The Delhi High Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre on a petition seeking a direction to frame guidelines for the identification of the term "minority" at the state level. 
 
Chief Justice D.N. Patel and C. Harishankar sought a response on the plea filed by Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay seeking a direction to define the word 'minority'&nbsp;and insisting on framing guidelines to accord the minority status based on the population of every state of a particular community.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-provides-unprecedented-accommodation-to-its-religious-minority-population-report-155398">India provides 'unprecedented' accommodation to its religious minority population</a> 
 
The matter will be heard next on May 4. 
 
The plea cited Census of 2011 which states that Hindus are merely one per cent in Laddakh, 2.75 per cent in Mizoram, 2.77 per cent in Lakshadweep, 4 per cent in Kashmir, 8.74 per cent in Nagaland, 11.52 per cent in Meghalaya, 29 per cent in Arunachal Pradesh, 38.49 per cent in Punjab and 41.29 per cent in Manipur.

Also&nbsp;read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-heaven-pakistan-a-hell-for-minorities-mukhtar-abbas-naqvi-269071">India is heaven, Pakistan a hell for minorities: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi</a> 
 
"But, their minority rights are being siphoned illegally and arbitrarily to the majority population because neither the Centre nor the respective state has notified them as a 'minority'&nbsp;under Section 2 (c) of the National Commission of Minorities Act." 
 
Thus, Hindus are being deprived of their basic rights, guaranteed under Article 30," the plea said.

The Delhi High Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre on a petition seeking a direction to frame guidelines for the identification of the term "minority" at the state level.

The Delhi High Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre on a petition seeking a direction to frame guidelines for the identification of the term "minority" at the state level. Chief Justice D.N. Patel and C. Harishankar sought a response on the plea filed by Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay seeking a direction to define the word 'minority' and insisting on framing guidelines to accord the minority status based on the population of every state of a particular community. Also read: India provides 'unprecedented' accommodation to its religious minority population The matter will be heard next on May 4. The plea cited Census of 2011 which states that Hindus are merely one per cent in Laddakh, 2.75 per cent in Mizoram, 2.77 per cent in Lakshadweep, 4 per cent in Kashmir, 8.74 per cent in Nagaland, 11.52 per cent in Meghalaya, 29 per cent in Arunachal Pradesh, 38.49 per cent in Punjab and 41.29 per cent in Manipur. Also read: India is heaven, Pakistan a hell for minorities: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi "But, their minority rights are being siphoned illegally and arbitrarily to the majority population because neither the Centre nor the respective state has notified them as a 'minority' under Section 2 (c) of the National Commission of Minorities Act." Thus, Hindus are being deprived of their basic rights, guaranteed under Article 30," the plea said.

Delhi High Court issues notice to Centre on minority status based on states' population

Riots in Delhi mark an abject failure of political leadership cutting across party lines, to bring people together. There was a point in time in Indian politics when politicians or people in public service had the capacity to control, and even, influence events which turned violent.&nbsp;

What we have today are political minions. It is expected of political leaders to come out and reason with the crowd, but instead of working on the ground, the matter in Delhi was left to the police as a law and order issue. Everyone knew that violence was a result of communal politics, still&nbsp;all party leaders maintained a safe distance.&nbsp;

The violence has two main dimensions. First, Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, failed to demonstrate moral courage and instead of mobilising his supporters to heal the fissure, he only issued statements. It is a reflection of how shallow connect politicians enjoy with the civil society.

This is unlike the previous generation wherein it was expected of people in public service to go out and calm the crowd. Arvind Kejriwal who was elected as the chief minister of Delhi with great fanfare, failed to intercede in the issue. His supporters argue that he does not have police under his control, so he cannot be blamed for law and order issue. Fact is that since last year, Kejriwal has created a distance between the minorities and himself so that BJP does not pin him down as a person who pampers minority. But by not being active during the crisis, Kejriwal, in the process, has come across as insincere politician who succumbed to competitive Hindutva.&nbsp;

After partition, Mahatma Gandhi had nothing under his control, but he used his moral authority to bring peace in riot-affected areas. This could have been done in Delhi too.

Another aspect of the riot was that politicians from BJP spoke blatantly in Hindu-Muslim binary. Senior leaders did not discourage junior leaders from using inflammatory language. Senior BJP leadership's appeal for calm came across as unconvincing.&nbsp;

Politicians from the ruling dispensation not only made hate speeches but also went unpunished, emboldening the unruly element to take the law into their own hands.

The police, on the other hand, failed to counter the unruly elements in the riot-affected area. The police in Delhi reports to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Despite all the technology at its disposal, it failed to locate the centre of violence in the city. Delhi riots cannot be compared with the 1984 violence when the state became completely complicit in the violence. In Delhi, the state allowed the violence to come to life. Delhi Police failed to arrest culprits in time.

Whatever the reason be, pro-CAA protests or anti-CAA protests, Delhi police failed at its job. NSA Ajit Doval’s presence in the area after 72 hours of violence sealed the case. It is not the job of the NSA to move around in a riot-hit area like a DCP or IG. NSA chased by TV cameras looked more like a PR job.&nbsp;

The religious radicals from both sides were allowed to have a free run. Lastly, many in the ruling dispensation must be happy to have found another issue for polarisation but they should remember that in Hindu literature only Goddess rides a tiger. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Riots in Delhi mark an abject failure of political leadership cutting across party lines, to bring people together. There was a point in time in Indian politics when politicians or people in public service had the capacity to control, and even, influence events which turned violent.

Riots in Delhi mark an abject failure of political leadership cutting across party lines, to bring people together. There was a point in time in Indian politics when politicians or people in public service had the capacity to control, and even, influence events which turned violent. What we have today are political minions. It is expected of political leaders to come out and reason with the crowd, but instead of working on the ground, the matter in Delhi was left to the police as a law and order issue. Everyone knew that violence was a result of communal politics, still all party leaders maintained a safe distance. The violence has two main dimensions. First, Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, failed to demonstrate moral courage and instead of mobilising his supporters to heal the fissure, he only issued statements. It is a reflection of how shallow connect politicians enjoy with the civil society. This is unlike the previous generation wherein it was expected of people in public service to go out and calm the crowd. Arvind Kejriwal who was elected as the chief minister of Delhi with great fanfare, failed to intercede in the issue. His supporters argue that he does not have police under his control, so he cannot be blamed for law and order issue. Fact is that since last year, Kejriwal has created a distance between the minorities and himself so that BJP does not pin him down as a person who pampers minority. But by not being active during the crisis, Kejriwal, in the process, has come across as insincere politician who succumbed to competitive Hindutva. After partition, Mahatma Gandhi had nothing under his control, but he used his moral authority to bring peace in riot-affected areas. This could have been done in Delhi too. Another aspect of the riot was that politicians from BJP spoke blatantly in Hindu-Muslim binary. Senior leaders did not discourage junior leaders from using inflammatory language. Senior BJP leadership's appeal for calm came across as unconvincing. Politicians from the ruling dispensation not only made hate speeches but also went unpunished, emboldening the unruly element to take the law into their own hands. The police, on the other hand, failed to counter the unruly elements in the riot-affected area. The police in Delhi reports to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Despite all the technology at its disposal, it failed to locate the centre of violence in the city. Delhi riots cannot be compared with the 1984 violence when the state became completely complicit in the violence. In Delhi, the state allowed the violence to come to life. Delhi Police failed to arrest culprits in time. Whatever the reason be, pro-CAA protests or anti-CAA protests, Delhi police failed at its job. NSA Ajit Doval’s presence in the area after 72 hours of violence sealed the case. It is not the job of the NSA to move around in a riot-hit area like a DCP or IG. NSA chased by TV cameras looked more like a PR job. The religious radicals from both sides were allowed to have a free run. Lastly, many in the ruling dispensation must be happy to have found another issue for polarisation but they should remember that in Hindu literature only Goddess rides a tiger. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why Delhi burnt under Centre's watch?

In 2014, months before the general elections in May, the Congress elected Narendra Rawat as its candidate for the Vadodara Lok Sabha seat through what was described as the organisational primaries. Workers from the various Congress frontal units including the Sewa Dal, the NSUI, the Mahila Congress, as well as, MPS, AICC members and a potpourri of other notables all took part in this polling process. There were multiple aspirants, but Rawat made the cut. No surprise considering he was the party’s Vadodara city unit chief.&nbsp;

However, when the BJP announced that their Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi would be contesting from Vadodara, the Congress chose to junk the sanctity of the primaries and replaced flyweight Rawat with a lightweight and the then General Secretary of the party, Madhusudan Mistry. Mistry got over two and a lakh votes, but that one move to para drop him demolished the sanctity of the primaries in the state.&nbsp;

If this was farcical, then what happened hundreds of miles away in Assam at the heart of the then Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi’s primaries experiment - was worse. The state’s established leadership balked at the idea of going through the rigours of first seeking the ticket before contesting the polls. But the then chief minister Tarun Gogoi chose to back Rahul to the hilt considering that his own son, Gaurav, who was entering politics had to make the cut. &nbsp;

The state became an internecine battleground amongst squabbling factions. All this in January-February 2014, months before the national polls. Even while the primaries pot was boiling, out of the blue, the party para dropped the Raja of Amethi, Sanjay Singh, to be their Raya Sabha candidate from a state that had already sent an 'outsider' Manmohan Singh to the Rajya Sabha. They wanted to mollycoddle someone who could have been a spoiler in Amethi. In one fell stroke, the sanctity of choosing candidates through primaries evaporated. All because things had to be made easy for Rahul Gandhi in Amethi during the parliamentary polls.&nbsp;

