Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar on July 2 joined hands with the NDA government in Maharashtra. He took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra in presence of CM Eknath Shinde and Dy CM Fadnavis. Ajit Pawar reached Raj Bhavan after holding a meeting with NCP leaders at his residence.

India: NCP’s Ajit Pawar sworn in as deputy CM of Maharashtra in Eknath Shinde-led govt

India: Major political coup in Maharashtra, NCP’s Ajit Pawar joins NDA government

<p>Congress leader and&nbsp;Himachal Pradesh Minister&nbsp;Vikramaditya Singh&nbsp;has expressed his support for the Uniform Civil Code in a stance that is at variance with that of his party. Several Congress leaders have questioned the BJP-led government over the move with former finance minister P Chidambaram dubbing the proposal as tactics by an "agenda-driven majoritarian government."&nbsp;<br />
<br />
"We have said that whenever Uniform Civil Code comes, we will support it. Congress party has always contributed towards taking unity and integrity forward,"&nbsp;Vikramaditya Singh&nbsp;told ANI.<br />
<br />
The Himachal PWD minister is the son of Himachal Congress chief Pratibha Singh and the late six-time chief minister Virbhadra Singh.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Earlier in a tweet, Chidambaram responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent pitch for Uniform Civil Code in the country stated that while in an abstract sense the PM equating a nation to a family may appear true, the reality is very different.<br />
<br />
"A family is knit together by blood relationships. A nation is brought together by a Constitution which is a political-legal document. Even in a family there is diversity. The Constitution of India recognised diversity and plurality among the people of India. A UCC is an aspiration. It cannot be forced on the people by an agenda-driven majoritarian government," Chidambaram said.<br />
<br />
"...A UCC imposed on the people will only widen the divisions The Hon'ble PM's strong pitch for the UCC is intended to divert attention from inflation, unemployment, hate crimes, discrimination and denying States' rights. The people must be vigilant. Having failed in good governance, the BJP is deploying the UCC to polarise the electorate and attempt to win the next elections," he added.<br />
<br />
Former Himachal Pradesh CM and BJP leader Jairam Thakur&nbsp;welcomed&nbsp;Vikramaditya Singh's remarks.<br />
<br />
"When talks are held about UCC, the inner voices of a lot of people from different political parties and ideologies tell them that if this decision will be taken, it will be in the interest of the nation and society. We have always demanded that the law should be the same for all...If&nbsp;Vikramaditya Singh&nbsp;has said this, it means that he listened to his conscience and expressed it," the BJP leader said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-what-is-the-contentious-issue-of-indias-uniform-civil-code-610086">What is so contentious about India's Uniform Civil Code that&nbsp;aims to annul personal laws?&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p><br />
The Law Commission had on June 14 reopened its exercise on the UCC by soliciting "views and ideas" from the public and "recognised" religious organisations within 30 days about the proposal that has been on the ruling BJP's agenda for long.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Congress general secretary (communications)&nbsp;Jairam Ramesh&nbsp;had said it was "strange" that the 22nd Law Commission was seeking a fresh reference on the UCC. The Congress leader said the move represents the ruling BJP-led coalition's "desperation for a legitimate justification of its continuing agenda of diversion from its glaring failures".<br />
<br />
"The real reason is that the 21st Law Commission, after carrying out a detailed and comprehensive review of the subject, observed that it is 'neither necessary nor desirable at this stage' to have a UCC," he said.<br />
<br />
Vikramaditya Singh&nbsp;also slammed the BJP and said, "Every time before election they bring such topics to divert from the main issues".&nbsp;<br />
<br />
He said Congress has always stated that "whenever UCC comes we will support it but we must concentrate on main issues".<br />
<br />
He also lashed out at the BJP over the current situation in Manipur. "Manipur has been burning for over a month and is on the verge of a civil war. But no action has been taken against the chief minister. BJP doesn't speak of the real burning issues in the country and starts a new debate to mislead people."<br />
<br />
<strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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Congress leader and Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh has expressed his support for the Uniform Civil Code in a stance that is at variance with that of his party.

Congress leader and Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh has expressed his support for the Uniform Civil Code in a stance that is at variance with that of his party. Several Congress leaders have questioned the BJP-led government over the move with former finance minister P Chidambaram dubbing the proposal as tactics by an "agenda-driven majoritarian government." "We have said that whenever Uniform Civil Code comes, we will support it. Congress party has always contributed towards taking unity and integrity forward," Vikramaditya Singh told ANI. The Himachal PWD minister is the son of Himachal Congress chief Pratibha Singh and the late six-time chief minister Virbhadra Singh. Earlier in a tweet, Chidambaram responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent pitch for Uniform Civil Code in the country stated that while in an abstract sense the PM equating a nation to a family may appear true, the reality is very different. "A family is knit together by blood relationships. A nation is brought together by a Constitution which is a political-legal document. Even in a family there is diversity. The Constitution of India recognised diversity and plurality among the people of India. A UCC is an aspiration. It cannot be forced on the people by an agenda-driven majoritarian government," Chidambaram said. "...A UCC imposed on the people will only widen the divisions The Hon'ble PM's strong pitch for the UCC is intended to divert attention from inflation, unemployment, hate crimes, discrimination and denying States' rights. The people must be vigilant. Having failed in good governance, the BJP is deploying the UCC to polarise the electorate and attempt to win the next elections," he added. Former Himachal Pradesh CM and BJP leader Jairam Thakur welcomed Vikramaditya Singh's remarks. "When talks are held about UCC, the inner voices of a lot of people from different political parties and ideologies tell them that if this decision will be taken, it will be in the interest of the nation and society. We have always demanded that the law should be the same for all...If Vikramaditya Singh has said this, it means that he listened to his conscience and expressed it," the BJP leader said. Also read | What is so contentious about India's Uniform Civil Code that aims to annul personal laws? The Law Commission had on June 14 reopened its exercise on the UCC by soliciting "views and ideas" from the public and "recognised" religious organisations within 30 days about the proposal that has been on the ruling BJP's agenda for long. Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh had said it was "strange" that the 22nd Law Commission was seeking a fresh reference on the UCC. The Congress leader said the move represents the ruling BJP-led coalition's "desperation for a legitimate justification of its continuing agenda of diversion from its glaring failures". "The real reason is that the 21st Law Commission, after carrying out a detailed and comprehensive review of the subject, observed that it is 'neither necessary nor desirable at this stage' to have a UCC," he said. Vikramaditya Singh also slammed the BJP and said, "Every time before election they bring such topics to divert from the main issues". He said Congress has always stated that "whenever UCC comes we will support it but we must concentrate on main issues". He also lashed out at the BJP over the current situation in Manipur. "Manipur has been burning for over a month and is on the verge of a civil war. But no action has been taken against the chief minister. BJP doesn't speak of the real burning issues in the country and starts a new debate to mislead people." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

We will support Uniform Civil Code, says Himachal minister from Congress Vikramaditya Singh

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<p>Earlier this week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in one of his most vocal pitches, batted for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and called out opposition parties for manipulating and misleading the minority communities against it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After PM Modi's speech, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB),&nbsp;a non-governmental organisation that represents the interests of Muslims in matters of personal law, held an emergency meeting on the issue. According to reports, the Board is opposed to UCC and is contemplating a strategy to counter the proposed move.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our stand is that UCC is against the spirit of the Constitution and we will oppose it strongly. India is a country where many religions and cultures are followed. So, the UCC is not only going to affect the Muslims but also the Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Jews, Parsis and other minuscule minorities," said one AIMPLB member.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is the UCC?</strong></h2>

<p>UCC is a comprehensive set of common laws for all religions governing personal matters like marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, custody, alimony and others. It aims at ensuring equality among all religions.</p>

<p>Although the complete form of UCC is under debate, a fair idea finds a mention in the Indian Constitution. Part IV of the Constitution deals with the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) which is not justiciable or enforceable before the courts of the country but plays a 'fundamental' role in the governance. Article 44 mentions the "state shall endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for the citizens throughout the territory of India".</p>

<p>When Dr BR Ambedkar was drafting the Constitution, he believed that the UCC was needed but should remain voluntary for the moment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"No one need be apprehensive that if the State has the power, the State will immediately proceed to execute... that power, in a manner, may be found to be objectionable by the Muslims or by the Christians or by any other community. I think it would be a mad government if it did so," he said in his speech in the Constituent Assembly.</p>

<p>Ambedkar expressed his visible frustration towards the personal laws by asking members of the Constituent Assembly, "Why religion should be given expansive jurisdiction which is full of inequities, discriminations and other things, which conflict with fundamental rights."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/muslim-law-board-to-present-its-views-by-july-first-week-after-pm-modi-bats-for-uniform-civil-code-609706"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Muslim law board to present its views by July first week after PM Modi bats for Uniform Civil Code</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Why BJP is after it?</strong></h2>

<p>More than anything, for the BJP, UCC remains an ideological promise that it has made to the country's electorate time and again to sweep the votes. During the canvassing trail for the 2019 General Elections, BJP promised in its manifesto that the party was committed to bringing UCC.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The loyal, core vote bank of BJP, the middle-class Hindus have been demanding that UCC be implemented. However, despite being in power for over nine years, the Modi government has remained reluctant to take the decisive step, perhaps to not anger a significant portion of the minorities. But with the 2024 elections nearby, the government has once again stepped up its rhetoric on the issue.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-uniform-civil-code-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-law-its-origin-current-status-604902"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;What is Uniform Civil Code? Here's everything you need to know about the law, its origin &amp; current status</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, the&nbsp;BJP government in Uttarakhand had announced it will implement UCC soon after coming to power. As of the latest update by Chief Minister&nbsp;Pushkar Singh Dhami, UCC will be implemented soon after the final draft of the Code is submitted by the state government-appointed committee.</p>

<h2><strong>What do the Indian courts have to say about it?</strong></h2>

<p>The Supreme Court of India has time and again nudged various governments to bring in the UCC, as it is a vociferous supporter of the same.</p>

<p>"There has been no attempt to frame a Uniform Civil Code applicable to all citizens of the country despite exhortations of this court in the case of Mohd Ahmed Khan vs Shah Bano and Sarla Mudgal and Others vs Union of India and Others," the apex court said in 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly, in November 2021, the Allahabad High Court highlighted that the UCC is mandatory. The single-judge bench of Justice Suneet Kumar said that “a common civil code will help the cause of national integration by removing disparate loyalties to laws that have conflicting ideologies.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uniform-civil-code-indian-pm-pitches-for-ucc-slams-oppositions-vote-bank-politics-609528"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Uniform Civil Code: Indian PM pitches for UCC, slams opposition’s vote-bank politics</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Why are some against UCC implementation?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>One of the main arguments that make the implementation of UCC contentious is that it contradicts the constitutional freedom to practice the religion of choice which allows religious communities to follow their respective personal laws.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Article 25 and Article 29 of the Constitution allow every religious group the right to manage its own affairs and the right to conserve its distinct culture, respectively. Muslim organisations, including AIMPLB, fear that once UCC is implemented, the common identity of Muslims will be snatched away.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, some fear that UCC will impose a Hinduised code for all communities. Despite the provisions nowhere near being drafted, some believe that personal issues like marriage, in line with Hindu customs will be legally enforced on other communities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Earlier this week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in one of his most vocal pitches, batted for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and called out opposition parties for manipulating and misleading the minority communities against it.

