Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying he does not want to be a minister in his new government due to health reasons.

Jaitley begins his letter by saying, "It was a great honour and a learning experience for me to have been a part of the government led by you for the past five years. Even earlier, the party had blessed me with responsibilities in the first NDA government, in the party organisation and also while we were in the opposition. I could not have asked for more."

"During the last 18 months, I have had some serios health challenges... I had orally informed you I would in future, for some time, like to keep away from any responsibility," Jaitley writes further in his letter. "I am writing to you to formally request you that I should be allowed a reasonable time for myself, my treatment and my health and, therefore, not be a part of any responsibility, for the present, in the new government."

Jaitley has not attended office for the last three weeks and has rarely been seen in public. He, however, has been writing blogs and tweeted on Modi's victory last week. He neither attended the Cabinet meeting called Friday that recommended dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha, nor the Saturday meeting of the BJP parliamentary party that elected Modi as its leader.

The government has, however, said that reports on Jaitley's deteriorating health are false and baseless, and that the media should avoid "rumour mongering". "Reports in a section of media regarding Union Minister Shri Arun Jaitley's health condition are false and baseless. Media is advised to stay clear of rumour mongering," government spokesperson Sitanshu Kar said in a tweet last week.

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Reports in a section of media regarding Union Minister Shri Arun Jaitley's health condition are false and baseless. Media is advised to stay clear of rumour mongering.
— Sitanshu Kar (@DG_PIB) <a href="https://twitter.com/DG_PIB/status/1132618639188738048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A lawyer by profession, Jaitley has been the most important leader in Modi’s Cabinet and has often acted as the chief troubleshooter for the government.

He had undergone surgery in the US on January 22 for a reported soft tissue cancer in his left leg, an illness that deprived him from presenting the Modi government's sixth and final budget of its current term. Railway and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal was the stand-in finance minister who presented the interim budget for 2019-20.

Jaitley had returned to India on February 9 after undergoing skin grafting. He is believed to had undergone some kind of a medical procedure again when he last month visited the US to attend the IMF-World Bank Group Spring Meetings.

Jaitley had undergone renal transplant on May 14 last year at AIIMS, New Delhi, with Goyal filling in for him at that time too. Jaitley, who had stopped attending office since early April 2018, was back in the finance ministry on August 23, 2018.

Earlier in September 2014, he underwent bariatric surgery to correct the weight he had gained because of a long-standing diabetic condition.

(With inputs from PTI)

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying he does not want to be a minister in his new government due to health reasons.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying he does not want to be a minister in his new government due to health reasons. Jaitley begins his letter by saying, "It was a great honour and a learning experience for me to have been a part of the government led by you for the past five years. Even earlier, the party had blessed me with responsibilities in the first NDA government, in the party organisation and also while we were in the opposition. I could not have asked for more." "During the last 18 months, I have had some serios health challenges... I had orally informed you I would in future, for some time, like to keep away from any responsibility," Jaitley writes further in his letter. "I am writing to you to formally request you that I should be allowed a reasonable time for myself, my treatment and my health and, therefore, not be a part of any responsibility, for the present, in the new government." Jaitley has not attended office for the last three weeks and has rarely been seen in public. He, however, has been writing blogs and tweeted on Modi's victory last week. He neither attended the Cabinet meeting called Friday that recommended dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha, nor the Saturday meeting of the BJP parliamentary party that elected Modi as its leader. The government has, however, said that reports on Jaitley's deteriorating health are false and baseless, and that the media should avoid "rumour mongering". "Reports in a section of media regarding Union Minister Shri Arun Jaitley's health condition are false and baseless. Media is advised to stay clear of rumour mongering," government spokesperson Sitanshu Kar said in a tweet last week. Reports in a section of media regarding Union Minister Shri Arun Jaitley's health condition are false and baseless. Media is advised to stay clear of rumour mongering. — Sitanshu Kar (@DG_PIB) May 26, 2019 × A lawyer by profession, Jaitley has been the most important leader in Modi’s Cabinet and has often acted as the chief troubleshooter for the government. He had undergone surgery in the US on January 22 for a reported soft tissue cancer in his left leg, an illness that deprived him from presenting the Modi government's sixth and final budget of its current term. Railway and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal was the stand-in finance minister who presented the interim budget for 2019-20. Jaitley had returned to India on February 9 after undergoing skin grafting. He is believed to had undergone some kind of a medical procedure again when he last month visited the US to attend the IMF-World Bank Group Spring Meetings. Jaitley had undergone renal transplant on May 14 last year at AIIMS, New Delhi, with Goyal filling in for him at that time too. Jaitley, who had stopped attending office since early April 2018, was back in the finance ministry on August 23, 2018. Earlier in September 2014, he underwent bariatric surgery to correct the weight he had gained because of a long-standing diabetic condition. (With inputs from PTI)

Great honour to be part of govt, will keep away this time: Arun Jaitley in letter to PM

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US President Donald Trump, declaring a national emergency because of tensions with Iran, swept aside objections from Congress on Friday to complete the sale of over $8 billion worth of weapons to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

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Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is unlikely to continue in his current role due to poor health as Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his second term, according to four sources with knowledge of the matter.

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US President Donald Trump on Thursday ordered the intelligence community to cooperate with Attorney General William Barr's review of the events that prompted an investigation into links between the Trump campaign and Russia.

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US President Donald Trump, engaged in personal attacks on House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, retweeted a heavily edited video that falsely claimed the Democratic leader had difficulty speaking to reporters.

&nbsp;

Defying Congress, Trump sets $8 billion-plus in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia, UAE US President Donald Trump, declaring a national emergency because of tensions with Iran, swept aside objections from Congress on Friday to complete the sale of over $8 billion worth of weapons to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

Defying Congress, Trump sets $8 billion-plus in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia, UAE US President Donald Trump, declaring a national emergency because of tensions with Iran, swept aside objections from Congress on Friday to complete the sale of over $8 billion worth of weapons to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. Arun Jaitley unlikely to remain Finance Minister in PM Modi's new term: Report Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is unlikely to continue in his current role due to poor health as Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his second term, according to four sources with knowledge of the matter. Facebook plans to launch its own 'GlobalCoin' cryptocurrency next year: Report Facebook has been in contact with US and British financial regulators with a view to launching its own cryptocurrency next year, the BBC reported on Friday. Trump orders intelligence community to cooperate with review on Russia probe origins US President Donald Trump on Thursday ordered the intelligence community to cooperate with Attorney General William Barr's review of the events that prompted an investigation into links between the Trump campaign and Russia. Trump retweets doctored video of Pelosi to portray her as having 'lost it' US President Donald Trump, engaged in personal attacks on House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, retweeted a heavily edited video that falsely claimed the Democratic leader had difficulty speaking to reporters.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-considering-appointing-nsa-to-resume-backchannel-diplomacy-sources-220011">Pakistan needs to launch</a> an aggressive diplomatic effort to secure enough support to come out of the greylist or prevent itself from falling into the blacklist of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) next month, a senior government official has said.

The official's remarks came after a 10-member Pakistani delegation attended a two-day meeting of the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) of the Paris-based global watchdog FATF in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou where it defended Pakistan's efforts against money laundering and terror financing.

The senior official, who participated in the APG meeting in Guangzhou last week, told the Dawn newspaper that the coming FATF Plenary and Working Group meetings in Orlando, Florida, scheduled for June 16-21, would be crucial for Pakistan to get rid of the greylist or falling into the blacklist and having serious economic repercussions.

The Orlando plenary will actually set the stage for Pakistan's future even though a formal announcement would come out at the next FATF plenary due in Paris on October 18-23, he said.

Hence, an aggressive diplomatic effort over the next four weeks is required to secure enough support and votes to exit the grey list, the report said.

Pakistan was now fully compliant with the related United Nations resolutions, the official said.

Pakistan has taken aggressive steps over the last two months in terms of regulatory and monitoring mechanism to meet the FATF requirements and its legal system is generally up to the mark, except some amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) 2010 pending before the National Assembly's standing committee on finance and revenue, the report said.

"We believe we have generally delivered on the technical side I,e legal and administrative action, regulations, monitoring, enforcement and inter-agency and stakeholder coordination and now require more of the diplomatic push to counter the adversaries," said the official.

He said Prime Minister Imran Khan was expected to get a briefing on the Guangzhou meeting and on the way forward on Monday.

The official said it was expected Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mehmood Qureshi would now coordinate with stakeholders on a strategy to reach out to the world capitals in a difficult diplomatic environment where the US-India grouping has greater influence and non-aligned members of the FATF prefer to abstain than siding with Pakistan.

According to the report, Pakistan required about 15-16 votes to move out of the greylist and a minimum of three votes to avoid falling into the blacklist.

The FATF currently comprises 36 members with voting powers and two regional organisations, representing most of the major financial centres in all parts of the globe.

The FATF plenary had formally placed Pakistan in the grey list in June 2018 after the country could not secure a minimum of three votes.

On May 3, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaitley-wonders-how-rahul-could-damage-modis-image-215704">Finance Minister Arun Jaitley</a> said India will ask the FATF to put Pakistan on a blacklist of countries that fail to meet international standards in stopping financial crime.

China is set to secure the FATF presidency next year while Saudi Arabia representing the Gulf Cooperation Council is to become a full FATF member.

Turkey was the only member that stood by Pakistan despite a strong campaign launched by the US, the UK, India and Europe.

Pakistan's seriousness to act against proscribed terror outfits and its efforts to curb money laundering and terror financing was questioned by members of a regional affiliate of the FATF at the Guangzhou meeting.

The official said the Pakistani delegation presented a robust case before the APG panel on the country's progress on the 10-point action plan committed with the global watchdog despite tough questioning from some participants.

The APG would now submit its findings, based on Pakistan's report and question-answer session, to the FATF in its June 16-21 Plenary and Working Group meetings in the United States.

Pakistan needs to launch an aggressive diplomatic effort to secure enough support to come out of the greylist or prevent itself from falling into the blacklist of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) next month, a senior government official has said.

Pakistan needs to launch an aggressive diplomatic effort to secure enough support to come out of the greylist or prevent itself from falling into the blacklist of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) next month, a senior government official has said. The official's remarks came after a 10-member Pakistani delegation attended a two-day meeting of the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) of the Paris-based global watchdog FATF in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou where it defended Pakistan's efforts against money laundering and terror financing. The senior official, who participated in the APG meeting in Guangzhou last week, told the Dawn newspaper that the coming FATF Plenary and Working Group meetings in Orlando, Florida, scheduled for June 16-21, would be crucial for Pakistan to get rid of the greylist or falling into the blacklist and having serious economic repercussions. The Orlando plenary will actually set the stage for Pakistan's future even though a formal announcement would come out at the next FATF plenary due in Paris on October 18-23, he said. Hence, an aggressive diplomatic effort over the next four weeks is required to secure enough support and votes to exit the grey list, the report said. Pakistan was now fully compliant with the related United Nations resolutions, the official said. Pakistan has taken aggressive steps over the last two months in terms of regulatory and monitoring mechanism to meet the FATF requirements and its legal system is generally up to the mark, except some amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) 2010 pending before the National Assembly's standing committee on finance and revenue, the report said. "We believe we have generally delivered on the technical side I,e legal and administrative action, regulations, monitoring, enforcement and inter-agency and stakeholder coordination and now require more of the diplomatic push to counter the adversaries," said the official. He said Prime Minister Imran Khan was expected to get a briefing on the Guangzhou meeting and on the way forward on Monday. The official said it was expected Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mehmood Qureshi would now coordinate with stakeholders on a strategy to reach out to the world capitals in a difficult diplomatic environment where the US-India grouping has greater influence and non-aligned members of the FATF prefer to abstain than siding with Pakistan. According to the report, Pakistan required about 15-16 votes to move out of the greylist and a minimum of three votes to avoid falling into the blacklist. The FATF currently comprises 36 members with voting powers and two regional organisations, representing most of the major financial centres in all parts of the globe. The FATF plenary had formally placed Pakistan in the grey list in June 2018 after the country could not secure a minimum of three votes. On May 3, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said India will ask the FATF to put Pakistan on a blacklist of countries that fail to meet international standards in stopping financial crime. China is set to secure the FATF presidency next year while Saudi Arabia representing the Gulf Cooperation Council is to become a full FATF member. Turkey was the only member that stood by Pakistan despite a strong campaign launched by the US, the UK, India and Europe. Pakistan's seriousness to act against proscribed terror outfits and its efforts to curb money laundering and terror financing was questioned by members of a regional affiliate of the FATF at the Guangzhou meeting. The official said the Pakistani delegation presented a robust case before the APG panel on the country's progress on the 10-point action plan committed with the global watchdog despite tough questioning from some participants. The APG would now submit its findings, based on Pakistan's report and question-answer session, to the FATF in its June 16-21 Plenary and Working Group meetings in the United States.

Pakistan needs aggressive diplomacy to exit FATF greylist: Official

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Monday expressed hope that the results of the 2019 general election would be in consonance with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/exit-polls-2019-pm-modi-returning-to-power-with-300-plus-seats-say-pollsters-219927">the outcome of multiple exit polls</a>, which has predicted a second term for the Narendra Modi-led NDA government.

Most exit polls have forecast another term for Prime Minister Modi, with some of them projecting that BJP-led NDA will get more than 300 seats to comfortably cross the majority mark of 272 in the Lok Sabha.

"Many of us may continue to squabble over correctness and accuracy of the Exit Polls. The hard reality is that when multiple Exit Polls convey the same message, the direction of the result broadly would be in consonance with the message," Jaitley said in a blog post titled 'The Message of Exit Polls'.&nbsp;

Observing that EVMs play no role in exit polls, the minister said if the actual results of the general election are in the same direction as exit polls, "the opposition's fake issue of the EVMs would also lose its non-existent rationale".

"If the Exit Polls are read along with the 2014 election results, it would be clear that there is a huge maturing of Indian democracy taking place. The electorate keeps national interest paramount before exercising a choice on whom to vote for. When well-meaning people with similar ideas vote in the same direction, it leads to the making of a wave," he said.

