Polling for 90 seats of Haryana and 288 constituencies of Maharashtra began at 7 am today and will continue till 6 pm. The electoral fate of over 4,400 candidates -- 1,169 in Haryana and 3,237 in Maharashtra will be sealed in EVMs by the voters who will exercise their democratic franchise in the assembly elections.

India Votes: Voting underway in Haryana and Maharashtra

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday exuded confidence that BJP will retain power in Maharashtra and Haryana and said the party will have record-breaking victories in both the states.

"We have done a lot of work in various areas, particularly in irrigation and agriculture. Maharashtra is progressing a lot. Considering the amount of work and development that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has done in the last five years in Maharashtra, I am sure we will have a record-breaking victory in the state elections here," he told ANI.

"In Haryana too, we are confident of a record-breaking victory. BJP will form the government in Haryana with an outright majority," Gadkari said.

Asked about Congress' allegations that BJP was diverting people-related issues by raising Article 370 and national security, the Union Minister said that the opposition party had a "defeated mentality."

"Congress had a defeated mentality. There was a lack of leadership and self-confidence in the party. They got a chance to rule in the last 62 years. What they could not do in the last 62 years, BJP has done it in five years. I am sure people will side with the BJP," Gadkari said.

He called on the citizens to cast their votes in the assembly elections.

"See, voting is our constitutional right. Not exercising your franchise is not good. This is the festival of democracy. So, I urge people to go out and vote in huge numbers," Gadkari said.

Earlier today, the Union Minister exercised his franchise at a polling booth in Nagpur, which is his hometown.

Voting for 288 constituencies in Maharashtra began today at 7 am today and will continue till 6 pm. The counting of votes will take place on October 24.

Of the 288 seats, BJP is contesting in 164, this includes candidates of smaller allies contesting on its lotus symbol. On the other hand, BJP's key ally Shiv Sena has fielded 126 candidates in the state.

The Congress has 147 candidates in the fray while its ally NCP is contesting in 121 seats. The alliance has left the rest of the seats for its smaller partners.

Votes will be counted on October 24.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday exuded confidence that BJP will retain power in Maharashtra and Haryana and said the party will have record-breaking victories in both the states.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday exuded confidence that BJP will retain power in Maharashtra and Haryana and said the party will have record-breaking victories in both the states. "We have done a lot of work in various areas, particularly in irrigation and agriculture. Maharashtra is progressing a lot. Considering the amount of work and development that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has done in the last five years in Maharashtra, I am sure we will have a record-breaking victory in the state elections here," he told ANI. "In Haryana too, we are confident of a record-breaking victory. BJP will form the government in Haryana with an outright majority," Gadkari said. Asked about Congress' allegations that BJP was diverting people-related issues by raising Article 370 and national security, the Union Minister said that the opposition party had a "defeated mentality." "Congress had a defeated mentality. There was a lack of leadership and self-confidence in the party. They got a chance to rule in the last 62 years. What they could not do in the last 62 years, BJP has done it in five years. I am sure people will side with the BJP," Gadkari said. He called on the citizens to cast their votes in the assembly elections. "See, voting is our constitutional right. Not exercising your franchise is not good. This is the festival of democracy. So, I urge people to go out and vote in huge numbers," Gadkari said. Earlier today, the Union Minister exercised his franchise at a polling booth in Nagpur, which is his hometown. Voting for 288 constituencies in Maharashtra began today at 7 am today and will continue till 6 pm. The counting of votes will take place on October 24. Of the 288 seats, BJP is contesting in 164, this includes candidates of smaller allies contesting on its lotus symbol. On the other hand, BJP's key ally Shiv Sena has fielded 126 candidates in the state. The Congress has 147 candidates in the fray while its ally NCP is contesting in 121 seats. The alliance has left the rest of the seats for its smaller partners. Votes will be counted on October 24.

BJP will have record-breaking victories in Maharashtra, Haryana: Gadkari

Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday slammed Congress over former prime minister Manmohan Singh`s comment that Congress had voted in favour of the dilution of Article 370 in Parliament and had opposed the manner in which Article 370 was abrogated, saying the opposition party has used a senior leader to deliver such statement which is a "lie".

"I am extremely sad to learn that Congress used such a senior leader to deliver a statement on the matter of abrogation of Article 370. Singh has been defamed for his comment. The senior leader was asked to lie in front of everyone, this is extremely sad," Naqvi told ANI.

Singh had told reporters in Mumbai on Thursday that party had voted in favour of the dilution of Article 370 in Parliament but was opposed to the high-handed manner in which the government had done it.

Naqvi also targeted Singh for his comment about lack of hope about Indian economy reaching the target of five trillion dollars by 2024.

Naqvi said people were facing high inflation during the rule of Congress-led UPA and economy too was not doing well. "During Modi-led BJP`s term, the party has made sure that people do not face problems. The foundations of our economy are now strong and people who could not handle the economy well should not give us lessons about it," said Naqvi.&nbsp;

Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday slammed Congress over former prime minister Manmohan Singh`s comment that Congress had voted in favour of the dilution of Article 370 in Parliament and had opposed the manner in which Article 370 was abrogated, saying the opposition party has used a senior leader to deliver such statement which is a "lie".

Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday slammed Congress over former prime minister Manmohan Singh`s comment that Congress had voted in favour of the dilution of Article 370 in Parliament and had opposed the manner in which Article 370 was abrogated, saying the opposition party has used a senior leader to deliver such statement which is a "lie". "I am extremely sad to learn that Congress used such a senior leader to deliver a statement on the matter of abrogation of Article 370. Singh has been defamed for his comment. The senior leader was asked to lie in front of everyone, this is extremely sad," Naqvi told ANI. Singh had told reporters in Mumbai on Thursday that party had voted in favour of the dilution of Article 370 in Parliament but was opposed to the high-handed manner in which the government had done it. Naqvi also targeted Singh for his comment about lack of hope about Indian economy reaching the target of five trillion dollars by 2024. Naqvi said people were facing high inflation during the rule of Congress-led UPA and economy too was not doing well. "During Modi-led BJP`s term, the party has made sure that people do not face problems. The foundations of our economy are now strong and people who could not handle the economy well should not give us lessons about it," said Naqvi.

Naqvi slams Congress over Manmohan Singh's remarks on Article 370

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Working President JP Nadda and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday released the party's manifesto for the upcoming assembly elections in the state.

The manifesto has a page on Bharat Ratna awards in which the party has proposed the names of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, Savitribai Phule and Veer Savarkar for the country's highest civilian award.

Releasing the manifesto, Nadda praised the Fadnavis-led government in the state and said, "Today I can say with confidence that Fadnavis has changed the political culture and fundamental politics of Maharashtra.

He has changed the image of Maharashtra. Five years ago, the state was corruption-tainted.

"There was instability and the seat of Chief Minister was like in a musical chair. Today, Maharashtra is corruption free, it is a state with good governance, transparency and stability," he added.

Nadda said, "This manifesto is a well studied and pragmatic document. It is a serious document unlike the Congress&nbsp;and NCP's who have diluted the effects of the manifesto."

The BJP Working President also said that the manifesto represents all sections of the society, "Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas Aur Sabka Vishvas" (development for all with the trust of all).

"It is focused on the last man standing on the last pedestal of society. Our commitment is to bring labour, Dalits and marginalised sections of the society into the mainstream," he said.

"It represents tourism, agriculture, labour, youth, quality education and health. The poor should be able to get medical treatment and poverty does not become a hindrance, this is one of the essences of our Sankalp Patra," Nadda added.

Enumerating its main points, Nadda said, "We have made comprehensive health care plans. There are 16 broad issues included in the manifesto. We have the plan to make Maharashtra drought-free. We plan to create 1 crore jobs in the next five years. We will be making a separate mechanism for the maintenance of roads."&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Working President JP Nadda and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday released the party's manifesto for the upcoming assembly elections in the state.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Working President JP Nadda and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday released the party's manifesto for the upcoming assembly elections in the state. The manifesto has a page on Bharat Ratna awards in which the party has proposed the names of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, Savitribai Phule and Veer Savarkar for the country's highest civilian award. Releasing the manifesto, Nadda praised the Fadnavis-led government in the state and said, "Today I can say with confidence that Fadnavis has changed the political culture and fundamental politics of Maharashtra. He has changed the image of Maharashtra. Five years ago, the state was corruption-tainted. "There was instability and the seat of Chief Minister was like in a musical chair. Today, Maharashtra is corruption free, it is a state with good governance, transparency and stability," he added. Nadda said, "This manifesto is a well studied and pragmatic document. It is a serious document unlike the Congress and NCP's who have diluted the effects of the manifesto." The BJP Working President also said that the manifesto represents all sections of the society, "Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas Aur Sabka Vishvas" (development for all with the trust of all). "It is focused on the last man standing on the last pedestal of society. Our commitment is to bring labour, Dalits and marginalised sections of the society into the mainstream," he said. "It represents tourism, agriculture, labour, youth, quality education and health. The poor should be able to get medical treatment and poverty does not become a hindrance, this is one of the essences of our Sankalp Patra," Nadda added. Enumerating its main points, Nadda said, "We have made comprehensive health care plans. There are 16 broad issues included in the manifesto. We have the plan to make Maharashtra drought-free. We plan to create 1 crore jobs in the next five years. We will be making a separate mechanism for the maintenance of roads."

BJP releases manifesto for Maharastra polls, proposes Savarkar's name for Bharat Ratna

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had suddenly left the country and thrown the Congress in a quandary midway during electioneering for the Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly elections. He is now back in&nbsp;the scene, obviously for damage control. How much Rahul has been able to cement the fractured party organisation and its election machine could be gauged from the fact that local Congress leaders like Sanjay Nirupam and Milind Deora were absent during his rally at the Dharavi slums on Sunday 13th October.

At his Mumbai rally ahead of the October 21 poll in Maharashtra, it appeared that Rahul was flogging a dead horse when he raised the Rafale issue. The well tutored Congress crowd also joined him and raised the 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' slogan, which translated into English would mean “the watchdog is a thief’. It was used extensively by the Congress during Rahul Gandhi's election rallies for the Lok Sabha poll earlier this year.

How can Rahul be oblivious to the fact that the voters have already rejected this slogan and the results are before us. The first lot of Rafale aircraft has also joined the IAF and this has hiked the level of confidence among the people when it comes to national security and defence. Rahul’s current posture shows that he has completely lost “the connect” with the people.

The Congress party is also in the dock as it is facing the charge that it been continuously parroting the same stand that’s been taken by Imran Khan and Pakistan on Jammu and Kashmir and Article 370. &nbsp;

Addressing an election rally at Jalgaon in Maharashtra on Sunday Narendra Modi challenged the Opposition saying that the opposition should state in its election manifesto that they would restore Article 370 if they returned to power. He also said that Kashmir is the crown of India and not “just a piece of land”. Patting his government for the abrogation of Article 370 in the larger interest of the people, the PM has drawn attention to the situation in Kashmir that had been allowed to deteriorate over the last many decades and said that normalcy will be restored in J&amp;K in four months.

Besides, what’s going to prove the waterloo for Congress ally &nbsp;- the Nationalist Congress Party in this election is the case of former Civil Aviation Minister and NCP leader Praful Patel. His name has suddenly shot up in the news as the Enforcement Directorate has started probing an alleged land deal between a close aide of Dawood Ibrahim and a company promoted by Patel and his family. His contradiction notwithstanding, the damage has already been done.

For popular support, BJP is banking heavily on its last word vis-a-vis J&amp;K and Article 370 in the present round of elections. Its election campaign also has been capped with the positives of the Modi government’s welfare policies. With the Congress-NCP campaign in doldrums, the outcome of the Maharastra Assembly election&nbsp;would be on predictable lines.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had suddenly left the country and thrown the Congress in a quandary midway during electioneering for the Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly elections.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had suddenly left the country and thrown the Congress in a quandary midway during electioneering for the Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly elections. He is now back in the scene, obviously for damage control. How much Rahul has been able to cement the fractured party organisation and its election machine could be gauged from the fact that local Congress leaders like Sanjay Nirupam and Milind Deora were absent during his rally at the Dharavi slums on Sunday 13th October. At his Mumbai rally ahead of the October 21 poll in Maharashtra, it appeared that Rahul was flogging a dead horse when he raised the Rafale issue. The well tutored Congress crowd also joined him and raised the 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' slogan, which translated into English would mean “the watchdog is a thief’. It was used extensively by the Congress during Rahul Gandhi's election rallies for the Lok Sabha poll earlier this year. How can Rahul be oblivious to the fact that the voters have already rejected this slogan and the results are before us. The first lot of Rafale aircraft has also joined the IAF and this has hiked the level of confidence among the people when it comes to national security and defence. Rahul’s current posture shows that he has completely lost “the connect” with the people. The Congress party is also in the dock as it is facing the charge that it been continuously parroting the same stand that’s been taken by Imran Khan and Pakistan on Jammu and Kashmir and Article 370. Addressing an election rally at Jalgaon in Maharashtra on Sunday Narendra Modi challenged the Opposition saying that the opposition should state in its election manifesto that they would restore Article 370 if they returned to power. He also said that Kashmir is the crown of India and not “just a piece of land”. Patting his government for the abrogation of Article 370 in the larger interest of the people, the PM has drawn attention to the situation in Kashmir that had been allowed to deteriorate over the last many decades and said that normalcy will be restored in J&K in four months. Besides, what’s going to prove the waterloo for Congress ally - the Nationalist Congress Party in this election is the case of former Civil Aviation Minister and NCP leader Praful Patel. His name has suddenly shot up in the news as the Enforcement Directorate has started probing an alleged land deal between a close aide of Dawood Ibrahim and a company promoted by Patel and his family. His contradiction notwithstanding, the damage has already been done. For popular support, BJP is banking heavily on its last word vis-a-vis J&K and Article 370 in the present round of elections. Its election campaign also has been capped with the positives of the Modi government’s welfare policies. With the Congress-NCP campaign in doldrums, the outcome of the Maharastra Assembly election would be on predictable lines. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Maharashtra Assembly election: Rahul Gandhi has made it more difficult for Congress

The BJP on Sunday released its manifesto and made a host of promises to woo the electorates ahead of forthcoming Haryana Assembly elections.

In the manifesto titled 'Mhare sapno ka Haryana'&nbsp;(my dreams of Haryana), the party made a plethora of promises ranging from launching Haryana start-up mission, constitution of a new 'Yuva Vikas and Rozgar'&nbsp;ministry and one All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), doubling of farmers` income by 2022 and increase in pension.

It was released in the presence of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, BJP national working president J P Nadda and other party leaders.

For the farmer in the predominately agricultural state, the BJP promised to ensure that every farm receives water and their owners be granted tested seeds of high yielding variety.

The party said that every crop will be bought at Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the benefit of the government schemes will be directly transferred to the bank account of the farmers.

It reiterated the promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to double the farmers'&nbsp;income by 2022 in the manifesto.