Earlier this week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in one of his most vocal pitches, batted for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and called out opposition parties for manipulating and misleading the minority communities against it. After PM Modi's speech, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), a non-governmental organisation that represents the interests of Muslims in matters of personal law, held an emergency meeting on the issue. According to reports, the Board is opposed to UCC and is contemplating a strategy to counter the proposed move. "Our stand is that UCC is against the spirit of the Constitution and we will oppose it strongly. India is a country where many religions and cultures are followed. So, the UCC is not only going to affect the Muslims but also the Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Jews, Parsis and other minuscule minorities," said one AIMPLB member. What is the UCC? UCC is a comprehensive set of common laws for all religions governing personal matters like marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, custody, alimony and others. It aims at ensuring equality among all religions. Although the complete form of UCC is under debate, a fair idea finds a mention in the Indian Constitution. Part IV of the Constitution deals with the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) which is not justiciable or enforceable before the courts of the country but plays a 'fundamental' role in the governance. Article 44 mentions the "state shall endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for the citizens throughout the territory of India". When Dr BR Ambedkar was drafting the Constitution, he believed that the UCC was needed but should remain voluntary for the moment. "No one need be apprehensive that if the State has the power, the State will immediately proceed to execute... that power, in a manner, may be found to be objectionable by the Muslims or by the Christians or by any other community. I think it would be a mad government if it did so," he said in his speech in the Constituent Assembly. Ambedkar expressed his visible frustration towards the personal laws by asking members of the Constituent Assembly, "Why religion should be given expansive jurisdiction which is full of inequities, discriminations and other things, which conflict with fundamental rights." Also read | Muslim law board to present its views by July first week after PM Modi bats for Uniform Civil Code Why BJP is after it? More than anything, for the BJP, UCC remains an ideological promise that it has made to the country's electorate time and again to sweep the votes. During the canvassing trail for the 2019 General Elections, BJP promised in its manifesto that the party was committed to bringing UCC. The loyal, core vote bank of BJP, the middle-class Hindus have been demanding that UCC be implemented. However, despite being in power for over nine years, the Modi government has remained reluctant to take the decisive step, perhaps to not anger a significant portion of the minorities. But with the 2024 elections nearby, the government has once again stepped up its rhetoric on the issue. Also read | What is Uniform Civil Code? Here's everything you need to know about the law, its origin & current status Notably, the BJP government in Uttarakhand had announced it will implement UCC soon after coming to power. As of the latest update by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, UCC will be implemented soon after the final draft of the Code is submitted by the state government-appointed committee. What do the Indian courts have to say about it? The Supreme Court of India has time and again nudged various governments to bring in the UCC, as it is a vociferous supporter of the same. "There has been no attempt to frame a Uniform Civil Code applicable to all citizens of the country despite exhortations of this court in the case of Mohd Ahmed Khan vs Shah Bano and Sarla Mudgal and Others vs Union of India and Others," the apex court said in 2019. Similarly, in November 2021, the Allahabad High Court highlighted that the UCC is mandatory. The single-judge bench of Justice Suneet Kumar said that “a common civil code will help the cause of national integration by removing disparate loyalties to laws that have conflicting ideologies.” WATCH | Uniform Civil Code: Indian PM pitches for UCC, slams opposition’s vote-bank politics × Why are some against UCC implementation? One of the main arguments that make the implementation of UCC contentious is that it contradicts the constitutional freedom to practice the religion of choice which allows religious communities to follow their respective personal laws. Article 25 and Article 29 of the Constitution allow every religious group the right to manage its own affairs and the right to conserve its distinct culture, respectively. Muslim organisations, including AIMPLB, fear that once UCC is implemented, the common identity of Muslims will be snatched away. Moreover, some fear that UCC will impose a Hinduised code for all communities. Despite the provisions nowhere near being drafted, some believe that personal issues like marriage, in line with Hindu customs will be legally enforced on other communities. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained | What is so contentious about India's Uniform Civil Code that aims to annul personal laws?

<p>India's Union minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday opened a front against former parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi over his recent visit to the US. Irani attempted to establish a connection between Rahul Gandhi and George Soros, saying the Congress party leader "hobnobbed" with people having suspicious credentials, including those close to the billionaire.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Irani said Congress had failed to answer if Gandhi had indeed met Sunita Vishwanath, an activist accused by BJP of harbouring anti-Hindu views.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The question that has been left unanswered by the Congress party is - Is it true that Rahul Gandhi met Sunita Vishwanath&nbsp;during his trip to the US?" asked Irani.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When it is clear to every Indian what George Soros intends to do, why is Rahul Gandhi hobnobbing with those who are funded by Soros? It is also evident that this is not the only Soros connection. Even in Bharat Jodo Yatra in Karnataka, the Global Vice President of the Open Society Foundation, funded by George Soros, was found accompanying Rahul Gandhi," she added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Union Minister Smriti Irani says, "...The question that has been left unanswered by the Congress party is - Is it true that Rahul Gandhi met Sunita Vishwanath during his trip to the US?...When it is clear to every Indian what George Soros intends to do, why is Rahul… <a href="https://t.co/GhWoCjkTBS">pic.twitter.com/GhWoCjkTBS</a></p>
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<p>Referring to&nbsp;Tanzeem Ansari, project director of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), which has links to the Jamaat-e-Islami, Irani continued the salvo. According to Irani,&nbsp;Ansari was the individual who coordinated Gandhi's New York trip.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"What is extremely distressing is the link with the Islamic Circle of North America," she said, adding that if one ran a public domain search on the registration process for NRI interaction with Rahul Gandhi in New York, one will find the contact of Ansari.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Irani's previous attack on Soros</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, this is not the first time that Irani has called out Soros for being a divisive force. After Soros' comments on the Adani-Hindenburg report, Irani called him an "economic war criminal" and “a man who broke the Bank of England”.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Irani said Soros declared his “ill intentions to interfere in the democratic processes of India”, and wants a government that is pliable to his needs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-george-soros-who-broke-uks-central-bank-what-he-said-on-pm-modi-adani-know-all-his-controversies-563116"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Why is everyone talking about George Soros? What did he say about PM Modi &amp; Adani? Know all his controversies</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>BJP attempting to even the scales?</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the all-out attack by the BJP machinery on the Gandhi scion comes on the back of an FIR being filed against top leader Amit Malviya for an animated video uploaded on social media, following a complaint by a Karnataka Congress leader.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/openais-chatgpt-now-speaks-hindi-assamese-and-bangla-609916"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;OpenAI's ChatGPT now speaks Hindi, Assamese and Bangla</strong></a></p>

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<p>BJP leaders slammed the Congress for the FIR, saying it was politically motivated and designed to silence Malviya, who heads the party’s information technology cell.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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India's Union minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday opened a front against former parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi over his recent visit to the US. Irani attempted to establish a connection between Rahul Gandhi and George Soros, saying the Congress party leader "hobnobbed" with people having suspicious credentials, including those close to the billionaire.

India's Union minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday opened a front against former parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi over his recent visit to the US. Irani attempted to establish a connection between Rahul Gandhi and George Soros, saying the Congress party leader "hobnobbed" with people having suspicious credentials, including those close to the billionaire. Irani said Congress had failed to answer if Gandhi had indeed met Sunita Vishwanath, an activist accused by BJP of harbouring anti-Hindu views. "The question that has been left unanswered by the Congress party is - Is it true that Rahul Gandhi met Sunita Vishwanath during his trip to the US?" asked Irani. "When it is clear to every Indian what George Soros intends to do, why is Rahul Gandhi hobnobbing with those who are funded by Soros? It is also evident that this is not the only Soros connection. Even in Bharat Jodo Yatra in Karnataka, the Global Vice President of the Open Society Foundation, funded by George Soros, was found accompanying Rahul Gandhi," she added. #WATCH | Union Minister Smriti Irani says, "...The question that has been left unanswered by the Congress party is - Is it true that Rahul Gandhi met Sunita Vishwanath during his trip to the US?...When it is clear to every Indian what George Soros intends to do, why is Rahul… pic.twitter.com/GhWoCjkTBS — ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2023 × Referring to Tanzeem Ansari, project director of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), which has links to the Jamaat-e-Islami, Irani continued the salvo. According to Irani, Ansari was the individual who coordinated Gandhi's New York trip. "What is extremely distressing is the link with the Islamic Circle of North America," she said, adding that if one ran a public domain search on the registration process for NRI interaction with Rahul Gandhi in New York, one will find the contact of Ansari. Irani's previous attack on Soros Notably, this is not the first time that Irani has called out Soros for being a divisive force. After Soros' comments on the Adani-Hindenburg report, Irani called him an "economic war criminal" and “a man who broke the Bank of England”. Irani said Soros declared his “ill intentions to interfere in the democratic processes of India”, and wants a government that is pliable to his needs. Also read | Why is everyone talking about George Soros? What did he say about PM Modi & Adani? Know all his controversies BJP attempting to even the scales? Meanwhile, the all-out attack by the BJP machinery on the Gandhi scion comes on the back of an FIR being filed against top leader Amit Malviya for an animated video uploaded on social media, following a complaint by a Karnataka Congress leader. WATCH | OpenAI's ChatGPT now speaks Hindi, Assamese and Bangla × BJP leaders slammed the Congress for the FIR, saying it was politically motivated and designed to silence Malviya, who heads the party’s information technology cell. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Why is he hobnobbing...': BJP targets Rahul Gandhi for alleged George Soros link

<p>Drawing the battle lines, opposition parties on Friday resolved to take on the BJP unitedly in 2024 Lok Sabha elections at a crucial meeting in Patna, the capital of&nbsp;the eastern Indian state of Bihar, even as fissures emerged with the AAP asserting that it would be difficult for it to be part of any such gathering in future till the Congress publicly supports it on the ordinance issue.</p>

<p>At a joint press meeting, opposition parties said they would fight the polls on a common agenda and state-wise strategy, setting aside their differences with a flexible approach.</p>

<p>The plan of action is expected to be formulated at the second meeting to be chaired by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, tentatively on July 10 or 12, in Shimla.</p>

<p>"We will have to evolve separate plans for every state and will work together to dethrone the BJP at the Centre," Kharge said.</p>

<p>Launching a blistering attack on the BJP, West Bengal chief minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee claimed that if the "dictatorial government" at the Centre returns to power this time, there will be no elections in the future.</p>

<p>Over 32 leaders of more than a dozen political parties attended the meeting hosted by Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar at his 1, Aney Marg residence.</p>

<p>While Mayawati (BSP), Naveen Patnaik (BJD), K Chandrashekar Rao (BRS)&nbsp; and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (YSRCP) were not invited, RLD leader Jayant Chaudhary did not attend the meeting due to a "predetermined family programme".</p>

<p>There was lack of clarity on the exact number of parties that pledged to take on the BJP unitedly with leaders such as Nitish Kumar and Banerjee putting the number at 17 and some others like Yechury stating that 15 parties were there.</p>

<p>The BJP reacted strongly to the Opposition meeting, calling it a "multi-headed selfish alliance" and compared it with wolves hunting in packs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Home Minister Amit Shah described the opposition unity meeting as a mere "photo session".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-education-agent-arrested-in-canada-in-connection-with-fake-college-admission-letters-scandal-608216">Indian education agent arrested in Canada in connection with fake college admission letters scandal</a></p>

<p>Despite repeated assertions by the opposition parties that they were united, fissures in their ranks became apparent when AAP issued a statement after the meeting, claiming that the Congress has "refused" to publicly denounce the Centre's ordinance on Delhi's administrative services.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;'Adipurush' film ban lifted in Nepal | backlash continues</strong></p>

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<p>The Arvind Kejriwal-led outfit said that until the Congress publicly denounces the Centre's ordinance on Delhi's administrative services and declares that all 31 of its RS MPs will oppose the ordinance in the Rajya Sabha, it will be difficult for AAP to participate in future meetings of like-minded parties where the Congress is a participant.</p>

<p>The Congress' silence raises suspicions about its real intentions, the AAP said.</p>

<p>West Bengal CM asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal to sort out their issues on the Delhi Ordinance over a cup of tea at a later date, reminding them that the Patna meeting was not the ideal forum for the discussion, sources said.</p>

<p>According to sources, Congress chief Kharge gave in-principle support on the issue, saying his party doesn't support anything unconstitutional. The Congress has a set mechanism for taking up issues and an announcement on it will be done at a later date, he said.</p>

<p>Earlier, the Congress chief had said the party will take a decision before monsoon session of Parliament.</p>

<p>Sources said at no point Kejriwal threatened to walk out of the meeting.</p>

<p>In fact, all the opposition party members in attendance sided with the Congress and maintained that the Congress' line on the issue was a "reasonable one".&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the meeting, Rahul Gandhi said that he was attending the meeting with a clean slate "without any memory of past likes or dislikes with any of the parties in attendance", according to sources.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also said he and his party would do anything to keep the opposition parties together.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We may have some differences but have decided to work together with flexibility and will work to protect our ideology," Gandhi said and alleged that India's foundations and institutions were being attacked.</p>

<p>The Congress leader also suggested that the Opposition would have to break the financial, institutional and constitutional monopoly of the BJP to defeat it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Banerjee during her address said it was important for all parties to ensure support for the Congress wherever the party was the strongest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the meeting, RJD chief Lalu Prasad was given a rousing welcome by the opposition party leaders as he started his speech as the second speaker.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yadav suggested that for the 2024 general election, the opposition fight should be led by the biggest party in each state and requested&nbsp;the Congress to be generous in sharing seats.</p>

