In this segment, we brings to a survey report that suggests Jobs, health care are the top priorities for voters. Watch full video to know more.

India Election Watch: Jobs, health care top priorities for reveals survey

In this segment, we brings Answers to Frequently Asked Questions in Election season. Watch full video to know more.

India Election Watch: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions in Election season

In this edition of WION's Know Your Candidate, we feature Babul Supriyo. Know more about him by watching this video.

India Election Watch: Know Your Candidate, who is Babul Supriyo?

In this segment of WION, we bring to you detailed analysis on Maharashtra polling which will be held in phase 4 and parties that are looking strong at an organisation level. Watch full video to know more.

India Election Watch: BJP, Shiv Sena seem strong at an organisation level

<p>Regional parties have played a key role in government formation at the Centre since the advent of the coalition era in 1989. BJP’s loss in three Hindi heartland states have given them hope of a hung Parliament in 2019 where they could again play the role of a kingmaker. Many such parties are discussing with Congress to form the mahagathbandhan (MGB) to take on the BJP. Alliances in key states of UP, Bihar, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, which account for 207 seats, out of which NDA won 150 in 2014, will decide the course of 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Uttar Pradesh:</strong> The entire premise that BJP will have a tough time in 2019 is built on the alliance between Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in UP. It was tested in bypolls to three seats earlier this year where BJP recorded big losses. BSP and SP have a solid vote base of Dalits, Muslims and Yadavs accounting for 44 per cent of the population. The alliance has proved it can seamlessly transfer votes in bypolls. Both parties are known for their anti-BJP stance. They are toying with the idea of joining MGB. Though, Congress is well past its prime in the Hindi heartland and is confined to two family-stronghold seats, it can be a game-changer in 13 seats.</p>

<p>Strategists in both parties feel while they will be able to transfer votes to Congress, the reciprocity is unlikely to happen like in 1996 (BSP-INC alliance) and 2017 (SP-INC alliance). There’s not much value which Congress brings to the table in UP. Both these parties may not want to tie their fate to MGB, and &nbsp;instead join the Third Front and wait for results.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Bihar:</strong> The fight is veering towards a bipolar contest in Bihar. BJP-led NDA consisting of JDU and LJP vs RJD-led UPA consisting of Congress, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Upendra Kushwaha and Sharad Yadav. BJP inducted Kushwaha before 2014, to make a dent in Nitish Kumar’s Kurmi/Koeri vote bank which accounts for 12 per cent of population. After JDU’s ghar wapsi, BJP faced the problem of plenty. It eased out Kushwaha and retained Paswan who has considerable clout among Dalits (6 per cent of population). He will also act as NDA’s counter to Manjhi who is a leader of Mahadalits (10 per cent of population). Both alliances have almost equal support, NDA of upper caste, Kurmi / Koeri and Dalits while UPA of Muslims and Yadavs. Mahadalits and Most Backward Classes (24 per cent) hold the keys to success in Bihar. RJD hopes to encash on the double &nbsp; anti-incumbency, against Modi’s 5-year and Nitish’s 13-year rule. Paswan who is a political bellwether has decided to stay with NDA. The problem of plenty has now shifted to UPA, so one can expect a big tussle on ticket distribution there.</p>

<p><strong>Maharashtra:</strong> BJP almost won the state elections contesting independently held six months after Lok Sabha polls. It did partner with Shiv Sena to form the government, but their relationship strained forever. Shiv Sena which was the bigger brother in the state found itself to be the junior partner. It is playing the role of opposition within the NDA, sharply critical of Modi and has announced plans to contest 2019 elections alone. On the other hand, NCP and Congress have sealed a 24-24 formula for elections. Congress has adopted an accommodative approach for bigger goal of defeating BJP. Shiv Sena is adopting ‘hum to doobenge sanam tumko bhi le doobenge’ strategy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per my analysis, Shiv Sena could be routed and get 2-3 seats (current 18) while BJP may not suffer much with loss of 4-5 seats (current 23), based on 2014 numbers. UPA could gain 20-odd seats. Uddhav is making noise to extract his pound of flesh from BJP. Both parties need each other and will come to the table soon.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Tamil Nadu:</strong> All allies of BJP in state (PMK, DMDK, MDMK, PT) have left NDA. The political landscape has changed with Jaya’s death, split in AIADMK and entry of superstars Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan in politics. DMK stays with UPA and could play a crucial role in 2019 as state exhibits a strong trend of AIADMK and DMK alternately sweeping the state in central elections. BJP initially hoped to ally with AIADMK however, split of TTK, has forced a rethink. It needs to bag few seats here to negate losses in North and West where it has maxed out. It has also sent feelers to Rajini. Rajini could join NDA and Kamal UPA in my opinion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from these, other key players are AITC, BJD, TRS and CPM: AITC is facing the heat from BJP in West Bengal. It needs support of Congress to thwart attempts of BJP. However, Congress doesn’t gain much from the alliance as Mamata Banerjee doesn’t have any votes outside Bengal. Mamata is averse to joining any Third Front as the leadership issue has become complicated.</p>

