 have lost their eyesight due to rubber bullets. The Modi government has treated farmers like enemies, Only Congress will give them the legal right of MSP!” he said in a post on ‘X’.

    Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his poll promises, Kharge said the former is the chief of all liars as he failed to even fulfil what he had promised during his 2014 poll campaign.

    “I want to ask him what happened to the promises he made during 2014–he never fulfilled those. Modiji jhuton ka sardar hai (PM Modi is the chief of liars),” Kharge said addressing party workers at an event hosted by Maharashtra Congress in Pune.

    The Congress national president said people keep praising PM Modi despite the latter not doing much work in the last 10 years.
    Kharge cautioned that if such a scenario continues, the Constitution will “vanish”.

    “PM Modi keeps lying…you all know what he did in the last ten years. Still, people praise him…if this continues, then there will soon come a day when the Constitution will vanish. We are waging a fight to protect the Constitution and have to keep fighting,” he said.

    Describing Prime Minister Modi as “individualistic,” Kharge alleged that the former does not even take his party’s name while announcing his “guarantees.”

    “PM Modi keeps on saying that this is Modi ki Guarantee…he never uses his party name. He is very individualistic and full of himself,” the Congress president said.

    Claiming further that the BJP had no role in the country’s freedom struggle, Kharge added, “We are fighting for the country and its founding ideals all over again. The BJP had no role or contribution to our freedom struggle. We fought for the country.”

    Taking a dig at the Congress, PM Modi earlier this month said that even Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge has predicted the return of the NDA government with over 400 seats. 

    PM Modi made this remark during his response to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address in Lok Sabha.

    During a session in the Rajya Sabha on February 2, Kharge inadvertently coined what would become a rallying cry for the BJP, stating “Abki Baar, 400 Paar,” which translates to “This time, over 400 seats.”

    “Our third tenure is not far away, a maximum of 100-125 days are left. The entire nation is saying ‘abki baar, 400 paar’. Even Kharge ji said that,” PM Modi said while replying to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address in Lok Sabha.

    He expressed confidence that the BJP would not only secure a third term but also achieve an impressive victory by winning over 370 seats individually and crossing the 400 mark with the support of the NDA bloc. Modi’s remarks were met with laughter, including his own, as he acknowledged Kharge’s statement, suggesting that even the opposition leader seemed to predict the ruling party’s electoral success.

    Modi further criticised the Congress party, implying that they had become comfortable in their role as the opposition and were preparing to occupy the spectators’ gallery in Parliament. He also took a veiled swipe at Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party’s alleged nepotism, criticizing the repeated promotion of the same leadership without success.

    PM Modi indirectly referenced Rahul Gandhi by stating that the Congress is on the brink of shutting down its shop, emphasizing that they keep trying to relaunch the same product repeatedly.

  • BJP National Convention: Amit Shah Takes `9 Months Repeat Speech` Dig At Rahul Gandhi Over OBC Remarks

    Amit Shah alleged that the Congress and Indi Alliance used Dalit, tribal and backward communities as a vote bank.

  • PM Narendra Modi In UAE Live Updates: Your Energy Is Resounding, Says PM Modi At ‘Ahlan Modi’ Event |

    ABU DHABI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently addressing the much-anticipated ‘Ahlan Modi’ event in Abu Dhabi. This event is possibly one of the largest diaspora gatherings, with a staggering 65,000 individuals registered to attend it at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi. According to the organisers of the event, the event will feature the participation of 150 Indian community groups from various regions of India. Additionally, approximately 700 local performers will showcase a vibrant “cultural extravaganza” for the audience. The gathering serves as a tribute to the Indian ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which espouses the belief in global brotherhood and inclusivity.

