After lower house (Lok Sabha) cleared the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill past midnight on Monday, leaders of several Opposition parties voiced their discontent and said it was against national interest.

After lower house (Lok Sabha) cleared the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill past midnight on Monday, leaders of several Opposition parties voiced their discontent and said it was against national interest. After the Bill, which seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan was passed by 311-80 votes in the lower house, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi took to Twitter to express his anguish. Owaisi said that at the "stroke of the midnight hour, while the world slept, India`s ideals of liberty, equality, fraternity and justice were betrayed". The AIMIM leader further said: "I fought hard against it and I promise every Indian that this fight isn`t over. Don`t let hopelessness come near you. Be defiant, be strong. "Earlier today, Owaisi tore a copy of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill during a discussion on it in the Lok Sabha. Echoing similar sentiments, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said that it is a "black day" for the Constitution. "It is a black day for our Constitution because what happened was unconstitutional. It [the Bill] very clearly targets the Muslim community, it is very shameful," Tharoor told. Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay also said that the Bill is against the "national integration". "TMC is a firm believer of unity and diversity and does not support division of the country on the basis of religion," he said. Former Assam chief minister and Congress leader Tarun Gogoi said that the Bill is "dangerous for Assam". "This [CAB] is dangerous for Assam, we are next-door neighbours to Bangladesh. This Bill will adversely affect the culture, heritage and population structure of the North-East," Gogoi told ANI. He further said the bill will encourage people from Bangladesh to enter and settle in Assam. The Bill, which seeks to give citizenship to refugees from the Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zorastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh was passed in Lok Sabha after a lively debate and a division of vote with 311 MPs voting in favour of the bill and 80 voting against it.

Opposition parties rue passage of Citizenship Amendment Bill in lower house 

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday took to Twitter to condemn the passing of contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019, which seeks to give Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, saying that it "violates all norms of international human rights law" with Islamabad.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday took to Twitter to condemn the passing of contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019, which seeks to give Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, saying that it "violates all norms of international human rights law" with Islamabad. Khan in a tweet said: "We strongly condemn Indian Lok Sabha citizenship legislation which violates all norms of international human rights law and bilateral agreements with Pakistan. "It is part of the RSS `Hindu Rashtra` design of expansionism propagated by the fascist Modi govt." We strongly condemn Indian Lok Sabha citizenship legislation which violates all norms of int human rights law & bilateral agreements with Pak. It is part of the RSS "Hindu Rashtra" design of expansionism propagated by the fascist Modi Govt. https://t.co/XkRdBiSp3G — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) December 10, 2019 × Khan`s remarks come after the draft legislation was passed in the Lok Sabha on Monday midnight after the division of votes with 311 in its favour and 80 against it. The Bill would face its final hurdle in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday before becoming a law.

Imran condemns passing of India's Citizenship (Amendment) Bill

Lok Sabha on Monday voted in favour of the introduction of Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB). The bill received 293 'Ayes' in favour of introduction of the bill against 82 'Noes'.

Lok Sabha on Monday voted in favour of the introduction of Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB). The bill received 293 'Ayes' in favour of introduction of the bill against 82 'Noes'. Earlier Union Home Minister Amit Shah tabled the contentious bill in the Lok Sabha and said that in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Christians, Parsis and Jains have been discriminated against and this will give these persecuted people citizenship. The allegation that this bill will take away rights of Muslims is wrong, he added. Lok Sabha: 293 'Ayes' in favour of introduction of #CitizenshipAmendmentBill and 82 'Noes' against the Bill's introduction, in Lok Sabha pic.twitter.com/z1SbYJbvcz — ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2019 × ''If Congress had not done partition on the basis of religion after independence, we would have not needed this Bill. Congress did partition on the basis of religion,'' Shah further said. The Citizenship Amendment Bill was passed by the Lower House of the Parliament earlier this year but lapsed with the term of the previous Lok Sabha. If passed by Parliament, it will amend the Citizenship Act of 1955 introducing exceptional provisions for acquiring citizenship for non-Muslim immigrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Lok Sabha votes in favour of introduction of Citizenship Amendment Bill 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday tabled the contentious Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Lok Sabha. The Citizenship Amendment Bill was passed by the Lower House of the Parliament earlier this year but lapsed with the term of the previous Lok Sabha.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday tabled the contentious Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Lok Sabha. The Citizenship Amendment Bill was passed by the Lower House of the Parliament earlier this year but lapsed with the term of the previous Lok Sabha. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday issued a three-line whip to its members in Lok Sabha asking them to be present in the House from December 9 till 12. Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha, to Opposition on #CitizenshipAmendmentBill2019 : I will answer all questions on the Bill. Tab House se walkout mat karna. https://t.co/x6fZwdN3Li pic.twitter.com/qYi72NonZl — ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2019 × If passed by Parliament, it will amend the Citizenship Act of 1955 introducing exceptional provisions for acquiring citizenship for non-Muslim immigrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Citizenship Amendment Bill tabled in Lok Sabha 

With the NDA all set to retain Maharashtra, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday thanked the people for the mandate but also raised questions over whether the BJP or his party will get the chief minister`s seat in the state.

"The important question is who will be the chief minister? When the Lok Sabha elections were held we had decided on the 50-50 formula in the state. (BJP state chief) Chandrakant Patil raised some issues this time which we understood but we can only tolerate so much. After all, we have to run our party too. If the need arises Amit (Shah) Ji should come here to carry out what was decided earlier," Thackeray said at a press conference in Mumbai.

"Discussions should be held over what was decided and then it will be decided who the chief minister will be," added Thackeray.&nbsp;

The Shiv Sena chief also thanked the people for the mandate, terming it an `eye-opener` for all the parties in Maharashtra.

"The people have kept alive democracy in this election. The mandate given by them is an eye-opener for all the parties in the state. We bow down to the votes given by the people in our favour and will work with the same attitude for them," Thackeray said.

Expressing satisfaction over the decisive win of his son Aaditya Thackeray from Worli seat, he said: "As a parent, I am proud of Aaditya`s victory and I love the fact that the people have given him their support."

Aaditya Thackeray won from Mumbai`s Worli assembly constituency, beating NCP`s Suresh Mane by a margin of over 67 thousand votes, according to the Election Commission (EC).

Aaditya, the 29-year-old son of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, is the first member of the family in the party`s history to contest the election.

The junior Thackeray was pitted against Mane of NCP, Gautam Anna Gaikwad of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) and Bahujan Samaj Party`s (BSP) Vishram Tida Padam in Worli assembly constituency.

Meanwhile, the BJP has won 36 seats while it is leading in 65 assembly constituencies in Maharashtra. Shiv Sena has won 28 seats and is ahead on 30 seats, as per official trends from the EC.

Congress-NCP, on the other hand, has won 38 seats while its candidates are ahead in 60 seats. There are 288 seats in the Maharashtra assembly.&nbsp;

With the NDA all set to retain Maharashtra, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday thanked the people for the mandate but also raised questions over whether the BJP or his party will get the chief minister`s seat in the state.

With the NDA all set to retain Maharashtra, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday thanked the people for the mandate but also raised questions over whether the BJP or his party will get the chief minister`s seat in the state. "The important question is who will be the chief minister? When the Lok Sabha elections were held we had decided on the 50-50 formula in the state. (BJP state chief) Chandrakant Patil raised some issues this time which we understood but we can only tolerate so much. After all, we have to run our party too. If the need arises Amit (Shah) Ji should come here to carry out what was decided earlier," Thackeray said at a press conference in Mumbai. "Discussions should be held over what was decided and then it will be decided who the chief minister will be," added Thackeray. The Shiv Sena chief also thanked the people for the mandate, terming it an `eye-opener` for all the parties in Maharashtra. "The people have kept alive democracy in this election. The mandate given by them is an eye-opener for all the parties in the state. We bow down to the votes given by the people in our favour and will work with the same attitude for them," Thackeray said. Expressing satisfaction over the decisive win of his son Aaditya Thackeray from Worli seat, he said: "As a parent, I am proud of Aaditya`s victory and I love the fact that the people have given him their support." Aaditya Thackeray won from Mumbai`s Worli assembly constituency, beating NCP`s Suresh Mane by a margin of over 67 thousand votes, according to the Election Commission (EC). Aaditya, the 29-year-old son of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, is the first member of the family in the party`s history to contest the election. The junior Thackeray was pitted against Mane of NCP, Gautam Anna Gaikwad of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) and Bahujan Samaj Party`s (BSP) Vishram Tida Padam in Worli assembly constituency. Meanwhile, the BJP has won 36 seats while it is leading in 65 assembly constituencies in Maharashtra. Shiv Sena has won 28 seats and is ahead on 30 seats, as per official trends from the EC. Congress-NCP, on the other hand, has won 38 seats while its candidates are ahead in 60 seats. There are 288 seats in the Maharashtra assembly.

Discussions should be held over who will be next Maharashtra CM: Uddhav Thackeray

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday lambasted the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) for questioning the link between Article 370 and Maharashtra, saying that Sharad Pawar suffering from the cataract of `greed for votes` and he could not see what the people want.&nbsp;

Addressing an election rally in Rajura, Shah said: "Maharashtra is the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Veer Savarkar, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. The land where the fight for `Swaraj` began. Now, they were asking about the relationship between Maharashtra and Article 370. Pawar Sahab, you have got the cataract of greed for votes. You cannot see what the people of the state want."

Calling the BJP a party of patriots led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Shah said there is a group of dynastic parties led by Rahul Gandhi and Sharad Pawar.

The BJP president emphasised the struggles of tribal society and said it has played a big role in the independence of the country.

Remembering Birsa Munda, a folk hero who belonged to the Munda tribe, Shah hit out at the Congress and alleged the Adivasi community sacrificed their lives but the Congress "did not respect" them.&nbsp;

Shah further wooed voters belonging to the tribal community with the promise that the Modi government will give the `patta` (lease) to tribal brothers soon after the removal of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in Maharashtra.

Shah claimed that most of the tribal society and OBC community MPs and MLAs are from the BJP.&nbsp;

Talking about the Centre`s open defecation-free (ODF) India programme, he said: "Sharad Pawar laughs and says that Modi ji calls the toilet a development. Pawar Saheb you will realise the importance of toilets when you will get to know the diffidence of mothers and sisters, who defecate in the open."

He claimed: "Pawar will never feel our daughters` pain as he has collected millions and billions of rupees."

Maharashtra will go to polls on October 21. The results will be declared on October 24.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday lambasted the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) for questioning the link between Article 370 and Maharashtra, saying that Sharad Pawar suffering from the cataract of `greed for votes` and he could not see what the people want.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday lambasted the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) for questioning the link between Article 370 and Maharashtra, saying that Sharad Pawar suffering from the cataract of `greed for votes` and he could not see what the people want. Addressing an election rally in Rajura, Shah said: "Maharashtra is the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Veer Savarkar, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. The land where the fight for `Swaraj` began. Now, they were asking about the relationship between Maharashtra and Article 370. Pawar Sahab, you have got the cataract of greed for votes. You cannot see what the people of the state want." Calling the BJP a party of patriots led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Shah said there is a group of dynastic parties led by Rahul Gandhi and Sharad Pawar. The BJP president emphasised the struggles of tribal society and said it has played a big role in the independence of the country. Remembering Birsa Munda, a folk hero who belonged to the Munda tribe, Shah hit out at the Congress and alleged the Adivasi community sacrificed their lives but the Congress "did not respect" them. Shah further wooed voters belonging to the tribal community with the promise that the Modi government will give the `patta` (lease) to tribal brothers soon after the removal of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in Maharashtra. Shah claimed that most of the tribal society and OBC community MPs and MLAs are from the BJP. Talking about the Centre`s open defecation-free (ODF) India programme, he said: "Sharad Pawar laughs and says that Modi ji calls the toilet a development. Pawar Saheb you will realise the importance of toilets when you will get to know the diffidence of mothers and sisters, who defecate in the open." He claimed: "Pawar will never feel our daughters` pain as he has collected millions and billions of rupees." Maharashtra will go to polls on October 21. The results will be declared on October 24.

