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

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

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

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

Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;asked&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;to "assist" in&nbsp;discrediting&nbsp;a&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;investigation that has clouded his presidency, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-offers-trump-only-limited-commitment-on-iran-pm-251136">Prime Minister Scott Morrison</a> admitting Tuesday that he agreed to&nbsp;help.

An Australian government spokesperson confirmed&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;asked&nbsp;Morrison to investigate issues raised in Robert Mueller's&nbsp;probe, which concluded that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;tried to swing the 2016 election in the Republican's favour.

The official said&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;"has always been ready to assist and cooperate with efforts that&nbsp;help&nbsp;shed further light on the matters under investigation".

"The PM confirmed this readiness once again in conversation with the President."

The revelation will fuel allegations&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;is using the power of the Oval Office and risking long-standing relationships with allies for his own political ends.

He is already facing impeachment for asking Ukraine's leader to investigate his potential election rival, former vice president Joe Biden, and his son Hunter.

Mueller's&nbsp;probe&nbsp;concluded in March and led to the conviction of several of&nbsp;Trump's top aides for obstruction and lying to investigators.

But ahead of the 2020 election&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-remains-defiant-as-impeachment-enquiry-against-him-intensifies-252755">Trump</a>&nbsp;has painted the&nbsp;probe&nbsp;and its findings as a "deep state" conspiracy, pointing to conservative media reports as evidence and urging the Justice Department to launch counter-investigations.

The New York Times, which first reported&nbsp;Trump's Australian request, said the White House had restricted access to the transcript of the&nbsp;Trump-Morrison call, in a similar way to its handling of&nbsp;Trump's recent call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Several other calls and meetings between&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and foreign leaders, including&nbsp;Russia's Vladimir Putin are now under scrutiny.

Separately, the Washington Post reported that Attorney General Bill Barr has had multiple contacts with officials and spies in&nbsp;Australia, Britain and Italy in a bid to investigate Mueller and US intelligence findings.

State visit 
At&nbsp;Trump's encouragement, Barr's Justice Department is examining the roots of the Mueller&nbsp;probe, including the evidence that led the CIA, FBI and other intelligence agencies to declare that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;did, in fact, interfere in 2016 to boost&nbsp;Trump.

Australia&nbsp;and Britain were both important because the original FBI&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;meddling&nbsp;probe&nbsp;was launched in July 2016 after the bureau received a tip from an Australian diplomat in Britain about a meeting between people tied to Russian intelligence and a&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;campaign official.

In a May letter to Barr and White House chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney cited by Australian media Tuesday&nbsp;the country's ambassador in Washington also offered to&nbsp;help.

Morrison recently enjoyed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-backed-by-australias-morrison-talks-tough-on-china-250920">state visit to Washington</a> and his close ties to&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;had already been facing scrutiny at home.

"It was risky for the Morrison government to get so cosy with&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;when almost no other government has done so," said Emma Shortis of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.

"I think this development shows just how risky that is, Trump&nbsp;will come calling for favours, embroil you in controversy, and put relationships at risk", she added.

In a statement, the Justice Department defended contacts abroad and said&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and Barr's roles were to&nbsp;help&nbsp;investigator John Durham make contacts.

"Mr Durham is gathering information from numerous sources, including a number of foreign countries," said Justice Department spokesperson Kerri Kupec.

"At Attorney General Barr's request, the president has contacted other countries to ask them to introduce the attorney general and Mr Durham to appropriate officials," she said.

Donald Trump asked Australia to "assist" in discrediting a Russia investigation that has clouded his presidency, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison admitting Tuesday that he agreed to help.

Donald Trump asked Australia to "assist" in discrediting a Russia investigation that has clouded his presidency, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison admitting Tuesday that he agreed to help. An Australian government spokesperson confirmed Trump asked Morrison to investigate issues raised in Robert Mueller's probe, which concluded that Russia tried to swing the 2016 election in the Republican's favour. The official said Australia "has always been ready to assist and cooperate with efforts that help shed further light on the matters under investigation". "The PM confirmed this readiness once again in conversation with the President." The revelation will fuel allegations Trump is using the power of the Oval Office and risking long-standing relationships with allies for his own political ends. He is already facing impeachment for asking Ukraine's leader to investigate his potential election rival, former vice president Joe Biden, and his son Hunter. Mueller's probe concluded in March and led to the conviction of several of Trump's top aides for obstruction and lying to investigators. But ahead of the 2020 election Trump has painted the probe and its findings as a "deep state" conspiracy, pointing to conservative media reports as evidence and urging the Justice Department to launch counter-investigations. The New York Times, which first reported Trump's Australian request, said the White House had restricted access to the transcript of the Trump-Morrison call, in a similar way to its handling of Trump's recent call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Several other calls and meetings between Trump and foreign leaders, including Russia's Vladimir Putin are now under scrutiny. Separately, the Washington Post reported that Attorney General Bill Barr has had multiple contacts with officials and spies in Australia, Britain and Italy in a bid to investigate Mueller and US intelligence findings. State visit At Trump's encouragement, Barr's Justice Department is examining the roots of the Mueller probe, including the evidence that led the CIA, FBI and other intelligence agencies to declare that Russia did, in fact, interfere in 2016 to boost Trump. Australia and Britain were both important because the original FBI Russia meddling probe was launched in July 2016 after the bureau received a tip from an Australian diplomat in Britain about a meeting between people tied to Russian intelligence and a Trump campaign official. In a May letter to Barr and White House chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney cited by Australian media Tuesday the country's ambassador in Washington also offered to help. Morrison recently enjoyed a state visit to Washington and his close ties to Trump had already been facing scrutiny at home. "It was risky for the Morrison government to get so cosy with Trump when almost no other government has done so," said Emma Shortis of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. "I think this development shows just how risky that is, Trump will come calling for favours, embroil you in controversy, and put relationships at risk", she added. In a statement, the Justice Department defended contacts abroad and said Trump and Barr's roles were to help investigator John Durham make contacts. "Mr Durham is gathering information from numerous sources, including a number of foreign countries," said Justice Department spokesperson Kerri Kupec. "At Attorney General Barr's request, the president has contacted other countries to ask them to introduce the attorney general and Mr Durham to appropriate officials," she said.

Trump asked Australia for help to discredit Russia probe

Congress party on Monday announced that party leaders Raghubhai Desai and Thakor Babuji Ujamji will be contesting the bye-elections from Radhanpur and Kheralu respectively.

A press release from All India Congress Committee (AICC) today said that Interim Congress President Sonia Gandhi has approved the proposal for the candidature of Raghubhai Desai and Thakor Babuji Ujamji to contest bye-elections to the Legislative Assembly of Gujarat from Radhanpur and Kheralu respectively.

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INC COMMUNIQUE 
 
Following persons have been approved as party candidate for the forthcoming bye -elections to the Legislative Assembly of Gujarat. <a href="https://t.co/OXC6399MP1">pic.twitter.com/OXC6399MP1</a>
— INC Sandesh (@INCSandesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCSandesh/status/1178580522760458241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The by-elections will be held in Gujarat on October 21 while the counting of votes will take place on October 24.&nbsp;

Congress party on Monday announced that party leaders Raghubhai Desai and Thakor Babuji Ujamji will be contesting the bye-elections from Radhanpur and Kheralu respectively.

Congress party on Monday announced that party leaders Raghubhai Desai and Thakor Babuji Ujamji will be contesting the bye-elections from Radhanpur and Kheralu respectively. A press release from All India Congress Committee (AICC) today said that Interim Congress President Sonia Gandhi has approved the proposal for the candidature of Raghubhai Desai and Thakor Babuji Ujamji to contest bye-elections to the Legislative Assembly of Gujarat from Radhanpur and Kheralu respectively. INC COMMUNIQUE Following persons have been approved as party candidate for the forthcoming bye -elections to the Legislative Assembly of Gujarat. pic.twitter.com/OXC6399MP1 — INC Sandesh (@INCSandesh) September 30, 2019 × The by-elections will be held in Gujarat on October 21 while the counting of votes will take place on October 24.

Gujarat by-elections: Congress announces candidates for Radhanpur, Kheralu assembly constituencies

The whistleblower whose complaint has shaken the <a href="Watch: Trump meets Ukraine's Zelensky at United Nations">foundations of Donald Trump's presidency</a> is a male officer of the Central Intelligence Agency who was seconded to the White House, the New York Times reported Thursday.

The man "was detailed to work at the White House at one point" but has since returned to the CIA, the Times said, citing three people familiar with his identity.

The complaint, which describes <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-president-zelensky-calls-controversial-donald-trump-call-normal-252078">Trump using his powers to pressure the Ukraine government</a> to find damaging information on Democratic political rival Joe Biden, "suggested he was an analyst by training and made clear he was steeped in details of American foreign policy toward Europe," the Times said.

Watch: Trump meets Ukraine's Zelensky at United Nations

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He also was clearly knowledgable about Ukrainian politics and Washington's relations with Kiev, which Trump is accused of manipulating to gain an advantage in next year's presidential election.

It was the first indication of the whistleblower's identity, other than previous statements saying it was either a man or a woman from the nearly million-strong intelligence community.

The person's identity is protected by US laws supporting officials who go through proper channels to report gross misconduct by their colleagues or superiors.

But the person is expected to testify soon behind closed doors in Congress, raising the prospect of exposure as more and more people to learn their identity.

The whistleblower whose complaint has shaken the foundations of Donald Trump's presidency is a male officer of the Central Intelligence Agency who was seconded to the White House, the New York Times reported Thursday.

