Samajwadi Party leader Neeraj Shekhar on Tuesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in presence of BJP general secretary Bhupender Yadav.

Neeraj Shekhar, son of former Prime Minister Chandrashekhar, resigned as a member of the Rajya Sabha on Monday. He told Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu that he was resigning voluntarily.

According to reports, he also met other senior BJP leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah before resigning as Rajya Sabha MP. 
 
As per the rules, if a Member hands over the letter of resignation to the Chairman personally and informs him that the resignation is voluntary and genuine and the Chairman has no information or knowledge to the contrary, the Chairman may accept the resignation immediately.

He had been a member of the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh since November 26, 2014, and was due to retire on November 25, 2020. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Samajwadi Party leader Neeraj Shekhar on Tuesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in presence of BJP general secretary Bhupender Yadav. Neeraj Shekhar, son of former Prime Minister Chandrashekhar, resigned as a member of the Rajya Sabha on Monday.

Samajwadi Party leader Neeraj Shekhar on Tuesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in presence of BJP general secretary Bhupender Yadav. Neeraj Shekhar, son of former Prime Minister Chandrashekhar, resigned as a member of the Rajya Sabha on Monday. He told Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu that he was resigning voluntarily. According to reports, he also met other senior BJP leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah before resigning as Rajya Sabha MP. As per the rules, if a Member hands over the letter of resignation to the Chairman personally and informs him that the resignation is voluntary and genuine and the Chairman has no information or knowledge to the contrary, the Chairman may accept the resignation immediately. He had been a member of the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh since November 26, 2014, and was due to retire on November 25, 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

Samajwadi Party leader Neeraj Shekhar joins BJP

At the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/narendra-modi-amit-shah-attend-bharatiya-janata-party-parliamentary-party-meet-236320">Bharatiya Janata Party`s parliamentary party meeting</a> on Tuesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/narendra-modi-20-would-propel-affordable-housing-in-india-224832">Prime Minister Narendra Modi </a>asked parliamentarians to work towards ensuring that government schemes reach people.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi said, "PM has reiterated that attendance is compulsory in the house and there is no exception to this. He has asked them to ensure that the government schemes reach people."&nbsp;

"Aspirational districts in the entire country are competing with each other over different yardsticks and the data is updated every day on websites. Each district is being monitored for implementation of government schemes and MPs have to get involved with officials to take all these schemes to people," Joshi said.

PM also reiterated his advice to BJP MPs to maintain compulsory attendance in parliament while setting-up a target of TB-free India by 2025.

"The world has kept a target of 2030 to eradicate the disease of TB. However, Prime Minister has kept a target of 2025 for a TB free India. He has directed all parliamentarians to work in this direction", Joshi said.

Joshi told reporters that PM Modi has urged BJP MPs to work on humanitarian causes apart from their parliamentary duties.

"He told members to work on humanitarian causes. He took the example of the disease of leprosy. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi the PM said that Bapu had said that he will only come to put a lock on leprosy hospital and not to inaugurate it. He believed that leprosy disease should be eradicated", said Joshi.&nbsp; 
Later replying to a question, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister also expressed his displeasure over the ongoing Karnataka political situation.

"I want to express discontent over the attitude of the Karnataka speaker. We expected that he will work impartially. Despite MLAs resigning in person, the speaker is talking about conducting an enquiry. These delay tactics are not good for the post of the speaker", Joshi told media persons.

BJP parliamentary party meeting was held at Parliament Library Building with senior leaders of the party being in attendance. On July 14, BJP had issued a notice to its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs informing them about today`s meeting and asked them to ensure attendance. (ANI)&nbsp;

At the Bharatiya Janata Party`s parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked parliamentarians to work towards ensuring that government schemes reach people.

At the Bharatiya Janata Party`s parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked parliamentarians to work towards ensuring that government schemes reach people. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi said, "PM has reiterated that attendance is compulsory in the house and there is no exception to this. He has asked them to ensure that the government schemes reach people." "Aspirational districts in the entire country are competing with each other over different yardsticks and the data is updated every day on websites. Each district is being monitored for implementation of government schemes and MPs have to get involved with officials to take all these schemes to people," Joshi said. PM also reiterated his advice to BJP MPs to maintain compulsory attendance in parliament while setting-up a target of TB-free India by 2025. "The world has kept a target of 2030 to eradicate the disease of TB. However, Prime Minister has kept a target of 2025 for a TB free India. He has directed all parliamentarians to work in this direction", Joshi said. Joshi told reporters that PM Modi has urged BJP MPs to work on humanitarian causes apart from their parliamentary duties. "He told members to work on humanitarian causes. He took the example of the disease of leprosy. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi the PM said that Bapu had said that he will only come to put a lock on leprosy hospital and not to inaugurate it. He believed that leprosy disease should be eradicated", said Joshi. Later replying to a question, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister also expressed his displeasure over the ongoing Karnataka political situation. "I want to express discontent over the attitude of the Karnataka speaker. We expected that he will work impartially. Despite MLAs resigning in person, the speaker is talking about conducting an enquiry. These delay tactics are not good for the post of the speaker", Joshi told media persons. BJP parliamentary party meeting was held at Parliament Library Building with senior leaders of the party being in attendance. On July 14, BJP had issued a notice to its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs informing them about today`s meeting and asked them to ensure attendance. (ANI)

PM Narendra Modi  asks parliamentarians to ensure better reach of govt schemes

Bharatiya Janata Party`s parliamentary party meeting commenced at Parliament Library Building here on Tuesday with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/narendra-modi-20-would-propel-affordable-housing-in-india-224832">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>, Home Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/home-minister-amit-shah-emerges-as-clear-no-2-224821">Amit Shah </a>and other senior leaders of the party in attendance.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, and Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan were among the early leaders to arrive for the meeting.&nbsp;

On July 14, BJP had issued a notice to its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs informing them about today's meeting and asked them to ensure attendance.&nbsp;

The meeting comes ahead of the beginning of the day`s proceeding in the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Parliament.

Bharatiya Janata Party`s parliamentary party meeting commenced at Parliament Library Building here on Tuesday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and other senior leaders of the party in attendance.

Bharatiya Janata Party`s parliamentary party meeting commenced at Parliament Library Building here on Tuesday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and other senior leaders of the party in attendance. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, and Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan were among the early leaders to arrive for the meeting. On July 14, BJP had issued a notice to its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs informing them about today's meeting and asked them to ensure attendance. The meeting comes ahead of the beginning of the day`s proceeding in the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Parliament.

PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah attend Bharatiya Janata Party parliamentary party meet

Claiming that the Punjab government is facing a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/navjot-singh-sidhu-given-power-ministry-after-punjab-cm-amarinder-singhs-cabinet-reshuffle-225057">"Constitutional crisis" after a Cabinet reshuffle</a>, the BJP has alleged that state minister Navjot Singh Sidhu is drawing a salary and enjoying perks of his office even though he has not been attending to his duties for over a month.

BJP national secretary Tarun Chugh has written a letter to Punjab Governor VP Singh Badnore seeking his intervention in the "crisis" situation arisen "after Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh reshuffled Cabinet".

Speaking to ANI, Chugh said, "I have written a letter to Punjab Governor. There is a Constitutional crisis in Punjab today. It has been over a month since a minister who took the oath of office, has been absent, even though he is drawing a salary and enjoying the perks of his office."

He continued, "He has migrated; the feud between the Chief Minister and the minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has caused a constitutional crisis. I request the Governor to take action in Punjab`s interest. If the minister does not want to work someone else should look after his department. If he is drawing a salary but not working, action should be taken."

In the letter dated July 6, Chugh wrote: "Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, whose department was changed during a reshuffle of portfolios by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hope-to-see-dynamic-youth-leader-as-congress-president-amarinder-singh-233494">Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh</a>, has not assumed his charge as Power Minister even though a period of more than a month has passed. It is very unfortunate that Sidhu is not fulfilling the duties he has towards the people of the state."

The BJP leader said that the people of Punjab and particularly the farmers were facing issues as Power Department remains unattended due to the absence of the newly-appointed minister.

"Since the minister has gone 'underground'&nbsp;and is incommunicado and has willfully chosen not to take charge of his new assignment, the work related to his department is suffering like anything."

Concluding his letter, Chugh requested the Governor to take cognisance of the matter as he was the Constitutional head of the state.&nbsp;

Claiming that the Punjab government is facing a "Constitutional crisis" after a Cabinet reshuffle, the BJP has alleged that state minister Navjot Singh Sidhu is drawing a salary and enjoying perks of his office even though he has not been attending to his duties for over a month.

Claiming that the Punjab government is facing a "Constitutional crisis" after a Cabinet reshuffle, the BJP has alleged that state minister Navjot Singh Sidhu is drawing a salary and enjoying perks of his office even though he has not been attending to his duties for over a month. BJP national secretary Tarun Chugh has written a letter to Punjab Governor VP Singh Badnore seeking his intervention in the "crisis" situation arisen "after Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh reshuffled Cabinet". Speaking to ANI, Chugh said, "I have written a letter to Punjab Governor. There is a Constitutional crisis in Punjab today. It has been over a month since a minister who took the oath of office, has been absent, even though he is drawing a salary and enjoying the perks of his office." He continued, "He has migrated; the feud between the Chief Minister and the minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has caused a constitutional crisis. I request the Governor to take action in Punjab`s interest. If the minister does not want to work someone else should look after his department. If he is drawing a salary but not working, action should be taken." In the letter dated July 6, Chugh wrote: "Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, whose department was changed during a reshuffle of portfolios by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, has not assumed his charge as Power Minister even though a period of more than a month has passed. It is very unfortunate that Sidhu is not fulfilling the duties he has towards the people of the state." The BJP leader said that the people of Punjab and particularly the farmers were facing issues as Power Department remains unattended due to the absence of the newly-appointed minister. "Since the minister has gone 'underground' and is incommunicado and has willfully chosen not to take charge of his new assignment, the work related to his department is suffering like anything." Concluding his letter, Chugh requested the Governor to take cognisance of the matter as he was the Constitutional head of the state.

Navjot Singh Sidhu drawing salary despite being absent: BJP to Punjab Governor

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) working president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shahs-push-for-digital-membership-made-bjp-worlds-largest-party-jp-nadda-233554">JP Nadda</a> urged the party members to make BJP a 22- crore member party.

Nadda said this during a meeting with office-bearers held on Sunday.

The sources in BJP said that ''We are currently 11 crore, we are expecting 11 crore more.

General Secretary Bhupendra Yadav, Arun Singh and Murlidhar Rao were also present at the meeting.

Meanwhile, Nadda commended the digital push given by party president and home minister Amit Shah for making BJP the world's largest party.

"Amit Shah had launched the membership drive through digital medium around five years back in August 2014. BJP became the biggest party in the world by adding several members to its ranks in the preceding years. The party has become stronger in 8, 63, 971 booths in the country after the digital membership drive was given a push five years back," Nadda said.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) working president JP Nadda urged the party members to make BJP a 22- crore member party. Nadda said this during a meeting with office-bearers held on Sunday.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) working president JP Nadda urged the party members to make BJP a 22- crore member party. Nadda said this during a meeting with office-bearers held on Sunday. The sources in BJP said that ''We are currently 11 crore, we are expecting 11 crore more. General Secretary Bhupendra Yadav, Arun Singh and Murlidhar Rao were also present at the meeting. Meanwhile, Nadda commended the digital push given by party president and home minister Amit Shah for making BJP the world's largest party. "Amit Shah had launched the membership drive through digital medium around five years back in August 2014. BJP became the biggest party in the world by adding several members to its ranks in the preceding years. The party has become stronger in 8, 63, 971 booths in the country after the digital membership drive was given a push five years back," Nadda said.

JP Nadda urges members to make BJP '22 crore member party'

BJP MLA from Ganj Basoda, Leena Jain on Monday approached the police stating that she has received a letter in which a person threatened to blow up Union Home Minister Amit Shah as well as her, police said.

"Personal Assistant of MLA, Satish Srivastava presented a letter to us. He said that the letter was sent at his office via post. The letter has threatened to blow up the railway station, hospital, police station, the MLA and the Union Home Minister," Town Inspector, Ganj Basoda Prakash Sharma told reporters here.

