Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and actor Sonali Phogat died of a suspected heart attack on Monday night. Now, the brother of the Haryana BJP leader has raised questions about her death, claiming that she was murdered by two of her associates.&nbsp;

Her brother has even filed a formal complaint with the Goa Police. Sonali's family has even demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Several rumours were circulating on social media platforms after the untimely demise of the 42-year-old.&nbsp;

Rinku Dhaka, who is Sonali's brother alleged that before her death, Phogat had spoken to her mother, sister and brother-in-law. He mentioned that she sounded disturbed and complained against her two colleagues.&nbsp;

Rinku also claimed that the CCTV cameras, laptop and other crucial things from her farmhouse in Haryana have gone missing after her death.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bihar-cm-nitish-kumar-wins-trust-vote-amid-bjp-walkout-509775">India: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar wins trust vote amid BJP walkout</a>&nbsp;

Dhaka told reporters outside the Anjuna police station, "We had asked her to stay away from them and return to Hisar the next day (after Phogat spoke to her mother)."&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
As per the reports, Rinku claimed the police have refused to register a First Information Report (FIR) against the two persons he has mentioned. "If the FIR is not filed against them, we will not allow the postmortem to be conducted in Goa," he said.&nbsp;

The family is in shock. Her sisters said they couldn't accept that she died of a heart attack.&nbsp;

"My sister cannot have a heart attack. She was very fit. We demand a proper investigation by CBI. My family is not ready to accept that she died of a heart attack. She had no such medical problem," one of her sisters, Rupesh, told news agency ANI.&nbsp;

"I received a call from her the evening before her death. She said she wanted to talk over WhatsApp and said that something fishy is going on... later, she cut the call and then didn't pick up," she added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-supreme-court-bats-for-same-abortion-limits-for-married-unmarried-women-509696">India: Supreme Court bats for same abortion limits for married &amp; unmarried women</a>&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told reporters in Panjim, Goa, "We're taking it seriously. The (police chief) is himself monitoring. Investigation and postmortem reports will come to him. A preliminary assessment points at cardiac arrest."&nbsp;

Sawant said he has been following up on the matter with Director General of Police Jaspal Singh. "The Goa Police are conducting a detailed investigation into the case," he added.&nbsp;

Sonali was "brought dead" at the St Anthony Hospital at Anjuna in North Goa on Tuesday morning. Amid concerns, the post-mortem will be carried out by a medical board.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and actor Sonali Phogat died of a suspected heart attack on Monday night. Now, the brother of the Haryana BJP leader has raised questions about her death, claiming that she was murdered by two of her associates.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and actor Sonali Phogat died of a suspected heart attack on Monday night. Now, the brother of the Haryana BJP leader has raised questions about her death, claiming that she was murdered by two of her associates. Her brother has even filed a formal complaint with the Goa Police. Sonali's family has even demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Several rumours were circulating on social media platforms after the untimely demise of the 42-year-old. Rinku Dhaka, who is Sonali's brother alleged that before her death, Phogat had spoken to her mother, sister and brother-in-law. He mentioned that she sounded disturbed and complained against her two colleagues. Rinku also claimed that the CCTV cameras, laptop and other crucial things from her farmhouse in Haryana have gone missing after her death. ALSO READ | India: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar wins trust vote amid BJP walkout Dhaka told reporters outside the Anjuna police station, "We had asked her to stay away from them and return to Hisar the next day (after Phogat spoke to her mother)." As per the reports, Rinku claimed the police have refused to register a First Information Report (FIR) against the two persons he has mentioned. "If the FIR is not filed against them, we will not allow the postmortem to be conducted in Goa," he said. The family is in shock. Her sisters said they couldn't accept that she died of a heart attack. "My sister cannot have a heart attack. She was very fit. We demand a proper investigation by CBI. My family is not ready to accept that she died of a heart attack. She had no such medical problem," one of her sisters, Rupesh, told news agency ANI. "I received a call from her the evening before her death. She said she wanted to talk over WhatsApp and said that something fishy is going on... later, she cut the call and then didn't pick up," she added. ALSO READ | India: Supreme Court bats for same abortion limits for married & unmarried women Meanwhile, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told reporters in Panjim, Goa, "We're taking it seriously. The (police chief) is himself monitoring. Investigation and postmortem reports will come to him. A preliminary assessment points at cardiac arrest." Sawant said he has been following up on the matter with Director General of Police Jaspal Singh. "The Goa Police are conducting a detailed investigation into the case," he added. Sonali was "brought dead" at the St Anthony Hospital at Anjuna in North Goa on Tuesday morning. Amid concerns, the post-mortem will be carried out by a medical board. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sonali Phogat's death: Brother claims she was murdered; detailed probe launched

After spokeswoman Nupur Sharma's inflammatory comments against Prophet Mohammed in a television debate on the Gyanvapi Mosque issue, India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) suspended her with immediate effect.

The 37-year-old's comments were called Islamophobic and condemned by Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait.

Calling for "respect for beliefs and religions", Riyadh described the spokesperson's comments as "insulting".

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/life-movement-technology-can-be-a-great-supporter-says-indian-pm-narendra-modi-485381/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Distancing itself from Sharma's controversial comments, BJP said "The BJP strongly denounces insult of any religious personalities of any religion."

Justifying her comments, Sharma said that it was never an intention to hurt anyone's religious feelings and withdrew her statement.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://t.co/Cl0aAqkwgN">pic.twitter.com/Cl0aAqkwgN</a>
— Nupur Sharma (@NupurSharmaBJP) <a href="https://twitter.com/NupurSharmaBJP/status/1533422867458629632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Other than Sharma, BJP also expelled spokesman Naveen Jindal over comments he made about Islam on social media.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gyanvapi-masjid-survey-over-what-we-know-so-far-479503">Also read |&nbsp;Gyanvapi Masjid survey over: What we know so far</a>

A similar clarification came from Jindal, who said "I only questioned them but that does not mean I am against any religion."

Calling Sharma's remarks highly derogatory, Pakistan said it condemns them in the "strongest possible terms."

While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar and the State of Kuwait summoned the Indian ambassador to there respective countries, Qatar said it welcomed the (BJP) party's decision to suspend the official but it is expecting an apology.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION's live TV here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

After spokeswoman Nupur Sharma's inflammatory comments against Prophet Mohammed in a television debate on the Gyanvapi Mosque issue, India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) suspended her with immediate effect.

After spokeswoman Nupur Sharma's inflammatory comments against Prophet Mohammed in a television debate on the Gyanvapi Mosque issue, India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) suspended her with immediate effect. The 37-year-old's comments were called Islamophobic and condemned by Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. Calling for "respect for beliefs and religions", Riyadh described the spokesperson's comments as "insulting". Distancing itself from Sharma's controversial comments, BJP said "The BJP strongly denounces insult of any religious personalities of any religion." Justifying her comments, Sharma said that it was never an intention to hurt anyone's religious feelings and withdrew her statement. pic.twitter.com/Cl0aAqkwgN — Nupur Sharma (@NupurSharmaBJP) June 5, 2022 × Other than Sharma, BJP also expelled spokesman Naveen Jindal over comments he made about Islam on social media. Also read | Gyanvapi Masjid survey over: What we know so far A similar clarification came from Jindal, who said "I only questioned them but that does not mean I am against any religion." Calling Sharma's remarks highly derogatory, Pakistan said it condemns them in the "strongest possible terms." While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar and the State of Kuwait summoned the Indian ambassador to there respective countries, Qatar said it welcomed the (BJP) party's decision to suspend the official but it is expecting an apology. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party suspends spokeswoman Nupur Sharma over comments on Prophet Mohammed

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah said that the PAGD (Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration) should fight elections jointly to keep Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) away.

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah said that the PAGD (Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration) should fight elections jointly to keep Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) away. PAGD is an amalgamation of six political parties including the National Conference and PDP. While talking to the media in Srinagar, Omar said that in the upcoming Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, PAGD should fight jointly to keep away BJP and its teams. ALSO READ | Hijab row reaches Kashmir: Politicians react to school order asking teachers to remove hijab "It is my personal opinion. And if you ask me, I suggest PAGD should go together in the polls ahead to keep BJP and its A & B teams away, However, the final decision lies with the PAGD," he said. While lashing out at BJP, he said Muslims are being targeted. He claimed that they are being told not to use loudspeakers in mosques, they are not allowed to sell halal meat, they are not allowed to wear hijab and so on. He said if Muslims are not objecting to the religion or lifestyles of other people why are only they being targeted. ALSO READ | As guns go silent on borders, areas close to LoC promoted as tourist destinations Omar also spoke about the long power cuts Kashmir is witnessing for the last three weeks. "It seems that we are deliberately being irritated. I wonder why power remains on during the rest of the hours during day and night but not at the time of Sehri and Iftar." "You wake to have Sehri, there is no electricity and the same is the case when you have Iftar. There is no electricity during Taraweeh prayers and when prayers are over, electricity is restored, it seems to be a deliberate attempt to disturb the people of Kashmir," he claimed. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Former Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah says PAGD should fight elections jointly against BJP

Indian wrestler Dalip Singh Rana, 'the Great Khali', on Thursday joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).&nbsp;

Khali has joined the BJP in presence of Union Minister Jitendra Singh and party national general secretary Arun Singh and Member of Parliament Sunita Duggal at party national headquarters.&nbsp;

Welcoming the WWE wrestler, Jitendra Singh said that like his strong physique and thoughts, Khali will work towards strengthening the party.&nbsp;

"The Great Khali will remain a source of inspiration for the youth in the country. I am thankful to him for joining Prime Minister Narendra Modi's journey to take the country forward. People from all sections of the society are joining the BJP," the Union Minister said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/eam-jaishankar-to-visit-munich-paris-india-australia-france-fms-trilateral-on-anvil-452012">EAM Jaishankar to visit Munich, Paris; India, Australia, France FMs trilateral on anvil</a>

BJP national general secretary Arun Singh said, "BJP is the world's largest party and the great Khali, who defeated many famous wrestlers of the world, is joining the party. Son of a farmer, who also served as an officer in Punjab Police, Khali has made the country proud and I am happy that he is joining the BJP."&nbsp;

"I have joined the BJP as I am inspired and influenced by the BJP's policy for the nation. The BJP's policy is aimed at the country's progress. I admire the work being done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the country. So, I thought why not be a part of his journey for the nation's development. I will do whatever responsibility is given to me," Khali said after joining the BJP.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Professional wrestler Dalip Singh Rana, also known as The Great Khali, joins BJP in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/BmB7WbpZzx">pic.twitter.com/BmB7WbpZzx</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1491683278058778625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Professional WWE wrestler Khali also acted in some movies and participated in reality show Big Boss.&nbsp;

Born in Himachal Pradesh, Khali served in Punjab Police in the 1990s before becoming a professional wrestler.&nbsp;

Indian wrestler Dalip Singh Rana, 'the Great Khali', on Thursday joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Khali has joined the BJP in presence of Union Minister Jitendra Singh and party national general secretary Arun Singh and Member of Parliament Sunita Duggal at party national headquarters.

Indian wrestler Dalip Singh Rana, 'the Great Khali', on Thursday joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Khali has joined the BJP in presence of Union Minister Jitendra Singh and party national general secretary Arun Singh and Member of Parliament Sunita Duggal at party national headquarters. Welcoming the WWE wrestler, Jitendra Singh said that like his strong physique and thoughts, Khali will work towards strengthening the party. "The Great Khali will remain a source of inspiration for the youth in the country. I am thankful to him for joining Prime Minister Narendra Modi's journey to take the country forward. People from all sections of the society are joining the BJP," the Union Minister said. ALSO READ | EAM Jaishankar to visit Munich, Paris; India, Australia, France FMs trilateral on anvil BJP national general secretary Arun Singh said, "BJP is the world's largest party and the great Khali, who defeated many famous wrestlers of the world, is joining the party. Son of a farmer, who also served as an officer in Punjab Police, Khali has made the country proud and I am happy that he is joining the BJP." "I have joined the BJP as I am inspired and influenced by the BJP's policy for the nation. The BJP's policy is aimed at the country's progress. I admire the work being done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the country. So, I thought why not be a part of his journey for the nation's development. I will do whatever responsibility is given to me," Khali said after joining the BJP. #WATCH Professional wrestler Dalip Singh Rana, also known as The Great Khali, joins BJP in Delhi pic.twitter.com/BmB7WbpZzx — ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2022 × Professional WWE wrestler Khali also acted in some movies and participated in reality show Big Boss. Born in Himachal Pradesh, Khali served in Punjab Police in the 1990s before becoming a professional wrestler.

WWE wrestler 'The Great Khali' joins Bharatiya Janata Party

Just a few days before India's much-awaited Assembly elections in India's northern state Uttar Pradesh (UP), a politician switched camps and caused a massive stir.&nbsp;

Once a star campaigner of India's opposition party Indian National Congress in UP, Ratanjit Pratap Narain Singh recently joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) - the ruling party in the state and the country.&nbsp;

His move was a massive setback to Congress, which is looking forward to reviving itself in the state by winning more seats than previous elections.&nbsp;

In Uttar Pradesh, Congress has remained out of power for three decades and only managed seven seats in the 403-member state Assembly in 2017.

<img alt="RPN SIngh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="525a4026-6230-44d8-b8b9-718a01cd3dca" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/20220125108L_0.jpg" />

RPN Singh, who is a prominent figure in the politics of eastern UP, was named as a "star campaigner" by the Congress party.

He&nbsp;resigned in a dramatic way as he posted his resignation to party chief Sonia Gandhi on Twitter.&nbsp;He wrote in the caption: "Today, at a time, we are celebrating the formation of our great Republic, I begin a new chapter in my political journey. Jai Hind."&nbsp;

RPN Singh, popularly known as 'Raja Saheb of Padrauna' (a scion of the royal family from Padrauna), became youth Congress President of Uttar Pradesh in 1997 and AICC Secretary in 2003.&nbsp;

Singh was elected to Lok Sabha in 2009 as he was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kushinagar constituency in the fifteenth Lok Sabha from 2009 to 2014.&nbsp;

<img alt="RPN SIngh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9140d2d4-e89a-487b-9ebf-eada0739135f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/20220125106L.jpg" />

The move might favour BJP to a large extent as the party is trying to compensate the vacuum of a 'kurmi' leader (OBC in eastern Uttar Pradesh) after Swami Prasad Mourya's recent exit from the party.&nbsp;

Reports have also stated that the Yogi Adityanath government may field Singh from Padrauna Assembly constituency under Kushi Nagar district, the seat he represented thrice from 1996 to 2007.&nbsp;

Singh had defeated Maurya from Kushinagar in the 2009 Lok Sabha polls. However, Singh lost both the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Kushinagar.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Maurya, who is the sitting MLA of the Vidhan Sabha recently joined the Samajwadi Party (SP) - a party gunning to win the upcoming polls in the leadership of Akhilesh Yadav.&nbsp;

For the unversed, in the 2017 UP Assembly polls, Maurya had won the constituency for BJP. If he fights against RPN Singh from the Padrauna constituency, it will be a battle to watch out for.&nbsp;

After resigning, Singh further said, "This is a new beginning for me and I look forward to my contribution to nation-building under the visionary leadership &amp; guidance of the Honourable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi, BJP president Shri @JPNadda ji &amp; Honourable Home Minister @AmitShah ji."&nbsp;

Also, it is important to note that Singh has definitely spiced up the battle in a small city in UP, but his switch might not impact the narratives pan-UP.&nbsp;

But quitting the party is a big blow because he was considered close to Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi who are facing conflicts within the party&nbsp;as some big names have joined other camps&nbsp;in recent years - such as Jyotiraditya Scindia.&nbsp;

RPN Singh, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Jitin Prasada, Sachin Pilot were once considered significant faces in the youth congress. Recently, Prasada also quit.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Just a few days before India's much-awaited Assembly elections in India's northern state Uttar Pradesh (UP), a politician switched camps and caused a massive stir.

