The second phase of Bihar assembly polls ended with 53.51 per cent voting in 94 constituencies on Tuesday evening. &nbsp;

The figure was likely to go up as voting continued beyond schedule in several places, the Election Commission said.

The combined voter turnout in the two phases was recorded at 53.79 per cent till 5 PM, the Commission said.

In the corresponding constituencies which went to poll in the 2015 assembly polls, the turnout was 55.35 per cent, the EC said.

The 94 constituencies of Bihar assembly went to poll in the second phase of elections which will decide the electoral fate of RJD leader and Mahagathbandhan's chief ministerial face Tejashwi Yadav and more than 1,450 other candidates.

(With inputs from agencies)

The second phase of Bihar assembly polls ended with 53.51 per cent voting in 94 constituencies on Tuesday evening. The figure was likely to go up as voting continued beyond schedule in several places, the Election Commission said.

The second phase of Bihar assembly polls ended with 53.51 per cent voting in 94 constituencies on Tuesday evening. The figure was likely to go up as voting continued beyond schedule in several places, the Election Commission said. The combined voter turnout in the two phases was recorded at 53.79 per cent till 5 PM, the Commission said. In the corresponding constituencies which went to poll in the 2015 assembly polls, the turnout was 55.35 per cent, the EC said. The 94 constituencies of Bihar assembly went to poll in the second phase of elections which will decide the electoral fate of RJD leader and Mahagathbandhan's chief ministerial face Tejashwi Yadav and more than 1,450 other candidates. (With inputs from agencies)

Bihar Elections 2020: 53.51% polling recorded in the second phase, says Election Commission

Amidst the continuing standoff with China in Ladakh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the Modi government is fully alert towards securing each inch of the country's land and no one can take it away.

Shah also said the government is taking all possible military and diplomatic steps to resolve the standoff in Ladakh with China.

"We are vigilant for every inch of our land, no one can take it away. Our defence forces and leadership are capable of defending the country's sovereignty and border," he told CNN News18 when asked whether China has entered into Indian territory.

The home minister also said that the government is committed to protecting the sovereignty and security of the country.

Referring to the coming Bihar elections, Shah expressed confidence that the NDA will get a two-third majority.

He said Nitish Kumar will be the next chief minister of the state after the polls.

The home minister said there will be a change of government in West Bengal after next year's assembly elections and a BJP government will assume power there.

"We feel we will have a determined fight in West Bengal and we will form the government," he said.

He also said that the law and order situation in West Bengal is serious and political parties like the BJP have every right to seek imposition of President's rule there.

When asked whether the BJP will stake claim for the chief ministership in Bihar if the saffron party gets more seats than the ally JD(U) headed by Nitish Kumar, he said, "The central government will take an appropriate decision taking into account the Constitution and on the basis of the governor's report."

"There is no if or but. Nitish Kumar will be the next chief minister of Bihar. We have made a public announcement and we are committed to it," he said.

Talking about the Lok Janshakti Party breaking away from the ruling alliance in Bihar, Shah said the party was offered adequate seats but still walked away from the alliance.

"It was their (LJP) decision, not ours," he said.

Amidst the continuing standoff with China in Ladakh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the Modi government is fully alert towards securing each inch of the country's land and no one can take it away.

Amidst the continuing standoff with China in Ladakh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the Modi government is fully alert towards securing each inch of the country's land and no one can take it away. Shah also said the government is taking all possible military and diplomatic steps to resolve the standoff in Ladakh with China. "We are vigilant for every inch of our land, no one can take it away. Our defence forces and leadership are capable of defending the country's sovereignty and border," he told CNN News18 when asked whether China has entered into Indian territory. The home minister also said that the government is committed to protecting the sovereignty and security of the country. Referring to the coming Bihar elections, Shah expressed confidence that the NDA will get a two-third majority. He said Nitish Kumar will be the next chief minister of the state after the polls. The home minister said there will be a change of government in West Bengal after next year's assembly elections and a BJP government will assume power there. "We feel we will have a determined fight in West Bengal and we will form the government," he said. He also said that the law and order situation in West Bengal is serious and political parties like the BJP have every right to seek imposition of President's rule there. When asked whether the BJP will stake claim for the chief ministership in Bihar if the saffron party gets more seats than the ally JD(U) headed by Nitish Kumar, he said, "The central government will take an appropriate decision taking into account the Constitution and on the basis of the governor's report." "There is no if or but. Nitish Kumar will be the next chief minister of Bihar. We have made a public announcement and we are committed to it," he said. Talking about the Lok Janshakti Party breaking away from the ruling alliance in Bihar, Shah said the party was offered adequate seats but still walked away from the alliance. "It was their (LJP) decision, not ours," he said.

BJP has every right to seek President's rule in Bengal if law and order situation worsens: Amit Shah

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

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

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

Bihar election 2020: PM Narendra Modi to address 12 rallies

The BJP on Monday accused National Conference supremo Farooq Abdullah of making "seditious and anti-national" remarks on the issue of restoring the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and said he had become a "hero in China".

BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said that the National Conference MP and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir in an interview to a TV channel stated that "with China's support", Article 370 of the Constitution, which conferred special status to Jammu and Kashmir, will be restored.

Addressing a press conference at the party office, Patra claimed Abdullah has also justified China's recent aggression at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) by saying that the abrogation of Article 370 by the Indian parliament has irked and disturbed the communist country.

Underlining that Article 370 was abrogated in a "constitutional manner" by the Indian parliament, the BJP leader said, "Abdullah remarks are seditious and anti-national."

Patra said it is painful and worrisome that a former chief minister and sitting MP makes such a statement and "justifies the expansionist attitude of China".

Parliamentarians from opposition parties have the right to attack and criticise the government, but "does it suit a sitting MP to speak against the interests of his own country out of frustration against Prime Minister Narendra Modi", he said.

Drawing parallels between the remarks of Abdullah and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Patra said they both have a similar mindset and are two sides of the same coin.

"It is not just Farooq Abdullah who makes such statements. Rahul Gandhi also does so. If you look back into history and listen to the recent statements of Rahul Gandhi, you will find that both these leaders are two sides of the same coin," Patra said.

He said that by questioning the Balakot airstrike, Rahul Gandhi had become a hero in Pakistan and, similarly, with the recent remarks "Abdullah has become a hero in China."

The BJP on Monday accused National Conference supremo Farooq Abdullah of making "seditious and anti-national" remarks on the issue of restoring the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and said he had become a "hero in China".

The BJP on Monday accused National Conference supremo Farooq Abdullah of making "seditious and anti-national" remarks on the issue of restoring the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and said he had become a "hero in China". BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said that the National Conference MP and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir in an interview to a TV channel stated that "with China's support", Article 370 of the Constitution, which conferred special status to Jammu and Kashmir, will be restored. Addressing a press conference at the party office, Patra claimed Abdullah has also justified China's recent aggression at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) by saying that the abrogation of Article 370 by the Indian parliament has irked and disturbed the communist country. Underlining that Article 370 was abrogated in a "constitutional manner" by the Indian parliament, the BJP leader said, "Abdullah remarks are seditious and anti-national." Patra said it is painful and worrisome that a former chief minister and sitting MP makes such a statement and "justifies the expansionist attitude of China". Parliamentarians from opposition parties have the right to attack and criticise the government, but "does it suit a sitting MP to speak against the interests of his own country out of frustration against Prime Minister Narendra Modi", he said. Drawing parallels between the remarks of Abdullah and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Patra said they both have a similar mindset and are two sides of the same coin. "It is not just Farooq Abdullah who makes such statements. Rahul Gandhi also does so. If you look back into history and listen to the recent statements of Rahul Gandhi, you will find that both these leaders are two sides of the same coin," Patra said. He said that by questioning the Balakot airstrike, Rahul Gandhi had become a hero in Pakistan and, similarly, with the recent remarks "Abdullah has become a hero in China."

Farooq Abdullah has become a 'hero in China': BJP hits out at National Conference supremo over his comments on Article 370

Actor-turned-politician Kushboo Sundar joined the Bharatiya Janata Party&nbsp;on Monday, hours after she quit the Congress.

Speaking to reporters at the joining ceremony, the actor from Tamil Nadu said she had come to the understanding over a period of time that if the nation has to move forward, then someone like Prime Minister Narendra Modi is needed to take the country "in the right direction and to its glory".

A national spokesperson of the Congress, she resigned from the party protesting against what she called some leaders' "dictating terms" and "suppressing" her.

She was with the DMK before joining the Congress in 2014.

Assembly polls are due in Tamil Nadu in the first half of the next year, and the BJP hopes the her induction will be a boost to it.

The BJP has long been a marginal force in the southern state where two Dravidian parties, the AIADMK and the DMK, have been the main contenders for power.&nbsp;

Actor-turned-politician Kushboo Sundar joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday, hours after she quit the Congress. Speaking to reporters at the joining ceremony, the actor from Tamil Nadu said she had come to the understanding over a period of time that if the nation has to move forward, then someone like Prime Minister Narendra Modi is needed to take the country "in the right direction and to its glory".

Actor-turned-politician Kushboo Sundar joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday, hours after she quit the Congress. Speaking to reporters at the joining ceremony, the actor from Tamil Nadu said she had come to the understanding over a period of time that if the nation has to move forward, then someone like Prime Minister Narendra Modi is needed to take the country "in the right direction and to its glory". A national spokesperson of the Congress, she resigned from the party protesting against what she called some leaders' "dictating terms" and "suppressing" her. She was with the DMK before joining the Congress in 2014. Assembly polls are due in Tamil Nadu in the first half of the next year, and the BJP hopes the her induction will be a boost to it. The BJP has long been a marginal force in the southern state where two Dravidian parties, the AIADMK and the DMK, have been the main contenders for power.

Khushbu Sundar joins BJP after resigning from Congress

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday clarified that it is not forming any back door alliance with Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) for Assembly election in the eastern Indian state of Bihar.&nbsp;

BJP's Bihar unit said it was fighting the upcoming state election under the leadership of Chief Minister and Janata Dal-United (JD-U) chief Nitish Kumar and described him as the "undisputed leader of the National Democratic Alliance".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/47-open-grounds-19-halls-to-be-used-for-public-rallies-during-bihar-polls-only-100-people-to-be-allowed-332385">47 open grounds, 19 halls to be used for public rallies during Bihar polls; only 100 people to be allowed</a>

"Our party is contesting the elections under Nitish`s leadership. Whosoever goes against him or challenges him will not be a part of the NDA," said Sanjay Jaiswal, BJP Bihar's chief, as quoted by news agency IANS.&nbsp;

On October 4, LJP leader Chirag Paswan announced LJP's exit from BJP-JDU alliance in Bihar over differences with Kumar but said it would continue to be a part of BJP-led NDA at the Centre.

Paswan also said that the move would not hamper its relations with BJP, hinting of a possible post-poll alliance in Bihar with BJP&nbsp;if BJP and JDU were unable to notch the required number of seats.&nbsp;

The assembly election in the state will be held in three phases starting from October 28 and the results would be declared on November 10.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday clarified that it is not forming any back door alliance with Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) for Assembly election in the eastern Indian state of Bihar.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday clarified that it is not forming any back door alliance with Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) for Assembly election in the eastern Indian state of Bihar. BJP's Bihar unit said it was fighting the upcoming state election under the leadership of Chief Minister and Janata Dal-United (JD-U) chief Nitish Kumar and described him as the "undisputed leader of the National Democratic Alliance". Also read | 47 open grounds, 19 halls to be used for public rallies during Bihar polls; only 100 people to be allowed "Our party is contesting the elections under Nitish`s leadership. Whosoever goes against him or challenges him will not be a part of the NDA," said Sanjay Jaiswal, BJP Bihar's chief, as quoted by news agency IANS. On October 4, LJP leader Chirag Paswan announced LJP's exit from BJP-JDU alliance in Bihar over differences with Kumar but said it would continue to be a part of BJP-led NDA at the Centre. Paswan also said that the move would not hamper its relations with BJP, hinting of a possible post-poll alliance in Bihar with BJP if BJP and JDU were unable to notch the required number of seats. The assembly election in the state will be held in three phases starting from October 28 and the results would be declared on November 10.

No back door alliance with LJP, Nitish Kumar our 'undisputed leader': BJP

BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani&nbsp;on Wednesday welcomed the&nbsp;Babri mosque demolition verdict&nbsp;after being acquitted by Special CBI Court, Lucknow.

The court in Lucknow pronounced its judgment in the 28-year-old case and said that the demolition of the mosque was not pre-planned, but a spontaneous act.

“The CBI court has acquitted all 32 accused in the Babri Masjid demolition case. This ends the long pending dispute related with the December 6, 1992 incident,” said lawyer KK Mishra.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/babri-mosque-demolition-verdict-all-accused-acquitted-court-says-demolition-not-pre-planned-331374" hreflang="en">Babri mosque demolition verdict: All accused acquitted by Special CBI Court</a>

26 out of total 32 accused in the Babri Masjid demolition case, except LK Advani, MM Joshi, Uma Bharti, Nritya Gopal Das, Kalyan Singh and Satish Pradhan were present at the court for the hearing.