"We have informed the senior officials and the security has been tightened in the area. Bomb disposal squad has also been called," he said.

Jain told the police that she received a letter at her office on Monday."I have received the letter around 2:30 pm at my office. In the letter, someone has threatened to blow up Home Minister Amit Shah, Ganj Basoda railway station, police station and Rajiv Gandhi hospital were threatened to blow up," she said.

BJP MLA from Ganj Basoda, Leena Jain on Monday approached the police stating that she has received a letter in which a person threatened to blow up Union Home Minister Amit Shah as well as her, police said.

BJP MLA from Ganj Basoda, Leena Jain on Monday approached the police stating that she has received a letter in which a person threatened to blow up Union Home Minister Amit Shah as well as her, police said. "Personal Assistant of MLA, Satish Srivastava presented a letter to us. He said that the letter was sent at his office via post. The letter has threatened to blow up the railway station, hospital, police station, the MLA and the Union Home Minister," Town Inspector, Ganj Basoda Prakash Sharma told reporters here. "We have informed the senior officials and the security has been tightened in the area. Bomb disposal squad has also been called," he said. Jain told the police that she received a letter at her office on Monday."I have received the letter around 2:30 pm at my office. In the letter, someone has threatened to blow up Home Minister Amit Shah, Ganj Basoda railway station, police station and Rajiv Gandhi hospital were threatened to blow up," she said.

Madhya Pradesh: Bharatiya Janta Party MLA Leena Jain receives threat letter to blow up Amit Shah

On the fourth anniversary of his government`s flagship program 'Digital India', <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-to-address-nation-in-first-mann-ki-baat-of-2019-193050">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Monday said that the initiative has empowered people, reduced corruption and improved public service delivery to benefit the poor.

"On this day, 4 years ago Digital India was launched, to leverage the power of technology and make technology more accessible. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/ravi-shankar-prasad-the-wily-counsel-of-ram-lalla-and-modis-digital-india-minder-222872">Digital India </a>has empowered people, significantly reduced corruption and improved public service delivery to benefit the poor #DigitalIndiaNewIndia," he tweeted."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
On this day, 4 years ago <a href="https://twitter.com/_DigitalIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_DigitalIndia</a> was launched, to leverage the power of technology and make technology more accessible. Digital India has empowered people, significantly reduced corruption and improved public service delivery to benefit the poor. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DigitalIndiaNewIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DigitalIndiaNewIndia</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1145543068424331264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Digital India initiative is a people`s movement, powered by people`s strength and their efforts to learn as well as innovate. I salute all those assiduously working to strengthen Digital India and wish them the very best for their future efforts," Modi said in another tweet.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The <a href="https://twitter.com/_DigitalIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_DigitalIndia</a> initiative is a people’s movement, powered by people’s strength and their efforts to learn as well as innovate. 
 
I salute all those assiduously working to strengthen Digital India and wish them the very best for their future efforts. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DigitalIndiaNewIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DigitalIndiaNewIndia</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1145543315682680836?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The program was launched on July 1, 2015, by the Government of India with a vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.

Digital India, which is the focal point of Modi's 'New India' push, is centred on three key vision areas- Digital Infrastructure as a Utility to Every Citizen and Governance and Services on Demand, and Digital Empowerment of Citizens.

Taking to Twitter, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the program is now finding global resonance.

"PM Narendra Modi had launched Digital India on July 1, 2015. The success of Digital India is an inspiring story of inclusion, transformation, growth, and empowerment through digital technologies, which is now finding global resonance," Prasad tweeted.&nbsp;

Highlighting the success of the program, Prasad said that 3.65 lakh Common Service centres have been opened and 123 crore Aadhaar were generated.

&nbsp;He said that there are currently 2.39 crore users of Digilocker, which is an online space to store documents. Prasad also lauded BHIM-UPI, a unified payments interface, and said it is a "unique fintech innovation" of India that has transformed the digital payment ecosystem.

&nbsp;"It was made it possible to make payments using a simple and easy to use the mobile app," he said. The Union Minister further said that Rs 7.45 lakh crore money has been transferred through total Direct Benefit Transfer.&nbsp;

On the fourth anniversary of his government`s flagship program 'Digital India', Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the initiative has empowered people, reduced corruption and improved public service delivery to benefit the poor.

On the fourth anniversary of his government`s flagship program 'Digital India', Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the initiative has empowered people, reduced corruption and improved public service delivery to benefit the poor. "On this day, 4 years ago Digital India was launched, to leverage the power of technology and make technology more accessible. Digital India has empowered people, significantly reduced corruption and improved public service delivery to benefit the poor #DigitalIndiaNewIndia," he tweeted." On this day, 4 years ago @_DigitalIndia was launched, to leverage the power of technology and make technology more accessible. Digital India has empowered people, significantly reduced corruption and improved public service delivery to benefit the poor. #DigitalIndiaNewIndia — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 1, 2019 × The Digital India initiative is a people`s movement, powered by people`s strength and their efforts to learn as well as innovate. I salute all those assiduously working to strengthen Digital India and wish them the very best for their future efforts," Modi said in another tweet. The @_DigitalIndia initiative is a people’s movement, powered by people’s strength and their efforts to learn as well as innovate. I salute all those assiduously working to strengthen Digital India and wish them the very best for their future efforts. #DigitalIndiaNewIndia — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 1, 2019 × The program was launched on July 1, 2015, by the Government of India with a vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. Digital India, which is the focal point of Modi's 'New India' push, is centred on three key vision areas- Digital Infrastructure as a Utility to Every Citizen and Governance and Services on Demand, and Digital Empowerment of Citizens. Taking to Twitter, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the program is now finding global resonance. "PM Narendra Modi had launched Digital India on July 1, 2015. The success of Digital India is an inspiring story of inclusion, transformation, growth, and empowerment through digital technologies, which is now finding global resonance," Prasad tweeted. Highlighting the success of the program, Prasad said that 3.65 lakh Common Service centres have been opened and 123 crore Aadhaar were generated. He said that there are currently 2.39 crore users of Digilocker, which is an online space to store documents. Prasad also lauded BHIM-UPI, a unified payments interface, and said it is a "unique fintech innovation" of India that has transformed the digital payment ecosystem. "It was made it possible to make payments using a simple and easy to use the mobile app," he said. The Union Minister further said that Rs 7.45 lakh crore money has been transferred through total Direct Benefit Transfer.

Digital India empowered people, reduced corruption: PM Narendra Modi on initiative's fourth anniversary

The Central government is sending more than 250 civil servants to some of the driest areas of the country as part of efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to tackle <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/water-crisis-groundwater-level-in-16-tehsils-mandals-and-blocks-in-over-exploited-category-231773">water shortages</a>.

India's monsoon, which accounts for nearly 70 per cent of the country's annual rainfall, turned patchy in the first month of the season that began on June 1.

"Other than the efforts of the government, it's the responsibility of every citizen of the country to conserve water so that we can collectively solve the problem," Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Water Resources Minister, told reporters.

Water is typically scarce in the summer, but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-star-leonardo-dicaprio-expresses-concern-over-water-crisis-in-indian-state-230654">the situation has been particularly grim</a> this year in western and southern states.

Watch:&nbsp;Chennai deals with crippling water crisis

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chennai-deals-with-a-crippling-water-crisis-232050/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

India had its driest June in five years due to a delay in monsoon rains, raising fears for crops and the broader economy.

The prime minister has also promised to supply piped water for all homes in the countryside by 2024, setting a tough target at a time when hundreds of millions don’t have access to clean water.

About 200,000 Indians die every year due to inadequate clean water, the National Institute for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog said in a report last year, citing data by independent agencies. Modi is the chairman of NITI Aayog.

The Central government is sending more than 250 civil servants to some of the driest areas of the country as part of efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to tackle water shortages.

The Central government is sending more than 250 civil servants to some of the driest areas of the country as part of efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to tackle water shortages. India's monsoon, which accounts for nearly 70 per cent of the country's annual rainfall, turned patchy in the first month of the season that began on June 1. "Other than the efforts of the government, it's the responsibility of every citizen of the country to conserve water so that we can collectively solve the problem," Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Water Resources Minister, told reporters. Water is typically scarce in the summer, but the situation has been particularly grim this year in western and southern states. Watch: Chennai deals with crippling water crisis India had its driest June in five years due to a delay in monsoon rains, raising fears for crops and the broader economy. The prime minister has also promised to supply piped water for all homes in the countryside by 2024, setting a tough target at a time when hundreds of millions don’t have access to clean water. About 200,000 Indians die every year due to inadequate clean water, the National Institute for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog said in a report last year, citing data by independent agencies. Modi is the chairman of NITI Aayog.

Water crisis in India: Centre sends out 250 civil servants to driest areas 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-parliamentary-party-meet-postponed-due-to-rajasthan-unit-chiefs-death-230166">BJP Parliamentary Party meeting</a> is scheduled to take place in Parliament library here on July 2.

A press release issued by the Parliament Office secretary states, "A meeting of the BJP Parliamentary Party will be held at 9:30 am on July 2, 2019, in the GMC Balayogi Auditorium of Parliament Library Building (PLB).

All BJP Members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are requested to attend the meeting in time."

This meeting is taking place ahead of the Union Budget presentation on July 5.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) parliamentary meeting was scheduled for June 25. It was postponed due to the sudden demise of Rajasthan unit party president Madan Lal Saini.

The 75-year-old BJP leader breathed his last at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Monday.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP National Working President JP Nadda and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla paid tributes to Rajasthan BJP chief Madan Lal Saini at AIIMS.

Several other BJP party leaders also paid tribute to the 75-year-old Rajya Sabha MP, who breathed his last on Monday evening.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled Saini's death.

BJP Parliamentary Party meeting is scheduled to take place in Parliament library here on July 2. A press release issued by the Parliament Office secretary states, "A meeting of the BJP Parliamentary Party will be held at 9:30 am on July 2, 2019, in the GMC Balayogi Auditorium of Parliament Library Building (PLB).

BJP Parliamentary Party meeting is scheduled to take place in Parliament library here on July 2. A press release issued by the Parliament Office secretary states, "A meeting of the BJP Parliamentary Party will be held at 9:30 am on July 2, 2019, in the GMC Balayogi Auditorium of Parliament Library Building (PLB). All BJP Members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are requested to attend the meeting in time." This meeting is taking place ahead of the Union Budget presentation on July 5. Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) parliamentary meeting was scheduled for June 25. It was postponed due to the sudden demise of Rajasthan unit party president Madan Lal Saini. The 75-year-old BJP leader breathed his last at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Monday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP National Working President JP Nadda and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla paid tributes to Rajasthan BJP chief Madan Lal Saini at AIIMS. Several other BJP party leaders also paid tribute to the 75-year-old Rajya Sabha MP, who breathed his last on Monday evening. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled Saini's death.

BJP Parliamentary Party meeting to be held on July 2

Travellers visiting this north Bihar town to catch glimpses of historical spots, such as writer George Orwell's place of birth or places associated with Mahatma Gandhi's first civil disobedience movement on the Indian soil, may now have an added attraction.

A B.Ed. college situated in the town serving as the district headquarters for East Champaran district has showcased, inside its premises, nearly a score of mementoes received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi which went under the hammer earlier this year.

Among the mementoes on display here is a cutout of the map of India, gifted by Bardoli MP Parbhubhai Vasava on which one finds a photograph of PM Modi along with depictions of his endeavours such as the Swachh Bharat Yojana, the Ujjwala scheme and the Start-Up India initiative.

Another notable exhibit is a memento, designed like a Buddhist Stupa, which was presented to the prime minister by the Maharashtra government upon commencement of construction of a memorial of B R Ambedkar.

"It is a matter of pride for us that we happen to be the only ones in Bihar to have won some of the over 1,000 mementoes in the auction.

"The funds thus generated were meant to be diverted for the Namami Gange project which would, again, be of benefit of our state since the holy river flows here," says Yamuna Sekaria who heads the 'Radha Krishna Seva Sansthan', the name by which the college is better known.

The son of Shambhu Nath Sekaria, a well-known social and environmental activist from Motihari, Yamuna Sekaria calls himself an ardent admirer of Modi, greatly impressed by his tireless energy and his passion to serve the nation.

