BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday said, his party will include Citizenship Amendment Bill in its 2019 general elections' manifesto.

The Citizenship Amendment Bill provides Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Addressing a public gathering at Assam BJP State office in Guwahati, Shah said, "Assam cannot prosper without Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB). We passed it in the Lok Sabha but the Centre failed to table it in the Rajya Sabha. The CAB will be added in our manifesto of the Lok Sabha elections and we are committed to take the Bill to the far reaches of Assam."

The BJP chief further took a dig at Congress president Rahul Gandhi and said, "The BJP is a not regional party, it's a party based on ideology, spreading its wings from Kamrup to Kutch and Kashmir to Kanyakumari. The party follows the Constitution and maintains democracy. There are parties which gradually became parties of families. And even if the son (Rahul Gandhi) of the party leader is brainless, he has to join politics and become a president of that party. Now, he even wants to become the Prime Minister."

"Parties without internal democracy cannot strengthen democracy of the nation. Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, the future name in this row is still left," Shah added.

Comparing the BJP with the Congress party, Shah asserted, "Internal democracy is quite strong in the BJP because elections are held periodically for all internal positions. The BJP is not the party of any family, it’s a party of karyakartas."

"The Northeast contribution was 20 per cent after independence but it came to 2.3 under the rule of Congress. It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi under whose leadership, Northeast was given special credit and all the sectors starting from roads, railways and education sector, the state witnessed immense development. We brought Ayushman Bharat scheme, provided free electricity, gas connections and toilets to crores of people across the country. Most importantly, we provided security and peace to the Northeast region."

"Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, people in Northeast are living in peace without fear of any bomb blast or terror attack," he added.

Praising the efforts of BJP Karyakartas in Northeast, Shah said, "BJP karyakartas are working day and night to see more development in Assam. We brought NRC (National Register of Citizens) and soon we have also formed a committee for Schedule 6, which will be implemented by the next Modi government."

Earlier in the day, Shah also addressed a public rally at Lakhimpur in Assam, where he said, “We will not allow Assam to become another Kashmir. That is why we have brought NRC. We will deport each and every infiltrator with the help of NRC. We are committed to that.”

BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday said, his party will include Citizenship Amendment Bill in its 2019 general elections' manifesto. The Citizenship Amendment Bill provides Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday said, his party will include Citizenship Amendment Bill in its 2019 general elections' manifesto. The Citizenship Amendment Bill provides Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Addressing a public gathering at Assam BJP State office in Guwahati, Shah said, "Assam cannot prosper without Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB). We passed it in the Lok Sabha but the Centre failed to table it in the Rajya Sabha. The CAB will be added in our manifesto of the Lok Sabha elections and we are committed to take the Bill to the far reaches of Assam." The BJP chief further took a dig at Congress president Rahul Gandhi and said, "The BJP is a not regional party, it's a party based on ideology, spreading its wings from Kamrup to Kutch and Kashmir to Kanyakumari. The party follows the Constitution and maintains democracy. There are parties which gradually became parties of families. And even if the son (Rahul Gandhi) of the party leader is brainless, he has to join politics and become a president of that party. Now, he even wants to become the Prime Minister." "Parties without internal democracy cannot strengthen democracy of the nation. Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, the future name in this row is still left," Shah added. Comparing the BJP with the Congress party, Shah asserted, "Internal democracy is quite strong in the BJP because elections are held periodically for all internal positions. The BJP is not the party of any family, it’s a party of karyakartas." "The Northeast contribution was 20 per cent after independence but it came to 2.3 under the rule of Congress. It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi under whose leadership, Northeast was given special credit and all the sectors starting from roads, railways and education sector, the state witnessed immense development. We brought Ayushman Bharat scheme, provided free electricity, gas connections and toilets to crores of people across the country. Most importantly, we provided security and peace to the Northeast region." "Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, people in Northeast are living in peace without fear of any bomb blast or terror attack," he added. Praising the efforts of BJP Karyakartas in Northeast, Shah said, "BJP karyakartas are working day and night to see more development in Assam. We brought NRC (National Register of Citizens) and soon we have also formed a committee for Schedule 6, which will be implemented by the next Modi government." Earlier in the day, Shah also addressed a public rally at Lakhimpur in Assam, where he said, “We will not allow Assam to become another Kashmir. That is why we have brought NRC. We will deport each and every infiltrator with the help of NRC. We are committed to that.”

BJP will include Citizenship Amendment Bill in its 2019 poll manifesto: Amit Shah

Pitching for "purity" in poll funding, BJP president Amit Shah on Monday said the party must run with contributions from its workers and not on donations of "money bags, builders, contractors and those with black money".

Addressing a party event to mark the 51st death anniversary of its ideological guide Deen Dayal Upadhyay, Shah said the BJP should take up the responsibility of guiding other parties on the path of probity. Two workers from each booth in the country should contribute Rs 1,000 through the NaMo app, he said.

"BJP workers should say with pride that we run this party from our money and no industrialist, contractor, money bag or builder can run it," Shah said.

He, however, added that as party president he cannot say the BJP can fund all its organisational and election expenses from its workers' contributions. "This is not possible today," he said.

"If means are not pure, then our goals cannot be attained in a good way. If the party has to be kept pure... If the party starts running from the money of money bags, builders, contractors, those with black money, then it will malign our means to realise our goals," he said.

There should be a public discussion on how election expenses can be brought down and how to bring probity in poll funding, he said, expressing confidence that such an exercise will begin under the BJP's leadership.

The Modi government, he asserted, has taken steps to clamp down on the influence of black money in politics by limiting cash donations to Rs 2,000.

Laws against corruption have been made so stringent that those breaking it will be caught and that those who were involved in scams are sweating even in this Delhi winter, he said.

Fugitive businessmen Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi had escaped the country because the Modi government started putting accused like them behind bars, he claimed.

Pitching for "purity" in poll funding, BJP president Amit Shah on Monday said the party must run with contributions from its workers and not on donations of "money bags, builders, contractors and those with black money".

Pitching for "purity" in poll funding, BJP president Amit Shah on Monday said the party must run with contributions from its workers and not on donations of "money bags, builders, contractors and those with black money". Addressing a party event to mark the 51st death anniversary of its ideological guide Deen Dayal Upadhyay, Shah said the BJP should take up the responsibility of guiding other parties on the path of probity. Two workers from each booth in the country should contribute Rs 1,000 through the NaMo app, he said. "BJP workers should say with pride that we run this party from our money and no industrialist, contractor, money bag or builder can run it," Shah said. He, however, added that as party president he cannot say the BJP can fund all its organisational and election expenses from its workers' contributions. "This is not possible today," he said. "If means are not pure, then our goals cannot be attained in a good way. If the party has to be kept pure... If the party starts running from the money of money bags, builders, contractors, those with black money, then it will malign our means to realise our goals," he said. There should be a public discussion on how election expenses can be brought down and how to bring probity in poll funding, he said, expressing confidence that such an exercise will begin under the BJP's leadership. The Modi government, he asserted, has taken steps to clamp down on the influence of black money in politics by limiting cash donations to Rs 2,000. Laws against corruption have been made so stringent that those breaking it will be caught and that those who were involved in scams are sweating even in this Delhi winter, he said. Fugitive businessmen Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi had escaped the country because the Modi government started putting accused like them behind bars, he claimed.

BJP should run from workers' contributions, not donations from money bags: Amit Shah

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-will-be-modi-vs-the-rest-bjp-chief-shah-in-aligarh-195675">BJP president Amit Shah</a> Friday called illegal migrants a vote bank of the SP and the BSP and also targeted the opposition over the issues of triple talaq and the Ayodhya dispute.

He said, "from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, every 'intruder' will be sent home if the BJP returns to power".

Shah said the party remained committed to the construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya, and challenged the opposition parties to spell out their own stands on the issue.

He was addressing booth-level party workers in Uttar Pradesh, in a series of such interactions in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections.

"Should the intruders not be thrown out of the country,"&nbsp;Shah asked them, in an apparent reference to migrants from Bangladesh.

He said the recent exercise on the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam had identified 40 lakh such people, and "the process of throwing them out has started".

"If UP elects the Narendra Modi government again in 2019, every single intruder will be ousted from Kashmir to Kanyakumari," he said.

"These intruders may be a vote bank for "bua" and "bhatija", Shah said, referring to alliance partners Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav. "For us, it is national security that is most important."

The Bharatiya Janata Party chief said all BJP workers want to know the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-should-explain-his-stand-on-ayodhya-issue-amit-shah-194670">party's stand on the Ram temple</a>.

"I want to make it clear that the BJP is committed to building a grand Ram temple at the same place at the earliest," he said.

He charged that the Congress wanted the Ayodhya land case taken up only after the elections.

He said the faith of crores of people was attached to the case and asked the Congress, "Whom do you want to appease?"

"I have said here that the BJP is committed to the Ram temple's construction, but I want to ask bua-bhatija and Rahul baba to clear their parties' stand on it,"&nbsp;he said, throwing a challenge at UP's opposition alliance and the Congress.

"If they do not want it, they should clearly tell the people. Whatever their stand is, the BJP will get a grand temple built there," he said.

Shah recalled that the Centre has moved the Supreme Court seeking permission to return the uncontested land adjacent to the disputed site to its original owners.

He referred to Congress women wing chief Sushmita Dev remark Thursday that the party will scrap the triple talaq law if it comes to power.

"Should Muslim women and girls not get their rights," he said.

"Every woman in the country has the right to her dignity and Modi will give this right to Muslim women as well," Shah said.

BJP president Amit Shah Friday called illegal migrants a vote bank of the SP and the BSP and also targeted the opposition over the issues of triple talaq and the Ayodhya dispute.

BJP president Amit Shah Friday called illegal migrants a vote bank of the SP and the BSP and also targeted the opposition over the issues of triple talaq and the Ayodhya dispute. He said, "from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, every 'intruder' will be sent home if the BJP returns to power". Shah said the party remained committed to the construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya, and challenged the opposition parties to spell out their own stands on the issue. He was addressing booth-level party workers in Uttar Pradesh, in a series of such interactions in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections. "Should the intruders not be thrown out of the country," Shah asked them, in an apparent reference to migrants from Bangladesh. He said the recent exercise on the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam had identified 40 lakh such people, and "the process of throwing them out has started". "If UP elects the Narendra Modi government again in 2019, every single intruder will be ousted from Kashmir to Kanyakumari," he said. "These intruders may be a vote bank for "bua" and "bhatija", Shah said, referring to alliance partners Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav. "For us, it is national security that is most important." The Bharatiya Janata Party chief said all BJP workers want to know the party's stand on the Ram temple. "I want to make it clear that the BJP is committed to building a grand Ram temple at the same place at the earliest," he said. He charged that the Congress wanted the Ayodhya land case taken up only after the elections. He said the faith of crores of people was attached to the case and asked the Congress, "Whom do you want to appease?" "I have said here that the BJP is committed to the Ram temple's construction, but I want to ask bua-bhatija and Rahul baba to clear their parties' stand on it," he said, throwing a challenge at UP's opposition alliance and the Congress. "If they do not want it, they should clearly tell the people. Whatever their stand is, the BJP will get a grand temple built there," he said. Shah recalled that the Centre has moved the Supreme Court seeking permission to return the uncontested land adjacent to the disputed site to its original owners. He referred to Congress women wing chief Sushmita Dev remark Thursday that the party will scrap the triple talaq law if it comes to power. "Should Muslim women and girls not get their rights," he said. "Every woman in the country has the right to her dignity and Modi will give this right to Muslim women as well," Shah said.

Illegal migrants are SP, BSP vote bank: Amit Shah

BJP president Amit Shah said on Wednesday the upcoming Lok Sabha elections will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi versus the rest.

Shah, while addressing a meeting of BJP booth workers in Aligarh, also said the BJP has rid Uttar Pradesh of goons and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has tackled the land mafia problem in the state.&nbsp;

"Upar Modi, neechey Yogi (Modi as prime minister and Adityanath as chief minister). This general election will be Modi versus the rest," he said, adding that this would be the poll scenario in Uttar Pradesh.