According to the manifesto, every vegetable market will have a testing lab and micro-lab will be built in every five villages for the same purpose.

Polyclinics will be established in every district for the check-up of the animals.

To give a push to the start-up ecosystem, it promised to initiate a state start-up mission, for which four entrepreneurship centres will be constituted.

A whopping Rs 500 crore will be spent on the skill development of over 25 lakh youth.

District Employment Centre will be upgraded to Model Career Centre.

Loan without the guarantee would be made available for the education purpose by the government.

Among other things for the benefit of the youth, the BJP promised to constitute 'Yuva Vikas and Rozgar'&nbsp;Ministry. To give a push to the sports, stadium and gymnasium will be constructed in all the villages.

Taking into consideration the health of the state, the party has promised to constitute one All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the state, medical colleges in every district.

The BJP said that the seats in the medical college will also be increased.

It also promised to increase the number of Jan Aushadhi Centres to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses.

Another reform in the health sector proposed by the party is to make Haryana malnutrition-free and Tuberculosis (TB)-free and create 2,000 wellness centres.

Keeping in mind the safety of women, the BJP said that "Pink bus service" will be started for them.

"Antyodaya Ministry" for the upliftment of the weakest section of the society will be formed.

Pension for the senior citizens will also be increased by one thousand from Rs 2 thousand to Rs 3 thousand.In lines with PM Modi's Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the BJP in Haryana aims to provide housing to all by 2022.

The state has a total of about 19,500 polling stations in 10,309 locations. It goes to polls on October 21.

The counting of votes will take place on October 24.

 
&nbsp;

The BJP on Sunday released its manifesto and made a host of promises to woo the electorates ahead of forthcoming Haryana Assembly elections. In the manifesto titled 'Mhare sapno ka Haryana' (my dreams of Haryana), the party made a plethora of promises ranging from launching Haryana start-up mission, constitution of a new 'Yuva Vikas and Rozgar' ministry and one All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), doubling of farmers` income by 2022 and increase in pension.

The BJP on Sunday released its manifesto and made a host of promises to woo the electorates ahead of forthcoming Haryana Assembly elections. In the manifesto titled 'Mhare sapno ka Haryana' (my dreams of Haryana), the party made a plethora of promises ranging from launching Haryana start-up mission, constitution of a new 'Yuva Vikas and Rozgar' ministry and one All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), doubling of farmers` income by 2022 and increase in pension. It was released in the presence of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, BJP national working president J P Nadda and other party leaders. For the farmer in the predominately agricultural state, the BJP promised to ensure that every farm receives water and their owners be granted tested seeds of high yielding variety. The party said that every crop will be bought at Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the benefit of the government schemes will be directly transferred to the bank account of the farmers. It reiterated the promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to double the farmers' income by 2022 in the manifesto. According to the manifesto, every vegetable market will have a testing lab and micro-lab will be built in every five villages for the same purpose. Polyclinics will be established in every district for the check-up of the animals. To give a push to the start-up ecosystem, it promised to initiate a state start-up mission, for which four entrepreneurship centres will be constituted. A whopping Rs 500 crore will be spent on the skill development of over 25 lakh youth. District Employment Centre will be upgraded to Model Career Centre. Loan without the guarantee would be made available for the education purpose by the government. Among other things for the benefit of the youth, the BJP promised to constitute 'Yuva Vikas and Rozgar' Ministry. To give a push to the sports, stadium and gymnasium will be constructed in all the villages. Taking into consideration the health of the state, the party has promised to constitute one All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the state, medical colleges in every district. The BJP said that the seats in the medical college will also be increased. It also promised to increase the number of Jan Aushadhi Centres to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses. Another reform in the health sector proposed by the party is to make Haryana malnutrition-free and Tuberculosis (TB)-free and create 2,000 wellness centres. Keeping in mind the safety of women, the BJP said that "Pink bus service" will be started for them. "Antyodaya Ministry" for the upliftment of the weakest section of the society will be formed. Pension for the senior citizens will also be increased by one thousand from Rs 2 thousand to Rs 3 thousand.In lines with PM Modi's Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the BJP in Haryana aims to provide housing to all by 2022. The state has a total of about 19,500 polling stations in 10,309 locations. It goes to polls on October 21. The counting of votes will take place on October 24.

Agriculture, youth, healthcare prime focus in BJP's Haryana manifesto

The West Bengal unit of BJP staged a dharna today at Gandhi statue in Kolkata to register their protest against the killings of BJP workers.

The party claimed that as many as eight members have been killed in the last 81 days with the most recent one being reported in Bengal's Nadia and Murshidabad district.

“Our happy days of the Durga Puja turned into days of grief with our partymen being killed. To protest against the killings, we have hit the streets today. We have come here to warn the government that we are not going to tolerate such violence and political killings. The day we reach the saturation point, citizens will take law in their hands and it will have serious repercussions. Hitting the streets is the need of the hour,” said Bengal BJP President Dilip Ghosh.

Besides Ghosh, other senior BJP leaders like – Swapan Dasgupta, Mukul Roy, Rahul Sinha and Bharati Ghosh were also present in the dharna.

The party announced that soon they will launch a movement against the ruling party in the state - Trinamool Congress and the West Bengal Government to protest against the killings. They also added that they will march to the West Bengal secretariat – Nabanna in Howrah. However, the party is yet to decide the date of the march – Nabanna abhiyaan.

“Such is the state of law and order in our state. We will launch our movement soon including a march to the Nabanna. As of now, the date is yet to be announced. But the Nabanna Abhiyaan will be held soon to give a clear message to the West Bengal government that BJP is not sitting idle and we will not tolerate TMC-sponsored atrocities,” added Ghosh.

The West Bengal unit of BJP staged a dharna today at Gandhi statue in Kolkata to register their protest against the killings of BJP workers. The party claimed that as many as eight members have been killed in the last 81 days with the most recent one being reported in Bengal's Nadia and Murshidabad district.

The West Bengal unit of BJP staged a dharna today at Gandhi statue in Kolkata to register their protest against the killings of BJP workers. The party claimed that as many as eight members have been killed in the last 81 days with the most recent one being reported in Bengal's Nadia and Murshidabad district. “Our happy days of the Durga Puja turned into days of grief with our partymen being killed. To protest against the killings, we have hit the streets today. We have come here to warn the government that we are not going to tolerate such violence and political killings. The day we reach the saturation point, citizens will take law in their hands and it will have serious repercussions. Hitting the streets is the need of the hour,” said Bengal BJP President Dilip Ghosh. Besides Ghosh, other senior BJP leaders like – Swapan Dasgupta, Mukul Roy, Rahul Sinha and Bharati Ghosh were also present in the dharna. The party announced that soon they will launch a movement against the ruling party in the state - Trinamool Congress and the West Bengal Government to protest against the killings. They also added that they will march to the West Bengal secretariat – Nabanna in Howrah. However, the party is yet to decide the date of the march – Nabanna abhiyaan. “Such is the state of law and order in our state. We will launch our movement soon including a march to the Nabanna. As of now, the date is yet to be announced. But the Nabanna Abhiyaan will be held soon to give a clear message to the West Bengal government that BJP is not sitting idle and we will not tolerate TMC-sponsored atrocities,” added Ghosh.

West Bengal BJP stages dharna in Kolkata against the killing of party workers

The BJP has come down heavily on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after an RSS worker, along with his pregnant wife and son was allegedly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/democracy-is-being-murdered-in-west-bengal-devendra-fadnavis-on-clash-during-amit-shah-rally-218855">brutally murdered</a> in Murshidabad district in the state.

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/another-bjp-worker-killed-in-bengal-body-found-hanging-from-electric-pole-141747"> gruesome murder</a> of the Swayamsevak and his family is being seen as another low in politics of West Bengal by BJP leaders.

Many leaders of the party have taken to social media to express their anger and anguish over the incident. On Tuesday, Bondhu Gopal Pal, a primary school teacher, his pregnant wife and a six-year-old son were found in a pool of blood at their residence in Murshidabad`s Jiyaganj area.

A senior RSS leader while speaking to ANI said that Pal had recently associated with the RSS.&nbsp;

"Though, he did not hold any post but he was a swayamsevak and recently associated with us," said a senior RSS functionary.

While the police are yet to arrest anyone in the case, the BJP leaders expressed dismay over the state of law and order situation especially when it comes to those associated with the RSS and BJP.

BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya said that West Bengal is going through anarchy and the chief minister`s frustration is evident by the rate at which political violence is taking place.

"After Mamata Banerjee`s defeat in Lok Sabha elections, she is frustrated. In the past five days, four workers have been killed. This spell of violence is not stopping. She wants to regain power by riding on terror that she is spreading in the state," said Vijayvargiya while adding that in democracy one can`t respond to violence through violence.

Taking to Twitter, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said that the murder has shaken his conscience and that liberals have not uttered a single word on the murder.

"A RSS worker Sh Bandhu Prakash Pal,his eight months pregnant wife and his child were brutally slaughtered in West Bengal`s Murshidabad. Not a word by the liberals. Not a letter by 59 liberals to Mamata. Nauseating Selectivism!" he tweeted.

Union Minister Babul Supriya also lambasted Mamata Banerjee and tweeted, "Didi Maa, do people mean anything to you, Mamata Banerjee? Did we want this Bengal? On one hand, we pray to goddess Durga and goddess Kali and on the other hand a mother and her child are brutally killed."&nbsp;

The BJP has come down heavily on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after an RSS worker, along with his pregnant wife and son was allegedly brutally murdered in Murshidabad district in the state.

The BJP has come down heavily on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after an RSS worker, along with his pregnant wife and son was allegedly brutally murdered in Murshidabad district in the state. The gruesome murder of the Swayamsevak and his family is being seen as another low in politics of West Bengal by BJP leaders. Many leaders of the party have taken to social media to express their anger and anguish over the incident. On Tuesday, Bondhu Gopal Pal, a primary school teacher, his pregnant wife and a six-year-old son were found in a pool of blood at their residence in Murshidabad`s Jiyaganj area. A senior RSS leader while speaking to ANI said that Pal had recently associated with the RSS. "Though, he did not hold any post but he was a swayamsevak and recently associated with us," said a senior RSS functionary. While the police are yet to arrest anyone in the case, the BJP leaders expressed dismay over the state of law and order situation especially when it comes to those associated with the RSS and BJP. BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya said that West Bengal is going through anarchy and the chief minister`s frustration is evident by the rate at which political violence is taking place. "After Mamata Banerjee`s defeat in Lok Sabha elections, she is frustrated. In the past five days, four workers have been killed. This spell of violence is not stopping. She wants to regain power by riding on terror that she is spreading in the state," said Vijayvargiya while adding that in democracy one can`t respond to violence through violence. Taking to Twitter, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said that the murder has shaken his conscience and that liberals have not uttered a single word on the murder. "A RSS worker Sh Bandhu Prakash Pal,his eight months pregnant wife and his child were brutally slaughtered in West Bengal`s Murshidabad. Not a word by the liberals. Not a letter by 59 liberals to Mamata. Nauseating Selectivism!" he tweeted. Union Minister Babul Supriya also lambasted Mamata Banerjee and tweeted, "Didi Maa, do people mean anything to you, Mamata Banerjee? Did we want this Bengal? On one hand, we pray to goddess Durga and goddess Kali and on the other hand a mother and her child are brutally killed."

BJP slams Mamata Banerjee over murder of RSS worker, his family in West Bengal's Murshidabad

Union Home Minister and BJP national president Amit Shah on Wednesday said the Congress and other Opposition parties should rise above party politics and support the government of the day, at least on national issues, as the nation was much important than petty politics.&nbsp;

Addressing an election rally here, Shah alleged that the Congress leaders were having "sleepless nights" over the repeal of Article 370 and it has kept raising the issue.

He said the Modi government had shown guts to remove the Article which gave special powers to Jammu and Kashmir.

"So many governments came and went and so many Prime Ministers came and went. No one had the guts to touch Article 370. In the last 55 years, Congress had no interest in removing Article 370 and kept on asking what was the need to remove it?" Shah said.

"Pakistan did not want the removal of Article 370, even Congress says the same thing. Why do Rahul Gandhi and Pakistan speak in each other's language? What is the relationship between the two? While the entire country is happy with the move, it is the Congress which is having sleepless nights," said Shah.

He said that Modi has punctured Opposition's "vote bank politics" by abrogating Article 370.

Shah also hit out at former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda who has won elections from Rohtak and termed the previous Congress regime as "corruption-ridden".

Hitting out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his 'khoon ki dalali' remark made over alleged politicisation of the surgical strikes carried out by the Army in 2016, Shah said on issues concerning country's security everyone should rise above party lines.

"When it is the issue of the country, we should all be one and rise above party lines. In 1971, when our Army won, Atalji (Atal Bihari Vajpayee) was the first person to congratulate Indiraji (Indira Gandhi) in Parliament. Rahulji says 'Modi ji khoon ki dalali karte hain.' This is shameful," Shah said.

He said that the BJP government in Haryana has done a lot of development works in the last five years.

"Under the Manohar Lal Khattar government, BJP has taken Haryana to the path of development," he said, adding that a lot of initiatives have been taken including elevated rail line and mega food projects.

Shah urged the people to re-elect the BJP in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Haryana is slated to go to polls on October 21 and counting of votes will take place on October 24.

(With inputs from ANI)

Union Home Minister and BJP national president Amit Shah on Wednesday said the Congress and other Opposition parties should rise above party politics and support the government of the day, at least on national issues, as the nation was much important than petty politics.

