Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday accused the government of adopting a weak strategy and kneeling down before China by "handing over" a rail contract to a Chinese firm.

She said the Centre should give a strong message to China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-responds-to-claim-over-galwan-valley-china-making-inevitable-claims-306738">Also watch|&nbsp;India responds to claim over Galwan valley: China making 'inevitable' claims</a>

"Twenty of our soldiers have been martyred. In such a situation, the central government should give a strong message, but the government has adopted a weak strategy of kneeling down by handing over the contract of Delhi-Meerut semi high-speed rail corridor to a Chinese company. All Indian companies are also competent to build this corridor," she said in a tweet in Hindi.

She also shared a media report claiming that a Chinese company has got the Rs 1126 crore contract for Delhi-Meerut rapid rail, amid the stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops.

Twenty Indian soldiers lost their lives in a violent clash between the troops of India and China at Galwan Valley in Ladakh on Monday night.&nbsp;

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday accused the government of adopting a weak strategy and kneeling down before China by "handing over" a rail contract to a Chinese firm.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday accused the government of adopting a weak strategy and kneeling down before China by "handing over" a rail contract to a Chinese firm. She said the Centre should give a strong message to China. Also watch| India responds to claim over Galwan valley: China making 'inevitable' claims "Twenty of our soldiers have been martyred. In such a situation, the central government should give a strong message, but the government has adopted a weak strategy of kneeling down by handing over the contract of Delhi-Meerut semi high-speed rail corridor to a Chinese company. All Indian companies are also competent to build this corridor," she said in a tweet in Hindi. She also shared a media report claiming that a Chinese company has got the Rs 1126 crore contract for Delhi-Meerut rapid rail, amid the stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops. Twenty Indian soldiers lost their lives in a violent clash between the troops of India and China at Galwan Valley in Ladakh on Monday night.

Govt adopting weak strategy by handing over rail contract to Chinese firm: Priyanka Gandhi

While observing Garib Adhikaar Diwas in protest against Union Home Minister Amit Shah's virtual rally, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday said that the double engine government has tortured poor people and the state government is only focused towards satisfying its hunger for power.

Earlier today, RJD leaders Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav clanged utensils to protest against Amit Shah's virtual rally to be held today and over the situation of migrant workers.

"Not only RJD but Bihar's labourers, farmers, unemployed people and others are clanging utensils in protest. The double engine government has tortured them mentally, physically and financially. We believe that poor people are an empty stomach, people are dying of hunger because of the governments," said Yadav.

He further asserted that the current government is only focused on satisfying their hunger for power. "Around 12 crore people across the country are unemployed. This government wants to satisfy their hunger for power rather than helping the poor.

RJD believes that BJP is the country's first such party who will celebrate the death of the poor. Seven crore youth in Bihar are unemployed," said Yadav.

"I want to ask Amit Shah and Nitish Kumar, are Bihar's migrants and poor being treated as thieves if they want to return to their homes. They are facing physical torture and financial constrain. Who is responsible for this situation? Nitish Kumar should at least apologise to Bihar's labourers and poor people. If he can't respect poor people, he should not disrespect them either," he added.

While observing Garib Adhikaar Diwas in protest against Union Home Minister Amit Shah's virtual rally, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday said that the double engine government has tortured poor people and the state government is only focused towards satisfying its hunger for power.

While observing Garib Adhikaar Diwas in protest against Union Home Minister Amit Shah's virtual rally, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday said that the double engine government has tortured poor people and the state government is only focused towards satisfying its hunger for power. Earlier today, RJD leaders Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav clanged utensils to protest against Amit Shah's virtual rally to be held today and over the situation of migrant workers. "Not only RJD but Bihar's labourers, farmers, unemployed people and others are clanging utensils in protest. The double engine government has tortured them mentally, physically and financially. We believe that poor people are an empty stomach, people are dying of hunger because of the governments," said Yadav. He further asserted that the current government is only focused on satisfying their hunger for power. "Around 12 crore people across the country are unemployed. This government wants to satisfy their hunger for power rather than helping the poor. RJD believes that BJP is the country's first such party who will celebrate the death of the poor. Seven crore youth in Bihar are unemployed," said Yadav. "I want to ask Amit Shah and Nitish Kumar, are Bihar's migrants and poor being treated as thieves if they want to return to their homes. They are facing physical torture and financial constrain. Who is responsible for this situation? Nitish Kumar should at least apologise to Bihar's labourers and poor people. If he can't respect poor people, he should not disrespect them either," he added.

RJD observes Garib Adhikaar Diwas; Tejashwi Yadav slams ''double engine govt'' for ''torturing'' poor

As the number of coronavirus cases are on a constant rise in the country, the political parties are now blaming each other for poor cooperation.

A few days ago, Delhi's ruling party, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)&nbsp;claimed that the centre-run RML Hospital in Delhi was giving out "erroneous" coronavirus test results.

The accusation by the Delhi-origin party did not do well with the ruling party BJP.&nbsp;Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan responded to the accusation saying, "it is not right to do politics over the COVID-19 situation in Delhi as it weakens the fight against the disease."

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बैठक में दिल्ली के स्वास्थ्य मंत्री श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/SatyendarJain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SatyendarJain</a> जी द्वारा <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> tests को लेकर <a href="https://twitter.com/RMLDelhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RMLDelhi</a> की Lab पर उठाए गए सवालों का जवाब देते हुए मैंने कहा कि किसी भी प्रतिष्ठित संस्थान और वहां के Professionals के खिलाफ़ बेबुनियाद आरोप लगाना ठीक नहीं है। 
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/9851-new-covid-19-cases-and-273-deaths-in-the-last-24-hours-highest-ever-spike-303483">Also read:&nbsp;9,851 new COVID-19 cases and 273 deaths in the last 24 hours – highest ever spike</a>

In a series of tweets, composed in Hindi, the Union Health Minister called this accusation a 'cheap media publicity stunt' and urged Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain to concentrate on strengthening health services in the national capital instead of making "baseless" allegations on a distinguished institute such as RML Hospital.

Few days ago, in a press conference in Delhi, AAP spokesperson Raghav Chadha claimed that the Delhi government had re-tested 30 samples from Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital which were declared COVID-19 positive, out of which 12 turned out to be negative, and&nbsp;two were inconclusive.

RML Hospital dismissed the accusation pointing out a gap of 7-14 days in the testing dates.

"We are doing quality checks with AIIMS and NCDC and the results are concordant. Our positivity is more as all hotspot cases, family clusters and high-risk contacts of lab confirmed cases are more in our screening centre. Also we do not have any backlog now. The problem existed earlier when adequate testing kits were not available," RML Hospital said in a statement.

AAP leader Raghav Chadha earlier alleged there was an error of 45 per cent in RML's coronavirus testing.

As the number of coronavirus cases are on a constant rise in the country, the political parties are now blaming each other for poor cooperation. A few days ago, Delhi's ruling party, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) claimed that the centre-run RML Hospital in Delhi was giving out "erroneous" coronavirus test results.

As the number of coronavirus cases are on a constant rise in the country, the political parties are now blaming each other for poor cooperation. A few days ago, Delhi's ruling party, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) claimed that the centre-run RML Hospital in Delhi was giving out "erroneous" coronavirus test results. The accusation by the Delhi-origin party did not do well with the ruling party BJP. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan responded to the accusation saying, "it is not right to do politics over the COVID-19 situation in Delhi as it weakens the fight against the disease." बैठक में दिल्ली के स्वास्थ्य मंत्री श्री @SatyendarJain जी द्वारा #COVID19 tests को लेकर @RMLDelhi की Lab पर उठाए गए सवालों का जवाब देते हुए मैंने कहा कि किसी भी प्रतिष्ठित संस्थान और वहां के Professionals के खिलाफ़ बेबुनियाद आरोप लगाना ठीक नहीं है। @PMOIndia @MoHFW_INDIA pic.twitter.com/Fqb4xxRxr2 — Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) June 4, 2020 × Also read: 9,851 new COVID-19 cases and 273 deaths in the last 24 hours – highest ever spike In a series of tweets, composed in Hindi, the Union Health Minister called this accusation a 'cheap media publicity stunt' and urged Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain to concentrate on strengthening health services in the national capital instead of making "baseless" allegations on a distinguished institute such as RML Hospital. Few days ago, in a press conference in Delhi, AAP spokesperson Raghav Chadha claimed that the Delhi government had re-tested 30 samples from Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital which were declared COVID-19 positive, out of which 12 turned out to be negative, and two were inconclusive. RML Hospital dismissed the accusation pointing out a gap of 7-14 days in the testing dates. "We are doing quality checks with AIIMS and NCDC and the results are concordant. Our positivity is more as all hotspot cases, family clusters and high-risk contacts of lab confirmed cases are more in our screening centre. Also we do not have any backlog now. The problem existed earlier when adequate testing kits were not available," RML Hospital said in a statement. AAP leader Raghav Chadha earlier alleged there was an error of 45 per cent in RML's coronavirus testing.

Harsh Vardhan slams AAP on RML accusation; calls it cheap media publicity stunt

The BJP on Wednesday rejected the allegation that starvation was behind the death of passengers on 'Shramik Special' trains and said the manner in which the issue was being "politicised" was unprecedented.

"None of the deaths in Shramik trains has been caused by hunger or starvation as per postmortem reports.

Natural deaths have occurred on trains earlier too but the manner in which unfortunate deaths of shramiks (labourers) have been politicised is unprecedented without (critics) waiting to know about the exact cause of deaths," the BJP said in a statement.

Its spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain cited details of postmortem reports and comments of some of the deceased's family members to claim that they suffered from pre-existing conditions.

Dashrath Prajapati (30) suffered from chronic kidney disease, the health of Ram Ratan Ground (63) had been deteriorating, Ibrar Ahmed's postmortem report found brain stroke as cause of death and not dehydration while Arbina Khatoon suffered from pre-existing mental ailment, Hussain said, referring to some of those who died during their journey.

"We are not here to do petty politics. Government believes in tackling the problems head-on, and addressing it," he said.

The BJP's statement came after Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi hit out at the central government, saying this has been "admitted" that at least 81 deaths have happened and there are allegations that more fatalities occurred but were not being declared by the railways.

The opposition party demanded the resignation of Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, accusing the government of distorting facts on payments for these train services.

The Congress said the central government has not spent a single penny on running special trains for migrant workers returning home as Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has made it clear before the Supreme Court that state governments receiving or sending migrants were to pay for them.