"The BJP has rid Uttar Pradesh of goons, of parivaarvad. Yogi has tackled land mafia in Uttar Pradesh. Goons are now scared of cops," the BJP chief said.

Shah said crime was under control in the state after Yogi Adityanath government came to power.

Slamming the alliance between the SP and the BSP for the parliamentary polls, he said, "We will put Aligarh locks on their shop. BJP workers will put Aligarh locks on the shop of Buaa-Bhatija (Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav)."

Aligarh is known for locks, now a dying industry.

Shah said, "Reporters often ask me that when buaa and bhatija have come together, then how 74 seats will be won in UP? I say that if you see the sea of party workers, you will come to know that from where 74 seats will come."

The BJP is different from other parties, as victory is guaranteed by the booth level workers and not by any one leader, he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Amit Shah,BJP President in Aligarh: BJP's stand is clear that Ram Temple will be built in that very place in Ayodhya. SP, BSP and Congress should clear their agenda, whether they want the construction of Ram Mandir or not. <a href="https://t.co/DZSV3mPGLG">pic.twitter.com/DZSV3mPGLG</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1093084789974827009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah said on Wednesday the upcoming Lok Sabha elections will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi versus the rest. Shah, while addressing a meeting of BJP booth workers in Aligarh, also said the BJP has rid Uttar Pradesh of goons and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has tackled the land mafia problem in the state.

BJP president Amit Shah said on Wednesday the upcoming Lok Sabha elections will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi versus the rest. Shah, while addressing a meeting of BJP booth workers in Aligarh, also said the BJP has rid Uttar Pradesh of goons and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has tackled the land mafia problem in the state. "Upar Modi, neechey Yogi (Modi as prime minister and Adityanath as chief minister). This general election will be Modi versus the rest," he said, adding that this would be the poll scenario in Uttar Pradesh. "The BJP has rid Uttar Pradesh of goons, of parivaarvad. Yogi has tackled land mafia in Uttar Pradesh. Goons are now scared of cops," the BJP chief said. Shah said crime was under control in the state after Yogi Adityanath government came to power. Slamming the alliance between the SP and the BSP for the parliamentary polls, he said, "We will put Aligarh locks on their shop. BJP workers will put Aligarh locks on the shop of Buaa-Bhatija (Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav)." Aligarh is known for locks, now a dying industry. Shah said, "Reporters often ask me that when buaa and bhatija have come together, then how 74 seats will be won in UP? I say that if you see the sea of party workers, you will come to know that from where 74 seats will come." The BJP is different from other parties, as victory is guaranteed by the booth level workers and not by any one leader, he said. Amit Shah,BJP President in Aligarh: BJP's stand is clear that Ram Temple will be built in that very place in Ayodhya. SP, BSP and Congress should clear their agenda, whether they want the construction of Ram Mandir or not. pic.twitter.com/DZSV3mPGLG — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 6, 2019 ×

Lok Sabha polls will be Modi vs the rest: BJP chief Shah in Aligarh

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday reacted to BJP president Amit Shah's remark of NDA "closing its doors"&nbsp;for the TDP supremo.

The Andhra CM condemned Shah's "attitude and arrogance" adding that no one "has asked him to open the door".

"Who has asked him to open the door? Why is he talking like this? I totally condemn this attitude and arrogance," Naidu said.&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah on Monday called the TDP chief a "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrababu-naidu-is-u-turn-cm-ndas-doors-shut-forever-for-him-amit-shah-195080">U-turn Chief Minister</a>" and declared he will not be allowed to enter the NDA alliance again.

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Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu on Amit Shah's remark 'doors closed for Chandrababu Naidu in NDA': Who has asked him to open the door? Why is he talking like this? I totally condemn this attitude and arrogance <a href="https://t.co/vssFVDnObt">pic.twitter.com/vssFVDnObt</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092443526921637888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"As soon as Atal Bihari Vajpayee government came to power, Chandrababu Naidu joined NDA and left the alliance in 2004 when Congress came to power. He is now supporting Congress party which insulted Andhra Pradesh. He fought the Telangana elections with the Congress, and when he lost, he joined the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance)," Shah said at a rally.

"I am sure once the counting for 2019 elections will be over and NDA government will come to power again, Chandrababu Naidu will make all the efforts to join the NDA back. Let me tell you that this time, the NDA's doors for him have been shut forever. He has misguided the people of the state. It is appropriate to call Chandrababu Naidu a U-turn chief minister," he added.

The TDP, a ruling party of Andhra Pradesh, pulled out from the NDA last year over the demand of special category status which was promised during the bifurcation of the state in 2014. 
&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday reacted to BJP president Amit Shah's remark of NDA "closing its doors" for the TDP supremo. The Andhra CM condemned Shah's "attitude and arrogance" adding that no one "has asked him to open the door".

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday reacted to BJP president Amit Shah's remark of NDA "closing its doors" for the TDP supremo. The Andhra CM condemned Shah's "attitude and arrogance" adding that no one "has asked him to open the door". "Who has asked him to open the door? Why is he talking like this? I totally condemn this attitude and arrogance," Naidu said. BJP president Amit Shah on Monday called the TDP chief a "U-turn Chief Minister" and declared he will not be allowed to enter the NDA alliance again. Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu on Amit Shah's remark 'doors closed for Chandrababu Naidu in NDA': Who has asked him to open the door? Why is he talking like this? I totally condemn this attitude and arrogance pic.twitter.com/vssFVDnObt — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × "As soon as Atal Bihari Vajpayee government came to power, Chandrababu Naidu joined NDA and left the alliance in 2004 when Congress came to power. He is now supporting Congress party which insulted Andhra Pradesh. He fought the Telangana elections with the Congress, and when he lost, he joined the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance)," Shah said at a rally. "I am sure once the counting for 2019 elections will be over and NDA government will come to power again, Chandrababu Naidu will make all the efforts to join the NDA back. Let me tell you that this time, the NDA's doors for him have been shut forever. He has misguided the people of the state. It is appropriate to call Chandrababu Naidu a U-turn chief minister," he added. The TDP, a ruling party of Andhra Pradesh, pulled out from the NDA last year over the demand of special category status which was promised during the bifurcation of the state in 2014.

'Who asked him to open door?': Chandrababu Naidu reacts to Amit Shah saying NDA's door shut for him

Credibility Lost

At the heart of CBI’s attempted raid in West Bengal, lies the credibility of the central agency as an institution in India. Indian politicians have failed the institution miserably. CBI continues to derive its power from the Delhi Police Establishment Act of 1946. Today, entire Opposition is crying foul and accusing the present government of misusing CBI.&nbsp;

In 2012, the then minister of the state in charge of DOPT, Narayan Swami, went on to say that CBI has adequate and functional autonomy and there exists no proposal within the government to grant constitutional status to the investigative agency.

Both Congress and BJP, despite being in government for several years, neither initiated reform within the institution nor pushed for legislative debate to reconceive the legal architecture of the agency.&nbsp;

This inertia continues despite the fact that Guwahati high court declared CBI unconstitutional on November 7, 2013. The agency, thereafter, had to rush to the Supreme Court to take a stay order on the decision on November 9.

It proves that both Congress and BJP want the makeshift arrangement to stay alive and kicking because it allows them to use the CBI as a 'political weapon'.

This arrangement received further nourishment after the 1989 elections when the era of coalition dawned on Indian politics. The successive governments ended up using CBI to shore up political support by hectoring regional parties with cases of corruption.&nbsp;

It allowed them to survive with less numbers in Parliament. It is for this reason, even BJP, which enjoys majority in Lok Sabha, did not move an inch to appoint the Lokpal system which UPA 2 had to adopt under duress.

What makes the case of government even weaker is that the Supreme Court itself has passed relevant instructions to the CBI. As per the Supreme Court’s interim order given on July 16, 2018, both state police and CBI were supposed to work in tandem. More so, the court had directed CBI to approach high court in Calcutta in case they faced any obstruction.&nbsp;

Though Centre did give reminders to the state government on multiple occasion but the relief should have been sought from the relevant court as directed by the Apex Court.

In this case, it becomes very clear as to what direction the Apex Court may head to. For many, it may be a case of constitutional crisis and deteriorating relationship between the Centre and state, but CBI’s credibility and its pending reform lies at heart of the matter. 
 
Regional Chauvinism vs Corruption

There is no doubt that Rose valley and Sharda scams represent underbelly of India’s crony capitalism. It represents the way political parties organise funding for its day-to-day running, and election expenses.&nbsp;

BJP wants the matter to appear as a campaign against corrupt politicians, whereas TMC wants it to turn into an issue of regional pride and authoritarian assault by Centre against non-BJP state governments.

There is no denying the fact that most of the accused in the scam were closely associated with TMC. It explains TMC’s nervousness in the case and proves that case cannot be hushed forever.&nbsp;

Regional chauvinism has succeeded on multiple occasions in Indian politics. Be it the case of NT Rama Rao in Andhra Pradesh or Nitish Kumar during 2015 Bihar elections or Naveen Patnaik in Odisha.&nbsp;

BJP wants West Bengal to be the new harvest ground to make up for the losses in other states.

Mamata, on the other hand, is trying to turn the issue into Federal constitutionalism. She has rallied support from many regional parties on this issue. Which issue will succeed in run up to the Lok Sabha elections is a million-dollar question, but one thing is clear that Mamata’s role will not be limited to West Bengal in case electorate throws up a hung house.

Regional Parties

BJP has already mangled its equations with regional parties. It has been primarily a result of expansion of BJP’s footprint in far corners of India.&nbsp;

BJP has taken up issues which have pitted the party against small and regional parties.

It is going to pose a great challenge to the Saffron party in case it falls short of numbers. BJP will have to face a lot of political hectoring from smaller players in case it needs to shore up numbers for a simple majority in Lok Sabha.

The attempted raid not only brings many smaller players on one platform but will also test the issue of corruption in 2019 elections. It worked in 2014. However, same can’t be said today when the focus has turned to economy and jobs where it has failed miserably.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Credibility Lost At the heart of CBI’s attempted raid in West Bengal, lies the credibility of the central agency as an institution in India. Indian politicians have failed the institution miserably.