<p><img alt="Federal clout at power centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d8be145a-44d2-423d-8c16-0e3f8cc26349" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/771140-tally-in.jpg" /></p>

<p>Naveen Patnaik has maintained an equidistance approach from BJP and Congress. He is not keen on joining UPA as Congress is the principal opposition party in Odisha. BJP is also gaining strength there and his joining NDA will help BJP piggyback on BJD’s vote bank.</p>

<p>TRS can’t join UPA as Congress is the principal opposition party in Telangana. War of words between Modi and KCR during state polls have ensured he can’t join NDA immediately. He is floating the idea of Third Front to make a rainbow coalition of regional parties. Akhilesh has shown interest while Mamata and Naveen have been non-committal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>CPM can’t join MGB, as it is left with sizeable presence only in Kerala and Bengal. If it joins MGB it risks losing space to Congress in Kerala. It can under no circumstances join hands with Mamata in Bengal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All regional parties have a common wish: a hung Parliament. The elections circus has just begun.</p>

<p><em>(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-federal-clout-at-power-centre-2701542">original article</a>)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


Regional parties have played a key role in government formation at the Centre since the advent of the coalition era in 1989. BJP’s loss in three Hindi heartland states have given them hope of a hung Parliament in 2019 where they could again play the role of a kingmaker.

Regional parties have played a key role in government formation at the Centre since the advent of the coalition era in 1989. BJP’s loss in three Hindi heartland states have given them hope of a hung Parliament in 2019 where they could again play the role of a kingmaker. Many such parties are discussing with Congress to form the mahagathbandhan (MGB) to take on the BJP. Alliances in key states of UP, Bihar, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, which account for 207 seats, out of which NDA won 150 in 2014, will decide the course of 2019. Uttar Pradesh: The entire premise that BJP will have a tough time in 2019 is built on the alliance between Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in UP. It was tested in bypolls to three seats earlier this year where BJP recorded big losses. BSP and SP have a solid vote base of Dalits, Muslims and Yadavs accounting for 44 per cent of the population. The alliance has proved it can seamlessly transfer votes in bypolls. Both parties are known for their anti-BJP stance. They are toying with the idea of joining MGB. Though, Congress is well past its prime in the Hindi heartland and is confined to two family-stronghold seats, it can be a game-changer in 13 seats. Strategists in both parties feel while they will be able to transfer votes to Congress, the reciprocity is unlikely to happen like in 1996 (BSP-INC alliance) and 2017 (SP-INC alliance). There’s not much value which Congress brings to the table in UP. Both these parties may not want to tie their fate to MGB, and instead join the Third Front and wait for results. Bihar: The fight is veering towards a bipolar contest in Bihar. BJP-led NDA consisting of JDU and LJP vs RJD-led UPA consisting of Congress, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Upendra Kushwaha and Sharad Yadav. BJP inducted Kushwaha before 2014, to make a dent in Nitish Kumar’s Kurmi/Koeri vote bank which accounts for 12 per cent of population. After JDU’s ghar wapsi, BJP faced the problem of plenty. It eased out Kushwaha and retained Paswan who has considerable clout among Dalits (6 per cent of population). He will also act as NDA’s counter to Manjhi who is a leader of Mahadalits (10 per cent of population). Both alliances have almost equal support, NDA of upper caste, Kurmi / Koeri and Dalits while UPA of Muslims and Yadavs. Mahadalits and Most Backward Classes (24 per cent) hold the keys to success in Bihar. RJD hopes to encash on the double anti-incumbency, against Modi’s 5-year and Nitish’s 13-year rule. Paswan who is a political bellwether has decided to stay with NDA. The problem of plenty has now shifted to UPA, so one can expect a big tussle on ticket distribution there. Maharashtra: BJP almost won the state elections contesting independently held six months after Lok Sabha polls. It did partner with Shiv Sena to form the government, but their relationship strained forever. Shiv Sena which was the bigger brother in the state found itself to be the junior partner. It is playing the role of opposition within the NDA, sharply critical of Modi and has announced plans to contest 2019 elections alone. On the other hand, NCP and Congress have sealed a 24-24 formula for elections. Congress has adopted an accommodative approach for bigger goal of defeating BJP. Shiv Sena is adopting ‘hum to doobenge sanam tumko bhi le doobenge’ strategy. As per my analysis, Shiv Sena could be routed and get 2-3 seats (current 18) while BJP may not suffer much with loss of 4-5 seats (current 23), based on 2014 numbers. UPA could gain 20-odd seats. Uddhav is making noise to extract his pound of flesh from BJP. Both parties need each other and will come to the table soon. Tamil Nadu: All allies of BJP in state (PMK, DMDK, MDMK, PT) have left NDA. The political landscape has changed with Jaya’s death, split in AIADMK and entry of superstars Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan in politics. DMK stays with UPA and could play a crucial role in 2019 as state exhibits a strong trend of AIADMK and DMK alternately sweeping the state in central elections. BJP initially hoped to ally with AIADMK however, split of TTK, has forced a rethink. It needs to bag few seats here to negate losses in North and West where it has maxed out. It has also sent feelers to Rajini. Rajini could join NDA and Kamal UPA in my opinion. Apart from these, other key players are AITC, BJD, TRS and CPM: AITC is facing the heat from BJP in West Bengal. It needs support of Congress to thwart attempts of BJP. However, Congress doesn’t gain much from the alliance as Mamata Banerjee doesn’t have any votes outside Bengal. Mamata is averse to joining any Third Front as the leadership issue has become complicated. Naveen Patnaik has maintained an equidistance approach from BJP and Congress. He is not keen on joining UPA as Congress is the principal opposition party in Odisha. BJP is also gaining strength there and his joining NDA will help BJP piggyback on BJD’s vote bank. TRS can’t join UPA as Congress is the principal opposition party in Telangana. War of words between Modi and KCR during state polls have ensured he can’t join NDA immediately. He is floating the idea of Third Front to make a rainbow coalition of regional parties. Akhilesh has shown interest while Mamata and Naveen have been non-committal. CPM can’t join MGB, as it is left with sizeable presence only in Kerala and Bengal. If it joins MGB it risks losing space to Congress in Kerala. It can under no circumstances join hands with Mamata in Bengal. All regional parties have a common wish: a hung Parliament. The elections circus has just begun. (This article was originally published on 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)

