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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/arun-jaitley-indicates-wont-be-back-in-india-to-reply-to-budget-debate-194768">Union Minister Arun Jaitley</a> Sunday hinted that the Rs 500 a month cash dole to small farmers may be increased in the future as the government's resources grow and said states can top up this amount with their own income support schemes.

He also slammed Congress President Rahul Gandhi for ridiculing the scheme announced in the Interim Budget for 2019-20 by equating it to Rs 17 a day dole, saying the opposition leader must "grow up" and realise that he is contesting a national election and not a college union poll.

The plan to give Rs 6,000 cash to 12 crore small and marginal farmers every year together with government schemes for giving them a house, subsidised food, free healthcare and hospitalisation, free sanitation, electricity, roads, gas connections, twice the amount of credit at very cheap rate are all aimed at addressing farm distress, Jaitley told PTI in an interview here.

"This is the first year where it (farmer income support scheme) has begun. I am sure as the government resources improve, this can be increased," he said.

On nearly 15 crore landless farmers being left out of the scheme, he said they have rural employment guarantee scheme MNREGA plus other benefits for the rural population.

"What is the biggest thing that the Congress claims that they ever did? (UPA regime Finance Minister) P Chidambaram announced a Rs 70,000 crore farm loan waiver... (but) actual distributed was only Rs 52,000 crore. (Also), CAG said a large part of that money went to traders and businessmen and converted itself into a fraud," he said.

The present government, he said, is "starting off over and above the lakhs of crores we are putting into rural areas."

"We are starting off with Rs 75,000 crore a year and I foresee this amount increasing in the years to come. And if the states top it up, some states have already started with the scheme, I think the others must emulate them, it will increase," he added.

Jaitley, who is in New York for medical treatment, said the state governments too have a responsibility to address farm distress by bringing their own income support schemes.

"Some state governments have started it," he said. "So my advise to what I call the 'Nawabs of Negativity' is ask your own state governments to top it off with their own income support schemes. Ideally, like the GST, this is a case where all political parties must defy party lines and in the spirit of cooperative federalism, have a Centre plus state scheme."

He said most of the central schemes are divided into 60:40 ratio, so "let us enhance this to 60:40 in the spirit of cooperative federalism" and instead of "giving criticism, let the states give 40 (per cent)."

"In addition to the fertiliser subsidy - another big amount, the healthcare, cheap ration, over a dozen other things you are spending on. This is just an add-on, this (income support) is not something being thrown in the air. The Congress doesn't understand it because it did nothing," he said.

On Gandhi's criticism of the Budget proposal, he said, "I think he needs to grow up. He must realise that he is contesting a national election not a college union one."

On his predecessor P Chidambaram's criticism that the interim budget was an "account for vote" and not a 'Vote on Account', he said, "I have no problem with monies being spent on either of these two accounts. But I have a serious problem when monies go into personal accounts."

Taking on the Congress, he said the comments by the leaders of the principal opposition party and "some other compulsive contrarians" indicate that they have a complete lack of understanding of the subject.

"Others have been in power much longer than we have been and did nothing. There is a real problem in India, both with regard to the urban-rural divide, which is reflective of the quality of life available in rural areas, and the state of agriculture. You have to look at both these issues compositely," he said.

Jaitley, who had to give up charge of the finance ministry to undergo medical treatment just weeks before the budget was presented, said the Congress gave just slogans like 'Garibi Hatao' (remove poverty) but delivered very little.

Dwelling on the steps taken by the BJP-led NDA government since coming to power in 2014 to address farm sector distress, he said the Centre adopted a two-pronged approach of raising rural infrastructure spend and raising farm incomes.&nbsp;

Union Minister Arun Jaitley Sunday hinted that the Rs 500 a month cash dole to small farmers may be increased in the future as the government's resources grow and said states can top up this amount with their own income support schemes.

Union Minister Arun Jaitley Sunday hinted that the Rs 500 a month cash dole to small farmers may be increased in the future as the government's resources grow and said states can top up this amount with their own income support schemes. He also slammed Congress President Rahul Gandhi for ridiculing the scheme announced in the Interim Budget for 2019-20 by equating it to Rs 17 a day dole, saying the opposition leader must "grow up" and realise that he is contesting a national election and not a college union poll. The plan to give Rs 6,000 cash to 12 crore small and marginal farmers every year together with government schemes for giving them a house, subsidised food, free healthcare and hospitalisation, free sanitation, electricity, roads, gas connections, twice the amount of credit at very cheap rate are all aimed at addressing farm distress, Jaitley told PTI in an interview here. "This is the first year where it (farmer income support scheme) has begun. I am sure as the government resources improve, this can be increased," he said. On nearly 15 crore landless farmers being left out of the scheme, he said they have rural employment guarantee scheme MNREGA plus other benefits for the rural population. "What is the biggest thing that the Congress claims that they ever did? (UPA regime Finance Minister) P Chidambaram announced a Rs 70,000 crore farm loan waiver... (but) actual distributed was only Rs 52,000 crore. (Also), CAG said a large part of that money went to traders and businessmen and converted itself into a fraud," he said. The present government, he said, is "starting off over and above the lakhs of crores we are putting into rural areas." "We are starting off with Rs 75,000 crore a year and I foresee this amount increasing in the years to come. And if the states top it up, some states have already started with the scheme, I think the others must emulate them, it will increase," he added. Jaitley, who is in New York for medical treatment, said the state governments too have a responsibility to address farm distress by bringing their own income support schemes. "Some state governments have started it," he said. "So my advise to what I call the 'Nawabs of Negativity' is ask your own state governments to top it off with their own income support schemes. Ideally, like the GST, this is a case where all political parties must defy party lines and in the spirit of cooperative federalism, have a Centre plus state scheme." He said most of the central schemes are divided into 60:40 ratio, so "let us enhance this to 60:40 in the spirit of cooperative federalism" and instead of "giving criticism, let the states give 40 (per cent)." "In addition to the fertiliser subsidy - another big amount, the healthcare, cheap ration, over a dozen other things you are spending on. This is just an add-on, this (income support) is not something being thrown in the air. The Congress doesn't understand it because it did nothing," he said. On Gandhi's criticism of the Budget proposal, he said, "I think he needs to grow up. He must realise that he is contesting a national election not a college union one." On his predecessor P Chidambaram's criticism that the interim budget was an "account for vote" and not a 'Vote on Account', he said, "I have no problem with monies being spent on either of these two accounts. But I have a serious problem when monies go into personal accounts." Taking on the Congress, he said the comments by the leaders of the principal opposition party and "some other compulsive contrarians" indicate that they have a complete lack of understanding of the subject. "Others have been in power much longer than we have been and did nothing. There is a real problem in India, both with regard to the urban-rural divide, which is reflective of the quality of life available in rural areas, and the state of agriculture. You have to look at both these issues compositely," he said. Jaitley, who had to give up charge of the finance ministry to undergo medical treatment just weeks before the budget was presented, said the Congress gave just slogans like 'Garibi Hatao' (remove poverty) but delivered very little. Dwelling on the steps taken by the BJP-led NDA government since coming to power in 2014 to address farm sector distress, he said the Centre adopted a two-pronged approach of raising rural infrastructure spend and raising farm incomes.

Arun Jaitley hints at raising Rs 500 a month cash support to farmers in future

Three powerful women politicians, each from a very different section of Indian society, may pose a big threat to the chances of Prime Minister Narendra Modi winning a second term in a general election due by May.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, part of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty that has ruled India for much of the time since its independence from the British in 1947, joined the struggle in January, when the opposition Congress party made her its face in the nation's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh.

Two other senior female politicians - the firebrand chief minister of West Bengal state, Mamata Banerjee, and Mayawati, a former Uttar Pradesh chief minister - are also plotting to unseat Modi's ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition by forming big opposition groupings, though there is no firm agreement between them as yet.

"The opposition has more powerful women leaders than the NDA, and therefore they will be able to carry conviction with voters generally, and with women voters, in particular," said Yashwant Sinha, 81, a former finance minister who quit Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which dominates the NDA, last year.

"They should be very worried, especially after the defeat in the three major Hindi heartland states," he said, referring to BJP's losses in recent state elections.

The entry of Priyanka - she is usually referred to by just her first name - into the political fray drew a gushing reaction from much of the Indian media.

There were pictures of elated supporters dancing, a lot of talk of the 47-year-old's resemblance to her grandmother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and comments about her gifts as a speaker able to connect with voters. That contrasts with her brother, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who in the past has been criticized for lacking the common touch.

Triple challenge

The other two women seen threatening Modi's grip on power have a lot more experience than Priyanka, and both could be seen as potential prime ministerial candidates in a coalition government.

Mayawati, a 63-year-old former teacher who goes by just the one name, last month formed an alliance between her Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) – which mainly represents&nbsp;the Dalits - and its once bitter foes, the Samajwadi Party that tends to draw support from other lower castes and Muslims.

Then there is 64-year-old Banerjee, who has twice been railways minister in federal governments. Last month, Banerjee – who built her All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) party after leaving Congress in 1997 - organised an anti-BJP rally in Kolkata that attracted hundreds of thousands.

Party colleagues of the three women leaders said they were not available for comment.

To be sure, Modi remains, for now, the most popular leader in the country, opinion polls show.

Modi also cannot be accused of ignoring women's issues during his first term. He has launched a government campaign - Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, or "Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter" - and called for the eradication of female foeticide. His campaigns to provide toilets and subsidised gas cylinders for poorer Indians are often promoted as ways to empower women.

He has six women in his 26-strong cabinet, though a lot of power is centralised with Modi and a couple of senior male lieutenants.

The BJP said it would seek votes on the basis of achievements under Modi and the opposition did not have a "positive alternative to the government and its activities".

Personal Ties

Congress has said it wants to form a post-poll partnership with Mayawati's BSP and SP alliance, though it will be fighting against it in 78 seats. The alliance will not contest two Gandhi strongholds won multiple times by Rahul and his mother Sonia.

Mayawati told a press conference announcing the alliance with the SP that Congress was not part of it because they did not think "there would be much benefit in having them with us before the election".

The BSP, however, backs Congress-led governments in the northern states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

There is no formal alliance between Banerjee and Congress, though she does know Rahul and Priyanka.

Dinesh Trivedi, a former federal minister and a close aide to Banerjee, said she enjoys a good personal relationship with Sonia Gandhi, the matriarch of the dynasty and a former Congress president, and so working with her two children would not be a problem.

"In terms of experience, Mamata Banerjee is far ahead," Trivedi said. "I wouldn't be surprised if Rahul Gandhi or Priyanka Gandhi would look at Mamata Banerjee as somebody who could really inspire them."

The strength of Priyanka, Mayawati and Banerjee as a potential opposition alliance is that they can appeal to different parts of the electorate.

Two Congress sources said the formal entry into politics of Priyanka could help rejuvenate the party in Uttar Pradesh, where it is a marginal player.

Coming from what is India's first family, they said she could appeal to upper caste voters in the state who typically vote for the pro-business BJP.

A Congress leader close to the Gandhis said she would attract women, young people, and floating voters.

Priyanka is far from a political neophyte, having supported her brother and mother during previous election campaigns. She has also experienced political and personal tragedy, as Rahul Gandhi stressed in a speech last week.

"You have to understand my relationship with my sister – we have been through a hell of a lot together," he said.

"Everybody is like 'look, you come from this illustrious family, and everything is easy'. Actually, it's not so easy. My father was assassinated, my grandmother was assassinated, huge political battles, wins in political battles, losses in political battles."

'National leader'

BSP spokesman Sudhindra Bhadoria said Mayawati's gender did not matter.

"She has managed a party from scratch to this level. The important fact is that she has organised large numbers, both men and women, Dalits, other backward castes, the poor, minorities," Bhadoria said. "I don't fit them in the straightjacket of male-female. I think she's a national leader."

She is regarded as ambitious. A US&nbsp;diplomatic cable in 2008, among many thousands leaked by Wikileaks two years later, described her as "first-rate egomaniac" who "is obsessed with becoming prime minister".

But Mayawati has also been credited with empowering oppressed lower caste Hindus.

Banerjee, who defeated a 34-year-old communist government in West Bengal in an election in 2011, is known for her streetwise political skills and portrays herself as a secular leader in a country polarised under the BJP.

Three powerful women politicians, each from a very different section of Indian society, may pose a big threat to the chances of Prime Minister Narendra Modi winning a second term in a general election due by May.

Three powerful women politicians, each from a very different section of Indian society, may pose a big threat to the chances of Prime Minister Narendra Modi winning a second term in a general election due by May. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, part of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty that has ruled India for much of the time since its independence from the British in 1947, joined the struggle in January, when the opposition Congress party made her its face in the nation's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh. Two other senior female politicians - the firebrand chief minister of West Bengal state, Mamata Banerjee, and Mayawati, a former Uttar Pradesh chief minister - are also plotting to unseat Modi's ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition by forming big opposition groupings, though there is no firm agreement between them as yet. "The opposition has more powerful women leaders than the NDA, and therefore they will be able to carry conviction with voters generally, and with women voters, in particular," said Yashwant Sinha, 81, a former finance minister who quit Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which dominates the NDA, last year. "They should be very worried, especially after the defeat in the three major Hindi heartland states," he said, referring to BJP's losses in recent state elections. The entry of Priyanka - she is usually referred to by just her first name - into the political fray drew a gushing reaction from much of the Indian media. There were pictures of elated supporters dancing, a lot of talk of the 47-year-old's resemblance to her grandmother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and comments about her gifts as a speaker able to connect with voters. That contrasts with her brother, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who in the past has been criticized for lacking the common touch. Triple challenge The other two women seen threatening Modi's grip on power have a lot more experience than Priyanka, and both could be seen as potential prime ministerial candidates in a coalition government. Mayawati, a 63-year-old former teacher who goes by just the one name, last month formed an alliance between her Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) – which mainly represents the Dalits - and its once bitter foes, the Samajwadi Party that tends to draw support from other lower castes and Muslims. Then there is 64-year-old Banerjee, who has twice been railways minister in federal governments. Last month, Banerjee – who built her All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) party after leaving Congress in 1997 - organised an anti-BJP rally in Kolkata that attracted hundreds of thousands. Party colleagues of the three women leaders said they were not available for comment. To be sure, Modi remains, for now, the most popular leader in the country, opinion polls show. Modi also cannot be accused of ignoring women's issues during his first term. He has launched a government campaign - Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, or "Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter" - and called for the eradication of female foeticide. His campaigns to provide toilets and subsidised gas cylinders for poorer Indians are often promoted as ways to empower women. He has six women in his 26-strong cabinet, though a lot of power is centralised with Modi and a couple of senior male lieutenants. The BJP said it would seek votes on the basis of achievements under Modi and the opposition did not have a "positive alternative to the government and its activities". Personal Ties Congress has said it wants to form a post-poll partnership with Mayawati's BSP and SP alliance, though it will be fighting against it in 78 seats. The alliance will not contest two Gandhi strongholds won multiple times by Rahul and his mother Sonia. Mayawati told a press conference announcing the alliance with the SP that Congress was not part of it because they did not think "there would be much benefit in having them with us before the election". The BSP, however, backs Congress-led governments in the northern states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. There is no formal alliance between Banerjee and Congress, though she does know Rahul and Priyanka. Dinesh Trivedi, a former federal minister and a close aide to Banerjee, said she enjoys a good personal relationship with Sonia Gandhi, the matriarch of the dynasty and a former Congress president, and so working with her two children would not be a problem. "In terms of experience, Mamata Banerjee is far ahead," Trivedi said. "I wouldn't be surprised if Rahul Gandhi or Priyanka Gandhi would look at Mamata Banerjee as somebody who could really inspire them." The strength of Priyanka, Mayawati and Banerjee as a potential opposition alliance is that they can appeal to different parts of the electorate. Two Congress sources said the formal entry into politics of Priyanka could help rejuvenate the party in Uttar Pradesh, where it is a marginal player. Coming from what is India's first family, they said she could appeal to upper caste voters in the state who typically vote for the pro-business BJP. A Congress leader close to the Gandhis said she would attract women, young people, and floating voters. Priyanka is far from a political neophyte, having supported her brother and mother during previous election campaigns. She has also experienced political and personal tragedy, as Rahul Gandhi stressed in a speech last week. "You have to understand my relationship with my sister – we have been through a hell of a lot together," he said. "Everybody is like 'look, you come from this illustrious family, and everything is easy'. Actually, it's not so easy. My father was assassinated, my grandmother was assassinated, huge political battles, wins in political battles, losses in political battles." 'National leader' BSP spokesman Sudhindra Bhadoria said Mayawati's gender did not matter. "She has managed a party from scratch to this level. The important fact is that she has organised large numbers, both men and women, Dalits, other backward castes, the poor, minorities," Bhadoria said. "I don't fit them in the straightjacket of male-female. I think she's a national leader." She is regarded as ambitious. A US diplomatic cable in 2008, among many thousands leaked by Wikileaks two years later, described her as "first-rate egomaniac" who "is obsessed with becoming prime minister". But Mayawati has also been credited with empowering oppressed lower caste Hindus. Banerjee, who defeated a 34-year-old communist government in West Bengal in an election in 2011, is known for her streetwise political skills and portrays herself as a secular leader in a country polarised under the BJP.