Sharad Pawar suffering from cataract of 'greed for votes': Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday discussed the might of Emperor Skandgupta and the art with which ruled while emphasising the need to re-write the country's glorious and proud history by making it a reference book.&nbsp;

"The Mauryan and the Gupta dynasty gave the most elevated spot to Indian culture in the world," he said urging historians to present the true Indian version of history.

Invoking Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Shah credited the former for coining the 1857 rebellion as the First War of Indian Independence.

"Had it not been for Veer Savarkar, the rebellion of 1857 would not have become history, we would have seen it from the point of view of British. Veer Savarkar was the one who named the 1857 rebellion as the first independence struggle," he further said.&nbsp;

"It is the duty of every country to preserve and nurture its history, it is the duty of the public and of the country`s historians. Till when do we keep on criticising the Britishers for it. Today the country is independent, edit our history and write out new manuscripts. I am sure the truth in our history will make it famous," he said addressing a seminar at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) here.

Shah inaugurated the two-day international seminar on "the role and relevance of famous ruler of Gupta Dynasty, Skandagupta Vikramaditya and the political future of the nation" at the BHU campus.

The Home Minister said the "biggest success" for the Gupta Empire was that they ended confrontation between the Vaishali and Magadha dynasties and moved towards the creation of a united India.

Talking about Skandagupta, Shah said the ruler had always tried to save the culture, language, art, literature and governance system of India.

"Chandragupta Vikramaditya had gained a lot of fame in history. But a lot of injustice happened to him in history. His might was perhaps not appreciated as much," the Home Minister while espousing about the ruler`s significance.

He underlined that the Maurya and Gupta dynasties placed Indian culture at the highest position in the world."2,000 years after the Mahabharata period, the 800-year period became known because of two major dynasties -- Maurya Dynasty and Gupta Dynasty. Both these dynasties placed Indian culture at the highest position in the world," the Home Minister said.

Touching upon the contributions of Skandagupta, Shah said, "Skandagupta's big contributions during his rule was strengthening governance, creation of cities and planning the rule for revenue collection for the effective running of the administration. He fought bravely with Huns.

"But it is unfortunate that today if anyone asks for 100 pages to study on Skandagupta, they are not available," he lamented.&nbsp;

Shah continued, "So, there is a need to write about the great rulers like Skandagupta, Chandragupta Vikramaditya and others who had been not given enough due in the existing documented history."

The Home Minister remembered Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya and thanked him for setting up the BHU, which according to him, had played a key role in rebuilding the country after independence.

"Whatever might have been on the mind of Pandit Madan Mohan Malviyaji at the time of the establishment of BHU, but this university has played a key role propagating Hindu culture and has stood tall to protect it," Shah said.

"After hundreds of years of slavery it is very difficult for any person to reinstate the pride, only a university can do this. These universities are the reason why we are happy with the present-day image of the country and are assured about its future too," he added.

(With inputs from ANI)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday discussed the might of Emperor Skandgupta and the art with which ruled while emphasising the need to re-write the country's glorious and proud history by making it a reference book.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday discussed the might of Emperor Skandgupta and the art with which ruled while emphasising the need to re-write the country's glorious and proud history by making it a reference book. "The Mauryan and the Gupta dynasty gave the most elevated spot to Indian culture in the world," he said urging historians to present the true Indian version of history. Invoking Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Shah credited the former for coining the 1857 rebellion as the First War of Indian Independence. "Had it not been for Veer Savarkar, the rebellion of 1857 would not have become history, we would have seen it from the point of view of British. Veer Savarkar was the one who named the 1857 rebellion as the first independence struggle," he further said. "It is the duty of every country to preserve and nurture its history, it is the duty of the public and of the country`s historians. Till when do we keep on criticising the Britishers for it. Today the country is independent, edit our history and write out new manuscripts. I am sure the truth in our history will make it famous," he said addressing a seminar at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) here. Shah inaugurated the two-day international seminar on "the role and relevance of famous ruler of Gupta Dynasty, Skandagupta Vikramaditya and the political future of the nation" at the BHU campus. The Home Minister said the "biggest success" for the Gupta Empire was that they ended confrontation between the Vaishali and Magadha dynasties and moved towards the creation of a united India. Talking about Skandagupta, Shah said the ruler had always tried to save the culture, language, art, literature and governance system of India. "Chandragupta Vikramaditya had gained a lot of fame in history. But a lot of injustice happened to him in history. His might was perhaps not appreciated as much," the Home Minister while espousing about the ruler`s significance. He underlined that the Maurya and Gupta dynasties placed Indian culture at the highest position in the world."2,000 years after the Mahabharata period, the 800-year period became known because of two major dynasties -- Maurya Dynasty and Gupta Dynasty. Both these dynasties placed Indian culture at the highest position in the world," the Home Minister said. Touching upon the contributions of Skandagupta, Shah said, "Skandagupta's big contributions during his rule was strengthening governance, creation of cities and planning the rule for revenue collection for the effective running of the administration. He fought bravely with Huns. "But it is unfortunate that today if anyone asks for 100 pages to study on Skandagupta, they are not available," he lamented. Shah continued, "So, there is a need to write about the great rulers like Skandagupta, Chandragupta Vikramaditya and others who had been not given enough due in the existing documented history." The Home Minister remembered Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya and thanked him for setting up the BHU, which according to him, had played a key role in rebuilding the country after independence. "Whatever might have been on the mind of Pandit Madan Mohan Malviyaji at the time of the establishment of BHU, but this university has played a key role propagating Hindu culture and has stood tall to protect it," Shah said. "After hundreds of years of slavery it is very difficult for any person to reinstate the pride, only a university can do this. These universities are the reason why we are happy with the present-day image of the country and are assured about its future too," he added. (With inputs from ANI)

Veer Savarkar named 1857 rebellion as first independence struggle: Amit Shah

In a bid to overthrow Trinamool Congress government (TMC), Bhartiya Janata Party has prepared a plan to win more than 200 seats in West Bengal in the assembly elections slated to be held in 2021.

According to a party source, Home minister Amit shah met Bengal state BJP leaders over the last few days and has decided to form a team of four members on every seat which will include MPs, MLAs and local organisational heads.

"Also, the leader selected for a particular seat will have no past connection with that constituency. For instance, if someone is from Howrah seat, then they will be selected for the Darjeeling seat. Reason for doing so is that the team can prepare fair reports," the source adds.

The teams have also been tasked to prepare a report for each area to see if there is any groupism in the party in order to neutralize it before the elections.

All the teams will start work from October 8 and the leaders will be in their appointed constituency to observe the current situation closely and prepare a concrete report, the source added.

"Reports will be submitted by the BJP core group of Bengal and not by individual leaders. The reports will be discussed with Home Minister Amit shah in the 1st week of November," the source said.

In 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP won 18 seats against just 6 seats in 2014. After the party's massive win, a lot of TMC local leaders have joined BJP.

BJP is also eying 90 seats in the state which have a majority of the minority vote bank and a special plan for the above-mentioned seats is also under the works.

The party will also start a programme to spread awareness about the significance of National Register of Citizens, the source added.

Also from 15th October till the State elections, the BJP cadets will be protesting from Block to state-level on various issues against the state government and the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's appeasement politics, the sources added.

In a bid to overthrow Trinamool Congress government (TMC), Bhartiya Janata Party has prepared a plan to win more than 200 seats in West Bengal in the assembly elections slated to be held in 2021.

In a bid to overthrow Trinamool Congress government (TMC), Bhartiya Janata Party has prepared a plan to win more than 200 seats in West Bengal in the assembly elections slated to be held in 2021. According to a party source, Home minister Amit shah met Bengal state BJP leaders over the last few days and has decided to form a team of four members on every seat which will include MPs, MLAs and local organisational heads. "Also, the leader selected for a particular seat will have no past connection with that constituency. For instance, if someone is from Howrah seat, then they will be selected for the Darjeeling seat. Reason for doing so is that the team can prepare fair reports," the source adds. The teams have also been tasked to prepare a report for each area to see if there is any groupism in the party in order to neutralize it before the elections. All the teams will start work from October 8 and the leaders will be in their appointed constituency to observe the current situation closely and prepare a concrete report, the source added. "Reports will be submitted by the BJP core group of Bengal and not by individual leaders. The reports will be discussed with Home Minister Amit shah in the 1st week of November," the source said. In 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP won 18 seats against just 6 seats in 2014. After the party's massive win, a lot of TMC local leaders have joined BJP. BJP is also eying 90 seats in the state which have a majority of the minority vote bank and a special plan for the above-mentioned seats is also under the works. The party will also start a programme to spread awareness about the significance of National Register of Citizens, the source added. Also from 15th October till the State elections, the BJP cadets will be protesting from Block to state-level on various issues against the state government and the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's appeasement politics, the sources added.

BJP eyes 200+ seats in West Bengal

Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) announcement that the communication with Vikram lander was lost evoked mixed reactions from netizens, with people expressing faith that the space agency will bounce back soon.&nbsp;

The space agency in a tweet said, "This is Mission Control Centre. #VikramLander descent was as planned and normal performance was observed up to an altitude of 2.1 km. Subsequently, communication from Lander to the ground stations was lost. Data is being analyzed. #ISRO."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
This is Mission Control Centre. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VikramLander?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VikramLander</a> descent was as planned and normal performance was observed up to an altitude of 2.1 km. Subsequently, communication from Lander to the ground stations was lost. Data is being analyzed.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1170086810006900736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Deeply saddened. The mission was 93% successful except for the last 2.1 km. Don't forget NASA have failed 10 times before making its first impact on the moon. We have just lost the lander but the orbiter will be making science for a year. #Chandrayaan2Live #Chandrayaan2Landing," a Twitter user wrote.

"It's rocket science. Irrespective of the outcome, proud of @isro for inspiring a billion people with their efforts," another user wrote.

"It's a great attempt by ISRO, kudos for all the hard work which ISRO scientists have put in for this mission. Still, many more achievements to come. We should be proud of this mission. Jai hind," a user named Gopal Rajnified tweeted.&nbsp;

Some said they were hoping for a Bollywood style scene."After a long silence from the control room, "I was hoping for Bollywood style scene in which one intern runs to K Sivan shouting "Sir, receiving data .. We are receiving data from Vikram"," said one user. Other said there is nothing like a failure or misses in science and technology. One twitter user wrote, "Amazing how all of the worlds came together to watch #Chandrayaan2Landing and gave a sigh of heartbreak when it failed. Funny how humans compete with each other here but are brought together by something that's far, far out there."

Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) announcement that the communication with Vikram lander was lost evoked mixed reactions from netizens, with people expressing faith that the space agency will bounce back soon.

Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) announcement that the communication with Vikram lander was lost evoked mixed reactions from netizens, with people expressing faith that the space agency will bounce back soon. The space agency in a tweet said, "This is Mission Control Centre. #VikramLander descent was as planned and normal performance was observed up to an altitude of 2.1 km. Subsequently, communication from Lander to the ground stations was lost. Data is being analyzed. #ISRO." This is Mission Control Centre. #VikramLander descent was as planned and normal performance was observed up to an altitude of 2.1 km. Subsequently, communication from Lander to the ground stations was lost. Data is being analyzed.#ISRO — ISRO (@isro) September 6, 2019 × "Deeply saddened. The mission was 93% successful except for the last 2.1 km. Don't forget NASA have failed 10 times before making its first impact on the moon. We have just lost the lander but the orbiter will be making science for a year. #Chandrayaan2Live #Chandrayaan2Landing," a Twitter user wrote. "It's rocket science. Irrespective of the outcome, proud of @isro for inspiring a billion people with their efforts," another user wrote. "It's a great attempt by ISRO, kudos for all the hard work which ISRO scientists have put in for this mission. Still, many more achievements to come. We should be proud of this mission. Jai hind," a user named Gopal Rajnified tweeted. Some said they were hoping for a Bollywood style scene."After a long silence from the control room, "I was hoping for Bollywood style scene in which one intern runs to K Sivan shouting "Sir, receiving data .. We are receiving data from Vikram"," said one user. Other said there is nothing like a failure or misses in science and technology. One twitter user wrote, "Amazing how all of the worlds came together to watch #Chandrayaan2Landing and gave a sigh of heartbreak when it failed. Funny how humans compete with each other here but are brought together by something that's far, far out there."

Nation stands by ISRO following communication loss with 'Vikram'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation from ISRO Control Centre here on Saturday morning. The Prime Minister will address the nation at around 8 am, according to ISRO.

"Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation from ISRO Control Centre today (September 07, 2019) at 0800 hrs IST," the space agency tweeted.

The address comes after ISRO lost communication with 'Vikram' lander of Chandrayaan 2 moments before it was preparing to make a soft-landing on the south pole region of the Moon.

ISRO chairman K Sivan announced that communication with the lander was lost at 2.1 km from the lunar surface.

"Vikram lander`s descend was normal and as planned till 2.1 km. Subsequently, communication with Vikram lander was lost. Data is being analysed," he said.

In its last tweet at 1:49 am, ISRO was giving updates about the missions announced in the run-up to the soft landing of the Vikram lander.

Modi, who was in the ISRO headquarters to witness the historic moment, asked the scientists to not lose hope and be courageous.

"Don't lose hope. Be courageous. There are ups and downs in life. What you all have done is not a small thing. You have done a great service to the country, science and mankind. I am with you. I wish you all the best," the Prime Minister told the scientists.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation from ISRO Control Centre here on Saturday morning. The Prime Minister will address the nation at around 8 am, according to ISRO.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation from ISRO Control Centre here on Saturday morning. The Prime Minister will address the nation at around 8 am, according to ISRO. "Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation from ISRO Control Centre today (September 07, 2019) at 0800 hrs IST," the space agency tweeted. The address comes after ISRO lost communication with 'Vikram' lander of Chandrayaan 2 moments before it was preparing to make a soft-landing on the south pole region of the Moon. ISRO chairman K Sivan announced that communication with the lander was lost at 2.1 km from the lunar surface. "Vikram lander`s descend was normal and as planned till 2.1 km. Subsequently, communication with Vikram lander was lost. Data is being analysed," he said. In its last tweet at 1:49 am, ISRO was giving updates about the missions announced in the run-up to the soft landing of the Vikram lander. Modi, who was in the ISRO headquarters to witness the historic moment, asked the scientists to not lose hope and be courageous. "Don't lose hope. Be courageous. There are ups and downs in life. What you all have done is not a small thing. You have done a great service to the country, science and mankind. I am with you. I wish you all the best," the Prime Minister told the scientists.

PM Narendra Modi to address nation at 8 am after Moon lander loses contact

Amid uncertainty over Chandrayaan-2's Vikram lander which lost communication with the ground station, Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that ISRO's achievement with the spacecraft so far has made every Indian proud.

"ISRO's achievement with getting Chandrayaan-2 so far has made every Indian proud. India stands with our committed and hard-working scientists at @isro. My best wishes for future endeavours," he tweeted.

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The communication with Vikram lander was lost moments before its planned landing on the south pole region of the Moon. ISRO chairman K Sivan announced that communication with the lander was lost at 2.1 km from the lunar surface.

"Vikram lander descend was normal and as planned till 2.1 km. Subsequently, communication with Vikram lander was lost. Data is being analysed," he said.&nbsp;

In its last tweet at 1:49 am, ISRO was giving updates about the missions announced in the run-up to the soft landing of the Vikram lander. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in the ISRO headquarters Bengaluru to witness the historic moment, asked the scientists to not lose hope and be courageous.

"Don`t lose hope. Be courageous. There are ups and downs in life. What you all have done is not a small thing. You have done a great service to the country, science and mankind. I am with you. I wish you all the best," the Prime Minister told the scientists.&nbsp;

Modi patted Sivan's back even as scientists were seen tensed as Vikram lander lost communication with the ground station.&nbsp;

Amid uncertainty over Chandrayaan-2's Vikram lander which lost communication with the ground station, Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that ISRO's achievement with the spacecraft so far has made every Indian proud.

Amid uncertainty over Chandrayaan-2's Vikram lander which lost communication with the ground station, Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that ISRO's achievement with the spacecraft so far has made every Indian proud. "ISRO's achievement with getting Chandrayaan-2 so far has made every Indian proud. India stands with our committed and hard-working scientists at @isro. My best wishes for future endeavours," he tweeted. ISRO’s achievement with getting Chandrayaan-2 so far has made every Indian proud. India stands with our committed and hard working scientists at @isro. My best wishes for future endeavours. — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 6, 2019 × The communication with Vikram lander was lost moments before its planned landing on the south pole region of the Moon. ISRO chairman K Sivan announced that communication with the lander was lost at 2.1 km from the lunar surface. "Vikram lander descend was normal and as planned till 2.1 km. Subsequently, communication with Vikram lander was lost. Data is being analysed," he said. In its last tweet at 1:49 am, ISRO was giving updates about the missions announced in the run-up to the soft landing of the Vikram lander. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in the ISRO headquarters Bengaluru to witness the historic moment, asked the scientists to not lose hope and be courageous. "Don`t lose hope. Be courageous. There are ups and downs in life. What you all have done is not a small thing. You have done a great service to the country, science and mankind. I am with you. I wish you all the best," the Prime Minister told the scientists. Modi patted Sivan's back even as scientists were seen tensed as Vikram lander lost communication with the ground station.

Every Indian is proud: Amit Shah lauds ISRO scientists for Chandrayaan-2

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday outlined the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards the development of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/independence-day-the-unsung-freedom-fighters-of-northeast-india-243206">the North-East region</a> while accusing the Congress of not allocating enough funds during its tenure.

"In the 13th Finance Commission, the Congress government had given Rs 87,000 crore for the development of entire North-East India. Modi government increased it by 258 per cent and gave Rs 3,13,375 crore between 2014-19. This shows the priority given to North-East by Modi ji," he said while laying the foundation stone of Karbi Bhawan and Dimasa Bhawan here.

The home minister said that Karbi Bhavan and Dimasa Bhavan will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 130 crore and will bring both districts (Karbi and Dimasa) of Assam on the global map.

Shah also stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi gives utmost importance to peace in North-East and every effort is being made to ensure the same.

"The region should be free from terrorism and it should be developed at the same pace as any other part of the country. We should move forward on the path of development while persevering the culture of North-East at the same time. India feels proud of North East's culture," he added.

Stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given maximum time to the North-East, Shah also claimed that the region was derailed from the path of development in the past.

"Modi ji has brought it back on track", Shah added.

The Home Minister also urged Minister of State for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Jitendra Singh for opening a research and development centre in Karbi and Dimasa.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday outlined the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards the development of the North-East region while accusing the Congress of not allocating enough funds during its tenure.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday outlined the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards the development of the North-East region while accusing the Congress of not allocating enough funds during its tenure. "In the 13th Finance Commission, the Congress government had given Rs 87,000 crore for the development of entire North-East India. Modi government increased it by 258 per cent and gave Rs 3,13,375 crore between 2014-19. This shows the priority given to North-East by Modi ji," he said while laying the foundation stone of Karbi Bhawan and Dimasa Bhawan here. The home minister said that Karbi Bhavan and Dimasa Bhavan will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 130 crore and will bring both districts (Karbi and Dimasa) of Assam on the global map. Shah also stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi gives utmost importance to peace in North-East and every effort is being made to ensure the same. "The region should be free from terrorism and it should be developed at the same pace as any other part of the country. We should move forward on the path of development while persevering the culture of North-East at the same time. India feels proud of North East's culture," he added. Stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given maximum time to the North-East, Shah also claimed that the region was derailed from the path of development in the past. "Modi ji has brought it back on track", Shah added. The Home Minister also urged Minister of State for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Jitendra Singh for opening a research and development centre in Karbi and Dimasa.

Congress didn't allocate enough funds for North-East, PM Modi government prioritising development: Amit Shah

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that there cannot be a bigger inspiration for the young Bharatiya Janata Party workers than the late Sushma Swaraj.

Modi was speaking at a condolence meeting in memory of the late Union Minister Swaraj who passed away on August 6.

"She gave her all in whatever work she was assigned despite having accomplished so much in her personal life. There cannot be a bigger inspiration in life for the young BJP workers," Modi said.

Praising her work as the External Affairs Minister, PM Modi said that Swaraj transformed the Ministry`s protocols into "people`s call".

"She showed how "Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam" can be actualised by the External Affairs Ministry. She considered problems of Indians in foreign countries as her own. She brought a complete change in the character of the foreign ministry," he said.&nbsp;

"In the last 70 years, we had 77 passport offices in the country. And in her 5 years as EAM, we now have 505 passport offices, which shows the magnitude of her work," Modi added.

The Prime Minister also said that though he was older to Swaraj, he learnt a great deal from her.

Recounting an anecdote from the time he had just taken up as Prime Minister, Modi revealed how Swaraj did not let him speak extempore at the United Nations.

He said, "Before I was about to give my first speech at the UN, she asked me where my speech was and I said I`ll speak without writing it down. She strongly opposed the idea!"&nbsp;

"We prepared the speech overnight with her and the team. Later, she told me that no matter how great an orator you are, there are forums that have some decorums and practices which are important. This was the first lesson I learnt from her," Prime Minister Modi added.