Hussain reiterated that the Railways bore 85 per cent of the total cost of getting the migrants back to their home states, while the remaining 15 per cent was charged from the states.

The solicitor general also said the same in the Supreme Court when asked who will pay the fare which is covered by the state, Hussain said.

'Shramik Special' trains are being supplied with multiple meals and adequate drinking water, with over 1. 5 crore meals and two crore packaged water bottles having been provided by the railways free of cost, he said.

As many as 4197 of these special trains have carried 58 lakh passengers to their home states between May 1 and June 3, the BJP leader said.

The BJP on Wednesday rejected the allegation that starvation was behind the death of passengers on 'Shramik Special' trains and said the manner in which the issue was being "politicised" was unprecedented.

The BJP on Wednesday rejected the allegation that starvation was behind the death of passengers on 'Shramik Special' trains and said the manner in which the issue was being "politicised" was unprecedented. "None of the deaths in Shramik trains has been caused by hunger or starvation as per postmortem reports. Natural deaths have occurred on trains earlier too but the manner in which unfortunate deaths of shramiks (labourers) have been politicised is unprecedented without (critics) waiting to know about the exact cause of deaths," the BJP said in a statement. Its spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain cited details of postmortem reports and comments of some of the deceased's family members to claim that they suffered from pre-existing conditions. Dashrath Prajapati (30) suffered from chronic kidney disease, the health of Ram Ratan Ground (63) had been deteriorating, Ibrar Ahmed's postmortem report found brain stroke as cause of death and not dehydration while Arbina Khatoon suffered from pre-existing mental ailment, Hussain said, referring to some of those who died during their journey. "We are not here to do petty politics. Government believes in tackling the problems head-on, and addressing it," he said. The BJP's statement came after Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi hit out at the central government, saying this has been "admitted" that at least 81 deaths have happened and there are allegations that more fatalities occurred but were not being declared by the railways. The opposition party demanded the resignation of Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, accusing the government of distorting facts on payments for these train services. The Congress said the central government has not spent a single penny on running special trains for migrant workers returning home as Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has made it clear before the Supreme Court that state governments receiving or sending migrants were to pay for them. Hussain reiterated that the Railways bore 85 per cent of the total cost of getting the migrants back to their home states, while the remaining 15 per cent was charged from the states. The solicitor general also said the same in the Supreme Court when asked who will pay the fare which is covered by the state, Hussain said. 'Shramik Special' trains are being supplied with multiple meals and adequate drinking water, with over 1. 5 crore meals and two crore packaged water bottles having been provided by the railways free of cost, he said. As many as 4197 of these special trains have carried 58 lakh passengers to their home states between May 1 and June 3, the BJP leader said.

'Issue being politicised': BJP says no death in Shramik trains due to starvation

Narendra Modi's government has completed one year of its second term. On this occasion, he wrote a letter&nbsp;to the people of the country listing out several initiatives, achievements and big decisions taken by his government.

"Once again, I bow to the 130 crore people of India and the democratic ethos of our nation. During normal times, I would have been in your midst. However, the present circumstances do not permit that. That is why I seek your blessings through this letter," said Prime Minister Modi.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-delhi-records-1106-new-cases-as-death-toll-rises-to-398-301829">Also read:&nbsp;COVID-19: Delhi records 1,106 new cases as death toll rises to 398</a>

Terming this as the&nbsp;"golden chapter", he thanked the people of India for voting back a&nbsp;full-term government with a full majority, after decades.&nbsp;"The way you have showcased the collective strength of democracy is a guiding light for the whole world."

He focused on how Modi government has brought down the hammer on corruption and&nbsp;"how the administrative apparatus broke itself free of status quo and from the swamp of corruption as well as misgovernance."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-likely-to-retain-limited-role-and-allow-states-have-more-say-after-lockdown-40-301870">Also read:&nbsp;Centre likely to retain limited role and allow states have more say after Lockdown 4.0</a>

He said the re-election of his government was crucial for the development of this nation. "From 2014 to 2019, India's stature rose significantly. The dignity of the poor was enhanced. The nation achieved financial inclusion, free gas and electricity connections, total sanitation coverage, and made progress towards ensuring 'Housing for All," he said.

Highlighting the achievements of his government, he said, ""India demonstrated its mettle through the surgical strike and airstrike. At the same time, decades-old demands such as OROP, One Nation One Tax- GST, better MSP for farmers were fulfilled."

However, he did acknowledge the public discourse on few decisions too.&nbsp;"Article 370 furthered the spirit of national unity and integration. The Ram Mandir judgment, delivered unanimously by the Supreme Court of India, brought an amicable end to a debate persisting for centuries. The barbaric practice of triple talaq has been confined to the dustbin of history. Amendment to the Citizenship Act was an expression of India's compassion and spirit of inclusiveness," said Prime Minister Modi while adding that there have been "many other decisions that have added momentum to the nation's development trajectory."

He expressed his pleasure about&nbsp;Mission Gaganyaan and requested people to join in on his mission and slogan of&nbsp;'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'.

(With inputs from ANI)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

He also assured people that he is confident that the nation will win against the pandemic.

&nbsp;

Narendra Modi's government has completed one year of its second term. On this occasion, he wrote a letter to the people of the country listing out several initiatives, achievements and big decisions taken by his government.

Narendra Modi's government has completed one year of its second term. On this occasion, he wrote a letter to the people of the country listing out several initiatives, achievements and big decisions taken by his government. "Once again, I bow to the 130 crore people of India and the democratic ethos of our nation. During normal times, I would have been in your midst. However, the present circumstances do not permit that. That is why I seek your blessings through this letter," said Prime Minister Modi. Also read: COVID-19: Delhi records 1,106 new cases as death toll rises to 398 Terming this as the "golden chapter", he thanked the people of India for voting back a full-term government with a full majority, after decades. "The way you have showcased the collective strength of democracy is a guiding light for the whole world." He focused on how Modi government has brought down the hammer on corruption and "how the administrative apparatus broke itself free of status quo and from the swamp of corruption as well as misgovernance." Also read: Centre likely to retain limited role and allow states have more say after Lockdown 4.0 He said the re-election of his government was crucial for the development of this nation. "From 2014 to 2019, India's stature rose significantly. The dignity of the poor was enhanced. The nation achieved financial inclusion, free gas and electricity connections, total sanitation coverage, and made progress towards ensuring 'Housing for All," he said. Highlighting the achievements of his government, he said, ""India demonstrated its mettle through the surgical strike and airstrike. At the same time, decades-old demands such as OROP, One Nation One Tax- GST, better MSP for farmers were fulfilled." However, he did acknowledge the public discourse on few decisions too. "Article 370 furthered the spirit of national unity and integration. The Ram Mandir judgment, delivered unanimously by the Supreme Court of India, brought an amicable end to a debate persisting for centuries. The barbaric practice of triple talaq has been confined to the dustbin of history. Amendment to the Citizenship Act was an expression of India's compassion and spirit of inclusiveness," said Prime Minister Modi while adding that there have been "many other decisions that have added momentum to the nation's development trajectory." He expressed his pleasure about Mission Gaganyaan and requested people to join in on his mission and slogan of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. (With inputs from ANI) He also assured people that he is confident that the nation will win against the pandemic.

PM Modi thanks people for 'golden term' on first anniversary of NDA 2.0

A key witness, from the Mumbai 26/11 bomb blasts, who had identified terrorist Ajmal Kasab during the case trial, died at his house in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Harishchandra Shrivardhankar was a resident of Thane and was a key witness. He had survived two bullets and had also hit Ajmal Kasab's accomplice Abu Ismail with his office bag. The incident had taken p;ace near Cama Hospital in South Mumbai.

He was the first witness to identify and testify against Ajmal Kasab. However, the witness was spotted lying on a footpath in a critical condition few days ago. The family had claimed that the family could not afford his medical treatment. Following this, former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had checked on the medical condition of Shrivardhankar at a private hospital in Kalyan two weeks back, sources said.

Fadnavis had announced that the BJP would provide Rs 10 lakh to help Shrivardhankar''s family. He is survived by his wife, two sons and daughters- in-law.

Kasab was hanged in Pune's Yerwada jail in secret on November 21, 2012 after a court trial.

A key witness, from the Mumbai 26/11 bomb blasts, who had identified terrorist Ajmal Kasab during the case trial, died at his house in Mumbai on Wednesday. Harishchandra Shrivardhankar was a resident of Thane and was a key witness.

A key witness, from the Mumbai 26/11 bomb blasts, who had identified terrorist Ajmal Kasab during the case trial, died at his house in Mumbai on Wednesday. Harishchandra Shrivardhankar was a resident of Thane and was a key witness. He had survived two bullets and had also hit Ajmal Kasab's accomplice Abu Ismail with his office bag. The incident had taken p;ace near Cama Hospital in South Mumbai. He was the first witness to identify and testify against Ajmal Kasab. However, the witness was spotted lying on a footpath in a critical condition few days ago. The family had claimed that the family could not afford his medical treatment. Following this, former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had checked on the medical condition of Shrivardhankar at a private hospital in Kalyan two weeks back, sources said. Fadnavis had announced that the BJP would provide Rs 10 lakh to help Shrivardhankar''s family. He is survived by his wife, two sons and daughters- in-law. Kasab was hanged in Pune's Yerwada jail in secret on November 21, 2012 after a court trial.

Key witness who had identified Ajmal Kasab dies in Mumbai

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

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

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

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

CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury has targeted the Central government over its handling of COVID-19 lockdown in the country and demanded that the government transfer Rs 7,500 per month, for the next three months, to the accounts of people who lost their livelihood due to the crisis.

He pointed out that the unemployment rate in the country shot up from 7.5 per cent to 23.6 per cent from early March to April 20.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-lauds-india-post-postmen-for-their-stupendous-efforts-during-lockdown-294785">Also read:&nbsp;PM Modi lauds India Post, postmen for their 'stupendous efforts' during lockdown</a>

"It is imperative that immediately the Central government transfers Rs 7,500 per month for the next three months to all who have lost their livelihoods. Surely, if a staggering Rs 7.76 lakhs of crores of loans taken by the super rich and corporates can be waived off by your government during the last five years, there should be no shortage of funds to feed and support the majority of our people," he said in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The CPI-M leader also questioned the manner in which the lockdown was imposed in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-1990-new-cases-india-witnesses-highest-coronavirus-cases-in-24-hour-period-294814">Also read:&nbsp;With 1,990 new cases, India witnesses highest coronavirus cases in 24-hour period</a>

"Since the lockdown, the urge among the migrant workers to return to their homes has seen surging crowds in huge numbers seeking to leave for their homes as they have lost all means of livelihood and shelter. This in itself negated one of the objectives of the lockdown, of maintaining physical distancing in order to contain community transmission of the pandemic," he wrote.