Three women who could be Modi's biggest nightmare in upcoming general election

BJP president Amit Shah Saturday gave a new definition to the OROP, which normally refers to 'One Rank, One Pension', saying that in the Congress it translated to "Only Rahul, Only Priyanka".

Addressing booth-level workers in Amroha, he lauded the Union Budget presented in the Lok Sabha on Friday, which had proposed the highest defence budget of Rs 3 lakh crore to ensure the security of country's boundaries.

"The jawans who are deployed on snowy peaks for the defence of the country had been demanding 'One Rank, One Pension', but the Congress did not bring it in 70 years. The government which you made, fulfilled this in just one year and finalised the OROP," Shah said.

Referring to the pension scheme, the BJP chief took a dig at the Congress and said, "For them, OROP is 'Only Rahul, Only Priyanka'. While Narendra Modiji is working for our jawans, they are working for their family. Those who work for their family cannot take the country ahead."

Shah claimed that Congress president Rahul Gandhi was shaken as he listened to the Budget being read out in Parliament.

"It wiped the smile off his face," he claimed.

The BJP chief said Gandhi had felt it would be easy to get into power. "When he heard the Budget speech, he realised his turn will not come," Shah added.

The BJP president Saturday addressed the third meeting of party's booth-level workers in Uttar Pradesh.

"More than one crore workers are spread over all the booths in UP and are ready to go to the polls with the picture of Modiji. I have faith that when the army of patriotic workers of the BJP will go to the electoral battleground, they will pull down the fortress of opponents," he said.

Shah said the upcoming elections are extremely important both for the BJP and the country.

"We are yet to win Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Till the time the BJP does not win in 2019, it will not be able to hoist its flag from Kashmir to Kanyakumari," he said.

BJP president Amit Shah Saturday gave a new definition to the OROP, which normally refers to 'One Rank, One Pension', saying that in the Congress it translated to "Only Rahul, Only Priyanka".

BJP president Amit Shah Saturday gave a new definition to the OROP, which normally refers to 'One Rank, One Pension', saying that in the Congress it translated to "Only Rahul, Only Priyanka". Addressing booth-level workers in Amroha, he lauded the Union Budget presented in the Lok Sabha on Friday, which had proposed the highest defence budget of Rs 3 lakh crore to ensure the security of country's boundaries. "The jawans who are deployed on snowy peaks for the defence of the country had been demanding 'One Rank, One Pension', but the Congress did not bring it in 70 years. The government which you made, fulfilled this in just one year and finalised the OROP," Shah said. Referring to the pension scheme, the BJP chief took a dig at the Congress and said, "For them, OROP is 'Only Rahul, Only Priyanka'. While Narendra Modiji is working for our jawans, they are working for their family. Those who work for their family cannot take the country ahead." Shah claimed that Congress president Rahul Gandhi was shaken as he listened to the Budget being read out in Parliament. "It wiped the smile off his face," he claimed. The BJP chief said Gandhi had felt it would be easy to get into power. "When he heard the Budget speech, he realised his turn will not come," Shah added. The BJP president Saturday addressed the third meeting of party's booth-level workers in Uttar Pradesh. "More than one crore workers are spread over all the booths in UP and are ready to go to the polls with the picture of Modiji. I have faith that when the army of patriotic workers of the BJP will go to the electoral battleground, they will pull down the fortress of opponents," he said. Shah said the upcoming elections are extremely important both for the BJP and the country. "We are yet to win Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Till the time the BJP does not win in 2019, it will not be able to hoist its flag from Kashmir to Kanyakumari," he said.

For Congress, OROP means 'Only Rahul, Only Priyanka': Amit Shah

The CPI(M)-led Left Front in West Bengal will organise a rally in Kolkata on Sunday to give a call to oust Trinamool Congress in the state and the BJP at the Centre.

The rally of the Left Front at Brigade Parade grounds on February 3 comes 15 days after Mamata Banerjee headed TMC's had organised <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/west-bengal-cm-mamata-banerjees-grand-opposition-rally-who-said-what-191441#farooq-abdullah-national-conference-leader-191420">mega opposition parties rally </a>at the same venue on January 19 last.

Though there were more than two dozen leaders of 22 opposition parties, the Left parties had kept a distance from the TMC rally.

"We will give the call to oust TMC in Bengal and the BJP at the Centre. The people of this country are fed up with the Modi government, they want a change," CPI(M) state secretary Surya Kanta Mishra said.

The CPI(M)-led front is pulling all stops to ensure that the February 3 rally turns out to be a massive success. The event is also seen as an attempt by the Left to regain its lost ground in West Bengal.

The Left Front comprises of 10 parties including CPI(M), RSP, CPI and Forward Bloc.

Once a formidable force in West Bengal, the Left Front which lost to the TMC in 2011, ending a 34-year regime in the state, is now fighting hard to make their presence felt in the state.

The Left in last several elections has witnessed a sharp decline in its vote share with BJP outsmarting it to become the main opposition in Bengal.

The role of Left parties in national politics largely depends on the number of seats it will win from Bengal.

In 2004, when CPI(M)-led Left front played a pivotal role in forming the UPA-I government by winning 35 Lok Sabha seats from the state. Nationally, the front had won 62 seats.

In 2014, the CPI(M) had won just two seats in Bengal, while Left Front secured 11 seats.

From flags, posters, slogans and roadside meetings to social media messages on Twitter and Facebook, the party is making all efforts to reach out to the masses.

Apart from senior Left leaders, Kanhaiya Kumar, the former JNU students union president, will be one of the key speakers at the rally.

The CPI(M)-led Left Front in West Bengal will organise a rally in Kolkata on Sunday to give a call to oust Trinamool Congress in the state and the BJP at the Centre.

The CPI(M)-led Left Front in West Bengal will organise a rally in Kolkata on Sunday to give a call to oust Trinamool Congress in the state and the BJP at the Centre. The rally of the Left Front at Brigade Parade grounds on February 3 comes 15 days after Mamata Banerjee headed TMC's had organised mega opposition parties rally at the same venue on January 19 last. Though there were more than two dozen leaders of 22 opposition parties, the Left parties had kept a distance from the TMC rally. "We will give the call to oust TMC in Bengal and the BJP at the Centre. The people of this country are fed up with the Modi government, they want a change," CPI(M) state secretary Surya Kanta Mishra said. The CPI(M)-led front is pulling all stops to ensure that the February 3 rally turns out to be a massive success. The event is also seen as an attempt by the Left to regain its lost ground in West Bengal. The Left Front comprises of 10 parties including CPI(M), RSP, CPI and Forward Bloc. Once a formidable force in West Bengal, the Left Front which lost to the TMC in 2011, ending a 34-year regime in the state, is now fighting hard to make their presence felt in the state. The Left in last several elections has witnessed a sharp decline in its vote share with BJP outsmarting it to become the main opposition in Bengal. The role of Left parties in national politics largely depends on the number of seats it will win from Bengal. In 2004, when CPI(M)-led Left front played a pivotal role in forming the UPA-I government by winning 35 Lok Sabha seats from the state. Nationally, the front had won 62 seats. In 2014, the CPI(M) had won just two seats in Bengal, while Left Front secured 11 seats. From flags, posters, slogans and roadside meetings to social media messages on Twitter and Facebook, the party is making all efforts to reach out to the masses. Apart from senior Left leaders, Kanhaiya Kumar, the former JNU students union president, will be one of the key speakers at the rally.

West Bengal: Left to organise rally Sunday to show strength before Lok Sabha polls

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said the Centre will use technology to seal the international borders with Bangladesh in West Bengal and Assam through an integrated border management system.

Alleging that Bangladeshis are illegally entering West Bengal, he said the Centre had sought land from the state government to fence off the border with Bangladesh but is yet to receive it.

"Now, we have decided to use technology to seal the international borders with Bangladesh in the two states using a comprehensive integrated border management system," Singh said at a rally at Falakata in Alipurduar district of north Bengal.

The move will help check infiltration as well as smuggling and other border crimes, ensure the safety and security of the country amid a changing demographic profile of West Bengal, he said.

Coming down heavily on the ruling TMC in the state, he said, "As per records, the maximum violence takes place in West Bengal. Neither Ma, Mati nor Manush (referring to TMC's slogan) are safe under their rule."

Nearly 100 BJP workers have been killed in the state and none of those involved will be spared, the Union minister asserted.

"Political violence should end in West Bengal. And for that to happen, Bengal will have a BJP CM in 2021," he said.

Addressing another rally in Mathabhanga in Cooch Behar district, Singh accused the TMC government of killing democracy and jeopardising the law and order situation in the state.

"The ruling TMC has ruined Sonar Bangla and lowered its image, while democracy is in peril," he said.

"It's surprising that women are not safe in a state which has a woman chief minister. I doubt if police stations in West Bengal are safe and secured," Singh said.

"This government is not ready to take any support from us, they rejected the smart city project and Ayushmaan Bharat scheme," he said.

"The purpose of politics is not only to form a government but also to build a nation," Singh observed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi too held rallies in the state Saturday, in Matua-dominated Thakurnagar in North 24 Parganas district and in Durgapur.

He also attacked TMC on its home turf.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said the Centre will use technology to seal the international borders with Bangladesh in West Bengal and Assam through an integrated border management system.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said the Centre will use technology to seal the international borders with Bangladesh in West Bengal and Assam through an integrated border management system. Alleging that Bangladeshis are illegally entering West Bengal, he said the Centre had sought land from the state government to fence off the border with Bangladesh but is yet to receive it. "Now, we have decided to use technology to seal the international borders with Bangladesh in the two states using a comprehensive integrated border management system," Singh said at a rally at Falakata in Alipurduar district of north Bengal. The move will help check infiltration as well as smuggling and other border crimes, ensure the safety and security of the country amid a changing demographic profile of West Bengal, he said. Coming down heavily on the ruling TMC in the state, he said, "As per records, the maximum violence takes place in West Bengal. Neither Ma, Mati nor Manush (referring to TMC's slogan) are safe under their rule." Nearly 100 BJP workers have been killed in the state and none of those involved will be spared, the Union minister asserted. "Political violence should end in West Bengal. And for that to happen, Bengal will have a BJP CM in 2021," he said. Addressing another rally in Mathabhanga in Cooch Behar district, Singh accused the TMC government of killing democracy and jeopardising the law and order situation in the state. "The ruling TMC has ruined Sonar Bangla and lowered its image, while democracy is in peril," he said. "It's surprising that women are not safe in a state which has a woman chief minister. I doubt if police stations in West Bengal are safe and secured," Singh said. "This government is not ready to take any support from us, they rejected the smart city project and Ayushmaan Bharat scheme," he said. "The purpose of politics is not only to form a government but also to build a nation," Singh observed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi too held rallies in the state Saturday, in Matua-dominated Thakurnagar in North 24 Parganas district and in Durgapur. He also attacked TMC on its home turf.

Centre will use technology to seal Bangladesh borders in Bengal, Assam: Rajnath Singh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi kick started the Lok Sabha campaign for the BJP in West Bengal on Saturday by addressing a gathering of the Matua community.

PM Modi addressed the&nbsp;gathering at North 24 Parganas in&nbsp;Thakurnagar area after taking blessings from&nbsp;Binapani Devi,&nbsp;current leader of the community and widow of the founder of Matua Mahasangh Harichand&nbsp;Thakur. She is popularly known as 'boro ma'.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Thakurnagar was a witness to a social movement. It is my good fortune that I've been able to speak in front of the Matua community. You have showered me with lots of love and respect. Things in Bengal will turn around for sure. Looking at the current scenario, I've now understood why Didi resorts to violence. Those who claim to be democratic are killing innocent people. There will be no syndicate tax, no obstacles. The people will directly receive the Rs. 6,000 meant for them under the new budget. The farmers can use this money to meet the expenditures needed for agriculture,"&nbsp;said PM Modi.

PM Modi also&nbsp;took a dig at the West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress party supremo Mamata Banerjee for opposing the Citizenship Amendment Bill.

"Shouldn't those who have had to come back from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh be allowed to live respectfully in India? For them, we have introduced the Citizens Amendment Bill. But, the TMC is opposing it for no reason,"&nbsp;he said.

Thakurnagar is a village inhabited by the Matua community who settled from Bangladesh, the erstwhile East Pakistan after a religious reformation movement led by the late Harichand Thakur. Thakurnagar falls under the Bongaon constituency, housing more than 60% Matua voters.

This vote bank was instrumental in making Mamata Banerjee win during the 2011 assembly polls and bringing her into power.

On the other hand, claiming that the budget presented on Friday will bring relief to farmers and middle income groups, PM Modi said, "Most farmers didn't receive the benefits of loan waivers. Those who did, fell into the debt trap even after that. Congress bought votes by promising farmer loan waivers. But the situation is entirely different in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Leaders haven't focused on the development of rural areas. New India cannot function in this way. The Central government is making every effort for the past 4.5 years for the development of farmers and agricultural laborers."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi kick started the Lok Sabha campaign for the BJP in West Bengal on Saturday by addressing a gathering of the Matua community. PM Modi addressed the gathering at North 24 Parganas in Thakurnagar area after taking blessings from Binapani Devi, current leader of the community and widow of the founder of Matua Mahasangh Harichand Thakur.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi kick started the Lok Sabha campaign for the BJP in West Bengal on Saturday by addressing a gathering of the Matua community. PM Modi addressed the gathering at North 24 Parganas in Thakurnagar area after taking blessings from Binapani Devi, current leader of the community and widow of the founder of Matua Mahasangh Harichand Thakur. She is popularly known as 'boro ma'. "Thakurnagar was a witness to a social movement. It is my good fortune that I've been able to speak in front of the Matua community. You have showered me with lots of love and respect. Things in Bengal will turn around for sure. Looking at the current scenario, I've now understood why Didi resorts to violence. Those who claim to be democratic are killing innocent people. There will be no syndicate tax, no obstacles. The people will directly receive the Rs. 6,000 meant for them under the new budget. The farmers can use this money to meet the expenditures needed for agriculture," said PM Modi. PM Modi also took a dig at the West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress party supremo Mamata Banerjee for opposing the Citizenship Amendment Bill. "Shouldn't those who have had to come back from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh be allowed to live respectfully in India? For them, we have introduced the Citizens Amendment Bill. But, the TMC is opposing it for no reason," he said. Thakurnagar is a village inhabited by the Matua community who settled from Bangladesh, the erstwhile East Pakistan after a religious reformation movement led by the late Harichand Thakur. Thakurnagar falls under the Bongaon constituency, housing more than 60% Matua voters. This vote bank was instrumental in making Mamata Banerjee win during the 2011 assembly polls and bringing her into power. On the other hand, claiming that the budget presented on Friday will bring relief to farmers and middle income groups, PM Modi said, "Most farmers didn't receive the benefits of loan waivers. Those who did, fell into the debt trap even after that. Congress bought votes by promising farmer loan waivers. But the situation is entirely different in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Leaders haven't focused on the development of rural areas. New India cannot function in this way. The Central government is making every effort for the past 4.5 years for the development of farmers and agricultural laborers."