Regional parties could play key role in 2019

<p>The BJP's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistans-attempt-glorify-terrorism-will-backfire-says-sushma-swaraj-unga-168457">Sushma Swaraj</a> said Wednesday that she will not contest the 2019 elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is the party which decides, but I have made up my mind not to contest next elections," Swaraj said (watch video below).</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: "It is the party which decides, but I have made up my mind not to contest next elections," says External Affairs Minister and Vidisha MP Sushma Swaraj <a href="https://t.co/ao8FIee2I0">pic.twitter.com/ao8FIee2I0</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1064820823968677888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is the party which decides, but I have made up my mind not to contest next elections: External Affairs Minister and Vidisha MP Sushma Swaraj <a href="https://t.co/G3cHC6pKGh">pic.twitter.com/G3cHC6pKGh</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1064803440877023232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Swaraj is currently India's external affairs minister, MP from Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, and one of the BJP's tallest leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Swaraj made her announcement to reporters in Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Posters had come up recently in Vidisha questioning Swaraj's prolonged absence from the town. When it was brought up at a press conference, Swaraj said she would not be contesting the next elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News reports said Swaraj was stepping down for health reasons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Swaraj has a kidney transplant. She took time off from work in 2016 because of a diabetes condition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The reports however quoted BJP sources as saying the party might bring Sushma back to Parliament via the Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;</p>


The BJP's Sushma Swaraj said Wednesday that she will not contest the 2019 elections. "It is the party which decides, but I have made up my mind not to contest next elections," Swaraj said (watch video below).

