After 25 years, Ayodhya is back as the main poll agenda for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. VHP, RSS and Shiv Sena have lend muscle to the 'Dharma Sabha' which will take place on Sunday on the banks of Sarayu river in Ayodhya. It will be followed by a holy ceremony (yagna) which will take place between December 1 and 6.&nbsp;

The city is teeming with saffron hue and decked up to welcome thousands of people who will descend in Ayodhya on Sunday, putting pressure on its insufficient civic infrastructure.&nbsp;

Point to be noted, the mobilisation of this scale is taking place in Ayodhya almost after two decades. The elections after 1996 were fought on issues other than Ayodhya. &nbsp;Post demolition, Ayodhya as a political issue was kept at the back burner for the compulsion of coalition politics. Interestingly, it was never the original vision of BJP when it was formed in the year 1980. It was only adopted in 1987 during the Palampur session.

The Dharma Sabha is being organised to exert pressure on the Central government to swiftly resolve the Ayodhya issue. This has happened because the Supreme Court has not displayed urgency on the matter as desired by a section of the civil society and political parties like BJP and Shiv Sena. In fact, the judiciary has always treated the issue as a land suit. Unfortunately, it has the potential to bring the judiciary and the executive face-to-face on the issue of law and governance.

The original poster boys of the Ayodhya movement today are long gone. LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi are on sidelines, Uma Bharti does have hold in the current dispensation, Sadhvi Ritambhara is not in politics, Kalyan Singh has been retired as a governor and Vinay Katiyar does not enjoy that weight in politics any more.

Advani’s politics after the demolition was constrained by the compulsion of a coalition. The fact they required help from smaller parties to form the government, the mandir agenda was brushed under the carpet; it lasted from 1996 until 2014. PM Modi’s big victory changed the game for BJP.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Over a period of time, BJP found it difficult to explain it to its core voters the reason behind its inability to construct the temple. It is this compulsion that has led to the mobilisation in Ayodhya. It is for this reason that BJP is questioning the Supreme Court on the issue of Sabarimala and Ayodhya. It is for this reason, BJP is trying to pitch this political narrative as a war against people versus the elitist institution. And, it is for this reason that right before the Lok Sabha elections, the saffron party wants its electoral campaign to have decisive Ayodhya colour, just in case the economic chest thumping fails.

Ayodhya, for this very reason, is back on agenda for BJP. The only issue which is worrisome is the law and order. Despite assurances given by the Kalyan Singh government, the mosque was brought down. Subsequently, BJP governments were dismissed by a presidential order. BJP is in no position to allow such a mischief, but in case anything of this order happens, the game will be wide open to political parties with hard secretarian views.

An issue which is being treated both as a land suit and a matter of faith has once again acquired the ability to mutate the DNA of a republic which is invested in constitutional morality.

If legal lines are crossed again, India will mirror ugly realities of Pakistan which it has not been able to deal with ever since partition because of rapid break down of civilian institutions and religion acquiring primacy over culture, politics and economy.&nbsp;

The most unfortunate part is that the principal Opposition party is in no position to take any position on Ayodhya. Rajiv Gandhi got the locks opened and the mosque fell when PV Narasimha Rao held the charge as the prime minister.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi is far more focussed on his image makeover by temple hopping, leaving a vacuum in cultural space to be consumed by BJP-RSS alike. Today, there is no stopping BJP because Congress cannot take a position on temple dispute. BJP has changed the goalposts of debate on religion and state, on which Congress failed as a neutral gatekeeper.

After 25 years, Ayodhya is back as the main poll agenda for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. VHP, RSS and Shiv Sena have lend muscle to the 'Dharma Sabha' which will take place on Sunday on the banks of Sarayu river in Ayodhya.

After 25 years, Ayodhya is back as the main poll agenda for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. VHP, RSS and Shiv Sena have lend muscle to the 'Dharma Sabha' which will take place on Sunday on the banks of Sarayu river in Ayodhya. It will be followed by a holy ceremony (yagna) which will take place between December 1 and 6. The city is teeming with saffron hue and decked up to welcome thousands of people who will descend in Ayodhya on Sunday, putting pressure on its insufficient civic infrastructure. Point to be noted, the mobilisation of this scale is taking place in Ayodhya almost after two decades. The elections after 1996 were fought on issues other than Ayodhya. Post demolition, Ayodhya as a political issue was kept at the back burner for the compulsion of coalition politics. Interestingly, it was never the original vision of BJP when it was formed in the year 1980. It was only adopted in 1987 during the Palampur session. The Dharma Sabha is being organised to exert pressure on the Central government to swiftly resolve the Ayodhya issue. This has happened because the Supreme Court has not displayed urgency on the matter as desired by a section of the civil society and political parties like BJP and Shiv Sena. In fact, the judiciary has always treated the issue as a land suit. Unfortunately, it has the potential to bring the judiciary and the executive face-to-face on the issue of law and governance. The original poster boys of the Ayodhya movement today are long gone. LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi are on sidelines, Uma Bharti does have hold in the current dispensation, Sadhvi Ritambhara is not in politics, Kalyan Singh has been retired as a governor and Vinay Katiyar does not enjoy that weight in politics any more. Advani’s politics after the demolition was constrained by the compulsion of a coalition. The fact they required help from smaller parties to form the government, the mandir agenda was brushed under the carpet; it lasted from 1996 until 2014. PM Modi’s big victory changed the game for BJP. Over a period of time, BJP found it difficult to explain it to its core voters the reason behind its inability to construct the temple. It is this compulsion that has led to the mobilisation in Ayodhya. It is for this reason that BJP is questioning the Supreme Court on the issue of Sabarimala and Ayodhya. It is for this reason, BJP is trying to pitch this political narrative as a war against people versus the elitist institution. And, it is for this reason that right before the Lok Sabha elections, the saffron party wants its electoral campaign to have decisive Ayodhya colour, just in case the economic chest thumping fails. Ayodhya, for this very reason, is back on agenda for BJP. The only issue which is worrisome is the law and order. Despite assurances given by the Kalyan Singh government, the mosque was brought down. Subsequently, BJP governments were dismissed by a presidential order. BJP is in no position to allow such a mischief, but in case anything of this order happens, the game will be wide open to political parties with hard secretarian views. An issue which is being treated both as a land suit and a matter of faith has once again acquired the ability to mutate the DNA of a republic which is invested in constitutional morality. If legal lines are crossed again, India will mirror ugly realities of Pakistan which it has not been able to deal with ever since partition because of rapid break down of civilian institutions and religion acquiring primacy over culture, politics and economy. The most unfortunate part is that the principal Opposition party is in no position to take any position on Ayodhya. Rajiv Gandhi got the locks opened and the mosque fell when PV Narasimha Rao held the charge as the prime minister. Rahul Gandhi is far more focussed on his image makeover by temple hopping, leaving a vacuum in cultural space to be consumed by BJP-RSS alike. Today, there is no stopping BJP because Congress cannot take a position on temple dispute. BJP has changed the goalposts of debate on religion and state, on which Congress failed as a neutral gatekeeper.

As Congress lacks a stand on Ayodhya dispute, BJP pitches a political narrative on it

This generation of farmers are suffering due to the wrongdoings and wrong policies of the Congress, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a public rally in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh on Saturday.&nbsp;

Modi said that his government is bearing the brunt of Congress misrule.&nbsp;

''If Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel would had become the first prime minister of India, the condition of farmers that have deteriorated due to the misrule of Congress in 55-60 years wouldn't have happened. The farmers of our country would have been strong,'' Modi said.&nbsp;

Congress is dividing the people, Modi alleged and said recently, videos of a senior Congress leader has surfaced on social media wherein he was seeking votes from particular groups. Such a thing is not acceptable. It is a disrespect of democracy, Modi said.&nbsp;

Congress manufactures and spreads lies, Modi alleged and added Indira Gandhi Ji gave the slogan of 'Garibi Hatao' but could not eliminate poverty.&nbsp;

She nationalised banks and said the poor would benefit from it, but what happened? So many people did not even have accounts, Modi said.&nbsp;

This generation of farmers are suffering due to the wrongdoings and wrong policies of the Congress, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a public rally in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh on Saturday.

This generation of farmers are suffering due to the wrongdoings and wrong policies of the Congress, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a public rally in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh on Saturday. Modi said that his government is bearing the brunt of Congress misrule. ''If Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel would had become the first prime minister of India, the condition of farmers that have deteriorated due to the misrule of Congress in 55-60 years wouldn't have happened. The farmers of our country would have been strong,'' Modi said. Congress is dividing the people, Modi alleged and said recently, videos of a senior Congress leader has surfaced on social media wherein he was seeking votes from particular groups. Such a thing is not acceptable. It is a disrespect of democracy, Modi said. Congress manufactures and spreads lies, Modi alleged and added Indira Gandhi Ji gave the slogan of 'Garibi Hatao' but could not eliminate poverty. She nationalised banks and said the poor would benefit from it, but what happened? So many people did not even have accounts, Modi said.

Modi linkens farmers' woes to 55-60 years of Congress misrule 

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said Saturday Prime Minister Narendra Modi has betrayed the people, claiming that he had not fulfilled promises of providing two crore jobs every year and "depositing" Rs 15 lakh in their bank accounts.

The Congress chief was addressing a rally at Sagar in Madhya Pradesh, where assembly polls will be held on November 28.

"Modiji has betrayed the people on the issue of providing jobs to two crore people every year and depositing Rs 15 lakh cash into their accounts by bringing (back) black money stashed abroad," Gandhi said.

Modi, during the 2014 Lok Sabha election campaign, had prominently highlighted the issue of black money and had promised to bring it back.&nbsp;

The fear of losing the 2019 general elections has created "hatred" in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mind against the Congress, Gandhi said addressing another rally at Damoh later.

The Congress chief said while Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan speaks with decency, Modi lacks it whenever he attacks the Congress and his family members.

"When you hear Modi's speech, he uses wrong words and speaks with hatred... And also speaks lies. The faith reposed by the people and youths in them has broken. Now, when Modi comes, people say he will speak lies," Gandhi said.

"He (Modi) speaks with hatred about me and my family, but Shivraj uses decent language. Modi doesn't know how to speak decently, but Rahul Gandhi will always maintain decency while speaking," he said.

"Though Chouhan has indulged in corruption, whenever he says anything against us, he speaks with decency," Gandhi added.&nbsp;

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said Saturday Prime Minister Narendra Modi has betrayed the people, claiming that he had not fulfilled promises of providing two crore jobs every year and "depositing" Rs 15 lakh in their bank accounts.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said Saturday Prime Minister Narendra Modi has betrayed the people, claiming that he had not fulfilled promises of providing two crore jobs every year and "depositing" Rs 15 lakh in their bank accounts. The Congress chief was addressing a rally at Sagar in Madhya Pradesh, where assembly polls will be held on November 28. "Modiji has betrayed the people on the issue of providing jobs to two crore people every year and depositing Rs 15 lakh cash into their accounts by bringing (back) black money stashed abroad," Gandhi said. Modi, during the 2014 Lok Sabha election campaign, had prominently highlighted the issue of black money and had promised to bring it back. The fear of losing the 2019 general elections has created "hatred" in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mind against the Congress, Gandhi said addressing another rally at Damoh later. The Congress chief said while Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan speaks with decency, Modi lacks it whenever he attacks the Congress and his family members. "When you hear Modi's speech, he uses wrong words and speaks with hatred... And also speaks lies. The faith reposed by the people and youths in them has broken. Now, when Modi comes, people say he will speak lies," Gandhi said. "He (Modi) speaks with hatred about me and my family, but Shivraj uses decent language. Modi doesn't know how to speak decently, but Rahul Gandhi will always maintain decency while speaking," he said. "Though Chouhan has indulged in corruption, whenever he says anything against us, he speaks with decency," Gandhi added.

Modi 'betrayed' people on promises of jobs, 'depositing' Rs 15 lakh in accounts: Rahul Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the Congress today, days after its leader Raj Babbar compared the rupee's slide with the age of his mother, saying those who did not have issues to talk about, resort to abusing someone else's mother.

Hitting out at the Congress on Mr Babbar's remarks, he said, "When one doesn't have real issues to talk about, he resorts to abusing somebody else's mother."

The Congress leader had kicked up a row in Indore on Thursday when he compared the falling value of rupee against US dollar with the age of the prime minister's mother.

Addressing a rally Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur, PM Modi, in an apparent dig at UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, said 125 crore people of the country were the "high-command" of his government, which was "not remote-controlled by a madam".

PM Modi claimed that "coffers of banks were emptied for the rich during the madam's government". "However, our government opened doors of banks for the needy youth," he said.

The prime minister asked why Congress was abusing Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who people fondly refer to as "maama".

Unlike Shivraj Chouhan, who is called 'maama' out of people's appreciation, Congress on the other hand "should worry about your own 'Maamas'. Ottavio Quattrocchai 'maama' and Warren Anderson 'maama' who were sent to America in a special airplane," he said, referring to the Bofors scandal and the 1984 Bhopal Gas tragedy.