West Bengal: PM Modi addresses Matua community in Thakurnagar; launches blistering attack on Mamata Banerjee

Amid the opposition parties demand for a return to the ballot boxes in the electoral process ahead of the Lok Sabha elections alleging EVM tampering, the Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora clearly stated that they are not going back to the ballot boxes.

“We have been using EVMs for more than two decades now. No way are we going back to the ballot boxes. Some political parties demanded that VVPATs be used in all polling booths. Some parties demanded that results from all EVMs be matched with VVPAT slips. Commission has informed the political parties that VVPATs will be used in all polling booths countrywide in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections,” said Arora, adding, “The commission has firm belief and convinced that EVM and VVPAT machines are secure and have proved effective on all the parameters. As per extant practice, VVPAT slips will be matched with EVM vote count in one randomly selected polling station of each assembly segment of a parliamentary constituency.”

He further added that for the first time, the state will have VVPATs across all the polling booths. “For the first time in the entire state, VVPATs will also be used at all polling booths along with the EVM machines. Thus the officers need to ensure due awareness to all stakeholders about proper usage of the machines. The officers were also asked to strictly adhere to the laid down procedures and Standard Operating Procedures about use, storage and transportation of the machines in all the constituencies.”

Arora, along with the Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa led the full bench of Election Commission of India to conduct a two-day review of poll preparedness in the state of West Bengal.

During the visit, the Commission met with representatives of various political parties and noted their issues and concerns. The Commission took note of their concerns for holding free, fair and peaceful elections. The Commission reviewed the work of District Election Officers, Commissioner of Police/SPs, and discussed election preparedness with Chief Secretary, DGP, Home Secretary and other senior Officials of the State.

On the second day of the visit, the ECI officials met the Nodal officers of Income Tax, Excise, Commercial Tax departments and with State Level Bankers Committee convener to review in detail the strategy to curb misuse of money/drugs/liquor and gifts distribution during the election.

Amid the opposition parties demand for a return to the ballot boxes in the electoral process ahead of the Lok Sabha elections alleging EVM tampering, the Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora clearly stated that they are not going back to the ballot boxes.

Amid the opposition parties demand for a return to the ballot boxes in the electoral process ahead of the Lok Sabha elections alleging EVM tampering, the Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora clearly stated that they are not going back to the ballot boxes. “We have been using EVMs for more than two decades now. No way are we going back to the ballot boxes. Some political parties demanded that VVPATs be used in all polling booths. Some parties demanded that results from all EVMs be matched with VVPAT slips. Commission has informed the political parties that VVPATs will be used in all polling booths countrywide in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections,” said Arora, adding, “The commission has firm belief and convinced that EVM and VVPAT machines are secure and have proved effective on all the parameters. As per extant practice, VVPAT slips will be matched with EVM vote count in one randomly selected polling station of each assembly segment of a parliamentary constituency.” He further added that for the first time, the state will have VVPATs across all the polling booths. “For the first time in the entire state, VVPATs will also be used at all polling booths along with the EVM machines. Thus the officers need to ensure due awareness to all stakeholders about proper usage of the machines. The officers were also asked to strictly adhere to the laid down procedures and Standard Operating Procedures about use, storage and transportation of the machines in all the constituencies.” Arora, along with the Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa led the full bench of Election Commission of India to conduct a two-day review of poll preparedness in the state of West Bengal. During the visit, the Commission met with representatives of various political parties and noted their issues and concerns. The Commission took note of their concerns for holding free, fair and peaceful elections. The Commission reviewed the work of District Election Officers, Commissioner of Police/SPs, and discussed election preparedness with Chief Secretary, DGP, Home Secretary and other senior Officials of the State. On the second day of the visit, the ECI officials met the Nodal officers of Income Tax, Excise, Commercial Tax departments and with State Level Bankers Committee convener to review in detail the strategy to curb misuse of money/drugs/liquor and gifts distribution during the election.

Not going back to the ballot boxes: Chief Election Commissioner

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee termed the interim budget as a ‘budget of desperation’ on Friday.

“We feel this is an expiry budget. This is a budget of desperation. This budget will not be implemented. The tenure of this government will be over in one month. After elections, a new government will come and present a new budget. I am not an economist, but I have practical knowledge and ideas. Nobody knows what the financial situation of the country is, she said.

The chief minister further added, "It is obvious, economic emergency is going on in the country. Where will this money come from? How will it be managed? This government has no moral authority to put forth this budget. After expiry is there any value? This is a value-less budget".

Banerjee also alleged that the budget is a farce and an attempt to cheat farmers ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in the country. She claimed that the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme was copied from Bengal government’s Krishak Bandhu scheme introduced on December 31, last year.

“Why has this government not announced a single agenda for farmers for the last four and a half years? We have already started the ‘Krishak Bandhu’ scheme. A similar scheme has been announced today. Why did not announce these schemes earlier? They know they can never implement these scheme but it is an attempt to get votes,” she said.

She further added that the MGNREGA’s total budget has been curtailed as a result of which the 100 days work for the poor will be affected.&nbsp; 
“They have not given any extra amount for MGNREGA scheme. The funds are lower than revised estimate. People are not getting their dues. They have decreased funds for Swachh Bharat Mission by 25 per cent,” Banerjee said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee termed the interim budget as a ‘budget of desperation’ on Friday. “We feel this is an expiry budget. This is a budget of desperation.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee termed the interim budget as a ‘budget of desperation’ on Friday. “We feel this is an expiry budget. This is a budget of desperation. This budget will not be implemented. The tenure of this government will be over in one month. After elections, a new government will come and present a new budget. I am not an economist, but I have practical knowledge and ideas. Nobody knows what the financial situation of the country is, she said. The chief minister further added, "It is obvious, economic emergency is going on in the country. Where will this money come from? How will it be managed? This government has no moral authority to put forth this budget. After expiry is there any value? This is a value-less budget". Banerjee also alleged that the budget is a farce and an attempt to cheat farmers ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in the country. She claimed that the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme was copied from Bengal government’s Krishak Bandhu scheme introduced on December 31, last year. “Why has this government not announced a single agenda for farmers for the last four and a half years? We have already started the ‘Krishak Bandhu’ scheme. A similar scheme has been announced today. Why did not announce these schemes earlier? They know they can never implement these scheme but it is an attempt to get votes,” she said. She further added that the MGNREGA’s total budget has been curtailed as a result of which the 100 days work for the poor will be affected. “They have not given any extra amount for MGNREGA scheme. The funds are lower than revised estimate. People are not getting their dues. They have decreased funds for Swachh Bharat Mission by 25 per cent,” Banerjee said.

Budget of desperation: Mamata Banerjee slams Centre

Calling the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2019-no-income-tax-for-annual-income-upto-rs-5-lakh-says-piyush-goyal-194324">interim Budget </a>presented by Centre on Friday as "yet another jumla", the Congress hit out at the BJP led government claiming that the Budget was an insult to the farmers.

The Congress post on its Twitter handle said, "After having failed to deliver on any of the promises to farmers, Modi govt insults them once again with yet another jumla !".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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After having failed to deliver on any of the promises to farmers, Modi govt insults them once again with yet another jumla!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Budget2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Budget2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AakhriJumlaBudget?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AakhriJumlaBudget</a> <a href="https://t.co/f6ocdzKByS">pic.twitter.com/f6ocdzKByS</a>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1091267874138644480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Party President Rahul Gandhi also targetted the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/budget-will-take-india-on-path-to-development-pm-modi-194378">Modi government</a> over the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/big-takeaways-from-union-budget-2019-194331">Budget</a>.

" Dear NoMo, 5 years of your incompetence and arrogance has destroyed the lives of our farmers. Giving them Rs. 17 a day is an insult to everything they stand and work for, " Gandhi's tweet read.

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Dear NoMo, 
 
5 years of your incompetence and arrogance has destroyed the lives of our farmers. 
 
Giving them Rs. 17 a day is an insult to everything they stand and work for. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AakhriJumlaBudget?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AakhriJumlaBudget</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1091267096938467328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Former Union minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram termed the Budget as "an account for votes" adding that the 2019&nbsp;Budget was accompanied by an election campaign speech.

"The Interim Finance Minister tested our patience by the longest interim Budget speech in the recent memory. It was not an interim Budget, it was a full-fledged Budget accompanied by an election campaign speech.... My one line comment on the Budget is that it is not a vote on account but an account for votes."

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P Chidambaram, Congress on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Budget2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Budget2019</a>: The Interim Finance Minister tested our patience by the longest interim budget speech in the recent memory. It was not an interim budget, it was a full fledged budget accompanied by an election campaign speech. <a href="https://t.co/AlY8uxmQpD">https://t.co/AlY8uxmQpD</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1091263193190522881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Congress leader Shashi Tharoor questioned the credibility of the&nbsp;income support assured to the farmers under the Budget. He however praised the government's move of providing tax exemption to the middle class.

Tharoor said, " The whole exercise has turned out to be a damp squib. We have seen one good thing that is tax exemption for the middle class. Rs 6000 in income support for farmers boils down to Rs 500 per month. Is that supposed to enable them to live with the honour and dignity?"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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S Tharoor, Congress: The whole exercise has turned out to be a damp squib. We've seen one good thing that is tax exemption for the middle class. Rs 6000 in income support for farmers boils down to Rs 500 per month. Is that supposed to enable them to live with the honour&amp;dignity? <a href="https://t.co/kZDRhkKSWi">pic.twitter.com/kZDRhkKSWi</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1091250025655463938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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TMC chief Mamata Banerjee said, "This government has no moral authority or responsibility to place the budget for five years when they'll not be in power; the government will go for expiry. After expiry, if you give medicine, is there any value? What will be the value? This is absolutely valueless".

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WB CM Mamata Banerjee: This govt has no moral authority or responsibility to place the budget for 5 years when they'll not be in power; the govt will go for expiry. After expiry, if you give medicine, is there any value? What will be the value? This is absolutely valueless. <a href="https://t.co/rK4CBge5Sw">pic.twitter.com/rK4CBge5Sw</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1091283305909997570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said the promises made by the BJP in this Budget are mere poll sops and "jumlas", which will not be fulfilled as the BJP has a mandate to rule only till May this year.

Further calling it as BJP's election manifesto, he charged the party of bribing to voters.

"This is all being done for elections. I directly charge them of paying bribe to voters.There is politics in everything they do and there is nothing for the poor in this budget...This budget is only an election manifesto that the BJP read in Parliament and it is only for getting votes," Kharge said.

"They are distributing money in elections to please farmers, but the reality is that in the first three months they would give only Rs 2,000 in first instalment," he said.

On the announcement of Income Tax exemption up to Rs 5 lakh to tax-payers, he alleged the BJP parliamentarians are creating a 'tamasha' in Parliament.

"You have a mandate up to May and instead they have presented a full year's Budget and are trying to befool the people of the country, keeping elections in mind.

"Who will fulfil these promises made. If they do not come to power, who will fulfil these promises. The next government will come and only it can deliver".

Karnataka chief minister Kumaraswamy said, "I want to ask if this Budget was prepared by officials of Finance department or RSS? In this Budget, Narendra Modi has given cotton candy for farmers. When I announced loan waiver scheme, PM mocked it as lollipop. Friends of BJP have prepared this budget".

(With inputs from agencies)

Calling the interim Budget presented by Centre on Friday as "yet another jumla", the Congress hit out at the BJP led government claiming that the Budget was an insult to the farmers.

Calling the interim Budget presented by Centre on Friday as "yet another jumla", the Congress hit out at the BJP led government claiming that the Budget was an insult to the farmers. The Congress post on its Twitter handle said, "After having failed to deliver on any of the promises to farmers, Modi govt insults them once again with yet another jumla !". After having failed to deliver on any of the promises to farmers, Modi govt insults them once again with yet another jumla!#Budget2019 #AakhriJumlaBudget pic.twitter.com/f6ocdzKByS — Congress (@INCIndia) February 1, 2019 × Party President Rahul Gandhi also targetted the Modi government over the Budget. " Dear NoMo, 5 years of your incompetence and arrogance has destroyed the lives of our farmers. Giving them Rs. 17 a day is an insult to everything they stand and work for, " Gandhi's tweet read. Dear NoMo, 5 years of your incompetence and arrogance has destroyed the lives of our farmers. Giving them Rs. 17 a day is an insult to everything they stand and work for. #AakhriJumlaBudget — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 1, 2019 × Former Union minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram termed the Budget as "an account for votes" adding that the 2019 Budget was accompanied by an election campaign speech. "The Interim Finance Minister tested our patience by the longest interim Budget speech in the recent memory. It was not an interim Budget, it was a full-fledged Budget accompanied by an election campaign speech.... My one line comment on the Budget is that it is not a vote on account but an account for votes." P Chidambaram, Congress on #Budget2019: The Interim Finance Minister tested our patience by the longest interim budget speech in the recent memory. It was not an interim budget, it was a full fledged budget accompanied by an election campaign speech. https://t.co/AlY8uxmQpD — ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2019 × Congress leader Shashi Tharoor questioned the credibility of the income support assured to the farmers under the Budget. He however praised the government's move of providing tax exemption to the middle class. Tharoor said, " The whole exercise has turned out to be a damp squib. We have seen one good thing that is tax exemption for the middle class. Rs 6000 in income support for farmers boils down to Rs 500 per month. Is that supposed to enable them to live with the honour and dignity?" S Tharoor, Congress: The whole exercise has turned out to be a damp squib. We've seen one good thing that is tax exemption for the middle class. Rs 6000 in income support for farmers boils down to Rs 500 per month. Is that supposed to enable them to live with the honour&dignity? pic.twitter.com/kZDRhkKSWi — ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2019 × TMC chief Mamata Banerjee said, "This government has no moral authority or responsibility to place the budget for five years when they'll not be in power; the government will go for expiry. After expiry, if you give medicine, is there any value? What will be the value? This is absolutely valueless". WB CM Mamata Banerjee: This govt has no moral authority or responsibility to place the budget for 5 years when they'll not be in power; the govt will go for expiry. After expiry, if you give medicine, is there any value? What will be the value? This is absolutely valueless. pic.twitter.com/rK4CBge5Sw — ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2019 × Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said the promises made by the BJP in this Budget are mere poll sops and "jumlas", which will not be fulfilled as the BJP has a mandate to rule only till May this year. Further calling it as BJP's election manifesto, he charged the party of bribing to voters. "This is all being done for elections. I directly charge them of paying bribe to voters.There is politics in everything they do and there is nothing for the poor in this budget...This budget is only an election manifesto that the BJP read in Parliament and it is only for getting votes," Kharge said. "They are distributing money in elections to please farmers, but the reality is that in the first three months they would give only Rs 2,000 in first instalment," he said. On the announcement of Income Tax exemption up to Rs 5 lakh to tax-payers, he alleged the BJP parliamentarians are creating a 'tamasha' in Parliament. "You have a mandate up to May and instead they have presented a full year's Budget and are trying to befool the people of the country, keeping elections in mind. "Who will fulfil these promises made. If they do not come to power, who will fulfil these promises. The next government will come and only it can deliver". Karnataka chief minister Kumaraswamy said, "I want to ask if this Budget was prepared by officials of Finance department or RSS? In this Budget, Narendra Modi has given cotton candy for farmers. When I announced loan waiver scheme, PM mocked it as lollipop. Friends of BJP have prepared this budget". (With inputs from agencies)

It was not an interim Budget but a full fledged Budget: Chidambaram

The NDA government poured extra money into the support for farmers, delivering on Friday its last Budget ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2019.