The whistleblower whose complaint has shaken the foundations of Donald Trump's presidency is a male officer of the Central Intelligence Agency who was seconded to the White House, the New York Times reported Thursday. The man "was detailed to work at the White House at one point" but has since returned to the CIA, the Times said, citing three people familiar with his identity. The complaint, which describes Trump using his powers to pressure the Ukraine government to find damaging information on Democratic political rival Joe Biden, "suggested he was an analyst by training and made clear he was steeped in details of American foreign policy toward Europe," the Times said. Watch: Trump meets Ukraine's Zelensky at United Nations × He also was clearly knowledgable about Ukrainian politics and Washington's relations with Kiev, which Trump is accused of manipulating to gain an advantage in next year's presidential election. It was the first indication of the whistleblower's identity, other than previous statements saying it was either a man or a woman from the nearly million-strong intelligence community. The person's identity is protected by US laws supporting officials who go through proper channels to report gross misconduct by their colleagues or superiors. But the person is expected to testify soon behind closed doors in Congress, raising the prospect of exposure as more and more people to learn their identity.

Whistleblower in Donald Trump Ukraine scandal a CIA officer: Report

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The Congress party is likely to get its new headquarters this year on its Foundation Day which falls on December 28.

The new office, which is coming up at 9, Kotla Road in central Delhi, will be named "Indira Gandhi Bhawan" after late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It will be inaugurated by interim President Sonia Gandhi, a top party source said.

As of now, the AICC is located at 24, Akbar Road which has been serving as the party's headquarters for the last four decades. The upcoming party office on Kotla road will be a six-floor building near the BJP's national office on Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg.

Interestingly the new Congress office also has two gates one which opens on the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg but the party has decided to make its Kotla Road entrance as its main gate, which will also serve as the official address of the party.

Besides 24 Akbar Road headquarters, the party has other addresses in the national capital including 26 Akbar Road where Sewa Dal a wing of the party has its main office and 5 Raisina Road where Youth Congress and NSUI have their offices.

The Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, which is in charge of land and buildings in the capital, has already given notice to Congress to vacate the bungalows. The new party headquarters will also be the new address for Sewa Dal, NSUI and IYC.&nbsp;
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The Congress party is likely to get its new headquarters this year on its Foundation Day which falls on December 28. The new office, which is coming up at 9, Kotla Road in central Delhi, will be named "Indira Gandhi Bhawan" after late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

The Congress party is likely to get its new headquarters this year on its Foundation Day which falls on December 28. The new office, which is coming up at 9, Kotla Road in central Delhi, will be named "Indira Gandhi Bhawan" after late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It will be inaugurated by interim President Sonia Gandhi, a top party source said. As of now, the AICC is located at 24, Akbar Road which has been serving as the party's headquarters for the last four decades. The upcoming party office on Kotla road will be a six-floor building near the BJP's national office on Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg. Interestingly the new Congress office also has two gates one which opens on the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg but the party has decided to make its Kotla Road entrance as its main gate, which will also serve as the official address of the party. Besides 24 Akbar Road headquarters, the party has other addresses in the national capital including 26 Akbar Road where Sewa Dal a wing of the party has its main office and 5 Raisina Road where Youth Congress and NSUI have their offices. The Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, which is in charge of land and buildings in the capital, has already given notice to Congress to vacate the bungalows. The new party headquarters will also be the new address for Sewa Dal, NSUI and IYC.

Congress likely to get new headquarters in New Delhi on its Foundation Day in December

Former Jharkhand Congress president Ajoy Kumar joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the presence of senior party leader and Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia here on Thursday.

After being inducted into the party, Kumar said AAP is the answer to today's politics.

"Common people like us should come forward and cooperate in honest politics and politics of good governance. AAP is the answer to today's politics. I thank Manish Ji, Arvind Ji (Kejriwal), Saurabh Ji (Bharadwaj) and Durgesh Ji (Pathak) for inducting me into the party," said Kumar, a former 1986-batch IPS officer.

Lauding AAP for its policies, Kumar said that people from Jharkhand and Bihar, who are residing in Delhi, are getting benefited.

"You are all aware of AAP's policies on health, education, water, and electricity. If you see Jharkhand and Bihar, the poor, middle-class people who are in Delhi and those who are doing their job here are getting benefited. Parents are now sending their children to government schools instead of private schools," the 57-year-old leader said.

Asked about his role in AAP in the forthcoming Jharkhand Assembly polls, Kumar remarked, "I have joined today. I will have to wait for the party to assign any responsibility to me."

In August, Kumar had resigned from the post of Jharkhand Congress president.

He was elected to the Lok Sabha in July 2011 in a mid-term election on a ticket of Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik).

He joined Congress in August 2014 and was appointed the party's state unit president in November 2017.

Former Jharkhand Congress president Ajoy Kumar joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the presence of senior party leader and Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia here on Thursday.

Former Jharkhand Congress president Ajoy Kumar joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the presence of senior party leader and Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia here on Thursday. After being inducted into the party, Kumar said AAP is the answer to today's politics. "Common people like us should come forward and cooperate in honest politics and politics of good governance. AAP is the answer to today's politics. I thank Manish Ji, Arvind Ji (Kejriwal), Saurabh Ji (Bharadwaj) and Durgesh Ji (Pathak) for inducting me into the party," said Kumar, a former 1986-batch IPS officer. Lauding AAP for its policies, Kumar said that people from Jharkhand and Bihar, who are residing in Delhi, are getting benefited. "You are all aware of AAP's policies on health, education, water, and electricity. If you see Jharkhand and Bihar, the poor, middle-class people who are in Delhi and those who are doing their job here are getting benefited. Parents are now sending their children to government schools instead of private schools," the 57-year-old leader said. Asked about his role in AAP in the forthcoming Jharkhand Assembly polls, Kumar remarked, "I have joined today. I will have to wait for the party to assign any responsibility to me." In August, Kumar had resigned from the post of Jharkhand Congress president. He was elected to the Lok Sabha in July 2011 in a mid-term election on a ticket of Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik). He joined Congress in August 2014 and was appointed the party's state unit president in November 2017.

Former Jharkhand Congress president Ajoy Kumar joins Aam Aadmi Party

&nbsp;Venezuelan lawmakers from small opposition parties on Friday said Juan Guaido should continue as head of Congress in 2020, waiving their option to lead the legislature under an informal agreement to rotate leadership between parties.

The announcement ended speculation of an opposition rift over the 2020 legislative term, which under a 2016 agreement within the opposition would have fallen to a group of 17 small parties.

Guaido in January declared President Nicolas Maduro a usurper and assumed a rival interim presidency that has been recognized by more than 50 countries, and the opposition is keen for him to remain in the post.

"The national interest comes first," Carlos Berrizbeitia, a lawmaker from the small Venezuela Project party, told reporters. "Until the usurpation ends, the president of the National Assembly will be Juan Guaido."

Venezuela's constitution says that in the event of a presidential vacancy, the presidency falls to the head of the National Assembly until a new election is held.

Maduro calls Guaido a US&nbsp;puppet seeking to oust him through a coup and has suggested he may be arrested for treason.

Venezuela's political stalemate comes against the backdrop of a hyperinflationary economic collapse that has fuelled an economic crisis.

More than 4 million citizens have left the country, fleeing shortages of food and medicine, according to the United Nations.

Venezuelan lawmakers from small opposition parties on Friday said Juan Guaido should continue as head of Congress in 2020, waiving their option to lead the legislature under an informal agreement to rotate leadership between parties.

Venezuelan lawmakers from small opposition parties on Friday said Juan Guaido should continue as head of Congress in 2020, waiving their option to lead the legislature under an informal agreement to rotate leadership between parties. The announcement ended speculation of an opposition rift over the 2020 legislative term, which under a 2016 agreement within the opposition would have fallen to a group of 17 small parties. Guaido in January declared President Nicolas Maduro a usurper and assumed a rival interim presidency that has been recognized by more than 50 countries, and the opposition is keen for him to remain in the post. "The national interest comes first," Carlos Berrizbeitia, a lawmaker from the small Venezuela Project party, told reporters. "Until the usurpation ends, the president of the National Assembly will be Juan Guaido." Venezuela's constitution says that in the event of a presidential vacancy, the presidency falls to the head of the National Assembly until a new election is held. Maduro calls Guaido a US puppet seeking to oust him through a coup and has suggested he may be arrested for treason. Venezuela's political stalemate comes against the backdrop of a hyperinflationary economic collapse that has fuelled an economic crisis. More than 4 million citizens have left the country, fleeing shortages of food and medicine, according to the United Nations.

Venezuela opposition parties back Guaido as congress chief in 2020

A special trial in Delhi&nbsp;on Monday extended senior <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-chidambarams-counsel-seeks-transcripts-of-statement-recorded-by-ed-245982">Congress leader P Chidambaram</a>'s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) custody by a day till Tuesday in the INX media corruption case.

The Supreme Court will tomorrow hear a petition filed by Chidambaram challenging the trial court`s order to remand him to CBI custody.

Chidambaram is facing probe in cases registered by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) pertaining to alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance was given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Union finance minister.

The ED is also seeking his custodial interrogation related to money laundering allegations.

The Supreme Court, however, has granted him interim protection from arrest by the ED till September 5.&nbsp;

A special trial in Delhi on Monday extended senior Congress leader P Chidambaram's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) custody by a day till Tuesday in the INX media corruption case.

A special trial in Delhi on Monday extended senior Congress leader P Chidambaram's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) custody by a day till Tuesday in the INX media corruption case. The Supreme Court will tomorrow hear a petition filed by Chidambaram challenging the trial court`s order to remand him to CBI custody. Chidambaram is facing probe in cases registered by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) pertaining to alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance was given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Union finance minister. The ED is also seeking his custodial interrogation related to money laundering allegations. The Supreme Court, however, has granted him interim protection from arrest by the ED till September 5.