    Here Are The Live Updates On PM Modi’s UAE Visit:

    -Your energy is resounding, and I am overwhelmed by the love shown by all of you. I want to thank each and every one of you: PM Modi

    -I have come to meet my family members. I have brought the fragrance of the soil where you were born and have brought the message of 140 crore people. The message is that Bharat is proud of you: PM tells the Indian diaspora

    -Every breath in this stadium is saying India-UAE ‘Dosti Zindabad’ (Long live India-UAE friendship),” PM

    -Today you have created history in Abu Dhabi. You all have come from various parts of the world but everyone’s heart is connected: PM 

    -India’s National anthem is being played ahead of the Ahlan Modi event at Zayed Sports City Stadium

    -UK MP Priti Patel also joins ‘Ahlan Modi’ event in Abu Dhabi, calls it ”a celebration of diaspora”

    -Incredibly honoured by the warm welcome from the Indian Community in Abu Dhabi today. The vibrancy of our diaspora never ceases to amaze me: PM Modi after meeting members of the Indian diaspora in Abu Dhabi

    -PM Narendra Modi arrives at the Zayed Sports Stadium in Abu Dhabi, UAE for the ‘Ahlan Modi’ event. The PM will address the Indian diaspora here, shortly

     

    #WATCH | PM Narendra Modi arrives at the Zayed Sports Stadium in Abu Dhabi, UAE for the ‘Ahlan Modi’ event.

    PM will address the Indian diaspora here, shortly. pic.twitter.com/tASLXlNnNi
    — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2024

     

    -A huge crowd awaits PM Modi at Zayed Sports Stadium in Abu Dhabi for the ‘Ahlan Modi’ event

     

    #AhlanModi event: PM Narendra Modi to shortly address the Indian diaspora at Zayed Sports Stadium in Abu Dhabi, UAE pic.twitter.com/2YAqu4laEX
    — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2024

     

    Abdulnasser Alshaali, the UAE’s Ambassador to India, emphasized the significance of PM Modi’s visit, describing it as “very important” for fostering stronger bilateral ties between the two nations. During his visit, Prime Minister Modi is slated to engage in discussions with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, focusing on avenues to bolster and broaden their strategic partnership.

    Inauguration of BAPS Hindu Temple

    Adding to the significance of the visit, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the first Hindu temple, Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandit, in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. This inauguration underscores the growing cultural exchanges and religious tolerance between the two countries.

    Shortly after his arrival here, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the BAPS Hindu Temple that will be inaugurated tomorrow and said that it reflects his love and respect for India. The two leaders also held a bilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi, during which MoUs were exchanged.
    He also thanked the UAE President for accepting his invitation to be the Chief Guest at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in January.

    “Brother, firstly, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for your warm welcome…Whenever I come to UAE, I have always felt as if I have come to my own home, to meet with the members of my own family,” PM Modi said during the bilateral meeting. 

    Expressing gratitude for the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, PM Modi said that this couldn’t have been possible without his love and support. “I consider the construction of BAPS temple here as a reflection of your love for India and your vision for the bright future of UAE. This couldn’t have been possible without your support. During our first meeting, I had just put up a simple request for you to look into it and you took a prompt decision, asking me to ‘Put your finger on any piece of land, you will get it’. Perhaps, this level of love and trust showcases the unique relationship,” PM Modi said.

    Earlier, upon his arrival at the airport, PM Modi was welcomed by UAE President Al Nahyan. The two leaders shook hands and hugged each other. “Immensely grateful to my brother, HH @MohamedBinZayed, for taking the time to receive me at Abu Dhabi airport. I look forward to a productive visit which will further strengthen the friendship between India and UAE,” said PM Modi in a post on X.

    PM Modi will be in the UAE from February 13-14 after which he will proceed to Doha. 

  • Diplomatic Victory For India As Qatar Frees 8 Ex-Navy Officers Jailed On Espionage Charges, 7 Back In India |

    New Delhi: Qatar has released eight Indian ex-navy officers who were working for a private company and were sentenced to death by a Qatari court in October 2023. Seven of them have returned to India, while one is expected to join them soon. The release came after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the sidelines of the COP 28 summit in Dubai on December 1, 2023. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and regional issues, and the Emir of Qatar assured PM Modi of his personal intervention in the case of the Indian citizens.