Sekaria, however, declines to divulge the prices at which the items were sold at the auction, saying, all the participants had been requested to keep it a secret, since "it was not a sell-off meant for commercial purposes".

PM Modi had visited the town in April last year when he inaugurated a railway station named 'Bapudham' highlighting the town's association with the Champaran Satyagraha, which Mahatma Gandhi had launched for oppressed indigo planters.

A certificate of appreciation issued by the National Gallery of Modern Arts issued to those who had spent their time and efforts in participating in the auction of the prime minister's mementoes is also proudly displayed at the college.&nbsp;

Travellers visiting this north Bihar town to catch glimpses of historical spots, such as writer George Orwell's place of birth or places associated with Mahatma Gandhi's first civil disobedience movement on the Indian soil, may now have an added attraction.

Travellers visiting this north Bihar town to catch glimpses of historical spots, such as writer George Orwell's place of birth or places associated with Mahatma Gandhi's first civil disobedience movement on the Indian soil, may now have an added attraction. A B.Ed. college situated in the town serving as the district headquarters for East Champaran district has showcased, inside its premises, nearly a score of mementoes received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi which went under the hammer earlier this year. Among the mementoes on display here is a cutout of the map of India, gifted by Bardoli MP Parbhubhai Vasava on which one finds a photograph of PM Modi along with depictions of his endeavours such as the Swachh Bharat Yojana, the Ujjwala scheme and the Start-Up India initiative. Another notable exhibit is a memento, designed like a Buddhist Stupa, which was presented to the prime minister by the Maharashtra government upon commencement of construction of a memorial of B R Ambedkar. "It is a matter of pride for us that we happen to be the only ones in Bihar to have won some of the over 1,000 mementoes in the auction. "The funds thus generated were meant to be diverted for the Namami Gange project which would, again, be of benefit of our state since the holy river flows here," says Yamuna Sekaria who heads the 'Radha Krishna Seva Sansthan', the name by which the college is better known. The son of Shambhu Nath Sekaria, a well-known social and environmental activist from Motihari, Yamuna Sekaria calls himself an ardent admirer of Modi, greatly impressed by his tireless energy and his passion to serve the nation. Sekaria, however, declines to divulge the prices at which the items were sold at the auction, saying, all the participants had been requested to keep it a secret, since "it was not a sell-off meant for commercial purposes". PM Modi had visited the town in April last year when he inaugurated a railway station named 'Bapudham' highlighting the town's association with the Champaran Satyagraha, which Mahatma Gandhi had launched for oppressed indigo planters. A certificate of appreciation issued by the National Gallery of Modern Arts issued to those who had spent their time and efforts in participating in the auction of the prime minister's mementoes is also proudly displayed at the college.

Mementos received by PM Modi put on display at Bihar town

Hearing in the defamation case filed by BJP leader Vijender Gupta against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was on Monday deferred for June 26 by the Rouse Avenue Court here.

Now the pre-summoning of evidence will be recorded by the court on June 26. Earlier while hearing the case on June 6, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Samar Vishal had admitted the matter and fixed June 24 as the date for the examination of Gupta and his witnesses'&nbsp;statements for proving charges against AAP's top two leaders.

Gupta had filed a defamation suit filed against the duo for allegedly "maligning" his image after they accused him of being part of an alleged "conspiracy" to kill the AAP chief.&nbsp;

The defamation suit has been filed under Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for "willfully, deliberately, intentionally and maliciously" defaming the complainant, "on wholly and completely false, frivolous, unjustifiable and scandalous grounds and thereby, harming the goodwill and reputation of the complainant, within the political fraternity, media, friends, family, colleagues and in society at large."

Earlier on May 21, Gupta had sent a legal notice to Kejriwal and Sisodia for allegedly attempting to "frame him" in an alleged assassination plot against the Chief Minister.&nbsp;

Hearing in the defamation case filed by BJP leader Vijender Gupta against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was on Monday deferred for June 26 by the Rouse Avenue Court here.

Hearing in the defamation case filed by BJP leader Vijender Gupta against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was on Monday deferred for June 26 by the Rouse Avenue Court here. Now the pre-summoning of evidence will be recorded by the court on June 26. Earlier while hearing the case on June 6, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Samar Vishal had admitted the matter and fixed June 24 as the date for the examination of Gupta and his witnesses' statements for proving charges against AAP's top two leaders. Gupta had filed a defamation suit filed against the duo for allegedly "maligning" his image after they accused him of being part of an alleged "conspiracy" to kill the AAP chief. The defamation suit has been filed under Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for "willfully, deliberately, intentionally and maliciously" defaming the complainant, "on wholly and completely false, frivolous, unjustifiable and scandalous grounds and thereby, harming the goodwill and reputation of the complainant, within the political fraternity, media, friends, family, colleagues and in society at large." Earlier on May 21, Gupta had sent a legal notice to Kejriwal and Sisodia for allegedly attempting to "frame him" in an alleged assassination plot against the Chief Minister.

Hearing in the defamation case against Kejriwal, Sisodia deferred for June 26

The BJP's "one nation, one election" idea aimed at having simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assemblies polls, saying it is a BJP ploy to win all elections through one-time "manipulation" of EVMs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/mayawati-gives-brother-and-nephew-key-party-posts-229741">Mayawati</a> hurled the allegation, describing even the BJP landslide victory in the last Lok Sabha election as "doubtful".

The new gimmick of 'one nation, one election' is a BJP's ploy to win the Lok Sabha and assembly elections by a single 'dhandhli' (manipulation) misusing the EVMs," she said.

"It will put the nation in an era of casteism making it free from any opposition," she added, addressing a party meeting convened to discuss the purported "national concern" over the alleged "hijacking" of the democracy via EVMs here.

"If there is no manipulation in the BJP's victory and if it has the majority votes by its side, why is the party shying away from going to the people and avoiding elections through ballots," a BSP statement quoted her as asking.

The meeting was also attended by the BSP's representatives from other states, who alleged that the Election Commission was working on directions of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

"The way the EC bowed before the prime minister also gives rise to the apprehension over the free and fair polls in the country and weakening of the democracy," she alleged and demanded that "constitutional bodies should find a solution to the people's concern".

She said the BJP's victory is "unexpected and against the people's mandate", which is not possible without a "planned manipulation and conspiracy".

The BSP supremo demanded that elections in India be held through ballot papers in future.&nbsp;

"All the main opposition political parties are of the view that elections should be held through ballot papers but the BJP and the EC are against it, which has created uneasiness in the country,"&nbsp;she said.

Mayawati also questioned the BJP's keenness on having simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections.

"If the BJP is so keen on one nation, one poll, why didn't it hold the assembly elections in states like Haryana and Maharashtra with the Lok Sabha polls," she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She asked party workers to remain cautious to deal with discrepancies in the functioning of EVMs during upcoming polls and emphasised upon them to stick to the party's "brotherhood formula" successfully tested in the 2007 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls to ensure that the party's base remains intact.

In the meeting, Mayawati also took stock of the party's readiness for the upcoming assembly elections in Haryana and Maharashtra. 
&nbsp;

The BJP's "one nation, one election" idea aimed at having simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assemblies polls, saying it is a BJP ploy to win all elections through one-time "manipulation" of EVMs.

The BJP's "one nation, one election" idea aimed at having simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assemblies polls, saying it is a BJP ploy to win all elections through one-time "manipulation" of EVMs. Mayawati hurled the allegation, describing even the BJP landslide victory in the last Lok Sabha election as "doubtful". The new gimmick of 'one nation, one election' is a BJP's ploy to win the Lok Sabha and assembly elections by a single 'dhandhli' (manipulation) misusing the EVMs," she said. "It will put the nation in an era of casteism making it free from any opposition," she added, addressing a party meeting convened to discuss the purported "national concern" over the alleged "hijacking" of the democracy via EVMs here. "If there is no manipulation in the BJP's victory and if it has the majority votes by its side, why is the party shying away from going to the people and avoiding elections through ballots," a BSP statement quoted her as asking. The meeting was also attended by the BSP's representatives from other states, who alleged that the Election Commission was working on directions of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The way the EC bowed before the prime minister also gives rise to the apprehension over the free and fair polls in the country and weakening of the democracy," she alleged and demanded that "constitutional bodies should find a solution to the people's concern". She said the BJP's victory is "unexpected and against the people's mandate", which is not possible without a "planned manipulation and conspiracy". The BSP supremo demanded that elections in India be held through ballot papers in future. "All the main opposition political parties are of the view that elections should be held through ballot papers but the BJP and the EC are against it, which has created uneasiness in the country," she said. Mayawati also questioned the BJP's keenness on having simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections. "If the BJP is so keen on one nation, one poll, why didn't it hold the assembly elections in states like Haryana and Maharashtra with the Lok Sabha polls," she said. She asked party workers to remain cautious to deal with discrepancies in the functioning of EVMs during upcoming polls and emphasised upon them to stick to the party's "brotherhood formula" successfully tested in the 2007 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls to ensure that the party's base remains intact. In the meeting, Mayawati also took stock of the party's readiness for the upcoming assembly elections in Haryana and Maharashtra.

BJP's 'one nation, one poll' a ploy to win all elections by single 'manipulation': Mayawati

After getting re-elected to Parliament with a massive mandate in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-pays-tribute-to-iaf-personnel-killed-in-an-32-crash-meets-their-family-members-229229">Defence Minister Rajnath Singh</a> on Friday visited his constituency, Lucknow, where he said that BJP's thumping win in the elections was a "huge thing" as the party's vote share increased despite the SP-BSP alliance.

"After SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh, even senior leaders used to think, we (BJP) will only get 10-15 seats and not 72. But even after staying in power for five years, there was no anti-incumbency. On the contrary, there was pro-incumbency. BJP's vote share increased," Singh said while addressing an event here.

The Defence Minister took the opportunity to praise the soldiers for enhancing the pride of the country.

"Our soldiers carried out a surgical strike and then conducted multiple air strikes in Balakot, which tells the world that India is a strong country, not a weak one," Singh said.

Singh further talked about the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said the latter wants to fulfil the basic necessities of people. "For this, the government has already initiated several mega projects," he said.

&nbsp;

After getting re-elected to Parliament with a massive mandate in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday visited his constituency, Lucknow, where he said that BJP's thumping win in the elections was a "huge thing" as the party's vote share increased despite the SP-BSP alliance.

After getting re-elected to Parliament with a massive mandate in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday visited his constituency, Lucknow, where he said that BJP's thumping win in the elections was a "huge thing" as the party's vote share increased despite the SP-BSP alliance. "After SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh, even senior leaders used to think, we (BJP) will only get 10-15 seats and not 72. But even after staying in power for five years, there was no anti-incumbency. On the contrary, there was pro-incumbency. BJP's vote share increased," Singh said while addressing an event here. The Defence Minister took the opportunity to praise the soldiers for enhancing the pride of the country. "Our soldiers carried out a surgical strike and then conducted multiple air strikes in Balakot, which tells the world that India is a strong country, not a weak one," Singh said. Singh further talked about the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said the latter wants to fulfil the basic necessities of people. "For this, the government has already initiated several mega projects," he said.