Contrast this with what is happening in two other countries - the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s most powerful - both in the midst of a withering campaign on who will lead two of its main political parties, both out of power and desperate to get back into the spotlight. The most Congress like situation.&nbsp;

In the UK, the Labour Party is still grappling to find a replacement for Jermy Corbyn who decided to step down post the general election loss to Boris Johnson’s Conservatives. After multiple ballots, three candidates - Rebecca Long-Bailey, Lisa Nandy and Keir Starer - have made it to the final round. Voting by party members will now open on February 21 and close on April 2 with the results being declared on April 4. It’s been a bruising, no hold barred fight for the leadership, but it renews the institution and enthuses the grassroots.&nbsp;

Across the Atlantic, in the US, the primaries that will throw up a democratic contender to take on US President Donald Trump in the Presidential elections in November is even more debilitating. There are seven candidates still in the fray with the oldest, billionaire Michael Bloomberg, having joined the fray just recently. 21 candidates dropped out of the race before the first primaries - the ubiquitous American system to choose a contender - was even flagged off. &nbsp;

But the candidates who have the stomach and the stamina have to go through the grind of flagging their agenda, fending off the opposition and measuring up to what can only be described as the equivalent of a PET scan to assess their character, their background, their position and policy on a spectrum of issues and subjects. It can be debilitating and soul-crushing, but obviously many have the stomach to face up to it and are going through the rigours of the primaries.&nbsp;

And, mind you this jamboree will move state after state till it reaches a grand finale sometime in June-July when the democrats will have a leader and a candidate. The consequence of the elections, though, both in the UK and the US, is that the party rank and file get right behind the leader who has the unquestioned mandate to decide which way the party shall move. And you know your leaders like the back of your palm - his or her positions, ideological predilections and world view. Most important, it gives the rank and file an opportunity to choose who their leader will be.&nbsp;

So why is it that the world’s largest democracy that celebrates elections as a festival of democracy is so averse to institutional and organisational democracy. Organisational elections that are compeller as mandated by the Election Commission are comical and farcical by turns. Leaders are nominated and there is 'guidance' from what has now euphemistically come to be called as the 'high Command'. The wonder of wonders, the BJP that at one time slammed the Congress party for what it termed its 'high command culture' now has its own high command that directs the affairs of the party from the top to the bottom. Since its ascendancy to power in 2014, not one single chief minister or party president has been elected well, they have elected 'unopposed' with guidance being the leitmotif of the process.&nbsp;

The recent Ghar Wapsi ( homecoming) of Babulal Marandi in Jharkhand is a classic case of the High Command culture going wrong. The unquestioned leader of the BJP in that state, Marandi has pushed aside in 2005 in favour of Arjun Munda. Disillusioned Marandi left the party and set up his own outfit. Now a decade and a half later, Marandi has come home to the BJP after the party realised that its tallest leader in the state had been wronged thanks to misguided guidance from the top and they lost the last elections in the state for want of a leader who can arouse the grassroots.&nbsp;

It is understandable that parties weaned in the dynastic principle abhor any organisational election where the dynast will have to get into the ring and muddy his or her hands. Nonetheless, Rahul Gandhi has been the only one who has made some attempt - now sadly in cold storage -&nbsp;at a democratic evolution of leaders at the grassroots. It was an ill-structured, ill-planned and poorly executed exercise that stuttered to a standstill. He can claim credit, though, for having tried, where others have done nothing. &nbsp;

It is another matter though that he himself is elected 'unopposed' as it happened when he became Congress President. But that has been the state of almost every party in the country including the party with a difference—BJP. When the present Home Minister Amit Shah became the BJP President in 2014, he was nominated and now last month J P Nadda was elected unopposed as Shah’s successor. He was nominated by the party’s supreme decision-making body -&nbsp;the Parliamentary Board that provides 'guidance' in the running of the organisation.&nbsp;

It is this guidance that has seen parties big and small atrophy across the sub-continent. It is a lesson clearly most of them continue not to learn. The BJP has chosen to follow in their undistinguished footsteps.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

In 2014, months before the general elections in May, the Congress elected Narendra Rawat as its candidate for the Vadodara Lok Sabha seat through what was described as the organisational primaries.

In 2014, months before the general elections in May, the Congress elected Narendra Rawat as its candidate for the Vadodara Lok Sabha seat through what was described as the organisational primaries. Workers from the various Congress frontal units including the Sewa Dal, the NSUI, the Mahila Congress, as well as, MPS, AICC members and a potpourri of other notables all took part in this polling process. There were multiple aspirants, but Rawat made the cut. No surprise considering he was the party’s Vadodara city unit chief. However, when the BJP announced that their Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi would be contesting from Vadodara, the Congress chose to junk the sanctity of the primaries and replaced flyweight Rawat with a lightweight and the then General Secretary of the party, Madhusudan Mistry. Mistry got over two and a lakh votes, but that one move to para drop him demolished the sanctity of the primaries in the state. If this was farcical, then what happened hundreds of miles away in Assam at the heart of the then Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi’s primaries experiment - was worse. The state’s established leadership balked at the idea of going through the rigours of first seeking the ticket before contesting the polls. But the then chief minister Tarun Gogoi chose to back Rahul to the hilt considering that his own son, Gaurav, who was entering politics had to make the cut. The state became an internecine battleground amongst squabbling factions. All this in January-February 2014, months before the national polls. Even while the primaries pot was boiling, out of the blue, the party para dropped the Raja of Amethi, Sanjay Singh, to be their Raya Sabha candidate from a state that had already sent an 'outsider' Manmohan Singh to the Rajya Sabha. They wanted to mollycoddle someone who could have been a spoiler in Amethi. In one fell stroke, the sanctity of choosing candidates through primaries evaporated. All because things had to be made easy for Rahul Gandhi in Amethi during the parliamentary polls. Contrast this with what is happening in two other countries - the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s most powerful - both in the midst of a withering campaign on who will lead two of its main political parties, both out of power and desperate to get back into the spotlight. The most Congress like situation. In the UK, the Labour Party is still grappling to find a replacement for Jermy Corbyn who decided to step down post the general election loss to Boris Johnson’s Conservatives. After multiple ballots, three candidates - Rebecca Long-Bailey, Lisa Nandy and Keir Starer - have made it to the final round. Voting by party members will now open on February 21 and close on April 2 with the results being declared on April 4. It’s been a bruising, no hold barred fight for the leadership, but it renews the institution and enthuses the grassroots. Across the Atlantic, in the US, the primaries that will throw up a democratic contender to take on US President Donald Trump in the Presidential elections in November is even more debilitating. There are seven candidates still in the fray with the oldest, billionaire Michael Bloomberg, having joined the fray just recently. 21 candidates dropped out of the race before the first primaries - the ubiquitous American system to choose a contender - was even flagged off. But the candidates who have the stomach and the stamina have to go through the grind of flagging their agenda, fending off the opposition and measuring up to what can only be described as the equivalent of a PET scan to assess their character, their background, their position and policy on a spectrum of issues and subjects. It can be debilitating and soul-crushing, but obviously many have the stomach to face up to it and are going through the rigours of the primaries. And, mind you this jamboree will move state after state till it reaches a grand finale sometime in June-July when the democrats will have a leader and a candidate. The consequence of the elections, though, both in the UK and the US, is that the party rank and file get right behind the leader who has the unquestioned mandate to decide which way the party shall move. And you know your leaders like the back of your palm - his or her positions, ideological predilections and world view. Most important, it gives the rank and file an opportunity to choose who their leader will be. So why is it that the world’s largest democracy that celebrates elections as a festival of democracy is so averse to institutional and organisational democracy. Organisational elections that are compeller as mandated by the Election Commission are comical and farcical by turns. Leaders are nominated and there is 'guidance' from what has now euphemistically come to be called as the 'high Command'. The wonder of wonders, the BJP that at one time slammed the Congress party for what it termed its 'high command culture' now has its own high command that directs the affairs of the party from the top to the bottom. Since its ascendancy to power in 2014, not one single chief minister or party president has been elected well, they have elected 'unopposed' with guidance being the leitmotif of the process. The recent Ghar Wapsi ( homecoming) of Babulal Marandi in Jharkhand is a classic case of the High Command culture going wrong. The unquestioned leader of the BJP in that state, Marandi has pushed aside in 2005 in favour of Arjun Munda. Disillusioned Marandi left the party and set up his own outfit. Now a decade and a half later, Marandi has come home to the BJP after the party realised that its tallest leader in the state had been wronged thanks to misguided guidance from the top and they lost the last elections in the state for want of a leader who can arouse the grassroots. It is understandable that parties weaned in the dynastic principle abhor any organisational election where the dynast will have to get into the ring and muddy his or her hands. Nonetheless, Rahul Gandhi has been the only one who has made some attempt - now sadly in cold storage - at a democratic evolution of leaders at the grassroots. It was an ill-structured, ill-planned and poorly executed exercise that stuttered to a standstill. He can claim credit, though, for having tried, where others have done nothing. It is another matter though that he himself is elected 'unopposed' as it happened when he became Congress President. But that has been the state of almost every party in the country including the party with a difference—BJP. When the present Home Minister Amit Shah became the BJP President in 2014, he was nominated and now last month J P Nadda was elected unopposed as Shah’s successor. He was nominated by the party’s supreme decision-making body - the Parliamentary Board that provides 'guidance' in the running of the organisation. It is this guidance that has seen parties big and small atrophy across the sub-continent. It is a lesson clearly most of them continue not to learn. The BJP has chosen to follow in their undistinguished footsteps. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Organisational elections have become comical

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

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

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

Ideology, poster politics & challenges to the status quo

Facing criticism over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/decoding-indian-economic-slowdown-slow-consumption-falling-income-low-wages-270075">economic slowdown</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/mahagatbandhan-isnt-a-challenge-for-bharatiya-janata-party-rajnath-singh-216271">Bharatiya Janata Party</a> chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/bjp-president-jp-nadda-must-show-ingenuity-to-make-his-mark-276653">JP Nadda</a> has directed party leaders to reach out to experts and masses to create awareness on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2020-21-allocations-for-environment-and-climate-change-277988">Union Budget</a>'s pro-people policies announced by Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/nepal/nepal-invites-pm-narendra-modi-for-sagarmatha-dialogue-276287">Narendra Modi</a> government.