Concluding his speech, Modi said, "We are all with her at this moment, may God give us the strength to walk on the same ideals that she did."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid his condolence to Swaraj, saying, "We will never forget her contribution till the day we die. Her voice will continue to reverberate inside the Parliament."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP working President Jagat Prakash Nadda and other senior BJP leaders also paid their tributes to Swaraj at the condolence meet. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that there cannot be a bigger inspiration for the young Bharatiya Janata Party workers than the late Sushma Swaraj. Modi was speaking at a condolence meeting in memory of the late Union Minister Swaraj who passed away on August 6.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that there cannot be a bigger inspiration for the young Bharatiya Janata Party workers than the late Sushma Swaraj. Modi was speaking at a condolence meeting in memory of the late Union Minister Swaraj who passed away on August 6. "She gave her all in whatever work she was assigned despite having accomplished so much in her personal life. There cannot be a bigger inspiration in life for the young BJP workers," Modi said. Praising her work as the External Affairs Minister, PM Modi said that Swaraj transformed the Ministry`s protocols into "people`s call". "She showed how "Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam" can be actualised by the External Affairs Ministry. She considered problems of Indians in foreign countries as her own. She brought a complete change in the character of the foreign ministry," he said. "In the last 70 years, we had 77 passport offices in the country. And in her 5 years as EAM, we now have 505 passport offices, which shows the magnitude of her work," Modi added. The Prime Minister also said that though he was older to Swaraj, he learnt a great deal from her. Recounting an anecdote from the time he had just taken up as Prime Minister, Modi revealed how Swaraj did not let him speak extempore at the United Nations. He said, "Before I was about to give my first speech at the UN, she asked me where my speech was and I said I`ll speak without writing it down. She strongly opposed the idea!" "We prepared the speech overnight with her and the team. Later, she told me that no matter how great an orator you are, there are forums that have some decorums and practices which are important. This was the first lesson I learnt from her," Prime Minister Modi added. Concluding his speech, Modi said, "We are all with her at this moment, may God give us the strength to walk on the same ideals that she did." Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid his condolence to Swaraj, saying, "We will never forget her contribution till the day we die. Her voice will continue to reverberate inside the Parliament." Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP working President Jagat Prakash Nadda and other senior BJP leaders also paid their tributes to Swaraj at the condolence meet.

No bigger inspiration than Sushma Swaraj for young party workers: PM Modi

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday organised a condolence meet to pay tribute to former External Affair Minister and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-final-rites-sushma-swarajs-mortal-remains-moved-to-bjp-headquarters-241315">BJP leader Sushma Swaraj</a>.

The meet was organised at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-pm-modi-bids-emotional-farewell-to-sushma-swaraj-241293">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and many other senior cabinet ministers and BJP leaders arrived to pay their respects.

Several other diplomats and leaders across the political spectrum are also expected to attend the event.

Watch:&nbsp;The remarkable political journey of Sushma Swaraj

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-remarkable-political-journey-of-sushma-swaraj-241414/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-former-external-affairs-minister-passes-away-at-age-67-241220">Swaraj passed away</a> on the night of August 6 following a cardiac arrest.

Thousands bid adieu to their beloved leader as she was cremated with full state honours.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday organised a condolence meet to pay tribute to former External Affair Minister and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj. The meet was organised at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday organised a condolence meet to pay tribute to former External Affair Minister and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj. The meet was organised at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and many other senior cabinet ministers and BJP leaders arrived to pay their respects. Several other diplomats and leaders across the political spectrum are also expected to attend the event. Watch: The remarkable political journey of Sushma Swaraj Swaraj passed away on the night of August 6 following a cardiac arrest. Thousands bid adieu to their beloved leader as she was cremated with full state honours.

BJP organises condolence meet for former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/home-minister-amit-shah-conducts-high-level-meeting-with-nsa-ib-and-raw-chiefs-amid-kashmir-terror-threat-240663"> Chief Amit Shah </a>has issued guidelines to the party workers for the celebration of Independence Day.

Outlining that this will be the first Independence Day after the euphoric win of the party giving a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/narendra-modi-20-would-propel-affordable-housing-in-india-224832"> second term to Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>, Shah has directed workers that wide-scale cleanliness drives should be organised by all party units.

Party workers have been also directed that flag hoisting at all BJP units must be done after the culmination of Prime Minister Modi's address at the Red Fort and they should take a pledge to make India free of corruption, communalism, and casteism.

BJP chief has also directed the party workers to carry out cleanliness drive at the nearest memorial dedicated to freedom fighters and martyrs and also to honour their relatives.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief Amit Shah has issued guidelines to the party workers for the celebration of Independence Day. Outlining that this will be the first Independence Day after the euphoric win of the party giving a second term to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah has directed workers that wide-scale cleanliness drives should be organised by all party units.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief Amit Shah has issued guidelines to the party workers for the celebration of Independence Day. Outlining that this will be the first Independence Day after the euphoric win of the party giving a second term to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah has directed workers that wide-scale cleanliness drives should be organised by all party units. Party workers have been also directed that flag hoisting at all BJP units must be done after the culmination of Prime Minister Modi's address at the Red Fort and they should take a pledge to make India free of corruption, communalism, and casteism. BJP chief has also directed the party workers to carry out cleanliness drive at the nearest memorial dedicated to freedom fighters and martyrs and also to honour their relatives.

Cleanliness drives to be the core of Bharatiya Janata Party's Independence Day celebration, party issues guidelines

Home minister Amit Shah today announced in India's upper house of Parliament the Rajya Sabha that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-now-a-union-territory-ladakh-to-be-administered-from-delhi-as-ut-240769">Article 370 which gave special status</a> of Jammu and Kashmir would be scrapped.

The BJP-led government moved a resolution to scrap<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-revoked-from-jammu-and-kashmir-all-you-need-to-know-240772"> Article 370 of the Constitution</a> and convert the state into a &nbsp;Union Territory with a legislature. It included the Ladakh region which was to be taken out of the state and made into a Union Territory without a legislature.

Moving the resolution, Amit Shah Shah said, "There should not be a delay of even a second to removing Article 370 from the Constitution."

The resolution said the President, on the recommendation of the Parliament, is pleased to declare that, as from August 5, 2019, all clauses of the said article 370 shall cease to be operative except clause (1).

Watch what Home Minister Amit Shah said in Rajya Sabha

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"Further, keeping in view the prevailing internal security situation, fuelled by cross border terrorism in the existing State of Jammu and Kashmir, a separate Union Territory for Jammu and Kashmir is being created. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will be with legislature," the resoultion said.

Even as the Congress resisted the resolution, it was supported by the AIADMK and BSP. Former finance minister Arun Jaitley hailed the BJP government's decision asserting that a "historical wrong was undone".

"The decision of the government will help the people of J&amp;K the most," he added. Former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj called it a "bold and historic decision".

The notification also made clear that all the provisions of the Constitution as amended from time to time, shall apply in relation to the state of Jammu and Kashmir and the exceptions and modifications subject to which they shall so apply.&nbsp;

The state of Jammu and Kashmir will now be bifircated, according to the resolution.

It also added a clause (4) to Article 367 which said,"(4) For the purposes of this Constitution as it applies in relation to the State of Jammu and Kashmir -(a) references to this Constitution or to the provisions thereof shall be construed as references to the Constitution or the provisions thereof as applied in relation to the said State;(b) references to the person for the time being recognized by the President on the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly of the State as the Sadar-i-Riyasat of Jammu and Kashmir, acting on the advice of the Council of Ministers of the State for the time being in office, shall be construed as references to the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir; (c) references to the Government of the said State shall be construed as including references to the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir acting on the advice of his Council of Ministers; and (d) in proviso to clause (3) of Article 370 of this Constitution, the expression "Constituent Assembly of the State referred to in clause (2)" shall read "Legislative Assembly of the State"."

Amit Shah also moved a bill providing 10 per cent quota for economically weaker sections in Jammu and Kashmir.

As Article 370 was scrapped, the Indian Army and Air Force were put on high alert with the Centre set to move over 8,000 paramiltary troops to J&amp;K in view of the changed situation.

Home minister Amit Shah today announced in India's upper house of Parliament the Rajya Sabha that Article 370 which gave special status of Jammu and Kashmir would be scrapped.

Home minister Amit Shah today announced in India's upper house of Parliament the Rajya Sabha that Article 370 which gave special status of Jammu and Kashmir would be scrapped. The BJP-led government moved a resolution to scrap Article 370 of the Constitution and convert the state into a Union Territory with a legislature. It included the Ladakh region which was to be taken out of the state and made into a Union Territory without a legislature. Moving the resolution, Amit Shah Shah said, "There should not be a delay of even a second to removing Article 370 from the Constitution." The resolution said the President, on the recommendation of the Parliament, is pleased to declare that, as from August 5, 2019, all clauses of the said article 370 shall cease to be operative except clause (1). Watch what Home Minister Amit Shah said in Rajya Sabha "Further, keeping in view the prevailing internal security situation, fuelled by cross border terrorism in the existing State of Jammu and Kashmir, a separate Union Territory for Jammu and Kashmir is being created. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will be with legislature," the resoultion said. Even as the Congress resisted the resolution, it was supported by the AIADMK and BSP. Former finance minister Arun Jaitley hailed the BJP government's decision asserting that a "historical wrong was undone". "The decision of the government will help the people of J&K the most," he added. Former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj called it a "bold and historic decision". The notification also made clear that all the provisions of the Constitution as amended from time to time, shall apply in relation to the state of Jammu and Kashmir and the exceptions and modifications subject to which they shall so apply. The state of Jammu and Kashmir will now be bifircated, according to the resolution. It also added a clause (4) to Article 367 which said,"(4) For the purposes of this Constitution as it applies in relation to the State of Jammu and Kashmir -(a) references to this Constitution or to the provisions thereof shall be construed as references to the Constitution or the provisions thereof as applied in relation to the said State;(b) references to the person for the time being recognized by the President on the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly of the State as the Sadar-i-Riyasat of Jammu and Kashmir, acting on the advice of the Council of Ministers of the State for the time being in office, shall be construed as references to the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir; (c) references to the Government of the said State shall be construed as including references to the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir acting on the advice of his Council of Ministers; and (d) in proviso to clause (3) of Article 370 of this Constitution, the expression "Constituent Assembly of the State referred to in clause (2)" shall read "Legislative Assembly of the State"." Amit Shah also moved a bill providing 10 per cent quota for economically weaker sections in Jammu and Kashmir. As Article 370 was scrapped, the Indian Army and Air Force were put on high alert with the Centre set to move over 8,000 paramiltary troops to J&K in view of the changed situation.

Jammu and Kashmir to be bifurcated, Article 370 scrapped; more troops to be deployed

Government on Wednesday said that over 41 lakh people have been found ineligible for inclusion in the draft National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam.

"Over 40 lakh persons were not found eligible for inclusion in draft National Register of Citizens, in addition, over one lakh persons were subsequently found ineligible after they were originally included in draft NRC, " Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court had extended the deadline for the final publication of the NRC to August 31.&nbsp;

On July 19, Solicitor General (SG) and senior Supreme Court lawyer, Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and Assam Government, pleaded the Supreme Court to extend the July 31 deadline for finalisation of NRC in Assam.

Mehta told the SC, "There is a growing perception that lakhs of illegal migrants have been included in the NRC list in alleged collusion with local NRC officials in the state of Assam. Illegal immigrants have to be dealt severely. India cannot be the refugee capital of the world."

Last week, Union Minister Amit Shah had said that the government is determined to identify all the illegal immigrants and infiltrators living on every inch of this country and deport them as per the international law.

Responding to a supplementary query by Samajwadi Party member Javed Ali Khan in the Rajya Sabha, Shah said: "It is a very good question. The NRC is part of the Assam Accord and was also in (BJP's) election manifesto based on which the government has came to power. The government will identify illegal immigrants living on every inch of the country's soil and will deport them as per international law."&nbsp;

The NRC aims to separate "genuine" citizens from "illegal immigrants". The government has maintained that its intention is to ensure no illegal immigrant is registered under the NRC and no genuine citizen is left out of it.