Credibility Lost At the heart of CBI’s attempted raid in West Bengal, lies the credibility of the central agency as an institution in India. Indian politicians have failed the institution miserably. CBI continues to derive its power from the Delhi Police Establishment Act of 1946. Today, entire Opposition is crying foul and accusing the present government of misusing CBI. In 2012, the then minister of the state in charge of DOPT, Narayan Swami, went on to say that CBI has adequate and functional autonomy and there exists no proposal within the government to grant constitutional status to the investigative agency. Both Congress and BJP, despite being in government for several years, neither initiated reform within the institution nor pushed for legislative debate to reconceive the legal architecture of the agency. This inertia continues despite the fact that Guwahati high court declared CBI unconstitutional on November 7, 2013. The agency, thereafter, had to rush to the Supreme Court to take a stay order on the decision on November 9. It proves that both Congress and BJP want the makeshift arrangement to stay alive and kicking because it allows them to use the CBI as a 'political weapon'. This arrangement received further nourishment after the 1989 elections when the era of coalition dawned on Indian politics. The successive governments ended up using CBI to shore up political support by hectoring regional parties with cases of corruption. It allowed them to survive with less numbers in Parliament. It is for this reason, even BJP, which enjoys majority in Lok Sabha, did not move an inch to appoint the Lokpal system which UPA 2 had to adopt under duress. What makes the case of government even weaker is that the Supreme Court itself has passed relevant instructions to the CBI. As per the Supreme Court’s interim order given on July 16, 2018, both state police and CBI were supposed to work in tandem. More so, the court had directed CBI to approach high court in Calcutta in case they faced any obstruction. Though Centre did give reminders to the state government on multiple occasion but the relief should have been sought from the relevant court as directed by the Apex Court. In this case, it becomes very clear as to what direction the Apex Court may head to. For many, it may be a case of constitutional crisis and deteriorating relationship between the Centre and state, but CBI’s credibility and its pending reform lies at heart of the matter. Regional Chauvinism vs Corruption There is no doubt that Rose valley and Sharda scams represent underbelly of India’s crony capitalism. It represents the way political parties organise funding for its day-to-day running, and election expenses. BJP wants the matter to appear as a campaign against corrupt politicians, whereas TMC wants it to turn into an issue of regional pride and authoritarian assault by Centre against non-BJP state governments. There is no denying the fact that most of the accused in the scam were closely associated with TMC. It explains TMC’s nervousness in the case and proves that case cannot be hushed forever. Regional chauvinism has succeeded on multiple occasions in Indian politics. Be it the case of NT Rama Rao in Andhra Pradesh or Nitish Kumar during 2015 Bihar elections or Naveen Patnaik in Odisha. BJP wants West Bengal to be the new harvest ground to make up for the losses in other states. Mamata, on the other hand, is trying to turn the issue into Federal constitutionalism. She has rallied support from many regional parties on this issue. Which issue will succeed in run up to the Lok Sabha elections is a million-dollar question, but one thing is clear that Mamata’s role will not be limited to West Bengal in case electorate throws up a hung house. Regional Parties BJP has already mangled its equations with regional parties. It has been primarily a result of expansion of BJP’s footprint in far corners of India. BJP has taken up issues which have pitted the party against small and regional parties. It is going to pose a great challenge to the Saffron party in case it falls short of numbers. BJP will have to face a lot of political hectoring from smaller players in case it needs to shore up numbers for a simple majority in Lok Sabha. The attempted raid not only brings many smaller players on one platform but will also test the issue of corruption in 2019 elections. It worked in 2014. However, same can’t be said today when the focus has turned to economy and jobs where it has failed miserably. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

West Bengal fiasco: Credibility of CBI is the issue and not Mamata vs Modi

In a blistering attack on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, BJP president <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/alliances-prove-our-strength-amit-shah-on-sp-bsp-coming-together-194602">Amit Shah</a> on Monday termed the TDP supremo as a "U-turn Chief Minister" and declared he will not be allowed to enter the NDA alliance again.

Taking a jibe at the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister for switching parties when either the BJP or the Congress came to power at the Centre, Shah accused Naidu of misguiding the people of the state.

"As soon as Atal Bihari Vajpayee government came to power, Chandrababu Naidu joined NDA and left the alliance in 2004 when Congress came to power. He is now supporting Congress party which insulted Andhra Pradesh. He fought the Telangana elections with the Congress, and when he lost, he joined the 'Mahagathbandhan'&nbsp;(grand alliance)," Shah said at a rally.

"I am sure once the counting for 2019 elections will be over and NDA government will come to power again, Chandrababu Naidu will make all the efforts to join the NDA back. Let me tell you that this time, the NDA's doors for him have been shut forever. He has misguided the people of the state. It is appropriate to call Chandrababu Naidu a U-turn chief minister," he added.

The TDP, a ruling party of Andhra Pradesh, pulled out from the NDA last year over the demand of special category status which was promised during the bifurcation of the state in 2014.

Continuing his attack on the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Shah said, "When he (Chandrababu Naidu) felt that people are angry with the way he is running the government and with his efforts to try to make his son as the Chief Minister, to try to gain sympathy, he put the entire blame on BJP and distanced himself from us."

Shah claimed that Naidu snapped ties with the NDA to overcome corruption in the TDP government of the state. Trashing Naidu's allegations that the Centre did not focus more on Andhra Pradesh after bifurcation, the BJP chief remarked that the NDA government’s support for the state's development is ten times more than what was provided during the Congress government in over 50 years."

14 important tasks of Andhra Reorganisation Act were to be completed in 10 years. Out of those 14, 10 tasks have already been completed in five years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi government. He (Naidu) is lying that we have done nothing," he added.

Talking about the steps taken by the central government for Andhra Pradesh's development, Shah underlined that the BJP opened more than 20 institutions of National Education and initiated several projects for AIIMS, IIT, and IIM in various regions of the state.

"Under Awas Yojana, more than 10 lakh houses have been constructed in Andhra Pradesh. 37 lakh toilets were constructed and more than 27 lakh youth received Mudra loans in Andhra Pradesh. Over 6 crore women received free gas cylinders under Ujjwala Yojana. Farmers across the country with up to five acres of land will be provided Rs 6,000 assistance directly into their account," he elaborated.

Alleging a nexus between the TDP and Congress, Shah said, "I just want to ask Chandrababu Naidu, why did you leave NDA, which gave Rs 5,56,000 crores to the state of Andhra Pradesh? Why did you join hands with Congress which gave just Rs 1,17,000 crores?"

He asserted that leaders of both Congress and TDP are corrupt and will not be able to take Andhra Pradesh to greater heights, and argued that only the NDA government can develop the state.

 
&nbsp;

In a blistering attack on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, BJP president Amit Shah on Monday termed the TDP supremo as a "U-turn Chief Minister" and declared he will not be allowed to enter the NDA alliance again.

In a blistering attack on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, BJP president Amit Shah on Monday termed the TDP supremo as a "U-turn Chief Minister" and declared he will not be allowed to enter the NDA alliance again. Taking a jibe at the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister for switching parties when either the BJP or the Congress came to power at the Centre, Shah accused Naidu of misguiding the people of the state. "As soon as Atal Bihari Vajpayee government came to power, Chandrababu Naidu joined NDA and left the alliance in 2004 when Congress came to power. He is now supporting Congress party which insulted Andhra Pradesh. He fought the Telangana elections with the Congress, and when he lost, he joined the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance)," Shah said at a rally. "I am sure once the counting for 2019 elections will be over and NDA government will come to power again, Chandrababu Naidu will make all the efforts to join the NDA back. Let me tell you that this time, the NDA's doors for him have been shut forever. He has misguided the people of the state. It is appropriate to call Chandrababu Naidu a U-turn chief minister," he added. The TDP, a ruling party of Andhra Pradesh, pulled out from the NDA last year over the demand of special category status which was promised during the bifurcation of the state in 2014. Continuing his attack on the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Shah said, "When he (Chandrababu Naidu) felt that people are angry with the way he is running the government and with his efforts to try to make his son as the Chief Minister, to try to gain sympathy, he put the entire blame on BJP and distanced himself from us." Shah claimed that Naidu snapped ties with the NDA to overcome corruption in the TDP government of the state. Trashing Naidu's allegations that the Centre did not focus more on Andhra Pradesh after bifurcation, the BJP chief remarked that the NDA government’s support for the state's development is ten times more than what was provided during the Congress government in over 50 years." 14 important tasks of Andhra Reorganisation Act were to be completed in 10 years. Out of those 14, 10 tasks have already been completed in five years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi government. He (Naidu) is lying that we have done nothing," he added. Talking about the steps taken by the central government for Andhra Pradesh's development, Shah underlined that the BJP opened more than 20 institutions of National Education and initiated several projects for AIIMS, IIT, and IIM in various regions of the state. "Under Awas Yojana, more than 10 lakh houses have been constructed in Andhra Pradesh. 37 lakh toilets were constructed and more than 27 lakh youth received Mudra loans in Andhra Pradesh. Over 6 crore women received free gas cylinders under Ujjwala Yojana. Farmers across the country with up to five acres of land will be provided Rs 6,000 assistance directly into their account," he elaborated. Alleging a nexus between the TDP and Congress, Shah said, "I just want to ask Chandrababu Naidu, why did you leave NDA, which gave Rs 5,56,000 crores to the state of Andhra Pradesh? Why did you join hands with Congress which gave just Rs 1,17,000 crores?" He asserted that leaders of both Congress and TDP are corrupt and will not be able to take Andhra Pradesh to greater heights, and argued that only the NDA government can develop the state.

Chandrababu Naidu is 'U-turn CM', NDA's doors shut to him forever: Amit Shah

BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday took a potshot at opposition parties forming alliances for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, saying that the alliance in Uttar Pradesh between SP and BSP proves BJP's strength.

Addressing BJP booth workers at the Trishakti Sammelan, Shah said, "The aunt-nephew in Uttar Pradesh, who never saw eye-to-eye, united and came together on one platform. That itself speaks volumes about our strength, they had to unite because of us".

He further attacked the opposition parties, saying that they might actually benefit from chanting the name of God as many times as they talk about removing Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The BJP president said that while in most other parties, the candidates for posts like party president and Prime Minister are chosen from a particular family, the BJP gives opportunities for common people to become the Prime Minister.

Shah hailed the work done by the Modi government in the last five years, citing the Ayushman Bharat scheme as a landmark in medical relief for the poor.

"70 years since independence and the poor could not afford medical treatment. Modi ji implemented the Ayushman Bharat scheme and now, the government will pay the medical expenses up to Rs 5 lakh for the poor," Shah said.

He also said that the interim budget presented in the Lok Sabha by Finance Minister Piyush Goyal yesterday left the opposition perplexed. &nbsp;

"Modi ji's government has also exempted everyone with annual income below Rs 5 lakh from paying tax. There cannot be a bigger incentive for the middle class. His government also gave the country's largest Defence budget since Independence. The agro schemes announced will benefit up to 12 crore farmers," Shah said.

He said that the BJP government has also taken massive steps towards removing corruption.

"Rajiv Gandhi had said that when he sends a rupee from New Delhi, only 15 paise reaches the villages. Through the means of DBT, we are sending pensions and the financial benefits of various schemes directly to people's accounts," he said.

While saying that the "double engine" of BJP governments in the Centre and Uttarakhand has accelerated the state's welfare, Shah said Modi's re-election in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections is imperative for the country's ensured development and security.

BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday took a potshot at opposition parties forming alliances for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, saying that the alliance in Uttar Pradesh between SP and BSP proves BJP's strength.

BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday took a potshot at opposition parties forming alliances for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, saying that the alliance in Uttar Pradesh between SP and BSP proves BJP's strength. Addressing BJP booth workers at the Trishakti Sammelan, Shah said, "The aunt-nephew in Uttar Pradesh, who never saw eye-to-eye, united and came together on one platform. That itself speaks volumes about our strength, they had to unite because of us". He further attacked the opposition parties, saying that they might actually benefit from chanting the name of God as many times as they talk about removing Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP president said that while in most other parties, the candidates for posts like party president and Prime Minister are chosen from a particular family, the BJP gives opportunities for common people to become the Prime Minister. Shah hailed the work done by the Modi government in the last five years, citing the Ayushman Bharat scheme as a landmark in medical relief for the poor. "70 years since independence and the poor could not afford medical treatment. Modi ji implemented the Ayushman Bharat scheme and now, the government will pay the medical expenses up to Rs 5 lakh for the poor," Shah said. He also said that the interim budget presented in the Lok Sabha by Finance Minister Piyush Goyal yesterday left the opposition perplexed. "Modi ji's government has also exempted everyone with annual income below Rs 5 lakh from paying tax. There cannot be a bigger incentive for the middle class. His government also gave the country's largest Defence budget since Independence. The agro schemes announced will benefit up to 12 crore farmers," Shah said. He said that the BJP government has also taken massive steps towards removing corruption. "Rajiv Gandhi had said that when he sends a rupee from New Delhi, only 15 paise reaches the villages. Through the means of DBT, we are sending pensions and the financial benefits of various schemes directly to people's accounts," he said. While saying that the "double engine" of BJP governments in the Centre and Uttarakhand has accelerated the state's welfare, Shah said Modi's re-election in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections is imperative for the country's ensured development and security.

Their alliance proves our strength: Amit Shah on SP-BSP coming together

BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday said a Ram temple should be built in Ayodhya at the earliest and dared the Congress to spell out its own stand on the issue.

"The Kumbh fair is on and it is only natural that the demand for a Ram temple is being raised," he said at a meeting of the party's booth-level workers in Dehradun, virtually launching the BJP's campaign in Uttarakhand for the Lok Sabha polls.