Referring to the Congress, Jaitley said that the Gandhi family has become a liability for the grand old party. "... In the Congress, the first family is no longer an asset but an albatross around the neck of the Party. Without the family, they don't get the crowd, with it they don't get the votes," he said.

He also said the personalised campaign against Prime Minister Modi did not cut much ice in 2014 and may not cut any ice in 2019.

"Leaders are judged on merit and not on caste or family names. Thus, the Prime Minister's style of rising above caste and concentrating on performance related issues received far more acceptability with the electorate," Jaitley said.

He said the voters are no longer willing to trust 'Coalition of Rivals' as their alliances are untenable.

The arithmetic of caste coalitions is no longer valid and has yielded place to the national interest. "Fake issues only satisfy the 'manufacturers of fakery'. The voters don't buy them," Jaitley added.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Monday expressed hope that the results of the 2019 general election would be in consonance with the outcome of multiple exit polls, which has predicted a second term for the Narendra Modi-led NDA government.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Monday expressed hope that the results of the 2019 general election would be in consonance with the outcome of multiple exit polls, which has predicted a second term for the Narendra Modi-led NDA government. Most exit polls have forecast another term for Prime Minister Modi, with some of them projecting that BJP-led NDA will get more than 300 seats to comfortably cross the majority mark of 272 in the Lok Sabha. "Many of us may continue to squabble over correctness and accuracy of the Exit Polls. The hard reality is that when multiple Exit Polls convey the same message, the direction of the result broadly would be in consonance with the message," Jaitley said in a blog post titled 'The Message of Exit Polls'. Observing that EVMs play no role in exit polls, the minister said if the actual results of the general election are in the same direction as exit polls, "the opposition's fake issue of the EVMs would also lose its non-existent rationale". "If the Exit Polls are read along with the 2014 election results, it would be clear that there is a huge maturing of Indian democracy taking place. The electorate keeps national interest paramount before exercising a choice on whom to vote for. When well-meaning people with similar ideas vote in the same direction, it leads to the making of a wave," he said. Referring to the Congress, Jaitley said that the Gandhi family has become a liability for the grand old party. "... In the Congress, the first family is no longer an asset but an albatross around the neck of the Party. Without the family, they don't get the crowd, with it they don't get the votes," he said. He also said the personalised campaign against Prime Minister Modi did not cut much ice in 2014 and may not cut any ice in 2019. "Leaders are judged on merit and not on caste or family names. Thus, the Prime Minister's style of rising above caste and concentrating on performance related issues received far more acceptability with the electorate," Jaitley said. He said the voters are no longer willing to trust 'Coalition of Rivals' as their alliances are untenable. The arithmetic of caste coalitions is no longer valid and has yielded place to the national interest. "Fake issues only satisfy the 'manufacturers of fakery'. The voters don't buy them," Jaitley added.

Election results to be in consonance with exit polls outcome: Arun Jaitley

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Tuesday deplored the violence during BJP President Amit Shah's roadshow in Kolkata and wondered if West Bengal is being run by a "government of gangsters".

All eyes will be now on the Election Commission of India to ensure free and fair Lok Sabha polls in the state in the last phase on May 19, he said in a series of tweets.

BJP and TMC supporters fought pitched battles on the streets of Kolkata <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/amit-shah-holds-roadshow-in-kolkata-218766">during a massive roadshow by Amit Shah</a>, who escaped unhurt but was forced to cut short the jamboree and had to be escorted to safety by police.

Parts of the city plunged into a welter of violence as the BJP president's convoy was attacked with stones by alleged TMC supporters from inside the hostel of Vidyasagar College, triggering a clash between supporters of the two parties, officials said. &nbsp; &nbsp;

"Has Bengal acquired a Government of Gangsters? The attack on Amit Shah's peaceful rally by the TMC is deplorable.&nbsp;

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Has Bengal acquired a Government of Gangsters? The attack on Amit Shah’s peaceful rally by the TMC is deplorable . Is a free &amp; fair Poll possible in Bengal? All eyes are now on the Election Commission.
— Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley/status/1128312699408998400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Is a free &amp; fair Poll possible in Bengal? All eyes are now on the Election Commission," said Jaitley.

Trouble began after stones were pelted at Shah's convoy as it passed through College Street and the arterial Bidhan Sarani on its way to Swami Vivekananda's residence in north Kolkata, a little over 3.5 km from Esplanade in the heart of the city, where it began.

"Keep it up Amit Bhai. Only Modi Ji and you can do in Bengal what others failed to realise. Victory is now at an arm's length distance," Jaitley added. 
Polling is schedule to take place for nine Lok Sabha seats of West Bengal on May 19, the seventh and last phase of the ongoing general elections.&nbsp;

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Tuesday deplored the violence during BJP President Amit Shah's roadshow in Kolkata and wondered if West Bengal is being run by a "government of gangsters".

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Tuesday deplored the violence during BJP President Amit Shah's roadshow in Kolkata and wondered if West Bengal is being run by a "government of gangsters". All eyes will be now on the Election Commission of India to ensure free and fair Lok Sabha polls in the state in the last phase on May 19, he said in a series of tweets. BJP and TMC supporters fought pitched battles on the streets of Kolkata during a massive roadshow by Amit Shah, who escaped unhurt but was forced to cut short the jamboree and had to be escorted to safety by police. Parts of the city plunged into a welter of violence as the BJP president's convoy was attacked with stones by alleged TMC supporters from inside the hostel of Vidyasagar College, triggering a clash between supporters of the two parties, officials said. "Has Bengal acquired a Government of Gangsters? The attack on Amit Shah's peaceful rally by the TMC is deplorable. Has Bengal acquired a Government of Gangsters? The attack on Amit Shah’s peaceful rally by the TMC is deplorable . Is a free & fair Poll possible in Bengal? All eyes are now on the Election Commission. — Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) May 14, 2019 × "Is a free & fair Poll possible in Bengal? All eyes are now on the Election Commission," said Jaitley. Trouble began after stones were pelted at Shah's convoy as it passed through College Street and the arterial Bidhan Sarani on its way to Swami Vivekananda's residence in north Kolkata, a little over 3.5 km from Esplanade in the heart of the city, where it began. "Keep it up Amit Bhai. Only Modi Ji and you can do in Bengal what others failed to realise. Victory is now at an arm's length distance," Jaitley added. Polling is schedule to take place for nine Lok Sabha seats of West Bengal on May 19, the seventh and last phase of the ongoing general elections.

Has West Bengal acquired a 'government of gangsters', asks Arun Jaitley

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley hit out at Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda on Friday over his remarks on 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

On being asked to respond on the BJP's claim citing the Nanavati commission report that the instructions for the violence had come from late Rajiv Gandhi who had taken up the post of Prime Minister after his mother Indira Gandhi was assassinated, Pitroda had said, "it happened in 1984, so what?"

"I don't think so, this is also another lie, and what about 1984? You speak about what you have done in five years. It happened in 1984, so what? (1984 hua toh hua). What have you done? (Ab kya hai 84 ka? Aapne kya kiya 5 saal mein, uski baat kariye. 84 mein hua to hua. Aapne kya kiya?)"

Taking Twitter to slam Pitroda, Jaitley said, "It is a matter of disgrace that the Congress Party has no remorse over the Sikh killings of 1984."

"Sam Pitroda's 'Hua to Hua' reaction to the 1984 Sikh killings is reflective of the lack of remorse on the part of Congress Party with respect to the 1984 genocide," he continued in another tweet.

"Will the Congress President oust his 'Guru', who rubbishes the genocide of India's most patriotic community in 1984?" Jaitley asked in another tweet.

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Will the Congress President oust his 'Guru', who rubbishes the genocide of India's most patriotic community in 1984?
— Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley/status/1126710704390541312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Yesterday, BJP party president Amit Shah slammed Pitroda saying that India will never forgive "murderer" Congress for its sins."

"Agony of the entire Sikh community. Suffering of all those Sikh families killed by Congress leaders in 1984. Attack on Delhi’s secular ethos. All Summed up in these three words by Sam Pitroda - Hua To Hua. &nbsp;India will never forgive #MurdererCongress for its sins," Shah's tweet read.

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Agony of the entire Sikh community. 
 
Suffering of all those Sikh families killed by Congress leaders in 1984. 
 
Attack on Delhi’s secular ethos. 
 
All Summed up in these three words by Sam Pitroda - Hua To Hua. 
 
India will never forgive <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MurdererCongress?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MurdererCongress</a> for its sins. <a href="https://t.co/ouYXeHJHlf">pic.twitter.com/ouYXeHJHlf</a>
— Chowkidar Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1126497512280313862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The anti-Sikh riots took place after the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

According to official records, about 2,800 Sikhs were killed across India, including 2,100 in Delhi, during the pogrom that broke out after then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards.

(With inputs from agencies)

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley hit out at Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda on Friday over his remarks on 1984 anti-Sikh riots. On being asked to respond on the BJP's claim citing the Nanavati commission report that the instructions for the violence had come from late Rajiv Gandhi who had taken up the post of Prime Minister after his mother Indira Gandhi was assassinated, Pitroda had said, "it happened in 1984, so what?

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley hit out at Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda on Friday over his remarks on 1984 anti-Sikh riots. On being asked to respond on the BJP's claim citing the Nanavati commission report that the instructions for the violence had come from late Rajiv Gandhi who had taken up the post of Prime Minister after his mother Indira Gandhi was assassinated, Pitroda had said, "it happened in 1984, so what?" "I don't think so, this is also another lie, and what about 1984? You speak about what you have done in five years. It happened in 1984, so what? (1984 hua toh hua). What have you done? (Ab kya hai 84 ka? Aapne kya kiya 5 saal mein, uski baat kariye. 84 mein hua to hua. Aapne kya kiya?)" Taking Twitter to slam Pitroda, Jaitley said, "It is a matter of disgrace that the Congress Party has no remorse over the Sikh killings of 1984." "Sam Pitroda's 'Hua to Hua' reaction to the 1984 Sikh killings is reflective of the lack of remorse on the part of Congress Party with respect to the 1984 genocide," he continued in another tweet. "Will the Congress President oust his 'Guru', who rubbishes the genocide of India's most patriotic community in 1984?" Jaitley asked in another tweet. Will the Congress President oust his 'Guru', who rubbishes the genocide of India's most patriotic community in 1984? — Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) May 10, 2019 × Yesterday, BJP party president Amit Shah slammed Pitroda saying that India will never forgive "murderer" Congress for its sins." "Agony of the entire Sikh community. Suffering of all those Sikh families killed by Congress leaders in 1984. Attack on Delhi’s secular ethos. All Summed up in these three words by Sam Pitroda - Hua To Hua. India will never forgive #MurdererCongress for its sins," Shah's tweet read. Agony of the entire Sikh community. Suffering of all those Sikh families killed by Congress leaders in 1984. Attack on Delhi’s secular ethos. All Summed up in these three words by Sam Pitroda - Hua To Hua. India will never forgive #MurdererCongress for its sins. pic.twitter.com/ouYXeHJHlf — Chowkidar Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 9, 2019 × The anti-Sikh riots took place after the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. According to official records, about 2,800 Sikhs were killed across India, including 2,100 in Delhi, during the pogrom that broke out after then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards. (With inputs from agencies)

Arun Jaitley, Amit Shah slams Sam Pitroda over his remark on 1984 anti-Sikh riots

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday said a "desperate Congress" has "discovered" Bharatiya Janata Party's role in the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi 28 years after the incident.

He took to the micro-blogging web site to mount a scathing attack on the Congress party and said, "From December 1990 till May 1991, when Shri Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated, the Congress Party supported Chandra Shekhar government (which) was in power."

"From May 1991 till 2004, the Congress blamed its present ally the DMK for Shri Rajiv Gandhi's assassination. It even withdrew support from the United Front government on this ground. 28 years later, today a desperate Congress has discovered a BJP role," he continued in another tweet.

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From May 1991 till 2004, the Congress blamed its present ally the DMK for Shri Rajiv Gandhi's assassination. It even withdrew support from the United Front government on this ground. 28 years later, today a desperate Congress has discovered a BJP role.
— Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley/status/1126359466624991233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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From December 1990 till May 1991, when Shri Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated, the Congress Party supported Chandra Shekhar government was in power.
— Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley/status/1126359464343265280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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His comments came after senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said that Rajiv Gandhi lost his life due to BJP's hatred.

Rajiv Gandhi became a campaign point after Modi called the late prime minister a "bhrashtachari no 1" (corrupt no 1) a few days ago.

While addressing an election rally in Uttar Pradesh on May 4, Prime Minister Modi had said Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's father was termed 'Mr. Clean'&nbsp;by his courtiers, but his life ended as ''Bhrashtachari No 1." Ever since there have been attacks and counter-attacks between BJP and Congress leaders.

Following the remarks, a delegation of senior Congress leaders including Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Rajiv Shukla, and Salman Khurshid met officials of the Election Commission and apprised the poll body of their objection over the Prime Minister's statement.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday said a "desperate Congress" has "discovered" Bharatiya Janata Party's role in the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi 28 years after the incident.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday said a "desperate Congress" has "discovered" Bharatiya Janata Party's role in the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi 28 years after the incident. He took to the micro-blogging web site to mount a scathing attack on the Congress party and said, "From December 1990 till May 1991, when Shri Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated, the Congress Party supported Chandra Shekhar government (which) was in power." "From May 1991 till 2004, the Congress blamed its present ally the DMK for Shri Rajiv Gandhi's assassination. It even withdrew support from the United Front government on this ground. 28 years later, today a desperate Congress has discovered a BJP role," he continued in another tweet. From May 1991 till 2004, the Congress blamed its present ally the DMK for Shri Rajiv Gandhi's assassination. It even withdrew support from the United Front government on this ground. 28 years later, today a desperate Congress has discovered a BJP role. — Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) May 9, 2019 × From December 1990 till May 1991, when Shri Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated, the Congress Party supported Chandra Shekhar government was in power. — Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) May 9, 2019 × His comments came after senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said that Rajiv Gandhi lost his life due to BJP's hatred. Rajiv Gandhi became a campaign point after Modi called the late prime minister a "bhrashtachari no 1" (corrupt no 1) a few days ago. While addressing an election rally in Uttar Pradesh on May 4, Prime Minister Modi had said Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's father was termed 'Mr. Clean' by his courtiers, but his life ended as ''Bhrashtachari No 1." Ever since there have been attacks and counter-attacks between BJP and Congress leaders. Following the remarks, a delegation of senior Congress leaders including Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Rajiv Shukla, and Salman Khurshid met officials of the Election Commission and apprised the poll body of their objection over the Prime Minister's statement.