He said the Congress was voted out of power in Madhya Pradesh 15 years ago because it indulged in dynastic politics and the politics of divisiveness.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the Congress today, days after its leader Raj Babbar compared the rupee's slide with the age of his mother, saying those who did not have issues to talk about, resort to abusing someone else's mother.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the Congress today, days after its leader Raj Babbar compared the rupee's slide with the age of his mother, saying those who did not have issues to talk about, resort to abusing someone else's mother. Hitting out at the Congress on Mr Babbar's remarks, he said, "When one doesn't have real issues to talk about, he resorts to abusing somebody else's mother." The Congress leader had kicked up a row in Indore on Thursday when he compared the falling value of rupee against US dollar with the age of the prime minister's mother. Addressing a rally Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur, PM Modi, in an apparent dig at UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, said 125 crore people of the country were the "high-command" of his government, which was "not remote-controlled by a madam". PM Modi claimed that "coffers of banks were emptied for the rich during the madam's government". "However, our government opened doors of banks for the needy youth," he said. The prime minister asked why Congress was abusing Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who people fondly refer to as "maama". Unlike Shivraj Chouhan, who is called 'maama' out of people's appreciation, Congress on the other hand "should worry about your own 'Maamas'. Ottavio Quattrocchai 'maama' and Warren Anderson 'maama' who were sent to America in a special airplane," he said, referring to the Bofors scandal and the 1984 Bhopal Gas tragedy. He said the Congress was voted out of power in Madhya Pradesh 15 years ago because it indulged in dynastic politics and the politics of divisiveness.

He doesn't have real issues to talk about: PM Modi on Babbar's remark for his mother

WION Exclusive: In conversation with BJP president Amit Shah

Taking a dig at the Congress for not declaring its chief ministerial face for the November 28 Madhya Pradesh assembly polls, BJP chief Amit Shah on Friday said the opposition party was an army without a commander in the state.

Shah also slammed former prime minister Manmohan Singh over his recent criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and claimed that the latter had enhanced the country's prestige in the world.

"In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP is contesting the election under the leadership of Shivraj Singh Chouhan. But who is the chief ministerial face of the Congress?... It is an army without a commander," the BJP chief said at an election rally in Seoni district's Lakhnadon.

"Who is the commander of the (Congress) army? A king, an emperor and a tired industrialist...Rahul (Gandhi) should tell which of these is the commander of the army," Shah said, in an apparent reference to Congress leaders Digvijaya Singh, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Kamal Nath respectively.

Targeting Manmohan Singh, he claimed that the former prime minister visited more foreign countries than Modi, but the latter's visits get noticed as he is warmly welcomed by the Indian diaspora abroad.

"I heard Kamal Nath was saying that Modiji goes abroad quite often. Even I felt that he goes very often. But then I thought I must check the record of the prime minister's visits abroad and I found that he has visited fewer countries than Singh," Shah said.

"A journalist then informed me that when Singh used to go abroad, he used to carry two typed speeches in English and sometimes he used to read in Malaysia the speech meant to be read in Thailand and the one meant for Malaysia in Thailand. Neither the people of that country nor the people here would get to know about it," he added.

The BJP president said when Modi visited countries like the US, China, Japan, France, Sri Lanka and Bhutan, among others, he was welcomed amidst chants of 'Modi, Modi'.

"This is neither to welcome Modi, nor a BJP leader, but it is meant for the people of Madhya Pradesh and the country's 125 crore people. Modi has raised the country's prestige in the world," Shah said.&nbsp;

Taking a dig at the Congress for not declaring its chief ministerial face for the November 28 Madhya Pradesh assembly polls, BJP chief Amit Shah on Friday said the opposition party was an army without a commander in the state.

Taking a dig at the Congress for not declaring its chief ministerial face for the November 28 Madhya Pradesh assembly polls, BJP chief Amit Shah on Friday said the opposition party was an army without a commander in the state. Shah also slammed former prime minister Manmohan Singh over his recent criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and claimed that the latter had enhanced the country's prestige in the world. "In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP is contesting the election under the leadership of Shivraj Singh Chouhan. But who is the chief ministerial face of the Congress?... It is an army without a commander," the BJP chief said at an election rally in Seoni district's Lakhnadon. "Who is the commander of the (Congress) army? A king, an emperor and a tired industrialist...Rahul (Gandhi) should tell which of these is the commander of the army," Shah said, in an apparent reference to Congress leaders Digvijaya Singh, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Kamal Nath respectively. Targeting Manmohan Singh, he claimed that the former prime minister visited more foreign countries than Modi, but the latter's visits get noticed as he is warmly welcomed by the Indian diaspora abroad. "I heard Kamal Nath was saying that Modiji goes abroad quite often. Even I felt that he goes very often. But then I thought I must check the record of the prime minister's visits abroad and I found that he has visited fewer countries than Singh," Shah said. "A journalist then informed me that when Singh used to go abroad, he used to carry two typed speeches in English and sometimes he used to read in Malaysia the speech meant to be read in Thailand and the one meant for Malaysia in Thailand. Neither the people of that country nor the people here would get to know about it," he added. The BJP president said when Modi visited countries like the US, China, Japan, France, Sri Lanka and Bhutan, among others, he was welcomed amidst chants of 'Modi, Modi'. "This is neither to welcome Modi, nor a BJP leader, but it is meant for the people of Madhya Pradesh and the country's 125 crore people. Modi has raised the country's prestige in the world," Shah said.

Congress is an army without commander in MP: BJP chief Amit Shah

Both the BJP and the Congress kept the caste arithmetic in mind while announcing their candidates for the Rajasthan assembly polls, fielding same-caste nominees against each other in at least 31 constituencies.

The two parties have fielded 33 candidates each belonging to the Jat community for the December 7 polls.

The ruling BJP has fielded 26 Rajputs and the Congress 15 from the community.

Altogether, over 60 candidates from the Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste categories are in the fray.

Besides giving prominence to Brahmin, Vaishya, Other Backward Classes and SC/STs, the opposition Congress has fielded 15 Muslim candidates against only one by the Bharatiya Janata Party for the 200-seat House.

On the 31 seats where both the Congress and the BJP have fielded candidates belonging to the same caste, there is a direct contest between 15 candidates belonging to the Jat community.

Brahmins are pitted against Brahmins on seven seats, Rajputs fight each other on four, and Gurjars and Yadavs on two seats each.

Parties in Rajasthan have always kept the caste factor in mind while distributing tickets, observers said.

For example, for years, the BJP enjoyed the support of the Rajputs. But observers said even a slight swing in loyalties this time can change the outcome, they said.

The Congress, in any case, will benefit if anti-incumbency comes into play, it is felt.

In last assembly polls, the BJP vote share was 46.05 per cent against the 33.7 per cent polled by the Congress.

In the 2008 assembly election, the BJP vote share was 34.27 per cent against the 36.82 per cent of the Congress, according to the Election Commission data.

Among the prominent Jat leaders, Ram Pratap Kasnia of the BJP is pitted against Hanuman Meel of the Congress in Suratgarh, Ram Pratap of BJP against Vinod Chaudhary of the Congress in Hanumangarh and Ram Singh Kaswan of the BJP against Krishna Punia of the Congress in Sadulpur.

Among the Brahmin contestants, BJP's Gopal Joshi has been fielded against BD Kalla of the Congress in Bikaner West and Abhinesh Mehrishi of the BJP against Bhanwarlal of the Congress in Ratangarh.

Both the BJP and the Congress kept the caste arithmetic in mind while announcing their candidates for the Rajasthan assembly polls, fielding same-caste nominees against each other in at least 31 constituencies.

Both the BJP and the Congress kept the caste arithmetic in mind while announcing their candidates for the Rajasthan assembly polls, fielding same-caste nominees against each other in at least 31 constituencies. The two parties have fielded 33 candidates each belonging to the Jat community for the December 7 polls. The ruling BJP has fielded 26 Rajputs and the Congress 15 from the community. Altogether, over 60 candidates from the Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste categories are in the fray. Besides giving prominence to Brahmin, Vaishya, Other Backward Classes and SC/STs, the opposition Congress has fielded 15 Muslim candidates against only one by the Bharatiya Janata Party for the 200-seat House. On the 31 seats where both the Congress and the BJP have fielded candidates belonging to the same caste, there is a direct contest between 15 candidates belonging to the Jat community. Brahmins are pitted against Brahmins on seven seats, Rajputs fight each other on four, and Gurjars and Yadavs on two seats each. Parties in Rajasthan have always kept the caste factor in mind while distributing tickets, observers said. For example, for years, the BJP enjoyed the support of the Rajputs. But observers said even a slight swing in loyalties this time can change the outcome, they said. The Congress, in any case, will benefit if anti-incumbency comes into play, it is felt. In last assembly polls, the BJP vote share was 46.05 per cent against the 33.7 per cent polled by the Congress. In the 2008 assembly election, the BJP vote share was 34.27 per cent against the 36.82 per cent of the Congress, according to the Election Commission data. Among the prominent Jat leaders, Ram Pratap Kasnia of the BJP is pitted against Hanuman Meel of the Congress in Suratgarh, Ram Pratap of BJP against Vinod Chaudhary of the Congress in Hanumangarh and Ram Singh Kaswan of the BJP against Krishna Punia of the Congress in Sadulpur. Among the Brahmin contestants, BJP's Gopal Joshi has been fielded against BD Kalla of the Congress in Bikaner West and Abhinesh Mehrishi of the BJP against Bhanwarlal of the Congress in Ratangarh.

Caste major factor in Rajasthan polls

Governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the Jammu &amp; Kashmir assembly on Wednesday night. Prior to the dissolution, he is said to have consulted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and a few of PM’s advisers.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti, according to media reports, is reported to have written to the Governor that she could not reach Raj Bhawan, but she tweeted in public domain, claiming that she had the support and backing of 56 MLAs. Soon after, Sajjad Lone, with only two MLAs in the assembly, showed his interest by saying that he had the support of BJP and over 18 other independent MLAs.

The legal position under Section 53 of the J&amp;K Constitution is that the action of the Governor does not need to be ratified by Parliament. It is only after the expiry of six months that President Rule can be imposed that needs Parliament’s ratification. The Governor has said that the reasons for his decision to dissolve the assembly that had a tenure till 2020, were reports of extensive horse trading and possible exchange of money in order to secure the support of legislators, thus jeopardising the fragile security scenario in the state. The Governor further said there is the impossibility of forming a stable government by coming together of political parties with opposing ideologies. 
 
&nbsp;The BJP, a partner of PDP until a few months ago, supported the Governor’s decision, saying that “J&amp;K needs a firm administration to deal with terrorism and not a combination of terror-friendly parties”. Further, BJP leaders commented, that “the best option in such a scenario is to go in for a fresh election at the earliest. This assembly cannot produce a stable government.”

Governor Malik has allowed his own reputation to be imperilled along with the impact he was reportedly making with Kashmiris by promoting his healing-touch policy, making efforts to reach out for peace and dialogue. Malik’s action has lowered the prestige of the gubernatorial office in a fragile and sensitive state of the Indian Union. He is an experienced politician and should have exhausted all the normal constitutional and democratic norms set out by the apex court.&nbsp;

Since the BJP-PDP government was dissolved in June, the Jammu and Kashmir assembly was kept in suspended animation and Governor’s Rule imposed in the state. Malik was not bound by the convention of recommending the dissolution of the assembly on advice of the chief minister and state cabinet, because neither existed. The dissolution deprived the elected legislators the opportunity to form a government in Jammu and Kashmir again.

Important political and constitutional issues lie at the heart of Governor’s action. Legally and constitutionally, Malik can say he was well within his rights to dissolve the assembly. Legitimately, power was exercised, but it was done in the pursuit of illegitimate goals. The timing of the dissolution makes it clear that Malik moved under orders — willingly or otherwise — to forestall the formation of a government that would prove inimical to the BJP’s calculations. By dissolving the J&amp;K assembly, he has ignored admittedly dodgy precedents set elsewhere.

Take Bihar. In 2015, an alliance of the Rashtriya Janata Dal, Janata Dal (United) and Congress had swept the state elections and formed a coalition government. In July 2017, barely two years later, in a move clearly orchestrated by outgoing and incoming chief minister Nitish Kumar, he disbanded the “grand alliance” by resigning as chief minister and was sworn in hours later in the same position, but with the BJP as his new ally. No gubernatorial compunctions seemed to have been experienced in showing the green light to this manoeuvre — a blatant betrayal of the 2015 mandate. In Goa, the Congress won 17 of the 40 assembly seats and the BJP, 13. The BJP got nine legislators on its side — three each from the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and Goa Forward Party and three independents. Armed with a list of 22, it was invited to form a government, which it duly did. No one expressed any reservations whatsoever.&nbsp;

Now take Jammu and Kashmir. When the PDP and BJP decided to form a coalition government, no questions were raised by the governor about this decidedly surreal alliance. If you really stretch yourself, you can find some common ground between the PDP and National Conference — they are both Kashmiri parties, both are committed to some notion of Kashmiri exceptionalism and autonomy and share the same kind of social constituencies. Also, the PDP and Congress have been allies in the past.

But by what stretch of imagination did the then Governor of Jammu and Kashmir decide that the PDP and BJP, who are ideologically and programmatically on absolutely opposite ends of the spectrum, could form a “stable” government? The imagination boggles. It is reported that the central government views this coalition as detrimental to the political situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Of course, it does. But not because the “arrangement” would be riven by “contradictions”.

What will transpire now is not yet clear. Someone or the other could move court against the dismissal of the assembly, which makes logical sense. The Congress, National Conference, PDP and other political parties may be content to wait things out for another six months, by which time state elections will have to be held. 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-give-everyone-a-chance-in-jk-2688311">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the Jammu & Kashmir assembly on Wednesday night. Prior to the dissolution, he is said to have consulted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and a few of PM’s advisers.

Governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the Jammu & Kashmir assembly on Wednesday night. Prior to the dissolution, he is said to have consulted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and a few of PM’s advisers. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti, according to media reports, is reported to have written to the Governor that she could not reach Raj Bhawan, but she tweeted in public domain, claiming that she had the support and backing of 56 MLAs. Soon after, Sajjad Lone, with only two MLAs in the assembly, showed his interest by saying that he had the support of BJP and over 18 other independent MLAs. The legal position under Section 53 of the J&K Constitution is that the action of the Governor does not need to be ratified by Parliament. It is only after the expiry of six months that President Rule can be imposed that needs Parliament’s ratification. The Governor has said that the reasons for his decision to dissolve the assembly that had a tenure till 2020, were reports of extensive horse trading and possible exchange of money in order to secure the support of legislators, thus jeopardising the fragile security scenario in the state. The Governor further said there is the impossibility of forming a stable government by coming together of political parties with opposing ideologies. The BJP, a partner of PDP until a few months ago, supported the Governor’s decision, saying that “J&K needs a firm administration to deal with terrorism and not a combination of terror-friendly parties”. Further, BJP leaders commented, that “the best option in such a scenario is to go in for a fresh election at the earliest. This assembly cannot produce a stable government.” Governor Malik has allowed his own reputation to be imperilled along with the impact he was reportedly making with Kashmiris by promoting his healing-touch policy, making efforts to reach out for peace and dialogue. Malik’s action has lowered the prestige of the gubernatorial office in a fragile and sensitive state of the Indian Union. He is an experienced politician and should have exhausted all the normal constitutional and democratic norms set out by the apex court. Since the BJP-PDP government was dissolved in June, the Jammu and Kashmir assembly was kept in suspended animation and Governor’s Rule imposed in the state. Malik was not bound by the convention of recommending the dissolution of the assembly on advice of the chief minister and state cabinet, because neither existed. The dissolution deprived the elected legislators the opportunity to form a government in Jammu and Kashmir again. Important political and constitutional issues lie at the heart of Governor’s action. Legally and constitutionally, Malik can say he was well within his rights to dissolve the assembly. Legitimately, power was exercised, but it was done in the pursuit of illegitimate goals. The timing of the dissolution makes it clear that Malik moved under orders — willingly or otherwise — to forestall the formation of a government that would prove inimical to the BJP’s calculations. By dissolving the J&K assembly, he has ignored admittedly dodgy precedents set elsewhere. Take Bihar. In 2015, an alliance of the Rashtriya Janata Dal, Janata Dal (United) and Congress had swept the state elections and formed a coalition government. In July 2017, barely two years later, in a move clearly orchestrated by outgoing and incoming chief minister Nitish Kumar, he disbanded the “grand alliance” by resigning as chief minister and was sworn in hours later in the same position, but with the BJP as his new ally. No gubernatorial compunctions seemed to have been experienced in showing the green light to this manoeuvre — a blatant betrayal of the 2015 mandate. In Goa, the Congress won 17 of the 40 assembly seats and the BJP, 13. The BJP got nine legislators on its side — three each from the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and Goa Forward Party and three independents. Armed with a list of 22, it was invited to form a government, which it duly did. No one expressed any reservations whatsoever. Now take Jammu and Kashmir. When the PDP and BJP decided to form a coalition government, no questions were raised by the governor about this decidedly surreal alliance. If you really stretch yourself, you can find some common ground between the PDP and National Conference — they are both Kashmiri parties, both are committed to some notion of Kashmiri exceptionalism and autonomy and share the same kind of social constituencies. Also, the PDP and Congress have been allies in the past. But by what stretch of imagination did the then Governor of Jammu and Kashmir decide that the PDP and BJP, who are ideologically and programmatically on absolutely opposite ends of the spectrum, could form a “stable” government? The imagination boggles. It is reported that the central government views this coalition as detrimental to the political situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Of course, it does. But not because the “arrangement” would be riven by “contradictions”. What will transpire now is not yet clear. Someone or the other could move court against the dismissal of the assembly, which makes logical sense. The Congress, National Conference, PDP and other political parties may be content to wait things out for another six months, by which time state elections will have to be held. (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)

Everyone should be given a chance in J&K

Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed Congress party on Friday as he said that he feels a deep sense of anguish when he sees the leaders of opposition party "abusing" northeast culture by calling its dress outlandish.&nbsp;

PM Modi was speaking at a campaign rally at Lunglei in poll-bound state Mizoram.

He said, "In the last four years the BJP Government at the Centre has worked for greater recognition and spread of Indian culture and traditions, far and wide. But I feel a deep sense of anguish when I see the leaders of Congress abuse the same traditions."

"You might remember how a few months back, Congress leaders insulted the traditional attire of northeast. The attire given to me at different places in the northeast, is termed outlandish by them," PM Modi added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
You might remember how a few months back, Congress leaders insulted the traditional attire of north east. The attire given to me at different places in north east, is termed outlandish by them. They speak a lot when they come here but this is their reality: PM in Lunglei, Mizoram <a href="https://t.co/XDNtVWUz8o">pic.twitter.com/XDNtVWUz8o</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1065854775500161027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"They speak a lot when they come here but this is their reality."&nbsp;

Addressing the gathering he also said that the country has understood Congress's "divide and rule" policy and that is why now they are confined to few states.

PM Modi further said that his government is focused on connectivity and "Transformation through transportation" is their agenda for Mizoram's development.

"India's development is possible when this region is developed. BJP is dedicated to the development of the northeast. We're focussing on connectivity, highway, railway, airway and waterway. 'Transformation through Transportation' our agenda for this region's development," said PM Modi.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
India's development is possible when this region is developed.BJP is dedicated to development of north east.We're focussing on connectivity, highway, railway, airway&amp;waterway. 'Transformation through Transportation' our agenda for this region's development: PM in Lunglei, Mizoram <a href="https://t.co/3E07Sc506y">pic.twitter.com/3E07Sc506y</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1065857766873579520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Election to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly will be held on November 28.&nbsp;

Mizoram is the only state in the northeastern region where the Congress is in power.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed Congress party on Friday as he said that he feels a deep sense of anguish when he sees the leaders of opposition party "abusing" northeast culture by calling its dress outlandish.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed Congress party on Friday as he said that he feels a deep sense of anguish when he sees the leaders of opposition party "abusing" northeast culture by calling its dress outlandish. PM Modi was speaking at a campaign rally at Lunglei in poll-bound state Mizoram. He said, "In the last four years the BJP Government at the Centre has worked for greater recognition and spread of Indian culture and traditions, far and wide. But I feel a deep sense of anguish when I see the leaders of Congress abuse the same traditions." "You might remember how a few months back, Congress leaders insulted the traditional attire of northeast. The attire given to me at different places in the northeast, is termed outlandish by them," PM Modi added. You might remember how a few months back, Congress leaders insulted the traditional attire of north east. The attire given to me at different places in north east, is termed outlandish by them. They speak a lot when they come here but this is their reality: PM in Lunglei, Mizoram pic.twitter.com/XDNtVWUz8o — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2018 × "They speak a lot when they come here but this is their reality." Addressing the gathering he also said that the country has understood Congress's "divide and rule" policy and that is why now they are confined to few states. PM Modi further said that his government is focused on connectivity and "Transformation through transportation" is their agenda for Mizoram's development. "India's development is possible when this region is developed. BJP is dedicated to the development of the northeast. We're focussing on connectivity, highway, railway, airway and waterway. 'Transformation through Transportation' our agenda for this region's development," said PM Modi. India's development is possible when this region is developed.BJP is dedicated to development of north east.We're focussing on connectivity, highway, railway, airway&waterway. 'Transformation through Transportation' our agenda for this region's development: PM in Lunglei, Mizoram pic.twitter.com/3E07Sc506y — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2018 × Election to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly will be held on November 28. Mizoram is the only state in the northeastern region where the Congress is in power.

Congress leaders insulted traditional attire of northeast, says PM Modi in Mizoram poll rally

The BJP Wednesday said the best option in Jammu and Kashmir is to have fresh <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-mehbooba-mufti-writes-to-governor-stakes-claim-to-form-government-178644">assembly polls</a> at the earliest as it slammed the proposed<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/governors-decision-to-dissolve-assembly-unconstitutional-mehbooba-should-move-court-saifuddin-soz-178651"> alliance of opposition </a>parties as a "combination of terror-friendly parties".

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said on Twitter, soon after the state governor dissolved the assembly amid claims by rival formations on forming a government, that the border state cannot afford horse-trading and instability keeping its security scenario in mind.

"The proposed alliance between the Congress and the PDP broke up even before it was formed. They have taken contradictory positions on dissolution. One supports it and the other opposes it," the BJP said.

"The best option in such a scenario is to go in for a fresh election at the earliest. This assembly cannot produce a stable government," it added. Jammu and Kashmir needs a firm administration to deal with terrorism and not a combination of terror-friendly parties, it added.

The Jammu and Kashmir assembly was abruptly dissolved by the Governor Wednesday night hours after the PDP staked claim to form a government with the backing of rival National Conference and the Congress followed by another bid from the two-member People's Conference which claimed the support of the BJP and 18 legislators from other parties.

The dissolution was announced by Governor Satyapal Malik in a communique released by the Raj Bhavan. In Jammu, the BJP's state unit chief Ravinder Raina said, "We welcome the decision of the governor to dissolve legislative assembly. We welcome it."

The bid by the PDP, NC and the Congress "was a conspiracy against the people of Jammu and Ladakh (regions). It was conspiracy against nationalist people and also against the country at the behest of some forces."

"We not only welcome the decision but thank the governor for foiling the conspiracy hatched by these anti-national and anti-country forces," he added.

Questioning the letter written by PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti staking claim to form a government, Raina said it was her own MLA Raza Ansari who challenged her by saying that he has 16 PDP MLAs with him supporting Sajad Lone of the People's Conference.

The BJP Wednesday said the best option in Jammu and Kashmir is to have fresh assembly polls at the earliest as it slammed the proposed alliance of opposition parties as a "combination of terror-friendly parties".

The BJP Wednesday said the best option in Jammu and Kashmir is to have fresh assembly polls at the earliest as it slammed the proposed alliance of opposition parties as a "combination of terror-friendly parties". The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said on Twitter, soon after the state governor dissolved the assembly amid claims by rival formations on forming a government, that the border state cannot afford horse-trading and instability keeping its security scenario in mind. "The proposed alliance between the Congress and the PDP broke up even before it was formed. They have taken contradictory positions on dissolution. One supports it and the other opposes it," the BJP said. "The best option in such a scenario is to go in for a fresh election at the earliest. This assembly cannot produce a stable government," it added. Jammu and Kashmir needs a firm administration to deal with terrorism and not a combination of terror-friendly parties, it added. The Jammu and Kashmir assembly was abruptly dissolved by the Governor Wednesday night hours after the PDP staked claim to form a government with the backing of rival National Conference and the Congress followed by another bid from the two-member People's Conference which claimed the support of the BJP and 18 legislators from other parties. The dissolution was announced by Governor Satyapal Malik in a communique released by the Raj Bhavan. In Jammu, the BJP's state unit chief Ravinder Raina said, "We welcome the decision of the governor to dissolve legislative assembly. We welcome it." The bid by the PDP, NC and the Congress "was a conspiracy against the people of Jammu and Ladakh (regions). It was conspiracy against nationalist people and also against the country at the behest of some forces." "We not only welcome the decision but thank the governor for foiling the conspiracy hatched by these anti-national and anti-country forces," he added. Questioning the letter written by PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti staking claim to form a government, Raina said it was her own MLA Raza Ansari who challenged her by saying that he has 16 PDP MLAs with him supporting Sajad Lone of the People's Conference.

This assembly cannot produce a stable government, says BJP amid J&K crisis

WION Gravitas: J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik defends decision to dissolve assembly

Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) chief and Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Wednesday said that “both Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress are brothers who cannot be believed”.

Addressing a public meeting at Devarakonda, Rao, who is commonly known as KCR also announced that he will enter into the national politics after the Telangana polls. He also accused TPCC president Uttam Kumar Reddy and senior leader Jana Reddy of cheating the people of Nalgonda district and added, “Around 85 tribal areas are converted into Gram Panchayat which benefited the people of Lambada community in the district. No one can stop the victory of TRS in Devarakonda.” At another public meeting in Jadcherla, Rao credited his government for completing all the pending projects in the Mahabubnagar district and criticised Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.

He said, “All the pending projects in the district are about to complete in few months. &nbsp;Chandrababu Naidu was the Chief Minister for other state and had written a letter to the central government to stop Palamuru Ethipothala project in the district, why Naidu had not developed the district in nine years and how can TDP contest here now without any guilt”. He also made an announcement of implementing a new health scheme and said, “A new health scheme same as Kantivelugu will be implemented by the ENT department and blood samples of public will be collected in the state by which the Telangana health status can be known to the government.”

Claiming that the TRS government has implemented many schemes which are not implemented anywhere in the world, he also promised to provide water for 20 lakhs acre of land in the Mahabubnagar district. The Telangana Legislative Assembly Elections are scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) chief and Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Wednesday said that “both Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress are brothers who cannot be believed”.

Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) chief and Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Wednesday said that “both Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress are brothers who cannot be believed”. Addressing a public meeting at Devarakonda, Rao, who is commonly known as KCR also announced that he will enter into the national politics after the Telangana polls. He also accused TPCC president Uttam Kumar Reddy and senior leader Jana Reddy of cheating the people of Nalgonda district and added, “Around 85 tribal areas are converted into Gram Panchayat which benefited the people of Lambada community in the district. No one can stop the victory of TRS in Devarakonda.” At another public meeting in Jadcherla, Rao credited his government for completing all the pending projects in the Mahabubnagar district and criticised Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. He said, “All the pending projects in the district are about to complete in few months. Chandrababu Naidu was the Chief Minister for other state and had written a letter to the central government to stop Palamuru Ethipothala project in the district, why Naidu had not developed the district in nine years and how can TDP contest here now without any guilt”. He also made an announcement of implementing a new health scheme and said, “A new health scheme same as Kantivelugu will be implemented by the ENT department and blood samples of public will be collected in the state by which the Telangana health status can be known to the government.” Claiming that the TRS government has implemented many schemes which are not implemented anywhere in the world, he also promised to provide water for 20 lakhs acre of land in the Mahabubnagar district. The Telangana Legislative Assembly Elections are scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

BJP, Congress are brothers who can’t be believed: KCR

What started as a bang and great hope has ended in a great tragedy in Kashmir. The attempt to bridge Jammu with Kashmir has ended in a disaster. Today Kashmir is back to square one. The civilian life stands disrupted.&nbsp;

The modicum of normalcy which existed prior to 2014 lies completely shattered. Though every development in Kashmir cannot be heaped on BJP but the party is surely to be blamed for the response it came up with months after months.&nbsp;

Kashmir became an experiment shop for the nationalist narrative. Unnecessary debates dominated the tenure of the PDP-BJP development.&nbsp;

Whether it was the state flag, Article 370, Article 35(A) - unnecessary controversies dominated the tenure of the regime. The worst disservice was that Army was brought into Kashmir issue as a political agent. Indian Army’s view became another pillar in the conversation which was already suffering from political McCarthyism.

Unfortunate thing is that Army’s view was never an issue but their position on certain issues was continuously milked to attack and discredit the Opposition. It played out well for the audience in the heartland but ended up alienating average Kashmiri and adding strain on the alliance which ultimately cracked because of the inherent contradictions. Both of them were unnatural partners who were ideologically opposed and represented opposed social constituencies.

Despite unending failure at every level, BJP still thought of something unimaginable. It thought of pushing Sajad Lone as the CM face and tried to encourage defections. It pushed the narrative of 'Third Party' in a play where none existed. The push prompted political reorganisation by National Conference (NC), PDP and Congress. Whether it was fear, hard political compulsion or matter of survival, it spooked the BJP. The worst fear of BJP came into existence like wildfire. The real issue was what if 'Grand Alliance' becomes a reality in J&amp;K? Will it have an impact on elections?&nbsp;

These are conjunctures, but the fact remains that the BJP’s incessant push to remain in power through backdoor created an alignment which neither of them was interested in.

There is no doubt that PDP and NC are not the best of partners, but they have more ideological similarity than what is shared between BJP and PDP. On top of it, Congress has been in alliance with both NC and PDP. So, the reason given by the Governor of horse trading and ideological divide does not hold water. It shows that BJP became nervous that if this alliance comes to power then it will add weight to the idea behind 'Grand Alliance' again.&nbsp;

It is, for this reason, the BJP decided to opt for the more convenient option which is President’s rule. It happened despite the fact that both NC and Congress in long run did not want to tie up with PDP which has burnt its political ground in South Kashmir.&nbsp;

Kashmir shows the limit of push a political party and state can exert on society. Unbridled power and hard politics divorced from political ethics can produce results like these. Indira Gandhi’s total hegemony brought everyone together. Today, BJP stands in the same total position without realising that uncontained political ambition can be self-limiting.&nbsp;

Accommodative politics sometimes leads to better longevity. There are many lessons and less known issues. For example, as to why Home Minister Rajnath Singh and General Secretary in charge of J&amp;K Ram Madhav could not convince Modi-Shah duo to let Assembly survive for a few more days would be another story, but Kashmir, in the end, has come out as the real victim of national politics.

This is the tragedy with which the nation will have to deal with in the longer run. A Kashmir which is more fragile, more alienated and less safe and all cannot be blamed on the enemy across the border. Some responsibility also lies with BJP.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

What started as a bang and great hope has ended in a great tragedy in Kashmir. The attempt to bridge Jammu with Kashmir has ended in a disaster. Today Kashmir is back to square one.

What started as a bang and great hope has ended in a great tragedy in Kashmir. The attempt to bridge Jammu with Kashmir has ended in a disaster. Today Kashmir is back to square one. The civilian life stands disrupted. The modicum of normalcy which existed prior to 2014 lies completely shattered. Though every development in Kashmir cannot be heaped on BJP but the party is surely to be blamed for the response it came up with months after months. Kashmir became an experiment shop for the nationalist narrative. Unnecessary debates dominated the tenure of the PDP-BJP development. Whether it was the state flag, Article 370, Article 35(A) - unnecessary controversies dominated the tenure of the regime. The worst disservice was that Army was brought into Kashmir issue as a political agent. Indian Army’s view became another pillar in the conversation which was already suffering from political McCarthyism. Unfortunate thing is that Army’s view was never an issue but their position on certain issues was continuously milked to attack and discredit the Opposition. It played out well for the audience in the heartland but ended up alienating average Kashmiri and adding strain on the alliance which ultimately cracked because of the inherent contradictions. Both of them were unnatural partners who were ideologically opposed and represented opposed social constituencies. Despite unending failure at every level, BJP still thought of something unimaginable. It thought of pushing Sajad Lone as the CM face and tried to encourage defections. It pushed the narrative of 'Third Party' in a play where none existed. The push prompted political reorganisation by National Conference (NC), PDP and Congress. Whether it was fear, hard political compulsion or matter of survival, it spooked the BJP. The worst fear of BJP came into existence like wildfire. The real issue was what if 'Grand Alliance' becomes a reality in J&K? Will it have an impact on elections? These are conjunctures, but the fact remains that the BJP’s incessant push to remain in power through backdoor created an alignment which neither of them was interested in. There is no doubt that PDP and NC are not the best of partners, but they have more ideological similarity than what is shared between BJP and PDP. On top of it, Congress has been in alliance with both NC and PDP. So, the reason given by the Governor of horse trading and ideological divide does not hold water. It shows that BJP became nervous that if this alliance comes to power then it will add weight to the idea behind 'Grand Alliance' again. It is, for this reason, the BJP decided to opt for the more convenient option which is President’s rule. It happened despite the fact that both NC and Congress in long run did not want to tie up with PDP which has burnt its political ground in South Kashmir. Kashmir shows the limit of push a political party and state can exert on society. Unbridled power and hard politics divorced from political ethics can produce results like these. Indira Gandhi’s total hegemony brought everyone together. Today, BJP stands in the same total position without realising that uncontained political ambition can be self-limiting. Accommodative politics sometimes leads to better longevity. There are many lessons and less known issues. For example, as to why Home Minister Rajnath Singh and General Secretary in charge of J&K Ram Madhav could not convince Modi-Shah duo to let Assembly survive for a few more days would be another story, but Kashmir, in the end, has come out as the real victim of national politics. This is the tragedy with which the nation will have to deal with in the longer run. A Kashmir which is more fragile, more alienated and less safe and all cannot be blamed on the enemy across the border. Some responsibility also lies with BJP. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

End of honeymoon: Political McCarthyism bites BJP in Kashmir

The BJP Wednesday said the best option in Jammu and Kashmir is to have fresh assembly polls at the earliest and added that the&nbsp;present&nbsp;assembly cannot produce a stable government.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The best option in such a scenario is to go in for a fresh election at the earliest. This assembly cannot produce a stable government.
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1065285268222197760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said on Twitter, soon after the state governor dissolved the assembly amid claims by rival formations on forming a government, the state needs a firm administration to deal with terrorism and not a combination of terror-friendly parties.

Keeping the security scenario of J&amp;K in mind, can it afford horse-trading and instability, the party said in its Twitter handle.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The proposed alliance between the INC and the PDP broke up even before it was formed. They have taken contradictory positions on dissolution. One supports it and the other opposes it.
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1065285074302746624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

''The proposed alliance between the INC and the PDP broke up even before it was formed. They have taken contradictory positions on dissolution. One supports it and the other opposes it,'' stated another tweet.

The Jammu and Kashmir assembly was abruptly dissolved by the Governor Wednesday night hours after the PDP staked claim to form a government with the backing of rival National Conference and the Congress followed by another bid from the two-member People's Conference which claimed the support of the BJP and 18 legislators from other parties.

The dissolution was announced by Governor Satyapal Malik in a communique released by the Raj Bhavan.&nbsp;

The BJP Wednesday said the best option in Jammu and Kashmir is to have fresh assembly polls at the earliest and added that the present assembly cannot produce a stable government.

The BJP Wednesday said the best option in Jammu and Kashmir is to have fresh assembly polls at the earliest and added that the present assembly cannot produce a stable government. The best option in such a scenario is to go in for a fresh election at the earliest. This assembly cannot produce a stable government. — BJP (@BJP4India) November 21, 2018 × The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said on Twitter, soon after the state governor dissolved the assembly amid claims by rival formations on forming a government, the state needs a firm administration to deal with terrorism and not a combination of terror-friendly parties. Keeping the security scenario of J&K in mind, can it afford horse-trading and instability, the party said in its Twitter handle. The proposed alliance between the INC and the PDP broke up even before it was formed. They have taken contradictory positions on dissolution. One supports it and the other opposes it. — BJP (@BJP4India) November 21, 2018 × ''The proposed alliance between the INC and the PDP broke up even before it was formed. They have taken contradictory positions on dissolution. One supports it and the other opposes it,'' stated another tweet. The Jammu and Kashmir assembly was abruptly dissolved by the Governor Wednesday night hours after the PDP staked claim to form a government with the backing of rival National Conference and the Congress followed by another bid from the two-member People's Conference which claimed the support of the BJP and 18 legislators from other parties. The dissolution was announced by Governor Satyapal Malik in a communique released by the Raj Bhavan.

Best option in Jammu and Kashmir is to go for fresh polls at earliest: BJP 

The BJP said on Tuesday the Supreme Court is the right authority to examine whether the sensational charges brought by CBI DIG Manish Kumar Sinha against a Union minister and top officials has any substantive basis or is “politically motivated”.

The feud within the CBI turned murkier on Monday with Sinha dragging the names of NSA Ajit Doval, Union minister Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary and CVC K V Chowdhury over alleged attempts to interfere in the probe against the agency’s Special Director Rakesh Asthana, who has also been divested of his duties and sent on leave by the government along with Director Alok Kumar Verma.

BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said the matter is “sub judice”, but took objection to “somebody serving in an organisation twisting the name of that organisation itself”.

When asked by reporters about the issue, he said, “The matter is sub judice. The Supreme Court is hearing the matter on a regular basis. The court apparently itself said there is no urgency to hear this particular complaint. Therefore, it is not proper for me to make a political comment.”

Sinha, who was probing the FIR against Asthana, the CBI’s number two, and important cases like the PNB scam involving Nirav Modi, made a litany of sensational allegations in his petition before the Supreme Court that sought an urgent hearing for quashing his transfer to Nagpur.

“The court itself did not see any merit or emergency in the allegations being made. Therefore, I think the right authority to examine this complaint is the court itself. Whether this statement is politically motivated or has any substantive basis is something that the court will examine,” he said.

“But, prima facie, I have a strong objection to somebody serving in an organisation twisting the name of that organisation itself… Honestly, in my opinion, that deserves disciplinary action,” Rao said.

“I think no individual serving in an organisation should have the audacity to really target the organisation. You can always make allegations about individuals, make statements, offer evidence. But, trying to lower the stature of the organisation itself, to my mind, is simply not done. It’s a breach of discipline as far as my understanding goes,” he said.

A furious Supreme Court on Tuesday told all the parties in a case involving the CBI’s top brass they did not “deserve” a hearing in the light of the purported leak of the agency chief’s reply to the CVC’s probe findings against him and making public the allegations by its senior officer Manish Kumar Sinha against top officials.

K V Chowdhury did not respond to queries when his reaction was sought while Doval, the National Security Advisor, was not immediately available for comments. The union minister termed the allegations as baseless and malicious.

The BJP said on Tuesday the Supreme Court is the right authority to examine whether the sensational charges brought by CBI DIG Manish Kumar Sinha against a Union minister and top officials has any substantive basis or is “politically motivated”.