Advani said ''I wholeheartedly welcome the judgement by the Special Court&nbsp;Babri mosque demolition case.&nbsp;The judgement vindicates my personal and BJP's belief and commitment toward the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.''

While BJP member Murli Manohar Joshi called it a ''historic decision by the court''. And added that ''This proves that no conspiracy was hatched for December 6 incident in Ayodhya. Our program and rallies were not part of any conspiracy. We are happy, everyone should now be excited about Ram Mandir's construction.''

BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani on Wednesday welcomed the Babri mosque demolition verdict after being acquitted by Special CBI Court, Lucknow. The court in Lucknow pronounced its judgment in the 28-year-old case and said that the demolition of the mosque was not pre-planned, but a spontaneous act.

BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani on Wednesday welcomed the Babri mosque demolition verdict after being acquitted by Special CBI Court, Lucknow. The court in Lucknow pronounced its judgment in the 28-year-old case and said that the demolition of the mosque was not pre-planned, but a spontaneous act. “The CBI court has acquitted all 32 accused in the Babri Masjid demolition case. This ends the long pending dispute related with the December 6, 1992 incident,” said lawyer KK Mishra. Also read: Babri mosque demolition verdict: All accused acquitted by Special CBI Court 26 out of total 32 accused in the Babri Masjid demolition case, except LK Advani, MM Joshi, Uma Bharti, Nritya Gopal Das, Kalyan Singh and Satish Pradhan were present at the court for the hearing. Advani said ''I wholeheartedly welcome the judgement by the Special Court Babri mosque demolition case. The judgement vindicates my personal and BJP's belief and commitment toward the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.'' While BJP member Murli Manohar Joshi called it a ''historic decision by the court''. And added that ''This proves that no conspiracy was hatched for December 6 incident in Ayodhya. Our program and rallies were not part of any conspiracy. We are happy, everyone should now be excited about Ram Mandir's construction.''

BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani welcomes Babri mosque demolition verdict

The Election Commission of India on Friday announced the assembly election dates of one of the largest states Bihar.&nbsp;

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora said more than 700,000 hand santisers, 600,000 PPE kits, 670,000 units of face-shields and 2.3 million pair of hand gloves have been arranged for the polls.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-86052-new-cases-as-total-infections-near-6-million-mark-330100">India reports 86,052 new cases as total infections near 6 million-mark</a>

The election will be in three phases and the voting for the first phase will be on October 28, with the declaration of results on November 10.&nbsp;

The voting for the second and third phase will be on November 3 and 7 respectively.

The election commission said in the first stage, voting will be held for 71 seats, followed by next stages where polling will take place for 94 and 78 seats.&nbsp;

The election commissioner also said the candidates can file their nomination online and the security money can also be transferred in online mode.&nbsp;

The door-to-door campaigning is also restricted to three people and not more than a convoy of five cars can be used for campaigning.&nbsp;

Also, only 1,000 voters will be allowed to cast their vote at a polling station, which was earlier 1,500.&nbsp;

He also said Covid-19 patients will also be able to cast their vote on the last day of voting at their respective polling stations under the supervision of health authorities. He said this facility is provided to them apart from the the option of postal ballot already extended to such people.&nbsp;

Earlier, the apex court on Friday refused to postpone the upcoming Bihar elections in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India on Friday announced the assembly election dates of one of the largest states Bihar. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora said more than 700,000 hand santisers, 600,000 PPE kits, 670,000 units of face-shields and 2.

The Election Commission of India on Friday announced the assembly election dates of one of the largest states Bihar. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora said more than 700,000 hand santisers, 600,000 PPE kits, 670,000 units of face-shields and 2.3 million pair of hand gloves have been arranged for the polls. Also read | India reports 86,052 new cases as total infections near 6 million-mark The election will be in three phases and the voting for the first phase will be on October 28, with the declaration of results on November 10. The voting for the second and third phase will be on November 3 and 7 respectively. The election commission said in the first stage, voting will be held for 71 seats, followed by next stages where polling will take place for 94 and 78 seats. The election commissioner also said the candidates can file their nomination online and the security money can also be transferred in online mode. The door-to-door campaigning is also restricted to three people and not more than a convoy of five cars can be used for campaigning. Also, only 1,000 voters will be allowed to cast their vote at a polling station, which was earlier 1,500. He also said Covid-19 patients will also be able to cast their vote on the last day of voting at their respective polling stations under the supervision of health authorities. He said this facility is provided to them apart from the the option of postal ballot already extended to such people. Earlier, the apex court on Friday refused to postpone the upcoming Bihar elections in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.

India gears up for first election amid pandemic as dates for Bihar Assembly polls announced

Launching a scathing attack on the opposition for the ruckus during the discussion on Agri Bills in Upper House of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that the behaviour displayed by various parties was "saddening, unfortunate and shameful".

“What happened in Rajya Sabha today was saddening, unfortunate and shameful. It is the responsibility of the ruling side to enable discussions in the House but it is also the duty of the Opposition to maintain decorum,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

"As far as I know, this has never happened in the history of Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. This happening in Rajya Sabha is an even bigger matter. Attempts are being made to mislead the farmers on the basis of rumours. What happened is against the decorum of House," he said.

"It is expected of a good Opposition to help with the Parliament's proceedings. Acting for vested political interests and misleading people isn't healthy democratic practice," he said.

Earlier in the day, Rajya Sabha, passed Farmer's Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, and the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020. These bills have already been passed by the Lok Sabha.

(With inputs from agencies)

Launching a scathing attack on the opposition for the ruckus during the discussion on Agri Bills in Upper House of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that the behaviour displayed by various parties was "saddening, unfortunate and shameful".

Launching a scathing attack on the opposition for the ruckus during the discussion on Agri Bills in Upper House of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that the behaviour displayed by various parties was "saddening, unfortunate and shameful". “What happened in Rajya Sabha today was saddening, unfortunate and shameful. It is the responsibility of the ruling side to enable discussions in the House but it is also the duty of the Opposition to maintain decorum,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. "As far as I know, this has never happened in the history of Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. This happening in Rajya Sabha is an even bigger matter. Attempts are being made to mislead the farmers on the basis of rumours. What happened is against the decorum of House," he said. "It is expected of a good Opposition to help with the Parliament's proceedings. Acting for vested political interests and misleading people isn't healthy democratic practice," he said. Earlier in the day, Rajya Sabha, passed Farmer's Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, and the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020. These bills have already been passed by the Lok Sabha. (With inputs from agencies)

'Saddening, unfortunate and shameful': Rajnath Singh slams opposition for ruckus in Upper House

Rajya Sabha saw a major ruckus on Sunday as Opposition members left their seats to demand a division of votes during passage of the two key farm bills.

Rajya Sabha, on Sunday, passed Farmer's Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, and the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020. These bills have already been passed by the Lok Sabha.

These key bills were passed by voice vote.

The Opposition resolutely demanded that the bills be sent to House panel for a closer scrutiny. The demands were negated by voice vote. The ruckus in the House had already started.

Deputy Chairman Hariavansh overuled the demand for a division of votes.

What followed was pure pandemonium. Opposition MPs, led by Trinamool Congress, rose from their seats and entered the well of the House. Books were flung at the Deputy Chairman. House marshals had to do their best to protect the Chair from this onslaught. The ruckus created by the Opposition had previously compelled Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar to cut short&nbsp;

"These are the rules...!" TMC MP Derek Obrien could be heard telling the Deputy Chairman. He charged towards the podium. Obrien had the rulebook in hand. He has been accused of trying to tear the rulebook. He has denied the accusation.

The bills are facing staunch opposition from some farmer bodies as well as from within the ruling coalition. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, the food processing minister from the Shiromani Akali Dal party, resigned from the government last week.

Opposition parties as well as the SAD felt the bills are the first step toward removing the MSP which will force the farmers to make distress sales to private companies.

The Farmers'' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 seeks to give freedom to farmers to sell their produce outside the notified APMC market yards (mandis). This, the government says, is aimed at facilitating remunerative prices through competitive alternative trading channels.

Farmers will not be charged any cess or levy for sale of their produce under this Act, according to the government.

It will open more choices for farmers, reduce marketing costs, and help them get better prices. It will also help farmers of regions with surplus produce to get better prices and consumers in areas with shortages at lower prices.

The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 seeks to give farmers the right to enter into a contract with agribusiness firms, processors, wholesalers, exporters, or large retailers for the sale of future farming produce at a pre-agreed price.

It seeks to transfer the risk of market unpredictability from farmers to sponsors.

Tomar said this legislation guarantees cultivators the price they negotiate at the time of sowing itself.

A third bill, the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020 that seeks to remove commodities like cereals, pulses, oilseeds, onion, and potatoes from the list of essential commodities and will do away with the imposition of stock holding limits, is to be moved separately.

Rajya Sabha saw a major ruckus on Sunday as Opposition members left their seats to demand a division of votes during passage of the two key farm bills. Rajya Sabha, on Sunday, passed Farmer's Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, and the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020.

Rajya Sabha saw a major ruckus on Sunday as Opposition members left their seats to demand a division of votes during passage of the two key farm bills. Rajya Sabha, on Sunday, passed Farmer's Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, and the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020. These bills have already been passed by the Lok Sabha. These key bills were passed by voice vote. The Opposition resolutely demanded that the bills be sent to House panel for a closer scrutiny. The demands were negated by voice vote. The ruckus in the House had already started. Deputy Chairman Hariavansh overuled the demand for a division of votes. What followed was pure pandemonium. Opposition MPs, led by Trinamool Congress, rose from their seats and entered the well of the House. Books were flung at the Deputy Chairman. House marshals had to do their best to protect the Chair from this onslaught. The ruckus created by the Opposition had previously compelled Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar to cut short "These are the rules...!" TMC MP Derek Obrien could be heard telling the Deputy Chairman. He charged towards the podium. Obrien had the rulebook in hand. He has been accused of trying to tear the rulebook. He has denied the accusation. The bills are facing staunch opposition from some farmer bodies as well as from within the ruling coalition. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, the food processing minister from the Shiromani Akali Dal party, resigned from the government last week. Opposition parties as well as the SAD felt the bills are the first step toward removing the MSP which will force the farmers to make distress sales to private companies. The Farmers'' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 seeks to give freedom to farmers to sell their produce outside the notified APMC market yards (mandis). This, the government says, is aimed at facilitating remunerative prices through competitive alternative trading channels. Farmers will not be charged any cess or levy for sale of their produce under this Act, according to the government. It will open more choices for farmers, reduce marketing costs, and help them get better prices. It will also help farmers of regions with surplus produce to get better prices and consumers in areas with shortages at lower prices. The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 seeks to give farmers the right to enter into a contract with agribusiness firms, processors, wholesalers, exporters, or large retailers for the sale of future farming produce at a pre-agreed price. It seeks to transfer the risk of market unpredictability from farmers to sponsors. Tomar said this legislation guarantees cultivators the price they negotiate at the time of sowing itself. A third bill, the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020 that seeks to remove commodities like cereals, pulses, oilseeds, onion, and potatoes from the list of essential commodities and will do away with the imposition of stock holding limits, is to be moved separately.

Slogans raised, documents torn: This is how Opposition behaved in Upper house of the Parliament

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described the passage of two farm sector bills as a "watershed moment" in the history of Indian agriculture, asserting that they will ensure a complete transformation of the farm sector and empower crores of farmers.

In a series of tweets after Rajya Sabha passed the bills by voice vote amid din created by protesting opposition members, Modi said these proposed laws will liberate farmers from numerous adversities as he noted that peasants were for decades bound by various constraints and bullied by middlemen.

He again assured farmers that the existing government support system for them will continue.

Farmers in states like Punjab and Haryana have been protesting against these bills, with their leaders alleging that the legislations will dismantle the existing system and leave them to the mercy of corporate interests.

Reaching out to the peasantry in Punjab, the prime minister posted his tweets in Punjabi as well.

Shiromani Akali Dal, the BJP's oldest ally, has quit the Modi government in protest against these bills.

Modi asserted, "I said it earlier and I say it once again: System of MSP will remain.

Government procurement will continue.

"We are here to serve our farmers. We will do everything possible to support them and ensure a better life for their coming generations." These bills will add impetus to the efforts to double income of farmers and ensure greater prosperity for them, he said.

"Our agriculture sector is in desperate need of latest technology that assists the industrious farmers.Now, with the passage of the bills, our farmers will have easier access to futuristic technology that will boost production and yield better results.This is a welcome step," the prime minister said.The two bills were earlier passed by Lok Sabha.

After they get the presidential assent, they will be notified as laws.