The BJP's Sushma Swaraj said Wednesday that she will not contest the 2019 elections. "It is the party which decides, but I have made up my mind not to contest next elections," Swaraj said (watch video below). #WATCH: "It is the party which decides, but I have made up my mind not to contest next elections," says External Affairs Minister and Vidisha MP Sushma Swaraj pic.twitter.com/ao8FIee2I0 — ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2018 × It is the party which decides, but I have made up my mind not to contest next elections: External Affairs Minister and Vidisha MP Sushma Swaraj pic.twitter.com/G3cHC6pKGh — ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2018 × Swaraj is currently India's external affairs minister, MP from Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, and one of the BJP's tallest leaders. Swaraj made her announcement to reporters in Madhya Pradesh. Posters had come up recently in Vidisha questioning Swaraj's prolonged absence from the town. When it was brought up at a press conference, Swaraj said she would not be contesting the next elections. News reports said Swaraj was stepping down for health reasons. Swaraj has a kidney transplant. She took time off from work in 2016 because of a diabetes condition. The reports however quoted BJP sources as saying the party might bring Sushma back to Parliament via the Rajya Sabha.

Have made up my mind not to contest next elections: Sushma Swaraj

<p>With the Congress looking to corner the Modi government over the Rafale issue, the ruling BJP believes it can turn the heat on the opposition party by building up a campaign around nationalism on the twin planks of illegal infiltration and the Centre's "tough policy" on security matters.</p>

<p>Sources in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said the decision to hold nationwide events on September 28-29 to mark the second anniversary of the surgical strikes, following a relatively quiet first anniversary of the Army operation in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), was taken to highlight the government's tough policy on security matters.</p>

<p>Though it has been accused of politicising the Army action and its critics have also referred to the growing violence in Kashmir under its tenure to question the effectiveness of its policies, the saffron party believes that the surgical strikes continue to have resonance on the ground and can help it build a positive narrative in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha election.</p>

<p>BJP president Amit Shah has also been constantly harping on the issue of illegal infiltration and has gone on to assert that the government will identify such infiltrators across the country if the saffron party retains power after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>A senior BJP functionary said the top leaders of the party believe that the contentious issue of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam can help them, especially in states where infiltrators are said to be living in large numbers.</p>

<p>He added that it can be a vote-grabber for the BJP in a state like West Bengal as its Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has come out strongly against the saffron party on the issue, apparently to assuage the concerns of the state's over-28-per cent Muslim population, many of whom allege a communal design behind the campaign against infiltrators.</p>

<p>BJP leaders have claimed that West Bengal is home to millions of infiltrators. Many party leaders have demanded an NRC-like exercise in the state.</p>

<p>The recent arrests of five activists by the Maharashtra police for their alleged links to Maoists have also become a handy issue for the BJP after the Supreme Court refused to interfere with the police action.</p>

<p>Shah has targeted the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi over the issue, accusing the latter of standing with those who are a "threat" to national security.</p>

<p>Facing flak from the Congress-led opposition over alleged corruption in the Rafale fighter jet deal, the BJP has sought to blunt the campaign against it by describing it as politically motivated and targeting Gandhi's brother-in-law, Robert Vadra.&nbsp;</p>


With the Congress looking to corner the Modi government over the Rafale issue, the ruling BJP believes it can turn the heat on the opposition party by building up a campaign around nationalism on the twin planks of illegal infiltration and the Centre's "tough policy" on security matters.

With the Congress looking to corner the Modi government over the Rafale issue, the ruling BJP believes it can turn the heat on the opposition party by building up a campaign around nationalism on the twin planks of illegal infiltration and the Centre's "tough policy" on security matters. Sources in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said the decision to hold nationwide events on September 28-29 to mark the second anniversary of the surgical strikes, following a relatively quiet first anniversary of the Army operation in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), was taken to highlight the government's tough policy on security matters. Though it has been accused of politicising the Army action and its critics have also referred to the growing violence in Kashmir under its tenure to question the effectiveness of its policies, the saffron party believes that the surgical strikes continue to have resonance on the ground and can help it build a positive narrative in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha election. BJP president Amit Shah has also been constantly harping on the issue of illegal infiltration and has gone on to assert that the government will identify such infiltrators across the country if the saffron party retains power after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. A senior BJP functionary said the top leaders of the party believe that the contentious issue of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam can help them, especially in states where infiltrators are said to be living in large numbers. He added that it can be a vote-grabber for the BJP in a state like West Bengal as its Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has come out strongly against the saffron party on the issue, apparently to assuage the concerns of the state's over-28-per cent Muslim population, many of whom allege a communal design behind the campaign against infiltrators. BJP leaders have claimed that West Bengal is home to millions of infiltrators. Many party leaders have demanded an NRC-like exercise in the state. The recent arrests of five activists by the Maharashtra police for their alleged links to Maoists have also become a handy issue for the BJP after the Supreme Court refused to interfere with the police action. Shah has targeted the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi over the issue, accusing the latter of standing with those who are a "threat" to national security. Facing flak from the Congress-led opposition over alleged corruption in the Rafale fighter jet deal, the BJP has sought to blunt the campaign against it by describing it as politically motivated and targeting Gandhi's brother-in-law, Robert Vadra.