BJP has directed all States to conduct State-level workshops to 'discuss and publicise'&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2020-key-highlights-100-more-airports-to-be-developed-by-2024-under-udaan-scheme-278042">Union Budget 2020</a>.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2020-key-highlights-100-more-airports-to-be-developed-by-2024-under-udaan-scheme-278042">Budget 2020 key highlights</a>

These workshops at the State level are to be organised between February 16 to February 23 at all State headquarters to create awareness regarding the people-friendly policies of the Modi government.

The Opposition has been reacting sharply to the Budget stating that it does not address problems of unemployment and slow growth.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has also directed that speakers from the finance domain be invited to the workshops besides ensuring participation of business and professional organisations.

Directions have been sent out to organise press conferences after the workshops in which one speaker from the Centre and one from the State will participate.

The party has designated national general secretaries <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-bjp-all-set-to-return-to-power-says-ram-madhav-202658">Ram Madhav</a> and P Murlidhar Rao as coordinators of these workshops.

"Finance Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2020-21-allocations-for-environment-and-climate-change-277988">Nirmala Sitharaman</a> presented the Budget in the Parliament under the visionary and most popular leader of the world Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister concluded that new reforms will help to accelerate the economy, financially empower every citizen and strengthen foundation of the economy in this decade," reads the communique sent out to the States.

The party has also decided to organise intellectual meets on the Budget at the district level as well.

Social media office-bearers have been asked to participate and widely publicise the Budget provisions.

Facing criticism over the economic slowdown, Bharatiya Janata Party chief JP Nadda has directed party leaders to reach out to experts and masses to create awareness on the Union Budget's pro-people policies announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi government.

Facing criticism over the economic slowdown, Bharatiya Janata Party chief JP Nadda has directed party leaders to reach out to experts and masses to create awareness on the Union Budget's pro-people policies announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi government. BJP has directed all States to conduct State-level workshops to 'discuss and publicise' the Union Budget 2020. Also read: Budget 2020 key highlights These workshops at the State level are to be organised between February 16 to February 23 at all State headquarters to create awareness regarding the people-friendly policies of the Modi government. The Opposition has been reacting sharply to the Budget stating that it does not address problems of unemployment and slow growth. The Bharatiya Janata Party has also directed that speakers from the finance domain be invited to the workshops besides ensuring participation of business and professional organisations. Directions have been sent out to organise press conferences after the workshops in which one speaker from the Centre and one from the State will participate. The party has designated national general secretaries Ram Madhav and P Murlidhar Rao as coordinators of these workshops. "Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Budget in the Parliament under the visionary and most popular leader of the world Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister concluded that new reforms will help to accelerate the economy, financially empower every citizen and strengthen foundation of the economy in this decade," reads the communique sent out to the States. The party has also decided to organise intellectual meets on the Budget at the district level as well. Social media office-bearers have been asked to participate and widely publicise the Budget provisions.

After Citizenship Amendment Act, BJP to reach out to masses to publicise 'pro-people Budget'

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday conceded defeat in Delhi Assembly elections. BJP may have suffered because of the statements made by some party leaders during the Delhi polls, Shah admitted while distancing itself from such remarks.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday conceded defeat in Delhi Assembly elections. BJP may have suffered because of the statements made by some party leaders during the Delhi polls, Shah admitted while distancing itself from such remarks. "I accept our defeat in the Delhi elections. Statements like 'goli maro' and "Indo-Pak match" should not have been made. The party might have suffered because of such statements," Shah said during a media event in Delhi. "Our party has distanced itself from such remarks," Shah added. Also read: 'Whatever public does is right', says Priyanka Gandhi after Delhi Assembly election defeat However, Shah also said, the BJP does not fight elections just for victory or defeat but believes in expanding its ideology through polls. Further, responding to journalist's question, Shah asserted that the Delhi polls' result was not a mandate on the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), which triggered protests across the country. During the event, Shah also threw an open challenge to whoever wants to discuss CAA with him can seek time from his office. Also read: AAP sweeps national capital with 62 seats; Kejriwal to hold closed-door meeting "I will give time within three-days to anyone who wants to discuss with me the issues related to the CAA," Shah said. Bharatiya Janata Party bagged eight seats in recently held Delhi Assembly polls while Arvind Kejriwal led Aam Aadmi Party won a landslide victory with 62 seats out of 70. Kejriwal will take oath as Chief Minister for the third time on February 16 at Ram Leela ground. All AAP heavyweights including Sisodia, Raghav Chaddha and Atishi, Gopal Rai, Satyendar Jain emerged victoriously.

BJP might have suffered in Delhi polls because of 'goli maro' statements: Amit Shah

BJP national president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/bjp-president-jp-nadda-must-show-ingenuity-to-make-his-mark-276653">Jagat Prakash Nadda</a> held a meeting with the party's Delhi chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-bjp-concedes-defeat-congratulates-kejriwal-for-victory-280054">Manoj Tiwari</a> following the party's defeat in the Delhi assembly polls.

BL Santosh, who is the party's general secretary, was also present in the meeting.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-bjp-concedes-defeat-congratulates-kejriwal-for-victory-280054">Delhi Assembly election: BJP concedes defeat; congratulates Kejriwal for victory</a>

The meeting lasted for more than two hours and was attended by most of the&nbsp;BJP&nbsp;general secretaries.

According to sources, a number of issues came up during the discussion in the meeting, where the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-bjp-concedes-defeat-congratulates-kejriwal-for-victory-280054">BJP </a>leaders pointed out that the party's vote share had increased in the national capital and it put up a brave poll show.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/delhi-elections-arvind-kejriwal-what-other-bjp-nemeses-can-learn-from-aap-triumph-280269">What other BJP nemeses can learn from AAP’s triumph</a>

Nadda earlier also had held a meeting with party general secretaries on Wednesday to discuss the election results.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-bjp-concedes-defeat-congratulates-kejriwal-for-victory-280054">BJP </a>had won eight out of 70 assembly seats in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/delhi-elections-arvind-kejriwal-what-other-bjp-nemeses-can-learn-from-aap-triumph-280269">Delhi</a>.

Whereas, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-bjp-concedes-defeat-congratulates-kejriwal-for-victory-280054">Aam Aadmi Party</a>, led by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-bjp-concedes-defeat-congratulates-kejriwal-for-victory-280054">Arvind Kejriwal </a>had bagged the remaining 62 seats.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-bjp-concedes-defeat-congratulates-kejriwal-for-victory-280054">Arvind Kejriwal</a> will take oath for the as the Chief Minister of Delhi for the third time in a row on February 16 at Delhi's iconic Ramlila Maidan.

BJP national president Jagat Prakash Nadda held a meeting with the party's Delhi chief Manoj Tiwari following the party's defeat in the Delhi assembly polls. BL Santosh, who is the party's general secretary, was also present in the meeting.

BJP national president Jagat Prakash Nadda held a meeting with the party's Delhi chief Manoj Tiwari following the party's defeat in the Delhi assembly polls. BL Santosh, who is the party's general secretary, was also present in the meeting. Delhi Assembly election: BJP concedes defeat; congratulates Kejriwal for victory The meeting lasted for more than two hours and was attended by most of the BJP general secretaries. According to sources, a number of issues came up during the discussion in the meeting, where the BJP leaders pointed out that the party's vote share had increased in the national capital and it put up a brave poll show. Also read: What other BJP nemeses can learn from AAP’s triumph Nadda earlier also had held a meeting with party general secretaries on Wednesday to discuss the election results. BJP had won eight out of 70 assembly seats in Delhi. Whereas, Aam Aadmi Party, led by Arvind Kejriwal had bagged the remaining 62 seats. Arvind Kejriwal will take oath for the as the Chief Minister of Delhi for the third time in a row on February 16 at Delhi's iconic Ramlila Maidan.

BJP chief JP Nadda conducts meeting to assess defeat in Delhi Assembly polls

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What other BJP nemeses can learn from AAP’s triumph

Ruling BJP on Monday issued a whip to its members of Parliament asking them to be present in their respective houses on Tuesday, which is the last working day before the Budget Session recess.

According to reports, the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to reply to discussions on the Union Budget in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha today.

Sitharaman is likely to speak in Lok Sabha first and then in Rajya Sabha, according to reports.

Discussions on the Union Bidget, which was presented on February 1, has been going on for the last few days in Parliament.