Union Home Minister and BJP national president Amit Shah on Wednesday said the Congress and other Opposition parties should rise above party politics and support the government of the day, at least on national issues, as the nation was much important than petty politics. Addressing an election rally here, Shah alleged that the Congress leaders were having "sleepless nights" over the repeal of Article 370 and it has kept raising the issue. He said the Modi government had shown guts to remove the Article which gave special powers to Jammu and Kashmir. "So many governments came and went and so many Prime Ministers came and went. No one had the guts to touch Article 370. In the last 55 years, Congress had no interest in removing Article 370 and kept on asking what was the need to remove it?" Shah said. "Pakistan did not want the removal of Article 370, even Congress says the same thing. Why do Rahul Gandhi and Pakistan speak in each other's language? What is the relationship between the two? While the entire country is happy with the move, it is the Congress which is having sleepless nights," said Shah. He said that Modi has punctured Opposition's "vote bank politics" by abrogating Article 370. Shah also hit out at former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda who has won elections from Rohtak and termed the previous Congress regime as "corruption-ridden". Hitting out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his 'khoon ki dalali' remark made over alleged politicisation of the surgical strikes carried out by the Army in 2016, Shah said on issues concerning country's security everyone should rise above party lines. "When it is the issue of the country, we should all be one and rise above party lines. In 1971, when our Army won, Atalji (Atal Bihari Vajpayee) was the first person to congratulate Indiraji (Indira Gandhi) in Parliament. Rahulji says 'Modi ji khoon ki dalali karte hain.' This is shameful," Shah said. He said that the BJP government in Haryana has done a lot of development works in the last five years. "Under the Manohar Lal Khattar government, BJP has taken Haryana to the path of development," he said, adding that a lot of initiatives have been taken including elevated rail line and mega food projects. Shah urged the people to re-elect the BJP in the upcoming Assembly elections. Haryana is slated to go to polls on October 21 and counting of votes will take place on October 24. (With inputs from ANI)

Congress leaders having sleepless nights over repeal of Article 370: Amit Shah

The strong BJP government is not afraid of taking bold steps. In a daring move, the Finance Minister slashed corporate tax rates to revive the sagging economy.&nbsp;

The market was longing for some good news and jumped more than 5 per cent on a single day – the same day when the tax cut was announced. This is the biggest single-day jump in over a decade, a barometer indicating that the move was welcome.&nbsp;

The BJP government was criticised for derailing the economy and held responsible for a low 5 per cent GDP growth. First, the real estate sector was down and the auto industry was in the slump. These two sectors were seen as pulling down the other industries, ultimately pushing the Indian economy into recession.&nbsp;

The BJP government was under tremendous pressure to stop that from happening. As can be expected, it did not fall short of expectations. On September 20, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reduced the corporate tax rate for domestic firms and new manufacturing units by 10 to 12 percentage points. She also said that the effective tax rate for domestic corporates, inclusive of surcharges, will fall from 34.94 per cent to 25.17 per cent, provided they stop availing of any other tax sops.

It is also to be noted that for new manufacturing firms set up after October 1, 2019, and commencing operations by March 31, 2023, the effective tax rate comes down from 29.1 per cent to 17 per cent.&nbsp;

Earlier, corporate houses were not too pleased with the Finance Minister for announcing new tax structures in the Union budget. Foreign investments have slowed down with many companies starting to pull money out of the country. This had a negative effect on the stock market and the GDP rate started falling.

The tax rate cut is expected to boost the economy. The growth rate, which currently stands at 5 per cent, is poised to improve. Tax rates, which were earlier high, are now comparable to other Asian countries. It is slated to bring in further investments into the country.&nbsp;

The auto sector, which is already saddled with low demand and job cuts, may get a boost. This will have an overall favourable impact on the economy. India Inc has, as can be expected, welcomed the move with open arms.&nbsp;

Most investments aimed at Asia, were landing up in Vietnam and Philippines. Now with the ongoing trade war on between the US and China, these investments could be routed to India.&nbsp;

However, there are also those critics who feel that the slowdown is because of global recession and also decreased consumption demand within the economy. Hence, the tax cut will not have any direct impact on the growth.&nbsp;

The stock market jump, they argue, was more of a knee jerk reaction and may not be a steady indicator of growth. They believe that the tax cut needs to be coupled with increase in government spending, of which there are not enough signs as yet. There has been many job losses and revival of the economy will take time.&nbsp;

Critics also claim that this move is pro-rich, as only corporate taxes have been slashed. To boost demand, disposable income in the hands of the consumers is mandatory. For that to happen, income tax rate for individuals need to be reduced. At the moment, though, it is the other way round.&nbsp;

There is also the view that economic development is happening in bits and parts. It may not be enough to create confidence in the minds of the investors.&nbsp;

However, the tax cut by the BJP government remains a welcome step in the right direction and a few more steps are needed to put the economy back on the right course. The tax cut could be an initial reform and may act as a steroid for the economy. It proves one thing, however, that the BJP government is stable enough to take bold steps to revive the economy. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-a-much-needed-steroid-for-the-slowing-down-indian-economy-2795226">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The strong BJP government is not afraid of taking bold steps. In a daring move, the Finance Minister slashed corporate tax rates to revive the sagging economy. The market was longing for some good news and jumped more than 5 per cent on a single day – the same day when the tax cut was announced.

The strong BJP government is not afraid of taking bold steps. In a daring move, the Finance Minister slashed corporate tax rates to revive the sagging economy. The market was longing for some good news and jumped more than 5 per cent on a single day – the same day when the tax cut was announced. This is the biggest single-day jump in over a decade, a barometer indicating that the move was welcome. The BJP government was criticised for derailing the economy and held responsible for a low 5 per cent GDP growth. First, the real estate sector was down and the auto industry was in the slump. These two sectors were seen as pulling down the other industries, ultimately pushing the Indian economy into recession. The BJP government was under tremendous pressure to stop that from happening. As can be expected, it did not fall short of expectations. On September 20, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reduced the corporate tax rate for domestic firms and new manufacturing units by 10 to 12 percentage points. She also said that the effective tax rate for domestic corporates, inclusive of surcharges, will fall from 34.94 per cent to 25.17 per cent, provided they stop availing of any other tax sops. It is also to be noted that for new manufacturing firms set up after October 1, 2019, and commencing operations by March 31, 2023, the effective tax rate comes down from 29.1 per cent to 17 per cent. Earlier, corporate houses were not too pleased with the Finance Minister for announcing new tax structures in the Union budget. Foreign investments have slowed down with many companies starting to pull money out of the country. This had a negative effect on the stock market and the GDP rate started falling. The tax rate cut is expected to boost the economy. The growth rate, which currently stands at 5 per cent, is poised to improve. Tax rates, which were earlier high, are now comparable to other Asian countries. It is slated to bring in further investments into the country. The auto sector, which is already saddled with low demand and job cuts, may get a boost. This will have an overall favourable impact on the economy. India Inc has, as can be expected, welcomed the move with open arms. Most investments aimed at Asia, were landing up in Vietnam and Philippines. Now with the ongoing trade war on between the US and China, these investments could be routed to India. However, there are also those critics who feel that the slowdown is because of global recession and also decreased consumption demand within the economy. Hence, the tax cut will not have any direct impact on the growth. The stock market jump, they argue, was more of a knee jerk reaction and may not be a steady indicator of growth. They believe that the tax cut needs to be coupled with increase in government spending, of which there are not enough signs as yet. There has been many job losses and revival of the economy will take time. Critics also claim that this move is pro-rich, as only corporate taxes have been slashed. To boost demand, disposable income in the hands of the consumers is mandatory. For that to happen, income tax rate for individuals need to be reduced. At the moment, though, it is the other way round. There is also the view that economic development is happening in bits and parts. It may not be enough to create confidence in the minds of the investors. However, the tax cut by the BJP government remains a welcome step in the right direction and a few more steps are needed to put the economy back on the right course. The tax cut could be an initial reform and may act as a steroid for the economy. It proves one thing, however, that the BJP government is stable enough to take bold steps to revive the economy. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Corporate tax cut may act as steroid for the economy

Parlad Singh Sawhney on Sunday expressed happiness over joining Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and said that he switched to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led side because the Congress was promoting people with wrong intentions.

"I have some drawbacks in the Congress party. They are promoting people with wrong intentions. AAP is the best party in Delhi. They are also helping people who need medical aid," he said while speaking to ANI in New Delhi.

68-year-old Sawhney is a former four-term MLA from Chandni Chowk constituency of the national capital.

Sawhney began his political career by contesting the civic polls from Mori Gate in the year 1977 in which he was defeated.&nbsp;

He, however, managed to win from the same ward in 1983. His son Purnadeep Singh Sawhney contested the 2017 municipal polls from Chandni Chowk as a Congress candidate and came second to BJP.&nbsp;

Parlad Singh Sawhney on Sunday expressed happiness over joining Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and said that he switched to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led side because the Congress was promoting people with wrong intentions.

Parlad Singh Sawhney on Sunday expressed happiness over joining Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and said that he switched to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led side because the Congress was promoting people with wrong intentions. "I have some drawbacks in the Congress party. They are promoting people with wrong intentions. AAP is the best party in Delhi. They are also helping people who need medical aid," he said while speaking to ANI in New Delhi. 68-year-old Sawhney is a former four-term MLA from Chandni Chowk constituency of the national capital. Sawhney began his political career by contesting the civic polls from Mori Gate in the year 1977 in which he was defeated. He, however, managed to win from the same ward in 1983. His son Purnadeep Singh Sawhney contested the 2017 municipal polls from Chandni Chowk as a Congress candidate and came second to BJP.

Congress promoting people with wrong intentions: Parlad Singh Sawhney after joining AAP

BJP on Friday released its fourth list of seven candidates for the ensuring Maharashtra Assembly polls, with senior leaders like Eknath Khadse and cabinet minister Vinod Tawde missing from the list.

Eknath Khadse had earlier filed nomination from Muktainagar but the party has decided to field his daughter Rohini Khadse from the north Maharashtra constituency.

Khadse, who resigned as a cabinet minister is one of the senior-most leaders in the state.

Senior leader Vinod Tawde has also been replaced by Sunil Rane on Borivali seat.

The last list of the BJP came in today, the last date for filing nominations. The party picked NCP MLC Rahul Narvekar in Colaba and decided to drop MLA Raj Purohit.

Another leader Rahul Narvekar has replaced Raj Purohit from the Colaba seat. BMC corporate Parag Shah has been replaced Prakash Mehta on Ghatkopar east seat.

Rahul Dhikale will contest from the Nashik East and Pradeep Padole has been fielded on Tumsar seat.

Among the seven candidates in the list, Charan Singh Thakur will contest from Katol, Pradeep Padole from Tumsar and Rahul Dhikale from Nashik East.

School education minister Vinod Tawde and power minister Chandrashekar Bawankule are still out of the list.

With its final list of 7 candidates it is now clear that BJP is fighting 26 more seats than its ally Shiv Sena, BJP will be contesting 150 seats and Shiv Sena will contest on 124 seats and other allies gets 14 seats as the total Assembly seat in Maharashtra is 288.

The election will be conducted on October 21 while the counting of votes will take place on October 24 in Maharashtra.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

BJP on Friday released its fourth list of seven candidates for the ensuring Maharashtra Assembly polls, with senior leaders like Eknath Khadse and cabinet minister Vinod Tawde missing from the list.

BJP on Friday released its fourth list of seven candidates for the ensuring Maharashtra Assembly polls, with senior leaders like Eknath Khadse and cabinet minister Vinod Tawde missing from the list. Eknath Khadse had earlier filed nomination from Muktainagar but the party has decided to field his daughter Rohini Khadse from the north Maharashtra constituency. Khadse, who resigned as a cabinet minister is one of the senior-most leaders in the state. Senior leader Vinod Tawde has also been replaced by Sunil Rane on Borivali seat. The last list of the BJP came in today, the last date for filing nominations. The party picked NCP MLC Rahul Narvekar in Colaba and decided to drop MLA Raj Purohit. Another leader Rahul Narvekar has replaced Raj Purohit from the Colaba seat. BMC corporate Parag Shah has been replaced Prakash Mehta on Ghatkopar east seat. Rahul Dhikale will contest from the Nashik East and Pradeep Padole has been fielded on Tumsar seat. Among the seven candidates in the list, Charan Singh Thakur will contest from Katol, Pradeep Padole from Tumsar and Rahul Dhikale from Nashik East. School education minister Vinod Tawde and power minister Chandrashekar Bawankule are still out of the list. With its final list of 7 candidates it is now clear that BJP is fighting 26 more seats than its ally Shiv Sena, BJP will be contesting 150 seats and Shiv Sena will contest on 124 seats and other allies gets 14 seats as the total Assembly seat in Maharashtra is 288. The election will be conducted on October 21 while the counting of votes will take place on October 24 in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra Assembly polls: BJP releases 4th list of candidates

Congress'&nbsp;Nitish Rane on Thursday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-assembly-polls-bjp-announces-first-list-of-125-candidates-253064">Maharashtra polls</a>.

Son of former Maharashtra chief minister Narayan Rane, Nitish was a former Congress MLA.

The polls in the state are scheduled to take place on October 21 and the results will be declared on October 24.

It is likely that Nitesh Rane will contest from the Kankavli seat in the coastal Konkan region.

Nitesh had won the 2014 Assembly elections from Ankavli seat in Sindhudurg district on a Congress ticket.

He defeated the then BJP MLA Pramod Jathar.

Congress' Nitish Rane on Thursday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of Maharashtra polls. Son of former Maharashtra chief minister Narayan Rane, Nitish was a former Congress MLA.

Congress' Nitish Rane on Thursday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of Maharashtra polls. Son of former Maharashtra chief minister Narayan Rane, Nitish was a former Congress MLA. The polls in the state are scheduled to take place on October 21 and the results will be declared on October 24. It is likely that Nitesh Rane will contest from the Kankavli seat in the coastal Konkan region. Nitesh had won the 2014 Assembly elections from Ankavli seat in Sindhudurg district on a Congress ticket. He defeated the then BJP MLA Pramod Jathar.

Congress' Nitesh Rane joins Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of Maharashtra polls

With a number of events lined up across the nation, India will be celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi today.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has extended its Gandhi Sankalp Yatra by a period of three months, according to a circular issued to the party leaders. As per the circular sent to the leaders, the Yatra will now be a 120-day exercise and will end on January 31, 2020, instead of October. Earlier, it was scheduled to be held between October 2 and 31.

Under this, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-was-temporary-from-the-beginning-says-bjp-working-president-jp-nadda-252950">BJP </a>is planning to propagate Gandhi's ideals and principles of non-violence, Swaraj and simplicity to mark his 150th birth anniversary. Posters, banners, and kits for the programs to be held during the yatra will be directly sent to the state units from the party headquarters.

According to the circular, Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/modi-true-global-gatekeeper-253059">Narendra Modi</a> will kick-off this programme from Gujarat, simultaneously, with the other top leaders from the party who will start it from the BJP headquarters in New Delhi. All the party's Lok Sabha MPs have been instructed to be in their respective constituencies on October 2 for the start of the program.

Prime Minister Modi will pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Later in the day, he will also visit Sabarmati Ashram and participate in Swachh Bharat Diwas 2019 program, according to a post on the official Twitter handle of BJP.

Earlier, while talking to ANI, Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that India has almost achieved the open defecation free (ODF) target and hoped that Prime Minister will declare India open defecation free today.

On Tuesday, President Ram Nath Kovind said that the people of India have paid homage to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, by taking up the Swachh Bharat Mission as a movement.

"By taking up the 'Swachh Bharat Mission' as a movement, the people of India have paid homage to the father of the nation. Our nation's emphasis on inclusive growth, transparency, and honesty in public life, health-care support to the poor and farmers and effective utilization of water resources is in keeping with his thoughts," Kovind said.

BJP president Amit Shah will launch the ruling party's 'Gandhi Sankalp Yatra' in New Delhi.

On the other hand, Congress will mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi today by taking out "padayatra" across the country with senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi taking part in the march in New Delhi.

The march in the national capital will start from Delhi Pradesh Congress office and culminate at Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Later, Congress President Sonia Gandhi will administer an oath to leaders and workers "to redeem Gandhi, Gandhism and Gandhi's India".