'Desperate' Congress has now discovered BJP's role in Rajiv Gandhi assassination: Arun Jaitley

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Sunday wondered why Congress President Rahul Gandhi gets disturbed when integrity issues of his late father Rajiv Gandhi-led government are raised and the 'Q' connection in the Bofors gun-deal is questioned.

In a series of tweets, Jaitley said that Rahul Gandhi thinks that "dynast" does not have to answer any question even though he can attack Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- a man of utmost integrity.

Responding to comments of Modi that Rajiv Gandhi's life ended as bhrashtachari No 1," Rahul Gandhi had tweeted: "Modi Ji, The battle is over. Your Karma awaits you. Projecting your inner beliefs about yourself onto my father won't protect you. All my love and a huge hug".

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Modi Ji, 
 
The battle is over. Your Karma awaits you. Projecting your inner beliefs about yourself onto my father won’t protect you. 
 
All my love and a huge hug. 
 
Rahul
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1124912990581452800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Jaitley in his tweet said, "Why is Rahul Gandhi so disturbed if the integrity issues of the Rajiv Gandhi government are raised? Why did Ottavio Quattrocchi get kickbacks in Bofors? Who was the 'Q' connection? No reply has come."

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Why is Rahul Gandhi so disturbed if integrity issues of the Rajiv Gandhi Government are raised? Why did Ottavio Quattrocchi get kickbacks in Bofors? Who was the ‘Q’ connection? No reply has come.
— Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley/status/1125024496681807873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Modi, addressing a poll rally in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, had targeted the former prime minister while attacking Rahul. "Your father (Rajiv Gandhi) was termed Mr Clean by his courtiers, but his life ended as bhrashtachari No 1," Modi had said.

Jaitley said that even former prime minister Indira Gandhi was also assassinated and yet the Congress is questioned about the Emergency and the Operation Blue Star. "The Dynast can attack the integrity of India's Prime Minister - a man of utmost honesty. Does he believe that the dynasty does not have to answer any questions?" the Minister said.

The Bofors defence deal was believed to be one of the primary reasons for the Rajiv Gandhi-led Congress's defeat in the 1989 Lok Sabha polls.

On former prime minister Manmohan Singh accusing the Modi government of leaving the economy in dire straits, Jaitley said, "When an economist turns into a politician, he loses the sense of both economy and politics. Dr Manmohan Singh left behind in 2014 an economic slowdown, policy paralysis and corruption. He brought down his party to lowest ever strength in Parliament. India was a part of the fragile five. Today he regards the World's the fastest growing major economy as disastrous," Jaitley said.

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Dr. Manmohan Singh left behind in 2014 an economic slowdown, policy paralysis and corruption. He brought down his party to lowest ever strength in Parliament. India was a part of the fragile five.
— Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley/status/1125026222428250114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In an interview to PTI, Singh on Sunday said India is headed for an economic slowdown and accused the Modi government of leaving the economy in dire straits due to its "lack of economic vision". Singh also alleged that the lack of any vision or understanding of the country's dynamics of the economy by the Narendra Modi-led government has led to "disruptive" decisions like demonetisation.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Sunday wondered why Congress President Rahul Gandhi gets disturbed when integrity issues of his late father Rajiv Gandhi-led government are raised and the 'Q' connection in the Bofors gun-deal is questioned.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Sunday wondered why Congress President Rahul Gandhi gets disturbed when integrity issues of his late father Rajiv Gandhi-led government are raised and the 'Q' connection in the Bofors gun-deal is questioned. In a series of tweets, Jaitley said that Rahul Gandhi thinks that "dynast" does not have to answer any question even though he can attack Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- a man of utmost integrity. Responding to comments of Modi that Rajiv Gandhi's life ended as bhrashtachari No 1," Rahul Gandhi had tweeted: "Modi Ji, The battle is over. Your Karma awaits you. Projecting your inner beliefs about yourself onto my father won't protect you. All my love and a huge hug". Modi Ji, The battle is over. Your Karma awaits you. Projecting your inner beliefs about yourself onto my father won’t protect you. All my love and a huge hug. Rahul — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 5, 2019 × Jaitley in his tweet said, "Why is Rahul Gandhi so disturbed if the integrity issues of the Rajiv Gandhi government are raised? Why did Ottavio Quattrocchi get kickbacks in Bofors? Who was the 'Q' connection? No reply has come." Why is Rahul Gandhi so disturbed if integrity issues of the Rajiv Gandhi Government are raised? Why did Ottavio Quattrocchi get kickbacks in Bofors? Who was the ‘Q’ connection? No reply has come. — Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) May 5, 2019 × Modi, addressing a poll rally in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, had targeted the former prime minister while attacking Rahul. "Your father (Rajiv Gandhi) was termed Mr Clean by his courtiers, but his life ended as bhrashtachari No 1," Modi had said. Jaitley said that even former prime minister Indira Gandhi was also assassinated and yet the Congress is questioned about the Emergency and the Operation Blue Star. "The Dynast can attack the integrity of India's Prime Minister - a man of utmost honesty. Does he believe that the dynasty does not have to answer any questions?" the Minister said. The Bofors defence deal was believed to be one of the primary reasons for the Rajiv Gandhi-led Congress's defeat in the 1989 Lok Sabha polls. On former prime minister Manmohan Singh accusing the Modi government of leaving the economy in dire straits, Jaitley said, "When an economist turns into a politician, he loses the sense of both economy and politics. Dr Manmohan Singh left behind in 2014 an economic slowdown, policy paralysis and corruption. He brought down his party to lowest ever strength in Parliament. India was a part of the fragile five. Today he regards the World's the fastest growing major economy as disastrous," Jaitley said. Dr. Manmohan Singh left behind in 2014 an economic slowdown, policy paralysis and corruption. He brought down his party to lowest ever strength in Parliament. India was a part of the fragile five. — Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) May 5, 2019 × In an interview to PTI, Singh on Sunday said India is headed for an economic slowdown and accused the Modi government of leaving the economy in dire straits due to its "lack of economic vision". Singh also alleged that the lack of any vision or understanding of the country's dynamics of the economy by the Narendra Modi-led government has led to "disruptive" decisions like demonetisation.

Why is Rahul disturbed if integrity of Rajiv Gandhi government is questioned: Arun Jaitley

Finance Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/long-awaited-action-victory-for-us-diplomacy-mike-pompeo-on-unsc-listing-azhar-as-terrorist-215231">Arun Jaitley </a>said on Thursday the government will request that Pakistan be downgraded by the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global body created to counter terrorism financing and money laundering.

"There is a meeting of FATF in mid-May," Arun Jaitley told reporters. "We would want that the FATF for Pakistan should be downgraded."

The development comes a day after the UN sanctions committee on the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda on Wednesday announced the designation of Masood Azhar, leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), over its ties to Al-Qaeda.

The JeM has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama suicide attack that killed 40 CRPF soldiers and led to a spike in military tensions between India and Pakistan.

It took ten years for the listing of Masood Azhar. India had proposed the listing in 2009, but China had continued to block the listing citing lack of consensus. In March of 2019, when China had put a hold at the listing of Masood Azhar, 14 out of 15 members of UNSC backed his listing.&nbsp;

The development has been welcomed by the US, UK. A British high commission spokesperson said it is "positive development for the security and stability of the South Asia region."&nbsp;

France was the first country to react on the listing of Masood Azhar on Wednesday calling it "successful realisation" of its efforts.

Azhar was released from prison in exchange for 155 hostages held on an Indian Airlines flight that had been hijacked to Kandahar in 1999. Since then, he is responsible for many terror attacks in India including the 2001 Parliament attack and 2019 Pulwama attack.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Thursday the government will request that Pakistan be downgraded by the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global body created to counter terrorism financing and money laundering.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Thursday the government will request that Pakistan be downgraded by the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global body created to counter terrorism financing and money laundering. "There is a meeting of FATF in mid-May," Arun Jaitley told reporters. "We would want that the FATF for Pakistan should be downgraded." The development comes a day after the UN sanctions committee on the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda on Wednesday announced the designation of Masood Azhar, leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), over its ties to Al-Qaeda. The JeM has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama suicide attack that killed 40 CRPF soldiers and led to a spike in military tensions between India and Pakistan. It took ten years for the listing of Masood Azhar. India had proposed the listing in 2009, but China had continued to block the listing citing lack of consensus. In March of 2019, when China had put a hold at the listing of Masood Azhar, 14 out of 15 members of UNSC backed his listing. The development has been welcomed by the US, UK. A British high commission spokesperson said it is "positive development for the security and stability of the South Asia region." France was the first country to react on the listing of Masood Azhar on Wednesday calling it "successful realisation" of its efforts. Azhar was released from prison in exchange for 155 hostages held on an Indian Airlines flight that had been hijacked to Kandahar in 1999. Since then, he is responsible for many terror attacks in India including the 2001 Parliament attack and 2019 Pulwama attack. (With inputs from agencies)

India to seek downgrading of Pakistan on terrorism financing list

Jet Airways CEO Vinay Dube on Saturday informed the media he, along with his staff, met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at his residence and requested him "to have an open and transparent bid process," news agency ANI reported. &nbsp;

Dube added that Jaitley assured them and that there were four parties interested in Jet Airways.&nbsp;

"We met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and presented our case. We requested him to have an open and transparent bid process, he assured us of that and also told us that as part of an expression of interest that there were 4 parties that were interested in Jet Airways," Dube told reporters today evening in New Delhi.&nbsp;

Jet Airways, earlier in the week, shuttered its operations temporarily owing to lenders deciding not to extend any emergency funds.

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Jet Airways CEO Vinay Dube: We met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley&amp;presented our case. We requested him to have an open&amp;transparent bid process,he assured us of that &amp; also told us that as part of expression of interest there were 4 parties that were interested in Jet Airways. <a href="https://t.co/jiuRC9IVoG">pic.twitter.com/jiuRC9IVoG</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1119616084787761152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/jet-airways-shares-sink-over-32-hit-52-week-low-during-the-day-211542">Shares of Jet Airways continued to fall</a> for the second day in a row on Thursday, plummeting over 32 per cent.&nbsp;

The scrip tanked 32.23 per cent to close at Rs 163.90 on the BSE. Intra-day, it plunged 34.62 per cent to Rs 158.10 -- 52-week low.

On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), shares sank 31 per cent to close at Rs 165.75 apiece.

Stock markets were closed on Wednesday and Friday.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in a statement early Thursday, Jet Airways' lenders said they were reasonably hopeful of a successful bidding process for a stake sale.

Jet had been on a decline in the past few months as competition from budget airlines hurt its profitability and led to a debt pile. It reported losses for four straight quarters despite sales holding up.

Jet Airways CEO Vinay Dube on Saturday informed the media he, along with his staff, met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at his residence and requested him "to have an open and transparent bid process," news agency ANI reported.

Jet Airways CEO Vinay Dube on Saturday informed the media he, along with his staff, met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at his residence and requested him "to have an open and transparent bid process," news agency ANI reported. Dube added that Jaitley assured them and that there were four parties interested in Jet Airways. "We met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and presented our case. We requested him to have an open and transparent bid process, he assured us of that and also told us that as part of an expression of interest that there were 4 parties that were interested in Jet Airways," Dube told reporters today evening in New Delhi. Jet Airways, earlier in the week, shuttered its operations temporarily owing to lenders deciding not to extend any emergency funds. Jet Airways CEO Vinay Dube: We met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley&presented our case. We requested him to have an open&transparent bid process,he assured us of that & also told us that as part of expression of interest there were 4 parties that were interested in Jet Airways. pic.twitter.com/jiuRC9IVoG — ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2019 × Shares of Jet Airways continued to fall for the second day in a row on Thursday, plummeting over 32 per cent. The scrip tanked 32.23 per cent to close at Rs 163.90 on the BSE. Intra-day, it plunged 34.62 per cent to Rs 158.10 -- 52-week low. On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), shares sank 31 per cent to close at Rs 165.75 apiece. Stock markets were closed on Wednesday and Friday. Meanwhile, in a statement early Thursday, Jet Airways' lenders said they were reasonably hopeful of a successful bidding process for a stake sale. Jet had been on a decline in the past few months as competition from budget airlines hurt its profitability and led to a debt pile. It reported losses for four straight quarters despite sales holding up.

Jet CEO Vinay Dube meets Arun Jaitley, says 'we have been assured of open and transparent bid process'

The present generation of dynast&nbsp;has become a liability for the Congress party, said Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in a blog on Saturday.

"The socio-economic profile of India is moving up the growth ladder. It may be difficult for a country with this socio-economic profile to accept dynasties," he said in the blog titled 'Will 2019 Witness the Dynasty as a Liability on the Congress Party.'

"A relevant question with this changing socio-economic profile of India is - Are dynasties an asset for a party or are they a liability? Unquestionably, the present generation of dynast has become a liability rather than an asset for the Congress party," said Jaitley.

Virtually questioning the political acumen of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Jaitley said, "If the Congress's dynast has only an ability to deliver 44 seats or 60 seats in Parliament. What then is the incentive for conventional Congressmen to bear the humiliation of subjecting themselves to a dynast? Ultimately, in dynastic parties, one has to accept political slavery."

Jaitley also alleged that a lot of "traditional bright faces" are deserting the Congress party.

"These Congressmen today look at a party like the BJP where men and women of talent have a huge opportunity to move up, both in the party, legislatures and governments," he said, asserting that two Prime Ministers given by the BJP to this country - Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi - were the tallest leaders of their generation.

The Finance Minister said that a similar situation arises with regard to caste-based parties as well.

Referring to the poor results fared by the regional parties like RJD and BSP in 2014, Jaitley said,&nbsp;"The sun will slowly but surely come down on that era."

Jaitley also claimed that his party has already consumed some of the space occupied by the regional parties in states like Bengal, Odisha, and other North-Eastern states.