"Since the announcement of the lockdown, we had suggested that the Central government must immediately provide free food to all the needy. Huge stocks of foodgrains are rotting in our central godowns. These should be sent to the states for free distribution. Neither of these demands has even been considered by the government with you as the Prime Minister," he added.

India is under a nation-wide lockdown which was imposed on March 25 and later extended on April 14 to May 3 to stem the spread of coronavirus.&nbsp;

CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury has targeted the Central government over its handling of COVID-19 lockdown in the country and demanded that the government transfer Rs 7,500 per month, for the next three months, to the accounts of people who lost their livelihood due to the crisis.

CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury has targeted the Central government over its handling of COVID-19 lockdown in the country and demanded that the government transfer Rs 7,500 per month, for the next three months, to the accounts of people who lost their livelihood due to the crisis. He pointed out that the unemployment rate in the country shot up from 7.5 per cent to 23.6 per cent from early March to April 20. Also read: PM Modi lauds India Post, postmen for their 'stupendous efforts' during lockdown "It is imperative that immediately the Central government transfers Rs 7,500 per month for the next three months to all who have lost their livelihoods. Surely, if a staggering Rs 7.76 lakhs of crores of loans taken by the super rich and corporates can be waived off by your government during the last five years, there should be no shortage of funds to feed and support the majority of our people," he said in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The CPI-M leader also questioned the manner in which the lockdown was imposed in the country. Also read: With 1,990 new cases, India witnesses highest coronavirus cases in 24-hour period "Since the lockdown, the urge among the migrant workers to return to their homes has seen surging crowds in huge numbers seeking to leave for their homes as they have lost all means of livelihood and shelter. This in itself negated one of the objectives of the lockdown, of maintaining physical distancing in order to contain community transmission of the pandemic," he wrote. "Since the announcement of the lockdown, we had suggested that the Central government must immediately provide free food to all the needy. Huge stocks of foodgrains are rotting in our central godowns. These should be sent to the states for free distribution. Neither of these demands has even been considered by the government with you as the Prime Minister," he added. India is under a nation-wide lockdown which was imposed on March 25 and later extended on April 14 to May 3 to stem the spread of coronavirus.

Govt should provide Rs 7,500 per month for three months to those who lost livelihood in lockdown: Sitaram Yechury

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with Sarpanchs from across the nation on the occasion of Panchayati Raj Day, being observed amid the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown.

"At 11 AM today, PM Narendra Modi would be interacting with Sarpanchs from across the nation via video conferencing. All Sarpanchs will be able to join this interaction through Doordarshan, from their respective homes adhering to social distancing norms," the official twitter handle of PMO said.

"Those Sarpanchs who will be sharing their views with PM Narendra Modi will be doing so by joining the interaction at a Common Service Centre close to them," it added. On the occasion of Panchayati Raj Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in a letter to Panchayati Raj Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said: "The members of the Panchayati Raj system, who are fighting in a committed manner against this challenge like brave warriors act as a source of inspiration for the rest of us. This combined force is our strength in this fight. We will definitely defeat this pandemic by staying strong through our unity."&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with Sarpanchs from across the nation on the occasion of Panchayati Raj Day, being observed amid the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with Sarpanchs from across the nation on the occasion of Panchayati Raj Day, being observed amid the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown. "At 11 AM today, PM Narendra Modi would be interacting with Sarpanchs from across the nation via video conferencing. All Sarpanchs will be able to join this interaction through Doordarshan, from their respective homes adhering to social distancing norms," the official twitter handle of PMO said. "Those Sarpanchs who will be sharing their views with PM Narendra Modi will be doing so by joining the interaction at a Common Service Centre close to them," it added. On the occasion of Panchayati Raj Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in a letter to Panchayati Raj Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said: "The members of the Panchayati Raj system, who are fighting in a committed manner against this challenge like brave warriors act as a source of inspiration for the rest of us. This combined force is our strength in this fight. We will definitely defeat this pandemic by staying strong through our unity."

Narendra Modi to interact through video call with Sarpanchs on Panchayti Raj Day

Sonia Gandhi on Thursday accused the BJP of spreading the virus of communal prejudice and hatred in the country. She believes that&nbsp;grave damage is being done to social harmony, and her party will have to work hard to repair this damage.

Sonia Gandhi was addressing a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) -- which&nbsp;saw attendance of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi and top Congress leaders through video conference. This is the second time the Congress' top decision-making body, is meeting through video-conferencing in since the lockdown was enforced to contain the coronavirus threat. 
 
"Let me also share with you something that should worry each and every one of us as Indians. When we should be tackling the coronavirus unitedly, the BJP continues to spread the virus of communal prejudice and hatred," she said.

"We have repeatedly urged PM there is no alternative to testing, tracing and quarantine. Unfortunately, testing still remains low, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinas-faulty-test-kits-deal-a-body-blow-to-indias-fight-against-wuhan-virus-293858">testing kits</a> still in short supply," she noted.

Talking about how she has written several times to the Prime Minister, Gandhi asked the central government to increase the testing for coronavirus, and expressed concern over the rapidly increasing number of positive cases since the past three weeks. She also said she has suggested&nbsp;several measures and constructive cooperation to the central government.

"Unfortunately, they have been acted upon only partially and in a miserly way. The compassion, large-heartedness and alacrity that should be forthcoming from the central government is conspicuous by its absence," she said.

Claiming that around 12 crore people have lost jobs due to the the lockdown, she asked the government to provide food and financial security to the jobless and the the migrants who are stranded far from homes. She also urged the government to provide a relief package for the MSME sector.

"The central government does not appear to have a clear idea on how the situation will be managed after May 03. A lockdown of the present nature after that date would be even more devastating," she said.

Former prime Minister Manmohan Singh said proper cooperation between the Centre and states is necessary to fight this pandemic. However, he added that the success of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-growth-will-drop-to-05-per-cent-this-year-says-imf-chief-economist-gita-gopinath-294062">the lockdown will be judged finally on India's ability to tackle COVID-19</a>.&nbsp;

Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot said unless the central government comes forward to financially help states, the fight against COVID-19 will get weakened. "Unless there is a big financial package for states, how will normalcy return to states post lockdown," he asked.

Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel added that the fight against COVID-19 cannot be won&nbsp;unless the Centre rises to the occasion and provides financial assistance to states.

Puducherry chief minister V Narayanasamy claimed the Union government has not given any assistance to the states. and saisd, "We are not enemies but have to act and work together."

Gandhi said trade, commerce and industry have come to a virtual halt and crores of livelihoods have been destroyed. She told her party to focus on successfully engaging with health, food security and livelihood issues.&nbsp;The fight against COVID-19 would very much depend upon the availability of resources, he noted.

Sonia Gandhi on Thursday accused the BJP of spreading the virus of communal prejudice and hatred in the country. She believes that grave damage is being done to social harmony, and her party will have to work hard to repair this damage.

Sonia Gandhi on Thursday accused the BJP of spreading the virus of communal prejudice and hatred in the country. She believes that grave damage is being done to social harmony, and her party will have to work hard to repair this damage. Sonia Gandhi was addressing a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) -- which saw attendance of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi and top Congress leaders through video conference. This is the second time the Congress' top decision-making body, is meeting through video-conferencing in since the lockdown was enforced to contain the coronavirus threat. "Let me also share with you something that should worry each and every one of us as Indians. When we should be tackling the coronavirus unitedly, the BJP continues to spread the virus of communal prejudice and hatred," she said. "We have repeatedly urged PM there is no alternative to testing, tracing and quarantine. Unfortunately, testing still remains low, testing kits still in short supply," she noted. Talking about how she has written several times to the Prime Minister, Gandhi asked the central government to increase the testing for coronavirus, and expressed concern over the rapidly increasing number of positive cases since the past three weeks. She also said she has suggested several measures and constructive cooperation to the central government. "Unfortunately, they have been acted upon only partially and in a miserly way. The compassion, large-heartedness and alacrity that should be forthcoming from the central government is conspicuous by its absence," she said. Claiming that around 12 crore people have lost jobs due to the the lockdown, she asked the government to provide food and financial security to the jobless and the the migrants who are stranded far from homes. She also urged the government to provide a relief package for the MSME sector. "The central government does not appear to have a clear idea on how the situation will be managed after May 03. A lockdown of the present nature after that date would be even more devastating," she said. Former prime Minister Manmohan Singh said proper cooperation between the Centre and states is necessary to fight this pandemic. However, he added that the success of the lockdown will be judged finally on India's ability to tackle COVID-19. Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot said unless the central government comes forward to financially help states, the fight against COVID-19 will get weakened. "Unless there is a big financial package for states, how will normalcy return to states post lockdown," he asked. Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel added that the fight against COVID-19 cannot be won unless the Centre rises to the occasion and provides financial assistance to states. Puducherry chief minister V Narayanasamy claimed the Union government has not given any assistance to the states. and saisd, "We are not enemies but have to act and work together." Gandhi said trade, commerce and industry have come to a virtual halt and crores of livelihoods have been destroyed. She told her party to focus on successfully engaging with health, food security and livelihood issues. The fight against COVID-19 would very much depend upon the availability of resources, he noted.

Coronavirus: Sonia Gandhi urges government to provide relief package for MSME sector

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

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

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

40 years of BJP: A Remarkable Journey

On the 40th foundation day of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the BJP workers and asked them to help the needy as the country fights to contain the novel coronavirus outbreak.

PM Modi's message to BJP workers

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

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

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

Post-retirement jobs: Judiciary’s bane

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has the requisite majority in the Assembly and appealed to Governor Lalji Tandon to order a floor test soon.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-delegation-meets-mp-governor-requests-floor-test-286422">BJP delegation meets MP Governor, requests floor test</a>

"The Chief Minister is running away from the trust vote as he knows that the government lacks a majority. BJP has the majority and we have appealed to the Governor to order the conduct of a floor test at the earliest. He has assured us that he will protect our constitutional rights," Chouhan told reporters.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/madhya-pradesh-assembly-adjourned-till-march-26th-in-view-of-coronavirus-286648">Madhya Pradesh Assembly adjourned till March 26th in view of coronavirus</a>

"The Chief Minister is trying to defend himself. Governor's orders were not followed. Madhya Pradesh government does not have the constitutional right to run the government even for a single moment," he added.

