Tag: Narendra Modi

  • 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.

  • PM Modi Calls Himself ‘Sabse Bada OBC,’ Accuses Congress Of Indulging In Hypocrisy |

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a fiery response to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address in Parliament on Monday, proudly proclaimed himself as ‘Sabse Bada OBC,’ slamming the Congress for what he termed as ”hypocrisy” and ”double standards” in dealing with leaders from Backward communities.

    Congress Insulted Karpoori Thakur, OBC Leaders: PM

    In a scathing attack on the Congress, PM Modi accused the party of disrespecting Karpoori Thakur, a stalwart from Bihar who dedicated his life to democratic principles and constitutional values. He highlighted the recent conferment of Bharat Ratna on Thakur, underscoring the challenges he faced during his tenure as Bihar CM in 1970.

    “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.

     

    #WATCH | “Can’t you (Congress) see the biggest OBC here?….” asks PM Modi to Congress.

    “Congress party and UPA govt did not do justice with OBCs. A few days ago, Karpoori Thakur ji was conferred with Bharat Ratna. In 1970, when he became Bihar CM, what not was done to… pic.twitter.com/AqMemfzLNw
    — ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2024

     

    UPA’s Injustice To OBCs

    Continuing his offensive, PM Modi criticized the UPA government for failing to deliver justice to OBCs. He pointed out the formation of the National Advisory Council during their tenure, questioning its lack of OBC representation and influence. “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.

    Inflation Legacy Of Congress: PM

    PM Modi delved into history, linking Congress to inflation. He recalled popular songs during Congress governance – ‘Mehngai Mar Gayi’ and ‘Mehngai Dayain Khaye Jaat Hai.’ Blaming Congress for inflation during their rule, he highlighted the insensitivity of their approach. “Two songs on inflation were superhits in our country – ‘Mehngai Mar Gayi’ and ‘Mehngai Dayain Khaye Jaat Hai’. Both of these songs came during Congress’ governance. Inflation was in double digits during UPA’s tenure, it can’t be denied. What was their government’s logic? Insensitivity. They said – you can have expensive ice creams but why do you cry about inflation?… Whenever Congress came to power, it strengthened inflation,” he added.

    Lok Sabha Adopts Motion Of Thanks 

    Lok Sabha adopted the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address after PM Modi’s impassioned response, where he not only lambasted the opposition but also outlined the government’s achievements. The motion passed through a voice vote, concluding a spirited debate with over 60 members participating.

    Budget Session Dynamics

    The ongoing budget session, possibly the last before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in April-May, witnessed President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the joint sitting of the two Houses, setting the tone for the upcoming political events.

  • With ‘GYAN’, BJP Clears Its 2024 Poll Strategy To Counter Congress’ Caste Census Plank |

    Congress and Rahul Gandhi’s pitch for caste-based census across the country in a bid to counter BJP’s Hindutva poll plank, the saffron party has played two major cards – one was ‘poor’ caste and now the ‘GYAN’. Reacting to the opposition’s demand for a caste census, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during assembly polls in November that there is only one caste for the government and that is ‘poor people’. He said that the NDA government has been working for the welfare of this caste.

    Now, two months later, ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha elections, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that ‘GYAN’ encompasses the Modi government’s four main focus points. Explaining ‘GYAN’, FM Sitharaman said that G stands for ‘Garib’ (Poor), Y for ‘Yuva’ (Youth), A for ‘Annadata’ (Farmer) and N for ‘Nari’ (Women). She said that PM Modi believes in focusing on these four ‘castes’ and the government is committed to the progress of these four sections. While some may have taken it lightly, this is a broader narrative on which the Modi government is working and is wooing the voters of this section.

    The government has already been running various programs for these four sections and some of them are the SAUBHAGYA electricity scheme, Ujjwala LPG cylinder scheme, Skill India or Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), promotion of sports through TOPS and Khelo India, and Kisan Samman Nidhi. These are just some of the schemes of the Modi government that cater to these four sections and if taken a holistic view, any poor family. 

    Women and youth form a majority of the Indian voters and the NDA government has been able to keep this section happy in the 2019 polls and the continuation of such schemes is likely to help the ruling party in the upcoming polls as well. Congress, which has been talking about caste-based census each day ahead of the assembly polls in November, has not only toned down on the issue but now talks about it very rarely. Most probably, the grand old party may have realised that the narrative did not work in its favour and rather gave the BJP a chance to further highlight the schemes run by its government. Now, the question here is, can Congress find a fix to BJP’s ‘GYAN’ and ‘poor’ caste narrative? In the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the Congress is not only facing an issue on the alliance front but it will have to find poll planks that resonate with the common people.