Just a few days before India's much-awaited Assembly elections in India's northern state Uttar Pradesh (UP), a politician switched camps and caused a massive stir. Once a star campaigner of India's opposition party Indian National Congress in UP, Ratanjit Pratap Narain Singh recently joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) - the ruling party in the state and the country. His move was a massive setback to Congress, which is looking forward to reviving itself in the state by winning more seats than previous elections. In Uttar Pradesh, Congress has remained out of power for three decades and only managed seven seats in the 403-member state Assembly in 2017. RPN Singh, who is a prominent figure in the politics of eastern UP, was named as a "star campaigner" by the Congress party. He resigned in a dramatic way as he posted his resignation to party chief Sonia Gandhi on Twitter. He wrote in the caption: "Today, at a time, we are celebrating the formation of our great Republic, I begin a new chapter in my political journey. Jai Hind." RPN Singh, popularly known as 'Raja Saheb of Padrauna' (a scion of the royal family from Padrauna), became youth Congress President of Uttar Pradesh in 1997 and AICC Secretary in 2003. Singh was elected to Lok Sabha in 2009 as he was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kushinagar constituency in the fifteenth Lok Sabha from 2009 to 2014. The move might favour BJP to a large extent as the party is trying to compensate the vacuum of a 'kurmi' leader (OBC in eastern Uttar Pradesh) after Swami Prasad Mourya's recent exit from the party. Reports have also stated that the Yogi Adityanath government may field Singh from Padrauna Assembly constituency under Kushi Nagar district, the seat he represented thrice from 1996 to 2007. Singh had defeated Maurya from Kushinagar in the 2009 Lok Sabha polls. However, Singh lost both the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Kushinagar. On the other hand, Maurya, who is the sitting MLA of the Vidhan Sabha recently joined the Samajwadi Party (SP) - a party gunning to win the upcoming polls in the leadership of Akhilesh Yadav. For the unversed, in the 2017 UP Assembly polls, Maurya had won the constituency for BJP. If he fights against RPN Singh from the Padrauna constituency, it will be a battle to watch out for. After resigning, Singh further said, "This is a new beginning for me and I look forward to my contribution to nation-building under the visionary leadership & guidance of the Honourable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi, BJP president Shri @JPNadda ji & Honourable Home Minister @AmitShah ji." Also, it is important to note that Singh has definitely spiced up the battle in a small city in UP, but his switch might not impact the narratives pan-UP. But quitting the party is a big blow because he was considered close to Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi who are facing conflicts within the party as some big names have joined other camps in recent years - such as Jyotiraditya Scindia. RPN Singh, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Jitin Prasada, Sachin Pilot were once considered significant faces in the youth congress. Recently, Prasada also quit. (With inputs from agencies)

India's Assembly Election: How RPN Singh's move made small city in UP a battle to watch out for

The officials have confirmed on Wednesday (November 24) that former Indian cricketer and current politician, Gautam Gambhir, received an alleged death threat from "ISIS Kashmir".&nbsp;

The threat was received at 9.32 pm on Tuesday (November 23) on the official email ID of the cricketer-turned-politician. "We are going to kill you and your family," the mail read.&nbsp;

As per the filed complaint, a request was made to look into the matter, register an FIR and make necessary security arrangements. In the aftermath, the security has been beefed up outside the residence of Gambhir, who hails from the Indian capital, New Delhi.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-international-flights-expected-to-return-to-normal-soon-says-aviation-ministry-official-431583">India international flights expected to return to normal soon, says aviation ministry official</a>

The 40-year-old is Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member and is a current member of the Lok Sabha since 2019. He is a staunch nationalist and it is important to note that he has been extremely vocal about the issue of terrorism in Kashmir.&nbsp;

Delhi's Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Shweta Chauhan said, "We have received the complaint and an enquiry into the matter is underway. We have enhanced security arrangements outside his (MP's) house".

However, no FIR has been registered in the matter yet, police said, adding that they have forwarded the complaint to the Cyber Cell of the Special Cell in order to investigate the origins of the mail.

Further investigation is underway.&nbsp;

Well, this is not the first time as earlier in December 2019 as well, Gambhir had approached the Delhi Police alleging death threats to him and his family members from an international number.&nbsp;

The officials have confirmed on Wednesday (November 24) that former Indian cricketer and current politician, Gautam Gambhir, received an alleged death threat from "ISIS Kashmir".

The officials have confirmed on Wednesday (November 24) that former Indian cricketer and current politician, Gautam Gambhir, received an alleged death threat from "ISIS Kashmir". The threat was received at 9.32 pm on Tuesday (November 23) on the official email ID of the cricketer-turned-politician. "We are going to kill you and your family," the mail read. As per the filed complaint, a request was made to look into the matter, register an FIR and make necessary security arrangements. In the aftermath, the security has been beefed up outside the residence of Gambhir, who hails from the Indian capital, New Delhi. ALSO READ | India international flights expected to return to normal soon, says aviation ministry official The 40-year-old is Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member and is a current member of the Lok Sabha since 2019. He is a staunch nationalist and it is important to note that he has been extremely vocal about the issue of terrorism in Kashmir. Delhi's Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Shweta Chauhan said, "We have received the complaint and an enquiry into the matter is underway. We have enhanced security arrangements outside his (MP's) house". However, no FIR has been registered in the matter yet, police said, adding that they have forwarded the complaint to the Cyber Cell of the Special Cell in order to investigate the origins of the mail. Further investigation is underway. Well, this is not the first time as earlier in December 2019 as well, Gambhir had approached the Delhi Police alleging death threats to him and his family members from an international number.

Gautam Gambhir receives death threats from 'ISIS Kashmir', security beefed up outside his residence

The BJP on Saturday slammed Canada's stand on farmers' protests in India as "nothing but hypocrisy", saying it is a strident critic of minimum support price and other agricultural policies at the WTO, and often questions India's domestic agricultural measures, including food and livelihood security.

"It (Canada) also opposes import restrictions to protect India's farmers. The questions posed by Canada to India regarding India's agri policies in WTO are evidence of the fact that Canada has scarce interest in the genuine well-being of Indian farmers and agriculture producers," BJP's foreign affairs department in-charge Vijay Chauthaiwale tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji has given topmost priority to enhance farmers' income by increasing MSP, giving better access to technology and providing adequate insurance cover for agri products against natural calamities. Unfortunately, Canada has refused to acknowledge it.
— Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale (@vijai63) <a href="https://twitter.com/vijai63/status/1335067588880044034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It also opposes import restrictions to protect India's farmers. The questions posed by Canada to India regarding India’s agri policies in WTO are evidence of the fact that Canada has scarce interest in the genuine well-being of Indian farmers and agriculture producers.
— Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale (@vijai63) <a href="https://twitter.com/vijai63/status/1335067586485047296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It also opposes import restrictions to protect India's farmers. The questions posed by Canada to India regarding India’s agri policies in WTO are evidence of the fact that Canada has scarce interest in the genuine well-being of Indian farmers and agriculture producers.
— Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale (@vijai63) <a href="https://twitter.com/vijai63/status/1335067586485047296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had recently backed the agitating farmers in India, saying his country will always be there to defend the rights of peaceful protests. He had expressed concern over the situation.

Reacting strongly, India on Friday summoned Canadian High Commissioner Nadir Patel and told him that the comments made by Trudeau and others in his cabinet on the protests were an "unacceptable interference" in the country's internal affairs and these actions, if continued, will have a "seriously damaging" impact on bilateral ties.

In a series of tweets tagging Trudeau and Patel, Chauthaiwale said, "Canada's criticism of India on farmer's issues is nothing but hypocrisy. Canada is strident critic of MSP and other agriculture policies at the WTO, and often questions India's domestic agriculture measures including food and livelihood security."

Noting that Canada is a member of the Cairns Group of agri exporters, he said the body's objective in WTO negotiations is to seek increased market access in countries like India.

It also seeks reduction in the agri subsidies provided to domestic producers, even if such subsidies are subsistence-level, he said.

"It also opposes import restrictions to protect India's farmers. The questions posed by Canada to India regarding India's agri policies in WTO are evidence of the fact that Canada has scarce interest in the genuine well-being of Indian farmers and agriculture producers," the BJP leader said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given topmost priority to enhance farmers' income by increasing minimum support price, giving better access to technology and providing adequate insurance cover for agri products against natural calamities, he said, adding that "Unfortunately, Canada has refused to acknowledge it".&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The BJP on Saturday slammed Canada's stand on farmers' protests in India as "nothing but hypocrisy", saying it is a strident critic of minimum support price and other agricultural policies at the WTO, and often questions India's domestic agricultural measures, including food and livelihood security.

The BJP on Saturday slammed Canada's stand on farmers' protests in India as "nothing but hypocrisy", saying it is a strident critic of minimum support price and other agricultural policies at the WTO, and often questions India's domestic agricultural measures, including food and livelihood security. "It (Canada) also opposes import restrictions to protect India's farmers. The questions posed by Canada to India regarding India's agri policies in WTO are evidence of the fact that Canada has scarce interest in the genuine well-being of Indian farmers and agriculture producers," BJP's foreign affairs department in-charge Vijay Chauthaiwale tweeted. PM @narendramodi ji has given topmost priority to enhance farmers' income by increasing MSP, giving better access to technology and providing adequate insurance cover for agri products against natural calamities. Unfortunately, Canada has refused to acknowledge it. — Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale (@vijai63) December 5, 2020 × It also opposes import restrictions to protect India's farmers. The questions posed by Canada to India regarding India’s agri policies in WTO are evidence of the fact that Canada has scarce interest in the genuine well-being of Indian farmers and agriculture producers. — Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale (@vijai63) December 5, 2020 × It also opposes import restrictions to protect India's farmers. The questions posed by Canada to India regarding India’s agri policies in WTO are evidence of the fact that Canada has scarce interest in the genuine well-being of Indian farmers and agriculture producers. — Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale (@vijai63) December 5, 2020 × Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had recently backed the agitating farmers in India, saying his country will always be there to defend the rights of peaceful protests. He had expressed concern over the situation. Reacting strongly, India on Friday summoned Canadian High Commissioner Nadir Patel and told him that the comments made by Trudeau and others in his cabinet on the protests were an "unacceptable interference" in the country's internal affairs and these actions, if continued, will have a "seriously damaging" impact on bilateral ties. In a series of tweets tagging Trudeau and Patel, Chauthaiwale said, "Canada's criticism of India on farmer's issues is nothing but hypocrisy. Canada is strident critic of MSP and other agriculture policies at the WTO, and often questions India's domestic agriculture measures including food and livelihood security." Noting that Canada is a member of the Cairns Group of agri exporters, he said the body's objective in WTO negotiations is to seek increased market access in countries like India. It also seeks reduction in the agri subsidies provided to domestic producers, even if such subsidies are subsistence-level, he said. "It also opposes import restrictions to protect India's farmers. The questions posed by Canada to India regarding India's agri policies in WTO are evidence of the fact that Canada has scarce interest in the genuine well-being of Indian farmers and agriculture producers," the BJP leader said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given topmost priority to enhance farmers' income by increasing minimum support price, giving better access to technology and providing adequate insurance cover for agri products against natural calamities, he said, adding that "Unfortunately, Canada has refused to acknowledge it".

Canada opposes MSP, has scarce interest in well-being of Indian farmers: BJP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address 12 rallies in Bihar for the upcoming Assembly election in the eastern Indian state.&nbsp;

Senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis addressed a press conference on Friday where he said Modi will address rallies in Sasaram, Gaya and Bhagalpur on October 23 for the first phase of the election.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/47-open-grounds-19-halls-to-be-used-for-public-rallies-during-bihar-polls-only-100-people-to-be-allowed-332385">47 open grounds, 19 halls to be used for public rallies during Bihar polls; only 100 people to be allowed</a>

He will then hold rallies in Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur and Patna on October 28, Fadnavis, who is also BJP's election in-charge of Bihar said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gears-up-for-first-election-amid-pandemic-as-dates-for-bihar-assembly-polls-announced-330130">India gears up for first election amid pandemic as dates for Bihar Assembly polls announced</a>

His third set of rallies will be in Chapra, East Champaran and Samastipur on November 1. He will also hold public meetings in West Champaran, Saharsa and Forbesganj,&nbsp;

Fadnavis also said Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and other leaders of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will also be present at Modi's rallies.&nbsp;

Keeping in view of the coronavirus pandemic, the senior BJP leader said sanitisers will be provided at the rallies and people participating in the gatherings will have to wear masks and maintain social distancing. &nbsp;

The Assembly election of the crucial state of Bihar will be held in three phases on October 28, November 3 and November 7 and the results would be announced on November 10.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address 12 rallies in Bihar for the upcoming Assembly election in the eastern Indian state. Senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis addressed a press conference on Friday where he said Modi will address rallies in Sasaram, Gaya and Bhagalpur on October 23 for the first phase of the election.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address 12 rallies in Bihar for the upcoming Assembly election in the eastern Indian state. Senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis addressed a press conference on Friday where he said Modi will address rallies in Sasaram, Gaya and Bhagalpur on October 23 for the first phase of the election. Also read | 47 open grounds, 19 halls to be used for public rallies during Bihar polls; only 100 people to be allowed He will then hold rallies in Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur and Patna on October 28, Fadnavis, who is also BJP's election in-charge of Bihar said. Also read | India gears up for first election amid pandemic as dates for Bihar Assembly polls announced His third set of rallies will be in Chapra, East Champaran and Samastipur on November 1. He will also hold public meetings in West Champaran, Saharsa and Forbesganj, Fadnavis also said Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and other leaders of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will also be present at Modi's rallies. Keeping in view of the coronavirus pandemic, the senior BJP leader said sanitisers will be provided at the rallies and people participating in the gatherings will have to wear masks and maintain social distancing. The Assembly election of the crucial state of Bihar will be held in three phases on October 28, November 3 and November 7 and the results would be announced on November 10.

Bihar election 2020: PM Narendra Modi to address 12 rallies

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi </a>will on Tuesday inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of seven urban infrastructure projects worth Rs 541 crore in the poll-bound Bihar via video conference.

The Prime Minister's Office said on Monday that out of these projects, four are related to water supply, two to sewage treatment and one to riverfront development.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/till-there-is-no-medicine-no-laxity-pm-modi-ahead-of-monsoon-session-327361">Till there is no medicine, no laxity: PM Modi ahead of Monsoon Session</a>

The implementation of these projects has been undertaken by the Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCO) under the urban development and housing department of the state.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will also be present at the ceremony.

Giving details of the projects, the PMO said the sewage treatment plants have been built under the Namami Gange mission, at Beur and Karmalichak, in Patna Municipal Corporation.

Water supply projects built under the AMRUT Mission in Siwan Municipal Council and Chhapra Municipal Corporation will help local residents get pure drinking water 24 hours a day, it said.

Modi will lay the foundation stone of Munger water supply scheme under AMRUT Mission, and it will help residents of Munger Municipal Corporation get pure water through pipelines.

The foundation stone of Jamalpur water supply scheme under AMRUT Mission will also be laid, the PMO said.

The foundation stone of Muzaffarpur Riverfront Development Scheme, being built under Namami Gange, will also be laid by the prime minister.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Tuesday inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of seven urban infrastructure projects worth Rs 541 crore in the poll-bound Bihar via video conference.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Tuesday inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of seven urban infrastructure projects worth Rs 541 crore in the poll-bound Bihar via video conference. The Prime Minister's Office said on Monday that out of these projects, four are related to water supply, two to sewage treatment and one to riverfront development. Also read | Till there is no medicine, no laxity: PM Modi ahead of Monsoon Session The implementation of these projects has been undertaken by the Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCO) under the urban development and housing department of the state. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will also be present at the ceremony. Giving details of the projects, the PMO said the sewage treatment plants have been built under the Namami Gange mission, at Beur and Karmalichak, in Patna Municipal Corporation. Water supply projects built under the AMRUT Mission in Siwan Municipal Council and Chhapra Municipal Corporation will help local residents get pure drinking water 24 hours a day, it said. Modi will lay the foundation stone of Munger water supply scheme under AMRUT Mission, and it will help residents of Munger Municipal Corporation get pure water through pipelines. The foundation stone of Jamalpur water supply scheme under AMRUT Mission will also be laid, the PMO said. The foundation stone of Muzaffarpur Riverfront Development Scheme, being built under Namami Gange, will also be laid by the prime minister.

PM Modi to inaugurate, launch seven urban infra projects in Bihar

Denouncing "hate and bigotry", Facebook India on Friday said the platform is "open, transparent and non-partisan" where people are allowed to "express themselves freely".