BJP's vote share increased despite SP-BSP alliance: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Lucknow

After a record performance in Lok Sabha elections (18 seats / 40 per cent vote share), BJP has set an ambitious target of dislodging Mamata Banerjee from power in 2021 state elections. A weakened Left, a charged-up cadre, poor law and order situation and perceived excessive minority appeasement provide an opportunity for BJP.&nbsp;

Critics who were giving BJP not more than 8-10 seats in Lok Sabha were shocked at its tally of 18 seats (+16 vs 2014). It recorded a vote share jump of 23 per cent clearly emerging as the main opposition to Mamata overtaking the Left and benefitting from its collapse. Even if TMC and Congress would have contested together BJP would have still won 12 seats. TMC was leading in 161 Assembly seats, 16 more than majority and BJP in 123 as per trends.&nbsp;

The BJP did to TMC, what it did to Congress in 2014, successfully managing to brand Mamata as anti-Hindu and pro-minority community. It led to a sort of Hindu awakening in the state. BJP’s support among STs increased by 42 per cent (TMC -6 per cent), SCs by 37 per cent (TMC -11 per cent) and Gen / OBCs by 31 per cent (TMC -8 per cent). TMC, on the other hand, consolidated its supports among Muslims (+25 per cent) due to reverse polarisation.&nbsp;

After a record performance in Lok Sabha elections (18 seats / 40 per cent&nbsp;vote share), BJP has set an ambitious target of dislodging Mamata Banerjee from power in 2021 state elections. A weakened Left, a charged-up cadre, poor law and order situation and perceived excessive minority appeasement provide an opportunity for BJP.&nbsp;

Critics who were giving BJP not more than 8-10 seats in Lok Sabha were shocked at its tally of 18 seats (+16 vs 2014). It recorded a vote share jump of 23 per cent&nbsp;clearly emerging as the main opposition to Mamata overtaking the Left and benefitting from its collapse. Even if TMC and Congress would have contested together BJP would have still won 12 seats. TMC was leading in 161 Assembly seats, 16 more than majority and BJP in 123 as per trends.&nbsp;

The BJP did to TMC, what it did to Congress in 2014, successfully managing to brand Mamata as anti-Hindu and pro-minority community. It led to a sort of Hindu awakening in the state. BJP’s support among STs increased by 42 per cent (TMC -6 per cent), SCs by 37 per cent (TMC -11 per cent) and Gen / OBCs by 31 per cent (TMC -8 per cent). TMC, on the other hand, consolidated its supports among Muslims (+25 per cent) due to reverse polarisation.&nbsp; 
 
The BJP checkmated Mamata in her own brand of politics. Bengal has been a hotbed of class politics with not much role in caste politics. Left positioned itself as the champion of poor, downtrodden and minorities, though it was Bhadralok which held majority cabinet positions and power.&nbsp;

In 2009, for the first time, Mamata flirted with caste politics. A strategy was put in place by Mukul Roy (now in BJP) to divide the SC vote (19 per cent of the population) by wooing the influential Matua community. 55-60 per cent of the SC population used to vote for Left Front. Mamata became a lifetime member of Matua Mahasangha in December 2009.&nbsp;

The TMC received 48 per cent of Matua and 46 per cent of other SC votes in 2011 state elections in which Mamata displaced the 34-year rule of Left. Modi-Shah duo also set their eyes on this vote bank. The community’s spiritual family split into two groups, one backing the BJP and other the TMC after the death of its leader. BJP received strong support from SC voters in Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

Ten years is a good enough time to develop anti-incumbency against any government. Mamata’s constant conflicts with the central government are also impacting state government’s performance. Many voters could be swayed, thinking that same government in the Centre and the state is good for development. Mamata is seen as doing minority appeasement. This has upset even the educated Hindus who do not believe in caste/religion politics.&nbsp;

She has lost her cool on many occasions and pressure is clearly visible on her face. The BJP is enjoying all this tamasha. Recently, a video of Mamata was doing the rounds wherein she stopped her vehicle after hearing ‘Jai Shree Ram’ chants and was seen asking officials to take action.&nbsp;

Her handling of the doctors’ strike which has paralysed the health facilities in the state, with 700 doctors resigning at last count, has evoked nation-wide rage among the medical fraternity. Mamata’s statement that ‘outsiders’ had entered medical colleges to create disturbances and the agitation was a conspiracy by the CPM and the BJP has added fuel to the fire. Mamata has accepted all demands of the doctors requesting them to return to the office which they have rejected.

Her statement that if you are in Bengal you have to speak Bangla is an attempt to create a wedge between locals (Bengalis) and outsiders (non-Bengalis) and brand BJP as a party of Hindi speaking North Indians. She is trying to invoke the Bengali pride. As per estimates, 15 per cent&nbsp;of the population of Bengal consists of non-Bengalis which are likely to further consolidate behind the BJP.

The BJP enjoys the support of half of the Hindu population which translates into 35 per cent vote share, its core vote now. Many cadres of Left have switched over to BJP, demoralized by their existential crisis, and have given the much-needed last mile connectivity which it was missing earlier. The deaths of workers (which are highly condemnable) after elections shows that damage has been inflicted on both sides and BJP workers are not taking it lying down like earlier. The organizational structure has been emboldened. &nbsp;

However, challenges remain. PM Modi factor played a big role in the BJP’s performance in Lok Sabha. About one-third of the votes received by BJP were due to PM Modi. In state elections, this factor may not hold to be that strong like it was seen in Delhi and Bihar state elections in 2015. PM Modi held 17 rallies and road-shows in Bengal. He may not be able to campaign with same vigour in state elections due to Prime Ministerial duties.

The elections are increasingly becoming personality oriented and BJP lacks a state level leader who can match Mamata. It needs to project a CM face soon and develop it over the next two years. Voters are also increasingly differentiating between state and national elections as witnessed in Rajasthan, Odisha, MP and Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;

In Lok Sabha, people voted to elect a PM, which gave BJP a boost. In Vidhan Sabha people will be voting to elect a CM, thus negating this boost factor. In 2016 state polls, BJP’s vote share declined by 7 per cent in absolute terms and 40 per cent in relative terms which it has to be wary of.&nbsp;

An alliance between Left and Congress could be potentially damaging as this combine could appeal to a section of voters. Mamata has appointed political strategist Prashant Kishore as her campaign manager exhibiting her first sign of weakness. The BJP has to refrain from pressures to invoke President’s Rule in the state which will act as a sympathy factor for Mamata. It needs to keep up the ante, manage defections and wait for Mamata to commit errors under pressure.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-bjp-s-audacious-target-2763265">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

After a record performance in Lok Sabha elections (18 seats / 40 per cent vote share), BJP has set an ambitious target of dislodging Mamata Banerjee from power in 2021 state elections.

After a record performance in Lok Sabha elections (18 seats / 40 per cent vote share), BJP has set an ambitious target of dislodging Mamata Banerjee from power in 2021 state elections. A weakened Left, a charged-up cadre, poor law and order situation and perceived excessive minority appeasement provide an opportunity for BJP. Critics who were giving BJP not more than 8-10 seats in Lok Sabha were shocked at its tally of 18 seats (+16 vs 2014). It recorded a vote share jump of 23 per cent clearly emerging as the main opposition to Mamata overtaking the Left and benefitting from its collapse. Even if TMC and Congress would have contested together BJP would have still won 12 seats. TMC was leading in 161 Assembly seats, 16 more than majority and BJP in 123 as per trends. The BJP did to TMC, what it did to Congress in 2014, successfully managing to brand Mamata as anti-Hindu and pro-minority community. It led to a sort of Hindu awakening in the state. BJP’s support among STs increased by 42 per cent (TMC -6 per cent), SCs by 37 per cent (TMC -11 per cent) and Gen / OBCs by 31 per cent (TMC -8 per cent). TMC, on the other hand, consolidated its supports among Muslims (+25 per cent) due to reverse polarisation. After a record performance in Lok Sabha elections (18 seats / 40 per cent vote share), BJP has set an ambitious target of dislodging Mamata Banerjee from power in 2021 state elections. A weakened Left, a charged-up cadre, poor law and order situation and perceived excessive minority appeasement provide an opportunity for BJP. Critics who were giving BJP not more than 8-10 seats in Lok Sabha were shocked at its tally of 18 seats (+16 vs 2014). It recorded a vote share jump of 23 per cent clearly emerging as the main opposition to Mamata overtaking the Left and benefitting from its collapse. Even if TMC and Congress would have contested together BJP would have still won 12 seats. TMC was leading in 161 Assembly seats, 16 more than majority and BJP in 123 as per trends. The BJP did to TMC, what it did to Congress in 2014, successfully managing to brand Mamata as anti-Hindu and pro-minority community. It led to a sort of Hindu awakening in the state. BJP’s support among STs increased by 42 per cent (TMC -6 per cent), SCs by 37 per cent (TMC -11 per cent) and Gen / OBCs by 31 per cent (TMC -8 per cent). TMC, on the other hand, consolidated its supports among Muslims (+25 per cent) due to reverse polarisation. The BJP checkmated Mamata in her own brand of politics. Bengal has been a hotbed of class politics with not much role in caste politics. Left positioned itself as the champion of poor, downtrodden and minorities, though it was Bhadralok which held majority cabinet positions and power. In 2009, for the first time, Mamata flirted with caste politics. A strategy was put in place by Mukul Roy (now in BJP) to divide the SC vote (19 per cent of the population) by wooing the influential Matua community. 55-60 per cent of the SC population used to vote for Left Front. Mamata became a lifetime member of Matua Mahasangha in December 2009. The TMC received 48 per cent of Matua and 46 per cent of other SC votes in 2011 state elections in which Mamata displaced the 34-year rule of Left. Modi-Shah duo also set their eyes on this vote bank. The community’s spiritual family split into two groups, one backing the BJP and other the TMC after the death of its leader. BJP received strong support from SC voters in Lok Sabha. Ten years is a good enough time to develop anti-incumbency against any government. Mamata’s constant conflicts with the central government are also impacting state government’s performance. Many voters could be swayed, thinking that same government in the Centre and the state is good for development. Mamata is seen as doing minority appeasement. This has upset even the educated Hindus who do not believe in caste/religion politics. She has lost her cool on many occasions and pressure is clearly visible on her face. The BJP is enjoying all this tamasha. Recently, a video of Mamata was doing the rounds wherein she stopped her vehicle after hearing ‘Jai Shree Ram’ chants and was seen asking officials to take action. Her handling of the doctors’ strike which has paralysed the health facilities in the state, with 700 doctors resigning at last count, has evoked nation-wide rage among the medical fraternity. Mamata’s statement that ‘outsiders’ had entered medical colleges to create disturbances and the agitation was a conspiracy by the CPM and the BJP has added fuel to the fire. Mamata has accepted all demands of the doctors requesting them to return to the office which they have rejected. Her statement that if you are in Bengal you have to speak Bangla is an attempt to create a wedge between locals (Bengalis) and outsiders (non-Bengalis) and brand BJP as a party of Hindi speaking North Indians. She is trying to invoke the Bengali pride. As per estimates, 15 per cent of the population of Bengal consists of non-Bengalis which are likely to further consolidate behind the BJP. The BJP enjoys the support of half of the Hindu population which translates into 35 per cent vote share, its core vote now. Many cadres of Left have switched over to BJP, demoralized by their existential crisis, and have given the much-needed last mile connectivity which it was missing earlier. The deaths of workers (which are highly condemnable) after elections shows that damage has been inflicted on both sides and BJP workers are not taking it lying down like earlier. The organizational structure has been emboldened. However, challenges remain. PM Modi factor played a big role in the BJP’s performance in Lok Sabha. About one-third of the votes received by BJP were due to PM Modi. In state elections, this factor may not hold to be that strong like it was seen in Delhi and Bihar state elections in 2015. PM Modi held 17 rallies and road-shows in Bengal. He may not be able to campaign with same vigour in state elections due to Prime Ministerial duties. The elections are increasingly becoming personality oriented and BJP lacks a state level leader who can match Mamata. It needs to project a CM face soon and develop it over the next two years. Voters are also increasingly differentiating between state and national elections as witnessed in Rajasthan, Odisha, MP and Chhattisgarh. In Lok Sabha, people voted to elect a PM, which gave BJP a boost. In Vidhan Sabha people will be voting to elect a CM, thus negating this boost factor. In 2016 state polls, BJP’s vote share declined by 7 per cent in absolute terms and 40 per cent in relative terms which it has to be wary of. An alliance between Left and Congress could be potentially damaging as this combine could appeal to a section of voters. Mamata has appointed political strategist Prashant Kishore as her campaign manager exhibiting her first sign of weakness. The BJP has to refrain from pressures to invoke President’s Rule in the state which will act as a sympathy factor for Mamata. It needs to keep up the ante, manage defections and wait for Mamata to commit errors under pressure. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

BJP has set an ambitious goal of dislodging Mamata Banerjee from power

Gautam Gambhir, the newly elected Member of Parliament, said that for sportsmen, yoga is more beneficial than gymming.

The former batsman performed the spiritual and ascetic discipline on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-mt-everests-base-to-earths-lowest-elevation-at-dead-sea-international-yoga-day-celebrated-across-the-globe-229119">5th International Yoga Day</a> on Friday.