(With inputs from agencies)

Government on Wednesday said that over 41 lakh people have been found ineligible for inclusion in the draft National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam. "Over 40 lakh persons were not found eligible for inclusion in draft National Register of Citizens, in addition, over one lakh persons were subsequently found ineligible after they were originally included in draft NRC, " Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.

Government on Wednesday said that over 41 lakh people have been found ineligible for inclusion in the draft National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam. "Over 40 lakh persons were not found eligible for inclusion in draft National Register of Citizens, in addition, over one lakh persons were subsequently found ineligible after they were originally included in draft NRC, " Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court had extended the deadline for the final publication of the NRC to August 31. On July 19, Solicitor General (SG) and senior Supreme Court lawyer, Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and Assam Government, pleaded the Supreme Court to extend the July 31 deadline for finalisation of NRC in Assam. Mehta told the SC, "There is a growing perception that lakhs of illegal migrants have been included in the NRC list in alleged collusion with local NRC officials in the state of Assam. Illegal immigrants have to be dealt severely. India cannot be the refugee capital of the world." Last week, Union Minister Amit Shah had said that the government is determined to identify all the illegal immigrants and infiltrators living on every inch of this country and deport them as per the international law. Responding to a supplementary query by Samajwadi Party member Javed Ali Khan in the Rajya Sabha, Shah said: "It is a very good question. The NRC is part of the Assam Accord and was also in (BJP's) election manifesto based on which the government has came to power. The government will identify illegal immigrants living on every inch of the country's soil and will deport them as per international law." The NRC aims to separate "genuine" citizens from "illegal immigrants". The government has maintained that its intention is to ensure no illegal immigrant is registered under the NRC and no genuine citizen is left out of it. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 41 lakh found ineligible under draft NRC: Government informs Rajya Sabha

The Lok Sabha on Monday has passed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

Speaker Om Birla said the bill had been passed with 278 members voting in its favour and six against it.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, ''Repealing POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) was not a right step, the number of terrorists incidents increased so much between 2004-2008 that the then UPA government had to bring in NIA. It was after Mumbai attack that it was decided to form NIA.''

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Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha, today: Repealing POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) wasn't a right step, number of terrorists incidents increased so much between 2004-2008 that the then UPA govt had to bring in NIA. It was after Mumbai attack that it was decided to form NIA <a href="https://t.co/EGtpH7v4Uw">pic.twitter.com/EGtpH7v4Uw</a>
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During the discussion in Lok Sabha regarding NIA Bill, Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said that terrorism is a dangerous problem and senior leaders have been victims and that the terrorists outside India had been making efforts to target India.

NIA probes have yielded good results and out of the 272 cases registered, judgment has been delivered in 52 cases, while there is a conviction in 46 other cases, Reddy further added.

The Bill also seeks to strengthen powers of NIA in cases involving explosives and the responsibility in cases of human trafficking will be given to the investigation agency, Reddy said.

The NIA was set up in 2009 in the wake of the Mumbai terror attack which had claimed 166 lives.&nbsp;

The Lok Sabha on Monday has passed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) (Amendment) Bill, 2019. Speaker Om Birla said the bill had been passed with 278 members voting in its favour and six against it.

The Lok Sabha on Monday has passed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) (Amendment) Bill, 2019. Speaker Om Birla said the bill had been passed with 278 members voting in its favour and six against it. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, ''Repealing POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) was not a right step, the number of terrorists incidents increased so much between 2004-2008 that the then UPA government had to bring in NIA. It was after Mumbai attack that it was decided to form NIA.'' Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha, today: Repealing POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) wasn't a right step, number of terrorists incidents increased so much between 2004-2008 that the then UPA govt had to bring in NIA. It was after Mumbai attack that it was decided to form NIA pic.twitter.com/EGtpH7v4Uw — ANI (@ANI) July 15, 2019 × During the discussion in Lok Sabha regarding NIA Bill, Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said that terrorism is a dangerous problem and senior leaders have been victims and that the terrorists outside India had been making efforts to target India. NIA probes have yielded good results and out of the 272 cases registered, judgment has been delivered in 52 cases, while there is a conviction in 46 other cases, Reddy further added. The Bill also seeks to strengthen powers of NIA in cases involving explosives and the responsibility in cases of human trafficking will be given to the investigation agency, Reddy said. The NIA was set up in 2009 in the wake of the Mumbai terror attack which had claimed 166 lives.

Lok Sabha passes National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jp-nadda-appointed-working-president-of-bjp-228080">newly appointed working president</a> Jagat Prakash Nadda on Monday said that he will work to strengthen the party as its worker.

Nadda also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for showing faith in him.

Nadda tweeted, ''Respected Prime Minister' gratitude to the conscience of the heart. Under your guidance, we will take the party's policies and government plans to the last man. Your personality and leadership have given the party public support, I will try to strengthen it as an activist.''

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आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री जी ह्रदय के अंत:करण से आभार। आपके मार्गदर्शन मे हम पार्टी की नीतियों और सरकार की योजनाओं को अंतिम पायदान पर खड़े व्यक्ति तक ले जाएँगे। आपके व्यक्तित्व और नेतृत्व से पार्टी को जनसमर्थन मिला है, मैं कार्यकर्ता के रूप में उसको मज़बूती प्रदान करने की कोशिश करूँगा। <a href="https://t.co/NGlLHbAu12">https://t.co/NGlLHbAu12</a>
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda/status/1140673132103176192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Nadda also tweeted out to Amit Shah saying, ''Respected Chairman, Mr Mr You @amitshah and the party have expressed my faith in me. The way you have elevated the party to new heights is exemplary. This is how I will continue to serve the party. Thank you again.''

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आदरणीय अध्यक्ष श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@amitshah</a> जी आपने और पार्टी ने जो विश्वास मुझ पर व्यक्त किया है उसके लिए मैं ह्रदय से आभारी हूँ। आपने जिस प्रकार पार्टी को नित नई ऊँचाइयों पर पहुँचाया है, वह अनुकरणीय है। मैं इसी प्रकार पार्टी की सेवा करता रहूँगा। 
आपका पुनः आभार। <a href="https://t.co/suw0SRysyv">https://t.co/suw0SRysyv</a>
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda/status/1140674602647064579?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Former Union minister was appointed as BJP's working president during the party's parliamentary board meeting on Monday.

The decision by BJP's highest decision-making body was announced by former party president and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh after the meeting, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah.

Amit Shah will continue to be BJP's national president.

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) newly appointed working president Jagat Prakash Nadda on Monday said that he will work to strengthen the party as its worker. Nadda also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for showing faith in him.

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) newly appointed working president Jagat Prakash Nadda on Monday said that he will work to strengthen the party as its worker. Nadda also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for showing faith in him. Nadda tweeted, ''Respected Prime Minister' gratitude to the conscience of the heart. Under your guidance, we will take the party's policies and government plans to the last man. Your personality and leadership have given the party public support, I will try to strengthen it as an activist.'' आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री जी ह्रदय के अंत:करण से आभार। आपके मार्गदर्शन मे हम पार्टी की नीतियों और सरकार की योजनाओं को अंतिम पायदान पर खड़े व्यक्ति तक ले जाएँगे। आपके व्यक्तित्व और नेतृत्व से पार्टी को जनसमर्थन मिला है, मैं कार्यकर्ता के रूप में उसको मज़बूती प्रदान करने की कोशिश करूँगा। https://t.co/NGlLHbAu12 — Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) June 17, 2019 × Nadda also tweeted out to Amit Shah saying, ''Respected Chairman, Mr Mr You @amitshah and the party have expressed my faith in me. The way you have elevated the party to new heights is exemplary. This is how I will continue to serve the party. Thank you again.'' आदरणीय अध्यक्ष श्री @amitshah जी आपने और पार्टी ने जो विश्वास मुझ पर व्यक्त किया है उसके लिए मैं ह्रदय से आभारी हूँ। आपने जिस प्रकार पार्टी को नित नई ऊँचाइयों पर पहुँचाया है, वह अनुकरणीय है। मैं इसी प्रकार पार्टी की सेवा करता रहूँगा। आपका पुनः आभार। https://t.co/suw0SRysyv — Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) June 17, 2019 × Former Union minister was appointed as BJP's working president during the party's parliamentary board meeting on Monday. The decision by BJP's highest decision-making body was announced by former party president and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh after the meeting, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah. Amit Shah will continue to be BJP's national president.

Will try to strengthen party as an activist: BJP's working president JP Nadda

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday met Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and discussed with them various issues concerning the state.

During the 15-minute meeting with the home minister, the chief minister briefed him about the prevailing situation in Assam, where the final list of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) will be published on July 31.

"It was a courtesy call and I have congratulated him on behalf of the people for being chosen as the home minister of the country. I have also briefed him about the prevailing law and order situation in Assam," he told reporters after the meeting with Shah.

Sonowal is also believed to have discussed with Shah about the situation which may arise after the publication of the final list of the NRC.

During his meeting with the defence minister, the chief minister discussed with him certain issues concerning Assam. 
 
&nbsp;

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday met Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and discussed with them various issues concerning the state.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday met Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and discussed with them various issues concerning the state. During the 15-minute meeting with the home minister, the chief minister briefed him about the prevailing situation in Assam, where the final list of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) will be published on July 31. "It was a courtesy call and I have congratulated him on behalf of the people for being chosen as the home minister of the country. I have also briefed him about the prevailing law and order situation in Assam," he told reporters after the meeting with Shah. Sonowal is also believed to have discussed with Shah about the situation which may arise after the publication of the final list of the NRC. During his meeting with the defence minister, the chief minister discussed with him certain issues concerning Assam.

Sarbananda Sonowal meets Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, discusses Assam situation

BJP national president Amit Shah has rebutted Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's charge that he is an "outsider" in West Bengal and said he has come to the state to campaign for his party.

Shah wondered if he is called an outsider for coming to West Bengal, "which is very much a part of India", then why not Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee be labelled as an "outsider" when she visits New Delhi?

The BJP leader was addressing a meet of intellectuals in the city on Tuesday.

"I am president of a national party and I am here to campaign for my party. I am being called an outsider for coming to West Bengal. What kind of statement is this? If a person from West Bengal goes to Mumbai or Bengaluru, will he be called an outsider? When Mamata didi goes to Delhi will she be called an outsider?" Shah asked.

Shah's remarks came following Banerjee's repeated allegations about Shah being an "outsider" who comes to the state to "create division" among the people.

"If the BJP wins the assembly polls in West Bengal, a Bengali will be the chief minister. Neither I nor Kailash Vijayvargia will be the CM," Shah said.

Vijayvargiya, who hails from Madhya Pradesh, is the BJP's national general secretary, who is in charge of the saffron party in West Bengal.

Shah also criticized a section of the media for blaming BJP workers for Tuesday's violence during his roadshow in north Kolkata.

"A section of media is presenting it in such a way as if we started the clash. The news should be that TMC goons attacked the convoy. But a section of news organisations are trying to paint it in a different way," Shah said.

BJP and TMC supporters Tuesday fought pitched battles on the streets of Kolkata during a massive roadshow by Shah, who escaped unhurt but was forced to cut short the jamboree and had to be escorted to safety by police.&nbsp;

BJP national president Amit Shah has rebutted Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's charge that he is an "outsider" in West Bengal and said he has come to the state to campaign for his party.