"The BJP's stand has always been clear on the issue and I want to declare today that the Ram Temple in Ayodhya should be built at the earliest. Will Rahul Gandhi too define his stand on the issue?" Mr Shah said to loud cheers of Jai Shri Ram.

At the Parade Ground meeting, the Bharatiya Janata Party chief also hit out at opposition attempts to forge a 'mahagathbandhan', or a grand alliance, for the parliamentary elections just months away.

He accused the Congress of putting up obstacles to the temple's construction through "its lawyers" in the Supreme Court.

Mr Shah was referring to a plea in 2017 by Kapil Sibal, who was representing the Sunni Waqf Board, to postpone hearings in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute till the Lok Sabha elections are over.

"The Congress should come forward and explain why it had sought deferment of the hearing in the country's oldest title suit," Mr Shah said.

The Supreme Court had turned down the plea.

Mr Shah contrasted this with the recent petition by the BJP government in the Supreme Court, seeking to return the land around the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site to its original owners.

His remarks follow increasing demands on the BJP-led government from Hindutva organisations, and seers who held meetings at the Kumbh Mela recently, to ensure an early construction of the temple.

Mr Shah called the 'mahagathbandhan' a desperate coming together of political forces opposed to each other as they cannot think of taking on Narendra Modi alone.

"The bua-bhatija (aunt and nephew) have come together in Uttar Pradesh. Do you think they will stay together?" he said, referring to the alliance between Bahujan Samaj Party's Mayawati and Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav in the state.

"Who is going to listen to a Chandrababu Naidu at a public meeting in Haldwani or a Deve Gowda in Dehradun? They are leaders of regional parties with a limited appeal," the BJP leader said.

"Their only aim is 'Modi Hatao' (Remove Modi) whereas Narendra Modi wants to remove poverty, corruption and diseases," he said.

He said casteism and dynastic politics had no future in the country and urged people to bring back PM Modi with a clear mandate if they wanted a government capable of delivering on its promises.

He asked them to ensure that the party wins all the five Lok Sabha seats in Uttarakhand, as it did in 2014.

"Uttarakhand is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's priority," he said and referred to the makeover of Kedarnath after the 2013 floods.

He praised the interim Budget presented on Friday, saying it took care of all sections of society, particularly farmers, women, the poor and the marginalised.

Highlighting the Budget provisions for the farmers, he mocked the Congress.

"Do you understand the difference between Rabi and Kharif? Do you know the problems of the farmers? Have you really connected with them ever?" he said, without naming anyone.

Mr Shah credited the PM Modi-led government with implementing the One Rank One Pension scheme for military veterans, saying successive Congress governments had failed to achieve this.

He said the booth-level workers are the party's real strength and they alone can steer it to a thumping victory.

Mr Shah said coming to address their meeting reminded him of his initial days in the party.

"This is possible only in a party like BJP which is governed by democratic principles. A small party worker like me who pasted party posters on poles and pillars rose to become its president and a tea seller's son the country's prime minister," he said.

BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday said a Ram temple should be built in Ayodhya at the earliest and dared the Congress to spell out its own stand on the issue. "The Kumbh fair is on and it is only natural that the demand for a Ram temple is being raised," he said at a meeting of the party's booth-level workers in Dehradun, virtually launching the BJP's campaign in Uttarakhand for the Lok Sabha polls.

BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday said a Ram temple should be built in Ayodhya at the earliest and dared the Congress to spell out its own stand on the issue. "The Kumbh fair is on and it is only natural that the demand for a Ram temple is being raised," he said at a meeting of the party's booth-level workers in Dehradun, virtually launching the BJP's campaign in Uttarakhand for the Lok Sabha polls. "The BJP's stand has always been clear on the issue and I want to declare today that the Ram Temple in Ayodhya should be built at the earliest. Will Rahul Gandhi too define his stand on the issue?" Mr Shah said to loud cheers of Jai Shri Ram. At the Parade Ground meeting, the Bharatiya Janata Party chief also hit out at opposition attempts to forge a 'mahagathbandhan', or a grand alliance, for the parliamentary elections just months away. He accused the Congress of putting up obstacles to the temple's construction through "its lawyers" in the Supreme Court. Mr Shah was referring to a plea in 2017 by Kapil Sibal, who was representing the Sunni Waqf Board, to postpone hearings in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute till the Lok Sabha elections are over. "The Congress should come forward and explain why it had sought deferment of the hearing in the country's oldest title suit," Mr Shah said. The Supreme Court had turned down the plea. Mr Shah contrasted this with the recent petition by the BJP government in the Supreme Court, seeking to return the land around the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site to its original owners. His remarks follow increasing demands on the BJP-led government from Hindutva organisations, and seers who held meetings at the Kumbh Mela recently, to ensure an early construction of the temple. Mr Shah called the 'mahagathbandhan' a desperate coming together of political forces opposed to each other as they cannot think of taking on Narendra Modi alone. "The bua-bhatija (aunt and nephew) have come together in Uttar Pradesh. Do you think they will stay together?" he said, referring to the alliance between Bahujan Samaj Party's Mayawati and Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav in the state. "Who is going to listen to a Chandrababu Naidu at a public meeting in Haldwani or a Deve Gowda in Dehradun? They are leaders of regional parties with a limited appeal," the BJP leader said. "Their only aim is 'Modi Hatao' (Remove Modi) whereas Narendra Modi wants to remove poverty, corruption and diseases," he said. He said casteism and dynastic politics had no future in the country and urged people to bring back PM Modi with a clear mandate if they wanted a government capable of delivering on its promises. He asked them to ensure that the party wins all the five Lok Sabha seats in Uttarakhand, as it did in 2014. "Uttarakhand is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's priority," he said and referred to the makeover of Kedarnath after the 2013 floods. He praised the interim Budget presented on Friday, saying it took care of all sections of society, particularly farmers, women, the poor and the marginalised. Highlighting the Budget provisions for the farmers, he mocked the Congress. "Do you understand the difference between Rabi and Kharif? Do you know the problems of the farmers? Have you really connected with them ever?" he said, without naming anyone. Mr Shah credited the PM Modi-led government with implementing the One Rank One Pension scheme for military veterans, saying successive Congress governments had failed to achieve this. He said the booth-level workers are the party's real strength and they alone can steer it to a thumping victory. Mr Shah said coming to address their meeting reminded him of his initial days in the party. "This is possible only in a party like BJP which is governed by democratic principles. A small party worker like me who pasted party posters on poles and pillars rose to become its president and a tea seller's son the country's prime minister," he said.

Rahul Gandhi should explain his stand on Ayodhya issue: Amit Shah

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dont-lose-hope-by-results-in-3-states-lok-sabha-polls-very-important-amit-shah-tells-bjp-workers-189833">Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah</a> is scheduled to address 30,000 booth level <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-run-by-a-dynasty-cannot-serve-the-people-amit-shah-193708">workers </a>here on February 9 ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in 2019, said Goa BJP Chief Vinay Tendulkar.

Tendulkar told ANI in a telephonic conversation that around 30,000 workers from 1642 booths will attend Shah`s rally, which will be organised in Panaji on February 9.&nbsp;

Shah will also address 18,000 party workers at a rally in Uttarakhand`s Dehradun on Saturday, said state BJP president Ajay Bhatt."Amit Shah will address the Trishul Sammelan.&nbsp;

His visit will make a huge impact ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

He will motivate the party workers to work hard for the elections and make sure that BJP wins all the seats in the state," Bhatt said.

Last week, Shah did a rally in Himachal Pradesh`s &nbsp;Una and Odisha and hit out at the Congress saying that the party`s only OROP is "only Rahul only Priyanka". (ANI)&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah is scheduled to address 30,000 booth level workers here on February 9 ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in 2019, said Goa BJP Chief Vinay Tendulkar.

Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah is scheduled to address 30,000 booth level workers here on February 9 ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in 2019, said Goa BJP Chief Vinay Tendulkar. Tendulkar told ANI in a telephonic conversation that around 30,000 workers from 1642 booths will attend Shah`s rally, which will be organised in Panaji on February 9. Shah will also address 18,000 party workers at a rally in Uttarakhand`s Dehradun on Saturday, said state BJP president Ajay Bhatt."Amit Shah will address the Trishul Sammelan. His visit will make a huge impact ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He will motivate the party workers to work hard for the elections and make sure that BJP wins all the seats in the state," Bhatt said. Last week, Shah did a rally in Himachal Pradesh`s Una and Odisha and hit out at the Congress saying that the party`s only OROP is "only Rahul only Priyanka". (ANI)

Amit Shah to address 30,000 booth level workers in Goa on February 9

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

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

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

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

Budget 2019: Amit Shah hails Budget; met expectations of farmers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BJP president <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/shah-heaps-praises-on-pm-modi-says-he-makes-india-proud-by-speaking-in-hindi-at-un-193699">Amit Shah </a>on Tuesday mocked Priyanka Gandhi's decision to join politics and said a government run by a dynasty could not serve the people but could only provide a "majboor (helpless) government".

He also criticised the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal and said the upcoming Lok Sabha polls would be about restoring democracy in the state.

"Narendra Modi will get elected as prime minister again after the Lok Sabha election. But in West Bengal, the polls will be about restoring democracy," Shah told a rally here.

Mocking the entry of Priyanka Gandhi into active politics, he said a government run by a dynasty could not serve the people but could only provide a "majboor government".

"During the UPA rule, we had witnessed huge scams such as 2G. Now the third G has jumped on the bandwagon...Now we have Priyanka G (Gandhi). What will be the amount of the scam?

"So now, they (the Congress) want to add 2G and the third G and indulge in more corruption," Shah said.

The Congress earlier this week appointed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (East). The charge will take effect from the first week of February.&nbsp;

The Priyanka Gandhi's appointment will initiate her active participation in country's politics right ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.'

The decision is seen as significant and pivotal for Congress' electoral plan ahead of this year's general elections. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday mocked Priyanka Gandhi's decision to join politics and said a government run by a dynasty could not serve the people but could only provide a "majboor (helpless) government".

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday mocked Priyanka Gandhi's decision to join politics and said a government run by a dynasty could not serve the people but could only provide a "majboor (helpless) government". He also criticised the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal and said the upcoming Lok Sabha polls would be about restoring democracy in the state. "Narendra Modi will get elected as prime minister again after the Lok Sabha election. But in West Bengal, the polls will be about restoring democracy," Shah told a rally here. Mocking the entry of Priyanka Gandhi into active politics, he said a government run by a dynasty could not serve the people but could only provide a "majboor government". "During the UPA rule, we had witnessed huge scams such as 2G. Now the third G has jumped on the bandwagon...Now we have Priyanka G (Gandhi). What will be the amount of the scam? "So now, they (the Congress) want to add 2G and the third G and indulge in more corruption," Shah said. The Congress earlier this week appointed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (East). The charge will take effect from the first week of February. The Priyanka Gandhi's appointment will initiate her active participation in country's politics right ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.' The decision is seen as significant and pivotal for Congress' electoral plan ahead of this year's general elections.

Government run by dynasty cannot serve the people: Amit Shah

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

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

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

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

Owing to ill health, the BJP national president Amit Shah cut short his Bengal tour as a part of the Lok Sabha election campaign.

Shah was to hold five rallies beginning today at Malda, Birbhum, Jhargram, Nadia and South 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal.

While he attended the meeting today at Malda district, Shah decided to fly back to Delhi owing to ill health.

“I am here in Bengal to sound the bugle for 2019 polls. Country’s future depends on this election and most importantly, Bengal’s future depends on this election. We will dethrone Trinamool Congress from Bengal. Trinamool Congress is stopping BJP from taking out the Rath Yatra. This election will restore faith in democracy in Bengal. This election will bring back the Bengal of Vivekananda, Subhas Chandra Bose, Surya Sen,” he said while launching a blistering attack on the Trinamool Congress.

“President Amit Shah will fly back to Delhi. The four other rallies will be held as per schedule without the president. While I will lead the rally in Jhargram, the rally in Birbhum will be lead by senior leader Smriti Irani,” said Dilip Ghosh, Bengal BJP President.