  • 2024 Lok Sabha Polls: Mamata Banerjee’s Googly, Mallikarjun Kharge’s Modi Remark Show Congress Party’s Acceptance Of Defeat |

    Seven months into INDIA Bloc’s formation and the grouping has started to disintegrate despite their common resolve to fight the BJP together. Be it Trinamool Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) or Samajwadi Party, they have given a serious reason to Congress to think for its future strategy. While Mamata Banerjee gave a fresh scare to Congress saying that the grand old party would not even win 40 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Kharge while taking a jibe at the BJP inside the Rajya Sabha, said that it was because of Modi that BJP leaders were seating inside Parliament. 

    While Kharge was taking a jibe at the BJP saying that ‘Abki Baar 400 Paar’ ho raha hai, he added that it was because of Narendra Modi that the saffron party got victory. This was one of the rare acceptances by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge indicating that the grand old party has conceded defeat much before the polls and is now only trying to hold the ground that it managed to retain in the 2019 polls.

    Mamata Banerjee in Bengal and Bhagwant Mann in Punjab have already refused to share seats with Congress. Samajwadi Party has already sent a veiled warning to the Congress by announcing names of 16 candidates including one from the Lucknow seat, that the Congress was demanding. Apart from Maharashtra, the Congress is yet to finalize its seat sharing with other allies and the party’s key leader Rahul Gandhi is busy carrying out solo Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. 

    On the other hand, the BJP has already managed its Hindi belt votes by breaking away Nitish Kumar in Bihar from the INDIA bloc, winning Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. With multiple visits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the saffron party is also looking to improve its performance in South India, especially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The party is likely to do well in Karnataka and Telangana despite the opposition governments there. 

    With each passing day, the Congress is losing the opportunity to present a better counter to the BJP and the consequent delay in seat sharing and candidate announcement may hurt the INDIA bloc badly. 

  • L K Advani To Receive Bharat Ratna Award; Check All About Mastermind Behind BJP’s Meteoric Rise |

    New Delhi: Lal Krishna Advani, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and former deputy prime minister, is set to be honored with the prestigious ‘Bharat Ratna’ award, as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.

    Lal Krishna Advani: Early Life

    Born on November 8, 1927, in Pre-Partition Sindh, Advani migrated to Delhi in 1947 after the partition.

    Lal Krishna Advani: Political Journey

    He joined the Jana Sangh, the predecessor of the BJP, in 1951 when it was founded by Syama Prasad Mookerjee. Advani became a member of the Rajya Sabha in 1970, holding his seat until 1989. In December 1972, he was elected as the president of Bharatiya Jana Sangh.

    Lal Krishna Advani: Political Milestones

    Advani served as the information and broadcasting minister in the Janata Party in 1975 during the prime ministership of Morarji Desai. A key figure alongside Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he played a pivotal role in establishing the BJP in 1980.

    Notably, Advani gained prominence for leading the Ram Janmabhoomi movement in the 1990s, advocating for the construction of a temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

    During the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) rule, Advani held significant positions as the deputy prime minister and home minister, contributing significantly to the government. In recent years, he has taken a step back from active political engagements due to health issues.

    Lal Krishna Advani: Bharat Ratna Honor

    The decision to confer the Bharat Ratna upon L K Advani acknowledges his long and impactful political career, marked by leadership, contributions to the BJP’s foundation, and influential roles in various government positions.

  • ‘Apology To PM Modi, People Of India’: Maldives Opposition Leader To President Mohamed Muizzu | world news

    MALE: The leader of the Maldives Jumhooree Party (JP), Qasim Ibrahim, has issued a strong call for Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu to formally apologize to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India. This call comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries following controversial remarks made after President Muizzu’s recent visit to China.

    Diplomatic Strain Over ‘India Out’ Campaign

    Ibrahim highlighted the importance of diplomatic decorum, especially with neighboring nations, stressing that statements impacting bilateral relationships should be avoided. He pointed out the need to uphold national obligations, referencing President Solih’s decisive action in banning the “India Out” campaign, which was deemed a threat to national security.

    “Regarding any country, especially a neighboring one, we shouldn’t speak in a way that affects the relationship. We have an obligation to our state that must be considered. President Solih did consider this obligation and issued a Presidential Decree banning the “India Out” campaign. Now, Yameen is questioning why Muizzu, who participated with him in the India Out Campaign, has not nullified the Presidential Decree,” he said.

    He added, “The Decree should not be nullified, as it would only result in a loss to the nation. That cannot be done. I would tell Muizzu that it shouldn’t be done. Also, I call on President Muizzu to formally apologize to the Indian government and Prime Minister Modi regarding his remarks after the China trip.”

    Opposition’s Campaign Against Muizzu

    The ‘India Out’ campaign, spearheaded by former President Abdulla Yameen’s Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), has been a contentious issue, alleging Indian military presence as a violation of sovereignty. This campaign, perceived as targeting President Solih and the Maldivian Democratic Party, aimed to exploit anti-India sentiments.

    Withdrawal Of Indian Troops

    Recent diplomatic efforts have seen India and the Maldives agree to expedite the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the island nation. This move aligns with President Muizzu’s party’s campaign promise and underscores evolving bilateral dynamics.