The Madhya Pradesh Assembly, which met on Monday morning for the Budget session was adjourned immediately after the Governor's address till March 26, in view of coronavirus outbreak.

On Saturday, Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon had instructed Kamal Nath to face a trust vote after his address to the state assembly. Today, the chief minister wrote to Governor Tandon and asked for a postponement.

He said some of his MLAs were being held hostage and felt the vote should only be held when everyone is free.

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has the requisite majority in the Assembly and appealed to Governor Lalji Tandon to order a floor test soon.

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has the requisite majority in the Assembly and appealed to Governor Lalji Tandon to order a floor test soon. Also read: BJP delegation meets MP Governor, requests floor test "The Chief Minister is running away from the trust vote as he knows that the government lacks a majority. BJP has the majority and we have appealed to the Governor to order the conduct of a floor test at the earliest. He has assured us that he will protect our constitutional rights," Chouhan told reporters. Also read: Madhya Pradesh Assembly adjourned till March 26th in view of coronavirus "The Chief Minister is trying to defend himself. Governor's orders were not followed. Madhya Pradesh government does not have the constitutional right to run the government even for a single moment," he added. The Madhya Pradesh Assembly, which met on Monday morning for the Budget session was adjourned immediately after the Governor's address till March 26, in view of coronavirus outbreak. On Saturday, Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon had instructed Kamal Nath to face a trust vote after his address to the state assembly. Today, the chief minister wrote to Governor Tandon and asked for a postponement. He said some of his MLAs were being held hostage and felt the vote should only be held when everyone is free.

BJP has majority; have requested governor to order floor test soon: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday issued a whip to all its MLAs asking them to be present in the assembly for the floor test scheduled for March 16.

The floor test will be held in the MP Assembly to decide the fate of Chief Minister Kamal Nath led Congress government in the state. Meanwhile, earlier today the Congress MLAs who were lodged in a Jaipur resort following the political crisis in MP arrived at Bhopal airport.

These MLAs were accompanied by senior Congress leader Harish Rawat, who exuded confidence of Kamal-Nath led government winning floor test in the Assembly.

He claimed that BJP is nervous about the floor test."We are ready for floor test tomorrow and we are confident of winning it.

We are not nervous, the BJP is," Rawat told reporters here. On being asked about the rebel MLAs who have supported former Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia, the former Uttarakhand Chief Minister said: "Those (rebel) MLAs are in touch with us."

Meanwhile, Congress leaders including Digvijaya Singh and Shobha Oza arrived at Chief Minister Kamal Nath's residence.

Congress on Saturday issued a whip to all its MLAs for the legislative assembly session in Madhya Pradesh which is scheduled to be held from March 16 to April 13.

Scindia's decision to leave Congress was followed by the resignation from 22 party MLAs loyal to him.

The legislators who have resigned include six ministers. Several Congress leaders, including Digvijaya Singh, had accused the BJP of trying to poach its leaders.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday issued a whip to all its MLAs asking them to be present in the assembly for the floor test scheduled for March 16. The floor test will be held in the MP Assembly to decide the fate of Chief Minister Kamal Nath led Congress government in the state.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday issued a whip to all its MLAs asking them to be present in the assembly for the floor test scheduled for March 16. The floor test will be held in the MP Assembly to decide the fate of Chief Minister Kamal Nath led Congress government in the state. Meanwhile, earlier today the Congress MLAs who were lodged in a Jaipur resort following the political crisis in MP arrived at Bhopal airport. These MLAs were accompanied by senior Congress leader Harish Rawat, who exuded confidence of Kamal-Nath led government winning floor test in the Assembly. He claimed that BJP is nervous about the floor test."We are ready for floor test tomorrow and we are confident of winning it. We are not nervous, the BJP is," Rawat told reporters here. On being asked about the rebel MLAs who have supported former Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia, the former Uttarakhand Chief Minister said: "Those (rebel) MLAs are in touch with us." Meanwhile, Congress leaders including Digvijaya Singh and Shobha Oza arrived at Chief Minister Kamal Nath's residence. Congress on Saturday issued a whip to all its MLAs for the legislative assembly session in Madhya Pradesh which is scheduled to be held from March 16 to April 13. Scindia's decision to leave Congress was followed by the resignation from 22 party MLAs loyal to him. The legislators who have resigned include six ministers. Several Congress leaders, including Digvijaya Singh, had accused the BJP of trying to poach its leaders.

Madhya Pradesh: BJP issues whip to MLAs ahead of floor test

A BJP delegation met Governor Lalji Tandon on Saturday requesting him to conduct a floor test in the assembly.

BJP leaders Gopal Bhargava, Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Narottam Mishra, and Bhupendra Singh were part of the delegation that met the governor.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kamal-nath-discusses-floor-test-with-governor-amid-mp-government-crisis-286130">Kamal Nath discusses floor test with governor amid MP government crisis</a>

The delegation handed over a letter to the governor requesting him to hold an assembly session before March 16 and conduct the floor test.

They have also requested the governor for videography of the floor test.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/politics-in-madhya-pradesh-infected-by-coronavirus-kamal-nath-286156">Politics in Madhya Pradesh infected by coronavirus: Kamal Nath</a>

22 Congress MLAs, including six ministers, have tendered their resignation from the Legislative Assembly on March 10.

The legislators sent their resignation letters soon after Jyotiraditya Scindia resigned from the Congress.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jyotiraditya-scindia-files-nomination-for-rajya-sabha-elections-286152">Jyotiraditya Scindia files nomination for Rajya Sabha elections</a>

Congress has been witnessing an internal turf war in Madhya Pradesh since the party formed a government in the state.

Of late, the rift between Scindia and Kamal Nath came out in the open with the former criticizing the Chief Minister on multiple occasions.

Scindia later went on to join the BJP.

A BJP delegation met Governor Lalji Tandon on Saturday requesting him to conduct a floor test in the assembly. BJP leaders Gopal Bhargava, Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Narottam Mishra, and Bhupendra Singh were part of the delegation that met the governor.

A BJP delegation met Governor Lalji Tandon on Saturday requesting him to conduct a floor test in the assembly. BJP leaders Gopal Bhargava, Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Narottam Mishra, and Bhupendra Singh were part of the delegation that met the governor. Also read: Kamal Nath discusses floor test with governor amid MP government crisis The delegation handed over a letter to the governor requesting him to hold an assembly session before March 16 and conduct the floor test. They have also requested the governor for videography of the floor test. Also see: Politics in Madhya Pradesh infected by coronavirus: Kamal Nath 22 Congress MLAs, including six ministers, have tendered their resignation from the Legislative Assembly on March 10. The legislators sent their resignation letters soon after Jyotiraditya Scindia resigned from the Congress. Also read: Jyotiraditya Scindia files nomination for Rajya Sabha elections Congress has been witnessing an internal turf war in Madhya Pradesh since the party formed a government in the state. Of late, the rift between Scindia and Kamal Nath came out in the open with the former criticizing the Chief Minister on multiple occasions. Scindia later went on to join the BJP.

BJP delegation meets MP Governor, requests floor test

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

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

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

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

Former Union minister and BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday filed his nomination here for the March 26 Rajya Sabha elections.

From the Madhya Pradesh BJP office, Scindia reached the state Assembly secretariat around 2 pm and submitted his papers to the returning officer, Vidhan Sabha principal secretary A P Singh.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jyotiraditya-scindia-will-help-in-strengthening-bjp-says-rajnath-singh-285802"> Jyotiraditya Scindia will help in strengthening BJP, says Rajnath Singh</a>

Former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, state BJP president V D Sharma, outgoing Rajya Sabha MP Prabhat Jha and other party BJP leaders were present on the occasion.

Before reaching the BJP office, Scindia had lunch at the residence of former minister Narottam Mishra along with other party leaders.

The former Lok Sabha MP from Guna also called on his paternal aunt and BJP MLA Yashodhara Raje Scindia in the morning.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jyotiraditya-scindia-formally-joins-bjp-in-presence-of-party-president-jp-nadda-285606">Jyotiraditya Scindia formally joins BJP in presence of party president JP Nadda</a>

On Thursday night, Scindia attended a dinner hosted by Chouhan.

On Wednesday, the BJP named Scindia as its Rajya Sabha candidate from Madhya Pradesh soon after he joined the party.

After resigning from Congress on Tuesday morning, Scindia joined the BJP in presence of party president J P Nadda in Delhi.

Three Rajya Sabha seats from Madhya Pradesh, currently held by Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh, and BJP leaders Prabhat Jha and Satyanarayan Jatiya, are falling vacant next month. The Congress has re-nominated Singh.

Former Union minister and BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday filed his nomination here for the March 26 Rajya Sabha elections. From the Madhya Pradesh BJP office, Scindia reached the state Assembly secretariat around 2 pm and submitted his papers to the returning officer, Vidhan Sabha principal secretary A P Singh.

Former Union minister and BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday filed his nomination here for the March 26 Rajya Sabha elections. From the Madhya Pradesh BJP office, Scindia reached the state Assembly secretariat around 2 pm and submitted his papers to the returning officer, Vidhan Sabha principal secretary A P Singh. Also Read: Jyotiraditya Scindia will help in strengthening BJP, says Rajnath Singh Former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, state BJP president V D Sharma, outgoing Rajya Sabha MP Prabhat Jha and other party BJP leaders were present on the occasion. Before reaching the BJP office, Scindia had lunch at the residence of former minister Narottam Mishra along with other party leaders. The former Lok Sabha MP from Guna also called on his paternal aunt and BJP MLA Yashodhara Raje Scindia in the morning. Also Read: Jyotiraditya Scindia formally joins BJP in presence of party president JP Nadda On Thursday night, Scindia attended a dinner hosted by Chouhan. On Wednesday, the BJP named Scindia as its Rajya Sabha candidate from Madhya Pradesh soon after he joined the party. After resigning from Congress on Tuesday morning, Scindia joined the BJP in presence of party president J P Nadda in Delhi. Three Rajya Sabha seats from Madhya Pradesh, currently held by Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh, and BJP leaders Prabhat Jha and Satyanarayan Jatiya, are falling vacant next month. The Congress has re-nominated Singh.

Jyotiraditya Scindia files nomination for Rajya Sabha elections

The resignation letter of Mr. Scindia, dated March 9, 2020 and addressed to party president Sonia Gandhi, stated "this was a path that has been drawing itself out over the last year."