Besides this, there are several events lined up to take place across the country.

To mark the special occasion, AIM, NITI Aayog's Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) and UNICEF India, including Generation Unlimited, have launched 'The Gandhian Challenge'. This innovation challenge provides a platform for every child across India to ideate innovative solutions for a sustainable India of their dreams, using Gandhi's principles.

The winners of 'The Gandhian Challenge' will be awarded in New Delhi by NITI Aayog's Atal Innovation Mission and UNICEF on the occasion of Children's Day in November.

Several photo exhibitions have been organized in different cities to mark Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary.

Vistara is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in a unique way with customers aboard select flights on October 2.

They will be invited to be part of the airline's initiative 'BE THE CHANGE @ 30,000 FEET' and write about a social change that they feel passionately about on a simple postcard, as per a company release.

With a number of events lined up across the nation, India will be celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi today. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has extended its Gandhi Sankalp Yatra by a period of three months, according to a circular issued to the party leaders.

With a number of events lined up across the nation, India will be celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi today. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has extended its Gandhi Sankalp Yatra by a period of three months, according to a circular issued to the party leaders. As per the circular sent to the leaders, the Yatra will now be a 120-day exercise and will end on January 31, 2020, instead of October. Earlier, it was scheduled to be held between October 2 and 31. Under this, the BJP is planning to propagate Gandhi's ideals and principles of non-violence, Swaraj and simplicity to mark his 150th birth anniversary. Posters, banners, and kits for the programs to be held during the yatra will be directly sent to the state units from the party headquarters. According to the circular, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will kick-off this programme from Gujarat, simultaneously, with the other top leaders from the party who will start it from the BJP headquarters in New Delhi. All the party's Lok Sabha MPs have been instructed to be in their respective constituencies on October 2 for the start of the program. Prime Minister Modi will pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Later in the day, he will also visit Sabarmati Ashram and participate in Swachh Bharat Diwas 2019 program, according to a post on the official Twitter handle of BJP. Earlier, while talking to ANI, Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that India has almost achieved the open defecation free (ODF) target and hoped that Prime Minister will declare India open defecation free today. On Tuesday, President Ram Nath Kovind said that the people of India have paid homage to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, by taking up the Swachh Bharat Mission as a movement. "By taking up the 'Swachh Bharat Mission' as a movement, the people of India have paid homage to the father of the nation. Our nation's emphasis on inclusive growth, transparency, and honesty in public life, health-care support to the poor and farmers and effective utilization of water resources is in keeping with his thoughts," Kovind said. BJP president Amit Shah will launch the ruling party's 'Gandhi Sankalp Yatra' in New Delhi. On the other hand, Congress will mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi today by taking out "padayatra" across the country with senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi taking part in the march in New Delhi. The march in the national capital will start from Delhi Pradesh Congress office and culminate at Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Later, Congress President Sonia Gandhi will administer an oath to leaders and workers "to redeem Gandhi, Gandhism and Gandhi's India". Besides this, there are several events lined up to take place across the country. To mark the special occasion, AIM, NITI Aayog's Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) and UNICEF India, including Generation Unlimited, have launched 'The Gandhian Challenge'. This innovation challenge provides a platform for every child across India to ideate innovative solutions for a sustainable India of their dreams, using Gandhi's principles. The winners of 'The Gandhian Challenge' will be awarded in New Delhi by NITI Aayog's Atal Innovation Mission and UNICEF on the occasion of Children's Day in November. Several photo exhibitions have been organized in different cities to mark Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary. Vistara is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in a unique way with customers aboard select flights on October 2. They will be invited to be part of the airline's initiative 'BE THE CHANGE @ 30,000 FEET' and write about a social change that they feel passionately about on a simple postcard, as per a company release.

India celebrates 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi today

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) working president JP Nadda on Monday addressed a seminar here on the abrogation of Article 370, which he said was "temporary and transitional" since the beginning. 
 
Parliament had in August revoked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/removal-of-article-370-step-towards-permanent-peace-in-jammu-and-kashmir-says-amit-shah-252796">Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir</a> and also passed the Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Act 2019, reorganising the state into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir with Assembly and Ladakh without it. 
 
"First Sheikh Abdullah, then Farooq Abdullah and Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, later Omar Abdullah and Ghulam Nabi Azad used to say that Jammu and Kashmir has special status. They confused the word. It's not a special status. Right from the beginning, Article 370 was temporary and transitional," Nadda said. 
 
Nadda stated that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-misread-indias-action-to-nullify-article-370-jaishankar-251943">Article 370 was revoked</a> due to the will power of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the effective strategy of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) working president JP Nadda on Monday addressed a seminar here on the abrogation of Article 370, which he said was "temporary and transitional" since the beginning.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) working president JP Nadda on Monday addressed a seminar here on the abrogation of Article 370, which he said was "temporary and transitional" since the beginning. Parliament had in August revoked Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and also passed the Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Act 2019, reorganising the state into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir with Assembly and Ladakh without it. "First Sheikh Abdullah, then Farooq Abdullah and Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, later Omar Abdullah and Ghulam Nabi Azad used to say that Jammu and Kashmir has special status. They confused the word. It's not a special status. Right from the beginning, Article 370 was temporary and transitional," Nadda said. Nadda stated that Article 370 was revoked due to the will power of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the effective strategy of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Article 370 was temporary from the beginning, says BJP working president JP Nadda

Former Mayor of Bidhannagar and Trinamool Congress (TMC)&nbsp;MLA Sabyasachi Dutta joined&nbsp;Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday.

He joined BJP in the presence of party president Amit Shah.

On Monday, Dutta had said that he will be joining the party in the presence of Amit Shah.

"I will be joining BJP tomorrow at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah," Dutta had said on Monday.

Last month, former Kolkata Mayor and TMC MLA Sovan Chatterjee joined the BJP.

In this year's Lok Sabha elections, the BJP made deep inroads in West Bengal, winning 18 out of 42 parliamentary constituencies while the TMC managed just 22, 12 less than it had won in the 2014 polls.

Since then, several TMC leaders including Biswajit Das Tusharkanti Bhattacharya, Monirul Islam and Sunil Singh have joined the BJP.

The Mamata Banerjee-led party has also lost control over five civic bodies of Bhatpara, Halisahar, Kanchrapara, Naihati and Garulia.

Former Mayor of Bidhannagar and Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Sabyasachi Dutta joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday. He joined BJP in the presence of party president Amit Shah.

Former Mayor of Bidhannagar and Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Sabyasachi Dutta joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday. He joined BJP in the presence of party president Amit Shah. On Monday, Dutta had said that he will be joining the party in the presence of Amit Shah. "I will be joining BJP tomorrow at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah," Dutta had said on Monday. Last month, former Kolkata Mayor and TMC MLA Sovan Chatterjee joined the BJP. In this year's Lok Sabha elections, the BJP made deep inroads in West Bengal, winning 18 out of 42 parliamentary constituencies while the TMC managed just 22, 12 less than it had won in the 2014 polls. Since then, several TMC leaders including Biswajit Das Tusharkanti Bhattacharya, Monirul Islam and Sunil Singh have joined the BJP. The Mamata Banerjee-led party has also lost control over five civic bodies of Bhatpara, Halisahar, Kanchrapara, Naihati and Garulia.

Trinamool Congress MLA Sabyasachi Dutta joins Bharatiya Janata Party

The Supreme Court of India has asked the Central Government to file its response on the petitions challenging the annulment of Article 370 which gave special status to the border state within four weeks.&nbsp;

The court said that it will take up the matter for further hearing on November 14.

A five-judge constitution bench passed the order after Attorney General (AG) KK Venugopal, representing the government, sought more time in this regard.&nbsp;

The bench headed by Justice N V Ramana and comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, R Subhash Reddy, B R Gavai and Surya Kant was hearing clubbed petitions against the dilution of Article 370 and the restriction by the government, including communication blockade, curbs on media, detention of minors and others.&nbsp;

The government had on August 5 scrapped the provision of the article, which took away the special rights enjoyed by the people of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The UTs will come into being on October 31.

The Supreme Court of India has asked the Central Government to file its response on the petitions challenging the annulment of Article 370 which gave special status to the border state within four weeks.

The Supreme Court of India has asked the Central Government to file its response on the petitions challenging the annulment of Article 370 which gave special status to the border state within four weeks. The court said that it will take up the matter for further hearing on November 14. A five-judge constitution bench passed the order after Attorney General (AG) KK Venugopal, representing the government, sought more time in this regard. The bench headed by Justice N V Ramana and comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, R Subhash Reddy, B R Gavai and Surya Kant was hearing clubbed petitions against the dilution of Article 370 and the restriction by the government, including communication blockade, curbs on media, detention of minors and others. The government had on August 5 scrapped the provision of the article, which took away the special rights enjoyed by the people of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The UTs will come into being on October 31.

Article 370 abrogation: Supreme Court seeks Centre’s reply on pleas challenging decision

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Delhi on Saturday after a week-long visit&nbsp;at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-pm-imran-khans-unga-speech-reflection-of-medieval-mindset-abuse-of-opportunity-to-reflect-india-at-un-252555">United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)</a> in New York&nbsp;where he discussed bilateral issues with prominent leaders of the world and spoke extensively about curbing terrorism and decelerating climate change.

The PM was received by the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) working President JP Nadda. &nbsp;Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari was also present to receive him.

Before he showed up, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-people-gather-in-large-numbers-outside-airport-to-welcome-pm-modi-252620">people turned up in large numbers</a> outside Palam Technical Airport to welcome the Indian prime minister.

Many were seen chanting slogans "Har Har Modi, Ghar Ghar Modi" in anticipation of PM's arrival.

"We are here to receive to Modiji. We are very excited to see him," Surya Kumar, a BJP worker told ANI.

The PM arrived in an Air India flight at 8pm (IST) and deboarded thirty minutes later.

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In the backdrop of the&nbsp;excitement surrounding his return, Delhi Police had put into place elaborate security arrangements for PM Modi's arrival.

"Nine companies of para-military forces have been deployed in the national capital. Anti-terror measures have also been taken. The security arrangements will be in order in coordination with all agencies. Snipers will be deployed on rooftops," MS Randhawa, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Delhi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Delhi on Saturday after a week-long visit at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York where he discussed bilateral issues with prominent leaders of the world and spoke extensively about curbing terrorism and decelerating climate change.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Delhi on Saturday after a week-long visit at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York where he discussed bilateral issues with prominent leaders of the world and spoke extensively about curbing terrorism and decelerating climate change. The PM was received by the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) working President JP Nadda. Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari was also present to receive him. Before he showed up, people turned up in large numbers outside Palam Technical Airport to welcome the Indian prime minister. Many were seen chanting slogans "Har Har Modi, Ghar Ghar Modi" in anticipation of PM's arrival. "We are here to receive to Modiji. We are very excited to see him," Surya Kumar, a BJP worker told ANI. The PM arrived in an Air India flight at 8pm (IST) and deboarded thirty minutes later. #WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Delhi, after concluding his visit to the United States of America. pic.twitter.com/mjqF4jspn3 — ANI (@ANI) September 28, 2019 × In the backdrop of the excitement surrounding his return, Delhi Police had put into place elaborate security arrangements for PM Modi's arrival. "Nine companies of para-military forces have been deployed in the national capital. Anti-terror measures have also been taken. The security arrangements will be in order in coordination with all agencies. Snipers will be deployed on rooftops," MS Randhawa, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Delhi said.

Prime Minister Modi arrives in India after UNGA in New York

A day after the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) announced to contest Haryana assembly elections on its own, Punjab`s BJP unit president Shwait Malik on Friday said the two parties would be contesting the assembly by-elections together in the state.

Speaking to ANI, Malik said, "The bond between the two parties is very old. BJP and SAD will be contesting the Punjab assembly bye-elections together."

"It was the Akali Dal`s decision to contest on its own in Haryana (assembly polls) but our alliance will continue in Punjab for the polls," he added.

Malik further said that the party would soon announce the candidates for the four seats.

Attacking Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, Malik claimed that the public are disillusioned with the current state government.

"People are disillusioned with the Congress government in the state. Sand and liquor mafias are roaming freely, while the law and order situation in the state is in very bad shape," he stated.

"There is only one slogan in Punjab -- `Rota Hai Punjab, Kyu Banayi Captain Ki Sarkar (Punjab is crying why did we vote for Captain (Amarinder Singh)`s government)," said Malik.

The by-elections to four assembly seats in Punjab are likely to witness a three-cornered clash among the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the SAD-BJP alliance and the ruling Congress.

The by-polls in all four assembly seats of the state are scheduled to take place on October 21. The results will be declared on October 24.&nbsp;

A day after the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) announced to contest Haryana assembly elections on its own, Punjab`s BJP unit president Shwait Malik on Friday said the two parties would be contesting the assembly by-elections together in the state.

A day after the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) announced to contest Haryana assembly elections on its own, Punjab`s BJP unit president Shwait Malik on Friday said the two parties would be contesting the assembly by-elections together in the state. Speaking to ANI, Malik said, "The bond between the two parties is very old. BJP and SAD will be contesting the Punjab assembly bye-elections together." "It was the Akali Dal`s decision to contest on its own in Haryana (assembly polls) but our alliance will continue in Punjab for the polls," he added. Malik further said that the party would soon announce the candidates for the four seats. Attacking Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, Malik claimed that the public are disillusioned with the current state government. "People are disillusioned with the Congress government in the state. Sand and liquor mafias are roaming freely, while the law and order situation in the state is in very bad shape," he stated. "There is only one slogan in Punjab -- `Rota Hai Punjab, Kyu Banayi Captain Ki Sarkar (Punjab is crying why did we vote for Captain (Amarinder Singh)`s government)," said Malik. The by-elections to four assembly seats in Punjab are likely to witness a three-cornered clash among the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the SAD-BJP alliance and the ruling Congress. The by-polls in all four assembly seats of the state are scheduled to take place on October 21. The results will be declared on October 24.

BJP, SAD to contest Punjab assembly by-polls together: BJP unit president Shwait Malik

Shiv Sena and BJP will announce the seat-sharing arrangement for the ensuing Maharashtra Assembly polls, scheduled for October 21, by Monday.&nbsp;

"Shiv Sena will get 128 seats while the BJP will field its candidates on 160 seats. 15 to 18 seats will be given to small alliance partner," sources in the Shiv Sena told ANI.&nbsp;

The discussion for the post of Deputy Chief Minister from the Shiv Sena will take place later, sources added.

Talking to ANI, senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said, "Yes, we are in an alliance and will fight the state election together."

On seat-sharing formula, he said, "Earlier this year, during the Lok Sabha elections both Amit Shah and Uddhav Thackrey, agreed on 50-50 seat-sharing formula but now the BJP leaders are holding closed doors meeting in Delhi over seat-sharing."

"Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was also there in the meeting and he must have gone back to Mumbai with a formula," added Raut.