"A watershed moment in the history of Indian agriculture! Congratulations to our hardworking farmers on the passage of key bills in Parliament, which will ensure a complete transformation of the agriculture sector as well as empower crores of farmers," Modi added in another tweet.

The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 seeks to give freedom to farmers to sell their produce outside the notified APMC market yards (mandis).

This, the government says, is aimed at facilitating remunerative prices through competitive alternative trading channels.

Farmers will not be charged any cess or levy for sale of their produce under this Act, according to the government.

It will open more choices for farmers, reduce marketing costs, and help them get better prices.

The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 seeks to give farmers the right to enter into a contract with agribusiness firms, processors, wholesalers, exporters, or large retailers for the sale of future farming produce at a pre-agreed price.

It seeks to transfer the risk of market unpredictability from farmers to sponsors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described the passage of two farm sector bills as a "watershed moment" in the history of Indian agriculture, asserting that they will ensure a complete transformation of the farm sector and empower crores of farmers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described the passage of two farm sector bills as a "watershed moment" in the history of Indian agriculture, asserting that they will ensure a complete transformation of the farm sector and empower crores of farmers. In a series of tweets after Rajya Sabha passed the bills by voice vote amid din created by protesting opposition members, Modi said these proposed laws will liberate farmers from numerous adversities as he noted that peasants were for decades bound by various constraints and bullied by middlemen. He again assured farmers that the existing government support system for them will continue. Farmers in states like Punjab and Haryana have been protesting against these bills, with their leaders alleging that the legislations will dismantle the existing system and leave them to the mercy of corporate interests. Reaching out to the peasantry in Punjab, the prime minister posted his tweets in Punjabi as well. Shiromani Akali Dal, the BJP's oldest ally, has quit the Modi government in protest against these bills. Modi asserted, "I said it earlier and I say it once again: System of MSP will remain. Government procurement will continue. "We are here to serve our farmers. We will do everything possible to support them and ensure a better life for their coming generations." These bills will add impetus to the efforts to double income of farmers and ensure greater prosperity for them, he said. "Our agriculture sector is in desperate need of latest technology that assists the industrious farmers.Now, with the passage of the bills, our farmers will have easier access to futuristic technology that will boost production and yield better results.This is a welcome step," the prime minister said.The two bills were earlier passed by Lok Sabha. After they get the presidential assent, they will be notified as laws. "A watershed moment in the history of Indian agriculture! Congratulations to our hardworking farmers on the passage of key bills in Parliament, which will ensure a complete transformation of the agriculture sector as well as empower crores of farmers," Modi added in another tweet. The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 seeks to give freedom to farmers to sell their produce outside the notified APMC market yards (mandis). This, the government says, is aimed at facilitating remunerative prices through competitive alternative trading channels. Farmers will not be charged any cess or levy for sale of their produce under this Act, according to the government. It will open more choices for farmers, reduce marketing costs, and help them get better prices. The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 seeks to give farmers the right to enter into a contract with agribusiness firms, processors, wholesalers, exporters, or large retailers for the sale of future farming produce at a pre-agreed price. It seeks to transfer the risk of market unpredictability from farmers to sponsors.

Watershed moment for Indian agriculture, will ensure complete transformation of sector: PM Modi on farm bills

India's parliament on Sunday passed new bills the government says will make it easier for farmers to sell their produce directly to big buyers amid a pandemonium in the Upper House by the opposition parties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the new laws will reform antiquated laws and remove middlemen from agriculture trade, allowing farmers to sell to institutional buyers and large retailers like Walmart.&nbsp;The bills also will make contract farming easier by providing a new set of rules.

On Sunday, some opposition lawmakers raised slogans, tore documents and tried to grab the speaker's microphone in Rajya Sabha, before the two controversial bills were passed by a voice vote.

The Congress and other opposition party members sat in protest inside Rajya Sabha even after the House was adjourned for the day after the passage of two farm bills.

Members of the Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK, Left parties and some others sat in protest inside the Rajya Sabha chamber even after it was adjourned.

The House sitting ends at 1 pm and Rajya Sabha chamber has to be sanitised by 3 pm when Lok Sabha sits for a session. Both the chambers of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are being used for each House to allow members to follow physical distancing norms.

Earlier, Modi's food processing minister from an alliance party resigned on Thursday in protest calling the bills "anti-farmer", and the opposition parties have said farmers' bargaining power will be diminished by allowing retailers to have tighter control over them.

Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Modi's former food processing minister, is from a regional party which has a strong base in the northern state of Punjab and believes the bills will increase farmer suffering in the breadbasket state.

Her party believes the laws will destroy wholesale markets which ensure fair and timely payments to farmers, weaken the state's farmers and the overall state economy.

Many farmer organisations have in recent days held street protests in Punjab and the neighboring Haryana state near New Delhi. On Sunday, India's main opposition Congress party criticised the government.

"We will make sure that the government will have to step down on its knees before the farming community of this country," said Randeep Surjewala, a party spokesman.

"It will be farmers one side and big businesses on the other side, how will they fight?," he added.

Congress chief whip in Rajya Sabha told PTI that the opposition members will continue to sit in Rajya Sabha chamber till 3 pm to lodge their protest against the government's attitude.

This was done to mark their protest against the manner in which 'The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020' and 'The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020' were passed in the House without taking into consideration the demands of the opposition.

The opposition members had given notices to move motions for sending the bills to a Select Committee for further scrutiny, but the same were not taken up as these members were not on their seats in the House and could not move them as they were protesting.

Earlier the House witnessed uproarious scenes when some opposition members led by the TMC climbed on to the chairman's podium as the government pushed for the passage of the two contentious farm bills.

Slogan-shouting opposition members, including those from the TMC, Congress and Left, created ruckus after Deputy Chairman Harivansh did not consider their demand for a division of votes on a resolution to send the two bills to a select committee.

(with inputs from agencies)

India's parliament on Sunday passed new bills the government says will make it easier for farmers to sell their produce directly to big buyers amid a pandemonium in the Upper House by the opposition parties.

India's parliament on Sunday passed new bills the government says will make it easier for farmers to sell their produce directly to big buyers amid a pandemonium in the Upper House by the opposition parties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the new laws will reform antiquated laws and remove middlemen from agriculture trade, allowing farmers to sell to institutional buyers and large retailers like Walmart. The bills also will make contract farming easier by providing a new set of rules. On Sunday, some opposition lawmakers raised slogans, tore documents and tried to grab the speaker's microphone in Rajya Sabha, before the two controversial bills were passed by a voice vote. The Congress and other opposition party members sat in protest inside Rajya Sabha even after the House was adjourned for the day after the passage of two farm bills. Members of the Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK, Left parties and some others sat in protest inside the Rajya Sabha chamber even after it was adjourned. The House sitting ends at 1 pm and Rajya Sabha chamber has to be sanitised by 3 pm when Lok Sabha sits for a session. Both the chambers of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are being used for each House to allow members to follow physical distancing norms. Earlier, Modi's food processing minister from an alliance party resigned on Thursday in protest calling the bills "anti-farmer", and the opposition parties have said farmers' bargaining power will be diminished by allowing retailers to have tighter control over them. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Modi's former food processing minister, is from a regional party which has a strong base in the northern state of Punjab and believes the bills will increase farmer suffering in the breadbasket state. Her party believes the laws will destroy wholesale markets which ensure fair and timely payments to farmers, weaken the state's farmers and the overall state economy. Many farmer organisations have in recent days held street protests in Punjab and the neighboring Haryana state near New Delhi. On Sunday, India's main opposition Congress party criticised the government. "We will make sure that the government will have to step down on its knees before the farming community of this country," said Randeep Surjewala, a party spokesman. "It will be farmers one side and big businesses on the other side, how will they fight?," he added. Congress chief whip in Rajya Sabha told PTI that the opposition members will continue to sit in Rajya Sabha chamber till 3 pm to lodge their protest against the government's attitude. This was done to mark their protest against the manner in which 'The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020' and 'The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020' were passed in the House without taking into consideration the demands of the opposition. The opposition members had given notices to move motions for sending the bills to a Select Committee for further scrutiny, but the same were not taken up as these members were not on their seats in the House and could not move them as they were protesting. Earlier the House witnessed uproarious scenes when some opposition members led by the TMC climbed on to the chairman's podium as the government pushed for the passage of the two contentious farm bills. Slogan-shouting opposition members, including those from the TMC, Congress and Left, created ruckus after Deputy Chairman Harivansh did not consider their demand for a division of votes on a resolution to send the two bills to a select committee. (with inputs from agencies)

India's parliament passes farm bills amid protest from opposition parties

Member of the Rajya Sabha, Samajwadi Party MP and veteran actress Jaya Bachchan hit back at actor-politician Ravi Kishan over his comments on drug addiction in the film industry. Mrs Bachchan said the film industry is being "vilified on social media'.

Kishan had brought up the topic of drug abuse in the film industry in the parliament on Monday, Kishan, who a BJP MP, had on Monday stated, "Drug addiction is in the film industry too. Several people have been apprehended. The NCB has been doing very good work. I urge the central government to take strict action against the culprits soon. Give them a befitting punishment and bring an end to this conspiracy by neighbouring countries," referring to the current NCB probe in the Sushant Singh Rajput case. 
 
Hitting back at the Bhojpuri star, Jaya Bachchan said, "Just because of a few people, you cannot tarnish the whole industry... I was really embarrassed and ashamed that yesterday one our members in the Lok Sabha, who is from the industry, spoke against the film industry. Jis thaali me khaate hain usi me chched karte hain." 
 
Kishan had also alleged a 'conspiracy' by Pakistan and China to destroy the country's younger citizens. 
 
Mrs Bachchan urged the government to stand by the entertainment industry in this hour of crisis. "Entertainment industry is so important. But so many people who have made a name from this industry are today calling it a gutter. The industry is being vilified on social media. Some of the people in the industry are among the highest taxpayers of the country. The government must stand by the entertainment industry," she said.

Member of the Rajya Sabha, Samajwadi Party MP and veteran actress Jaya Bachchan hit back at actor-politician Ravi Kishan over his comments on drug addiction in the film industry.

Member of the Rajya Sabha, Samajwadi Party MP and veteran actress Jaya Bachchan hit back at actor-politician Ravi Kishan over his comments on drug addiction in the film industry. Mrs Bachchan said the film industry is being "vilified on social media'. Kishan had brought up the topic of drug abuse in the film industry in the parliament on Monday, Kishan, who a BJP MP, had on Monday stated, "Drug addiction is in the film industry too. Several people have been apprehended. The NCB has been doing very good work. I urge the central government to take strict action against the culprits soon. Give them a befitting punishment and bring an end to this conspiracy by neighbouring countries," referring to the current NCB probe in the Sushant Singh Rajput case. Hitting back at the Bhojpuri star, Jaya Bachchan said, "Just because of a few people, you cannot tarnish the whole industry... I was really embarrassed and ashamed that yesterday one our members in the Lok Sabha, who is from the industry, spoke against the film industry. Jis thaali me khaate hain usi me chched karte hain." Kishan had also alleged a 'conspiracy' by Pakistan and China to destroy the country's younger citizens. Mrs Bachchan urged the government to stand by the entertainment industry in this hour of crisis. "Entertainment industry is so important. But so many people who have made a name from this industry are today calling it a gutter. The industry is being vilified on social media. Some of the people in the industry are among the highest taxpayers of the country. The government must stand by the entertainment industry," she said.

Jaya Bachchan slams Ravi Kishan over his statement on drug abuse in film industry: Because of a few people, you cannot tarnish the whole industry

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

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

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

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

Pranab Mukherjee was certainly the only politician in India who survived, succeeded and reached new political heights without a mass base. He mastered the art of being indispensable in Indian politics. A prolific reader, writer and thinker, he earned the reputation of a political intellectual, but at heart was an astute politician. 
&nbsp; 
Loved and feared in equal measure, he was notably the only Congressman, whom the BJP of Modi-Shah respected. Mukherjee was a socialist at heart; a pragmatic capitalist in action; a loyal partyman though seen with suspicion; and a shrewd administrator who delivered some of the most controversial policies that never became scams. With his brilliance of mind, he controlled his party and Opposition.

He is the only President of independent India to run for the office of the President and win it. No other President compelled his party to declare him as a candidate – a distinction that only Pranab Mukherjee has had and will have in India’s Parliamentary democracy. 
&nbsp; 
Mukherjee started his career with Bangla Congress and entered the Rajya Sabha in 1969. His deep political understanding of history, politics and economics made him an outstanding Parliamentarian. While delivering a speech in the Parliament, he was noticed by Indira Gandhi.