Jyotiraditya Scindia jumps cong ship, joins BJP

Former Union Minister and Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia today joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at party headquarters, in the presence of party president JP Nadda.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-ridicules-jyotiraditya-scindia-on-twitter-calls-him-a-greedy-politician-285548">Congress ridicules Jyotiraditya Scindia on twitter, calls him a greedy politician</a> 
 
During the press conference BJP president, JP Nadda said that the entry of Jyotiraditya Scindia in BJP is like a family member coming back to the party.

Jyotiraditya Scindia quit the Congress party on Tuesday amid a rebellion in Madhya Pradesh by his supporters, pushing the 15-month-old Kamal Nath government to the brink of collapse.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Live from Delhi: Jyotiraditya Scindia joins Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in presence of BJP President JP Nadda <a href="https://t.co/xBIMuF4CKZ">https://t.co/xBIMuF4CKZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1237669407960125440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Along with Scindia a total of 22 Congress MLAs also submitted their resignations to the Assembly Speaker, leaving the grand old on the verge of losing majority in the state.

"I would like to thank JP Nadda Ji, PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah that they invited me to their family and gave me a place in it," said Scindia after joining the BJP.

"There have been two life-changing events for me - one, the day I lost my father and the second, yesterday when I decided to choose a new path for my life. The Congress party is not anymore the party that it was earlier," he added.

"I can say with confidence that the aim of public service is not being fulfilled by that party (Congress). Besides this, the present condition of the party indicates that it is not what it used to be," Scindia said.

Scindia was a member of the Congress party for 18 years. He was the union minister of state for the Ministry of Power and two time MP from Guna, Madhyapradesh (2009, 2014).

Former Union Minister and Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia today joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at party headquarters, in the presence of party president JP Nadda.

Former Union Minister and Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia today joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at party headquarters, in the presence of party president JP Nadda. Also read: Congress ridicules Jyotiraditya Scindia on twitter, calls him a greedy politician During the press conference BJP president, JP Nadda said that the entry of Jyotiraditya Scindia in BJP is like a family member coming back to the party. Jyotiraditya Scindia quit the Congress party on Tuesday amid a rebellion in Madhya Pradesh by his supporters, pushing the 15-month-old Kamal Nath government to the brink of collapse. #WATCH Live from Delhi: Jyotiraditya Scindia joins Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in presence of BJP President JP Nadda https://t.co/xBIMuF4CKZ — ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2020 × Along with Scindia a total of 22 Congress MLAs also submitted their resignations to the Assembly Speaker, leaving the grand old on the verge of losing majority in the state. "I would like to thank JP Nadda Ji, PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah that they invited me to their family and gave me a place in it," said Scindia after joining the BJP. "There have been two life-changing events for me - one, the day I lost my father and the second, yesterday when I decided to choose a new path for my life. The Congress party is not anymore the party that it was earlier," he added. "I can say with confidence that the aim of public service is not being fulfilled by that party (Congress). Besides this, the present condition of the party indicates that it is not what it used to be," Scindia said. Scindia was a member of the Congress party for 18 years. He was the union minister of state for the Ministry of Power and two time MP from Guna, Madhyapradesh (2009, 2014).

Jyotiraditya Scindia formally joins BJP in presence of party president JP Nadda

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "destabilising" the elected Congress government in Madhya Pradesh.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-ridicules-jyotiraditya-scindia-on-twitter-calls-him-a-greedy-politician-285548">Congress ridicules Jyotiraditya Scindia on twitter, calls him a greedy politician</a>

Gandhi also said the PM may have "missed" noticing the 35 per cent crash in global oil prices and asked him to pass on the benefit to Indians by slashing petrol prices.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cong-leaders-slam-scindia-say-he-chose-personal-ambition-over-ideology-285502">Cong leaders slam Scindia, say he chose 'personal ambition' over ideology&nbsp;</a>

The former Congress chief took&nbsp;to Twitter to attack Modi.

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Hey <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> , while you were busy destabilising an elected Congress Govt, you may have missed noticing the 35% crash in global oil prices. Could you please pass on the benefit to Indians by slashing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/petrol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#petrol</a> prices to under 60₹ per litre? Will help boost the stalled economy.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1237615604040781829?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Congress' prominent youth leader Jyotiraditya Scindia quit the party on Tuesday and appeared set to join the BJP amid a rebellion in Madhya Pradesh by his supporters, pushing the 15-month-old Kamal Nath government to the brink of collapse.

On Tuesday morning, as much of India was celebrating Holi, Scindia met senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, following which he called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "destabilising" the elected Congress government in Madhya Pradesh. Also read: Congress ridicules Jyotiraditya Scindia on twitter, calls him a greedy politician Gandhi also said the PM may have "missed" noticing the 35 per cent crash in global oil prices and asked him to pass on the benefit to Indians by slashing petrol prices.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "destabilising" the elected Congress government in Madhya Pradesh. Also read: Congress ridicules Jyotiraditya Scindia on twitter, calls him a greedy politician Gandhi also said the PM may have "missed" noticing the 35 per cent crash in global oil prices and asked him to pass on the benefit to Indians by slashing petrol prices. Also read: Cong leaders slam Scindia, say he chose 'personal ambition' over ideology The former Congress chief took to Twitter to attack Modi. Hey @PMOIndia , while you were busy destabilising an elected Congress Govt, you may have missed noticing the 35% crash in global oil prices. Could you please pass on the benefit to Indians by slashing #petrol prices to under 60₹ per litre? Will help boost the stalled economy. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 11, 2020 × Congress' prominent youth leader Jyotiraditya Scindia quit the party on Tuesday and appeared set to join the BJP amid a rebellion in Madhya Pradesh by his supporters, pushing the 15-month-old Kamal Nath government to the brink of collapse. On Tuesday morning, as much of India was celebrating Holi, Scindia met senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, following which he called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence.

Rahul Gandhi accuses PM of destabilising elected Congress govt in MP

Amid a political turmoil in Madhya Pradesh that has cast clouds over the future of Kamal Nath-led Congress government, BJP leader Narottam Mishra on Tuesday said that everyone including senior Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia was "heartily welcome" in the BJP.

"Everyone is heartily welcome in Bharatiya Janata Party. We induct even grassroot-level workers, Scindia is a very big leader, he is definitely welcome," Mishra told media on being asked if BJP will welcome Scindia into its fold. The rift between Kamal Nath and Scindia is out in the open with the latter publicly criticising the Chief Minister.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/scindia-supporting-mlas-go-incommunicado-as-factional-fighting-intensifies-in-congress-in-mp-285345">Scindia, supporting MLAs go 'incommunicado' as factional fighting intensifies in Congress in MP</a>

The mobile phones of 11 Congress MLAs and state cabinet ministers, who are perceived to be close to Scindia, were found switched off on Monday.

According to sources, the 11 Congress members whose mobile phones were found switched off include state cabinet Ministers Imarti Devi, Pradyuman Singh Tomar, Govind Singh Rajput and Mahendra Singh Sisodia besides MLAs Munna Lal Goyal, Girraj Dandotiya, OPS Bhadoriya, Jaspal Singh Jajji, Brajendra Yadav, Jaswant Jatav and Rajvardhan Singh.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/is-congress-trying-to-keep-jyotiraditya-scindia-away-from-mp-196541">Is Congress trying to keep Jyotiraditya Scindia away from MP?</a>

On March 6, Sisodia, who is Madhya Pradesh Labour Department Minister, had said, "Kamal Nath's government will be in difficulty if it ignores or disrespects our leader Jyotiraditya Scindia. Then how the situation would unfold and what it will lead to, I cannot say it now."

Around 20 cabinet ministers in Madhya Pradesh tendered their resignation to Chief Minister Kamal Nath late night on Monday. The Chief Minister has accepted their resignations and is likely to reconstitute the cabinet.

Earlier, several Congress leaders, including Digvijaya Singh, had accused the BJP of horse-trading and conspiring to bring down the Kamal Nath-led Congress government in Madhya Pradesh.

Amid a political turmoil in Madhya Pradesh that has cast clouds over the future of Kamal Nath-led Congress government, BJP leader Narottam Mishra on Tuesday said that everyone including senior Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia was "heartily welcome" in the BJP.

Amid a political turmoil in Madhya Pradesh that has cast clouds over the future of Kamal Nath-led Congress government, BJP leader Narottam Mishra on Tuesday said that everyone including senior Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia was "heartily welcome" in the BJP. "Everyone is heartily welcome in Bharatiya Janata Party. We induct even grassroot-level workers, Scindia is a very big leader, he is definitely welcome," Mishra told media on being asked if BJP will welcome Scindia into its fold. The rift between Kamal Nath and Scindia is out in the open with the latter publicly criticising the Chief Minister. Also read: Scindia, supporting MLAs go 'incommunicado' as factional fighting intensifies in Congress in MP The mobile phones of 11 Congress MLAs and state cabinet ministers, who are perceived to be close to Scindia, were found switched off on Monday. According to sources, the 11 Congress members whose mobile phones were found switched off include state cabinet Ministers Imarti Devi, Pradyuman Singh Tomar, Govind Singh Rajput and Mahendra Singh Sisodia besides MLAs Munna Lal Goyal, Girraj Dandotiya, OPS Bhadoriya, Jaspal Singh Jajji, Brajendra Yadav, Jaswant Jatav and Rajvardhan Singh. Also read: Is Congress trying to keep Jyotiraditya Scindia away from MP? On March 6, Sisodia, who is Madhya Pradesh Labour Department Minister, had said, "Kamal Nath's government will be in difficulty if it ignores or disrespects our leader Jyotiraditya Scindia. Then how the situation would unfold and what it will lead to, I cannot say it now." Around 20 cabinet ministers in Madhya Pradesh tendered their resignation to Chief Minister Kamal Nath late night on Monday. The Chief Minister has accepted their resignations and is likely to reconstitute the cabinet. Earlier, several Congress leaders, including Digvijaya Singh, had accused the BJP of horse-trading and conspiring to bring down the Kamal Nath-led Congress government in Madhya Pradesh.

Jyotiraditya Scindia is heartily welcome in BJP: Narottam Mishra

Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday morning met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the company of Home Minister Amit Shah, strengthening speculation that he is set to cross over to the BJP a day after he flew out 17 of his loyalist party MLAs.

Jyotiraditya Scindia quits Congress, meets PM Modi, may join BJP today

The 15-month-old Madhya Pradesh government plunged into crisis on Monday with the shock rebellion of Congress general secretary Jyotiraditya Scindia and his faction. Congress is making all attempts to negotiate a compromise with Scindia.