The statement from Facebook India chief Ajit Mohan comes amid a massive controversy in the country, post a Wall Street Journal report that claimed that the social media giant's content policies favoured India's ruling party.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/india-parliamentary-panel-to-question-facebook-on-content-controversy-source-322130">India parliamentary panel to question Facebook on content controversy: Source</a>

"Facebook is and always has been an open, transparent and non-partisan platform where people can express themselves freely. Over the last few days, we have been accused of bias in the way we enforce our policies," Facebook India Vice President and Managing Director Ajit Mohan said in a blog post.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-says-its-fielding-questions-by-us-regulators-322034">Facebook says it's fielding questions by US regulators</a>

"We take allegations of bias incredibly seriously, and want to make it clear that we denounce hate and bigotry in any form."&nbsp;

Mohan also said that Facebook follows an impartial approach in dealing with content and is strongly dictated by Community Standards that outline what is allowed in the platform.&nbsp;

"Our Community Standards define what stays on our platform and are enforced globally... We enforce these policies globally without regard to anyone's political position, party affiliation or religious and cultural belief. We have removed and will continue to remove content posted by public figures in India when it violates our Community Standards," he wrote.

Mohan also stressed Facebook's commitment to India is unwavering, adding that the platform aims to be an ally for "India" where it can preserve the "pluralistic character of a democracy by offering the freedom for people to express themselves and for entrepreneurs to build new things while also protecting society from broader harm". 
&nbsp;

Denouncing "hate and bigotry", Facebook India on Friday said the platform is "open, transparent and non-partisan" where people are allowed to "express themselves freely".

Denouncing "hate and bigotry", Facebook India on Friday said the platform is "open, transparent and non-partisan" where people are allowed to "express themselves freely". The statement from Facebook India chief Ajit Mohan comes amid a massive controversy in the country, post a Wall Street Journal report that claimed that the social media giant's content policies favoured India's ruling party. Also read | India parliamentary panel to question Facebook on content controversy: Source "Facebook is and always has been an open, transparent and non-partisan platform where people can express themselves freely. Over the last few days, we have been accused of bias in the way we enforce our policies," Facebook India Vice President and Managing Director Ajit Mohan said in a blog post. Also read | Facebook says it's fielding questions by US regulators "We take allegations of bias incredibly seriously, and want to make it clear that we denounce hate and bigotry in any form." Mohan also said that Facebook follows an impartial approach in dealing with content and is strongly dictated by Community Standards that outline what is allowed in the platform. "Our Community Standards define what stays on our platform and are enforced globally... We enforce these policies globally without regard to anyone's political position, party affiliation or religious and cultural belief. We have removed and will continue to remove content posted by public figures in India when it violates our Community Standards," he wrote. Mohan also stressed Facebook's commitment to India is unwavering, adding that the platform aims to be an ally for "India" where it can preserve the "pluralistic character of a democracy by offering the freedom for people to express themselves and for entrepreneurs to build new things while also protecting society from broader harm".

Facebook 'transparent, non-partisan', says India head amid political controversy

The Congress on Monday staged protests outside Raj Bhawans across the country against what it called the BJP's attempts to topple state governments led by opposition parties.

Congress general secretary K C Venugopal alleged the BJP was using "money power and intimidation" in its bid to topple governments in states.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajashtan-governor-says-may-call-an-assembly-session-at-short-notice-316353">Rajashtan Governor says may call an assembly session at short notice</a>

The protests came amidst a power tussle in Rajasthan where the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress dispensation in facing a crisis after a rebellion by the now sacked deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot and 18 other MLAs.

The Congress has accused the BJP of being behind the rebellion. The BJP has denied the allegation and said the crisis in Rajasthan was an outcome of infighting within the Congress.

The protesters demanded that the Rajasthan Governor convenes a session of the Assembly as advised by the state cabinet, it said.

However, there was no protest outside the Raj Bhawan in Rajasthan.

Venugopal said Monday's protests were aimed at underlining the BJP's "subversion" of the Constitution and "murder" of democracy, especially at a time when the entire country is reeling under the onslaught of COVID-19 pandemic and unprecedented difficulties caused by an economic meltdown.

"Unfortunate as it would have been at any other time, it was downright dastardly for the BJP to be going all out to unsettle democratically elected governments during such times," he said in a statement.

He said party leaders and workers assembled in several state headquarters and marched to the Raj Bhawans to lodge their protest.

Many sat on a dharna outside Raj Bhawans observing social distancing norms, he said, adding the protesting leaders spoke against the conduct of the Governor of Rajasthan.

Social media handles of state Congress chiefs and leaders put up videos of such protests.

Protests were held in front of the Raj Bhawans in Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Ranchi, Guwahati, Simla, Panchkula and many other state capitals.

State Congress presidents, along with party workers, were arrested in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and many other places during the protests, Venugopal claimed in the statement.

Today's protests followed the "Speak Up For Democracy" digital campaign launched by the Congress on Sunday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Congress on Monday staged protests outside Raj Bhawans across the country against what it called the BJP's attempts to topple state governments led by opposition parties.

The Congress on Monday staged protests outside Raj Bhawans across the country against what it called the BJP's attempts to topple state governments led by opposition parties. Congress general secretary K C Venugopal alleged the BJP was using "money power and intimidation" in its bid to topple governments in states. Also read | Rajashtan Governor says may call an assembly session at short notice The protests came amidst a power tussle in Rajasthan where the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress dispensation in facing a crisis after a rebellion by the now sacked deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot and 18 other MLAs. The Congress has accused the BJP of being behind the rebellion. The BJP has denied the allegation and said the crisis in Rajasthan was an outcome of infighting within the Congress. The protesters demanded that the Rajasthan Governor convenes a session of the Assembly as advised by the state cabinet, it said. However, there was no protest outside the Raj Bhawan in Rajasthan. Venugopal said Monday's protests were aimed at underlining the BJP's "subversion" of the Constitution and "murder" of democracy, especially at a time when the entire country is reeling under the onslaught of COVID-19 pandemic and unprecedented difficulties caused by an economic meltdown. "Unfortunate as it would have been at any other time, it was downright dastardly for the BJP to be going all out to unsettle democratically elected governments during such times," he said in a statement. He said party leaders and workers assembled in several state headquarters and marched to the Raj Bhawans to lodge their protest. Many sat on a dharna outside Raj Bhawans observing social distancing norms, he said, adding the protesting leaders spoke against the conduct of the Governor of Rajasthan. Social media handles of state Congress chiefs and leaders put up videos of such protests. Protests were held in front of the Raj Bhawans in Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Ranchi, Guwahati, Simla, Panchkula and many other state capitals. State Congress presidents, along with party workers, were arrested in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and many other places during the protests, Venugopal claimed in the statement. Today's protests followed the "Speak Up For Democracy" digital campaign launched by the Congress on Sunday.

Maintaining social distance, Congress stages protests against BJP

Congress party launched 'Speak Up India' campaign today where the party asked people to share their problems due to coronavirus pandemic and lockdown.

Urging Centre to open its 'treasury', Congress chief Sonia Gandhi also asked the government to provide every month Rs 7,500 to each family for six months.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-writes-to-pm-modi-seeks-financial-package-for-msme-sector-294769">Sonia Gandhi writes to PM Modi, seeks financial package for MSME sector</a>

"After the country gained Independence, for the first time, everybody experienced the pain of lakhs of labourers, who were forced to go home barefooted, hungry and without medicines. Their pain was felt by everyone, but not by this govt," Gandhi said in his address.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-launches-a-broadside-against-modi-says-pm-has-gone-into-low-key-mode-301089">Rahul Gandhi launches a broadside against Modi, says PM has gone into low-key mode</a>

"This is why Congress leaders have decided that to strengthen India's voice, we have to run this social media campaign."

She said that Rs 7,500 per month in cash should be given to each family for six months and for the same Rs 10,000 should be released immediately.&nbsp;

"Under MGNREGA, 200 days for work should be given so that employment can be generated in villages," Gandhi said.&nbsp;

Congress party launched 'Speak Up India' campaign today where the party asked people to share their problems due to coronavirus pandemic and lockdown. Urging Centre to open its 'treasury', Congress chief Sonia Gandhi also asked the government to provide every month Rs 7,500 to each family for six months.

Congress party launched 'Speak Up India' campaign today where the party asked people to share their problems due to coronavirus pandemic and lockdown. Urging Centre to open its 'treasury', Congress chief Sonia Gandhi also asked the government to provide every month Rs 7,500 to each family for six months. Also read | Sonia Gandhi writes to PM Modi, seeks financial package for MSME sector "After the country gained Independence, for the first time, everybody experienced the pain of lakhs of labourers, who were forced to go home barefooted, hungry and without medicines. Their pain was felt by everyone, but not by this govt," Gandhi said in his address. Also read | Rahul Gandhi launches a broadside against Modi, says PM has gone into low-key mode "This is why Congress leaders have decided that to strengthen India's voice, we have to run this social media campaign." She said that Rs 7,500 per month in cash should be given to each family for six months and for the same Rs 10,000 should be released immediately. "Under MGNREGA, 200 days for work should be given so that employment can be generated in villages," Gandhi said.

Sonia Gandhi asks Centre to provide Rs 7,500 per month to each family

On April 6, 2020, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) quietly completed 40 years in Indian politics. Though, as an ideology, it existed from 1951 in the form of Jana Sangh, but it truly tasted electoral and political victory when it was born in the avatar of BJP in 1980. At any other time, BJP’s 40 years would have dominated the news landscape, but now coronavirus pandemic dominates the news priority. &nbsp;

BJP not only truly transformed Indian politics, but also achieved what Jana Sangh could not despite playing an important role in 1967 and 1977. On both occasions, it was with Jana Sangh and RSS’s help that non-Congress parties were able to form governments both at the state level and in Centre.

Unfortunately, Jana Sangh could never become the principal Opposition party in Indian politics. BJP was founded in 1980 and it could achieve this feat in straight just 11 years. In 1991, Atal Bihari Vajpayee became the Leader of Opposition. In 1990, it was because of Left- BJP’s support that VP Singh could become the Prime Minister. BJP got 15 seats in 1980, 2 in 1984 and 89 seats in 1990 Lok Sabha elections. From 1991 till today, BJP has always remained a three-digit party in Lok Sabha and maintained a presence in at least 5 to 6 seats all the time.

The change in fortune was brought about by a change in the strategy. BJP became unapologetic about the Hindu sentiment in Indian politics. It also came up with word pseudo-secularism in 1980s. Many forget that this word was irrelevant till, Indira Gandhi, during emergency, inserted both socialism and secularism in the preamble of the Indian constitution during emergency. Two words on which even the Constituent Assembly could not come to terms with. Nonetheless, Vajpayee took oath as PM in 1996 to resign after 13 days, but by 1998, BJP had emerged&nbsp;on its own and assumed power in the shape of NDA. It subsequently got simple majority on its own in 2014 and 2019.&nbsp;

How does one evaluate BJP’s last 40 years? &nbsp;We can broadly divide it into 7 parts.

Unapologetic Hindutva

After vacating power in 2004, BJP’s relationship with Hindutva became ambivalent. It became more contested because of Gujarat riots and backlash. BJP’s performance deteriorated in 2009. BJP changed the gear and selected Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who was already an undeclared face of strong Hindutva politics. BJP corrected its ambivalent stand on Hindutva and consolidated its core vote around it which broke barriers of dominant caste politics in India. BJP’s Hindutva for the first time subsumed multiple layers of OBCs and Dalits reducing traditional parties to a hump. 2017 elections in UP stands as the best example of this politics where BJP got 300+ seats.&nbsp;

Simple Majority

The second biggest achievement of BJP was to get simple majority in 2014. After Rajiv Gandhi in 1984, BJP became the only party to get simple majority in Lok Sabha. BJP effectively ended bi-polarity in Indian politics which existed from 1996 till 2014. BJP became the new political hegemony in 2014, removing Congress from the scene which ended up with 44 seats. Congress continues to remain in two-digits whereas BJP was able to breach 300-mark in 2019, a feat previously achieved only by the Congress Party.

Renewed Commitment to Core Values

BJP after 2019, renewed its commitment to its core values. Despite being called divisive by many political parties, BJP in its second avatar still did away with Article 370 and brought into force CAA. On both counts, BJP invited resistance from the street. It is a hearty lesson to political parties that despite strong numbers in Lok Sabha, political issues can be contested from streets. The same vigour was also displayed when it came to the issue of triple talaq. The only pending issue with BJP is Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

Non-dynastic Succession

This has been the biggest contribution of BJP in Indian politics. Dynasties in politics cannot be removed, but the inheritance of political party by a family can be challenged. Unfortunately, in India, liberal parties are dynastic in nature. Families control party coffer in India which has become a new form of crony capitalism. BJP too has its share of dynasties, but no single family or individual is in control of BJP. RSS-BJP also showed that no single individual or family gets to dominate the party. Whether it was sidelining of old Jana Sangh leaders or setting aside of Advani for Narendra Modi, RSS-BJP has ensured that a conservative party like BJP remains non-dynastic. It is an irony of sorts. Social and political mobility remains at the heart of liberal politics and by being non-dynastic, BJP implements the central principle of liberalism.

New Territories

Unlike Congress, which in last 50 years, reduced bit by bit and lost presence to regional parties, BJP has been able to make its way to new territories. Whether it is North-East or Jammu and Kashmir, BJP was able to do well in all these areas. Today, Congress does not have a single state in its hand. BJP, on the other hand, has emerged as the principal opposition party in the state of West Bengal by marginalising Left Parties. Territorial expansion of BJP to non-traditional areas of Jana Sangh has been the biggest achievement of the party. This was preceded by BJP gaining a foothold under Advani and Vajpayee in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Subsequently, in 2005, BJP, in alliance, gained power in Bihar, and in 2008, on its own, in the Southern state of Karnataka.

Paradigm change and New Norms

It was under BJP that second nuclear test was conducted in India. Vajpayee was the PM then. BJP shifted the time of budget presentation in Parliament in the 1990s. BJP also introduced the office of National Security Advisor during Vajpayee’s tenure. It aggressively pursued liberal economic policies kickstarted by Narsimha Rao. It reworked foreign policy by junking SAARC and doing away with Nehruvian consensus in foreign relations. Even in defence, BJP has changed the paradigm by counter strikes and use of Air Force against Pakistan. It also finally created the office of Chief of Defence Staff.

Split Wide Open

Another contribution of BJP in politics has been polarised position which has come to become the hallmark of Indian politics. Every political and economic decision has lost a consensual approach. BJP’s first growth moment came through Ram Temple movement and second has come through a heady mix of nationalism and hard Hindutva.&nbsp;BJP today dominates social media space and remains uncontested at the Centre though it continues to get a challenge from regional parties. It pushed cultural nationalism and reaped the benefits.

Epilogue

BJP today is completely dominated by Narendra Modi, whose influence on India politics surpasses many Prime Ministers. Question is when the time comes for change, how will BJP and RSS family deal with it? My sense is that going by the precedence, change may see hiccups, but RSS will not hesitate to push for it as the true strength of the ‘Parivar’ lies in the primacy of organisation over an individual and that principle will remain uncompromised.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

On April 6, 2020, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) quietly completed 40 years in Indian politics. Though, as an ideology, it existed from 1951 in the form of Jana Sangh, but it truly tasted electoral and political victory when it was born in the avatar of BJP in 1980.