The BJP said on Tuesday the Supreme Court is the right authority to examine whether the sensational charges brought by CBI DIG Manish Kumar Sinha against a Union minister and top officials has any substantive basis or is “politically motivated”. The feud within the CBI turned murkier on Monday with Sinha dragging the names of NSA Ajit Doval, Union minister Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary and CVC K V Chowdhury over alleged attempts to interfere in the probe against the agency’s Special Director Rakesh Asthana, who has also been divested of his duties and sent on leave by the government along with Director Alok Kumar Verma. BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said the matter is “sub judice”, but took objection to “somebody serving in an organisation twisting the name of that organisation itself”. When asked by reporters about the issue, he said, “The matter is sub judice. The Supreme Court is hearing the matter on a regular basis. The court apparently itself said there is no urgency to hear this particular complaint. Therefore, it is not proper for me to make a political comment.” Sinha, who was probing the FIR against Asthana, the CBI’s number two, and important cases like the PNB scam involving Nirav Modi, made a litany of sensational allegations in his petition before the Supreme Court that sought an urgent hearing for quashing his transfer to Nagpur. “The court itself did not see any merit or emergency in the allegations being made. Therefore, I think the right authority to examine this complaint is the court itself. Whether this statement is politically motivated or has any substantive basis is something that the court will examine,” he said. “But, prima facie, I have a strong objection to somebody serving in an organisation twisting the name of that organisation itself… Honestly, in my opinion, that deserves disciplinary action,” Rao said. “I think no individual serving in an organisation should have the audacity to really target the organisation. You can always make allegations about individuals, make statements, offer evidence. But, trying to lower the stature of the organisation itself, to my mind, is simply not done. It’s a breach of discipline as far as my understanding goes,” he said. A furious Supreme Court on Tuesday told all the parties in a case involving the CBI’s top brass they did not “deserve” a hearing in the light of the purported leak of the agency chief’s reply to the CVC’s probe findings against him and making public the allegations by its senior officer Manish Kumar Sinha against top officials. K V Chowdhury did not respond to queries when his reaction was sought while Doval, the National Security Advisor, was not immediately available for comments. The union minister termed the allegations as baseless and malicious.

BJP says Supreme Court to decide if charges against Union minister Haribhai politically motivated

With the conclusion of the second and final phase of polling in BJP ruled Chhattisgarh on Tuesday (20 November), all eyes are now on the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, also under BJP rule for last 15 years, where polling will be held on November 28 .

The contest is triangular in Chhattisgarh between the ruling BJP, Congress and the BSP-JCC alliance.&nbsp;

In Madhya Pradesh also the main battle is between the BJP and the Congress. The BSP and Samajwadi Party are also in the fray and would be angling for about a dozen seats, mainly constituencies in districts bordering Uttar Pradesh. There are also small pockets where the Aam Aadmi Party candidates have positioned themselves among the top three contenders.

The huge people’s movement against reservation, which has been built in the state since 2016 by Samanya Pichda Alpsankhyaalyan Samaj (Sapaks Samaj), had received a shot in the arm by the massive public response to the call for Bharat Bandh against the amendment to the SC/ST Atrocities Act on September 6 this year.&nbsp;

This had given an indication of the emergence of a third force in MP politics but its punch and edge got dissipated within no time. A major reason for this is the vertical split in Sapaks Samaj and the controversy over the registration of a political party by the name of “Sapaks Party” by the Election Commission. A Division bench, headed by the Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh high court, heard a writ petition in this matter on Monday (19 November) and reserved for order its verdict in this matter. Also there were about two dozen newly registered and untested political parties, lacking the basic leadership but claiming to represent those opposed to the reservation on caste lines. 
 
They suddenly popped up like mushroom but nothing has been heard of them after a futile bid by popular Kathavachak Devkinandan Thakur to bring them under a single umbrella by ensuring all parties opposed to the Atrocities Act unite and settle for “single banner and same election symbol” in every constituency.

In Madhya Pradesh, the state BJP unit will be taking its poll campaign to another level on Wednesday (November 21) by lighting lotus shaped “diyas” (lamps), symbolising BJP’s election symbol, in homes across the state. This has a religious connotation as the BJP has named its novel form of the campaign as Kamal Diwali. It will be observed with the same enthusiasm as Diwali, the festival of lights.

Kamal Diwali will be a demonstration of BJP’s reach and support base prior to polling, now only a week away. It will also help in ensuring the BJP workers at the booth level are in the alert mode to help mobilise votes on D-day. BJP’s target is to reach out and cover at least 60000 villages through Kamal Diwali.

Not to be left behind will be the Congress party. Its workers will be going from booth-to-booth and door-to-door to present cotton wicks to the voters to light the “Badlav ki Baati” (lamps for change).

In the final run-up to elections, leaders from both sides – BJP and Congress – are following the no-holds-barred approach when it comes to lashing out at each other.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was at his piercing best at his election rallies at Jhabua and Rewa, two far corners of Madhya Pradesh, on Tuesday. Targeting the Congress and holding it responsible for spreading corruption, the Prime Minister said that he was forced to go ahead with demonetisation to strike at the termite of corruption. Taking a dig at the Nehru-Gandhi family, he cited the example of the Moghuls and the ruling class in ancient and pre-history days and said four generations down the line their rule fell into decay.

From the Congress side, while former Congress president Arun Yadav is locked in a bitter fight with State Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Budhni, State Congress President Kamal Nath, along with party satraps Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ajay Singh, Digvijaya Singh and Suresh Pachouri are holding the fort, countering every attack from the BJP side by throwing shot for shot and galvanising support for their party candidates in their respective areas of influence.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

With the conclusion of the second and final phase of polling in BJP ruled Chhattisgarh on Tuesday (20 November), all eyes are now on the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, also under BJP rule for last 15 years, where polling will be held on November 28 .

With the conclusion of the second and final phase of polling in BJP ruled Chhattisgarh on Tuesday (20 November), all eyes are now on the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, also under BJP rule for last 15 years, where polling will be held on November 28 . The contest is triangular in Chhattisgarh between the ruling BJP, Congress and the BSP-JCC alliance. In Madhya Pradesh also the main battle is between the BJP and the Congress. The BSP and Samajwadi Party are also in the fray and would be angling for about a dozen seats, mainly constituencies in districts bordering Uttar Pradesh. There are also small pockets where the Aam Aadmi Party candidates have positioned themselves among the top three contenders. The huge people’s movement against reservation, which has been built in the state since 2016 by Samanya Pichda Alpsankhyaalyan Samaj (Sapaks Samaj), had received a shot in the arm by the massive public response to the call for Bharat Bandh against the amendment to the SC/ST Atrocities Act on September 6 this year. This had given an indication of the emergence of a third force in MP politics but its punch and edge got dissipated within no time. A major reason for this is the vertical split in Sapaks Samaj and the controversy over the registration of a political party by the name of “Sapaks Party” by the Election Commission. A Division bench, headed by the Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh high court, heard a writ petition in this matter on Monday (19 November) and reserved for order its verdict in this matter. Also there were about two dozen newly registered and untested political parties, lacking the basic leadership but claiming to represent those opposed to the reservation on caste lines. They suddenly popped up like mushroom but nothing has been heard of them after a futile bid by popular Kathavachak Devkinandan Thakur to bring them under a single umbrella by ensuring all parties opposed to the Atrocities Act unite and settle for “single banner and same election symbol” in every constituency. In Madhya Pradesh, the state BJP unit will be taking its poll campaign to another level on Wednesday (November 21) by lighting lotus shaped “diyas” (lamps), symbolising BJP’s election symbol, in homes across the state. This has a religious connotation as the BJP has named its novel form of the campaign as Kamal Diwali. It will be observed with the same enthusiasm as Diwali, the festival of lights. Kamal Diwali will be a demonstration of BJP’s reach and support base prior to polling, now only a week away. It will also help in ensuring the BJP workers at the booth level are in the alert mode to help mobilise votes on D-day. BJP’s target is to reach out and cover at least 60000 villages through Kamal Diwali. Not to be left behind will be the Congress party. Its workers will be going from booth-to-booth and door-to-door to present cotton wicks to the voters to light the “Badlav ki Baati” (lamps for change). In the final run-up to elections, leaders from both sides – BJP and Congress – are following the no-holds-barred approach when it comes to lashing out at each other. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was at his piercing best at his election rallies at Jhabua and Rewa, two far corners of Madhya Pradesh, on Tuesday. Targeting the Congress and holding it responsible for spreading corruption, the Prime Minister said that he was forced to go ahead with demonetisation to strike at the termite of corruption. Taking a dig at the Nehru-Gandhi family, he cited the example of the Moghuls and the ruling class in ancient and pre-history days and said four generations down the line their rule fell into decay. From the Congress side, while former Congress president Arun Yadav is locked in a bitter fight with State Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Budhni, State Congress President Kamal Nath, along with party satraps Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ajay Singh, Digvijaya Singh and Suresh Pachouri are holding the fort, countering every attack from the BJP side by throwing shot for shot and galvanising support for their party candidates in their respective areas of influence. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

In final run-up to MP elections, war of words intensifies between Congress and BJP

The BJP said on Tuesday the Supreme Court is the right authority to examine whether the sensational charges brought by CBI DIG Manish Kumar Sinha against a Union minister and top officials has any substantive basis or is "politically motivated".

The feud within the CBI turned murkier on Monday with Sinha dragging the names of NSA Ajit Doval, Union minister Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary and CVC K V Chowdhury over alleged attempts to interfere in the probe against the agency's Special Director Rakesh Asthana, who has also been divested of his duties and sent on leave by the government along with Director Alok Kumar Verma.

BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said the matter is "sub judice", but took objection to "somebody serving in an organisation twisting the name of that organisation itself".

When asked by reporters about the issue, he said, "The matter is sub judice. The Supreme Court is hearing the matter on a regular basis. The court apparently itself said there is no urgency to hear this particular complaint. Therefore, it is not proper for me to make a political comment."

Sinha, who was probing the FIR against Asthana, the CBI's number two, and important cases like the PNB scam involving Nirav Modi, made a litany of sensational allegations in his petition before the Supreme Court that sought urgent hearing for quashing his transfer to Nagpur.

"The court itself did not see any merit or emergency in the allegations being made. Therefore, I think the right authority to examine this complaint is the court itself. Whether this statement is politically motivated or has any substantive basis is something that the court will examine," he said.

"But, prima facie, I have a strong objection to somebody serving in an organisation twisting the name of that organisation itself... Honestly, in my opinion, that deserves disciplinary action," Rao said.

"I think no individual serving in an organisation should have the audacity to really target the organisation. You can always make allegations about individuals, make statements, offer evidence.

But, trying to lower the stature of the organisation itself, to my mind, is simply not done. It's a breach of discipline as far as my understanding goes," he said.

A furious Supreme Court on Tuesday told all the parties in a case involving the CBI's top brass they did not "deserve" a hearing in the light of the purported leak of the agency chief's reply to the CVC's probe findings against him and making public the allegations by its senior officer Manish Kumar Sinha against top officials.

K V Chowdhury did not respond to queries when his reaction was sought while Doval, the National Security Advisor, was not immediately available for comments. The union minister termed the allegations as baseless and malicious.&nbsp;

The BJP said on Tuesday the Supreme Court is the right authority to examine whether the sensational charges brought by CBI DIG Manish Kumar Sinha against a Union minister and top officials has any substantive basis or is "politically motivated".

The BJP said on Tuesday the Supreme Court is the right authority to examine whether the sensational charges brought by CBI DIG Manish Kumar Sinha against a Union minister and top officials has any substantive basis or is "politically motivated". The feud within the CBI turned murkier on Monday with Sinha dragging the names of NSA Ajit Doval, Union minister Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary and CVC K V Chowdhury over alleged attempts to interfere in the probe against the agency's Special Director Rakesh Asthana, who has also been divested of his duties and sent on leave by the government along with Director Alok Kumar Verma. BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said the matter is "sub judice", but took objection to "somebody serving in an organisation twisting the name of that organisation itself". When asked by reporters about the issue, he said, "The matter is sub judice. The Supreme Court is hearing the matter on a regular basis. The court apparently itself said there is no urgency to hear this particular complaint. Therefore, it is not proper for me to make a political comment." Sinha, who was probing the FIR against Asthana, the CBI's number two, and important cases like the PNB scam involving Nirav Modi, made a litany of sensational allegations in his petition before the Supreme Court that sought urgent hearing for quashing his transfer to Nagpur. "The court itself did not see any merit or emergency in the allegations being made. Therefore, I think the right authority to examine this complaint is the court itself. Whether this statement is politically motivated or has any substantive basis is something that the court will examine," he said. "But, prima facie, I have a strong objection to somebody serving in an organisation twisting the name of that organisation itself... Honestly, in my opinion, that deserves disciplinary action," Rao said. "I think no individual serving in an organisation should have the audacity to really target the organisation. You can always make allegations about individuals, make statements, offer evidence. But, trying to lower the stature of the organisation itself, to my mind, is simply not done. It's a breach of discipline as far as my understanding goes," he said. A furious Supreme Court on Tuesday told all the parties in a case involving the CBI's top brass they did not "deserve" a hearing in the light of the purported leak of the agency chief's reply to the CVC's probe findings against him and making public the allegations by its senior officer Manish Kumar Sinha against top officials. K V Chowdhury did not respond to queries when his reaction was sought while Doval, the National Security Advisor, was not immediately available for comments. The union minister termed the allegations as baseless and malicious.

SC will examine if allegations politically motivated: BJP on CBI row

The BJP has fielded 23 women out of its 200 candidates, while the Congress has given tickets to 27 out of its 195 candidates for the Rajasthan Assembly election.

The number of Bharatiya Janata Party women candidates are two less compared to the 2013 Assembly election, while the Congress had fielded four more this time.

The Congress has given tickets to three Muslim women, and the BJP chose four women from the erstwhile royal families.