He also predicted that this election will witness BJP as co-equal in Kerala.

"The BJP has the ability to fight and occupy more political space from the regional parties is already visible. The Congress inherently lacks that instinct," he said.

Insisting that the centre space in the ongoing election is occupied by the BJP, Jaitley said, "The momentum is clearly with the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

"In terms of national leadership contest for a Prime Ministerial election, it is almost becoming a one-horse race. There is nobody else measuring up to PM Modi's level of capacity and acceptability."

"Is history going to witness something wholly unprecedented? Are we going to witness the rejection of caste-based and dynastic parties? And will aspirational India make a harsh judgement on electing a merit-based leadership," he questioned.

The Union Minister said the Congress'&nbsp;key thrust based on 'fake issues'&nbsp;has cracked up. He also claimed that the Congress promise of 'NYAY'&nbsp;was not cutting ice with the people.

"Based on fake issues, the key thrust of what the Congress was building up in the last one year has cracked up. They are now concentrating on a new scheme declared in their manifesto which is cutting no ice with the people. The entire reliance on the members of the first family to deliver a sustainable campaign is proving to be a non-starter," he stated in the blog.

The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to be conducted in seven phases from April 11 to May 19. Two phases of polling have already taken place on April 11 and April 18. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

The present generation of dynast has become a liability for the Congress party, said Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in a blog on Saturday. "The socio-economic profile of India is moving up the growth ladder.

The present generation of dynast has become a liability for the Congress party, said Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in a blog on Saturday. "The socio-economic profile of India is moving up the growth ladder. It may be difficult for a country with this socio-economic profile to accept dynasties," he said in the blog titled 'Will 2019 Witness the Dynasty as a Liability on the Congress Party.' "A relevant question with this changing socio-economic profile of India is - Are dynasties an asset for a party or are they a liability? Unquestionably, the present generation of dynast has become a liability rather than an asset for the Congress party," said Jaitley. Virtually questioning the political acumen of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Jaitley said, "If the Congress's dynast has only an ability to deliver 44 seats or 60 seats in Parliament. What then is the incentive for conventional Congressmen to bear the humiliation of subjecting themselves to a dynast? Ultimately, in dynastic parties, one has to accept political slavery." Jaitley also alleged that a lot of "traditional bright faces" are deserting the Congress party. "These Congressmen today look at a party like the BJP where men and women of talent have a huge opportunity to move up, both in the party, legislatures and governments," he said, asserting that two Prime Ministers given by the BJP to this country - Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi - were the tallest leaders of their generation. The Finance Minister said that a similar situation arises with regard to caste-based parties as well. Referring to the poor results fared by the regional parties like RJD and BSP in 2014, Jaitley said, "The sun will slowly but surely come down on that era." Jaitley also claimed that his party has already consumed some of the space occupied by the regional parties in states like Bengal, Odisha, and other North-Eastern states. He also predicted that this election will witness BJP as co-equal in Kerala. "The BJP has the ability to fight and occupy more political space from the regional parties is already visible. The Congress inherently lacks that instinct," he said. Insisting that the centre space in the ongoing election is occupied by the BJP, Jaitley said, "The momentum is clearly with the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi." "In terms of national leadership contest for a Prime Ministerial election, it is almost becoming a one-horse race. There is nobody else measuring up to PM Modi's level of capacity and acceptability." "Is history going to witness something wholly unprecedented? Are we going to witness the rejection of caste-based and dynastic parties? And will aspirational India make a harsh judgement on electing a merit-based leadership," he questioned. The Union Minister said the Congress' key thrust based on 'fake issues' has cracked up. He also claimed that the Congress promise of 'NYAY' was not cutting ice with the people. "Based on fake issues, the key thrust of what the Congress was building up in the last one year has cracked up. They are now concentrating on a new scheme declared in their manifesto which is cutting no ice with the people. The entire reliance on the members of the first family to deliver a sustainable campaign is proving to be a non-starter," he stated in the blog. The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to be conducted in seven phases from April 11 to May 19. Two phases of polling have already taken place on April 11 and April 18. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Present generation of dynast has become liability for Congress party: Arun Jaitley

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Monday rejected the opposition's argument that elections should not be fought on national security issues, saying security and terrorism are the most important issues in the long run while all other challenges are capable of early resolution.

He also said that the biggest challenge before India is the issue of Jammu &amp; Kashmir and terror as it concerns the nation's sovereignty.

"India's opposition argues that elections have to be fought on the 'real issues' and not on the issues of national security. It is my endeavour to argue that national security and terrorism are the most important issues which concern India in the long run. All other challenges are capable of early resolution," Jaitley said in a Facebook post titled 'Why Jammu and Kashmir, and a new approach to terrorism will remain a key political issue'.

The opposition parties had accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of politicising death of over 40 CRPF personnel in Pulwama and Indian Air Force's retaliatory attack at Balakot in Pakistan for electoral gains.

Several former service chiefs and military veterans have written to President Ram Nath Kovind, expressing concern over political leaders taking credit for military operations to pursue political agenda.

Giving reasons for making national security and terrorism subject matters of electoral debate, Jaitley said, "it relates to the country's sovereignty, integrity and security".

"Terror supported from across the border can't be fought either with velvet gloves or a policy of appeasement," he said, adding the two regional parties (PDP and NC) have played a disappointing role, and the current leadership of the opposition parties have hardly a roadmap except to tread on the path to disaster.

This challenge, Jaitley added, can be resolved with a fresh approach, which is uncompromising on terror, and determination to enforce the rule of law with a commitment to total integration.

He further said that during the course of the election campaign, whenever issues relating to the terror attack at Pulwama and the air strikes at Balakot are raised, India's opposition is on the back-foot.

"A strong Government and a leader with clarity alone is capable of resolving the Kashmir issue. This will necessarily require reversal of the historical blunders of the past," the minister said.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Monday rejected the opposition's argument that elections should not be fought on national security issues, saying security and terrorism are the most important issues in the long run while all other challenges are capable of early resolution.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Monday rejected the opposition's argument that elections should not be fought on national security issues, saying security and terrorism are the most important issues in the long run while all other challenges are capable of early resolution. He also said that the biggest challenge before India is the issue of Jammu & Kashmir and terror as it concerns the nation's sovereignty. "India's opposition argues that elections have to be fought on the 'real issues' and not on the issues of national security. It is my endeavour to argue that national security and terrorism are the most important issues which concern India in the long run. All other challenges are capable of early resolution," Jaitley said in a Facebook post titled 'Why Jammu and Kashmir, and a new approach to terrorism will remain a key political issue'. The opposition parties had accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of politicising death of over 40 CRPF personnel in Pulwama and Indian Air Force's retaliatory attack at Balakot in Pakistan for electoral gains. Several former service chiefs and military veterans have written to President Ram Nath Kovind, expressing concern over political leaders taking credit for military operations to pursue political agenda. Giving reasons for making national security and terrorism subject matters of electoral debate, Jaitley said, "it relates to the country's sovereignty, integrity and security". "Terror supported from across the border can't be fought either with velvet gloves or a policy of appeasement," he said, adding the two regional parties (PDP and NC) have played a disappointing role, and the current leadership of the opposition parties have hardly a roadmap except to tread on the path to disaster. This challenge, Jaitley added, can be resolved with a fresh approach, which is uncompromising on terror, and determination to enforce the rule of law with a commitment to total integration. He further said that during the course of the election campaign, whenever issues relating to the terror attack at Pulwama and the air strikes at Balakot are raised, India's opposition is on the back-foot. "A strong Government and a leader with clarity alone is capable of resolving the Kashmir issue. This will necessarily require reversal of the historical blunders of the past," the minister said.

National security, terrorism most important issues facing India: Arun Jaitley

As the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-unveils-election-manifesto-zero-tolerance-on-terrorism-full-commitment-towards-uniform-civil-code-208715">BJP released its party manifesto</a>, finance minister Arun Jaitley said the party will not allow the "Balkanisation of India".

"BJP manifesto is not prepared with "tukde tukde" mindset but with strong nationalist vision," Jaitley said, adding, "BJP manifesto is rooted in Indian reality."

"Our new policy, new doctrine of striking terror in its origin has received global recognition," he said.

"We are the first government in history which has consolidated India's middle class and which brought out the fastest depletion of poverty," he said while addressing reporters.

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"A new security doctrine makes India into one of the most powerful nations in the world where our deterrent is the best defence," he said.

"Our fiscal prudence since 1947 has been best ever for any government,"&nbsp;Jaitley emphasised, adding, "BJP manifesto is to deplete poverty over next five years to single digit and then gradually eliminate it."

"When India is at the cusp of history making most of all its lost opportunities, does it require a fragile government or a decisive government," he asked.

"Previous governments only gave slogans. PM Modi government gave resources to the&nbsp;poor,"&nbsp;Jaitley said as the party launched its manifesto.

As the BJP released its party manifesto, finance minister Arun Jaitley said the party will not allow the "Balkanisation of India". "BJP manifesto is not prepared with "tukde tukde" mindset but with strong nationalist vision," Jaitley said, adding, "BJP manifesto is rooted in Indian reality.

As the BJP released its party manifesto, finance minister Arun Jaitley said the party will not allow the "Balkanisation of India". "BJP manifesto is not prepared with "tukde tukde" mindset but with strong nationalist vision," Jaitley said, adding, "BJP manifesto is rooted in Indian reality." "Our new policy, new doctrine of striking terror in its origin has received global recognition," he said. "We are the first government in history which has consolidated India's middle class and which brought out the fastest depletion of poverty," he said while addressing reporters. We will increase the coverage of Ayushman Bharat to include all Anganwadi workers and ASHA workers to ensure improved health and social support system. BJP is committed to 33% reservation in parliament & state assemblies through a constitutional amendment. #BJPSankalpPatr2019 pic.twitter.com/4COiFBndro — BJP (@BJP4India) April 8, 2019 × "A new security doctrine makes India into one of the most powerful nations in the world where our deterrent is the best defence," he said. "Our fiscal prudence since 1947 has been best ever for any government," Jaitley emphasised, adding, "BJP manifesto is to deplete poverty over next five years to single digit and then gradually eliminate it." "When India is at the cusp of history making most of all its lost opportunities, does it require a fragile government or a decisive government," he asked. "Previous governments only gave slogans. PM Modi government gave resources to the poor," Jaitley said as the party launched its manifesto.

BJP manifesto not prepared with 'tukde tukde' mindset but with strong nationalist vision, says Jaitley while unveiling party manifesto

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mahagathbandhan-is-political-circus-recipe-for-chaos-arun-jaitley-206527">Finance Minister Arun Jaitley</a> on Friday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for keeping silent over the charge sheet in AgustaWestland deal case.

At a press conference here, Jaitley said, "Rahul Gandhi talks on several subjects. He makes wild and unsubstantiated allegations against all and sundry. Now, who are 'RG', 'AP'&nbsp;and 'FAM'&nbsp;mentioned in the charge sheet in the AgustaWestland case."

Commenting on the diary recovered by Enforcement Directorate (ED) from the accused in the deal, Sushen Mohan Gupta, who is under arrest now, Jaitly said, "There is an erroneous belief among Indian politicians that a diary is never admissible as evidence. A diary constitutes an admission in writing and is admissible against the maker of that admission. It is admissible against the other co-conspirators as well.

"Are 'RG', 'AP'&nbsp;and 'FAM' fictional characters or were they in a position to influence the deal?", questioned Jaitley.

Hitting out at the Congress President, Jaitley said, "How come every time there is a controversial defence deal and evidence is collected, names close to the Congress Party’s first family start appearing?"

Slamming Rahul Gandhi for his silence over the deal, Jaitley said, "The Right to Silence is available to an accused, not to a Prime Ministerial aspirant."

Citing the example of Bofors case, Jaitley said, "Alphabet 'Q'&nbsp;appeared in Martin Ardbo's diary in the Bofors Case, with a comment that 'Q'&nbsp;must be protected at all cost, the Congress party was in denial even then."

"It is only when the Swiss authorities in 1993 disclosed the names of one of the beneficiaries of the kickbacks of Bofors being paid as Ottavio Quattrocchi, the Narasimha Rao Government facilitated his escape from India in less than 24 hours. This did not wash away the ghost of ‘Q’ which had scarred the face of the Congress Party nor will 'RG', 'AP'&nbsp;and 'FAM'," he added.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for keeping silent over the charge sheet in AgustaWestland deal case. At a press conference here, Jaitley said, "Rahul Gandhi talks on several subjects.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for keeping silent over the charge sheet in AgustaWestland deal case. At a press conference here, Jaitley said, "Rahul Gandhi talks on several subjects. He makes wild and unsubstantiated allegations against all and sundry. Now, who are 'RG', 'AP' and 'FAM' mentioned in the charge sheet in the AgustaWestland case." Commenting on the diary recovered by Enforcement Directorate (ED) from the accused in the deal, Sushen Mohan Gupta, who is under arrest now, Jaitly said, "There is an erroneous belief among Indian politicians that a diary is never admissible as evidence. A diary constitutes an admission in writing and is admissible against the maker of that admission. It is admissible against the other co-conspirators as well. "Are 'RG', 'AP' and 'FAM' fictional characters or were they in a position to influence the deal?", questioned Jaitley. Hitting out at the Congress President, Jaitley said, "How come every time there is a controversial defence deal and evidence is collected, names close to the Congress Party’s first family start appearing?" Slamming Rahul Gandhi for his silence over the deal, Jaitley said, "The Right to Silence is available to an accused, not to a Prime Ministerial aspirant." Citing the example of Bofors case, Jaitley said, "Alphabet 'Q' appeared in Martin Ardbo's diary in the Bofors Case, with a comment that 'Q' must be protected at all cost, the Congress party was in denial even then." "It is only when the Swiss authorities in 1993 disclosed the names of one of the beneficiaries of the kickbacks of Bofors being paid as Ottavio Quattrocchi, the Narasimha Rao Government facilitated his escape from India in less than 24 hours. This did not wash away the ghost of ‘Q’ which had scarred the face of the Congress Party nor will 'RG', 'AP' and 'FAM'," he added.