INX media case: Court extends Chidambaram's CBI custody till Tuesday

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday said that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh continues to have a 'Z+' security cover.

MHA's clarification came amidst reports claiming that the government is likely to withdraw the Special Protection Group (SPG) from former Prime Minister's security detail.

&nbsp;"The current security cover review is a periodical and professional exercise based on threat perception that is purely based on a professional assessment by security agencies. Dr Manmohan Singh continues to have a Z+ security cover," read a statement from MHA.

Singh, who was the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, was last week<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manmohan-singh-elected-unopposed-as-member-of-rajya-sabha-rajasthan-chief-minister-ashok-gehlot-tweets-244110"> elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan</a>.

The BJP did not field any candidate against the senior Congress leader.

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday said that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh continues to have a 'Z+' security cover. MHA's clarification came amidst reports claiming that the government is likely to withdraw the Special Protection Group (SPG) from former Prime Minister's security detail.

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday said that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh continues to have a 'Z+' security cover. MHA's clarification came amidst reports claiming that the government is likely to withdraw the Special Protection Group (SPG) from former Prime Minister's security detail. "The current security cover review is a periodical and professional exercise based on threat perception that is purely based on a professional assessment by security agencies. Dr Manmohan Singh continues to have a Z+ security cover," read a statement from MHA. Singh, who was the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, was last week elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan. The BJP did not field any candidate against the senior Congress leader.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh continues to have Z+ security cover: Home Ministry

Geopolitical situation contributed to the decision to scrap Article 370, but its abrogation has always been part of BJP’s agenda, said Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh.

Geopolitical situation contributed to the decision to scrap Article 370, but its abrogation has always been part of BJP’s agenda, said Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh. In a free-wheeling interview with WION's Kartikeya Sharma, Singh commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for calling Pakistan’s nuclear bluff. Pakistan has been exposed in the process as world view has come around India’s point of view on Kashmir. “The coming around of the international community is a result of massive foreign outreach by Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading to international isolation of Pakistan,” he said. “PM has created a different narrative that we can hit at the fountainhead of terror. It sends a strong message to Pakistan that any misadventure against India would be at its peril,” the minister said. Speaking about the current situation, he said things in the valley will soon become normal and terrorism would be finished in a year. “The way people did not imagine that terrorism in Punjab would come to an end, the same is happening in Kashmir. Militancy was a product of isolation and now Article 370 has been abrogated, things will become normal in the valley,” said Singh. He said that Article 370 could not be repealed earlier as BJP never had the numbers. He said that old separatist politics has come to an end in the state and new crop of leadership would emerge soon. The minister said that panchayat election will throw up new faces in the valley and we would ensure that they become part of the political process in the state. When asked as to why state leaders have been detained, Jitendra Singh said, "It is not the first time that detentions have happened in Kashmir. Earlier governments also detained people. Things will improve gradually." Singh said that regional imbalance would also be addressed. "Both Ladakh and Jammu had developed a sense of victimhood. We will correct it in terms of both developmental funds and representation. Though elections are still long away in Jammu and Kashmir, the process of delimitation can commence by end of the year,'' he said. Singh said BJP was not afraid that all Kashmiri political parties would gang up against them in the state. “Two former Chief Ministers could stay together in a guest house. How do you expect them to come together on any issue,” he said.

Geopolitical situation contributed to decision to scrap Article 370: Jitendra Singh to WION

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday congratulated former prime minister and senior Congress leader Manmohan Singh for being elected as a member of Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan.

"I congratulate former PM Dr Manmohan Singh ji on being elected unopposed as a member of Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan," Gehlot said on Twitter.

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I congratulate former PM Dr <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManmohanSingh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManmohanSingh</a> ji on being elected unopposed as a member of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajyaSabha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajyaSabha</a> from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rajasthan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rajasthan</a>. Dr Singh’s election is a matter of pride for entire state. His vast knowledge and rich experience would benefit the people of Rajasthan a lot. <a href="https://t.co/YfkDQTxzpk">pic.twitter.com/YfkDQTxzpk</a>
— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashokgehlot51/status/1163388220144414720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Singh, a veteran Congress leader had <a href="&lt;blockquote class=&quot;twitter-tweet&quot; data-lang=&quot;en&quot;&gt;&lt;p lang=&quot;en&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;I congratulate former PM Dr &lt;a href=&quot;https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManmohanSingh?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&quot;&gt;#ManmohanSingh&lt;/a&gt; ji on being elected unopposed as a member of &lt;a href=&quot;https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajyaSabha?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&quot;&gt;#RajyaSabha&lt;/a&gt; from &lt;a href=&quot;https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rajasthan?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&quot;&gt;#Rajasthan&lt;/a&gt;. Dr Singh’s election is a matter of pride for entire state. His vast knowledge and rich experience would benefit the people of Rajasthan a lot. &lt;a href=&quot;https://t.co/YfkDQTxzpk&quot;&gt;pic.twitter.com/YfkDQTxzpk&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) &lt;a href=&quot;https://twitter.com/ashokgehlot51/status/1163388220144414720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&quot;&gt;August 19, 2019&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src=&quot;https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js&quot; charset=&quot;utf-8&quot;&gt;&lt;/script&gt;">filed his nomination papers in Rajya Sabha</a> for the by-poll from Rajasthan on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The seat has been vacant after the death of state BJP president Madan Lal Saini, who was elected to the Rajya Sabha last year when the BJP was in power in the state.

Now, the Congress party is in majority in the legislative assembly.

Earlier, the former Prime Minister represented Assam in the Rajya Sabha for 28 years before his tenure ended earlier this year.

Singh has promised that he will work hard to ensure the interests fo the people of the state are protected.

The polling will be held on August 26 and the results will be declared on the same day, Election Commission has said in a notification issued on August 7.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday congratulated former prime minister and senior Congress leader Manmohan Singh for being elected as a member of Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday congratulated former prime minister and senior Congress leader Manmohan Singh for being elected as a member of Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan. "I congratulate former PM Dr Manmohan Singh ji on being elected unopposed as a member of Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan," Gehlot said on Twitter. I congratulate former PM Dr #ManmohanSingh ji on being elected unopposed as a member of #RajyaSabha from #Rajasthan. Dr Singh’s election is a matter of pride for entire state. His vast knowledge and rich experience would benefit the people of Rajasthan a lot. pic.twitter.com/YfkDQTxzpk — Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) August 19, 2019 × Singh, a veteran Congress leader had filed his nomination papers in Rajya Sabha for the by-poll from Rajasthan on Tuesday. The seat has been vacant after the death of state BJP president Madan Lal Saini, who was elected to the Rajya Sabha last year when the BJP was in power in the state. Now, the Congress party is in majority in the legislative assembly. Earlier, the former Prime Minister represented Assam in the Rajya Sabha for 28 years before his tenure ended earlier this year. Singh has promised that he will work hard to ensure the interests fo the people of the state are protected. The polling will be held on August 26 and the results will be declared on the same day, Election Commission has said in a notification issued on August 7.

Manmohan Singh elected unopposed as member of Rajya Sabha: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot tweets

The Karnataka government is not providing funds for the Indira canteens and is instead asking the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to run them, claimed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/disqualification-of-karnataka-rebel-mlas-to-send-strong-signal-across-country-siddaramaiah-239054">Congress leader Siddaramaiah</a> on Saturday.

"I have heard that the government is not providing funds for the Indira canteen. They are instead saying that the BBMP should run it," Siddaramaiah told reporters here.

Expressing his dissatisfaction with the BS Yediyurappa led the government's decision he said that the state should continue to manage and pay for the canteens in Bengaluru.

"There are more than 190 canteens in Bangalore. The cost of running them comes to around Rs 200 crore per annum. The state should not let the BBMP run them, the state should pay for it," Siddaramaiah said.&nbsp;

Indira canteens were started by the former Congress government in the state in 2017 to provide meals to the economically disadvantaged sections of society at a subsidised price.

The Karnataka government is not providing funds for the Indira canteens and is instead asking the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to run them, claimed Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Saturday.

The Karnataka government is not providing funds for the Indira canteens and is instead asking the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to run them, claimed Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Saturday. "I have heard that the government is not providing funds for the Indira canteen. They are instead saying that the BBMP should run it," Siddaramaiah told reporters here. Expressing his dissatisfaction with the BS Yediyurappa led the government's decision he said that the state should continue to manage and pay for the canteens in Bengaluru. "There are more than 190 canteens in Bangalore. The cost of running them comes to around Rs 200 crore per annum. The state should not let the BBMP run them, the state should pay for it," Siddaramaiah said. Indira canteens were started by the former Congress government in the state in 2017 to provide meals to the economically disadvantaged sections of society at a subsidised price.

State government should continue running Indira canteens: Siddaramaiah

Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday paid tribute to the former prime minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/atal-bihari-vajpayee-a-politician-with-a-heart-of-a-poet---159754">Atal Bihari Vajpayee</a> on his first death anniversary in Delhi.

PM Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind, Home Minister Amit Shah, working president JP Nadda, and the family members gathered in Delhi's 'Sadaiv Atal'- the memorial of the former PM to pay him tributes.
<img alt="Atal Bihari Vajpayee" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8fa0296-a297-4b5c-aa04-b195b56d3438" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Vajpayee.JPG" /><img alt="Vajpayee" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f19950b3-2732-4a38-b344-cb8826ef9501" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Vajpayee%203.JPG" />
Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, Vajpayee&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/atal-bihari-vajpayee-former-prime-minister-and-bjp-stalwart-dies-at-93-159594">passed away on August 16, 2018</a>, after a prolonged illness.