Also Read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/pm-modi-president-kovind-pay-last-respects-to-pranab-mukherjee-324436">PM Modi, President Kovind pay last respects to Pranab Mukherjee</a>

Since 1971, except the Rajiv Gandhi years of 1984-89, he was part of every Government till 2012. Barring the home portfolio, he managed, almost all important ministries; was leader of the house in Lok Sabha; the longest serving CWC member; and a fierce Parliamentarian. 
&nbsp; 
His first peak in career came with his appointment as Finance Minister in the Indira Gandhi’s cabinet. He was the first finance minister who started meeting and hearing corporates individually and ended the corporate delegation system in socialist India. He gave industry and industrialist-interactions the much-needed credibility. He managed to not be identified with one or the other corporate group. The diversification of the Industry beyond the Marwari and Bombay club started in his tenure as Finance Minister. 
&nbsp; 
So powerful was his presence in Indira’s Cabinet that he made many enemies within the Congress who envied his access to the leader and influence over the government. His fall and political 'Vanwaas'&nbsp;came with the death of Indira Gandhi.

By convention, as the senior most cabinet member, he should have been sworn in as the interim PM. But he was not. Those who plotted against Mukherjee were later seen abandoning Rajiv Gandhi in the midst of the Bofors scandal. At the end of his tenure, Rajiv Gandhi understood the importance and need of Pranab Mukherjee to a party and government that was in deep crisis. By the time Pranab Mukherjee’s full rehabilitation in the Party could happen, Rajiv Gandhi died.

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&nbsp;

The Narsimha Rao era was a comeback for Pranab Mukherjee. As a man of all seasons, he worked with Rao as Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission and subsequently as External Affairs Minister in Rao’s Cabinet. In the turbulent years, of Rao versus Gandhis in the Congress, he stayed away from either side, demonstrating utility to both the party and the government.

The 1996 defeat of the Congress birthed the coalition era where the Congress was the kingmaker and not the King. Mukherjee stayed the course, eventually working towards facilitating the entry of Sonia Gandhi as Congress President. 
&nbsp; 
In the Sonia years, while Congress split, Mukherjee did not go with Sharad Pawar, staying firmly with the mother Party and the Gandhi family.

One of his trusted aides once recounted, "On occasions, the Vajpayee PMO would bring files to him while he was the Chairperson of the Congress Media Cell to seek his aid and advice on important administrative matters.” It should be noted that Mukherjee never misused the information that he had about the Government for petty political gains. 
&nbsp; 
In 2004, when the Congress came back to power, Mukherjee contributed a lion’s share in giving shape to the coalition, and the term - United Progressive Alliance (UPA) – was coined by him. He saw Manmohan Singh becoming the Prime Minister – a man Mukherjee himself, as Finance Minister, appointed the Governor of RBI.

During the UPA-1 years, he worked tirelessly in implementing the government’s agenda and has the rare distinction of heading over 85 Empowered Group of Ministers or EGoMs that delivered critical political and administrative decisions that facilitated the massive growth, infrastructure overhaul and progressive legislative agenda. 
&nbsp; 
On reelection of the UPA, Manmohan Singh was reappointed as Prime Minister, which put an end to Mukherjee’s entry into 7 Race Course Road forever. His critics may examine his UPA-2 years with suspicion. Many feel that he felt under-rewarded for his years in service.

He had lost his charm as a troubleshooter for the government and had very little impact in controversies like the Anna Hazare agitation and the Baba Ramdev negotiations. Further, as Finance Minister he introduced the retrospective tax, which was the nail in the coffin for an already gloomy economic environment. 
&nbsp; 
Rumours of his communication with Party leadership breaking down were in the air and he found his office to be bugged, a perturbing situation about which he complained to the Prime Minister, seeking a secret probe. In the mid of 2012, Mukherjee sensed that the Congress Party may not consider him for the Presidential race.

For a few weeks before the elections, he signaled through the media of his interest, to run for the Office of the President. In an interview to a business daily, he declared his interest to be the 13th President of India. He got the support of non-Congress, non-BJP parties, including parties like the Shiv Sena and Jagan Reddy, which came as a setback to the NDA. 
&nbsp; 
India finally got a President who had deep understanding of the Constitution and political administration. As President, he restored the glory of the office, which was lost due to the controversies surrounding his predecessor. He administered the oath of office to Narendra Modi in his tenure. 
&nbsp; 
The one and only former Congressman that Narendra Modi truly respects, and timely visited, was Pranab Mukherjee. He often reached out to “Pranab da” as he fondly calls him even after retirement. So sincere is Modi’s admiration for Pranab da that the only former Congressman who received a Bharat Ratna in the Narendra Modi years – was Mukherjee. 
&nbsp; 
Pranab Mukherjee died on 31 August 2020. A Congressman at heart, he was loved and respected, but perhaps not trusted. He earned remarkable political capital with his administrative and political skills but could never become the Prime Minister.

Throughout his political life, there was no evidence of him engineering coups or discussion with other parties for power or position. On the day he received the Bharat Ratna from a Government so bitterly opposed to the same cloth from which Mukherjee’s politics was cut, not a single member of the Gandhi family was present.&nbsp;

Thus ends the journey of the only Congressman whose feet Narendra Modi touched and who appointed Manmohan Singh as the RBI governor. Even Mukherjee’s adversaries admired him for his capacity to administer. India’s classic 24X7 politician and most experienced of all. A man of all seasons, by his death a bridge across the ideological divide has fallen. He leaves behind two children of his own and two more he adopted and loved as his own. The last Congressman who received a Bharat Ratna and deserved it - is no more.

(Daniel Francis is a Political Analyst and Communication Expert)

Pranab Mukherjee was certainly the only politician in India who survived, succeeded and reached new political heights without a mass base. He mastered the art of being indispensable in Indian politics.

Pranab Mukherjee was certainly the only politician in India who survived, succeeded and reached new political heights without a mass base. He mastered the art of being indispensable in Indian politics. A prolific reader, writer and thinker, he earned the reputation of a political intellectual, but at heart was an astute politician. Loved and feared in equal measure, he was notably the only Congressman, whom the BJP of Modi-Shah respected. Mukherjee was a socialist at heart; a pragmatic capitalist in action; a loyal partyman though seen with suspicion; and a shrewd administrator who delivered some of the most controversial policies that never became scams. With his brilliance of mind, he controlled his party and Opposition. He is the only President of independent India to run for the office of the President and win it. No other President compelled his party to declare him as a candidate – a distinction that only Pranab Mukherjee has had and will have in India’s Parliamentary democracy. Mukherjee started his career with Bangla Congress and entered the Rajya Sabha in 1969. His deep political understanding of history, politics and economics made him an outstanding Parliamentarian. While delivering a speech in the Parliament, he was noticed by Indira Gandhi. Also Read: PM Modi, President Kovind pay last respects to Pranab Mukherjee Since 1971, except the Rajiv Gandhi years of 1984-89, he was part of every Government till 2012. Barring the home portfolio, he managed, almost all important ministries; was leader of the house in Lok Sabha; the longest serving CWC member; and a fierce Parliamentarian. His first peak in career came with his appointment as Finance Minister in the Indira Gandhi’s cabinet. He was the first finance minister who started meeting and hearing corporates individually and ended the corporate delegation system in socialist India. He gave industry and industrialist-interactions the much-needed credibility. He managed to not be identified with one or the other corporate group. The diversification of the Industry beyond the Marwari and Bombay club started in his tenure as Finance Minister. So powerful was his presence in Indira’s Cabinet that he made many enemies within the Congress who envied his access to the leader and influence over the government. His fall and political 'Vanwaas' came with the death of Indira Gandhi. By convention, as the senior most cabinet member, he should have been sworn in as the interim PM. But he was not. Those who plotted against Mukherjee were later seen abandoning Rajiv Gandhi in the midst of the Bofors scandal. At the end of his tenure, Rajiv Gandhi understood the importance and need of Pranab Mukherjee to a party and government that was in deep crisis. By the time Pranab Mukherjee’s full rehabilitation in the Party could happen, Rajiv Gandhi died. × The Narsimha Rao era was a comeback for Pranab Mukherjee. As a man of all seasons, he worked with Rao as Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission and subsequently as External Affairs Minister in Rao’s Cabinet. In the turbulent years, of Rao versus Gandhis in the Congress, he stayed away from either side, demonstrating utility to both the party and the government. The 1996 defeat of the Congress birthed the coalition era where the Congress was the kingmaker and not the King. Mukherjee stayed the course, eventually working towards facilitating the entry of Sonia Gandhi as Congress President. In the Sonia years, while Congress split, Mukherjee did not go with Sharad Pawar, staying firmly with the mother Party and the Gandhi family. One of his trusted aides once recounted, "On occasions, the Vajpayee PMO would bring files to him while he was the Chairperson of the Congress Media Cell to seek his aid and advice on important administrative matters.” It should be noted that Mukherjee never misused the information that he had about the Government for petty political gains. In 2004, when the Congress came back to power, Mukherjee contributed a lion’s share in giving shape to the coalition, and the term - United Progressive Alliance (UPA) – was coined by him. He saw Manmohan Singh becoming the Prime Minister – a man Mukherjee himself, as Finance Minister, appointed the Governor of RBI. During the UPA-1 years, he worked tirelessly in implementing the government’s agenda and has the rare distinction of heading over 85 Empowered Group of Ministers or EGoMs that delivered critical political and administrative decisions that facilitated the massive growth, infrastructure overhaul and progressive legislative agenda. On reelection of the UPA, Manmohan Singh was reappointed as Prime Minister, which put an end to Mukherjee’s entry into 7 Race Course Road forever. His critics may examine his UPA-2 years with suspicion. Many feel that he felt under-rewarded for his years in service. He had lost his charm as a troubleshooter for the government and had very little impact in controversies like the Anna Hazare agitation and the Baba Ramdev negotiations. Further, as Finance Minister he introduced the retrospective tax, which was the nail in the coffin for an already gloomy economic environment. Rumours of his communication with Party leadership breaking down were in the air and he found his office to be bugged, a perturbing situation about which he complained to the Prime Minister, seeking a secret probe. In the mid of 2012, Mukherjee sensed that the Congress Party may not consider him for the Presidential race. For a few weeks before the elections, he signaled through the media of his interest, to run for the Office of the President. In an interview to a business daily, he declared his interest to be the 13th President of India. He got the support of non-Congress, non-BJP parties, including parties like the Shiv Sena and Jagan Reddy, which came as a setback to the NDA. India finally got a President who had deep understanding of the Constitution and political administration. As President, he restored the glory of the office, which was lost due to the controversies surrounding his predecessor. He administered the oath of office to Narendra Modi in his tenure. The one and only former Congressman that Narendra Modi truly respects, and timely visited, was Pranab Mukherjee. He often reached out to “Pranab da” as he fondly calls him even after retirement. So sincere is Modi’s admiration for Pranab da that the only former Congressman who received a Bharat Ratna in the Narendra Modi years – was Mukherjee. Pranab Mukherjee died on 31 August 2020. A Congressman at heart, he was loved and respected, but perhaps not trusted. He earned remarkable political capital with his administrative and political skills but could never become the Prime Minister. Throughout his political life, there was no evidence of him engineering coups or discussion with other parties for power or position. On the day he received the Bharat Ratna from a Government so bitterly opposed to the same cloth from which Mukherjee’s politics was cut, not a single member of the Gandhi family was present. Thus ends the journey of the only Congressman whose feet Narendra Modi touched and who appointed Manmohan Singh as the RBI governor. Even Mukherjee’s adversaries admired him for his capacity to administer. India’s classic 24X7 politician and most experienced of all. A man of all seasons, by his death a bridge across the ideological divide has fallen. He leaves behind two children of his own and two more he adopted and loved as his own. The last Congressman who received a Bharat Ratna and deserved it - is no more. (Daniel Francis is a Political Analyst and Communication Expert)

‘Mr Indispensable’ breathes his last

Former Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that no BJP leader "directly or indirectly" took state minister Aaditya Thackeray's name in connection with Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death case.

Talking to reporters here on the sidelines of the inauguration of a COVID-19 hosptial at Baner here, Fadnavis said that surprising revelations are coming up in the case.

Rajput was found hanging at his flat in Mumbai's Bandra on June 14.

The CBI has recently taken over the probe into the case.

"No leader from the BJP has taken the name of Aaditya Thackeray directly or indirectly (in Rajput case). The kind of revelations that are coming up in the case, I think they are surprising," he said.

The Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly wondered why all these revelations did not come to light before the CBI took over the probe.

"After 40 days (of the incident), the CBI took over the investigation. What if evidence were destroyed during these 40 days? I have come to know through media reports that eight hard disks were destroyed," Fadnavis said.

"After seeing these things, a question arises whether Maharashtra police was under any political pressure during the investigation," he said.

"I am sure the CBI will bring the truth out. The only thing is that if the truth was investigated earlier, I think the evidence would not have got destroyed and we would have known the culprit," he said.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut had recently alleged a conspiracy to link Yuva Sena president Aaditya Thackeray to the actor's death case.

