Niger's junta-appointed PM&nbsp;said the nation is ready to communicate with all involved parties&nbsp;but asserted the need for it to be independent. In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his respects on the death anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, mentioning that the nation greatly benefited under his leadership.

In other news, the lawyer representing Hunter Biden, who negotiated a plea deal in the Justice Department's extensive five-year investigation into tax and firearm violations, has resigned from the position.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/niger-coup-junta-open-to-talks-to-resolve-regional-crisis-625882">Niger coup: Junta open to talks to resolve regional crisis</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/16/373457-2023-08-14t063416z2lynxmpej7d06qrtroptp4niger-security.JPG?imwidth=1920" />The Niger junta said on Tuesday (August 15) that it was open to talks to resolve the regional crisis caused by the July military coup. "We are in a process of transition. We have explained the ins and outs, reiterated our willingness to remain open and to talk to all parties, but we have insisted on the need for the country to be independent," the military-appointed Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine said, following his visit to Chad to meet President Mahamat Deby.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-pays-tribute-to-former-pm-atal-bihari-vajpayee-on-his-death-anniversary-625880">Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/16/373456-succession-2023-08-16t082928500.jpg?imwidth=1920" />Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid his tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary. He stated that the nation benefitted greatly from his leadership.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hunter-bidens-lawyer-steps-down-to-testify-as-witness-in-doj-investigation-625865">Hunter Biden's lawyer steps down, to testify as witness in DOJ investigation</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/16/373447-new-wion-2023-08-16t052154340.png?imwidth=1920" />Hunter Biden's attorney, who negotiated a plea agreement for him in the Justice Department's five-year investigation into tax and gun offences, has stepped down. As per a New York Times report, the attorney has taken the step with the intention to testify as a witness on behalf of President Joe Biden's son.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/musk-retracts-slowed-access-to-news-outlets-but-delay-not-removed-for-social-media-rivals-625871">Musk retracts slowed access to news outlets, but delay not removed for social media rivals</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/16/373450-untitled-design-2023-08-16t075954803.png?imwidth=1920" />According to a recent report, social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has retracted from its previous move of slowing down access to a few of the top news outlets however, the delays in accessing links to other of its social media competing platforms like Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram continues to remain. This alleged deliberate delay, which lasted approximately five seconds upon clicking a link on X, was observed during tests conducted by The Washington Post and Reuters. However, as of late Tuesday, X seemed to have eliminated this delay. Despite confirmation of the removal, there were no comments made by X.&nbsp;

WATCH | Georgia election fraud case: Trump aide files motion to transfer case&nbsp;

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Niger's junta-appointed PM said the nation is ready to communicate with all involved parties but asserted the need for it to be independent. In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his respects on the death anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, mentioning that the nation greatly benefited under his leadership.

Niger's junta-appointed PM said the nation is ready to communicate with all involved parties but asserted the need for it to be independent. In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his respects on the death anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, mentioning that the nation greatly benefited under his leadership. In other news, the lawyer representing Hunter Biden, who negotiated a plea deal in the Justice Department's extensive five-year investigation into tax and firearm violations, has resigned from the position. Niger coup: Junta open to talks to resolve regional crisis The Niger junta said on Tuesday (August 15) that it was open to talks to resolve the regional crisis caused by the July military coup. "We are in a process of transition. We have explained the ins and outs, reiterated our willingness to remain open and to talk to all parties, but we have insisted on the need for the country to be independent," the military-appointed Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine said, following his visit to Chad to meet President Mahamat Deby. Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid his tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary. He stated that the nation benefitted greatly from his leadership. Hunter Biden's lawyer steps down, to testify as witness in DOJ investigation Hunter Biden's attorney, who negotiated a plea agreement for him in the Justice Department's five-year investigation into tax and gun offences, has stepped down. As per a New York Times report, the attorney has taken the step with the intention to testify as a witness on behalf of President Joe Biden's son. Musk retracts slowed access to news outlets, but delay not removed for social media rivals According to a recent report, social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has retracted from its previous move of slowing down access to a few of the top news outlets however, the delays in accessing links to other of its social media competing platforms like Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram continues to remain. This alleged deliberate delay, which lasted approximately five seconds upon clicking a link on X, was observed during tests conducted by The Washington Post and Reuters. However, as of late Tuesday, X seemed to have eliminated this delay. Despite confirmation of the removal, there were no comments made by X. WATCH | Georgia election fraud case: Trump aide files motion to transfer case ×