He was admitted to the hospital on June 11 with a kidney tract infection, chest congestion and urine output on the lower side.

Vajpayee, a diabetic, had one functional kidney and had suffered a stroke in 2009 that weakened his cognitive abilities. Subsequently, he developed dementia and was bed-ridden ever since.&nbsp;

The veteran BJP leader&nbsp;had served as the prime&nbsp;minister thrice – first for 13 days in 1996, then for 13 months from 1998 to 1999, and then from 1999 to 2004.

&nbsp;

Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday paid tribute to the former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his first death anniversary in Delhi. PM Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind, Home Minister Amit Shah, working president JP Nadda, and the family members gathered in Delhi's 'Sadaiv Atal'- the memorial of the former PM to pay him tributes.

Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday paid tribute to the former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his first death anniversary in Delhi. PM Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind, Home Minister Amit Shah, working president JP Nadda, and the family members gathered in Delhi's 'Sadaiv Atal'- the memorial of the former PM to pay him tributes. Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, Vajpayee passed away on August 16, 2018, after a prolonged illness. He was admitted to the hospital on June 11 with a kidney tract infection, chest congestion and urine output on the lower side. Vajpayee, a diabetic, had one functional kidney and had suffered a stroke in 2009 that weakened his cognitive abilities. Subsequently, he developed dementia and was bed-ridden ever since. The veteran BJP leader had served as the prime minister thrice – first for 13 days in 1996, then for 13 months from 1998 to 1999, and then from 1999 to 2004.

Leaders, family members pay tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee on first death anniversary

Sonia Gandhi, who has been the longest-serving Congress president, was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonai-gandhi-to-be-congress-interim-president-242079">chosen as interim chief of the party on Saturday by Congress Working Committee</a> and has taken over leadership of the party from her son Rahul Gandhi who had succeeded her in 2017.&nbsp;

She had taken over the leadership in challenging circumstances in 1998 and now as interim chief, she faces a perhaps even tougher task with Congress having lost two successive Lok Sabha elections is facing resignations of party leaders across states as well as battling some apparent ideological confusion.&nbsp;

Sonia Gandhi, 72, was the chief when the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/nitish-kumar-caught-between-a-strong-modi-and-weak-lalu-226726">Congress received its worst drubbing in a Lok Sabha election</a> and won 44 seats. The party won 52 seats in the 2019 elections when Rahul Gandhi was the party chief.

Rahul Gandhi was also a key face of the party in the 2014 elections.&nbsp;

In the past five years, BJP has considerably expanded its base and won states it had never won in the past and emerged as the principal pole of national politics replacing the Congress.

Apart from the long term challenges in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where the party has gone weak, the immediate task before Sonia Gandhi will be to put up strong challenges in election-bound states of Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Haryana.&nbsp;

The Central government has taken a momentous decision to repeal Article 370 and bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories and Sonia Gandhi will have to guide the party through the change and decide its political strategy.

Some party leaders have already differed with the party's official view on the issue.&nbsp;

The Centre is also keen on early assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Sonia Gandhi is into her fifth term as Lok Sabha MP. She will be interim chief pending the election of a regular President by the AICC.

She commands respect, trust, and loyalty of party leaders workers across the generational divide and that is expected to help in taking any tough decisions.

Sonia Gandhi was a reluctant entrant into politics and became party chief in 1998 a year after she became a primary member of the party and continued in the post till 2017.

She resigned apparently over health concerns as also to herald a generational change in the party. She made mistakes at the beginning of her political innings but learned from them quickly.&nbsp;

She improved her grasp over Hindi, the language of politics in vast parts of the country and delivered hard-hitting speeches that made her opponents sit up and take notice.

The issue of her foreign origins was raised by Sharad Pawar, Tariq Anwar and PA Sangma which led to their expulsion and she kept the party united.

While Anwar is now back in Congress, Pawar is an ally of Congress. Her even-handed approach endeared her to party leaders and workers.

Gandhi stitched coalitions ahead of the 2004 Lok Sabha elections and ousted the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government which was confident of its victory.

The Congress-led UPA of which she is the chairperson won another term in office in 2009. She did not accept the post of prime minister in 2004 and worked for a rights-based agenda in UPA governments. Sonia Gandhi married Rajiv Gandhi, son of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1968.

Born on December 9, 1946, in a village Lusiana in Italy, she attended a foreign language school.

She spent most of her married life largely as a private citizen looking after her family. When Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Minister in 1984, she accompanied him on some of his tours. She also looked after his parliamentary constituency.&nbsp;

After Rajiv Gandhi`s assassination in 1991, there were demands for her to assume political roles. She resigned from Lok Sabha seat in 2006 as also the chairperson of the National Advisory Committee after a controversy over the office of profit issue and was re-elected.

Her interests include reading, Indian art, handloom and handicrafts, and classical music.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Sonia Gandhi, who has been the longest-serving Congress president, was chosen as interim chief of the party on Saturday by Congress Working Committee and has taken over leadership of the party from her son Rahul Gandhi who had succeeded her in 2017.

Sonia Gandhi, who has been the longest-serving Congress president, was chosen as interim chief of the party on Saturday by Congress Working Committee and has taken over leadership of the party from her son Rahul Gandhi who had succeeded her in 2017. She had taken over the leadership in challenging circumstances in 1998 and now as interim chief, she faces a perhaps even tougher task with Congress having lost two successive Lok Sabha elections is facing resignations of party leaders across states as well as battling some apparent ideological confusion. Sonia Gandhi, 72, was the chief when the Congress received its worst drubbing in a Lok Sabha election and won 44 seats. The party won 52 seats in the 2019 elections when Rahul Gandhi was the party chief. Rahul Gandhi was also a key face of the party in the 2014 elections. In the past five years, BJP has considerably expanded its base and won states it had never won in the past and emerged as the principal pole of national politics replacing the Congress. Apart from the long term challenges in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where the party has gone weak, the immediate task before Sonia Gandhi will be to put up strong challenges in election-bound states of Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Haryana. The Central government has taken a momentous decision to repeal Article 370 and bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories and Sonia Gandhi will have to guide the party through the change and decide its political strategy. Some party leaders have already differed with the party's official view on the issue. The Centre is also keen on early assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Sonia Gandhi is into her fifth term as Lok Sabha MP. She will be interim chief pending the election of a regular President by the AICC. She commands respect, trust, and loyalty of party leaders workers across the generational divide and that is expected to help in taking any tough decisions. Sonia Gandhi was a reluctant entrant into politics and became party chief in 1998 a year after she became a primary member of the party and continued in the post till 2017. She resigned apparently over health concerns as also to herald a generational change in the party. She made mistakes at the beginning of her political innings but learned from them quickly. She improved her grasp over Hindi, the language of politics in vast parts of the country and delivered hard-hitting speeches that made her opponents sit up and take notice. The issue of her foreign origins was raised by Sharad Pawar, Tariq Anwar and PA Sangma which led to their expulsion and she kept the party united. While Anwar is now back in Congress, Pawar is an ally of Congress. Her even-handed approach endeared her to party leaders and workers. Gandhi stitched coalitions ahead of the 2004 Lok Sabha elections and ousted the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government which was confident of its victory. The Congress-led UPA of which she is the chairperson won another term in office in 2009. She did not accept the post of prime minister in 2004 and worked for a rights-based agenda in UPA governments. Sonia Gandhi married Rajiv Gandhi, son of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1968. Born on December 9, 1946, in a village Lusiana in Italy, she attended a foreign language school. She spent most of her married life largely as a private citizen looking after her family. When Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Minister in 1984, she accompanied him on some of his tours. She also looked after his parliamentary constituency. After Rajiv Gandhi`s assassination in 1991, there were demands for her to assume political roles. She resigned from Lok Sabha seat in 2006 as also the chairperson of the National Advisory Committee after a controversy over the office of profit issue and was re-elected. Her interests include reading, Indian art, handloom and handicrafts, and classical music.

Sonia Gandhi takes over as interim chief in challenging times for Congress

Provisional Congress President to be elected today. His name would be ratification from AICC. The internal election is likely to take place. Sonia Gandhi will continue as CPP leader in the Parliament.

CWC meeting to choose Congress President today

A crucial meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), which is the party's top decision-making body, has begun for a second time to take a call on who would succeed Rahul Gandhi as the party chief. Watch this video to know more.

India: Congress president to be chosen today by CWC

Veteran Congress leader and last prince of Jammu and Kashmir Karan Singh&nbsp;on Thursday said that he is not in favour of the blanket condemnation of government's decision on the state, saying there are several positive points.

He also welcomed the reorganisation of the region and the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/do-these-people-even-know-what-ladakh-is-bjp-lawmakers-passionate-speech-wins-hearts-241193"> Union Territory status for Ladakh</a>.&nbsp;

"Ladakh's emergence as a Union Territory is to be welcomed. In fact, "I had suggested this as far back as 1965 when I was still Sadar-i-Riyasat of Jammu and Kashmir when I had publicly proposed reorganisation of the state", he said in a statement.

He also supported the scrapping of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-article-35a-heres-all-you-need-to-know-240752">provisions of Article 35A</a> as the issue of gender-discrimination needed to be addressed. According to Article 35A, Kashmiri women who married a non-permanent resident were stripped off their "state subject" status.

However, he condemned the government's decision to sideline the two main political parties of Jammu and Kashmir - the Peoples Democratic Party and National Conference - before deciding to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-point-by-point-rebuttal-amit-shah-takes-on-congress-in-fiery-speech-after-abrogation-of-article-370-241181">scrap Article 370</a>.

He said that leaders of both parties have made many sacrifices for the cause of India.