Although Raut did not take any name, he had said that the Opposition cannot digest the fact that the Sena-led government is in power in the state.

Aaditya, son of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, had himself also clarified that he was nowhere related to the actor's death case, and that he and his family were being targeted for no reason.

Congress leader Sachin Sawant has tweeted a photo of Fadnavis with film producer Sandeep Singh, whose name has cropped in the investigation.

Sawant sought a probe into the "BJP angle" in the case.

When asked about the tweet, Fadnavis said, "Sawant is in the government. Then why did their Mumbai police keep all the suspects away? Why weren't they questioned?" "Why from the first day, it was termed as a suicide?" he asked.

On the photo, Fadnavis said that he might have been present in some programme, where Singh was also there.

"But the same person was a director or producer of a film on Balasaheb Thackeray," he said.

"It shows that Sachin Sawant does not do his homework. He is saying all these things out of frustration," he said.

Sawant in his tweet said, "@OfficeofUT, @AnilDeshmukhNCP request you to see @BJP4India angle in following request. CBI to qn Mr. Sandeep Singh in drug nexus in #SushantSinghRajputDeathCase."

Singh was a producer of a biopic on PM Narendra Modi, whose poster was launched by Fadnavis.

Talking about the Supreme Court's decision on conducting the final year university exams, the former CM said the petition filed by Yuva Sena and the Maharashtra government has been dismissed.

"The court ruled that without exams, no degrees can be given. The vice chancellors' report to the state government was also in favour of conduct of the exams, but on the Yuva Sena's insistence, Maharashtra state was taking a one-sided decision," he said.

Earlier in the day, the apex court said that states and universities cannot promote students without holding final year exams by September 30.

Former Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that no BJP leader "directly or indirectly" took state minister Aaditya Thackeray's name in connection with Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death case.

Former Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that no BJP leader "directly or indirectly" took state minister Aaditya Thackeray's name in connection with Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death case. Talking to reporters here on the sidelines of the inauguration of a COVID-19 hosptial at Baner here, Fadnavis said that surprising revelations are coming up in the case. Rajput was found hanging at his flat in Mumbai's Bandra on June 14. The CBI has recently taken over the probe into the case. "No leader from the BJP has taken the name of Aaditya Thackeray directly or indirectly (in Rajput case). The kind of revelations that are coming up in the case, I think they are surprising," he said. The Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly wondered why all these revelations did not come to light before the CBI took over the probe. "After 40 days (of the incident), the CBI took over the investigation. What if evidence were destroyed during these 40 days? I have come to know through media reports that eight hard disks were destroyed," Fadnavis said. "After seeing these things, a question arises whether Maharashtra police was under any political pressure during the investigation," he said. "I am sure the CBI will bring the truth out. The only thing is that if the truth was investigated earlier, I think the evidence would not have got destroyed and we would have known the culprit," he said. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut had recently alleged a conspiracy to link Yuva Sena president Aaditya Thackeray to the actor's death case. Although Raut did not take any name, he had said that the Opposition cannot digest the fact that the Sena-led government is in power in the state. Aaditya, son of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, had himself also clarified that he was nowhere related to the actor's death case, and that he and his family were being targeted for no reason. Congress leader Sachin Sawant has tweeted a photo of Fadnavis with film producer Sandeep Singh, whose name has cropped in the investigation. Sawant sought a probe into the "BJP angle" in the case. When asked about the tweet, Fadnavis said, "Sawant is in the government. Then why did their Mumbai police keep all the suspects away? Why weren't they questioned?" "Why from the first day, it was termed as a suicide?" he asked. On the photo, Fadnavis said that he might have been present in some programme, where Singh was also there. "But the same person was a director or producer of a film on Balasaheb Thackeray," he said. "It shows that Sachin Sawant does not do his homework. He is saying all these things out of frustration," he said. Sawant in his tweet said, "@OfficeofUT, @AnilDeshmukhNCP request you to see @BJP4India angle in following request. CBI to qn Mr. Sandeep Singh in drug nexus in #SushantSinghRajputDeathCase." Singh was a producer of a biopic on PM Narendra Modi, whose poster was launched by Fadnavis. Talking about the Supreme Court's decision on conducting the final year university exams, the former CM said the petition filed by Yuva Sena and the Maharashtra government has been dismissed. "The court ruled that without exams, no degrees can be given. The vice chancellors' report to the state government was also in favour of conduct of the exams, but on the Yuva Sena's insistence, Maharashtra state was taking a one-sided decision," he said. Earlier in the day, the apex court said that states and universities cannot promote students without holding final year exams by September 30.

No BJP leader took Aaditya Thackeray's name in Sushant case, says Ex-Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday said the upcoming assembly bypolls in Madhya Pradesh are crucial as their outcome will decide the future of the state, and sought to portray them as a "bada-chota bhai" versus "trimurti" battle for leadership.

He said the bypolls will decide whether people want the leadership of "bada-chota bhai" (an apparent reference to Congress veterans Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh) or that of trimurti (triumvirate, a reference to chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, BJP leader Narendra Singh Tomar and Scindia).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-to-remain-interim-congress-chief-for-a-few-more-months-sources-322785">Sonia Gandhi to remain interim Congress chief for a few more months: Sources</a>

Bypolls are due on more than two dozen seats in Madhya Pradesh but their schedule is yet to be announced.

The former Union minister, who quit the Congress in March and later joined the BJP, was speaking on the last day of BJP membership drive in his bastion Gwalior.

Referring to development of the region, Scindia said Chouhan sanctioned schemes worth Rs 110 crore for development of Gohad (a constituency in Bhind district), but Kamal Nath, during his tenure as chief minister, always complained about shortage of funds."

From where money has come now? Scindia asked.

"After 15 years, when the Congress government was formed in the state (in 2018), out of the 34 seats in the Gwalior-Chambal region, 26 were won by the Congress. The contribution of this region (in Congress victory) was immense," he said.

But in 15 months (of the Congress rule), everyone has watched what has happened. We have no greed for chair or power, but it was a question of justice, pride and development," Scindia said, apparently referring to his decision to quit the Congress.

"The coming bypolls will decide the future of Madhya Pradesh. Whether people want 'bada-chota bhai' or trimurti of Chouhan, Tomar and himself.

"Those who remain with people during their good and bad days or those indulging in corruption and exchange of money, Scindia said.

Praising Chouhan for his leadership skills, he said It is not an easy task to remain chief minister for 13 long years. It is possible only when you actually have made a place for yourself in the hearts of people."

The Congress should have drawn a bigger line than the BJP after coming to power, it drew a big line but that of corruption and unfulfilled promises, Scindia alleged.

The coming bypolls will be a fight for justice and honour and those who did not remain in the midst of people when needed have no right to seek votes from them, he said. 
&nbsp;

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday said the upcoming assembly bypolls in Madhya Pradesh are crucial as their outcome will decide the future of the state, and sought to portray them as a "bada-chota bhai" versus "trimurti" battle for leadership.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday said the upcoming assembly bypolls in Madhya Pradesh are crucial as their outcome will decide the future of the state, and sought to portray them as a "bada-chota bhai" versus "trimurti" battle for leadership. He said the bypolls will decide whether people want the leadership of "bada-chota bhai" (an apparent reference to Congress veterans Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh) or that of trimurti (triumvirate, a reference to chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, BJP leader Narendra Singh Tomar and Scindia). Also read | Sonia Gandhi to remain interim Congress chief for a few more months: Sources Bypolls are due on more than two dozen seats in Madhya Pradesh but their schedule is yet to be announced. The former Union minister, who quit the Congress in March and later joined the BJP, was speaking on the last day of BJP membership drive in his bastion Gwalior. Referring to development of the region, Scindia said Chouhan sanctioned schemes worth Rs 110 crore for development of Gohad (a constituency in Bhind district), but Kamal Nath, during his tenure as chief minister, always complained about shortage of funds." From where money has come now? Scindia asked. "After 15 years, when the Congress government was formed in the state (in 2018), out of the 34 seats in the Gwalior-Chambal region, 26 were won by the Congress. The contribution of this region (in Congress victory) was immense," he said. But in 15 months (of the Congress rule), everyone has watched what has happened. We have no greed for chair or power, but it was a question of justice, pride and development," Scindia said, apparently referring to his decision to quit the Congress. "The coming bypolls will decide the future of Madhya Pradesh. Whether people want 'bada-chota bhai' or trimurti of Chouhan, Tomar and himself. "Those who remain with people during their good and bad days or those indulging in corruption and exchange of money, Scindia said. Praising Chouhan for his leadership skills, he said It is not an easy task to remain chief minister for 13 long years. It is possible only when you actually have made a place for yourself in the hearts of people." The Congress should have drawn a bigger line than the BJP after coming to power, it drew a big line but that of corruption and unfulfilled promises, Scindia alleged. The coming bypolls will be a fight for justice and honour and those who did not remain in the midst of people when needed have no right to seek votes from them, he said.

Battle between big-small brother and triumvirate: Jyotiraditya Scindia on bypolls

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

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

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

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

An Indian parliamentary committee will question Facebook executives on how the social media giant regulates political content in the country, a panel member told Reuters on Friday, following controversy about its practices.

Facebook and its top lobbying executive in India, Ankhi Das, are facing criticism after a news report said she opposed applying hate-speech rules to a politician from India’s ruling party.

Facebook has been summoned to appear on Sept. 2 before the information technology panel, which considers issues like social media abuse. The discussion with Facebook will last for 30 minutes, according to a notice published late on Thursday.

“The subject is serious because of Facebook’s extensive reach in India ... and the potential for hate speech to incite violence and other unlawful behaviour,” said the panel member, who declined to be identified.

“How worrying this is, is to be determined after a hearing process is concluded.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/facebook-director-receives-death-threats-for-favouring-bjp-321138">Also read:&nbsp;Facebook Director receives death threats for 'favouring' BJP</a>

Facebook - which has more than 300 million users in India, its biggest market - did not respond to a request for comment.

Facebook has long faced criticism for high-profile content moderation issues.

The Wall Street Journal reported recently that Das told staff that applying hate-speech rules to politicians close to India’s ruling party “would damage the company’s business prospects in the country”.

Facebook has been battling political fallout in India since.

The opposition Congress Party criticised Facebook for its policies, while some ruling-party lawmakers have accused it of censoring nationalist voices.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-says-its-fielding-questions-by-us-regulators-322034">Also read:&nbsp;Facebook says it's fielding questions by US regulators</a>

Separately, Reuters this week reported that some Facebook employees in the United States and beyond have raised questions in internal forums about whether adequate content regulation practices are being followed by the India team and demanded some changes.

Facebook’s soon-to-be-operational content Oversight Board, which some have dubbed the company’s “Supreme Court”, said it was committed to protecting users.&nbsp;

“How Facebook treats posts from public figures that may violate the Community Standards are within the scope of the Board,” the board told Reuters in a statement.

“We won’t shy away from the tough cases and holding Facebook accountable,” said the board, which has powers to overturn decisions by the company and Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on whether individual pieces of content should be allowed or not.

An Indian parliamentary committee will question Facebook executives on how the social media giant regulates political content in the country, a panel member told Reuters on Friday, following controversy about its practices.

An Indian parliamentary committee will question Facebook executives on how the social media giant regulates political content in the country, a panel member told Reuters on Friday, following controversy about its practices. Facebook and its top lobbying executive in India, Ankhi Das, are facing criticism after a news report said she opposed applying hate-speech rules to a politician from India’s ruling party. Facebook has been summoned to appear on Sept. 2 before the information technology panel, which considers issues like social media abuse. The discussion with Facebook will last for 30 minutes, according to a notice published late on Thursday. “The subject is serious because of Facebook’s extensive reach in India ... and the potential for hate speech to incite violence and other unlawful behaviour,” said the panel member, who declined to be identified. “How worrying this is, is to be determined after a hearing process is concluded.” Also read: Facebook Director receives death threats for 'favouring' BJP Facebook - which has more than 300 million users in India, its biggest market - did not respond to a request for comment. Facebook has long faced criticism for high-profile content moderation issues. The Wall Street Journal reported recently that Das told staff that applying hate-speech rules to politicians close to India’s ruling party “would damage the company’s business prospects in the country”. Facebook has been battling political fallout in India since. The opposition Congress Party criticised Facebook for its policies, while some ruling-party lawmakers have accused it of censoring nationalist voices. Also read: Facebook says it's fielding questions by US regulators Separately, Reuters this week reported that some Facebook employees in the United States and beyond have raised questions in internal forums about whether adequate content regulation practices are being followed by the India team and demanded some changes. Facebook’s soon-to-be-operational content Oversight Board, which some have dubbed the company’s “Supreme Court”, said it was committed to protecting users. “How Facebook treats posts from public figures that may violate the Community Standards are within the scope of the Board,” the board told Reuters in a statement. “We won’t shy away from the tough cases and holding Facebook accountable,” said the board, which has powers to overturn decisions by the company and Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on whether individual pieces of content should be allowed or not.