Who are 'AP', 'FAM' mentioned in charge sheet?: Arun Jaitley questions Rahul's silence on chopper case

IEW: 'The tukde-tukde manifesto'; Jaitley slams Congress for proposing to amend AFSPA

The BJP said Tuesday that some of the ideas in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-exactly-does-the-congress-manifesto-promise-207487">Congress manifesto</a> were "positively dangerous".&nbsp;

The pushback — the Congress manifesto had been released earlier on Tuesday — was launched by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who said the ideas were "an agenda for the Balkanisation of India".&nbsp;

Jaitley was by and large referring to what the Congress manifesto has said about Kashmir.&nbsp;

The five big promises made by the Congress on Kashmir are:&nbsp;

1. There will be no change to Kashmir's constitutional status &nbsp;— which means there will be no tinkering with Article 370 and Article 35A&nbsp;

2. The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will be reviewed

3. That fewer soldiers, and more policemen instead, will be stationed in Kashmir&nbsp;

4. That talks in Jammu and Kashmir will be held without preconditions

5. And finally, that three interlocutors will be assigned to hold talks in Kashmir&nbsp;

Jaitley said Tuesday that some of the points in the Congress manifesto seem like they had been drafted by the Congress president's (Rahul Gandhi) "friends in the tukde-tukde gang".&nbsp;

"They're against the unity of India," Jaitley said.&nbsp;

Jaitley added that the Congress had failed to mention the plight of Kashmiri pandits in its manifesto. And that the Congress "does not deserve even a single vote for promises like doing away with the sedition law". &nbsp;

The Congress's 55-page manifesto — it is called "Hum Nibhayenge" or "We Will Deliver" — focuses on addressing the issues of joblessness, farm distress, the&nbsp;safety of women and the boosting of the rural economy, with a stress on building a narrative around the "real issues" faced by the people.

The manifesto was released by party president Rahul Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and senior leader P Chidambaram among others.

For farmers, Congress promised to put them on the path from "Karz Maafi" (loan waiver), to "Karz Mukti" (freedom from loans).

This the party said would be done through remunerative pricing, lower input costs, and assured access to institutional credit, the party said, adding it will present a separate "Kisan Budget" every year, if voted to power.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iGr_HCnZ1UA" width="560"></iframe>

(Watch: WION's Political Editor Kartikeya Sharma breaks down the Congress's election&nbsp;manifesto.)

Speaking on the occasion at Congress headquarters here, Gandhi said the Congress will allocate six per cent of GDP to education, strengthen government hospitals and give high-quality healthcare access to poor if voted to power.

The party also promised to enact the Right to Healthcare Act and guarantee every citizen free diagnostics, out-patient care, free medicines and hospitalisation, through a network of public hospitals and enlisted private hospitals.&nbsp;

The Congress's Nyay scheme meanwhile envisages the giving of Rs 72,000 a year to five crore EWS families each. And it said Tuesday that, if it came to power, it would bring in one single (moderate) GST rate.

&nbsp;Jaitley said the ideas were "unimplementable".&nbsp;

The Congress's P Chidambaram — he and Jairam Ramesh began their press conference even as Jaitley was still speaking — was quick to reply that "every word here (in the manifesto), we heard from the people of India".&nbsp;

"This is what the people want," Chidambaram said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The BJP said Tuesday that some of the ideas in the Congress manifesto were "positively dangerous". The pushback — the Congress manifesto had been released earlier on Tuesday — was launched by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who said the ideas were "an agenda for the Balkanisation of India".

The BJP said Tuesday that some of the ideas in the Congress manifesto were "positively dangerous". The pushback — the Congress manifesto had been released earlier on Tuesday — was launched by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who said the ideas were "an agenda for the Balkanisation of India". Jaitley was by and large referring to what the Congress manifesto has said about Kashmir. The five big promises made by the Congress on Kashmir are: 1. There will be no change to Kashmir's constitutional status — which means there will be no tinkering with Article 370 and Article 35A 2. The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will be reviewed 3. That fewer soldiers, and more policemen instead, will be stationed in Kashmir 4. That talks in Jammu and Kashmir will be held without preconditions 5. And finally, that three interlocutors will be assigned to hold talks in Kashmir Jaitley said Tuesday that some of the points in the Congress manifesto seem like they had been drafted by the Congress president's (Rahul Gandhi) "friends in the tukde-tukde gang". "They're against the unity of India," Jaitley said. Jaitley added that the Congress had failed to mention the plight of Kashmiri pandits in its manifesto. And that the Congress "does not deserve even a single vote for promises like doing away with the sedition law". The Congress's 55-page manifesto — it is called "Hum Nibhayenge" or "We Will Deliver" — focuses on addressing the issues of joblessness, farm distress, the safety of women and the boosting of the rural economy, with a stress on building a narrative around the "real issues" faced by the people. The manifesto was released by party president Rahul Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and senior leader P Chidambaram among others. For farmers, Congress promised to put them on the path from "Karz Maafi" (loan waiver), to "Karz Mukti" (freedom from loans). This the party said would be done through remunerative pricing, lower input costs, and assured access to institutional credit, the party said, adding it will present a separate "Kisan Budget" every year, if voted to power. (Watch: WION's Political Editor Kartikeya Sharma breaks down the Congress's election manifesto.) Speaking on the occasion at Congress headquarters here, Gandhi said the Congress will allocate six per cent of GDP to education, strengthen government hospitals and give high-quality healthcare access to poor if voted to power. The party also promised to enact the Right to Healthcare Act and guarantee every citizen free diagnostics, out-patient care, free medicines and hospitalisation, through a network of public hospitals and enlisted private hospitals. The Congress's Nyay scheme meanwhile envisages the giving of Rs 72,000 a year to five crore EWS families each. And it said Tuesday that, if it came to power, it would bring in one single (moderate) GST rate. Jaitley said the ideas were "unimplementable". The Congress's P Chidambaram — he and Jairam Ramesh began their press conference even as Jaitley was still speaking — was quick to reply that "every word here (in the manifesto), we heard from the people of India". "This is what the people want," Chidambaram said. (With inputs from PTI)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Congress releases manifesto, BJP says some of its ideas 'positively dangerous'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-manifesto-some-ideas-positively-dangerous-says-bjp-207472">Lok Sabha polls 2019: Congress releases manifesto, BJP says some of its ideas 'positively dangerous'</a>

The BJP said Tuesday that some of the ideas in the Congress manifesto were "positively dangerous".&nbsp;

The pushback — the Congress manifesto had been released earlier on Tuesday — was launched by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who said the ideas were "an agenda for the Balkanisation of India".&nbsp;

Jaitley was by and large referring to what the Congress manifesto has said about Kashmir.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/avoiding-temptation-rbi-likely-to-cut-key-rate-by-just-25-basis-points-207455">Reserve Bank of India likely to cut interest rate by 0.25%: Analysts</a>

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to cut its policy interest rate by 25 basis points on Thursday, despite some analysts believing the country's weakening economic growth and subdued inflation outlook warrant a larger reduction.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-exactly-does-the-congress-manifesto-promise-207487">What exactly does the Congress manifesto say?&nbsp;</a>

The Congress released its manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday, and the BJP was quick to say some of the ideas in it were "positively dangerous".&nbsp;

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley went so far as to say some of the ideas in the manifesto were "an agenda for the Balkanisation of India". But what else does the 55-page long Congress manifesto called "Hum Nibhayenge" or "We Will Deliver" say?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-chief-antonio-guterres-warns-against-rising-anti-muslim-hatred-207514">UN chief Antonio Guterres warns against rising anti-Muslim hatred</a>

UN chief Antonio Guterres warned Tuesday against growing hatred of Muslims, less than a month after a deadly attack on mosques in New Zealand killed at least 50 people.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-lawmakers-to-try-to-force-pm-may-to-seek-further-brexit-delay-207516">British MPs to try to force PM May to ask for another Brexit delay</a>

A group of British lawmakers said on Tuesday they would try to pass a law which would force Prime Minister Theresa May to seek a delay to Britain's departure from the European Union and thus prevent a chaotic no-deal Brexit on April 12.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Congress releases manifesto, BJP says some of its ideas 'positively dangerous' The BJP said Tuesday that some of the ideas in the Congress manifesto were "positively dangerous".

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Congress releases manifesto, BJP says some of its ideas 'positively dangerous' The BJP said Tuesday that some of the ideas in the Congress manifesto were "positively dangerous". The pushback — the Congress manifesto had been released earlier on Tuesday — was launched by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who said the ideas were "an agenda for the Balkanisation of India". Jaitley was by and large referring to what the Congress manifesto has said about Kashmir. Reserve Bank of India likely to cut interest rate by 0.25%: Analysts The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to cut its policy interest rate by 25 basis points on Thursday, despite some analysts believing the country's weakening economic growth and subdued inflation outlook warrant a larger reduction. What exactly does the Congress manifesto say? The Congress released its manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday, and the BJP was quick to say some of the ideas in it were "positively dangerous". Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley went so far as to say some of the ideas in the manifesto were "an agenda for the Balkanisation of India". But what else does the 55-page long Congress manifesto called "Hum Nibhayenge" or "We Will Deliver" say? UN chief Antonio Guterres warns against rising anti-Muslim hatred UN chief Antonio Guterres warned Tuesday against growing hatred of Muslims, less than a month after a deadly attack on mosques in New Zealand killed at least 50 people. British MPs to try to force PM May to ask for another Brexit delay A group of British lawmakers said on Tuesday they would try to pass a law which would force Prime Minister Theresa May to seek a delay to Britain's departure from the European Union and thus prevent a chaotic no-deal Brexit on April 12.

Hitting back at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for advocating repeal of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said on Saturday that the relationship between the Union and the state would be over if Article 370 of the Constitution is revoked.

"Jaitley must understand this. It is not an easy thing to say. If you scrap (Article) 370, your relation with J&amp;K will be over," Mehbooba told party workers at her residence here.

Jaitley had on Thursday advocated repeal of Jammu and Kashmir's special status and said Article 35A, which restricts non-permanent residents to buy property in Jammu and Kashmir, is "constitutionally vulnerable" and also hampering economic development of the state.

Mehbooba said Article 370 was a bridge between the Union and the state and if the special provision of the Constitution was revoked, then New Delhi would have to "renegotiate" its relationship with Jammu and Kashmir.

The former chief minister has said in case Article 370 is revoked, Jammu and Kashmir will have to rethink whether it wants to stay with India.&nbsp;

"Because if you have given us a special position in the Constitution of India and you break that position, then we will have to rethink whether we would even want to stay with you without conditions," she said.

Earlier, National Conference leader Mohammad Abdullah Wani and Awami Insaf Party chief Ghulam Ahmad Sheikh Saloora joined the PDP, along with their supporters.&nbsp;

Wani and Saloora were welcomed into the party fold by Mehbooba and party patron Muzaffar Hussain Beigh.

Hitting back at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for advocating repeal of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said on Saturday that the relationship between the Union and the state would be over if Article 370 of the Constitution is revoked.

Hitting back at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for advocating repeal of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said on Saturday that the relationship between the Union and the state would be over if Article 370 of the Constitution is revoked. "Jaitley must understand this. It is not an easy thing to say. If you scrap (Article) 370, your relation with J&K will be over," Mehbooba told party workers at her residence here. Jaitley had on Thursday advocated repeal of Jammu and Kashmir's special status and said Article 35A, which restricts non-permanent residents to buy property in Jammu and Kashmir, is "constitutionally vulnerable" and also hampering economic development of the state. Mehbooba said Article 370 was a bridge between the Union and the state and if the special provision of the Constitution was revoked, then New Delhi would have to "renegotiate" its relationship with Jammu and Kashmir. The former chief minister has said in case Article 370 is revoked, Jammu and Kashmir will have to rethink whether it wants to stay with India. "Because if you have given us a special position in the Constitution of India and you break that position, then we will have to rethink whether we would even want to stay with you without conditions," she said. Earlier, National Conference leader Mohammad Abdullah Wani and Awami Insaf Party chief Ghulam Ahmad Sheikh Saloora joined the PDP, along with their supporters. Wani and Saloora were welcomed into the party fold by Mehbooba and party patron Muzaffar Hussain Beigh.

If special status withdrawn, ties between J&K and India will be over: Mehbooba

An Indian man died and his wife sustained injuries after they were stabbed by an immigrant near Munich in Germany, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, said Saturday.

"Indian couple Prashant and Smita Basarur were stabbed by an immigrant near Munich. Unfortunately, Prashant has expired. Smita is stable. We are facilitating the travel of Prashant's brother to Germany. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family," Swaraj tweeted.

The external affairs minister said she has asked Indian mission in Munich to take care of the couple's two children.

Further details of the incident and the couple were not immediately known.

Meanwhile, asked by a Twitter user why she, the "most sensible" BJP leader, had added the 'chowkidar' prefix to her name on the microblogging site, Swaraj tweeted, "Because I am doing Chowkidari of Indian interests and Indian nationals abroad."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the "Main Bhi Chowkidar" (I too am a watchman) campaign to blunt the Congress's "Chowkidar Chor Hai" (the watchman is a thief) jibe at him.

He prefixed his Twitter name with 'chowkidar' and almost all BJP leaders and Union ministers including Swaraj, Arun Jaitley and Nirmala Sitharaman followed suit.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been targeting Modi over alleged irregularities in the Rafale fighter jet deal. He has often used the "Chowkidar Chor Hai" slogan while accusing the prime minister of wrongdoings in the deal.

An Indian man died and his wife sustained injuries after they were stabbed by an immigrant near Munich in Germany, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, said Saturday.

An Indian man died and his wife sustained injuries after they were stabbed by an immigrant near Munich in Germany, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, said Saturday. "Indian couple Prashant and Smita Basarur were stabbed by an immigrant near Munich. Unfortunately, Prashant has expired. Smita is stable. We are facilitating the travel of Prashant's brother to Germany. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family," Swaraj tweeted. The external affairs minister said she has asked Indian mission in Munich to take care of the couple's two children. Further details of the incident and the couple were not immediately known. Meanwhile, asked by a Twitter user why she, the "most sensible" BJP leader, had added the 'chowkidar' prefix to her name on the microblogging site, Swaraj tweeted, "Because I am doing Chowkidari of Indian interests and Indian nationals abroad." Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the "Main Bhi Chowkidar" (I too am a watchman) campaign to blunt the Congress's "Chowkidar Chor Hai" (the watchman is a thief) jibe at him. He prefixed his Twitter name with 'chowkidar' and almost all BJP leaders and Union ministers including Swaraj, Arun Jaitley and Nirmala Sitharaman followed suit. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been targeting Modi over alleged irregularities in the Rafale fighter jet deal. He has often used the "Chowkidar Chor Hai" slogan while accusing the prime minister of wrongdoings in the deal.