"I would, therefore, urge that leaders of legitimate political parties in Kashmir should be released as soon as possible and a broad-based political dialogue initiated with them and with civil society in view of the drastically changed situation," he said.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Veteran Congress leader and last prince of Jammu and Kashmir Karan Singh on Thursday said that he is not in favour of the blanket condemnation of government's decision on the state, saying there are several positive points.

Veteran Congress leader and last prince of Jammu and Kashmir Karan Singh on Thursday said that he is not in favour of the blanket condemnation of government's decision on the state, saying there are several positive points. He also welcomed the reorganisation of the region and the Union Territory status for Ladakh. "Ladakh's emergence as a Union Territory is to be welcomed. In fact, "I had suggested this as far back as 1965 when I was still Sadar-i-Riyasat of Jammu and Kashmir when I had publicly proposed reorganisation of the state", he said in a statement. He also supported the scrapping of provisions of Article 35A as the issue of gender-discrimination needed to be addressed. According to Article 35A, Kashmiri women who married a non-permanent resident were stripped off their "state subject" status. However, he condemned the government's decision to sideline the two main political parties of Jammu and Kashmir - the Peoples Democratic Party and National Conference - before deciding to scrap Article 370. He said that leaders of both parties have made many sacrifices for the cause of India. "I would, therefore, urge that leaders of legitimate political parties in Kashmir should be released as soon as possible and a broad-based political dialogue initiated with them and with civil society in view of the drastically changed situation," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Several positive points in Centre's move on Jammu and Kashmir, says veteran Congress leader Karan Singh

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WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 6th, 2019

Congress whip in Rajya Sabha resigns to protest party's stand on Article 370. To know more watch the video.

Congress Outfoxed over article 370

Rahul Gandhi finally breaks his silence and reacts over J&k reorganistaion bill that yesterday passed in Rajya Sabha and same introduced in the Lok Sabha today. He says that 'Nation made by people, not plots of land'

Rahul Gandhi finally reacts to J&k bill; says 'Nation made by people, not plots of land'

Days after losing trust vote in Assembly, former Karnataka chief minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-dont-need-any-coalition-now-hd-kumaraswamy-240612">HD Kumaraswamy said</a> that he is the happiest person now after vacating the office.

''I am&nbsp;the happiest person now after vacating the office as a Chief Minister. For 14 months, I worked for the development of the state, there is a little pain in my heart because nobody appreciated my work,'' Kumaraswamy said.

Kumaraswamy led the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka collapsed after 14 months after it lost the trust vote in the assembly recently.

''I had given full freedom to all the MLAs, and even Corporation Chairmen, why they are blaming me I don't know. For the last 14 months, I worked like a slave for these MLAs and our coalition partners,'' Kumaraswamy further added.

''Even when MLAs used to come without taking an appointment, I met them. Whatever requests they had for the development of their constituencies, I took decisions on them immediately. What previous Congress govt couldn't achieve, I did in 14 months,'' Kumaraswamy added.

The former minister also said that he has no interest to continue in politics but because of party workers, he is continuing.

Congress-JDS govt falls as Kumaraswamy loses trust vote

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''I am disgusted, personally I've no interest to continue in politics but because of my party workers, I am continuing. Caste politics, muscle power, &amp; money power is going on, there is no fairness in political activity nowadays. For good people, it is very difficult,'' Kumaraswamy said.

Earlier Kumaraswamy said that JD(S) will <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/be-prepared-for-elections-very-soon-kumaraswamy-to-party-workers-240560">fight the upcoming elections in the state on its own</a> and that there will be no coalition with any other party.

Days after losing trust vote in Assembly, former Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy said that he is the happiest person now after vacating the office. ''I am the happiest person now after vacating the office as a Chief Minister.

Days after losing trust vote in Assembly, former Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy said that he is the happiest person now after vacating the office. ''I am the happiest person now after vacating the office as a Chief Minister. For 14 months, I worked for the development of the state, there is a little pain in my heart because nobody appreciated my work,'' Kumaraswamy said. Kumaraswamy led the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka collapsed after 14 months after it lost the trust vote in the assembly recently. ''I had given full freedom to all the MLAs, and even Corporation Chairmen, why they are blaming me I don't know. For the last 14 months, I worked like a slave for these MLAs and our coalition partners,'' Kumaraswamy further added. ''Even when MLAs used to come without taking an appointment, I met them. Whatever requests they had for the development of their constituencies, I took decisions on them immediately. What previous Congress govt couldn't achieve, I did in 14 months,'' Kumaraswamy added. The former minister also said that he has no interest to continue in politics but because of party workers, he is continuing. Congress-JDS govt falls as Kumaraswamy loses trust vote ''I am disgusted, personally I've no interest to continue in politics but because of my party workers, I am continuing. Caste politics, muscle power, & money power is going on, there is no fairness in political activity nowadays. For good people, it is very difficult,'' Kumaraswamy said. Earlier Kumaraswamy said that JD(S) will fight the upcoming elections in the state on its own and that there will be no coalition with any other party.

Worked like a slave for 14 months for MLAs, coalition partners: HD Kumaraswamy

Congress' MPs move the adjournment motion in both upper houses of the Parliament. Besides PM Modi's cabinet meet is underway at PM's residence.

PM cabinet meeting underway on J&K, Congress moves adjournment motion

After their first significant electoral victories in 1967, the then Jan Sangh, BJP’s precursor, embarked on a series of informal alliances with princely notables in Madhya Pradesh, who were not only deeply influential in central India, but were, until then, staunch supporters of the Congress Party. &nbsp;

Much later, in the 1980s and 1990s, LK Advani and others in the BJP, continued this policy, broad basing it to include a vast spectrum of people and celebrities, who were not in any way related to the RSS or traditional Sangh politics. &nbsp;

Cut to 2019, when BJP is in a pole position in Indian politics, particularly after Narendra Modi’s second emphatic victory, obviously there is a queue to join the party. &nbsp;In many ways, the contrast could not have been starker. Since the 1960s, when the Jan Sangh was a pariah, seeking reluctant allies, to 2019 when political leaders of all hues are making a beeline to get into the party, is a long-distance travelled. &nbsp;

However, the BJP needs to exercise caution with rampant poaching — read defection exercises — that has led to politicians of various shapes and sizes, lining up to join the party in power. These days, not a week goes without someone or the other, in many cases even political heavyweights, joining the BJP. &nbsp; &nbsp;To be sure, party-hopping in not a new phenomenon in this country, and well precedes the advent of Narendra Modi. Every general election or Assembly poll is invariably accompanied by individual politicians, mostly local notables, transferring their loyalties from one party to another.&nbsp;

This switch is usually based on the ‘winnability’ factor. If an anticipated swing in favour of one party is complemented by a person’s local appeal, success is more or less guaranteed. On their part, political parties aren’t exactly selective about admitting turncoats, who may have been attacking them just the other day!

The pre-election switches may be uneven, but not exactly unethical, because if the electorate decides to back rank defectors, there is nothing that anyone can say or do.&nbsp;

This process of aya Rams and gaya Rams merely reinforce — if indeed any reinforcement was needed — that political parties, given the extreme diversity and vastness of Indian society, can scarcely be ideological at all, even loosely.&nbsp;

It would, therefore, be a mistake to describe the BJP as an ideological party, not the least by its own supporters, let alone critiques on the Left-Liberal end of the spectrum. To propose therefore that the BJP is entirely controlled by the RSS, is inaccurate. This may have held true for the early Jana Sangh, but over the decades the BJP has evolved into something far bigger than just the Sangh Parivar. There is little doubt that the RSS’s inputs to the BJP’s ultimate execution of its programmes are very significant, but the party’s stalwarts like Advani believed long ago that to expand its footprints, the BJP would have to move beyond a strictly regimented existence, something that the Left in India was unable to do. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

A look at the BJP’s leadership today, particularly in states where it has come to establish a presence only recently, will help to elucidate this point. Local BJP units, many of them set up newly, have to factor in local issues and deal with new entrants into the party fold, who do not come from the traditional saffron fold. They could belong to the Congress or even a regional party. To be sure, the RSS does provide the cohesion needed, but BJP’s horizontal, nationwide expansion, is its own doing.&nbsp;

Typically of India, the situation varies from one state to the other. In West Bengal and Tripura, the BJP was a very small party until quite recently. It constituted individuals associated with the Sangh Parivar, not all of them familiar with the ways of conducting electoral politics.

Many individuals from the Trinamool Congress and Congress who joined the BJP after 2014 or even just before the 2019 election, were better equipped to fight elections than the old-timers. &nbsp;

It would be fair to say that the remarkably good performance of the BJP in these two states, is thanks in the main to these new inductees, who skillfully harnessed the larger popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for electoral gains.&nbsp;

Such political integration is, however, not without its downside. In West Bengal, after the BJP’s electoral triumph in the Lok Sabha elections, there have been tensions in the local party unit on differing perceptions of Sangh old-timers and recent entrants. &nbsp;

A look at recent defections to the BJP in Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra, presents a different side of the problem. The implications of destabilising the HD Kumara Swamy government in Bangalore is being attributed to a lack of political ethics, because the provocation was triggered by Modi’s resounding mandate.

Yet, it would be instructive to remember that the Congress — Janata Dal (S) coalition that came into existence after the Assembly election in Karnataka last year, was itself steeped in rank opportunism. Both the parties had contested the polls bitterly against each other. Under the circumstances, replacing one unprincipled combination with another may hardly be deemed unethical.&nbsp;

Having said that, the BJP would be well-advised not to lose its original hallmark — party with a difference. The 2019 victory was prompted by peoples’expectations and coming so soon after that mandate, the murky games in Karnataka, Goa and poll-bound Maharashtra could make the party lose its moral sheen. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-defections-and-poaching-2778104">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

After their first significant electoral victories in 1967, the then Jan Sangh, BJP’s precursor, embarked on a series of informal alliances with princely notables in Madhya Pradesh, who were not only deeply influential in central India, but were, until then, staunch supporters of the Congress Party.