<p>Bihar CM, who was the first to speak, said that while 15 opposition parties were in attendance, at least 10 more will be joining the ranks soon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kejriwal said for the 2024 election, the motto should be "nation first, party second."&nbsp; He said when parties give up seats for their partners, their victory should be a victory for the united front.</p>

<p>Jharkhand's Hemant Soren (JMM), Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav, Maharashtra's former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena-UBT), National Conference Leader Omar Abdullah and NCP president Sharad Pawar were also among the leaders who attended the nearly four-hours-long meeting.</p>

<p>Kumar (JD(U) and his deputy Tejashwi Yadav (RJD), who hosted the meeting, as well as Peoples Democratic Party leader Mehbooba Mufti, CPI general secretary D Raja, CPI (ML) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya and CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury were also present at the meeting and the joint presser.</p>

<p>However, Kejriwal and his Tamil Nadu counterpart MK Stalin did not participate in the press briefing. Stalin had to catch a flight for prior commitments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kumar, however, said both had to leave as they had to take their plane back home.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking with reporters after reaching Chennai, Stalin said the meeting did not decide on fielding a common prime ministerial candidate but resolved to consolidate all democratic forces to defeat the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.</p>

<p>There have also been tensions between the Congress and TMC over the Panchayat polls violence in West Bengal but they seemed to have taken a backseat Friday with Banerjee asserting that the Opposition has resolved to fight the BJP unitedly.</p>

<p>Banerjee said she had urged Kumar to organise the first meeting in Patna as "whatever starts from Patna, takes the shape of a people's movement".</p>

<p>She said there are three key takeaways from the meeting in Patna -- the opposition is united, it will fight together and the fight is against the BJP's "tyrannical rule and vendetta politics." "The BJP wants to change history but we'll ensure that history is saved," she said.</p>

<p>NCP supremo Sharad Pawar said just like the JP movement, "our united front will get the blessings of the public".</p>

<p>"The message from the Patna meeting is clear for all of us that we need to work together to save the country," said Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav.</p>

<p>Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM leader Soren said today's beginning will prove to be a milestone for the country and all leaders will move together with positive thinking.</p>

<p>At the press conference, Uddhav Thackeray said, "we will stand against the tyrants", referring to the BJP.</p>

<p>He said parties can have different ideologies and differences but they belong to one country and will work together to save the people from those in power currently.</p>

<p>On his part NC leader Omar Abdullah said parties from Kashmir to Kanyakumari have come together "not for power, but for principles and to save the Constitution".</p>

<p>CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury said the main issue is to protect the character of our secular democratic country which the "BJP wants to change".</p>

<p>CPI leader D Raja alleged that BJP's nine-year rule has become "disastrous and detrimental" to the constitution of our country.</p>

<p>"We can't let Gandhi's India become Godse's country," PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti said after the meeting.</p>

<p>In the current Lok Sabha, the combined strength of these parties accounts for less than 200 of the 543 seats, though their leaders are hopeful of together turning the tables on the saffron party which enjoys a brute majority with a 300-plus tally.</p>

<p>The Congress, which is seen as the principal rival of&nbsp; BJP, had won 52 seats in 2019, a slight improvement over its 2014 performance when it won only 44 - an all-time low.&nbsp;</p>


Drawing the battle lines, opposition parties on Friday resolved to take on the BJP unitedly in 2024 Lok Sabha elections at a crucial meeting in Patna, the capital of the eastern Indian state of Bihar, even as fissures emerged with the AAP asserting that it would be difficult for it to be part of any such gathering in future till the Congress publicly supports it on the ordinance issue.

Drawing the battle lines, opposition parties on Friday resolved to take on the BJP unitedly in 2024 Lok Sabha elections at a crucial meeting in Patna, the capital of the eastern Indian state of Bihar, even as fissures emerged with the AAP asserting that it would be difficult for it to be part of any such gathering in future till the Congress publicly supports it on the ordinance issue. At a joint press meeting, opposition parties said they would fight the polls on a common agenda and state-wise strategy, setting aside their differences with a flexible approach. The plan of action is expected to be formulated at the second meeting to be chaired by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, tentatively on July 10 or 12, in Shimla. "We will have to evolve separate plans for every state and will work together to dethrone the BJP at the Centre," Kharge said. Launching a blistering attack on the BJP, West Bengal chief minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee claimed that if the "dictatorial government" at the Centre returns to power this time, there will be no elections in the future. Over 32 leaders of more than a dozen political parties attended the meeting hosted by Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar at his 1, Aney Marg residence. While Mayawati (BSP), Naveen Patnaik (BJD), K Chandrashekar Rao (BRS) and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (YSRCP) were not invited, RLD leader Jayant Chaudhary did not attend the meeting due to a "predetermined family programme". There was lack of clarity on the exact number of parties that pledged to take on the BJP unitedly with leaders such as Nitish Kumar and Banerjee putting the number at 17 and some others like Yechury stating that 15 parties were there. The BJP reacted strongly to the Opposition meeting, calling it a "multi-headed selfish alliance" and compared it with wolves hunting in packs. Home Minister Amit Shah described the opposition unity meeting as a mere "photo session". Also read | Indian education agent arrested in Canada in connection with fake college admission letters scandal Despite repeated assertions by the opposition parties that they were united, fissures in their ranks became apparent when AAP issued a statement after the meeting, claiming that the Congress has "refused" to publicly denounce the Centre's ordinance on Delhi's administrative services. Also watch | 'Adipurush' film ban lifted in Nepal | backlash continues The Arvind Kejriwal-led outfit said that until the Congress publicly denounces the Centre's ordinance on Delhi's administrative services and declares that all 31 of its RS MPs will oppose the ordinance in the Rajya Sabha, it will be difficult for AAP to participate in future meetings of like-minded parties where the Congress is a participant. The Congress' silence raises suspicions about its real intentions, the AAP said. West Bengal CM asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal to sort out their issues on the Delhi Ordinance over a cup of tea at a later date, reminding them that the Patna meeting was not the ideal forum for the discussion, sources said. According to sources, Congress chief Kharge gave in-principle support on the issue, saying his party doesn't support anything unconstitutional. The Congress has a set mechanism for taking up issues and an announcement on it will be done at a later date, he said. Earlier, the Congress chief had said the party will take a decision before monsoon session of Parliament. Sources said at no point Kejriwal threatened to walk out of the meeting. In fact, all the opposition party members in attendance sided with the Congress and maintained that the Congress' line on the issue was a "reasonable one". During the meeting, Rahul Gandhi said that he was attending the meeting with a clean slate "without any memory of past likes or dislikes with any of the parties in attendance", according to sources. He also said he and his party would do anything to keep the opposition parties together. "We may have some differences but have decided to work together with flexibility and will work to protect our ideology," Gandhi said and alleged that India's foundations and institutions were being attacked. The Congress leader also suggested that the Opposition would have to break the financial, institutional and constitutional monopoly of the BJP to defeat it. Banerjee during her address said it was important for all parties to ensure support for the Congress wherever the party was the strongest. During the meeting, RJD chief Lalu Prasad was given a rousing welcome by the opposition party leaders as he started his speech as the second speaker. Yadav suggested that for the 2024 general election, the opposition fight should be led by the biggest party in each state and requested the Congress to be generous in sharing seats. Bihar CM, who was the first to speak, said that while 15 opposition parties were in attendance, at least 10 more will be joining the ranks soon. Kejriwal said for the 2024 election, the motto should be "nation first, party second." He said when parties give up seats for their partners, their victory should be a victory for the united front. Jharkhand's Hemant Soren (JMM), Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav, Maharashtra's former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena-UBT), National Conference Leader Omar Abdullah and NCP president Sharad Pawar were also among the leaders who attended the nearly four-hours-long meeting. Kumar (JD(U) and his deputy Tejashwi Yadav (RJD), who hosted the meeting, as well as Peoples Democratic Party leader Mehbooba Mufti, CPI general secretary D Raja, CPI (ML) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya and CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury were also present at the meeting and the joint presser. However, Kejriwal and his Tamil Nadu counterpart MK Stalin did not participate in the press briefing. Stalin had to catch a flight for prior commitments. Kumar, however, said both had to leave as they had to take their plane back home. Speaking with reporters after reaching Chennai, Stalin said the meeting did not decide on fielding a common prime ministerial candidate but resolved to consolidate all democratic forces to defeat the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. There have also been tensions between the Congress and TMC over the Panchayat polls violence in West Bengal but they seemed to have taken a backseat Friday with Banerjee asserting that the Opposition has resolved to fight the BJP unitedly. Banerjee said she had urged Kumar to organise the first meeting in Patna as "whatever starts from Patna, takes the shape of a people's movement". She said there are three key takeaways from the meeting in Patna -- the opposition is united, it will fight together and the fight is against the BJP's "tyrannical rule and vendetta politics." "The BJP wants to change history but we'll ensure that history is saved," she said. NCP supremo Sharad Pawar said just like the JP movement, "our united front will get the blessings of the public". "The message from the Patna meeting is clear for all of us that we need to work together to save the country," said Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav. Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM leader Soren said today's beginning will prove to be a milestone for the country and all leaders will move together with positive thinking. At the press conference, Uddhav Thackeray said, "we will stand against the tyrants", referring to the BJP. He said parties can have different ideologies and differences but they belong to one country and will work together to save the people from those in power currently. On his part NC leader Omar Abdullah said parties from Kashmir to Kanyakumari have come together "not for power, but for principles and to save the Constitution". CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury said the main issue is to protect the character of our secular democratic country which the "BJP wants to change". CPI leader D Raja alleged that BJP's nine-year rule has become "disastrous and detrimental" to the constitution of our country. "We can't let Gandhi's India become Godse's country," PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti said after the meeting. In the current Lok Sabha, the combined strength of these parties accounts for less than 200 of the 543 seats, though their leaders are hopeful of together turning the tables on the saffron party which enjoys a brute majority with a 300-plus tally. The Congress, which is seen as the principal rival of BJP, had won 52 seats in 2019, a slight improvement over its 2014 performance when it won only 44 - an all-time low.

India: Opposition unites, sets sights on winning 2024 polls, next conclave in Shimla to forge agenda

<p>Opposition parties are together going to defeat the BJP in the 2024 general elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Friday and claimed a battle was on between his party's "'Bharat Jodo' ideology and the BJP's 'Bharat Todo' thinking".</p>

<p>Underscoring the importance of unity in party ranks, he also claimed the Congress would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana.</p>

<p>Accusing the BJP of working to "divide India and spread hate and violence", he asserted that a fight of ideologies was going on in India.</p>

<p>"On the one hand, there is the Congress' 'Bharat Jodo' ideology and the BJP and RSS' 'Bharat Todo' thinking is on the other hand," Gandhi said while addressing a large gathering of Congress workers and leaders at the party office in the Sadaqat Ashram area here.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-embarks-on-truck-journey-in-us-engages-in-candid-conversation-with-driver-604564">Rahul Gandhi embarks on truck journey in US, engages in candid conversation with driver</a></strong></p>

<p>That is why we have come here because the DNA of the Congress is in Bihar, the former party chief said.</p>

<p>"All Opposition parties have come here and together we are going to defeat the BJP," he said.</p>

<p>Top leaders of Opposition parties went into a huddle in Patna on Friday to chalk out a roadmap for the formation of an anti-BJP front for next year's general elections. The meeting was hosted by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of the JD(U) and his deputy Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD.</p>

<p>Gandhi said that in Karnataka, BJP leaders gave speeches and went everywhere "but the result is there for you to see".</p>

<p>"As soon as the Congress stood united, the BJP disappeared in Karnataka. I am saying it from this stage that the BJP will be nowhere in Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh and the Congress will win," Gandhi claimed and added that this would happen because "we stand with the poor".</p>

<p>Asserting that the Congress was working to unite people and spread love, he said, "You know it very well that hate cannot be countered with hate. Only love can counter hate and we fight against hate. That's why we talk about love."</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Karnataka Elections 2023: BJP to introspect why it couldn't dominate in the state</strong></p>

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<p>The former Congress chief claimed that the whole country has understood that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP work for the benefit of only two to three people, and are "handing over the entire country's wealth to them".</p>

<p>"The Congress means standing with the poor, meeting them, hugging them and working for them," he said.</p>

<p>Gandhi began his address by asking Congress workers "How is the mood", to which they replied, "It is good". He thanked them for their contribution and support to the Bharat Jodo Yatra.</p>

<p>"(During the yatra) I used to ask people in every state where are you from. Many used to say that 'I come from Bihar'. People from Bihar accompanied us everywhere -- Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Telangana, Maharashtra. You helped us in the journey because you believe in our ideology and you understand it deeply."</p>

<p>"I want to remind Congress workers that whether it is Bihar or any other state, you are our 'Babbar Sher (lion)'. You fight for ideology and it is the job of the Congress to protect you. It is the duty of all of us, the leaders, to protect the workers of the Congress," Gandhi told the party workers.</p>

<p>Later in a tweet in Hindi, Gandhi said, "We, the ones who unite India, will defeat those who divide India."</p>

<p>Gandhi along with Congress chief Kharge and a host of other party leaders participated in the Opposition meeting to chart a roadmap to take on the BJP in the 2024 general elections.</p>

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Opposition parties are together going to defeat the BJP in the 2024 general elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Friday and claimed a battle was on between his party's "'Bharat Jodo' ideology and the BJP's 'Bharat Todo' thinking".