Sources in the state BJP said that Shah was running high temperatures even as he was holding a meeting today at Malda and that he has not fully recovered from swine flu.

Shah was admitted to the AIIMS hospital in Delhi last week after being detected with swine flu. While he was discharged days later, but sources say that he is yet to recover fully.

Later, senior leaders decided to replace Shah with Smriti Irani at the remaining rallies. On January 24, two rallies will be held at the Nadia and South 24 Parganas district.

This apart, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Brigade rally scheduled to be held on February 8 has also been cancelled.

However, Prime Minister Modi will also be holding three rallies in Bengal this month.

The first rally will be held on January 28 either in Siliguri or in Jalpaiguri, the venue is yet to be decided. The second and third rally will be held in Thakurnagar and Asansol respectively.

Owing to ill health, the BJP national president Amit Shah cut short his Bengal tour as a part of the Lok Sabha election campaign. Shah was to hold five rallies beginning today at Malda, Birbhum, Jhargram, Nadia and South 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal.

Owing to ill health, the BJP national president Amit Shah cut short his Bengal tour as a part of the Lok Sabha election campaign. Shah was to hold five rallies beginning today at Malda, Birbhum, Jhargram, Nadia and South 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal. While he attended the meeting today at Malda district, Shah decided to fly back to Delhi owing to ill health. “I am here in Bengal to sound the bugle for 2019 polls. Country’s future depends on this election and most importantly, Bengal’s future depends on this election. We will dethrone Trinamool Congress from Bengal. Trinamool Congress is stopping BJP from taking out the Rath Yatra. This election will restore faith in democracy in Bengal. This election will bring back the Bengal of Vivekananda, Subhas Chandra Bose, Surya Sen,” he said while launching a blistering attack on the Trinamool Congress. “President Amit Shah will fly back to Delhi. The four other rallies will be held as per schedule without the president. While I will lead the rally in Jhargram, the rally in Birbhum will be lead by senior leader Smriti Irani,” said Dilip Ghosh, Bengal BJP President. Sources in the state BJP said that Shah was running high temperatures even as he was holding a meeting today at Malda and that he has not fully recovered from swine flu. Shah was admitted to the AIIMS hospital in Delhi last week after being detected with swine flu. While he was discharged days later, but sources say that he is yet to recover fully. Later, senior leaders decided to replace Shah with Smriti Irani at the remaining rallies. On January 24, two rallies will be held at the Nadia and South 24 Parganas district. This apart, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Brigade rally scheduled to be held on February 8 has also been cancelled. However, Prime Minister Modi will also be holding three rallies in Bengal this month. The first rally will be held on January 28 either in Siliguri or in Jalpaiguri, the venue is yet to be decided. The second and third rally will be held in Thakurnagar and Asansol respectively.

BJP president Amit Shah cancels four rallies in West Bengal

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday launched the poll campaign for 2019 Lok Sabha Elections in West Bengal by holding a massive rally in Malda district.&nbsp;

Speaking at the rally Shah said that bomb and weapon making industries are prevalent in Bengal. Where Rabindra Sangeet used to play, bomb blasts fill the air. The BJP shall bring the glory back to Bengal. This is what a real speech from a leader sounds like.

"I am assuring you, bring BJP and we will not let any infiltrators enter Bengal. But these people love infiltrators, that is why they go against us when we talk about NRC. The election of 2019 will not only determine the future of India but is also very important for West Bengal. The election of 2019 will determine whether this govt of TMC which is killing democracy, will remain in Bengal or will be uprooted," he said

Taking a jibe at the rally of opposition parties in Kolkata, he said the anti-BJP parties did not utter 'Bharat Mata ki Jai or 'Vande Mataram' even once during the public meeting, but kept chanting 'Modi Modi'.

He alleged that the 'mahagathbandhan' of opposition parties was meant for "gaining power and serving personal interests".

"Mahagathbandhan is all about greed and lust. They want to remove Modi, while we want to remove poverty and corruption," he said.

Describing the Trinamool Congress dispensation as a "government that facilitates murders", he said the party will be ousted in the general elections.

Amit Shah, who was recently admitted to a hospital New Delhi for swine flu treatment addressed the Malda rally after the state government on Monday allowed BJP president’s chopper to land at the ground opposite to Hotel Golden Park.

(With inputs from agencies)

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday launched the poll campaign for 2019 Lok Sabha Elections in West Bengal by holding a massive rally in Malda district. Speaking at the rally Shah said that bomb and weapon making industries are prevalent in Bengal.

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday launched the poll campaign for 2019 Lok Sabha Elections in West Bengal by holding a massive rally in Malda district. Speaking at the rally Shah said that bomb and weapon making industries are prevalent in Bengal. Where Rabindra Sangeet used to play, bomb blasts fill the air. The BJP shall bring the glory back to Bengal. This is what a real speech from a leader sounds like. "I am assuring you, bring BJP and we will not let any infiltrators enter Bengal. But these people love infiltrators, that is why they go against us when we talk about NRC. The election of 2019 will not only determine the future of India but is also very important for West Bengal. The election of 2019 will determine whether this govt of TMC which is killing democracy, will remain in Bengal or will be uprooted," he said Taking a jibe at the rally of opposition parties in Kolkata, he said the anti-BJP parties did not utter 'Bharat Mata ki Jai or 'Vande Mataram' even once during the public meeting, but kept chanting 'Modi Modi'. He alleged that the 'mahagathbandhan' of opposition parties was meant for "gaining power and serving personal interests". "Mahagathbandhan is all about greed and lust. They want to remove Modi, while we want to remove poverty and corruption," he said. Describing the Trinamool Congress dispensation as a "government that facilitates murders", he said the party will be ousted in the general elections. Amit Shah, who was recently admitted to a hospital New Delhi for swine flu treatment addressed the Malda rally after the state government on Monday allowed BJP president’s chopper to land at the ground opposite to Hotel Golden Park. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP will not let any infiltrator enter West Bengal: Amit Shah in Malda

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee clarified on Monday that the state government has allowed the landing of Amit Shah's chopper in Malda district.

Responding on BJP's claim of denial to the landing, Banerjee said, "Permission given but there are security issues. Police had said Amit Shah's chopper should land at some other place,I also change my chopper's landing on police request.We granted permission for meeting as we believe in democracy.They(BJP)are distorting information and misleading people".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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WB CM: Permission given but there are security issues. Police had said chopper(Amit Shah's)should land at some other place,I also change my chopper's landing on police request.We granted permission for meeting as we believe in democracy.They(BJP)are distorting info&amp;misleading ppl <a href="https://t.co/pUcLTrqPF3">pic.twitter.com/pUcLTrqPF3</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087264218020225024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier reports said that the West Bengal government has denied the permission for the landing of the helicopter in the Malda district&nbsp;citing ongoing "up-gradation" in the area.

Shah who is scheduled to address a rally in Malda on January 22 is supposed to take a helicopter from Kolkata to reach Malda and address the public rally.&nbsp;

A letter written by the Additional DM to the BJP had stated, "Up-gradation work at Malda airport going on. Sand and material lying around. Airport not suitable for safe landing of the helicopter. Permission not possible".

BJP General Secretary, on the other hand, claimed that the Malda airport is being used by West Bengal government for landing their airport service every Wednesday.

"Malda airport is now being used by West Bengal government for landing their helicopter service every Wednesday. You're saying that Malda airport us not suitable for safe landing, then why you are allowing helicopter of WB government?" General Secretary, BJP Malda asked the administration.

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WB: In letter dated 18 Jan, Addl DM, Malda replied to BJP over permission for landing chopper at Malda airport on 20 Jan, states 'Up-gradation work at Malda airport going on. Sand&amp;material lying around. Airport not suitable for safe landing of helicopter. Permission not possible'
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087216353394741250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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General Secy, BJP Malda had written to Malda DM on 18 Jan stating 'Malda airport is now being used by WB govt for landing their helicopter service every Wednesday. You're saying that Malda airport us not suitable for safe landing, then why you are allowing helicopter of WB govt?' <a href="https://t.co/igpJisZyul">https://t.co/igpJisZyul</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087217407113003009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Reacting on the incident Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, " Tomorrow our National President Amit Shah, after having recovered, was to address a rally in Malda in West Bengal. But permission had been refused for his helicopter to land on the ground that airport renovation work is going on and some construction material is there".

"At same helipad, Mamata ji's helicopter landed few days ago. Some journalists went there, I have pictures, it is neat and clean. Helicopters are landing and can land. Based on baseless falsehood, by abuse of government power, helicopter of Amit Shah ji had been denied".

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Union Min RS Prasad: At same helipad Mamata ji's helicopter landed few days ago. Some journalists went there, I have pictures, it is neat &amp; clean. Helicopters are landing &amp; can land. Based on baseless falsehood, by abuse of govt power, helicopter of Amit Shah ji had been denied. <a href="https://t.co/xdOrCSvgra">pic.twitter.com/xdOrCSvgra</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087235557149663232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee clarified on Monday that the state government has allowed the landing of Amit Shah's chopper in Malda district. Responding on BJP's claim of denial to the landing, Banerjee said, "Permission given but there are security issues.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee clarified on Monday that the state government has allowed the landing of Amit Shah's chopper in Malda district. Responding on BJP's claim of denial to the landing, Banerjee said, "Permission given but there are security issues. Police had said Amit Shah's chopper should land at some other place,I also change my chopper's landing on police request.We granted permission for meeting as we believe in democracy.They(BJP)are distorting information and misleading people". WB CM: Permission given but there are security issues. Police had said chopper(Amit Shah's)should land at some other place,I also change my chopper's landing on police request.We granted permission for meeting as we believe in democracy.They(BJP)are distorting info&misleading ppl pic.twitter.com/pUcLTrqPF3 — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 × Earlier reports said that the West Bengal government has denied the permission for the landing of the helicopter in the Malda district citing ongoing "up-gradation" in the area. Shah who is scheduled to address a rally in Malda on January 22 is supposed to take a helicopter from Kolkata to reach Malda and address the public rally. A letter written by the Additional DM to the BJP had stated, "Up-gradation work at Malda airport going on. Sand and material lying around. Airport not suitable for safe landing of the helicopter. Permission not possible". BJP General Secretary, on the other hand, claimed that the Malda airport is being used by West Bengal government for landing their airport service every Wednesday. "Malda airport is now being used by West Bengal government for landing their helicopter service every Wednesday. You're saying that Malda airport us not suitable for safe landing, then why you are allowing helicopter of WB government?" General Secretary, BJP Malda asked the administration. WB: In letter dated 18 Jan, Addl DM, Malda replied to BJP over permission for landing chopper at Malda airport on 20 Jan, states 'Up-gradation work at Malda airport going on. Sand&material lying around. Airport not suitable for safe landing of helicopter. Permission not possible' — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 × General Secy, BJP Malda had written to Malda DM on 18 Jan stating 'Malda airport is now being used by WB govt for landing their helicopter service every Wednesday. You're saying that Malda airport us not suitable for safe landing, then why you are allowing helicopter of WB govt?' https://t.co/igpJisZyul — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 × Reacting on the incident Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, " Tomorrow our National President Amit Shah, after having recovered, was to address a rally in Malda in West Bengal. But permission had been refused for his helicopter to land on the ground that airport renovation work is going on and some construction material is there". "At same helipad, Mamata ji's helicopter landed few days ago. Some journalists went there, I have pictures, it is neat and clean. Helicopters are landing and can land. Based on baseless falsehood, by abuse of government power, helicopter of Amit Shah ji had been denied". Union Min RS Prasad: At same helipad Mamata ji's helicopter landed few days ago. Some journalists went there, I have pictures, it is neat & clean. Helicopters are landing & can land. Based on baseless falsehood, by abuse of govt power, helicopter of Amit Shah ji had been denied. pic.twitter.com/xdOrCSvgra — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 ×

West Bengal finally says it will allow Amit Shah's helicopter to land

BJP President Amit Shah has been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-president-amit-shah-will-be-discharged-in-a-day-or-two-191185">discharged from Delhi's AIIMS hospital</a> where he had been admitted with swine flu.&nbsp;

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Anil Baluni, BJP: BJP President Amit Shah has been discharged from AIIMS Delhi where he was admitted for his treatment of swine flu. <a href="https://t.co/KWq7I7FlsA">pic.twitter.com/KWq7I7FlsA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1086850369810886656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The announcement was made by BJP national spokesperson Anil Baluni.&nbsp;

"Shah was discharged at 10.20AM from AIIMS after recovering from swine flue," PTI quoted an AIIMS official as saying.