BJP national president Amit Shah has rebutted Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's charge that he is an "outsider" in West Bengal and said he has come to the state to campaign for his party. Shah wondered if he is called an outsider for coming to West Bengal, "which is very much a part of India", then why not Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee be labelled as an "outsider" when she visits New Delhi? The BJP leader was addressing a meet of intellectuals in the city on Tuesday. "I am president of a national party and I am here to campaign for my party. I am being called an outsider for coming to West Bengal. What kind of statement is this? If a person from West Bengal goes to Mumbai or Bengaluru, will he be called an outsider? When Mamata didi goes to Delhi will she be called an outsider?" Shah asked. Shah's remarks came following Banerjee's repeated allegations about Shah being an "outsider" who comes to the state to "create division" among the people. "If the BJP wins the assembly polls in West Bengal, a Bengali will be the chief minister. Neither I nor Kailash Vijayvargia will be the CM," Shah said. Vijayvargiya, who hails from Madhya Pradesh, is the BJP's national general secretary, who is in charge of the saffron party in West Bengal. Shah also criticized a section of the media for blaming BJP workers for Tuesday's violence during his roadshow in north Kolkata. "A section of media is presenting it in such a way as if we started the clash. The news should be that TMC goons attacked the convoy. But a section of news organisations are trying to paint it in a different way," Shah said. BJP and TMC supporters Tuesday fought pitched battles on the streets of Kolkata during a massive roadshow by Shah, who escaped unhurt but was forced to cut short the jamboree and had to be escorted to safety by police.

I am not an outsider; have come here to campaign for BJP: Amit Shah

Telangana Congress leader Sudhakara Reddy joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday.

Reddy joined BJP in the presence of party president Amit Shah. He had resigned from Congress party on Sunday.

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Delhi: P. Sudhakara Reddy joins Bharatiya Janata Party in the presence of BJP president Amit Shah. He had resigned from Congress party earlier today. <a href="https://t.co/Bgcr0rH1o5">pic.twitter.com/Bgcr0rH1o5</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1112401509998829570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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''I have officially joined the BJP today. Tomorrow, I will take part in PM Narendra Modi's rally in Hyderabad,'' said Reddy after joining BJP.

Commenting on the development, BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav said he (Sudhakara Reddy) has been a senior leader of the Congress party. Today, he has joined BJP and has decided to work under the leadership of Modiji, he added.&nbsp;

His joining BJP will strengthen the party in Telangana, Madhav noted.

Telangana Congress leader Sudhakara Reddy joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday. Reddy joined BJP in the presence of party president Amit Shah. He had resigned from Congress party on Sunday.

Telangana Congress leader Sudhakara Reddy joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday. Reddy joined BJP in the presence of party president Amit Shah. He had resigned from Congress party on Sunday. Delhi: P. Sudhakara Reddy joins Bharatiya Janata Party in the presence of BJP president Amit Shah. He had resigned from Congress party earlier today. pic.twitter.com/Bgcr0rH1o5 — ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2019 × ''I have officially joined the BJP today. Tomorrow, I will take part in PM Narendra Modi's rally in Hyderabad,'' said Reddy after joining BJP. Commenting on the development, BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav said he (Sudhakara Reddy) has been a senior leader of the Congress party. Today, he has joined BJP and has decided to work under the leadership of Modiji, he added. His joining BJP will strengthen the party in Telangana, Madhav noted.

Telangana Congress leader Sudhakara Reddy joins BJP

BJP President Amit Shah slams Congress over Pitroda's remarks on Balakot airstrike

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday finalised the seat-sharing agreement with the Apna Dal (Sonelal), which will contest in two Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh.

BJP president Amit Shah announced the agreement on Twitter, saying that Apna Dal (S) leader and Union minister Anupriya Patel would again contest from Mirzapur.

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“फिर एक बार-मोदी सरकार” के संकल्प के साथ ‘भाजपा-अपना दल’ गठबंधन उत्तरप्रदेश में लोकसभा चुनाव साथ-साथ लडेगा। 
 
अपना दल प्रदेश की दो सीटों पर चुनाव लडेगा, जिसमे श्रीमती <a href="https://twitter.com/AnupriyaSPatel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnupriyaSPatel</a> जी मिर्जापुर से चुनाव लड़ेंगी और दूसरी सीट पर दोनों दलों के नेता बैठकर चर्चा करेंगे। <a href="https://t.co/kBbuAyBs7m">pic.twitter.com/kBbuAyBs7m</a>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1106495389106999296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Shah said the second seat would be finalised later after deliberations between leaders of both the parties.

With the resolve of again forming the Modi government at the Centre, the BJP and the Apna Dal (S) will contest the Lok Sabha election in Uttar Pradesh together, Shah said.&nbsp;

Apna Dal (S) was upset and has been expressing their apprehensions about staying in the National Democratic Alliance, but was finally convinced by the BJP for two seats.

In the 2014 general election, the Apna Dal had won two seats and the BJP had won 71 seats in UP, which has 80 Lok Sabha constituencies. PTI

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday finalised the seat-sharing agreement with the Apna Dal (Sonelal), which will contest in two Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday finalised the seat-sharing agreement with the Apna Dal (Sonelal), which will contest in two Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh. BJP president Amit Shah announced the agreement on Twitter, saying that Apna Dal (S) leader and Union minister Anupriya Patel would again contest from Mirzapur. “फिर एक बार-मोदी सरकार” के संकल्प के साथ ‘भाजपा-अपना दल’ गठबंधन उत्तरप्रदेश में लोकसभा चुनाव साथ-साथ लडेगा। अपना दल प्रदेश की दो सीटों पर चुनाव लडेगा, जिसमे श्रीमती @AnupriyaSPatel जी मिर्जापुर से चुनाव लड़ेंगी और दूसरी सीट पर दोनों दलों के नेता बैठकर चर्चा करेंगे। pic.twitter.com/kBbuAyBs7m — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 15, 2019 × Shah said the second seat would be finalised later after deliberations between leaders of both the parties. With the resolve of again forming the Modi government at the Centre, the BJP and the Apna Dal (S) will contest the Lok Sabha election in Uttar Pradesh together, Shah said. Apna Dal (S) was upset and has been expressing their apprehensions about staying in the National Democratic Alliance, but was finally convinced by the BJP for two seats. In the 2014 general election, the Apna Dal had won two seats and the BJP had won 71 seats in UP, which has 80 Lok Sabha constituencies. PTI

Lok Sabha polls: BJP seals alliance with Apna Dal (S), give 2 seats

High Court allows BJP Rath Yatra in West Bengal

In a bid to counter BJP chief Amit Shah's 'rath yatras' in Bengal ahead of next year's Lok Sabha polls, opposition Congress and the CPI(M) have decided to take up mass contact programmes and 'padayatras' (foot marches) in the state.

The ruling TMC, however, refused to attach any importance to either Shah's rath yatras or events organised by the opposition, saying people of the state were firmly with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The BJP, which is trying to make inroads in Bengal, stood second to the Trinamool Congress in the local body polls held recently. The saffron party has emerged as the principle challenger to TMC, leaving its two traditional rivals -- the Congress and CPI(M) -- fuming.

The state Congress, on its part, has decided to launch 'Jan Samparak Abhiyan' (mass contact) programme across the state, as part of a nationwide initiative, likely from the end of next month, party sources said.

The CPI(M) leadership under the banner of its farmer wing - Kisan Sabha - has announced three foot marches from Singur in Hoogly district, Coochbehar district and Farakka in Murshidabad district, sources in the party said.

According to the sources in both parties, these programmes will clash with the timing of the three rath yatras of Shah in the state from December 5-9, and are aimed at countering it.&nbsp;

West Bengal Congress president Somen Mitra said the 'Jan Samparak Abhiyan' is targeted at reaching out to the masses with the objectives of the party and highlight the "corruption, communal politics and misrule" of the Narendra Modi government.

"In every district, blocks and booths of the state, our party workers will reach out to the masses and communicate our vision. We will also raise a donation of Rs 2 to Rs 5 from every household for the party. Through these activities, we will strengthen our party organisation," Mitra told PTI.

Asked whether the outreach programmes are aimed at countering Shah's rath yatras, Mitra said, "Our programme is part of a nationwide campaign of AICC. We are not competing with anyone, but yes, the Congress will oppose any sort of communal or divisive politics of the BJP and during our mass contact programme, we will speak out against it".&nbsp;

CPI(M) politburo member and Kisan Sabha general secretary Hannan Mollah said apart from various issues related to farmers, including the land policy of the TMC government, the party will propagate against the communal politics of the BJP.

"It is obvious that when the CPI(M) is organising a programme, we will speak out against communal politics and will advocate in favour of unity of masses to defeat the BJP and divisive forces. During our padayatras too, we will do the same," Mollah told PTI.

"It is also obvious that Amit Shah during his rath yatras will try to create communal polarisation in the state in order to reap benefits in the Lok Sabha polls. We will fight tooth and nail against it," he said, adding, the first foot march will start from Singur on November 28.

CPI(M) state committee member and state secretary, Kisan Sabha, Amal Haldar said the party will emphasise on issues relating to farmers.

"We will highlight the anti-farmer policies of the state and central governments. Farmers' distress, agricultural loans and lies of the TMC government regarding the issue of Singur and its land policy will be raised during our programmes," Haldar said, and claimed that the campaigns are not aimed at the rath yatras of the BJP.

Reacting to the proposed mass contact programmes, BJP Bengal president Dilip Ghosh said both the parties were "spent force" in state politics, and people were looking up to the saffron party to fight against the misrule of the TMC government.

"We are not bothered about what the Congress and the CPI(M) are planning. In the last panchayat polls and several by-elections, it has been proved that the BJP is the only alternative to the TMC in Bengal," Ghosh told PTI.

TMC secretary-general Partha Chatterjee said neither the rath yatras of the BJP nor the outreach programmes of the Congress and the CPI(M) would yield any result, as the people of Bengal stand together with the CM.

The BJP chief will kick-off his rath yatra in Bengal, starting December 5, from the temple town of Tarapith in Birbhum district. The yatras will cover all the 42 Lok Sabha constituencies of the state.

The second and third rath yatras will start from Coochbehar district in north Bengal and Gangasagar in south Bengal on December 7 and 9, respectively. Each rath yatra will cover 14 Lok Sabha constituencies.

The tableau of these rath yatras will stop at various places for public meetings and interactions. The three yatras will span across 40 days, and will be followed by a massive rally in Kolkata at the end of January or the beginning of February.

Shah has set a target of winning 22 seats from Bengal in the next Lok Sabha polls. The party presently has two Lok Sabha seats -- Asansol and Darjeeling.

The CPI(M) and the Congress at present have two and four Lok Sabha seats, respectively, in the state.&nbsp;

In a bid to counter BJP chief Amit Shah's 'rath yatras' in Bengal ahead of next year's Lok Sabha polls, opposition Congress and the CPI(M) have decided to take up mass contact programmes and 'padayatras' (foot marches) in the state.