On April 6, 2020, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) quietly completed 40 years in Indian politics. Though, as an ideology, it existed from 1951 in the form of Jana Sangh, but it truly tasted electoral and political victory when it was born in the avatar of BJP in 1980. At any other time, BJP’s 40 years would have dominated the news landscape, but now coronavirus pandemic dominates the news priority. BJP not only truly transformed Indian politics, but also achieved what Jana Sangh could not despite playing an important role in 1967 and 1977. On both occasions, it was with Jana Sangh and RSS’s help that non-Congress parties were able to form governments both at the state level and in Centre. Unfortunately, Jana Sangh could never become the principal Opposition party in Indian politics. BJP was founded in 1980 and it could achieve this feat in straight just 11 years. In 1991, Atal Bihari Vajpayee became the Leader of Opposition. In 1990, it was because of Left- BJP’s support that VP Singh could become the Prime Minister. BJP got 15 seats in 1980, 2 in 1984 and 89 seats in 1990 Lok Sabha elections. From 1991 till today, BJP has always remained a three-digit party in Lok Sabha and maintained a presence in at least 5 to 6 seats all the time. The change in fortune was brought about by a change in the strategy. BJP became unapologetic about the Hindu sentiment in Indian politics. It also came up with word pseudo-secularism in 1980s. Many forget that this word was irrelevant till, Indira Gandhi, during emergency, inserted both socialism and secularism in the preamble of the Indian constitution during emergency. Two words on which even the Constituent Assembly could not come to terms with. Nonetheless, Vajpayee took oath as PM in 1996 to resign after 13 days, but by 1998, BJP had emerged on its own and assumed power in the shape of NDA. It subsequently got simple majority on its own in 2014 and 2019. How does one evaluate BJP’s last 40 years? We can broadly divide it into 7 parts. Unapologetic Hindutva After vacating power in 2004, BJP’s relationship with Hindutva became ambivalent. It became more contested because of Gujarat riots and backlash. BJP’s performance deteriorated in 2009. BJP changed the gear and selected Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who was already an undeclared face of strong Hindutva politics. BJP corrected its ambivalent stand on Hindutva and consolidated its core vote around it which broke barriers of dominant caste politics in India. BJP’s Hindutva for the first time subsumed multiple layers of OBCs and Dalits reducing traditional parties to a hump. 2017 elections in UP stands as the best example of this politics where BJP got 300+ seats. Simple Majority The second biggest achievement of BJP was to get simple majority in 2014. After Rajiv Gandhi in 1984, BJP became the only party to get simple majority in Lok Sabha. BJP effectively ended bi-polarity in Indian politics which existed from 1996 till 2014. BJP became the new political hegemony in 2014, removing Congress from the scene which ended up with 44 seats. Congress continues to remain in two-digits whereas BJP was able to breach 300-mark in 2019, a feat previously achieved only by the Congress Party. Renewed Commitment to Core Values BJP after 2019, renewed its commitment to its core values. Despite being called divisive by many political parties, BJP in its second avatar still did away with Article 370 and brought into force CAA. On both counts, BJP invited resistance from the street. It is a hearty lesson to political parties that despite strong numbers in Lok Sabha, political issues can be contested from streets. The same vigour was also displayed when it came to the issue of triple talaq. The only pending issue with BJP is Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Non-dynastic Succession This has been the biggest contribution of BJP in Indian politics. Dynasties in politics cannot be removed, but the inheritance of political party by a family can be challenged. Unfortunately, in India, liberal parties are dynastic in nature. Families control party coffer in India which has become a new form of crony capitalism. BJP too has its share of dynasties, but no single family or individual is in control of BJP. RSS-BJP also showed that no single individual or family gets to dominate the party. Whether it was sidelining of old Jana Sangh leaders or setting aside of Advani for Narendra Modi, RSS-BJP has ensured that a conservative party like BJP remains non-dynastic. It is an irony of sorts. Social and political mobility remains at the heart of liberal politics and by being non-dynastic, BJP implements the central principle of liberalism. New Territories Unlike Congress, which in last 50 years, reduced bit by bit and lost presence to regional parties, BJP has been able to make its way to new territories. Whether it is North-East or Jammu and Kashmir, BJP was able to do well in all these areas. Today, Congress does not have a single state in its hand. BJP, on the other hand, has emerged as the principal opposition party in the state of West Bengal by marginalising Left Parties. Territorial expansion of BJP to non-traditional areas of Jana Sangh has been the biggest achievement of the party. This was preceded by BJP gaining a foothold under Advani and Vajpayee in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Subsequently, in 2005, BJP, in alliance, gained power in Bihar, and in 2008, on its own, in the Southern state of Karnataka. Paradigm change and New Norms It was under BJP that second nuclear test was conducted in India. Vajpayee was the PM then. BJP shifted the time of budget presentation in Parliament in the 1990s. BJP also introduced the office of National Security Advisor during Vajpayee’s tenure. It aggressively pursued liberal economic policies kickstarted by Narsimha Rao. It reworked foreign policy by junking SAARC and doing away with Nehruvian consensus in foreign relations. Even in defence, BJP has changed the paradigm by counter strikes and use of Air Force against Pakistan. It also finally created the office of Chief of Defence Staff. Split Wide Open Another contribution of BJP in politics has been polarised position which has come to become the hallmark of Indian politics. Every political and economic decision has lost a consensual approach. BJP’s first growth moment came through Ram Temple movement and second has come through a heady mix of nationalism and hard Hindutva. BJP today dominates social media space and remains uncontested at the Centre though it continues to get a challenge from regional parties. It pushed cultural nationalism and reaped the benefits. Epilogue BJP today is completely dominated by Narendra Modi, whose influence on India politics surpasses many Prime Ministers. Question is when the time comes for change, how will BJP and RSS family deal with it? My sense is that going by the precedence, change may see hiccups, but RSS will not hesitate to push for it as the true strength of the ‘Parivar’ lies in the primacy of organisation over an individual and that principle will remain uncompromised. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

40 years of BJP: A Remarkable Journey

Judges manning the courts are custodians of the justice-delivery system. This system thrives and survives on public trust. For this reason, disputes engaging complex political, religious, and ethical dimensions find a quietus in courts. The most visible example in recent times was the settlement of the Ayodhya land dispute which brokered peace between two religious communities in India vying for a common piece of land. &nbsp;

This verdict was given by a bench of five judges on November 9, 2019. The then Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi presided over the bench. This verdict bought peace between the Hindu and Muslim communities. The disputed area went to the majority Hindus while the minority Muslims got an alternate land of five acres. The nation was on the boil as the ruling party at the Centre – the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) had made it their poll plank to construct a temple at this very site dedicated to Lord Ram, one of the Hindu Gods. The Court unanimously held the land to be Lord Ram’s birthplace. A mosque at this site had been brought down by Hindu karsevaks on December 6, 1992. Despite the heartburn, the verdict witnessed no communal backlash.&nbsp;

Four months later, former CJI Gogoi, one of the architects of the Ayodhya verdict, has been nominated by Indian President Ram Nath Kovind as a Member of Rajya Sabha. The choice of the President is governed by the ruling political dispensation at the Centre. In this case, it is the BJP which benefitted the most from the Ayodhya verdict. Also, Gogoi was part of the bench that gave a clean chit to the same BJP government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a multi-million dollar defence purchase deal. The clamour is growing for the ex-CJI to reject the offer. But Gogoi has decided to take oath. &nbsp;

Gogoi knows that judges in the past, even CJIs, entered Parliament and accepted government posts. If Gogoi chooses to walk the beaten track, there is a disturbing history that should dissuade him from doing so.&nbsp;

Justice (Retd) Bahrul Islam, served at the Supreme Court from 1980 to 1983. Six weeks remaining for his retirement, he resigned and got Congress ticket to Lok Sabha from Barpeta (Assam). A month before his resignation, he absolved chief minister of Bihar, Jagannath Mishra, a tall Congress leader, in a case of forgery and criminal misconduct. &nbsp;

Justice (Retd) Ranga Nath Mishra retired as CJI in 1991. In 1984, he headed a judicial commission to probe allegations whether the Delhi Sikh riots was orchestrated by the ruling Congress party and its leaders. The riots were in the aftermath of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination. Mishra’s report blamed the police but absolved the Congress party of any complicity. &nbsp;

Within two years of his retirement, he became Chairman of India’s apex human rights body in October 1993. In 1998, Congress Party nominated him to the Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;

A similar charge of quid pro quo was levelled against former CJI P Sathasivam. Soon after his retirement in April 2014, he became Governor of Kerala. A year ago, he favoured Amit Shah, the present Union Home Minister, who then faced a fake encounter case as the Home Minister of Gujarat. Sathasivam presided a bench that closed probe against Shah in the alleged fake encounter killing of one Tulsiram Prajapati. The judge responded to the criticism claiming any judge in his position would have ruled the same.&nbsp;

There are other precedents too of judges accepting government posts. Judges after retirement are faced with a strong lure for political and constitutional offices. Many judges have hobnobbed with governments of the day for such posts. While nothing in law prevents judges from becoming Members of Parliament, it unnecessarily makes their decisions suspicious. This shakes public faith in judicial independence and casts doubts over their integrity. In England, there exists a bar upon retired judges to join the House of Commons. In India, this discretion is left to the judges. We do not need to control our judges. 
 
Their independence and impartiality have remained the hallmarks of their decision-making that has stood the test of time. For this reason, even the Constitution makers did not think it necessary to bar judges from holding post-retirement executive posts. But the time seems to be ripe for a rethink. After all, the judiciary is the last bastion for citizens to expect justice. And if public trust faulters, it will be hard for the judiciary to restore its institutional integrity. &nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Judges manning the courts are custodians of the justice-delivery system. This system thrives and survives on public trust. For this reason, disputes engaging complex political, religious, and ethical dimensions find a quietus in courts.

Judges manning the courts are custodians of the justice-delivery system. This system thrives and survives on public trust. For this reason, disputes engaging complex political, religious, and ethical dimensions find a quietus in courts. The most visible example in recent times was the settlement of the Ayodhya land dispute which brokered peace between two religious communities in India vying for a common piece of land. This verdict was given by a bench of five judges on November 9, 2019. The then Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi presided over the bench. This verdict bought peace between the Hindu and Muslim communities. The disputed area went to the majority Hindus while the minority Muslims got an alternate land of five acres. The nation was on the boil as the ruling party at the Centre – the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) had made it their poll plank to construct a temple at this very site dedicated to Lord Ram, one of the Hindu Gods. The Court unanimously held the land to be Lord Ram’s birthplace. A mosque at this site had been brought down by Hindu karsevaks on December 6, 1992. Despite the heartburn, the verdict witnessed no communal backlash. Four months later, former CJI Gogoi, one of the architects of the Ayodhya verdict, has been nominated by Indian President Ram Nath Kovind as a Member of Rajya Sabha. The choice of the President is governed by the ruling political dispensation at the Centre. In this case, it is the BJP which benefitted the most from the Ayodhya verdict. Also, Gogoi was part of the bench that gave a clean chit to the same BJP government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a multi-million dollar defence purchase deal. The clamour is growing for the ex-CJI to reject the offer. But Gogoi has decided to take oath. Gogoi knows that judges in the past, even CJIs, entered Parliament and accepted government posts. If Gogoi chooses to walk the beaten track, there is a disturbing history that should dissuade him from doing so. Justice (Retd) Bahrul Islam, served at the Supreme Court from 1980 to 1983. Six weeks remaining for his retirement, he resigned and got Congress ticket to Lok Sabha from Barpeta (Assam). A month before his resignation, he absolved chief minister of Bihar, Jagannath Mishra, a tall Congress leader, in a case of forgery and criminal misconduct. Justice (Retd) Ranga Nath Mishra retired as CJI in 1991. In 1984, he headed a judicial commission to probe allegations whether the Delhi Sikh riots was orchestrated by the ruling Congress party and its leaders. The riots were in the aftermath of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination. Mishra’s report blamed the police but absolved the Congress party of any complicity. Within two years of his retirement, he became Chairman of India’s apex human rights body in October 1993. In 1998, Congress Party nominated him to the Rajya Sabha. A similar charge of quid pro quo was levelled against former CJI P Sathasivam. Soon after his retirement in April 2014, he became Governor of Kerala. A year ago, he favoured Amit Shah, the present Union Home Minister, who then faced a fake encounter case as the Home Minister of Gujarat. Sathasivam presided a bench that closed probe against Shah in the alleged fake encounter killing of one Tulsiram Prajapati. The judge responded to the criticism claiming any judge in his position would have ruled the same. There are other precedents too of judges accepting government posts. Judges after retirement are faced with a strong lure for political and constitutional offices. Many judges have hobnobbed with governments of the day for such posts. While nothing in law prevents judges from becoming Members of Parliament, it unnecessarily makes their decisions suspicious. This shakes public faith in judicial independence and casts doubts over their integrity. In England, there exists a bar upon retired judges to join the House of Commons. In India, this discretion is left to the judges. We do not need to control our judges. Their independence and impartiality have remained the hallmarks of their decision-making that has stood the test of time. For this reason, even the Constitution makers did not think it necessary to bar judges from holding post-retirement executive posts. But the time seems to be ripe for a rethink. After all, the judiciary is the last bastion for citizens to expect justice. And if public trust faulters, it will be hard for the judiciary to restore its institutional integrity. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Post-retirement jobs: Judiciary’s bane

A case has been registered against 30 unidentified persons on Saturday for showing black flags to BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia and trying to stop his convoy while he was on his way to Bhopal Airport.

According to the complaint filed with the police, around 30 people showed black flags to Scindia and tried to stop his motorcade in Kamala Park area here on Friday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jyotiraditya-scindia-will-help-in-strengthening-bjp-says-rajnath-singh-285802">Jyotiraditya Scindia will help in strengthening BJP, says Rajnath Singh</a>

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan had alleged that there was an attempt to attack Scindia and demanded an investigation into the incident.

"Law and order has totally collapsed in the state. There was an attempt to attack him by stopping his car and throwing stones at it," said Chouhan.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/scindia-supporting-mlas-go-incommunicado-as-factional-fighting-intensifies-in-congress-in-mp-285345">Scindia, supporting MLAs go 'incommunicado' as factional fighting intensifies in Congress in MP</a>

This comes after 22 Congress legislators resigned from the party following Scindia`s resignation earlier this week, putting the Kamal Nath-led government in crisis.

A case has been registered against 30 unidentified persons on Saturday for showing black flags to BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia and trying to stop his convoy while he was on his way to Bhopal Airport.

A case has been registered against 30 unidentified persons on Saturday for showing black flags to BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia and trying to stop his convoy while he was on his way to Bhopal Airport. According to the complaint filed with the police, around 30 people showed black flags to Scindia and tried to stop his motorcade in Kamala Park area here on Friday. Also read: Jyotiraditya Scindia will help in strengthening BJP, says Rajnath Singh Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan had alleged that there was an attempt to attack Scindia and demanded an investigation into the incident. "Law and order has totally collapsed in the state. There was an attempt to attack him by stopping his car and throwing stones at it," said Chouhan. Also see: Scindia, supporting MLAs go 'incommunicado' as factional fighting intensifies in Congress in MP This comes after 22 Congress legislators resigned from the party following Scindia`s resignation earlier this week, putting the Kamal Nath-led government in crisis.

Case registered against unknown persons for showing black flags to Jyotiraditya Scindia

Police have arrested 514 people for deadly Hindu-Muslim violence that broke out in Delhi, the government said.Police are still searching drains and homes that were burnt down for bodies, officers said.

Watch: Anti-CAA Delhi violence death toll rises to 38

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/anti-caa-delhi-violence-death-toll-rises-to-38-283232/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

More forces had been deployed at mosques in the area for the weekly Friday prayers, the government said. There had been no new violence since Wednesday morning, it said in a statement late on Thursday.

At least 38 people, including a police head constable and an IB officer, have died while around 200 people have been injured in violence in northeast Delhi from February 23 onward.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/security-increased-in-sensitive-areas-along-delhi-ghaziabad-border-up-police-283213">Security increased in sensitive areas along Delhi-Ghaziabad border: UP Police</a>

The violence began over the citizenship amendment act introduced in December by the central government after which there were protests all around the country.

However, it had morphed into street battles between pro CAA and anti-CAA groups.

Security has been increased in sensitive areas along the Delhi-Ghaziabad border in the wake of violence in the national capital.

Police have arrested 514 people for deadly Hindu-Muslim violence that broke out in Delhi, the government said.Police are still searching drains and homes that were burnt down for bodies, officers said.

Police have arrested 514 people for deadly Hindu-Muslim violence that broke out in Delhi, the government said.Police are still searching drains and homes that were burnt down for bodies, officers said. Watch: Anti-CAA Delhi violence death toll rises to 38 More forces had been deployed at mosques in the area for the weekly Friday prayers, the government said. There had been no new violence since Wednesday morning, it said in a statement late on Thursday. At least 38 people, including a police head constable and an IB officer, have died while around 200 people have been injured in violence in northeast Delhi from February 23 onward. Also read: Security increased in sensitive areas along Delhi-Ghaziabad border: UP Police The violence began over the citizenship amendment act introduced in December by the central government after which there were protests all around the country. However, it had morphed into street battles between pro CAA and anti-CAA groups. Security has been increased in sensitive areas along the Delhi-Ghaziabad border in the wake of violence in the national capital.