The women from the erstwhile royal families include Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, sitting MLAs Siddhi Kumari, Krishnendra Kaur Deepa and Kalpna Devi, who is the wife of former Congress MP Ijyaraj Singh.&nbsp;

Among the Congress' women candidates, Divya Maderna is the daughter of former minister Mahipal Maderna, who is facing trial in the Bhanwari Devi murder case, while the husbands of Safia and Gulnaz had contested the 2013 assembly election as Congress candidates.&nbsp;

The BJP has fielded 23 women out of its 200 candidates, while the Congress has given tickets to 27 out of its 195 candidates for the Rajasthan Assembly election.

The BJP has fielded 23 women out of its 200 candidates, while the Congress has given tickets to 27 out of its 195 candidates for the Rajasthan Assembly election. The number of Bharatiya Janata Party women candidates are two less compared to the 2013 Assembly election, while the Congress had fielded four more this time. The Congress has given tickets to three Muslim women, and the BJP chose four women from the erstwhile royal families. The women from the erstwhile royal families include Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, sitting MLAs Siddhi Kumari, Krishnendra Kaur Deepa and Kalpna Devi, who is the wife of former Congress MP Ijyaraj Singh. Among the Congress' women candidates, Divya Maderna is the daughter of former minister Mahipal Maderna, who is facing trial in the Bhanwari Devi murder case, while the husbands of Safia and Gulnaz had contested the 2013 assembly election as Congress candidates.

Women candidates in Rajasthan polls: Congress 27, BJP 23

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Monday ensured that Ram Mandir would be built, will also throw a jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

While addressing the crowd he said: "Just like Rs 15 lakh in everyone’s account, is Ram Mandir also a jumla? When we're taking up this issue, we aim to ensure that Ram Mandir is actually built. This issue comes up only during the elections and once elections are over it is forgotten," as quoted by news agency ANI.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Just like Rs 15 lakh in everyone’s account,is Ram Mandir also a jumla? When we're taking up this issue, we aim to ensure that Ram Mandir is actually built.This issue comes up only during the elections &amp;once elections are over it is forgotten: Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena in Mumbai <a href="https://t.co/XFlMCTDMUU">pic.twitter.com/XFlMCTDMUU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1064803939693023232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Thackeray is set to visit Ayodhya on November 24 and 25 to pay obeisance to the Ram Lalla at Ram Janmabhoomi.&nbsp;

He also came up with a new slogan "pehle mandir, fir sarkaar" (First temple, then government).&nbsp;

The Shiv Sena, which is the part of the BJP-led governments in both Maharashtra and the Centre, has been aggressively pushing for the construction of the temple since the party's annual Dussehra rally last month.

The party has often taunted its ally BJP over the saffron party's "failure" to construct the temple in the last four years despite coming to power.

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Monday ensured that Ram Mandir would be built, will also throw a jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While addressing the crowd he said: "Just like Rs 15 lakh in everyone’s account, is Ram Mandir also a jumla?

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Monday ensured that Ram Mandir would be built, will also throw a jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While addressing the crowd he said: "Just like Rs 15 lakh in everyone’s account, is Ram Mandir also a jumla? When we're taking up this issue, we aim to ensure that Ram Mandir is actually built. This issue comes up only during the elections and once elections are over it is forgotten," as quoted by news agency ANI. Just like Rs 15 lakh in everyone’s account,is Ram Mandir also a jumla? When we're taking up this issue, we aim to ensure that Ram Mandir is actually built.This issue comes up only during the elections &once elections are over it is forgotten: Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena in Mumbai pic.twitter.com/XFlMCTDMUU — ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2018 × Thackeray is set to visit Ayodhya on November 24 and 25 to pay obeisance to the Ram Lalla at Ram Janmabhoomi. He also came up with a new slogan "pehle mandir, fir sarkaar" (First temple, then government). The Shiv Sena, which is the part of the BJP-led governments in both Maharashtra and the Centre, has been aggressively pushing for the construction of the temple since the party's annual Dussehra rally last month. The party has often taunted its ally BJP over the saffron party's "failure" to construct the temple in the last four years despite coming to power.

'Is Ram Mandir also a jumla?' asks Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray

The opposition is suffering from the "Narendra Modi-phobia", BJP president Amit Shah said today. Addressing a rally in Madhya Pradesh's&nbsp;Narsinghpur ahead of the November 28 assembly election, Shah asked the Congress to give an account of what the four generations of the Nehru-Gandhi family did when they ruled the country.

"The opposition is suffering from Narendra Modi-phobia. They just want to get rid of (PM) Modi from the prime minister's post while we want to get rid of poverty, insecurity and air pollution among others," Shah said.

The BJP chief&nbsp;said the Narendra Modi government launched 129 developmental schemes in four years. "Give an account of what the four generations (of Nehru-Gandhi family) did when they ruled the country," he said.

"In a recent rally, Rahul Gandhi uttered (PM) Modi's name 44 times in his 22-minute speech. I am wondering whether he is campaigning for the BJP or the Congress," Shah said, in remarks laced with sarcasm.

He also lauded the centre for the army's surgical strike on terror launchpads across the border post the Uri attack in 2016.

"When the Uri terror attack took place, the entire country was angry. (PM) Modi ordered surgical strikes and made India the third country in the world after the US and Israel who have avenged killings of its soldiers," he said.

Shah alleged that former prime minister Manmohan Singh had left the Indian economy at ninth position in the world in 2014, which, he said, the BJP raised to sixth position.

"By the time counting of these polls is done, India would have surpassed the UK to become the fifth-largest economy in the world," he added.

The opposition is suffering from the "Narendra Modi-phobia", BJP president Amit Shah said today. Addressing a rally in Madhya Pradesh's Narsinghpur ahead of the November 28 assembly election, Shah asked the Congress to give an account of what the four generations of the Nehru-Gandhi family did when they ruled the country.

The opposition is suffering from the "Narendra Modi-phobia", BJP president Amit Shah said today. Addressing a rally in Madhya Pradesh's Narsinghpur ahead of the November 28 assembly election, Shah asked the Congress to give an account of what the four generations of the Nehru-Gandhi family did when they ruled the country. "The opposition is suffering from Narendra Modi-phobia. They just want to get rid of (PM) Modi from the prime minister's post while we want to get rid of poverty, insecurity and air pollution among others," Shah said. The BJP chief said the Narendra Modi government launched 129 developmental schemes in four years. "Give an account of what the four generations (of Nehru-Gandhi family) did when they ruled the country," he said. "In a recent rally, Rahul Gandhi uttered (PM) Modi's name 44 times in his 22-minute speech. I am wondering whether he is campaigning for the BJP or the Congress," Shah said, in remarks laced with sarcasm. He also lauded the centre for the army's surgical strike on terror launchpads across the border post the Uri attack in 2016. "When the Uri terror attack took place, the entire country was angry. (PM) Modi ordered surgical strikes and made India the third country in the world after the US and Israel who have avenged killings of its soldiers," he said. Shah alleged that former prime minister Manmohan Singh had left the Indian economy at ninth position in the world in 2014, which, he said, the BJP raised to sixth position. "By the time counting of these polls is done, India would have surpassed the UK to become the fifth-largest economy in the world," he added.

Rahul Gandhi has 'Modi-Phobia', named him 44 times in speech: Amit Shah

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje along with Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Prakash Javadekar on Monday flagged off the election campaign of the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the state elections.

"From today onwards the election campaign has finally begun in the state of Rajasthan. It has now initiated legally and formally for the coming general assembly polls. BJP is connected with the people from grass root level. The people of Rajasthan have always favoured development. I am fully assured that BJP will come to power again in the state," Raje told media here.

Raje further stated that the BJP will also bag the Tonk legislative constituency, from where Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) chief Sachin Pilot is contesting.

The assembly elections will take place in a single phase for all 200 seats on December 7. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje along with Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Prakash Javadekar on Monday flagged off the election campaign of the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the state elections.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje along with Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Prakash Javadekar on Monday flagged off the election campaign of the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the state elections. "From today onwards the election campaign has finally begun in the state of Rajasthan. It has now initiated legally and formally for the coming general assembly polls. BJP is connected with the people from grass root level. The people of Rajasthan have always favoured development. I am fully assured that BJP will come to power again in the state," Raje told media here. Raje further stated that the BJP will also bag the Tonk legislative constituency, from where Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) chief Sachin Pilot is contesting. The assembly elections will take place in a single phase for all 200 seats on December 7. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Rajasthan: CM Raje flags off BJP's election campaign

Union minister Piyush Goyal claimed Saturday a survey, commissioned by him, of over 5.4 lakh respondents across the country revealed the BJP will win between 297-303 seats in the next year's Lok Sabha polls.

The minister said he had conducted out a similar survey in 2013 that had predicted an absolute majority for the BJP in 2014, and it was right.

For the 2019 elections, the survey was conducted out in August-September, he said.

"I'm happy to share that the BJP looks to be between 297-303 seats by itself in the 2019 elections," he said at the annual ET awards here.

He said the survey was not done by the BJP but by a private agency, generally used by media houses.

Goyal said in this year's survey, there were 5.4 lakh respondents, which was unheard of number in any such survey in the world.

Union minister Piyush Goyal claimed Saturday a survey, commissioned by him, of over 5.4 lakh respondents across the country revealed the BJP will win between 297-303 seats in the next year's Lok Sabha polls.

Union minister Piyush Goyal claimed Saturday a survey, commissioned by him, of over 5.4 lakh respondents across the country revealed the BJP will win between 297-303 seats in the next year's Lok Sabha polls. The minister said he had conducted out a similar survey in 2013 that had predicted an absolute majority for the BJP in 2014, and it was right. For the 2019 elections, the survey was conducted out in August-September, he said. "I'm happy to share that the BJP looks to be between 297-303 seats by itself in the 2019 elections," he said at the annual ET awards here. He said the survey was not done by the BJP but by a private agency, generally used by media houses. Goyal said in this year's survey, there were 5.4 lakh respondents, which was unheard of number in any such survey in the world.

Union minister Piyush goyal claims survey commissioned by him predicts about 300 Lok Sabha seats for BJP

Hitting out at the Congress and the Nehru-Gandhi family, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday alleged that Dalit leader Sitaram Kesri was not allowed to complete his term as Congress president, and was "thrown out of office" to make way for Sonia Gandhi as the new party chief.

Addressing a rally on the last day of the campaign for the second and final phase of polling for Chhattisgarh Assembly election, Modi said four generations of a family ruled the country and "benefited from being in power", but the country did not benefit from their rule.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Four generations of Congress ruled the country. What was the fate of people? They only thought about one family but never gave a thought about welfare of people. How can we trust them that they will fulfill aspirations of people now: PM Modi in Mahasamund <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChhattisgarhElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChhattisgarhElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/hPRxErkUmE">pic.twitter.com/hPRxErkUmE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1064051875379625984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Everyone knows what the Congress did to Sitaram Kesri Ji when he was the Congress party president. I challenge the Congress to appoint some able leader as their party president, who doesn't belong the family: PM Modi in Mahasamund <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChhattisgarhElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChhattisgarhElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/QDMhINRtWp">pic.twitter.com/QDMhINRtWp</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1064053041870094336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The country knows that Sitaram Kesri, a Dalit, was not allowed to complete his five-year-term as Congress president; he was thrown out of office and into the footpath to make way for Sonia Gandhi as the new party chief," Modi said.&nbsp;

"Earlier Delhi had a remote-controlled government. The remote was in hands of a family which was afraid of the BJP," he said, targeting the Congress and the Gandhis.

Modi challenged the Congress to select someone "capable" as their party president who doesn't belong to "that one family".&nbsp;

"Remember the days when four generations of a family ruled the country. What was the fate of people? They only thought about welfare of one family but never gave a thought about welfare of people. How can we trust them that they will fulfil aspirations of people now," Modi said.

The prime minister claimed that Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh also faced a lot of challenges from the then Congress government at the Centre.

"For 10 years, the Centre was ruled by a 'remote-control' government which never paid attention towards Chhattisgarh," Modi alleged.&nbsp;

Hitting out at the Congress and the Nehru-Gandhi family, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday alleged that Dalit leader Sitaram Kesri was not allowed to complete his term as Congress president, and was "thrown out of office" to make way for Sonia Gandhi as the new party chief.

Hitting out at the Congress and the Nehru-Gandhi family, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday alleged that Dalit leader Sitaram Kesri was not allowed to complete his term as Congress president, and was "thrown out of office" to make way for Sonia Gandhi as the new party chief. Addressing a rally on the last day of the campaign for the second and final phase of polling for Chhattisgarh Assembly election, Modi said four generations of a family ruled the country and "benefited from being in power", but the country did not benefit from their rule. Four generations of Congress ruled the country. What was the fate of people? They only thought about one family but never gave a thought about welfare of people. How can we trust them that they will fulfill aspirations of people now: PM Modi in Mahasamund #ChhattisgarhElections pic.twitter.com/hPRxErkUmE — ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2018 × Everyone knows what the Congress did to Sitaram Kesri Ji when he was the Congress party president. I challenge the Congress to appoint some able leader as their party president, who doesn't belong the family: PM Modi in Mahasamund #ChhattisgarhElections pic.twitter.com/QDMhINRtWp — ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2018 × "The country knows that Sitaram Kesri, a Dalit, was not allowed to complete his five-year-term as Congress president; he was thrown out of office and into the footpath to make way for Sonia Gandhi as the new party chief," Modi said. "Earlier Delhi had a remote-controlled government. The remote was in hands of a family which was afraid of the BJP," he said, targeting the Congress and the Gandhis. Modi challenged the Congress to select someone "capable" as their party president who doesn't belong to "that one family". "Remember the days when four generations of a family ruled the country. What was the fate of people? They only thought about welfare of one family but never gave a thought about welfare of people. How can we trust them that they will fulfil aspirations of people now," Modi said. The prime minister claimed that Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh also faced a lot of challenges from the then Congress government at the Centre. "For 10 years, the Centre was ruled by a 'remote-control' government which never paid attention towards Chhattisgarh," Modi alleged.