BJP plans campaign around 'nationalism' on twin planks of infiltration, security

<p>The BJP on Thursday said it does not see any grand alliance taking shape against it as there are many "gaps and contradictions" among opposition parties, even as it exuded confidence of increasing its tally in Uttar Pradesh in the next Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>"The BJP's performance will be better in 2019 compared to 2014, when the party and its allies bagged a lion's share of 73 seats (of total 80 seats)," state BJP President Mahendra Nath Pandey told PTI in an interview here.</p>

<p>Asked about the opposition parties' attempt to form a grand alliance to take on the BJP, he said, "I don't see it taking place. There are many gaps and contradictions among them. Even if it (alliance) is formed, it will not last."</p>

<p>Undeterred by the BSP and the SP eyeing the Dalit and OBC votes, besides the Muslim electorates, Pandey said his party was doing its own ground work.</p>

<p>"We are taking along the castes which they (SP, BSP) bank upon. We have recently held successful OBC conferences (between Sept 4-24) in which backward caste representatives from all over the state actively participated," he said.</p>

<p>The conference saw overwhelming response from the backward classes as they see Prime Minister Narendra Modi as their leader, the UP BJP chief said.</p>

<p>"Besides, we are soon going to organise Dalit&nbsp;<em>sammelan&nbsp;</em>(conference) and '<em>prabuddh'</em>(intellectuals') meet. These sections have only been cheated by previous SP and BSP regimes in the state. Only the BJP is the party which is really working with<em>&nbsp;'sabka saath sabka vikas'</em>&nbsp;motive. This is the reason for our success," he said.</p>

<p>He said that his party was working at several levels to increase its victory margin.</p>

<p>"We are highlighting our work at the centre and state and above all Modiji's personality, which will be presented before the people."</p>

<p>"At the organisation level, we are emphasising on ensuring our presence from booth to division to assembly and Lok Sabha segments. We are doing a micro-planning for that," he said.</p>

<p>Noting that the party has a lot to tell the people about the good work and projects its governments at the centre and state have initiated, Mr Pandey said, "We will reach out to people and inform them about these works and are confident of getting their positive response in terms of votes. No government has done such a good work till now."</p>

<p>"The party will bank on the "towering personality" of Modi ji, who is loved by all sections of the society due to this 'working style and aura'. Our leader is accepted by all. No other leader can stand in front of him. Opposition has not one (leader), who can challenge him," he asserted.</p>

<p>The BJP state president said he was "sure" his party will form the government at the centre again and UP's contribution will be remarkable.</p>

<p>Pandey's remarks assume significance amid reports of the SP and the BSP toying the idea of cobbling an alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, barely few months away, as they had done in bye-elections to Gorakhpur, Phulpur and Kairana constituencies of the Lower House, in which ruling BJP candidates were defeated.</p>

<p>Buoyed by this success, reports of bonhomie between SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and his BSP counterpart Mayawati started doing the rounds in political circles.</p>

<p>There were talks that the Congress too might be roped in in the proposed alliance. But in what is seen as a snub to the grand old party, Mayawati dumped it and tied up with the party of rebel Congress leader Ajit Jogi for the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections and projected him as the chief ministerial candidate.</p>

<p>Also, the SP too suffered a setback when its stalwart Shivpal Yadav floated a new front as he felt he was being sidelined in the parent party.</p>

<p>"These gaps and contradictions will make our task further easy," said the state BJP president, who is a Lok Sabha member from Chandauli.</p>


The BJP on Thursday said it does not see any grand alliance taking shape against it as there are many "gaps and contradictions" among opposition parties, even as it exuded confidence of increasing its tally in Uttar Pradesh in the next Lok Sabha polls.