Police arrest over 500 for Delhi violence

Home Minister Amit Shah, at a media house summit recently, said he joined the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) when it had just two seats in 1980-1981. He did so based on his ideological convictions. His English professor of the time wondered how he had chosen a political party that involved more or less the task of pasting posters on the wall. &nbsp;

Today, some forty years later, his ideological convictions have not changed, even though the landscape of political power is much altered. &nbsp;

With two successive terms at the Centre, a substantial majority in the Lok Sabha, and sufficient support in Rajya Sabha, even from political parties outside the National Democratic Alliance (NDA); the BJP has implemented major items on its long-standing to-do list. &nbsp;

This has put the old order on the back foot. Having failed to prevail in Parliament, they have decided to take matters to the 'people' on the street.&nbsp;

The road ahead under the BJP, promises to continue with the implementation of several other outstanding issues such as the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which will put all the citizens of India on an equal footing with no special provisions for any minority. &nbsp;

And lately, based on a substantial pressure on the resources of the country, with over 1.3 billion people, and its relatively low per capita income - The Population Control Law. &nbsp;

The compilation of the National Population Register (NPR), already underway in some states, is a census between other censuses. This is to be followed by the implementation of the law entitled the National Register of Citizens (NCR). This latter is designed to identify and remove illegal immigrants from the voter lists, at a minimum. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

After the Delhi elections recently concluded, it is clear that the model for a section of the broader opposition, including the much diminished Congress and the victorious Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), now with national ambitions afresh, may change somewhat. &nbsp;

A combination of populist measures, within a highly publicised 'development model' that focuses attention on basic health, primary and secondary education facilities at government schools, provision of electricity, water, pollution, street lighting, and other similar civic necessities may become more widespread. This is expected to enthuse the young voter, women who run their households with limited means, and those who receive the largesse of free items. These sections have voted strongly for the AAP.&nbsp;

In addition, because of the monolithic pattern of voting practised by it, the concerns of the Muslim community will be given pride of place. This is already the case, most prominently, in West Bengal, which has a large minority population at some 30 per cent of the total. Delhi, by contrast, today has only 12 per cent. However, this is a reliable vote bank for both the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal and the AAP in Delhi. &nbsp;

The AAP has taken some pointers from the TMC as well as others from the BJP itself. The BJP inspiration has been reinterpreted as support to Hinduism as opposed to Hindutva. The effort, which seems to have worked, was to seize part of the BJP’s thunder as the party for Hindus.&nbsp;

While people are naturally free to vote as they please, and indeed peacefully protest whatever laws they don’t like, it becomes worrisome when they break quite a few laws themselves in the process. &nbsp;

This includes providing a platform for blatant sedition, squatting on a main arterial road at the expense of a large number of people, indulging in the destruction of public and private property, arson, violence. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It is also of concern when that support extends to opposing democratically debated and passed laws in Parliament such as the Citizens’ Amendment Act (CAA). &nbsp;

The anti-CAA protestors, in Delhi and other parts, simply want the law rolled back. And, apparently, nothing short of repeal will satisfy them. This despite the support the law enjoys from some 70 per cent of the population, according to a recent survey. &nbsp;

The protestors insist it is discriminatory on the grounds of religion and therefore anti-constitutional. The Supreme Court (SC), is expected to pronounce on its validity in the not too distant future but is unlikely to call for its abrogation. &nbsp; &nbsp;

It is increasingly clear that the minority community does not, and will not, vote for the BJP with the exception of some women grateful for the enactment of the Triple Talaq Act, and possibly, some Shia. The Shia, along with other smaller sects, are a minority within the minority. &nbsp;

This divide too is ideological, because the BJP is seen as the party of the majority Hindu community. Its stated objective of Sabka Vikas is not believed. The polarisation, long existent, but now out in the open, is along religious lines on both sides. The new issue is an apprehension of challenges to the status quo that has long favoured the minorities.&nbsp;

The BJP is determined to create a level playing field and enjoys broad support in this endeavour. The only people who don’t want this are those who have benefited from the old order, the partisan interpretation of secularism, and the voting patterns it has elicited in their favour. &nbsp;

But the electoral challenge that the recent AAP landslide in Delhi represents may need a strong economic response to bolster the BJP’s appeal. The Hindu voter may decide against making a meal of ideology alone going forward.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Home Minister Amit Shah, at a media house summit recently, said he joined the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) when it had just two seats in 1980-1981. He did so based on his ideological convictions.

Home Minister Amit Shah, at a media house summit recently, said he joined the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) when it had just two seats in 1980-1981. He did so based on his ideological convictions. His English professor of the time wondered how he had chosen a political party that involved more or less the task of pasting posters on the wall. Today, some forty years later, his ideological convictions have not changed, even though the landscape of political power is much altered. With two successive terms at the Centre, a substantial majority in the Lok Sabha, and sufficient support in Rajya Sabha, even from political parties outside the National Democratic Alliance (NDA); the BJP has implemented major items on its long-standing to-do list. This has put the old order on the back foot. Having failed to prevail in Parliament, they have decided to take matters to the 'people' on the street. The road ahead under the BJP, promises to continue with the implementation of several other outstanding issues such as the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which will put all the citizens of India on an equal footing with no special provisions for any minority. And lately, based on a substantial pressure on the resources of the country, with over 1.3 billion people, and its relatively low per capita income - The Population Control Law. The compilation of the National Population Register (NPR), already underway in some states, is a census between other censuses. This is to be followed by the implementation of the law entitled the National Register of Citizens (NCR). This latter is designed to identify and remove illegal immigrants from the voter lists, at a minimum. After the Delhi elections recently concluded, it is clear that the model for a section of the broader opposition, including the much diminished Congress and the victorious Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), now with national ambitions afresh, may change somewhat. A combination of populist measures, within a highly publicised 'development model' that focuses attention on basic health, primary and secondary education facilities at government schools, provision of electricity, water, pollution, street lighting, and other similar civic necessities may become more widespread. This is expected to enthuse the young voter, women who run their households with limited means, and those who receive the largesse of free items. These sections have voted strongly for the AAP. In addition, because of the monolithic pattern of voting practised by it, the concerns of the Muslim community will be given pride of place. This is already the case, most prominently, in West Bengal, which has a large minority population at some 30 per cent of the total. Delhi, by contrast, today has only 12 per cent. However, this is a reliable vote bank for both the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal and the AAP in Delhi. The AAP has taken some pointers from the TMC as well as others from the BJP itself. The BJP inspiration has been reinterpreted as support to Hinduism as opposed to Hindutva. The effort, which seems to have worked, was to seize part of the BJP’s thunder as the party for Hindus. While people are naturally free to vote as they please, and indeed peacefully protest whatever laws they don’t like, it becomes worrisome when they break quite a few laws themselves in the process. This includes providing a platform for blatant sedition, squatting on a main arterial road at the expense of a large number of people, indulging in the destruction of public and private property, arson, violence. It is also of concern when that support extends to opposing democratically debated and passed laws in Parliament such as the Citizens’ Amendment Act (CAA). The anti-CAA protestors, in Delhi and other parts, simply want the law rolled back. And, apparently, nothing short of repeal will satisfy them. This despite the support the law enjoys from some 70 per cent of the population, according to a recent survey. The protestors insist it is discriminatory on the grounds of religion and therefore anti-constitutional. The Supreme Court (SC), is expected to pronounce on its validity in the not too distant future but is unlikely to call for its abrogation. It is increasingly clear that the minority community does not, and will not, vote for the BJP with the exception of some women grateful for the enactment of the Triple Talaq Act, and possibly, some Shia. The Shia, along with other smaller sects, are a minority within the minority. This divide too is ideological, because the BJP is seen as the party of the majority Hindu community. Its stated objective of Sabka Vikas is not believed. The polarisation, long existent, but now out in the open, is along religious lines on both sides. The new issue is an apprehension of challenges to the status quo that has long favoured the minorities. The BJP is determined to create a level playing field and enjoys broad support in this endeavour. The only people who don’t want this are those who have benefited from the old order, the partisan interpretation of secularism, and the voting patterns it has elicited in their favour. But the electoral challenge that the recent AAP landslide in Delhi represents may need a strong economic response to bolster the BJP’s appeal. The Hindu voter may decide against making a meal of ideology alone going forward. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Ideology, poster politics & challenges to the status quo

The Election Commission declared final results of <a href="Also read: AAP sweeps Delhi again - a victory of welfare politics over nationalism">Delhi Assembly elections</a>; according to the final counting, Arvind Kejriwal led Aam Aadmi Party won 62 seats while BJP won eight. Meanwhile, Congress stared at a duck with zero seats.

Soon after results started coming in favour of AAP, Chief Minister Kejriwal addressed party workers at the Delhi headquarter. On Wednesday, Kejriwal will hold a meeting with the newly-elected party MLAs at his residence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/aap-sweeps-delhi-again-a-victory-of-welfare-politics-over-nationalism-280042">Also read: AAP sweeps Delhi again - a victory of welfare politics over nationalism</a>

As the AAP cruised to victory, leaders cutting across party lines including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi (Congress), Sharad Pawar (NCP), Mamata Banerjee (TMC), Naveen Patnaik (BJD) and MK Stalin (DMK) congratulated Kejriwal for the historic win.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/Delhi-Assembly-polls-AAP-mufflerman-trends-as-Kejriwals-party-surges-in-Delhi-Vidhan-Sabha-Election-2020">Also Read:&nbsp;AAP's 'mufflerman' trends as Kejriwal's party surges in Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election 2020</a>

"Congratulations to AAP and Shri Arvind Kejriwal ji for the victory in the Delhi assembly elections. Wishing them the very best in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Delhi," the prime minister said on Twitter.

All AAP heavyweights including Sisodia, Raghav Chaddha and Atishi, Gopal Rai emerged victoriously.

Here are the big winners and losers of the keenly-watched battle of the national capital.

Winners 
AAP's Arvind Kejriwal (New Delhi)&nbsp; 
AAP's Manish Sisodia (Patparganj) 
AAP's Atishi Marlena (Kalkaji) 
AAP's Raghav Chadha (Rajinder Nagar) 
AAP's Amanatullah Khan (Okhla) 
AAP's Om Prakash Sharma (Vishwas Nagar) 
AAP's Somnath Bharti (Malviya Nagar) 
BJP's VIjender Gupta (Rohini)

Losers 
BJP's Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga (Hari Nagar) 
BJP's Kapil Mishra (Model Town) 
Congress' Alka Lamba (Chandini Chowk) 
Congress' Arvinder Singh Lovely (Gandhi Nagar)

 
&nbsp;

The Election Commission declared final results of Delhi Assembly elections; according to the final counting, Arvind Kejriwal led Aam Aadmi Party won 62 seats while BJP won eight.

The Election Commission declared final results of Delhi Assembly elections; according to the final counting, Arvind Kejriwal led Aam Aadmi Party won 62 seats while BJP won eight. Meanwhile, Congress stared at a duck with zero seats. Soon after results started coming in favour of AAP, Chief Minister Kejriwal addressed party workers at the Delhi headquarter. On Wednesday, Kejriwal will hold a meeting with the newly-elected party MLAs at his residence. Also read: AAP sweeps Delhi again - a victory of welfare politics over nationalism As the AAP cruised to victory, leaders cutting across party lines including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi (Congress), Sharad Pawar (NCP), Mamata Banerjee (TMC), Naveen Patnaik (BJD) and MK Stalin (DMK) congratulated Kejriwal for the historic win. Also Read: AAP's 'mufflerman' trends as Kejriwal's party surges in Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election 2020 "Congratulations to AAP and Shri Arvind Kejriwal ji for the victory in the Delhi assembly elections. Wishing them the very best in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Delhi," the prime minister said on Twitter. All AAP heavyweights including Sisodia, Raghav Chaddha and Atishi, Gopal Rai emerged victoriously. Here are the big winners and losers of the keenly-watched battle of the national capital. Winners AAP's Arvind Kejriwal (New Delhi) AAP's Manish Sisodia (Patparganj) AAP's Atishi Marlena (Kalkaji) AAP's Raghav Chadha (Rajinder Nagar) AAP's Amanatullah Khan (Okhla) AAP's Om Prakash Sharma (Vishwas Nagar) AAP's Somnath Bharti (Malviya Nagar) BJP's VIjender Gupta (Rohini) Losers BJP's Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga (Hari Nagar) BJP's Kapil Mishra (Model Town) Congress' Alka Lamba (Chandini Chowk) Congress' Arvinder Singh Lovely (Gandhi Nagar)

Delhi Assembly election result: Big winners and losers of keenly-watched battle

It is a commonly used cliché: History repeats itself. But no other expression can appropriately describe Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) spectacular performance which is reminiscent of 2015 when the party won 67 out of the total 70 seats. In 2014 general elections, AAP was swept away by Narendra&nbsp;Modi wave, but less than a year later, they won Delhi with a historic margin. A similar political event concluded yesterday, when AAP after facing a clear and humiliating rejection in 2019 by the same Delhi voters, was welcomed with astonishing support.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/thank-you-hanuman-ji-why-aap-swept-delhi-280258">Thank you, Hanuman Ji: Why AAP swept Delhi</a>

As India moves towards East with crucial elections in Bihar, Assam and West Bengal, here’s what BJP rivals can learn from AAP in order to counter the might of the saffron party.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-result-aap-sweeps-national-capital-with-62-seats-kejriwal-to-hold-closed-door-meeting-280140">Delhi Assembly election result: AAP sweeps national capital with 62 seats; Kejriwal to hold closed-door meeting</a>

1. A reliable face 
 
Delhi elections once again reiterate the point that voters’ preferences are smarter now in the state and national polls, and these choices can be completely in contrast with each other. This argument was proved in Maharashtra, Haryana and Jharkhand, where BJP’s performance was below par despite an emphatic win in&nbsp;parliamentary polls.&nbsp;

Even though BJP used all its big names which were led by astute election strategist Amit Shah, still it couldn’t answer on who will be the CM if the party is voted to power? And AAP cornered BJP on this issue.&nbsp;

2. A positive campaign

On one hand, BJP was using words like ‘terrorist’ for&nbsp;CM and indulged in fear-mongering, AAP’s campaign was focussed on their work, which was also resembled by their slogan: Acche beete 5 saal, lage raho Kejriwal (Good job in the last five years, keep up Kejriwal).&nbsp;

Kejriwal and his team did not fall into any negative commentary despite provocation from the BJP. AAP countered the hate speeches by highlighting their work in cheapening electricity, water supply, improving Delhi government schools and giving free bus rides to women. A large part of the credit also goes to political strategist Prashant Kishor who ensured that AAP’s campaign remained polite yet enthusiastic and the message was rightly received.&nbsp;

3. Nationalism 
 
Arvind Kejriwal ensured that nationalism is not a sole property of BJP, and thereby, he and AAP appreciated Centre’s actions of revoking of Article 370 and Balakot airstrikes. Chants of Bharat Mata ki Jai, Vande Mataram were heard in AAP rallies and free teerth yatra (pilgrimage) and Kejriwal promoting himself as a Hanuman bhakt gained popular support from the masses.

Delhi elections came at a time when BJP was facing strong nationwide protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, which provides citizenship to non-Muslims from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. BJP unsuccessfully tried to incite voters that AAP is siding with the minority protesters. However, AAP leaders refused to take any stand on the issue, sensing that their inclination to any side will divide the voters. The plan worked as the party got massive support cutting across religious lines.&nbsp;

4. Minority factor

Even though Kejriwal projected himself as a Hanuman bhakt, he and his party did not do any damage to their secular credentials. AAP won all the five minority-dominated constituencies -&nbsp;Mahal, Okhla, Seelampur, Ballimaran and Mustafabad, which earlier largely backed Congress. 
 
5. Focussing on state-related issues

AAP, intelligently, did not let the national issues take the centrestage, be it Ram temple, Article 370 or Citizenship Amendment Bill. Voters got convinced that the sentiments in the aforementioned agenda matter nationally but not in the case of Delhi polls. Team Kejriwal drew a comparison between Delhi government schools and MCD-run schools, where BJP is in power. And nobody could deny that AAP greatly improved the state of the government-run schools.&nbsp;

Mohalla clinics though fell short of AAP’s own target of building 1000 of these, still, the improvement in healthcare cannot be ignored. AAP also reduced greatly reduced tariffs of electricity and water, and their whole campaign revolved around the same issues. AAP compared their governance model with BJP-run Delhi civic bodies’ model, where the party is in power for the last 15 years.&nbsp;

However, BJP opponents should remember that Delhi is a cosmopolitan city and situation here might not fully help their own cause. Also, Narendra Modi’s pan-India popularity is still a force to reckon with. But Delhi once again proves that nobody is invincible in politics.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

It is a commonly used cliché: History repeats itself. But no other expression can appropriately describe Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) spectacular performance which is reminiscent of 2015 when the party won 67 out of the total 70 seats.