Indian national stabbed to death in Germany's Munich: Sushma Swaraj

Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah filed his nomination papers on Saturday for the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani accompanied Shah.

The BJP chief submitted his nomination form to the Gandhinagar district collector and returning officer S K Langa.

BJP president Amit Shah Saturday held a massive roadshow here before filing his nomination for the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency.

Lakhs of people greeted Shah on the four-km route from where his road show passed.

Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Piyush Goyal, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel accompanied Shah in an open vehicle during the road show that started from Sardar Patel statue in Naranpura area in Ahmedabad.

BJP workers and people thronged the street to greet Shah, who is contesting the Lok Sabha election for the first time. It was a massive show of strength for the BJP, which aims to retain all the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat it had won in 2014.

The roadshow ended at Prabhat Chowk area of Ghatlodia, after which Shah left for Gandhinagar to file the nomination papers.

Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah filed his nomination papers on Saturday for the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani accompanied Shah.

Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah filed his nomination papers on Saturday for the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani accompanied Shah. The BJP chief submitted his nomination form to the Gandhinagar district collector and returning officer S K Langa. BJP president Amit Shah Saturday held a massive roadshow here before filing his nomination for the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. Lakhs of people greeted Shah on the four-km route from where his road show passed. Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Piyush Goyal, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel accompanied Shah in an open vehicle during the road show that started from Sardar Patel statue in Naranpura area in Ahmedabad. BJP workers and people thronged the street to greet Shah, who is contesting the Lok Sabha election for the first time. It was a massive show of strength for the BJP, which aims to retain all the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat it had won in 2014. The roadshow ended at Prabhat Chowk area of Ghatlodia, after which Shah left for Gandhinagar to file the nomination papers.

BJP president Amit Shah files nomination from Gandhinagar seat

Taking a swipe at the grand alliance of opposition parties, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Friday said the '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mahagathbandhan-in-bihar-allocates-seats-for-alliance-partners-for-lok-sabha-poll-phases-3-to-7-206478">mahagathbandhan</a>' is a 'non-bandhan', political circus and a recipe for chaos.

Several political parties, mostly traditional BJP opponents, have come together to take on the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the ensuing general elections beginning April 11.

In a blog post, Jaitley said that over the last several months, India was "exhausted" with the talk of a 'Mahagathbandhan'.&nbsp;

The rationale, he said, was that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP were very strong and could not be challenged by an individual party.&nbsp;

Stressing that Indians judge politicians by their merit and capacity and no longer by any traditional loyalty, he said, "We were promised a 'coalition of rivals' because India had to be saved. We were promised a common minimum agenda. Each leader amongst the aspirant Prime Ministers wanted to become a 'sutradhar' (anchor) of the alliance. He/she would periodically organise shows in his/her State and invite the entire bandwagon."&nbsp;

In opposition camp, Jaitley said there is a tussle for leadership as already multiple candidates have made their desire clear to take over the mantle of the leadership.&nbsp;

According to him, each one of them is interested to see the strength of the other party's contender depleting and also have high hopes in a chaotic and highly hung Parliament.&nbsp;

"He/ she believes that only in a chaotic situation he/she has a chance," said Jaitley, who is heading the BJP's publicity division of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

The past track record of such governments in terms of policy, longevity and growth has to be borne in mind, he said adding their track record of corruption is equally well-known.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Jaitley further said it is only because of the size of the BJP and clarity on leadership in the last coalition that a successful government was run under Prime Minister Modi.&nbsp;

"Today you have no 'gathbandhan' let alone 'mahagathbandhan'. It is a 'non-bandhan'. You have no leader, no programme, no meeting of minds.&nbsp;

"Stability, which is paramount, is a major casualty. The only thing in common is the negative agenda 'remove one man'. It is a recipe for chaos," he said in the blog titled 'A Political Circus Called 'Mahagathbandhan'.&nbsp;

The nominations for the first two phases of polling are over and those for the third phase are about to happen. The results will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

Taking a swipe at the grand alliance of opposition parties, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Friday said the 'mahagathbandhan' is a 'non-bandhan', political circus and a recipe for chaos.

Taking a swipe at the grand alliance of opposition parties, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Friday said the 'mahagathbandhan' is a 'non-bandhan', political circus and a recipe for chaos. Several political parties, mostly traditional BJP opponents, have come together to take on the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the ensuing general elections beginning April 11. In a blog post, Jaitley said that over the last several months, India was "exhausted" with the talk of a 'Mahagathbandhan'. The rationale, he said, was that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP were very strong and could not be challenged by an individual party. Stressing that Indians judge politicians by their merit and capacity and no longer by any traditional loyalty, he said, "We were promised a 'coalition of rivals' because India had to be saved. We were promised a common minimum agenda. Each leader amongst the aspirant Prime Ministers wanted to become a 'sutradhar' (anchor) of the alliance. He/she would periodically organise shows in his/her State and invite the entire bandwagon." In opposition camp, Jaitley said there is a tussle for leadership as already multiple candidates have made their desire clear to take over the mantle of the leadership. According to him, each one of them is interested to see the strength of the other party's contender depleting and also have high hopes in a chaotic and highly hung Parliament. "He/ she believes that only in a chaotic situation he/she has a chance," said Jaitley, who is heading the BJP's publicity division of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections. The past track record of such governments in terms of policy, longevity and growth has to be borne in mind, he said adding their track record of corruption is equally well-known. Jaitley further said it is only because of the size of the BJP and clarity on leadership in the last coalition that a successful government was run under Prime Minister Modi. "Today you have no 'gathbandhan' let alone 'mahagathbandhan'. It is a 'non-bandhan'. You have no leader, no programme, no meeting of minds. "Stability, which is paramount, is a major casualty. The only thing in common is the negative agenda 'remove one man'. It is a recipe for chaos," he said in the blog titled 'A Political Circus Called 'Mahagathbandhan'. The nominations for the first two phases of polling are over and those for the third phase are about to happen. The results will be announced on May 23.

Mahagathbandhan is political circus, recipe for chaos: Arun Jaitley

IAF airstrike wasn't a revenge action for Pulwama attack: Arun Jaitley

Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday criticised the previous governments for not giving permission to build the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-important-message-to-nation-modi-says-india-shot-down-low-earth-orbit-satellite-with-anti-satellite-missile-pm-modi-205973">anti-satellite missile</a> in a press conference.

"The process started in 2014 after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-important-message-to-nation-modi-says-india-shot-down-low-earth-orbit-satellite-with-anti-satellite-missile-pm-modi-205973">PM gave the permission</a>, it's a huge achievement, not only we have become space power but we are now in big four. We should not forget that tomorrow's wars will not be the same as yesterday's wars," said Jaitley.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters here, he said when India had test-fired the Agni-V missile in April 2012, then DRDO chief V K Saraswat had said that India could now develop an anti-satellite missile but the government had not given its nod.

"Scientists had the capability to build anti-satellite missile a decade ago, then govt never gave permission," FM Arun Jaitley said.

Targeting the Congress, he said those patting their own back for India's strategic missile programme were doing so for wrong reasons.

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"If they want to rectify the Balakot (air strike) mistake, it is the opportunity for the opposition to do so and stand in support of our scientists," he said, referring to the air strike on a terrorist camp in Pakistan after the Pulwama terror attack.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space superpowers.

India also said that its anti-satellite (A-SAT) weapon that successfully destroyed a decommissioned Indian satellite on a Low Earth Orbit (LEO), is not directed against any country and its space capabilities do not threaten anyone.

(With inputs from agencies)

Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday criticised the previous governments for not giving permission to build the anti-satellite missile in a press conference.

Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday criticised the previous governments for not giving permission to build the anti-satellite missile in a press conference. "The process started in 2014 after the PM gave the permission, it's a huge achievement, not only we have become space power but we are now in big four. We should not forget that tomorrow's wars will not be the same as yesterday's wars," said Jaitley. Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters here, he said when India had test-fired the Agni-V missile in April 2012, then DRDO chief V K Saraswat had said that India could now develop an anti-satellite missile but the government had not given its nod. "Scientists had the capability to build anti-satellite missile a decade ago, then govt never gave permission," FM Arun Jaitley said. Targeting the Congress, he said those patting their own back for India's strategic missile programme were doing so for wrong reasons. #WATCH Live: FM Arun Jaitley addresses a press conference in Delhi https://t.co/NkhCensQ3t — ANI (@ANI) March 27, 2019 × "If they want to rectify the Balakot (air strike) mistake, it is the opportunity for the opposition to do so and stand in support of our scientists," he said, referring to the air strike on a terrorist camp in Pakistan after the Pulwama terror attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space superpowers. India also said that its anti-satellite (A-SAT) weapon that successfully destroyed a decommissioned Indian satellite on a Low Earth Orbit (LEO), is not directed against any country and its space capabilities do not threaten anyone. (With inputs from agencies)

ASAT process started in 2014 after PM Modi's permission: Arun Jaitley

India became 4th nation to test anti-satellite weapon: Arun Jaitley

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday said that West Bengal and Delhi are two states who do not cooperate with any of the schemes of central government.

"Opposition CM in Kerala has a Left government but it is implementing all the schemes of the Central government. Southern states are better. Two states which do not cooperate at all are West Bengal and Delhi," Jaitley told Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary.

He also said that Modi gave India a strong leadership. The ability to take strong decisions like Balakot airstrike has given an assurance to the people of this nation that Modi will give the country a strong leadership.

Jaitley also slammed Congress's direct benefit transfer scheme announced by its president Rahul Gandhi on Monday.

Calling Rahul Gandhi's minimum income promise a bluff he said: "Congress has only given slogans to the poor, we gave them means. We got 91% of villages connected to roads. We have promised that all the BPL families will have a house by 2022. We waived off the hospital expense for 50 crore people of this country. We did not increase income tax by a single rupee, in fact, we reduced it.we also increased the tax base. 10,000km national highways were constructed every year during our tenure. We already have 55 scheme for our poor."

Earlier on Monday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi announced that his party, if voted to power, would give a minimum income guarantee of Rs 6,000 per month to 20 crore household. He said that the move would bring the people out of poverty.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday said that West Bengal and Delhi are two states who do not cooperate with any of the schemes of central government.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday said that West Bengal and Delhi are two states who do not cooperate with any of the schemes of central government. "Opposition CM in Kerala has a Left government but it is implementing all the schemes of the Central government. Southern states are better. Two states which do not cooperate at all are West Bengal and Delhi," Jaitley told Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary. He also said that Modi gave India a strong leadership. The ability to take strong decisions like Balakot airstrike has given an assurance to the people of this nation that Modi will give the country a strong leadership. Jaitley also slammed Congress's direct benefit transfer scheme announced by its president Rahul Gandhi on Monday. Calling Rahul Gandhi's minimum income promise a bluff he said: "Congress has only given slogans to the poor, we gave them means. We got 91% of villages connected to roads. We have promised that all the BPL families will have a house by 2022. We waived off the hospital expense for 50 crore people of this country. We did not increase income tax by a single rupee, in fact, we reduced it.we also increased the tax base. 10,000km national highways were constructed every year during our tenure. We already have 55 scheme for our poor." Earlier on Monday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi announced that his party, if voted to power, would give a minimum income guarantee of Rs 6,000 per month to 20 crore household. He said that the move would bring the people out of poverty.

Only West Bengal, Delhi resist Centre's development schemes: Arun Jaitley

The opposition has scored a self-goal by asking for proof of damage following the air strike on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-strike-heres-why-balakot-was-chosen-by-indian-air-force-199792">Balakot terror camp</a>, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Saturday.

The air strike and surgical strike carried out by the armed forces should not be part of Lok Sabha election campaign, he said at a media event.

"I fully agree with the Election Commission that images of martyrs should not be used on political posters," he said.

Citing an example of 1971 war, he said, the entire opposition stood by the ruling dispensation, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, leader of Jan Sangh, defended the government on every forum.

However, the finance minister said, some of the opposition members accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of politicising the Pulwama and Balakot incidents.

Statements made by 21 opposition parties hurt India's national interest and gave handle to Pakistan to discredit the country, he added.

"Raising question on the action of armed forces with the view to creating doubts in the mind of countrymen was self-goal or shot themselves in the foot by doing this," Jaitley noted.

In contrast to this, he said, when the US attacked Osama bin Laden, no one raised any question on the operation conducted by their armed forces and demanded the proof.

Asked about BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa's attempt to politicise the action taken by the armed forces, Jaitley said, it was wrong on his part to do so and the party has condemned it.

The valour of armed forces should not be made a political issue, he said, adding the armed forces have to be kept at arm's length from domestic politics.

On the government's message to Pakistan, the finance minister said, "if you promote terrorism, you have to pay such a heavy price that you will find terrorism unaffordable...The trend has been set now".

Taking a dig at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, he said some people either need to learn more and if they don't do that then must realise that they are unfit for public discourse.

The opposition has scored a self-goal by asking for proof of damage following the air strike on Balakot terror camp, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Saturday.