India parliamentary panel to question Facebook on content controversy: Source

Hailing the Supreme Court order on a CBI probe in actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death case as a "triumph of justice", the BJP and its allies expressed confidence on Wednesday that the central agency will bring out the truth. 
 
The ruling Congress and Shiv Sena in Maharashtra defended the Mumbai Police and alleged that the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government is trying to take political advantage of the issue in view of the upcoming assembly polls. The Maharashtra Government had opposed an FIR by the Bihar police and a CBI probe in the sensational case. 
 
However, JD(U) president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar asserted that the Supreme Court order has vindicated his government, and asserted that its action had nothing to do with politics or elections.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/welcome-supreme-courts-decision-to-order-cbi-probe-in-sushants-case-says-bihar-deputy-cm-321630" hreflang="en">Welcome Supreme Court's decision to order CBI probe in Sushant's case, says Bihar Deputy CM</a> 
 
Soon after the apex court's verdict, senior BJP leader and Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad tweeted, "Justice triumphs! The soul of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput will surely now rest in peace with the assurance of a fair investigation by CBI on the FIR filed in Patna by Bihar Police whose request for transfer of the case to CBI has been validated by the Supreme Court." 
 
He also praised the "exemplary courage" shown by the actor's family and the "overpowering desire of the people of India" to see justice in the case and called it a new milestone. 
 
Congress spokesperson Shaktisinh Gohil said the CBI should now carry out a proper probe into the actor's death, and asserted that justice will not be delivered by the BJP-JD(U), which are in power in Bihar, making statements for "political gains". 
 
The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the transfer of the FIR, lodged at Patna against actress Rhea Chakraborty and others for allegedly abetting the suicide of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, to the CBI. 
 
The apex court said that the Bihar government is competent to transfer the case to the CBI for investigation. 
Rajput, 34, was found hanging from the ceiling of his apartment in suburban Bandra in Mumbai on June 14. 
 
The row over his death has acquired political dimensions in Bihar, his home state, ahead of the assembly polls there with almost all major parties, including the opposition RJD, backing the demand for a CBI probe. 
The BJP and its allies have been trying to put their rivals, including the Congress, on the defensive over the issue.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/entertainment/bollywood/news-Sushant-Singh-Rajput-case-Supreme-Court-orders-for-a-CBI-probe-321611" hreflang="en">Sushant Singh Rajput case: Supreme Court orders for a CBI probe</a> 
 
"With today's apex court order, it has become amply clear that whatever was done in Bihar was in accordance with the law and constitutional norms. And I am quite hopeful that justice will now be done in the case," Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said. 
 
BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain alleged that the Maharashtra government had been "stalling" the investigation and expressed confidence that the truth will now be brought out. 
Congress leader Gohil said the apex court in its ruling has stated that records of the case produced before it do not "prima facie suggest any wrongdoing by the Mumbai Police" and demanded that the BJP leaders apologise to the force. 
 
"I demand that the CBI should fulfill its duty and an investigation is completed at the earliest," he said at an online media briefing. 
 
Gohil said the Congress has repeatedly demanded that there should be a proper investigation in the case and the bereaved family should get justice. 
 
"Justice will not be delivered by the statements being made by BJP-JDU for political gains in view of the assembly polls. There should be a proper investigation in the case," he said. 
 
"The Mumbai police, considered among the good police forces in the world, was abused by the BJP people just because they were opposed to the Congress and Shiv Sena," the Rajya Sabha MP said. 
 
Former Maharashtra chief minister and senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, who had been pushing for a CBI probe, said the Maharashtra government needs to introspect on the way it handled the case. 
 
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut told reporters that "doubting" the integrity of Mumbai Police was a "conspiracy" and alleged that politicians maligned the force. He, however, did not take any name. 
Raut said the Mumbai Police had probed the case "in all fairness". 
 
Asked if the verdict was a setback to the Shiv Sena-led Maharashtra government, Raut said, "Such things do happen in legal battles." 
 
On whether the state government will challenge the verdict, Raut said it will respond after getting a copy of the judgement. 
 
Maharashtra Home Minister and NCP leader Anil Deshmukh also said he will comment only after studying the apex court order. 
 
Lok Janshakti Party president Chirag Paswan, who was an early votary of a CBI probe in the matter, said the SC verdict has "respected" the sentiments of crores of people. 
 
In a tweet, he expressed confidence that the CBI will not only bring out the truth but also "expose" those who tried to mislead the probe in the case of alleged suicide.

Hailing the Supreme Court order on a CBI probe in actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death case as a "triumph of justice", the BJP and its allies expressed confidence on Wednesday that the central agency will bring out the truth.

Hailing the Supreme Court order on a CBI probe in actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death case as a "triumph of justice", the BJP and its allies expressed confidence on Wednesday that the central agency will bring out the truth. The ruling Congress and Shiv Sena in Maharashtra defended the Mumbai Police and alleged that the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government is trying to take political advantage of the issue in view of the upcoming assembly polls. The Maharashtra Government had opposed an FIR by the Bihar police and a CBI probe in the sensational case. However, JD(U) president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar asserted that the Supreme Court order has vindicated his government, and asserted that its action had nothing to do with politics or elections. Also read: Welcome Supreme Court's decision to order CBI probe in Sushant's case, says Bihar Deputy CM Soon after the apex court's verdict, senior BJP leader and Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad tweeted, "Justice triumphs! The soul of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput will surely now rest in peace with the assurance of a fair investigation by CBI on the FIR filed in Patna by Bihar Police whose request for transfer of the case to CBI has been validated by the Supreme Court." He also praised the "exemplary courage" shown by the actor's family and the "overpowering desire of the people of India" to see justice in the case and called it a new milestone. Congress spokesperson Shaktisinh Gohil said the CBI should now carry out a proper probe into the actor's death, and asserted that justice will not be delivered by the BJP-JD(U), which are in power in Bihar, making statements for "political gains". The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the transfer of the FIR, lodged at Patna against actress Rhea Chakraborty and others for allegedly abetting the suicide of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, to the CBI. The apex court said that the Bihar government is competent to transfer the case to the CBI for investigation. Rajput, 34, was found hanging from the ceiling of his apartment in suburban Bandra in Mumbai on June 14. The row over his death has acquired political dimensions in Bihar, his home state, ahead of the assembly polls there with almost all major parties, including the opposition RJD, backing the demand for a CBI probe. The BJP and its allies have been trying to put their rivals, including the Congress, on the defensive over the issue. Also read: Sushant Singh Rajput case: Supreme Court orders for a CBI probe "With today's apex court order, it has become amply clear that whatever was done in Bihar was in accordance with the law and constitutional norms. And I am quite hopeful that justice will now be done in the case," Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said. BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain alleged that the Maharashtra government had been "stalling" the investigation and expressed confidence that the truth will now be brought out. Congress leader Gohil said the apex court in its ruling has stated that records of the case produced before it do not "prima facie suggest any wrongdoing by the Mumbai Police" and demanded that the BJP leaders apologise to the force. "I demand that the CBI should fulfill its duty and an investigation is completed at the earliest," he said at an online media briefing. Gohil said the Congress has repeatedly demanded that there should be a proper investigation in the case and the bereaved family should get justice. "Justice will not be delivered by the statements being made by BJP-JDU for political gains in view of the assembly polls. There should be a proper investigation in the case," he said. "The Mumbai police, considered among the good police forces in the world, was abused by the BJP people just because they were opposed to the Congress and Shiv Sena," the Rajya Sabha MP said. Former Maharashtra chief minister and senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, who had been pushing for a CBI probe, said the Maharashtra government needs to introspect on the way it handled the case. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut told reporters that "doubting" the integrity of Mumbai Police was a "conspiracy" and alleged that politicians maligned the force. He, however, did not take any name. Raut said the Mumbai Police had probed the case "in all fairness". Asked if the verdict was a setback to the Shiv Sena-led Maharashtra government, Raut said, "Such things do happen in legal battles." On whether the state government will challenge the verdict, Raut said it will respond after getting a copy of the judgement. Maharashtra Home Minister and NCP leader Anil Deshmukh also said he will comment only after studying the apex court order. Lok Janshakti Party president Chirag Paswan, who was an early votary of a CBI probe in the matter, said the SC verdict has "respected" the sentiments of crores of people. In a tweet, he expressed confidence that the CBI will not only bring out the truth but also "expose" those who tried to mislead the probe in the case of alleged suicide.

BJP, allies welcome Supreme Court verdict in Sushant Singh Rajput case

A top Facebook executive in India has filed a police complaint in New Delhi saying she is receiving death threats following a media report that said she and the US&nbsp;social network company allegedly favoured the BJP.

Ankhi Das, Facebook's top public-policy executive in India, in her complaint to Delhi police said some individuals online had "intentionally vilified" her due to their political affiliations and were engaging in abuse, Indian media reported.

Das has said the threats followed a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report last week that said she opposed applying Facebook's hate-speech rules to a member of the BJP&nbsp;and some other individuals and groups "flagged internally for promoting or participating in violence".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/facebook-director-receives-death-threats-for-favouring-bjp-321138" hreflang="en">Facebook Director receives death threats for 'favouring' BJP</a>

"I am extremely disturbed by the relentless harassment meted out to me," Das said in her complaint, according to India's Hindu newspaper.&nbsp;

A spokesman for the Delhi Police did not respond to calls and text messages from Reuters.

Das and Facebook did not respond to a request for comment on the police complaint. Facebook on Monday referred Reuters to a weekend statement that said it prohibited hate speech irrespective of one's political position but acknowledged, "there is more to do".

The WSJ article has sparked a political storm in India and raised questions about Facebook's content regulation practices.

Das had told staff that punishing violations by politicians from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) "would damage the company's business prospects in the country", the WSJ article said.

For Facebook, which has over 300 million users in India, the controversy comes months after it invested $5.7 billion in the digital unit of India's Reliance Industries.

The company was also seen close to receiving permission to launch a payments service on WhatsApp, which also counts India as its biggest market with more than 400 million users.

POLITICIANS TRADING BARBS

India's main opposition Congress has seized on the WSJ story to seek a parliamentary investigation of Facebook employees' alleged ties with&nbsp;BJP.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Congress said on Twitter, "Millions of Indians are controlled and manipulated by BJP through Facebook," and WhatsApp.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/facebook-begins-merging-instagram-messenger-chats-says-report-320748" hreflang="en">Facebook begins merging Instagram, Messenger chats, says report</a>

BJP lawmakers in turn accused Facebook of censoring voices, with lawmaker and former minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore in a column in the Indian Express newspaper on Monday accused Facebook of being a "Left-Congress-leaning platform."

"This storm in a teacup is merely an exercise to browbeat Facebook for 'allowing' certain opinions to even exist," Rathore wrote.&nbsp;

"There are examples of current and former Facebook executives with links to the former government and opposition parties, and some of them have been openly critical of the prime minister as well. To accuse them of being pro-BJP is laughable."

A top Facebook executive in India has filed a police complaint in New Delhi saying she is receiving death threats following a media report that said she and the US social network company allegedly favoured the BJP.

A top Facebook executive in India has filed a police complaint in New Delhi saying she is receiving death threats following a media report that said she and the US social network company allegedly favoured the BJP. Ankhi Das, Facebook's top public-policy executive in India, in her complaint to Delhi police said some individuals online had "intentionally vilified" her due to their political affiliations and were engaging in abuse, Indian media reported. Das has said the threats followed a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report last week that said she opposed applying Facebook's hate-speech rules to a member of the BJP and some other individuals and groups "flagged internally for promoting or participating in violence". Also read: Facebook Director receives death threats for 'favouring' BJP "I am extremely disturbed by the relentless harassment meted out to me," Das said in her complaint, according to India's Hindu newspaper. A spokesman for the Delhi Police did not respond to calls and text messages from Reuters. Das and Facebook did not respond to a request for comment on the police complaint. Facebook on Monday referred Reuters to a weekend statement that said it prohibited hate speech irrespective of one's political position but acknowledged, "there is more to do". The WSJ article has sparked a political storm in India and raised questions about Facebook's content regulation practices. Das had told staff that punishing violations by politicians from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) "would damage the company's business prospects in the country", the WSJ article said. For Facebook, which has over 300 million users in India, the controversy comes months after it invested $5.7 billion in the digital unit of India's Reliance Industries. The company was also seen close to receiving permission to launch a payments service on WhatsApp, which also counts India as its biggest market with more than 400 million users. POLITICIANS TRADING BARBS India's main opposition Congress has seized on the WSJ story to seek a parliamentary investigation of Facebook employees' alleged ties with BJP. On Sunday, Congress said on Twitter, "Millions of Indians are controlled and manipulated by BJP through Facebook," and WhatsApp. Also read: Facebook begins merging Instagram, Messenger chats, says report BJP lawmakers in turn accused Facebook of censoring voices, with lawmaker and former minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore in a column in the Indian Express newspaper on Monday accused Facebook of being a "Left-Congress-leaning platform." "This storm in a teacup is merely an exercise to browbeat Facebook for 'allowing' certain opinions to even exist," Rathore wrote. "There are examples of current and former Facebook executives with links to the former government and opposition parties, and some of them have been openly critical of the prime minister as well. To accuse them of being pro-BJP is laughable."