Opposition parties are together going to defeat the BJP in the 2024 general elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Friday and claimed a battle was on between his party's "'Bharat Jodo' ideology and the BJP's 'Bharat Todo' thinking". Underscoring the importance of unity in party ranks, he also claimed the Congress would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana. Accusing the BJP of working to "divide India and spread hate and violence", he asserted that a fight of ideologies was going on in India. "On the one hand, there is the Congress' 'Bharat Jodo' ideology and the BJP and RSS' 'Bharat Todo' thinking is on the other hand," Gandhi said while addressing a large gathering of Congress workers and leaders at the party office in the Sadaqat Ashram area here. ALSO READ | Rahul Gandhi embarks on truck journey in US, engages in candid conversation with driver That is why we have come here because the DNA of the Congress is in Bihar, the former party chief said. "All Opposition parties have come here and together we are going to defeat the BJP," he said. Top leaders of Opposition parties went into a huddle in Patna on Friday to chalk out a roadmap for the formation of an anti-BJP front for next year's general elections. The meeting was hosted by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of the JD(U) and his deputy Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD. Gandhi said that in Karnataka, BJP leaders gave speeches and went everywhere "but the result is there for you to see". "As soon as the Congress stood united, the BJP disappeared in Karnataka. I am saying it from this stage that the BJP will be nowhere in Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh and the Congress will win," Gandhi claimed and added that this would happen because "we stand with the poor". Asserting that the Congress was working to unite people and spread love, he said, "You know it very well that hate cannot be countered with hate. Only love can counter hate and we fight against hate. That's why we talk about love." WATCH | Karnataka Elections 2023: BJP to introspect why it couldn't dominate in the state × The former Congress chief claimed that the whole country has understood that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP work for the benefit of only two to three people, and are "handing over the entire country's wealth to them". "The Congress means standing with the poor, meeting them, hugging them and working for them," he said. Gandhi began his address by asking Congress workers "How is the mood", to which they replied, "It is good". He thanked them for their contribution and support to the Bharat Jodo Yatra. "(During the yatra) I used to ask people in every state where are you from. Many used to say that 'I come from Bihar'. People from Bihar accompanied us everywhere -- Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Telangana, Maharashtra. You helped us in the journey because you believe in our ideology and you understand it deeply." "I want to remind Congress workers that whether it is Bihar or any other state, you are our 'Babbar Sher (lion)'. You fight for ideology and it is the job of the Congress to protect you. It is the duty of all of us, the leaders, to protect the workers of the Congress," Gandhi told the party workers. Later in a tweet in Hindi, Gandhi said, "We, the ones who unite India, will defeat those who divide India." Gandhi along with Congress chief Kharge and a host of other party leaders participated in the Opposition meeting to chart a roadmap to take on the BJP in the 2024 general elections. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India: Rahul Gandhi says opposition parties going to defeat BJP together

<p>The ethnic violence between the&nbsp;Meitei and Kuki communities in the northeastern state of Manipur in India&nbsp;is far from being over. On Thursday night, a mob torched&nbsp;Union Minister of State for External Affairs RK Ranjan Singh's residence at Kongba in the capital city of Imphal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite the presence of nine security escort personnel, five security guards and eight additional guards, the mob power prevailed. Fortunately enough, Singh wasn't at his house and nobody got injured when the arsonists threw 'petrol bombs' and started the fire.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Second attack on ministers' house</strong></h2>

<p>"We couldn't prevent the incident as the mob was overwhelming and we couldn't control the situation. They threw petrol bombs from all directions - from the bylane behind the building and from the front entrance -&nbsp;so we simply couldn't control the mob," L Dineshwor Singh, Escort Commander, said.</p>

<p>Commenting on the violence, Singh said it was 'unfortunate' that such incidents&nbsp;were taking place in his home state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am currently in Kerala for official work. Thankfully, nobody got injured last night at my Imphal home. The miscreants came with petrol bombs and damage has been done to the ground floor and first floor of my home," Singh was quoted as saying by ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is very sad to see what is happening in my home state.&nbsp;I will still continue to appeal for peace. Those indulging in this kind of violence are absolutely inhuman."</p>

<p>Notably, this was the second instance when the minister's home was targetted by the rioters, according to <em>The New Indian Express</em>. In May, a similar attack was thwarted when the security personnel fired in the air to disperse the mob. The attack followed a recent meeting, chaired by Singh, with&nbsp;a group of intellectuals from&nbsp;Meitei and Kuki communities to discuss how to bring peace to the violence-hit northeast state.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/manipur-rocket-by-fresh-violence-arson-bjp-ministers-office-gutted-after-10-killed-in-gunfire-604582"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Manipur rocket by fresh violence &amp; arson, BJP minister's office gutted after 10 killed in gunfire</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>What is happening in Manipur?</strong></h2>

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<p>The ethnic violence in Manipur started on May 3 when tribal groups, including the Kuki community, clashed with the ethnic majority of Meitei people — a non-tribal group, over economic benefits and quotas given to the tribes.</p>

<p>After the initial round of violence, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the state to take stock of the situation and requested for '15-days of calm' to simmer down the situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His request seemingly worked as violence abated&nbsp;before flaring up again a few days ago, in the sharpest escalation of violence yet. At least nine people were gunned down while 10 were injured after militants&nbsp;struck a village in the Khamenlok area on Monday night.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-nine-killed-10-injured-in-violence-hit-manipur-state-604244"><strong>Also read | India: Nine killed, 10 injured in violence-hit Manipur state</strong></a></p>

<p>The assailants surrounded the village and shortly after, a gunfight took place between them and village volunteers. Cumulatively, more than 100 people have lost their lives while 310 have been injured since the skirmishes first broke out.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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The ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in the northeastern state of Manipur in India is far from being over. On Thursday night, a mob torched Union Minister of State for External Affairs RK Ranjan Singh's residence at Kongba in the capital city of Imphal.

The ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in the northeastern state of Manipur in India is far from being over. On Thursday night, a mob torched Union Minister of State for External Affairs RK Ranjan Singh's residence at Kongba in the capital city of Imphal. Despite the presence of nine security escort personnel, five security guards and eight additional guards, the mob power prevailed. Fortunately enough, Singh wasn't at his house and nobody got injured when the arsonists threw 'petrol bombs' and started the fire. Second attack on ministers' house "We couldn't prevent the incident as the mob was overwhelming and we couldn't control the situation. They threw petrol bombs from all directions - from the bylane behind the building and from the front entrance - so we simply couldn't control the mob," L Dineshwor Singh, Escort Commander, said. Commenting on the violence, Singh said it was 'unfortunate' that such incidents were taking place in his home state. "I am currently in Kerala for official work. Thankfully, nobody got injured last night at my Imphal home. The miscreants came with petrol bombs and damage has been done to the ground floor and first floor of my home," Singh was quoted as saying by ANI. "It is very sad to see what is happening in my home state. I will still continue to appeal for peace. Those indulging in this kind of violence are absolutely inhuman." Notably, this was the second instance when the minister's home was targetted by the rioters, according to The New Indian Express. In May, a similar attack was thwarted when the security personnel fired in the air to disperse the mob. The attack followed a recent meeting, chaired by Singh, with a group of intellectuals from Meitei and Kuki communities to discuss how to bring peace to the violence-hit northeast state. WATCH | Manipur rocket by fresh violence & arson, BJP minister's office gutted after 10 killed in gunfire × What is happening in Manipur? The ethnic violence in Manipur started on May 3 when tribal groups, including the Kuki community, clashed with the ethnic majority of Meitei people — a non-tribal group, over economic benefits and quotas given to the tribes. After the initial round of violence, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the state to take stock of the situation and requested for '15-days of calm' to simmer down the situation. His request seemingly worked as violence abated before flaring up again a few days ago, in the sharpest escalation of violence yet. At least nine people were gunned down while 10 were injured after militants struck a village in the Khamenlok area on Monday night. Also read | India: Nine killed, 10 injured in violence-hit Manipur state The assailants surrounded the village and shortly after, a gunfight took place between them and village volunteers. Cumulatively, more than 100 people have lost their lives while 310 have been injured since the skirmishes first broke out. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Manipur violence: Union ministers' house set on fire by arsonists

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<p>Ex-parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi has continued his attacks on the ruling BJP government in India during his USA visit. On Sunday, the Congress leader hit out at the BJP over the recent Odisha triple-train accident saying the saffron party always looks back and passes the blame.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You ask them (BJP) anything, they will look back and pass the blame. Ask them why the train accident (in Odisha) took place, and they (BJP) will say Congress did this 50 years ago," said Gandhi while addressing the Indian diaspora in New York.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Their immediate response is&nbsp;<em>peeche dekho</em>&nbsp;(look in history)."</p>

<p>Gandhi cited an example of a previous train accident that occurred during Congress' tenure and said the then minister (without naming him/her) resigned from the post.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I remember a train accident when the Congress was in power. The Congress did not get up and say 'Now it is the fault of the British that the train has crashed'. The Congress minister said 'It's my responsibility and I'm resigning'. So this is the problem we have back home, we make excuses and we are not accepting the reality we are faced with,"</p>

<p>The Congress leader who was ripped off his parliamentarian tag by an Indian court, trained his guns on PM Modi and said he was attempting to drive India forward by looking in the rear-view mirror.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) is trying to drive the car...the Indian car and he looks in the rear-view mirror. Then he does not understand why this car is crashing, not moving forward. And it's the same idea with the BJP, with the RSS. All of them. You listen to the ministers, you listen to the prime minister. You will never find them talking about the future. They only talk about the past."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/odisha-train-tragedy-railway-minister-root-cause-of-the-incident-identified-600427" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | Odisha Train Tragedy | Railway Minister: Root cause of the incident identified</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>What happened in Odisha?</strong></h2>

<p>A collision between two passenger trains and a goods train in the eastern Indian state of Odisha's Balasore over the weekend resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 275 individuals, with approximately 900 others sustaining injuries.</p>

<p>The Howrah Superfast Express derailed and became entangled with the Coromandel Express, South Eastern Railway authorities said. A goods train too was part of the massive collision, making it one of the deadliest train accidents India has ever witnessed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to media reports citing sources, the Indian Railways is investigating the possibility of a signalling error as the prima facie cause of the train derailment.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/odisha-train-crash-survivors-recount-horror-restoration-work-begins-as-modi-lauds-humane-reaction-of-locals-600256"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Odisha train crash: Survivors recount horror; restoration work begins as PM lauds locals’ courage, compassion</strong></a></p>

<p>PM Modi visited the accident site and vowed to find the guilty parties and take stringent punishment against them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's a painful incident. Govt will leave no stone unturned for the treatment of those injured. It's a serious incident, instructions issued for probe from every angle. Those found guilty will be punished stringently. Railway is working towards track restoration. I met the injured victims," said PM Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ex-parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi has continued his attacks on the ruling BJP government in India during his USA visit. On Sunday, the Congress leader hit out at the BJP over the recent Odisha triple-train accident saying the saffron party always looks back and passes the blame.