MP Political Drama: Cong leader Scindia switiching loyalties to BJP?

It is not the first time that Indian Opposition is confronting a hegemonic power in New Delhi. Congress party enjoyed this hegemonic status for nearly 35 years, till it was overtaken by the combined Opposition. The general election of 1977 was the completion of an exercise which the entire Opposition had experimented with. From 1947-2014, Opposition in Indian politics took important decisions to check power hegemony. It is post- 2014 that Opposition has failed to experiment and take important&nbsp;political decisions to stop hegemonic power in New Delhi.&nbsp;

The primary reason for this is the civil war which is taking place within the Indian National Congress and inability of the biggest Opposition party to reconstitute itself democratically. It has failed to create an independent Congress Working Committee and has a stop-gap reluctant President to run the show. Today’s state is far removed from the vigour leaders in Opposition demonstrated to creatively engage and block ruling parties from stifling democracy.

To begin with, the formation of Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) in 1951 was first such experiment in Indian politics which was supported by RSS and functioned as an electoral front of an organisation which was operating from sidelines after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. Jan Sangh could not alter the political framework but played a very crucial role in 1967 and 1977. The first president of BJS was Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. Indian Opposition remained vibrant in the 1950s and also saw Communists coming to power in the state of Kerala which was quickly dismissed by the Congress Party in 1959. But the second big political decision was taken by political doyen C Rajagopalachari who broke away from the Congress in 1959 to form Swatantra Party so that Indian politics could get a viable Opposition.&nbsp;

The party functioned till 1974 but played a crucial role in voicing dissent despite its limited size in Lok Sabha. Swatantra party provided a national platform to the right of centre economic politics. Swatantra Party was finished after Indira Gandhi swept to power in 1971. But even before that another political decision swept India and created shockwaves in Indian politics. This was the rise of Swatantra Vidhayak Dal. It comprised of PSP, BJS, BKD, PSP and SSD. For the first time, ideological differences were kept aside within the Opposition to form a government against the Congress in a number of Indian states.&nbsp;

Socialists who dominated Indian politics took help from BJS to form the government. Ram Manohar Lohia was its architect and the political decision he took redefined Indian politics for the next 40 years.&nbsp;

This experiment was repeated again. The entire Opposition resurrected retired JP Narayan and made him the face of anti-Indira agitation post-1971 war. The Opposition parties came together and formed Janata Party to fight combined elections against Indira Gandhi in 1977. Indira was defeated and the experiment to come together succeeded. Though the Janata Party government fell under its own contradiction and controversy over dual membership of BJS members who were part of JP, but also remained members of RSS. The government fell but it did not create a political limbo.

In the 1980s, BJP came into the picture. RSS did away with Jan Sangh and also adopted Gandhian philosophy in its constitution. Older leaders gave away and India saw the emergence of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani. Then came another important political decision of the Opposition. Both Left parties and BJP came together to support VP Singh’s government to keep Rajiv Gandhi-led Congress out of power. This decision was a repeat of 1967 and 1977 which worked for a short period of time. 
 
The government did not last. In the 90s, another important decision was taken by BJP which ultimately led to the emergence of NDA. LK Advani stepped aside for Vajpayee for want of acceptance. This political decision created stability and first proper non-Congress politician went on to become the Prime Minister as before 1996 every non-Congress PM was a former Congressman. This political decision created another repercussion. It pushed Congress in the Opposition to hunt for alliance partner which it had always avoided. This decision of Congress led to the creation of UPA and defeat of NDA in 2004. Congress continues to hold on to alliances and has refrained from fighting any national election without an alliance. 
 
The last big political decision within the Opposition eco-system was pushed by RSS. The decision was to retire LK Advani and create space for Narendra Modi to become the Prime Ministerial candidate. It led to the defeat of the Congress. It is for this particular reason, the Opposition must experiment with new ideas and faces.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

It is not the first time that Indian Opposition is confronting a hegemonic power in New Delhi. Congress party enjoyed this hegemonic status for nearly 35 years, till it was overtaken by the combined Opposition.

It is not the first time that Indian Opposition is confronting a hegemonic power in New Delhi. Congress party enjoyed this hegemonic status for nearly 35 years, till it was overtaken by the combined Opposition. The general election of 1977 was the completion of an exercise which the entire Opposition had experimented with. From 1947-2014, Opposition in Indian politics took important decisions to check power hegemony. It is post- 2014 that Opposition has failed to experiment and take important political decisions to stop hegemonic power in New Delhi. The primary reason for this is the civil war which is taking place within the Indian National Congress and inability of the biggest Opposition party to reconstitute itself democratically. It has failed to create an independent Congress Working Committee and has a stop-gap reluctant President to run the show. Today’s state is far removed from the vigour leaders in Opposition demonstrated to creatively engage and block ruling parties from stifling democracy. To begin with, the formation of Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) in 1951 was first such experiment in Indian politics which was supported by RSS and functioned as an electoral front of an organisation which was operating from sidelines after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. Jan Sangh could not alter the political framework but played a very crucial role in 1967 and 1977. The first president of BJS was Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. Indian Opposition remained vibrant in the 1950s and also saw Communists coming to power in the state of Kerala which was quickly dismissed by the Congress Party in 1959. But the second big political decision was taken by political doyen C Rajagopalachari who broke away from the Congress in 1959 to form Swatantra Party so that Indian politics could get a viable Opposition. The party functioned till 1974 but played a crucial role in voicing dissent despite its limited size in Lok Sabha. Swatantra party provided a national platform to the right of centre economic politics. Swatantra Party was finished after Indira Gandhi swept to power in 1971. But even before that another political decision swept India and created shockwaves in Indian politics. This was the rise of Swatantra Vidhayak Dal. It comprised of PSP, BJS, BKD, PSP and SSD. For the first time, ideological differences were kept aside within the Opposition to form a government against the Congress in a number of Indian states. Socialists who dominated Indian politics took help from BJS to form the government. Ram Manohar Lohia was its architect and the political decision he took redefined Indian politics for the next 40 years. This experiment was repeated again. The entire Opposition resurrected retired JP Narayan and made him the face of anti-Indira agitation post-1971 war. The Opposition parties came together and formed Janata Party to fight combined elections against Indira Gandhi in 1977. Indira was defeated and the experiment to come together succeeded. Though the Janata Party government fell under its own contradiction and controversy over dual membership of BJS members who were part of JP, but also remained members of RSS. The government fell but it did not create a political limbo. In the 1980s, BJP came into the picture. RSS did away with Jan Sangh and also adopted Gandhian philosophy in its constitution. Older leaders gave away and India saw the emergence of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani. Then came another important political decision of the Opposition. Both Left parties and BJP came together to support VP Singh’s government to keep Rajiv Gandhi-led Congress out of power. This decision was a repeat of 1967 and 1977 which worked for a short period of time. The government did not last. In the 90s, another important decision was taken by BJP which ultimately led to the emergence of NDA. LK Advani stepped aside for Vajpayee for want of acceptance. This political decision created stability and first proper non-Congress politician went on to become the Prime Minister as before 1996 every non-Congress PM was a former Congressman. This political decision created another repercussion. It pushed Congress in the Opposition to hunt for alliance partner which it had always avoided. This decision of Congress led to the creation of UPA and defeat of NDA in 2004. Congress continues to hold on to alliances and has refrained from fighting any national election without an alliance. The last big political decision within the Opposition eco-system was pushed by RSS. The decision was to retire LK Advani and create space for Narendra Modi to become the Prime Ministerial candidate. It led to the defeat of the Congress. It is for this particular reason, the Opposition must experiment with new ideas and faces. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opposition must experiment again to contain BJP

A BJP worker was stabbed to death by unidentified persons at his apartment here in the early hours of Friday, police said.

Anand in his early thirties, was reportedly attacked with a broken beer bottle shortly after he returned home following his late night birthday party, police added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-workers-attacked-by-tmc-cadre-in-west-bengal-134894">BJP workers attacked by TMC cadre in West Bengal</a>

Following information from neighbours in the apartment, police rushed to the spot and recovered the body.

"The murder took place between 3 am and 4 am. We are investigating who was with him at the time and what was the motive behind the killing," Mysuru police Commissioner Dr Chandragupta told reporters.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/ahead-of-sixth-phase-of-lok-sabha-polls-bjp-worker-raman-singh-found-dead-in-west-bengal-217897">Ahead of polling, 3 BJP workers attacked in West Bengal</a>

Police said further investigations are on to ascertain the motive and people behind the killing. 
&nbsp;

A BJP worker was stabbed to death by unidentified persons at his apartment here in the early hours of Friday, police said. Anand in his early thirties, was reportedly attacked with a broken beer bottle shortly after he returned home following his late night birthday party, police added.

A BJP worker was stabbed to death by unidentified persons at his apartment here in the early hours of Friday, police said. Anand in his early thirties, was reportedly attacked with a broken beer bottle shortly after he returned home following his late night birthday party, police added. Also Read: BJP workers attacked by TMC cadre in West Bengal Following information from neighbours in the apartment, police rushed to the spot and recovered the body. "The murder took place between 3 am and 4 am. We are investigating who was with him at the time and what was the motive behind the killing," Mysuru police Commissioner Dr Chandragupta told reporters. Also Read: Ahead of polling, 3 BJP workers attacked in West Bengal Police said further investigations are on to ascertain the motive and people behind the killing.

BJP worker stabbed to death in Karnataka

The government on Wednesday said that there are over 2.4 lakh pending cases in courts related to rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act across the country till December last year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-strengthens-pocso-act-approves-death-penalty-for-aggravated-sexual-assault-against-minors-187017">Government strengthens POCSO Act, approves death penalty for aggravated sexual assault against minors</a>

According to a written reply in Lok Sabha by the Ministry of Law and Justice, Uttar Pradesh tops the list of states with 66,994 pending rape cases followed by Maharashtra with 21,691 and 20,511 in West Bengal.

"As per information received from High Courts, the status of pending cases related to rape and POCSO Act, as on December 31, 2019, is 2,44,001," Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad informed the Lower House in response to a query by Janata Dal (United) leader Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh.

OPINION:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/india-rape-crisis-are-we-part-of-the-problem-267388">India rape crisis: Are we part of the problem?</a>

In furtherance to, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, a scheme was finalized for setting up of 1,023 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) across the country for expeditious trial and disposal of pending cases related to Rape and Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, in a time-bound manner under Centrally-Sponsored Scheme.