He further said, "Shiv Sena believes in giving rather than taking. Considering Aditya Thackeray as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra is baseless. Thackrey family never runs behind power."

On the other hand, BJP sources have indicated that almost everything is final and both parties will fight elections together.&nbsp;

BJP will retain the big brother status in the alliance and is expected to get around 20 more seats than the Shiv Sena, they said.

BJP has called the crucial Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting on Sunday to finalise the name of party candidates for Haryana and Maharashtra candidates.

The NCP and the Congress have already announced a seat-sharing agreement for Maharashtra polls, where both the parties would be contesting on 125 seats each in the 288-member Assembly.&nbsp;

Shiv Sena and BJP will announce the seat-sharing arrangement for the ensuing Maharashtra Assembly polls, scheduled for October 21, by Monday. "Shiv Sena will get 128 seats while the BJP will field its candidates on 160 seats.

Shiv Sena and BJP will announce the seat-sharing arrangement for the ensuing Maharashtra Assembly polls, scheduled for October 21, by Monday. "Shiv Sena will get 128 seats while the BJP will field its candidates on 160 seats. 15 to 18 seats will be given to small alliance partner," sources in the Shiv Sena told ANI. The discussion for the post of Deputy Chief Minister from the Shiv Sena will take place later, sources added. Talking to ANI, senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said, "Yes, we are in an alliance and will fight the state election together." On seat-sharing formula, he said, "Earlier this year, during the Lok Sabha elections both Amit Shah and Uddhav Thackrey, agreed on 50-50 seat-sharing formula but now the BJP leaders are holding closed doors meeting in Delhi over seat-sharing." "Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was also there in the meeting and he must have gone back to Mumbai with a formula," added Raut. He further said, "Shiv Sena believes in giving rather than taking. Considering Aditya Thackeray as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra is baseless. Thackrey family never runs behind power." On the other hand, BJP sources have indicated that almost everything is final and both parties will fight elections together. BJP will retain the big brother status in the alliance and is expected to get around 20 more seats than the Shiv Sena, they said. BJP has called the crucial Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting on Sunday to finalise the name of party candidates for Haryana and Maharashtra candidates. The NCP and the Congress have already announced a seat-sharing agreement for Maharashtra polls, where both the parties would be contesting on 125 seats each in the 288-member Assembly.

Maharashtra polls: BJP-Shiv Sena to announce seat-sharing arrangement by Monday

Two of the oldest allies of the National Democratic Alliance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) will contest the forthcoming Haryana Assembly polls against each other.&nbsp;

Talks on a possible alliance between the two allies, who are part of a coalition in the Narendra Modi government at Centre, have fallen as both have decided to go their own way.

Confirming the decision to contest election alone and not in alliance with BJP, SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema informed ANI, "SAD to contest elections in Haryana on its own."Manjinder Singh Sirsa, national spokesperson, Akali Dal too confirmed that Akali will contest elections on its own.&nbsp;

The clarity came after sitting SAD lone Kalanwali MLA Balkaur Singh joined BJP earlier in the day.&nbsp;

The SAD core committee condemned the BJP for using political muscle power to make Balkaur Singh join the saffron party and said that this act was against the principle of coalition `dharma`.

"The core committee noted that the BJP had not only betrayed the SAD but also backtracked from the commitments it had made vis a vis the Haryana assembly elections. Viewing the decision to co-opt Akali MLA Balkaur Singh into the BJP as an "undesirable" act not expected from an old ally," it said.

"The SAD has always stood through thick and thin with the BJP in the national interest. It is condemnable that the BJP has chosen to ignore the steadfast support of the SAD and decided to induct an Akali MLA into its fold", read the statement issued by SAD.

The Akalis said they trusted Khattar as he had in a press confrence committed to the alliance when the state was going for Lok Sabha polls.

Sources stated that the alliance could not be stitched as BJP has decided against allowing seats to its ally SAD as it wants to contest on all seats.&nbsp;

It is learnt that the SAD was demanding up to five for itself in the forthcoming contest. ANI was first to report that there is uncertainty over the talks of the alliance.

A senior BJP leader in Haryana said that BJP has repeatedly maintained that it can get a majority on its own.&nbsp;

"This feeling that BJP can win on its own has ensured that the party should go alone in the state. Though it was felt that the Akalis do enjoy an influence on about half a dozen seats bordering Punjab and areas where the Sikh population is high," sources added.&nbsp;

In 2014 Assembly polls, BJP and SAD had decided to go in for contest separately following which, the latter had chosen to support Om Prakash Chautala-led Indian National Lok Dal (INLD)The Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on October 21 and results will be announced on 24.&nbsp;

Two of the oldest allies of the National Democratic Alliance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) will contest the forthcoming Haryana Assembly polls against each other.

Two of the oldest allies of the National Democratic Alliance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) will contest the forthcoming Haryana Assembly polls against each other. Talks on a possible alliance between the two allies, who are part of a coalition in the Narendra Modi government at Centre, have fallen as both have decided to go their own way. Confirming the decision to contest election alone and not in alliance with BJP, SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema informed ANI, "SAD to contest elections in Haryana on its own."Manjinder Singh Sirsa, national spokesperson, Akali Dal too confirmed that Akali will contest elections on its own. The clarity came after sitting SAD lone Kalanwali MLA Balkaur Singh joined BJP earlier in the day. The SAD core committee condemned the BJP for using political muscle power to make Balkaur Singh join the saffron party and said that this act was against the principle of coalition `dharma`. "The core committee noted that the BJP had not only betrayed the SAD but also backtracked from the commitments it had made vis a vis the Haryana assembly elections. Viewing the decision to co-opt Akali MLA Balkaur Singh into the BJP as an "undesirable" act not expected from an old ally," it said. "The SAD has always stood through thick and thin with the BJP in the national interest. It is condemnable that the BJP has chosen to ignore the steadfast support of the SAD and decided to induct an Akali MLA into its fold", read the statement issued by SAD. The Akalis said they trusted Khattar as he had in a press confrence committed to the alliance when the state was going for Lok Sabha polls. Sources stated that the alliance could not be stitched as BJP has decided against allowing seats to its ally SAD as it wants to contest on all seats. It is learnt that the SAD was demanding up to five for itself in the forthcoming contest. ANI was first to report that there is uncertainty over the talks of the alliance. A senior BJP leader in Haryana said that BJP has repeatedly maintained that it can get a majority on its own. "This feeling that BJP can win on its own has ensured that the party should go alone in the state. Though it was felt that the Akalis do enjoy an influence on about half a dozen seats bordering Punjab and areas where the Sikh population is high," sources added. In 2014 Assembly polls, BJP and SAD had decided to go in for contest separately following which, the latter had chosen to support Om Prakash Chautala-led Indian National Lok Dal (INLD)The Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on October 21 and results will be announced on 24.

Two oldest allies, BJP and SAD to contest Assembly polls against each other in Haryana

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to speak at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27, the focus has swung back on the BJP’s core philosophy: nationalism. How valid is it today?&nbsp;

Mahatma Gandhi was a nationalist. So were Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Why then has nationalism acquired such odium in recent years? The short answer: the meaning of nationalism has been subverted.

This subversion leads even “public intellectuals” — a term that has fallen into some disrepute — like Pratap Bhanu Mehta and Ramachandra Guha to miss the finer nuances of nationalism.&nbsp;

Why do Indian Opposition leaders, historians and academics misinterpret the true meaning of nationalism? A part of the reason is ideological. They despise Prime Minister Narendra Modi and imbue him with their false interpretation of nationalism. They constantly seek a problem for every solution, not a solution for every problem. Their prognostications for India are invariably grim. The references to Kashmir in the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), and the UNGA, is played up by this cabal of India denigrators. The references these international bodies make are merely proforma. They carry no weight. The denigrators know this, but wilfully subvert the narrative.&nbsp;

The government deserves criticism across a host of issues. But such criticism — which should spare nobody, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi — loses credibility if it is built on prejudice. India doesn’t suffer from too much nationalism. It suffers from too little.&nbsp;

At a recent event, sociologist Ashish Nandy told the audience: “I’ve worked on nationalism, so I am telling you with some confidence. You read all the nationalist texts and you tell me if this nationalism is different from our nationalism, or that nationalism is distinct from other kinds of nationalism. You cannot find it, all nationalisms are the same, the texts are the same, only the names, only the minor, trivial details differ. There is no difference between nationalism anywhere. Psychologically speaking they are absolutely the same profile.”&nbsp;

Thus, in Nandy’s view, Mahatma Gandhi’s nationalism in the 1930s was the same as Adolf Hitler’s nationalism in the 1930s. Read the key part of Nandy’s comment again: “All nationalisms are the same. There is no difference between nationalism anywhere.”&nbsp;

But, of course, there is a difference — in both historical and contemporary terms. This is how, as I wrote elsewhere, the finer nuances of nationalism need to be understood: “One reason why the Congress and the Left have a poor understanding of nationalism is that they use European reference points. It is fashionable in the West and among India’s nouveau elite to say that patriots spread ‘love’ and nationalists spread ‘hate’. But that is a Western post-colonial construct based on European nationalism that led to World War II. Indian nationalism is very different.

“German nationalism in the 1930s, for example, sought to invade and conquer. Indian nationalism under Mahatma Gandhi, in sharp contrast, was non-violent and sought to free India from British colonial occupation which, like German ‘nationalism’, was invasive, violent and expansionary. German and British nationalism was not nationalism at all but jingoism. Employing a deliberate sleight of hand, the Left attempts to discredit Indian nationalism today by conflating it with European ‘nationalism’.

“In India, ideologues on the Right, too, make a fatal error: they conflate nationalism with Hindu nationalism. It is not. In its truest form, nationalism is inclusive. To protect national interest means protecting every Indian’s national interest: Hindu, Muslim, Christian or Parsi, rich or poor, Brahmin or Dalit, Sunni or Shia, male, female or transgender. Nationalism seeks national advancement, but not at the cost of other nations, races or creeds. Real nationalism is fair, open and embraces diversity. It seeks to guard India from terror, promote the country’s economic interests by globalising the Indian economy and protect the rights of minorities by empowering them.”

Meanwhile, patriotism, we are told, is the antithesis of nationalism. In short, patriotism is selfless and good. Nationalism is selfish and bad. This is how Nandy frames it: “Old-fashioned patriotism was good enough for even Europe at one time, and in India today, it is by blurring old-style patriotism and love for the country — which is natural and biological — that we have tried to strengthen nationalism. Nationalism by itself does not make that much sense as old-fashioned patriotism. Every Indian, I should say, is patriotic by nature. You don’t have to teach them to be patriotic, but nationalism is an ideology. Nationalism is not only defined by the love of the country territorially where you were born, nationalism is defined by specific enemies and specific allies. Nationalism is built on that; patriotism doesn’t have that kind of responsibility, it doesn’t define your enemies or friends.” &nbsp;

To Nandy, therefore, “nationalism is defined by specific enemies” while “patriotism doesn’t define enemies or friends.”&nbsp;

He makes the same classical mistake others of his ilk do, conflating nationalism with aggressive intent.&nbsp;

Gandhiji, a consummate nationalist throughout his life, used ahimsa, non-violence, as his central credo. The enemy was specific — the British — but he advocated non-violent means to confront and defeat it. He was a patriot and a nationalist and showed how they were two sides of the same coin.&nbsp;

Left-leaning historians and academics strive to drive an artificial wedge between nationalism and patriotism. There isn’t one.&nbsp; 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-subversion-of-nationalism-2792388">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

&nbsp;

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to speak at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27, the focus has swung back on the BJP’s core philosophy: nationalism.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to speak at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27, the focus has swung back on the BJP’s core philosophy: nationalism. How valid is it today? Mahatma Gandhi was a nationalist. So were Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Why then has nationalism acquired such odium in recent years? The short answer: the meaning of nationalism has been subverted. This subversion leads even “public intellectuals” — a term that has fallen into some disrepute — like Pratap Bhanu Mehta and Ramachandra Guha to miss the finer nuances of nationalism. Why do Indian Opposition leaders, historians and academics misinterpret the true meaning of nationalism? A part of the reason is ideological. They despise Prime Minister Narendra Modi and imbue him with their false interpretation of nationalism. They constantly seek a problem for every solution, not a solution for every problem. Their prognostications for India are invariably grim. The references to Kashmir in the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), and the UNGA, is played up by this cabal of India denigrators. The references these international bodies make are merely proforma. They carry no weight. The denigrators know this, but wilfully subvert the narrative. The government deserves criticism across a host of issues. But such criticism — which should spare nobody, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi — loses credibility if it is built on prejudice. India doesn’t suffer from too much nationalism. It suffers from too little. At a recent event, sociologist Ashish Nandy told the audience: “I’ve worked on nationalism, so I am telling you with some confidence. You read all the nationalist texts and you tell me if this nationalism is different from our nationalism, or that nationalism is distinct from other kinds of nationalism. You cannot find it, all nationalisms are the same, the texts are the same, only the names, only the minor, trivial details differ. There is no difference between nationalism anywhere. Psychologically speaking they are absolutely the same profile.” Thus, in Nandy’s view, Mahatma Gandhi’s nationalism in the 1930s was the same as Adolf Hitler’s nationalism in the 1930s. Read the key part of Nandy’s comment again: “All nationalisms are the same. There is no difference between nationalism anywhere.” But, of course, there is a difference — in both historical and contemporary terms. This is how, as I wrote elsewhere, the finer nuances of nationalism need to be understood: “One reason why the Congress and the Left have a poor understanding of nationalism is that they use European reference points. It is fashionable in the West and among India’s nouveau elite to say that patriots spread ‘love’ and nationalists spread ‘hate’. But that is a Western post-colonial construct based on European nationalism that led to World War II. Indian nationalism is very different. “German nationalism in the 1930s, for example, sought to invade and conquer. Indian nationalism under Mahatma Gandhi, in sharp contrast, was non-violent and sought to free India from British colonial occupation which, like German ‘nationalism’, was invasive, violent and expansionary. German and British nationalism was not nationalism at all but jingoism. Employing a deliberate sleight of hand, the Left attempts to discredit Indian nationalism today by conflating it with European ‘nationalism’. “In India, ideologues on the Right, too, make a fatal error: they conflate nationalism with Hindu nationalism. It is not. In its truest form, nationalism is inclusive. To protect national interest means protecting every Indian’s national interest: Hindu, Muslim, Christian or Parsi, rich or poor, Brahmin or Dalit, Sunni or Shia, male, female or transgender. Nationalism seeks national advancement, but not at the cost of other nations, races or creeds. Real nationalism is fair, open and embraces diversity. It seeks to guard India from terror, promote the country’s economic interests by globalising the Indian economy and protect the rights of minorities by empowering them.” Meanwhile, patriotism, we are told, is the antithesis of nationalism. In short, patriotism is selfless and good. Nationalism is selfish and bad. This is how Nandy frames it: “Old-fashioned patriotism was good enough for even Europe at one time, and in India today, it is by blurring old-style patriotism and love for the country — which is natural and biological — that we have tried to strengthen nationalism. Nationalism by itself does not make that much sense as old-fashioned patriotism. Every Indian, I should say, is patriotic by nature. You don’t have to teach them to be patriotic, but nationalism is an ideology. Nationalism is not only defined by the love of the country territorially where you were born, nationalism is defined by specific enemies and specific allies. Nationalism is built on that; patriotism doesn’t have that kind of responsibility, it doesn’t define your enemies or friends.” To Nandy, therefore, “nationalism is defined by specific enemies” while “patriotism doesn’t define enemies or friends.” He makes the same classical mistake others of his ilk do, conflating nationalism with aggressive intent. Gandhiji, a consummate nationalist throughout his life, used ahimsa, non-violence, as his central credo. The enemy was specific — the British — but he advocated non-violent means to confront and defeat it. He was a patriot and a nationalist and showed how they were two sides of the same coin. Left-leaning historians and academics strive to drive an artificial wedge between nationalism and patriotism. There isn’t one. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The meaning of nationalism has been subverted

BJP will not allocate assembly tickets to relatives of its incumbent MPs, Mayors or district council chairpersons in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-announces-assembly-election-dates-for-maharashtra-and-haryana-250946"> upcoming elections </a>in Haryana.&nbsp;

The party has also decided not to field anyone above the age of 75 years in the crucial polls.