Ex-parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi has continued his attacks on the ruling BJP government in India during his USA visit. On Sunday, the Congress leader hit out at the BJP over the recent Odisha triple-train accident saying the saffron party always looks back and passes the blame. "You ask them (BJP) anything, they will look back and pass the blame. Ask them why the train accident (in Odisha) took place, and they (BJP) will say Congress did this 50 years ago," said Gandhi while addressing the Indian diaspora in New York. "Their immediate response is peeche dekho (look in history)." Gandhi cited an example of a previous train accident that occurred during Congress' tenure and said the then minister (without naming him/her) resigned from the post. "I remember a train accident when the Congress was in power. The Congress did not get up and say 'Now it is the fault of the British that the train has crashed'. The Congress minister said 'It's my responsibility and I'm resigning'. So this is the problem we have back home, we make excuses and we are not accepting the reality we are faced with," The Congress leader who was ripped off his parliamentarian tag by an Indian court, trained his guns on PM Modi and said he was attempting to drive India forward by looking in the rear-view mirror. "He (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) is trying to drive the car...the Indian car and he looks in the rear-view mirror. Then he does not understand why this car is crashing, not moving forward. And it's the same idea with the BJP, with the RSS. All of them. You listen to the ministers, you listen to the prime minister. You will never find them talking about the future. They only talk about the past." WATCH | Odisha Train Tragedy | Railway Minister: Root cause of the incident identified × What happened in Odisha? A collision between two passenger trains and a goods train in the eastern Indian state of Odisha's Balasore over the weekend resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 275 individuals, with approximately 900 others sustaining injuries. The Howrah Superfast Express derailed and became entangled with the Coromandel Express, South Eastern Railway authorities said. A goods train too was part of the massive collision, making it one of the deadliest train accidents India has ever witnessed. According to media reports citing sources, the Indian Railways is investigating the possibility of a signalling error as the prima facie cause of the train derailment. Also read | Odisha train crash: Survivors recount horror; restoration work begins as PM lauds locals’ courage, compassion PM Modi visited the accident site and vowed to find the guilty parties and take stringent punishment against them. "It's a painful incident. Govt will leave no stone unturned for the treatment of those injured. It's a serious incident, instructions issued for probe from every angle. Those found guilty will be punished stringently. Railway is working towards track restoration. I met the injured victims," said PM Modi. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Rahul Gandhi in US: Congress leader attacks PM Modi, BJP and RSS over Odisha train tragedy

The BJP and the Shiv Sena are locked in a tussle over the chief minister's post, resulting in a stalemate in government formation in Maharashtra

Video Analysis: Sharad Pawar plays important role in Maharashtra government formation

<p>Army Chief General Manoj Pande will visit Manipur today to assess the security situation in the aftermath of recent unrest there, according to Indian Army authorities. They stated that the Army Chief will be updated by Eastern Command authorities on the efforts taken to bring the situation under control.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Indian Army and Assam Rifles have increased security across Manipur in response to reports of new unrest in the state, as per ANI reports.</p>

<p>Both security troops in Imphal East and Churchandpur avoided shooting events between the two communities, when some armed individuals opened fire and fled to higher ground, according to the Army. However, there were no reports of injuries, and more efforts were underway.</p>

<p>There have been deadly communal confrontations in Manipur as a result of the Manipur High Court (HC) ordering the State to follow a 10-year-old recommendation to award Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the non-tribal Meitei population.</p>

<p>Manipur has suffered ethnic violence, with Chief Minister N Biren Singh announcing earlier this month that around 60 people had died. Houses have also been burned amid the rioting, with additional cases reported from various sections of the state.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-indias-pm-modi-drops-video-of-new-parliament-building-ahead-of-its-inauguration-597014">India's PM Modi drops video of new Parliament building ahead of its inauguration</a></p>

<h2><strong>Additional security forces deployed</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier on Friday, Chief Minister Biren Singh announced that additional security forces had been deployed in the state, with personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Manipur Police, Manipur Rifles, India Reserve Battalion (IRB), and Village Defence Force (VDF) stationed in 38 vulnerable areas.</p>

<p>The chief minister urged people to stay calm, stating that operations had been carried out against armed militants in numerous regions on the state's outskirts.</p>

<p>Efforts are being made to undertake peace discussions with all segments of society, and the government has been meeting with various peace committees constituted in response to the current situation in Manipur, he noted.</p>

<p>He also urged people not to engage in violent activities and not to trust or circulate false information and rumours that might cause animosity between various communities. He asked the public for&nbsp;support for the government's attempts to restore normalcy.</p>

<p>In light of the scenario, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit the state for three days.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate new Parliament on May 28</strong></p>

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<p>Urging people to maintain peace, Shah said on Thursday, "There were clashes in Manipur after the verdict of a court. I would appeal to both groups they should maintain peace, and justice will be done with everyone. I will myself go to Manipur after few days and will stay there for three days and will talk to people of Manipur for establishing peace."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Army Chief General Manoj Pande will visit Manipur today to assess the security situation in the aftermath of recent unrest there, according to Indian Army authorities.

Army Chief General Manoj Pande will visit Manipur today to assess the security situation in the aftermath of recent unrest there, according to Indian Army authorities. They stated that the Army Chief will be updated by Eastern Command authorities on the efforts taken to bring the situation under control. Meanwhile, the Indian Army and Assam Rifles have increased security across Manipur in response to reports of new unrest in the state, as per ANI reports. Both security troops in Imphal East and Churchandpur avoided shooting events between the two communities, when some armed individuals opened fire and fled to higher ground, according to the Army. However, there were no reports of injuries, and more efforts were underway. There have been deadly communal confrontations in Manipur as a result of the Manipur High Court (HC) ordering the State to follow a 10-year-old recommendation to award Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the non-tribal Meitei population. Manipur has suffered ethnic violence, with Chief Minister N Biren Singh announcing earlier this month that around 60 people had died. Houses have also been burned amid the rioting, with additional cases reported from various sections of the state. ALSO READ | India's PM Modi drops video of new Parliament building ahead of its inauguration Additional security forces deployed Earlier on Friday, Chief Minister Biren Singh announced that additional security forces had been deployed in the state, with personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Manipur Police, Manipur Rifles, India Reserve Battalion (IRB), and Village Defence Force (VDF) stationed in 38 vulnerable areas. The chief minister urged people to stay calm, stating that operations had been carried out against armed militants in numerous regions on the state's outskirts. Efforts are being made to undertake peace discussions with all segments of society, and the government has been meeting with various peace committees constituted in response to the current situation in Manipur, he noted. He also urged people not to engage in violent activities and not to trust or circulate false information and rumours that might cause animosity between various communities. He asked the public for support for the government's attempts to restore normalcy. In light of the scenario, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit the state for three days. ALSO WATCH | Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate new Parliament on May 28 Urging people to maintain peace, Shah said on Thursday, "There were clashes in Manipur after the verdict of a court. I would appeal to both groups they should maintain peace, and justice will be done with everyone. I will myself go to Manipur after few days and will stay there for three days and will talk to people of Manipur for establishing peace." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Manipur violence: Indian Army chief to visit today, assess security situation

<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah will kick off a day-long conclave on ‘Nine Years of Seva, Sushasan, Garib Kalyan’ (Service, good governance, and welfare of poor) held by Doordarshan on Saturday (May 27).</p>

<p>Anurag Thakur, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, will be the keynote speaker at the conference, which will include panel discussions on three themes: India Surging Ahead, Jan, Jan ka Vishwas (people's confidence), and Yuva Shakti: Galvanising India, as per PTI reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Industry leaders Sunil Bharti Mittal, Sangita Reddy, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Ritesh Agarwal, Debjani Ghosh, actors Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Rishab Shetty, sarod exponent Aman Ali Bangash, and athletes Nikhat Zareen, Viren Rasquinha, and Akhil Kumar will take part in the panel discussions.</p>

<p>A booklet detailing the achievements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government over the previous nine years will be released.</p>

<h2><strong>New parliament row</strong></h2>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the newly built parliament building would be inaugurated&nbsp;on Sunday (May 28).&nbsp;Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and invited him to the inauguration of the new parliament building.</p>

<p>As per&nbsp;a Lok Sabha release, the new parliament building in the national capital has been completed and "symbolises the spirit of self-reliance in India"</p>

<p>"The lack of space was being experienced in the current building as per the present requirements. In both the Houses, there was also&nbsp;a lack of convenient arrangements for the sitting of MPs which was affecting the efficiency of the members," the release said.</p>

<p>The current Parliament building was erected in 1927, making it about 100 years old.</p>

<p>The Centre has invited all present members of both houses of Parliament, as well as ministers, secretaries, chief ministers, and administrators of Union Territories for the inauguration.</p>

<h2><strong>Opposition plans boycott</strong></h2>

<p>However, as many as 20 parties have voiced their intention to boycott the event, including the Congress, CPI, AAP, and Trinamool Congress.</p>

<p>In a joint statement, the opposition parties said, “The inauguration of a new parliament building is a momentous occasion. Despite our belief that the government is threatening democracy, and our disapproval of the autocratic manner in which the new parliament was built, we were open to sinking our differences and marking this occasion. However, Prime Minister Modi’s decision to inaugurate the new parliament building himself, completely sidelining President Murmu, is not only a grave insult but a direct assault on our democracy which demands a commensurate response."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah will kick off a day-long conclave on ‘Nine Years of Seva, Sushasan, Garib Kalyan’ (Service, good governance, and welfare of poor) held by Doordarshan on Saturday (May 27).

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will kick off a day-long conclave on ‘Nine Years of Seva, Sushasan, Garib Kalyan’ (Service, good governance, and welfare of poor) held by Doordarshan on Saturday (May 27). Anurag Thakur, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, will be the keynote speaker at the conference, which will include panel discussions on three themes: India Surging Ahead, Jan, Jan ka Vishwas (people's confidence), and Yuva Shakti: Galvanising India, as per PTI reports. Industry leaders Sunil Bharti Mittal, Sangita Reddy, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Ritesh Agarwal, Debjani Ghosh, actors Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Rishab Shetty, sarod exponent Aman Ali Bangash, and athletes Nikhat Zareen, Viren Rasquinha, and Akhil Kumar will take part in the panel discussions. A booklet detailing the achievements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government over the previous nine years will be released. New parliament row Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the newly built parliament building would be inaugurated on Sunday (May 28). Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and invited him to the inauguration of the new parliament building. As per a Lok Sabha release, the new parliament building in the national capital has been completed and "symbolises the spirit of self-reliance in India" "The lack of space was being experienced in the current building as per the present requirements. In both the Houses, there was also a lack of convenient arrangements for the sitting of MPs which was affecting the efficiency of the members," the release said. The current Parliament building was erected in 1927, making it about 100 years old. The Centre has invited all present members of both houses of Parliament, as well as ministers, secretaries, chief ministers, and administrators of Union Territories for the inauguration. Opposition plans boycott However, as many as 20 parties have voiced their intention to boycott the event, including the Congress, CPI, AAP, and Trinamool Congress. In a joint statement, the opposition parties said, “The inauguration of a new parliament building is a momentous occasion. Despite our belief that the government is threatening democracy, and our disapproval of the autocratic manner in which the new parliament was built, we were open to sinking our differences and marking this occasion. However, Prime Minister Modi’s decision to inaugurate the new parliament building himself, completely sidelining President Murmu, is not only a grave insult but a direct assault on our democracy which demands a commensurate response." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Home minister Amit Shah to kick off day-long conclave on 9 years of Modi govt

<p>Nearly 73 died and around 250 were injured as a result of the&nbsp;ethnic violence that broke out in Manipur on May 3.&nbsp;Thousands of men and women have taken shelter in the neighbouring districts of Mizoram and Assam. Nearly 6,665 men, women and children have taken shelter in the neighbouring districts of Mizoram and around 3,000 have fled to Cachar, Assam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per reports of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an organisation working with the state’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government to restore peace, nearly 7,472 Meiteis have migrated to Imphal while 5,200 Kukis have left Imphal. The violence has resulted in nearly 23,000 people migrating to other regions of the country.</p>

<h2><strong>Clashes between Meitei and Kuki</strong></h2>

<p>The violence started as a result of a clash between the Hindu majority, Meitei and the Christian Kuki tribe in Churachandpur district on May 3, when Kukis took part in a solidarity march organised by the All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) in protest against an April 19 Manipur high court order directing the state government to give Scheduled Tribe (ST) reservation to the Meitei community. After the rally ended, a mob allegedly set fire to the Anglo-Kuki War Memorial gate.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manipur-violence-curfew-imposed-internet-suspended-army-deployed-as-violence-erupts-in-northeastern-state-588787">Manipur violence: Govt issues shoot-at-sight order in 'extreme cases' as violence erupts in state</a></strong></p>

<p>As a result of the ongoing violence, thousands of students and locals of the region were rescued by the state government after making special arrangements.</p>

<h2><strong>Violence and large-scale destruction of property&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The recent episode of ethnic violence in Manipur caused large-scale damage to houses and various other properties. Several states made special arrangements and brought out their citizens from strife-torn Manipur.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Tribal march bursts into battle between ethnic groups in Manipur</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>A series of arson and killings were reported in several districts of Manipur. Keeping in mind the deteriorating situation of the state, the government deployed the army, imposed a state-wide curfew and suspended all internet services. The ban on the internet continues across Manipur, however, the duration of the curfew has been relaxed in some areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Letzamang Haokip,&nbsp;BJP MLA from Henglep, Churachandpur district, along with nine other tribal legislators, demanded&nbsp;a separate administration for the hills under the Constitution. Chief Minister N Biren Singh rejected his demands&nbsp;on May 15, after consultation with&nbsp;Union Home Minister, Amit Shah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meiteis and the tribal belonging to Chin, Kuki, Mizo, Zomi, Chakma tribes have been living both in Manipur and other northeastern states for several decades. In Manipur, the Meitei community, comprising the Hindu Vaishnavs accounts for 53% of the population against 44% represented by 33 tribes in the region. Previously too, the northeastern states have witnessed violence in the region owing to an ethnic clash.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(with inputs from agencies)</p>

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Nearly 73 died and around 250 were injured as a result of the ethnic violence that broke out in Manipur on May 3. Thousands of men and women have taken shelter in the neighbouring districts of Mizoram and Assam.