It is a commonly used cliché: History repeats itself. But no other expression can appropriately describe Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) spectacular performance which is reminiscent of 2015 when the party won 67 out of the total 70 seats. In 2014 general elections, AAP was swept away by Narendra Modi wave, but less than a year later, they won Delhi with a historic margin. A similar political event concluded yesterday, when AAP after facing a clear and humiliating rejection in 2019 by the same Delhi voters, was welcomed with astonishing support. Also read: Thank you, Hanuman Ji: Why AAP swept Delhi As India moves towards East with crucial elections in Bihar, Assam and West Bengal, here’s what BJP rivals can learn from AAP in order to counter the might of the saffron party. Also read: Delhi Assembly election result: AAP sweeps national capital with 62 seats; Kejriwal to hold closed-door meeting 1. A reliable face Delhi elections once again reiterate the point that voters’ preferences are smarter now in the state and national polls, and these choices can be completely in contrast with each other. This argument was proved in Maharashtra, Haryana and Jharkhand, where BJP’s performance was below par despite an emphatic win in parliamentary polls. Even though BJP used all its big names which were led by astute election strategist Amit Shah, still it couldn’t answer on who will be the CM if the party is voted to power? And AAP cornered BJP on this issue. 2. A positive campaign On one hand, BJP was using words like ‘terrorist’ for CM and indulged in fear-mongering, AAP’s campaign was focussed on their work, which was also resembled by their slogan: Acche beete 5 saal, lage raho Kejriwal (Good job in the last five years, keep up Kejriwal). Kejriwal and his team did not fall into any negative commentary despite provocation from the BJP. AAP countered the hate speeches by highlighting their work in cheapening electricity, water supply, improving Delhi government schools and giving free bus rides to women. A large part of the credit also goes to political strategist Prashant Kishor who ensured that AAP’s campaign remained polite yet enthusiastic and the message was rightly received. 3. Nationalism Arvind Kejriwal ensured that nationalism is not a sole property of BJP, and thereby, he and AAP appreciated Centre’s actions of revoking of Article 370 and Balakot airstrikes. Chants of Bharat Mata ki Jai, Vande Mataram were heard in AAP rallies and free teerth yatra (pilgrimage) and Kejriwal promoting himself as a Hanuman bhakt gained popular support from the masses. Delhi elections came at a time when BJP was facing strong nationwide protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, which provides citizenship to non-Muslims from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. BJP unsuccessfully tried to incite voters that AAP is siding with the minority protesters. However, AAP leaders refused to take any stand on the issue, sensing that their inclination to any side will divide the voters. The plan worked as the party got massive support cutting across religious lines. 4. Minority factor Even though Kejriwal projected himself as a Hanuman bhakt, he and his party did not do any damage to their secular credentials. AAP won all the five minority-dominated constituencies - Mahal, Okhla, Seelampur, Ballimaran and Mustafabad, which earlier largely backed Congress. 5. Focussing on state-related issues AAP, intelligently, did not let the national issues take the centrestage, be it Ram temple, Article 370 or Citizenship Amendment Bill. Voters got convinced that the sentiments in the aforementioned agenda matter nationally but not in the case of Delhi polls. Team Kejriwal drew a comparison between Delhi government schools and MCD-run schools, where BJP is in power. And nobody could deny that AAP greatly improved the state of the government-run schools. Mohalla clinics though fell short of AAP’s own target of building 1000 of these, still, the improvement in healthcare cannot be ignored. AAP also reduced greatly reduced tariffs of electricity and water, and their whole campaign revolved around the same issues. AAP compared their governance model with BJP-run Delhi civic bodies’ model, where the party is in power for the last 15 years. However, BJP opponents should remember that Delhi is a cosmopolitan city and situation here might not fully help their own cause. Also, Narendra Modi’s pan-India popularity is still a force to reckon with. But Delhi once again proves that nobody is invincible in politics. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

What other BJP nemeses can learn from AAP’s triumph

In a&nbsp;blow to Bharatiya Janata Party<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-result-it-is-a-victory-of-people-says-kejriwal-after-landslide-victory-280046">, Aam Aadmi party's Arvind Kejriwal secured a third term</a>&nbsp;as Chief Minister in Delhi as he won a thumping majority in Assembly election. final figures released by the Election Commission,&nbsp;AAP won&nbsp;62 of the 70 seats with a total vote share of 53.57 per cent.

The BJP won eight seats while the Congress stated at duck as it failed to win even a single seat.

Soon after results started coming in favour of AAP, Chief Minister Kejriwal addressed party workers at the Delhi headquarter. On Wednesday, Kejriwal will hold a meeting with the newly-elected party MLAs at his residence.

"Dilliwalon, ghazab kar diya aapne (Delhiites, you have done the impossible). I love you," Kejriwal said while accompanied by his wife, daughter and senior party leaders.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/aap-sweeps-delhi-again-a-victory-of-welfare-politics-over-nationalism-280042">Also read: AAP sweeps Delhi again - a victory of welfare politics over nationalism</a>

"It is the beginning of a new kind of politics today. This is a very auspicious message for the country and the politics of work can only take our country to the 21st century," he added.

"It is a victory for Bharat Mata (Mother India)," he said as a large number of supporters cheered him.&nbsp;

Kejriwal's close aid and senior party leader Manish Sisodia also hailed the landslide victory as he said,&nbsp;BJP indulged in "politics of hate", but people refused its agenda.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/Delhi-Assembly-polls-AAP-mufflerman-trends-as-Kejriwals-party-surges-in-Delhi-Vidhan-Sabha-Election-2020">Also Read:&nbsp;AAP's 'mufflerman' trends as Kejriwal's party surges in Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election 2020</a>

"The BJP indulged in politics of hate, but I thank the people of Patparganj...Delhi's people have chosen a government which works for them and explained the true meaning of nationalism through their mandate," he told reporters.

All AAP heavyweights including Sisodia, Raghav Chaddha and Atishi, Gopal Rai, Satyendar Jain emerged victoriously.

As the AAP cruised to victory, leaders cutting across party lines including Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-election-2020-pm-modi-congratulates-kejriwal-as-aap-sweeps-delhi-280100">Narendra Mod</a>i, Rahul Gandhi (Congress), Sharad Pawar (NCP), Mamata Banerjee (TMC), Naveen Patnaik (BJD) and MK Stalin (DMK) congratulated Kejriwal for the historic win.

"Congratulations to AAP and Shri Arvind Kejriwal ji for the victory in the Delhi assembly elections. Wishing them the very best in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Delhi," the prime minister said on Twitter.

While, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the Delhi polls have proven that only development will work, NCP leader Sharad Pawar stressed on the need to come together to keep the BJP out of power.

"The Delhi poll results indicate that 'winds of change' are blowing in the country. The results are not surprising to me," Pawar told reporters in Pune.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-irs-officer-to-delhi-cm-the-journey-of-arvind-kejriwal-280027">In pics: From IRS officer to Delhi CM, the rise and rise of Arvind Kejriwal</a>

The elections in the national capital took place in the midst of massive protests in the city and elsewhere over the new citizenship law, an issue which was strongly raised by the BJP top leadership during the campaigning which often turned bitter and vitriolic.

Though BJP's campaign focused on national security issues, the AAP mainly focused on its achievements in the fields of education, healthcare and infrastructure.

The AAP had registered a sensational victory in 2015 by winning 67 seats in a hurricane march that almost wiped out the BJP and the Congress. 
Carrying blue and white balloons, buntings and giant cut-outs of their leader Arvind Kejriwal, AAP workers celebrated at the party's headquarter in the national capital.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Congress accepted defeat and vowed to rebuild and revive itself at the grassroots level in the city.

"People's mandate is against us, we accept it. We have resolved to revive and rebuild the party," Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said at a press conference.

A total of 672 candidates, including 593 men and 79 women, were in the fray for the hotly contested elections.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

In a blow to Bharatiya Janata Party, Aam Aadmi party's Arvind Kejriwal secured a third term as Chief Minister in Delhi as he won a thumping majority in Assembly election.

In a blow to Bharatiya Janata Party, Aam Aadmi party's Arvind Kejriwal secured a third term as Chief Minister in Delhi as he won a thumping majority in Assembly election. final figures released by the Election Commission, AAP won 62 of the 70 seats with a total vote share of 53.57 per cent. The BJP won eight seats while the Congress stated at duck as it failed to win even a single seat. Soon after results started coming in favour of AAP, Chief Minister Kejriwal addressed party workers at the Delhi headquarter. On Wednesday, Kejriwal will hold a meeting with the newly-elected party MLAs at his residence. "Dilliwalon, ghazab kar diya aapne (Delhiites, you have done the impossible). I love you," Kejriwal said while accompanied by his wife, daughter and senior party leaders. Also read: AAP sweeps Delhi again - a victory of welfare politics over nationalism "It is the beginning of a new kind of politics today. This is a very auspicious message for the country and the politics of work can only take our country to the 21st century," he added. "It is a victory for Bharat Mata (Mother India)," he said as a large number of supporters cheered him. Kejriwal's close aid and senior party leader Manish Sisodia also hailed the landslide victory as he said, BJP indulged in "politics of hate", but people refused its agenda. Also Read: AAP's 'mufflerman' trends as Kejriwal's party surges in Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election 2020 "The BJP indulged in politics of hate, but I thank the people of Patparganj...Delhi's people have chosen a government which works for them and explained the true meaning of nationalism through their mandate," he told reporters. All AAP heavyweights including Sisodia, Raghav Chaddha and Atishi, Gopal Rai, Satyendar Jain emerged victoriously. As the AAP cruised to victory, leaders cutting across party lines including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi (Congress), Sharad Pawar (NCP), Mamata Banerjee (TMC), Naveen Patnaik (BJD) and MK Stalin (DMK) congratulated Kejriwal for the historic win. "Congratulations to AAP and Shri Arvind Kejriwal ji for the victory in the Delhi assembly elections. Wishing them the very best in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Delhi," the prime minister said on Twitter. While, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the Delhi polls have proven that only development will work, NCP leader Sharad Pawar stressed on the need to come together to keep the BJP out of power. "The Delhi poll results indicate that 'winds of change' are blowing in the country. The results are not surprising to me," Pawar told reporters in Pune. In pics: From IRS officer to Delhi CM, the rise and rise of Arvind Kejriwal The elections in the national capital took place in the midst of massive protests in the city and elsewhere over the new citizenship law, an issue which was strongly raised by the BJP top leadership during the campaigning which often turned bitter and vitriolic. Though BJP's campaign focused on national security issues, the AAP mainly focused on its achievements in the fields of education, healthcare and infrastructure. The AAP had registered a sensational victory in 2015 by winning 67 seats in a hurricane march that almost wiped out the BJP and the Congress. Carrying blue and white balloons, buntings and giant cut-outs of their leader Arvind Kejriwal, AAP workers celebrated at the party's headquarter in the national capital. Meanwhile, Congress accepted defeat and vowed to rebuild and revive itself at the grassroots level in the city. "People's mandate is against us, we accept it. We have resolved to revive and rebuild the party," Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said at a press conference. A total of 672 candidates, including 593 men and 79 women, were in the fray for the hotly contested elections. (With inputs from PTI)

Delhi Assembly election result: AAP sweeps national capital with 62 seats; Kejriwal to hold closed-door meeting

After <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-result-it-is-a-victory-of-people-says-kejriwal-after-landslide-victory-280046">Aam Aadmi Party's resounding victory in Assembly poll</a>s, senior leader Manish Sisodia took a jibe at rival Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday.

"Nationalism means working for the betterment of citizens," said Sisodia who defeated BJP rival Ravinder Singh Negi from Patparganj seat.

Sisodia also said that People of Delhi have explained the "true" meaning of nationalism through their mandate.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/aap-sweeps-delhi-again-a-victory-of-welfare-politics-over-nationalism-280042">Also read: AAP sweeps Delhi again - a victory of welfare politics over nationalism</a>

"Being in government and providing quality education is real patriotism," said Sisodia, adding, People of Delhi have explained the "true" meaning of nationalism through their mandate.

"I am happy to have won the Patparganj seat again. The BJP indulged in politics of hate. But I thank the people of Patparganj. Today, Delhi's people have chosen a government which works for them. They have explained the true meaning of nationalism through their mandate."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/Delhi-Assembly-polls-AAP-mufflerman-trends-as-Kejriwals-party-surges-in-Delhi-Vidhan-Sabha-Election-2020">Also Read:&nbsp;AAP's 'mufflerman' trends as Kejriwal's party surges in Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election 2020</a>

According to Election Commission of India, AAP won 61 seats out of 70 while it is still leading on one. Meanwhile, BJP won eight seats and Congress failed to get even one seat.&nbsp;

The counting of votes is still underway.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-irs-officer-to-delhi-cm-the-journey-of-arvind-kejriwal-280027">In pics: From IRS officer to Delhi CM, the rise and rise of Arvind Kejriwal</a>

Soon after the results came in favour of AAP, party supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal dedicated his win to the Delhi voters and said it will mark "beginning of a new kind of politics".

"This the victory of the people who consider me as their son and voted for us," Kejriwal said while addressing the party workers in Delhi.

On January 28, senior BJP leaders from various states, including former Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, had slammed the ruling AAP and dubbed the February 8 Assembly polls in the national capital as a fight between "nationalism" and "anarchy".&nbsp;

After Aam Aadmi Party's resounding victory in Assembly polls, senior leader Manish Sisodia took a jibe at rival Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday. "Nationalism means working for the betterment of citizens," said Sisodia who defeated BJP rival Ravinder Singh Negi from Patparganj seat.

After Aam Aadmi Party's resounding victory in Assembly polls, senior leader Manish Sisodia took a jibe at rival Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday. "Nationalism means working for the betterment of citizens," said Sisodia who defeated BJP rival Ravinder Singh Negi from Patparganj seat. Sisodia also said that People of Delhi have explained the "true" meaning of nationalism through their mandate. Also read: AAP sweeps Delhi again - a victory of welfare politics over nationalism "Being in government and providing quality education is real patriotism," said Sisodia, adding, People of Delhi have explained the "true" meaning of nationalism through their mandate. "I am happy to have won the Patparganj seat again. The BJP indulged in politics of hate. But I thank the people of Patparganj. Today, Delhi's people have chosen a government which works for them. They have explained the true meaning of nationalism through their mandate." Also Read: AAP's 'mufflerman' trends as Kejriwal's party surges in Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election 2020 According to Election Commission of India, AAP won 61 seats out of 70 while it is still leading on one. Meanwhile, BJP won eight seats and Congress failed to get even one seat. The counting of votes is still underway. In pics: From IRS officer to Delhi CM, the rise and rise of Arvind Kejriwal Soon after the results came in favour of AAP, party supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal dedicated his win to the Delhi voters and said it will mark "beginning of a new kind of politics". "This the victory of the people who consider me as their son and voted for us," Kejriwal said while addressing the party workers in Delhi. On January 28, senior BJP leaders from various states, including former Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, had slammed the ruling AAP and dubbed the February 8 Assembly polls in the national capital as a fight between "nationalism" and "anarchy".

After Assembly election victory, Manish Sisodia takes jibe at BJP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated Arvind Kejriwal after his Aam Aadmi Party secured re-election in Delhi Assembly election by winning 43 seats while leading on 19 out of 70.

"Congratulations to AAP and Arvind Kejriwal for the victory in the Delhi Assembly elections. Wishing them the very best in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Delhi," PM Modi tweeted.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations to AAP and Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArvindKejriwal</a> Ji for the victory in the Delhi Assembly Elections. Wishing them the very best in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Delhi.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1227215995393073154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-bjp-concedes-defeat-congratulates-kejriwal-for-victory-280054">Also read: Delhi Assembly election - BJP concedes defeat; congratulates Kejriwal for victory</a>

According to Election Commission of India, Bharatiya Janata Party won five seats while leading on three. Congress which hadn't declared its chief minister face is yet to open its account. The counting is still underway.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/aap-sweeps-delhi-again-a-victory-of-welfare-politics-over-nationalism-280042">Also read: AAP sweeps Delhi again - a victory of welfare politics over nationalism</a>

With Kejriwal looking all set for a third term as Delhi Chief Minister, congratulatory wishes are pouring in from various leaders.