Facebook executive in India files police complaint after being accused of favouring BJP

After the recent Facebook-BJP controversy, top Facebook officials have been receiving death threats for allegedly favouring the leading political party of India.

Ankhi Das, Director, Public Policy, India, South and&nbsp;Central Asia said people have been sending her death threats and have been posting/circulating obscene messages about her. She filed a complaint with the&nbsp;Cyber Cell of Delhi Police on Monday, August 17. She said the threats began after August 14.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-twitter-step-up-fight-against-misinformation-on-us-elections-320188">Also read|&nbsp;Facebook, Twitter step up fight against misinformation on US elections</a>

Delhi Police has started investigating the matter and will be first investigating the 5-6 people Das mentioned in her complaint.

Das has been receiving threats after American daily&nbsp;Wall Street Journal published a report accusing Facebook of letting the ministers of the ruling party of India post hate messages only to maintain good a relationship with the party leaders. Wall Street Journal alleged that Facebook ignored its hate speech policy when it came to the leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-denied-our-request-to-waive-off-30-commission-fee-facebook-inc-320716">Also read|&nbsp;Apple denied our request to waive off 30% commission fee: Facebook Inc</a>

The article titled 'Facebook’s Hate-Speech Rules Collide With Indian Politics' was published on August 14, a day before India celebrated its 74th Independence Day.&nbsp;

Facebook denied the accusations after the article was published.&nbsp;"We prohibit hate speech and content that incites violence and we enforce these policies globally without regard to anyone's political position or party affiliation. While we know there is more to do, we're making progress on enforcement and conduct regular audits of our process to ensure fairness and accuracy," a Facebook spokesperson said.

Rahul Gandhi also shared the Wall Street Journal article on Twitter saying, "BJP &amp; RSS control Facebook &amp; Whatsapp in India. They spread fake news and hatred through it and use it to influence the electorate. Finally, the American media has come out with the truth about Facebook."

After the recent Facebook-BJP controversy, top Facebook officials have been receiving death threats for allegedly favouring the leading political party of India.

After the recent Facebook-BJP controversy, top Facebook officials have been receiving death threats for allegedly favouring the leading political party of India. Ankhi Das, Director, Public Policy, India, South and Central Asia said people have been sending her death threats and have been posting/circulating obscene messages about her. She filed a complaint with the Cyber Cell of Delhi Police on Monday, August 17. She said the threats began after August 14. Also read| Facebook, Twitter step up fight against misinformation on US elections Delhi Police has started investigating the matter and will be first investigating the 5-6 people Das mentioned in her complaint. Das has been receiving threats after American daily Wall Street Journal published a report accusing Facebook of letting the ministers of the ruling party of India post hate messages only to maintain good a relationship with the party leaders. Wall Street Journal alleged that Facebook ignored its hate speech policy when it came to the leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Also read| Apple denied our request to waive off 30% commission fee: Facebook Inc The article titled 'Facebook’s Hate-Speech Rules Collide With Indian Politics' was published on August 14, a day before India celebrated its 74th Independence Day. Facebook denied the accusations after the article was published. "We prohibit hate speech and content that incites violence and we enforce these policies globally without regard to anyone's political position or party affiliation. While we know there is more to do, we're making progress on enforcement and conduct regular audits of our process to ensure fairness and accuracy," a Facebook spokesperson said. Rahul Gandhi also shared the Wall Street Journal article on Twitter saying, "BJP & RSS control Facebook & Whatsapp in India. They spread fake news and hatred through it and use it to influence the electorate. Finally, the American media has come out with the truth about Facebook."

Facebook Director receives death threats for 'favouring' BJP

Selvam, a sitting DMK MLA from the prestigious Thousand Lights constituency in Chennai met BJP leaders in Delhi, on a day when even the BJP Tamil Nadu unit said that he would be joining the party. However, after meeting BJP leaders in Delhi, he told reporters that he was not joining the BJP and had met them only to make certain demands related to his constituency. “I visited Railways Minister Piyush Goyal to request him to install two lifts at the Nungambakkam station in my constituency and also asked BJP President JP Nadda to develop temple town Rameswaram on par with Ayodhya,” he said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-how-india-is-giving-china-a-taste-of-its-own-medicine-318161" hreflang="en">India-China standoff: How India is giving China a taste of its own medicine</a>

The MLA also demanded that his party leader MK Stalin hold internal party elections and snap ties with the Congress and the Gandhi family. His other demand was about wanting MK Stalin to condemn Karuppar Koottam, a Youtube channel that had made a derogatory video related to a holy hymn on Lord Muruga. On being asked about reaching Delhi and meeting BJP leaders without informing the party high command, he asserted his readiness to face disciplinary action from the party.&nbsp;

Clear links of his possible shift to the BJP, coming just ahead of an election year, isn’t good news for Tamil Nadu’s opposition party DMK, which has been out of power for two terms. While it is common for leaders to jump ship and join other Dravidian parties, it comes as a surprise that the DMK leader has chosen to join the BJP, which has an insignificant political representation in the Tamil Nadu, where the Dravidian majors have ruled for over five decades.&nbsp;

Selvam is the second leader from the DMK to join the BJP in recent times, the first being VP Duraiswamy. In both cases, it appears that the leaders have chosen to switch over given how they were sidelined and not offered desires posts. In the case of Duraiswamy, it is said that not being given a Rajya Sabha seat was what led to his exit. Similarly, Selvam too is said to have been eyeing a district secretary post, which eventually he ended up not getting.&nbsp;

Persons close to the DMK claim that this is not going to affect the party’s prospects in the coming polls.&nbsp;Especially as the leaders who have left are disgruntled leaders and not big names. In the case of Selvam, the excuse is that he wasn’t a DMK man in the strict sense, as he had been in the AIADMK earlier. &nbsp;

However, there is also the widespread talk of old-timers being unhappy about newbies and those close to DMK President MK Stalin’s son being given plum party posts, despite their inexperience. Recently there have been various reports of DMK youth wing leader and MK Stalin’s son Udhayanidhi wielding influence in appointing those in his close circle for plum posts. This is said to have caused heartburn among a few old-timers.&nbsp;

“Basically the BJP is on a campaign to woo leaders from the DMK and they are also in talks with two-three others, including a former Minister. While Udhayanidhi and his actions cannot be seen as a sole influence for the exits, it is one among the reasons. Unlike the 2019 Lok Sabha polls(which DMK and allies swept), next year’s assembly polls won’t be a one horse race for the DMK. There is uncertainty” Senior Journalist and Political analyst Dr Sumanth C Raman told WION.&nbsp;

A thousand Lights as a constituency also holds significance as it is bang in the heart of Chennai city and was a constituency that MK Stalin had also fought elections from.&nbsp;

When asked about the possibility of more leaders from DMK joining the DMK, BJP Spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy said that the BJP welcomes anybody who accepts their ideology. “In this case, Selvam wanted to come on-board and has joined, but we welcome anyone who wants to join by accepting the policies of the party and the work we are doing for the country,” he told WION.&nbsp;

“The MLA did not speak anything against his party and he has also said he’s not joining the BJP. So he cannot be disqualified on grounds of defecting and lose his MLA post. But if the DMK chooses to expel him, he will remain an MLA and can switch parties” Dr Sumanth added.&nbsp;

Selvam, a sitting DMK MLA from the prestigious Thousand Lights constituency in Chennai met BJP leaders in Delhi, on a day when even the BJP Tamil Nadu unit said that he would be joining the party.

Selvam, a sitting DMK MLA from the prestigious Thousand Lights constituency in Chennai met BJP leaders in Delhi, on a day when even the BJP Tamil Nadu unit said that he would be joining the party. However, after meeting BJP leaders in Delhi, he told reporters that he was not joining the BJP and had met them only to make certain demands related to his constituency. “I visited Railways Minister Piyush Goyal to request him to install two lifts at the Nungambakkam station in my constituency and also asked BJP President JP Nadda to develop temple town Rameswaram on par with Ayodhya,” he said. Also read: India-China standoff: How India is giving China a taste of its own medicine The MLA also demanded that his party leader MK Stalin hold internal party elections and snap ties with the Congress and the Gandhi family. His other demand was about wanting MK Stalin to condemn Karuppar Koottam, a Youtube channel that had made a derogatory video related to a holy hymn on Lord Muruga. On being asked about reaching Delhi and meeting BJP leaders without informing the party high command, he asserted his readiness to face disciplinary action from the party. Clear links of his possible shift to the BJP, coming just ahead of an election year, isn’t good news for Tamil Nadu’s opposition party DMK, which has been out of power for two terms. While it is common for leaders to jump ship and join other Dravidian parties, it comes as a surprise that the DMK leader has chosen to join the BJP, which has an insignificant political representation in the Tamil Nadu, where the Dravidian majors have ruled for over five decades. Selvam is the second leader from the DMK to join the BJP in recent times, the first being VP Duraiswamy. In both cases, it appears that the leaders have chosen to switch over given how they were sidelined and not offered desires posts. In the case of Duraiswamy, it is said that not being given a Rajya Sabha seat was what led to his exit. Similarly, Selvam too is said to have been eyeing a district secretary post, which eventually he ended up not getting. Persons close to the DMK claim that this is not going to affect the party’s prospects in the coming polls. Especially as the leaders who have left are disgruntled leaders and not big names. In the case of Selvam, the excuse is that he wasn’t a DMK man in the strict sense, as he had been in the AIADMK earlier. However, there is also the widespread talk of old-timers being unhappy about newbies and those close to DMK President MK Stalin’s son being given plum party posts, despite their inexperience. Recently there have been various reports of DMK youth wing leader and MK Stalin’s son Udhayanidhi wielding influence in appointing those in his close circle for plum posts. This is said to have caused heartburn among a few old-timers. “Basically the BJP is on a campaign to woo leaders from the DMK and they are also in talks with two-three others, including a former Minister. While Udhayanidhi and his actions cannot be seen as a sole influence for the exits, it is one among the reasons. Unlike the 2019 Lok Sabha polls(which DMK and allies swept), next year’s assembly polls won’t be a one horse race for the DMK. There is uncertainty” Senior Journalist and Political analyst Dr Sumanth C Raman told WION. A thousand Lights as a constituency also holds significance as it is bang in the heart of Chennai city and was a constituency that MK Stalin had also fought elections from. When asked about the possibility of more leaders from DMK joining the DMK, BJP Spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy said that the BJP welcomes anybody who accepts their ideology. “In this case, Selvam wanted to come on-board and has joined, but we welcome anyone who wants to join by accepting the policies of the party and the work we are doing for the country,” he told WION. “The MLA did not speak anything against his party and he has also said he’s not joining the BJP. So he cannot be disqualified on grounds of defecting and lose his MLA post. But if the DMK chooses to expel him, he will remain an MLA and can switch parties” Dr Sumanth added.

Disgruntled with DMK, sitting MLA meets BJP leaders in Delhi; but denies joining party

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

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

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

Maintaining social distance, Congress stages protests against BJP

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Nainital, Ajay Bhatt has introduced a private member bill in the Lok Sabha on population control which has also been tabled. 
 
It will be discussed along with the facts in the coming days, Bhatt informed. 
 
"Controlling the population is very important, it is increasing alarmingly. Castes, religions, etc should not be of the scale of the population, there should be the same law for everyone, there should be the same boundaries," said Bhatt.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/indias-covid-19-cases-per-lakh-population-one-of-the-lowest-globally-union-health-ministry-307710" hreflang="en">India’s Covid-19 cases per lakh population one of the lowest globally: Union health ministry</a> 
 
"I have made an effort to bring a bill in Lok Sabha to control the population because the kind of problems have already occurred and which are going to occur in the future are an alarm for us," he added. 
 
Bhatt continued saying that even the PM has mentioned about population control in one of his speeches.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/icmr-asks-states-to-do-sero-survey-in-high-risk-populations-to-assess-exposure-to-covid-19-302064" hreflang="en">ICMR asks states to do sero-survey in high-risk populations to assess exposure to COVID-19</a> 
 
"Had the COVID-19 crisis not occurred, we would have witnessed some positive step in this regard. In the next census, we would even cross China`s population in the future according to the experts," he added. 
 
Earlier this week, Union Minister Giriraj Singh had also said that rising population of the country has become a "challenge" and added that "strict laws for the same are required if we want to stand with developed nations".