The opposition has scored a self-goal by asking for proof of damage following the air strike on Balakot terror camp, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Saturday. The air strike and surgical strike carried out by the armed forces should not be part of Lok Sabha election campaign, he said at a media event. "I fully agree with the Election Commission that images of martyrs should not be used on political posters," he said. Citing an example of 1971 war, he said, the entire opposition stood by the ruling dispensation, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, leader of Jan Sangh, defended the government on every forum. However, the finance minister said, some of the opposition members accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of politicising the Pulwama and Balakot incidents. Statements made by 21 opposition parties hurt India's national interest and gave handle to Pakistan to discredit the country, he added. "Raising question on the action of armed forces with the view to creating doubts in the mind of countrymen was self-goal or shot themselves in the foot by doing this," Jaitley noted. In contrast to this, he said, when the US attacked Osama bin Laden, no one raised any question on the operation conducted by their armed forces and demanded the proof. Asked about BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa's attempt to politicise the action taken by the armed forces, Jaitley said, it was wrong on his part to do so and the party has condemned it. The valour of armed forces should not be made a political issue, he said, adding the armed forces have to be kept at arm's length from domestic politics. On the government's message to Pakistan, the finance minister said, "if you promote terrorism, you have to pay such a heavy price that you will find terrorism unaffordable...The trend has been set now". Taking a dig at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, he said some people either need to learn more and if they don't do that then must realise that they are unfit for public discourse.

Opposition scored self-goal by questioning success of Balakot air strike, says Arun Jaitley 

'One failed. The other won't take-off', <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/country-safe-under-pm-narendra-modis-leadership-says-finance-minister-arun-jaitley-202993">Finance Minister Arun Jaitley</a> said as he took a jibe on the entry of Priyanka Gandhi into politics. 
 
Generation after generation, the Congress Party's leadership berth is reserved for a member of the preferred family, he said as he traced the post-independence history of the party from Jawaharlal Nehru to Indira Gandhi to Sanjay Gandhi to Rajiv Gandhi. 
 
Continuing the series of his blogs on 'Agenda 2019', he said the Congress tried to remove itself from the shackles of the dynasty for a brief period after the unfortunate assassination of Rajiv Gandhi but could not get out of its clutches for long.&nbsp; 
 
'Smt. Sonia Gandhi then took over as the longest serving President of the Indian National Congress and thereafter passed on the leadership baton of the Party to her son Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp; 
 
'Thus, generation after generation, the Congress Party's leadership berth is reserved for a member of the preferred family. When the Party is now in doldrums, another member of the family has entered the scene,'&nbsp;said the senior BJP leader who is in charge of the party's publicity committee.&nbsp; 
 
Jaitley was referring to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/lok-sabha-polls-analysing-the-battle-of-east-up-and-the-priyanka-factor-202815">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</a>, who has been recently appointed as Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh. 
 
The Finance Minister further said: "The key question is - will the dynastic parties learn from their 2014 drubbing and a possible defeat in 2019?&nbsp; 
 
'Possibly not. It is here that the people of India will have to bring about a change. India is not a monarchy. Neither is it a kingdom or dynastic democracy. Dynasts disapprove persons of talent and merit.&nbsp; 
 
'The real strength of democracy will be realized when the myth of dynasties is finally buried and these parties are taken over by men of competence and merit. That will provide Indians with a better choice, he said.&nbsp; 
 
Another curious feature, he said, is that most families where a single dynasty created the party, have moved into the next generation.&nbsp; 
 
'In the next generation, there may be more than one heir. Both the heirs become aspirational and, therefore, the parent dynast distributes the largesse. But recent history has proved otherwise,'&nbsp;Jaitley said.&nbsp; 
 
He added that Chinese philosopher Confucius had rightly said that just as there can be only one sun in the sky, there can be only one emperor on the Earth.&nbsp; 
 
'Where power-sharing between successor dynasts takes place, who is the ultimate emperor?, 'he wondered as he highlighted instances of family-based political parties in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh. 
 
In Karnataka, he said there is an experiment of sons sharing the state and the grandsons sharing the Centre, and in Maharashtra, the initial ripples have started. 
&nbsp; 
'The Congress has undertaken the same experiment. It believes that the two owners are better than one. Will Confucius be proved right and historical record that one eventually prevailed over the other or will it be otherwise. One failed. The other won't take-off,'&nbsp;Jaitley said.&nbsp; 
 
On the other hand, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi grew from an extremely humble background.&nbsp; 
 
He worked in the party organization till he was inducted into the leadership and he had to work and struggle for the positions that he got.&nbsp; 
 
'He earned them," Jaitley said and exuded confidence that Modi and aspirational India would together demolish the concept of families.&nbsp; 
 
'The real strength of democracy will be realized when the myth of dynasties is finally buried and these parties are taken over by men of competence and merit. That will provide Indians with a choice'&nbsp;the minister remarked. 
 
India will start voting to elect next Lok Sabha from April 11. The results would be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

'One failed. The other won't take-off', Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said as he took a jibe on the entry of Priyanka Gandhi into politics. Generation after generation, the Congress Party's leadership berth is reserved for a member of the preferred family, he said as he traced the post-independence history of the party from Jawaharlal Nehru to Indira Gandhi to Sanjay Gandhi to Rajiv Gandhi.

'One failed. The other won't take-off', Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said as he took a jibe on the entry of Priyanka Gandhi into politics. Generation after generation, the Congress Party's leadership berth is reserved for a member of the preferred family, he said as he traced the post-independence history of the party from Jawaharlal Nehru to Indira Gandhi to Sanjay Gandhi to Rajiv Gandhi. Continuing the series of his blogs on 'Agenda 2019', he said the Congress tried to remove itself from the shackles of the dynasty for a brief period after the unfortunate assassination of Rajiv Gandhi but could not get out of its clutches for long. 'Smt. Sonia Gandhi then took over as the longest serving President of the Indian National Congress and thereafter passed on the leadership baton of the Party to her son Rahul Gandhi. 'Thus, generation after generation, the Congress Party's leadership berth is reserved for a member of the preferred family. When the Party is now in doldrums, another member of the family has entered the scene,' said the senior BJP leader who is in charge of the party's publicity committee. Jaitley was referring to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who has been recently appointed as Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh. The Finance Minister further said: "The key question is - will the dynastic parties learn from their 2014 drubbing and a possible defeat in 2019? 'Possibly not. It is here that the people of India will have to bring about a change. India is not a monarchy. Neither is it a kingdom or dynastic democracy. Dynasts disapprove persons of talent and merit. 'The real strength of democracy will be realized when the myth of dynasties is finally buried and these parties are taken over by men of competence and merit. That will provide Indians with a better choice, he said. Another curious feature, he said, is that most families where a single dynasty created the party, have moved into the next generation. 'In the next generation, there may be more than one heir. Both the heirs become aspirational and, therefore, the parent dynast distributes the largesse. But recent history has proved otherwise,' Jaitley said. He added that Chinese philosopher Confucius had rightly said that just as there can be only one sun in the sky, there can be only one emperor on the Earth. 'Where power-sharing between successor dynasts takes place, who is the ultimate emperor?, 'he wondered as he highlighted instances of family-based political parties in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh. In Karnataka, he said there is an experiment of sons sharing the state and the grandsons sharing the Centre, and in Maharashtra, the initial ripples have started. 'The Congress has undertaken the same experiment. It believes that the two owners are better than one. Will Confucius be proved right and historical record that one eventually prevailed over the other or will it be otherwise. One failed. The other won't take-off,' Jaitley said. On the other hand, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi grew from an extremely humble background. He worked in the party organization till he was inducted into the leadership and he had to work and struggle for the positions that he got. 'He earned them," Jaitley said and exuded confidence that Modi and aspirational India would together demolish the concept of families. 'The real strength of democracy will be realized when the myth of dynasties is finally buried and these parties are taken over by men of competence and merit. That will provide Indians with a choice' the minister remarked. India will start voting to elect next Lok Sabha from April 11. The results would be announced on May 23.

One failed, the other won't take-off, Arun Jaitley's jibe on Congress

Asserting that the nation is safe under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday accused the Congress of weakening the fight against terrorists and questioned if the party should be trusted by the electorates in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections.

In a blog titled–‘Prime Minister Modi’s Evolving National Security Doctrine,’ Jaitley said the Congress is one with the Central government on condemning the ghastly terror attack in south Kashmir’s Pulwama but is disturbed about the air strike in Balakot in Pakistan and hence the party “repeatedly rubbishes the surgical strikes.”

“It contends that they have either taken place in the past also or alternatively they never took place under Prime Minister Modi. On the air strikes, their conduct is even more dubious. While giving lip sympathy to the Indian Air Force for the first two days, they started a multi-pronged attack. They questioned the success of the strikes. They started demanding proof that terrorists had died at Balakot,” Jaitley said in the blog.

“They even contended that the strike had taken place not against terror but to ensure BJP’s victory in the forthcoming elections. This was a self-goal by the Congress in domestic politics. This was also playing into the hands of Pakistan where statements of Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, were played out on television channels in Pakistan. Pakistan Government cited these statements to bolster their own falsehood,” he added.

Underlining that Jammu and Kashmir was a “foremost victim of terror” and its people are the “worst sufferers,” Jaitley said that the Congress had no structured plan during ten years of UPA on how to deal with the problem. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi inherited this as a legacy issue. He experimented the conventional method of trying to soften the relationship with Pakistan in a hope that wiser sense would prevail, but Pakistan responded with Pathankot, Uri, and Pulwama,” he said.

“He encouraged the mainstream political parties of the Valley to be a part of the national coalition in Kashmir but unfortunately the double talk of support from Delhi and the pressure from the Jamat-e-Islami were to the detriment of anti-separatists policy,” Jaitley elaborated. Continuing his tirade against the Congress, the Finance Minister wrote, “When the Batla House encounter took place and the terrorists were killed, the Congress leaders dubbed it as a fake encounter. The terrorists they claimed were innocent.”

“When the guilty of the 1993 Mumbai bomb blast, 26/11 attack on India’s commercial capital and the Parliament attack case were to be executed, many Congressmen started appealing for amnesty. The ‘disruptionists’ who prefer to call themselves ‘Left liberals’, fought a legal battle to save the terrorists.”

Jaitley asserted that the “low point” in Congress party’s attitude towards separatism and terror was reached when a combination of separatists, jehadis and Maoists ganged up to raise slogans on ‘Desh ke tukde tukde’ at New Delhi’s JNU, where Congress President Rahul Gandhi “stood shoulder to shoulder with them to defend their right of free speech to champion the cause of breaking India into pieces.”

“He deviated from the Congress legacy of not associating with these extremists. Once the identification of Congressmen with the Maoists and the separatists was signalled by Rahul Gandhi, it was natural for Congressmen and their friends to support the cause of ‘urban Maoists’ who were allegedly conspiring to assassinate India’s Prime Minister,” Jaitley said.

He went on to add: “It is, therefore, not surprising that the new Government in Chhattisgarh, the hub of Left-wing extremism, has now taken several decisions, including the appointment of committees to effectively examine the ‘misuse’ of police powers against the Maoists.” Jaitley went on to say that the battle against terror has been weakened on account of Congress party and its ‘mahagathbandhan’ friends diluting the fight for the “sake of votes.”

Asserting that the nation is safe under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday accused the Congress of weakening the fight against terrorists and questioned if the party should be trusted by the electorates in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections.

Asserting that the nation is safe under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday accused the Congress of weakening the fight against terrorists and questioned if the party should be trusted by the electorates in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. In a blog titled–‘Prime Minister Modi’s Evolving National Security Doctrine,’ Jaitley said the Congress is one with the Central government on condemning the ghastly terror attack in south Kashmir’s Pulwama but is disturbed about the air strike in Balakot in Pakistan and hence the party “repeatedly rubbishes the surgical strikes.” “It contends that they have either taken place in the past also or alternatively they never took place under Prime Minister Modi. On the air strikes, their conduct is even more dubious. While giving lip sympathy to the Indian Air Force for the first two days, they started a multi-pronged attack. They questioned the success of the strikes. They started demanding proof that terrorists had died at Balakot,” Jaitley said in the blog. “They even contended that the strike had taken place not against terror but to ensure BJP’s victory in the forthcoming elections. This was a self-goal by the Congress in domestic politics. This was also playing into the hands of Pakistan where statements of Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, were played out on television channels in Pakistan. Pakistan Government cited these statements to bolster their own falsehood,” he added. Underlining that Jammu and Kashmir was a “foremost victim of terror” and its people are the “worst sufferers,” Jaitley said that the Congress had no structured plan during ten years of UPA on how to deal with the problem. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi inherited this as a legacy issue. He experimented the conventional method of trying to soften the relationship with Pakistan in a hope that wiser sense would prevail, but Pakistan responded with Pathankot, Uri, and Pulwama,” he said. “He encouraged the mainstream political parties of the Valley to be a part of the national coalition in Kashmir but unfortunately the double talk of support from Delhi and the pressure from the Jamat-e-Islami were to the detriment of anti-separatists policy,” Jaitley elaborated. Continuing his tirade against the Congress, the Finance Minister wrote, “When the Batla House encounter took place and the terrorists were killed, the Congress leaders dubbed it as a fake encounter. The terrorists they claimed were innocent.” “When the guilty of the 1993 Mumbai bomb blast, 26/11 attack on India’s commercial capital and the Parliament attack case were to be executed, many Congressmen started appealing for amnesty. The ‘disruptionists’ who prefer to call themselves ‘Left liberals’, fought a legal battle to save the terrorists.” Jaitley asserted that the “low point” in Congress party’s attitude towards separatism and terror was reached when a combination of separatists, jehadis and Maoists ganged up to raise slogans on ‘Desh ke tukde tukde’ at New Delhi’s JNU, where Congress President Rahul Gandhi “stood shoulder to shoulder with them to defend their right of free speech to champion the cause of breaking India into pieces.” “He deviated from the Congress legacy of not associating with these extremists. Once the identification of Congressmen with the Maoists and the separatists was signalled by Rahul Gandhi, it was natural for Congressmen and their friends to support the cause of ‘urban Maoists’ who were allegedly conspiring to assassinate India’s Prime Minister,” Jaitley said. He went on to add: “It is, therefore, not surprising that the new Government in Chhattisgarh, the hub of Left-wing extremism, has now taken several decisions, including the appointment of committees to effectively examine the ‘misuse’ of police powers against the Maoists.” Jaitley went on to say that the battle against terror has been weakened on account of Congress party and its ‘mahagathbandhan’ friends diluting the fight for the “sake of votes.”

Country safe under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership, says Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

Accusing the Congress-led UPA of running a 'terrible' government and even a 'more terrible' opposition, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Sunday said their statements have hurt India's national interest and gave handle to Pakistan to discredit the country.