The BJP on Thursday said it does not see any grand alliance taking shape against it as there are many "gaps and contradictions" among opposition parties, even as it exuded confidence of increasing its tally in Uttar Pradesh in the next Lok Sabha polls. "The BJP's performance will be better in 2019 compared to 2014, when the party and its allies bagged a lion's share of 73 seats (of total 80 seats)," state BJP President Mahendra Nath Pandey told PTI in an interview here. Asked about the opposition parties' attempt to form a grand alliance to take on the BJP, he said, "I don't see it taking place. There are many gaps and contradictions among them. Even if it (alliance) is formed, it will not last." Undeterred by the BSP and the SP eyeing the Dalit and OBC votes, besides the Muslim electorates, Pandey said his party was doing its own ground work. "We are taking along the castes which they (SP, BSP) bank upon. We have recently held successful OBC conferences (between Sept 4-24) in which backward caste representatives from all over the state actively participated," he said. The conference saw overwhelming response from the backward classes as they see Prime Minister Narendra Modi as their leader, the UP BJP chief said. "Besides, we are soon going to organise Dalit sammelan (conference) and 'prabuddh'(intellectuals') meet. These sections have only been cheated by previous SP and BSP regimes in the state. Only the BJP is the party which is really working with 'sabka saath sabka vikas' motive. This is the reason for our success," he said. He said that his party was working at several levels to increase its victory margin. "We are highlighting our work at the centre and state and above all Modiji's personality, which will be presented before the people." "At the organisation level, we are emphasising on ensuring our presence from booth to division to assembly and Lok Sabha segments. We are doing a micro-planning for that," he said. Noting that the party has a lot to tell the people about the good work and projects its governments at the centre and state have initiated, Mr Pandey said, "We will reach out to people and inform them about these works and are confident of getting their positive response in terms of votes. No government has done such a good work till now." "The party will bank on the "towering personality" of Modi ji, who is loved by all sections of the society due to this 'working style and aura'. Our leader is accepted by all. No other leader can stand in front of him. Opposition has not one (leader), who can challenge him," he asserted. The BJP state president said he was "sure" his party will form the government at the centre again and UP's contribution will be remarkable. Pandey's remarks assume significance amid reports of the SP and the BSP toying the idea of cobbling an alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, barely few months away, as they had done in bye-elections to Gorakhpur, Phulpur and Kairana constituencies of the Lower House, in which ruling BJP candidates were defeated. Buoyed by this success, reports of bonhomie between SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and his BSP counterpart Mayawati started doing the rounds in political circles. There were talks that the Congress too might be roped in in the proposed alliance. But in what is seen as a snub to the grand old party, Mayawati dumped it and tied up with the party of rebel Congress leader Ajit Jogi for the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections and projected him as the chief ministerial candidate. Also, the SP too suffered a setback when its stalwart Shivpal Yadav floated a new front as he felt he was being sidelined in the parent party. "These gaps and contradictions will make our task further easy," said the state BJP president, who is a Lok Sabha member from Chandauli.

Will increase seats tally in Uttar Pradesh in 2019: State BJP chief

<p>As expected, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-secular-fabric-under-threat-delhi-archbishop-138795">letter</a> by Delhi Archbishop Anil Couto has set off a firestorm of controversy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The letter, which was sent to all of Delhi's churches, had said India's secular fabric is under threat. The letter had also asked for prayers before the 2019 election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh responded to the letter saying India was a country where minorities are safe, and that no one is allowed to discriminate on the basis of religion or caste.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have not seen the letter, but I want to say India is one of those countries where minorities are safe and no one is allowed to discriminate on the basis of caste and religion," Singh said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Other reactions however were more forceful.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Minister of State for Small and Medium Enterprises Giriraj Singh said "every action has a reaction". Adding, "I won't take a step that disrupts communal harmony. But if church asks people to pray so that Modi government isn't formed, country will have to think that people from other religions will do 'kirtan pooja'."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the "PM is working towards inclusive growth without discriminating while breaking barriers of religion and castes."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We can only ask them to think with progressive mindset," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The archbishop's secretary, Father Robinson, meanwhile said that "the Archbishop's letter is not political, neither it is against the government or against the honourable PM. Misinformation should not be spread."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that prayer campaigns have been called for earlier too. But that this one is being politicised.&nbsp;</p>


The letter, which was sent to all of Delhi's churches, had said India's secular fabric is under threat. The letter had also asked for a prayer campaign before the 2019 election

As expected, the letter by Delhi Archbishop Anil Couto has set off a firestorm of controversy. The letter, which was sent to all of Delhi's churches, had said India's secular fabric is under threat. The letter had also asked for prayers before the 2019 election. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh responded to the letter saying India was a country where minorities are safe, and that no one is allowed to discriminate on the basis of religion or caste. "I have not seen the letter, but I want to say India is one of those countries where minorities are safe and no one is allowed to discriminate on the basis of caste and religion," Singh said. Other reactions however were more forceful. Minister of State for Small and Medium Enterprises Giriraj Singh said "every action has a reaction". Adding, "I won't take a step that disrupts communal harmony. But if church asks people to pray so that Modi government isn't formed, country will have to think that people from other religions will do 'kirtan pooja'." Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the "PM is working towards inclusive growth without discriminating while breaking barriers of religion and castes." "We can only ask them to think with progressive mindset," he added. The archbishop's secretary, Father Robinson, meanwhile said that "the Archbishop's letter is not political, neither it is against the government or against the honourable PM. Misinformation should not be spread." He added that prayer campaigns have been called for earlier too. But that this one is being politicised.