"I am so glad that people have rejected BJP's attempts to convince them in wrong things. BJP has hopelessly failed in carrying the mischievous message that it wanted to carry to the people," said senior party leader P Chidambaram.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-result-2020-live-news-big-test-for-bjp-arvind-kejriwals-aam-adami-party-as-counting-of-votes-begin-AAP-leads-56-seats-BJP-14-AAP-vs-BJP-Delhi-election-results-2020-updates-279915">Also Read:&nbsp;Delhi Assembly Election Result 2020 LIVE</a>

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took Twitter to congratulate Kejriwal.

"Congratulations Arvind Kejriwal as Delhi results show Aam Aadmi Party all set to win the election with a thumping majority yet again. Leaders playing on faith through hate speech and divisive politics should take a cue, as only those who deliver on their promises are rewarded," Banerjee tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArvindKejriwal</a> as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiResults?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiResults</a> show <a href="https://twitter.com/AamAadmiParty?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AamAadmiParty</a> all set to win <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiElection2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiElection2020</a> with a thumping majority yet again. Leaders playing on faith through hate speech &amp; divisive politics should take a cue, as only those who deliver on their promises are rewarded.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/1227136582404018177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/Delhi-Assembly-polls-AAP-mufflerman-trends-as-Kejriwals-party-surges-in-Delhi-Vidhan-Sabha-Election-2020">Also Read:&nbsp;AAP's 'mufflerman' trends as Kejriwal's party surges in Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election 2020</a>

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar also congratulated Kejriwal.

"Congratulations to Arvind Kejriwal-ji and AAP workers for achieving a 'sweeping victory' in the polls," said Pawar.

"I congratulate @ArvindKejriwal and @AamAadmiParty for forming government yet again in Delhi, on a massive mandate," tweeted DMK chief MK Stalin.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I congratulate <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArvindKejriwal</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/AamAadmiParty?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AamAadmiParty</a> for forming government yet again in Delhi,on a massive mandate. 
 
This is clear vindication that development trumps communal politics. 
 
Federal rights and regional aspirations must be strengthened in the interest of our country.
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) <a href="https://twitter.com/mkstalin/status/1227129282889039873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-irs-officer-to-delhi-cm-the-journey-of-arvind-kejriwal-280027">In pics: From IRS officer to Delhi CM, the rise and rise of Arvind Kejriwal</a>

"This is clear vindication that development trumps communal politics," Stalin added in his tweet.

Meanwhile, AAP chief Kejriwal dedicated his win to the Delhi voters and said it will mark "beginning of a new kind of politics".

"This the victory of the people who consider me as their son and voted for us," Kejriwal said while addressing the party workers in Delhi.

 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated Arvind Kejriwal after his Aam Aadmi Party secured re-election in Delhi Assembly election by winning 43 seats while leading on 19 out of 70.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated Arvind Kejriwal after his Aam Aadmi Party secured re-election in Delhi Assembly election by winning 43 seats while leading on 19 out of 70. "Congratulations to AAP and Arvind Kejriwal for the victory in the Delhi Assembly elections. Wishing them the very best in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Delhi," PM Modi tweeted. Congratulations to AAP and Shri @ArvindKejriwal Ji for the victory in the Delhi Assembly Elections. Wishing them the very best in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Delhi. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 11, 2020 × Also read: Delhi Assembly election - BJP concedes defeat; congratulates Kejriwal for victory According to Election Commission of India, Bharatiya Janata Party won five seats while leading on three. Congress which hadn't declared its chief minister face is yet to open its account. The counting is still underway. Also read: AAP sweeps Delhi again - a victory of welfare politics over nationalism With Kejriwal looking all set for a third term as Delhi Chief Minister, congratulatory wishes are pouring in from various leaders. "I am so glad that people have rejected BJP's attempts to convince them in wrong things. BJP has hopelessly failed in carrying the mischievous message that it wanted to carry to the people," said senior party leader P Chidambaram. Also Read: Delhi Assembly Election Result 2020 LIVE West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took Twitter to congratulate Kejriwal. "Congratulations Arvind Kejriwal as Delhi results show Aam Aadmi Party all set to win the election with a thumping majority yet again. Leaders playing on faith through hate speech and divisive politics should take a cue, as only those who deliver on their promises are rewarded," Banerjee tweeted. Congratulations @ArvindKejriwal as #DelhiResults show @AamAadmiParty all set to win #DelhiElection2020 with a thumping majority yet again. Leaders playing on faith through hate speech & divisive politics should take a cue, as only those who deliver on their promises are rewarded. — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) February 11, 2020 × Also Read: AAP's 'mufflerman' trends as Kejriwal's party surges in Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election 2020 Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar also congratulated Kejriwal. "Congratulations to Arvind Kejriwal-ji and AAP workers for achieving a 'sweeping victory' in the polls," said Pawar. "I congratulate @ArvindKejriwal and @AamAadmiParty for forming government yet again in Delhi, on a massive mandate," tweeted DMK chief MK Stalin. I congratulate @ArvindKejriwal and @AamAadmiParty for forming government yet again in Delhi,on a massive mandate. This is clear vindication that development trumps communal politics. Federal rights and regional aspirations must be strengthened in the interest of our country. — M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) February 11, 2020 × In pics: From IRS officer to Delhi CM, the rise and rise of Arvind Kejriwal "This is clear vindication that development trumps communal politics," Stalin added in his tweet. Meanwhile, AAP chief Kejriwal dedicated his win to the Delhi voters and said it will mark "beginning of a new kind of politics". "This the victory of the people who consider me as their son and voted for us," Kejriwal said while addressing the party workers in Delhi.

Assembly election 2020: PM Modi congratulates Kejriwal as AAP sweeps Delhi

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday conceded defeat in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-result-it-is-a-victory-of-people-says-kejriwal-after-landslide-victory-280046">Delhi Assembly elections</a> as Aam Aadmi Party won a resounding victory with lead on 63 seats out of 70.

"BJP accepts the mandate of the people. We will play our role as a constructive opposition and raise public issues in the assembly, " BJP chief JP Nadda said as the counting of Delhi Vidhan Sabha election 2020 was underway.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/aap-sweeps-delhi-again-a-victory-of-welfare-politics-over-nationalism-280042">Also read: AAP sweeps Delhi again - a victory of welfare politics over nationalism</a>

"I congratulate Arvind Kejriwal, his party and hope that his government will work for the development of the state," Nadda also said.

According to the Election Commission of India, AAP is leading in 63 assembly constituencies with the BJP far behind with 7 seats. Congress which hadn't declared its chief minister face is yet to open its account.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-result-2020-live-news-big-test-for-bjp-arvind-kejriwals-aam-adami-party-as-counting-of-votes-begin-AAP-leads-56-seats-BJP-14-AAP-vs-BJP-Delhi-election-results-2020-updates-279915">Also Read:&nbsp;Delhi Assembly Election Result 2020 LIVE</a>

Delhi deputy chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party's Manish Sisodia who was trailing in successive rounds of counting is now leading with 3,129 votes in the Patparganj assembly constituency against BJP's Ravinder Singh Negi with AAP candidate Raghav Chadha leading from Rajinder Nagar constituency.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/Delhi-Assembly-polls-AAP-mufflerman-trends-as-Kejriwals-party-surges-in-Delhi-Vidhan-Sabha-Election-2020">Also Read:&nbsp;AAP's 'mufflerman' trends as Kejriwal's party surges in Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election 2020</a>

Meanwhile, speaking at the party headquarter, AAP leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/Arvind-Kejriwal-AAP-surges-as-BJP-trails-far-behind-in-Delhi-Assembly-election-results-2020">Arvind Kejriwal</a> described the win as the "beginning of a new kind of politics".

Thanking the voters for reposing their faith in AAP for the third time, Kejriwal said, "Dilliwalon (Delhiites), I love you".

"This the victory of the people who consider me as their son and voted for us," Kejriwal also said while addressing the party workers in Delhi.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-irs-officer-to-delhi-cm-the-journey-of-arvind-kejriwal-280027">In pics: From IRS officer to Delhi CM, the rise and rise of Arvind Kejriwal</a>

Earlier in the day, Congress party also conceded defeat as party spokesperson, Rajdeep Surjewala said it "accepts the verdict given by people of the national capital."

Addressing a press conference, Surjewala congratulated AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal for the victory in the election.

"The result has further strengthened our pledge to make the party strong again," Surjewala also said.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday conceded defeat in Delhi Assembly elections as Aam Aadmi Party won a resounding victory with lead on 63 seats out of 70. "BJP accepts the mandate of the people.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday conceded defeat in Delhi Assembly elections as Aam Aadmi Party won a resounding victory with lead on 63 seats out of 70. "BJP accepts the mandate of the people. We will play our role as a constructive opposition and raise public issues in the assembly, " BJP chief JP Nadda said as the counting of Delhi Vidhan Sabha election 2020 was underway. Also read: AAP sweeps Delhi again - a victory of welfare politics over nationalism "I congratulate Arvind Kejriwal, his party and hope that his government will work for the development of the state," Nadda also said. According to the Election Commission of India, AAP is leading in 63 assembly constituencies with the BJP far behind with 7 seats. Congress which hadn't declared its chief minister face is yet to open its account. Also Read: Delhi Assembly Election Result 2020 LIVE Delhi deputy chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party's Manish Sisodia who was trailing in successive rounds of counting is now leading with 3,129 votes in the Patparganj assembly constituency against BJP's Ravinder Singh Negi with AAP candidate Raghav Chadha leading from Rajinder Nagar constituency. Also Read: AAP's 'mufflerman' trends as Kejriwal's party surges in Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election 2020 Meanwhile, speaking at the party headquarter, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal described the win as the "beginning of a new kind of politics". Thanking the voters for reposing their faith in AAP for the third time, Kejriwal said, "Dilliwalon (Delhiites), I love you". "This the victory of the people who consider me as their son and voted for us," Kejriwal also said while addressing the party workers in Delhi. In pics: From IRS officer to Delhi CM, the rise and rise of Arvind Kejriwal Earlier in the day, Congress party also conceded defeat as party spokesperson, Rajdeep Surjewala said it "accepts the verdict given by people of the national capital." Addressing a press conference, Surjewala congratulated AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal for the victory in the election. "The result has further strengthened our pledge to make the party strong again," Surjewala also said.

Delhi Assembly election: BJP concedes defeat; congratulates Kejriwal for victory

On a flat electoral pitch which offered no turn, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) lived up to its performance and raced to a comfortable victory in Delhi. The results should ring alarm bells for the country’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which decided to stump the incumbent AAP government through its high octane nationalism pitch. Once again, the BJP became the victim of its over-dependence on national issues in a state election where people were more concerned about the pressing problems being faced by them. 
 
The BJP should realise that one size does not fit all the time. What may work on a national scale does not necessarily mean that it will also work in a state. The party will need to differentiate between the two and accordingly plan its strategy. Like in a cricket Test match, political parties have enough time to revisit their strategy after the first or second round during national elections. But the state election does not offer such an opportunity which is akin to a 50-50 match.

Unlike the BJP, the AAP decided to bat straight. It kept its campaign simple by seeking votes on the work done in the last five years. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s appeal to people not to vote for his party if they thought that the AAP had failed to meet their expectations resonated well with the electorate. The seven-year-old startup party was smart as it either ducked or left the bouncers and outswingers by the BJP over Shaheen Bagh protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act and refused to be drawn into any controversy by popping it back on the principal opposition party which it claimed is entrusted with the law and order situation in the national capital.

The BJP was also guilty of launching a vicious and personal attack on Kejriwal over the Shaheen Bagh protests and was penalised by the Election Commission which barred some of its leaders, including a union minister, from campaigning. This certainly did not go down well with the masses which punished the BJP. In the past, Prime Minister Narendra Modi benefited largely when the opposition parties, particularly the Congress party, launched a vitriolic attack on him.

What surprises the most is that the BJP offered a free run to the AAP. Not only did the party announce the candidates very late, as against the AAP and the Congress, but it also released the party manifesto just a few days before the voting. Rather than making its manifesto the preamble, the party resorted to negative campaigning. It should have stuck to its manifesto and taken on the AAP on the strength of it. But none of the BJP leaders stuck to the script and buried it completely. Its failure to project chief ministerial candidate was another sore point which was well encashed by the AAP.

In the end, it was a victory of welfare politics over nationalism. At a time, when the people have been hit hard by the economic slump and are staring at an uncertain future, freebies are an instant hit. Though big-ticket discounts do not augur well for the economy of the country or a state, people often fall prey to such tactics for short-term gains. With Delhi in its kitty again, one hopes the AAP government will work to fight the twin menace of poor transport and rising pollution which is choking the national capital. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

On a flat electoral pitch which offered no turn, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) lived up to its performance and raced to a comfortable victory in Delhi. The results should ring alarm bells for the country’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which decided to stump the incumbent AAP government through its high octane nationalism pitch.

On a flat electoral pitch which offered no turn, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) lived up to its performance and raced to a comfortable victory in Delhi. The results should ring alarm bells for the country’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which decided to stump the incumbent AAP government through its high octane nationalism pitch. Once again, the BJP became the victim of its over-dependence on national issues in a state election where people were more concerned about the pressing problems being faced by them. The BJP should realise that one size does not fit all the time. What may work on a national scale does not necessarily mean that it will also work in a state. The party will need to differentiate between the two and accordingly plan its strategy. Like in a cricket Test match, political parties have enough time to revisit their strategy after the first or second round during national elections. But the state election does not offer such an opportunity which is akin to a 50-50 match. Unlike the BJP, the AAP decided to bat straight. It kept its campaign simple by seeking votes on the work done in the last five years. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s appeal to people not to vote for his party if they thought that the AAP had failed to meet their expectations resonated well with the electorate. The seven-year-old startup party was smart as it either ducked or left the bouncers and outswingers by the BJP over Shaheen Bagh protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act and refused to be drawn into any controversy by popping it back on the principal opposition party which it claimed is entrusted with the law and order situation in the national capital. The BJP was also guilty of launching a vicious and personal attack on Kejriwal over the Shaheen Bagh protests and was penalised by the Election Commission which barred some of its leaders, including a union minister, from campaigning. This certainly did not go down well with the masses which punished the BJP. In the past, Prime Minister Narendra Modi benefited largely when the opposition parties, particularly the Congress party, launched a vitriolic attack on him. What surprises the most is that the BJP offered a free run to the AAP. Not only did the party announce the candidates very late, as against the AAP and the Congress, but it also released the party manifesto just a few days before the voting. Rather than making its manifesto the preamble, the party resorted to negative campaigning. It should have stuck to its manifesto and taken on the AAP on the strength of it. But none of the BJP leaders stuck to the script and buried it completely. Its failure to project chief ministerial candidate was another sore point which was well encashed by the AAP. In the end, it was a victory of welfare politics over nationalism. At a time, when the people have been hit hard by the economic slump and are staring at an uncertain future, freebies are an instant hit. Though big-ticket discounts do not augur well for the economy of the country or a state, people often fall prey to such tactics for short-term gains. With Delhi in its kitty again, one hopes the AAP government will work to fight the twin menace of poor transport and rising pollution which is choking the national capital. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

AAP sweeps Delhi again - a victory of welfare politics over nationalism

Delhi election: CM Kejriwal, President Kovind and others cast votes

In a massive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-polls-bjp-promises-wheat-flour-at-rs-2-per-kg-scooties-for-girl-students-277887">outreach program</a> for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-2020-remove-anurag-thakur-parvesh-verma-as-bjp-star-campaigners-orders-election-commission-277283">Delhi assembly elections</a>, almost one lakh BJP workers will go door-to-door on Sunday and appeal voters to vote for the party.&nbsp;

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said that party chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/bjp-president-jp-nadda-must-show-ingenuity-to-make-his-mark-276653">JP Nadda</a> and Home Minister Amit Shah will also participate in the campaign."Now only five days are left.&nbsp;

Sunday being the holiday, most people stay at their homes. Almost one lakh BJP workers will reach door-to-door and tell people what Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done for the nation's capital&nbsp;Delhi.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-polls-would-be-fought-on-basis-of-work-not-caste-or-religion-kejriwal-276438">Delhi polls would be fought on basis of work, not caste or religion: Kejriwal</a>

We will tell them why a change is necessary," said Javadekar. "Nadda and Shah will also participate in the campaign," he added.