Here is how experts reacted to the Budget:

Upasna Bharadwaj, Senior Economist, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Mumbai

"The fiscal deficit flat at 3.4 per cent of GDP, which is a sharp deviation from fiscal consolidation roadmap, is a disappointment. The consequent numbers of both net and gross market borrowings seem higher than the market expectation."

"Fiscal slippage on the back of more spending to support the consumer class will probably delay the rate cut by the monetary policy committee and these concerns will weigh on the bond markets."

"The fillip to the consumer/farm demand is expected to provide the much-needed support to the fading private consumption demand.

Tanvee Gupta Jain, Chief India Economist, UBS Securities India, Mumbai

"The fiscal deficit target for this year was largely in line with market expectations but the fiscal deficit target at 3.4 per cent for full-year 2020 was a little disappointing."

"Populism remained the focus ahead of elections. The budget provided a consumption boost to farmers and middle-class households. However, it will further delay the much-needed investment cycle recovery."

Anubhuti Sahay, Senior Economist, Standard Chartered Bank, Mumbai

"The fiscal deficit targets for FY19 as well as FY20 are far better than market expectations, though there is a slight slippage... It is likely to bring a lot of relief to the market, which was excessively worried about the massive fiscal slippage."

"Having said that, what we would like to see are its revenue projections and it is possible that the projections might be ambitious at this particular juncture. Maybe once we get the numbers going forward there can be some worries again around the fiscal deficit, whether it can be adhered to or not."

"The Budget was focused on farmers and the middle class that should help consumption and probably support the domestic growth." 
 
Shilan Shah, Senior India Economist, Capital Economics, Singapore

"Pretty much in line with what was expected. The one thing that has surprised is the extent of election-related sweeteners that have been rolled out."

"So, we thought there would be less space to announce big giveaways, but the government has actually managed to pull it off, at least on paper."

"I think ultimately, their spending plans look very unfeasible to me, so I wouldn't be surprised to see spending get cut later in the year."

"It looks pretty difficult to achieve but it seems to be based on quite ambitious revenue projections."&nbsp;

"The biggest stops that we have seen are the giveaways for farmers especially."

Garima Kapoor, Economist and Vice President, Elara Capital, Mumbai

"The Budget is clearly farm-focused, with elections on the mind. Farmers, age-old, unorganised sector, MSME and middle class - they're all finding favour, with the agricultural sector getting the biggest support."

"The 750 billion rupees in the Centre's Budget for the farmers' scheme is a huge number, so we need to watch out for where the funding is coming from. If the scheme is implemented well, you can expect consumption to be supported next year."

"The catch here is, even if the BJP does not come back to power in May, the new government will also implement this scheme because no government will want to look anti-poor or anti-farmer. The government will have to find fresh resources to the tune of 750 billion rupees."

"Although the equity markets will be happy because of the consumption boost, the bond market may not be, as we need to see the intricacies of how much is getting funded through what route and what deficit numbers."

"If the government has provided enough consumption boost, then RBI would want to take a cautious stance and would not undertake a rate cut."

Rupa Rege Nitsure, Group Chief Economist, L&amp;T Finance Holdings, Mumbai

"It's more of performance reporting and aspirations than any big-ticket changes. This was expected as it is an interim Budget valid for a few months. It needs to be stated in an unambiguous fashion that the credit for inflation control and AQR primarily goes to the RBI." 
 
Abheek Barua, Chief Economist, HDFC Bank, Delhi

"This is on expected lines. There is a slight slip in the fiscal deficit."

"The new income support scheme is tepid, in terms of the actual numbers. It should not lead to a blowout in the fiscal deficit if it indeed is part of the Budget when it is finally announced in full form."

"The only issue here is that there is no substitution away from indirect benefits in the form of subsidies to a direct transfer. This is on top of some benefits they are receiving."

"If this is the model going forward, let's see what fiscal implications it might have." "This is a top-up on an existing regime and that is something that worries me, but not at this stage." 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the experts and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The NDA government poured extra money into the support for farmers, delivering on Friday its last Budget ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2019. Here is how experts reacted to the Budget: Upasna Bharadwaj, Senior Economist, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Mumbai "The fiscal deficit flat at 3.

The NDA government poured extra money into the support for farmers, delivering on Friday its last Budget ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2019. Here is how experts reacted to the Budget: Upasna Bharadwaj, Senior Economist, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Mumbai "The fiscal deficit flat at 3.4 per cent of GDP, which is a sharp deviation from fiscal consolidation roadmap, is a disappointment. The consequent numbers of both net and gross market borrowings seem higher than the market expectation." "Fiscal slippage on the back of more spending to support the consumer class will probably delay the rate cut by the monetary policy committee and these concerns will weigh on the bond markets." "The fillip to the consumer/farm demand is expected to provide the much-needed support to the fading private consumption demand. Tanvee Gupta Jain, Chief India Economist, UBS Securities India, Mumbai "The fiscal deficit target for this year was largely in line with market expectations but the fiscal deficit target at 3.4 per cent for full-year 2020 was a little disappointing." "Populism remained the focus ahead of elections. The budget provided a consumption boost to farmers and middle-class households. However, it will further delay the much-needed investment cycle recovery." Anubhuti Sahay, Senior Economist, Standard Chartered Bank, Mumbai "The fiscal deficit targets for FY19 as well as FY20 are far better than market expectations, though there is a slight slippage... It is likely to bring a lot of relief to the market, which was excessively worried about the massive fiscal slippage." "Having said that, what we would like to see are its revenue projections and it is possible that the projections might be ambitious at this particular juncture. Maybe once we get the numbers going forward there can be some worries again around the fiscal deficit, whether it can be adhered to or not." "The Budget was focused on farmers and the middle class that should help consumption and probably support the domestic growth." Shilan Shah, Senior India Economist, Capital Economics, Singapore "Pretty much in line with what was expected. The one thing that has surprised is the extent of election-related sweeteners that have been rolled out." "So, we thought there would be less space to announce big giveaways, but the government has actually managed to pull it off, at least on paper." "I think ultimately, their spending plans look very unfeasible to me, so I wouldn't be surprised to see spending get cut later in the year." "It looks pretty difficult to achieve but it seems to be based on quite ambitious revenue projections." "The biggest stops that we have seen are the giveaways for farmers especially." Garima Kapoor, Economist and Vice President, Elara Capital, Mumbai "The Budget is clearly farm-focused, with elections on the mind. Farmers, age-old, unorganised sector, MSME and middle class - they're all finding favour, with the agricultural sector getting the biggest support." "The 750 billion rupees in the Centre's Budget for the farmers' scheme is a huge number, so we need to watch out for where the funding is coming from. If the scheme is implemented well, you can expect consumption to be supported next year." "The catch here is, even if the BJP does not come back to power in May, the new government will also implement this scheme because no government will want to look anti-poor or anti-farmer. The government will have to find fresh resources to the tune of 750 billion rupees." "Although the equity markets will be happy because of the consumption boost, the bond market may not be, as we need to see the intricacies of how much is getting funded through what route and what deficit numbers." "If the government has provided enough consumption boost, then RBI would want to take a cautious stance and would not undertake a rate cut." Rupa Rege Nitsure, Group Chief Economist, L&T Finance Holdings, Mumbai "It's more of performance reporting and aspirations than any big-ticket changes. This was expected as it is an interim Budget valid for a few months. It needs to be stated in an unambiguous fashion that the credit for inflation control and AQR primarily goes to the RBI." Abheek Barua, Chief Economist, HDFC Bank, Delhi "This is on expected lines. There is a slight slip in the fiscal deficit." "The new income support scheme is tepid, in terms of the actual numbers. It should not lead to a blowout in the fiscal deficit if it indeed is part of the Budget when it is finally announced in full form." "The only issue here is that there is no substitution away from indirect benefits in the form of subsidies to a direct transfer. This is on top of some benefits they are receiving." "If this is the model going forward, let's see what fiscal implications it might have." "This is a top-up on an existing regime and that is something that worries me, but not at this stage." (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the experts and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Expert's view: How Budget 2019 impacts farmers and middle class

On an oppressively hot June day in Lucknow 23 years ago, events unfolded that could impact the 2019 Lok Sabha election. &nbsp;Samajwadi Party (SP) founder Mulayam Singh Yadav was chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. SP had 109 seats in the 425-seat Uttar Pradesh Assembly. It was supported in a tense if outwardly cordial coalition government by Kanshi Ram’s Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) with 67 seats. Mayawati, then 39-year-old and BSP’s general secretary was a rising star of the party.

On the evening of June 2, 1995, fearing that BSP would withdraw support for the SP-led coalition government, several SP MLAs and workers attacked a group of BSP MLAs closeted in a strategy meeting in the Lucknow state guest house.&nbsp;

The SP leaders’ aim was to break the BSP party by intimidating its MLAs. What followed exposed the violent DNA that characterises the SP even today.

As a leading daily reported on June 3, 1995, in an article titled Mulayam’s men attack BSP legislators’ meet: “The Samajwadi Party workers, armed with rifles and weapons, barged into a meeting room of the BSP workers…and assaulted the BSP legislators, ‘kidnapping’ some of them.&nbsp;

Senior BSP leaders, including Mayawati, slipped into a suite reserved for her in the guest house. The Lucknow SSP, OP Singh, as well as his men, were a mute witness as the SP men snapped the telephone and power lines…and started beating (the BSP MLAs) with lathis. About 300 SP miscreants were led by over a dozen party MLAs, mostly with a criminal background.” &nbsp;

The impact on Uttar Pradesh politics was immediate and dramatic. Motilal Vora, the longtime Congress loyalist (and currently in the news as one of those on bail in the National Herald case), was governor of Uttar Pradesh. Acting on Prime Minister Narasimha Rao’s advice, Vora promptly sacked Mulayam’s government on June 3.&nbsp;

The chief minister was not given an opportunity to prove his majority on the floor of the assembly. In an era bereft of television, social media and PIL activists, the Congress action went unchallenged.&nbsp;

But the Narasimha Rao government was in for a surprise. Within hours of Mulayam’s sacking, Mayawati tied up with the BJP and Janata Dal to extend outside support. She was sworn in as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh the same evening.&nbsp;

The ensuing decades-long enmity between the BSP and SP ensured that elections in Uttar Pradesh would henceforth be multi-cornered. The decline of the Congress, which had governed Uttar Pradesh for most of the period from 1950 to 1989, but never after 1989, coincided with the rise of Mayawati and the growing electoral importance of the Dalit vote.&nbsp;

Today Mayawati could prove the biggest obstacle for Congress president Rahul Gandhi in his bid to lead the anti-Narendra Modi mahagathbandhan.

Mayawati takes slights to heart. It took 23 years and an electoral wipeout of the BSP in the 2014 Lok Sabha election, for Mayawati to again collaborate with the SP’s new leadership under Akhilesh Yadav who was 18-year-old when the Lucknow state guest house attack took place.&nbsp;

Mayawati declared at her press conference with Akhilesh after formalising the BSP-SP pact in Uttar Pradesh that BSP would never support the Congress in the state or nationally. Mayawati, not Akhilesh, vetoed inclusion of the Congress in 2019 UP gathbandhan.&nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra’s entry into frontline politics in Uttar Pradesh complicates matters. The battle between Mayawati, guarding her turf in Uttar Pradesh, and Priyanka, seeking to re-establish Congress in the state, could lead to unintended consequences for both.

Sterner tests meanwhile await Mayawati at the national level. Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee has thrown her hat into the mahagathbandhan ring. Meanwhile, the YSRCP’s Jaganmohan Reddy, TRS’s K Chandrashekar Rao and BJD’s Naveen Patnaik are manoeuvring to form a non-BJP, non-Congress front.

As Opposition leaders jockey for position, the Congress may be left with the task of being an anti-Modi choreographer, not a principal actor. That task could come down to a contest between Mayawati and Mamata. With each likely to win between 25 and 30 Lok Sabha seats in 2019, they will need to attract the non-BJP, non-Congress Third Front to join them in a coalition government and seek Congress support from within or outside.

Mayawati has a record as a tough administrator, but her government was beset with accusations of corruption, though none have been proved. Mamata too is under a cloud in the Saradha and Rosy Blue probes. Rahul Gandhi could thus end up as queen-maker.&nbsp;

With around 100 seats in 2019, the Congress will be the second largest party after the BJP. Rahul will have to put his prime ministerial ambitions on hold while he decides who between Mayawati and Mamata poses the least potent long-term threat to the Congress.

Watching this drama unfold, Modi and his Svengali Amit Shah will be doing some plotting of their own. As the events of June 3, 1995, demonstrated, the BJP and BSP have done business together. Mayawati is as unpredictable as Modi is imperturbable. Uttar Pradesh lifted him to power in 2014. Five years later, while the 10 per cent quota for economically weaker sections (EWS) may help the BJP arrest the alienation of UP’s upper castes, the Mayawati-Akhilesh gathbandhan could determine his future.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-mayawati-holds-the-key-to-2019-2714388">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

 
&nbsp;

On an oppressively hot June day in Lucknow 23 years ago, events unfolded that could impact the 2019 Lok Sabha election. Samajwadi Party (SP) founder Mulayam Singh Yadav was chief minister of Uttar Pradesh.

On an oppressively hot June day in Lucknow 23 years ago, events unfolded that could impact the 2019 Lok Sabha election. Samajwadi Party (SP) founder Mulayam Singh Yadav was chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. SP had 109 seats in the 425-seat Uttar Pradesh Assembly. It was supported in a tense if outwardly cordial coalition government by Kanshi Ram’s Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) with 67 seats. Mayawati, then 39-year-old and BSP’s general secretary was a rising star of the party. On the evening of June 2, 1995, fearing that BSP would withdraw support for the SP-led coalition government, several SP MLAs and workers attacked a group of BSP MLAs closeted in a strategy meeting in the Lucknow state guest house. The SP leaders’ aim was to break the BSP party by intimidating its MLAs. What followed exposed the violent DNA that characterises the SP even today. As a leading daily reported on June 3, 1995, in an article titled Mulayam’s men attack BSP legislators’ meet: “The Samajwadi Party workers, armed with rifles and weapons, barged into a meeting room of the BSP workers…and assaulted the BSP legislators, ‘kidnapping’ some of them. Senior BSP leaders, including Mayawati, slipped into a suite reserved for her in the guest house. The Lucknow SSP, OP Singh, as well as his men, were a mute witness as the SP men snapped the telephone and power lines…and started beating (the BSP MLAs) with lathis. About 300 SP miscreants were led by over a dozen party MLAs, mostly with a criminal background.” The impact on Uttar Pradesh politics was immediate and dramatic. Motilal Vora, the longtime Congress loyalist (and currently in the news as one of those on bail in the National Herald case), was governor of Uttar Pradesh. Acting on Prime Minister Narasimha Rao’s advice, Vora promptly sacked Mulayam’s government on June 3. The chief minister was not given an opportunity to prove his majority on the floor of the assembly. In an era bereft of television, social media and PIL activists, the Congress action went unchallenged. But the Narasimha Rao government was in for a surprise. Within hours of Mulayam’s sacking, Mayawati tied up with the BJP and Janata Dal to extend outside support. She was sworn in as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh the same evening. The ensuing decades-long enmity between the BSP and SP ensured that elections in Uttar Pradesh would henceforth be multi-cornered. The decline of the Congress, which had governed Uttar Pradesh for most of the period from 1950 to 1989, but never after 1989, coincided with the rise of Mayawati and the growing electoral importance of the Dalit vote. Today Mayawati could prove the biggest obstacle for Congress president Rahul Gandhi in his bid to lead the anti-Narendra Modi mahagathbandhan. Mayawati takes slights to heart. It took 23 years and an electoral wipeout of the BSP in the 2014 Lok Sabha election, for Mayawati to again collaborate with the SP’s new leadership under Akhilesh Yadav who was 18-year-old when the Lucknow state guest house attack took place. Mayawati declared at her press conference with Akhilesh after formalising the BSP-SP pact in Uttar Pradesh that BSP would never support the Congress in the state or nationally. Mayawati, not Akhilesh, vetoed inclusion of the Congress in 2019 UP gathbandhan. Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra’s entry into frontline politics in Uttar Pradesh complicates matters. The battle between Mayawati, guarding her turf in Uttar Pradesh, and Priyanka, seeking to re-establish Congress in the state, could lead to unintended consequences for both. Sterner tests meanwhile await Mayawati at the national level. Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee has thrown her hat into the mahagathbandhan ring. Meanwhile, the YSRCP’s Jaganmohan Reddy, TRS’s K Chandrashekar Rao and BJD’s Naveen Patnaik are manoeuvring to form a non-BJP, non-Congress front. As Opposition leaders jockey for position, the Congress may be left with the task of being an anti-Modi choreographer, not a principal actor. That task could come down to a contest between Mayawati and Mamata. With each likely to win between 25 and 30 Lok Sabha seats in 2019, they will need to attract the non-BJP, non-Congress Third Front to join them in a coalition government and seek Congress support from within or outside. Mayawati has a record as a tough administrator, but her government was beset with accusations of corruption, though none have been proved. Mamata too is under a cloud in the Saradha and Rosy Blue probes. Rahul Gandhi could thus end up as queen-maker. With around 100 seats in 2019, the Congress will be the second largest party after the BJP. Rahul will have to put his prime ministerial ambitions on hold while he decides who between Mayawati and Mamata poses the least potent long-term threat to the Congress. Watching this drama unfold, Modi and his Svengali Amit Shah will be doing some plotting of their own. As the events of June 3, 1995, demonstrated, the BJP and BSP have done business together. Mayawati is as unpredictable as Modi is imperturbable. Uttar Pradesh lifted him to power in 2014. Five years later, while the 10 per cent quota for economically weaker sections (EWS) may help the BJP arrest the alienation of UP’s upper castes, the Mayawati-Akhilesh gathbandhan could determine his future. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Mayawati holds the key to 2019

JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda on Thursday publicly voiced his unhappiness with ally Congress, saying he was in 'pain'&nbsp;and would not remain 'quiet anymore'.