So far, the Central's share of funds amounting to Rs 99.43 crore has been released during 2019-20 to 27 States/UTs which have so far consented to set up of 649 number of FTSCs.

"As per information received from High Courts, 195 FTSCs have already been set up till January 31, 2020," the Ministry said. Surprisingly, not even a single FTSCs have been set up in states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal where the maximum number of rape cases are pending.

According to proposed FTSCs, the&nbsp;maximum number of 218 courts will be in Uttar Pradesh, 138 in Maharashtra and 123 in West Bengal.

Andhra Pradesh will have 18, Telangana 36, Andaman and Nicobar Island 01, Arunachal Pradesh 03, Assam 27, Bihar 54, Chandigarh 01, Chhattisgarh 15, Goa 02, Gujrat 35, Haryana 16, Himachal Pradesh 06, Jammu &amp; Kashmir 04, Jharkhand 22, Karnataka 31, Kerala 56, Madhya Pradesh 67, Manipur 02, Meghalaya 05, Mizoram 03, Nagaland 01, NCT of Delhi 16, Odisha 45, Punjab 12, Rajasthan 45, Tamil Nadu 14, Tripura 03 and Uttarakhand 04 FTSCs.

In its reply, the minister said as per the scheme of FTSCs, each such Court is expected to dispose of 165 cases in a year for which States/UTs governments have been kept informed.

Among 195 Fast Track Special Courts functional and established for Women and Girl children under the Scheme of FTSCs till January 2020, 56 are in Madhya Pradesh, 15 are in Chhattisgarh, 16 in Delhi, three in Tripura, 22 in Jharkhand, 26 in Rajasthan, nine in Telangana, 34 in Gujarat and 14 in Tamil Nadu.

The government on Wednesday said that there are over 2.4 lakh pending cases in courts related to rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act across the country till December last year.

The government on Wednesday said that there are over 2.4 lakh pending cases in courts related to rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act across the country till December last year. Also read: Government strengthens POCSO Act, approves death penalty for aggravated sexual assault against minors According to a written reply in Lok Sabha by the Ministry of Law and Justice, Uttar Pradesh tops the list of states with 66,994 pending rape cases followed by Maharashtra with 21,691 and 20,511 in West Bengal. "As per information received from High Courts, the status of pending cases related to rape and POCSO Act, as on December 31, 2019, is 2,44,001," Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad informed the Lower House in response to a query by Janata Dal (United) leader Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh. OPINION: India rape crisis: Are we part of the problem? In furtherance to, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, a scheme was finalized for setting up of 1,023 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) across the country for expeditious trial and disposal of pending cases related to Rape and Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, in a time-bound manner under Centrally-Sponsored Scheme. So far, the Central's share of funds amounting to Rs 99.43 crore has been released during 2019-20 to 27 States/UTs which have so far consented to set up of 649 number of FTSCs. "As per information received from High Courts, 195 FTSCs have already been set up till January 31, 2020," the Ministry said. Surprisingly, not even a single FTSCs have been set up in states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal where the maximum number of rape cases are pending. According to proposed FTSCs, the maximum number of 218 courts will be in Uttar Pradesh, 138 in Maharashtra and 123 in West Bengal. Andhra Pradesh will have 18, Telangana 36, Andaman and Nicobar Island 01, Arunachal Pradesh 03, Assam 27, Bihar 54, Chandigarh 01, Chhattisgarh 15, Goa 02, Gujrat 35, Haryana 16, Himachal Pradesh 06, Jammu & Kashmir 04, Jharkhand 22, Karnataka 31, Kerala 56, Madhya Pradesh 67, Manipur 02, Meghalaya 05, Mizoram 03, Nagaland 01, NCT of Delhi 16, Odisha 45, Punjab 12, Rajasthan 45, Tamil Nadu 14, Tripura 03 and Uttarakhand 04 FTSCs. In its reply, the minister said as per the scheme of FTSCs, each such Court is expected to dispose of 165 cases in a year for which States/UTs governments have been kept informed. Among 195 Fast Track Special Courts functional and established for Women and Girl children under the Scheme of FTSCs till January 2020, 56 are in Madhya Pradesh, 15 are in Chhattisgarh, 16 in Delhi, three in Tripura, 22 in Jharkhand, 26 in Rajasthan, nine in Telangana, 34 in Gujarat and 14 in Tamil Nadu.

Over 2.4 lakh cases relating to rape and POCSO pending in courts across country, says Government

India has arrived.

The old reticent and romantic India is no more. Under Prime Minister Modi, India has emerged as a pragmatic and proactive nation... more importantly, we are an ambitious nation today. Our ambition is to rise as an influential and responsible global power.

The world in the 21st century is multipolar. India, with its 1.3 billion population, vibrant democratic institutions and a nearly $3 Trillion economy, the 5th largest in the world, is today an important pole. India is playing a key role with renewed confidence on the global theatre.

We are loved by many; hated by some, but can be ignored by none.

Live:<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/world/live-wions-global-summit-india-has-arrived-it-is-no-longer-the-old-reticent-india-anymore-says-ram-madhav-284395">&nbsp;WION's Global Summit — India has arrived. It is no longer the old, reticent India anymore, says Ram Madhav</a>

The institutions of global governance like the UN, UNSC, Brettenwoods institutions etc were all drafted in the last century when the world was divided into two opposing camps. The efficacy and efficiency of these institutions have eroded with the changing world and the emergence of multipolar world order. It is much more pronounced in India’s neighbourhood than anywhere else. We have serious challenges posed to multilateral agreements like the Geneva Convention or the UNCLOS regulations in our immediate neighbourhood.

India believes that time has come for the world to revisit these institutional frameworks so that they can remain relevant in the 21st-century world. Most important reform needed to make the nations of the new world like India and the ASEAN greater stakeholders in them.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-global-summit-this-era-is-witnessing-end-of-western-dominance-says-sri-lankas-former-pm-ranil-wickremesinghe-284451">WION Global Summit - This era is witnessing end of western dominance, says Sri Lanka's former PM</a>

India lives in a neighbourhood that has emerged as the 21st-century powerhouse. The Indo-Pacific region is the most happening region in the world today. It was Pacific-Atlantic in the last century, but the global power axis has moved away from there in this century and is relocated today in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Indian Ocean has emerged as the epicentre of global trade. Close to 50% of the world’s container traffic and 70% of the energy routes pass through this region today. It is here that the world’s largest as well as the fastest-growing new economies are situated. It is here that populations with purchasing power exist. On a different note, it is in this region that you will find the highest number of warships and submarines roaming about. Highest defence spending happens here.

The centrality of the Indian Ocean to global trade can’t be understated, and centrality of India to the Indian Ocean too can’t be ignored. Rise of the Indo-Pacific as the new global power axis can’t be missed. The centrality of the ASEAN powers to the Indo-Pacific too can’t be overlooked.

India’s Act East - Act Fast is a key foreign policy dimension of it. As an important power in the region, India is committed to managing the affairs of the region on the principles of inclusivity, freedom of navigation and overflights, and open and secure trade lines. Countries in this most happening region must give up oneupmanship in their policy initiatives and follow the principle of stakeholdership. Nothing should be thrust on other countries as a fait accompli.

Lastly, India’s grand arrival on the global stage can very well be testified by the confident de-hyphenated approach that it adopts in bilateral relations. Prime Minister Modi has initiated it and the world leaders follow today.

India’s success in this policy of de-hyphenation can be gauged from the fact that we have strong stand-alone bilateral ties with the US and Russia; we are friends with the Saudis as well as the Iranians; while our relations with the Israelis have grown substantially, we firmly stand by the just demands of the Palestinians as well.

Prime Minister Modi displayed a unique leadership quality of building strong interpersonal relationships with many important world leaders including President Xi Jinping of China, President Putin of Russia and President Trump of the US. It has helped in all these countries too in de-hyphenating India in their bilateral relations. The stand-alone two-day visit of President Trump to India ten days ago is the latest example.

Prime Minister Vajpayee described the US and India as natural allies. We have strong bilateral trade and people-to-people relations. Close to 4-million strong Indian diaspora is an important bond between our two countries. But the relationship at present is more than that. The upgraded US-India relations are a defining one for both the countries and also the larger world in the 21st century.

We must not overlook the fact that the early decades of the 21st century have witnessed the rise of authoritarianism, terrorism and anarchist liberalism in the world. The world is becoming less democratic. In such a scenario, the coming together of the world’s oldest and richest, and the world’s largest and most successful democracies signifies a coalition of nations to fight against these tendencies. Together, the two countries can work towards global peace, democratic liberalism and universal prosperity.

Unlike in the past few decades, India is now eager to play a bigger role in the 21st-century global governance. Our hosting of the G-20 heads of nations summit in 2022 is the proof that India has arrived. 
&nbsp;

India has arrived. The old reticent and romantic India is no more. Under Prime Minister Modi, India has emerged as a pragmatic and proactive nation... more importantly, we are an ambitious nation today.