    The Indian government welcomed the release and expressed its appreciation for the decision of the Emir of Qatar. In a press release, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “The Government of India welcomes the release of eight Indian nationals working for the Dahra Global company who were detained in Qatar. Seven out of the eight of them have returned to India. We appreciate the decision by the Amir of the State of Qatar to enable the release and home-coming of these nationals.”

    The eight Indian citizens were arrested in Qatar in September 2022 on charges of espionage and sabotage. They were working for the Dahra Global company, which provides security and maintenance services to Qatar’s Ministry of Defence. They were accused of leaking sensitive information and causing damage to Qatar’s defence installations.

    On October 26, 2023, a Qatari court sentenced them to death after a trial that was criticized by human rights groups and the Indian government for lack of transparency and due process. The Indian government had lodged a strong protest and sought consular access to the detainees. The Indian ambassador to Qatar, Vipul, was able to meet them on December 3, 2023, after the intervention of the Emir of Qatar.

    The case was taken up by the Court of Appeal in Qatar, which heard the arguments of the defence lawyers and the prosecution on November 20 and 23, 2023. On December 28, 2023, the Court of Appeal overturned the death sentence and ordered the release of the eight Indian citizens.

    The release of the Indian citizens is a major diplomatic success for India and demonstrates the strong ties between the two countries. Qatar is an important partner for India in the Gulf region, with bilateral trade exceeding $10 billion and more than 700,000 Indians living and working in Qatar. The two countries have also cooperated on energy, security, and counter-terrorism issues.

  • ‘He Lies Publicly’: Amit Shah Tears Into Rahul Gandhi For Questioning PM Modi’s Caste |

    New Delhi: In a scathing attack on Rahul Gandhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday responded to Congress MP’s recent claim questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s caste. Speaking at an event, Shah accused Rahul Gandhi of distorting facts and creating unwarranted controversies. “Rahul Gandhi has a policy, lie publicly and lie again and again. As far as PM Narendra Modi’s caste goes, I doubt the Congress knows the difference between bloc and caste. PM Modi said he is an OBC, OBC is bloc not a caste. Maybe Rahul Gandhi’s teachers did not tell him this. This is extremely sad that questions on the Prime Minister’s caste are being asked” Amit Shah said.

     

    #WATCH | Union Home Minister Amit Shah says “Rahul Gandhi has a policy, lie publicly and lie again and again. As far as PM Narendra Modi’s caste goes, I doubt the Congress knows the difference between bloc and caste. PM Modi said he is an OBC, OBC is a bloc, not a caste. Maybe… pic.twitter.com/4hTcTH5ywP
    — ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2024

     

    Congress Misinterprets Caste: Shah On Rahul’s Claims

    Shah refuted Rahul Gandhi’s assertion that PM Modi is not an OBC by birth, stating that the Congress seems confused about the difference between bloc and caste. He criticized Gandhi’s habit of publicly lying and emphasized that OBC (Other Backward Class) was a bloc, not a caste.

    Historical Perspective: PM Modi’s OBC Recognition

    Amit Shah provided historical context, noting that PM Modi’s OBC community was listed in 1994 under the Congress government of Gujarat. He clarified that PM Modi was not in any elected position at the time. Shah highlighted Congress’s role in recommending OBC listing to the central government in 2000, which was accepted. “Modi ji’s community (jati) was listed as OBC on July 25, 1994, when the chief minister of Gujarat was Chhabildas Mehta and the party in power was Congress. Modi ji had by then not even fought an election, and was mostly working for the party. The state government run by Congress listed the community under OBC. In 1994 itself, Congress had made recommendations before the central government, which the latter accepted and listed in the year 2000. Even in 2000, Modi ji was nowhere in the government, not an MP, MLA, or a sarpanch. Modi ji became CM of Gujarat in 2001,” Shah added.