Sitaram Kesri, a Dalit, wasn't allowed to complete term as Congress chief: Modi

BJP general secretary K Surendran was allegedly taken into preventive custody Saturday night and removed by police from Nilackal, the base camp, as he tried to leave for the Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala.

Surendran, who was carrying the "Irrumudikettu" (bundle containing offerings for the Lord), was told by a police team led by Yatish Chandra, Superintendent of Police, not to proceed to the shrine as it would create law and order problems.

Surendran told the police he had come as a "Ayyappa Bhaktha" (devotee) and should be allowed to pray at the temple.

Chanting "Swamiyae Ayyappa", Surendran and others with him jostled with police and tried to move forward saying there was no question of going back.

Three of his supporters were also with Surendran when he tried to leave for the shrine.

They were removed by police and taken in a jeep.

Surendran later told PTI that he was being taken to the Chittar police station and said he did not know if he was being arrested or detained.

He also said he had taken receipt for performing the 'Neyyabhishekam' (ghee offering) ritual and 'Ganapathy Homam.'

Police had taken Hindu Aikya Vedi President, K P Sasikala, into preventive custody early Saturday from Marakootam near the Sannidhanam (temple complex).

She was later produced before the Thiruvalla magistrate and released on bail.&nbsp;

BJP general secretary K Surendran was allegedly taken into preventive custody Saturday night and removed by police from Nilackal, the base camp, as he tried to leave for the Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala.

BJP general secretary K Surendran was allegedly taken into preventive custody Saturday night and removed by police from Nilackal, the base camp, as he tried to leave for the Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala. Surendran, who was carrying the "Irrumudikettu" (bundle containing offerings for the Lord), was told by a police team led by Yatish Chandra, Superintendent of Police, not to proceed to the shrine as it would create law and order problems. Surendran told the police he had come as a "Ayyappa Bhaktha" (devotee) and should be allowed to pray at the temple. Chanting "Swamiyae Ayyappa", Surendran and others with him jostled with police and tried to move forward saying there was no question of going back. Three of his supporters were also with Surendran when he tried to leave for the shrine. They were removed by police and taken in a jeep. Surendran later told PTI that he was being taken to the Chittar police station and said he did not know if he was being arrested or detained. He also said he had taken receipt for performing the 'Neyyabhishekam' (ghee offering) ritual and 'Ganapathy Homam.' Police had taken Hindu Aikya Vedi President, K P Sasikala, into preventive custody early Saturday from Marakootam near the Sannidhanam (temple complex). She was later produced before the Thiruvalla magistrate and released on bail.

Sabarimala row: BJP leader taken into preventive custody from Nilackal

NDA ally Rashtriya Lok Samata Party president Upendra Kushwaha said Saturday the BJP's offer of seats to his party for the 2019 general election was "not respectable".

He did not disclose the number of seats offered to the RLSP, saying he would not speak about it before a seat-sharing agreement is reached by NDA constituents in Bihar by November 30.

Kushwaha, the Union minister of state for HRD, was speaking to reporters after the RLSP state executive meeting here.

The RLSP chief is at loggerheads with Nitish Kumar over the Bihar chief minister's recent remarks against him. Kumar, also the JD(U) president, had refused to join issue with Kushwaha over seat-sharing between NDA partners in Bihar, saying "Itna neeche baat ko nahi le jaiye" (do not take the debate to such a low level.

Kushwaha appears to have picked up the word "neeche" from the statement and took it as an insult to himself as the RLSP chief was the topic of discussion.

He alleged that the remark was tantamount to calling him a lowly person.

He has also targeted BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi for defending Kumar, signalling his growing isolation within the coalition.

When asked about this, he had said, "I am in the NDA as of now."

Kushwaha, whose efforts to meet BJP president Amit Shah over the issue have not yielded results, said he will try to speak to "no other BJP leader except the prime minister."

Bihar has a total of 40 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP and the JD(U) have decided to contest equal number of seats. The fourth partner of the NDA in Bihar is Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party.

NDA ally Rashtriya Lok Samata Party president Upendra Kushwaha said Saturday the BJP's offer of seats to his party for the 2019 general election was "not respectable".

NDA ally Rashtriya Lok Samata Party president Upendra Kushwaha said Saturday the BJP's offer of seats to his party for the 2019 general election was "not respectable". He did not disclose the number of seats offered to the RLSP, saying he would not speak about it before a seat-sharing agreement is reached by NDA constituents in Bihar by November 30. Kushwaha, the Union minister of state for HRD, was speaking to reporters after the RLSP state executive meeting here. The RLSP chief is at loggerheads with Nitish Kumar over the Bihar chief minister's recent remarks against him. Kumar, also the JD(U) president, had refused to join issue with Kushwaha over seat-sharing between NDA partners in Bihar, saying "Itna neeche baat ko nahi le jaiye" (do not take the debate to such a low level. Kushwaha appears to have picked up the word "neeche" from the statement and took it as an insult to himself as the RLSP chief was the topic of discussion. He alleged that the remark was tantamount to calling him a lowly person. He has also targeted BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi for defending Kumar, signalling his growing isolation within the coalition. When asked about this, he had said, "I am in the NDA as of now." Kushwaha, whose efforts to meet BJP president Amit Shah over the issue have not yielded results, said he will try to speak to "no other BJP leader except the prime minister." Bihar has a total of 40 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP and the JD(U) have decided to contest equal number of seats. The fourth partner of the NDA in Bihar is Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party.

BJP seat offer for Lok Sabha election 'not respectable': Kushwaha

Providing 10 lakh jobs per year to youths in Madhya Pradesh and welfare of all sections of society are among the major promises made by the Bharatiya Janata Party in its manifesto for the November 28 assembly elections, which was released here Saturday.

The BJP, which has been ruling the state since 2003, is trying to retain power amid the opposition Congress's allegations of a collapse of governance and its failure to work for agriculturists.

Madhya Pradesh last year witnessed wide-scale protests by farmers for better Minimum Support Price for their produce and other demands, forcing the government to announce a slew of measures.

The manifesto, called as "Drishti Patra" or vision document, was released by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at the state BJP headquarters here.

"We will provide 10 lakh jobs and self employment opportunities per year for the youth of the state," Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan told reporters.

Chouhan, accompanied by Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Narendra Singh Tomar, promised to make a provision for free education for the poor.

"We have prepared a roadmap for the development of the state as well as the welfare of each section of the society," he said.

The BJP has promised measures to ensure welfare of farmers, women, backward classes and traders, besides the youth, in the state.

Elections for the 230-member assembly are scheduled to be held on November 28. The results will be declared on December 11. The opposition Congress had released its manifesto 'Vachan Patra' last Saturday.

The Congress promised an 'adhyatmik vibhag' (spiritual department) in the state, as well as plans to promote the Sanskrit language.

The Congress manifesto speaks of developing the 'Ram path', a mythical route taken by Lord Ram during his 14-year exile, and the commercial production of 'gaumutra' (cow urine) and 'kanda' (cowdung cakes).

Providing 10 lakh jobs per year to youths in Madhya Pradesh and welfare of all sections of society are among the major promises made by the Bharatiya Janata Party in its manifesto for the November 28 assembly elections, which was released here Saturday.

Providing 10 lakh jobs per year to youths in Madhya Pradesh and welfare of all sections of society are among the major promises made by the Bharatiya Janata Party in its manifesto for the November 28 assembly elections, which was released here Saturday. The BJP, which has been ruling the state since 2003, is trying to retain power amid the opposition Congress's allegations of a collapse of governance and its failure to work for agriculturists. Madhya Pradesh last year witnessed wide-scale protests by farmers for better Minimum Support Price for their produce and other demands, forcing the government to announce a slew of measures. The manifesto, called as "Drishti Patra" or vision document, was released by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at the state BJP headquarters here. "We will provide 10 lakh jobs and self employment opportunities per year for the youth of the state," Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan told reporters. Chouhan, accompanied by Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Narendra Singh Tomar, promised to make a provision for free education for the poor. "We have prepared a roadmap for the development of the state as well as the welfare of each section of the society," he said. The BJP has promised measures to ensure welfare of farmers, women, backward classes and traders, besides the youth, in the state. Elections for the 230-member assembly are scheduled to be held on November 28. The results will be declared on December 11. The opposition Congress had released its manifesto 'Vachan Patra' last Saturday. The Congress promised an 'adhyatmik vibhag' (spiritual department) in the state, as well as plans to promote the Sanskrit language. The Congress manifesto speaks of developing the 'Ram path', a mythical route taken by Lord Ram during his 14-year exile, and the commercial production of 'gaumutra' (cow urine) and 'kanda' (cowdung cakes).

Madhya Pradesh polls: BJP releases manifesto, promises 10 lakh jobs annually

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released the fourth list of candidates for the upcoming Assembly Elections in Telangana.

The decision was announced by Union Health Minister and Secretary of BJP`s Central Election Commission, Jagat Prakash Nadda.

With the announcement of the fourth list, the party has, so far, announced the names of 93 candidates out of 119 seats in poll-bound Telangana.

On October 20, the BJP had announced its first list for Telangana polls and released the names of candidates for 38 constituencies.

The second list comprising 28 candidates was released on November 3, while the third list containing names of 20 candidates was released on November 15.

The Telangana Legislative Assembly Elections are scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released the fourth list of candidates for the upcoming Assembly Elections in Telangana. The decision was announced by Union Health Minister and Secretary of BJP`s Central Election Commission, Jagat Prakash Nadda.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released the fourth list of candidates for the upcoming Assembly Elections in Telangana. The decision was announced by Union Health Minister and Secretary of BJP`s Central Election Commission, Jagat Prakash Nadda. With the announcement of the fourth list, the party has, so far, announced the names of 93 candidates out of 119 seats in poll-bound Telangana. On October 20, the BJP had announced its first list for Telangana polls and released the names of candidates for 38 constituencies. The second list comprising 28 candidates was released on November 3, while the third list containing names of 20 candidates was released on November 15. The Telangana Legislative Assembly Elections are scheduled to be held on December 7 to elect members from 119 constituencies. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

BJP releases fourth list of candidates for Telangana polls

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday alleged that under the Modi government "fast entry gates" of ministries "open for those who possess fake degrees".&nbsp;

Gandhi also attacked the RSS alleging that its "farjical (fake) strike" continues on educational institutes of the Delhi University.

Taking to Twitter, he launched a tirade against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying," Shri chappan aur unke mantriyon ne chatron ko dikhaya hai ki BJP mai mantrimandal ka shighra dwar farzi degree dikha kar khulta hai. ('Mr 56' and his ministers have shown students that under the BJP fast entry gates of ministries open for those who possess fake degrees)."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
श्री छप्पन और उनके मंत्रियों ने छात्रों को दिखाया है कि भाजपा में मंत्रीमंडल का शीघ्र द्वार फ़र्ज़ी डिग्री दिखा कर खुलता है| 
 
शैक्षिक संस्थानों पर प्रहार और फ़र्ज़ी डिग्री वालों को सत्ता पर बिठाना RSS का पुराना सिद्धांत है| 
 
इसीलिए DU पर RSS का फ़र्जिकल स्ट्राइक जारी है| <a href="https://t.co/VrKBLtzeDF">pic.twitter.com/VrKBLtzeDF</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1063374365822210049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

There was no immediate comment from the Prime Minister's Office or the BJP.&nbsp;

"The RSS' has an old tradition of attacking educational institutions and helping those with fake degrees attain power.

"That is why the 'farjical strikes' of RSS continue on Delhi University," he tweeted in Hindi.

The Congress chief also tweeted a picture of Modi, Union minister Smriti Irani and ABVP's Delhi University president Ankiv Baisoya, alleging "Fake degree is in BJP's DNA".

Baisoya has stepped down from his post after reports of him possessing a fake degree.

The ABVP said Thursday DUSU president Baisoya has resigned from his post after it asked him to do so, and has also been suspended from the students outfit till an inquiry into allegations that he gained admission to the Delhi University on the basis of a fake degree.

While the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) said the decision was taken to maintain the "genuineness" of the Delhi University Students

Union (DUSU), the move drew criticism from the NSUI and AISA, which claimed it was done under pressure ahead of the high court hearing on November 20.