While opposition members have repeatedly&nbsp;attacked the BJP government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi over economic slowdown and "record-high" unemployment, treasury benches have lauded the Centre for various initiatives in the budget.

Ruling BJP on Monday issued a whip to its members of Parliament asking them to be present in their respective houses on Tuesday, which is the last working day before the Budget Session recess.

Ruling BJP on Monday issued a whip to its members of Parliament asking them to be present in their respective houses on Tuesday, which is the last working day before the Budget Session recess. According to reports, the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to reply to discussions on the Union Budget in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha today. Sitharaman is likely to speak in Lok Sabha first and then in Rajya Sabha, according to reports. Discussions on the Union Bidget, which was presented on February 1, has been going on for the last few days in Parliament. While opposition members have repeatedly attacked the BJP government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi over economic slowdown and "record-high" unemployment, treasury benches have lauded the Centre for various initiatives in the budget.

BJP issues whip to its MPs asking them to be present in Parliament today

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

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

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

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

Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party registered a resounding victory in the Delhi assembly elections 2020 and retained power for a third term by winning 63 seats, hours after counting of votes began on February 11, 2020. AAP bigwigs Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Atishi, Gopal Rai, Satyendra Jain, Raghav Chadha, Saurabh Bhardwaj, Amanatulah Khan won etc over their nearest rivals in their respective assembly constituencies.

WION Special Broadcast: Arvind Kejriwal's AAP wins big in Delhi Assembly Elections 2020

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

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

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

After Assembly election victory, Manish Sisodia takes jibe at BJP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The BJP, which strived hard to counter the AAP, is predicted be once again remain the runner up according to all the exit polls, while the Congress is once again facing a wipeout.

Delhi Exit Polls predict Kejriwal's 2nd term as CM, final results on February 11

The polling for Delhi Assembly election is currently underway. Over 1.47 crore people are eligible to exercise their franchise in the polls that will decide the fate of 672 candidates. The polling began at 8 am and will end at 6 pm, according to an official.

Delhi Election 2020: Top Union Ministers cast their vote

Delhi Election 2020: PM Modi urges people to go out & vote

Today, in one phase all the assembly seats will be voted for the new government in Delhi. Voting in all 70 constituencies has begun at 8 AM & will end up at 6 PM.

Delhi Election 2020: Around 1.43 Cr voters to decide between AAP, BJP & Congress for their next CM

Delhi Election: Exit Polls Predicts AAP victory, BJP distant second

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took repeated digs at opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi of the Congress whom he dubbed as "tubelight" saying that it took him 30-40 minutes to respond to his speech in Lok Sabha.

Without naming Rahul Gandhi, Modi in his reply to the discussion on the presidential address referred to the Congress leader's comments he had reportedly made about "youth beating Modi with sticks over the lack of jobs", and said he would increase the number of Surya Namaskars (a yoga exercise) so that his back can bear the sticks.

"In 70 years, no Congress leader has ever become self- sufficient. I heard one leader's manifesto yesterday. He said 'we will beat Modi with a stick in six months'. I can imagine that it is a difficult prospect, so it will take six months to prepare.

"In these six months, I will do more surya namaskar so that my back is ready for the beating...I have been subjected to abuses in the past 20 years, I will make myself gaali-proof (abuse-proof) and also danda-proof (stick-proof)," Modi said.

When Rahul Gandhi got up from his seat and questioned Modi on the issue of unemployment, Modi said he was waiting for the Congress leader's reaction but it took him 30-40 minutes.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/If-we-had-worked-according-to-old%20ways-then-Article-370-would-never-have-been-abrogated-says-PM-Modi-in-Lok-Sabha">Had we worked according to old ways, Article 370 would have never been abrogated - PM Modi</a>

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Prime Minister Narendra Modi after Rahul Gandhi made an intervention in his speech in Lok Sabha: I was speaking for the last 30-40 minutes but it took this long for the current to reach there. Many tubelights are like this. <a href="https://t.co/NwbQVBHWPx">pic.twitter.com/NwbQVBHWPx</a>
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"I have been speaking for 30-40 minutes but it took this long for the current to reach. Many tubelights are like this," Modi said prompting ruling NDA members to burst into laugh.

Modi, who was in a witty mood, took several digs at Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury for frequently rising from his seat and interrupting him, saying that he is publicising 'Fit India' campaign of his government in Parliament.

Responding to Chowdhury on the issue unemployment, Modi said he will resolve unemployment in the country but not his and of his party's.

As soon as Prime Minister Modi entered the Lok Sabha premises he was welcomed by the BJP members by raising slogans of 'Jai Shri Ram' to which Congress responded by 'Mahatma Gandhi Zindabad' and 'Mahatma Gandhi Amar Rahe'.

Responding to Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's criticism of the government, Modi suggested that Tharoor should have some soft corner for Kashmir, after all he was "son-in-law" of the region, referring to his late wife Sunanda Pushkar.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took repeated digs at opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi of the Congress whom he dubbed as "tubelight" saying that it took him 30-40 minutes to respond to his speech in Lok Sabha.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took repeated digs at opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi of the Congress whom he dubbed as "tubelight" saying that it took him 30-40 minutes to respond to his speech in Lok Sabha. Without naming Rahul Gandhi, Modi in his reply to the discussion on the presidential address referred to the Congress leader's comments he had reportedly made about "youth beating Modi with sticks over the lack of jobs", and said he would increase the number of Surya Namaskars (a yoga exercise) so that his back can bear the sticks. "In 70 years, no Congress leader has ever become self- sufficient. I heard one leader's manifesto yesterday. He said 'we will beat Modi with a stick in six months'. I can imagine that it is a difficult prospect, so it will take six months to prepare. "In these six months, I will do more surya namaskar so that my back is ready for the beating...I have been subjected to abuses in the past 20 years, I will make myself gaali-proof (abuse-proof) and also danda-proof (stick-proof)," Modi said. When Rahul Gandhi got up from his seat and questioned Modi on the issue of unemployment, Modi said he was waiting for the Congress leader's reaction but it took him 30-40 minutes. Also read: Had we worked according to old ways, Article 370 would have never been abrogated - PM Modi #WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi after Rahul Gandhi made an intervention in his speech in Lok Sabha: I was speaking for the last 30-40 minutes but it took this long for the current to reach there. Many tubelights are like this. pic.twitter.com/NwbQVBHWPx — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2020 × "I have been speaking for 30-40 minutes but it took this long for the current to reach. Many tubelights are like this," Modi said prompting ruling NDA members to burst into laugh. Modi, who was in a witty mood, took several digs at Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury for frequently rising from his seat and interrupting him, saying that he is publicising 'Fit India' campaign of his government in Parliament. Responding to Chowdhury on the issue unemployment, Modi said he will resolve unemployment in the country but not his and of his party's. As soon as Prime Minister Modi entered the Lok Sabha premises he was welcomed by the BJP members by raising slogans of 'Jai Shri Ram' to which Congress responded by 'Mahatma Gandhi Zindabad' and 'Mahatma Gandhi Amar Rahe'. Responding to Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's criticism of the government, Modi suggested that Tharoor should have some soft corner for Kashmir, after all he was "son-in-law" of the region, referring to his late wife Sunanda Pushkar.

PM Modi fires salvos at opposition leaders, dubs Rahul Gandhi as tubelight

BJP president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/bjp-president-jp-nadda-must-show-ingenuity-to-make-his-mark-276653">JP Nadda</a> on Wednesday said that the inclusion of a Dalit member in the Ram Temple Trust is an example of social harmony and termed the formation of the Trust as a historic decision.

"Today is a historic day and the dream of every Hindustani has come true. In this Trust, social harmony has been emphasised by representing Dalit society. I once again warmly congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this," said Nadda in an official statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-ram-janambhoomi-tirath-kshetra-trust-formed-pm-modi-informs-lok-sabha-278744">Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra trust formed: PM Modi informs Lok Sabha</a>

Earlier, Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-ram-janambhoomi-tirath-kshetra-trust-formed-pm-modi-informs-lok-sabha-278744">Narendra Modi</a> announced in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-ram-janambhoomi-tirath-kshetra-trust-formed-pm-modi-informs-lok-sabha-278744"> Lok Sabha</a> the formation of a Trust for construction of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-ram-janambhoomi-tirath-kshetra-trust-formed-pm-modi-informs-lok-sabha-278744">Ram temple</a> in Ayodhya.

Speaking in the Lower House of Parliament, he said, "We have readied a scheme for the development of Ram Temple in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/supreme-court-dismisses-all-review-petitions-in-ayodhya-verdict-267893">Ayodhya</a>. A Trust has been formed, it is called Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerath Kshetra."

Prime Minister's announcement was hailed with loud slogans of 'Jai Shri Ram' from the members of the ruling party.

Later, Union Home Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-ram-janambhoomi-tirath-kshetra-trust-formed-pm-modi-informs-lok-sabha-278744">Amit Shah</a> announced that three will be 15 trustees in the Trust, of whom one will mandatorily be from the Dalit community.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/will-lay-foundation-stone-of-ram-temple-on-feb-21-swami-swaroopanand-saraswati-193941"> Will lay foundation stone of Ram Temple on February 21: Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati</a>

"The way the country has received and acknowledged the decision of construction of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/will-lay-foundation-stone-of-ram-temple-on-feb-21-swami-swaroopanand-saraswati-193941">Ram Temple</a>, it showed how strong the fabric of the Indian society is. I also congratulate all the countrymen for this strong solidarity," Nadda said.