"Yoga is very important as a sports person and sportsmen always do yoga. Both gyming and yoga are important but yoga helps in building concentration power and keeps you calm and peaceful to take better decisions," he added.

The 37-year-old batsman played for more than 15 years for India and scored 4154 runs in 58 Test matches.

In 147 ODIs he had 5238 runs under his name.

"Yoga does not only makes your body fit but also keeps you in mental peace. If your mind is healthy then this country will remain healthy," <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/all-the-best-to-team-india-says-gautam-gambhir-ahead-of-cricket-world-cup-2019-221339&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiloZq_nvriAhXF7GEKHeonCfYQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0LUbOVs0sgm_UQZpgR1uBg">Gambhir </a>told to reporters during the Yoga event at Delhi.

Just before the 2019 general elections, he joined the Bhartiya Janata Party and won the election contesting from East Delhi seat.

Gautam Gambhir, the newly elected Member of Parliament, said that for sportsmen, yoga is more beneficial than gymming. The former batsman performed the spiritual and ascetic discipline on the 5th International Yoga Day on Friday.

Gautam Gambhir, the newly elected Member of Parliament, said that for sportsmen, yoga is more beneficial than gymming. The former batsman performed the spiritual and ascetic discipline on the 5th International Yoga Day on Friday. "Yoga is very important as a sports person and sportsmen always do yoga. Both gyming and yoga are important but yoga helps in building concentration power and keeps you calm and peaceful to take better decisions," he added. The 37-year-old batsman played for more than 15 years for India and scored 4154 runs in 58 Test matches. In 147 ODIs he had 5238 runs under his name. "Yoga does not only makes your body fit but also keeps you in mental peace. If your mind is healthy then this country will remain healthy," Gambhir told to reporters during the Yoga event at Delhi. Just before the 2019 general elections, he joined the Bhartiya Janata Party and won the election contesting from East Delhi seat.

Yoga more beneficial than work out, says Gautam Gambhir

In a setback to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu, Rajya Sabha MPs YS Chowdary, TG Venkatesh, CM Ramesh and GM Rao&nbsp;on Thursday resigned from the TDP.&nbsp;

The four TDP MPs submitted their resignations to the vice president and Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu. &nbsp; 
 
They passed a resolution to merge Legislature Party of TDP&nbsp;with the BJP.

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TDP MPs of Rajya Sabha- YS Chowdary, CM Ramesh, TG Venkatesh and GM Rao, today passed a resolution to merge Legislature Party of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) with BJP. <a href="https://t.co/3ln6qy5l8G">pic.twitter.com/3ln6qy5l8G</a>
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Welcoming the lawmakers in the party, BJP working president JP Nadda said that the party will be strengthened with their inclusion.&nbsp;"I assure them that the BJP believes in politics of positivity and inclusiveness," he said. 
 
Reacting to the development, Naidu said, "Central Ministers for Special Status, condemn attempts of BJP to weaken TDP. Crisis is not new to the party. Leaders &amp; cadre have nothing to be nervous about."

As Naidu suffered a major loss in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, most TDP leaders are keen to join the BJP.

Their decision to back the BJP will give a boost to the saffron party in the Upper House as the ruling National Democratic Alliance does not have a majority there yet.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a setback to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu, Rajya Sabha MPs YS Chowdary, TG Venkatesh, CM Ramesh and GM Rao on Thursday resigned from the TDP.

In a setback to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu, Rajya Sabha MPs YS Chowdary, TG Venkatesh, CM Ramesh and GM Rao on Thursday resigned from the TDP. The four TDP MPs submitted their resignations to the vice president and Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu. They passed a resolution to merge Legislature Party of TDP with the BJP. TDP MPs of Rajya Sabha- YS Chowdary, CM Ramesh, TG Venkatesh and GM Rao, today passed a resolution to merge Legislature Party of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) with BJP. pic.twitter.com/3ln6qy5l8G — ANI (@ANI) June 20, 2019 × Welcoming the lawmakers in the party, BJP working president JP Nadda said that the party will be strengthened with their inclusion. "I assure them that the BJP believes in politics of positivity and inclusiveness," he said. Reacting to the development, Naidu said, "Central Ministers for Special Status, condemn attempts of BJP to weaken TDP. Crisis is not new to the party. Leaders & cadre have nothing to be nervous about." As Naidu suffered a major loss in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, most TDP leaders are keen to join the BJP. Their decision to back the BJP will give a boost to the saffron party in the Upper House as the ruling National Democratic Alliance does not have a majority there yet. (With inputs from agencies)

Four TDP Rajya Sabha MPs resign, cross over to BJP

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

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

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

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

After the long-drawn and action-packed Lok Sabha election which returned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to power with overwhelming majority of 303 seats, the stage is all set for the 17th Lok Sabha to kick start its proceedings from Monday.

1st Day of Lok Sabha Session after Polls 2019, Focus On Budget, Triple Talaq Bill

Former Union minister J P Nadda was appointed as BJP's working president during the party's parliamentary board meeting on Monday.

The decision by BJP's highest decision-making body was announced by former party president and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh after the meeting, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah.

Shah will remain the party's national president. "J P Nadda will be party's working president," Singh told reporters.

According to sources, the board requested Shah to continue till the party's membership drive and organisational elections were completed but he pointed out that being the Union Home Minister he would be engaged in so many other matters.&nbsp;

This is for the first time the party has appointed a working president.

Shah's tenure ends in December 2019 and he may not like to get an extension as the party has principal of 'one man, one post', sources said.

Nadda, currently BJP's parliamentary board secretary, will continue as working president till BJP's organisational election are over, sources said and indicated that he may succeed Shah.

Nadda, 58, was given the responsibility of Uttar Pradesh ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in which the BJP bagged 62 out of the 80 seats in the politically-critical state.&nbsp;

A three-time MLA, Nadda represents Himachal Pradesh in Rajya Sabha and enjoys the confidence of the party's top brass. He was the health minister in the Modi government in the previous term.

The decision to appoint Nadda came days after the BJP at a meeting of its national office bearers decided to carry out a membership drive to increase its members by 20 per cent followed by the party's organisational polls.

The party will start the drive from July 6, birth anniversary of its founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee.

The entire exercise may take several months to be concluded, which means that the party may fight assembly elections in three states - Haryana, Jharkhand and Maharashtra - later this year under Shah and Nadda.&nbsp;

Former Union minister J P Nadda was appointed as BJP's working president during the party's parliamentary board meeting on Monday. The decision by BJP's highest decision-making body was announced by former party president and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh after the meeting, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah.

Former Union minister J P Nadda was appointed as BJP's working president during the party's parliamentary board meeting on Monday. The decision by BJP's highest decision-making body was announced by former party president and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh after the meeting, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah. Shah will remain the party's national president. "J P Nadda will be party's working president," Singh told reporters. According to sources, the board requested Shah to continue till the party's membership drive and organisational elections were completed but he pointed out that being the Union Home Minister he would be engaged in so many other matters. This is for the first time the party has appointed a working president. Shah's tenure ends in December 2019 and he may not like to get an extension as the party has principal of 'one man, one post', sources said. Nadda, currently BJP's parliamentary board secretary, will continue as working president till BJP's organisational election are over, sources said and indicated that he may succeed Shah. Nadda, 58, was given the responsibility of Uttar Pradesh ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in which the BJP bagged 62 out of the 80 seats in the politically-critical state. A three-time MLA, Nadda represents Himachal Pradesh in Rajya Sabha and enjoys the confidence of the party's top brass. He was the health minister in the Modi government in the previous term. The decision to appoint Nadda came days after the BJP at a meeting of its national office bearers decided to carry out a membership drive to increase its members by 20 per cent followed by the party's organisational polls. The party will start the drive from July 6, birth anniversary of its founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The entire exercise may take several months to be concluded, which means that the party may fight assembly elections in three states - Haryana, Jharkhand and Maharashtra - later this year under Shah and Nadda.

JP Nadda appointed BJP's working president, Amit Shah to remain party chief

1st Day of Lok Sabha Session after Polls 2019, House To Elect Its Speaker This Week

Union Home Minister&nbsp;Amit Shah held a meeting with the party`s national office bearers and state presidents in New Delhi on Thursday.

The meeting organised at the Bharatiya Janata Party's national headquarter is likely to decide the party president for the BJP.

This happens to be the first meeting of all state chiefs with BJP president after a euphoric win in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

The meeting is&nbsp;attended by&nbsp;state in-charges and other senior states functionaries.

The BJP on Wednesday reconstituted its Parliamentary Party Executive Committee with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party president and Union Home Minister Amit Shah as its members.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has been appointed as the deputy leader of the party in Lok Sabha. Thawar Chand Gehlot has been appointed as the leader of the party in Rajya Sabha with Piyush Goyal as his deputy, according to a statement released by the party.

The Committee was constituted on Tuesday, the party said.

Prahlad Joshi has been appointed the government`s Chief Whip while Arjun Ram Meghwal and V Murleedharan will be the Deputy Chief Whip of the government in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha respectively.

Dr Sanjay Jaiswal has been appointed party`s Chief Whip in Lok Sabha and Narayan Lal Panchariya has been appointed the party`s Chief Whip in Upper House of Parliament. Gopal Shetty will be the new Treasurer.

The other leaders who have been appointed as the whips in Lok Sabha are - Pratima Bhaumik, Sunil Singh, Parvesh Verma, Kirit Bhai Solanki, Jugal Kishore Sharma, Nalin Kumar Kateel, Sudhir Gupta, Santosh Pandey, Kapil Moreshwar Patil, Suresh Pujari, Kanalmal Katara, Ajay Mishra, Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma, Pankaj Chaudhary, Khagen Murmu, Ranjanaben Bhatt, Shobha Karandlaje, Locket Chatterjee.

Amar Sanker Sable, Shamsher Singh Manhas, Shwait Malik, Chunnibhai Patel, Ajay Pratap Singh, and Ashok Bajpai have been appointed as whips in Rajya Sabha.

According to the statement released by the BJP -- Nitin Gadkari, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Arjun Munda, Narendra Singh Tomar, Smriti Irani, Jual Oram are the special invitees for Lok Sabha.

For Rajya Sabha, the special invitees include - JP Nadda, Om Prakash Mathur, Nirmala Sitharaman, Dharmendra Pradhan, and Prakash Javadekar.

&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a meeting with the party`s national office bearers and state presidents in New Delhi on Thursday. The meeting organised at the Bharatiya Janata Party's national headquarter is likely to decide the party president for the BJP.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a meeting with the party`s national office bearers and state presidents in New Delhi on Thursday. The meeting organised at the Bharatiya Janata Party's national headquarter is likely to decide the party president for the BJP. This happens to be the first meeting of all state chiefs with BJP president after a euphoric win in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. The meeting is attended by state in-charges and other senior states functionaries. The BJP on Wednesday reconstituted its Parliamentary Party Executive Committee with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party president and Union Home Minister Amit Shah as its members. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has been appointed as the deputy leader of the party in Lok Sabha. Thawar Chand Gehlot has been appointed as the leader of the party in Rajya Sabha with Piyush Goyal as his deputy, according to a statement released by the party. The Committee was constituted on Tuesday, the party said. Prahlad Joshi has been appointed the government`s Chief Whip while Arjun Ram Meghwal and V Murleedharan will be the Deputy Chief Whip of the government in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha respectively. Dr Sanjay Jaiswal has been appointed party`s Chief Whip in Lok Sabha and Narayan Lal Panchariya has been appointed the party`s Chief Whip in Upper House of Parliament. Gopal Shetty will be the new Treasurer. The other leaders who have been appointed as the whips in Lok Sabha are - Pratima Bhaumik, Sunil Singh, Parvesh Verma, Kirit Bhai Solanki, Jugal Kishore Sharma, Nalin Kumar Kateel, Sudhir Gupta, Santosh Pandey, Kapil Moreshwar Patil, Suresh Pujari, Kanalmal Katara, Ajay Mishra, Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma, Pankaj Chaudhary, Khagen Murmu, Ranjanaben Bhatt, Shobha Karandlaje, Locket Chatterjee. Amar Sanker Sable, Shamsher Singh Manhas, Shwait Malik, Chunnibhai Patel, Ajay Pratap Singh, and Ashok Bajpai have been appointed as whips in Rajya Sabha. According to the statement released by the BJP -- Nitin Gadkari, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Arjun Munda, Narendra Singh Tomar, Smriti Irani, Jual Oram are the special invitees for Lok Sabha. For Rajya Sabha, the special invitees include - JP Nadda, Om Prakash Mathur, Nirmala Sitharaman, Dharmendra Pradhan, and Prakash Javadekar.