Gowda, father of Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, made known that the six months of running the coalition government with the Congress was not a pleasant experience but he had "not opened mouth."

"Is this a way to run the coalition government, where we have to request our partner not to use foul language? Six months have passed that Kumaraswamy became the Chief Minister and all kinds of things have happened in six months. Till now I haven't opened my mouth but now I can't keep quiet," he said.

His comment comes days after several state Congress leaders demanded that former chief minister Siddaramaiah be made CM again.

Gowda also slammed former Siddaramaiah who a few days back misbehaved with a woman, where he snatched her mic.

"How can anyone touch anybody's clothes? He is a kind of person who does not even meet MLAs," Gowda said.

JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda on Thursday publicly voiced his unhappiness with ally Congress, saying he was in 'pain' and would not remain 'quiet anymore'. Gowda, father of Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, made known that the six months of running the coalition government with the Congress was not a pleasant experience but he had "not opened mouth.

JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda on Thursday publicly voiced his unhappiness with ally Congress, saying he was in 'pain' and would not remain 'quiet anymore'. Gowda, father of Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, made known that the six months of running the coalition government with the Congress was not a pleasant experience but he had "not opened mouth." "Is this a way to run the coalition government, where we have to request our partner not to use foul language? Six months have passed that Kumaraswamy became the Chief Minister and all kinds of things have happened in six months. Till now I haven't opened my mouth but now I can't keep quiet," he said. His comment comes days after several state Congress leaders demanded that former chief minister Siddaramaiah be made CM again. Gowda also slammed former Siddaramaiah who a few days back misbehaved with a woman, where he snatched her mic. "How can anyone touch anybody's clothes? He is a kind of person who does not even meet MLAs," Gowda said.

I am in pain, won't keep quiet anymore, former Prime Minister Deve Gowda warns Congress

India was going through "uncertain times" ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and the Narendra Modi government after assuming power resolved to work towards a 'New India', giving hope to the people, President Ram Nath Kovind said Thursday.

Addressing the joint session of Parliament at the beginning of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2019-how-it-is-formulated-and-presented-194051">Budget Session,</a> he said the NDA government has been trying to pass the triple talaq bill to empower Muslim women so that they can live a life without fear.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/nine-landmark-budgets-and-their-impact-on-republic-of-india-194050">In pics: Nine landmark budgets and their impact on the Republic of India</a>

The government has been working to fulfil hopes and aspirations of all sections of people, he said.

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President: Compromising with security needs is not in interest of present &amp; future of country. New deals in last year, purchase of defence equipment raised morale of defence. After decades, Indian Air Force will use ultramodern Rafale aircraft in coming months&amp;strengthen itself. <a href="https://t.co/UvETm6GcEJ">pic.twitter.com/UvETm6GcEJ</a>
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"The country was going through times of uncertainty before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, and after the polls, my government resolved to make a New India," the president said.

Highlighting the government's achievements and various welfare schemes, Kovind said 21 crore poor people were covered under the PM's life insurance scheme, while over 2 crore households got power connection as part of the PM's Saubhagya scheme.&nbsp;

"Under Swachh Bharat initiative, the government has built nine crore toilets," he said.

The president also described 2019 as a significant year for democracy as the country is observing the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. 
Be it cities or villages, the government has worked towards strengthening the healthcare infrastructure, he said.

India was going through "uncertain times" ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and the Narendra Modi government after assuming power resolved to work towards a 'New India', giving hope to the people, President Ram Nath Kovind said Thursday.

India was going through "uncertain times" ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and the Narendra Modi government after assuming power resolved to work towards a 'New India', giving hope to the people, President Ram Nath Kovind said Thursday. Addressing the joint session of Parliament at the beginning of the Budget Session, he said the NDA government has been trying to pass the triple talaq bill to empower Muslim women so that they can live a life without fear. In pics: Nine landmark budgets and their impact on the Republic of India The government has been working to fulfil hopes and aspirations of all sections of people, he said. President: Compromising with security needs is not in interest of present & future of country. New deals in last year, purchase of defence equipment raised morale of defence. After decades, Indian Air Force will use ultramodern Rafale aircraft in coming months&strengthen itself. pic.twitter.com/UvETm6GcEJ — ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2019 × "The country was going through times of uncertainty before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, and after the polls, my government resolved to make a New India," the president said. Highlighting the government's achievements and various welfare schemes, Kovind said 21 crore poor people were covered under the PM's life insurance scheme, while over 2 crore households got power connection as part of the PM's Saubhagya scheme. "Under Swachh Bharat initiative, the government has built nine crore toilets," he said. The president also described 2019 as a significant year for democracy as the country is observing the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Be it cities or villages, the government has worked towards strengthening the healthcare infrastructure, he said.

Uncertainty prevailed before 2014 polls, Modi govt resolved to make New India: President Ram Nath Kovind

The Hugo Chavez model of politics pivoting around the concept of neopatrimonialism was followed with determined zeal by the previous Manmohan Singh-led UPA government at the Centre, presided over by the then Congress party president Sonia Gandhi.

The drawback of the model that was carved and implemented to the hilt by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez between 2002 and 2013, a period that almost coincided with the Manmohan Singh's rule in India, was more tuned to addressing social inequalities rather than structural inequalities.

The present job crisis in India can be attributed and described as a direct fallout of the politics of populism practiced by the Congress party when it was in power between 2004 and 2014 since equity distribution was lopsided and the growth on economic infrastructure front also was compromised with maximum focus on direct cash transfer to the deprived sections through acts passed by the Indian Parliament to guarantee jobs, food, and education. While doing this, they typically aped the cash transfer policy that was being followed in Brazil and Mexico without bothering about the impact it would leave on the middle class wage earners and the economic growth of the country.

Following on the same footsteps, present Congress president Rahul Gandhi announced at a "Kisan Abhaar Sammelan" at Raipur this Monday that his party would implement a minimum income guarantee scheme for every poor if his party comes to power at the Centre this year.

Former finance minister P Chidambaram has laced the Congress decision regarding "minimum income guarantee" with the assertion that it would "wipe out poverty" and uplift about one-fifth of India's population that lacks the purchasing power to provide itself food, clothing and shelter.

Chidambaram has defended the decision by pointing out that India owes itself the responsibility of mobilising resources to rescue the deprived sections caught in the trap of poverty. For this purpose only 1.5 per cent of the GDP would be required and there should be no difficulty in meeting the target, he adds.

Before the nation goes to polls, the Congress party, through the sop of "minimum income guarantee", has tried to address that section of the Indian population which is suffering the most due to joblessness and poverty. According to basic estimates their number is huge - about 200 million. Obviously, the Congress party would like to use them as a vote bank in the coming parliamentary election.

Scarcity of jobs is a burning problem that is haunting the NDA government led by Narendra Modi at the Centre in a big way as its five year term is nearing completion.

Joblessness in India is an issue that has caught the attention of analysts in neighbouring China. Global Times, published under China's official People's Daily, also points to growing discontent, being faced by Prime Minister Modi. Hu Weijia, a reporter with the Global Times says: "If New Delhi restricts Chinese investment, the move will unavoidably cut job opportunities for young people (In India)."

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) also has expressed concerns about financing and the lending environment in India "due to the collapse of Indian infrastructure development and high rate of non-performing assets among Indian banks" in its inaugural Asian Infrastructure Finance report released in Beijing on Tuesday.

The AIIB report talks of the downward trajectory when it comes to India's infrastructure transaction activity in terms of total completed and ongoing transactions each year from 2014 to 2016.

Economists and analysts of the long-term South Asian scenario, especially in the backdrop of the China-US trade disputes that have got aggravated by the US President Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs on Chinese imports, have started talking of the advantages of Chinese companies investing in India's labour intensive industries. The Global Times has underscored that the Modi administration needs good news in terms of job growth ahead of the upcoming general election.

The projection by commentators exploring the prospects of mutual gain by both India and China under the current global scenario notwithstanding, what cannot be ignored is that the clock is ticking for Modi. Come elections and the top bulb of the sandglass will soon be empty.

Instead of populism, it is important at this juncture to address the issue of highly unequal levels of development, human development index and lopsided distribution of equity. Seeking investments and channelising resources for the purpose of building the economic infrastructure, so essential for improving the quality of life of the people across the board, should be the priority. Ahead of elections, the Modi government will have to take the Congress head on. Without wasting time, it will have to place on the table a policy design for evolving and creating a vibrant job market in India.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The Hugo Chavez model of politics pivoting around the concept of neopatrimonialism was followed with determined zeal by the previous Manmohan Singh-led UPA government at the Centre, presided over by the then Congress party president Sonia Gandhi.

The Hugo Chavez model of politics pivoting around the concept of neopatrimonialism was followed with determined zeal by the previous Manmohan Singh-led UPA government at the Centre, presided over by the then Congress party president Sonia Gandhi. The drawback of the model that was carved and implemented to the hilt by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez between 2002 and 2013, a period that almost coincided with the Manmohan Singh's rule in India, was more tuned to addressing social inequalities rather than structural inequalities. The present job crisis in India can be attributed and described as a direct fallout of the politics of populism practiced by the Congress party when it was in power between 2004 and 2014 since equity distribution was lopsided and the growth on economic infrastructure front also was compromised with maximum focus on direct cash transfer to the deprived sections through acts passed by the Indian Parliament to guarantee jobs, food, and education. While doing this, they typically aped the cash transfer policy that was being followed in Brazil and Mexico without bothering about the impact it would leave on the middle class wage earners and the economic growth of the country. Following on the same footsteps, present Congress president Rahul Gandhi announced at a "Kisan Abhaar Sammelan" at Raipur this Monday that his party would implement a minimum income guarantee scheme for every poor if his party comes to power at the Centre this year. Former finance minister P Chidambaram has laced the Congress decision regarding "minimum income guarantee" with the assertion that it would "wipe out poverty" and uplift about one-fifth of India's population that lacks the purchasing power to provide itself food, clothing and shelter. Chidambaram has defended the decision by pointing out that India owes itself the responsibility of mobilising resources to rescue the deprived sections caught in the trap of poverty. For this purpose only 1.5 per cent of the GDP would be required and there should be no difficulty in meeting the target, he adds. Before the nation goes to polls, the Congress party, through the sop of "minimum income guarantee", has tried to address that section of the Indian population which is suffering the most due to joblessness and poverty. According to basic estimates their number is huge - about 200 million. Obviously, the Congress party would like to use them as a vote bank in the coming parliamentary election. Scarcity of jobs is a burning problem that is haunting the NDA government led by Narendra Modi at the Centre in a big way as its five year term is nearing completion. Joblessness in India is an issue that has caught the attention of analysts in neighbouring China. Global Times, published under China's official People's Daily, also points to growing discontent, being faced by Prime Minister Modi. Hu Weijia, a reporter with the Global Times says: "If New Delhi restricts Chinese investment, the move will unavoidably cut job opportunities for young people (In India)." Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) also has expressed concerns about financing and the lending environment in India "due to the collapse of Indian infrastructure development and high rate of non-performing assets among Indian banks" in its inaugural Asian Infrastructure Finance report released in Beijing on Tuesday. The AIIB report talks of the downward trajectory when it comes to India's infrastructure transaction activity in terms of total completed and ongoing transactions each year from 2014 to 2016. Economists and analysts of the long-term South Asian scenario, especially in the backdrop of the China-US trade disputes that have got aggravated by the US President Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs on Chinese imports, have started talking of the advantages of Chinese companies investing in India's labour intensive industries. The Global Times has underscored that the Modi administration needs good news in terms of job growth ahead of the upcoming general election. The projection by commentators exploring the prospects of mutual gain by both India and China under the current global scenario notwithstanding, what cannot be ignored is that the clock is ticking for Modi. Come elections and the top bulb of the sandglass will soon be empty. Instead of populism, it is important at this juncture to address the issue of highly unequal levels of development, human development index and lopsided distribution of equity. Seeking investments and channelising resources for the purpose of building the economic infrastructure, so essential for improving the quality of life of the people across the board, should be the priority. Ahead of elections, the Modi government will have to take the Congress head on. Without wasting time, it will have to place on the table a policy design for evolving and creating a vibrant job market in India. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Minimum income guarantee: Populism versus long-term policy for a vibrant job market

A conglomerate of saints on Wednesday said the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya will start on February 21.

Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati said the 'Dharam sansad', after a three-day meeting in Prayagraj, decided that foundation stone for the temple will be laid on February 21. He said the saints and those mobilised for the effort would not be deterred by arrests or any other kind of obstacles.&nbsp;

The decision came a day after the government approached the Supreme Court for permission to restore the "excess" land surrounding the disputed portion in Ayodhya to Ram Janambhoomi Nyas.

The government, in a petition, sought direction for releasing to the Nyas 67 acres, which it had acquired about two-and-a-half decades back, leaving untouched 0.313 acres of disputed.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar later said the government “wants to give the land back to Nyas to build Ram temple there”. He said the government expects the sanction to be given immediately as there has been “too much delay” on the issue which is 70-year-old.

“The government has in-principle decided to restore the land” to the Nyas, Javadekar told reporters in Prayagraj, hours after the writ petition was filed in the top court.

“The land has to be given to the Nyas,” he said, adding the Centre is not touching as of now 0.313 acres of land which is disputed. The government move came against the backdrop of Ram Janambhoomi Nyas making an application to the government of India, demanding the return of the undisputed part of the land to it.

Government sources said its move is a part of the constitutional route that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP National President Amit Shah have spoken about.

The sources said the petition was in pursuance to an earlier Supreme Court judgement by which the government was allowed to take a policy decision with regard to 67 acres of undisputed land.

In 1994, a five-judge Supreme Court bench had held that a mosque was not an “essential part of the practice of the religion of Islam” and that namaz could be offered anywhere and hence, “its acquisition (by the state) is not prohibited by the provisions in the Constitution of India”.

The sources said the Government of India has exercised its right created by the court itself and has shown fairness by itself proposing - leaving - (with the view to give - the extent of land required). The architecture created by the court in Ismail Farooqui case provides the government with a window to adopt such measure, they said.