The BJP's IT cell head Amit Malviya also tweeted that Shah had been discharged from&nbsp;hospital.

"BJP President Shri Amit Shah has been discharged from AIIMS. He is fine and back home now. Thanks for all your wishes and messages," Malviya tweeted.

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BJP President Shri Amit Shah has been discharged from AIIMS. He is fine and back home now. Thanks for all your wishes and messages.
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Shah had been admitted to AIIMS on Wednesday night after he complained of fever and chest congestion.&nbsp;

“I have been diagnosed with swine flu and treatment is on. By God’s grace, your love and wishes, will recover soon,” he had tweeted then.&nbsp;

Doctors had earlier said Shah's treatment was going well and that he would be released in a day or two.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

BJP President Amit Shah has been discharged from Delhi's AIIMS hospital where he had been admitted with swine flu. Anil Baluni, BJP: BJP President Amit Shah has been discharged from AIIMS Delhi where he was admitted for his treatment of swine flu.

BJP President Amit Shah has been discharged from Delhi's AIIMS hospital where he had been admitted with swine flu. Anil Baluni, BJP: BJP President Amit Shah has been discharged from AIIMS Delhi where he was admitted for his treatment of swine flu. pic.twitter.com/KWq7I7FlsA — ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2019 × The announcement was made by BJP national spokesperson Anil Baluni. "Shah was discharged at 10.20AM from AIIMS after recovering from swine flue," PTI quoted an AIIMS official as saying. The BJP's IT cell head Amit Malviya also tweeted that Shah had been discharged from hospital. "BJP President Shri Amit Shah has been discharged from AIIMS. He is fine and back home now. Thanks for all your wishes and messages," Malviya tweeted. BJP President Shri Amit Shah has been discharged from AIIMS. He is fine and back home now. Thanks for all your wishes and messages. — Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) January 20, 2019 × Shah had been admitted to AIIMS on Wednesday night after he complained of fever and chest congestion. “I have been diagnosed with swine flu and treatment is on. By God’s grace, your love and wishes, will recover soon,” he had tweeted then. Doctors had earlier said Shah's treatment was going well and that he would be released in a day or two. (With inputs from PTI)

BJP president Amit Shah discharged from AIIMS

The scheduled rallies of BJP in West Bengal has been deferred by two days to January 22 owing to its national president Amit Shah's ill health, party officials said Friday.

"As he (Shah) is not well, we have decided to change dates (of the rallies) so that he can attend them. There has been change in dates. Amit Shah will address the first rally on January 22 in Malda," Dilip Ghosh, president of the West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party said.

Shah, who has been admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, with swine flu, is doing well and will be discharged in a day or two, the party had said Thursday.

On January 23, Shah will address two rallies at Suri in Birbhum district and Jhargram district. On January 24, he will address rallies at Krishnanagar in Nadia district and Jaynagar in South 24 Parganas district, Ghosh said.

The BJP has identified West Bengal as a priority state for the upcoming general elections and Shah has set a target of winning 22 of the state's 42 Lok Sabha seats.

The party is also looking to host a few rallies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi although the dates have not been confirmed yet, Ghosh said.

In the last few years, the BJP has emerged as the main opposition in the state with a commendable show in rural polls and by-elections.

Shah's rally will come just days after TMC's mega opposition rally.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday had asked the West Bengal government to allow proposed public meetings and rallies of the BJP under its "Ganatantra Bachao Yatra".

In a show of strength ahead of the national polls, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has organised a massive rally in Kolkata on January 19, which is likely to see participation of lakhs. Leaders of all major opposition parties have been invited to the rally to be held at the Brigade Parade ground in the heart of the city.&nbsp;

The scheduled rallies of BJP in West Bengal has been deferred by two days to January 22 owing to its national president Amit Shah's ill health, party officials said Friday.

The scheduled rallies of BJP in West Bengal has been deferred by two days to January 22 owing to its national president Amit Shah's ill health, party officials said Friday. "As he (Shah) is not well, we have decided to change dates (of the rallies) so that he can attend them. There has been change in dates. Amit Shah will address the first rally on January 22 in Malda," Dilip Ghosh, president of the West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party said. Shah, who has been admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, with swine flu, is doing well and will be discharged in a day or two, the party had said Thursday. On January 23, Shah will address two rallies at Suri in Birbhum district and Jhargram district. On January 24, he will address rallies at Krishnanagar in Nadia district and Jaynagar in South 24 Parganas district, Ghosh said. The BJP has identified West Bengal as a priority state for the upcoming general elections and Shah has set a target of winning 22 of the state's 42 Lok Sabha seats. The party is also looking to host a few rallies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi although the dates have not been confirmed yet, Ghosh said. In the last few years, the BJP has emerged as the main opposition in the state with a commendable show in rural polls and by-elections. Shah's rally will come just days after TMC's mega opposition rally. The Supreme Court on Tuesday had asked the West Bengal government to allow proposed public meetings and rallies of the BJP under its "Ganatantra Bachao Yatra". In a show of strength ahead of the national polls, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has organised a massive rally in Kolkata on January 19, which is likely to see participation of lakhs. Leaders of all major opposition parties have been invited to the rally to be held at the Brigade Parade ground in the heart of the city.

BJP defers West Bengal campaign, Amit Shah to address rally on January 22

The chief of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Amit Shah, will be discharged from hospital in a day or two after a bout of swine flu, a party spokesman said on Thursday.

It is not clear how Shah contracted&nbsp;the H1N1 influenza.

"Amit Shah ji is doing well. He will be discharged in a day or two.&nbsp;Thanks everyone for your good wishes!,"&nbsp;Anil Baluni, spokesman of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party said in a tweet.

Health officials said lower than normal temperatures this winter have led to a spike in cases of swine flu in northern India.

"Cases of seasonal swine flu in India go up during winters and this January the winter is proving particularly harsh," said RS&nbsp;Taneja, the head of the medicine department at Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia hospital.

Overall, though, the National Centre for Disease Control said 13,447 cases of H1N1 virus were reported by December 9 of last year compared to 38,811 in 2017.

Shah is the second top member of Modi's inner circle to fall ill. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley left for the United States earlier this week for a medical check-up, officials said. They did not provide details of his condition.&nbsp;

The chief of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Amit Shah, will be discharged from hospital in a day or two after a bout of swine flu, a party spokesman said on Thursday.

The chief of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Amit Shah, will be discharged from hospital in a day or two after a bout of swine flu, a party spokesman said on Thursday. It is not clear how Shah contracted the H1N1 influenza. "Amit Shah ji is doing well. He will be discharged in a day or two. Thanks everyone for your good wishes!," Anil Baluni, spokesman of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party said in a tweet. Health officials said lower than normal temperatures this winter have led to a spike in cases of swine flu in northern India. "Cases of seasonal swine flu in India go up during winters and this January the winter is proving particularly harsh," said RS Taneja, the head of the medicine department at Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia hospital. Overall, though, the National Centre for Disease Control said 13,447 cases of H1N1 virus were reported by December 9 of last year compared to 38,811 in 2017. Shah is the second top member of Modi's inner circle to fall ill. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley left for the United States earlier this week for a medical check-up, officials said. They did not provide details of his condition.

BJP President Amit Shah will be discharged in a day or two

The health (or really the lack of it) of our politicians is a touchy topic in India. It either becomes a joke or it is not talked about. Neither position has served the country well.&nbsp;

The health of our leaders must be open to scrutiny and should be part of public knowledge.

In liberal western democracies, the health of a leader is a matter of public knowledge. Boris Yeltsin’s alcoholism for example was a public fact.&nbsp;

Indian politicians on the other hand have usually been cagey about their health. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi was criticised for not making details of her illness public despite the fact that she ran the government.&nbsp;

The details of former prime minister Manmohan Singh’s heart bypass surgery were on the other hand shared with the public and India came up with a makeshift mechanism while he was admitted to Delhi's All India Institute for Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

BK Hariprasad’s statement on BJP president Amit Shah was in poor taste and people have missed the larger issue.&nbsp;

One has to acknowledge that the news of Amit Shah’s illness — he was admitted to Delhi's AIIMS on Monday with swine flu, Hariprasad said he had "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-president-amit-shah-admitted-to-aiims-suffering-from-swine-flu-190820">suar</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-president-amit-shah-admitted-to-aiims-suffering-from-swine-flu-190820"> ka </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-president-amit-shah-admitted-to-aiims-suffering-from-swine-flu-190820">zukhaam</a>"&nbsp;— was not denied but instead confirmed by the party.&nbsp;

Even in the case of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, the details of his ailment were shared with the public with maturity and grace. Even Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj showed grace and political maturity in sharing with the public the details of the procedure she underwent.&nbsp;

This is recent.&nbsp;

On the other hand, the establishment seemed uneasy about discussing former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s knees after they became public knowledge.

If you look at Narendra Modi’s campaign both pre- and post-poll, a frugal diet and yoga remain the common themes of the conversation around his daily schedule. Despite being in his 60's, Modi was able to harness an image of good health as his ability to serve his country better.&nbsp;

As has Putin.

It is not as if exceptions do not exist. FDR, president of the US during WW2, was paralysed from the waist down but not many pictures of him can be found in the papers. He ensured that his disability did not become a political issue.&nbsp;

Serving US presidents have also battled disease. Ronald Reagan was successfully treated for both skin and colon cancer while in office.

In India, politicians hide details of their health lest it becomes a prism through which they are perceived by the public.&nbsp;

Even health fads become politicised.&nbsp;

I remember a conversation I had (as part of a larger group of journalists) with Prime Minister Modi at Arun Jaitley’s residence.&nbsp;

Modi was speaking about an outsider making it to the country's top post vis a vis Lutyen’s Delhi which works like a "deep society" and is not kind enough to accommodate the views of people who come from other parts of the country. &nbsp;

"Former prime minister Morarji Desai did many things for the country but he is only remembered for one thing,” Modi said. Obviously, he was referring to Morarji's practice of imbibing his own urine, or what we in our childhood would call "Morarji cola”.&nbsp;

Both mental and physical health are important for a leader, and the nation must know about the health of those who govern them. The argument that disease is a private issue does not hold water here because people holding high office must show that they are fit enough to rule.&nbsp;

That also ensures that the system is not run through proxy.&nbsp;

The maturity that India has show in the past (in making the details of its leaders' health public) should be encouraged. The only safeguard needed is that a disability by itself should not bar a person from holding high office — it has not in the past.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

The health (or really the lack of it) of our politicians is a touchy topic in India. It either becomes a joke or it is not talked about. Neither position has served the country well.