In a bid to counter BJP chief Amit Shah's 'rath yatras' in Bengal ahead of next year's Lok Sabha polls, opposition Congress and the CPI(M) have decided to take up mass contact programmes and 'padayatras' (foot marches) in the state. The ruling TMC, however, refused to attach any importance to either Shah's rath yatras or events organised by the opposition, saying people of the state were firmly with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The BJP, which is trying to make inroads in Bengal, stood second to the Trinamool Congress in the local body polls held recently. The saffron party has emerged as the principle challenger to TMC, leaving its two traditional rivals -- the Congress and CPI(M) -- fuming. The state Congress, on its part, has decided to launch 'Jan Samparak Abhiyan' (mass contact) programme across the state, as part of a nationwide initiative, likely from the end of next month, party sources said. The CPI(M) leadership under the banner of its farmer wing - Kisan Sabha - has announced three foot marches from Singur in Hoogly district, Coochbehar district and Farakka in Murshidabad district, sources in the party said. According to the sources in both parties, these programmes will clash with the timing of the three rath yatras of Shah in the state from December 5-9, and are aimed at countering it. West Bengal Congress president Somen Mitra said the 'Jan Samparak Abhiyan' is targeted at reaching out to the masses with the objectives of the party and highlight the "corruption, communal politics and misrule" of the Narendra Modi government. "In every district, blocks and booths of the state, our party workers will reach out to the masses and communicate our vision. We will also raise a donation of Rs 2 to Rs 5 from every household for the party. Through these activities, we will strengthen our party organisation," Mitra told PTI. Asked whether the outreach programmes are aimed at countering Shah's rath yatras, Mitra said, "Our programme is part of a nationwide campaign of AICC. We are not competing with anyone, but yes, the Congress will oppose any sort of communal or divisive politics of the BJP and during our mass contact programme, we will speak out against it". CPI(M) politburo member and Kisan Sabha general secretary Hannan Mollah said apart from various issues related to farmers, including the land policy of the TMC government, the party will propagate against the communal politics of the BJP. "It is obvious that when the CPI(M) is organising a programme, we will speak out against communal politics and will advocate in favour of unity of masses to defeat the BJP and divisive forces. During our padayatras too, we will do the same," Mollah told PTI. "It is also obvious that Amit Shah during his rath yatras will try to create communal polarisation in the state in order to reap benefits in the Lok Sabha polls. We will fight tooth and nail against it," he said, adding, the first foot march will start from Singur on November 28. CPI(M) state committee member and state secretary, Kisan Sabha, Amal Haldar said the party will emphasise on issues relating to farmers. "We will highlight the anti-farmer policies of the state and central governments. Farmers' distress, agricultural loans and lies of the TMC government regarding the issue of Singur and its land policy will be raised during our programmes," Haldar said, and claimed that the campaigns are not aimed at the rath yatras of the BJP. Reacting to the proposed mass contact programmes, BJP Bengal president Dilip Ghosh said both the parties were "spent force" in state politics, and people were looking up to the saffron party to fight against the misrule of the TMC government. "We are not bothered about what the Congress and the CPI(M) are planning. In the last panchayat polls and several by-elections, it has been proved that the BJP is the only alternative to the TMC in Bengal," Ghosh told PTI. TMC secretary-general Partha Chatterjee said neither the rath yatras of the BJP nor the outreach programmes of the Congress and the CPI(M) would yield any result, as the people of Bengal stand together with the CM. The BJP chief will kick-off his rath yatra in Bengal, starting December 5, from the temple town of Tarapith in Birbhum district. The yatras will cover all the 42 Lok Sabha constituencies of the state. The second and third rath yatras will start from Coochbehar district in north Bengal and Gangasagar in south Bengal on December 7 and 9, respectively. Each rath yatra will cover 14 Lok Sabha constituencies. The tableau of these rath yatras will stop at various places for public meetings and interactions. The three yatras will span across 40 days, and will be followed by a massive rally in Kolkata at the end of January or the beginning of February. Shah has set a target of winning 22 seats from Bengal in the next Lok Sabha polls. The party presently has two Lok Sabha seats -- Asansol and Darjeeling. The CPI(M) and the Congress at present have two and four Lok Sabha seats, respectively, in the state.

CPI(M), Congress aim to counter Amit Shah's Bengal rath yatras

Attacking the rival Congress, BSP and SP in a rally at Madhya Pradesh on Sunday,&nbsp;BJP chief Amit Shah said that the infiltrators are vote banks for the opposition while it was an issue of national security for them (BJP).

"40 Lakh infiltrators were identified and as soon as it happened, right from 'Diggi Raja' to 'Rahul Baba', all of them started making noises in Parliament. For Congress, SP and BSP infiltrators are vote banks, for BJP they are an issue of national security", Shah said&nbsp;in Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh.

He further said that it was his party's responsibility to get victory in Madhya Pradesh.

"It is our responsibility to get such a victory in Madhya Pradesh that right after 2019, for the next 50 years, BJP's flag keeps flying high from Panchayat to Parliament, " Shah said.

"It is possible only in this party that someone born in a poor household, a poor tea-seller's son with no political background becomes the Prime Minister of the largest democracy of the world, " he added.

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40 Lakh infiltrators were identified &amp; as soon as it happened, right from 'Diggi Raja' to 'Rahul Baba', all of them started making noises in Parliament. For Congress, SP &amp; BSP infiltrators are vote banks, for BJP they are an issue of national security: BJP President Amit Shah <a href="https://t.co/3wcCiYLUHz">pic.twitter.com/3wcCiYLUHz</a>
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The state is scheduled to go for assembly polls on November 28 this year.

Attacking the rival Congress, BSP and SP in a rally at Madhya Pradesh on Sunday, BJP chief Amit Shah said that the infiltrators are vote banks for the opposition while it was an issue of national security for them (BJP).

Attacking the rival Congress, BSP and SP in a rally at Madhya Pradesh on Sunday, BJP chief Amit Shah said that the infiltrators are vote banks for the opposition while it was an issue of national security for them (BJP). "40 Lakh infiltrators were identified and as soon as it happened, right from 'Diggi Raja' to 'Rahul Baba', all of them started making noises in Parliament. For Congress, SP and BSP infiltrators are vote banks, for BJP they are an issue of national security", Shah said in Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh. He further said that it was his party's responsibility to get victory in Madhya Pradesh. "It is our responsibility to get such a victory in Madhya Pradesh that right after 2019, for the next 50 years, BJP's flag keeps flying high from Panchayat to Parliament, " Shah said. "It is possible only in this party that someone born in a poor household, a poor tea-seller's son with no political background becomes the Prime Minister of the largest democracy of the world, " he added. 40 Lakh infiltrators were identified & as soon as it happened, right from 'Diggi Raja' to 'Rahul Baba', all of them started making noises in Parliament. For Congress, SP & BSP infiltrators are vote banks, for BJP they are an issue of national security: BJP President Amit Shah pic.twitter.com/3wcCiYLUHz — ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2018 × The state is scheduled to go for assembly polls on November 28 this year.

Infiltrators are vote banks for opposition: Amit Shah in Madhya Pradesh

In a major setback to the opposition Congress in poll-bound Chhattisgarh, its state working president and MLA Ramdayal Uike Saturday joined the ruling BJP.

Uike, who represents Pali-Tanakhar constituency, joined the BJP in the presence of the party chief Amit Shah and Chief Minister Raman Singh in Bilaspur district headquarter.

Uike, considered a popular tribal leader in Bilaspur division, said he was feeling suffocated in the Congress as Scheduled Tribes (ST) leaders were being neglected by the party leadership.

In a press conference held in Bilaspur in the presence of the chief minister as well BJP state unit president Dharamlal Kaushik, he announced that he joined the BJP.

"I had been feeling suffocated in Congress for the last several years. Congress has diverted from its ideology and principles. The CD politics of Congress has tarnished its image. State Congress chief Bhupesh Baghel has maligned the image of the party by encouraging the obscene CD politics," he said.

Uike was apparently referring to a case of circulation of a 'sex CD' purportedly featuring a state minister, in which Baghel was named as one of the five accused.

He further said his party high command did not pay attention to his demand to remove Baghel from the post of state unit president.

"Congress has neglected the interests of tribals, backward and poor people and I was pained over it as I represent a tribal region.

"CM Raman Singh has been making efforts for overall development of tribals and backward people and his development oriented policies have impressed me to rejoin my home party," he said.

Uike, who had quit the BJP and joined the Congress in 2000, described his return to the ruling party as "ghar wapsi".

When asked about contesting elections, he said he will follow the directions of the party leadership in this regard.

Reacting to the development, Congress dubbed Uike as an "opportunist" and said his decision will not harm the opposition party.

"Uike has gone back to BJP, which he had left earlier for opportunistic reasons. He has again proved that he is an opportunist," Congress state communication wing chief Shailesh Nitin Trivedi told PTI.

"His decision is not going to harm Congress in any way as history is witness that the party in which Uike was there it had never won. In fact we are thankful to Uike that he has left our party and ensured victory to us," Trivedi said.

After the formation of Chhattisgarh in 2000, Uike who was a BJP MLA from Marwahi seat had joined Congress and vacated his seat to facilitate the entry of Ajit Jogi into the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly after he was sworn-in as first Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh.

According to BJP sources, Uike was not happy after he was ousted from the Congress screening committee and since then he had been in touch with ruling party leadership.

The BJP may field Uike either from Marwahi or Pali Tanakhar - the ST reserved seats, both considered as his stronghold.

In the state, eighteen naxal-affected constituencies will go to polls in the first phase on November 12, while the rest of the 72 constituencies would go to polls in the second phase on November 20.

In a major setback to the opposition Congress in poll-bound Chhattisgarh, its state working president and MLA Ramdayal Uike Saturday joined the ruling BJP. Uike, who represents Pali-Tanakhar constituency, joined the BJP in the presence of the party chief Amit Shah and Chief Minister Raman Singh in Bilaspur district headquarter.

In a major setback to the opposition Congress in poll-bound Chhattisgarh, its state working president and MLA Ramdayal Uike Saturday joined the ruling BJP. Uike, who represents Pali-Tanakhar constituency, joined the BJP in the presence of the party chief Amit Shah and Chief Minister Raman Singh in Bilaspur district headquarter. Uike, considered a popular tribal leader in Bilaspur division, said he was feeling suffocated in the Congress as Scheduled Tribes (ST) leaders were being neglected by the party leadership. In a press conference held in Bilaspur in the presence of the chief minister as well BJP state unit president Dharamlal Kaushik, he announced that he joined the BJP. "I had been feeling suffocated in Congress for the last several years. Congress has diverted from its ideology and principles. The CD politics of Congress has tarnished its image. State Congress chief Bhupesh Baghel has maligned the image of the party by encouraging the obscene CD politics," he said. Uike was apparently referring to a case of circulation of a 'sex CD' purportedly featuring a state minister, in which Baghel was named as one of the five accused. He further said his party high command did not pay attention to his demand to remove Baghel from the post of state unit president. "Congress has neglected the interests of tribals, backward and poor people and I was pained over it as I represent a tribal region. "CM Raman Singh has been making efforts for overall development of tribals and backward people and his development oriented policies have impressed me to rejoin my home party," he said. Uike, who had quit the BJP and joined the Congress in 2000, described his return to the ruling party as "ghar wapsi". When asked about contesting elections, he said he will follow the directions of the party leadership in this regard. Reacting to the development, Congress dubbed Uike as an "opportunist" and said his decision will not harm the opposition party. "Uike has gone back to BJP, which he had left earlier for opportunistic reasons. He has again proved that he is an opportunist," Congress state communication wing chief Shailesh Nitin Trivedi told PTI. "His decision is not going to harm Congress in any way as history is witness that the party in which Uike was there it had never won. In fact we are thankful to Uike that he has left our party and ensured victory to us," Trivedi said. After the formation of Chhattisgarh in 2000, Uike who was a BJP MLA from Marwahi seat had joined Congress and vacated his seat to facilitate the entry of Ajit Jogi into the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly after he was sworn-in as first Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. According to BJP sources, Uike was not happy after he was ousted from the Congress screening committee and since then he had been in touch with ruling party leadership. The BJP may field Uike either from Marwahi or Pali Tanakhar - the ST reserved seats, both considered as his stronghold. In the state, eighteen naxal-affected constituencies will go to polls in the first phase on November 12, while the rest of the 72 constituencies would go to polls in the second phase on November 20.