"The central government was duty bound as per para 49-59 of the Ismail Farooqui judgement. The judgement says that the government can take a policy decision and there need not be any judicial scrutiny", according to the sources.

The sources also claimed that the Ismail Farooqui judgement is clear that the Muslims are not interested beyond the disputed area and do not lay any claim over the area acquired beyond .313 acres.&nbsp;

It is also mentioned in para 49 of the judgment that the title of Hindus not in dispute.

Recently, the Prime Minister had said that any decision on an Ordinance on the Ram temple can be considered only after the judicial process gets over.

Significantly, the government filed the petition on a day when a new five-judge bench was to hear the Ayodhya case before it was cancelled due to unavailability of one of the judges Justice S A Bobde.

The apex court, on January 25, constituted a new five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and comprising Justice Ashok Bhushan, Justice Abdul Nazeer, Justice SA Bobde and Justice DY Chandrachud to hear the Ayodhya case.

In 2010, the Allahabad High Court had divided the disputed land in Ayodhya into three parts for each of the parties — the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.

Welcoming the government petition, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, "Now we must get permission to work on the undisputed land."

He said the petition is in favour of the country.

"The dispute has been going on for many years. My government has been saying this from the beginning. An application has been submitted by the Centre... We welcome this move of the central government. This was needed for the country's prestige," said Adityanath while addressing the media after holding a Cabinet meeting in Prayagraj, where the Kumbh Mela is underway.

A conglomerate of saints on Wednesday said the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya will start on February 21. Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati said the 'Dharam sansad', after a three-day meeting in Prayagraj, decided that foundation stone for the temple will be laid on February 21.

A conglomerate of saints on Wednesday said the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya will start on February 21. Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati said the 'Dharam sansad', after a three-day meeting in Prayagraj, decided that foundation stone for the temple will be laid on February 21. He said the saints and those mobilised for the effort would not be deterred by arrests or any other kind of obstacles. The decision came a day after the government approached the Supreme Court for permission to restore the "excess" land surrounding the disputed portion in Ayodhya to Ram Janambhoomi Nyas. The government, in a petition, sought direction for releasing to the Nyas 67 acres, which it had acquired about two-and-a-half decades back, leaving untouched 0.313 acres of disputed. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar later said the government “wants to give the land back to Nyas to build Ram temple there”. He said the government expects the sanction to be given immediately as there has been “too much delay” on the issue which is 70-year-old. “The government has in-principle decided to restore the land” to the Nyas, Javadekar told reporters in Prayagraj, hours after the writ petition was filed in the top court. “The land has to be given to the Nyas,” he said, adding the Centre is not touching as of now 0.313 acres of land which is disputed. The government move came against the backdrop of Ram Janambhoomi Nyas making an application to the government of India, demanding the return of the undisputed part of the land to it. Government sources said its move is a part of the constitutional route that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP National President Amit Shah have spoken about. The sources said the petition was in pursuance to an earlier Supreme Court judgement by which the government was allowed to take a policy decision with regard to 67 acres of undisputed land. In 1994, a five-judge Supreme Court bench had held that a mosque was not an “essential part of the practice of the religion of Islam” and that namaz could be offered anywhere and hence, “its acquisition (by the state) is not prohibited by the provisions in the Constitution of India”. The sources said the Government of India has exercised its right created by the court itself and has shown fairness by itself proposing - leaving - (with the view to give - the extent of land required). The architecture created by the court in Ismail Farooqui case provides the government with a window to adopt such measure, they said. "The central government was duty bound as per para 49-59 of the Ismail Farooqui judgement. The judgement says that the government can take a policy decision and there need not be any judicial scrutiny", according to the sources. The sources also claimed that the Ismail Farooqui judgement is clear that the Muslims are not interested beyond the disputed area and do not lay any claim over the area acquired beyond .313 acres. It is also mentioned in para 49 of the judgment that the title of Hindus not in dispute. Recently, the Prime Minister had said that any decision on an Ordinance on the Ram temple can be considered only after the judicial process gets over. Significantly, the government filed the petition on a day when a new five-judge bench was to hear the Ayodhya case before it was cancelled due to unavailability of one of the judges Justice S A Bobde. The apex court, on January 25, constituted a new five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and comprising Justice Ashok Bhushan, Justice Abdul Nazeer, Justice SA Bobde and Justice DY Chandrachud to hear the Ayodhya case. In 2010, the Allahabad High Court had divided the disputed land in Ayodhya into three parts for each of the parties — the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. Welcoming the government petition, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, "Now we must get permission to work on the undisputed land." He said the petition is in favour of the country. "The dispute has been going on for many years. My government has been saying this from the beginning. An application has been submitted by the Centre... We welcome this move of the central government. This was needed for the country's prestige," said Adityanath while addressing the media after holding a Cabinet meeting in Prayagraj, where the Kumbh Mela is underway.

Will lay foundation stone of Ram Temple on February 21: Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati

The BJP as well as the ruling TMC in West Bengal Wednesday organised protests in Kolkata and in other parts of the state against the violence that took place in East Midnapore district's Kanthi area following a rally by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/shah-heaps-praises-on-pm-modi-says-he-makes-india-proud-by-speaking-in-hindi-at-un-193699">BJP president Amit Shah</a>.

The saffron party's state leadership has decided to inform the Election Commission (EC) about the clashes.

The full bench of the EC led by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora is scheduled to arrive in Kolkata in the night on a three-day visit to review the preparedness for the Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal.&nbsp;

They will also hold a series of meetings with officials of the state's chief electoral office and political parties on Thursday.

Following the clashes in Kanthi on Tuesday Home Minister Rajnath Singh had called up Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and expressed serious concern.

The Trinamool Congress took out a protest march in Kanthi during the day against the clashes.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Senior BJP leaders Mukul Roy and Sayantan Basu took out a protest march from the party's state headquaters to Esplande in the city.

Shouting slogans against the state government, BJP workers carried placards and posters against the TMC government.

Incidently, senior TMC minister and party leader Partha Chatterjee, who was passing through Central Avenue also faced protests and was shown black flags by the BJP workers.

"We have called for the protest against yesterday's violence. The way our party workers were attacked was undemocratic," BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said.

The saffron party organised agitations in various parts of the state in protest against Tuesday's violence in which several persons were injured.

Later on the BJP activists staged a sit in at Esplanade in Kolkata following which the police removed them and detained some of them, party sources said. 
The Bengal unit of the BJP has decided to inform the EC about the Tuesday violence.

"We will inform the Election Commission about the clashes that took place yesterday at Kanthi. We will portray the real picture of the ground situation that prevails in Bengal," Ghosh said here.

TMC leader and senior minister Suvendu Adhikari said "We have taken out a protest march in Kanthi town against the violence that BJP had let loose on us yesterday. The people have also come out in our support and joined the march."

As the general election is approaching, the hostility between the BJP and the ruling TMC has heightened in Bengal.

Saffron party is making concerted efforts to gain politically in Bengal, the stronghold of the TMC.

The BJP as well as the ruling TMC in West Bengal Wednesday organised protests in Kolkata and in other parts of the state against the violence that took place in East Midnapore district's Kanthi area following a rally by BJP president Amit Shah.

The BJP as well as the ruling TMC in West Bengal Wednesday organised protests in Kolkata and in other parts of the state against the violence that took place in East Midnapore district's Kanthi area following a rally by BJP president Amit Shah. The saffron party's state leadership has decided to inform the Election Commission (EC) about the clashes. The full bench of the EC led by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora is scheduled to arrive in Kolkata in the night on a three-day visit to review the preparedness for the Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal. They will also hold a series of meetings with officials of the state's chief electoral office and political parties on Thursday. Following the clashes in Kanthi on Tuesday Home Minister Rajnath Singh had called up Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and expressed serious concern. The Trinamool Congress took out a protest march in Kanthi during the day against the clashes. Senior BJP leaders Mukul Roy and Sayantan Basu took out a protest march from the party's state headquaters to Esplande in the city. Shouting slogans against the state government, BJP workers carried placards and posters against the TMC government. Incidently, senior TMC minister and party leader Partha Chatterjee, who was passing through Central Avenue also faced protests and was shown black flags by the BJP workers. "We have called for the protest against yesterday's violence. The way our party workers were attacked was undemocratic," BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said. The saffron party organised agitations in various parts of the state in protest against Tuesday's violence in which several persons were injured. Later on the BJP activists staged a sit in at Esplanade in Kolkata following which the police removed them and detained some of them, party sources said. The Bengal unit of the BJP has decided to inform the EC about the Tuesday violence. "We will inform the Election Commission about the clashes that took place yesterday at Kanthi. We will portray the real picture of the ground situation that prevails in Bengal," Ghosh said here. TMC leader and senior minister Suvendu Adhikari said "We have taken out a protest march in Kanthi town against the violence that BJP had let loose on us yesterday. The people have also come out in our support and joined the march." As the general election is approaching, the hostility between the BJP and the ruling TMC has heightened in Bengal. Saffron party is making concerted efforts to gain politically in Bengal, the stronghold of the TMC.

BJP, TMC hold protest against violence after Amit Shah's rally

K Ramoliya, the cameraman who fainted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in Surat&nbsp;on Wednesday, said that he lost consciousness during the coverage of the programme due to unavailability of drinking water at the event.

"I had no water since morning as it wasn't allowed to be carried inside, so I fainted. It is good that PM was paying attention to his surroundings during his speech, he noticed me falling down and asked officers to help me," Ramoliya told ANI.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi had paused his speech in between after he saw that a cameraman had fainted. He asked officers and SPG personnel to urgently arrange for an ambulance for the cameraman.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: PM Modi stops his speech at the inauguration of the new terminal building in Surat after observing that a cameraman has fainted. PM told the officers to urgently arrange for an ambulance for the cameraman, Kishan Ramolia. He was rushed to the hospital in a 108 Ambulance. <a href="https://t.co/xUudmFl7cc">pic.twitter.com/xUudmFl7cc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1090550594270609408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Ramoliya had developed dizziness and fainted. He was immediately rushed to a hospital in a 108 Ambulance.

The incident occurred when the Prime Minister was in Surat to lay the foundation stone for the extension of the terminal building at Surat Airport.&nbsp;

K Ramoliya, the cameraman who fainted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in Surat on Wednesday, said that he lost consciousness during the coverage of the programme due to unavailability of drinking water at the event.

K Ramoliya, the cameraman who fainted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in Surat on Wednesday, said that he lost consciousness during the coverage of the programme due to unavailability of drinking water at the event. "I had no water since morning as it wasn't allowed to be carried inside, so I fainted. It is good that PM was paying attention to his surroundings during his speech, he noticed me falling down and asked officers to help me," Ramoliya told ANI. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi had paused his speech in between after he saw that a cameraman had fainted. He asked officers and SPG personnel to urgently arrange for an ambulance for the cameraman. #WATCH: PM Modi stops his speech at the inauguration of the new terminal building in Surat after observing that a cameraman has fainted. PM told the officers to urgently arrange for an ambulance for the cameraman, Kishan Ramolia. He was rushed to the hospital in a 108 Ambulance. pic.twitter.com/xUudmFl7cc — ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2019 × Ramoliya had developed dizziness and fainted. He was immediately rushed to a hospital in a 108 Ambulance. The incident occurred when the Prime Minister was in Surat to lay the foundation stone for the extension of the terminal building at Surat Airport.

Water unavailability led to fainting; good that PM saw, says cameraman who fainted at Surat event

In a counter attack to Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cable-stayed-atal-setu-inaugurated-on-mandovi-river-in-goa-193229">Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar </a>accused him of using his courtesy visit to him for petty political gains.

In a letter addressed to Rahul Gandhi, Parrikar wrote, "I feel let down that you have used this visit for your petty political gains. In the five minutes you spent with me, neither did you mention anything about Rafale, now did we discuss anything related to it.'

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Goa CM Manohar Parrikar writes to Congress President Rahul Gandhi, writes "I feel let down that you have used this visit for your petty political gains. In the 5 minutes you spent with me, neither did you mention anything about Rafale, now did we discuss anything related to it.' <a href="https://t.co/HbUX6yiDk3">pic.twitter.com/HbUX6yiDk3</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1090565906227490817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Parrikar's response to Rahul Gandhi came after the Congress president claimed that the former <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hows-the-josh-asks-nirmala-sitharaman-as-she-watches-uri-the-surgical-strike-193514">defence minister</a> told him in a meeting that he was not consulted&nbsp;before his party changed the&nbsp;Rafale deal.

Rahul, who was on a private visit to Goa, met the Chief Minister on Tuesday.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Delhi: Congress President Rahul Gandhi says "Main kal Parrikar ji se mila tha. Parrikar ji ne swayam kaha tha ki deal badalte seamay PM ne Hindustan ke Defence Minister se nahi poocha tha." <a href="https://t.co/adgAV0SKhU">pic.twitter.com/adgAV0SKhU</a>
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He further attacked the former defence minister and said that Parrikar was trying to please PM Modi.

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Rahul Gandhi: Ek taraf Parrikar ji cabinet meeting mein kehte hain ki mere paas Rafale hawai jahaz ki file padi hui hai, mujhe Goa se koi nahi hata sakta. Unka mantri journalist se telephone pe baat karta hai. Modi ji Parrikar ki khush karne ki koshish karte hain. <a href="https://t.co/z6HGD5UuUy">pic.twitter.com/z6HGD5UuUy</a>
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Parrikar, who is suffering from a pancreatic ailment, presented a revenue surplus state budget sitting on his chair in the state Assembly, with a tube inserted through his nose.

Parrikar tabled the budget which has total gross budgetary expenditure, including power purchase of Rs 19,548.69 crore as against Rs 17,123.98 crore for 2018-19, an increase of 14.16 per cent over last year, PTI reported.

Launching a fresh attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Rafale jet deal, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Wednesday alleged that he "sold" the Indian Air Force and "stole" opportunities of the youth by giving away Rs 30,000 crore to his "friend" and businessman Anil Ambani.

He said the prime minister spoke for one and a half hours in Parliament but when asked questions on Rafale, he could not look in the eye and kept looking elsewhere.

The government, as well as Ambani, have strongly denied any wrongdoing in the Rafale deal.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

In a counter attack to Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday, Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar accused him of using his courtesy visit to him for petty political gains.

In a counter attack to Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday, Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar accused him of using his courtesy visit to him for petty political gains. In a letter addressed to Rahul Gandhi, Parrikar wrote, "I feel let down that you have used this visit for your petty political gains. In the five minutes you spent with me, neither did you mention anything about Rafale, now did we discuss anything related to it.' Goa CM Manohar Parrikar writes to Congress President Rahul Gandhi, writes "I feel let down that you have used this visit for your petty political gains. In the 5 minutes you spent with me, neither did you mention anything about Rafale, now did we discuss anything related to it.' pic.twitter.com/HbUX6yiDk3 — ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2019 × Parrikar's response to Rahul Gandhi came after the Congress president claimed that the former defence minister told him in a meeting that he was not consulted before his party changed the Rafale deal. Rahul, who was on a private visit to Goa, met the Chief Minister on Tuesday. #WATCH Delhi: Congress President Rahul Gandhi says "Main kal Parrikar ji se mila tha. Parrikar ji ne swayam kaha tha ki deal badalte seamay PM ne Hindustan ke Defence Minister se nahi poocha tha." pic.twitter.com/adgAV0SKhU — ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2019 × He further attacked the former defence minister and said that Parrikar was trying to please PM Modi. Rahul Gandhi: Ek taraf Parrikar ji cabinet meeting mein kehte hain ki mere paas Rafale hawai jahaz ki file padi hui hai, mujhe Goa se koi nahi hata sakta. Unka mantri journalist se telephone pe baat karta hai. Modi ji Parrikar ki khush karne ki koshish karte hain. pic.twitter.com/z6HGD5UuUy — ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2019 × Parrikar, who is suffering from a pancreatic ailment, presented a revenue surplus state budget sitting on his chair in the state Assembly, with a tube inserted through his nose. Parrikar tabled the budget which has total gross budgetary expenditure, including power purchase of Rs 19,548.69 crore as against Rs 17,123.98 crore for 2018-19, an increase of 14.16 per cent over last year, PTI reported. Launching a fresh attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Rafale jet deal, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Wednesday alleged that he "sold" the Indian Air Force and "stole" opportunities of the youth by giving away Rs 30,000 crore to his "friend" and businessman Anil Ambani. He said the prime minister spoke for one and a half hours in Parliament but when asked questions on Rafale, he could not look in the eye and kept looking elsewhere. The government, as well as Ambani, have strongly denied any wrongdoing in the Rafale deal. (With inputs from agencies)

No talks of Rafale with Rahul Gandhi: Manohar Parrikar

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday mounted a scathing attack on Congress while asserting that Congress MP Shashi Tharoor`s alleged defamatory statement on Kumbh and Hindu beliefs was made with the tactical support of the Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Speaking to media, Irani said, "It is appalling that a Congress MP, with the tactical support of his president Rahul Gandhi, has indulged in smearing of the Kumbh. Crores of Hindus across the world consider Kumbh not only as a part of their faith but they throng to Prayagraj, as Sanatan Dharm tells us that Kumbh is a place where Tapasvis (sage) come for the betterment of mankind."