India a country where minorities are safe: Rajnath Singh on archbishop's letter

<p>It&rsquo;s apparently premature, yet 2019 election talks have already started in Bangladesh and almost surely election fever will grip the country from early next year. There are reasons for this early election enthusiasm and the chief of which is that, the 2014 election was a one-sided affair without BNP, the main Opposition party, and that too with extremely low voter&rsquo;s turn out. There is interest and urge for a proper election in the general populace, media and civil society.</p>

<p>Under the current circumstances, the vital question though is whether the next one will be an all-inclusive and fair one and whether the incumbent Awami League (AL) is ready for that. It seems that the main Opposition, although out of the parliament now, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will participate in the next election with or without a neutral caretaker government, upon the demand of which they boycotted the last one. But, if there is another one-sided election or if a rigged election is on the cards, what will be the outcome of that domestically and internationally?</p>

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<h5>BNP tried to launch a popular agitation after 2014, sometimes with violence, but the AL government shrewdly suppressed it.</h5>
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<p>Awami League&rsquo;s political legitimacy in its second of these two consecutive terms came under scrutiny because of the questionable validity of the 2014 election. Many analysts have commented that there is a sense of a lack of accountability and bad governance, stemming from that dubious mandate. BNP tried to launch a popular agitation after 2014, sometimes with violence, but the AL government shrewdly suppressed it.</p>

<p>BNP learned the limit of its cadre power and now a tamed BNP is looking forward to the election and its political survival.&nbsp;Although the BNP still seems to have a considerable popular base, it failed&nbsp;due to its organisational and motivational weakness, to bring people on the streets and organise mass agitation to force the government for an early or midterm poll. AL political cadres on the streets and the police together suppressed their attempt fairly easily.</p>

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<h5>In Bangladesh, people are more concerned now about a proper election first and then it&rsquo;s possible outcome.</h5>
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<p>But in Bangladesh, people are more concerned now about a proper election first and then about it&rsquo;s outcome. Performance wise, the AL government, by and large, maintained the momentum of moderate economic growth that had been there in Bangladesh for the last couple of decades. It delivered, in a big way, on its election promise of completing the trial of the war criminals of 1971 and, in the process, the leadership of the Jamaat-e-Islami. Thus, a considerable political force and ally of BNP was eliminated. This party is also in disarray and it seems unlikely that they will be participating in the next election pending a possible ban on them.</p>

<p>The AL government came hard on the radical Islamists fractions in Bangladesh after the July terror attack in Dhaka in 2016. The government tends to project itself to the West and India as the true demolisher of Islamic radicalism in Bangladesh. However, it&rsquo;s not clear whether the key western countries upon whom Bangladesh&rsquo;s vital exports depend will accept another 2014 style one-sided election.</p>

<p>BNP meanwhile was trying to convince the West and India that it&rsquo;s not sympathetic to Islamic radicals, and there is no danger of the spread of Islamic militancy if they come to power. It also tries to assure India that if it comes to power in Bangladesh insurgents of India&rsquo;s northeast will have no passage or sanctuary in Bangladesh. BNP believes that Indian support helped the post-2014 AL government to gain recognition in the international arena.</p>

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<h5>Bangladesh is in incertitude now and its pretty difficult to predict the country&rsquo;s political course.</h5>
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<p>Bangladesh is in incertitude now and its pretty difficult to predict the country&rsquo;s political course. If there are enough genuine pressure from the EU, US, Gulf countries and, at least, a neutrality from India the Bangladesh government might have to shed any possibility of one-sided or rigged election. In that case, the government will be forced to negotiate with the Opposition to facilitate a free and fair election.</p>

<p>If the mentioned pressure is low from the quartet the probability of one-sided or rigged election might be on the cards. It&rsquo;s tough to predict what happens in case of a divided quartet. The danger would be heightened if there is no negotiation between the government and Opposition.&nbsp;In such scenario, the AL might have no other way but to try to cling on to power at any cost as they would fear hostile reprisal from much oppressed BNP in any possibility of the latter&rsquo;s coming to power. But if the AL try this and fail, the fall could be big and costly. Bangladesh has a bloody and tumultuous past.</p>