In a Facebook post, Baisoya said he was resigning form the post of DUSU president because he respects the mandate of Delhi University students, who voted for him.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday alleged that under the Modi government "fast entry gates" of ministries "open for those who possess fake degrees". Gandhi also attacked the RSS alleging that its "farjical (fake) strike" continues on educational institutes of the Delhi University.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday alleged that under the Modi government "fast entry gates" of ministries "open for those who possess fake degrees". Gandhi also attacked the RSS alleging that its "farjical (fake) strike" continues on educational institutes of the Delhi University. Taking to Twitter, he launched a tirade against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying," Shri chappan aur unke mantriyon ne chatron ko dikhaya hai ki BJP mai mantrimandal ka shighra dwar farzi degree dikha kar khulta hai. ('Mr 56' and his ministers have shown students that under the BJP fast entry gates of ministries open for those who possess fake degrees)." श्री छप्पन और उनके मंत्रियों ने छात्रों को दिखाया है कि भाजपा में मंत्रीमंडल का शीघ्र द्वार फ़र्ज़ी डिग्री दिखा कर खुलता है| शैक्षिक संस्थानों पर प्रहार और फ़र्ज़ी डिग्री वालों को सत्ता पर बिठाना RSS का पुराना सिद्धांत है| इसीलिए DU पर RSS का फ़र्जिकल स्ट्राइक जारी है| pic.twitter.com/VrKBLtzeDF — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 16, 2018 × There was no immediate comment from the Prime Minister's Office or the BJP. "The RSS' has an old tradition of attacking educational institutions and helping those with fake degrees attain power. "That is why the 'farjical strikes' of RSS continue on Delhi University," he tweeted in Hindi. The Congress chief also tweeted a picture of Modi, Union minister Smriti Irani and ABVP's Delhi University president Ankiv Baisoya, alleging "Fake degree is in BJP's DNA". Baisoya has stepped down from his post after reports of him possessing a fake degree. The ABVP said Thursday DUSU president Baisoya has resigned from his post after it asked him to do so, and has also been suspended from the students outfit till an inquiry into allegations that he gained admission to the Delhi University on the basis of a fake degree. While the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) said the decision was taken to maintain the "genuineness" of the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU), the move drew criticism from the NSUI and AISA, which claimed it was done under pressure ahead of the high court hearing on November 20. In a Facebook post, Baisoya said he was resigning form the post of DUSU president because he respects the mandate of Delhi University students, who voted for him.

Under Modi govt, 'fast entry gates' of ministries open for those with 'fake degrees': Rahul

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday accused the NDA government of destroying key Indian institutions such as the CBI and the RBI and claimed that after the Lok Sabha elections, the saffron party that has made 'building statues' its poll agenda will itself be reduced to a statue.

Giving a call for "BJP hatao, desh bachao", she said the BJP should be ousted from power for "failure on all fronts", adding her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), could play a vital role in saving the country from such destructions.

She also alleged that the BJP has been on a name changing spree to suit its political interests.

"BJP is not a game changer of India as claimed by its leaders but is a name changer and danger for the country," she said.

The BJP, however, refused to attach much importance to Banerjee's remarks and said the TMC being a small party does not have the stature to take on it.

State BJP president Dilip Ghosh said, "We are not bothered about what she is saying against us. Her comments hardly matter to us."

Addressing a party meeting here, Banerjee said, "They (the NDA government) are destroying institutions. They are trying to change the way the RBI and the CBI function. The party that has made 'building statues' its poll agenda will itself become a statue after the coming Lok Sabha election."

She also extended her support to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu over the issue of withdrawing general consent to the CBI to exercise its authority in his state.

"What Chandrababu Naidu has done is absolutely right. The BJP is using the CBI and other agencies to pursue its own political interests and vendetta," she said.

The BJP, she said, is "now left with only four agendas - mandir, NRC, statue and communal politics. After the elections they (BJP) themselves will turn into statues."

Banerjee said the TMC will contest all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal in the coming Lok Sabha elections and the "turning point" would be the rally of opposition parties convened by the TMC on January 19 next year.

"Most of the opposition parties have given their consent to attend the January 19 rally except one or two. We will win all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state. It is our pledge. We will oust the BJP and play a major role in saving the country.

"We are not interested in power but we know very well how to use power for the development of the people," she said.

"The BJP has crores (of rupees). We are a poor party but we will fight elections in some seats of Assam, Odisha, Jharkhand, Tripura according to our strength," she said.

The TMC can fight in some more states but does not want to eat into some other parties' votes, Banerjee said.

She alleged that the BJP is trying to tamper with at least 40 per cent of the EVMs in the state, and asked her party workers and leaders to check and recheck the voter list and the machines "at least thrice".

"We have seen how EVMs malfunctioned during Maheshtala assembly bypoll," the chief minister said.

Maheshtala assembly bypoll was held in May where the TMC won.

Banerjee mocked BJP president Amit Shah's Rath yatra as "Ravan yatra" and asked TMC workers to carry out "purification and unity yatras" at all the places through which BJP's rath would pass.

On the issue of Assam NRC, she alleged that "dirty politics" is going on in the name of publication of the final draft of National Register of Citizens (NRC) as names of genuine voters have been struck off the list.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday accused the NDA government of destroying key Indian institutions such as the CBI and the RBI and claimed that after the Lok Sabha elections, the saffron party that has made 'building statues' its poll agenda will itself be reduced to a statue.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday accused the NDA government of destroying key Indian institutions such as the CBI and the RBI and claimed that after the Lok Sabha elections, the saffron party that has made 'building statues' its poll agenda will itself be reduced to a statue. Giving a call for "BJP hatao, desh bachao", she said the BJP should be ousted from power for "failure on all fronts", adding her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), could play a vital role in saving the country from such destructions. She also alleged that the BJP has been on a name changing spree to suit its political interests. "BJP is not a game changer of India as claimed by its leaders but is a name changer and danger for the country," she said. The BJP, however, refused to attach much importance to Banerjee's remarks and said the TMC being a small party does not have the stature to take on it. State BJP president Dilip Ghosh said, "We are not bothered about what she is saying against us. Her comments hardly matter to us." Addressing a party meeting here, Banerjee said, "They (the NDA government) are destroying institutions. They are trying to change the way the RBI and the CBI function. The party that has made 'building statues' its poll agenda will itself become a statue after the coming Lok Sabha election." She also extended her support to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu over the issue of withdrawing general consent to the CBI to exercise its authority in his state. "What Chandrababu Naidu has done is absolutely right. The BJP is using the CBI and other agencies to pursue its own political interests and vendetta," she said. The BJP, she said, is "now left with only four agendas - mandir, NRC, statue and communal politics. After the elections they (BJP) themselves will turn into statues." Banerjee said the TMC will contest all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal in the coming Lok Sabha elections and the "turning point" would be the rally of opposition parties convened by the TMC on January 19 next year. "Most of the opposition parties have given their consent to attend the January 19 rally except one or two. We will win all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state. It is our pledge. We will oust the BJP and play a major role in saving the country. "We are not interested in power but we know very well how to use power for the development of the people," she said. "The BJP has crores (of rupees). We are a poor party but we will fight elections in some seats of Assam, Odisha, Jharkhand, Tripura according to our strength," she said. The TMC can fight in some more states but does not want to eat into some other parties' votes, Banerjee said. She alleged that the BJP is trying to tamper with at least 40 per cent of the EVMs in the state, and asked her party workers and leaders to check and recheck the voter list and the machines "at least thrice". "We have seen how EVMs malfunctioned during Maheshtala assembly bypoll," the chief minister said. Maheshtala assembly bypoll was held in May where the TMC won. Banerjee mocked BJP president Amit Shah's Rath yatra as "Ravan yatra" and asked TMC workers to carry out "purification and unity yatras" at all the places through which BJP's rath would pass. On the issue of Assam NRC, she alleged that "dirty politics" is going on in the name of publication of the final draft of National Register of Citizens (NRC) as names of genuine voters have been struck off the list.

NDA destroying institutions like CBI, RBI; BJP will be reduced to a statue after 2019 polls: Mamata

BJP president Amit Shah Friday said the Congress did not care about the nation's security when it "ruled India for 70 years", adding securing the borders was a major achievement of the Modi-led government.

Addressing a poll rally, Shah credited the Modi government with giving impetus to boosting the country's security.

"When the Congress was in power and Manmohan Singh was the prime minister, Pakistani terrorists used to infiltrate, explode bombs and go back," he said.There was anger across the country after the 2016 Uri attack in which 18 Indian soldiers were killed. But this was not the regime of Mauni Baba (Manmohan Singh). Modi ji ordered our jawans to conduct surgical strikes and take revenge," Shah said.

"The Congress did not care about the country's security for 70 years when it was in power, but bothered only about their vote banks. For us, security is more precious than our own lives," he said.

Shah said the difference between the BJP and the Congress is that if one wants to become the prime minister or the president of the Congress, "they have to take birth in the Nehru-Gandhi family while in the BJP, one can rise to the top based on abilities even after being born in a poor family".

"An example of this is Narendra Modi, who was born in a tea seller's family but is now the prime minister. Shivraj Singh (Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan), who took birth in a poor family of farmers, is working from the last 15 years to develop Madhya Pradesh," he said.

"One does not need to have a family to work and go ahead in the BJP. What is needed is the ability and resolve to serve people," he said.

Shah sought to know who was the "senapati" (army chief) of the opposition party in Madhya Pradesh poll arena. There is only a Raja (Digvijay Singh), a maharaja (Jyotiraditya Scindia), and an industrialist (Kamal Nath) and the Congress is fighting polls on their strength," he said.

"Congress had left Madhya Pradesh as one of the most backward states but I can proudly say today that Shivraj Singh has made it into a developed state," he said.

"The 'Maharaja' (Scindia) asks what has Modi done for Madhya Pradesh, but does not know how much has the state changed. This is because he does not step out of his palace in Gwalior," Shah said.

"He (Scindia) does not know what benefits the poor farmers received. I want to ask the Congress president, what did he give Madhya Pradesh for 10 years when the UPA was in power at the Centre," Shah said.

The 13th Finance Commission under the UPA regime gave the state 1,34,190 crore, but the 14th Finance Commission, under the Modi government allocated it Rs 3,44,126 crore, the BJP chief said.

BJP president Amit Shah Friday said the Congress did not care about the nation's security when it "ruled India for 70 years", adding securing the borders was a major achievement of the Modi-led government.

BJP president Amit Shah Friday said the Congress did not care about the nation's security when it "ruled India for 70 years", adding securing the borders was a major achievement of the Modi-led government. Addressing a poll rally, Shah credited the Modi government with giving impetus to boosting the country's security. "When the Congress was in power and Manmohan Singh was the prime minister, Pakistani terrorists used to infiltrate, explode bombs and go back," he said.There was anger across the country after the 2016 Uri attack in which 18 Indian soldiers were killed. But this was not the regime of Mauni Baba (Manmohan Singh). Modi ji ordered our jawans to conduct surgical strikes and take revenge," Shah said. "The Congress did not care about the country's security for 70 years when it was in power, but bothered only about their vote banks. For us, security is more precious than our own lives," he said. Shah said the difference between the BJP and the Congress is that if one wants to become the prime minister or the president of the Congress, "they have to take birth in the Nehru-Gandhi family while in the BJP, one can rise to the top based on abilities even after being born in a poor family". "An example of this is Narendra Modi, who was born in a tea seller's family but is now the prime minister. Shivraj Singh (Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan), who took birth in a poor family of farmers, is working from the last 15 years to develop Madhya Pradesh," he said. "One does not need to have a family to work and go ahead in the BJP. What is needed is the ability and resolve to serve people," he said. Shah sought to know who was the "senapati" (army chief) of the opposition party in Madhya Pradesh poll arena. There is only a Raja (Digvijay Singh), a maharaja (Jyotiraditya Scindia), and an industrialist (Kamal Nath) and the Congress is fighting polls on their strength," he said. "Congress had left Madhya Pradesh as one of the most backward states but I can proudly say today that Shivraj Singh has made it into a developed state," he said. "The 'Maharaja' (Scindia) asks what has Modi done for Madhya Pradesh, but does not know how much has the state changed. This is because he does not step out of his palace in Gwalior," Shah said. "He (Scindia) does not know what benefits the poor farmers received. I want to ask the Congress president, what did he give Madhya Pradesh for 10 years when the UPA was in power at the Centre," Shah said. The 13th Finance Commission under the UPA regime gave the state 1,34,190 crore, but the 14th Finance Commission, under the Modi government allocated it Rs 3,44,126 crore, the BJP chief said.

Congress didn't care for nation's security when it ruled: Amit Shah

The Mizoram government has allocated Rs 52.75 crore towards expenses of the November 28 state legislative assembly polls, finance department officials said Friday.

The officials said the finance department has released Rs 32.5 crore to the state election department.

Of the Rs 52.75 crore election budget, Rs 37.75 crore will be disbursed to eight district election offices, while Rs 4 crore will go to the state election directorate.

The officials said Rs 11 crore was the total estimate for expenses to be incurred on deployment of 40 companies of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), which was regarded as on the higher side.

The expenditure for the state assembly election is to be borne entirely by the state government, they said, adding Rs 24.30 crore was spent in the 2013 state assembly polls.&nbsp;

The Mizoram government has allocated Rs 52.75 crore towards expenses of the November 28 state legislative assembly polls, finance department officials said Friday.

The Mizoram government has allocated Rs 52.75 crore towards expenses of the November 28 state legislative assembly polls, finance department officials said Friday. The officials said the finance department has released Rs 32.5 crore to the state election department. Of the Rs 52.75 crore election budget, Rs 37.75 crore will be disbursed to eight district election offices, while Rs 4 crore will go to the state election directorate. The officials said Rs 11 crore was the total estimate for expenses to be incurred on deployment of 40 companies of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), which was regarded as on the higher side. The expenditure for the state assembly election is to be borne entirely by the state government, they said, adding Rs 24.30 crore was spent in the 2013 state assembly polls.

Mizoram government allocates Rs 52.75 cr for poll expenses

Bjp, News on Bjp, stories on Bjp, articles on Bjp, Bjp stories at Wion, Bjp news, Bjp latest news

bjp