"Shashi Tharoor has made a statement which tantamounts to a religious slur. This has been done with the tactical support of Congress party and the question needs to be asked to Rahul Gandhi who strategically wears a ‘Janau’ only when there are polls. He must be asked as to why he has allowed this attack on the beliefs of millions of Hindus across the world," she further added.

Intensifying her attack on the Congress president, she further said that Rahul's silence on the issue was an evidence that it was done at his behest only.

"The fact that Rahul Gandhi chooses to be quiet and the Congress party representative continues his attack on Hindu traditions and faith are an indication to the entire community that this attack on Kumbh has been mounted at the direction of the Congress president," Irani stated.

BJP's criticism comes a day after, the Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram posted on Twitter, "Ganga bhi swachh rakhni hain, aur paap bhi yahi dhone hain. Iss Sangam mein sab nange hain. Jai Ganga Maiya ki!" (Ganga has to be kept clean and sins also have to be washed there. In this Sangam everyone is naked. Hail Goddess Ganga!).”

Earlier in the day, BJP spokesman Nalin Kohli had also stated that such comments on Hindu practices by an educated person like Tharoor is very unfortunate.

"This is very unfortunate. An extremely educated and respected person like Tharoor always comes up with such kind of comments related to practices of the Hindu religion," Kohli said.&nbsp;

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday mounted a scathing attack on Congress while asserting that Congress MP Shashi Tharoor`s alleged defamatory statement on Kumbh and Hindu beliefs was made with the tactical support of the Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday mounted a scathing attack on Congress while asserting that Congress MP Shashi Tharoor`s alleged defamatory statement on Kumbh and Hindu beliefs was made with the tactical support of the Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Speaking to media, Irani said, "It is appalling that a Congress MP, with the tactical support of his president Rahul Gandhi, has indulged in smearing of the Kumbh. Crores of Hindus across the world consider Kumbh not only as a part of their faith but they throng to Prayagraj, as Sanatan Dharm tells us that Kumbh is a place where Tapasvis (sage) come for the betterment of mankind." "Shashi Tharoor has made a statement which tantamounts to a religious slur. This has been done with the tactical support of Congress party and the question needs to be asked to Rahul Gandhi who strategically wears a ‘Janau’ only when there are polls. He must be asked as to why he has allowed this attack on the beliefs of millions of Hindus across the world," she further added. Intensifying her attack on the Congress president, she further said that Rahul's silence on the issue was an evidence that it was done at his behest only. "The fact that Rahul Gandhi chooses to be quiet and the Congress party representative continues his attack on Hindu traditions and faith are an indication to the entire community that this attack on Kumbh has been mounted at the direction of the Congress president," Irani stated. BJP's criticism comes a day after, the Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram posted on Twitter, "Ganga bhi swachh rakhni hain, aur paap bhi yahi dhone hain. Iss Sangam mein sab nange hain. Jai Ganga Maiya ki!" (Ganga has to be kept clean and sins also have to be washed there. In this Sangam everyone is naked. Hail Goddess Ganga!).” Earlier in the day, BJP spokesman Nalin Kohli had also stated that such comments on Hindu practices by an educated person like Tharoor is very unfortunate. "This is very unfortunate. An extremely educated and respected person like Tharoor always comes up with such kind of comments related to practices of the Hindu religion," Kohli said.

Rahul strategically wears Janau only near polls, must clarify Tharoor's statement: Smriti Irani

Poking fun at the Opposition's ‘mahagathbandhan,’ <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-run-by-a-dynasty-cannot-serve-the-people-amit-shah-193708">BJP president Amit Shah</a> on Wednesday said if the alliance succeeded in forming the government, there will be a different <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/previous-govt-would-have-taken-25-more-years-to-do-the-work-we-have-done-so-far-pm-modi-in-surat-193884">Prime Minister</a> on each day of the week with the country going on leave on Sunday.

Addressing a gathering in Kanpur, Shah said, "If the mahagathbandhan makes the government then we will have different Prime Ministers on each day like Monday it will be Bhenji (Mayawati), on Tuesday Akhilesh, for Wednesday Mamata Didi will take charge, on Thursday it is going to be Sharad Pawar, on Friday Deve Gowda will become the PM and on Saturday Stalin will be the PM. On Sunday the country will be on leave."

Sharpening his attack on the opposition's alliance he said, "For us '4B' means 'Badhta Bharat', 'Banata Bharat' whereas for them '4B' is 'Bua', 'Babua', 'Bhai' and 'Behen. This gathbandhan being formed against BJP is an alliance of crime, corruption and selfish politics. This is basically done to stop our popularity amongst people."

Elaborating that the functioning of the government and the law and order in the state has improved, the BJP president added, "Before we came into power there was no law and order here, but today there is. This government under the leadership of PM Modi and CM Yogi in the state is going to progress further."

He also asserted that the party was committed to building the Ram Temple at the Ram Janmabhoomi spot.

Motivating his party workers he said, "We started the campaign for 2014 from Kanpur and the first meeting with booth president for the 2019 elections also happened here today."&nbsp;

Poking fun at the Opposition's ‘mahagathbandhan,’ BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday said if the alliance succeeded in forming the government, there will be a different Prime Minister on each day of the week with the country going on leave on Sunday.

Poking fun at the Opposition's ‘mahagathbandhan,’ BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday said if the alliance succeeded in forming the government, there will be a different Prime Minister on each day of the week with the country going on leave on Sunday. Addressing a gathering in Kanpur, Shah said, "If the mahagathbandhan makes the government then we will have different Prime Ministers on each day like Monday it will be Bhenji (Mayawati), on Tuesday Akhilesh, for Wednesday Mamata Didi will take charge, on Thursday it is going to be Sharad Pawar, on Friday Deve Gowda will become the PM and on Saturday Stalin will be the PM. On Sunday the country will be on leave." Sharpening his attack on the opposition's alliance he said, "For us '4B' means 'Badhta Bharat', 'Banata Bharat' whereas for them '4B' is 'Bua', 'Babua', 'Bhai' and 'Behen. This gathbandhan being formed against BJP is an alliance of crime, corruption and selfish politics. This is basically done to stop our popularity amongst people." Elaborating that the functioning of the government and the law and order in the state has improved, the BJP president added, "Before we came into power there was no law and order here, but today there is. This government under the leadership of PM Modi and CM Yogi in the state is going to progress further." He also asserted that the party was committed to building the Ram Temple at the Ram Janmabhoomi spot. Motivating his party workers he said, "We started the campaign for 2014 from Kanpur and the first meeting with booth president for the 2019 elections also happened here today."

If gathbandhan makes government, we'll have new PM each day: Amit Shah

Taking a dig at the Congress party in a public gathering at Surat on Wednesday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-will-modi-government-repeat-2014-victory-2019-167368">Prime Minister Modi</a> said that if the previous governments had to do the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/four-years-of-modi-government-5-schemes-and-how-they-performed-139632">work that he has done so far</a>, they would have needed "25 more years".

He also credited his government's demonetisation decision for bringing down prices of houses and making them affordable for the aspiring youth.

"I was asked what has been the benefit of note ban decision. You should ask it to the youth, who could buy residential homes at affordable rates after the decision. Black money used to be parked in real estate sector, but with decisions like note ban and RERA, we put a check to it," Modi said.

He also lauded the Civil Aviation Ministry's 'Udaan' (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme - a regional connectivity scheme that makes flying affordable for masses, saying it will boost development of the country's aviation sector.

Targetting the Congress party he said, "In four years of our rule, we constructed 1.30 crore houses while in UPA rule they built 25 lakh houses.

He also stated that for the last 30 years, the country had a "hung Parliament" due to which progress was affected. "But four years ago, people voted to give full majority after which the country is progressing rapidly," he said.

Citing the former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, PM Modi also blamed the Congress for leaking the fund sent for public welfare.

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PM Modi in Surat:Mujhe mat poochna ki Rs 40-50 ka bulb Rs 350 mein bikta tha toh beech wale paise kahan jate the, mujhe mat poochna,uska jawab Rajiv Gandhi dekar gaye the, Re 1 jata tha toh 25 paisa pahunch'ta tha, baaki ka 85 paisa konsa panja khata tha,vo saari duniya janti hai <a href="https://t.co/SWd8y28GYz">pic.twitter.com/SWd8y28GYz</a>
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The prime minister was addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stone for extension of the new terminal at Surat airport in Gujarat.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taking a dig at the Congress party in a public gathering at Surat on Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi said that if the previous governments had to do the work that he has done so far, they would have needed "25 more years".

Taking a dig at the Congress party in a public gathering at Surat on Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi said that if the previous governments had to do the work that he has done so far, they would have needed "25 more years". He also credited his government's demonetisation decision for bringing down prices of houses and making them affordable for the aspiring youth. "I was asked what has been the benefit of note ban decision. You should ask it to the youth, who could buy residential homes at affordable rates after the decision. Black money used to be parked in real estate sector, but with decisions like note ban and RERA, we put a check to it," Modi said. He also lauded the Civil Aviation Ministry's 'Udaan' (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme - a regional connectivity scheme that makes flying affordable for masses, saying it will boost development of the country's aviation sector. Targetting the Congress party he said, "In four years of our rule, we constructed 1.30 crore houses while in UPA rule they built 25 lakh houses. He also stated that for the last 30 years, the country had a "hung Parliament" due to which progress was affected. "But four years ago, people voted to give full majority after which the country is progressing rapidly," he said. Citing the former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, PM Modi also blamed the Congress for leaking the fund sent for public welfare. PM Modi in Surat:Mujhe mat poochna ki Rs 40-50 ka bulb Rs 350 mein bikta tha toh beech wale paise kahan jate the, mujhe mat poochna,uska jawab Rajiv Gandhi dekar gaye the, Re 1 jata tha toh 25 paisa pahunch'ta tha, baaki ka 85 paisa konsa panja khata tha,vo saari duniya janti hai pic.twitter.com/SWd8y28GYz — ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2019 × The prime minister was addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stone for extension of the new terminal at Surat airport in Gujarat. (With inputs from agencies)

Previous govt would have taken '25 more years' to do the work we have done so far: PM Modi in Surat

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday heaped praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi while referring to surgical strikes and his address in Hindi at the UN General Assembly.

"Pakistan attacked Uri by sending its terrorists. Within 10 days, Prime Minister Modi took the revenge through surgical strikes. This only he can do. The Congress can’t do this. When Prime Minister Modi speaks in Hindi at the UN General Assembly, every Indian feels proud,"&nbsp;said Shah, while addressing a rally here.

Projecting BJP as the true custodian of marginalised sections of the society, he said, "BJP-led Central government is for the poor, tribal people and Dalits. Congress ruled India for decades but the poor did not get even basic amenities such as gas connections, medical benefits and electricity."

"After Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, many houses got LPG connections. We made toilets for eight crore houses and two crore electricity connections were given to the poor people,"&nbsp;said the BJP chief.

Shah also criticised Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for allegedly restricting the people from taking direct benefits of Central government’s various welfare schemes.

"In Odisha, the poor people are unable to benefit from the schemes of Central government due to the narrow mindset of the state government led by Naveen Patnaik. I want to ask the Chief Minister why poor people in the state are not getting the benefit of Ayushman Bharat,"&nbsp;he said.

"The state government is afraid because if they will allow people to benefit from Ayushman Bharat, then Prime Minister Modi will become famous and the BJP’s roots will get stronger. The Panchayat elections show that the next government will be made by BJP in the state,"&nbsp;said Shah.

Talking about how the BJP has been generous in giving funds to Odisha, Shah said, "In 13th Finance Commission, Congress gave around Rs 79,000 crore to the state. When the BJP came to power at the Centre, we gave Rs 2,11,510 crore for development works in Odisha as per the recommendation of 14th Finance Commission."

"Apart from this, we also gave Rs 51,000 crore more. In total, we have given Rs 5,13,000 crore for Odisha's development. Has this money reached the villages in Odisha? Do you get electricity for 24 hours in your villages? Do you get drinking water from taps,"&nbsp;he asked.

Talking about the much-hyped grand alliance of opposition parties, BJP chief Shah said, "BJP is all set to contest the coming Lok Sabha election under Prime Minister Modi's leadership. We have more than 26 parties with us in the NDA. On the other hand, there is a grand alliance, which is fake. All these parties under Congress’ leadership do not have even a leader and a positive agenda for development.''

In a bid to infuse confidence in the BJP workers, he said, "I want the party workers to go home today with the vision of creating a ‘new Odisha’ by taking motivation from Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das. Also, take the pledge that in the next Vidhan Sabha elections Odisha will get an Odia speaking Chief Minister."&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday heaped praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi while referring to surgical strikes and his address in Hindi at the UN General Assembly.

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday heaped praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi while referring to surgical strikes and his address in Hindi at the UN General Assembly. "Pakistan attacked Uri by sending its terrorists. Within 10 days, Prime Minister Modi took the revenge through surgical strikes. This only he can do. The Congress can’t do this. When Prime Minister Modi speaks in Hindi at the UN General Assembly, every Indian feels proud," said Shah, while addressing a rally here. Projecting BJP as the true custodian of marginalised sections of the society, he said, "BJP-led Central government is for the poor, tribal people and Dalits. Congress ruled India for decades but the poor did not get even basic amenities such as gas connections, medical benefits and electricity." "After Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, many houses got LPG connections. We made toilets for eight crore houses and two crore electricity connections were given to the poor people," said the BJP chief. Shah also criticised Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for allegedly restricting the people from taking direct benefits of Central government’s various welfare schemes. "In Odisha, the poor people are unable to benefit from the schemes of Central government due to the narrow mindset of the state government led by Naveen Patnaik. I want to ask the Chief Minister why poor people in the state are not getting the benefit of Ayushman Bharat," he said. "The state government is afraid because if they will allow people to benefit from Ayushman Bharat, then Prime Minister Modi will become famous and the BJP’s roots will get stronger. The Panchayat elections show that the next government will be made by BJP in the state," said Shah. Talking about how the BJP has been generous in giving funds to Odisha, Shah said, "In 13th Finance Commission, Congress gave around Rs 79,000 crore to the state. When the BJP came to power at the Centre, we gave Rs 2,11,510 crore for development works in Odisha as per the recommendation of 14th Finance Commission." "Apart from this, we also gave Rs 51,000 crore more. In total, we have given Rs 5,13,000 crore for Odisha's development. Has this money reached the villages in Odisha? Do you get electricity for 24 hours in your villages? Do you get drinking water from taps," he asked. Talking about the much-hyped grand alliance of opposition parties, BJP chief Shah said, "BJP is all set to contest the coming Lok Sabha election under Prime Minister Modi's leadership. We have more than 26 parties with us in the NDA. On the other hand, there is a grand alliance, which is fake. All these parties under Congress’ leadership do not have even a leader and a positive agenda for development.'' In a bid to infuse confidence in the BJP workers, he said, "I want the party workers to go home today with the vision of creating a ‘new Odisha’ by taking motivation from Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das. Also, take the pledge that in the next Vidhan Sabha elections Odisha will get an Odia speaking Chief Minister."