Morning brief: Niger Junta open to talks, Modi pays tribute to ex-PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on death anniversary

Indian actor Shreyas Talpade will be portraying the role of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Kangana Ranaut’s directorial ‘Emergency’, in which she will star as the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, whereas veteran actor Anupam Kher will portray the character of Jayaprakash Narayan. Talpade took to his Twitter account to share a poster and wrote, "Honoured &amp; Happy to play one of the most Loved, Visionary, a true patriot &amp; Man of the masses…"

"Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji. I hope I live up to the expectations. It’s time for #Emergency! Ganpati Bappa Morya (hailing Lord Ganesh)," he added.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the makers also unveiled Shreyas’s look as Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

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Honoured &amp; Happy to play one of the most Loved, Visionary, a true patriot &amp; Man of the masses…Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji. I hope I live up to the expectations. 
 
It’s time for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Emergency?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Emergency</a>! 
 
Ganpati Bappa Morya 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/kJAxsXNeBd">pic.twitter.com/kJAxsXNeBd</a>
— Shreyas Talpade (@shreyastalpade1) <a href="https://twitter.com/shreyastalpade1/status/1552149404684996614?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Speaking about his role in the film, Shreyas praised Vajpayee as the "most revered, intelligent, learned, influential’ and called him the most loved leaders of India as well as across the world. He further added, "To portray him on screen is not only a big privilege but also a huge honour and definitely a bigger responsibility. I hope I live up to everybody's expectations. I am trying my best to portray the part," quoted ANI.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/late-singer-composer-bappi-lahiri-will-be-part-of-this-popular-web-series-500897">Late singer-composer Bappi Lahiri will be part of this popular web series&nbsp;</a>

Speaking on Talpade joining the 'Emergency' cast, Kangana, who is also directing the film, said that they are fortunate to have the actor on board as he is a versatile actor. "He plays Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was a young and upcoming leader when Mrs Gandhi became the Prime Minister for the first time. He was one of the heroes of the Emergency. I personally feel that his performance in the role of Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be one of the most memorable. We are lucky to have got a powerful performer like him to play this important role," the actress said in a statement.

Heaping praises on Kangana, Shreyas called Kangana the "most versatile and finest actress in the country" and added, "It is a thing of pride to be directed by her in this huge magnum opus called Emergency. I am happy and delighted. Best wishes to the entire team. It's time for Emergency."

Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming film ‘Emergency’ has been helmed by Manikarnika Films and is written and directed by the actor herself. The film is produced by Renu Pitti and Kangana, while the screenplay and dialogues have been done by Ritesh Shah.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/emergency-first-look-presenting-you-kangana-ranaut-as-indian-prime-minister-indira-gandhi-497213">'Emergency' first look: Presenting you Kangana Ranaut as Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi</a>

Indian actor Shreyas Talpade will be portraying the role of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Kangana Ranaut’s directorial ‘Emergency’, in which she will star as the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, whereas veteran actor Anupam Kher will portray the character of Jayaprakash Narayan.

Indian actor Shreyas Talpade will be portraying the role of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Kangana Ranaut’s directorial ‘Emergency’, in which she will star as the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, whereas veteran actor Anupam Kher will portray the character of Jayaprakash Narayan. Talpade took to his Twitter account to share a poster and wrote, "Honoured & Happy to play one of the most Loved, Visionary, a true patriot & Man of the masses…" "Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji. I hope I live up to the expectations. It’s time for #Emergency! Ganpati Bappa Morya (hailing Lord Ganesh)," he added. Meanwhile, the makers also unveiled Shreyas’s look as Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Honoured & Happy to play one of the most Loved, Visionary, a true patriot & Man of the masses…Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji. I hope I live up to the expectations. It’s time for #Emergency! Ganpati Bappa Morya 🙏 pic.twitter.com/kJAxsXNeBd — Shreyas Talpade (@shreyastalpade1) July 27, 2022 × Speaking about his role in the film, Shreyas praised Vajpayee as the "most revered, intelligent, learned, influential’ and called him the most loved leaders of India as well as across the world. He further added, "To portray him on screen is not only a big privilege but also a huge honour and definitely a bigger responsibility. I hope I live up to everybody's expectations. I am trying my best to portray the part," quoted ANI. Also Read: Late singer-composer Bappi Lahiri will be part of this popular web series Speaking on Talpade joining the 'Emergency' cast, Kangana, who is also directing the film, said that they are fortunate to have the actor on board as he is a versatile actor. "He plays Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was a young and upcoming leader when Mrs Gandhi became the Prime Minister for the first time. He was one of the heroes of the Emergency. I personally feel that his performance in the role of Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be one of the most memorable. We are lucky to have got a powerful performer like him to play this important role," the actress said in a statement. Heaping praises on Kangana, Shreyas called Kangana the "most versatile and finest actress in the country" and added, "It is a thing of pride to be directed by her in this huge magnum opus called Emergency. I am happy and delighted. Best wishes to the entire team. It's time for Emergency." Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming film ‘Emergency’ has been helmed by Manikarnika Films and is written and directed by the actor herself. The film is produced by Renu Pitti and Kangana, while the screenplay and dialogues have been done by Ritesh Shah. Also Read: 'Emergency' first look: Presenting you Kangana Ranaut as Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi

Shreyas Talpade to essay former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Kangana Ranaut’s 'Emergency’, see poster

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the majestic Atal Tunnel, beneath the lofty Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh`s Kullu district, would give new strength to India`s border infrastructure.

"It is an example of world-class border connectivity. There have been demands to improve border infrastructure but for a long time, such projects either couldn`t get out of planning stage or got stuck midway," Modi said in his address after dedicating the highway tunnel, one of the world`s most challenging and a marvel of engineering motorways, in the Himalayas to the nation.

The tunnel would be a lifeline for Ladakh and would boost border security.

Earlier, Modi inaugurated the 9.02km long Atal Tunnel from its south portal near here. It will connect Manali to the Lahaul-Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh.

It is the longest highway tunnel in the world built at an altitude of 3,000 meters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/worlds-longest-highway-tunnel-connecting-manali-with-leh-ready-after-10-years-327912">Also read:&nbsp;World's longest highway tunnel connecting Manali with Leh ready after 10 years</a>

Modi said the Atal Tunnel, the dream of former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpaye, is going to be "Sanjeevani Buti" for the residents of Lahaul-Spiti, especially during winters when the entire district "gets covered under snow and road connectivity through the Rohtang Pass gets snapped.

Praising the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), a wing of the Defence Ministry, Modi said, "One of our top priorities is to strengthen the international border on all sides."

He blamed the previous government in the Centre for deliberately ignoring the projects of strategic importance.

"There is nothing more important for us than protecting the country. But the country has also seen a period when the defence interests of the country were compromised."

"Even in the case of Atal Tunnel, if the pace of the construction continued as in the previous governments it would have been completed by 2040," Modi, donning a Himachal cap, said.

"In the year 2002, Atalji laid the foundation stone of the approach road to the tunnel.

"After Atalji`s government, this work was forgotten. The situation was that by 2013-14, only 1,300 meters of the work for the tunnel was completed," said Modi.

"Work on Atal Tunnel was accelerated after 2014; in just six years, we completed the work of 26 years."

"My brothers and sisters of Himachal Pradesh can understand what it means to reduce the distance of three-four hours on the mountain with the completion of this tunnel," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the majestic Atal Tunnel, beneath the lofty Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh`s Kullu district, would give new strength to India`s border infrastructure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the majestic Atal Tunnel, beneath the lofty Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh`s Kullu district, would give new strength to India`s border infrastructure. "It is an example of world-class border connectivity. There have been demands to improve border infrastructure but for a long time, such projects either couldn`t get out of planning stage or got stuck midway," Modi said in his address after dedicating the highway tunnel, one of the world`s most challenging and a marvel of engineering motorways, in the Himalayas to the nation. The tunnel would be a lifeline for Ladakh and would boost border security. Earlier, Modi inaugurated the 9.02km long Atal Tunnel from its south portal near here. It will connect Manali to the Lahaul-Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh. It is the longest highway tunnel in the world built at an altitude of 3,000 meters. Also read: World's longest highway tunnel connecting Manali with Leh ready after 10 years Modi said the Atal Tunnel, the dream of former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpaye, is going to be "Sanjeevani Buti" for the residents of Lahaul-Spiti, especially during winters when the entire district "gets covered under snow and road connectivity through the Rohtang Pass gets snapped. Praising the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), a wing of the Defence Ministry, Modi said, "One of our top priorities is to strengthen the international border on all sides." He blamed the previous government in the Centre for deliberately ignoring the projects of strategic importance. "There is nothing more important for us than protecting the country. But the country has also seen a period when the defence interests of the country were compromised." "Even in the case of Atal Tunnel, if the pace of the construction continued as in the previous governments it would have been completed by 2040," Modi, donning a Himachal cap, said. "In the year 2002, Atalji laid the foundation stone of the approach road to the tunnel. "After Atalji`s government, this work was forgotten. The situation was that by 2013-14, only 1,300 meters of the work for the tunnel was completed," said Modi. "Work on Atal Tunnel was accelerated after 2014; in just six years, we completed the work of 26 years." "My brothers and sisters of Himachal Pradesh can understand what it means to reduce the distance of three-four hours on the mountain with the completion of this tunnel," he said.