    Congress Anti-OBC: Shah Highlights PM Modi’s Contributions

    Continuing his attack, Shah accused the Congress of being an anti-OBC party and commended PM Modi for giving constitutional recognition to OBC communities. He pointed out Modi’s establishment of an OBC commission and successful implementation of OBC reservations in central government jobs.

    Shah also dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s argument about the proportion of OBC secretaries in central government ministries, stating that most were commissioned during the Congress regime. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the OBC background of the Prime Minister.

    Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha Resolution: Shah Reflects On Historic Day

    Shifting gears, Shah spoke about the historic resolution on Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha in Parliament. He highlighted the decades-long belief in building the Ram Mandir at the revered location and praised the PM’s devotion to ensuring the process adhered to the scriptures.

    Bharat Ratna Awards: Shah Defends Political Awardees

    Addressing criticism of the recent Bharat Ratna awards, Shah defended the awardees, citing their significant contributions. He acknowledged Chaudhary Charan Singh’s fight for farmers’ rights, Narasimha Rao’s institutionalization efforts, and Swaminathan’s contributions to the green revolution.

    In a final salvo, Shah criticized the Bharat Ratna awards under Congress, suggesting they were either compelled or bestowed upon family members. He underscored the genuine contributions of recent awardees to the nation’s progress.

    In a comprehensive response, Amit Shah dismantled Rahul Gandhi’s claims while highlighting the government’s achievements and the historic significance of recent parliamentary discussions.

  • 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. 

  • Bharat Ratna For Rao, Charan Singh And Swaminathan: Modi’s Gesture To Woo South, UP Voters? |

    New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday announced that he has conferred the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honour of India, to three eminent personalities: former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, former PM Chaudhary Charan Singh, and the father of the Green Revolution M.S. Swaminathan. The decision has triggered political interpretations, as all three names have been long demanded for the prestigious award. One of them is from North India, while the other two are from South India. Recently, Modi had also awarded the Bharat Ratna to L.K. Advani, a veteran BJP leader and a key figure in the Ram Mandir movement.

    Bharat Ratna For Congress’s Narasimha Rao

    PM Modi has decided to award Bharat Ratna to former PM Narasimha Rao. He was a towering leader of the Congress party and the father of economic reforms in India. The BJP leaders often criticized that Congress did not treat him well. It is also interesting that a few days ago, when the announcement was made to give the Bharat Ratna to Lal Krishna Advani, the biggest leader of the Ram Mandir movement and the founding member of the BJP, some people questioned the fact that it is their own government and they are honoring their own people, then what is the difference between Congress and BJP?

    Now, giving the country’s highest civilian award to a leader associated with the opposition party, Congress, can only be called Modi government’s masterstroke. This will send a message to the public and BJP will try to convey that Modi government does not do politics on awards but treats everyone equally. The announcement of the Lok Sabha elections is going to happen soon.

    In such a situation, the impact of this decision is certain. Rao was born in Warangal district of Telangana, which was then part of united Andhra Pradesh. He led the country at a time when India was stuck in the quagmire of poverty and unemployment. The situation of the country had become such that the country’s gold had to be mortgaged to repay the debt. The economy was paralyzed in the 1991 era.

    Rao’s Congress government brought economic reforms in the country. The country progressed on the path of progress by following the same economic policies. He also took India forward in the automobile sector. The way was cleared for many big companies to set up plants. The result was that in the next 2-3 years, the foreign exchange reserves increased by 15 times.

    Congress has always insisted that Rao laid the foundation for strengthening India’s economy in 1991. However, the Bharat Ratna is now being given by the BJP government. Telangana’s demand also fulfilled The Telangana Assembly had passed a resolution in December 2020 to give Rao the Bharat Ratna. He was also the chief minister of Andhra.