Shah heaps praises on PM Modi, says he makes India proud by speaking in Hindi at UN

For the first time since the fall of PDP-BJP collation government in the state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jammu and Kashmir this Sunday and inaugurate several projects. He will also address a public rally and panchayat members.

The visit is being considered crucial for PM Modi as the state will be heading to assembly elections this year, amid questions whether J&amp;K will go to polls with Lok Sabha.

During the visit, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for various development projects. He will also inaugurate projects worth Rs. 35,000 crore and Rs. 9,000 crore in Jammu and Kashmir, PTI reported.&nbsp;

BJP general sectary and J&amp;K in charge, Ram Madhav told media earlier this month that "PM will lay the foundation stone for AIIMS, IIM, IIT, Jammu-Akhnoor road, Shahpur-Kandi road, Sunderbani college and IIMC in Jammu".&nbsp;

Sources in the police told WION that a team from the Prime Minister's office and special protection group will land in the state today, to check all the arrangements made for his visit. &nbsp;

This visit is important from other aspects as well as PM will also visit Ladakh region amid growing chorus over giving it divisional status, a demand echoed by BJP leaders.&nbsp;

After the demand for divisional status to Ladakh, PDP President and former chief minister of the state, Mehbooba Mufti had also raised demand for giving divisional status to Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley regions.&nbsp;

BJP has a large voter base in Jammu division and it helped them to form a coalition government in the state during 2014 elections. Prime Minister had last visited the State on 19 May 2018 to lay the foundation of Zojilla Tunnel project.

For the first time since the fall of PDP-BJP collation government in the state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jammu and Kashmir this Sunday and inaugurate several projects.

For the first time since the fall of PDP-BJP collation government in the state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jammu and Kashmir this Sunday and inaugurate several projects. He will also address a public rally and panchayat members. The visit is being considered crucial for PM Modi as the state will be heading to assembly elections this year, amid questions whether J&K will go to polls with Lok Sabha. During the visit, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for various development projects. He will also inaugurate projects worth Rs. 35,000 crore and Rs. 9,000 crore in Jammu and Kashmir, PTI reported. BJP general sectary and J&K in charge, Ram Madhav told media earlier this month that "PM will lay the foundation stone for AIIMS, IIM, IIT, Jammu-Akhnoor road, Shahpur-Kandi road, Sunderbani college and IIMC in Jammu". Sources in the police told WION that a team from the Prime Minister's office and special protection group will land in the state today, to check all the arrangements made for his visit. This visit is important from other aspects as well as PM will also visit Ladakh region amid growing chorus over giving it divisional status, a demand echoed by BJP leaders. After the demand for divisional status to Ladakh, PDP President and former chief minister of the state, Mehbooba Mufti had also raised demand for giving divisional status to Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley regions. BJP has a large voter base in Jammu division and it helped them to form a coalition government in the state during 2014 elections. Prime Minister had last visited the State on 19 May 2018 to lay the foundation of Zojilla Tunnel project.

PM Modi to visit J&K on February 3, first since government collapse

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Monday countered the Shiv Sena's claim of being "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-always-be-big-brother-in-alliance-with-bjp-in-maharashtra-sanjay-raut-193443">the big brother</a>" in the Sena-BJP alliance, saying his party is not seeking a tie-up desperately and can take on the Congress-NCP combine.

He was speaking at the valedictory event of a day-long meeting of the state working committee of the BJP in Jalna.

"BJP does want an alliance with the Shiv Sena but we are not desperate for it. We want the alliance as custodians of Hindutva and a strong force against corruption. We (BJP) are competent to fight the Congress-NCP combine," he said.

The chief minister said his party believes in Hindutva and wanted to keep the opposition alliance away from power.

Several BJP ministers in the state have stated earlier that an alliance with the Sena, which has often been critical of the BJP-led government, is needed to keep anti-Hindutva forces at bay.

The Sena had said last January that it would go it alone in all future elections.

Earlier Monday, Sena's chief whip in Parliament and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut said his party is the "big brother in Maharashtra and will continue to be so".

"There is no proposal from the BJP to form any alliance with the Shiv Sena....We are not waiting for any proposal to be offered to us," Raut added.

Talking about the BJP-led government's performance in the last four and a half years, Fadnavis said that "potholes" of the last 60 years cannot be fixed within five years. 
"We need a continuation," he said.

Till 2014, the BJP and Sena, allies for long, had an understanding where the former contested a larger share of Lok Sabha seats and the latter contested a greater number of Assembly seats in Maharashtra.

In the 2014 Assembly polls, which the two parties fought separately, the BJP won 122 seats against Sena's 63. The Sena later joined the government in the state as a junior partner.

Fadnavis also attacked the Opposition for creating a "hue and cry" over the implementation of the recommendations made by the Swaminathan Commission for welfare of farmers.

He said while the Congress sat on the report, the Narendra Modi government has implemented it.

The chief minister said even M S Swaminathan had praised PM Modi through an article for implementing his recommendations.

"The report was submitted during the previous Congress regime but the party did not open a single page of the document. Even Swaminathan wrote that the UPA government did nothing about the report. NCP chief Sharad Pawar, who had served as Union Agriculture Minister, also did not implement the report," Fadnavis said.

He said the proposed "mahagatbandhan" or grand alliance shaping up against the prime minister, has no agenda except to grab power. "They have come together out of their fear of Modi," the CM alleged.

Later, addressing a public meeting in the city, the chief minister listed development works being carried out by the BJP government.

In his speech, Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil praised Fadnavis for granting 16 per cent reservation to the Maratha community.

"A Brahmin chief minister has given the quota, which (any) Maratha CM could not do," he said.

Addressing the gathering, Rural Development Minister Pankaja Munde slammed the erstwhile Congress-led government for "doing nothing" for the state.

"The NCP is steeped into corruption. The Rashtravadi party (NCP) should be named as 'Bharstacharvadi' (corrupt) party".

BJP state unit president Raosaheb Danve took a veiled dig at Shiv Sena minister Arjun Khotkar, who he said is "dreaming" to contest Jalna Lok Sabha seat in upcoming polls, and questionned his "contribution" towards development of the constituency.&nbsp;

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Monday countered the Shiv Sena's claim of being "the big brother" in the Sena-BJP alliance, saying his party is not seeking a tie-up desperately and can take on the Congress-NCP combine.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Monday countered the Shiv Sena's claim of being "the big brother" in the Sena-BJP alliance, saying his party is not seeking a tie-up desperately and can take on the Congress-NCP combine. He was speaking at the valedictory event of a day-long meeting of the state working committee of the BJP in Jalna. "BJP does want an alliance with the Shiv Sena but we are not desperate for it. We want the alliance as custodians of Hindutva and a strong force against corruption. We (BJP) are competent to fight the Congress-NCP combine," he said. The chief minister said his party believes in Hindutva and wanted to keep the opposition alliance away from power. Several BJP ministers in the state have stated earlier that an alliance with the Sena, which has often been critical of the BJP-led government, is needed to keep anti-Hindutva forces at bay. The Sena had said last January that it would go it alone in all future elections. Earlier Monday, Sena's chief whip in Parliament and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut said his party is the "big brother in Maharashtra and will continue to be so". "There is no proposal from the BJP to form any alliance with the Shiv Sena....We are not waiting for any proposal to be offered to us," Raut added. Talking about the BJP-led government's performance in the last four and a half years, Fadnavis said that "potholes" of the last 60 years cannot be fixed within five years. "We need a continuation," he said. Till 2014, the BJP and Sena, allies for long, had an understanding where the former contested a larger share of Lok Sabha seats and the latter contested a greater number of Assembly seats in Maharashtra. In the 2014 Assembly polls, which the two parties fought separately, the BJP won 122 seats against Sena's 63. The Sena later joined the government in the state as a junior partner. Fadnavis also attacked the Opposition for creating a "hue and cry" over the implementation of the recommendations made by the Swaminathan Commission for welfare of farmers. He said while the Congress sat on the report, the Narendra Modi government has implemented it. The chief minister said even M S Swaminathan had praised PM Modi through an article for implementing his recommendations. "The report was submitted during the previous Congress regime but the party did not open a single page of the document. Even Swaminathan wrote that the UPA government did nothing about the report. NCP chief Sharad Pawar, who had served as Union Agriculture Minister, also did not implement the report," Fadnavis said. He said the proposed "mahagatbandhan" or grand alliance shaping up against the prime minister, has no agenda except to grab power. "They have come together out of their fear of Modi," the CM alleged. Later, addressing a public meeting in the city, the chief minister listed development works being carried out by the BJP government. In his speech, Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil praised Fadnavis for granting 16 per cent reservation to the Maratha community. "A Brahmin chief minister has given the quota, which (any) Maratha CM could not do," he said. Addressing the gathering, Rural Development Minister Pankaja Munde slammed the erstwhile Congress-led government for "doing nothing" for the state. "The NCP is steeped into corruption. The Rashtravadi party (NCP) should be named as 'Bharstacharvadi' (corrupt) party". BJP state unit president Raosaheb Danve took a veiled dig at Shiv Sena minister Arjun Khotkar, who he said is "dreaming" to contest Jalna Lok Sabha seat in upcoming polls, and questionned his "contribution" towards development of the constituency.

BJP not desperate for alliance: CM Devendra Fadnavis on Shiv Sena's big brother comment

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sena-hits-out-at-modi-govt-for-not-honouring-savarkar-with-bharat-ratna-193357">Shiv Sena</a> Monday said it would always be the "big brother" in an alliance with the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ncp-cites-amit-shahs-warning-dares-shiv-sena-to-quit-government-189463">BJP</a> in Maharashtra, adding no such proposal had been received from the latter.

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai after a meeting chaired by party chief Uddhav Thackeray, the Sena's Rajya Sabha MP and chief whip in Parliament, Sanjay Raut, said the party also wanted the income tax threshold to be raised from the existing Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 8 lakh.

"Shiv Sena is the big brother (in the alliance with BJP and other parties) in Maharashtra and will continue to be so," Raut asserted.

"There is no proposal from the BJP to form any alliance with the Shiv Sena. Those who wish to forge an alliance with us are talking about it. We are not waiting for any proposal to be offered to us," he added.

Till 2014, the BJP and Sena, allies for long, used to have an understanding under which the former would contest a larger share of Lok Sabha seats and the latter would get a greater number of Maharashtra Assembly seats to fight.

In this way, both parties took the role of elder and a younger sibling in the general and state polls in their political "brotherhood".

The 2014 Assembly polls, however, ended this "sibling" agreement as the BJP, on the back of a strong Narendra Modi wave and contesting alone, won 122 seats against the Sena's 63 in Maharashtra.

The BJP went on form a government in the state under Devendra Fadnavis and the Sena had to contend being the junior partner.

At the meeting held Monday in Thackeray's Matoshree residence in Bandra here, with party MLAs and MPs in attendance, the Sena also took some other key decisions.

"Uddhav Thackeray has demanded that the income tax threshold is raised from existing Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 8 lakh," Raut said.

"The Union government has already decided to offer reservation to economically weaker sections (in the general category) having annual income up to Rs 8 lakh. Then they (people) should also get relief from income tax as well," he added.

During the meeting, Thackeray also discussed the drought situation and farm distress in the state with party legislators, Raut said.

He said the party will speak on the Rafale fighter jet purchase issue during the upcoming Parliamentary session.&nbsp;

The Shiv Sena Monday said it would always be the "big brother" in an alliance with the BJP in Maharashtra, adding no such proposal had been received from the latter.

The Shiv Sena Monday said it would always be the "big brother" in an alliance with the BJP in Maharashtra, adding no such proposal had been received from the latter. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai after a meeting chaired by party chief Uddhav Thackeray, the Sena's Rajya Sabha MP and chief whip in Parliament, Sanjay Raut, said the party also wanted the income tax threshold to be raised from the existing Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 8 lakh. "Shiv Sena is the big brother (in the alliance with BJP and other parties) in Maharashtra and will continue to be so," Raut asserted. "There is no proposal from the BJP to form any alliance with the Shiv Sena. Those who wish to forge an alliance with us are talking about it. We are not waiting for any proposal to be offered to us," he added. Till 2014, the BJP and Sena, allies for long, used to have an understanding under which the former would contest a larger share of Lok Sabha seats and the latter would get a greater number of Maharashtra Assembly seats to fight. In this way, both parties took the role of elder and a younger sibling in the general and state polls in their political "brotherhood". The 2014 Assembly polls, however, ended this "sibling" agreement as the BJP, on the back of a strong Narendra Modi wave and contesting alone, won 122 seats against the Sena's 63 in Maharashtra. The BJP went on form a government in the state under Devendra Fadnavis and the Sena had to contend being the junior partner. At the meeting held Monday in Thackeray's Matoshree residence in Bandra here, with party MLAs and MPs in attendance, the Sena also took some other key decisions. "Uddhav Thackeray has demanded that the income tax threshold is raised from existing Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 8 lakh," Raut said. "The Union government has already decided to offer reservation to economically weaker sections (in the general category) having annual income up to Rs 8 lakh. Then they (people) should also get relief from income tax as well," he added. During the meeting, Thackeray also discussed the drought situation and farm distress in the state with party legislators, Raut said. He said the party will speak on the Rafale fighter jet purchase issue during the upcoming Parliamentary session.

Will always be 'big brother' in alliance with BJP in Maharashtra: Sanjay Raut

Gearing up for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trinamool-congress-to-fight-lok-sabha-polls-in-14-states-193214">Lok Sabha polls</a> due this summer, the Election Commission has directed all state governments to transfer officials posted in their home districts and those who have spent three years in a district in the last four years.

In a letter addressed to all state chief secretaries and chief electoral officers, the Commission pointed out that polls to Lok Sabha and assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim are due shortly.

It said while the term of the 16th Lok Sabha ends on June 3, the terms of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim assemblies expire on June 18, June 1, June 11 and May 27, respectively.

It is usual for the poll panel to issue such directions ahead of Lok Sabha or assembly polls to ensure that officials do not interfere in the election process in any way and the exercise remains free and fair.

The Commission made it clear that though large number of employees would be drafted for election duty, it does not want to carry out large-scale dislocation of the state machinery. It said the transfer directive is not applicable to those not directly connected with the elections.

The January 16 direction made it clear that officials against whom it had recommended disciplinary action in the past in any election should not be assigned poll-related duty.

Also, officers against whom criminal cases are pending in courts are barred from getting election work.

Gearing up for the Lok Sabha polls due this summer, the Election Commission has directed all state governments to transfer officials posted in their home districts and those who have spent three years in a district in the last four years.

Gearing up for the Lok Sabha polls due this summer, the Election Commission has directed all state governments to transfer officials posted in their home districts and those who have spent three years in a district in the last four years. In a letter addressed to all state chief secretaries and chief electoral officers, the Commission pointed out that polls to Lok Sabha and assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim are due shortly. It said while the term of the 16th Lok Sabha ends on June 3, the terms of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim assemblies expire on June 18, June 1, June 11 and May 27, respectively. It is usual for the poll panel to issue such directions ahead of Lok Sabha or assembly polls to ensure that officials do not interfere in the election process in any way and the exercise remains free and fair. The Commission made it clear that though large number of employees would be drafted for election duty, it does not want to carry out large-scale dislocation of the state machinery. It said the transfer directive is not applicable to those not directly connected with the elections. The January 16 direction made it clear that officials against whom it had recommended disciplinary action in the past in any election should not be assigned poll-related duty. Also, officers against whom criminal cases are pending in courts are barred from getting election work.

Ahead of Lok Sabha polls, Election Commission orders transfer of officials posted in home districts