    Attack On PM Modi And Diplomatic Fallout

    Disparaging remarks made by Maldivian officials regarding Prime Minister Modi’s policies, notably concerning Lakshadweep’s development, stirred diplomatic tensions. Despite government disavowal of these statements, they underlined underlying frictions.

    Legal battles and political maneuvers continue, with the Attorney General’s Office registering a case over amendments enabling opposition lawmakers to impeach President Muizzu. Changes in parliamentary standing orders have altered the impeachment threshold, reflecting the fluid political landscape.

    The Power Game In Maldives

    With parliamentary polls scheduled for 2024, political parties are maneuvering to consolidate power. The amendment to parliamentary standing orders reflects strategic calculations as opposition parties seek to leverage political dynamics in their favour. The Maldives navigates a complex geopolitical landscape, balancing domestic politics with regional alliances, amid calls for diplomatic reconciliation and internal political restructuring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

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


    — ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2024

     

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

  • Strong Judicial System Part Of Viksit Bharat Says PM Modi As Supreme Court Turns 75 |

    New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the government was modernising laws keeping in view the present context and in line with the best practices. Addressing the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Supreme Court here, he said that with the enactment of three new criminal justice laws, India’s legal, policing and investigative systems have entered a new era.

    “It is important to ensure that the transition to new laws from the ones dating back to hundreds of years is smooth. In this regard, we have already started training and capacity building work for government employees,” the prime minister said. PM Modi urged the Supreme Court to come forward to work towards the capacity building of other stakeholders.

    “An empowered judicial system is a part of Viksit Bharat. The government is working continuously and taking many decisions to form a trusted judicial system. The Jan Vishwas Bill is a step in this direction. In the future, this will reduce the unnecessary burden on the judicial system,” the prime minister said.

    He said the Supreme Court has strengthened India’s vibrant democracy and given many important verdicts on individual rights, freedom of speech which have given new direction to the country’s socio-political milieu.

    “Today’s economic policies of India will form the basis of tomorrow’s bright India. The laws being made in India today will further strengthen tomorrow’s bright India,” the prime minister said.

    “Laws made today will brighten the future of India. With changes happening globally, the world’s eyes are set on India, as the world’s faith is growing stronger in India. In such times, it is important for India to take advantage of every opportunity given to us,” Modi said.

    He also noted that last week the government had approved ₹ 800 crore for expansion of the Supreme Court building.

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

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

    Captivating Song: ‘Tabhi Toh Sab Modi Ko Chunte’

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

     

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

     

    BJP’s Mass Appeal: From Dreams To Reality

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

    Nadda’s Call To Action

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

    Manifestation Of Dreams: PM Modi’s Impact Across Domains

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

    Comprehensive Election Campaign: Beyond The Song

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

  • Maldives President Mohammad Muizzu Under Fire Over ‘Anti-India’ Stance, Opposition Calls It ‘Detrimental’ To Development |

    MALE: Amid escalating tensions in India-Maldives relations, triggered by President Mohammad Muizzu’s call for the withdrawal of Indian troops from Maldivian waters, coupled with diplomatic clashes over derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, two opposition parties, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats, have come together in condemning the government’s pronounced anti-India pivot.

    A Stark Shift In Foreign Policy Sparks Opposition Outcry

    In a joint press statement, the MDP and The Democrats vehemently expressed their concern, denouncing the foreign policy shift as ‘extremely detrimental’ to the nation’s long-term development. The statement reiterated the Opposition’s belief that alienating a longstanding ally like India poses a significant threat to the country’s progress.

    Opposition’s Emphasis On Stability And Security In the Indian Ocean

    The Opposition emphasized the indispensable role of stability and security in the Indian Ocean for the overall well-being of the Maldives. Stressing the historical collaboration with India, they underscored the critical need for successive governments to maintain relationships with all development partners for the benefit of the Maldivian people.

    China’s Growing Influence And Indian Concerns

    Recent reports of a Chinese research vessel heading to the Maldives have raised eyebrows, especially following President Muizzu’s recent state visit to China. The Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs reassured that the country welcomes vessels from ‘friendly nations,’ but concerns have been voiced in New Delhi, given the historical context of similar situations in Sri Lanka in 2022.

    Agreement To Fast-Track Indian Troops Withdrawal

    On January 14, India and the Maldives reached an agreement to expedite the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the island nation. This move aligns with Muizzu’s election promise and has led to heightened tensions, considering the longstanding military cooperation between the two countries.

    Row Over Disparaging Remarks On PM Modi And Lakshadweep Visit

    A significant dispute unfolded after a Maldivian deputy minister and other officials made derogatory references to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep and his vision for developing the region into a global beach tourism destination.

    Government’s Attempt To Distance Itself From Controversy 

    Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Moosa Zameer, swiftly distanced the government from the disparaging remarks, labeling them as “unacceptable” and clarifying that they do not reflect the official position of the government. The incident adds to the complexity of the evolving diplomatic scenario between India and the Maldives.