Amit Shah holds meeting with key BJP leaders

Properties belonging to All India Waqf Board will be geo-tagged and facilities like school, college, hospital, community centre, common centre and hostel will be constructed on them, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has announced.

"All Waqf properties will be geo-tagged and digitised. Schools, colleges, hospitals, community centres, common centres and hostels will be built on them," Naqvi told the media reporters on Wednesday.

He said that funds to construct these facilities will be provided under Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram.

The minister also said that the Centre will extend free coaching to Muslim girls for UPSC, banking and state services exams.

"Muslim girls will be given free coaching for UPSC, state services and banking services entrance exams preparation. We have talked to a few institutes and the process will begin this year after talking to all of them," Naqvi said.

On Tuesday, Naqvi had announced to connect Madrasas with the formal education system of the country in order to enable the students of these seminaries to "contribute to the development of the society".

The government has recently announced its decision to provided scholarship to five crore students belonging to the minority community in the next five years.

The announcements are considered as Bharatiya Janata Party`s outreach to the Muslim community to gain their faith.

Modernisation of Madrasas is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s plan that he laid out in the run-up to Lok Sabha elections in 2014.

"Hold Quran in one hand and computer in other," Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said.&nbsp;

Properties belonging to All India Waqf Board will be geo-tagged and facilities like school, college, hospital, community centre, common centre and hostel will be constructed on them, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has announced.

Properties belonging to All India Waqf Board will be geo-tagged and facilities like school, college, hospital, community centre, common centre and hostel will be constructed on them, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has announced. "All Waqf properties will be geo-tagged and digitised. Schools, colleges, hospitals, community centres, common centres and hostels will be built on them," Naqvi told the media reporters on Wednesday. He said that funds to construct these facilities will be provided under Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram. The minister also said that the Centre will extend free coaching to Muslim girls for UPSC, banking and state services exams. "Muslim girls will be given free coaching for UPSC, state services and banking services entrance exams preparation. We have talked to a few institutes and the process will begin this year after talking to all of them," Naqvi said. On Tuesday, Naqvi had announced to connect Madrasas with the formal education system of the country in order to enable the students of these seminaries to "contribute to the development of the society". The government has recently announced its decision to provided scholarship to five crore students belonging to the minority community in the next five years. The announcements are considered as Bharatiya Janata Party`s outreach to the Muslim community to gain their faith. Modernisation of Madrasas is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s plan that he laid out in the run-up to Lok Sabha elections in 2014. "Hold Quran in one hand and computer in other," Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said.

All Waqf properties will be geo-tagged and digitised: Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi

Union Home Minister and party president Amit Shah is expected to continue as the party chief till December this year, a&nbsp;report stated.

Shah will remain the party president to oversee important state elections in Haryana, Maharashtra and Jharkhand, the report added.

Amit Shah' s three-year term as BJP chief ended earlier this year, but he was asked to continue&nbsp;till the completion of party&nbsp;engineering.

Shah on Thursday held the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-holds-meeting-with-key-bjp-leaders-may-decide-next-party-president-226755"> first meeting of all state chiefs </a>after the historic victory of BJP in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

The meeting was organised at the BJP headquarters in Delhi and was attended by state in-charges and other senior states functionaries.

&nbsp;

Union Home Minister and party president Amit Shah is expected to continue as the party chief till December this year, a report stated. Shah will remain the party president to oversee important state elections in Haryana, Maharashtra and Jharkhand, the report added.

Union Home Minister and party president Amit Shah is expected to continue as the party chief till December this year, a report stated. Shah will remain the party president to oversee important state elections in Haryana, Maharashtra and Jharkhand, the report added. Amit Shah' s three-year term as BJP chief ended earlier this year, but he was asked to continue till the completion of party engineering. Shah on Thursday held the first meeting of all state chiefs after the historic victory of BJP in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. The meeting was organised at the BJP headquarters in Delhi and was attended by state in-charges and other senior states functionaries.

Amit Shah likely to remain party president till December: Report

The Union Home Minister Amit Shah sought a report from the West Bengal government on the incident of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-5-dead-as-bjp-trinamool-congress-clash-in-basirhat-225589">violence between the BJP and TMC workers</a> at North 24 Parganas district on Saturday in which reportedly 5 BJP and 1 TMC worker lost their lives.

"Union Home Minister has asked for a report from the state government and I am sure Centre will take this up seriously. There is a lot of anger among the people over the incident," said Kailash Vijayvargiya, BJP National General Secretary.

Four workers of the BJP were shot dead by members of the TMC in Basirhat's Sandeshkhali, BJP leader Mukul Roy has alleged.

The deaths took place on Saturday during a clash between workers of the two parties in the city of North 24 Parganas.

The removal of party flags had triggered the fight. "TMC goons attacked BJP workers and 4 of our workers were shot dead in Sandeshkhali, Basirhat. Their leader and Chief Minister is indulging in a reign of terror, we have sent a message to Home Minister Amit Shah ji, Kailash Vijayvargiya ji, and our state leaders," said Roy.

He said that a team of MPs will visit Sandeshkhali, Basirhat on Sunday to take stock of the situation and will send a report to the Home Minister Amit Shah.

Widespread violence involving the BJP and the TMC was witnessed during Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal, with both parties trading blame over the issue.

The polls have come to a close, but the two parties are still at loggerheads.In an election that was marred by violence, BJP made deep inroads into the Trinamool Congress territory by winning 18 seats in Lok Sabha and restricting the TMC to only 22 seats against 34 it had won in 2014 national polls.

The Union Home Minister Amit Shah sought a report from the West Bengal government on the incident of violence between the BJP and TMC workers at North 24 Parganas district on Saturday in which reportedly 5 BJP and 1 TMC worker lost their lives.

The Union Home Minister Amit Shah sought a report from the West Bengal government on the incident of violence between the BJP and TMC workers at North 24 Parganas district on Saturday in which reportedly 5 BJP and 1 TMC worker lost their lives. "Union Home Minister has asked for a report from the state government and I am sure Centre will take this up seriously. There is a lot of anger among the people over the incident," said Kailash Vijayvargiya, BJP National General Secretary. Four workers of the BJP were shot dead by members of the TMC in Basirhat's Sandeshkhali, BJP leader Mukul Roy has alleged. The deaths took place on Saturday during a clash between workers of the two parties in the city of North 24 Parganas. The removal of party flags had triggered the fight. "TMC goons attacked BJP workers and 4 of our workers were shot dead in Sandeshkhali, Basirhat. Their leader and Chief Minister is indulging in a reign of terror, we have sent a message to Home Minister Amit Shah ji, Kailash Vijayvargiya ji, and our state leaders," said Roy. He said that a team of MPs will visit Sandeshkhali, Basirhat on Sunday to take stock of the situation and will send a report to the Home Minister Amit Shah. Widespread violence involving the BJP and the TMC was witnessed during Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal, with both parties trading blame over the issue. The polls have come to a close, but the two parties are still at loggerheads.In an election that was marred by violence, BJP made deep inroads into the Trinamool Congress territory by winning 18 seats in Lok Sabha and restricting the TMC to only 22 seats against 34 it had won in 2014 national polls.

Amit Shah seeks report on West Bengal violence

The ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu Thursday claimed that efforts were being made to create a rift in its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/m-k-stalins-magananimity-ensured-bjp-aiadmk-rout-in-tamil-nadu-222257">alliance with the BJP</a>, but indicated the two parties were ideologically inclined beyond mere friendship.

The party also claimed that "misinformation" was being spread about the Centre trying to "impose a three-language formula" in the country, a reference to the state opposition parties' stand against the imposition of Hindi.

"Though the AIADMK-BJP alliance for the Lok Sabha polls was an extension of (their) friendship, the two speak in one voice on primary intent like patriotism and worship of God," AIADMK mouthpiece "Namathu Amma," said.

The write-up comes amidst reports of differences between the two alliance partners post the Lok Sabha drubbing where the combine could win just the Theni Parliamentary seat.

The write-up in the party organ slammed efforts by a section of "family-owned media", an apparent reference to those of the DMK, to "create rift between the leaf and flower."

While the AIADMK's symbol is the Two Leaves, that of the BJP is a Lotus.

The friendship between the high command of the two parties, beyond politics, was "unblemished", it said.

The AIADMK-BJP alliance winning the lone Theni Lok Sabha seat or the ruling party netting nine of the 22 Assembly seats where by-polls were held in April was a "public evaluation" of the combine, it added.

This evaluation was being "accepted wholeheartedly" to take efforts to ensure a better performance for the alliance in the future, it said.

It also alleged that "misinformation" was being carried out regarding the draft education policy of the Union HRD Ministry that the Centre was trying to impose a three-language formula in the country.

"But people have started to see through their designs," it said.

The opposition in Tamil Nadu led by the DMK is up in arms against any "imposition" of Hindi in the state, an emotive issue that found great resonance with the citizens of the state in the 1960s, leading to the anti-Hindi agitation.

DMK leader MK Stalin and other opposition leaders in the state have claimed the Centre was trying to impose Hindi under the three-language formula and that it withdrew its decision following opposition from Tamils.

The ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu Thursday claimed that efforts were being made to create a rift in its alliance with the BJP, but indicated the two parties were ideologically inclined beyond mere friendship.

The ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu Thursday claimed that efforts were being made to create a rift in its alliance with the BJP, but indicated the two parties were ideologically inclined beyond mere friendship. The party also claimed that "misinformation" was being spread about the Centre trying to "impose a three-language formula" in the country, a reference to the state opposition parties' stand against the imposition of Hindi. "Though the AIADMK-BJP alliance for the Lok Sabha polls was an extension of (their) friendship, the two speak in one voice on primary intent like patriotism and worship of God," AIADMK mouthpiece "Namathu Amma," said. The write-up comes amidst reports of differences between the two alliance partners post the Lok Sabha drubbing where the combine could win just the Theni Parliamentary seat. The write-up in the party organ slammed efforts by a section of "family-owned media", an apparent reference to those of the DMK, to "create rift between the leaf and flower." While the AIADMK's symbol is the Two Leaves, that of the BJP is a Lotus. The friendship between the high command of the two parties, beyond politics, was "unblemished", it said. The AIADMK-BJP alliance winning the lone Theni Lok Sabha seat or the ruling party netting nine of the 22 Assembly seats where by-polls were held in April was a "public evaluation" of the combine, it added. This evaluation was being "accepted wholeheartedly" to take efforts to ensure a better performance for the alliance in the future, it said. It also alleged that "misinformation" was being carried out regarding the draft education policy of the Union HRD Ministry that the Centre was trying to impose a three-language formula in the country. "But people have started to see through their designs," it said. The opposition in Tamil Nadu led by the DMK is up in arms against any "imposition" of Hindi in the state, an emotive issue that found great resonance with the citizens of the state in the 1960s, leading to the anti-Hindi agitation. DMK leader MK Stalin and other opposition leaders in the state have claimed the Centre was trying to impose Hindi under the three-language formula and that it withdrew its decision following opposition from Tamils.

AIADMK slams efforts to create rift in alliance with BJP

India's manufacturing sector expanded at its quickest pace in three months in May on improved output and new orders, according to a private business survey which also showed a pick up in hiring.

The survey found increased optimism about manufacturing activity over the coming year, probably helped as Prime Minister Narendra Modi scored a dramatic election victory on a mandate of business-friendly policies and a tough stand on national security.

Almost 70% of responses were collected after exit polls showed Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party would return to power for a second term.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-jumps-over-200-points-ahead-of-rbi-policy-meet-223755">Nikkei Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index</a> increased to 52.7 in May from April's eight-month low of 51.8, remaining above the 50-mark threshold that separates growth from contraction for a 22nd straight month.

"A revival in new order growth promoted a faster upturn in manufacturing production, as Indian firms sought to replenish inventories utilised in May to fulfil strengthening demand," Pollyanna De Lima, principal economist at IHS Markit, said in a release.