Thee BJP President thanked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for granting five acres of land to the Sunni Waqf Board as requested by the central government.

"According to the court's decision, the central government had requested the Uttar Pradesh government to give five acres of land to the Sunni Waqf Board, which has also been agreed by the UP government. I also thank the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath Ji and the BJP government of the state for this," Nadda said.

A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court had in November ruled unanimously in the favour of Ram Lalla. It said the entire disputed land spread over 2.7 acres will be handed over to a Trust to formed by the government, which will oversee the construction of Ram temple at the site.

The court had asked the government to give 5-acre land to Sunni Waqf Board in Ayodhya for the construction of a mosque.

BJP president JP Nadda on Wednesday said that the inclusion of a Dalit member in the Ram Temple Trust is an example of social harmony and termed the formation of the Trust as a historic decision.

BJP president JP Nadda on Wednesday said that the inclusion of a Dalit member in the Ram Temple Trust is an example of social harmony and termed the formation of the Trust as a historic decision. "Today is a historic day and the dream of every Hindustani has come true. In this Trust, social harmony has been emphasised by representing Dalit society. I once again warmly congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this," said Nadda in an official statement. Also read: Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra trust formed: PM Modi informs Lok Sabha Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in the Lok Sabha the formation of a Trust for construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya. Speaking in the Lower House of Parliament, he said, "We have readied a scheme for the development of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. A Trust has been formed, it is called Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerath Kshetra." Prime Minister's announcement was hailed with loud slogans of 'Jai Shri Ram' from the members of the ruling party. Later, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that three will be 15 trustees in the Trust, of whom one will mandatorily be from the Dalit community. Also read: Will lay foundation stone of Ram Temple on February 21: Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati "The way the country has received and acknowledged the decision of construction of Ram Temple, it showed how strong the fabric of the Indian society is. I also congratulate all the countrymen for this strong solidarity," Nadda said. Thee BJP President thanked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for granting five acres of land to the Sunni Waqf Board as requested by the central government. "According to the court's decision, the central government had requested the Uttar Pradesh government to give five acres of land to the Sunni Waqf Board, which has also been agreed by the UP government. I also thank the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath Ji and the BJP government of the state for this," Nadda said. A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court had in November ruled unanimously in the favour of Ram Lalla. It said the entire disputed land spread over 2.7 acres will be handed over to a Trust to formed by the government, which will oversee the construction of Ram temple at the site. The court had asked the government to give 5-acre land to Sunni Waqf Board in Ayodhya for the construction of a mosque.

Inclusion of dalits in Ram Temple Trust emphasises social harmony: JP Nadda

Ahead of the polling in the national capital, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress have released their respective manifestos. All three major political parties have interesting sops to offer.&nbsp;

Voting will be held on February 8 and the results will be declared on February 11. Here's a look at the manifestos of BJP, AAP and Congress - locked in a three-way battle:

WATER and ELECTRICITY

In its manifesto, AAP has said that it will continue with its subsidy programme, wherein electricity up to 200 units is free for citizens. BJP has promised to set up a smart electricity grid to ensure better 'reliability and quality of power supply'. Both parties have promised clean drinking water to all households.

Congress has promised free electricity up to 300 units.&nbsp;

TRANSPORTATION&nbsp;

AAP manifesto says the party will extend Delhi Metro network to 500 kilometres, connecting several new areas such as Burari, Kirari, Bijwasan,&nbsp;​​​​​Narela, Karawal Nagar, Mangolpuri. AAP has already made bus travel free for all women.

The BJP has promised induction of 10,000 green buses as a convenient travel option for citizens and it also plans to improve the road network under various projects. The party also plans to run 'ladies special' buses.

Congress manifesto states that Delhi Metro fares for students, women and senior citizens will be subsidised. The party has also promised procurement of 15,000 electronic buses.

AIR POLLUTION

The Aam Aadmi Party has promised to plant 2 crore trees. The party manifesto says it will work towards&nbsp;reviving the river Yamuna. BJP has announced setting up of 'Yamuna Development Board' and induction of green buses if it comes to power in Delhi.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Congress has dedicated 25 per cent of its total budget towards fighting pollution. The party manifesto says it will bring 15,000 electronic buses on Delhi roads and implement a targetted dust management plan.

EDUCATION and JOBS

AAP has been appreciated for transforming government schools in Delhi in the last five years. This time, it has also promised spoken English and personality development courses for students who passed out from government schools. The party will also introduce 'Deshbhakti Curriculum' in schools if voted to power.

The BJP has promised to build 10 new colleges and 200 new schools in Delhi. It has also promised electric scooters to college-going girls and bicycles for girls, studying in class-IX. The party has also said that it will create 10 lakh jobs in the next five years. The party manifesto also says it will fill&nbsp;all the vacant posts in the government departments.

Congress has assured subsidised education till class XII for children living in notified slums and resettlement colonies. &nbsp;It has also promised unemployment allowance of Rs 5000 for graduates and Rs 7500 for postgraduates. Under 'Ladli Scheme', Congress has promised free education for girls in government schools, colleges and universities.

HEALTHCARE

Construction of ten super-speciality hospitals and two medical colleges come under the Congress manifesto. The party has also promised to take the number of dispensaries to 3000. It also plans to introduce panic buttons for differently-abled and senior citizens living alone, to ensure emergency help and ambulance services.

Meanwhile, BJP manifesto promises implementation of Ayushman Bharat Programme in Delhi. 
 
AAP has promised to continue providing primary healthcare services through Mohalla clinics.

OTHER IMPORTANT AREAS

All three parties have promised to work towards regularisation and upliftment of unauthorised colonies in Delhi.

Aam Aadmi Party has promised deployment of Mohalla Marshals for the security of women. Meanwhile, the BJP and Congress have promised Rs 51,000 and Rs 1 lakh respectively for the wedding of girls from the financially weaker section.

Furthermore, AAP has promised free delivery of ration. On the other hand, BJP has said it will provide wheat flour at Rs 2 per kg to poor.&nbsp;

AAP's manifesto ensures Rs 1 crore compensation to kin of a manual scavenger if he dies while performing his work. The party manifesto also promises free pilgrimage to 10 lakh senior citizens in the next 5 years. AAP has also promised to keep pushing for full statehood for Delhi. Party has also promised to put in all the efforts in getting the Delhi Jan Lokpal Bill passed.

Meanwhile, Congress manifesto has promised setting up 100 Indira canteens across the national capital which will provide meals at Rs 15. The party has also promised to pass a resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) if voted to power.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Ahead of the polling in the national capital, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress have released their respective manifestos. All three major political parties have interesting sops to offer.

Ahead of the polling in the national capital, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress have released their respective manifestos. All three major political parties have interesting sops to offer. Voting will be held on February 8 and the results will be declared on February 11. Here's a look at the manifestos of BJP, AAP and Congress - locked in a three-way battle: WATER and ELECTRICITY In its manifesto, AAP has said that it will continue with its subsidy programme, wherein electricity up to 200 units is free for citizens. BJP has promised to set up a smart electricity grid to ensure better 'reliability and quality of power supply'. Both parties have promised clean drinking water to all households. Congress has promised free electricity up to 300 units. TRANSPORTATION AAP manifesto says the party will extend Delhi Metro network to 500 kilometres, connecting several new areas such as Burari, Kirari, Bijwasan, Narela, Karawal Nagar, Mangolpuri. AAP has already made bus travel free for all women. The BJP has promised induction of 10,000 green buses as a convenient travel option for citizens and it also plans to improve the road network under various projects. The party also plans to run 'ladies special' buses. Congress manifesto states that Delhi Metro fares for students, women and senior citizens will be subsidised. The party has also promised procurement of 15,000 electronic buses. AIR POLLUTION The Aam Aadmi Party has promised to plant 2 crore trees. The party manifesto says it will work towards reviving the river Yamuna. BJP has announced setting up of 'Yamuna Development Board' and induction of green buses if it comes to power in Delhi. Meanwhile, Congress has dedicated 25 per cent of its total budget towards fighting pollution. The party manifesto says it will bring 15,000 electronic buses on Delhi roads and implement a targetted dust management plan. EDUCATION and JOBS AAP has been appreciated for transforming government schools in Delhi in the last five years. This time, it has also promised spoken English and personality development courses for students who passed out from government schools. The party will also introduce 'Deshbhakti Curriculum' in schools if voted to power. The BJP has promised to build 10 new colleges and 200 new schools in Delhi. It has also promised electric scooters to college-going girls and bicycles for girls, studying in class-IX. The party has also said that it will create 10 lakh jobs in the next five years. The party manifesto also says it will fill all the vacant posts in the government departments. Congress has assured subsidised education till class XII for children living in notified slums and resettlement colonies. It has also promised unemployment allowance of Rs 5000 for graduates and Rs 7500 for postgraduates. Under 'Ladli Scheme', Congress has promised free education for girls in government schools, colleges and universities. HEALTHCARE Construction of ten super-speciality hospitals and two medical colleges come under the Congress manifesto. The party has also promised to take the number of dispensaries to 3000. It also plans to introduce panic buttons for differently-abled and senior citizens living alone, to ensure emergency help and ambulance services. Meanwhile, BJP manifesto promises implementation of Ayushman Bharat Programme in Delhi. AAP has promised to continue providing primary healthcare services through Mohalla clinics. OTHER IMPORTANT AREAS All three parties have promised to work towards regularisation and upliftment of unauthorised colonies in Delhi. Aam Aadmi Party has promised deployment of Mohalla Marshals for the security of women. Meanwhile, the BJP and Congress have promised Rs 51,000 and Rs 1 lakh respectively for the wedding of girls from the financially weaker section. Furthermore, AAP has promised free delivery of ration. On the other hand, BJP has said it will provide wheat flour at Rs 2 per kg to poor. AAP's manifesto ensures Rs 1 crore compensation to kin of a manual scavenger if he dies while performing his work. The party manifesto also promises free pilgrimage to 10 lakh senior citizens in the next 5 years. AAP has also promised to keep pushing for full statehood for Delhi. Party has also promised to put in all the efforts in getting the Delhi Jan Lokpal Bill passed. Meanwhile, Congress manifesto has promised setting up 100 Indira canteens across the national capital which will provide meals at Rs 15. The party has also promised to pass a resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) if voted to power.