After their first significant electoral victories in 1967, the then Jan Sangh, BJP’s precursor, embarked on a series of informal alliances with princely notables in Madhya Pradesh, who were not only deeply influential in central India, but were, until then, staunch supporters of the Congress Party. Much later, in the 1980s and 1990s, LK Advani and others in the BJP, continued this policy, broad basing it to include a vast spectrum of people and celebrities, who were not in any way related to the RSS or traditional Sangh politics. Cut to 2019, when BJP is in a pole position in Indian politics, particularly after Narendra Modi’s second emphatic victory, obviously there is a queue to join the party. In many ways, the contrast could not have been starker. Since the 1960s, when the Jan Sangh was a pariah, seeking reluctant allies, to 2019 when political leaders of all hues are making a beeline to get into the party, is a long-distance travelled. However, the BJP needs to exercise caution with rampant poaching — read defection exercises — that has led to politicians of various shapes and sizes, lining up to join the party in power. These days, not a week goes without someone or the other, in many cases even political heavyweights, joining the BJP. To be sure, party-hopping in not a new phenomenon in this country, and well precedes the advent of Narendra Modi. Every general election or Assembly poll is invariably accompanied by individual politicians, mostly local notables, transferring their loyalties from one party to another. This switch is usually based on the ‘winnability’ factor. If an anticipated swing in favour of one party is complemented by a person’s local appeal, success is more or less guaranteed. On their part, political parties aren’t exactly selective about admitting turncoats, who may have been attacking them just the other day! The pre-election switches may be uneven, but not exactly unethical, because if the electorate decides to back rank defectors, there is nothing that anyone can say or do. This process of aya Rams and gaya Rams merely reinforce — if indeed any reinforcement was needed — that political parties, given the extreme diversity and vastness of Indian society, can scarcely be ideological at all, even loosely. It would, therefore, be a mistake to describe the BJP as an ideological party, not the least by its own supporters, let alone critiques on the Left-Liberal end of the spectrum. To propose therefore that the BJP is entirely controlled by the RSS, is inaccurate. This may have held true for the early Jana Sangh, but over the decades the BJP has evolved into something far bigger than just the Sangh Parivar. There is little doubt that the RSS’s inputs to the BJP’s ultimate execution of its programmes are very significant, but the party’s stalwarts like Advani believed long ago that to expand its footprints, the BJP would have to move beyond a strictly regimented existence, something that the Left in India was unable to do. A look at the BJP’s leadership today, particularly in states where it has come to establish a presence only recently, will help to elucidate this point. Local BJP units, many of them set up newly, have to factor in local issues and deal with new entrants into the party fold, who do not come from the traditional saffron fold. They could belong to the Congress or even a regional party. To be sure, the RSS does provide the cohesion needed, but BJP’s horizontal, nationwide expansion, is its own doing. Typically of India, the situation varies from one state to the other. In West Bengal and Tripura, the BJP was a very small party until quite recently. It constituted individuals associated with the Sangh Parivar, not all of them familiar with the ways of conducting electoral politics. Many individuals from the Trinamool Congress and Congress who joined the BJP after 2014 or even just before the 2019 election, were better equipped to fight elections than the old-timers. It would be fair to say that the remarkably good performance of the BJP in these two states, is thanks in the main to these new inductees, who skillfully harnessed the larger popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for electoral gains. Such political integration is, however, not without its downside. In West Bengal, after the BJP’s electoral triumph in the Lok Sabha elections, there have been tensions in the local party unit on differing perceptions of Sangh old-timers and recent entrants. A look at recent defections to the BJP in Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra, presents a different side of the problem. The implications of destabilising the HD Kumara Swamy government in Bangalore is being attributed to a lack of political ethics, because the provocation was triggered by Modi’s resounding mandate. Yet, it would be instructive to remember that the Congress — Janata Dal (S) coalition that came into existence after the Assembly election in Karnataka last year, was itself steeped in rank opportunism. Both the parties had contested the polls bitterly against each other. Under the circumstances, replacing one unprincipled combination with another may hardly be deemed unethical. Having said that, the BJP would be well-advised not to lose its original hallmark — party with a difference. The 2019 victory was prompted by peoples’expectations and coming so soon after that mandate, the murky games in Karnataka, Goa and poll-bound Maharashtra could make the party lose its moral sheen. (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.)

BJP now sees politicians of all denominations lining up to join its fold

The controversial Triple Talaq bill has been finally passed in Rajya Sabha after 99 votes counted in favour and 84 against it. Watch video to know more.

Triple Talaq bill passes in Rajya Sabha; 99 votes in favour, 84 in against

The five rebel Congress MLAs who were earlier disqualified by Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Rakesh Kumar returned to Bengaluru <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vote-of-confidence-to-take-place-today-in-karnataka-assembly-239111">ahead of the trust vote</a>.

The five MLAs, Munirathnam Naidu, Byrathi Basavaraj, MTB Nagaraj, ST Somashekar and Shivaram Hebbar arrived at the Kempegowda International Airport amid tight security, ahead of the trust vote in the Assembly which will be held later in the day.&nbsp;

Earlier, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/disqualification-of-karnataka-rebel-mlas-to-send-strong-signal-across-country-siddaramaiah-239054">Kumar disqualified 14 rebels Congress-JD(S) MLAs</a> with immediate effect.

With the significant development, a total of 17 rebel MLAs from both parties have been disqualified by the Speaker.&nbsp;

All the disqualified MLAs cannot contest elections until the expiry of the term of the 15th Legislative Assembly.

Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, who took office last week, will table the confidence motion in the Assembly.

The five rebel Congress MLAs who were earlier disqualified by Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Rakesh Kumar returned to Bengaluru ahead of the trust vote. The five MLAs, Munirathnam Naidu, Byrathi Basavaraj, MTB Nagaraj, ST Somashekar and Shivaram Hebbar arrived at the Kempegowda International Airport amid tight security, ahead of the trust vote in the Assembly which will be held later in the day.

The five rebel Congress MLAs who were earlier disqualified by Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Rakesh Kumar returned to Bengaluru ahead of the trust vote. The five MLAs, Munirathnam Naidu, Byrathi Basavaraj, MTB Nagaraj, ST Somashekar and Shivaram Hebbar arrived at the Kempegowda International Airport amid tight security, ahead of the trust vote in the Assembly which will be held later in the day. Earlier, Kumar disqualified 14 rebels Congress-JD(S) MLAs with immediate effect. With the significant development, a total of 17 rebel MLAs from both parties have been disqualified by the Speaker. All the disqualified MLAs cannot contest elections until the expiry of the term of the 15th Legislative Assembly. Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, who took office last week, will table the confidence motion in the Assembly.

Karnataka: Five disqualified Congress MLAs return to Bengaluru ahead of trust vote

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday expressed frustration over the delay in the appointment of a new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-perfect-choice-for-congress-president-cwc-to-take-final-call-amarinder-singh-239223">Congress president </a>saying that it was giving an impression of "drift and indecision".

"To my mind, the delay is hurting us. It gives an impression of drift and indecision. Some very well-known names have expressed the same frustration to me. They have chosen not to go public. But my reason to go public is that this cannot be allowed to drag on," he said while speaking to ANI.

Tharoor lamented the disarray in the party saying that it was "not worthy of a grand national party that" Congress is.

"What we are seeing is a level of disarray which is not worthy of a grand national party that we are. It will end the moment a quick efficient decision is taken and then I believe a democratic process should take place that will open up the election to other candidates," said the Thiruvananthapuram MP.

Demanding that someone should be given authority to take decisions, Tharoor said, "First thing is to appoint an interim president or authorise someone to take decisions. So if somebody like Goa opposition leader leaves with most of the party, someone should be there to stop, persuade, argue or to do something rather than it just happening."

Praising the fight put up by Congress leader DK Shivakumar in Karnataka, Tharoor said, "Similarly in Karnataka, a brave fight was led by DK Shivakumar, but there was no visible national leader to backstop him. This is not good for a party like us. Who are they going to try and take next? Maybe they will come to Madhya Pradesh. Are we going to sit quietly and indifferently while this goes on? No. We must have a leader and the leader must work."

"At the same time, it's important to open up the process because right now, a lot of people are losing faith in us because of what has happened. If they would open up the process, name interim president, dissolve working committee, call for elections within a reasonable period of time, in which candidates may come forward, and then ask AICC which is 1000 people or PCC of roughly 10,000 people to actually have an election," he added.

Tharoor said that Congress is an opposition party which this democracy needs because it represents "very important principles."

"I believe in democracy, we should not be scared of elections. We want a leader to emerge who will galvanise the workers and inspire the voters. Too many voters have turned away in recent years and that is not good. We are the one opposition party that this democracy needs. Not only because we have a national footprint but also because we represent very important principles in Indian democracy."

"In our democracy, we must offer a robust defence of the idea of an inclusive India. That is something the Congress party is very-very well placed...it has been doing it for 70 years. After all, who was expressing this idea in the national movement? It was the Congress party. This is why I think India and Indian democracy need the Congress party. So the Congress party has to wake up and do its duty to India and Indian democracy," said Tharoor.

Asked about the delay in appointment of an interim president, he said, "Sadly, it is more than two months since Rahul Gandhi announced his resignation first. Then as we know that it was initially not accepted but then he made it very clear that they had no choice and he was walking out. I want my party to stay strong and for us to be a strong party we need leadership. I think the leader will have to be initially an interim president.