Atal Tunnel will give new strength to border infrastructure: Modi

Iconic pictures of Indian General Elections

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani Tuesday inaugurated or laid foundation stones for projects worth Rs 666 crore across the state to mark the completion of one year in office.

As many as 5,538 projects related to the education sector were launched by Rupani from Gandhinagar, said a government release.

Rupani had taken oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat for a second time on December 26 last year after the ruling BJP retained power in the elections held that month.

The CM either inaugurated or laid foundation stones for projects worth Rs 666 through remote control from a function held at the Gandhinagar Civil Hospital.

These projects included 5,179 newly-built classrooms of schools and colleges, nine polytechnic college buildings and 350 Anganwadi centres, the release said.

During the event, Rupani also interacted with beneficiaries, students, parents and Anganwadi workers of 21 district through video conferencing facility.

December 25, the birthday of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is also celebrated as the Good Governance Day.

Speaking on the occasion, Rupani claimed the BJP government has developed a "corruption-free system" where pro-people works are being carried out in a transparent manner.

In his address, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said instead of doing some work "here and there", the BJP government believes in carrying out development works on a "wholesale" basis.

Meanwhile, speaking in Vadodara, Rupani said over 23 lakh farmers in drought-hit 96 tehsils in Gujarat have started getting input assistance from Tuesday. 
He was speaking at an event where Gujarat's first amusement park, constructed at a cost of Rs 125 crore and located at Ajwa near Vadodara, was inaugurated.

A sum of Rs 2,300 crore is to disbursed to 23.24 lakh farmers in 96 tehsils affected by drought.

The Gujarat government has announced to pay input assistance to farmers of drought-hit areas in three different slabs. The aid will be provided as per the rainfall received in the affected areas during the monsoon.&nbsp;

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani Tuesday inaugurated or laid foundation stones for projects worth Rs 666 crore across the state to mark the completion of one year in office.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani Tuesday inaugurated or laid foundation stones for projects worth Rs 666 crore across the state to mark the completion of one year in office. As many as 5,538 projects related to the education sector were launched by Rupani from Gandhinagar, said a government release. Rupani had taken oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat for a second time on December 26 last year after the ruling BJP retained power in the elections held that month. The CM either inaugurated or laid foundation stones for projects worth Rs 666 through remote control from a function held at the Gandhinagar Civil Hospital. These projects included 5,179 newly-built classrooms of schools and colleges, nine polytechnic college buildings and 350 Anganwadi centres, the release said. During the event, Rupani also interacted with beneficiaries, students, parents and Anganwadi workers of 21 district through video conferencing facility. December 25, the birthday of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is also celebrated as the Good Governance Day. Speaking on the occasion, Rupani claimed the BJP government has developed a "corruption-free system" where pro-people works are being carried out in a transparent manner. In his address, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said instead of doing some work "here and there", the BJP government believes in carrying out development works on a "wholesale" basis. Meanwhile, speaking in Vadodara, Rupani said over 23 lakh farmers in drought-hit 96 tehsils in Gujarat have started getting input assistance from Tuesday. He was speaking at an event where Gujarat's first amusement park, constructed at a cost of Rs 125 crore and located at Ajwa near Vadodara, was inaugurated. A sum of Rs 2,300 crore is to disbursed to 23.24 lakh farmers in 96 tehsils affected by drought. The Gujarat government has announced to pay input assistance to farmers of drought-hit areas in three different slabs. The aid will be provided as per the rainfall received in the affected areas during the monsoon.