Voting in all 70 Assembly constituencies of Delhi is scheduled to take place on February 8.&nbsp;Counting of votes will take place on February 11.

In a massive outreach program for Delhi assembly elections, almost one lakh BJP workers will go door-to-door on Sunday and appeal voters to vote for the party. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said that party chief JP Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah will also participate in the campaign.

In a massive outreach program for Delhi assembly elections, almost one lakh BJP workers will go door-to-door on Sunday and appeal voters to vote for the party. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said that party chief JP Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah will also participate in the campaign."Now only five days are left. Sunday being the holiday, most people stay at their homes. Almost one lakh BJP workers will reach door-to-door and tell people what Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done for the nation's capital Delhi. Also Read: Delhi polls would be fought on basis of work, not caste or religion: Kejriwal We will tell them why a change is necessary," said Javadekar. "Nadda and Shah will also participate in the campaign," he added. Voting in all 70 Assembly constituencies of Delhi is scheduled to take place on February 8. Counting of votes will take place on February 11.

Door-to-door campaigning in Delhi by one lakh BJP workers: Javadekar

In a major departure from the past, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s decision not to name its chief ministerial candidate ahead of Delhi elections betrays its nervousness. Since the BJP came to power in 2014 and bettered its performance in 2019 general elections, the party had always taunted its political rivals, particularly the Congress party, of going to the electoral battlefield without a commander. The BJP, which has always claimed to be a 'party with a difference' by naming its chief ministerial candidate known to the voters before the elections, has been forced to revisit its strategy this time.

Having lost five of the six states which went to the polls last year, not to speak of the near-about rout in Haryana where it somehow strolled to power by joining hands with its rival - the Jannayak Janata Party of Dushyant Chautala – the confidence level of the BJP has certainly taken a knock. With no credible face to take on the incumbent chief minister Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the BJP has once again decided to cash on the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But, has it not been the strategy of the BJP since 2014 when it has repeatedly reaped political benefits in the states by piggy-backing on the aura of Modi?

But the last few state elections are proof that while Modi remains indispensable at the national level, his magic is weaning in states where people are more concerned about bread and butter. BJP’s opponents have triumphed by harping on the people-centric issues as opposed to the BJP’s nationalist agenda, be it the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir which provided special status to the former princely state, or the Supreme Court verdict on the decades-old contentious Babri Masjid verdict in Ayodhya.&nbsp;

Unlike in the past, the BJP has been way behind in declaring its candidates for Delhi polls. In fact, it waited for the AAP and the Congress before declaring its candidates. The party also suffered a setback as one of its oldest allies, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), chose to stay away from the polls reportedly on its reservations to the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act. Though SAD failed to make a cut in the last assembly elections in the Sikh-dominated constituencies, its decision not to field candidates is also being read as a warning signal to the BJP.

Other than the regularisation of 1,728 unauthorised colonies, on which both the AAP and the BJP claim ownership, the latter does not have much to flaunt about. All the three municipal corporations run by the BJP are in a shambles with repeatedly getting flak from the apex court for turning Delhi into a garbage city. The municipal corporations of the national capital have been disdainfully pathetic to Prime Minister Narendra Modi government’s ambitious Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. While smaller cities have taken a steady march on the cleanliness drive, Delhi is nowhere near the race. In a Swachh Survekshan League 2020 released by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for two-quarters April 1 to June 30, and July 2 to September 30 in January this year, the three municipal corporations ranked almost at the bottom of 49 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across India.

Delhi Police, which comes under the Union home ministry, has been at the receiving end for its high-handedness as well as inept handling of the anti-CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) protests on the campuses of the Jamia Millia Islamia and the Jawaharlal Nehru University respectively. Its seemingly preordained inquiry following the violence between two student groups in JNU is much left to be desired.

On the other hand, the AAP’s stocks are high as several of its welfare measures have added many newcomers, who have been largely benefited from the party’s largesse to its fold besides its committed cadre. Starting its inning as a rookie party, it has done well on its promises on education, healthcare, water, power etc, despite its failing on pollution and poor transport system.

Facing heat over CAA, price rise, job losses, rural distress and falling economy, the BJP has decided to convert the fight between two main political parties to a battle between Modi and Kejriwal. It remains to be seen who Delhi votes for on February 8 – a popular Modi or a charismatic Kejriwal.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In a major departure from the past, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s decision not to name its chief ministerial candidate ahead of Delhi elections betrays its nervousness.

In a major departure from the past, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s decision not to name its chief ministerial candidate ahead of Delhi elections betrays its nervousness. Since the BJP came to power in 2014 and bettered its performance in 2019 general elections, the party had always taunted its political rivals, particularly the Congress party, of going to the electoral battlefield without a commander. The BJP, which has always claimed to be a 'party with a difference' by naming its chief ministerial candidate known to the voters before the elections, has been forced to revisit its strategy this time. Having lost five of the six states which went to the polls last year, not to speak of the near-about rout in Haryana where it somehow strolled to power by joining hands with its rival - the Jannayak Janata Party of Dushyant Chautala – the confidence level of the BJP has certainly taken a knock. With no credible face to take on the incumbent chief minister Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the BJP has once again decided to cash on the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But, has it not been the strategy of the BJP since 2014 when it has repeatedly reaped political benefits in the states by piggy-backing on the aura of Modi? But the last few state elections are proof that while Modi remains indispensable at the national level, his magic is weaning in states where people are more concerned about bread and butter. BJP’s opponents have triumphed by harping on the people-centric issues as opposed to the BJP’s nationalist agenda, be it the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir which provided special status to the former princely state, or the Supreme Court verdict on the decades-old contentious Babri Masjid verdict in Ayodhya. Unlike in the past, the BJP has been way behind in declaring its candidates for Delhi polls. In fact, it waited for the AAP and the Congress before declaring its candidates. The party also suffered a setback as one of its oldest allies, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), chose to stay away from the polls reportedly on its reservations to the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act. Though SAD failed to make a cut in the last assembly elections in the Sikh-dominated constituencies, its decision not to field candidates is also being read as a warning signal to the BJP. Other than the regularisation of 1,728 unauthorised colonies, on which both the AAP and the BJP claim ownership, the latter does not have much to flaunt about. All the three municipal corporations run by the BJP are in a shambles with repeatedly getting flak from the apex court for turning Delhi into a garbage city. The municipal corporations of the national capital have been disdainfully pathetic to Prime Minister Narendra Modi government’s ambitious Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. While smaller cities have taken a steady march on the cleanliness drive, Delhi is nowhere near the race. In a Swachh Survekshan League 2020 released by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for two-quarters April 1 to June 30, and July 2 to September 30 in January this year, the three municipal corporations ranked almost at the bottom of 49 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across India. Delhi Police, which comes under the Union home ministry, has been at the receiving end for its high-handedness as well as inept handling of the anti-CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) protests on the campuses of the Jamia Millia Islamia and the Jawaharlal Nehru University respectively. Its seemingly preordained inquiry following the violence between two student groups in JNU is much left to be desired. On the other hand, the AAP’s stocks are high as several of its welfare measures have added many newcomers, who have been largely benefited from the party’s largesse to its fold besides its committed cadre. Starting its inning as a rookie party, it has done well on its promises on education, healthcare, water, power etc, despite its failing on pollution and poor transport system. Facing heat over CAA, price rise, job losses, rural distress and falling economy, the BJP has decided to convert the fight between two main political parties to a battle between Modi and Kejriwal. It remains to be seen who Delhi votes for on February 8 – a popular Modi or a charismatic Kejriwal. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Delhi Assembly elections: BJP must declare chief ministerial candidate

The Bharatiya Janata Party to announce Jagat Prakash Nadda as its new chief. Nadda will take over the reins from Amit Shah under whose leadership came into prominence in the national politics and witnessed several emphatic electoral victories.

The Bharatiya Janata Party to announce Jagat Prakash Nadda as its new chief. Nadda will take over the reins from Amit Shah under whose leadership came into prominence in the national politics and witnessed several emphatic electoral victories. Shah is currently serving as Union Home Minister in Narendra Modi cabinet and had been serving party chief till now. The announcement of the BJP national president will be made at the party`s Headquarters at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg. Delhi: JP Nadda and his wife Mallika Nadda leave from their residence for BJP headquarters, where the process of nomination for party national president is to begin shortly. pic.twitter.com/ZOfHEBZ6Ka — ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2020 × ''It is a very important day for all of us. Everyone, including family, Bilaspur and our state of Himachal Pradesh is extremely happy today as it is about a big responsibility being given to a person from such a small state,'' said Mallika Nadda, wife of JP Nadda. Earlier Nadda and his wife reached party headquarters, where the process of nomination for party national president is to begin shortly. As per the party sources, BJP working president Nadda is set to be the party chief and would be elected unopposed. Mallika Nadda, wife of JP Nadda: It is a very important day for all of us. Everyone, including family, Bilaspur and our state of Himachal Pradesh is extremely happy today as it is about a big responsibility being given to a person from such a small state. https://t.co/Y19UlEm8f2 pic.twitter.com/8O8HWbVB5O — ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2020 × A former Himachal Pradesh minister, Nadda has the organisational experience and became party`s working president in June 2019 after the ruling party swept the Lok Sabha elections.BJP state chiefs, general secretaries and senior leaders would be present at the party headquarters on Monday.

BJP to announce JP Nadda as its national president today

BJP's newly-elected president JP Nadda on Monday said it is only possible in BJP that a worker like him, coming from a village in Himachal Pradesh, is given the responsibility of party chief.

In his speech at the Bharatiya Janata Party headquarters here after taking over as party chief, Nadda expressed gratitude to party's senior leaders for reposing faith in him.

"A simple worker like me, who did not have a political background, who hails from a remote place in Himachal Pradesh - if someone like me is being given this responsibility then it is the speciality of BJP and it is possible only in BJP," Nadda said.

"I thank the state units for electing me unopposed. I thank all the state units for giving me this opportunity. I will move forward with strength as I have received the full support of the party's central leadership," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister and outgoing BJP president Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari were among the party leaders present.

Nadda said the party will expand its base in states where it has not come to power so far.

"I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for showing faith in me. Today, we are the world`s largest party that is in power in India. We have the highest number of MPs and MLAs in the country. We are not going to stop at this. There are some states left and we will make sure we reach to them as well," he said.

Nadda was unanimously elected national president of the party at the culmination of party`s organisational poll process.

BJP's newly-elected president JP Nadda on Monday said it is only possible in BJP that a worker like him, coming from a village in Himachal Pradesh, is given the responsibility of party chief.

BJP's newly-elected president JP Nadda on Monday said it is only possible in BJP that a worker like him, coming from a village in Himachal Pradesh, is given the responsibility of party chief. In his speech at the Bharatiya Janata Party headquarters here after taking over as party chief, Nadda expressed gratitude to party's senior leaders for reposing faith in him. "A simple worker like me, who did not have a political background, who hails from a remote place in Himachal Pradesh - if someone like me is being given this responsibility then it is the speciality of BJP and it is possible only in BJP," Nadda said. "I thank the state units for electing me unopposed. I thank all the state units for giving me this opportunity. I will move forward with strength as I have received the full support of the party's central leadership," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister and outgoing BJP president Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari were among the party leaders present. Nadda said the party will expand its base in states where it has not come to power so far. "I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for showing faith in me. Today, we are the world`s largest party that is in power in India. We have the highest number of MPs and MLAs in the country. We are not going to stop at this. There are some states left and we will make sure we reach to them as well," he said. Nadda was unanimously elected national president of the party at the culmination of party`s organisational poll process.

Worker becoming president is speciality of BJP, says JP Nadda

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday declared the names of 57 candidates out of 70 for the next month's Delhi Assembly elections.

Former AAP leader Kapil Mishra, who joined BJP last year, will contest from Model Town in north Delhi while the sitting legislator Vijender Gupta will fight from Rohini.

Rekha Gupta and Suman Kumar Gupta have been fielded from Shalimar Bagh and Chandni Chowk seats respectively.

The voting in Delhi will be held on February 8. The counting of votes will take place on February 11.

The AAP under Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is aiming to retain power in the national capital.

In the 2015 Assembly polls, AAP secured the absolute majority by garnering 67 seats. The BJP managed only three, while the Congress drew a blank.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday declared the names of 57 candidates out of 70 for the next month's Delhi Assembly elections. Former AAP leader Kapil Mishra, who joined BJP last year, will contest from Model Town in north Delhi while the sitting legislator Vijender Gupta will fight from Rohini.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday declared the names of 57 candidates out of 70 for the next month's Delhi Assembly elections. Former AAP leader Kapil Mishra, who joined BJP last year, will contest from Model Town in north Delhi while the sitting legislator Vijender Gupta will fight from Rohini. Rekha Gupta and Suman Kumar Gupta have been fielded from Shalimar Bagh and Chandni Chowk seats respectively. The voting in Delhi will be held on February 8. The counting of votes will take place on February 11. The AAP under Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is aiming to retain power in the national capital. In the 2015 Assembly polls, AAP secured the absolute majority by garnering 67 seats. The BJP managed only three, while the Congress drew a blank.

Delhi Assembly polls: BJP announces 57 candidates, Kapil Mishra fielded from Model Town

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-public-campaign-on-citizenship-amendment-act-to-begin-from-today-272261">Bharatiya Janata Party</a> (BJP) working president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-cong-not-behind-anti-caa-violence-why-havent-they-condemned-it-nadda-271808">JP Nadda</a> on Sunday claimed that his party works on the basis of "ideology" and not "nepotism." 
 
He further stated that the saffron is the only party that has leadership and has intentions to work for the development. 
 
"Other parties if they have a leader, don't have a strategy. Some do not have intentions to work. If they organize a program, they do not have workers. But BJP has the leadership of Modi Ji and also has support at the international level. The party has leadership at booth level also," he added while addressing a Booth Karyakarta Sammelan in New Delhi. 
 
At the programme, Delhi BJP president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unity-in-diversity-is-indias-speciality-amid-nationwide-protests-pm-modi-addresses-a-rally-in-delhis-ramlila-ground-269566">Manoj Tiwari</a> also addressed the huge gathering and targeted Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-chief-minister-arvind-kejriwal-not-to-attend-hemant-sorens-swearing-in-ceremony-270800">Arvind Kejriwal</a> for doing little to develop the city. 
 
"I would like to tell Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal that the registry has begun for the unauthorized colonies of Delhi. Stop this if you have strength," Tiwari said. 
 
In a bid to dispel rumours about the newly enacted citizenship law, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday launched a campaign to generate awareness among the people regarding the citizenship law. 
 
The campaign will conclude on January 15. 
 
As part of its programme, the BJP has also launched a toll-free number 8866288662 for the people where they can register their endorsement to the new law by giving a missed call. 
 
The Act grants <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mea-all-countries-indian-missions-across-the-globe-informed-about-indias-perspective-on-caa-nrc-271690">Indian citizenship</a> to Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) working president JP Nadda on Sunday claimed that his party works on the basis of "ideology" and not "nepotism." He further stated that the saffron is the only party that has leadership and has intentions to work for the development.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) working president JP Nadda on Sunday claimed that his party works on the basis of "ideology" and not "nepotism." He further stated that the saffron is the only party that has leadership and has intentions to work for the development. "Other parties if they have a leader, don't have a strategy. Some do not have intentions to work. If they organize a program, they do not have workers. But BJP has the leadership of Modi Ji and also has support at the international level. The party has leadership at booth level also," he added while addressing a Booth Karyakarta Sammelan in New Delhi. At the programme, Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari also addressed the huge gathering and targeted Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for doing little to develop the city. "I would like to tell Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal that the registry has begun for the unauthorized colonies of Delhi. Stop this if you have strength," Tiwari said. In a bid to dispel rumours about the newly enacted citizenship law, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday launched a campaign to generate awareness among the people regarding the citizenship law. The campaign will conclude on January 15. As part of its programme, the BJP has also launched a toll-free number 8866288662 for the people where they can register their endorsement to the new law by giving a missed call. The Act grants Indian citizenship to Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.