The health (or really the lack of it) of our politicians is a touchy topic in India. It either becomes a joke or it is not talked about. Neither position has served the country well. The health of our leaders must be open to scrutiny and should be part of public knowledge. In liberal western democracies, the health of a leader is a matter of public knowledge. Boris Yeltsin’s alcoholism for example was a public fact. Indian politicians on the other hand have usually been cagey about their health. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi was criticised for not making details of her illness public despite the fact that she ran the government. The details of former prime minister Manmohan Singh’s heart bypass surgery were on the other hand shared with the public and India came up with a makeshift mechanism while he was admitted to Delhi's All India Institute for Medical Sciences (AIIMS). BK Hariprasad’s statement on BJP president Amit Shah was in poor taste and people have missed the larger issue. One has to acknowledge that the news of Amit Shah’s illness — he was admitted to Delhi's AIIMS on Monday with swine flu, Hariprasad said he had "suar ka zukhaam" — was not denied but instead confirmed by the party. Even in the case of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, the details of his ailment were shared with the public with maturity and grace. Even Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj showed grace and political maturity in sharing with the public the details of the procedure she underwent. This is recent. On the other hand, the establishment seemed uneasy about discussing former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s knees after they became public knowledge. If you look at Narendra Modi’s campaign both pre- and post-poll, a frugal diet and yoga remain the common themes of the conversation around his daily schedule. Despite being in his 60's, Modi was able to harness an image of good health as his ability to serve his country better. As has Putin. It is not as if exceptions do not exist. FDR, president of the US during WW2, was paralysed from the waist down but not many pictures of him can be found in the papers. He ensured that his disability did not become a political issue. Serving US presidents have also battled disease. Ronald Reagan was successfully treated for both skin and colon cancer while in office. In India, politicians hide details of their health lest it becomes a prism through which they are perceived by the public. Even health fads become politicised. I remember a conversation I had (as part of a larger group of journalists) with Prime Minister Modi at Arun Jaitley’s residence. Modi was speaking about an outsider making it to the country's top post vis a vis Lutyen’s Delhi which works like a "deep society" and is not kind enough to accommodate the views of people who come from other parts of the country. "Former prime minister Morarji Desai did many things for the country but he is only remembered for one thing,” Modi said. Obviously, he was referring to Morarji's practice of imbibing his own urine, or what we in our childhood would call "Morarji cola”. Both mental and physical health are important for a leader, and the nation must know about the health of those who govern them. The argument that disease is a private issue does not hold water here because people holding high office must show that they are fit enough to rule. That also ensures that the system is not run through proxy. The maturity that India has show in the past (in making the details of its leaders' health public) should be encouraged. The only safeguard needed is that a disability by itself should not bar a person from holding high office — it has not in the past. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The health of our leaders: The nation has a right to know

Senior Congress leader&nbsp;BK Hariprasad on Friday claimed that he has a report which states that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-president-amit-shah-will-be-discharged-in-a-day-or-two-191185">BJP president Amit Shah</a> doesn't have any flu.

''We have a report that he (Amit Shah) doesn't have any flu. We also know people in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and they said he is not admitted because of the flu,'' Hariprasad said.

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BK Hariprasad, Congress: We have a report that he (Amit Shah) doesn't have any flu, we also know people in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), they said he is not admitted because of the flu. Let me get the facts then I will get back to you. <a href="https://t.co/sqg3ZbjYTJ">pic.twitter.com/sqg3ZbjYTJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1086215118247981058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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BK&nbsp;Hariprasad on Thursday mocked Amit Shah over his health&nbsp;saying he contracted swine flu after his party failed in its attempt to topple the Congress-JDS government in Karnataka.

''As a few legislators have already come back, Amit Shah is shaken and has got fever. It is not a normal fever. It is swine flu,'' Hariprasad said in remarks made in Kannada in Bengaluru on Thursday.

''You should know that if you try to destabilise the Karnataka government, not just swine flu, you will get vomiting and dysentery also,'' he added.&nbsp;

Shah will be discharged from hospital in a day or two after a bout of swine flu, a party spokesman said on Thursday.

Shah was admitted to AIIMS due to swine flu on Wednesday. BJP leader was admitted following complaints of chest congestion and breathing issues.

Senior Congress leader BK Hariprasad on Friday claimed that he has a report which states that BJP president Amit Shah doesn't have any flu. ''We have a report that he (Amit Shah) doesn't have any flu.

Senior Congress leader BK Hariprasad on Friday claimed that he has a report which states that BJP president Amit Shah doesn't have any flu. ''We have a report that he (Amit Shah) doesn't have any flu. We also know people in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and they said he is not admitted because of the flu,'' Hariprasad said. BK Hariprasad, Congress: We have a report that he (Amit Shah) doesn't have any flu, we also know people in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), they said he is not admitted because of the flu. Let me get the facts then I will get back to you. pic.twitter.com/sqg3ZbjYTJ — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2019 × BK Hariprasad on Thursday mocked Amit Shah over his health saying he contracted swine flu after his party failed in its attempt to topple the Congress-JDS government in Karnataka. ''As a few legislators have already come back, Amit Shah is shaken and has got fever. It is not a normal fever. It is swine flu,'' Hariprasad said in remarks made in Kannada in Bengaluru on Thursday. ''You should know that if you try to destabilise the Karnataka government, not just swine flu, you will get vomiting and dysentery also,'' he added. Shah will be discharged from hospital in a day or two after a bout of swine flu, a party spokesman said on Thursday. Shah was admitted to AIIMS due to swine flu on Wednesday. BJP leader was admitted following complaints of chest congestion and breathing issues.

Amit Shah doesn't have any flu, says Congress leader BK Hariprasad

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday informed that party president Amit Shah is doing well and will soon be discharged from the All India Institutes of Medical Science (AIIMS) where he is currently undergoing treatment for swine flu.

BJP took to Twitter to share the news and thank people for their wishes for the president, and tweeted, "Update: BJP President Shri @AmitShah is doing well. Doctors, post check up this morning, have opined that he is recovering well and would soon be discharged. Thank you all for your kind wishes and several messages. We are overwhelmed by your affection."

Shah was diagnosed with swine flu on Wednesday and is being treated under the supervision of AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria.

Shah also took to Twitter to inform the countrymen about his ailment and wrote, "I have been affected by swine flu disease and the treatment for the same is going on. With the blessings of God and love and good wishes of all of you, I shall be healthy soon."

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday informed that party president Amit Shah is doing well and will soon be discharged from the All India Institutes of Medical Science (AIIMS) where he is currently undergoing treatment for swine flu.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday informed that party president Amit Shah is doing well and will soon be discharged from the All India Institutes of Medical Science (AIIMS) where he is currently undergoing treatment for swine flu. BJP took to Twitter to share the news and thank people for their wishes for the president, and tweeted, "Update: BJP President Shri @AmitShah is doing well. Doctors, post check up this morning, have opined that he is recovering well and would soon be discharged. Thank you all for your kind wishes and several messages. We are overwhelmed by your affection." Shah was diagnosed with swine flu on Wednesday and is being treated under the supervision of AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria. Shah also took to Twitter to inform the countrymen about his ailment and wrote, "I have been affected by swine flu disease and the treatment for the same is going on. With the blessings of God and love and good wishes of all of you, I shall be healthy soon."

Amit Shah to be discharged soon: BJP

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah was admitted to AIIMS due to swine flu on Wednesday.&nbsp;

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Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah getting treatment in AIIMS for swine flu. <a href="https://t.co/zgqP2sUaJy">pic.twitter.com/zgqP2sUaJy</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1085571492635529216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Shah&nbsp;tweeted ''I am suffering from Swine Flu for which the treatment is underway. With God's grace and good wishes from all of you, I will recover soon.''

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मुझे स्वाइन फ्लू हुआ है, जिसका उपचार चल रहा है। ईश्वर की कृपा, आप सभी के प्रेम और शुभकामनाओं से शीघ्र ही स्वस्थ हो जाऊंगा।
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1085570426934358023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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According to sources in the AIIMS, the BJP leader was admitted following complaints of chest congestion and breathing issues.

Shah reached the hospital around 9 pm and was admitted to&nbsp;the old private ward of the hospital.&nbsp;

A team of doctors are monitoring his condition under the supervision of AIIMS director Randeep Guleria, they added.

Meanwhile, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda is soon expected to visit Amit Shah to take stock of his health.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah was admitted to AIIMS due to swine flu on Wednesday. Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah getting treatment in AIIMS for swine flu.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah was admitted to AIIMS due to swine flu on Wednesday. Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah getting treatment in AIIMS for swine flu. pic.twitter.com/zgqP2sUaJy — ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2019 × Shah tweeted ''I am suffering from Swine Flu for which the treatment is underway. With God's grace and good wishes from all of you, I will recover soon.'' मुझे स्वाइन फ्लू हुआ है, जिसका उपचार चल रहा है। ईश्वर की कृपा, आप सभी के प्रेम और शुभकामनाओं से शीघ्र ही स्वस्थ हो जाऊंगा। — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 16, 2019 × According to sources in the AIIMS, the BJP leader was admitted following complaints of chest congestion and breathing issues. Shah reached the hospital around 9 pm and was admitted to the old private ward of the hospital. A team of doctors are monitoring his condition under the supervision of AIIMS director Randeep Guleria, they added. Meanwhile, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda is soon expected to visit Amit Shah to take stock of his health.

BJP president Amit Shah admitted to AIIMS with swine flu

Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Mulayam Singh Yadav's daughter-in-law, Aparna Yadav on Saturday gave her best wishes to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sp-bsp-alliance-how-sworn-enemies-became-friends-again-189880">the newly formed SP-BSP alliance</a> and termed it a major political development.

"It is a very big political development. Its outcome and public mandate will be only clear in future after the 2019 election. In a democracy, the public is everything, they understand everything very well and they will have the last say," said Aparna.

She also added that it is very important for the vision and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/engaged-in-building-anti-bjp-front-mamata-hails-sp-bsp-alliance-in-up-189888">thoughts of both leaders to match</a>. The decisions which have been taken firmly today should be completed in 2019 election, then only the alliance will be successful.

Talking further about Mayawati's statement on Shivpal Yadav, she said, "Political blames are common but such statement should not be made against any particular person. Tomorrow such kind of statement can be made against someone else as well. Such kind of belittling statements must be avoided. I think that one should be careful about making such statements and such things are not right."

During the announcement of seat sharing at a press conference in Lucknow on Saturday, BSP president Mayawati had said that Shivpal Singh Yadav's party is funded by the BJP as a part of an alleged conspiracy to divide votes.

Speaking further about BJP president Amit Shah's remark about SP-BSP alliance she said, "I can only say that despite having BJP government in the state, SP-BSP alliance registered a euphoric win in bye-elections. I feel that it is not right to undermine anyone and it is good to be confident but inappropriate to be overconfident."

Earlier in the day, Shah had slammed the grand alliance of opposition parties, including the alliance between the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

'It is a very big political development. Its outcome and public mandate will be only clear in future after the 2019 election,' said Aparna Yadav.

Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Mulayam Singh Yadav's daughter-in-law, Aparna Yadav on Saturday gave her best wishes to the newly formed SP-BSP alliance and termed it a major political development. "It is a very big political development. Its outcome and public mandate will be only clear in future after the 2019 election. In a democracy, the public is everything, they understand everything very well and they will have the last say," said Aparna. She also added that it is very important for the vision and thoughts of both leaders to match. The decisions which have been taken firmly today should be completed in 2019 election, then only the alliance will be successful. Talking further about Mayawati's statement on Shivpal Yadav, she said, "Political blames are common but such statement should not be made against any particular person. Tomorrow such kind of statement can be made against someone else as well. Such kind of belittling statements must be avoided. I think that one should be careful about making such statements and such things are not right." During the announcement of seat sharing at a press conference in Lucknow on Saturday, BSP president Mayawati had said that Shivpal Singh Yadav's party is funded by the BJP as a part of an alleged conspiracy to divide votes. Speaking further about BJP president Amit Shah's remark about SP-BSP alliance she said, "I can only say that despite having BJP government in the state, SP-BSP alliance registered a euphoric win in bye-elections. I feel that it is not right to undermine anyone and it is good to be confident but inappropriate to be overconfident." Earlier in the day, Shah had slammed the grand alliance of opposition parties, including the alliance between the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

SP- BSP alliance is a major political development: Mulayam's daughter-in-law

BJP chief Amit Shah Saturday asked party workers not to lose hope due to adverse results in recent Assembly elections in the three states, saying the upcoming parliamentary polls were "very important" for the party.

He also asked all party workers to ensure that the votes of their families and friends are cast by 10.30 AM on the polling day.