Nearly 73 died and around 250 were injured as a result of the ethnic violence that broke out in Manipur on May 3. Thousands of men and women have taken shelter in the neighbouring districts of Mizoram and Assam. Nearly 6,665 men, women and children have taken shelter in the neighbouring districts of Mizoram and around 3,000 have fled to Cachar, Assam. As per reports of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an organisation working with the state’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government to restore peace, nearly 7,472 Meiteis have migrated to Imphal while 5,200 Kukis have left Imphal. The violence has resulted in nearly 23,000 people migrating to other regions of the country. Clashes between Meitei and Kuki The violence started as a result of a clash between the Hindu majority, Meitei and the Christian Kuki tribe in Churachandpur district on May 3, when Kukis took part in a solidarity march organised by the All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) in protest against an April 19 Manipur high court order directing the state government to give Scheduled Tribe (ST) reservation to the Meitei community. After the rally ended, a mob allegedly set fire to the Anglo-Kuki War Memorial gate. ALSO READ | Manipur violence: Govt issues shoot-at-sight order in 'extreme cases' as violence erupts in state As a result of the ongoing violence, thousands of students and locals of the region were rescued by the state government after making special arrangements. Violence and large-scale destruction of property The recent episode of ethnic violence in Manipur caused large-scale damage to houses and various other properties. Several states made special arrangements and brought out their citizens from strife-torn Manipur. WATCH | Gravitas: Tribal march bursts into battle between ethnic groups in Manipur × A series of arson and killings were reported in several districts of Manipur. Keeping in mind the deteriorating situation of the state, the government deployed the army, imposed a state-wide curfew and suspended all internet services. The ban on the internet continues across Manipur, however, the duration of the curfew has been relaxed in some areas. Letzamang Haokip, BJP MLA from Henglep, Churachandpur district, along with nine other tribal legislators, demanded a separate administration for the hills under the Constitution. Chief Minister N Biren Singh rejected his demands on May 15, after consultation with Union Home Minister, Amit Shah. Meiteis and the tribal belonging to Chin, Kuki, Mizo, Zomi, Chakma tribes have been living both in Manipur and other northeastern states for several decades. In Manipur, the Meitei community, comprising the Hindu Vaishnavs accounts for 53% of the population against 44% represented by 33 tribes in the region. Previously too, the northeastern states have witnessed violence in the region owing to an ethnic clash. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ethnic violence in Manipur claims 73 lives; resulting in mass exodus

<p>A member of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from the northern Uttarakhand state was forced to call off his daughter’s wedding to a Muslim man after local right-wing groups objected to it.</p>

<p>The wedding was scheduled to take place on May 28. The invitation card instantly became viral, drawing the attention of local right-wing groups.</p>

<p>On Friday, the group belonging to Hindutva outfits – Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bhairav Sena, and Bajrang Dal—launched a protest by burning the effigy of the BJP leader Yashpal Benam at Jhanda Chawk in Pauri district.</p>

<p>"We strongly oppose such a marriage," the working president of district VHP Dipak Gaud had said, according to PTI news agency.</p>

<p>According to reports, the bride and groom met during their engineering course at a college in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh state. And as the time went by, they fell for each other.</p>

<p>Benam, who is Pauri’s municipal chairman and a former MLA, said that he thought of getting his daughter married to a Muslim man for her happiness, but had to postpone because of immense backlash from Hindutva outfits.</p>

<p>“Now, I have to listen to the voice of the public as well," Benam said.</p>

<h2><strong>'No one had problems earlier'</strong></h2>

<p>He said that the inter-religious alliance was fixed two to three months ago, and no one had any objections at that time. But the growing backlash from the Hindutva outfits kept putting pressure on him, forcing him to postpone the wedding.</p>

<p>He said that it was difficult to go ahead with the plan because “an environment was created” as such that made his daughter’s wedding unfavourable.</p>

<p>The BJP member further said that he did not want the wedding to be held under police protection, and thanked the groom’s family for “understanding the situation”. He also thanked the police and district administration “for keeping an eye on the matter”.</p>

<p>Benam was earlier with the Congress but left the party a decade ago. He won as an independent from the Pauri Assembly constituency in 2007.</p>

<p>He had invited political leaders from both the BJP and the Congress to the wedding.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A member of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from the northern Uttarakhand state was forced to call off his daughter’s wedding to a Muslim man after local right-wing groups objected to it.

A member of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from the northern Uttarakhand state was forced to call off his daughter’s wedding to a Muslim man after local right-wing groups objected to it. The wedding was scheduled to take place on May 28. The invitation card instantly became viral, drawing the attention of local right-wing groups. On Friday, the group belonging to Hindutva outfits – Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bhairav Sena, and Bajrang Dal—launched a protest by burning the effigy of the BJP leader Yashpal Benam at Jhanda Chawk in Pauri district. "We strongly oppose such a marriage," the working president of district VHP Dipak Gaud had said, according to PTI news agency. According to reports, the bride and groom met during their engineering course at a college in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh state. And as the time went by, they fell for each other. Benam, who is Pauri’s municipal chairman and a former MLA, said that he thought of getting his daughter married to a Muslim man for her happiness, but had to postpone because of immense backlash from Hindutva outfits. “Now, I have to listen to the voice of the public as well," Benam said. 'No one had problems earlier' He said that the inter-religious alliance was fixed two to three months ago, and no one had any objections at that time. But the growing backlash from the Hindutva outfits kept putting pressure on him, forcing him to postpone the wedding. He said that it was difficult to go ahead with the plan because “an environment was created” as such that made his daughter’s wedding unfavourable. The BJP member further said that he did not want the wedding to be held under police protection, and thanked the groom’s family for “understanding the situation”. He also thanked the police and district administration “for keeping an eye on the matter”. Benam was earlier with the Congress but left the party a decade ago. He won as an independent from the Pauri Assembly constituency in 2007. He had invited political leaders from both the BJP and the Congress to the wedding. (With inputs from agencies)

India: BJP leader calls off daughter’s wedding to Muslim man after backlash from right-wing outfits

<p>A day after his surprise removal from the position of Union Law Minister, senior BJP leader Kiren Rijiju, on Friday, assumed charge&nbsp;as the Earth Sciences minister and denied rumours that he was moved from the previous ministry as a punishment for some wrongdoing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He referred to the move as a ‘routine process’ and further highlighted that it was part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision and not a ‘punishment’.</p>

<p>"Where is the wrongdoing? Do you feel this has happened because of some wrongdoing," Rijiju said, while addressing the press, on being asked if his sudden removal was a punishment.</p>

<p>"These changes and assigning different responsibilities are the way a government functions. It is the prerogative of the prime minister to assign responsibilities as per his thinking. Why do you feel that something is amiss," he said.</p>

<p>He further thanked PM Modi for giving him an opportunity to handle various portfolios and gain experience.</p>

<p>"First of all, we are party workers. Whatever post we hold, we have to work for the party. The way the government functions, don't look at it otherwise. I will do whatever work the Prime Minister assigns me, but, I will also work for the party. We have to do both jobs. We cannot say I will do this and I will not do this," the senior BJP leader said.</p>

<p>He refused to answer questions about his previous ministry contending that these were no longer relevant and that he looked forward to serving in the earth sciences ministry.</p>

<p>"Don't ask questions related to the previous ministry as they are no longer relevant," he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">With great humility, I've taken charge as Minister of Earth Sciences at New Delhi. Had first briefing meeting with Senior officers &amp; Senior Scientists of the Ministry's various organizations. <a href="https://t.co/6480bNSSWS">https://t.co/6480bNSSWS</a> <a href="https://t.co/NaUjCHoobd">pic.twitter.com/NaUjCHoobd</a></p>
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju/status/1659470333513203712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Kiren Rijiju replaced by Arjun Ram Meghwal as Union Law Minister</strong></h2>

<p>In the latest Union cabinet reshuffle, on Thursday (May 18), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Arjun Ram Meghwal replaced Kiren Rijiju as the Union Law and Justice Minister. Meghwal has been assigned an independent charge of the minister in addition to his existing portfolios.</p>

<p>A press release from the Rashtrapati Bhawan said, "Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State be assigned the independent charge as Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice in addition to his existing portfolios, in place of Shri Kiren Rijiju."</p>

<p>The statement added that the portfolio of (the) Ministry of Earth Sciences be assigned to Rijiju. Earlier, Union Minister Jitendra Singh was holding charge of the ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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A day after his surprise removal from the position of Union Law Minister, senior BJP leader Kiren Rijiju, on Friday, assumed charge as the Earth Sciences minister and denied rumours that he was moved from the previous ministry as a punishment for some wrongdoing.

A day after his surprise removal from the position of Union Law Minister, senior BJP leader Kiren Rijiju, on Friday, assumed charge as the Earth Sciences minister and denied rumours that he was moved from the previous ministry as a punishment for some wrongdoing. He referred to the move as a ‘routine process’ and further highlighted that it was part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision and not a ‘punishment’. "Where is the wrongdoing? Do you feel this has happened because of some wrongdoing," Rijiju said, while addressing the press, on being asked if his sudden removal was a punishment. "These changes and assigning different responsibilities are the way a government functions. It is the prerogative of the prime minister to assign responsibilities as per his thinking. Why do you feel that something is amiss," he said. He further thanked PM Modi for giving him an opportunity to handle various portfolios and gain experience. "First of all, we are party workers. Whatever post we hold, we have to work for the party. The way the government functions, don't look at it otherwise. I will do whatever work the Prime Minister assigns me, but, I will also work for the party. We have to do both jobs. We cannot say I will do this and I will not do this," the senior BJP leader said. He refused to answer questions about his previous ministry contending that these were no longer relevant and that he looked forward to serving in the earth sciences ministry. "Don't ask questions related to the previous ministry as they are no longer relevant," he said. With great humility, I've taken charge as Minister of Earth Sciences at New Delhi. Had first briefing meeting with Senior officers & Senior Scientists of the Ministry's various organizations. https://t.co/6480bNSSWS pic.twitter.com/NaUjCHoobd — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) May 19, 2023 × Kiren Rijiju replaced by Arjun Ram Meghwal as Union Law Minister In the latest Union cabinet reshuffle, on Thursday (May 18), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Arjun Ram Meghwal replaced Kiren Rijiju as the Union Law and Justice Minister. Meghwal has been assigned an independent charge of the minister in addition to his existing portfolios. A press release from the Rashtrapati Bhawan said, "Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State be assigned the independent charge as Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice in addition to his existing portfolios, in place of Shri Kiren Rijiju." The statement added that the portfolio of (the) Ministry of Earth Sciences be assigned to Rijiju. Earlier, Union Minister Jitendra Singh was holding charge of the ministry. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Senior BJP leader Kiren Rijiju opens up on sudden portfolio switch, says ‘not a punishment’

Conceding defeat in the Karnataka assembly election, chief minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said the Bharatiya Janata Party has not been able to make the mark, while the Congress did it successfully.