"Talking about the chances of a non-Gandhi becoming a Congress president, he said, "Personally, I have not said that there should be a non-Gandhi. In fact, when I was asked some days ago, I had said that Priyanka Gandhi has the charisma, she has the ability and many party workers admire her. I hope that she would throw her hat in the ring. Even she would gain from an electoral process within the party."

"But as we know, it is Rahul Gandhi himself who had said that no member of his family should lead. Now once that is closed, it is family themselves who can decide if they want to change that position. If they change, it will be welcomed in the party. But, if they don't change, the party can't wait. It has to act. It is the absence of the determination that is frustrating many people in the party," he added.

Talking about the role of Rahul Gandhi in the party, he said, "Congress party's DNA is inextricably tied with the DNA of Nehru-Gandhi family. So, whatever role he takes or doesn't take, even if he takes no position...his views, his influence in many ways is a sort of conscience keeper."

"In other words, if the new president does something which a prominent member of the Gandhi family was to disapprove, it would be a very serious issue within the party," he said.

Tharoor said that if Gandhi family says that they don't want to continue the leadership then the party has to respect it.

Criticising the ruling BJP, the Congress leader said, "As long as the ruling element continues to condone or encourage bigoted behaviour, it becomes indispensable that there is a voice which says there is another way. That this is not India that Mahatma Gandhi fought to free."

"That is the ideology Rahul Gandhi is talking about and he is right to talk about it," he said.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday expressed frustration over the delay in the appointment of a new Congress president saying that it was giving an impression of "drift and indecision".

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday expressed frustration over the delay in the appointment of a new Congress president saying that it was giving an impression of "drift and indecision". "To my mind, the delay is hurting us. It gives an impression of drift and indecision. Some very well-known names have expressed the same frustration to me. They have chosen not to go public. But my reason to go public is that this cannot be allowed to drag on," he said while speaking to ANI. Tharoor lamented the disarray in the party saying that it was "not worthy of a grand national party that" Congress is. "What we are seeing is a level of disarray which is not worthy of a grand national party that we are. It will end the moment a quick efficient decision is taken and then I believe a democratic process should take place that will open up the election to other candidates," said the Thiruvananthapuram MP. Demanding that someone should be given authority to take decisions, Tharoor said, "First thing is to appoint an interim president or authorise someone to take decisions. So if somebody like Goa opposition leader leaves with most of the party, someone should be there to stop, persuade, argue or to do something rather than it just happening." Praising the fight put up by Congress leader DK Shivakumar in Karnataka, Tharoor said, "Similarly in Karnataka, a brave fight was led by DK Shivakumar, but there was no visible national leader to backstop him. This is not good for a party like us. Who are they going to try and take next? Maybe they will come to Madhya Pradesh. Are we going to sit quietly and indifferently while this goes on? No. We must have a leader and the leader must work." "At the same time, it's important to open up the process because right now, a lot of people are losing faith in us because of what has happened. If they would open up the process, name interim president, dissolve working committee, call for elections within a reasonable period of time, in which candidates may come forward, and then ask AICC which is 1000 people or PCC of roughly 10,000 people to actually have an election," he added. Tharoor said that Congress is an opposition party which this democracy needs because it represents "very important principles." "I believe in democracy, we should not be scared of elections. We want a leader to emerge who will galvanise the workers and inspire the voters. Too many voters have turned away in recent years and that is not good. We are the one opposition party that this democracy needs. Not only because we have a national footprint but also because we represent very important principles in Indian democracy." "In our democracy, we must offer a robust defence of the idea of an inclusive India. That is something the Congress party is very-very well placed...it has been doing it for 70 years. After all, who was expressing this idea in the national movement? It was the Congress party. This is why I think India and Indian democracy need the Congress party. So the Congress party has to wake up and do its duty to India and Indian democracy," said Tharoor. Asked about the delay in appointment of an interim president, he said, "Sadly, it is more than two months since Rahul Gandhi announced his resignation first. Then as we know that it was initially not accepted but then he made it very clear that they had no choice and he was walking out. I want my party to stay strong and for us to be a strong party we need leadership. I think the leader will have to be initially an interim president. "Talking about the chances of a non-Gandhi becoming a Congress president, he said, "Personally, I have not said that there should be a non-Gandhi. In fact, when I was asked some days ago, I had said that Priyanka Gandhi has the charisma, she has the ability and many party workers admire her. I hope that she would throw her hat in the ring. Even she would gain from an electoral process within the party." "But as we know, it is Rahul Gandhi himself who had said that no member of his family should lead. Now once that is closed, it is family themselves who can decide if they want to change that position. If they change, it will be welcomed in the party. But, if they don't change, the party can't wait. It has to act. It is the absence of the determination that is frustrating many people in the party," he added. Talking about the role of Rahul Gandhi in the party, he said, "Congress party's DNA is inextricably tied with the DNA of Nehru-Gandhi family. So, whatever role he takes or doesn't take, even if he takes no position...his views, his influence in many ways is a sort of conscience keeper." "In other words, if the new president does something which a prominent member of the Gandhi family was to disapprove, it would be a very serious issue within the party," he said. Tharoor said that if Gandhi family says that they don't want to continue the leadership then the party has to respect it. Criticising the ruling BJP, the Congress leader said, "As long as the ruling element continues to condone or encourage bigoted behaviour, it becomes indispensable that there is a voice which says there is another way. That this is not India that Mahatma Gandhi fought to free." "That is the ideology Rahul Gandhi is talking about and he is right to talk about it," he said.

Delay hurting us, giving impression of drift, indecision: Tharoor on appointment of Congress president

Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Monday said Congress leaders will extend all the support if Priyanka Gandhi is chosen to&nbsp;take over as the party president.&nbsp;

“Priyanka would be a perfect choice to take over the party reins but it would all depend on the Congress Working Committee (CWC), which alone is authorised to take a decision in the matter,” he said

This comes a day after Congress leader Shashi Tharoor had expressed frustration over the delay in the appointment of a new Congress president, saying that it was giving an impression of "drift and indecision." &nbsp;

"What we are seeing is a level of disarray which is not worthy of a grand national party that we are. It will end the moment a quick efficient decision is taken and then I believe a democratic process should take place that will open up the election to other candidates," said Tharoor.

Earlier, Former President Pranab Mukherjee's son Abhijit Mukherjee asked Priyanka Gandhi to take over the reins of Congress. She will drive it back to a landslide victory like her grandmother Indira Gandhi did, he said.

Veteran Congress leader and five-time MP Jai Prakash Agarwal&nbsp;too had insisted that Priyanka Gandhi was capable to lead the party.

On July 3, Rahul Gandhi made his resignation public as the party president.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi had offered to step down on May 25 at a meeting of the Congress Working Committee after party's debacle in the Lok Sabha elections.

However, his offer of resignation was unanimously rejected by the CWC.

The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Monday said Congress leaders will extend all the support if Priyanka Gandhi is chosen to take over as the party president.

Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Monday said Congress leaders will extend all the support if Priyanka Gandhi is chosen to take over as the party president. “Priyanka would be a perfect choice to take over the party reins but it would all depend on the Congress Working Committee (CWC), which alone is authorised to take a decision in the matter,” he said This comes a day after Congress leader Shashi Tharoor had expressed frustration over the delay in the appointment of a new Congress president, saying that it was giving an impression of "drift and indecision." "What we are seeing is a level of disarray which is not worthy of a grand national party that we are. It will end the moment a quick efficient decision is taken and then I believe a democratic process should take place that will open up the election to other candidates," said Tharoor. Earlier, Former President Pranab Mukherjee's son Abhijit Mukherjee asked Priyanka Gandhi to take over the reins of Congress. She will drive it back to a landslide victory like her grandmother Indira Gandhi did, he said. Veteran Congress leader and five-time MP Jai Prakash Agarwal too had insisted that Priyanka Gandhi was capable to lead the party. On July 3, Rahul Gandhi made his resignation public as the party president. Rahul Gandhi had offered to step down on May 25 at a meeting of the Congress Working Committee after party's debacle in the Lok Sabha elections. However, his offer of resignation was unanimously rejected by the CWC. The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha. (With inputs from agencies)

Priyanka Gandhi perfect choice for Congress president, CWC to take final call: Amarinder Singh

Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader S Jaipal Reddy passed away in the early hours here on Sunday.

He was ailing and breathed his last at 1:30 am in Asian Institute of Gastroenterology in Hyderabad.

The Congress veteran is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.

"We are saddened to hear of the passing of former Union Minister Jaipal Reddy. A senior Congress leader, he served as a Lok Sabha MP five times, a Rajya Sabha MP twice and as an MLA four times. We hope his family and friends find strength in their time of grief," tweeted the Congress party from its official Twitter account.

Born in 1942, Reddy's journey into the political discourse started when he was elected as the president of the Andhra Pradesh Youth Congress.

He went on to become a Congress legislator for four consecutive terms in the 1970s and held key portfolios in various governments, thereafter.

In 1979, he joined Janata Dal and returned to the Congress party after 20 years in 1999 and held ministerial berths.

He was also conferred with the best parliamentarian award in 1998.

Reddy got elected to Lok Sabha for five terms in 1984, 1998, 1999, 2004 and 2009.

He served as a Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting in the IK Gujral cabinet in 1998.

In 2004, Reddy was re-elected to 14th Lok Sabha from Miryalguda Constituency and served as the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Union Minister for Urban Development.

In 2009, he was re-elected to the 15th Lok Sabha from the Chevella constituency and served as a Union Minister for Urban Development and Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas.

He was given the portfolio of Union Minister for the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Ministry of Science and Technology from 2012 to 2014.

Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader S Jaipal Reddy passed away in the early hours here on Sunday. He was ailing and breathed his last at 1:30 am in Asian Institute of Gastroenterology in Hyderabad.

Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader S Jaipal Reddy passed away in the early hours here on Sunday. He was ailing and breathed his last at 1:30 am in Asian Institute of Gastroenterology in Hyderabad. The Congress veteran is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter. "We are saddened to hear of the passing of former Union Minister Jaipal Reddy. A senior Congress leader, he served as a Lok Sabha MP five times, a Rajya Sabha MP twice and as an MLA four times. We hope his family and friends find strength in their time of grief," tweeted the Congress party from its official Twitter account. Born in 1942, Reddy's journey into the political discourse started when he was elected as the president of the Andhra Pradesh Youth Congress. He went on to become a Congress legislator for four consecutive terms in the 1970s and held key portfolios in various governments, thereafter. In 1979, he joined Janata Dal and returned to the Congress party after 20 years in 1999 and held ministerial berths. He was also conferred with the best parliamentarian award in 1998. Reddy got elected to Lok Sabha for five terms in 1984, 1998, 1999, 2004 and 2009. He served as a Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting in the IK Gujral cabinet in 1998. In 2004, Reddy was re-elected to 14th Lok Sabha from Miryalguda Constituency and served as the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Union Minister for Urban Development. In 2009, he was re-elected to the 15th Lok Sabha from the Chevella constituency and served as a Union Minister for Urban Development and Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas. He was given the portfolio of Union Minister for the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Ministry of Science and Technology from 2012 to 2014.

Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Jaipal Reddy passes away

The United States of America notified the Congress on Friday of its decision to approve foreign military sales worth USD 125 million to support the F-16 fighter jets of Pakistan. This move of the US comes days after Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan went to meet USA President Donald Trump on a much talked about the trip. Khan met Trump in his Oval Office on Monday. Both sides had declared the meeting as highly successful. The determination in this regard was made by the State Department and is the first after all security aid to Pakistan was suspended by Trump in January 2018.

U.S approves $125 Mn for Pak’s F-16 programme after Imran Khan’s visit

Three rebel Congress MLAs in Karnataka were on Thursday disqualified by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/still-going-through-resignations-karnataka-speaker-on-rebel-mlas-238406">Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar</a> in a significant development as the BJP deliberates at the highest level on staking claim to form the government in the state.

Announcing the decisions on the disqualification, he said the decision on 14 other rebel legislators would be taken in a couple of days after going through their resignations and the complaints for disqualification against them in detail.

Those disqualified were R Shankar, Ramesh Jharkiholi and Mahesh Kumathalli.

They have incurred disqualification as member of the 15th State Legislative Assembly under Para 2(1) (a) of the tenth Schedule of the Constitution and under 191(a) of the Constitution of India. They cease to be members of the Assembly till the expiry of the term that is May 23, 2023, the order by the Speaker said.

Addressing a press conference, Kumar said the three MLAs--R Shankar (Ranibennur), Ramesh Jharkiholi (Gokak) and Mahesh Kumathalli (Athani)--have incurred disqualification under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution (anti-defection law) and the disqualification would last till the end of the term of the Assembly May 23, 2023.

They cannot contest the by-election too, he added.

Kumar said the cases of the three MLAs were taken up first because there were petitions for their disqualification already pending much before the recent political developments that led to the trial of strength the government had lost.

"I had considered both the issues of their resignations and disqualification. I rejected their resignations because they were not in order and took up their disqualification and passed my order as I have enough evidence before me," he said.

The Speaker said the MLAs were free to approach the Supreme Court or the High Court for their legal remedies.

Speaking about Jarkiholi and Kumtahalli, he said, "a complaint of anti-party activities was given in February against them and they resigned in July. Their resignations were not in the prescribed format. I asked for it to be resubmitted.

"They approached the Supreme Court and claimed that the speaker was not available. They falsely submitted sworn affidavit to SC. The MLAs were instructed to appear to me by the apex court. When they met me, I asked them about when they sought my time upon which, they admitted that they did not."

Elaborating his decision taken regarding MLA R Shankar, the Speaker said, "Shankar had in June this year merged his KPJP party with Congress. On June 20, I had notified that he be considered as Congress MLA. On July 8 he gave his resignation after which he wrote to me and the governor that he will support BJP unequivocally. CLP leader Siddaramaiah had filed a complaint against him and he is being disqualified. R Shankar is disqualified up to May 2023, till the end of 15th State Legislative Assembly."

Replying to a spate of questions, he said the case of the other rebel MLAs fell into a different category and he would go through them in detail and give a decision in a couple of days. "I know the decisions will be challenged and so I will be correct in my decisions."

He said he was neither guided by any party interests nor was he partisan. Since the Supreme Court respected his authority and wanted his decisions to be put up before it, he was making the decisions after a lot of deliberations.

Justifying his action, the speaker also said that he was setting a precedent to uphold the basic tenants of democracy. He pointed to a number of inconsistencies in the statements made by the MLAs to him and to the Supreme Court in sworn affidavits.

"Once the voter casts his votes, MLAs can't change their minds as per their whims and fancies, shouldn't the voter have a say? I am setting precedence here. They seize to be a member till 2023 and cannot contest further elections", Kumar said.

He also stated that the rebel MLAs were reported to be staying at a resort in Lonavala, near Pune.

The Congress-JD(S) coalition government fell on Tuesday as it lost the trust vote in the Assembly. Following the defeat, Kumaraswamy submitted his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan, along with his cabinet ministers.

The defeat marked the end of an uneasy coalition that was formed after the assembly polls on May 23, 2018, which returned a hung verdict after three main parties in the state- Congress, BJP and the JD (S) contested against each other in the polls.

Replying to a question, he said he was constitutionally bound to cooperate with the new government that may be formed in the state. 
He also said the new government would have to get the Finance Bill passed.

Three rebel Congress MLAs in Karnataka were on Thursday disqualified by Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar in a significant development as the BJP deliberates at the highest level on staking claim to form the government in the state.

Three rebel Congress MLAs in Karnataka were on Thursday disqualified by Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar in a significant development as the BJP deliberates at the highest level on staking claim to form the government in the state. Announcing the decisions on the disqualification, he said the decision on 14 other rebel legislators would be taken in a couple of days after going through their resignations and the complaints for disqualification against them in detail. Those disqualified were R Shankar, Ramesh Jharkiholi and Mahesh Kumathalli. They have incurred disqualification as member of the 15th State Legislative Assembly under Para 2(1) (a) of the tenth Schedule of the Constitution and under 191(a) of the Constitution of India. They cease to be members of the Assembly till the expiry of the term that is May 23, 2023, the order by the Speaker said. Addressing a press conference, Kumar said the three MLAs--R Shankar (Ranibennur), Ramesh Jharkiholi (Gokak) and Mahesh Kumathalli (Athani)--have incurred disqualification under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution (anti-defection law) and the disqualification would last till the end of the term of the Assembly May 23, 2023. They cannot contest the by-election too, he added. Kumar said the cases of the three MLAs were taken up first because there were petitions for their disqualification already pending much before the recent political developments that led to the trial of strength the government had lost. "I had considered both the issues of their resignations and disqualification. I rejected their resignations because they were not in order and took up their disqualification and passed my order as I have enough evidence before me," he said. The Speaker said the MLAs were free to approach the Supreme Court or the High Court for their legal remedies. Speaking about Jarkiholi and Kumtahalli, he said, "a complaint of anti-party activities was given in February against them and they resigned in July. Their resignations were not in the prescribed format. I asked for it to be resubmitted. "They approached the Supreme Court and claimed that the speaker was not available. They falsely submitted sworn affidavit to SC. The MLAs were instructed to appear to me by the apex court. When they met me, I asked them about when they sought my time upon which, they admitted that they did not." Elaborating his decision taken regarding MLA R Shankar, the Speaker said, "Shankar had in June this year merged his KPJP party with Congress. On June 20, I had notified that he be considered as Congress MLA. On July 8 he gave his resignation after which he wrote to me and the governor that he will support BJP unequivocally. CLP leader Siddaramaiah had filed a complaint against him and he is being disqualified. R Shankar is disqualified up to May 2023, till the end of 15th State Legislative Assembly." Replying to a spate of questions, he said the case of the other rebel MLAs fell into a different category and he would go through them in detail and give a decision in a couple of days. "I know the decisions will be challenged and so I will be correct in my decisions." He said he was neither guided by any party interests nor was he partisan. Since the Supreme Court respected his authority and wanted his decisions to be put up before it, he was making the decisions after a lot of deliberations. Justifying his action, the speaker also said that he was setting a precedent to uphold the basic tenants of democracy. He pointed to a number of inconsistencies in the statements made by the MLAs to him and to the Supreme Court in sworn affidavits. "Once the voter casts his votes, MLAs can't change their minds as per their whims and fancies, shouldn't the voter have a say? I am setting precedence here. They seize to be a member till 2023 and cannot contest further elections", Kumar said. He also stated that the rebel MLAs were reported to be staying at a resort in Lonavala, near Pune. The Congress-JD(S) coalition government fell on Tuesday as it lost the trust vote in the Assembly. Following the defeat, Kumaraswamy submitted his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan, along with his cabinet ministers. The defeat marked the end of an uneasy coalition that was formed after the assembly polls on May 23, 2018, which returned a hung verdict after three main parties in the state- Congress, BJP and the JD (S) contested against each other in the polls. Replying to a question, he said he was constitutionally bound to cooperate with the new government that may be formed in the state. He also said the new government would have to get the Finance Bill passed.

Karnataka: Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar disqualifies three Congress MLAs

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