The decision was taken at a meeting of BJP`s Haryana election committee on Sunday.&nbsp;

Sources in the party said that the decision was taken after several MPs and senior state party leaders demanded tickets for their kin for the elections.

It may be noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has time and again targeted opposition parties in Haryana including Congress, INLD and Jannayak Janata Party for supporting dynastic politics.

"We have decided that relatives of MPs, mayors and district Council heads won`t get tickets in the upcoming assembly elections. In fact, MLAs will also be discouraged from seeking tickets for their family members. Unless there is an absolute emergency, we won`t be giving tickets to any relatives", said a senior party leader from the state.

It is learnt that both Khattar and Haryana BJP chief Subhash Barala were of a clear view that the party should not promote dynastic politics in the state.&nbsp;

State party leaders reiterated that there is no place for dynastic politics in the BJP and only people committed to the party`s ideology and the cause will be fielded in the polls.

The BJP feels that giving tickets to the kin of its leaders would send a wrong message to its cadre ahead of the Assembly polls.&nbsp;

"The party doesn`t want to disrespect workers who put in a lot of efforts and show commitment towards the organisation. We want to respect their sentiments by not offering tickets to the kin of leaders, as they may be perceived as outsiders," the sources said.&nbsp;

The 90-member state Assembly goes to polls on October 21. The counting of votes will take place on October 24.

In Haryana, BJP with the leadership of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar looks confident of a comeback, while the Congress seems to be engrossed in internal rivalries between various factions.

In 2014 elections, BJP won 47 seats limiting Congress to only 15 in Haryana.

After winning an unprecedented 10 seats in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls in Haryana, the state party unit has now been tasked with securing a two-third majority in the 90 member legislature.

BJP will not allocate assembly tickets to relatives of its incumbent MPs, Mayors or district council chairpersons in the upcoming elections in Haryana. The party has also decided not to field anyone above the age of 75 years in the crucial polls.

BJP will not allocate assembly tickets to relatives of its incumbent MPs, Mayors or district council chairpersons in the upcoming elections in Haryana. The party has also decided not to field anyone above the age of 75 years in the crucial polls. The decision was taken at a meeting of BJP`s Haryana election committee on Sunday. Sources in the party said that the decision was taken after several MPs and senior state party leaders demanded tickets for their kin for the elections. It may be noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has time and again targeted opposition parties in Haryana including Congress, INLD and Jannayak Janata Party for supporting dynastic politics. "We have decided that relatives of MPs, mayors and district Council heads won`t get tickets in the upcoming assembly elections. In fact, MLAs will also be discouraged from seeking tickets for their family members. Unless there is an absolute emergency, we won`t be giving tickets to any relatives", said a senior party leader from the state. It is learnt that both Khattar and Haryana BJP chief Subhash Barala were of a clear view that the party should not promote dynastic politics in the state. State party leaders reiterated that there is no place for dynastic politics in the BJP and only people committed to the party`s ideology and the cause will be fielded in the polls. The BJP feels that giving tickets to the kin of its leaders would send a wrong message to its cadre ahead of the Assembly polls. "The party doesn`t want to disrespect workers who put in a lot of efforts and show commitment towards the organisation. We want to respect their sentiments by not offering tickets to the kin of leaders, as they may be perceived as outsiders," the sources said. The 90-member state Assembly goes to polls on October 21. The counting of votes will take place on October 24. In Haryana, BJP with the leadership of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar looks confident of a comeback, while the Congress seems to be engrossed in internal rivalries between various factions. In 2014 elections, BJP won 47 seats limiting Congress to only 15 in Haryana. After winning an unprecedented 10 seats in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls in Haryana, the state party unit has now been tasked with securing a two-third majority in the 90 member legislature.

BJP will not field relatives of MPs, other elected representatives for Haryana polls

Inspector-General of Police (Jammu Zone) Mukesh Singh on Monday announced the arrest of three Hizbul Mujahideen militants in connection with four terrorist incidents in the past year in Kishtwar.

The four cases in which the police have made arrests are--the killing of BJP leader Anil Parihar, killing of RSS leader Chandrakant Sharma and his personal security officer and two-weapon snatching incidents.

Persons identified as Nissar Ahmed Sheikh, Nishad Ahmed and Azad Hussain have been arrested in connection with the four cases.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, Singh stated, "We have been able to solve these cases with help of CRPF, Indian Army and NIA. Three have been arrested in the killing of Chandrakant Sharma. Among those arrested, one is Nisar Ahmad Sheikh who was also present during killing of Anil Parihar," Singh said.

Singh revealed that the incidents were linked to an effort by terrorist group Hizbul Mujahideen to revive militancy in Chenab valley.

"It all goes back to an initial conspiracy during the years 2017 and 18. It was decided to revive militancy in Chenab valley and one of oldest commanders of Hizbul mujahideen, Jahangir Saroori played a part. In furtherance of this plan, they planned to kill Anil Parihar," Singh said.

Singh further said that militants named Osama, a Doda-based militant Harun, Zahid and Nisar Ahmed shaikh along with Saroori were involved in Parihar`s killing.

"In this whole conspiracy, Nissar Ahmed Shaikh also took help of Nishad Ahmed and Azad Hussain, who also have been arrested," Singh said.

Singh also stated that the police are trying to nab an over-ground worker identified as Rustom who aided the terrorists by creating a hideout for Nishad Ahmed and Azad Hussain.

"Today, I would like to send a message -- anyone harbouring, sympathising, transporting or helping terrorists in any form will be dealt with very strictly under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act," Singh said.&nbsp;

Inspector-General of Police (Jammu Zone) Mukesh Singh on Monday announced the arrest of three Hizbul Mujahideen militants in connection with four terrorist incidents in the past year in Kishtwar.

Inspector-General of Police (Jammu Zone) Mukesh Singh on Monday announced the arrest of three Hizbul Mujahideen militants in connection with four terrorist incidents in the past year in Kishtwar. The four cases in which the police have made arrests are--the killing of BJP leader Anil Parihar, killing of RSS leader Chandrakant Sharma and his personal security officer and two-weapon snatching incidents. Persons identified as Nissar Ahmed Sheikh, Nishad Ahmed and Azad Hussain have been arrested in connection with the four cases. Addressing a press conference on Monday, Singh stated, "We have been able to solve these cases with help of CRPF, Indian Army and NIA. Three have been arrested in the killing of Chandrakant Sharma. Among those arrested, one is Nisar Ahmad Sheikh who was also present during killing of Anil Parihar," Singh said. Singh revealed that the incidents were linked to an effort by terrorist group Hizbul Mujahideen to revive militancy in Chenab valley. "It all goes back to an initial conspiracy during the years 2017 and 18. It was decided to revive militancy in Chenab valley and one of oldest commanders of Hizbul mujahideen, Jahangir Saroori played a part. In furtherance of this plan, they planned to kill Anil Parihar," Singh said. Singh further said that militants named Osama, a Doda-based militant Harun, Zahid and Nisar Ahmed shaikh along with Saroori were involved in Parihar`s killing. "In this whole conspiracy, Nissar Ahmed Shaikh also took help of Nishad Ahmed and Azad Hussain, who also have been arrested," Singh said. Singh also stated that the police are trying to nab an over-ground worker identified as Rustom who aided the terrorists by creating a hideout for Nishad Ahmed and Azad Hussain. "Today, I would like to send a message -- anyone harbouring, sympathising, transporting or helping terrorists in any form will be dealt with very strictly under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act," Singh said.

J&K: Police arrest 3 Hizbul terrorists in connection with killing of BJP, RSS leader

Sounding the bugle for Maharashtra Assembly polls with the BJP's 'Jan Sampark Abhiyaan'&nbsp;over abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, Union Home Minister Amit Shah here on Sunday expressed confidence that the work done by the state government and the Centre will pay dividends by paving way for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to retain power for the second consecutive term.

"This also happens to be the first programme of Maharashtra elections. The `Jan Sampark Abhiyaan` on the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A is going on across the country. This is the first programme in Mumbai," said Shah.

"I can say it with confidence that the NDA government would be formed in the state with a three-fourth majority and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will be your Chief Minister again. If I say so, I have sufficient ground for it," said Shah.

"The work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Devendra Fadnavis led government in the state in the last over five years is remarkable. People have already indicated their mood in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls. The ease with which Prime Minister Modi abrogated Article 370 and 35A is praiseworthy," said Shah.

"I congratulate Prime Minister Modi`s bravery and grit. He removed Article 370 and 35A in the very first session of the Parliament as soon as we formed the government for the second time with 305 members," he added.

He said the Article 370 is a political issue for the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi while for the BJP abrogation of Article 370 and 35A is part of its effort to keep country undivided.

"Rahul Gandhi says Article 370 is a political issue. Rahul Baba, you have come into politics now, but three generations of the BJP have given their life for Kashmir, for the abrogation of Article 370. It is not a political matter for us. It is part of our goal to keep Bharat Maa undivided," said Shah.

"Forty thousand people were killed and Kashmiri pundits, Sufis, and Sikhs were driven out from the state in 10 years between 1990 and 2000. Rahul Gandhi cares about his vote bank and how to remain in power and hence is not moved by it. However, the sacrifice of 40,000 people is like a pain in our heart," he said.

He also said the issue of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) is because of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru announcing "untimely ceasefire" with Pakistan.

"The issue of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) would not have been there had the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru did not announce an untimely ceasefire in 1947 when the Army was strongly fighting against Pakistani infiltrators in Jammu and Kashmir," said Shah.

The Election Commission of India on Saturday announced that the single-phase Assembly elections for the 288-member Maharashtra and 90-member Haryana Assembly will be held on October 21, while the counting of votes will be done on October 24.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Sounding the bugle for Maharashtra Assembly polls with the BJP's 'Jan Sampark Abhiyaan' over abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, Union Home Minister Amit Shah here on Sunday expressed confidence that the work done by the state government and the Centre will pay dividends by paving way for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to retain power for the second consecutive term.

Sounding the bugle for Maharashtra Assembly polls with the BJP's 'Jan Sampark Abhiyaan' over abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, Union Home Minister Amit Shah here on Sunday expressed confidence that the work done by the state government and the Centre will pay dividends by paving way for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to retain power for the second consecutive term. "This also happens to be the first programme of Maharashtra elections. The `Jan Sampark Abhiyaan` on the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A is going on across the country. This is the first programme in Mumbai," said Shah. "I can say it with confidence that the NDA government would be formed in the state with a three-fourth majority and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will be your Chief Minister again. If I say so, I have sufficient ground for it," said Shah. "The work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Devendra Fadnavis led government in the state in the last over five years is remarkable. People have already indicated their mood in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls. The ease with which Prime Minister Modi abrogated Article 370 and 35A is praiseworthy," said Shah. "I congratulate Prime Minister Modi`s bravery and grit. He removed Article 370 and 35A in the very first session of the Parliament as soon as we formed the government for the second time with 305 members," he added. He said the Article 370 is a political issue for the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi while for the BJP abrogation of Article 370 and 35A is part of its effort to keep country undivided. "Rahul Gandhi says Article 370 is a political issue. Rahul Baba, you have come into politics now, but three generations of the BJP have given their life for Kashmir, for the abrogation of Article 370. It is not a political matter for us. It is part of our goal to keep Bharat Maa undivided," said Shah. "Forty thousand people were killed and Kashmiri pundits, Sufis, and Sikhs were driven out from the state in 10 years between 1990 and 2000. Rahul Gandhi cares about his vote bank and how to remain in power and hence is not moved by it. However, the sacrifice of 40,000 people is like a pain in our heart," he said. He also said the issue of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) is because of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru announcing "untimely ceasefire" with Pakistan. "The issue of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) would not have been there had the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru did not announce an untimely ceasefire in 1947 when the Army was strongly fighting against Pakistani infiltrators in Jammu and Kashmir," said Shah. The Election Commission of India on Saturday announced that the single-phase Assembly elections for the 288-member Maharashtra and 90-member Haryana Assembly will be held on October 21, while the counting of votes will be done on October 24.

Good work will help BJP retain power in Maharashtra: Amit Shah

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora on Saturday announced the dates for Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly election.

"In both the states,&nbsp;notification will be issued on September 27. The last date of nominations is October 4. Polling will be held on October 21 while counting will take place on October 24," Chief Election Commissioner&nbsp;announced.

''The 5-year term of the Legislative Assemblies of Haryana and Maharashtra expires on November 2 and November 9,'' Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora said.

Sunil Arora further added that special security arrangements will be made for Left-wing extremism (LWE)&nbsp;affected areas in Gadchiroli and Gondia in Maharashtra.

''Election campaigns impose an environmental cost upon us. We appeal to political parties to avoid the use of plastic and use only environment-friendly material in their campaigns,''&nbsp;Election Commissioner said.

The commissioner further said that Haryana has 1.82 crore registered voters and Maharashtra has 8.94 crore voters.

The BJP came to power in the state in the last Assembly elections.

On the other hand, in Maharashtra, the BJP and Shiv Sena contested 2014 state Assembly elections separately after they failed to arrive at a seat-sharing formula.&nbsp;

However, they formed the government in the alliance after the elections as none of the parties was able to secure a majority on its own.&nbsp;

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora on Saturday announced the dates for Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly election. "In both the states, notification will be issued on September 27.