<p>Such uncertainty is bad for a reasonably large country of 165 million that has high potential under a stable condition. There could also be some considerable spillover effect in the region in case things go grossly wrong in Bangladesh. The commoners in Bangladesh expect that all key stakeholders should apply their prudence and good judgment for the greater and collective well being the country and its people.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).</em></p>


In Bangladesh, a genuine election is necessary for the greater and collective well being the country and its people

It’s apparently premature, yet 2019 election talks have already started in Bangladesh and almost surely election fever will grip the country from early next year. There are reasons for this early election enthusiasm and the chief of which is that, the 2014 election was a one-sided affair without BNP, the main Opposition party, and that too with extremely low voter’s turn out. There is interest and urge for a proper election in the general populace, media and civil society. Under the current circumstances, the vital question though is whether the next one will be an all-inclusive and fair one and whether the incumbent Awami League (AL) is ready for that. It seems that the main Opposition, although out of the parliament now, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will participate in the next election with or without a neutral caretaker government, upon the demand of which they boycotted the last one. But, if there is another one-sided election or if a rigged election is on the cards, what will be the outcome of that domestically and internationally? BNP tried to launch a popular agitation after 2014, sometimes with violence, but the AL government shrewdly suppressed it. × Awami League’s political legitimacy in its second of these two consecutive terms came under scrutiny because of the questionable validity of the 2014 election. Many analysts have commented that there is a sense of a lack of accountability and bad governance, stemming from that dubious mandate. BNP tried to launch a popular agitation after 2014, sometimes with violence, but the AL government shrewdly suppressed it. BNP learned the limit of its cadre power and now a tamed BNP is looking forward to the election and its political survival. Although the BNP still seems to have a considerable popular base, it failed due to its organisational and motivational weakness, to bring people on the streets and organise mass agitation to force the government for an early or midterm poll. AL political cadres on the streets and the police together suppressed their attempt fairly easily. In Bangladesh, people are more concerned now about a proper election first and then it’s possible outcome. × But in Bangladesh, people are more concerned now about a proper election first and then about it’s outcome. Performance wise, the AL government, by and large, maintained the momentum of moderate economic growth that had been there in Bangladesh for the last couple of decades. It delivered, in a big way, on its election promise of completing the trial of the war criminals of 1971 and, in the process, the leadership of the Jamaat-e-Islami. Thus, a considerable political force and ally of BNP was eliminated. This party is also in disarray and it seems unlikely that they will be participating in the next election pending a possible ban on them. The AL government came hard on the radical Islamists fractions in Bangladesh after the July terror attack in Dhaka in 2016. The government tends to project itself to the West and India as the true demolisher of Islamic radicalism in Bangladesh. However, it’s not clear whether the key western countries upon whom Bangladesh’s vital exports depend will accept another 2014 style one-sided election. BNP meanwhile was trying to convince the West and India that it’s not sympathetic to Islamic radicals, and there is no danger of the spread of Islamic militancy if they come to power. It also tries to assure India that if it comes to power in Bangladesh insurgents of India’s northeast will have no passage or sanctuary in Bangladesh. BNP believes that Indian support helped the post-2014 AL government to gain recognition in the international arena. Bangladesh is in incertitude now and its pretty difficult to predict the country’s political course. × Bangladesh is in incertitude now and its pretty difficult to predict the country’s political course. If there are enough genuine pressure from the EU, US, Gulf countries and, at least, a neutrality from India the Bangladesh government might have to shed any possibility of one-sided or rigged election. In that case, the government will be forced to negotiate with the Opposition to facilitate a free and fair election. If the mentioned pressure is low from the quartet the probability of one-sided or rigged election might be on the cards. It’s tough to predict what happens in case of a divided quartet. The danger would be heightened if there is no negotiation between the government and Opposition. In such scenario, the AL might have no other way but to try to cling on to power at any cost as they would fear hostile reprisal from much oppressed BNP in any possibility of the latter’s coming to power. But if the AL try this and fail, the fall could be big and costly. Bangladesh has a bloody and tumultuous past. Such uncertainty is bad for a reasonably large country of 165 million that has high potential under a stable condition. There could also be some considerable spillover effect in the region in case things go grossly wrong in Bangladesh. The commoners in Bangladesh expect that all key stakeholders should apply their prudence and good judgment for the greater and collective well being the country and its people. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion: Bad governance and rigged elections in Bangladesh

2019-election

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