    In such a situation, by honoring Rao from the BJP government, the politics of both the southern states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh can go in favor of the BJP. It is also possible that the BJP’s Mission-400 goal may be strengthened by the major party of the state joining the NDA.

    The connection between the three awardees lies in their contributions to the nation. The most surprising name is that of Narasimha Rao, a Congress leader who has often been accused by BJP leaders of being neglected by his own party. Rao was the Prime Minister of India during a critical period when the country was mired in poverty and unemployment.

    He had to mortgage the country’s gold to repay debts, and the economy was in a state of paralysis. Rao’s Congress government initiated economic reforms that paved the way for India’s progress. He also boosted India’s automobile sector by allowing foreign companies to set up plants.

    As a result, the foreign exchange reserves increased by 15 times in the next 2-3 years. Congress has always claimed that Rao laid the foundation for strengthening India’s economy. However, it is the BJP government that is giving him the Bharat Ratna now.

    Some critics had objected to Modi’s decision to award the Bharat Ratna to Advani, saying that it was a case of favouring his own party and allies. Now, by honouring a Congress leader, Modi has delivered a masterstroke. He has sent a message to the public and the BJP that his government does not politicise awards, but treats everyone equally. With the Lok Sabha elections approaching soon, this decision could have an impact on the voters.

    The other two awardees are also well-deserved. Chaudhary Charan Singh was the fifth Prime Minister of India and a prominent leader of the farmers. He is widely respected for his pro-farmer policies and his role in the land reforms. He is also the founder of the Lok Dal party, which later merged with other parties to form the Janata Dal. His son, Ajit Singh, is the chief of the Rashtriya Lok Dal, a regional party in Uttar Pradesh that has allied with the BJP in the past.

    M.S. Swaminathan is a renowned agricultural scientist and a Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan awardee. He is credited with leading the Green Revolution in India, which transformed the country from a food-deficit to a food-surplus nation.

    He has also made significant contributions to the fields of biodiversity, biotechnology, and sustainable development. He is the founder of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, which works for the welfare of farmers and rural communities.

    Modi’s decision to award the Bharat Ratna to these three personalities has also fulfilled the demands of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, two southern states where the BJP is trying to expand its base. The Telangana Assembly had passed a resolution in December 2020, requesting the Centre to confer the Bharat Ratna to Rao, who was born in Warangal district of the then united Andhra Pradesh.

    He was also the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. By honouring Rao, the BJP government could win the favour of both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and strengthen its ally, the NDA, in the mission to achieve 400 seats in the Lok Sabha.

    Modi’s Masterstroke For West UP

    The BJP had a reason to worry about West UP, especially the Jat-dominated areas, due to the farmers’ protest and other factors. But that concern may have been largely resolved by the announcement of awarding the Bharat Ratna to former PM Chaudhary Charan Singh. He was a towering leader of the Jat community and the father of Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) founder Ajit Singh.

    The RLD is now headed by his grandson Jayant Chaudhary. The decision to honor the grandfather came amid speculations that the grandson’s party RLD was leaving the opposition alliance and joining the BJP. It is likely that the deal was already sealed. The BJP may offer the RLD two seats in the Lok Sabha and one seat in the Rajya Sabha.

    Jayant Chaudhary’s tweet today also hinted at this possibility. He wrote on social media after his grandfather Charan Singh got the Bharat Ratna – You won my heart. It is clear that this could have a similar impact as in Bihar.

    PM Modi highlighted the point that would resonate with this decision while sharing the picture of Chaudhary Charan Singh today. He wrote that this honor is a tribute to his unmatched contribution to the nation. He dedicated his whole life to the rights and welfare of the farmers. He served as the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, the home minister of the country, and a parliamentarian, and always propelled the nation-building process. He also stood firm against the Emergency.