Rupani completes 1 year in office; gifts Rs 666-crore projects to Gujarat

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said Tuesday that though<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/on-vajpayees-95th-birth-anniversary-memorial-sadaiv-atal-to-be-inaugurated-in-delhi-186260"> former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee</a> took a lot of initiatives to have a "proper friendship" with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/pakistan">Pakistan</a>, the latter has continued with its "old disease" of funding terror.&nbsp;

While addressing an event to commemorate the 94th birth anniversary of Vajpayee, Naidu said even Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited leaders of all SAARC countries for his swearing-in ceremony.&nbsp;

He recalled Vajpayee's statement that 'You can change your friends but you cannot change your neighbours. India wants to be friendly with all countries'.&nbsp;

"That is why Narendra Modi invited all SAARC countries for his swearing-in and all came. We want to have a friendship with all, including Pakistan. We can work together. We want to live together happily. We want to progress together but unfortunately, they are continuing with their old disease of aiding, inhabiting and funding terror. They must give it up," he said.&nbsp;

Lahore bus yatra, Agra Talk, even earlier Samjhauta Express all the initiatives were taken by Vajpayee to have a proper friendship with Pakistan, he said.&nbsp;

Naidu said Vajpayee led the country ably through difficult times. He said despite the world imposing restrictions on India, he successfully conducted nuclear tests in Pokhran in 1998, which was also depicted on the celluloid.&nbsp;

"It was the time when the country gave a fitting reply in the Kargil war and also overcame devastation caused during the Gujarat earthquake in 2001. The attack on Parliament was a testimony to how dangerous cross-border terrorism could be," he said.&nbsp;

The vice-president said the coming generations will remember Vajpayee for bringing connectivity revolution and paving the way for development and growth.&nbsp;

"He will be remembered after Sher Shah Suri for connectivity air connectivity, rail connectivity, rural connectivity, port connectivity... He brought such political connectivity in the country and brought 23 political parties of the country together," Naidu added.&nbsp;

On the importance of Good Governance Day that is being observed on the birth anniversary of Vajpayee, Naidu said taking care of the needs of the poor and downtrodden and keeping people at the centre of public administration was the key element of governance.&nbsp;

A 'bhajan sandhya' was organised here on the occasion of birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who passed away on August 16 this year. Singer Daler Mehndi rendered devotional songs on the occasion.&nbsp;

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said Tuesday that though former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee took a lot of initiatives to have a "proper friendship" with Pakistan, the latter has continued with its "old disease" of funding terror.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said Tuesday that though former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee took a lot of initiatives to have a "proper friendship" with Pakistan, the latter has continued with its "old disease" of funding terror. While addressing an event to commemorate the 94th birth anniversary of Vajpayee, Naidu said even Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited leaders of all SAARC countries for his swearing-in ceremony. He recalled Vajpayee's statement that 'You can change your friends but you cannot change your neighbours. India wants to be friendly with all countries'. "That is why Narendra Modi invited all SAARC countries for his swearing-in and all came. We want to have a friendship with all, including Pakistan. We can work together. We want to live together happily. We want to progress together but unfortunately, they are continuing with their old disease of aiding, inhabiting and funding terror. They must give it up," he said. Lahore bus yatra, Agra Talk, even earlier Samjhauta Express all the initiatives were taken by Vajpayee to have a proper friendship with Pakistan, he said. Naidu said Vajpayee led the country ably through difficult times. He said despite the world imposing restrictions on India, he successfully conducted nuclear tests in Pokhran in 1998, which was also depicted on the celluloid. "It was the time when the country gave a fitting reply in the Kargil war and also overcame devastation caused during the Gujarat earthquake in 2001. The attack on Parliament was a testimony to how dangerous cross-border terrorism could be," he said. The vice-president said the coming generations will remember Vajpayee for bringing connectivity revolution and paving the way for development and growth. "He will be remembered after Sher Shah Suri for connectivity air connectivity, rail connectivity, rural connectivity, port connectivity... He brought such political connectivity in the country and brought 23 political parties of the country together," Naidu added. On the importance of Good Governance Day that is being observed on the birth anniversary of Vajpayee, Naidu said taking care of the needs of the poor and downtrodden and keeping people at the centre of public administration was the key element of governance. A 'bhajan sandhya' was organised here on the occasion of birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who passed away on August 16 this year. Singer Daler Mehndi rendered devotional songs on the occasion.