India has arrived. The old reticent and romantic India is no more. Under Prime Minister Modi, India has emerged as a pragmatic and proactive nation... more importantly, we are an ambitious nation today. Our ambition is to rise as an influential and responsible global power. The world in the 21st century is multipolar. India, with its 1.3 billion population, vibrant democratic institutions and a nearly $3 Trillion economy, the 5th largest in the world, is today an important pole. India is playing a key role with renewed confidence on the global theatre. We are loved by many; hated by some, but can be ignored by none. Live: WION's Global Summit — India has arrived. It is no longer the old, reticent India anymore, says Ram Madhav The institutions of global governance like the UN, UNSC, Brettenwoods institutions etc were all drafted in the last century when the world was divided into two opposing camps. The efficacy and efficiency of these institutions have eroded with the changing world and the emergence of multipolar world order. It is much more pronounced in India’s neighbourhood than anywhere else. We have serious challenges posed to multilateral agreements like the Geneva Convention or the UNCLOS regulations in our immediate neighbourhood. India believes that time has come for the world to revisit these institutional frameworks so that they can remain relevant in the 21st-century world. Most important reform needed to make the nations of the new world like India and the ASEAN greater stakeholders in them. Also read: WION Global Summit - This era is witnessing end of western dominance, says Sri Lanka's former PM India lives in a neighbourhood that has emerged as the 21st-century powerhouse. The Indo-Pacific region is the most happening region in the world today. It was Pacific-Atlantic in the last century, but the global power axis has moved away from there in this century and is relocated today in the Indo-Pacific region. The Indian Ocean has emerged as the epicentre of global trade. Close to 50% of the world’s container traffic and 70% of the energy routes pass through this region today. It is here that the world’s largest as well as the fastest-growing new economies are situated. It is here that populations with purchasing power exist. On a different note, it is in this region that you will find the highest number of warships and submarines roaming about. Highest defence spending happens here. The centrality of the Indian Ocean to global trade can’t be understated, and centrality of India to the Indian Ocean too can’t be ignored. Rise of the Indo-Pacific as the new global power axis can’t be missed. The centrality of the ASEAN powers to the Indo-Pacific too can’t be overlooked. India’s Act East - Act Fast is a key foreign policy dimension of it. As an important power in the region, India is committed to managing the affairs of the region on the principles of inclusivity, freedom of navigation and overflights, and open and secure trade lines. Countries in this most happening region must give up oneupmanship in their policy initiatives and follow the principle of stakeholdership. Nothing should be thrust on other countries as a fait accompli. Lastly, India’s grand arrival on the global stage can very well be testified by the confident de-hyphenated approach that it adopts in bilateral relations. Prime Minister Modi has initiated it and the world leaders follow today. India’s success in this policy of de-hyphenation can be gauged from the fact that we have strong stand-alone bilateral ties with the US and Russia; we are friends with the Saudis as well as the Iranians; while our relations with the Israelis have grown substantially, we firmly stand by the just demands of the Palestinians as well. Prime Minister Modi displayed a unique leadership quality of building strong interpersonal relationships with many important world leaders including President Xi Jinping of China, President Putin of Russia and President Trump of the US. It has helped in all these countries too in de-hyphenating India in their bilateral relations. The stand-alone two-day visit of President Trump to India ten days ago is the latest example. Prime Minister Vajpayee described the US and India as natural allies. We have strong bilateral trade and people-to-people relations. Close to 4-million strong Indian diaspora is an important bond between our two countries. But the relationship at present is more than that. The upgraded US-India relations are a defining one for both the countries and also the larger world in the 21st century. We must not overlook the fact that the early decades of the 21st century have witnessed the rise of authoritarianism, terrorism and anarchist liberalism in the world. The world is becoming less democratic. In such a scenario, the coming together of the world’s oldest and richest, and the world’s largest and most successful democracies signifies a coalition of nations to fight against these tendencies. Together, the two countries can work towards global peace, democratic liberalism and universal prosperity. Unlike in the past few decades, India is now eager to play a bigger role in the 21st-century global governance. Our hosting of the G-20 heads of nations summit in 2022 is the proof that India has arrived.

Full speech of BJP's General Secretary Ram Madhav at WION Global Summit

National general secretary of BJP Ram Madhav spoke at the WION Global Summit 2020 in Dubai. He said, India has arrived, it is no longer the old reticent India anymore. We are a pragmatic, proactive nation and more importantly, we are a very ambitious nation today." Watch the video to listen more:

India is a very ambitious nation today | Ram Madhav | WION Global Summit | Dubai

In a veiled attack on former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his comments that ''Bharat Mata ki Jai''&nbsp;and nationalism are being misused to construct a militant and emotional idea of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that few political parties are putting their interest above the country. 
 
Prime Minister made this remark during the Parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday, which was attended by all the ministers and parliamentarians of the BJP.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-news-its-a-chance-for-women-to-take-over-pm-narendra-modis-social-media-accounts-283916">It's a chance for women to take over PM Narendra Modi's social media accounts</a> 
 
The meeting lasted for about 45 minutes and the Prime Minister spoke for 15 minutes. 
 
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said, "A meeting was held under the leadership of Modiji. The Prime Minister said that we are here for the benefit of the country. Modiji said that country`s interest is supreme and development is our mantra," adding that for development there should be "peace, unity and goodwill".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/thinking-of-giving-up-my-social-media-accounts-tweets-pm-modi-nosir-says-twitter-283824">Thinking of giving up my social media accounts, tweets PM Modi; #NoSir says Twitter</a> 
 
"The Prime Minister also said that the matter of the country's interest and party's interest also came in during freedom struggle but the country`s interest was on priority at that time. But some parties are now putting the party's interest above country`s interest," Joshi said. 
 
According to Joshi, Modi said in the meeting that even during the freedom struggle some people desisted from raising slogans like `Vande Mataram`. 
 
Joshi also said that some elements which are opposed to the growing stature of India have become stronger recently. 
 
The remarks of the Prime Minister came almost 10 days after Manmohan Singh during a book release function in the national capital hailed the role of first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in shaping India as a modern nation-state and said that "nationalism" and the slogan of `Bharat Mata Ki Jai` are being misused to construct a militant and purely emotional idea of India.

In a veiled attack on former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his comments that ''Bharat Mata ki Jai'' and nationalism are being misused to construct a militant and emotional idea of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that few political parties are putting their interest above the country.

In a veiled attack on former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his comments that ''Bharat Mata ki Jai'' and nationalism are being misused to construct a militant and emotional idea of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that few political parties are putting their interest above the country. Prime Minister made this remark during the Parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday, which was attended by all the ministers and parliamentarians of the BJP. Also read: It's a chance for women to take over PM Narendra Modi's social media accounts The meeting lasted for about 45 minutes and the Prime Minister spoke for 15 minutes. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said, "A meeting was held under the leadership of Modiji. The Prime Minister said that we are here for the benefit of the country. Modiji said that country`s interest is supreme and development is our mantra," adding that for development there should be "peace, unity and goodwill". Also read: Thinking of giving up my social media accounts, tweets PM Modi; #NoSir says Twitter "The Prime Minister also said that the matter of the country's interest and party's interest also came in during freedom struggle but the country`s interest was on priority at that time. But some parties are now putting the party's interest above country`s interest," Joshi said. According to Joshi, Modi said in the meeting that even during the freedom struggle some people desisted from raising slogans like `Vande Mataram`. Joshi also said that some elements which are opposed to the growing stature of India have become stronger recently. The remarks of the Prime Minister came almost 10 days after Manmohan Singh during a book release function in the national capital hailed the role of first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in shaping India as a modern nation-state and said that "nationalism" and the slogan of `Bharat Mata Ki Jai` are being misused to construct a militant and purely emotional idea of India.

Nation's interest is supreme, development our mantra: PM Modi

Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear on March 4 a plea seeking immediate registration of FIR against BJP leaders Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur and others for their alleged "hate speech", that allegedly led to the violence in North-East Delhi.

The petition was filed by a group of Delhi violence survivors.&nbsp;

A bench of Chief Justice SA Bobde posted the matter for hearing on Wednesday after senior advocate Colin Gonsalves appearing for the survivors told the apex court that Delhi High Court had last week adjourned the issue for six weeks whereas people are dying every day.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/airtel-deposits-another-rs-8000-crore-towards-agr-dues-in-compliance-with-sc-order-283450">Airtel deposits another Rs 8,000 crore towards AGR dues in compliance with SC order</a>

Gonsalves said that it is an urgent issue and added that the top court should hear the matter today or tomorrow. The Chief Justice said that he "wished for peace" but added that the court cannot give preventive relief.

"We are not saying people should die. That kind of pressure we are not equipped to handle. We cannot stop things from happening. We cannot give preventive relief. We feel a kind of pressure on us... We can only deal with the situation after it occurs, the kind of pressure on us, we can`t handle that... it's like the court is responsible," Chief Justice Bobde observed.

"We read newspapers, we know the kind of comments that are made. Courts come on to the scene after the thing is done and courts have not been able to prevent such a thing. We wish peace...," he added.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-declines-to-refer-the-petitions-challenging-government-move-on-article-370-to-a-larger-bench-283634">Supreme Court declines to refer the petitions challenging government move on Article 370 to a larger bench</a>

The plea filed by a group of 10 Delhi violence survivors sought an immediate FIR against Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma and Abhay Verma who allegedly "indulged in hate speech, rioting, murder, and arson".

It sought the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) with officers from outside Delhi to probe violence and call in the army to maintain law and order in the national capital. The plea further sought an inquiry committee headed by a retired judge to probe police persons involved in the violence and exemplary compensation to all victims.

The petitioners also sought postmortem reports to be released immediately to the families of victims. IT also sought a direction to the government and police to make public the full list of persons detained by police and paramilitary and to preserve all CCTV footage of violence-affected areas.

At least 46 people lost their lives and more than 200 others sustained serious injuries in the violence that rocked North-East Delhi last week.

Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear on March 4 a plea seeking immediate registration of FIR against BJP leaders Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur and others for their alleged "hate speech", that allegedly led to the violence in North-East Delhi.

Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear on March 4 a plea seeking immediate registration of FIR against BJP leaders Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur and others for their alleged "hate speech", that allegedly led to the violence in North-East Delhi. The petition was filed by a group of Delhi violence survivors. A bench of Chief Justice SA Bobde posted the matter for hearing on Wednesday after senior advocate Colin Gonsalves appearing for the survivors told the apex court that Delhi High Court had last week adjourned the issue for six weeks whereas people are dying every day. Also read: Airtel deposits another Rs 8,000 crore towards AGR dues in compliance with SC order Gonsalves said that it is an urgent issue and added that the top court should hear the matter today or tomorrow. The Chief Justice said that he "wished for peace" but added that the court cannot give preventive relief. "We are not saying people should die. That kind of pressure we are not equipped to handle. We cannot stop things from happening. We cannot give preventive relief. We feel a kind of pressure on us... We can only deal with the situation after it occurs, the kind of pressure on us, we can`t handle that... it's like the court is responsible," Chief Justice Bobde observed. "We read newspapers, we know the kind of comments that are made. Courts come on to the scene after the thing is done and courts have not been able to prevent such a thing. We wish peace...," he added. Also see: Supreme Court declines to refer the petitions challenging government move on Article 370 to a larger bench The plea filed by a group of 10 Delhi violence survivors sought an immediate FIR against Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma and Abhay Verma who allegedly "indulged in hate speech, rioting, murder, and arson". It sought the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) with officers from outside Delhi to probe violence and call in the army to maintain law and order in the national capital. The plea further sought an inquiry committee headed by a retired judge to probe police persons involved in the violence and exemplary compensation to all victims. The petitioners also sought postmortem reports to be released immediately to the families of victims. IT also sought a direction to the government and police to make public the full list of persons detained by police and paramilitary and to preserve all CCTV footage of violence-affected areas. At least 46 people lost their lives and more than 200 others sustained serious injuries in the violence that rocked North-East Delhi last week.

Supreme Court to hear plea seeking FIR against BJP leaders Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur

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