Karnataka Elections 2023: Congress sweeps past majority mark | India

<p>After a 10-year absence, the Congress returned to power in Karnataka on its own strength on May 13, with victories or leads in 137 of 224 seats.</p>

<p>The party has received an overwhelming mandate from the voters. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has borne the price for "various failures." The regional party, the Janata Dal (Secular), has once again demonstrated that it is not a force to be reckoned with throughout the state.</p>

<p>Karnataka was the BJP's lone southern state. The state upheld its tradition of not re-electing a political party.</p>

<p>There might be a variety of reasons why an election is won or lost. However, some elements become apparent. For example, the ruling BJP is still a party that needs to spread across the state. The Congress, on the other hand, is thoroughly anchored in each district.</p>

<p>A swing of 2-5 percentage points is enough for the Congress to prevail over the BJP. Unlike the BJP, the Congress state leaders accepted the responsibility of guiding the party to the polls, reported Moneycontrol.&nbsp;</p>

<p>DK Shivakumar, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee head, and former chief minister Siddaramaiah positioned the party brilliantly in front of the people. There was no let-up in their efforts to portray the ruling BJP as the most corrupt. Efforts began with the PayCM campaign months ago. The Congress didn't simply depend on its own strategy; it also enlisted the help of political organisations to boost its campaign.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Karnataka election results: Congress wins by biggest vote share in 34 years</strong></p>

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<p>Unlike the BJP, the Congress placed a high value on its senior Karnataka leadership. This has also contributed to the party's good mood today. The vote share of Congress has surpassed 40%, a recent high. Surprisingly, the traditional Vokkaliga belt, primarily Mandya and Hassan, supported the Congress as well. The Congress has also received a lot of support over the years.</p>

<p>The Congress was fully aware that its Anna Bhagya initiative has piqued the public's interest between 2013 and 2018. It not only adopted but also built on this concept, launching six guarantee programmes, the first of which was the Gruha Lakshmi plan, under which every woman head of family in Karnataka would get Rs 2,000 (US$24.33) per month, reported Moneycontrol.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistani-held-in-biggest-drug-bust-in-india-crystal-meth-worth-145-bn-seized-592189">&nbsp;In India's biggest drug bust, crystal meth worth $1.45bn seized from Kerala coast, Pakistani held</a></p>

<p>Under the Gruha Jyoti plan, it has also committed to provide 200 units of free power to every households. While people living below the poverty line (BPL) are now battling to obtain even 4 kg of free rice under the Public Distribution Scheme (PDS), the Congress has promised to provide 10 kg of free rice per person. All of these statements sounded appealing to voters.</p>

<p>The corruption accusations levelled against the Basavaraj Bommai administration harmed the BJP's image. BJP state officials, including ministers, were unable to trumpet their accomplishments or explain to the public how the Narendra Modi-led administration at the Centre has benefited the people of Karnataka. In Karnataka, the charm of BJP leaders such as Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and JP Nadda has not worked. The Bajrangbali campaign similarly failed to sway voters in favour of the BJP. This time, voters drove out a large number of BJP ministers.</p>

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After a 10-year absence, the Congress returned to power in Karnataka on its own strength on May 13, with victories or leads in 137 of 224 seats. The party has received an overwhelming mandate from the voters.

After a 10-year absence, the Congress returned to power in Karnataka on its own strength on May 13, with victories or leads in 137 of 224 seats. The party has received an overwhelming mandate from the voters. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has borne the price for "various failures." The regional party, the Janata Dal (Secular), has once again demonstrated that it is not a force to be reckoned with throughout the state. Karnataka was the BJP's lone southern state. The state upheld its tradition of not re-electing a political party. There might be a variety of reasons why an election is won or lost. However, some elements become apparent. For example, the ruling BJP is still a party that needs to spread across the state. The Congress, on the other hand, is thoroughly anchored in each district. A swing of 2-5 percentage points is enough for the Congress to prevail over the BJP. Unlike the BJP, the Congress state leaders accepted the responsibility of guiding the party to the polls, reported Moneycontrol. DK Shivakumar, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee head, and former chief minister Siddaramaiah positioned the party brilliantly in front of the people. There was no let-up in their efforts to portray the ruling BJP as the most corrupt. Efforts began with the PayCM campaign months ago. The Congress didn't simply depend on its own strategy; it also enlisted the help of political organisations to boost its campaign. ALSO WATCH | Karnataka election results: Congress wins by biggest vote share in 34 years Unlike the BJP, the Congress placed a high value on its senior Karnataka leadership. This has also contributed to the party's good mood today. The vote share of Congress has surpassed 40%, a recent high. Surprisingly, the traditional Vokkaliga belt, primarily Mandya and Hassan, supported the Congress as well. The Congress has also received a lot of support over the years. The Congress was fully aware that its Anna Bhagya initiative has piqued the public's interest between 2013 and 2018. It not only adopted but also built on this concept, launching six guarantee programmes, the first of which was the Gruha Lakshmi plan, under which every woman head of family in Karnataka would get Rs 2,000 (US$24.33) per month, reported Moneycontrol. ALSO READ | In India's biggest drug bust, crystal meth worth $1.45bn seized from Kerala coast, Pakistani held Under the Gruha Jyoti plan, it has also committed to provide 200 units of free power to every households. While people living below the poverty line (BPL) are now battling to obtain even 4 kg of free rice under the Public Distribution Scheme (PDS), the Congress has promised to provide 10 kg of free rice per person. All of these statements sounded appealing to voters. The corruption accusations levelled against the Basavaraj Bommai administration harmed the BJP's image. BJP state officials, including ministers, were unable to trumpet their accomplishments or explain to the public how the Narendra Modi-led administration at the Centre has benefited the people of Karnataka. In Karnataka, the charm of BJP leaders such as Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and JP Nadda has not worked. The Bajrangbali campaign similarly failed to sway voters in favour of the BJP. This time, voters drove out a large number of BJP ministers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Karnataka elections 2023: Reasons behind Congress's triumph, BJP's failure to keep power

Congress has won the 2023 Karnataka assembly elections by the biggest vote share and seats after a whopping 34 years. Even as the counting was on, political activist Yogendra Yadav said that this election is the biggest victory for “any party in Karnataka" after 1989 during Veerendra Patil's regime when the Congress had won 178 seats with a vote share of 43.76 percent.

Karnataka election results: Congress wins by biggest vote share in 34 years

The BJP has “not been able to make the mark”, Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai said conceding defeat as Congress continued to surge forward with leads in 117 seats while the BJP was ahead in 75 in Karnataka. The Janata Dal-S (JD-S), hoping to become kingmaker, was leading in 25 seats.

Karnataka Election 2023 : Rampant Congress crosses 120 in leads

Karnataka Elections 2023: BJP to introspect why it couldn't dominate in the state | India

Karnataka Election 2023: 'We've not been able to make the mark': CM concedes defeat

Karnataka Election 2023: BJP concedes defeat in Karnataka, CM Bommai says 'not able to make mark'

Karnataka Election Results: Congress takes lead over BJP in Karnataka

The Bengaluru police announced Section 144 is implemented across the entire district on Saturday in order to prevent any untoward incidents on the day of the Karnataka Assembly election's vote counting.

Karnataka Election 2023: Counting underway, section 144 imposed in Bengaluru

The battle for the South-Indian state of Karnataka has begun and voting is underway. There are a total of 224 seats in the Karnataka assembly. The winning side needs to secure at least 113, and over 5 crore people are expected to vote. The state is witnessing a three-way battle, between the ruling BJP, the opposition Congress and the JDS. The BJP wants to make history by retaining the southern state, whereas congress is banking on the anti-incumbency wave.

Karnataka Elections 2023: Most Exit polls show Congress in the lead

The battle for the South-Indian state of Karnataka has begun and voting is underway. There are a total of 224 seats in the Karnataka assembly. The winning side needs to secure at least 113, and over 5 crore people are expected to vote today. The state is witnessing a three-way battle, between the ruling BJP, the opposition Congress and the JDS. The BJP wants to make history by retaining the southern state, whereas congress is banking on the anti-incumbency wave.

Karnataka Elections 2023: BJP, Congress & JDS in a 3-way fight to reign supreme

The battle for the South-Indian state of Karnataka has begun and the voting is underway. There are a total of 224 seats in the Karnataka Assembly. The winning side needs to secure at least 113. Over 5 crore people are cross the ballot today. The state is facing a three-way battle between the ruling BJP, the opposition Congress, and the JDS. For further details, watch the video.

Karnataka : Three-way battle between BJP, Congress & JDS

The last leg of campaigning for Karnataka Assembly Polls has seen bigwigs from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress (Congress) hoping to turn the tide in their favour. While the Congress is banking on an anti-incumbency wave that has worked since 1985, the ruling BJP hopes PM Narendra Modi's popularity will see them through. The prime minister was part of around 15 public meetings and roadshows over six days.

Karnataka Elections 2023: Star campaigners from BJP, Congress, JD(S) hold mega rallies

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<p>Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) has filed a complaint with India's poll body, the Election Commission (EC) against former Congress president Sonia Gandhi for her controversial remarks. The party has requested the EC to register an FIR against Gandhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress leader on Saturday said, "Congress will not allow anyone to pose a threat to Karnataka's reputation, sovereignty or integrity."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Her statement immediately riled up the BJP brass in Karnataka which took offence to Gandhi's usage of the word 'sovereignity'. Calling the statement 'divisive', BJP attached images of a tweet from Congress's official Twitter handle that reads, "CPP chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji sends a strong message to 6.5 crore Kannadigas."</p>

<p>"The meaning of what Congress is saying is that the Congress believes that Karnataka is separate from India. The statement is divisive in nature and it is aimed at dividing the citizens and creating rift between two people of different states. Karnataka is not different from India. This is a shocking statement leading to igniting divisive sentiments," read the official complaint.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Definition of sovereignty is an independent nation. India is a sovereign country and Karnataka is a proud part of it," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/karnataka-assembly-election-2023-campaigning-for-polls-to-end-today-590210"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Karnataka Assembly Election 2023: Campaigning for polls to end today</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>War of words between Congress, BJP</strong></h2>

<p>This is not the first instance when BJP and Congress leaders have traded blows over contentious statements in the lead-up to the assembly polls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last month, leader of opposition Mallikarjun Kharge likened Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a 'venomous snake'. However, after clamouring from the BJP, Kharge apologised and tweeted, “My statement was neither for PM Modi personally nor for any other person, but for the ideology he represents."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, BJP MLA Basanagouda Yatnal returned the favour by calling former Congress president Sonia Gandhi a&nbsp;<em>'vishkanya'</em>&nbsp;(poisonous woman) and an agent of China and Pakistan.</p>

<p>“The entire world has accepted PM Modi. America welcomes PM with a red carpet and he’s attained the status of a global leader. The Congress compares him to a cobra and says he’s poisonous. Congress leaders are dancing on the orders of Sonia Gandhi and making such comments. She is a Vishkanya? She is an agent for China and Pakistan, who destroyed India,” said Yatnal while addressing a poll rally in Koppal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-poison-politics-continues-in-karnataka-bjp-mla-calls-sonia-gandhi-vishkanya-586974" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | India: 'Poison politics' continues in Karnataka, BJP MLA calls Sonia Gandhi 'vishkanya'</strong></a></p>

<p>The state and its 224 constituencies go&nbsp;to poll in a single phase on May 10 with the canvassing process set to end on Monday (May 8). The result will be declared three days later on May 13.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) has filed a complaint with India's poll body, the Election Commission (EC) against former Congress president Sonia Gandhi for her controversial remarks.

Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) has filed a complaint with India's poll body, the Election Commission (EC) against former Congress president Sonia Gandhi for her controversial remarks. The party has requested the EC to register an FIR against Gandhi. The Congress leader on Saturday said, "Congress will not allow anyone to pose a threat to Karnataka's reputation, sovereignty or integrity." Her statement immediately riled up the BJP brass in Karnataka which took offence to Gandhi's usage of the word 'sovereignity'. Calling the statement 'divisive', BJP attached images of a tweet from Congress's official Twitter handle that reads, "CPP chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji sends a strong message to 6.5 crore Kannadigas." "The meaning of what Congress is saying is that the Congress believes that Karnataka is separate from India. The statement is divisive in nature and it is aimed at dividing the citizens and creating rift between two people of different states. Karnataka is not different from India. This is a shocking statement leading to igniting divisive sentiments," read the official complaint. "Definition of sovereignty is an independent nation. India is a sovereign country and Karnataka is a proud part of it," it added. WATCH | Karnataka Assembly Election 2023: Campaigning for polls to end today × War of words between Congress, BJP This is not the first instance when BJP and Congress leaders have traded blows over contentious statements in the lead-up to the assembly polls. Last month, leader of opposition Mallikarjun Kharge likened Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a 'venomous snake'. However, after clamouring from the BJP, Kharge apologised and tweeted, “My statement was neither for PM Modi personally nor for any other person, but for the ideology he represents." Meanwhile, BJP MLA Basanagouda Yatnal returned the favour by calling former Congress president Sonia Gandhi a 'vishkanya' (poisonous woman) and an agent of China and Pakistan. “The entire world has accepted PM Modi. America welcomes PM with a red carpet and he’s attained the status of a global leader. The Congress compares him to a cobra and says he’s poisonous. Congress leaders are dancing on the orders of Sonia Gandhi and making such comments. She is a Vishkanya? She is an agent for China and Pakistan, who destroyed India,” said Yatnal while addressing a poll rally in Koppal. ALSO READ | India: 'Poison politics' continues in Karnataka, BJP MLA calls Sonia Gandhi 'vishkanya' The state and its 224 constituencies go to poll in a single phase on May 10 with the canvassing process set to end on Monday (May 8). The result will be declared three days later on May 13. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Karnataka assembly election: BJP files complaint with poll body against Sonia Gandhi's 'sovereignty' remark

<p>After attending a special screening of 'The Kerala Story' in India’s southern state Karnataka, the country's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda hailed the film saying that it exposes a new, poisonous form of terrorism in which ammunition is not used.</p>

<p>"There's a new type of terrorism which is without ammunition, 'The Kerala Story' exposes that poisonous terrorism. We have heard of terrorism that involves guns, weapons, and ammunition. But this is a dangerous kind of terrorism. This kind of terrorism isn't related to any state or religion," he said.</p>

<p>"The movie shows how youths are being influenced and made to follow wrong paths," the BJP chief added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | "There's a new type of terrorism which is without ammunition, 'Kerala Story' exposes that poisonous terrorism. This kind of terrorism isn't related to any state or religion...": BJP chief JP Nadda speaks about the film 'The Kerala Story' after watching the movie in… <a href="https://t.co/lkJcvuJfdD">pic.twitter.com/lkJcvuJfdD</a></p>
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<p>In a video shared by BJP's official handle, Nadda said, "This may be a film, but it speaks a lot about terrorism. It shows how our youth, in a pre-planned way, is tempted to join terror, pushed down that path to a point of no return."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">ये फिल्म (The Kerala Story) देख कर हमारी जनता समझ पाएगी कि किस तरीके की साजिश हमारे समाज को खोखला करने के लिए, समाज को कमजोर करने के लिए रची जा रही है और हमें इस से आगाह होना चाहिए।<br />
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- श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JPNadda</a><br />
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पूरा देखेंः <a href="https://t.co/d7Zh1A6tfY">https://t.co/d7Zh1A6tfY</a> <a href="https://t.co/hQ86fnzc6m">pic.twitter.com/hQ86fnzc6m</a></p>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1655272266643681280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president JP Nadda is the latest in line to back Adah Sharma starrer 'The Kerala Story', amid the ongoing controversy over the film.</p>

<h2><strong>Prime Minister Modi backs ‘The Kerala Story’</strong></h2>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, while addressing an election rally in Karnataka, backed 'The Kerala Story' saying that the film is based on a terror conspiracy and shows the ugly truth of terrorism.</p>

<p>While reacting to the ongoing controversy surrounding 'The Kerala Story', PM Modi accused the Congress party of opposing the film and standing with terror tendencies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"'The Kerala Story' film is based on a terror conspiracy. It shows the ugly truth of terrorism and exposes the design of terrorists," PM Modi said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | 'The Kerala Story' film is based on a terror conspiracy. It shows the ugly truth of terrorism and exposes terrorists' design. Congress is opposing the film made on terrorism and standing with terror tendencies. Congress has shielded terrorism for the vote bank: PM… <a href="https://t.co/qlUQlc3qQf">pic.twitter.com/qlUQlc3qQf</a></p>
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<p>"Congress is opposing the film made on terrorism and standing with terror tendencies. Congress has shielded terrorism for the vote bank," he added</p>

<p>"The Congress has kneeled down before the terror outfits when in power. We have suffered because of the violence for very long and Congress never protected this country from terrorism. I am surprised to see that Congress has succumbed to terrorism for the sake of its vote bank. Can such a party ever save Karnataka?," he said while addressing the rally in Ballari ahead of upcoming elections in southern Karnataka state on May 10.</p>

<p>The plot of the movie, which the makers claim is based on true events, revolves around the story of women from non-Muslim communities who went missing from Kerala and were recruited into ISIS after they were converted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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After attending a special screening of 'The Kerala Story' in India’s southern state Karnataka, the country's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda hailed the film saying that it exposes a new, poisonous form of terrorism in which ammunition is not used.

After attending a special screening of 'The Kerala Story' in India’s southern state Karnataka, the country's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda hailed the film saying that it exposes a new, poisonous form of terrorism in which ammunition is not used. "There's a new type of terrorism which is without ammunition, 'The Kerala Story' exposes that poisonous terrorism. We have heard of terrorism that involves guns, weapons, and ammunition. But this is a dangerous kind of terrorism. This kind of terrorism isn't related to any state or religion," he said. "The movie shows how youths are being influenced and made to follow wrong paths," the BJP chief added. #WATCH | "There's a new type of terrorism which is without ammunition, 'Kerala Story' exposes that poisonous terrorism. This kind of terrorism isn't related to any state or religion...": BJP chief JP Nadda speaks about the film 'The Kerala Story' after watching the movie in… pic.twitter.com/lkJcvuJfdD — ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2023 × In a video shared by BJP's official handle, Nadda said, "This may be a film, but it speaks a lot about terrorism. It shows how our youth, in a pre-planned way, is tempted to join terror, pushed down that path to a point of no return." ये फिल्म (The Kerala Story) देख कर हमारी जनता समझ पाएगी कि किस तरीके की साजिश हमारे समाज को खोखला करने के लिए, समाज को कमजोर करने के लिए रची जा रही है और हमें इस से आगाह होना चाहिए। - श्री @JPNadda पूरा देखेंः https://t.co/d7Zh1A6tfY pic.twitter.com/hQ86fnzc6m — BJP (@BJP4India) May 7, 2023 × Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president JP Nadda is the latest in line to back Adah Sharma starrer 'The Kerala Story', amid the ongoing controversy over the film. Prime Minister Modi backs ‘The Kerala Story’ Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, while addressing an election rally in Karnataka, backed 'The Kerala Story' saying that the film is based on a terror conspiracy and shows the ugly truth of terrorism. While reacting to the ongoing controversy surrounding 'The Kerala Story', PM Modi accused the Congress party of opposing the film and standing with terror tendencies. "'The Kerala Story' film is based on a terror conspiracy. It shows the ugly truth of terrorism and exposes the design of terrorists," PM Modi said. #WATCH | 'The Kerala Story' film is based on a terror conspiracy. It shows the ugly truth of terrorism and exposes terrorists' design. Congress is opposing the film made on terrorism and standing with terror tendencies. Congress has shielded terrorism for the vote bank: PM… pic.twitter.com/qlUQlc3qQf — ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2023 × "Congress is opposing the film made on terrorism and standing with terror tendencies. Congress has shielded terrorism for the vote bank," he added "The Congress has kneeled down before the terror outfits when in power. We have suffered because of the violence for very long and Congress never protected this country from terrorism. I am surprised to see that Congress has succumbed to terrorism for the sake of its vote bank. Can such a party ever save Karnataka?," he said while addressing the rally in Ballari ahead of upcoming elections in southern Karnataka state on May 10. The plot of the movie, which the makers claim is based on true events, revolves around the story of women from non-Muslim communities who went missing from Kerala and were recruited into ISIS after they were converted. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

BJP Chief Nadda attends special screening of 'The Kerala Story', says 'film exposes new type of terrorism'

<p><strong>Karnataka elections 2023: </strong>Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, on Saturday accused the Congress Party of mocking the Hindu faith after it allegedly proposed a ban on Bajrang Dal, a Hindu nationalist organisation. He delivered the speech during a public rally in Chikkamagaluru. “Banning Bajrang Dal means Congress is trying to make a mockery of the Hindu faith. Hindu community will not tolerate and accept it,” the firebrand leader of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yogi Adityanath is one of the 40 star campaigners that the BJP has deployed ahead of the assembly elections in Karnataka slated to be held on Wednesday, April 10. The leader also said in his speech that he has come from the land of Ram (Uttar Pradesh) to the land of Hanuman (Karnataka). “The bonding between the two states underlines the fact that they are integrally one and ”materialise” the concept of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Prosperous India),” he said.</p>

<h2><strong>Congress retracts on Bajrang Dal ban proposal</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, the Congress party in its manifesto said that it was committed to taking "firm and decisive action" against individuals and organizations spreading "enmity or hatred, whether among majority or minority communities."&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also mentioned Popular Front of India (PFI), a Muslim group banned by some states for alleged links to terrorism and Bajrang Dal among organisations that it may seek to ban. This prompted a fierce reaction from the BJP, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi who accused the Congress of insulting Hanuman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, later a senior Congress leader clarified that there was no such proposal under consideration. Veerappa Moily, a former chief minister of Karnataka and a member of parliament, clarified that banning an outfit was not possible for a state government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, “We have mentioned both the PFI and the Bajrang Dal in our manifesto. This includes all (radical) outfits. Banning an outfit is not possible by a state government. The Bajrang Dal cannot be banned by the Karnataka government.”</p>

<h2><strong>Bajrang Dal members vandalise Congress office</strong></h2>

<p>Amidst the controversy over banning Bajrang Dal in Karnataka, some Bajrang Dal members reportedly stormed into a Congress office in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh and vandalised the property. A video of the incident is also making rounds on the internet.&nbsp;</p>

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Karnataka elections 2023: Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, on Saturday accused the Congress Party of mocking the Hindu faith after it allegedly proposed a ban on Bajrang Dal, a Hindu nationalist organisation.

Karnataka elections 2023: Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, on Saturday accused the Congress Party of mocking the Hindu faith after it allegedly proposed a ban on Bajrang Dal, a Hindu nationalist organisation. He delivered the speech during a public rally in Chikkamagaluru. “Banning Bajrang Dal means Congress is trying to make a mockery of the Hindu faith. Hindu community will not tolerate and accept it,” the firebrand leader of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party said. Yogi Adityanath is one of the 40 star campaigners that the BJP has deployed ahead of the assembly elections in Karnataka slated to be held on Wednesday, April 10. The leader also said in his speech that he has come from the land of Ram (Uttar Pradesh) to the land of Hanuman (Karnataka). “The bonding between the two states underlines the fact that they are integrally one and ”materialise” the concept of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Prosperous India),” he said. Congress retracts on Bajrang Dal ban proposal Earlier, the Congress party in its manifesto said that it was committed to taking "firm and decisive action" against individuals and organizations spreading "enmity or hatred, whether among majority or minority communities." It also mentioned Popular Front of India (PFI), a Muslim group banned by some states for alleged links to terrorism and Bajrang Dal among organisations that it may seek to ban. This prompted a fierce reaction from the BJP, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi who accused the Congress of insulting Hanuman. However, later a senior Congress leader clarified that there was no such proposal under consideration. Veerappa Moily, a former chief minister of Karnataka and a member of parliament, clarified that banning an outfit was not possible for a state government. He said, “We have mentioned both the PFI and the Bajrang Dal in our manifesto. This includes all (radical) outfits. Banning an outfit is not possible by a state government. The Bajrang Dal cannot be banned by the Karnataka government.” Bajrang Dal members vandalise Congress office Amidst the controversy over banning Bajrang Dal in Karnataka, some Bajrang Dal members reportedly stormed into a Congress office in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh and vandalised the property. A video of the incident is also making rounds on the internet. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Bajrang Dal ban row: BJP’s Yogi Adityanath enters the fray as Congress issues clarification

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