    His devotion to our farmer brothers and sisters and his commitment to democracy during the Emergency are inspiring for the entire nation. It is evident that with this decision, the Modi government will present itself as a government that gives priority to the farmers. Charan Singh was also the first non-Congress CM of UP after breaking away from the Congress. There was a long-standing demand to give him the Bharat Ratna. He is remembered as the ‘messiah of the farmers’. It is likely that the BJP will win the hearts of the entire Jatland.

    Swaminathan: The Man Behind Green Revolution

    He may be less known to today’s generation, but Dr. M.S. Swaminathan’s contribution to the agricultural sector is immense. He strengthened agricultural education and research. He believed that the improved varieties of crops would not only benefit the farmers but also solve the food crisis. He was born in Tamil Nadu. He witnessed the Bengal famine and decided to dedicate his life to the improvement of the country’s agricultural sector. He received a special recognition for the Green Revolution. This increased the crop production. In the 1960s and 70s, he introduced high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice. India became self-reliant in food production as a result. He passed away a few months ago.

    Thus, the Modi government has given the Bharat Ratna to two legends associated with the agricultural sector. Chaudhary Charan Singh is a big name from the north, while Dr. Swaminathan is from the south. Another interesting thing is that there was a long-standing demand to give the Bharat Ratna to Swaminathan, the leader of the Green Revolution. Now, even without intending to, the parties of Tamil Nadu will have to appreciate the BJP government’s decision and it may also have an impact on the public.

  • Breaking: PV Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh, Dr. MS Swaminathan Get Bharat Ratna; PM Modi Says ‘Matter Of Great Joy’ |

    The government today awarded Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honour, to former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh and scientist Dr. MS Swaminathan today. Announcing the same, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it was a matter of great joy. This exemplifies the Modi government’s commitment to the agricultural sector, as reflected by the selection of two out of three awardees, Chaudhary Charan Singh and Dr. MS Swaminathan, who have significantly championed the cause of agriculture. 

    Two recipients of the awards, Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, have affiliations outside the BJP, reflecting Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to bestowing national honors in a non-partisan manner. Additionally, among the three awardees, Narasimha Rao and Dr. MS Swaminathan belong to South India, highlighting the Prime Minister’s recognition of contributions and expertise from diverse regions across the country.

    Talking about Chaudhary Charan Singh, PM Modi said that this honor is dedicated to his incomparable contribution to the country. “He had dedicated his entire life to the rights and welfare of farmers. Be it the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh or the Home Minister of the country and even as an MLA, he always gave impetus to nation building. He also stood firm against the Emergency. His dedication to our farmer brothers and sisters and his commitment to democracy during the Emergency is inspiring to the entire nation,” said PM Modi.

    Praising former PM Narasimha Rao, PM Modi said, “As a distinguished scholar and statesman, Narasimha Rao Garu served India extensively in various capacities. He is equally remembered for the work he did as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Union Minister, and as a Member of Parliament and Legislative Assembly for many years. His visionary leadership was instrumental in making India economically advanced, laying a solid foundation for the country’s prosperity and growth. Narasimha Rao Garu’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant measures that opened India to global markets, fostering a new era of economic development. Furthermore, his contributions to India’s foreign policy, language and education sectors underscore his multifaceted legacy as a leader who not only steered India through critical transformations but also enriched its cultural and intellectual heritage.”

    The Prime Minister also praised Dr Swaminathan for his contribution to the Indian agri revolution. “It is a matter of immense joy that the Government of India is conferring the Bharat Ratna on Dr. MS Swaminathan Ji, in recognition of his monumental contributions to our nation in agriculture and farmers’ welfare. He played a pivotal role in helping India achieve self-reliance in agriculture during challenging times and made outstanding efforts towards modernizing Indian agriculture. We also recognise his invaluable work as an innovator and mentor and encouraging learning and research among several students. Dr. Swaminathan’s visionary leadership has not only transformed Indian agriculture but also ensured the nation’s food security and prosperity. He was someone I knew closely and l always valued his insights and inputs,” said PM Modi.

  • 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.