Ahead of elections in Chhattisgarh, Congress MLA joins ruling BJP

"If the punishable crime is damaging the BJP's image, then perhaps it is the party's Tamil Nadu chief Tamilisai Soundararajan who should have been arrested, not Sofia. In terms of wreaking havoc on the BJP, Sofia cannot achieve in a lifetime what Tamilisai managed in mere moments," tweeted Ramon Magsaysay award recipient and veteran journalist P Sainath moments after a controversy erupted following 28-year-old Sofia studying in Canada shouted “fascist BJP government down, down” on board a flight in the presence of Soundararajan.

Sofia was sent to 15-day judicial custody after Soundararajan&nbsp;filed a complaint against her. However,&nbsp;She was later granted bail.&nbsp;

BJP’s swagger becomes a whimper as they set foot in Tamil Nadu. Though BJP claimed time and again that Karnataka is its gateway to South India, the party has so far failed to draw any inspiration from its success there to breach the other regional parties' citadel in four southern states. &nbsp;

Following the issues like Cauvery and NEET, BJP's image has taken a beating in TN. Not to mention Modi's alleged highhandedness in AIADMK refusing memorial for Karunanidhi in Marina. An anti-Modi wave swept across the state after Modi dilly-dallied constituting Cauvery Management Board (CMB) with his eyes firmly set on Karnataka elections. The issue snowballed into a major controversy which put the BJP in a tight spot.&nbsp;

Hundreds of ‘Modi Go Back’ black balloons were released into the Chennai’s skies and black flags were hoisted at the houses against Modi for failing to constitute CMB. Modi arrived at the Chennai airport from New Delhi and took a helicopter to reach the venue of the DefExpo 2018 on the Chennai outskirts.&nbsp;

Unlike in other states, where BJP’s strategies won, Tamil Nadu has always been a ''land of embarrassment'' for the party. BJP, as a party, yet gain a toe-hold in the state, let alone making inroads. Not the least, BJP's state unit has been anything but catastrophe.&nbsp;

Last year, the state unit of BJP drew much flak when it demanded that dialogues in a Tamil film Mersal that criticized demonetisation and GST be censored. The national secretary of the party H. Raja went on to give a communal twist to the issue by pointing to the actor’s Christian faith, attracting a heavy backlash on social media. He even posted the voter ID of the actor on Twitter with his full name Joseph Vijay and captioned it “Truth is Bitter.”

In response, social media filled with ‘IAmJoseph’ and ‘ILoveJosephVijay’ hashtags, putting the BJP on the backfoot.

The BJP opened its account in the Tamil Nadu Assembly in 2001 by winning four seats in an alliance with DMK. However, the party drew a blank in every Lok Sabha and Assembly election held till 2014 when it bagged one seat with the rainbow alliance formed with some lightweight parties.&nbsp;

The alliance disintegrated in 2016 during assembly elections.&nbsp;

Unlike 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP will find it very tough to cobble up an alliance in the state. Party president Amit Shah during a visit to Chennai in July said that the party would announce an alliance by October 2018 &nbsp;even as the social media was abuzz with hashtags like #GoBackAmitShah.&nbsp;

Around the time of toppling of statues of several leaders in various parts of the country post the BJP's victory in Tripura, a &nbsp;post from Tamil Nadu BJP leader H. Raja’s verified Facebook page said: “Who is Lenin? What is the relevance he holds in India? What is the link between communism and India? Lenin’s statues were destroyed in Tripura, tomorrow, in Tamil Nadu, casteist Periyar’s statues will be destroyed.”

The post received huge online backlash, after which it disappeared from the BJP leader’s page.&nbsp;

Following the demise of J Jayalalithaa, the AIADMK-BJP made no secret of their intimacy. &nbsp;Having said that, Edappadi K. Palaniswami is hugely unpopular among the people of the state. A tie-up between BJP and AIADMK may prove to be detrimental for both the parties. But given the political scenario in the state, no party wants to have a tie-up with the BJP which may result in two unpopular parties in the state -- AIADMK and BJP -- coming together. &nbsp;

BJP's communal and divisive politics cut no ice with the people of Tamil Nadu. As long as BJP replicates the strategy it advocates in other parts of the country in Tamil Nadu, it would remain an outcast and non-starter in the state.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

"If the punishable crime is damaging the BJP's image, then perhaps it is the party's Tamil Nadu chief Tamilisai Soundararajan who should have been arrested, not Sofia.

"If the punishable crime is damaging the BJP's image, then perhaps it is the party's Tamil Nadu chief Tamilisai Soundararajan who should have been arrested, not Sofia. In terms of wreaking havoc on the BJP, Sofia cannot achieve in a lifetime what Tamilisai managed in mere moments," tweeted Ramon Magsaysay award recipient and veteran journalist P Sainath moments after a controversy erupted following 28-year-old Sofia studying in Canada shouted “fascist BJP government down, down” on board a flight in the presence of Soundararajan. Sofia was sent to 15-day judicial custody after Soundararajan filed a complaint against her. However, She was later granted bail. BJP’s swagger becomes a whimper as they set foot in Tamil Nadu. Though BJP claimed time and again that Karnataka is its gateway to South India, the party has so far failed to draw any inspiration from its success there to breach the other regional parties' citadel in four southern states. Following the issues like Cauvery and NEET, BJP's image has taken a beating in TN. Not to mention Modi's alleged highhandedness in AIADMK refusing memorial for Karunanidhi in Marina. An anti-Modi wave swept across the state after Modi dilly-dallied constituting Cauvery Management Board (CMB) with his eyes firmly set on Karnataka elections. The issue snowballed into a major controversy which put the BJP in a tight spot. Hundreds of ‘Modi Go Back’ black balloons were released into the Chennai’s skies and black flags were hoisted at the houses against Modi for failing to constitute CMB. Modi arrived at the Chennai airport from New Delhi and took a helicopter to reach the venue of the DefExpo 2018 on the Chennai outskirts. Unlike in other states, where BJP’s strategies won, Tamil Nadu has always been a ''land of embarrassment'' for the party. BJP, as a party, yet gain a toe-hold in the state, let alone making inroads. Not the least, BJP's state unit has been anything but catastrophe. Last year, the state unit of BJP drew much flak when it demanded that dialogues in a Tamil film Mersal that criticized demonetisation and GST be censored. The national secretary of the party H. Raja went on to give a communal twist to the issue by pointing to the actor’s Christian faith, attracting a heavy backlash on social media. He even posted the voter ID of the actor on Twitter with his full name Joseph Vijay and captioned it “Truth is Bitter.” In response, social media filled with ‘IAmJoseph’ and ‘ILoveJosephVijay’ hashtags, putting the BJP on the backfoot. The BJP opened its account in the Tamil Nadu Assembly in 2001 by winning four seats in an alliance with DMK. However, the party drew a blank in every Lok Sabha and Assembly election held till 2014 when it bagged one seat with the rainbow alliance formed with some lightweight parties. The alliance disintegrated in 2016 during assembly elections. Unlike 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP will find it very tough to cobble up an alliance in the state. Party president Amit Shah during a visit to Chennai in July said that the party would announce an alliance by October 2018 even as the social media was abuzz with hashtags like #GoBackAmitShah. Around the time of toppling of statues of several leaders in various parts of the country post the BJP's victory in Tripura, a post from Tamil Nadu BJP leader H. Raja’s verified Facebook page said: “Who is Lenin? What is the relevance he holds in India? What is the link between communism and India? Lenin’s statues were destroyed in Tripura, tomorrow, in Tamil Nadu, casteist Periyar’s statues will be destroyed.” The post received huge online backlash, after which it disappeared from the BJP leader’s page. Following the demise of J Jayalalithaa, the AIADMK-BJP made no secret of their intimacy. Having said that, Edappadi K. Palaniswami is hugely unpopular among the people of the state. A tie-up between BJP and AIADMK may prove to be detrimental for both the parties. But given the political scenario in the state, no party wants to have a tie-up with the BJP which may result in two unpopular parties in the state -- AIADMK and BJP -- coming together. BJP's communal and divisive politics cut no ice with the people of Tamil Nadu. As long as BJP replicates the strategy it advocates in other parts of the country in Tamil Nadu, it would remain an outcast and non-starter in the state. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Why Tamil Nadu remains a hard nut to crack for BJP

BJP president Amit Shah said Saturday Bangladeshi migrants are like termites and each one of them will be struck off the electoral roll.

Referring to the draft National Register of Citizens recently published in Assam, he said, The BJP government brought NRC and prima facie identified nearly 40 lakh illegal immigrants.

The BJP government will pick out each and every infiltrator, he said. ''BJP sarkaar ek-ek ghuspaithiye ko chun-chun kar matdata suchi se hatane ka kaam karegi.''

Shah was speaking at a public meeting in Sawai Madhopur district's Gangapur before heading for another event in Kota.

The Bharatiya Janata Party chief was in Rajasthan earlier this month as well as his party and the Congress gear up for the Assembly elections by the year-end.

The BJP government in Rajasthan is like the unshakeable 'Angad ka Paon', he said referring to a character in Ramayana whose foot even Ravana could not move.

The Congress cannot do any good for the country as that party has neither a leader nor a policy, he said.

Calling Rahul Gandhi Rahul Baba, Shah said while he is demanding an account of the work done by the BJP, the people want him to tell them what the four generations of his own family have done.

He said Rajasthan was a `Bimaru' state during the Congress rule but Chief Minister Vasundhra Raje had worked to bring in progress.

He said both the central and the state governments had initiated development projects.

BJP president Amit Shah said Saturday Bangladeshi migrants are like termites and each one of them will be struck off the electoral roll. Referring to the draft National Register of Citizens recently published in Assam, he said, The BJP government brought NRC and prima facie identified nearly 40 lakh illegal immigrants.

BJP president Amit Shah said Saturday Bangladeshi migrants are like termites and each one of them will be struck off the electoral roll. Referring to the draft National Register of Citizens recently published in Assam, he said, The BJP government brought NRC and prima facie identified nearly 40 lakh illegal immigrants. The BJP government will pick out each and every infiltrator, he said. ''BJP sarkaar ek-ek ghuspaithiye ko chun-chun kar matdata suchi se hatane ka kaam karegi.'' Shah was speaking at a public meeting in Sawai Madhopur district's Gangapur before heading for another event in Kota. The Bharatiya Janata Party chief was in Rajasthan earlier this month as well as his party and the Congress gear up for the Assembly elections by the year-end. The BJP government in Rajasthan is like the unshakeable 'Angad ka Paon', he said referring to a character in Ramayana whose foot even Ravana could not move. The Congress cannot do any good for the country as that party has neither a leader nor a policy, he said. Calling Rahul Gandhi Rahul Baba, Shah said while he is demanding an account of the work done by the BJP, the people want him to tell them what the four generations of his own family have done. He said Rajasthan was a `Bimaru' state during the Congress rule but Chief Minister Vasundhra Raje had worked to bring in progress. He said both the central and the state governments had initiated development projects.

Bangladeshi migrants are 'termites' will be removed from voters' list: Amit Shah

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