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora on Saturday announced the dates for Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly election. "In both the states, notification will be issued on September 27. The last date of nominations is October 4. Polling will be held on October 21 while counting will take place on October 24," Chief Election Commissioner announced. ''The 5-year term of the Legislative Assemblies of Haryana and Maharashtra expires on November 2 and November 9,'' Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora said. Sunil Arora further added that special security arrangements will be made for Left-wing extremism (LWE) affected areas in Gadchiroli and Gondia in Maharashtra. ''Election campaigns impose an environmental cost upon us. We appeal to political parties to avoid the use of plastic and use only environment-friendly material in their campaigns,'' Election Commissioner said. The commissioner further said that Haryana has 1.82 crore registered voters and Maharashtra has 8.94 crore voters. The BJP came to power in the state in the last Assembly elections. On the other hand, in Maharashtra, the BJP and Shiv Sena contested 2014 state Assembly elections separately after they failed to arrive at a seat-sharing formula. However, they formed the government in the alliance after the elections as none of the parties was able to secure a majority on its own.

Election Commission announces assembly election dates for Maharashtra and Haryana; counting on October 24

BJP MP Vijay Goel on Saturday said that in both Haryana and Maharashtra, his party will form the government and that people know it very well.

His comments came soon after the Election Commission announced the dates of Assembly elections to be held in both the states.

Voting will take place on October 21, while counting of votes will be held on October 24 in both the states.

On being asked about the upcoming elections, Goyal told ANI, "In both the states, BJP will win and people know that very well."

Goel, who was protesting here against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over the money being spent on taking out advertisements, added that AAP will also not return to power in the national capital.

The BJP MP lashed out at Kejriwal and said that his government had not worked during its tenure and is now spending money on advertisements.

"For the past five years, Kejriwal did not work so the only option left for him now is to take out advertisements and resort to fake publicity. He used people`s money for advertisement and publicity," the BJP MP alleged.

"Everyday we see Kejriwal`s photo in these advertisements whether it is related to dengue, Ganesh Chaturthi, Valmiki Jayanti or any other event," he said.

He further said that Delhi has become one of the most polluted cities in the country.

"There are traffic jams and the huge problem of car parking. The Mohalla clinics are opened in small kiosks. Tourists see all this and say that the capital of the country is in such a bad shape," said Goel.

"People of Delhi are smart they know that advertisements being taken out by Kejriwal are fake," he added.

&nbsp;

BJP MP Vijay Goel on Saturday said that in both Haryana and Maharashtra, his party will form the government and that people know it very well. His comments came soon after the Election Commission announced the dates of Assembly elections to be held in both the states.

BJP MP Vijay Goel on Saturday said that in both Haryana and Maharashtra, his party will form the government and that people know it very well. His comments came soon after the Election Commission announced the dates of Assembly elections to be held in both the states. Voting will take place on October 21, while counting of votes will be held on October 24 in both the states. On being asked about the upcoming elections, Goyal told ANI, "In both the states, BJP will win and people know that very well." Goel, who was protesting here against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over the money being spent on taking out advertisements, added that AAP will also not return to power in the national capital. The BJP MP lashed out at Kejriwal and said that his government had not worked during its tenure and is now spending money on advertisements. "For the past five years, Kejriwal did not work so the only option left for him now is to take out advertisements and resort to fake publicity. He used people`s money for advertisement and publicity," the BJP MP alleged. "Everyday we see Kejriwal`s photo in these advertisements whether it is related to dengue, Ganesh Chaturthi, Valmiki Jayanti or any other event," he said. He further said that Delhi has become one of the most polluted cities in the country. "There are traffic jams and the huge problem of car parking. The Mohalla clinics are opened in small kiosks. Tourists see all this and say that the capital of the country is in such a bad shape," said Goel. "People of Delhi are smart they know that advertisements being taken out by Kejriwal are fake," he added.

BJP will win in both Haryana and Maharashtra: Vijay Goel

An election process has rarely kick-started on such a tame note.&nbsp;

Maharashtra and Haryana are two such states where results are a foregone conclusion and what is being discussed is the margin of victory for BJP. &nbsp;In both the states, Opposition is in complete disarray. Haryana is the worst of the lot where an anti-Jat polarising figure and former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda is back as the leader of the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) after arm twisting Sonia Gandhi.&nbsp;

It helps Haryana Chief Minister ML Khattar as it becomes easier for him to remind the non-Jat population of Haryana of riots, which shook the social fabric of the state three years back.&nbsp;

Senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala has been camping in his constituency for the past three months lest he loses elections. It is a testimony to the fact that how badly Congress is positioned in the state.&nbsp;

It is one state which went without district committees for years and then without a General Secretary in-charge for months. On the other hand, Lok Dal is completely fractured as family feud has destroyed the party. 
&nbsp; 
Maharashtra, on the other hand, marks complete domination of BJP.&nbsp;

From a junior partner in 2014, BJP rose to become the senior partner in the alliance and displaced Shiv Sena. Despite public rants, Uddhav Thackery couldn’t do much and had joined the alliance fearing that his party would split. Post Lok Sabha election results, both NCP-Congress has witnessed desertion of senior leaders from their respective parties. 
&nbsp; 
Sharad Pawar’s grip too has loosened over time and proposal that NCP must merge with Congress has gained ground. Shiv Sena, on the other hand, is being led by young Aditya Thackery who is no match to the machine which BJP has become in the state. So, both states will remain where they are. 
&nbsp; 
BJP broke the electoral calculus of the Congress in both Haryana and Maharashtra. Khattar is a Punjabi and Devendra Fadnavis is caste Brahmin. The electoral dominance of Jats and Marathas stands in tatters in both the states. Marathas have been accommodated through quotas and are unlikely to shift allegiance en masse to NCP-Congress again. So, the question is which are the issues that will dominate the elections? 
&nbsp; 
In all probability, the economy is the word. The Opposition is expected to focus on jobs and campaign would be kept low key and area-specific. Keeping Sonia Gandhi’s age and health in mind, she is not expected to campaign much. There is also a question on active campaigning by Rahul Gandhi. 
&nbsp; 
But these elections are also important for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A bad performance will be read as a direct result of the economic slowdown. It will allow Congress to sharpen its pitch on the current economic woes.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
But there is a catch. Post demonetisation, elections in Uttar Pradesh were held. A lot of pundits had argued that demonetisation would arrest Modi wave as the process genuinely pinched people and almost arrested rural economy. Exactly, the opposite happened. BJP won more than 300 seats in Uttar Pradesh and came back to power after 15 years. So, the chances are that the economy will not be a big issue in the states and local issues will dominate. If that happens, it will add to Modi’s strength. 
&nbsp; 
Last time around when I went to Jind during by-elections, the key take-way for me from Haryana was that Jats are the new political untouchables and Khattar has gained immensely by breaking job mafia which operated on the caste lines. BJP swept Jind and Congress came third. 
&nbsp; 
In Maharashtra, Maratha stir had destabilised the state government but with quotas, it has become a non-issue. The health of NCP has declined and will be in no position to help Congress in the state. Lastly, the big irony is that Shiv Sena has taken up more public issues than NCP-Congress combine which has not been able to get out of the anti-Modi political mindset. 
&nbsp; 
Bottom line is that the country needs a robust Opposition with a clear and positive mandate and Congress by not able to settle its own house on the issue of leadership may end up strengthening BJP further.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

An election process has rarely kick-started on such a tame note. Maharashtra and Haryana are two such states where results are a foregone conclusion and what is being discussed is the margin of victory for BJP.

An election process has rarely kick-started on such a tame note. Maharashtra and Haryana are two such states where results are a foregone conclusion and what is being discussed is the margin of victory for BJP. In both the states, Opposition is in complete disarray. Haryana is the worst of the lot where an anti-Jat polarising figure and former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda is back as the leader of the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) after arm twisting Sonia Gandhi. It helps Haryana Chief Minister ML Khattar as it becomes easier for him to remind the non-Jat population of Haryana of riots, which shook the social fabric of the state three years back. Senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala has been camping in his constituency for the past three months lest he loses elections. It is a testimony to the fact that how badly Congress is positioned in the state. It is one state which went without district committees for years and then without a General Secretary in-charge for months. On the other hand, Lok Dal is completely fractured as family feud has destroyed the party. Maharashtra, on the other hand, marks complete domination of BJP. From a junior partner in 2014, BJP rose to become the senior partner in the alliance and displaced Shiv Sena. Despite public rants, Uddhav Thackery couldn’t do much and had joined the alliance fearing that his party would split. Post Lok Sabha election results, both NCP-Congress has witnessed desertion of senior leaders from their respective parties. Sharad Pawar’s grip too has loosened over time and proposal that NCP must merge with Congress has gained ground. Shiv Sena, on the other hand, is being led by young Aditya Thackery who is no match to the machine which BJP has become in the state. So, both states will remain where they are. BJP broke the electoral calculus of the Congress in both Haryana and Maharashtra. Khattar is a Punjabi and Devendra Fadnavis is caste Brahmin. The electoral dominance of Jats and Marathas stands in tatters in both the states. Marathas have been accommodated through quotas and are unlikely to shift allegiance en masse to NCP-Congress again. So, the question is which are the issues that will dominate the elections? In all probability, the economy is the word. The Opposition is expected to focus on jobs and campaign would be kept low key and area-specific. Keeping Sonia Gandhi’s age and health in mind, she is not expected to campaign much. There is also a question on active campaigning by Rahul Gandhi. But these elections are also important for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A bad performance will be read as a direct result of the economic slowdown. It will allow Congress to sharpen its pitch on the current economic woes. But there is a catch. Post demonetisation, elections in Uttar Pradesh were held. A lot of pundits had argued that demonetisation would arrest Modi wave as the process genuinely pinched people and almost arrested rural economy. Exactly, the opposite happened. BJP won more than 300 seats in Uttar Pradesh and came back to power after 15 years. So, the chances are that the economy will not be a big issue in the states and local issues will dominate. If that happens, it will add to Modi’s strength. Last time around when I went to Jind during by-elections, the key take-way for me from Haryana was that Jats are the new political untouchables and Khattar has gained immensely by breaking job mafia which operated on the caste lines. BJP swept Jind and Congress came third. In Maharashtra, Maratha stir had destabilised the state government but with quotas, it has become a non-issue. The health of NCP has declined and will be in no position to help Congress in the state. Lastly, the big irony is that Shiv Sena has taken up more public issues than NCP-Congress combine which has not been able to get out of the anti-Modi political mindset. Bottom line is that the country needs a robust Opposition with a clear and positive mandate and Congress by not able to settle its own house on the issue of leadership may end up strengthening BJP further. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

BJP set to retain both Maharashtra and Haryana

In her first meeting after the general elections, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here and termed it as "good".

This is also Banerjee's first meeting with the Prime Minister after two years and the first after he was elected to power for the second time in bitterly-fought elections including in West Bengal where the BJP has made spectacular gains.

"We had a good meeting. I had plans to meet the Prime Minister but due to some unwanted incidents the plan could not take shape," she said.

During the meeting, the issue of West Bengal's name change to Bangla was discussed. The Chief Minister made it clear that any suggestion from the Centre will be accepted.

"Bengal is open to any 'addition or alternation'&nbsp;on the name change," Banerjee said.

The Chief Minister specifically mentioned that the meeting was "government to government sans political interferences".

"We need to keep faith in the Constitution and democracy.

Both state government and central government are elected and need to work towards development," Banerjee remarked.

Other issues discussed in the meeting were the merger of public sector banks. Moreover, Banerjee handed over a prepared plan to the Prime Minister on how West Bengal performed in the last eight years.

The TMC supremo arrived in the national capital on Tuesday to pay a courtesy call with the Prime Minister.

Banerjee said she will seek an appointment with Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday.

At present, BJP is the key opponent of TMC after the former performed exceptionally well in West Bengal during the Lok Sabha elections, where the party won 18 seats.

In her first meeting after the general elections, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here and termed it as "good".

In her first meeting after the general elections, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here and termed it as "good". This is also Banerjee's first meeting with the Prime Minister after two years and the first after he was elected to power for the second time in bitterly-fought elections including in West Bengal where the BJP has made spectacular gains. "We had a good meeting. I had plans to meet the Prime Minister but due to some unwanted incidents the plan could not take shape," she said. During the meeting, the issue of West Bengal's name change to Bangla was discussed. The Chief Minister made it clear that any suggestion from the Centre will be accepted. "Bengal is open to any 'addition or alternation' on the name change," Banerjee said. The Chief Minister specifically mentioned that the meeting was "government to government sans political interferences". "We need to keep faith in the Constitution and democracy. Both state government and central government are elected and need to work towards development," Banerjee remarked. Other issues discussed in the meeting were the merger of public sector banks. Moreover, Banerjee handed over a prepared plan to the Prime Minister on how West Bengal performed in the last eight years. The TMC supremo arrived in the national capital on Tuesday to pay a courtesy call with the Prime Minister. Banerjee said she will seek an appointment with Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday. At present, BJP is the key opponent of TMC after the former performed exceptionally well in West Bengal during the Lok Sabha elections, where the party won 18 seats.

Mamata Banerjee meets PM Modi in Delhi, says meeting was 'good'

Setting the tone for the party's election campaign in the upcoming Assembly polls in Jharkhand, Home Minister and BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday described the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bold decision for securing India's integrity and asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to clear his party's stand on it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shahs-call-for-hindi-as-national-language-triggers-political-row-249706">Shah</a>, who kicked off the BJP's 'Janadesh Yatra' here, also addressed a rally and devoted most part of his speech on Article 370, a clear indication that the issue with fervour of nationalism will be at the top of party's campaign theme.

"By removing Article 370, Modi Ji has shown Pakistan its place and shown it to the world that Kashmir is an inalienable part of India. No one can raise an eye on Kashmir now," he said.

Accusing Congress of putting roadblocks when the Prime Minister takes bold decisions for securing India's integrity and security, Shah asked Congress to clarify whether it stands with India's interest or otherwise.

"When Article 370 and 35A were removed, Congress opposed it tooth and nail. Rahul Gandhi opposed surgical strikes, sought proof of airstrikes and supported the JNU 'tukde tukde' gang. Take a decision in which direction you want to move," he said.

Shah said that the BJP has always maintained that Article 370 is against the unity and integrity of India but Congress has always opposed the stand.

"Congress party must clarify whether they stand with India's interest or otherwise," he said adding that when Rahul Gandhi goes for campaigning in Haryana, Maharashtra and Jharkhand, he should tell the voters whether he is in support of the removal of Article 370 or opposed to it.

Suggesting the opposition that when the country's interests are in question, Shah said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-eyes-200-seats-in-west-bengal-249864">BJP</a> always stood strong with the government on matters of the nation's security and integrity and stressed that no one should get bogged down by party politics.

He reminded the Congress that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, despite being in opposition, wholeheartedly supported the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1971 when Bangladesh got independence.

"When in the 1990s, Pakistan had raised the Kashmir issue in the United Nations, the then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao requested Atal Ji to present India's stance in UN, which he accepted willingly despite being in the opposition in Parliament," Shah said.