The new business orders sub-index, which tracks overall demand, rose as foreign demand increased at the fastest pace in three months. Output also grew at the strongest rate since February.

That led firms to increase the pace of hiring from the previous month when headcount was barely changed.

"To assist with higher output needs, and benefit from relatively muted cost inflation, companies stepped up hiring and input purchasing," De Lima said.

"Goods producers were also able to charge competitive prices due to negligible increases in their cost burdens, meaning not only higher sales in the domestic market, but also greater overseas demand."

Although input costs increased at a stronger pace in May, manufacturers did not pass on those pressures to customers and instead trimmed prices for the first time since December. The output prices sub-index dropped to 49.9 from 50.8.

That will help keep retail inflation muted and well below the Reserve Bank of India's 4% target, increasing the likelihood of an interest rate cut at the next policy review on June 6.

If the central bank cuts rates this week, as expected, it would mark the third consecutive easing in as many meetings.

India's manufacturing sector expanded at its quickest pace in three months in May on improved output and new orders, according to a private business survey which also showed a pick up in hiring.

India's manufacturing sector expanded at its quickest pace in three months in May on improved output and new orders, according to a private business survey which also showed a pick up in hiring. The survey found increased optimism about manufacturing activity over the coming year, probably helped as Prime Minister Narendra Modi scored a dramatic election victory on a mandate of business-friendly policies and a tough stand on national security. Almost 70% of responses were collected after exit polls showed Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party would return to power for a second term. The Nikkei Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index increased to 52.7 in May from April's eight-month low of 51.8, remaining above the 50-mark threshold that separates growth from contraction for a 22nd straight month. "A revival in new order growth promoted a faster upturn in manufacturing production, as Indian firms sought to replenish inventories utilised in May to fulfil strengthening demand," Pollyanna De Lima, principal economist at IHS Markit, said in a release. The new business orders sub-index, which tracks overall demand, rose as foreign demand increased at the fastest pace in three months. Output also grew at the strongest rate since February. That led firms to increase the pace of hiring from the previous month when headcount was barely changed. "To assist with higher output needs, and benefit from relatively muted cost inflation, companies stepped up hiring and input purchasing," De Lima said. "Goods producers were also able to charge competitive prices due to negligible increases in their cost burdens, meaning not only higher sales in the domestic market, but also greater overseas demand." Although input costs increased at a stronger pace in May, manufacturers did not pass on those pressures to customers and instead trimmed prices for the first time since December. The output prices sub-index dropped to 49.9 from 50.8. That will help keep retail inflation muted and well below the Reserve Bank of India's 4% target, increasing the likelihood of an interest rate cut at the next policy review on June 6. If the central bank cuts rates this week, as expected, it would mark the third consecutive easing in as many meetings.

India factory activity grows at fastest pace in three months in May: PMI

Refuting speculations of him joining Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress MLA Jay Kumar Gore on Saturday said that his meeting with BJP Minister Girish Mahajan was completely apolitical and was held to discuss the drought situation in his constituency.

Speaking to ANI, Gore said, "There hasn't been any discussion of me going to BJP. The place which I represent in the Legislative Assembly is facing drought. Water is required to be released in my constituency for the welfare of farmers. My meeting was completely apolitical."

Earlier Gore had met state Water Resources Minister, Mahajan triggering speculations of Gore joining the BJP.

Gore was accompanied by BJP MP Ranjitsinh Naik Nimbalkar to the meeting.

Congress was wiped out in the state in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections and could only win one seat while its ally NCP won four out of 48 seats.&nbsp;

Refuting speculations of him joining Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress MLA Jay Kumar Gore on Saturday said that his meeting with BJP Minister Girish Mahajan was completely apolitical and was held to discuss the drought situation in his constituency.

Refuting speculations of him joining Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress MLA Jay Kumar Gore on Saturday said that his meeting with BJP Minister Girish Mahajan was completely apolitical and was held to discuss the drought situation in his constituency. Speaking to ANI, Gore said, "There hasn't been any discussion of me going to BJP. The place which I represent in the Legislative Assembly is facing drought. Water is required to be released in my constituency for the welfare of farmers. My meeting was completely apolitical." Earlier Gore had met state Water Resources Minister, Mahajan triggering speculations of Gore joining the BJP. Gore was accompanied by BJP MP Ranjitsinh Naik Nimbalkar to the meeting. Congress was wiped out in the state in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections and could only win one seat while its ally NCP won four out of 48 seats.

No discussion on joining BJP: Cong MLA Gore on meet with BJP minister

In the first 100 days of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second term, a slew of 'big-bang' economic reforms that should please foreign investors are likely to be pursued, according to a top official at the government's main think tank.

The reforms will include changes in labour laws, privatisation moves, and creation of land banks for new industrial development, said Rajiv Kumar, vice chairman of NITI Aayog (National Institute for Transforming India), who reports directly to Modi.

"They (foreign investors) will have reasons to be happy. You will see a slew of reforms I can assure you of that. We are going to pretty much hit the ground running," Kumar told Reuters in an interview.

Modi is chairman of the think tank.

Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were last weeks declared landslide winners of India's general election with an increased majority in the Lok Sabha.

He was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-takes-oath-as-prime-minister-for-second-time-222847">sworn into office for his second term</a> on Thursday night.

Kumar was speaking before Modi on Thursday announced members of his new cabinet, though he hasn't said who will get which portfolio.

Watch: PM Narendra Modi to meet BIMSTEC leaders

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Niti Aayog, which now acts as the main centre for policy making and for driving new ideas, was founded four years back when Modi scrapped the 65-year old planning commission, saying that India was stifled with Soviet-style bureaucracy.

Kumar said reforms in India's complicated labour laws will see the light of day as early as the next parliamentary session in July when the government will place a new bill before the lower house for approval.

It will aim to combine 44 central laws into four codes – wages, industrial relations, social security and welfare, and the fourth - occupational safety, health and working conditions.

This should help companies avoid getting embroiled in a series of complicated disputes with their workers and officials that involve regulations set by authorities at different levels of government and can lead to long, drawn-out adjudication in various parts of the legal system.

The government could also offer swathes of land to foreign investors from the land banks it plans to create from unutilised land controlled by public sector enterprises, Kumar said.

"What could be attempted is to build an inventory of government land that can then be offered to foreign investors," Kumar said.

The land parcels could be designed as clusters catering to a specific set of investors or industrial sectors, Kumar said.

Getting access to some of the large amounts of unutilised Indian government land would reduce major risks for foreign companies as there would be a lot less risk of legal challenges over ownership and development. A lot of the sites they have used in the past was previously farmland, opening them up to protests and court action by local communities over land rights, the environment and other issues.

Kumar said the government will focus on fully privatising or closing more than 42 state-controlled companies in the coming months. The government is even mulling lifting the foreign direct investment cap on Air India, the loss-making state-owned flagship carrier, to make it easier to sell.

Kumar also said that it could create an autonomous holding company that would control all state-owned firms and wouldn't be answerable to lots of different ministries. This would speed up decision making for asset sales, avoiding much of the central government's bureaucracy.

In the first 100 days of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second term, a slew of 'big-bang' economic reforms that should please foreign investors are likely to be pursued, according to a top official at the government's main think tank.

In the first 100 days of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second term, a slew of 'big-bang' economic reforms that should please foreign investors are likely to be pursued, according to a top official at the government's main think tank. The reforms will include changes in labour laws, privatisation moves, and creation of land banks for new industrial development, said Rajiv Kumar, vice chairman of NITI Aayog (National Institute for Transforming India), who reports directly to Modi. "They (foreign investors) will have reasons to be happy. You will see a slew of reforms I can assure you of that. We are going to pretty much hit the ground running," Kumar told Reuters in an interview. Modi is chairman of the think tank. Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were last weeks declared landslide winners of India's general election with an increased majority in the Lok Sabha. He was sworn into office for his second term on Thursday night. Kumar was speaking before Modi on Thursday announced members of his new cabinet, though he hasn't said who will get which portfolio. Watch: PM Narendra Modi to meet BIMSTEC leaders × Niti Aayog, which now acts as the main centre for policy making and for driving new ideas, was founded four years back when Modi scrapped the 65-year old planning commission, saying that India was stifled with Soviet-style bureaucracy. Kumar said reforms in India's complicated labour laws will see the light of day as early as the next parliamentary session in July when the government will place a new bill before the lower house for approval. It will aim to combine 44 central laws into four codes – wages, industrial relations, social security and welfare, and the fourth - occupational safety, health and working conditions. This should help companies avoid getting embroiled in a series of complicated disputes with their workers and officials that involve regulations set by authorities at different levels of government and can lead to long, drawn-out adjudication in various parts of the legal system. The government could also offer swathes of land to foreign investors from the land banks it plans to create from unutilised land controlled by public sector enterprises, Kumar said. "What could be attempted is to build an inventory of government land that can then be offered to foreign investors," Kumar said. The land parcels could be designed as clusters catering to a specific set of investors or industrial sectors, Kumar said. Getting access to some of the large amounts of unutilised Indian government land would reduce major risks for foreign companies as there would be a lot less risk of legal challenges over ownership and development. A lot of the sites they have used in the past was previously farmland, opening them up to protests and court action by local communities over land rights, the environment and other issues. Kumar said the government will focus on fully privatising or closing more than 42 state-controlled companies in the coming months. The government is even mulling lifting the foreign direct investment cap on Air India, the loss-making state-owned flagship carrier, to make it easier to sell. Kumar also said that it could create an autonomous holding company that would control all state-owned firms and wouldn't be answerable to lots of different ministries. This would speed up decision making for asset sales, avoiding much of the central government's bureaucracy.

Foreign investors will have reasons to be happy in Modi's second term, says NITI Aayog official

The Trump administration has exuded confidence that the relationship between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/suspension-of-preferential-trade-status-for-india-under-gsp-is-done-deal-us-222997">India and the US</a> will see a very positive trajectory, hours after Narendra Modi was sworn in as the Prime Minister for the second term.&nbsp;

Modi on Thursday<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-takes-oath-as-prime-minister-for-second-time-222847"> took the oath of office, helming a 58-member ministry</a>. He led his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) towards a resounding victory, crossing the 300 marks for 542 Lok Sabha seats.

"This is really a resilient partnership. It enjoys bipartisan support. It has the structures and it has a strategic commitment in place to take advantage of our leader's vision. I anticipate a very positive trajectory moving forward,"&nbsp;a senior State Department Official said on Thursday.

As was evident in the tweets, statements and phone calls from the US President, Vice President and Secretary of State after the Indian elections, the US looks forward to working with Prime Minister Modi and his government in the second term, the official said.

"We do expect that our strategic partnership will continue to flourish under his leadership,"&nbsp;the official added.

Recalling Modi's 2017 visit to the US, the official said that Trump and the Indian prime minister enjoy a warm relationship and personal chemistry.

"You saw that when the prime minister was here in June of 2017. That means that the sort of the geopolitical compulsion to this relationship is matched by a personal leadership commitment to advance relations,"&nbsp;the official said.

According to the official, Trump and Modi will meet in Japan on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit next month in Osaka, Japan. A trilateral meeting involving the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been planned, the official said.

Watch: Here's look at new cabinet entrants in PM Narendra Modi's Council of Ministers

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The partnership encompasses cooperation on a broad range of economic, defence and security issues and stands on the foundation of extensive people to people ties and shared democratic values, the official said.

"There's been significant momentum in the relationship since the Prime Minister's visit to Washington with the two plus two mechanisms that was developed last year. The meetings between our ministers of foreign affairs and defence will continue to serve as a strategic vehicle for our engagement with India,"&nbsp;the official said.

It capped off last year with the assigning of a secure communications agreement that was 10 years in the negotiations and represented a breakthrough and their ability to achieve military interoperability.

"We are looking forward again to early high-level contact with the Modi 2.0 government. We will have the G-20 meeting opportunity between our heads of state,"&nbsp;the official said.

There will be a senior level participation at US-India Forum in New Delhi in August. There will be two plus two intercessional and maritime security dialogue in August and two plus two ministerial in early fall.

The Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo will be speaking at the June 12 US-India Business Council's India Ideas summit in Washington.