He mounted an attack on the Congress, saying the "cancer" of casteism, nepotism and appeasement policy was its contribution, which, he said, "weakened the democracy and halted development".

"In the elections in the three states (Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh) our opponents won but we were not defeated. The results were not good but we have not lost our ground. The workers need not lose their hope," he said in his address at the BJP's national convention at Ramlila Ground here.

The BJP lost power to the Congress in the three Hindi heartland states in assembly polls held recently.

The meaning of "defeat" is reflected by the Congress which has vanished from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal, he said.

"Lok Sabha elections are very important for us. If we manage a massive victory, the BJP will rule the country from Panchayat to Parliament for a long time," he said.

He asked his party workers to ensure that every voter is contacted in an intensive campaign for the elections.&nbsp;

Shah asked them to go back to their respective states with a pledge to ensure BJP's victory in the parliamentary elections and make Narendra Modi prime minister for a second term.

BJP chief Amit Shah Saturday asked party workers not to lose hope due to adverse results in recent Assembly elections in the three states, saying the upcoming parliamentary polls were "very important" for the party.

BJP chief Amit Shah Saturday asked party workers not to lose hope due to adverse results in recent Assembly elections in the three states, saying the upcoming parliamentary polls were "very important" for the party. He also asked all party workers to ensure that the votes of their families and friends are cast by 10.30 AM on the polling day. He mounted an attack on the Congress, saying the "cancer" of casteism, nepotism and appeasement policy was its contribution, which, he said, "weakened the democracy and halted development". "In the elections in the three states (Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh) our opponents won but we were not defeated. The results were not good but we have not lost our ground. The workers need not lose their hope," he said in his address at the BJP's national convention at Ramlila Ground here. The BJP lost power to the Congress in the three Hindi heartland states in assembly polls held recently. The meaning of "defeat" is reflected by the Congress which has vanished from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal, he said. "Lok Sabha elections are very important for us. If we manage a massive victory, the BJP will rule the country from Panchayat to Parliament for a long time," he said. He asked his party workers to ensure that every voter is contacted in an intensive campaign for the elections. Shah asked them to go back to their respective states with a pledge to ensure BJP's victory in the parliamentary elections and make Narendra Modi prime minister for a second term.

Don't lose hope by results in 3 states, Lok Sabha polls very important: Amit Shah tells BJP workers

Maharashtra NCP chief Jayant Patil dared on Thursday Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to walk out of the BJP-led state government following Amit Shah’s warning that the BJP can also thrash former allies in polls. Addressing a rally, Patil also claimed that while the Sena keeps attacking the BJP, Uddhav Thackeray met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at a city hotel two days ago. He sought to know what they discussed.

The Sena, though part of the BJP-led NDA, criticises the saffron party almost every day. In a veiled warning, BJP president Amit Shah had said last Sunday that if there was no alliance for the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP will “plonk down” (defeat) its former allies. Referring to Shah’s statement, Patil said, “The president of the other party (BJP) talks about plonking you down. If you have (late Shiv Sena founder) Balasaheb Thackeray’s blood running in your veins, show the courage to walk out of the state cabinet tomorrow morning.”

Patil also said there was “no wave” in the country now, suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP’s popularity was on the wane. “We have launched this Parivartan Yatra campaign to rid the country and state of the BJP,” he said. The NCP rally was also addressed by senior leaders Chhagan Bhujbal, Ajit Pawar, Dhananjay Munde and others. Ajit Pawar hit out at the Centre over the 10 per cent quota to the economically backward section in the general category. “You gave reservation to those who pay income tax, but not to the poor,” Pawar said.

Maharashtra NCP chief Jayant Patil dared on Thursday Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to walk out of the BJP-led state government following Amit Shah’s warning that the BJP can also thrash former allies in polls.

Maharashtra NCP chief Jayant Patil dared on Thursday Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to walk out of the BJP-led state government following Amit Shah’s warning that the BJP can also thrash former allies in polls. Addressing a rally, Patil also claimed that while the Sena keeps attacking the BJP, Uddhav Thackeray met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at a city hotel two days ago. He sought to know what they discussed. The Sena, though part of the BJP-led NDA, criticises the saffron party almost every day. In a veiled warning, BJP president Amit Shah had said last Sunday that if there was no alliance for the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP will “plonk down” (defeat) its former allies. Referring to Shah’s statement, Patil said, “The president of the other party (BJP) talks about plonking you down. If you have (late Shiv Sena founder) Balasaheb Thackeray’s blood running in your veins, show the courage to walk out of the state cabinet tomorrow morning.” Patil also said there was “no wave” in the country now, suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP’s popularity was on the wane. “We have launched this Parivartan Yatra campaign to rid the country and state of the BJP,” he said. The NCP rally was also addressed by senior leaders Chhagan Bhujbal, Ajit Pawar, Dhananjay Munde and others. Ajit Pawar hit out at the Centre over the 10 per cent quota to the economically backward section in the general category. “You gave reservation to those who pay income tax, but not to the poor,” Pawar said.

NCP cites Amit Shah’s warning, dares Shiv Sena to quit government

The Narendra Modi government's outreach to different sections of society is likely to be a key theme for the two-day BJP national council meeting starting here Friday as thousands of delegates arrive here for the mega event that will set the tone for the party's Lok Sabha campaign.

BJP president Amit Shah will inaugurate the event while Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to deliver the concluding speech on Saturday, which party leaders believe will lay down its agenda for the general elections.

The passage of the bill providing 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education for economically weaker sections in the general category has boosted the saffron party's morale after it suffered a blow in the recent assembly polls where it lost power in all three states it ruled.

The BJP believes that the bill, which will come into force after getting the President's nod -- a mere formality -- will consolidate its core vote of upper castes in the Hindi-speaking states and also strengthen its appeal among political significant communities like Jats, Patidars and Marathas, among others.

A section of the party believes that anger among upper castes played a role in its loss in the recent state polls.&nbsp;

Party sources said the Modi government's measures, like granting constitutional status to the OBC Commission and strengthening the law on atrocities against Dalits and tribals, are likely to be highlighted and projected as part of its "social justice" project.

"The Modi government has empowered every section of society. The party will naturally talk at length about it," they said.

Its measures for farmers, besides various schemes for the welfare of the poor and economic growth, will also be discussed, they said.

Shah has often asserted that the BJP will win more seats than the 2014 polls when it had won its first-ever majority by bagging 282 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats.

BJP's rivals believe that the party is facing a resurgent Congress in several states while the expected alliance of the Samajwadi Party and the BSP will dent its prospects in Uttar Pradesh, making the likelihood of its repeat of 2014 feat challenging.&nbsp;

The Narendra Modi government's outreach to different sections of society is likely to be a key theme for the two-day BJP national council meeting starting here Friday as thousands of delegates arrive here for the mega event that will set the tone for the party's Lok Sabha campaign.

The Narendra Modi government's outreach to different sections of society is likely to be a key theme for the two-day BJP national council meeting starting here Friday as thousands of delegates arrive here for the mega event that will set the tone for the party's Lok Sabha campaign. BJP president Amit Shah will inaugurate the event while Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to deliver the concluding speech on Saturday, which party leaders believe will lay down its agenda for the general elections. The passage of the bill providing 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education for economically weaker sections in the general category has boosted the saffron party's morale after it suffered a blow in the recent assembly polls where it lost power in all three states it ruled. The BJP believes that the bill, which will come into force after getting the President's nod -- a mere formality -- will consolidate its core vote of upper castes in the Hindi-speaking states and also strengthen its appeal among political significant communities like Jats, Patidars and Marathas, among others. A section of the party believes that anger among upper castes played a role in its loss in the recent state polls. Party sources said the Modi government's measures, like granting constitutional status to the OBC Commission and strengthening the law on atrocities against Dalits and tribals, are likely to be highlighted and projected as part of its "social justice" project. "The Modi government has empowered every section of society. The party will naturally talk at length about it," they said. Its measures for farmers, besides various schemes for the welfare of the poor and economic growth, will also be discussed, they said. Shah has often asserted that the BJP will win more seats than the 2014 polls when it had won its first-ever majority by bagging 282 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats. BJP's rivals believe that the party is facing a resurgent Congress in several states while the expected alliance of the Samajwadi Party and the BSP will dent its prospects in Uttar Pradesh, making the likelihood of its repeat of 2014 feat challenging.

BJP's 2-day national council from Friday

The Supreme Court Tuesday sought a response from the West Bengal government on a plea by the BJP seeking permission to take out <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rath-yatra-in-west-bengal-supreme-court-agrees-to-hear-bjps-plea-on-january-7-187986">Rath Yatra in the state.</a>

The West Bengal unit of the BJP has challenged the December 21 order of the division bench of the Calcutta High Court, which had set aside the order of a single-judge bench allowing the procession.

An apex court bench headed by Justice S K Kaul also asked the BJP state unit to submit a revised plan for its "Save Democracy Rally" for consideration by the state government.

The bench posted the matter for hearing on January 15.

The BJP's West Bengal unit has approached the apex court seeking permission to take out the rally, which would cover 42 parliamentary constituencies in the state ahead of general elections to be held this year.&nbsp;

In its plea, the BJP has said that their fundamental right to hold a peaceful yatra cannot be withheld.

The party had planned to launch the yatra from three districts of the state.

The high court's division bench had sent the case back to a single-judge bench to hear it afresh and also to consider the intelligence inputs by state agencies.

The order of the division bench had come after hearing an appeal moved by the West Bengal government challenging the order of the single-judge bench.

The rallies, according to the original schedule, were supposed to be flagged off by BJP president Amit Shah from Bengal's Cooch Behar district on December 7, Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas on December 9, and from Tarapith temple in Birbhum on December 14.

In the plea filed in the top court, the BJP's West Bengal unit has contended that authorities cannot abridge their right and they have a duty to facilitate them in exercising their democratic right.

The BJP has alleged in the plea that the state government was repeatedly "attacking" the fundamental right of citizens due to which different petitions have been filed challenging the activities of the state government in denying permission to different organisations.

It has claimed that earlier too, permission was denied several times at the last moment to "harass the BJP" which later moved the high court and that the party "is facing such political vendetta since 2014 in West Bengal".

An apex court bench headed by Justice S K Kaul also asked the BJP state unit to submit a revised plan for its 'Save Democracy Rally' for consideration by the state government.

The Supreme Court Tuesday sought a response from the West Bengal government on a plea by the BJP seeking permission to take out Rath Yatra in the state. The West Bengal unit of the BJP has challenged the December 21 order of the division bench of the Calcutta High Court, which had set aside the order of a single-judge bench allowing the procession. An apex court bench headed by Justice S K Kaul also asked the BJP state unit to submit a revised plan for its "Save Democracy Rally" for consideration by the state government. The bench posted the matter for hearing on January 15. The BJP's West Bengal unit has approached the apex court seeking permission to take out the rally, which would cover 42 parliamentary constituencies in the state ahead of general elections to be held this year. In its plea, the BJP has said that their fundamental right to hold a peaceful yatra cannot be withheld. The party had planned to launch the yatra from three districts of the state. The high court's division bench had sent the case back to a single-judge bench to hear it afresh and also to consider the intelligence inputs by state agencies. The order of the division bench had come after hearing an appeal moved by the West Bengal government challenging the order of the single-judge bench. The rallies, according to the original schedule, were supposed to be flagged off by BJP president Amit Shah from Bengal's Cooch Behar district on December 7, Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas on December 9, and from Tarapith temple in Birbhum on December 14. In the plea filed in the top court, the BJP's West Bengal unit has contended that authorities cannot abridge their right and they have a duty to facilitate them in exercising their democratic right. The BJP has alleged in the plea that the state government was repeatedly "attacking" the fundamental right of citizens due to which different petitions have been filed challenging the activities of the state government in denying permission to different organisations. It has claimed that earlier too, permission was denied several times at the last moment to "harass the BJP" which later moved the high court and that the party "is facing such political vendetta since 2014 in West Bengal".

SC seeks West Bengal government's response on BJP plea seeking permission for Rath Yatra

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