"As the elections are around the corner, the people of Jharkhand should decide whether they are with Modi Ji, who abrogated Article 370 or with them who wants it to be continued," the BJP president added.

Jharkhand, along with Haryana and Maharashtra, is set to hold assembly elections later this year.

Earlier, Shah hailed Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and appealed to the people to elect the BJP back to power to keep the fast-paced development going on in the state.

He also hit out at the Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) led opposition's alliance and claimed that when both were in power they did nothing for the state's development.

"The Congress gave Jharkhand Rs 55,200 crores in 10 years but the Modi government gave Rs 1,45,345 crores in half the period," Shah said. 
The BJP president asserted that Naxalism is on the decline in Jharkhand since the Modi government is in power, and various welfare schemes have been successfully implemented in the state.

Shah also recalled the creation of Jharkhand and said the BJP always supported the demand of the people for a new state.

"This dream was realized by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led BJP government. Atal Ji laid the foundation and Modi Ji brought fast-paced development in Jharkhand. Modi Ji's vision for a developed Jharkhand was implemented seamlessly by the Raghubar Das government," the BJP president said.

Setting the tone for the party's election campaign in the upcoming Assembly polls in Jharkhand, Home Minister and BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday described the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bold decision for securing India's integrity and asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to clear his party's stand on it.

Setting the tone for the party's election campaign in the upcoming Assembly polls in Jharkhand, Home Minister and BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday described the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bold decision for securing India's integrity and asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to clear his party's stand on it. Shah, who kicked off the BJP's 'Janadesh Yatra' here, also addressed a rally and devoted most part of his speech on Article 370, a clear indication that the issue with fervour of nationalism will be at the top of party's campaign theme. "By removing Article 370, Modi Ji has shown Pakistan its place and shown it to the world that Kashmir is an inalienable part of India. No one can raise an eye on Kashmir now," he said. Accusing Congress of putting roadblocks when the Prime Minister takes bold decisions for securing India's integrity and security, Shah asked Congress to clarify whether it stands with India's interest or otherwise. "When Article 370 and 35A were removed, Congress opposed it tooth and nail. Rahul Gandhi opposed surgical strikes, sought proof of airstrikes and supported the JNU 'tukde tukde' gang. Take a decision in which direction you want to move," he said. Shah said that the BJP has always maintained that Article 370 is against the unity and integrity of India but Congress has always opposed the stand. "Congress party must clarify whether they stand with India's interest or otherwise," he said adding that when Rahul Gandhi goes for campaigning in Haryana, Maharashtra and Jharkhand, he should tell the voters whether he is in support of the removal of Article 370 or opposed to it. Suggesting the opposition that when the country's interests are in question, Shah said the BJP always stood strong with the government on matters of the nation's security and integrity and stressed that no one should get bogged down by party politics. He reminded the Congress that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, despite being in opposition, wholeheartedly supported the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1971 when Bangladesh got independence. "When in the 1990s, Pakistan had raised the Kashmir issue in the United Nations, the then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao requested Atal Ji to present India's stance in UN, which he accepted willingly despite being in the opposition in Parliament," Shah said. "As the elections are around the corner, the people of Jharkhand should decide whether they are with Modi Ji, who abrogated Article 370 or with them who wants it to be continued," the BJP president added. Jharkhand, along with Haryana and Maharashtra, is set to hold assembly elections later this year. Earlier, Shah hailed Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and appealed to the people to elect the BJP back to power to keep the fast-paced development going on in the state. He also hit out at the Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) led opposition's alliance and claimed that when both were in power they did nothing for the state's development. "The Congress gave Jharkhand Rs 55,200 crores in 10 years but the Modi government gave Rs 1,45,345 crores in half the period," Shah said. The BJP president asserted that Naxalism is on the decline in Jharkhand since the Modi government is in power, and various welfare schemes have been successfully implemented in the state. Shah also recalled the creation of Jharkhand and said the BJP always supported the demand of the people for a new state. "This dream was realized by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led BJP government. Atal Ji laid the foundation and Modi Ji brought fast-paced development in Jharkhand. Modi Ji's vision for a developed Jharkhand was implemented seamlessly by the Raghubar Das government," the BJP president said.

With Kashmir top on agenda, Shah kicks off campaign in Jharkhand; slams Congress

“Don’t find fault, find a remedy”, said Henry Ford famously. This quote exemplifies the visionary, problem-solving leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chose to bring in the biggest indirect tax reform in post-independent India by implementing the GST.

The Manmohan Singh government sat lazily on the Kelkar committee recommendations for almost 10 years. The obnoxious attempt by Modi baiters to compare GST execution in India, with say, Singapore, is futile.

Within a year of implementing GST, Singapore witnessed skyrocketing inflation at 8.4 per cent, whereas the average retail inflation in India has consistently been below 4 per cent in the post-GST era.

Post the path-breaking GST, 1,186 goods comprising 97.69 per cent of the 1,214 goods that are widely used and were earlier taxed at almost 28-31 per cent, are now taxed at just 18 per cent or even lower.

In the last 100 days of Modi’s second term, landmark steps were taken that showcased Modinomics at its best. The decision to cut Employees’ State Insurance Act (ESIC) contribution from 6.5 per cent to 4 per cent, which will benefit 3.6 crore employees and 12.85 lakh employers, the step to develop 17 iconic tourist sites as world-famous tourist spots were among them. 
 
Also, the decision to set up 75 new government medical colleges by 2021 to boost medical education, aim to give scholarships in next five years to 5 crore underprivileged students of which 50 per cent are girls, under the “Go Tribal” scheme, removing “angel tax” to boost start-ups, Rs 6,000 per annum income support, which will benefit over 5 crore small and marginal farmers under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana having been the turning points. 
 
Other schemes include a monthly pension of Rs 3,000 to small traders and shopkeepers in the unorganised sector after they attain 60 years of age under the PM Shram Yogi MandhanYojana, reducing corporate tax rate to 25 per cent for MSMEs with a turnover up to Rs 400 crore, bill to repeal 58 archaic laws including outdated labour laws and more importantly, passing the Code on Wages Bill 2019, which will benefit over 500 million workers across the country.&nbsp;

Manmohanomics had abdicated all responsibilities to more than 70 GOMs and EGOMs that ruled by proxy as part of Sonia Gandhi’s kitchen cabinet between 2004-2014, compromising both the legitimacy and the credibility of the Prime Minister’s office.

In sharp contrast, good governance under Narendra Modi has taken a whole new dimension with 30 new bills being cleared in the just-concluded monsoon session of the Parliament.

India moving up by a good 65 places at rank 77 in the World Bank’s global Ease of Doing Business (EODB) rankings in the first four years of Modi’s first term is a case in point.&nbsp;

Apart from this, be it launching Rupay cards in Abu Dhabi and Bhutan or powering the India story at G20, G7, SCO, BRICS or more recently at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Modinomics has mastered the subtle art of marrying international diplomacy, soft power and economic linkages. Besides the world’s biggest healthcare scheme like Ayushman Bharat covering over 17,000 hospitals — which have till date benef Undoubtedly, if there is one scheme that has revolutionalised the lives of millions of women, it is the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) with the number of beneficiaries touching the 8-crore mark recently.&nbsp;

The gas sector is an excellent example of Modi government’s governance motto of “Reform, Perform, Transform”. What a pity that despite ruling India for the better part of the last 70 plus years, neither the Congress, nor its family retainers did anything to strengthen the gas ecosystem or to reduce India’s dependence on traditional fuel sources. Realising the vulnerabilities of India’s fuel economy, the Modi government put in place various initiatives to empower India’s gas based-economy, including plans to set up 5,000 compressed bio-gas plants by 2022-23, to convert agri-waste into bio-CNG.

All these efforts will help fulfil India’s global commitment of reducing emission intensity by 33-35 per cent and producing minimum 40 per cent electricity from non-conventional sources by 2030.

By early 2019, the Modi government had achieved all of these — electrification of over 2.5 crore households under the Saubhagya Yojana; over 1.9 lakh km of roads built under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, vaccination of well over 3.28 crore people under the Indradhanush scheme, building 9.56 crore toilets under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, commissioning of over 33 crore LED bulbs that saved over Rs 17,000 crore; making 5,36,724 villages Open Defecation Free (ODF); distribution of over Rs 5.37 lakh crore via DBT to the rural and urban poor; covering 5,441 schools under Atal Tinkering Labs; due recognition to 14,706 start-ups; 23.66 lakh registered users under the Swayam scheme; benefits to 2.38 crore pensioners under the Jeevan Pramaan scheme and 1.24 crore people under the Atal Pension Yojana; extending paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks for pregnant women.&nbsp;

It has also established over 13,000 Kaushal Vikas Kendras; disbursed over Rs 35,000 crore to Indian armed forces and veterans under the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme; extended accident insurance to over 13.98 crore people under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha BimaYojana (PMSBY), life cover to over 5.47 crore Indians under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and insurance to over 14.39 crore farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana ( PMFBY); distributed over 17.17 crore Soil Health Cards (SHCs); distributed over Rs. 1.69 lakh crore as subsidies via Aadhaar; over 1.35 crore farmers covered under e-NAM for better pricing of farm produce, set up of over 3.8 lakh Common Service Centres (CSCs), versus just 84,000 that existed in 2014. The government also opened over 36 crore Jan Dhan accounts, of which more than 50 per cent&nbsp;belong to women, to ensure universal financial inclusion. Modinomics is endearingly Glocal-Global in its approach without losing its local flavour and that is precisely what makes it so relevant in contemporary times.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-modinomics-cogently-unplugged-2790290">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

“Don’t find fault, find a remedy”, said Henry Ford famously. This quote exemplifies the visionary, problem-solving leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chose to bring in the biggest indirect tax reform in post-independent India by implementing the GST.

“Don’t find fault, find a remedy”, said Henry Ford famously. This quote exemplifies the visionary, problem-solving leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chose to bring in the biggest indirect tax reform in post-independent India by implementing the GST. The Manmohan Singh government sat lazily on the Kelkar committee recommendations for almost 10 years. The obnoxious attempt by Modi baiters to compare GST execution in India, with say, Singapore, is futile. Within a year of implementing GST, Singapore witnessed skyrocketing inflation at 8.4 per cent, whereas the average retail inflation in India has consistently been below 4 per cent in the post-GST era. Post the path-breaking GST, 1,186 goods comprising 97.69 per cent of the 1,214 goods that are widely used and were earlier taxed at almost 28-31 per cent, are now taxed at just 18 per cent or even lower. In the last 100 days of Modi’s second term, landmark steps were taken that showcased Modinomics at its best. The decision to cut Employees’ State Insurance Act (ESIC) contribution from 6.5 per cent to 4 per cent, which will benefit 3.6 crore employees and 12.85 lakh employers, the step to develop 17 iconic tourist sites as world-famous tourist spots were among them. Also, the decision to set up 75 new government medical colleges by 2021 to boost medical education, aim to give scholarships in next five years to 5 crore underprivileged students of which 50 per cent are girls, under the “Go Tribal” scheme, removing “angel tax” to boost start-ups, Rs 6,000 per annum income support, which will benefit over 5 crore small and marginal farmers under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana having been the turning points. Other schemes include a monthly pension of Rs 3,000 to small traders and shopkeepers in the unorganised sector after they attain 60 years of age under the PM Shram Yogi MandhanYojana, reducing corporate tax rate to 25 per cent for MSMEs with a turnover up to Rs 400 crore, bill to repeal 58 archaic laws including outdated labour laws and more importantly, passing the Code on Wages Bill 2019, which will benefit over 500 million workers across the country. Manmohanomics had abdicated all responsibilities to more than 70 GOMs and EGOMs that ruled by proxy as part of Sonia Gandhi’s kitchen cabinet between 2004-2014, compromising both the legitimacy and the credibility of the Prime Minister’s office. In sharp contrast, good governance under Narendra Modi has taken a whole new dimension with 30 new bills being cleared in the just-concluded monsoon session of the Parliament. India moving up by a good 65 places at rank 77 in the World Bank’s global Ease of Doing Business (EODB) rankings in the first four years of Modi’s first term is a case in point. Apart from this, be it launching Rupay cards in Abu Dhabi and Bhutan or powering the India story at G20, G7, SCO, BRICS or more recently at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Modinomics has mastered the subtle art of marrying international diplomacy, soft power and economic linkages. Besides the world’s biggest healthcare scheme like Ayushman Bharat covering over 17,000 hospitals — which have till date benef Undoubtedly, if there is one scheme that has revolutionalised the lives of millions of women, it is the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) with the number of beneficiaries touching the 8-crore mark recently. The gas sector is an excellent example of Modi government’s governance motto of “Reform, Perform, Transform”. What a pity that despite ruling India for the better part of the last 70 plus years, neither the Congress, nor its family retainers did anything to strengthen the gas ecosystem or to reduce India’s dependence on traditional fuel sources. Realising the vulnerabilities of India’s fuel economy, the Modi government put in place various initiatives to empower India’s gas based-economy, including plans to set up 5,000 compressed bio-gas plants by 2022-23, to convert agri-waste into bio-CNG. All these efforts will help fulfil India’s global commitment of reducing emission intensity by 33-35 per cent and producing minimum 40 per cent electricity from non-conventional sources by 2030. By early 2019, the Modi government had achieved all of these — electrification of over 2.5 crore households under the Saubhagya Yojana; over 1.9 lakh km of roads built under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, vaccination of well over 3.28 crore people under the Indradhanush scheme, building 9.56 crore toilets under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, commissioning of over 33 crore LED bulbs that saved over Rs 17,000 crore; making 5,36,724 villages Open Defecation Free (ODF); distribution of over Rs 5.37 lakh crore via DBT to the rural and urban poor; covering 5,441 schools under Atal Tinkering Labs; due recognition to 14,706 start-ups; 23.66 lakh registered users under the Swayam scheme; benefits to 2.38 crore pensioners under the Jeevan Pramaan scheme and 1.24 crore people under the Atal Pension Yojana; extending paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks for pregnant women. It has also established over 13,000 Kaushal Vikas Kendras; disbursed over Rs 35,000 crore to Indian armed forces and veterans under the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme; extended accident insurance to over 13.98 crore people under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha BimaYojana (PMSBY), life cover to over 5.47 crore Indians under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and insurance to over 14.39 crore farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana ( PMFBY); distributed over 17.17 crore Soil Health Cards (SHCs); distributed over Rs. 1.69 lakh crore as subsidies via Aadhaar; over 1.35 crore farmers covered under e-NAM for better pricing of farm produce, set up of over 3.8 lakh Common Service Centres (CSCs), versus just 84,000 that existed in 2014. The government also opened over 36 crore Jan Dhan accounts, of which more than 50 per cent belong to women, to ensure universal financial inclusion. Modinomics is endearingly Glocal-Global in its approach without losing its local flavour and that is precisely what makes it so relevant in contemporary times. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

In its second term, government has taken landmark steps that showcased Modinomics at its best

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