Delhi Assembly elections: Here's what BJP, Congress and AAP promise in their manifestos

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/npr-not-a-threat-to-anybodys-citizenship-home-minister-amit-shah-270060">Narendra Modi</a> government on Tuesday made it clear that no document will be collected during the updation of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-india-news-delhi-needs-government-that-will-not-resort-to-appeasement-but-supports-citizenship-amendment-act-narendra-modi-278559">National Population Register</a> (NPR) and providing Aadhaar number during the exercise is only voluntary. 
 
The government is in discussion with the states having concerns with regard to the preparation of the NPR.

The demographic and other particulars of each family and individual are to be updated or collected during the exercise of updation of NPR.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-india-news-delhi-needs-government-that-will-not-resort-to-appeasement-but-supports-citizenship-amendment-act-narendra-modi-278559">Delhi needs government that will not resort to appeasement but supports Citizenship Amendment Act: PM</a> 
 
Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai also said an instruction manual for updation of NPR 2020 for enumerators and supervisors has been prepared and the people will have to provide information for the NPR to the best of their knowledge and belief. 
 
"No document is to be collected during the updation of NPR," he said replying a written question. 
 
The minister also made it clear that during the NPR updation exercise, no verification will be done to find individuals whose citizenship is doubtful. 
 
The NPR exercise will be carried out across the country along with the house listing phase of the Census 2021 from April 1 to September 30, 2020.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/anti-caa-protests-a-ticking-ignorance-bomb-and-a-sheer-vandalism-with-truth-269453">Anti-CAA protests: A ticking ignorance bomb and a sheer vandalism with truth</a>

"The NPR updation will be undertaken through house to house enumeration for collection of specified particulars relating to each family and individual. The respondent has to provide the information true to the best of his knowledge and belief. Aadhar Number is collected voluntarily," he said. 
 
Rai said population register is a register containing details of persons usually residing in a village or rural area or town or ward or demarcated area within a ward in a town or urban area. 
 
"The NPR was first prepared in 2010 and updated in 2015. In pursuance of Sub-rule (4) of Rule 3 of the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003, framed under the Citizenship Act,1955, central government decided to prepare and update the population register during April to September, 2020 throughout the country except Assam for collection of information relating to all persons usually residing in village or town," he said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/npr-not-a-threat-to-anybodys-citizenship-home-minister-amit-shah-270060">NPR not a threat to anybody's citizenship: Home Minister Amit Shah</a> 
 
The state governments of Kerala and west Bengal had opposed CAA and NPR.

"As the NPR is a process that leads to the NRC, there is a sense of fear among the people. If the NPR and NRC are implemented in Kerala, it will lead to widespread anarchy. That is the experience of the state where the NRC was implemented,' said a statement released by the Kerala Chief Minister's Office. 
 
At a meeting of about 20 opposition parties led by Congress president Sonia Gandhi about a month ago, it was decided that the parties will urge all chief ministers who have decided not to implement the NRC in their states to also consider suspending the NPR enumeration "as this will be a prelude to the NRC". 
 
The NPR is a register of usual residents of the country. It is being prepared at the local village/sub-town, subdistrict, district, state and national levels under provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955, and the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003. 
 
For the purposes of the NPR, a usual resident is defined as a person who has resided in a local area for past six months or more or a person who intends to reside in that area for the next six months.

The Narendra Modi government on Tuesday made it clear that no document will be collected during the updation of the National Population Register (NPR) and providing Aadhaar number during the exercise is only voluntary.

The Narendra Modi government on Tuesday made it clear that no document will be collected during the updation of the National Population Register (NPR) and providing Aadhaar number during the exercise is only voluntary. The government is in discussion with the states having concerns with regard to the preparation of the NPR. The demographic and other particulars of each family and individual are to be updated or collected during the exercise of updation of NPR. Also read: Delhi needs government that will not resort to appeasement but supports Citizenship Amendment Act: PM Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai also said an instruction manual for updation of NPR 2020 for enumerators and supervisors has been prepared and the people will have to provide information for the NPR to the best of their knowledge and belief. "No document is to be collected during the updation of NPR," he said replying a written question. The minister also made it clear that during the NPR updation exercise, no verification will be done to find individuals whose citizenship is doubtful. The NPR exercise will be carried out across the country along with the house listing phase of the Census 2021 from April 1 to September 30, 2020. Also read: Anti-CAA protests: A ticking ignorance bomb and a sheer vandalism with truth "The NPR updation will be undertaken through house to house enumeration for collection of specified particulars relating to each family and individual. The respondent has to provide the information true to the best of his knowledge and belief. Aadhar Number is collected voluntarily," he said. Rai said population register is a register containing details of persons usually residing in a village or rural area or town or ward or demarcated area within a ward in a town or urban area. "The NPR was first prepared in 2010 and updated in 2015. In pursuance of Sub-rule (4) of Rule 3 of the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003, framed under the Citizenship Act,1955, central government decided to prepare and update the population register during April to September, 2020 throughout the country except Assam for collection of information relating to all persons usually residing in village or town," he said. Also read: NPR not a threat to anybody's citizenship: Home Minister Amit Shah The state governments of Kerala and west Bengal had opposed CAA and NPR. "As the NPR is a process that leads to the NRC, there is a sense of fear among the people. If the NPR and NRC are implemented in Kerala, it will lead to widespread anarchy. That is the experience of the state where the NRC was implemented,' said a statement released by the Kerala Chief Minister's Office. At a meeting of about 20 opposition parties led by Congress president Sonia Gandhi about a month ago, it was decided that the parties will urge all chief ministers who have decided not to implement the NRC in their states to also consider suspending the NPR enumeration "as this will be a prelude to the NRC". The NPR is a register of usual residents of the country. It is being prepared at the local village/sub-town, subdistrict, district, state and national levels under provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955, and the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003. For the purposes of the NPR, a usual resident is defined as a person who has resided in a local area for past six months or more or a person who intends to reside in that area for the next six months.

No document to be collected during National Population Register exercise: Government

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

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

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

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

The BJP on Friday released its manifesto for the Delhi assembly polls, promising wheat flour at Rs 2 per kg for the poor, cycles and scooties for girl students as well as an 10 per cent increase in the health and education budget annually.

The BJP, in its 'Sankalp Patra 2020' (manifesto), also said it would focus on women empowerment, traders, infrastructure development and housing for all by 2022.

Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said the outgoing AAP government's subsidy schemes for power and water will be continued by his party if it is voted to power.

The 'Sankalp Patra' was released at the Delhi BJP office by Union minister Nitin Gadkari, election in-charge Prakash Javadekar and manifesto committee convener Harsh Vardhan.

Party MPs Vijay Goel, Meenakshi Lekhi, Parvesh Verma, Ramesh Bidhuri, Hans Raj Hans and Gautam Gambhir were also present.

The manifesto booklet also created a flutter as it mentioned Raj Kumar Chauhan as the manifesto committee's co-convener, when he has joined the Congress.

The BJP will run the "bullet train" of development in the national capital, Gadkari told reporters.

"BJP's history is linked to Delhi. The future of Delhi will be changed by the BJP," the Union minister said.

Supply of clean drinking water to every household will be ensured when the BJP comes to power, the manifesto stated.

In the document, the BJP asserted that as soon as it comes to power, it will implement the Modi government's Ayushman Bharat health scheme in Delhi.

City BJP chief Tiwari said each poor family will be provided good quality, subsidised 'atta' (wheat flour) at a rate of Rs 2 per kilogram.

The BJP will bring an ambitious 'Samridh Delhi Infrastructure Scheme', with a provision of Rs 10,000 crore, to ensure "focussed and priority" development of roads, flyovers, foot over-bridges and other key infrastructure projects, the manifesto stated.

The manifesto promises to set up a 'Colonies Development Board' for undertaking development of various civic amenities.

It also said that 10 lakh offices and shops of traders in Delhi will be converted from leasehold to freehold on priority basis.

"Necessary changes will also be made in the existing law to provide relief to traders from the ceiling drive," Tiwari said.

In order to improve connectivity in Delhi, 10,000 new green buses will be added to the public transport. Double decker buses will also be introduced with video and free Wi-Fi schemes, the party promises.

High quality free Wi-Fi will be provided on public transport vehicles and at stations and bus stops, it said.

The AAP government has launched a free Wi-Fi scheme that provides 1.5 GB data and the services is being expanded.