Pakistan has continued with its 'old disease' of funding terror: Venkaiah Naidu

Rebel BJP leaders Yashwant Sinha and Shatrughan Sinha have come out in support of the AAP over the disqualification of its 20 MLAs with the former calling the president&#39;s decision a &quot;tughluqshahi&quot; order.

In a major setback to the ruling AAP in Delhi, President Ram Nath Kovind has disqualified 20 of its MLAs for holding offices of profit, a decision the party said showed that the constitutional authorities were behaving like &quot;handmaidens of the central government&quot;.

Kovind gave his assent on Saturday to the recommendation in this regard by the Election Commission.

&quot;The president&#39;s order is a complete miscarriage of natural justice. No hearing, no waiting for high court&#39;s order. It is Tughluqshahi of the worst order,&quot; Yashwant Sinha tweeted.

BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha said the &quot;politics of vendetta&quot; against the AAP would not last long.

&quot;Politics of vendetta or politics of vested interests just don&#39;t last long. Don&#39;t worry, be happy!,&quot; he said on Twitter.

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&lsquo;AAP&rsquo; Aaye, 
&lsquo;AAP&rsquo; Chhaye, 
&lsquo;AAP&rsquo; hi &lsquo;AAP&rsquo; Charcha ke Vishaye (talk of the town)!! 
 
Ghar ghar mein, 
Har khabar mein, 
Toh phir kis baat ki fikar &lsquo;AAP&rsquo; ko? 
 
Politics of vendetta or politics of vested interests just don&rsquo;t last long. 
Don&rsquo;t worry, be happy!
&mdash; Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShatruganSinha/status/954931448129011713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;Hope, wish &amp; pray that you get divine justice soon, sooner the better. &#39;AAP&#39; ki team aur khaas kar &#39;AAP&#39; ko bahut bahut badhaai. Remember, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Satyameva Jayate! Jai Hind!&quot; he said in a series of tweets.

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Hope wish &amp; pray that you get divine justice soon, sooner the better . 
 
&lsquo;AAP&rsquo; ki team aur khaas kar &lsquo;AAP&rsquo; ko bahut bahut badhaai. Remember, when the going gets tough the tough get going. 
 
Satyameva Jayate! 
Jai Hind!
&mdash; Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShatruganSinha/status/954931856662605824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Both the leaders, who were part of the Atal Behari Vajpayee cabinet, have openly aired their displeasure against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government&#39;s policies.&nbsp;

'The president's order is a complete miscarriage of natural justice. No hearing, no waiting for high court's order. It is Tughluqshahi of the worst order," Yashwant Sinha tweeted.

Rebel BJP leaders Yashwant Sinha and Shatrughan Sinha have come out in support of the AAP over the disqualification of its 20 MLAs with the former calling the president's decision a "tughluqshahi" order. In a major setback to the ruling AAP in Delhi, President Ram Nath Kovind has disqualified 20 of its MLAs for holding offices of profit, a decision the party said showed that the constitutional authorities were behaving like "handmaidens of the central government". Kovind gave his assent on Saturday to the recommendation in this regard by the Election Commission. "The president's order is a complete miscarriage of natural justice. No hearing, no waiting for high court's order. It is Tughluqshahi of the worst order," Yashwant Sinha tweeted. BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha said the "politics of vendetta" against the AAP would not last long. "Politics of vendetta or politics of vested interests just don't last long. Don't worry, be happy!," he said on Twitter. ‘AAP’ Aaye, ‘AAP’ Chhaye, ‘AAP’ hi ‘AAP’ Charcha ke Vishaye (talk of the town)!! Ghar ghar mein, Har khabar mein, Toh phir kis baat ki fikar ‘AAP’ ko? Politics of vendetta or politics of vested interests just don’t last long. Don’t worry, be happy! — Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) January 21, 2018 × "Hope, wish & pray that you get divine justice soon, sooner the better. 'AAP' ki team aur khaas kar 'AAP' ko bahut bahut badhaai. Remember, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Satyameva Jayate! Jai Hind!" he said in a series of tweets. Hope wish & pray that you get divine justice soon, sooner the better . ‘AAP’ ki team aur khaas kar ‘AAP’ ko bahut bahut badhaai. Remember, when the going gets tough the tough get going. Satyameva Jayate! Jai Hind! — Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) January 21, 2018 × Both the leaders, who were part of the Atal Behari Vajpayee cabinet, have openly aired their displeasure against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government's policies.

Yashwant, Shatrughan back AAP over MLAs' disqualification