According to the official, the mechanisms for this engagement reflect what are now very developed habits of cooperation between the two countries that are allowing them to push the agenda much more rapidly in the past.

Much of the expansion in this relationship has been a result of the Indo Pacific strategy and this common vision that the two countries share secures a rules-based free and open Indo-Pacific region, the official said.

The two countries, the official said also share complimentary visions based on democratic norms and rule of law.

"We also share concerns. Concerns about predatory lending, lending and norm defined practices that have been seen in the region. That's why you've seen the US and Indian Navy's alongside those of Japan and the Philippines conduct a group sale for the first time ever in the south China Sea this month,"&nbsp;the official said.

"We're also looking forward to our first ever try service military exercise involving the US and India Navy Air Force and army at the end of this year to further increase interoperability. And you'll continue to see forward movement on defence enabling agreements that will further deepen our information sharing and interoperability,"&nbsp;the official said.

The Trump administration has exuded confidence that the relationship between India and the US will see a very positive trajectory, hours after Narendra Modi was sworn in as the Prime Minister for the second term.

The Trump administration has exuded confidence that the relationship between India and the US will see a very positive trajectory, hours after Narendra Modi was sworn in as the Prime Minister for the second term. Modi on Thursday took the oath of office, helming a 58-member ministry. He led his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) towards a resounding victory, crossing the 300 marks for 542 Lok Sabha seats. "This is really a resilient partnership. It enjoys bipartisan support. It has the structures and it has a strategic commitment in place to take advantage of our leader's vision. I anticipate a very positive trajectory moving forward," a senior State Department Official said on Thursday. As was evident in the tweets, statements and phone calls from the US President, Vice President and Secretary of State after the Indian elections, the US looks forward to working with Prime Minister Modi and his government in the second term, the official said. "We do expect that our strategic partnership will continue to flourish under his leadership," the official added. Recalling Modi's 2017 visit to the US, the official said that Trump and the Indian prime minister enjoy a warm relationship and personal chemistry. "You saw that when the prime minister was here in June of 2017. That means that the sort of the geopolitical compulsion to this relationship is matched by a personal leadership commitment to advance relations," the official said. According to the official, Trump and Modi will meet in Japan on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit next month in Osaka, Japan. A trilateral meeting involving the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been planned, the official said. Watch: Here's look at new cabinet entrants in PM Narendra Modi's Council of Ministers × The partnership encompasses cooperation on a broad range of economic, defence and security issues and stands on the foundation of extensive people to people ties and shared democratic values, the official said. "There's been significant momentum in the relationship since the Prime Minister's visit to Washington with the two plus two mechanisms that was developed last year. The meetings between our ministers of foreign affairs and defence will continue to serve as a strategic vehicle for our engagement with India," the official said. It capped off last year with the assigning of a secure communications agreement that was 10 years in the negotiations and represented a breakthrough and their ability to achieve military interoperability. "We are looking forward again to early high-level contact with the Modi 2.0 government. We will have the G-20 meeting opportunity between our heads of state," the official said. There will be a senior level participation at US-India Forum in New Delhi in August. There will be two plus two intercessional and maritime security dialogue in August and two plus two ministerial in early fall. The Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo will be speaking at the June 12 US-India Business Council's India Ideas summit in Washington. According to the official, the mechanisms for this engagement reflect what are now very developed habits of cooperation between the two countries that are allowing them to push the agenda much more rapidly in the past. Much of the expansion in this relationship has been a result of the Indo Pacific strategy and this common vision that the two countries share secures a rules-based free and open Indo-Pacific region, the official said. The two countries, the official said also share complimentary visions based on democratic norms and rule of law. "We also share concerns. Concerns about predatory lending, lending and norm defined practices that have been seen in the region. That's why you've seen the US and Indian Navy's alongside those of Japan and the Philippines conduct a group sale for the first time ever in the south China Sea this month," the official said. "We're also looking forward to our first ever try service military exercise involving the US and India Navy Air Force and army at the end of this year to further increase interoperability. And you'll continue to see forward movement on defence enabling agreements that will further deepen our information sharing and interoperability," the official said.

'Anticipate positive trajectory in ties with India,' says US after Modi takes oath

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Telangana G Kishan Reddy, who was sworn-in as a Minister of State, is a leader who rose through the ranks.

The BJP leader won the Secunderabad Lok Sabha seat in Telangana by a comfortable margin.

Reddy, who started his political career in 1977 as an ordinary worker with the Janata Party, had served as president of BJP in undivided Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and also as national president of BJYM, BJP's youth wing.

He also functioned as the party's floor leader of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly.

Born in 1960 in neighbouring Ranga Reddy district, Kishan Reddy was inspired by Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan and RSS leaders before he plunged into public service.

After working with Janata Party as an activist, he joined the BJP when it was formed in 1980.

Reddy's growth in the saffron party was gradual and he was appointed as the president of BJYM in 2002 when the party was in power at the Centre.&nbsp;

Reddy formed the World Youth Council Against Terrorism (WYCAT), an apolitical organisation, when he was the president of BJYM.

He organised a World Youth Convention under the auspices of WYCAT in New Delhi in which delegates from over 50 countries participated.

He conducted a 'Seema Suraksha Jagran Yatra' with the objective of expressing solidarity with the people living in border areas.&nbsp;

Reddy contested Assembly polls for the first time in 2004 (from Himayatnagar in Hyderabad) and got elected. His work won him laurels though he was the only MLA for his party then.

After delimitation of constituencies, he was subsequently elected to the Assembly from Amberpet constituency in the city in 2009 and 2014.&nbsp;

He, however, lost the Assembly elections held in December 2018, the first in Telangana after its formation.

With sitting Lok Sabha member and former Union Minister Bandaru Dattatreya being denied the ticket, Kishan Reddy was chosen by the party to contest from Secunderabad in the recently held Lok Sabha polls.

Reddy also worked for social causes, including well being of children suffering from heart ailments. His effort, along with others, made the then government come up with a scheme to help such children.

He headed the Telangana Home Guards Association and undertook agitations, seeking equal treatment, respect and improvement in their living conditions.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Telangana G Kishan Reddy, who was sworn-in as a Minister of State, is a leader who rose through the ranks. The BJP leader won the Secunderabad Lok Sabha seat in Telangana by a comfortable margin.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Telangana G Kishan Reddy, who was sworn-in as a Minister of State, is a leader who rose through the ranks. The BJP leader won the Secunderabad Lok Sabha seat in Telangana by a comfortable margin. Reddy, who started his political career in 1977 as an ordinary worker with the Janata Party, had served as president of BJP in undivided Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and also as national president of BJYM, BJP's youth wing. He also functioned as the party's floor leader of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly. Born in 1960 in neighbouring Ranga Reddy district, Kishan Reddy was inspired by Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan and RSS leaders before he plunged into public service. After working with Janata Party as an activist, he joined the BJP when it was formed in 1980. Reddy's growth in the saffron party was gradual and he was appointed as the president of BJYM in 2002 when the party was in power at the Centre. Reddy formed the World Youth Council Against Terrorism (WYCAT), an apolitical organisation, when he was the president of BJYM. He organised a World Youth Convention under the auspices of WYCAT in New Delhi in which delegates from over 50 countries participated. He conducted a 'Seema Suraksha Jagran Yatra' with the objective of expressing solidarity with the people living in border areas. Reddy contested Assembly polls for the first time in 2004 (from Himayatnagar in Hyderabad) and got elected. His work won him laurels though he was the only MLA for his party then. After delimitation of constituencies, he was subsequently elected to the Assembly from Amberpet constituency in the city in 2009 and 2014. He, however, lost the Assembly elections held in December 2018, the first in Telangana after its formation. With sitting Lok Sabha member and former Union Minister Bandaru Dattatreya being denied the ticket, Kishan Reddy was chosen by the party to contest from Secunderabad in the recently held Lok Sabha polls. Reddy also worked for social causes, including well being of children suffering from heart ailments. His effort, along with others, made the then government come up with a scheme to help such children. He headed the Telangana Home Guards Association and undertook agitations, seeking equal treatment, respect and improvement in their living conditions.

G Kishan Reddy: Telangana MP who rose through the ranks

Twelve Congress MLAs in Manipur have resigned from state party posts, triggering speculation about the possibility of their crossing over to the ruling BJP, but a senior legislator among them on Thursday said they had no intention of joining any other party.

The resignation of the MLAs from the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) came on Wednesday after the grand old party lost both the Lok Sabha seats in the north-eastern state.

While the Inner Manipur seat was won by Rajkumar Ranjan Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Lorho S Pfoze of the Naga People's Front (NPF) got elected from the Outer Manipur constituency.

The resignations triggered speculation if the Congress MLAs were planning to join the BJP, but some of them dismissed it, saying their action was aimed at strengthening the party at the grassroot level.

The BJP heads a coalition government in the state led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

The 12 Congress MLAs submitted their resignations to PCC president Gaikhangam, who is also a member of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-workers-gather-outside-rahul-gandhis-residence-urging-him-not-to-resign-222563">Congress Working Committee</a> (CWC).

The Congress had 29 MLAs in the state after the 2017 Assembly polls, but eight of its legislators had defected to the BJP last year, taking the saffron party's tally from 21 to 29 in the 60-member House.

At present, the BJP also enjoys the support of one MLA each of the LJP and the AITC, besides that of an Independent member and four National People's Party (NPP) legislators.

In 2017, the saffron party was able to form the government in the state with the support of the NPF, the NPP and others.

Kh Joykishan Singh, who submitted his resignation from the post of MPCC vice-president, told PTI on Thursday that all the 12 MLAs were in solidarity with the Congress.

"Our resignation from the party posts is to enable us to work at the grassroots level in our Assembly constituencies to restore the confidence of the people in the Congress," he said.

Echoing similar views, Gaikhangam said the legislators would now focus on strengthening the party organisation in the state.

Asked whether the party would accept their resignation, the MPCC president said, "It is up to AICC president Rahul Gandhi to take the final decision."

Though the NPF decided to withdraw support to the BJP-led government in Manipur this month, its state president Awangbou Newmai had said on May 19 that it would be implemented after the Lok Sabha poll process was completed on May 23.

Twelve Congress MLAs in Manipur have resigned from state party posts, triggering speculation about the possibility of their crossing over to the ruling BJP, but a senior legislator among them on Thursday said they had no intention of joining any other party.

Twelve Congress MLAs in Manipur have resigned from state party posts, triggering speculation about the possibility of their crossing over to the ruling BJP, but a senior legislator among them on Thursday said they had no intention of joining any other party. The resignation of the MLAs from the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) came on Wednesday after the grand old party lost both the Lok Sabha seats in the north-eastern state. While the Inner Manipur seat was won by Rajkumar Ranjan Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Lorho S Pfoze of the Naga People's Front (NPF) got elected from the Outer Manipur constituency. The resignations triggered speculation if the Congress MLAs were planning to join the BJP, but some of them dismissed it, saying their action was aimed at strengthening the party at the grassroot level. The BJP heads a coalition government in the state led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The 12 Congress MLAs submitted their resignations to PCC president Gaikhangam, who is also a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC). The Congress had 29 MLAs in the state after the 2017 Assembly polls, but eight of its legislators had defected to the BJP last year, taking the saffron party's tally from 21 to 29 in the 60-member House. At present, the BJP also enjoys the support of one MLA each of the LJP and the AITC, besides that of an Independent member and four National People's Party (NPP) legislators. In 2017, the saffron party was able to form the government in the state with the support of the NPF, the NPP and others. Kh Joykishan Singh, who submitted his resignation from the post of MPCC vice-president, told PTI on Thursday that all the 12 MLAs were in solidarity with the Congress. "Our resignation from the party posts is to enable us to work at the grassroots level in our Assembly constituencies to restore the confidence of the people in the Congress," he said. Echoing similar views, Gaikhangam said the legislators would now focus on strengthening the party organisation in the state. Asked whether the party would accept their resignation, the MPCC president said, "It is up to AICC president Rahul Gandhi to take the final decision." Though the NPF decided to withdraw support to the BJP-led government in Manipur this month, its state president Awangbou Newmai had said on May 19 that it would be implemented after the Lok Sabha poll process was completed on May 23.

Manipur: 12 Congress MLAs resign from party posts