"We will ensure access to high quality health services for the people of Delhi by increasing the health budget by 10 per cent every year," the BJP said in its 'Sankalp Patra'.

The manifesto also promised 400 health and wellness centres under Ayushman Bharat and a 'Mission Zero' to check dengue, chikungunya and malaria.

It said an annual health screening will be conducted for every citizen and a 'Smar Health Card', with fully digitised information, will be issued.

The BJP, which has been slamming the Kejriwal government for failing to fulfil its promises to open new schools and colleges, said it will open 200 new schools and 10 new colleges.

The education budget will be increased by 10 percent every year, the party said.

The manifesto also promised quality power supply and added that the BJP will ensure annual audit of all power companies.

"We will ensure adequate and affordable availability of power to residents of JJ clusters by installing Suryajyoti Domes," it said.

The manifesto also promises to evolve a comprehensive strategy to combat air pollution in Delhi.

Installing WAYU equipment at polluted traffic junctions, 'Pari-Yantra' air purification systems on rooftops of public buses, incentivising use of electric vehicles and setting up charging stations, are also among the BJP's promises.

Scientifically designed barriers to prevent schoolchildren from air and noise pollution, vapur recovery systems at petrol pumps to prevent benzene pollution, are among the measures the BJP will take to combat air pollution, the manifesto said.

The manifesto also listed various promises for women empowerment and safety, including for girls born in poor families.

It said a fixed amount would be deposited in an account on the birth of the first two girls in every economically weaker family so that they receive Rs 2 lakh after attaining 21 years.

Girls belonging to poor families studying in class 9-12 will be provided free bicycle while those pursuing higher education will be provided electric scooty, Tiwari said.

Free sanitary napkins for school girls, a women security cell at the chief minister's office, more fast track courts for redressal of crimes against women, Rani Laxmi Bai Suraksha

Yojna, deployment of women home guards and CCTV cameras at crowded areas, and parity of wages, are some other promises made by the BJP in its manifesto.

Tiwari also said that BJP will ensure job security of contract workers, provide arrears to sanitation workers, create 10 lakh job opportunities, fill the vacant government posts, if it comes to power in Delhi.&nbsp;

The BJP on Friday released its manifesto for the Delhi assembly polls, promising wheat flour at Rs 2 per kg for the poor, cycles and scooties for girl students as well as an 10 per cent increase in the health and education budget annually.

The BJP on Friday released its manifesto for the Delhi assembly polls, promising wheat flour at Rs 2 per kg for the poor, cycles and scooties for girl students as well as an 10 per cent increase in the health and education budget annually. The BJP, in its 'Sankalp Patra 2020' (manifesto), also said it would focus on women empowerment, traders, infrastructure development and housing for all by 2022. Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said the outgoing AAP government's subsidy schemes for power and water will be continued by his party if it is voted to power. The 'Sankalp Patra' was released at the Delhi BJP office by Union minister Nitin Gadkari, election in-charge Prakash Javadekar and manifesto committee convener Harsh Vardhan. Party MPs Vijay Goel, Meenakshi Lekhi, Parvesh Verma, Ramesh Bidhuri, Hans Raj Hans and Gautam Gambhir were also present. The manifesto booklet also created a flutter as it mentioned Raj Kumar Chauhan as the manifesto committee's co-convener, when he has joined the Congress. The BJP will run the "bullet train" of development in the national capital, Gadkari told reporters. "BJP's history is linked to Delhi. The future of Delhi will be changed by the BJP," the Union minister said. Supply of clean drinking water to every household will be ensured when the BJP comes to power, the manifesto stated. In the document, the BJP asserted that as soon as it comes to power, it will implement the Modi government's Ayushman Bharat health scheme in Delhi. City BJP chief Tiwari said each poor family will be provided good quality, subsidised 'atta' (wheat flour) at a rate of Rs 2 per kilogram. The BJP will bring an ambitious 'Samridh Delhi Infrastructure Scheme', with a provision of Rs 10,000 crore, to ensure "focussed and priority" development of roads, flyovers, foot over-bridges and other key infrastructure projects, the manifesto stated. The manifesto promises to set up a 'Colonies Development Board' for undertaking development of various civic amenities. It also said that 10 lakh offices and shops of traders in Delhi will be converted from leasehold to freehold on priority basis. "Necessary changes will also be made in the existing law to provide relief to traders from the ceiling drive," Tiwari said. In order to improve connectivity in Delhi, 10,000 new green buses will be added to the public transport. Double decker buses will also be introduced with video and free Wi-Fi schemes, the party promises. High quality free Wi-Fi will be provided on public transport vehicles and at stations and bus stops, it said. The AAP government has launched a free Wi-Fi scheme that provides 1.5 GB data and the services is being expanded. "We will ensure access to high quality health services for the people of Delhi by increasing the health budget by 10 per cent every year," the BJP said in its 'Sankalp Patra'. The manifesto also promised 400 health and wellness centres under Ayushman Bharat and a 'Mission Zero' to check dengue, chikungunya and malaria. It said an annual health screening will be conducted for every citizen and a 'Smar Health Card', with fully digitised information, will be issued. The BJP, which has been slamming the Kejriwal government for failing to fulfil its promises to open new schools and colleges, said it will open 200 new schools and 10 new colleges. The education budget will be increased by 10 percent every year, the party said. The manifesto also promised quality power supply and added that the BJP will ensure annual audit of all power companies. "We will ensure adequate and affordable availability of power to residents of JJ clusters by installing Suryajyoti Domes," it said. The manifesto also promises to evolve a comprehensive strategy to combat air pollution in Delhi. Installing WAYU equipment at polluted traffic junctions, 'Pari-Yantra' air purification systems on rooftops of public buses, incentivising use of electric vehicles and setting up charging stations, are also among the BJP's promises. Scientifically designed barriers to prevent schoolchildren from air and noise pollution, vapur recovery systems at petrol pumps to prevent benzene pollution, are among the measures the BJP will take to combat air pollution, the manifesto said. The manifesto also listed various promises for women empowerment and safety, including for girls born in poor families. It said a fixed amount would be deposited in an account on the birth of the first two girls in every economically weaker family so that they receive Rs 2 lakh after attaining 21 years. Girls belonging to poor families studying in class 9-12 will be provided free bicycle while those pursuing higher education will be provided electric scooty, Tiwari said. Free sanitary napkins for school girls, a women security cell at the chief minister's office, more fast track courts for redressal of crimes against women, Rani Laxmi Bai Suraksha Yojna, deployment of women home guards and CCTV cameras at crowded areas, and parity of wages, are some other promises made by the BJP in its manifesto. Tiwari also said that BJP will ensure job security of contract workers, provide arrears to sanitation workers, create 10 lakh job opportunities, fill the vacant government posts, if it comes to power in Delhi.

Delhi polls: BJP promises wheat flour at Rs 2 per kg, scooties for girl students 

To the relief of the Narendra Modi government, the European Parliament decided to defer the vote on the resolution against India’s controversial Citizenship Amendment Act till the second half of March. The vote to defer the joint resolution criticising the CAA was approved by 271 votes in favour and 191 against in the parliament. The debate on the joint draft resolution tabled by five major political groups in EP was to be debated on Wednesday, with a statement from the EU Vice President/High Representative for foreign affairs and security policy.

EU defers Anti-CAA Resolution vote, Relief for Modi govt

Indian badminton star and former world no 1 player Saina Nehwal on Wednesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) taking a political plunge days before the Delhi Assembly Elections 2020.

Talking to the journalist during the press conference ace shuttler said that "PM Modi working hard for the country, he inspires me."&nbsp;

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Delhi: Badminton Player Saina Nehwal and her sister Chandranshu meet BJP Chief JP Nadda after joining the party earlier today. <a href="https://t.co/5Ds3pSjFNJ">https://t.co/5Ds3pSjFNJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/TnTCJ4zQV9">pic.twitter.com/TnTCJ4zQV9</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1222422492964196353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Saina, who hails from Haryana, is one of the most famous sportspersons in India. The BJP took a question and answer session on Wednesday and declared that the badminton player has joined the party.&nbsp;

Saina, alongside PV Sindhu, is among the most prolific young ladies of badminton in India. Her incorporation is planned for adjusting the young to the BJP, said, specialists. Be that as it may, her joining the BJP doesn't come as a shock as the badminton star has over and over tweeted applauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Last year, a number of sportspersons including cricketer Gautam Gambhir and Commonwealth Games medal-winning wrestler Babita Phogat had joined BJP.

Indian badminton star and former world no 1 player Saina Nehwal on Wednesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) taking a political plunge days before the Delhi Assembly Elections 2020.

Indian badminton star and former world no 1 player Saina Nehwal on Wednesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) taking a political plunge days before the Delhi Assembly Elections 2020. Talking to the journalist during the press conference ace shuttler said that "PM Modi working hard for the country, he inspires me." Delhi: Badminton Player Saina Nehwal and her sister Chandranshu meet BJP Chief JP Nadda after joining the party earlier today. https://t.co/5Ds3pSjFNJ pic.twitter.com/TnTCJ4zQV9 — ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2020 × Saina, who hails from Haryana, is one of the most famous sportspersons in India. The BJP took a question and answer session on Wednesday and declared that the badminton player has joined the party. Saina, alongside PV Sindhu, is among the most prolific young ladies of badminton in India. Her incorporation is planned for adjusting the young to the BJP, said, specialists. Be that as it may, her joining the BJP doesn't come as a shock as the badminton star has over and over tweeted applauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Last year, a number of sportspersons including cricketer Gautam Gambhir and Commonwealth Games medal-winning wrestler Babita Phogat had joined BJP.