Within days of India's air strike at Balakot, the 21 opposition parties led by the Congress passed a resolution accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of politicising the Pulwama and Balakot incidents.

"Statements made by opposition parties (after IAF's counter terror operation in Balakot) hurt India's national interest. They give smiles to Pakistan and become an instrument in Pakistan's hands to discredit India's operation against terrorism," Jaitley said in a blog, stressing that on such occasions the nation ought to speak in one voice as was done by Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Jan Sangh during the 1971 war.

Terming the resolution passed by 21 opposition parties as inappropriate, he said, it gave a handle to the enemy and Pakistan's media used the statement as a trump card.

The government had twice taken the leaders of opposition parties into confidence, he said.

Referring to the statement of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the finance minister said that he sought to elevate himself to the status of a neutral third party while raising doubts about India's right to defend its sovereignty from those who want to damage it through terrorism.

"I was most disappointed with a brief but a highly objectionable statement of the former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh," Jaitley said.

While receiving the PV Narasimha Rao Award for the lifetime achievement, Singh had stated that he was disturbed with the "Mad rush of mutual self-destruction" by the two nations. Singh further went on to argue that poverty, ignorance and disease were the real problems in the two countries and that saner counsel on both sides needed to think on the issue.

Jaitley wondered that there was no condemnation of terrorism in that speech of the former prime minister.

Implicitly, he doubts India's right to defend its sovereignty from those who want to damage it through terrorism, he said.

Jaitley further said: "The Congress led UPA Government from 2004 to 2014 ran a terrible Government. From 2014 to 2019, it was even a more terrible Opposition".

Pointing that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee went a step further, he said, she started doubting the veracity of the incident and wanted to know the operational details.

"The credibility of both the Government and our Air Force is being doubted. Even Congress leaders have raised similar questions," he said in a facebook post titled India's Opposition Has A Lot To Learn.

Jaitley emphasised that the Opposition is entitled to oppose and ask questions, but then restrain and statesmanship are also essential ingredients of public discourse.

He expressed hope that India's Opposition revisits its position and does not let down the nation.

Jaitley also pointed out that the retaliatory attack by Pakistan's F-16 was the most botched up operation and the neighbouring country was globally isolated.

"Not only was Pakistan globally isolated, the issue of its terrorism has reached the Security Council. So helpless was the situation that it was in no position to even admit the attack at Balakot. If it had admitted the attack and its consequences, the evidence of a terrorist camp in existence and the list of dead terrorists would have been international issue," he said.&nbsp;

Accusing the Congress-led UPA of running a 'terrible' government and even a 'more terrible' opposition, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Sunday said their statements have hurt India's national interest and gave handle to Pakistan to discredit the country.

Accusing the Congress-led UPA of running a 'terrible' government and even a 'more terrible' opposition, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Sunday said their statements have hurt India's national interest and gave handle to Pakistan to discredit the country. Within days of India's air strike at Balakot, the 21 opposition parties led by the Congress passed a resolution accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of politicising the Pulwama and Balakot incidents. "Statements made by opposition parties (after IAF's counter terror operation in Balakot) hurt India's national interest. They give smiles to Pakistan and become an instrument in Pakistan's hands to discredit India's operation against terrorism," Jaitley said in a blog, stressing that on such occasions the nation ought to speak in one voice as was done by Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Jan Sangh during the 1971 war. Terming the resolution passed by 21 opposition parties as inappropriate, he said, it gave a handle to the enemy and Pakistan's media used the statement as a trump card. The government had twice taken the leaders of opposition parties into confidence, he said. Referring to the statement of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the finance minister said that he sought to elevate himself to the status of a neutral third party while raising doubts about India's right to defend its sovereignty from those who want to damage it through terrorism. "I was most disappointed with a brief but a highly objectionable statement of the former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh," Jaitley said. While receiving the PV Narasimha Rao Award for the lifetime achievement, Singh had stated that he was disturbed with the "Mad rush of mutual self-destruction" by the two nations. Singh further went on to argue that poverty, ignorance and disease were the real problems in the two countries and that saner counsel on both sides needed to think on the issue. Jaitley wondered that there was no condemnation of terrorism in that speech of the former prime minister. Implicitly, he doubts India's right to defend its sovereignty from those who want to damage it through terrorism, he said. Jaitley further said: "The Congress led UPA Government from 2004 to 2014 ran a terrible Government. From 2014 to 2019, it was even a more terrible Opposition". Pointing that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee went a step further, he said, she started doubting the veracity of the incident and wanted to know the operational details. "The credibility of both the Government and our Air Force is being doubted. Even Congress leaders have raised similar questions," he said in a facebook post titled India's Opposition Has A Lot To Learn. Jaitley emphasised that the Opposition is entitled to oppose and ask questions, but then restrain and statesmanship are also essential ingredients of public discourse. He expressed hope that India's Opposition revisits its position and does not let down the nation. Jaitley also pointed out that the retaliatory attack by Pakistan's F-16 was the most botched up operation and the neighbouring country was globally isolated. "Not only was Pakistan globally isolated, the issue of its terrorism has reached the Security Council. So helpless was the situation that it was in no position to even admit the attack at Balakot. If it had admitted the attack and its consequences, the evidence of a terrorist camp in existence and the list of dead terrorists would have been international issue," he said.

Opposition remarks hurting India's national interest: Arun Jaitley

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday mocked what he called ''compelled contrarians'' who, he said, did not know the difference between 'Balakot' and 'Bala Kote' and started spreading misinformation without realising that Indian forces would not launch an attack in its own territory.

"When our Air Force reached Balakot in KPK (Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa) before we could get any information, some people started saying Balakot is along the Line of Control (LoC). Some people whom I call compulsive contrarians found a new Balakot and did not check that Bala Kote is in our Poonch (sector). Why would our forces attack our territory?" Jaitley was quoted as saying by news agency ANI during the release of the book ‘Mann ki Baat – A Social Revolution on Radio’.

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FM Jaitley:When our Air Force reached Balakot in KPK before we could get any info some ppl started saying Balakot is along LoC.Some ppl whom I call compulsive contrarians found a new Balakot&amp;didn't check that, that Bala Kote is in our Poonch.Why'd our forces attack our territory? <a href="https://t.co/hRINtQS9so">pic.twitter.com/hRINtQS9so</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1101740438577270784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) on February 26 launched pre-emptive airstrikes at a large Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror training camp in Balakot in Pakistan.&nbsp;

The airstrikes were undertaken in retaliation to the terror attack in Pulwama in which about 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives. JeM had claimed responsibility for the attack.

Balakot was earlier confused with Bala Kote, which is located along the LoC and is very close to Rajouri and Azmatabad in Jammu and Kashmir.

Confirming that the aerial strikes took place deep inside Pakistan, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had said the “pre-emptive” strike in Balakot by India had become absolutely necessary as there was credible information that JeM was planning further attacks.

“In this operation, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis, who were being trained for fidayeen action, were eliminated. This facility at Balakot was headed by Maulana Yousuf Azhar alias Ustad Ghouri, the brother-in-law of Masood Azhar, JeM chief,” he elaborated.&nbsp;

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday mocked what he called ''compelled contrarians'' who, he said, did not know the difference between 'Balakot' and 'Bala Kote' and started spreading misinformation without realising that Indian forces would not launch an attack in its own territory.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday mocked what he called ''compelled contrarians'' who, he said, did not know the difference between 'Balakot' and 'Bala Kote' and started spreading misinformation without realising that Indian forces would not launch an attack in its own territory. "When our Air Force reached Balakot in KPK (Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa) before we could get any information, some people started saying Balakot is along the Line of Control (LoC). Some people whom I call compulsive contrarians found a new Balakot and did not check that Bala Kote is in our Poonch (sector). Why would our forces attack our territory?" Jaitley was quoted as saying by news agency ANI during the release of the book ‘Mann ki Baat – A Social Revolution on Radio’. FM Jaitley:When our Air Force reached Balakot in KPK before we could get any info some ppl started saying Balakot is along LoC.Some ppl whom I call compulsive contrarians found a new Balakot&didn't check that, that Bala Kote is in our Poonch.Why'd our forces attack our territory? pic.twitter.com/hRINtQS9so — ANI (@ANI) March 2, 2019 × The Indian Air Force (IAF) on February 26 launched pre-emptive airstrikes at a large Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror training camp in Balakot in Pakistan. The airstrikes were undertaken in retaliation to the terror attack in Pulwama in which about 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives. JeM had claimed responsibility for the attack. Balakot was earlier confused with Bala Kote, which is located along the LoC and is very close to Rajouri and Azmatabad in Jammu and Kashmir. Confirming that the aerial strikes took place deep inside Pakistan, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had said the “pre-emptive” strike in Balakot by India had become absolutely necessary as there was credible information that JeM was planning further attacks. “In this operation, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis, who were being trained for fidayeen action, were eliminated. This facility at Balakot was headed by Maulana Yousuf Azhar alias Ustad Ghouri, the brother-in-law of Masood Azhar, JeM chief,” he elaborated.

'Compulsive contrarians' found new 'Balakot': Jaitley mocks misinformation on airstrikes

India will exercise all options, diplomatic or otherwise, to win a decisive battle against Pakistan which is responsible for Pulwama terror attack, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Friday.

Describing Pakistan as a "rogue state", he said it is not acting against perpetrators of the attack, though the guilty have themselves admitted to the attack and were taking credit for it.

Referring to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's speech, Jaitley said, "the head of the government says, give me actionable intelligence. You need an actionable intelligence if it is a blind offence, but here is a man sitting in your own country who owned up to the offence. So when there is a confession...You have people sitting in your own country and admitting to the offence and saying that yes we have done it and taking credit for it".

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-government-takes-control-of-jem-headquarters-199032">Pakistan government takes control of JeM headquarters</a>

Pakistan leadership, he said, is "riding a tiger on this issue and tiger never spares its own rider".

As many as 40 CRPF personnel died in a terrorist attack on February 14 at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir.

India today is extremely angry, he said, adding "in my lifetime, we have seen wars, we have seen human tragedies, we have seen prime ministers assassinated by terrorists. But the kind of anger which has been there, even on previous occasions, the one this time is unprecedented".

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/unsc-statement-mentioned-jem-in-general-terms-it-does-not-represent-judgment-on-pulwama-attack-china-198964">UNSC statement mentioned JeM in general terms, it does not represent </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/unsc-statement-mentioned-jem-in-general-terms-it-does-not-represent-judgment-on-pulwama-attack-china-198964">judgement</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/unsc-statement-mentioned-jem-in-general-terms-it-does-not-represent-judgment-on-pulwama-attack-china-198964"> on Pulwama attack, says China</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already stated that India will exercise all its instruments at its commands, whether it is diplomatic or otherwise.

"Therefore, we have to act in a manner that this battle has to be decisively won by us because Pakistan is not willing to give up its traditional role in our neighbourhood as a rogue state," the finance minister added.

"This is not a one week battle. It should be undertaken in various forms," he said while speaking at the Global Business Summit here.

Talking about India playing a cricket match with Pakistan, he said at this juncture the atmosphere is hostile and hence the country cannot be seen&nbsp;playing friendly or even competitive matches with them.

"The feeling of the people (on this issue) is understandable," Jaitley added.&nbsp;

The Committee of Administrators (CoA) running Indian cricket Friday decided against taking any stand on the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/would-hate-to-give-two-points-to-pakistan-in-world-cup-sachin-tendulkar-198983"> World Cup clash against Pakistan</a>, which is scheduled for June 16 in Old Trafford in England, but said it would individually urge ICC members to "sever ties with any nation that is a terrorist hub".

In a meeting to address the spiralling speculation around the match, the CoA deliberated on the matter but did not take any position for now.&nbsp;

There is also a view that India stands to lose by boycotting Pakistan in the upcoming cricket World Cup as it will lose points, harming its prospect in the championship.

India will exercise all options, diplomatic or otherwise, to win a decisive battle against Pakistan which is responsible for Pulwama terror attack, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Friday.

India will exercise all options, diplomatic or otherwise, to win a decisive battle against Pakistan which is responsible for Pulwama terror attack, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Friday. Describing Pakistan as a "rogue state", he said it is not acting against perpetrators of the attack, though the guilty have themselves admitted to the attack and were taking credit for it. Referring to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's speech, Jaitley said, "the head of the government says, give me actionable intelligence. You need an actionable intelligence if it is a blind offence, but here is a man sitting in your own country who owned up to the offence. So when there is a confession...You have people sitting in your own country and admitting to the offence and saying that yes we have done it and taking credit for it". Also read: Pakistan government takes control of JeM headquarters Pakistan leadership, he said, is "riding a tiger on this issue and tiger never spares its own rider". As many as 40 CRPF personnel died in a terrorist attack on February 14 at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir. India today is extremely angry, he said, adding "in my lifetime, we have seen wars, we have seen human tragedies, we have seen prime ministers assassinated by terrorists. But the kind of anger which has been there, even on previous occasions, the one this time is unprecedented". Also read: UNSC statement mentioned JeM in general terms, it does not represent judgement on Pulwama attack, says China Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already stated that India will exercise all its instruments at its commands, whether it is diplomatic or otherwise. "Therefore, we have to act in a manner that this battle has to be decisively won by us because Pakistan is not willing to give up its traditional role in our neighbourhood as a rogue state," the finance minister added. "This is not a one week battle. It should be undertaken in various forms," he said while speaking at the Global Business Summit here. Talking about India playing a cricket match with Pakistan, he said at this juncture the atmosphere is hostile and hence the country cannot be seen playing friendly or even competitive matches with them. "The feeling of the people (on this issue) is understandable," Jaitley added. The Committee of Administrators (CoA) running Indian cricket Friday decided against taking any stand on the World Cup clash against Pakistan, which is scheduled for June 16 in Old Trafford in England, but said it would individually urge ICC members to "sever ties with any nation that is a terrorist hub". In a meeting to address the spiralling speculation around the match, the CoA deliberated on the matter but did not take any position for now. There is also a view that India stands to lose by boycotting Pakistan in the upcoming cricket World Cup as it will lose points, harming its prospect in the championship.

India to exercise all options to win decisive battle against Pakistan: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

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