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Nainital, Ajay Bhatt has introduced a private member bill in the Lok Sabha on population control which has also been tabled.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Nainital, Ajay Bhatt has introduced a private member bill in the Lok Sabha on population control which has also been tabled. It will be discussed along with the facts in the coming days, Bhatt informed. "Controlling the population is very important, it is increasing alarmingly. Castes, religions, etc should not be of the scale of the population, there should be the same law for everyone, there should be the same boundaries," said Bhatt. Also read: India’s Covid-19 cases per lakh population one of the lowest globally: Union health ministry "I have made an effort to bring a bill in Lok Sabha to control the population because the kind of problems have already occurred and which are going to occur in the future are an alarm for us," he added. Bhatt continued saying that even the PM has mentioned about population control in one of his speeches. Also read: ICMR asks states to do sero-survey in high-risk populations to assess exposure to COVID-19 "Had the COVID-19 crisis not occurred, we would have witnessed some positive step in this regard. In the next census, we would even cross China`s population in the future according to the experts," he added. Earlier this week, Union Minister Giriraj Singh had also said that rising population of the country has become a "challenge" and added that "strict laws for the same are required if we want to stand with developed nations".

BJP MP introduces private member bill in lower house on population control

Former Bandipora BJP president Waseem Bari, his father and brother, succumbed to their injuries after terrorists fired upon them, said Police on Wednesday.

J&K: BJP Leader Waseem Bari, Brother And Father Shot Dead By Terrorist

Former Bandipora BJP president Waseem Bari, his father and brother, succumbed to their injuries after suspected terrorists fired upon them. The incident took place despite Bari having ten personal security officers to guard him. None of them were present when the militants attacked. All ten of his PSOs have been arrested. Watch report.

Terrorists kill Kashmir BJP leader Waseem Bari: 10 cops arrested for negligence

A former BJP Bandipora district president and current in charge of training wing for the part in Kashmir Waseem Bari has been killed along with father and&nbsp;a young brother in a terrorist attack.&nbsp;

The J&amp;K police have told WION that terrorists&nbsp;fired at them when all of them were at a shop outside their house.&nbsp;

”The family is protected by a component of 8 personnel but none were present at the time of the incident, so we are arresting them,” Vijay Kumar, IG Kashmir told WION.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The injured were shifted to a local hospital where they succumbed to their injuries.&nbsp;

A former BJP Bandipora district president and current in charge of training wing for the part in Kashmir Waseem Bari has been killed along with father and a young brother in a terrorist attack.

A former BJP Bandipora district president and current in charge of training wing for the part in Kashmir Waseem Bari has been killed along with father and a young brother in a terrorist attack. The J&K police have told WION that terrorists fired at them when all of them were at a shop outside their house. ”The family is protected by a component of 8 personnel but none were present at the time of the incident, so we are arresting them,” Vijay Kumar, IG Kashmir told WION. The injured were shifted to a local hospital where they succumbed to their injuries.

BJP leader, his brother and father killed in terror attack in J&K's Bandipora

The BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit on Monday demanded a judicial probe into the death of two relatives of a COVID-19 patient who passed away here last week, stating that the party was seriously concerned about repeated negligence by government officials.

The Jammu district administration had already ordered a magisterial probe into the death of Vimal Zadoo and his cousin brother Vipan Zadoo on Thursday during the cremation of their uncle who died a day earlier after testing positive.

The demand for a judicial probe was made by the BJP in a memorandum submitted to Lt Governor G C Murmu by a five-member delegation of senior party leaders, including General Secretary Vibodh Gupta, former minister Sat Sharma and party vice president Narinder Singh, a BJP spokesperson said.

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The memorandum, signed by Gupta, alleged that a section of the administration is demonstrating its "insensitivity" and "disrespect" for not only common people but also the dead and their families as was witnessed in the case of the death of two family members accompanying the body of a COVID-19 patient for his last rites.

"People are justifiably angry and expect accountability and transparency in handling of the situation. The district administration, Jammu in an effort to hush up the case and protect the guilty announced a magisterial probe to be conducted by officials who are actually responsible for the mishap," the memorandum read, advocating judicial inquiry into the incident to ensure justice to the aggrieved family.

The BJP said the people responsible for the negligence should be immediately suspended and guilty punished both in Jammu and also in Kathua district, where a 47-year-old man died at a quarantine centre on Sunday.

The party demanded an ex-gratia relief of Rs 15 Lakh along with a government job to the kin of the deceased, besides accommodation to the widow of one of the deceased of Jammu.

The memorandum also suggested the administration to notify cremation grounds to be used for the last rites of a COVID-19 patient for avoiding last moment hustle.

"This pandemic may continue for a longer period and we should prepare ourselves for a long and cautious fight against it," it said, adding that there was an urgent need to review the preparation at the highest level.

The BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit on Monday demanded a judicial probe into the death of two relatives of a COVID-19 patient who passed away here last week, stating that the party was seriously concerned about repeated negligence by government officials.

The BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit on Monday demanded a judicial probe into the death of two relatives of a COVID-19 patient who passed away here last week, stating that the party was seriously concerned about repeated negligence by government officials. The Jammu district administration had already ordered a magisterial probe into the death of Vimal Zadoo and his cousin brother Vipan Zadoo on Thursday during the cremation of their uncle who died a day earlier after testing positive. The demand for a judicial probe was made by the BJP in a memorandum submitted to Lt Governor G C Murmu by a five-member delegation of senior party leaders, including General Secretary Vibodh Gupta, former minister Sat Sharma and party vice president Narinder Singh, a BJP spokesperson said. Also read| ammu & Kashmir: 3 terrorists killed in encounter with security forces in Srinagar The memorandum, signed by Gupta, alleged that a section of the administration is demonstrating its "insensitivity" and "disrespect" for not only common people but also the dead and their families as was witnessed in the case of the death of two family members accompanying the body of a COVID-19 patient for his last rites. "People are justifiably angry and expect accountability and transparency in handling of the situation. The district administration, Jammu in an effort to hush up the case and protect the guilty announced a magisterial probe to be conducted by officials who are actually responsible for the mishap," the memorandum read, advocating judicial inquiry into the incident to ensure justice to the aggrieved family. The BJP said the people responsible for the negligence should be immediately suspended and guilty punished both in Jammu and also in Kathua district, where a 47-year-old man died at a quarantine centre on Sunday. The party demanded an ex-gratia relief of Rs 15 Lakh along with a government job to the kin of the deceased, besides accommodation to the widow of one of the deceased of Jammu. The memorandum also suggested the administration to notify cremation grounds to be used for the last rites of a COVID-19 patient for avoiding last moment hustle. "This pandemic may continue for a longer period and we should prepare ourselves for a long and cautious fight against it," it said, adding that there was an urgent need to review the preparation at the highest level.

BJP demands judicial probe into death of two kin of COVID-19 victim in Jammu

The results of Rajya Sabha election results were declared on Friday, shortly after the voting concluded. The voting took for four seats each in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, three each in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, two in Jharkhand, and one each in Manipur, Mizoram and Meghalaya.

Madhya Pradesh: BJP wins 2, Congress 1 
 
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Madhya Pradesh has won two seats. The opposition Congress won one seat. The winners are Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sumer Singh Solanki (both BJP) and Digvijaya Singh. 
 
Rajasthan Rajya Sabha Election Result: Congress wins 2 seats, BJP 1 
 
Congress wins 2 seats from Rajasthan, while BJP 1 seat. &nbsp;BJP's Rajendra Gehlot won, while KC Venugopal and Neeraj Dangi won from the Congress party.

Earlier, Voting for 19 Rajya Sabha seats spread across 8 states had concluded peacefully at 4 pm on Friday. Voting began at 9 am in the respective Assemblies and concluded at 4 pm.

Polling took place in 8 states simultaneously - Gujarat (4 seats), Andhra Pradesh (4 seats), Rajasthan (3 seats), Jharkhand (2 seats), Manipur (1 seat), Meghalaya (1 seat) and Mizoram (1 seat). Apart from routine preparations, the Election Commission had made special arrangements for sanitisation, social distancing etc. given coronavirus outbreak. The EC had arranged separate entry and exit gates.

(With inputs from agencies)

The results of Rajya Sabha election results were declared on Friday, shortly after the voting concluded. The voting took for four seats each in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, three each in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, two in Jharkhand, and one each in Manipur, Mizoram and Meghalaya.

The results of Rajya Sabha election results were declared on Friday, shortly after the voting concluded. The voting took for four seats each in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, three each in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, two in Jharkhand, and one each in Manipur, Mizoram and Meghalaya. Madhya Pradesh: BJP wins 2, Congress 1 The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Madhya Pradesh has won two seats. The opposition Congress won one seat. The winners are Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sumer Singh Solanki (both BJP) and Digvijaya Singh. Rajasthan Rajya Sabha Election Result: Congress wins 2 seats, BJP 1 Congress wins 2 seats from Rajasthan, while BJP 1 seat. BJP's Rajendra Gehlot won, while KC Venugopal and Neeraj Dangi won from the Congress party. Earlier, Voting for 19 Rajya Sabha seats spread across 8 states had concluded peacefully at 4 pm on Friday. Voting began at 9 am in the respective Assemblies and concluded at 4 pm. Polling took place in 8 states simultaneously - Gujarat (4 seats), Andhra Pradesh (4 seats), Rajasthan (3 seats), Jharkhand (2 seats), Manipur (1 seat), Meghalaya (1 seat) and Mizoram (1 seat). Apart from routine preparations, the Election Commission had made special arrangements for sanitisation, social distancing etc. given coronavirus outbreak. The EC had arranged separate entry and exit gates. (With inputs from agencies)

Rajya Sabha election results 2020: BJP bags 2 in Madhya Pradesh, Congress wins 2 seats in Rajasthan

Congress MLA K Meghachandra Singh has submitted a notice to the Secretary of Manipur Assembly for the removal of the Assembly Speaker Yumnam Khemchand Singh for 'preponing the date for proceedings regarding disqualification of 7 Congress MLAs'.

These seven MLAs won the election on a Congress ticket in 2017 but defected later to BJP.

This came after three MLAs of the ruling BJP resigned and joined Congress. Four National People's Party (NPP) MLAs, an independent MLA and Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA also withdrew support to the BJP-led government in the state.

Poll for one Rajya Sabha seat is also scheduled to be held on June 19.

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In 60-member Manipur Assembly, BJP emerged victorious in the 2017 Assembly elections and N Biren Singh was sworn in as the Chief Minister of the state. BJP had won 21 seats while Congress bagged 28 seats. One Congress MLA, who had defected to BJP, was disqualified by the Speaker tribunal earlier.

BJP currently enjoys support from four Naga People's Front (NPF) MLAs and one legislator of Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). After three resignations of three MLAs, BJP has 18 legislators left and have the support of five MLAs.

All the MLAs who had resigned and withdrawn their support from the N Biren Singh-led BJP government had a warm reception at an unidentified camp by Congress leader Okram Ibobi Singh, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee President M Okendro Singh, former MPCC presidents, G Gaikhangam, TN Haokip and Congress MLAs.

CLP leader Ibobi Singh said that he will be demanding for a floor test and stake claim to form the government.

Congress MLA K Meghachandra Singh has submitted a notice to the Secretary of Manipur Assembly for the removal of the Assembly Speaker Yumnam Khemchand Singh for 'preponing the date for proceedings regarding disqualification of 7 Congress MLAs'.

Congress MLA K Meghachandra Singh has submitted a notice to the Secretary of Manipur Assembly for the removal of the Assembly Speaker Yumnam Khemchand Singh for 'preponing the date for proceedings regarding disqualification of 7 Congress MLAs'. These seven MLAs won the election on a Congress ticket in 2017 but defected later to BJP. This came after three MLAs of the ruling BJP resigned and joined Congress. Four National People's Party (NPP) MLAs, an independent MLA and Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA also withdrew support to the BJP-led government in the state. Poll for one Rajya Sabha seat is also scheduled to be held on June 19. Also watch| India responds to claim over Galwan valley: China making 'inevitable' claims In 60-member Manipur Assembly, BJP emerged victorious in the 2017 Assembly elections and N Biren Singh was sworn in as the Chief Minister of the state. BJP had won 21 seats while Congress bagged 28 seats. One Congress MLA, who had defected to BJP, was disqualified by the Speaker tribunal earlier. BJP currently enjoys support from four Naga People's Front (NPF) MLAs and one legislator of Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). After three resignations of three MLAs, BJP has 18 legislators left and have the support of five MLAs. All the MLAs who had resigned and withdrawn their support from the N Biren Singh-led BJP government had a warm reception at an unidentified camp by Congress leader Okram Ibobi Singh, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee President M Okendro Singh, former MPCC presidents, G Gaikhangam, TN Haokip and Congress MLAs. CLP leader Ibobi Singh said that he will be demanding for a floor test and stake claim to form the government.

Congress submits notice to remove Manipur Assembly Speaker

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