Saina Nehwal joins BJP, says PM Modi inspires me

Jagat Prakash Nadda from Himachal Pradesh, unfurled the national flag at BJP Headquarters on India’s 71st Republic Day, as the newly appointed BJP President. He has, with his elevation by the party top brass, added to the slim bench strength of heavyweights in the BJP. &nbsp;

With a shrinking saffron footprint in the states, Nadda must show real ingenuity to make his mark as early as possible. The problem he faces is that of late there seems to be a disconnect between national and local issues. The Shah led BJP in its last stretch when Amit Shah has also been the country’s Home Minister, has been emphasising national issues during state election campaigns.

States are understandably more concerned about their own problems. Also, there have been problems with ticket distribution vis a vis winnability, shown up most glaringly in Jharkhand, lost primarily to the&nbsp;tribal vote for lack of an alliance between JMD and the BJP. This can still be rectified by Nadda, with Prime Minister Modi being exceptionally warm to Soren already. Jharkhand was also where a rebel candidate trounced the misleading and complacent sitting chief minister.

Nadda has a couple of near-ready potential scalps to take in the near future. No.&nbsp;1 is the state of Delhi, in which the subversive, disappointingly corrupt, minority favouring and underperforming AAP, is due for a fall. The BJP could leverage its regularization of unauthorized colonies. The Purvanchal vote is some 30 per cent of the total, and BJP Delhi President Manoj Tiwari is not only a fresh face but also a popular Bhojpuri filmstar/singer. Can Nadda quietly orchestrate the coup from behind the scenes to install Tiwari as chief minister?

The other opportunity is to wrest Maharashtra away from the Aghadi. It was won by the BJP and the Shiv Sena in the first place before the Shiv Sena decided to betray its own long-standing positions (and the voters). It can be retaken in the same fashion perhaps as Karnataka, where Nadda played a winning hand, or via a fresh assembly election if necessary.

Bihar may also go to the polls near the end of 2020 and the retention of power there along with Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) will be of the greatest importance.

The number of states in which BJP has won a near majority lately, but fell short, such as Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, are all ripe for some transactional politics. West Bengal, which promises to be a tough election in 2021, might again see BJP within kissing distance of power and may need some TMC winners abandoning their party for the BJP to secure the&nbsp;42 parliamentary-seater state.

If Maharashtra, of the rich pickings, is indeed retaken without another election later in 2020 itself, Nadda will have established his mastery over his powerful job. In the process, Nadda would have also destroyed the credibility of the three-legged Aghadi, and ruined their dreams of a broader winning coalition in 2024.

But to do this, Nadda will have to move without being detected and apprehended in advance. Perhaps the emergence of the other Thackeray, Raj, complete with an eligible son of his own, and a newly minted saffron flag for his Party, MNS, is a ready step in the right direction.

And then there are three states going to the polls in 2021, including West Bengal.

Nadda, often credited with having won Uttar Pradesh for Amit Shah, is a seasoned player, trusted not only by the top brass in the BJP but also the RSS. He will have no problem in accessing the necessary human and other resources. What he will need in addition is originality and an element of surprise that outwits his opponents.

And here is inspiration. The mesmerizingly beautiful Jewish-Austrian Hollywood actress Hedy Lamarr from the 1930s and forties had an unexpected touch of real genius. Lamarr, who fled Nazi persecution, invented a communication process she called “Frequency Hopping”. It used over 80 frequencies in rapid and seemingly random succession, which made its signals virtually impossible to jam. She originally intended it for the American Navy to securely guide its torpedoes at German U Boats. The Germans routinely jammed all the radio frequencies except their own. This was the answer.

Today, Frequency Hopping is the basis of modern-day WiFi, Bluetooth, secure satellite communications, much military communications technology including the coding that activates nuclear weapons. It is also the first bastion against cyber-hacking.

JP Nadda will have to prove that the BJP magic that came into play with the Modi-Shah duo can be sustained into 2024 and beyond. If he can do this, he will wreck the hypothesis that the BJP can be driven back into a 160 odd seats party again. A party that had to resemble the Congress in order to survive at the time. &nbsp;

Modi-Shah have already broken that mould and inserted a strong bid for a “New India” with very different drummers to follow. Much of the policy thinking that has been put forward is the excitement for the BJP voter. On the other hand, it is anathema to the old Nehruvian order.

A political party like the BJP at this juncture can determine the future destiny of India. JP Nadda must bear in mind that “realpolitik” will demand that he does not fight shy of winning tactics and strategy. He must fight lies with truth, and lies too, if necessary. Well begun, as they say, is half done.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Jagat Prakash Nadda from Himachal Pradesh, unfurled the national flag at BJP Headquarters on India’s 71st Republic Day, as the newly appointed BJP President. He has, with his elevation by the party top brass, added to the slim bench strength of heavyweights in the BJP.

Jagat Prakash Nadda from Himachal Pradesh, unfurled the national flag at BJP Headquarters on India’s 71st Republic Day, as the newly appointed BJP President. He has, with his elevation by the party top brass, added to the slim bench strength of heavyweights in the BJP. With a shrinking saffron footprint in the states, Nadda must show real ingenuity to make his mark as early as possible. The problem he faces is that of late there seems to be a disconnect between national and local issues. The Shah led BJP in its last stretch when Amit Shah has also been the country’s Home Minister, has been emphasising national issues during state election campaigns. States are understandably more concerned about their own problems. Also, there have been problems with ticket distribution vis a vis winnability, shown up most glaringly in Jharkhand, lost primarily to the tribal vote for lack of an alliance between JMD and the BJP. This can still be rectified by Nadda, with Prime Minister Modi being exceptionally warm to Soren already. Jharkhand was also where a rebel candidate trounced the misleading and complacent sitting chief minister. Nadda has a couple of near-ready potential scalps to take in the near future. No. 1 is the state of Delhi, in which the subversive, disappointingly corrupt, minority favouring and underperforming AAP, is due for a fall. The BJP could leverage its regularization of unauthorized colonies. The Purvanchal vote is some 30 per cent of the total, and BJP Delhi President Manoj Tiwari is not only a fresh face but also a popular Bhojpuri filmstar/singer. Can Nadda quietly orchestrate the coup from behind the scenes to install Tiwari as chief minister? The other opportunity is to wrest Maharashtra away from the Aghadi. It was won by the BJP and the Shiv Sena in the first place before the Shiv Sena decided to betray its own long-standing positions (and the voters). It can be retaken in the same fashion perhaps as Karnataka, where Nadda played a winning hand, or via a fresh assembly election if necessary. Bihar may also go to the polls near the end of 2020 and the retention of power there along with Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) will be of the greatest importance. The number of states in which BJP has won a near majority lately, but fell short, such as Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, are all ripe for some transactional politics. West Bengal, which promises to be a tough election in 2021, might again see BJP within kissing distance of power and may need some TMC winners abandoning their party for the BJP to secure the 42 parliamentary-seater state. If Maharashtra, of the rich pickings, is indeed retaken without another election later in 2020 itself, Nadda will have established his mastery over his powerful job. In the process, Nadda would have also destroyed the credibility of the three-legged Aghadi, and ruined their dreams of a broader winning coalition in 2024. But to do this, Nadda will have to move without being detected and apprehended in advance. Perhaps the emergence of the other Thackeray, Raj, complete with an eligible son of his own, and a newly minted saffron flag for his Party, MNS, is a ready step in the right direction. And then there are three states going to the polls in 2021, including West Bengal. Nadda, often credited with having won Uttar Pradesh for Amit Shah, is a seasoned player, trusted not only by the top brass in the BJP but also the RSS. He will have no problem in accessing the necessary human and other resources. What he will need in addition is originality and an element of surprise that outwits his opponents. And here is inspiration. The mesmerizingly beautiful Jewish-Austrian Hollywood actress Hedy Lamarr from the 1930s and forties had an unexpected touch of real genius. Lamarr, who fled Nazi persecution, invented a communication process she called “Frequency Hopping”. It used over 80 frequencies in rapid and seemingly random succession, which made its signals virtually impossible to jam. She originally intended it for the American Navy to securely guide its torpedoes at German U Boats. The Germans routinely jammed all the radio frequencies except their own. This was the answer. Today, Frequency Hopping is the basis of modern-day WiFi, Bluetooth, secure satellite communications, much military communications technology including the coding that activates nuclear weapons. It is also the first bastion against cyber-hacking. JP Nadda will have to prove that the BJP magic that came into play with the Modi-Shah duo can be sustained into 2024 and beyond. If he can do this, he will wreck the hypothesis that the BJP can be driven back into a 160 odd seats party again. A party that had to resemble the Congress in order to survive at the time. Modi-Shah have already broken that mould and inserted a strong bid for a “New India” with very different drummers to follow. Much of the policy thinking that has been put forward is the excitement for the BJP voter. On the other hand, it is anathema to the old Nehruvian order. A political party like the BJP at this juncture can determine the future destiny of India. JP Nadda must bear in mind that “realpolitik” will demand that he does not fight shy of winning tactics and strategy. He must fight lies with truth, and lies too, if necessary. Well begun, as they say, is half done. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

BJP President JP Nadda must show ingenuity to make his mark

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